The tension in the air was thick enough that it was suffocating, Shinoku was glaring at the doberman who not only had the sheer audacity to be on school grounds, but had look like he was about to hit Anya for not wanting to be around him. Shinoku's full attention was on the Doberman who in that instant had let go of Anya and was glancing back at Shinoku, this mutt who had dared to have the brazenness to restrain him, Though before the tension had any more time to reach it's boiling point the Siberian tigress Shinoku had wanted to help suddenly grabbed him by the collar and yanked him down to eye level, surprising him. The expression on the Siberian tigress' face was anything but thankful, her eyebrows were furrowed in irritation as she wore a quite displeased frown on her face. Shin was caught off guard to say the least, his mouth was slightly agape as he was forced to look at her at eye level and had to let go of the doberman.

"What do you think your doing?" Anya none to happily asked Shinoku.

"W-well...I-uh.." Shinoku tried to reply as she moved her face closer to him.

"I have this under control...so please...just leave and I'll be fine okay?.." Anya said as her tone quickly changed, her gaze was soft and her ears were pinned back. She then let go of Shinoku.

Shinoku was stunned, what was he doing? She had it under control? He was trying to help her, that's what he was trying to do, trying to stop this flea ridden mutt from hurting her. Did she have it under control though? She had scratched the doberman so maybe he had interfered where it wasn't needed. But still, the had a very bad feeling towards the doberman, an instinctual gut reaction that screamed the dog was the worst kind of news and he was not about to take the chance. Anya pulled the dog to the side and beginning to whisper a few things to which made him scoff. The doberman then glanced at Shinoku, clearly wanting to teach the arctic wolf who returned the unfriendly glance a lesson for interfering, but said nothing as he walked away to his car and left.

Anya then let out a sigh of relief before rubbing her arm and walking back with her head slightly down "I don't want anyone getting involved with my problems.." She would say in a saddened tone, only to look down and try not to cry from the stress the doberman and everything else has given her.

Shinoku blinked at her, his nervousness around her replaced by a more protective demeanor. "Not get involved? He was on academy grounds harassing you...That's not exactly a good sign." He said before letting out a sigh. "Maybe you could have handled it and I overstepped...but still...if he hurt you...I..." Shinoku briefly paused before continuing. "I wouldn't have liked it..." He slightly blushed as he looked to the side briefly, suddenly realizing he was talking to her for the first time.

"Oh?" Anya remarked.

"I-I mean...you deserve better treatment...a-and someone much better than him. B-besides.." Shinoku stammered as he tried to keep his cool, not trying to totally freak out. "I...I couldn't have just stood there and let anything happen...even if you did handle it...it's not how I was raised nor how I am. If I see someone in danger...I'm going to step in." Shinoku Looked at Anya. "Are you fine, Really? You can tell me if you're not."

"Yeah I'm alright...i just need to get to class and just hope the rest of this day ends well.." Anya said before sighing and looking up at him then back at the ground before walking past him and just wanting to go to class to relax and prevent of any further stress. "You're too nice for a world like this pup..and sometimes i believe this world doesn't deserve people like you" she would say with a faint smile as she glanced at him.

Shinoku blinked as he turned to look at her, did she just give him a nickname? Yes, yes she did. That was something he didn't expect, it was so soon too. She didn't even know him that well other than the interaction they were having just now. Did she give everyone nicknames? Was it just him? If so was it just a friendly one or...wait, pup? PUP?

Shinoku arched his brow as he looked at her. "Pup huh? Well you might be right...but don't think that my nice demeanor means I can't deal with how this world can be. I'm not dumb, I know this can be an eat or be eaten world where bad things happen and there's no justice. It's why I'm..." He paused a second, realizing for the first time he was about to commit to what his friends had him admit to what he had thought about.

"Why you're what?" Anya asked.

"Aiming to become the beastar, to make this world better. Idealistic perhaps, but someone has to try at least." Shinoku said. Well there it was, he had just declared he intended to be the beastar, and truthfully, it sounded not just good, but right.

"Become the beaster huh?" Anya asked as she crossed her arms. "You do realize Louis' the top choice for candidate right?"

"I know." Shinoku admitted. "But like I said, I really want to make this world better."

A smile formed on Anya's face as she looked at the arctic wolf. "Well, at least you have nice goals."

Shinoku moved closer to her. "I...can walk you to class...if you like. It wouldn't be any trouble sense we share classes...kitten." He offered, returning the favor of a cutesy nickname just to get back at her.

Though his brain then caught up to him as he said it and he couldn't help blushing more. 'KITTEN?! Did I just really call her kitten?!' He thought to himself. 'I mean sure, I wanted to get her back for calling me pup, but kitten? That is a rather close and endearing nickname with romantic implications! Why?! Why couldn't I say princess or stripes? Something not as intimate, OK, stay calm, don't panic, hopefully she didn't think it was meant as such.'

Anya merely smirked as she looked at him with her hands on her hips. "Oh so giving me a nickname now? Alright, and yes I'd appreciate your offer." She would say with a warm smile as she wrapped her arm with his, soon taking him along with her to their next class. Her tail casually swayed side to side as she walked with him, soon feeling at ease and comfortable around him so she just began to chuff without realizing it.

Shinoku's eyes went wide as she took him by the arm, once more stunned by the Siberian tigress as she started to lead him off, his mind raced in a panic about the situation but deep down he really didn't mind it at all. Still, she just without hesitation grabbed him by the arm! Holding it like they were intimately close or even dating! Dating, oh why did that thought have to cross his mind, he gulped a bit as he kept his nerves down and maintain his cool.

"I-I-I mean it's only fair...considering you gave me one." Shinoku countered with a nervous chuckle before slowly catching his stride to walk alongside her, trying to hide a hist blush, though his wagging tail was another matter, though thankfully it wasn't wagging too much. "S-so...um...other than that...have you...been having a good day?" He asked, trying to have a bit of small talk with her as they went, though he was clearly a bit flustered.

"other than that i suppose, I just look forward to the clubs and softball at this point...everything else just seems stressful...with Otis and my father" She would say with a soft tone as her chuffing eased, stopping so she could talk properly. She would look down for a small moment as she began to plan out everything else in her head. "what about you? Are you in any clubs/sports?""She would ask with a faint smile curling up on her cheeks, looking up at the larger canine, well compared to her he was. Her ears returned to their rightful spot as she slowly began to find this canine intriguing..after all he was kind of cute, to her at least, especially with how flustered he was around her. It was also very kind of him to step up for her when he didn't have to.

Shinoku smiled slightly, "Y-yeah, the classes can be kind of a pain when work piles up, but hey, that's life. Though it wouldn't be bad if it was easier right?" He chuckled. "But yeah, things are going pretty well for me honestly, bit stressful what with having to make sure I excel in everything...sort of a goal really, to be the best student and prove I'm a prime candidate to be the beastar." Shinoku explained.

"I see." Anya mused as they walked.

"As for clubs or sports...I'm on the track, boxing, and swim teams, but I wish they allowed some MMA." Shinoku shrugged. "Can't be helped though, it's a much more...involved sport than boxing. Do kind of wish the drama club would invite me though" As he talked he glanced down at her, taking in her beauty and still blushing. He couldn't believe he was this close to Anya, he'd never thought that he'd be in this situation with her, well, this soon at least. He liked the feeling of her on his arm, it was nice, she felt nice.

Otis...so the mongrel of a doberman had a name, and from what he had seen he already hated the doberman with a passion. He was rarely uncertain of his instincts odr gut feelings, and everything within him screaming that Otis was a danger, a threat that couldn't be left to his own devices or ignored. But then there was her father...the fact she said both caused her stress was something concerning. Was he mean to her, abusive, or just one of those parents that were not just perfectionists, but demanded that their children only be around certain people. Given her popularity, Shin's intuition was leaning towards the fact he might be one who cared more for societal expectations than happiness, though he wasn't going to assume fully without evidence.

Shinoku cleared his throat. "You're a...good dancer...I've seen you practice when I drop by to watch the drama club rehearse…"

Anya smirked. "Oh, I've noticed, you're pretty much my stalker, glancing at me in class and at drama club." she said, admitting she had not only noticed him glancing at her in the drama club, but class as well.

Shinoku panicked a bit as he looked at her with wide eyes. "Stalking?! No! I wouldn't! I didn't mean for it to come off as…"

Anya cut him off with playful laughter. "I'm Kidding Shinoku, didn't I just say you were too good for this world?" She laughed.

Shinoku's ears went back as he suddenly felt not only silly, but embarrassed. "….Oh….right"

Anya shook her head as she let out a giggle, "Anyway, if you are interested in joining the club...I could possibly invite you to it if you want? Talk to Louis and the club president.." her ears flicked, smiling softly as she spoke to him, she genuinely was happy spending her time with him. "If you do accept the invitation, do you think you could dance with me from time to time? For practice purposes of course~" She giggled again as she soon hugged his arm between her breasts, soon chuffing again from feeling more relaxed emotionally.

A deeper blush came upon the arctic wolf's face as Anya asked if he'd dance with her, it didn't matter that it was for practice, she still asked. It wasn't just the question though, there was that smile of hers, a smile that in his eyes could bring light and warmth to the whole world. Then there was the thing that truly sent his head spinning with shock and some panic that was clear with his tail and ears sticking straight up, she had just without no warning moved his arm right smack dab in between her large breasts. 'WHAAAAAA?! SH-SHE JUST...BUT THAT'S SO INTIMATE! WE JUST STARTED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER! THERE'S AT LEAST A DOZEN MORE LEVELS BEFORE THIS! THIS IS SO FAST! DOES SHE REALLY LIKE ME THAT MUCH?! HAD MY FRIENDS BEEN RIGHT AND I WAS JUST NERVOUS FOR NO REASON?! OR IS SHE JUST HAVING A BIT MORE FUN?! I MEAN THE SIGNALS SEEM TO BE THERE BUT IT'S ALL SO CONFUSING!' he screamed inside his mind.

Shinoku tried his best to calm his mind before answering her, "I-I..uh...well...I...I'd not decline the offer...I kind of always wanted to play Adler…." He said before gulping a bit. "A-and I know the dancing would be for practicing only..." It seems that the usually calm and composed wolf had quite the weakness after all.

"Oh? Is that so? Then that means we would be spending a lot of time together then~." Anya said with another chuff, she was becoming more affectionate as well as comfortable and safe with this canine. Her lips would curl upward, forming a small grin.

"I...y-yeah…..i-it does." Shinoku admitted, the thought of spending time with her was music to his ears, a fact supported by his wagging tail. "You uh...mentioned softball by the way...you play?" He asked curiously, having not known she did at all. Then again, he wasn't one to watch every school sport.

The Siberian tigress' ears flicked from him bringing up softball. "Yes i play, been playing for a few years now actually" she would add with a soft smile as her tail swayed side to side like as if it were going with a smooth beat. "Well when we get to the club later on I'm sure everyone would be pleased to have you!" Her smile seemed more warmer and welcoming even if it means she had to show off her pearly white fangs.

That smile, oh how he could lose himself in it, it was so calming and made his heart skip. He couldn't help but show a smile of his own, his sharp canines revealing themselves in the first genuine big smile he had in a while as he rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. "You think? I mean they might..." he seemed quite calm and at ease around her, almost like an approachable bashful guy unlike his usual fearsome and loner like look.

"I'm sure they will! I mean you won't be the only wolf in there, there's a gray wolf in the club named Legoshi, I'm sure you two will get along great." Anya said as she continued to smile brightly.

"Well...if you're sure." Shinoku said as looked at Anya, just taking in that smile and her lovely green eyes. "You've played softball for a few years hmm? Maybe I should try to catch one of your games then.…" he then quickly glanced sideways before commenting, "You have….a nice smile..."

Anastasia's ears flicked from hearing his compliment, that's when her cheeks began to light up a tint of red, soon beginning to fumble her words around. "You'd like to s-see one o-of my games?" She asked with a slight stammer. "...W-we actually have o-one in t-three days a-actually." Yup she was nervous now, it's the smallest things that get to her.

Shinoku blinked before smiling, not expecting that the Siberian tigress was susceptible to compliments...or was it because it was from him? Could it be? I mean he has seen her take compliments before, well...at least he thought he had. "Oh, alright, I'll make that one then sense I don't have anything going on..."

Anya shook her head as she got a hold of herself, smirking as she looked at Shinoku. "Good, I better see you there."

Shinoku Smiled slightly. "I'm a man of my word, I would never go back on anything I say I'd do." He assured her. Shinoku then gulped as he gathered up the courage to ask her a question, "Say...would you uh...want to sit next to each other in class?" Shinoku asked. "I mean I generally kind of sit by myself...not many people find me too approachable...being a wolf with a reputation and all...might be nice."

Anya shook her head, getting a grip of herself before replying. "I wouldn't mind sitting next you!" She said with a faint smile, blushing more as she kind of failed at trying to hide her emotions. "I look forward to seeing you there, don't back out or else alright?" Her smile came back as she hugged closer to him, giggling slightly.

Shinoku found himself feeling like he was feeling the heat of the sun as he turned a deep red. "Oh, well...great...it'll be nice to sit with someone...not that I minded it all that much." He said, finding himself having a bit of a hard time staying composed. It certainly didn't help that the arm she held was nestled rather neatly between her ample chest. "The uh..." Shinoku cleared his throat. Same offer extends to you if you...want to see one of my matches or other events..."

As they neared the class Shinoku realized something. They were walking together...well that was obvious, but they were walking together in public, her clinging to his arm like they were together or really close friends. He hadn't even thought about what that might look like to others, he quickly took brief subtle glances.

Sure enough, all the students that knew of him by reputation were, and had been, looking at him in surprise. They were still giving him the usual space, but needless to say that the sight of him having a tigress on his arm was one that they seemed to think was utterly foreign and caused murmuring. He didn't let it bother him too much though; he was who he was in their eyes, and having one of, if not the, most beautiful and popular tigress' on his arm wasn't going to change that fact anytime soon.

"I would love to attend one of your matches." Anya replied in a soft tone as she soon looked forward to see their classroom door, letting out a sigh of relief, it seemed the Siberian tigress was quite exhausted from not just the earlier ordeal, but from practice she had had earlier in the day. She subtly moved one of her hands briefly away from Shininoku's arm to quickly rub her already somewhat sore leg before returning it to keep the canine's arm where it was. She then mentally let out a sigh at the thought of some rest and hopefully letting her legs recover before drama club, hoping that the class time would be enough to prevent any pulled muscles.

"O-oh...great! I'll...I'll let you know when my next match is when I find out." He replied, the fact she said she'd love to see one of his matches made him all the more determined to be ready to show her his best when the time came.

"Well come on, let's get in class, my legs are killing me" Anya stated, soon departing from him to open the door and walk in, she already had a faint grin on her face that she was hiding for a quick minute, she knew EXACTLY what she had been doing to him with that hug. But She was also growing to like him more and more throughout their conversation. Sure her earlier notices and even blushing during drama club rehearsals were more out of being flattered and potential liking for the arctic wolf, he was quite pleasing to the eues after all. But now that she had talked to him, got to know him a little, there was just...something quite appealing about him.

Shinoku blinked as she suddenly left and opened the door, "H-hey! I was going to get that for you.." He protested, ever the gentleman. He hadn't noticed the grin at all and just moved passed her to take his usual seat at the first seat of the very back row.

"Oh well ya snooze ya lose" Anya said with a cheeky giggle as he passed, soon looking at Shinoku and following him to sit next to him. She would slouch a bit before letting out another sigh of relief, finally she could relax. She smiled softly as she leaned over, laying her arms on the table and putting her head down, only to turn her head to face him, but her eyes were focused on the windows on the other side of the classroom passed him.

Anya chuffed some more as her tail decided to curl each time it swayed left to right. Sure she was popular, but she only considered a few her true friends because everyone only smiled and treated her kindly due to her background. But she wasn't snotty about it, she was actually really nice to everyone that approached her to start up a conversation. She appreciated the small things even if it meant she was more of a bigger carnivore. Her eyes then darted towards him as she began to stare, daydreaming a bit.

Shin had made himself comfortable, having gotten out what he needed to take notes for the class. He was very meticulous with his notes, something that he and Sebastian had in common. Hearing that chuff again made him rather happy, it was quite pleasing to his ears. He then realized that she was staring at him and he blinked before glancing and immediately blushing as their eyes locked for a few seconds.

Anya blinked a few times before finally snapping out of her daydream, soon just closing her eyes and tucking her face against her neck, mixed chest fluff and soon against her arm to get comfortable. She took deep breaths and exhaled, feeling at ease with her mind, feeling like she didn't have to worry about anything currently. She soon turned her head the opposite direction of Shin and scooted closer to him a bit, leaning ever so lightly against him before finally speaking in a tired tone with a yawn. "wake me up if something...important is happening...please...thank you.." She said tiredly.

Shinoku blinked, seeing her inch closer to him then rest against him. He felt his heart beat a bit faster as he flushed a little. After she spoke he relaxed a little, "I...uh...yeah...sure." He said softly, turning his head to face where the teacher was.

And just like that the Siberian tigress fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of all the grief opportunities her and his friendship could lead up to. He wasn't like the rest of the boys who only talked to her because of her striped patterns or her body, never caring about anything else. He was different, he had genuine conversations with her about what they like to do both for and after school. It was nice and very heart warming to her. Hell, she'd be lying if she said the thought of him and her being more wasn't there.

It was actually quite the possibility. After all, he had proven to be far more genuine and nice than most of the others. In fact, if she were to be truthful with herself, the attraction was and had kind of always been there. Not anywhere near as strong as it was becoming bow, but it had been there. Her dreams continued as she soon nuzzled her head against his arm a bit, looking quite peaceful and at ease with her dreams.

This was new to Shinoku, having a girl like her pressed against him so much. First as they walked to the class then inside class, then just now during class. He was going to lie, her being pressed against him so much, especially now, made him feel rather...content? like a bit of warmness filled him knowing that she trusted him so much already. As he glanced at her he sighed silently, knowing she had told him to wake her if something important happened. Reaching down he grabbed some extra paper, deciding to help her out a bit more by not only taking notes for her, but not waking her unless there was something that absolutely needed to be heard.

Or...he might not...she seemed to need the rest and he wouldn't mind putting in a bit of extra effort in to make sure she had what she would need. It would just depended on how important the thing was that she needed to be awake to hear. So with that settled, he turned his full focus to the lesson ahead as class finally started, a smile on his face as he felt more energized than ever before, though whether or not his fingers would feel the same afterward was another story entirely. Oh well, he would just grin and bare it, a small sacrifice to give Anya some much needed rest. She was the only girl that mattered as far as he was concerned, and there was nothing he would not do for her.