Reverberating footsteps echoed through the hallways, each footfall increasing the growing sense of uneasiness as the causer ran. Their heart felt like it was about to explode, frantic breaths attempting to free his lungs from the crushing pressure. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!", the coyote muttered in a panic, urging his legs to move faster; to move away from what he almost did.
But why was he trying to hide? Wasn't it all so exceptionally delightful? Maybe that's what made him so afraid, his clear non-inhibitions towards violence and how close he came to being what he feared. Hurry, move; be quick! Block your nose, ignore the sounds; refuse the callings.
Desperation gripped the coyote as his trembling hands fumbled with the cold handle, almost as if the door refused him entry. Slipping inside with increasing panic, he neglected to turn on the lights. Perhaps, that was for the best: nobody needed to see him like this. Darkness would be a comfort, especially for nocturnal animals like him. It would also hide him from prying eyes wanting to intrude on his predicament.
He hunched over the sink in an attempt to stabilize himself, turning on faucet; the rushing water nearly drowned out the sound of his own heartbeat. Each breath more agonizing than the last, he tried wiping his fur clean of the sweat that came from his body. After feeling a little better he took some gratuitous sips, not stopping until he was satisfied and his throat felt less hoarse.
Despite there barely being any light, his lineage made seeing in the dark a cinch. Gazing into the mirror, he could only stare in bone-deep dread at the person that was before him. His usually perfect fur was disheveled, his eyes reddish and a hint of drool at the back of his maw. Durham's heart almost skipped a beat when he saw the saliva, wiping it away immediately; almost clawing himself in the process.
The coyote felt like he was going to have a panic attack, and he tried steadying himself on the sink. "Calm down, just relax", he whispered to himself filling his trembling hands with water and splashing it on his face; hoping to quell this horrible feeling. The icy shock sending shivers down his body, relaxing his muscles and offering a brief reprieve from the situation at hand.The diver's reflex is real... Thank Rex, I paid attention during biology.
Durham inhaled and exhaled slowly a few times, barely calming his already straining uneasiness. "You're nothing like them", the coyote repeated to himself with wavering confidence. "You're better than that, stronger than that." His attempts at self-assurance not helping to ease his nerves, and the lingering fear of having almost given in at the forefront of his mind. I almost let them win, and yet I still claim I am the one in control. Straightening his chaotic fur, he started checking for any inconsistencies, trying to regain his composure. "Nobody saw you", he murmured, uncertainty creeping into the sentence.
"Everything's fine, dandy even." His thoughts were a ravaged mess of guilt and denial, his attempts at reassurance faltering. "Just need someo- something to eat." Words catching in his throat, he wanted to groan at his own weakness. How could he be so stupid as to think he was above all this? Everyone had instincts, but he never figured it would be all that bad: how agonizingly naïve.
The coyote let out a disgruntled sigh, this wasn't working, not at all. Gazing into the mirror, his eyes with the red hue were still there; staring back at him. He tried rubbing them to no effect. "I am not even close to step two", Durham growled bitterly, his scowl deepening. "At least I am no longer drooling like some psycho, so there's that." A meaningless consolation. The coyote's nose wrinkled up, he could smell himself and it wasn't pretty.
Knowing he couldn't go out like this, he took off his sweat drenched polo and under-shirt. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. His polo reeked the least of the two so he put it back on, couldn't go strolling around campus half-naked. Despite the heat, it would be in bad taste to gallivant around like he owned the place. A single herbivorous glance would doom him.
He wondered how he even got to this point. It was pretty cut and dry: he didn't want to rot in his room all day with those buzzkills. A simple stroll through campus, sniffing some fresh air would do him good. Taking his usual route on a path that has denser forestry... didn't go as planned. Somebody else was also on that same path trying to enjoy his day, and Durham didn't feel like interacting with anyone so he hid.
The guy, a donkey, was taking a simple run: exercising like so many other animals on campus. It wasn't anything special, it wasn't supposed to be anything special. All it took was one small whiff for his senses to go haywire. Predatory instincts rooting themselves in the neurons of his brain, begging him to act on them.
His body started moving on its own, not needing any of Durham's input to function; it was within his nature after all. It overrode his reasoning and restraint, a primal urge to hunt and maim goading him on. Flooding over him like a tidal wave; bloodlust settled in, and he started to carefully stalk the donkey hiding behind the trees.
The shadows of the leafs perfectly cloaking his presence as the coyote crept closer, his intention clearer with each step. Their scent made Durham almost salivate and his senses dance, making him want to dig his claws and fangs deep into their flesh. Longing to hear the donkey's desperate cries, he wanted to revel in his fear; his terror as he gave him a quick end. Edging closer the anticipation grew and grew.
He was so close Durham could already feel the metallic tang of blood on his tongue, his body ready to pounce with feral, animalistic fury. But then, his saving grace, a notification on his phone snapped him out of his daze. The gravity of what he was about to do, it instantly hit him like a brick, claws out and teeth bared he just stood there frozen. Seeing the display of what he was capable of, guilt and regret swallowed him. Almost making him want to curl up in ball and claw his eyes out. Before he could properly process, the coyote ran away from the scene, too scared to face his reality; too weak to stand up to his own instincts. He had darted across campus back to the dormitory like a deranged maniac. And, now, he was here: in a dark lavatory, feeling sorry for himself.
Durham figured himself lucky that nobody had walked in on him yet. To an outside observer he must look like he has lost his marbles. Maybe my mind has already shattered and I am on a full-on delusion imagining myself in the bathroom, while in the real world I am stuffing my face with donkey. He snickered at the thought, utterly ridiculous, of course. Trying to calm himself down, Durham began to recite his mantra; one he had been taught by his family since childhood, "Step one: 'If something happens seclude yourself', Step two: 'Don't panic, try thinking of something else', Step three: 'Only get out again when you're ready'." He let out a bitter chuckle at how pathetic he sounded.
Durham knew it happened to everyone, but not like this. This... was predatory. Was there something that caused his body to act out in a way? A natural process of things? That couldn't be it. It wasn't a simple lapse in judgement, he let himself be controlled like a puppet. This was a problem, and he could guess the cause of it. He was at that crime scene a week ago. One whiff was all it took for his instincts to manifest, he had ruined his own life.
"I am such an idiot!", Durham yelled slamming his fists into the sink full force; shattering it into pieces. He curled himself up against a wall. Tears started to fall from his eyes as he quietly chuckled, "I might as well have gotten out a plate and cutlery while I was at it; cement my status as a meat hungry carnivore." Wiping the tears from his face he started lamenting further. "I-I almost k-killed a guy", he chocked, laden with regret. "And for what? I don't think they'll take 'he smelled good', all that well in court."
Durham tried to bury his feelings of guilt with humor; failing spectacularly. Ever since he was young, he had tried so hard to be sociable and a good coyote; it was never his intention to harm anyone, he'd swore to Rex. He cares so much, so why is he like this? Being a good person is all he has ever wanted, so he just has to try harder, right? "Who am I supposed to be fooling? I'm a monster just like that killer!" The coyote held back desperate sobs.
He wiped the tears away in frustration; snapping out of this spiral, he took a deep breath. This was no time to feel sorry for yourself. Stop thinking like that! Come on, Durham, use your fucking head! Who can you go to with this? These thoughts weren't going to help him, not in the slightest. He couldn't keep it to himself, he'd shatter before he managed that.
'You can always call me if you're feeling off, Durham', His mother's voice rang through his head involuntarily, revulsion almost making him gag. "Fuck no! That bitch would be over the moon to hear about it and send me to a segregated school", the coyote spat with putrid fervor. "I am not some coward like her and dad, limiting my social life to only carnivores. That would be agonizing."
But, what other choice did he have? If he kept it to himself he would be done for. His family was certainly not going to do, they'd narc on him to his mother at the drop of a hat. 701 was also off-limits, now would be the worst time to discuss something like this, so he wasn't going to spill his guts to them. Not even his closest friend, Miguno, was allowed to know; the coyote wouldn't be able to take his rejection. Durham wanted to punch something, someone.
He knew he should've probably stayed back and played video games, but he was bored to death being cooped up in that room all day. The coyote needed a break from all the others and their constant, stress inducing self-loathing. It was a hot spring day, and he wasn't keen on spending it wasting away inside.
"Wasting away... on the inside...", Durham paused. An idea dawned on him immediately after. "Oh, for the love of Rex. You cannot be serious." This really seemed like a last resort, a hail Rex if you will. "Haiiro", Durham sighed softly. Saying his name didn't make him feel any better. The coyote snorted, "I can't believe you are maybe my best option, out of literally everyone. The irony."
Durham did not have a clue whether this was a good idea or a horrible one. He rubbed his temples in frustration, knowing his alternatives left something to be desired. He does have the most experience regarding... this. Haiiro is the only person who can't run his mouth. The Coyote couldn't believe he was considering him of all animals. Seeming like the last person you should ask about it, considering his history.
Durham remembered only seeing him in prison once, when he was twelve his mom took him along to make Haiiro an example of someone you shouldn't be. Although, 'visiting' wouldn't do the debacle justice. It was something more akin to a pissing contest between his mom and Haiiro to make him cut all ties, so it wasn't much of social call.
He couldn't remember how long his sentence was or why he got locked up. It had something to do with meat, but he wasn't able to recall any specifics. Not that the family uttered a single word about him during reunions, that'd definitely spoil the mood.
Fuck it. Decisively, he got out his phone, searching for the visiting hours online. Durham knew he was still on Haiiro's contact list from back in the day. Haiiro probably wouldn't have bothered to remove him from it. After scrolling through the third webpage, he had found the right link.
Finally, I can- His eyes grew wide when the page popped up. What in Rex tarnation fuck is this? The website was an absolute mess: the loading was abhorrent, formatting was awful and not to mention horribly convoluted. Searching for categories within subcategories he suddenly got a white screen. "Come on! What the fuuuuuhuuuuck!"
Durham kept tapping and scrolling, his frustration ever growing almost wanting the snarl and throw his phone for a mile. Even if it is a prison, this is still wholly unacceptable for being a federal website, one that should have been calibrated better.
After pressing the same link for the umpteenth time, he struck gold: the visiting times hadn't changed. Letting out a sigh in relief, Durham knew this was probably his only option. Now I have to pray he even wants to see me. Maybe he has changed for the better? Wishful thinking, but still, it seemed like a better mindset than assuming he hadn't changed at all.
From the little memories he had of Haiiro: the older coyote always seemed kind of... gloomy. Although, he was nine-years-old, so it probably wasn't really an accurate representation. Plans set in stone, he would have to go on Sunday. Saturday's always too busy on campus, Sunday's people had to get their homework done. Now Durham had to pray that his mom wouldn't get a notice of him meeting Haiiro in prison. He knew if his mother found out: she would skin him alive.
"'Because what if somebody saw and connects the dots'", the coyote mocked in a female pitch. Excommunication from the family is what Haiiro got for walking out of line. The coyote cannot even fathom what they'll do to him if they ever found out about this little escapade.
Putting his phone back into his pocket, he stood up. Trying to ignore the property damage he had caused, Durham checked himself in the mirror again. Looks like he had successfully calmed his body down. The red hue in his eyes had disappeared, getting his mind off of things had worked.
Finding no other signs of there being something wrong, the coyote celebrated, "Thank Rex! I can finally get out of here." Staying in here any longer might run the risk of him getting caught with his pants down, and having to pay for whatever damage he had caused.
That terrible website had allowed him to blow off some steam. Letting out a relieved sigh, Durham knew this demented rollercoaster was finally over. He supposed it was best to go back to his room, get some clothes, and have a shower; if he could smell himself the other residents could too.
If the others ask I can tell them I went for a run or something. Slowly, he made his way towards the exit, looking both ways before he left the bathroom. There was nobody in sight; nobody had passed by here in a while too. "Better take the stairwell, less prying eyes." Durham speed walked the rest of the way, never looking back.
This past week had by far been one of the most exhausting weeks in Bill's life. However, now he had all the time in the world to neglect his responsibilities; Bill could finally have some good rest. Kicking his remaining clothes off, he plopped himself on the cold mattress. Letting out a loud yawn as he stretched his weary limbs. Setting a time before putting his phone on the charger.
Lying down, Bill pulled the blanket halfway over himself making himself comfortable as he closed his eyes. As Bill drifted off into deep slumber, the battlefield called his mind quieted down, his heavy body relaxing at the touch of the comforting mattress.
Nobody was going to tell him what to do and he knew it. Bill tossed and turned in his bunk. Lying there in the dark, blinds covering the windows; the sun his greatest enemy, he could sleep peacefully.
Finally allowing the darkness to take him, engulfed by the blissful void called sleep. Sounds of heavy rhythmic breathing spread across the dimly lit room, a night-lamp in the corner offering the only faintest bit of light. The remaining darkness shrouding the tiger from the harshness of the outside world; yells and shouts from other animals being audible through the unhinged window.
Bill didn't catch any of the noise as he began to loudly snore; his whiskers catching the air of his breath almost causing him to sneeze. Bill subconsciously purred, being in the comfort of his own dreams: a sweeter, happier place. He was free from the demands of the day, now opting for the demands of the night. Nothing could ruin these moments of silent peace.
"YAAAAAAAAAAH!" A sudden scream pierced through the room. Bill involuntarily shot up in surprise. Was someone hurt?! Did they get attacked?! "WOAH! SHIT!", Bill cursed losing his balance; subsequently falling out of his bunk. "FUCK! OW!" The tiger's heart raced while he scrambled to make sense of the situation at hand, his mind still foggy with sleepiness. Trying to get out of the blankets restraining him, grumbling in anger as yet another scream almost burst his eardrums.
However, this time, it was far more clear from where it originated: his phone, as the smug mug of Louis graced the screen. For fuck sakes. "Solves that mystery", the tiger grumbled. The scream was from Bleat 4, mirroring the horror you felt when Louis blessed you with his presence. In hindsight a bad idea. Annoyance and frustration filled Bill, mainly at himself for installing such a stupid ringtone.
"Why'd I think that was funny?" He was contemplating whether he should pick up or not. If I don't then I will probably pay for it; if I do then I have to deal with... whatever. With grunts of unfocused anger, Bill untangled himself from his restraints, cursing under his breath, nursing his throbbing nose.
Seeing no other option, hesitantly he pressed the pick-up button, immediately putting his phone on speaker. Bill with some extra snide, spoke up first, "The fuck you want?" It was silent on the other end for just a few seconds. Here we fucking go. "That's quite obvious: for you to pick up", Louis replied. Somehow, Bill expected that kind of snark.
The tiger let out a sigh, rubbing his eyes. "If you don't tell me what you want, Louis. I am going to hang up." Bill wasn't going to let himself get catcalled by some presumptuous asshole like Louis. The response was immediate, "Could you drop by my office later this afternoon?" That didn't sound like a request.
Of course, he wants something from him now of all times. Why does everyone take the saying: 'There's no off-switch on a tiger', so literally? Louis continued, "We have some important matters to discuss." Bill sat down on his bunk again, leaning against the back wall. What important matters? With you, that definition can be stretched quite broadly.
"Can you be a little more specific? I want to gauge whether you're wasting my time or not", Bill retorted. The deer snickered at the other end of the line. "Oh, sorry Bill. Were you doing something more important? You seem kind of... frustrated."
Bill wanted to throw the phone as well as Louis through the window. Who does that fucking deer think he is?! The tiger had to prevent himself from growling. "Aw, thanks for noticing, asshat! For your information, I was soundly asleep until you woke me up." Bill could hear some shuffling in the background. On the other end a drawer closed.
"Where do you get off sleeping in the afternoon?", Louis told with an amused, mocking tone. "Adler's around the corner and you're dozing off?" Oh, I am sorry I don't spend every waking moment living, breathing and fucking Adler.
The bengal tiger has had it with that condescending prick. How dare he question how he spends his free time? A feline's sleep is just as important as everyone else's.
"Listen, Louis", Bill demanded with pend up anger. The deer giving an affirmative mumble. "Give me one good reason to drop by your office in an hour or you can go fuck yourself!" There was some momentary silence as Louis contemplated.
Bill was growing ever more impatient. The deer never called anyone willy-nilly, but still it wasn't fun to play 'What am I?' with extra steps. Until suddenly, "Would the lead role in Adler be of interest?"
Bill's face contorted into surprised confusion. Was the deer pulling his tail? Did Louis offer him what he thinks he had just offered him? "E-Excuse me?" Was he hearing him right? Was he hallucinating? Had the deer lost his marbles?
"Are you... serious?" I am not fucking dreaming, right? Bill pressed one of his claws against his skin, puncturing it. Nope, I am awake. WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?! "Yes, I am being serious, you dumb cat. I wouldn't joke about stuff like that", Louis affirmed flatly. "Though I have some conditions."
Well, yeah, of course he does. Nothing is ever for free with Louis; there's always strings attached. "Ehm, alright? What's the catch?", Bill inquired, actually content Louis couldn't see the shock on his face; if he did he would never let the tiger live it down.
The deer deadpanned, "Not over the phone. See you soon." Before hanging up, leaving the tiger with more questions than answers. "What in Rex's name was that?!"
Bitterness enveloped Bill as he was questioning the deer's intentions. Would Louis actually stoop to playing a lame prank on him, or did he have something else in mind? Although, wouldn't such a display of debauchery be totally beneath the deer?
He's a petty, condescending, lavish, carnivore hating, heir to fuck mountain, piece of shit, rich kid. He would never hand the role of Adler on a silver platter to a carnivore, especially not to someone like Bill, unless he had something to gain from it. He knew the deer had to be plotting something, but he didn't know to what end.
"What would he even need me for anyways?", Bill wondered aloud. "Doesn't he have a sugar daddy backing him?" He stood up, still off kilter from his sudden fall, and began gathering his clothes. "Fucking asshole", he muttered under his breath, cursing Louis for hanging up and leaving him in the dark.
After a quick shower, Bill proceeded to make himself look snazzy; waiting for a good fifteen minutes, simply refusing to rush to the deer's office like some affable, obedient dog. Bill, the Bengal Tiger, had his pride to maintain. He wouldn't allow himself to be subjected to the Machiavellian whims from the likes of Louis. With about ten minutes to spare and great reluctance, he walked out of his dorm's door and into the hallway.
Bill stormed into Louis office unannounced, swiftly gathering the deer's attention. "Ah, Bill!", Louis said with feigned surprise. "Good to see you still have that charming habit of barging in without knocking first!" Ignoring their sarcastic greeting, Bill advanced towards Louis, towering over the deer and his desk.
Louis seemingly preoccupied with some documents, remarked casually without looking up, "Odd. You're uncharacteristically early, five minutes. Usually, it's a half an hour delay."
Louis was playing possum, which irked Bill immensely. Attempting to look him in the eye, Bill lowered himself to his level. His gaze being capable of etching glass. "Tell me what you want from me, or else I'll snap your antlers and devour you from head to toe."
Putting his pen down, the deer met his gaze with an amused expression. Such lousy and empty promises of violence are nothing but music to the deer's ears. Louis' lackadaisical attitude towards Bill's threat pissing him off even more; making his face turn redder than it already was.
"How civilized of you", Louis chuckled sardonically. "I wouldn't call you here if it wasn't important." Bill's features softened, standing up straight again to back away. So he was being serious. I don't know if I even trust this. "As you may have guessed, I want something in return for you to have the lead role."
The tiger groaned feeling like he was walking into a Faustian bargain; Bill being Faust and Louis being Mephistopheles. Whatever daunting task Louis had for him, it wouldn't be pretty. "Fine, spill it", Bill told. Louis got out a piece of paper; slowly shoving it across the table.
Carefully, Bill unfolded it, chocking back a breath: a shopping list. Seeing what needed to be bought, his eyes grew wide. "What the fuck, Louis! Rabb-" Louis shushed the tiger with his finger, giving him a stern look. Leaning forward the deer started to whisper, just loud enough so Bill could hear, "Quiet! You moron! These walls have eyes and ears!"
Examining the list again, he read it over once more: two vials of rabbit and two vials alpaca blood. It had an address and reference number on there too. Averting his eyes from the paper, he looked back up in disbelief at an expectant Louis. "I want you to go over there and pick those up for me." Bill had the urge to beat him within an inch of his life. Superstar Louis wanted him to get highly illegal goods from the black market. And for what purpose?
Giving the deer a disgusted scowl, he shook his head vehemently. Didn't Louis know what would happen to him if he were caught? "Are you fucking high?", he asked, his tone filled with angry mockery, before lowering his voice to a whisper. "I could go to prison for this, Louis. And what about the murders? They'd pin those on me too."
There was no way in the high heavens Bill would stick his neck out like that, not even if you paid him in gold. That role wasn't worth being incarcerated for, and the idea of even receiving society's judgment made Bill shudder. Leaning back in his chair, the deer smiled smugly; paying Bill's remarks no mind. He's out of his damn mind! "I know you didn't kill either of them", Louis declared confidently. "You and Aoba were both in the dorms when they occurred."
Bill let those words sink in. Expression darkening at the implications, piercing Louis with a predatory look. "You investigated me?", Bill said with a guttural growl, angered at this clear invasion of privacy and the betrayal of being suspected. "Louis, what the hell are you playing at? I don't understand any of this; it doesn't make a lick of sense."
His claws started to scratch the table in clear frustration at Louis' schemes. He wasn't going to allow himself to be used like some pawn. "You couldn't even have committed both killings", Louis revealed offhandedly. What in the fuck is he even talking about? It was all too cryptic and convoluted. Bill stuttered not being able to wrap his mind around Louis' reasoning, "I-I have n-no idea what you're even implying."
Louis let out a sigh, his expression grave as he leaned in closer. "Bill, what I am going to tell you doesn't leave these four walls." His words had a sense of urgency and anger Bill had never seen nor heard from the deer. Usually, he was always composed; eerily so. The entire thing left the tiger unnerved, questioning what could've even provoked such an extreme reaction from someone like Louis. If Louis was a carnivore he might've even considered him scary.
Quietly nodding in the affirmative, he allowed the deer to continue, Louis' voice a groggy whisper, "There isn't one killer." As those words sank in, it felt like a smack aside the head with a metal bat. The tiger's mind was racing with questions, but he struggled to even begin to put them into words, like they were stuck at the back of his throat.
It was like tiny knives ran down his esophagus whenever he swallowed back, preventing him from allowing his vocal chords to do their work. "How do you know?", Bill eventually managed, barely above a whisper.
There wasn't a moment of hesitancy in Louis' voice, "I have my sources, reliable ones." Who were these 'sources' he was talking about? You have to be really close to the overall investigation to even know these things beyond a shadow of a doubt. "Are you working with the cops?", Bill asked. "Is that why you want me to get those."
The tiger pointed at the list, Louis silently nodded. There were thousands of questions with millions of conclusions. Why is he going after the killers? What does he need those vials for? Is he doing this for the school? Is it somehow personal?
To Bill all of this was overwhelming. What was he even supposed to do? Concentrating so he didn't spout anything incoherent, the tiger took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll do this little fucked up grocery run on one condition: that you'll tell me everything, and I mean everything."
Averting his gaze, Louis thought about it for a while. The tiger's limbs felt like jelly the entire time he was in this office, even in situations like this being a carnivore wouldn't mean squat. "Do we have a fucking deal or not?"
Breaking the festering silence, Louis spoke up decisively, "I accept your conditions. Our earlier arrangements regarding the role still stand." Despite everything, the formality never leaves Louis' vocabulary. Does that fucker have nerves of steel? Meanwhile I am sweating here like I just ran a marathon!
The deer opened one of the drawers and got out an envelope. A very thick envelope. "Whatever it costs, don't haggle with the seller. Once you're done you can keep the rest of what's in there." Louis put extra emphasis on the first sentence.
So, there's money in there? Isn't that amount a little bit excessive? Judging from the size it wasn't a small amount. Was this supposed to be hush money? He took the envelope and shoved it in his pocket. "Fine, I'll do it. Once I get back... I want answers", Bill confirmed, standing up already making his way towards the door.
Stopping just shy of the exit, he turned back to the deer with an determined glare. "You want to stop those monsters, right? Maybe it's a good idea if you have one watching your backside", he necessitated, before walking out; leaving Louis to handle whatever else is next.
Jack tried not to run, as he made his way through the darker parts of the library trying to reach their spot. They agreed to have their tutoring session a bit later today, because the labrador had something to do. Feeling especially guilty, now that he had sent a text telling Charlie he would be a little bit later. On the way, he almost ran into various bookcases; even with his night vision, his senses had trouble keeping up sometimes. Seeing the lights turned on, he had to slow himself down as to not accidentally scare Charlie with his approach.
As he neared he saw the dorper sheep already hunched over his notes; his laptop also at the ready. Jack made sure to make his steps more audible, so that Charlie would know he was near. "Oh my gosh, Charlie. I am so sorry for being late", Jack apologized, getting his materials out of his bag. Giving the sheep a worried look. "And for making you walk all this way alone." Charlie shot him a smile, shaking his head. He answered waving their phone around, "Nah, don't worry. I had this handy thingy to help me see." He put it away and began starting to tap away on his own laptop. "You don't have to be worried about me; I can handle myself just fine. Although, I appreciate the concern."
Letting out a relieved sigh, Jack sat down across from the sheep setting his things down. Opening his laptop, he swiftly pulled everything they needed for the lesson on his screen. "What was the holdup anyways?", Charlie inquired with a smirk. Something he hadn't envisioned, having accidentally made a double appointment for today. However, he wasn't going to tell Charlie all that.
Jack couldn't help but laugh a little, "Well, one of my roommates, Miguno, needed my help with studying for their math test. Numbers are like a foreign language to him, pun intended." The sheep chuckled at the joke, that's when Jack realized something. There's no way I didn't catch that. "Charlie, you said that in Japanese! That's impressive! I almost didn't notice, you sneaky sneak!"
Charlie blushed slightly at the compliment, ruffling his wool. "Come on, it wasn't that impressive. But, thank you, anyways!" Seeing how quickly Charlie was improving made the labrador happy, his tail wagging against the chair's legs. The sheep watching in amusement as their tail thumped. "Your roommate sounds nice. How many do you have?", he continued with an inquisitive smile, giving Jack an expectant look.
He was content that Charlie had enough interest in talking to him about something not related to tutoring. "I have five of them. All canines, except Miguno, he's a hyena", Jack replied warmly. "They're some of my closest friends." They've always been there for him through thick and thin. The only thing not making them family is their species.
Jack had more roommates than most animals are used to. Even though it's rowdy, he considers himself lucky for having them. The sheep gave him a surprised expression and leaned in closer. "Wow, five? But, uh, aren't hyenas canines too?" Scratching behind his own ears, Jack shook his head with a chuckle. "No, they're officially 'hyenidae', but honestly that doesn't even matter. He's a canine to us!", he proclaimed proudly.
Canines could find camaraderie with almost anyone due to their sociable nature; they didn't even have to belong to the same species group. Finding their words of affection heartwarming, Charlie smiled at the earnest labrador. He couldn't help but be slightly jealous of Jack's dorm room experience.
"You are lucky to have them! Wish I could get along so well with animals of my own species", the sheep playfully pouted, before his face turned to one of mock-hostility. "I only have two roommates and they're both assholes." Their tone didn't make it sound like a term of endearment. That last part didn't seem very positive. Tilting his head in questioning manner, the labrador asked, "Oh, why's that?" Charlie let out an annoyed groan, Jack fearing he had hit a sore subject; whimpering at the idea of Charlie not wanting to talk anymore.
The sheep gave him an apologetic look, not having intended to sound so harsh. "Sorry about that. They just behave themselves like a bunch of pricks", Charlie complained, his features smeared bitter anger. "And before you ask: it's because they call me stuff like 'baka gaijin' to my face and not in the humorous, teasing way."
Jack flinched a little when he heard that derogatory insult. That's exceptionally cruel. Baka gaijin meant 'stupid foreigner', they knew Charlie was German and insulted him for it. He felt bad for the sheep for having such rude roommates. If the labrador could, he would seethe with rage. "I-I am sorry, Charlie. Know that you're anything but stupid, and that you're p-perfectly intelligent! They're just being jerks", Jack informed in a comforting manner, however he couldn't hide the bit of awkwardness in his voice. "They have no right to call you that."
The sheep let out an unexpected, honest laugh. Jack was a little bit confused, wondering if he was alright. Charlie shook his head with a happy smile gracing his lips, "Don't worry! I can handle those speciesist, discriminating morons. I just wish I had roommates as nice as yours." Glad to see he wouldn't take his roommates nonsense lying down, Jack returned the smile.
Suddenly the labrador had a good idea. "I could introduce you to them, if you'd like. You're free to sit with us during the mealtimes", Jack offered in earnest. Canines like any kind of company, so they would love it if the sheep joined them. Giving a doubting glance, Charlie replied, "They wouldn't mind? Won't I intrude?" Grinning, Jack wagged his finger in negation; shaking his head. The sheep's eyes already filled with appreciation. "No, you wouldn't intrude! Canines, remember? They'll love you!" There was not a hint of doubt in Jack's voice, room 701 always had their door open for everyone. Having a herbivore join their table wouldn't be a big deal. "Thanks, Jack. I'd love to meet them", Charlie sighed. "Won't that make the other animals look at you guys strangely?"
Perceptions other animals had about them were the least of Jack's worries. He'd gotten used to animals staring at him over the past week. Opinions of others he also didn't care for, especially if they were largely unfounded. "Even if they did, I wouldn't really care. Good company goes beyond species!" According to the labrador, Charlie deserved better than the hand he was dealt here. Letting out a sigh, the sheep offered his appreciation, "Thank you, Jack. I am happy to have you as my tutor. We should get started on the lesson though." The conversation was so gripping, Jack hadn't noticed they already burned eight minutes. "Ah, yes! Let's start today with... learning how to express possession of something."
After almost an hour of learning, they decided to take a short break. Their extensive work rubbing down their flexibility like sandpaper. Charlie caressed their own head with his hand, "It feels like my brain is about to burst. How'd you even manage to learn German? And French too! Are you a cyborg?"
Societal expectations and standards would be the elaborate answer. Although, he wasn't going to burden Charlie with that explanation. Jack shrugged, with a knowing grin. "No, I have stern parents whom want you to perform no matter what. We dogs have to be role models, though that comes with a price, our sanity", he replied jokingly.
Charlie rolled his eyes, acting as if suspending his disbelief. "Hmm, you must be speaking the truth, partially. Everyone who speaks Japanese without batting an eye at its complexity is undoubtedly insane." That comment earned the sheep a laugh, the labrador nodding along.
Japanese is a difficult language, especially when there's not much for westerners to go on. Shutting down his laptop at the sight of an exhausted Charlie, Jack responded, "Perhaps we all are a little bit crazy, but enough tutoring for today. You seem about ready to tuck in."
"Erraten. My roommate, Sotto, has been having nightmares keeping me up deep into the night", Charlie commented with a yawn. His roommates were obstructive in more ways than one. "If it keeps going like this I am going to buy a tent and sleep outside." With their current situation, that idea might be considered as suicidal. I hope he isn't being serious. Even with heightened security, Charlie had to have a dead wish to go out at night alone.
"Or you could just invest in noise cancelling headphones? Seems safer than going outside at night with... you know", Jack proposed, a bit of nervousness taking his tone hostage. He hated being a mood killer, but he would feel responsible if he hadn't said anything. Not knowing how far the sheep would go, because frankly, he didn't know him well enough to gauge how far he'd go.
The sheep sniffled with a dejected look, "Guess you're right, I haven't thought about something like that. Classes have just been exhausting; I don't think I need to explain why." Now that they were segregated Charlie assumed it would be for the better. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the fear of carnivores the herbivores had in his class grew exponentially; by the second. And if that wasn't bad enough, he could hear the faint whispering of carnivores whenever he strode past them.
"I fucking hate it. Herbies in my lectures are looking around as if a bloodthirsty carnivore will suddenly burst through the wall." Understanding the fear was easy, but getting rid of it was another ball game entirely. Instinct wasn't a entity you could reason with; one bad moment away from taking you prisoner in its icy irrational shackles.
"My classes haven't been any better. They are constantly trying to blame one another for what happened", Jack added scoffing. "They're constantly at each other's throats, while also blaming you guys for being afraid of them." Jack raising his voice at how ridiculous it all was. Both of them starting to bash how everything is being handled up to this point. Their classmates' paradoxical behavior made both animals let out bemused chuckles in response.
Both agreeing them to be foolish for their lack of solidarity. The devourings did a bigger number on them than they would like to admit; tensions were already high, they didn't need that nonsense here. "We're all having it rough, huh? Can't everyone, like, hold hands or whatever?", Charlie sardonically quipped, making Jack snicker. As if something as fairytale-like as that would happen, a dinosaur showing up would be more likely.
"Unfortunately, some may not-" A ping from his phone interrupted Jack's thought. I didn't put it on silent? Out of curiosity he checked the notification, one he had been waiting for. He almost couldn't contain his excitement. "Your tail's wagging like you're about to go for liftoff", Charlie snarked, instantly making Jack mindful of it, to no effect. Curious to what got him so giddy, the sheep walked around the table to see the cause.
"'Shiira', huh? Who might that be?", he asked with interest, before attempting to read it. Not having much success, he started complaining, "Ugh, I can't read it! Only bits and pieces." The labrador pulled the phone away, immediately flustered; Charlie giving him a mischievous smirk. "C-Charlie, you know-" He silenced Jack by plucking his phone from his hands.
Surprised by the sheep's brazen brutality, he called out, "H-Hey! Give that back!" Now he simply needed to know, he wasn't leaving this library without the whole story. Ignoring Jack's pleas, he tapped on the profile of this mysterious figure; his brows raised and lips curled into an amazed smirk. Becoming even more nosey about this peculiar woman. "Oh, exotic~ Didn't know you fancied felines", Charlie answered teasingly, evading the labrador's attempts at taking back his phone.
Jack wanted to shrivel up in a ball. "Do not even act like I am wrong. Your tail and blush gave you away." Embarrassed, Jack cooped his head in his hand, he started speaking in a low baritone, "Charlie, come on, she's just nice! And, the fact that she looks good is just something extra. We're just friends."
The sheep didn't buy the dogs reasoning for a second. Holding up his hand, Charlie sat down; shoving his chair closer to Jack. Putting the phone down flat on the table, he pointed at the messages. "Tell me what this says."
Naturally, he began the explanation about his own message first, the sheep nodding along with interest. "Aha, so your roomie got sick, you apologized and promptly segued into an invitation to hang out. Smooth", the sheep complimented, enjoying seeing Jack squirm. What did I get myself into? "Now, how did she answer?" Already having a faint idea judging by Jack's reaction to the message. All he had to do now was keep pushing.
The labrador had a feeling that Charlie wouldn't let this go; he would never stop hounding him about it. Hesitating a little, the labrador just gave up and started speaking, "'Hey, Jack! I would love to hang out! Because the coming weeks will be busy for me: how about tomorrow in the early afternoon?'" Once Jack turned his head towards the sheep, he was met with Charlie silently blinking at him for a while; his mouth agape. He was wondering if the dog was actually as clueless as he sounded.
"Well? Text her back!", he beckoned insistently. Not knowing what to do, Jack's ears drooped a little. Did he really even like her in that way? Who would even want to be in a relationship with a pudgy labrador like him? Sure, Shiira is attractive and nice. Man, she also has some really mesmerizing spots, not even to mention her tail. Those ears are also so beautifully circular... wait what? Starting to blush at his thoughts, he hid himself in his arms and groaned. "Ehm, Jack? Are you alright?" Shooting up, he nodded along; his face strained in a smile. Charlie didn't believe it.
"You have no idea what to say, do you?", the sheep asked with an eyebrow raised. "What do you even know about felines?" The labrador's expression telling him more than words ever could. "Ehm, well they're faster than us, but we're more adept to the-" Letting out a groan, Charlie interrupted the dog. "Not biologically, you dunce. I mean socially." Already fed up, he pulled his laptop from across the table and opened a text file, not inclined to wait for Jack's answer.
Beginning to type a response message in German: telling her yes, asking what they were going to do and where to rendez-vous; finishing it with a final click on the dot. Very unsure of how to respond, the dog watched on in awed surprise. Shoving the laptop in front of Jack, he pointed at the screen and started making demands, "Translate this word for word and send it to her."
"Uh, alright. Fine." Reading and noting how horribly informal it was, Jack decided to make some small tweaks and not to tell Charlie about it. Finishing the message and showing it to the sheep, who pressed the send button without Jack's permission with a satisfied laugh. The labrador couldn't see the humor in this. "See? That wasn't that hard now... w-was... i-i-t?"
Suddenly, Charlie shrunk back in his seat, focused on something behind Jack. His eyes dilating and body quivering in fear. What's the matter with him all of the sudden? Is he... afraid of something? Looking behind him, he saw two floating eyes in the shadows drilling into them; starting to meet them with his own, unwavering in their direction. The figure was shrouded in shadow, unmoving. Jack was only able to pick up on their breathing, and when he tried sniffing their scent the labrador's eyes flared with recognition.
Oh, you cannot be serious! Rex damn it. Those peculiar eyes Jack was capable of picking out of a lineup. "Legosi! Get out of the dark! You're scaring Charlie." Even he thought that visage was undeniably creepy. Blinking in rapid succession, the wolf took two awkward steps forward; his body finally hitting the light. As he saw the giant wolf come into sight, Charlie gulped loudly. What am I going to do with this wolf? Quickly, Legosi started muttering apologies in English, "I a-am s-so sorry! I d-d-didn't mean to-"
"My roommate is a klutz. Sometimes, he needs to be more mindful of what's going on around him", Jack reprimanded turning to the sheep, interrupting Legosi. Facing the wolf again, he gave him a disapproving grimace, "Also, don't apologize to me, apologize to Charlie." As the two bickered, the sheep couldn't help but find the scene a little funny. Charlie thought Jack was acting like a stern housewife. Eventually, Legosi conceded, giving the sheep a honest apology, "I am sorry for scaring you. It wasn't my intention to do that."
Charlie having his wits back to him, accepted the apology with levity. "Don't worry about it. Though, I do wonder: what are you doing all the way out here?" Awkwardly shuffling his feet, Legosi began to explain presenting a lunchbox, "Well, I wanted to bring Jack some dinner, because it was getting late. Collot told me that he was tutoring again, so I figured I would drop by; I didn't want him to go hungry."
Graciously, the labrador took the lunchbox. And here I was thinking that I was done discussing social awareness with him. Muttering his thanks to the gentle giant. "Again, sorry for giving you that scare." He gave the sheep an apologetic look, Charlie sympathetically nodding with a smile. "I'll be taking my leave, see you later, Jack."
The wolf strode back into the darkness, leaving the two to their devices. Gosh, this was such a mess. I'll repay Charlie with some free food later for putting up with this crap. "So, that was one of your roommates, huh?", Charlie asked. "He seems nice, but acts like a bit of a weirdo."
Letting out a sigh, Jack opened the lunchbox. Bean steak, excellent. "Yeah, I hope he didn't rub you the wrong way. Normally, he isn't like this", Jack replied closing the lid. I am going to have to nip this in the bud as soon as I get back to the dorm. That wolf needs a rude awakening.
Laughing, the sheep put his books in his bag. "I am still gonna sit with you guys tomorrow. Don't worry about it. What did his parents even feed him?" Being a bit of a sensitive subject, the labrador simply shrugged. "His main diet is egg sandwiches, so that must be it", Jack lied. He was more than happy Charlie didn't straight up cancel their arrangement, that would've been embarrassing.
"Let's wrap things up here. I still have some homework to do", Charlie told. "Did Shiira respond yet?" Jack shook his head, beginning to put his materials in his backpack too. Now that the message was send, he couldn't just cancel. Shiira had seen it, so it was already too late.
Charlie emphasizing that he needs to be kept in the loop in case she responds, Jack agreeing with that sentiment although reluctantly. Eventually, they both left the library and set their next tutoring session for the upcoming week.