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Chapter Text

James is your average 18 year old schoolboy, however he does have a shy aspect to him. Despite that he wants to live his life to the fullest, the only thing stopping him is his parents. Instead of partying and having fun, James is locked up indoors by his own parents 24/7. His parents are paranoid about his education and they worry about his academic future.

It is clear that James lives a depressing and dull life. His friends mean the world to him however his parents think otherwise and not an urgent requirement. Its become a reoccurring lifestyle for James, hes fed up with it. He has come to the realisation that life isn't all about studying to get into university, its to be happy and have fun with your friends.

It wasn't possible to click your fingers and then you are suddenly happy.

James is in his bedroom surfing the web on his school laptop, hes come to the conclusion that watching a movie will help boost his happiness. He ignored the thought of the movies and cleared his headspace and laid himself down on his old bed. He closed his eyes and envisioned a timeline of his life. The answer was obvious, it was to come clean to his parents about how he really feels mentally. He slowly lifted himself up and off the mattress and he made his way downstairs.

James: mother and father may I please explain something that has been lingering on my mind for some time.

Father: what is it my son, do you need a new textbook?

James: no not that father, I have been meaning to say that I think I want to stop-

Mother: dinner is prepared, have it now so you can enjoy it whilst it is hot.

James: oh! Uh ok thank you mother

The dinner table is silent, not a peep from anyone. There is some tension in the air

James: There's something I need to address

Mother: look James we completely understand that what is happening at school is stressful but that is not a reasonable excuse to see your friends

James: no that's not what I'm after

The parents are confused, this isn't normal behaviour of James

James: I have decided that I want to find happiness by travelling across the world and meet new people

Father: look James you need to start thinking straight and set out your priorities which is your education, absolutely nothing else matters that your education, do you understand!

Mother: your older sister is studying at university and she is excelling, this will be you too

James: you guys don't understand do you? I want to be happy that's it. I have had enough of this university bullshit!

James slams the table with his clenched fist with frustration and storms upstairs to his bedroom where he lies face down on his bed crying.

'Why me, why me' James mutters to himself

His mother enters his bedroom

Mother: James this isn't your normal behaviour you must calm down and control your temper

James: you don't understand the struggles and stress I go through, I have had enough of this, in fact I have had enough of everything!

His mother is shocked, she leaves him alone. James locks himself in his room, the mother walks to the father and gives him a nod. The father frowns and begins to make a call to an anonymous number.

The next morning arrived, it was gloomy outside. Gloomy, James thought, just like his heart at the heat of the moment last night.

His uniform had creases on it, not a good start to the morning. New cereal box is worth looking forward to this morning, however there was no milk. Rock slipped in his shoe, whilst walking up the street to the bus stop, shoelaces kept untying. All of these unlucky and annoying things kept happening to James, but he moved on. As he leaped on the bus to ensure he can find his favourite seat unoccupied, he noticed a ladies wallet fall from her purse, James instantly notices it and brings it to her attention. A debit card pointing out of her wallet stated Juno as her first name. She thanks him and shows gratitude towards him. James felt awkward having to hear a women thanking him. James believed in the thought that if roughly 10 bad things happened, it equates to one good thing which happened today and he knew it was worth the wait. James jumped off the bus after sitting on his arse thinking about the name Juno for a good fifteen minutes, he had never heard of anyone having such a strange name. He began to walk down another street this time, not taking his usual route due to road works. Quiet and tight alleyways in the city, weren't particularly seen in a good way and depicted many bad things. James didn't think twice and went forth. As he began to power walk through the weird faces of the shady alleyway he encounters a problem to go either left or right. James goes left and hits a dead end.

stranger 1: What are you doing here, you're utterly stupid for entering our territory

stranger 2: let's steal this cunts wallet and give him a good beating aye

stranger 1: sounds like a plan hehe

James couldn't figure what the two sketchy men were saying, he kept walking forward with his head down. One of the strangers walks behind him and pushes him to the ground. James brushes himself off and looked up to the two strangers.

James: what the fuck is wrong with you?! don't step any closer I'm warning you don't make me

The men laughed whilst attempting to contain their mean composure. James gets up and puts his fists in fighting mode and imagines that he has become a pro fighter and refuses to surrender at any cost. James gets struck on the head from a metal baseball bat, it appears that there was a third man lurking in the shadows all along to wait for the right time to strike.

'How?' thought James just before losing complete consciousness.

Chapter Text

James lost his consciousness. His location, unknown.

Voice 1: what the hell is this naked thing?

Voice 2: I think it's a homosapian from another world, how fascinating

Voice 1: like a real one you think?

Voice 2: yes most likely...

James starts regaining consciousness and begins putting all of his strength to just open his eyelids. The heart rate monitor next to James began to make sounds, they were alarmingly loud. The voices run around all over the room, they did not think James would wake up during this period.

Voice 1: what do we say to it?

Voice 2: it's basically a monkey so just... say things a monkey would want to hear I guess

Voice 1: I don't recall talking to naked monkeys being part of the contract?!

Voice 2: get a hold of yourself, there's an interrogator coming soon anyway

James has completely opened his eyes, but he can't see anything, he hears two different voices as if they're inside his head. The two voices James can hear are the voices of two echidnas. The echidnas are nocturnal and like to work in the dark.

A flashlight out of nowhere beams in James's eyes.

Voice 1: hello buddy, can you understand me?

James: uhh yes, yeah I can understand you but I can't see you

Voice 1: ok great...

James: wait... where the fuck am I?!

Voice 2: calm down, I got a fresh banana for you to eat

James: what, I don't care about eating bananas I just want to know where the fuck I am

James: show yourselves at once!

James thought to himself "what the fuck have I gotten myself into.."

Voice 1: here's the thing my partner and I will be leaving now so you can talk to "the man" himself

James: the man? Who is the man?

Clunk, the door closed

James: HELLO? Hello? H-he-llo...

James was scared, he couldn't see anything due to the flashlight and now he feels as if some big mafia boss is about to kill him.

*Chursh* the door opens.

James waits eagerly quiet for a minute. The flashlight turns off all of a sudden, James still can't see a thing. He begins to tremble with fear and is scared something is going to haunt him within seconds. He tightly shuts his eyes and hopes for the best. Click! The room lights turn on but James still has his eyes shut, he is well aware of there being light as he can see through his closed eyelids. After 10-15 or so seconds James has decide enough was enough and that he should be a strong human and face his fears head on. James muttered quietly "3..2..1.." and then he had opened his eyes expecting to face any obstacle, but what James saw immediately was no normal obstacle it was an animal a cheetah, a cheetah in a trench coat. James couldn't believe his eyes. James felt mix emotions but mainly shock seeing the cheetah figure, the animal hadn't even said anything and James is already about to lose consciousness once again from fear. The cheetah walks up to him and asks "who are you?". James wants to respond but the fear in his mind still lurks, not to mention how this is a fucking whole animal in front of his face that could annihilate his body in seconds. James gets the courageous to say "who are you?" James clearly forgot the question that was asked to him earlier.

cheetah: the name is Skosa!

Skosa shouted it in James's ears which made him come to his senses because of how loud it was but it also made the tinnitus kick in again.

James: oh hello S-Skosa, would you mind telling me where I am?

Skosa: don't you know how interviews work idiot?! I ask the questions and you give me a response!

The saliva from Skosa screaming his head off splattered all over James.

James: ok ok, I understand just please stop yelling, my ears hurt.

Skosa: quietly muttered, yeah like I give a flying fuck about your ears, you're a weird alien anyway.

James: who the fuck are you calling weird alien?! Have you seen yourself, you're a talking cheetah, what's the go with that?!

Skosa: listen let me set things straight, you are the alien here, you are the minority accept it.

James: ok so are you telling me that outside there is a bunch of speaking animals that are waiting to devour me, well I can't trust you either!

James reaches for his pockets and locates his phone, he lifts it up and immediately looks at where his location is.

Skosa: no I will not devour you, only because your alien meat probably tastes like shit.

James: hmpf... and the phones signal, what do I do about it?

Skosa: nothing you can do, your phone must be outdated

James: outdated?! No no no us humans are very clever, much more clever than you animals!

Skosa: oh really

James: yep

Skosa: so then what are you running on cellular?

James: 5G... It gets the job done just fine!

Skosa: you're kidding me right, clearly where you came from the phones were trash

James: where i came from, i dont even know where i am, which country am I in? Answer me now!

Skosa had attempted to cover up James's fear all this time but has failed on the last stretch, James is demanding to know his situation.

Skosa: well it's quite simple you are currently in *speaks gibberish* Is that good enough or do you want coordinates too?

James is shocked he's not on earth anymore.

Skosa: look we had the opportunity to take in an alien for our research, which worked out fine. So if you don't mind could you fill this questionnaire out for me?

Skosa slid a thick booklet in front of James, he picks up the booklet and realised that the booklet is about questions regarding my species etc. Not to mention it has easily over fifty pages.

Skosa: fill this out as soon as possible.

James: um ok I guess

James is escorted outside of the little interrogation room and into a small cell, Skosa told James that he will have to sleep in a small cell for now to be assessed on. James thinks that he is about to be imprisoned or something of the sorts but in reality Skosa just showed James this half decent cell, it has a bunk bed and was very small roughly 3m x 3m. James asked Skosa "why there are two beds" and he replied "because you have to be monitored by a roommate".

James: who will my roommate be?

Skosa: somebody big and scary with big fangs and more terrifying features

James: are you serious?! I don't want to put up with that, please tell me you're kidding?!

Skosa: wait and see

Skosa: I forgot to ask, what exactly is your name?

James: it's James

Skosa: alright, well James it's a good thing you have a name already because I would've named you naked alien

James: w-what?! I'm not naked I have clothes on and I am not the alien here you are!

Skosa: where exactly is your fur? the hair on your head makes you look ridiculous

James: it does not

Skosa: it does too haha

As James gets aggravated by Skosa's smart remarks, another animal enters the room.

Chapter Text

As James continues to argue with Skosa an animal begins to approach them

It was a ferret

Ferret: greetings Skosa

Skosa: hello little man

Ferret: overused joke, it's not funny anymore

Skosa ignores the ferrets statement and zones out

Ferret: hi I'm Tom what's your name?

James: my names James

Tom: it's a pleasure to meet you James, I'm sure we are going to be great cell mates!

Skosa: don't even think about doing what you did last time

James: what happen last time?

Skosa: Tom... lets say got a bit

Tom: enough please, I didn't think it was that problematic at the time

Skosa: I won't forgive you for it. Listen James, Tom was brainwashed by a raccoon to let him escape the station, clearly Tom couldn't contain himself and decided to help the criminal get away and receive a disgusting compensation

Tom: what the hell is wrong with you, that story was a complete lie! I was there and I can confirm that's not what happe!-

James: wait wait so, Tom what is your role here?

Tom exhales deeply and responds to James

Tom: I'm a security guard at this police station

Skosa: he is a bit of nympho too James so watch your back when you are showering

James: WHAT! Are you serious right now you better be kidding me or else I'm not getting in a room with this guy

Tom: no don't worry James he's lying he's saying it as a joke

James: oh ok

Skosa: Tom you are such a party pooper

Awkward silence...

James: how long will I be here for?

Skosa: depends on how quick you complete your exams

James: exams for what?

Tom: you need to complete three exams to make sure that you are a functioning stable member of our society, and you are not some sort of carnivore freak that kills anyone on sight

James: oh ok sounds easy

James stopped for a moment and realised the salivation he would get from eating meat back at home. Is it acceptable to eat meat here?

James: is eating meat allowed here?

Tom: w-what?! no of course not! That's a taboo topic

Skosa: eating meat is illegal, and if your caught you will be killed

James: what seriously?!

Tom: no you won't get killed but you might kill others in the process

Skosa and Tom: are you a carnivore or herbivore?!

James took a step back and realised how difficult it was going to be to answer this question, James was already getting thoughts about when he sees a sheep he will think of lamb cutlets, when he sees cows he will see a juicy beef patty. This mentality surely cannot be accepted and condoned here.

James: I'm a herbivore

Tom is cheerful and Skosa is disappointed

James: When can I start my first exam?

Tom: you will need to get a good nights sleep first buddy

James: who are you calling buddy you are tiny compared to me

Skosa: good joke James haha

Tom is disappointed at James's sudden insult and proceeds to give the guilt trip face

James: sorry Tom I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I just said it in the heat of the moment.

Tom: ok I forgive you but you need to be more careful next time, because around here it's pretty important to not say the wrong thing

Skosa: he's right on that one

James: hmm ok... so how old are you two?

Skosa: 47 years young

Tom: I'm 21 and I'm assuming you are around my age is that right?

James: I'm actually 18...

Skosa and Tom: 18?!

Skosa and Tom begin to harp on about how he should be in school and not in a prison cell. James says that he wouldn't mind seeing what an all animal school would look like.

Skosa: well I got some good news for you, first of all you can't sleep in this station because you are too young so you will have to sleep at Tom's house for the time being

Tom: sounds good to me

James: uhmm ok, if it means I don't have to sleep in this dingy cell...

Skosa: one lasts thing James, you must wear this mask when going out for the time being because you might cause trouble

The mask was all white and had zero expression. James and Tom stayed together and Skosa makes his own way home. James hadn't seen the outside yet, he was confined in the station the entire time. Tom grabs James by the arm and brings him to the exit.

Tom: come on James you have to see this!

Tom brings James to the balcony where you can watch over the entire city, the serenity was amazing, James loved it and was gobsmacked when he saw the size of the city. It finally kicked in into James that this was reality and not a dream.

Tom: lets go to my place now shall we

James: alright

James and Tom begin to walk through the streets to make it to Tom's place.

Tom: what would you like to eat?

James: I wouldn't mind a nice cutlet

Tom: what's that?

James: Uh nothing! it was nothing

Tom: haha okay

James: I think i will have whatever you're having tonight

Tom: ok I hope you like lettuce and noodles

James: oh of course I do, I love that

Tom: hmm good to know

It turns out that Tom has his own apartment just outside of the inner city, it was nicely furnished with brown timber flooring and odd white carpeted walls. James liked what he saw, a clean and tidy place and he followed Tom to see his bedroom that he will be staying in. The room was clean although it turns out that it was more of a study and not a bedroom, although it did have a mattress, a desk with a computer, a window and obviously a light source. James knew he couldn't complain when comparing this to a cell at the police station.

James: wow this is awesome, I can't believe this is going to be my room!

Tom: glad to hear that you like it

Tom: I'm going to go now to meet some friends downtown, you stay here, eat and get some sleep

James: alright sounds good

Tom: see you soon

James: see ya!

Doof the door closed, James is all alone in some strangers apartment in an anthropomorphic world, as if this couldn't get any weirder.

James: what the fuck is going on, what the hell is happeni-

James just remembered that Tom owns a desktop in his room. He rushes over to the computer and it is already logged in, he sits comfortably and begins looking around.

James: Zoogle? what the hell, that sounds just like Google

James: what do I search up, ok I'll do the year then location I suppose

Year: 2021, Location: Province 1

"2021" how thought James, "how could it be 2021 still?"

James notices a pop up notification on an application on the computer, it was a chatting app. James felt as if he had to know what his roommate Tom was like so James went snooping through his messages, the recent message that he had received was from a person named Roxy, and the only thing he could see without me opening the application was "when will I see you next time daddy?" He assumed it was his girlfriend which was fine, but having the name Roxy suggests other thoughts to arise, such as someone who works with-

Tom: hey I'm back

James is screaming internally shuts down the computer as hastily as possible.

Tom: what were you doing in there James?

James: oh me? Nothing I'm just looking around

Tom: alright, I was only gone for 20 minutes, I'll cook some food for both of us

James: ok

Tom: you know James I think I should bring you to this special place I know

James: a special place, like what exactly?

Tom: somewhere were you can just relax and have a good time and a happy ending

James: uhh im not sure I guess I'll go

James did not read between the lines of what Tom was explaining to him.

Chapter Text

Tom makes the food quickly, both Tom and James destroy their meals.

James: It's 21:20 are you sure it's ok for us to be outside so late?

Tom: yeah of course it's fine if anything it's better that it's late and not early if you know what I mean

Tom winks at James yet James simply has no clue what Tom is implying and goes along with the flow and simply says "haha yeah" to not seem uninterested and rude. They both left the apartment complex and walk by foot to an undisclosed location, according to Tom the location is only a 20 minute walk which isn't that bad when you have never seen the area before.

Tom: I don't get why you have to wear that mask

James: I'm not sure either, maybe I could be scary to the citizens here

Tom: yeah you are a pretty scary naked alien

James: im wearing clothes! Seriously man not funny you little fur ball

Tom: who are you calling little? I am older than you!

James: yeah yeah alright buddy...

Tom: ...we are nearly there

James: alright, I'm eager to see where you have brought me to

Tom: I think a boy like you will love this place

As confusing as that message was, Tom took the lead around turning the corner and with his arms out he says tada! Whilst pointing to the place. James looks at the place and it felt as his stomach just dropped.

James: Tom is this a b-brothel? What the hell man?

Tom: yes and no, this is more of a place to find a "fuck buddy" but also a "best friend or partner" So you come to this place to find love or to be intimate

James: oh, I don't think this is the best for me

Tom: what why man? this will be so much fun! You have your mask on anyway so no one will see your face

James: mmm that's not the point... but I don't want to be there too long, is that understood?

Tom: once you step foot in there you won't want to leave

James never thought in his life that he would be entering a brothel let alone an anthropomorphic brothel. James was questioning whether it was even ethical to do so but as soon as he set foot in the place his mind went elsewhere. He noticed that inside the brothel was a small cafe at the front for socialising and the long corridor with rooms in between must have been rooms for hire. James sat the furthest seat away from everyone in the room, Tom grabs him and brings him towards the front desk. Where he saw a glamorous bird of some sort.

Front desk lady: hello how can I help you two

Tom: room 15 tonight for 30 minutes

Front desk lady: ok it's available and ready right now, here are the keys have fun *she said apathetically*

At this point James was sweating his arse off, not only is he just 18, he gets shy around particular women sometimes, not to mention the obvious that he is inexperienced. James was the type of kid to be embarrassed to speak to the popular girls in his classroom so he didn't associate himself with them often and when he did he got a large dopamine rush and got super horny, which he hated. Tom led the way into the room followed by James reluctantly. Upon entering the room, it was hitting James with a strong odour of a flower fragrance similar to lavender. The first thing James saw was a large bed with pure white sheets and as soon as he turned his head he noticed the ginormous mirror on the wall. Tom walks in the room as if he owns it, James awkwardly sits on the bed. James's heart is beating so incredibly fast that he is beginning to sweat on his forehead, Tom notices James's situation and knows a way to calm him down. Somebody outside the room is knocking on the door, James is shitting bricks and doesn't know what to do. Tom then opens the door and it turns out it was just a waitress asking if they wanted anything. Tom ordered for the both of them without his knowledge and a minute later, gives him his drink. He was skeptical about the drink and didn't drink it right away, even though he was close to dehydration at that point.

James leaves to go to the bathroom and now he can finally think about how he's going to get out of this situation. He returns from the bathroom to see Tom lying on the bed, unconscious. James jumps on the bed and slaps Tom in the face to try and wake him up. The door opens this time without any notice, it was a female fox, James remembered seeing her on Tom's computer. He recalls the name Roxy in his mind from those previous messages.

Roxy: what's wrong with him?

James: I think he got spiked!

Roxy: ah you must be new here and don't understand how it works around here, you should probably leave

James: no I don't think I will, he needs help!

Roxy: you're only making it worse for yourself, the bouncers will be here at any moment

James: bouncers... they're just security guards, they don't scare me-

Tom: Ja-James... help me get out of here before it's too late *muttered*

James felt the adrenaline rush as he heard Tom was in danger. James took Tom on his shoulders and because he was small he wasn't too heavy, and the race to escape the brothel had commenced. James severely underestimated all of his opponents. James ran to the first hurdle and side stepped Roxy. He ran down the corridor, and noticed the two large people coming towards him, they where some sort of lizards.

James: fuck what am I going to do *he said frantically*

Tom: the back exit quick

James runs the other direction and makes his way to the back door of the place, the door knob was locked, but James could not care less and beats the door knob with his foot which causes it to open.

James: heh that was easy

Tom: behind you run!

The lizards were close behind him, James ran fast and in between the traffic causing mayhem in the road. The lizards stop their pursuit and leave the scene unscathed. Tom is still delusional and off his face from that spiked drink. James had successfully brought Tom back home. As of now it had become 23:30. James lays down Tom's small furry body on his bed and James goes to his own bed, James then goes on Tom's computer, he sees many notifications from Roxy saying that she's sorry and they got set up by some komodo dragon mafia boss. Not lizards. James knew that that was probably an ordinary thing in a brothel to occur. James fell asleep whilst he was on the computer searching for animal pornography of all sorts, since he was a very curious guy.

The next day arrives, it was 07:39 and Tom was up early and was beginning to feel much better, he walks into James's room and notices that he's left a tab open on his computer called animal porn. James was still sleeping at the desk, Tom walks in and tickles James's ear with his fur.

James: mhm mhmm... ahh what are you doing in my here!

Tom: what are you doing on my computer?...

James immediately sees the computer screen and in shame he didn't turn the tab off and accepted his defeat

Tom: hmm you like it don't you?

James: what no!

Tom: I think you do

James: ok i admit it I like it

Tom: I have to admit it to you that, maybe I should have showed you the brothel when you were more prepared

James: yeah i'm not mentally prepared for that right now

Tom: lets get you breakfast and send you off to the testing area

James: alright

Tom: oh also i'm gonna leave this here for you to fill out

Tom hands over the paperwork for the Cherryton Academy, he told James that him and Skosa intend on sending James there for his last year of education. James agrees and insists that he will fill it out at as soon as possible. Tom and James make their way to the testing area in the police station. They are greeted by Skosa, Tom waits outside the room for James to finish. James completes the first test within a couple minutes, it was all straightforward.

Skosa: so hows Tom been? has he been a good role model?

James: um about that...

Chapter Text

James and Skosa were beginning to discuss what happened yesterday with Tom. But something struck James's mind to give Tom another chance, so James proceeded to lie and say that nothing strange happened last night. James walks out of the testing area and out of the complex with Skosa, Tom seeks them and approaches them. Skosa begins to inform James and Tom about the new mafia crew that has been lingering around the area, in particular, komodo dragons. James and Tom catch a glance at each other's faces and say "no" simultaneously. Skosa nods and says "if you ever see anything, tell me straight away". James and Tom give Skosa a nod and begin to make their way home.

James: Do I still have to wear this mask around?

Tom: Well to be honest... there's not really a need for it anyway

James: yeah I think Skosa was overreacting

James then takes off his white mask which had turned slightly yellow from the sweating fiesta from last night. James's face felt free at last. The two of them make a quick stop at a fast food restaurant. James was getting looked at by all the customers and employees in the shop but he ignored them all as he felt superior.

Tom: try not to talk to anyone please

James: ok I'll try to lay low

Hyena: hey you! Yeah you, where are you from?

James: oh I'm not from around here if anything I'm actually from a different planet maybe even universe but you guys probably can't comprehend that

Tom quietly whispers in James's ear "I told you not to speak, No one is meant to know that!" James rolls his eyes and smirks "it'll be fine don't worry"

Hyena: aye you two stop chit chattin and tell me who y'all are!

Tom: sorry to bother you, I am Tom

James: and who are you? Some kind of rip off wannabe panther/leopard?

Hyena: you think you can just walk in and fuck with me like that and not expect to pay the consequences?

James: ahh yeah that's right

Hyena: listen here you weird looking shit my name is kooda and I am a fucking hyena, so stop with your smart arse remarks or else!

The room went silent, Tom was terrified.

James: geez sorry kooda

Kooda looked in the other direction and ignored James for the time being

Tom: I can't take you anywhere can I?

James: what!? I'm not the problem, it's all these weird other uncivilised animals that think they're alpha in this ridiculous society!

Kooda: who are you calling uncivilised exactly?!

James: people like you of course

Kooda jolts out of his chair and power walks over to James

Kooda: how about we settle this dispute right here right now!

James: nah you're not worth my time

Tom: we come in peace, we did not come to fight, I am terribly sorry for my friend bothering you all

Tom angrily whispered to James's ear

Tom: apologise to him now!

Kooda just stood there, as if he was waiting for something

James: from the bottom of my heart I'm really truly sorry for disturbing everyone in this restaurant. Sorry Kooda I didn't expect things to escalate, I'm only 18 so I don't really know how these things work out-

Kooda: *gasps* you're only 18?!

Kooda facepalms himself and proceeds to sit down and continue with what he was doing before. It appeared that Kooda was disappointed that he was about to go off at some worthless child.

James: I guess we'll leave then

Tom: huh yeah no shit Sherlock

James and Tom leave the now awkward scene at the restaurant and make their way home. As the two of them make their way home Tom firmly introduces new rules.

Tom: these are the new rules, firstly you cannot walk around the area until you have completed all of your citizenship exams and the Cherryton application. Secondly until then, I will not allow you to leave the house unless it's for an exam or something important. Thirdly you must do as I say. Do you understand and agree to these rules?

James does a long sigh and hopes Tom to be a bit more lenient but Tom rejected everything. So James agreed. Back at Tom's place it got a bit awkward to begin with but James decided he should run through the Cherryton application with him. The two of them were up for hours completing the form which included a question on whether James wanted to board at the campus. Tom said that the choice that would benefit him most was to live there. So that's what James chose.

The next morning James quickly had his breakfast and was eager to complete his next exam. Skosa was waiting there already, nice and early. James finished the exam, he then briefly spoke to Skosa, James then left the police station. Tom asked how it went, James said that all went well and they both went home.

Tom: hey, uhm random question but have you taken a liking to any animal that you have come across?

James: no... why do you ask?

Tom: have you even had a relationship before?

James: no... no I haven't, why are yo-

Tom: oh gosh are you serious?!

James: well yeah I'm pretty shy around girls *he said awkwardly*

Tom: haha I cant believe you're still a virgin

James: are you serious, you led me through that whole conversation just to find if I was a virgin or not

Tom: mmm perhaps *he giggled*

James then went quiet and began to think of the ultimate comeback. James twiddled his pinky finger to Tom, Tom didn't understand the reference.

Tom: why are you doing that to your finger?

James: this little finger is to represents the tiny size of your penis

Tom accepted the joke but turned the tables

Tom: at least I have been in a relationship, you have barely even spoken to any women. Especially at the brothel, why couldn't you just man up and do something.

James: man up and do something? I saved your life in case you've forgotten?!

Tom went quiet. James did not say anything, he thought for a few moments, he remembered his situation, "fuck it, I'll just use a condom, ill prove him wrong" he thought. Although it felt a bit unethical to do so, but James couldn't resist it, after seeing Tom's fuck buddy Roxy, James knew he had to try something.

James: call Roxy over to your place tonight

Tom: huh?! How do you know her name?!

James: just call her over

Tom: you sure you can handle it?

James: yep it'll be great

It was 18:45, Tom ended up texting Roxy if she'd like to come over tonight and have a new experience. Tom explains that it was the one that was from earlier at the brothel and Roxy seemed alright with it. Tom wondered what James was going to look like down there and how he'd act like when he is doing the dirty. They both sat down on the lounge relaxing and doing their own thing.

James: hey does Roxy have any medical condition or something that I should know about

Tom: no, what do you mean she's completely fine

James: she doesn't have an std or anything right?

Tom: no of course not! if she had anything I wouldn't have invited her and also you can tell she has something by the godawful scent

James: oh ok... and what about contraceptiv-

21:53 Roxy arrives

Knock knock knock

Roxy: it's me Tom

Tom: ah great she's here

James: wait Tom-

Tom opened the door

Tom: Roxy my beautiful fox how have you been my love?

Roxy: just fine Tom, let me use your bathroom

Tom: haha oh ok then

Tom is blushing and would do anything for Roxy but Roxy doesn't feel the same way about Tom. James nods his head and smiles as a greeting to Roxy. The stress is kicking into James. The sweat is intensifying. Roxy is in the bathroom, Tom set the scene.

James: Tom what if she gets pregnant?! *he splurged out*

Tom: James, I don't know where you are from but here, when a female enters a specific time in their life they can't reproduce

James: but Roxy looks like she's only 25-ish

Tom: age doesn't matter, right now she is not fertile

James: how can you be so sure?!

Tom: because... I know so-

James didn't feel comfortable by the way Toms responses are projected.

Roxy: ok so on the bed right? oh... you're the one from the brothel, I knew I remembered you, and what was your name?

James was really starting to get stage fright kicking in and he kept sweating

James: J-James

Roxy has a good look at James's stature and her cheeks begin to go red when she sees James's bulge. James sees Roxy looking at his body, so he begins to lower his eyes which had been set on her eyes, James lowered his eyes further and further till he saw her breasts. James stood in the room looking at her covered breasts for 10 or so seconds before realising he was being watched by both Tom and Roxy. Being blatantly caught made James awfully embarrassed.

Tom: you two seem to be interested in each other, well it's too bad James because she's already mine

Roxy: oh please, Tom I'm not yours...

The three of them all enter Tom's glamorous room.

Chapter Text

Tom's room was quite small obviously since he wasn't that tall himself, it was roughly 4 by 3 metres which was normal for inner city apartment standards. In Tom's room he had a king sized bed which barely fit and was covered in his fur. There was also a notably large glass mirror the size of the entire wall to the right side and on the left was his wardrobe. Roxy sat upright on the bed, Tom jumped on the bed and then sat similarly to Roxy, James looked around the room whilst his heart was pounding from nervousness. Roxy and Tom whispered to each other about what James has in store to show them, they then giggled and separated. James felt awkward to not say anything.

James: w-what are you guys laughing about?

Tom: nothing hehe

Roxy: come sit with us

James proceeds to sit on the bed with the other two. The three of them were sitting in a circle formation with their legs crossed as if they were in school. Roxy and Tom were looking at James's groin area then looked back to each other. James was getting hit hard with awkwardness because it was dead silent and they were just staring at him. James looks down at his pants to see his cock is not only fully erect in his pants but it is so blatantly obvious.

Roxy: Tom can you take the lead to make James feel comfortable

Tom: hmm yeah I know you want me to lead Roxy baby

Roxy rolled her eyes, the reality was that Roxy wanted to see how big James's bulge was. Tom was awfully predictable and vanilla in bed. Tom began to take off his hoodie and shorts, all that was left was his underwear, Roxy then began to take off her blouse and skirt, she was in her bra and a g-string. James wasn't watching them as he was embarrassed, but eventually he took a look at what they were doing. He noticed Tom had creamy white soft fur all over his chest, whereas Roxy has a mix of red-orange fur. They weren't rushing to take their clothes off, it was as if they were really trying to set the scene. Roxy assesses James and his attire. She then jumps from her position and yanks James's tie towards herself. Roxy and James's face are close, the two of them were only centimetres apart from each other and all they did was not make one word but stare into each others eyes. Roxy knows the ins and outs of most men. As she stared into James's eyes, she noticed that his pupils were dilating indicating that he definitely fancies her. After the 15 seconds of staring into each others souls Roxy speaks up.

Roxy: your turn James!

James: Oh!.. right yes my turn...

Roxy lets go of James's tie, Tom is very confused as to why he doesn't get special treatment like James. James takes off his shirt that he wore on the day were he was concussed in the small alley whilst going to school, he unbuckles his belt and is in his boxers. James's boner was beaming through the thin fabric of his boxers. Tom was shocked to see the silhouette, it was large, in fact much larger than his own unsurprisingly. He knew he couldn't compete with James in this section. Roxy laid back on the bed with her arms wrapped around behind her head watching James awkwardly take of his clothes. Tom felt a bit dull after seeing what James had down there but he kept telling himself that James doesn't have the guts to do anything. Tom thought that James is not going to be able to perform due to not having the bravery.

James had a whiff of the air, the smell was not from an std or the sort it was James's own smegma, James hadn't cleaned his penis for a day or two which caused a large amount of smegma to appear under the foreskin. James's mental state was going through the roof, smegma was the last thing he wanted, he was scared that he was dirty and that he needs to groom himself. He felt shameful for not being clean.

James: i-i need to use the bathroom quickly

Tom: no you're not leaving till we get something done

Roxy: chill dude why the distressed look?

James: I AM NOT DISTRESSED AT ALL!

James was going crazy, so many things were happening to him right now, he doesn't know how to handle the situation effectively. Roxy gets on all fours and begins crawling to James, he was standing on the ground right next to the bed. Roxy sat right next to where he stood and looked up with a grin. In James's perspective he saw an attractive female fox that is evidently about to give him some oral pleasure, which he knew he couldn't let happen. Tom sat there and watched quietly and eagerly to see what will happen. Roxy gently rubs her claws on the inner thigh of James. She wanted to make sure that James wouldn't think of her to be just a lifeless prostitute but also someone with emotion and feelings. Roxy felt that that was the right moment. Roxy then begins to slowly caress James's penis through the outside of his boxers.

Roxy: are you ready~?

James: n-no...

He then began to look around in desperation to get out. Roxy grabbed his arms firmly and gave him a look, a look of beginning a new chapter in life and that it started with this interaction. Roxy put James's hands behind his back, and then put a blindfold over James's eyes using a shirt. Roxy uses her teeth to gently pull down James's boxers about a third of the way. James pulls his boxers up and takes off his blindfold.

James: NO I CAN'T DO THIS!

Roxy: how about Tom leaves?

James: NO im NOT doing this!

Tom stood up and put his clothes on.

Tom: im going to go for a walk to the market and buy some food... i'll um, be back later

Roxy: ok...

Tom walked out of the apartment with a grin on his face knowing that James will finally become brave enough to do it as he is now alone with her, but then his face turns sour to the realisation of where he is in life right now. James has majorly changed Tom's day to day life, there was nothing personal against James, but Tom needed to be alone or at least with just Roxy. "If James can get accepted into Cherryton... then I will be able to pick up my life where I left off before I met James".

James was in the room with Roxy, just the two of them, they began to talk about stuff

Roxy: you know... I wouldn't mind to try it with you, some day...

James: well that's not anytime soon... no offence

James and Roxy put their clothes on whilst talking to each other

Roxy: so where exactly are you from?

James: I don't even know, around here I suppose...

Chapter Text

As the night went by there were two that couldn't stop talking to each other.

James: so, i'm basically from earth, if that even means anything...

Roxy: oh, i've heard the stories, isn't it filled with animal hunters?

James: yeah... I guess

Roxy: do you eat meat?

James was struck hard, he didn't know how to give a good response, so he thought that honesty is the best policy and told her the truth. But only because she is most likely a carnivore.

James: I like meat, like a lot, which I know its a bad thing

Roxy: have you told Tom?

James: no, why?

Roxy: we should go out for dinner, I think it'd be nice

James: oh that sounds like a nice idea, where though?

Roxy: I didn't ask all those questions earlier for no reason, the back alley market is where I'll take you, you are probably craving it aren't you?

James: yeah i am a bit, serious question do you ever get a feeling that you want to eat Tom? You know since he's just a ferret

Roxy: no not Tom, ferret meat and such aren't the best flavours to be honest, its too tough. What kind of meat do you like?

James: the meat I like eating are pigs, sheep, cows, chicken and heaps more, now that I say that I feel awful...

Roxy: heh it's fine don't worry, its natural for us carnivores. And it seems that you are quite the picky eater, you really are a meat connoisseur

James: what do you mean meat connoisseur?

Roxy: well those types of meats you've listed are very limited at the markets or are very expensive because they are in big demand all the time... especially sheep. A lot of sheep die more often than any other animal because of their premium quality meat

James had a frown as he heard those facts.

Roxy: hey James lets exchange contacts so that we can organise something in the weeks to come

James: yeah ok

The two of them exchanged their details and Roxy sparked up an interesting comment

Roxy: hey James... I'd really like to get to know you better

James: y-you do?

Roxy: yes but I want you to know that I'm not just some dirty prostitute off the street because that's not true, it's not like that

James: I believe you but even if you were from the streets I would have still been close to you just as much

Roxy was shocked by his statement and couldn't respond

Roxy: well I guess I'll head off now

James: yeah I think it's best you get home now

Roxy: just tell Tom you fucked me, and i'll tell him the same, so that way you wont feel bad

James: ok thanks

Roxy left and soon Tom eventually came back home. Tom arrived home at 23:14. Tom walked into James's bedroom and turned on his light.

Tom: look James there's something I need to tell you

James: uhm what is it?

Tom: I am sorry for doubting you and i'm sorry for picking on you earlier

James: no... thank YOU! Tom, you really helped me get out of my comfort zone!

Tom: Oh! yeah no problem just what bros do haha

Tom felt the pain in his heart after hearing that. Tom was so fixated over Roxy and now that James has won her over, Tom has discovered a new feeling, Jealousy.

The two of them go to sleep and wake up at precisely 06:30 to get to the last citizenship exam by 08:00. Tom and James have had very small talk that morning, the main topics were the discussion of Tom wishing James good luck on his exam. The two of them found Skosa and they began to chat. James has a quick chat with Skosa then he sits himself down in the exam room. It was then just Tom and Skosa left outside the examination room.

Skosa: you know if he passes this exam... then it's like he's one of us, full citizenship. But like he's not one of us at the same time, you get what i'm saying

Tom: no, James is definitely different, but I see him very similar to the citizens here

Skosa: did you get James to apply for that school? Cherryton right?

Tom: yeah we are going to apply as soon as he passes this exam, then I'm a free man *he chuckled*

Skosa: what?... I thought you liked looking after people, I mean you're a guard as your profession

Tom: well the thing is that money is currently running low so I can't afford to keep looking after and maintaining the guy

Skosa: I get what you're saying but I thought you were in a good situation wealth wise?

Tom: no you must've gotten mixed up with some other Tom

Skosa: yeah I must've... well this is the things that happen with old age... you start to lose your memory

Tom: you're like 40 something, stop over exaggerating

James walked out of the complex with an official citizenship card, that was to be on your person at all times, it served as a means of ID.

Tom and Skosa: did you pass?

James: yes of course I passed *he said proudly*

Tom: great job James, lets get home to submit your school application

James: why the rush? can't we talk with Skosa a bit longer?

Tom: ok we'll hang around longer I guess

The three of them were talking for 10 or so minutes before a dispatch told Skosa to enter the scene of a stabbing at the back alley market. Tom and James returned home, James's phone was buzzing like crazy because of Roxy. James made sure to hide his phone from Tom at all costs. For the rest of the day, Tom and James filled out boring paperwork for the Cherryton Academy application. After an hour or two, the two of them had finally finished the entire booklet and will be handing it in tomorrow morning at the school itself. James was looking forward to seeing students and people his own age.

06:30 wake up as usual, James's school clothes from nearly a week ago have been finally cleaned. It was a surprised that it wasn't scuffed in any way. Tom and James walked quietly to the school and James observed the citizens.

James: hey Tom... if I get accepted into Cherryton... will you still want to be friends with me or not? it's completely fine if you don't.

Tom: well I was thinking that we could just be acquaintances, but in the event of a situation were I need a second person, I can always rely on you James

James: oh well, thanks that means a lot!

The two of them approach Cherryton Academy. The boarding school was enormous, it had multiple levels, nothing that James has ever witnessed before.

James: wow so this is it

Tom: yep, campus looks pretty neat huh?

James: I have never been to a school with so many students before, there must be over 1000 for sure

Tom: don't tell me you're feeling scared right now?

James looks at Tom with a nervous look.

Tom: you overcame your fear of relationships with women and now you can't handle a little couple thousand students, oh come on...

Tom: what you did the other night was a massive accomplishment, treat this situation as the same and you should be fine

James: yeah I guess I can try implement that technique

Tom: it's fine... apparently we need to see someone called... Gon

Gon: you called!

Tom: ARGH! Gee you scared me

Gon: oh sorry, and you must be James right?

James: yep that's me!

Gon: great let's conduct some tests

James thought to himself 'what kind of tests are they going to make me do?'

Gon: And your Guardian can leave if they wish

Tom: James do you want me to stay or are you good

James: I think I'm good, thanks Tom

Tom smiled at James and then left the school.

Gon brought James to the interview room

Gon: so James, tell me, why you want to be apart of the Cherryton community?

James: I would like to be apart of this community because it is very friendly and diverse and I think I would be a good student in this school because I can bring many new things to the table.

Gon: what are your aspirations?

James: hmm my aspiration is to work my dream job, which is in justice and defence

Gon: are you a leader who will always excel at anything they do?

James: yep of course I show many aspects of leadership qualities

Gon: now what are your thought about this?

Gon tested something new and unethical on James, he brought out a plate of squirrel meat. Gon put the plate of meat on the table.

Gon: so James express your thoughts to me, do you like what you see? Do you want to devour it?

James looked at the pieces of meat which were scattered around messily, it made him hungry, but the thought of seeing a dead squirrels body made him uncomfortable and disgusted as to how someone could eat something like that.

James: no... no that is just terrible and disgusting, how could any sane person eat another being?!

Gon: hmm ok

Gon put the plate under his desk and put his hand out to handshake James, however James phased out.

Gon: is there a problem?

James: oh right no sorry

The two of them shook hands

Gon: I'll let you know about your results within a day or two

James: ok sounds good

James exit the office and began to walk around the academy

James: wow it's beautiful

James: now I'm gonna have to learn a bunch of names going to a school this big

James kept walking around looking up at all the interesting architecture they have, however he wasn't paying attention in front of him. He unintentionally bumped into someones shoulder. The sound of multipe books hitting the ground alerted him. James looked down and began to pick up the books, as he was doing so from the corner of his eye he noticed that he bumped into a girl. "great... social interaction" he reluctanly thought to himself. He lifted the books up and saw who he bumped into.

James: hey uh im really sorry about that, I didn't see you there

James handed over the books and looked at her face. "oh crap why is she so pretty?!" he thought to himself. He also noticed an obvious factor that she was a cheetah.

girl: oh its alright, you must be new here?

James's eyes instantly locked into her beautiful beady eyes

James: um y-yeah but I haven't been accepted yet so...

girl: Oh ok well if you want to ask a question don't be afraid to ask the students here, we're all friendly

James: yeah, I know

James: so... what's your name?

Sheila: my name's Sheila, and you are?

James: oh I'm James, nice to meet you

Sheila: well it's nice to meet you too... are you going to be in the seniors year?

James: yep and I assume you are as well if you're carrying all these damn books

Sheila: yep that's right *she chuckled*

James looks around midst the conversation. He doesn't know what to say and it's getting awkward even though it was a simple frinedly interaction. James was trying hard to think of something.

Sheila: ...you know we graduate in like a semester right?

James: what really is that all?!

Sheila: well yeah haha, didn't you read any of the brochure you were given?

James: oh no I didn't receive one... do you know where I could find one?

Sheila: they're just at the office near the entrance, I'll show you

James: great thanks a lot!

The two of them walk and talk till they reach the destination, they discovered that they have a few common interests, specifically music taste, they both like music with a fast tempo.

James: hey do you reckon I could get your number or something?

Sheila: uh yeah sure

Sheila showed James an app that he should download on his phone since its what everyone is using nowadays.

James: thanks, you should probably get to class now

Sheila: yeah the school's strict with that kind of stuff

The two of them split up, James had butterflies in his stomach, he hoped that she felt the same way he did. James took a broschure and made his way home by walking through the city on his own, James notices someone has been robbed at an auto teller machine. He is undecided whether he should step in or not.

Chapter Text

James was walking home from the academy when he stumbles across a thief.

Gazelle: stop it, that's my purse!

Feline: it's mine now so just let go already!

James the guy who thinks he's a hero steps into the feud

James: give her purse back

Feline: no but you don't understand, it's actually mine!

The feline then yanks the purse out of the gazelles hands and start sprinting off

James: oi you stop!

James began to start running after him. The feline looks back at James and laughs. James thought everyone roughly ran similar speed to him. But the feline bolted so fast that there was no chance that James could've caught up. James forgot about the differences each species has in comparison to him, he's not considered fast anymore. James returned back to the lady who's purse was stolen.

James: sorry I couldn't get your purse back

Gazelle: that's ok, I wasn't expecting much from someone with your body, at least you tried

She shrugged him off and walked away, James felt insulted and insecure by her remark, he ignored it and continued to walk home.

Back in the apartment 15:23

James: hey Tom, do you think I'm chubby?

Tom: what makes you ask that question?

James: well there was a thief that I saw and I tried to chase them but they were really fast

Tom: if you're not a fast runner you don't chase people, you're not very nimble are you?

James: yes I am, but clearly not here

Tom: it's fine you'll know for next time

James: yeah I guess so, and what do I do when someone attacks me?

Tom: when someone attacks you... you call the police, like every other normal person

James: and if you can't call the police?

Tom: run

James: And if you can't run?

Tom: fight as if it's your last battle

James: huh ok

Tom: I don't think it's s good idea for you to get involved in fights, you are very weak and fragile

James: well thanks a lot Tom, now I know for sure that I can never be able to defend myself.

A few seconds later: Ring ring!

James: oh... who could this be?

An unknown number...

James: hello who am I speaking with?

Gon: This is Gon from the Cherryton Academy

James: oh hello Gon, nice to hear from you again

Gon: my apologies James I have forgotten to give you a brochure of the school

James: it's ok a student showed me where they are and gave me one

Gon: which one of my students was it?

James had to play dumb so that Gon doesn't suspect James to not care about education and only primarily care about relationships

James: it was a senior I think, she was a cheetah if I'm not wrong

Gon: must've been Sheila, that's great to hear that you've already spoken to YOUR new class mates

James was speechless and didn't know what to say

Gon: are you still there James?

James: yes, yes I am

Gon: good because I want to tell you that you have been accepted to the Cherryton academy. Now the transition process awaits, you have been allocated in room 254, you've been allocated this room so you can fit in better at school and feel more at ease with people similar to you.

James: oh... ok sounds great!

Gon: I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for your introduction day

James: yeah I'm eager to come tomorrow

Gon: see you tomorrow James

James: yeah see you tomorrow

Click. The call ends

James: I've been accepted!

Tom: oh wow that is awesome dude!

James: yeah I know right!.. wait so that means in two days time we won't be with each other anymore

Tom: yeah but I'm sure we can go out every once in a while

James: yeah of course

James: I'm gonna call Skosa and tell him the good news

Tom: yeah he would like to hear that you've been accepted

James called Skosa to tell him that he's been accepted into Cherryton, Skosa was very proud of James. James walks in his room, locks the door and calls Roxy

Brr brr... brr brr click

James: hey Roxy

Roxy: oh hey James, how are you?

James: I'm good actually I wanted to tell you that I've been accepted into Cherryton Academy.

Roxy: wow that is amazing James, you should be proud of yourself

James: yeah I sure am *he chuckled*

Tom slowly creeps towards James's door to try and figure out who he is talking to

Roxy: so I don't think we finished the other night, let alone start...

James: ...I didn't think you would want to come back to me so soon

Roxy: I know you want me, I know I've been on your mind haven't I? Ever since that night in Tom's room, you know you want more don't you?

Tom could hear the conversation both ways using his very sensitive ears, he becomes very gloomy and dull, he stops eavesdropping and goes to his room to calm himself down.

James: I do like you... but I don't think I could ever imagine a future with you...

Roxy: look either way come over to my place tonight, this can be a reward to getting accepted into Cherryton

James: b-but I don't want that reward... cant we go out to eat dinner or something?

Roxy: at the back alley right?

James: if thats the place with the meat then yes

Roxy: ok meet me there at 21:30 near the entrance

James: ok sounds like a plan

They end their call at 19:43 giving enough time for James to think about what to wear as an outfit. James gets a pocket knife and scratches off the logo patch on his white school shirt. The pants where already dark grey and his shoes were black, James wore his tie too to look fly, not for any other reason. James slicks back his hair and walked up to Tom's room. "Tom must be sleeping" thought James so he wrote a note to Tom saying where he was incase he gets worried the next morning.

James wrote down "Hey Tom I have gone for a walk around the city central for a while, I'll be back home in one piece I promise."

James left the apartment and began walking to the back alley market, but Tom wasn't really sleeping, he was on his phone in his room the entire time. Tom did something that he never would've thought to do but did it out of jealousy. He followed James. Tom watched how James was walking, his hands swaying side to side and his head up.

Tom: hmm all cocky and everything

Tom: just as I suspected, he met up with Roxy at this unknown location

Even though Tom had lived in the area for nearly 5 years, he had not seen this place before. From Tom's perspective he saw the two of them walking around a corner. Tom the curious ferret that he is was eager to see where they were headed off to. Tom peaked his head slowly around the corner and his jaw dropped.

Tom: oh my, oh no... no no I can't be here!

Tom was scared for his life seeing that he was at the infamous back alley market. He ran out of the area as fast as he could. Herbivores in the back alley market was a death wish.

Tom: why would Roxy bring him there?!

It was Thursday night and it was somewhat busy in the back alley market.

James: nice outfit, you're looking good tonight

Roxy: thanks

James: do you have any recommendation where we should eat

Roxy: yeah I know a place

Roxy took the lead, James was holding her hand behind her. James was looking around the market, the odor was insanely strong. "It smells like meat alright" James thought to himself. The people in the market were a bit puzzled to see a face like james's appear. The couldn't quite tell whether he was a herbivore or carnivore. He saw a variety of different meats. James although was very picky with the foods he ate.

James: hey Roxy, the food gets cooked right?

Roxy: well you buy it raw and then you would have to cook it yourself

James: ehh ok, well I just want to tell you now that I can't eat raw meat

Roxy: oh same it just doesn't taste the same as when it's cooked

James: do you know where we should cook it

Roxy: I forgot to mention that there are rental barbeques here with seats and everything for us

James: oh wow that's awesome, wasn't expecting that

Roxy: I am going to buy goat meat, I know it will be something new for you but trust me... it tastes good

James: alright Roxy, I trust you... but make sure mine is cooked well done!

Roxy: yeah ok, now sit down at that seat over there at number 5

James: ok i'll wait for you

James sat at the table of two all alone, every now and then people would look over at his face wondering where the hell he came from.

Roxy: here we are the premium goat meat

James: oh my I realised that I don't even have any money on me, how will I repay you?!

Roxy: you don't have to repay any money

Roxy slid her hand up and down James's thigh with a grin

James: heh oh... lets not do that in public

Roxy: why are you embarrassed to be around me?

James: no! not at all, I just don't want to ruin my reputation while i'm still at school

Roxy: we are eating at the back alley market and now you think of this

James: argh my mind took meat as a priority over reputation

Roxy: lets eat up quickly then we'll just head over to mine

James: wait what no *he said muffling on his food*

The two of them ate, drank and laughed for a while and they lost track of the time. James checked his phone to see if he's received any notification, he has nothing new but the time was 00:19 am.

James: hey it's getting pretty late don't you reckon?

Roxy: I don't sleep at night i'm nocturnal *she boasts*

Roxy had drunk one too many glasses of a strange looking liquer. James consumed only a small sip to see what it tasted like.

James: come on Roxy lets go

Roxy: whaaat nooo I like it here with you!

James: you'll still be with me but i'll take you home

Stranger: *cough cough*

James turns around to see an entire komodo dragon mob behind him. James was speechless, the physique on the komodo dragons were utterly impressive. This was the same mob at the brothel, but they couldn't recognise James because he wore a mask in the brothel. James then lifts up Roxy and politely excuses himself and Roxy from the area. A komodo dragon spits a pint of poison in front of James's face as a threat to halt.

Komodo dragon: where do you think you're going? we are the Dokugumi alright kid

James: hey guys look i'm not looking for trouble, I swear I haven't done anything, and I dont have anything on me

Dokugumi boss: who are you?

James: i'm James... who are you guys?

Dokugumi boss: great question you asked... James we are the dokugu-

Roxy woke up from her little nap she had and thought to herself "hmm?! what are they all doing here... with James?!"

Roxy: hey we didn't do anything wrong ok, please leave us alone

Dokugumi boss: no this boy has to run an errand for us

James: uhm w-what exactly?

Dokugumi boss: right fucking now so get in the car!

He points to a boring minivan that was parked on the side of the street.

Dokugumi boss: you're driving it

The group of Komodo Dragons begin to firmly escort him to the van.

James: what about Roxy?!

Dokugumi boss: uhm she'll come with us I guess, she can come along for the ride. Its gonna be a bumpy one though *he said menacingly*

The 9 of them all fit inside of the minivan. The boss told james to drive because nobody knew how to drive a manual transmission.

James: u-u-uhm where am I driving to?

James was very scared to be driving around a group of mafia thugs and he also didn't want to get caught for driving without a license.

Dokugumi boss: do as I say, is that understood?

James: y-yep

Chapter Text

Dokugumi boss: look to make you feel more comfortable my name is actually Savon

James: look I don't think I can do this, this feels wrong

Savon: it's just a rivals block they are Rhino's, they wont suspect a thing from their drug house. It's 01:00am. No one will know that it's us and we'll get away clean and easy, not to mention that its in a quiet suburban town and I doubt the gang will be alarmed.

Roxy: it'll be ok James, you can do this

James: that's not the point, im a fucking accomplice if I agree to help you

Savon pulls down his mask and shows James his dripping venomous saliva pouring all over the cup holders and melting them instantly.

Savon: do you want me to spit in your fucking face? DO YOU?!

James scooched back and nodded no with his mouth shut to Savon

Savon: ok we're here, you boys remember the plan

The rest of the Dokugumi nod

Savon: ok let's bust this bitch open

6 members of the Dokugumi ran out the van and broke into the house. Savon stayed to make sure James didn't try to fuck up his plans. Roxy obviously stayed back as well. The house alarm went off, James's heart was beating fast but not as fast as when he was intimate with Roxy for the first time which made him question how a high level burglary isn't more intense than being intimate for the first time.

Savon: ...so what kind of species are you?

James: ...

Savon: I asked you a question are going to answer it?!

James: stop yelling you scaly cunt im trying to focus here!

Savon got pissed off with James but just managed to contain himself by insulting James.

Savon: has anyone ever told you that you look like a freak?

Roxy: come on he's not from round here

Savon: yeah no shit look at his body, hairless besides the top of his head, whats the go with that?

Roxy kind of agreed with his statement and didn't say anything.

Roxy: there they are!

Savon: James open the trunk!

James: its already open

Savon: ok good

The Dokugumi members fill up the boot of the minivan with cold hard cash in duffel bags, James counted roughly six, one each which made James think that this must've been a lot of money... or drugs. All the members hastily dropped off the bags in the trunk, closed it. They jumped in the van and it was showtime for James. James put his clutch in and goes into first gear. he kicks the gas pedal to 5000 revolutions and dumps the clutch. All four tires were screeching, the minivan was a sleeper. The van looked ugly and dull on the outside but on the inside you could hear the supercharger whine with great might. The whole nine of them were hanging on to the edge of their seats as a result of James's sudden acceleration, even himself couldn't adapt to the power the vehicle was producing.

James: ah shit I see motorcycle headlights behind us

bang!bang! woosh!

Savon: FUCK!.. EVERYBODY DUCK YOUR HEADS! change of plans, drop us off at our place, I'll give you the directions but for now we have to shake these son of a bitches off our asses

James: this is going to be difficult... but I'll try!

Savon: you boys locked and loaded?

Dokugumi members: yes boss!

Savon: on my command you fire!

The Rhino mob stops shooting to not bring the attention of the local police. Savon carefully imagines the scene and his location and comes to the conclusion of how to get away.

Savon: James turn left here

James: ok

Savon: go straight and then take the second exit

James: ok

Savon: pull into this little alleyway and put all the windows down

James: ok done

Savon led the van into a dead end, the other mobsters were on motorcycles. Savon had the idea that if they stood their ground firmly whilst the other mob attack on their defenceless motorcycles... the Dokugumi could easily eradicate the mob, since they had cover.

James and Roxy held hands and put their heads down. James kept all windows down so that the Dokugumi members and Savon could shoot. But James kept the car in reverse to provide light to the Dokugumi.

BANG! RATATATA! BANG!

Dokugumi member: got one!

Dokugumi member: hit!

Dokugumi member: 3 dead!

Dokugumi member: make that 4!

Four Rhino men had died, James lost concentration by reassuring Roxy that she will be safe, as a result of this, James's feet disengaged the clutch whilst it was still in reverse.

All the members inside the van got swept back.

DOOF!

James had accidentally run over the last Rhino mobster in the area. A few of the Dokugumi members jump out of the van and execute the last enemy goon on the spot and then hide all evidence.

Savon: get in boys, this is no time for silly games

Savon: drive us here James

James nodded, he didn't say anything. He dropped off Savon and his members at their large and luxurious lair. Savon thanked James and Roxy for their cooperation and Savon states that if there are any problems, they can call the Dokugumi. James and Roxy appreciate the gratitude but are really physically and mentally exhausted so Savon gets one of his members to escort James and Roxy to their homes. James and Roxy hug each other firmly and then split up, their journey home was safe with the Dokugumi drivers. James walked into the apartment very quietly, he gently opens the door and saw the light is on. Tom was sitting on the couch twiddling his fingers. Tom stood up instantly.

Tom: i'm disappointed in you James... I thought you were better than this.

James had no clue as to what Tom could be upset about, could Tom have been upset from finding out that he hung out with Roxy or that he went to the back alley market?  "wait but Tom doesn't know that I was talking to Roxy anyway, and there is no way Tom would've known if we had gone to the back alley market." he thought to himself. What exactly was ticking in Tom's mind?

James: did I say something wrong? Did I upset you Tom?

James crouched down on Tom's level.

James: please tell me Tom... what's wrong, we can resolve this issue together-

Tom: look James I know it hasn't been long since we met but just, why did you have to go to the back alley market?

Tom didn't mention anything about Roxy.

James: I went to see what it was like... I was curious... I didn't eat anything I was just looking!

Tom: hmm ok well you shouldn't be going to those places because they're dangerous

James: ok Tom, I'm sorry

He punched James's arm

Tom: thanks

The next morning 07:35 Friday

James: hey Tom I've been talking to this girl at Cherryton on this new app and she's super cool and cute but I don't know how to keep a conversation flowing, do you have any reccomendations?

Tom: well just analyse the species and you'll be fine

James: oh, I'll just have to find a book about cheetahs then...

Tom: you like a cheetah girl?! You're a wild man, good luck with her haha

James: what? she's so nice and friendly

Tom: but what if she devours you in the middle of the night

James: that wont happen, come on Tom you know that doesn't happen

James: anyway have you been seeing anyone?

James had instant regret saying that and hopes Tom won't harp on about Roxy.

Tom: yeah I'm actually going out on a date with her tonight

James: oh nice! What species is she?

Tom: Fox...

James: oh ok... well have fun!

Tom: yep I will be having a lot of fun!

Tom was planing on meeting with Roxy at the brothel. Tom talks very sternly when he says that he will be having a lot of fun and tries to outdo James as a result of his jealousy. James doesn't see this as a competition, not one bit.

Tom: I'm gonna head off to my date now

James: alright have fun!

Click the door closed

James: home alone... nice

James sat down on the chair in his bedroom and texted Sheila. He sent Sheila a message saying "hey Sheila, I got accepted into Cherryton Academy I can't wait to be a part of the community! :D"

James: far out, I take too long to think of a good message

James turns on the computer, and notices a large amount of notifications popping up, it was Roxy. Roxy said in her message to Tom, "how much money do you have? I'm only accepting cash, no more of your gimmicks. James was didn't know anything about it and knew it was best to ignore it. James then watched some videos online about Cherryton Academy

James: wait what day is it today?!

James: fuck it's Friday I have my introduction day today!

James turned off the pc, he put his clothes on, brushed his hair and brought a clipboard and paper with him and began walking to the school. School started at 08:30 and it was already 08:15.

James: fuck me dead, why me?!

James: I didn't get enough bloody sleep and now my body is all sore

James makes it in time for school, he is a bit out of breath.

James: ok so the time is 08:25. I guess I should be meeting my new roommates first, because thats the polite thing to do.

James asked for directions from an elephant that was walking past him.

James: room 253, room 254! That's the one

James took a deep breath in and out

James: ok here we go

Knock knock knock

James: hello, is anybody in there?

James heard voices on the other side but can't quite tell what they were saying.

Click clack the door opens

James remembers Gon telling him that he will feel comfortable with these people. James waited eagerly to see who was waiting on the other side.

Chapter Text

The door opens, James can't wait to see who he will be roommates with. As the door opens fully a large figure is standing right in front of James. James nearly shit himself because he wasn't expecting this animal. A big silverback Gorilla opened the door with an Orangutan and monkey beside him.

"Hello!" The three of them say at the same time with a cheerful voice.

Gorilla: Let us introduce ourselves inside, come on in

James: yeah ok cool

Gorilla: so my name is Goro

Orangutan: my name is Oren

Monkey: and my name is Mike

James: nice to meet all three of you, Goro, Oren and Mike

Goro: and I'm the strong one

Oren: I'm the wise one

Mike: and I'm definitely the crazy one haha

All three of them: so what's your name?

They all looked excited and intrigued by James's presence and appearance

James: my name is James and I'm a... I'm me!

Oren: he is basically one of us

Mike: wow this is so awesome

Goro: so James you are herbivore right?

James: no... I'm actually a carnivore

Mike: that's ok, we accept all people!

Oren: interesting, I didn't think I would meet someone with similar genetic traits that eats meat... how bizarre

Goro: well don't get any ideas

Goro said it as a joke but was also serious at the same time.

James: oh I would never do something so terrible like that

Goro: haha I was just mucking around.

James: haha alright

James felt more relaxed hanging around with the species he's similar to.

Mike: hey hey James, your bed is here, we have set it up and everything just for you and we hope you enjoy!

James: thanks mike, I know I will enjoy it with you guys

James: so are we all seniors?

Oren: yes we are all seniors, what made you want to come to Cherryton Academy so late in the academic year?

James: well Oren I am not from here as you can tell and I knew that I needed to find my place here in the city, so here I am!

Oren: you are from earth aren't you

James: how did you know that I was from earth?!

Oren: well I read a small extract online from an anonymous source about a "human" will arrive to our planet

James: is that an urban legend or something?

Oren: yeah kind of, the idea is that there is a strange being that comes to this planet according to some old tablets thousands of years ago

James: I don't think it's me guys just to clear up

Oren: well you are one of a kind, I have never seen a face like yours in real life

Oren: anyway we should go to the cafeteria now

The four of them left and made their way to the cafeteria. The students look at James, not in a bad way though just out of curiosity. The new kid on campus was always the latest trend for all the students to talk about. Essentially the word got around quickly that James was a one of a kid student at Cherryton Academy. Friday morning cafeteria is nearly a full house, James doesn't even know where to begin to look at. There were so many faces, so many different types of animals and so many emotions being expressed. He'd only seen these places on films but never in person.

Otter 1: who's that guy with Goro?

Otter 2: I think that's the new guy

Eagle 1: look at that guy

Eagle 2: odd looking fella aye

Cheetah 1: that's that new guy in the senior year right?

Sheila: yeah that's right, I wonder what classes he does...

Cheetah 1: cant really make a judgement on him, doesn't have any stereotypes hehe

Sheila: true true

Goro: gee all eyes are on you James

Oren: well it sure does not help that you are wearing the wrong uniform...

Mike: yeah you kinda stand out like a sore thumb but don't let that bother you!

James: yeah I know your right Mike

Panther 1: who's that guy?

Panther 2: I dunno looks funny though

Panther 3: I dare you...

Panthers: oh no shits goin down

Panther 3: dare you to go up to him and spill a glass of water right on his crotch

Panther 2: you gotta do that man it would be hilarious

Panther 1: yeah yeah alright boys hype me up though

Panthers: you got this Paul! Let's go Paul! For the views Paul!

Paul: alright alright, I going now

Paul reached for his glass cup full of freezing cold water and he made his way to James whilst giggling. James and the "apes" (which was what they called themselves) were bringing their food their table. Paul quickly intercepts and goes for the execution of the prank. James was walking with his tray of food, Paul fake trips right in front of James and spilt the water all over James's crotch. James watches the water in slow motion go all over his groin area.

"This is so embarrassing" thought James, he followed it by thinking "how the fuck do I get out of this?" In his thoughts. James looked up to see who the culprit was, it was a panther. "ok ok firstly, relax James, don't get the shits now, it's not worth it" he thought to himself.

Paul: uh oh whoops my bad! haha

James was looking at the mark it made on the pants, he realised it was only water and water dries off fairly quick so James took this opportunity to make this scene into an ending that benefited himself. At this stage Paul had amassed quite an audience.

James: oh... that's ok mate, everyone makes mistakes

Paul was shocked by James's reaction... Paul pulls off the second layer to the prank.

Paul: that liquid happened to be a part of a science project I was doing and has many corrosive chemicals in it!

James: *sarcastically* oh really?! Oh no what am I going to dooo?!

James was getting on Paul's nerves now.

Paul: I'm not kidding you will die before the end of the night if you don't do anything about it!

James: dude I know you're just playing with me, you seriously need to get a fucking life, how dumb do you have to be to believe that statement, get lost you loser

Paul refuses to believe James caught on.

James: your facial expressions make it very obvious, not to mention only the panthers are laughing in the room which clearly indicates that you have planned this prank on me, yall are a bunch of dumb cunts hahaha

Paul: geez can't you enjoy a prank or something?

Paul walked off defeated and gutted.

Panther 3: what happen Paul?

Panther 2: yeah Paul we thought you had this one?

Paul: this kid is different, a weirdo for sure

James looked to the apes in a way saying what the heck just happened.

James: anyway, let's begin eating... I'm sooo hungry

Goro: yeah same, you did good out there too man

The apes and James all sit down together on the bench and began to eat their food.

Oren: you handled that situation really well there James

James: thanks Oren

Mike kicks James's foot, James's eyes connect with mike's eyes, Mike's eyes look above James and then back to his eyes indicating something is behind him. James notices Mike's message and begins to slowly turn around- Two large hands out of nowhere dropped on his shoulders.

Unknown: hey James how's it going with your new group?

James had no clue who was speaking till he turned around and realised it was just Gon, the principal

James: ah hello Gon it's nice to see you again, my group is really nice and friendly, so far they have been really helpful and kind!

Gon: that's great to hear James, oh and could you come with me?

James: uh yeah ok

Gon: I see charismatic and leadership traits in you James. Especially when you handled the situation earlier with the Paul.

James: oh o-okay

James was wondering where this conversation was leading to, not to mention why on earth the principal couldn't stop the altercation earlier.

Gon: so you're probably wondering where I'm taking you and it's to the hall, I want you to explain everything and anything about your culture or things you did when you weren't here. It'll be like a question and answer type of thing.

James: ehh alright

Gon: to all the students and in about a couple minutes time

James: UH?! I-I *sigh* ok sure...

08:54. The event starts at 09:00. Only six minutes to prep a speech. James was sweating and was anxious because he will be in front of a thousand or so students for the first time. Gon was on stage greeting all of the students and was saying the latest news about the general stuff, he then changes all of a sudden.

Gon: talking about new things, we have a new senior student who will be talking to us, please give a warm welcome to James!

Gon left the stage. The stage director guided James forcefully when to enter.

Stage director: ok go to the podium and use these buttons to control the screen

James: ok yeah got it

James brought his phone along with him to show pictures of what life was like on earth. he walked out and into the spotlight. He thought to himself, "even though I don't know these people, it's still terrifying." He stepped up to the podium and looked at the notes that were already on the stand.

Everybody is looking at James. Sheila watches eagerly.

Chapter Text

James tapped on the microphone to see if it was working, luckily it was. He thought about some random bullshit in his head in the moment.

James: it is an honour to be here at this school speaking for you guys. If you haven't noticed already I am a new student here at Cherryton Academy. I arrived here a couple of days ago and I feel as if it won't be easy for me to integrate into this society but I am trying my best to adapt myself to it. I am taking slow and steady steps to fit in with the people here and I have already picked up on a few things. *he chuckled*

A bright LED screen at the back of the hall flashed saying "EXAMPLE"

James: so uhm something that I picked up on is that...

James was thinking real hard on what to say.

James: I've noticed... that the people here in the city haven't gotten used to my face and refuse to believe something as strange as I am exists.

James was wondering why the heck he even said that.

James: I have also noticed that you people are really agile and fast

Back screen says "EXAMPLE"

James: an example of this happened two nights ago where I was walking at night through the city and there was this gazelle lady and some feline thief and I was all like, hey give her purse back and the feline was like no it's mine and began to run off and I tried running after the feline and then I realised how I am not so fast compared to the others here.

Voice from the audience: so what happened?!

James: what happened in the end... I don't know what happened after that, I spoke to the gazelle lady and she was angry at me and told me that I was basically making fun of her or something like that because I'm not fast enough yada yada.

Gazelle students in the crowd were wondering who the lady was in the story.

James: I don't have much else to say on my end, but if you have any questions, by all means you can ask them now or whenever you see me around on campus I guess

Voice: hey! hey!

James: yeah

Voice: what's your species?

James: good question, I feel as if I should have mentioned that in the beginning

James: I am a human... so yeah if you've heard of it then great if ya don't then no biggie

Same voice: are you a herbivore or carnivore?

James: I don't think that question really matters, like ok yes I'm a carnivore, but that shouldn't change perception you have of me

Quiet whispers amongst the crowd.

Voice: how old are you?

James: I am 18 and a senior...

Gon enters the stage.

Gon: before we conclude this meeting I would like to kindly remind to all the students to treat this young fellow James with respect and to not exclude him as he is a part of us now

The meeting ended, and all the students slowly made their way to their next class. James tried to find one the apes to help him find his classroom hes meant to be in. James didn't see anyone he knew around him so he started to drift around the school searching for the classroom on his own. James looked around to see if there was anyone nearby that could assist him. He found a buff tiger. He looked intimidating at first so James took a deep breathe and then walked over.

James: hey uhm excuse me, do you know where classroom ti-82 is?

Tiger: oh, you're the new kid... well the class is, wait, you know ti-82 is the name of the calculator not the classroom

James was embarrassed by such a stupid mistake

James: *sarcastically* oh haha yeah I totally knew that!

Tiger: haha sure you did, well the classroom is... oh it's the same mathematics classroom as mine

James: well that's convenient

Tiger: mmhmm yeah

James: so what's your name?

Tiger: it's Bill, B I double L

James: *sarcastically* thanks for spelling that out for me, I failed third grade English

Bill: hmm you think you're funny?

James: yeah I do believe so

Bill: ok then prove it then

James takes a moment to think about what joke he is going to make and he made sure that the joke is universally understandable.

James: where do cows go to see entertainment?

Bill: are you kidding me?! I don't live under a rock, the moovies! everyone knows that joke...

James: ok mate relax, let me think of another

Bill: ok I got one

James: alright I'm all ears

Bill: what's the difference between a tiger like me and a herbivore

James: one eats meat the other doesn't?

Bill: well, that's partly true but I was going to say that one of them are useless to society, hahaha that one always cracks me up

James couldn't tell whether he was joking about his existence or the herbivore existence, he came to the conclusion that it was his own existence so James started saying a joke that was on that low level bar.

James: ok I got one what do you get when you cross a lonely teenager that's always horny with a dumbass with a small cock?

Bill: uhm I don't know... that's oddly specific

James: me! Hahaha, it's funny because it's true!

Bill: ehh why did you have to degrade yourself like that?

James: well Bill it's the truth, don't you think that's funny?

Bill: you don't seem lonely, I don't know about the other stuff, oh actually, I probably have a bigger cock than you

James: you know what I doubt you do, you probably have a chode

Bill: what the hell is a chode

James: it's a small and fat cock you uncultured swine!

Bill: who the fuck are you calling swine to?! I'm no swine

James: it's just a saying bro calm the fuck down

They both had a laugh till they heard footsteps approach them with the sound of keys jingling. Bill covers James's mouth.

Bill: *whispers* there's a teacher nearby, shut the fuck up and follow me

James nods and begins to follow Bill. The two of them began to quietly tip toe to their classroom.

Bill: you're lucky I saved your ass back there or else we could've been in big trouble

James: huh yeah

Bill: the class is right here

Unknown: hey you two come back here!

Bill took a sharp right and yanked James along.

Bill: *panting* you go through the east corridor and I'll go through the west, meetup in class

James had a very little understanding but still put in the effort and tried. The two split up and James hid in an empty nearby classroom, the security guard went for Bill instead. James exited the empty classroom and entered into the math classroom a couple minutes later.

Teacher: did you get lost?

James: *panting* yeah I did

Teacher: why are you panting so much?

James: I'm just uhm... I really wanted to be here on time for my first mathematics lesson and I'm eager to learn!

Teacher: alright awesome, that's what I want to hear!

Bill was standing right behind James without him knowing and was impressed by the bullshit that came out of James's mouth. James took a seat near the front area but Bill yanked his arm yet again to sit where he and his friends sat.

Bill: ok so you didn't get caught did you?

James: no of course not, I am an expert in disguise man

Bill: hmm you're not as bad as I thought *he smiled*

The two of them sat down

Bill: so uh... what's your name? Like I remember hearing it earlier but like I forgot now so could you remind me what it was?

James: It's James

Bill: oh that's right... James, what a basic name haha

James: your name is Bill, what more is there to say, every Bill that I've met is like 60 and above

Bill: but they're mature, it comes with the name

James: oh it's like how I have a massive cock, well it was because it came with the name James, im pretty lucky then haha

Bill: fuck you James haha

Mathematics is all the same, just numbers and more numbers, it was all familiar for James.

Bill: hey, are interested in drama? Because we have a drama club and I don't think you're too bad at acting, like I mean you could never be like me but-

James zones out from what Bill was saying, "a drama club huh" James thought to himself. "I can make a couple friends that way" he thought

Bill: so yeah what do you think? is that a yes?

James's eyes were stuck staring into space, he blinked his eyes with force and then got back to Bill.

James: yeah sure I don't see why not

Bill: alright sweet, well actually there's a big meeting kind of thing going on with the entire club so I'll just bring you there

James: oh ok, where is it?

Bill: it's at the sheds

James: ok and when is it?

Bill: at 3 just right after school ends

James: alright, see how it goes

Bill: yeah alright

The mathematics class ended and there wasn't a lot of note taking today. James found out the apes all had different subjects at different times which was a shame. James went through the classes throughout the day and continued to meet new people. The time struck at 1pm, it was lunch and James was starving. James sat down with the apes and he discussed how his day has been so far, he mentioned the drama club and the apes were surprised.

Goro: that's not a bad idea

Mike: wow that's awesome James!

Oren: are you sure you want to do this, are you comfortable with performing on the big stage in front of thousands?

James heard what Oren told him, it was the truth, if you can't handle the eyes of thousands whilst under pressure... then you can't do it, so be it. "But but, I'm not like that" thought James, "I'm different to these animals" he thought to himself.

James: yeah Oren this is the right decision

Oren: ok then good luck on your journey

James: thanks a lot, guys

The bell rang, James was at the library and he was thinking about his current situation. "The school actors can't be that good let's be real... I mean... they're just animals that speak so how could they know that much about... well you know, good acting and the sorts. Drama club should be a walk in the park. But what if I'm not good enough and I stuff up something and now I have let down the entire crew. Well I shouldn't be thinking about that, but the problem is that I always think about the positive and the negative of every situation."

Ring ring ring, it was 3pm

James: it's time I guess

James made his way to the front door of the Drama club shed

James: I guess this will start a new chapter of my life

James took a deep breathe in and out, he knocked on the door, footsteps approached him

James: here we go *he whispered*

Chapter Text

The Drama clubs door opened at 15:01pm

Ostrich: oh hello... James, nice to meet you, my name is Dom

James: nice to meet you Dom

Dom: so I'm assuming you came here to collect something or find something?

James: nah I've actually come here to be apart of the club

Dom: you want to join the club, well well... I'll bring the teacher here to talk with you

James: ok thanks

James walked inside the shed and inside it was a studio. It had a very fancy polished floorboard and one wall was entirely made of glass. The teacher and Dom came into the room. James was still observing around.

Teacher: hello hello, Mr James!

James had a thought pop up in his mind rapidly, 'the first impression matters'. He does his semi-cringe acting introduction to the teacher

Teacher: haha easy now fella it's not that straightforward

Teacher: oh and my name is Sanu

James: it is a pleasure to meet you Sanu

Sanu looks at Dom giving him a look that says, where the hell did he come from? More club members started rolling through. Some of the members started small talk with James. James noticed that Sheila was in the same club too, "what a coincidence" he thought to himself. "I needs to show her how good I am" thought James.

Bill: alright everybody, since Louis and legoshi are gone, it leaves me to be the leader of the club but we need someone to take their positions. We also need an actor, a person on lights and a person on sound.

James: I'll give acting a go *he blurted out*

Sanu: you are very eager James but you do know that there are other people that want to be actors too that have been trying for a long time

James: oh right sorry, I didn't think of that

Sanu: that's ok... anyway I guess we'll do the trials to see who'll be the last member in the acting pool

15 minutes later

Sanu: ok everybody settle down, two of you have sent applications to be in the actors pool, so that's more convenient for me. So we'll have to do a face off we will have the two people on stage doing a random scenario on the top of their heads.

James was interested, it basically meant no script but quick creativity, kind of like the bullshit lies he says every so often. Nothing new to James.

Sanu: James and Kai make your way to the stage please

James was getting prepared to make up some random scenario. Kai was a mongoose and was recently put on the lighting group and seeks to find his way back into the actors pool.

Kai: hmpf so I'm up against you, well I'll tell you now that I want this spot ok buddy and I'm gonna get it!

Kai was making a scene.

James: Relax mate, whoever the better actor is will win

Kai: I will not accept defeat like last time

Sanu: ok please hop on the stage and stop arguing

Kai's mind switches on and finds an advantage. He swiftly grabs two sticks and tosses one of them to James. He intends to use the sticks as a sword, which is what James thought immediately as well. Kai whips out his stick sword which anyone could've predicted. James jumps on the stage and everyone is now suddenly watching. The two of them are standing with their swords on stage. James thinks of some lines to say, but Kai jumps in first.

Kai: this isn't the way it was supposed to be... you were supposed to be fighting evil not good

James realised that he was being portrayed as the bad guy in the situation and he quickly adapted to it.

James: this is exactly how it is supposed to end

Kai: no its not you have it all wrong

James: this is the only way out, I'm ending this battle with your head off your shoulders

Kai: not on my watch

The two of them begin to clench their fists and tense up. They both simultaneously start fighting each other using the wooden swords.

Kai: this will be your last match

James: this will be the end to your life

The two of them were genuinely trying to defend and attack each shot, Bill looked entertained whilst most of the others look disappointed that everything always leads to violence one way or another.

Sanu: next scene!

James is doesn't know how to start.

Kai: it's the next scene dumbass, start!

James thinks very hard and blurts our what he thinks of in the moment.

James: you think you can come onto my property and not face any consequences?!

Everyone in the crowd sighs "yet another fighting scene"

James: I challenge you to a dance battle

Kai was very confused.

Kai: I'm not dancing, that's ridiculous

James: all you gotta do is a little dancing cmon

Kai begins sweating and looking at the crowd more often. Crowd looks eager to see this new scene.

Kai: ok so a dance battle it is then

Bill: round 1 Copy battle!

James heard Bill yell copy battle so he assumed that Kai would now have to copy him and vice versa, so James busted out some moves with a perfect flow.

Kai: what the fuck was that *he whispered*

Kai does the moves, it was very mediocre. Kai pulls out his big final card and does a backflip and ends in the split position. James knew that he couldn't copy that, not even the splits at the end. James dropped to his knees.

James: I thought I was the best dancer in the nation, but clearly you are the dancing king, I surrender my throne

Kai: that's exactly what I thought, you are weak and I am the strong almighty

Sanu: last scene

The two of them stood up straight and neutral before Kai makes the move

Kai: so you're running from me huh?!

James pulls a bizarre move

James: no please don't hurt me, I'm too young to die *feminine tone*

Kai stood in front of James. James is curled on the ground in a little ball

Kai: you're a weak little hairless bitch

James ignored the insult and did something even better. The crowd obviously knew what Kai's message was.

Bill: oohhh shit what's gonna happen?!

James got out of his little curled up ball and still kept the girly voice.

James: don't you ever say such mean things to a girl, you have no idea what I have been going through

James was slowly stood up.

James: don't you ever degrade me like that or else I'll show you real girl power

Kai: what girl power? You're making me laugh, that is completely pathetic

James: girl power consists of qualities such as independence, resilience and being mentally strong, it's clearly something that you don't have!

The crowd whispers to amongst themselves.

Bill: shits getting real now

Sheila was somewhat impressed by James, she didn't think he had that in him. Sanu wanted the scene to end already and for no violence to be involved. James puffs up his shoulders to look more intimidating and crosses his arms. He notices Bill with a mattress right behind Kai and Bill gives James a look to push him on the mattress. He thought of the perfect idea.

James: get lost creep *he shrugged*

Kai: or what? I will capture you right here right now-

James launches himself at Kai, he is shocked that James would be so willing to fight right now on stage. James goes to a firm tackle on Kai and they both land on the mattress. However the crowd gasp as they could not see the mattress.

James: you're lucky there was a mattress here *he whispered*

Kai: get off me

The two of them stood up and looked at the crowd. The audience confused as to why Kai hadn't screamed at James for tackling him to the ground.

Sanu: Kai are you ok?

Kai: yes I'm fine there was a mattress *pissed off*

The students are relieved and there is a light applause.

Sanu: ok so that was that... and um... we'll have a vote on who was the better actor

Voting ballot is in place and everyone has voted.

Sanu: since there aren't many of us thankfully, this should be easy to count up

James was on the edge of his seat whereas Kai was chilled back relaxing his 99% secured win.

Sanu: hmm wow, this was a close one

James's eyes widen, Kai was a little worried.

Sanu: well by two votes it's going to be James who wins

Kai: ARE YOU SERIOUS!? THIS IS MY LAST YEAR HERE AND I CANT EVEN BE IN THE ACTORS POOL!

Sanu: please calm down Kai the people chose James not me

Kai: OH OK THEN. Why did YOU guys vote for him instead of me?!

Els: well it's becau-

Bill: it's not worth it Els

Els: hmm your right

James: you know what you're right Kai, I'm the new guy here I shouldn't be apart of the actors pool

Sanu: are you sure you want to sacrifice your position?

James: yea-

Voice: don't quit

Voice: you can do it

James looks around to find who matched up with the voice, it was the beautiful mesmerising cheetah, Sheila.

James: u-um well, I-I'll keep the spot I suppose

Kai was furious and storms off the stage.

Sanu: you have to speak to him later James

James: yeah I know I will

He looked at Sheila, she looked almost proud of him, James wasn't expecting such attention so suddenly, and it made him blush a little.

Sanu: well that concludes our session for today, we'll get started on our new script on Monday, you guys should enjoy the weekend and stay safe!

Everyone simultaneously: thank you Sanu!

Sanu smiled and was happy to make other people happy. Everyone left the drama club and made their way back to their dorm room. James had his small talk and said his goodbyes.

Voice: wait!

James turned around interested to see whose body the voice came from.

Eagle: You forgot your tie

James: ah thanks man I appreciate it, hey what's your name?

Eagle: I'm Aoba, I gotta get going, we'll talk more on Monday yeah?

James: Yeah for sure! see ya!

Aoba: alright, see ya!

James wasn't allowed to sleep on campus yet, so he went all the way back home to Tom's place.

The door to Tom's apartment was open. James walked in and shouted.

James: hey Tom! Tom are you there?

Voice: don't open the door or he dies

The voice came from the bedroom. James felt as it the voice sounded a little familiar but still tried to negotiate.

James: please man look we will let you get off without calling the police if you just leave right now

No response. He gently opens the door slowly and obviously.

James: I'm coming in

He opened the door fully and looked at who was in the room, he couldn't believe who it was.

Chapter Text

James opened the door to see Savon, the komodo dragon about to devour Tom. Tom was crying and fearing for his life.

James: Savon put him down!

Savon's mind clicks and he realised that this was the voice of the weird boy from the heist not long ago. Savon put Tom out of his reach.

Savon: boy! what are you doing here?

James: this is my best friend, what's going on?!

Savon: look I'm sorry James I just think that he stole something from me

James: Tom did you steal anything from him?

Tom: n-n-no o-f c-course n-not!!

James: Savon mate lets go for a walk shall we

James escorts Savon out, Tom was recovering inside his apartment from the shock.

James: hey look man we'll be even, I helped you do the heist, now you have to not harass my friend Tom

Savon: by all means, that's fair, I'll let the others know that he's good

Savon: oh and also take this

Savon handed James a small glass ball with a mysterious liquid inside it.

Savon: this is my new prototype poisonous grenade

James: ahhh ok I guess. See you Savon *confused*

Savon: hmm yes see you very soon James *he smirked*

The two of them depart, James is back at the apartment seeing if Tom is alright.

James: hey Tom are you ok?-

Tom had a kitchen knife and swayed it inches away from James's intestines.

James: hey chill chill! its me!

Tom looked up and saw James's face.

Tom: oh I'm so sorry James, what happened to that other guy?!

James: I spoke to him, he's put you off the hit list, so you don't need to worry

Tom: how can I believe that?! How do I know that you're not lying to me?

James didn't want it to come to this conclusion but he said it.

James: look Tom I'll say it as it is, I have connections with the Dokugumi, that's their group name if you weren't aware of it

Tom was shocked and didn't know what to say.

Tom: James, please promise me that you will stay out of trouble, that lifestyle will get you slaughtered just like that *clicked his fingers*

James: oh of course Tom, I never get involved with all that mess, I'm against that stuff.

James told yet another one of his lies straight into Tom's worried eyes.

An hour passed, it was quiet. James was scrolling on his phone, no new messages.

Tom: dinner's ready

James and Tom began to eat their noodles together.

Tom: money is running a little low so this is all I can afford right now

James: oh this is fine, it doesn't bother me at all

Tom: ...so how was school?

James: well at school I have already been allocated a dorm room with people similar to me

Tom: oh that's great *he said with his mouth full*

Tom finished his food and grabs his coat and headed off but said one last thing.

Tom: I'll be home late tonight, don't wait for me

James: can I come?... or is it something personal?

Tom: uhm, you know what... yeah come on let's go right now

James jumped out of his seat and followed Tom's direction. The two of them hopped in a taxi. James was a little worried as to where the hell he was being taken to. He asked Tom where they were going to, Tom said it was a surprise, but the taxi driver had a smug expression on his face so James expected to be going to yet another brothel. Tom looked at James and saw that he was sleeping. The taxi stopped after a thirty minutes later.

Tom: wake up sleepyhead

James: huh where are we?

Tom: Herbivore Galore! so you're gonna say you're a herbivore to get in, understood?

James: whatever... *he shrugged*

The two of them exit the taxi and James took a good look of the place, it was a sketchy run down looking motel... although on the beach. Tom grabbed a hold of James and they enter a small entrance room. It was a room full of masks.

Tom: this is one of those masquerade parties were everyone is horny and wants to fuck! Just act casual and party and whatever, there will be a lot of weirdos in there so watch your back

Tom Grabbed a bear mask and James grabbed a wolf mask.

Tom: just act casual in there will you?

James: ...is Roxy going to be in there?! *he blurted*

Tom got pissed off but he controlled himself.

Tom: yes she's in there

James: but I thought this was a herbivore onl-?

Tom: look James she's in there ok so don't worry alright, just shut up from this point onward please

James: hmpf ok Tom

They opened the doors and there were tons of people dancing, drinking and socialising, all walks of herbivore life where in there. James decides to instantly split up from Tom and let him do his thing because James wanted to vibe.

DJ: whats up guys its DJ Herb here and I wanna hear all the party rockers in this house tonight!!

James: what that's a LMFAO reference? whatever...

DJ Herb: tonight I will be playing a few tracks from this random CD I found swept up on the beach here

Fox mask: woo let's hear it DJ!!

James: hey you! fox mask!

Fox mask: yo wazzup wolf mask

James: how can I talk to the DJ one on one?

Fox mask: I have nooooo ideaa wooooo!!

Everyone must've been smashed off their faces, James made the initiative to go up to the DJ himself as fox mask guy was very unhelpful, so James began to walk to the DJ. A singular raccoon security guard was blocking access for James to talk to the DJ.

James: hey man I really need to talk to DJ Herb

Security Guard: not happening

James walked off and found another way to get around, he snuck past the guard by going through a different passageway.

James: hey DJ Herb can I ask a question?

DJ Herb left the track running and looked at James. The two of them shouted so that they could hear each other.

DJ Herb: are you lost or something?

James: no I just wanted to ask where exactly you got the CD from?

DJ Herb: I'm not kidding dude I genuinely found it swept up on the beach just outside as well as some other junk

James: like the beach outside?!

DJ Herb: yeah dude, what did you think haha!

James: thanks mate!

James ran out of the room and left the party, he tossed away his wolf mask. He went straight to the beach which was across the road and was very quiet. He ran near the tide, he looked at the waves crash on the sand and he dropped to his knees despite while still wearing his expensive pants.

James: the beach, the ocean...

He put his hands up, then covered his face with his hands and screamed out loud.

James: what is fucking HAPPENING... ARGH, what is this feeling, it hurts my head so much ARGH!

James had remembered a thought of his family back on earth, it had been a very long time since he thought about minuet details of earth. His parents would take James to the beach in the summer, he got hit with reality that his parents were treating him fairly all along and that he couldn't notice it all along because he was selfish and only thought about himself the entire time.

James: WHY do i feel like this?! Was I really that... oblivious all along? All the times that my parents forced me to study, forced me to do this and that, there was a reason behind it but what is the REASON?!

James: WHY did my parents treat me so harshly?

James's mind: they didn't, they loved you and wanted to keep you safe all along

James: but why did they have me go through so much?

James's mind: they were trying their hardest with their current condition, unfortunately you were unintentionally affected along the way

James suddenly jolted his head up off the sand.

James: current condition?! WHAT CURRENT CONDITION?!

James closed his eyes tightly and thought very hard.

James's mind: James, your parents grew up in the gutter and sacrificed everything for you, you just don't see these things because your parents try their hardest behind their back to make sure you have food, clothes and shelter. They live a dark life to bring you a bright future.

James: i-impossible!

James's mind: you were adopted by the parents that you know for your 18 years that you've been alive

James: NO, no. This... cant... be true, why are you telling me all of this now?!

James's mind: it's too late James the truth has slipped through, at this exact time 4,381 days ago you discovered the truth, the adoption papers are still in your house on earth.

James kept his eyes closed tight, a heavy migraine was also forming as a result of the overthinking. James's mind played a short memory of him when he was 6. It was the young 6 year old James looking through wardrobes and drawers attempting to find his cards he was collecting, but instead he found what a formal government letter. An adoption certificate to be more specific. In James's name. James put his arms around his head and yelled.

James: WHY COULD I NOT SEE THE TRUTH ALL ALONG!?

James: I... I-I never realised... the effort my parents put in to... help me

James has well and truly awoken, he felt as if his mind was cleared yet he wished he could go back home, to earth, and apologise to his parents for every inconsiderate act and all the times he would disobey his parents.

James cried, he hadn't cried in a very long time. And the last time he cried it was because of his parents. Crying on the deserted beach at dusk, what a calming experience.

Tom: James is that you?!

Chapter Text

Tom saw James crying on the beach. James doesn't look who was behind him. Tom crouched down in front of him.

Tom: James, are you ok?

James: yes *he sniffled*

Tom looked relieved yet intrigued

Tom: what's the matter?

James: I-i just, it's weird not seeing my... family

Tom: hmm I know, I know that feeling

James: you do?

Tom: yeah, I do. I had to live on my own ever since I turned 18, just like you, but the only problem was that I became an addict

James's face slowly changed, he became very interested to Tom's story.

Tom: my parents told me I had to live on my own so I did, I went to school and had a job at the same time, and then when I finished school and turned 18 my friends thought it would be fun to introduce me to some hardcore drugs, ever since that night I got completely hooked on those stupid caps

James: oh wow, what happened after that?

Tom: well because the drugs took over me, I had no job and was living off the governments money. I met this panda guy and he helped me rehabilitate, he helped me get a job too!

James: that's amazing, I had no idea about any of this

Tom: hmm yeah and now I block my addiction by having heaps of sex *he boasted*

James: oh... ok

James and Tom stayed in that position for a couple seconds in pure silence.

Tom: it's 00:17 am, let's go home

James nodded his head. The two of them walked to the taxi bay and got themselves home roughly 01:43 am. The two of them walked up to the apartment. They both slept, since they were both exhausted. However they both felt they had a better connection with each other after their meaningful chat they had.

Saturday 13:09 pm

James was in his room, his pillow drenched in tears. Tom continued to do his day to day stuff and was not home.

Brr brr... brr brr...

James: who is calling me now?

James looked at his phone and saw that it was Roxy calling him. James wasn't in the mood to talk to her, but he reluctantly answered it anyway.

Roxy: hey James... how are you?

James: I'm fine

Roxy: really, hmm ok, well if you want, do you wanna come over?

James: not right now, I'm sorry

James ended the call, he was breathing heavily all of a sudden but he contained himself. Tom came back with grocery bags in his hands

Tom: James are you up?

James: yeah I'm up

Tom dropped his bags when he saw James.

Tom: are you kidding me?! do you really want to waste your life just lying on your bed and doing nothing? get the hell up, you're better than that!

Tom: it's 13:30 pm, do somethin- that's it, you also have to see Skosa at the police station, right now!

James was laying in bed, he knew it was wrong to just sit in bed all day being mopey. James knew that his parents would be disappointed in him, if he didn't push himself harder. He got up from his bed and stormed out the door, not with just anger but full of raw emotion. He settled down when he walked into the police station.

Front desk: hello how can I help you?

James: I'm here to see Skosa

Front desk: right this way

Front desk: he's in that room

James: ok thanks

James read the sign on the door, it said "Skosa Miles detective chambers" it made James tilt his head, he was surprised. He knocked on the door and went inside.

Skosa: ah, nice to see you again James

James: yeah it's nice to see you too Skosa

The two of them spoke for approximately 40 minutes before Skosa tells him the reason why he was called here.

Skosa: the government has been very lenient and has given this to you...

James looked at what was in Skosa's hand, it was an envelope.

Skosa: this envelope is for you, I have no idea what's in here by the way

James took the envelope but didn't open it right away.

James: thanks

Skosa: no problem, you should probably get going now

James nodded and left the room. He head home and was happy after having a good conversation with Skosa. A couple hours later around 21:00

Tom: you wanna go partying James?

James: nah no way

Tom: alright we'll have to do something crazy tomorrow since it'll be your last day

James: ehh I don't think so

Tom: hmm we'll wait and see...

James opened his envelope given from the province government. Tom overlooked him. It was $1000 in pure cold hard cash.

James: wow that's so much! Now I can buy my school uniform and books!

Tom: that's a great idea!

James got on the phone and called the uniform shop and book store for pickup tomorrow. He went to sleep fairly early that night.

Sunday, 08:43 am

James: I've had a shower, had breakfast, now it's time to collect my school books and uniform

Tom: alrighty and then tonight we party!

James: man you gotta calm down with the whole partying stuff...

James did his errands, the uniform sizing was a bit difficult and took 30 minutes whilst the book collection took a minute. He returned home and began texting Bill.

Text messages:
Sunday 17:40 pm

James: yo Bill, do you know if us seniors are allowed to leave the campus on weekends?

He responded shortly after.

Bill: yeah of course but there is a curfew and some restrictions :'(((

James: urgh of course :/

Bill: where do you plan on going?

James: raves, nightclubs and all that shit

Bill: oh so you like the hardcore underground rave type of scene?

James: YES! Exactly that, where can I find them?!

Bill: well they're in the city central and they typically have a distinctive rainbow LED light around it. I've heard the 'Death Lair' is amazing, I would love to join you but the school would expel me straight away if I were caught, so it's up to you if you're willing to take the risk

James: huh well imma go, fuck it

Bill: alright save some vids for me yeah?

James: yeah for sure man

Bill: thanks bro

Despite Bill being big, strong and intimidating, he never had the guts to go into an underground rave. There was a reason why even the most intimidating people didn't go.

Tom and James ate a light dinner then head off

Tom: the place is just around these two corners

James: alright

James saw a door with a rainbow LED that had music pumping really loudly.

James: Tom what's in there?

Tom grabbed James's arm away from the door.

Tom: those are crazy, wild and dangerous clubs, you won't make it out if you go in there, im not joking

James: hmm ok if you say so...

Tom: anyway here we are!

James: the "Love Club" really Tom?

Tom: yes really James, you're gonna pick up some ladies here *smirks*

James: no, no I won't, I already like this girl at school...

Tom: what I thought you were just kidding, who was she again?

James: her name is Sheila and she's the nicest cheetah, no, nicest animal that I have ever met  *dreamy*

Tom: snap out of it man! Yeah you might like her but she probably doesn't like you...

James sighed and frowned as he knew that it was a possibility.

Tom: imagine if it was Skosa's daughter, because you know they're both cheetahs haha

James: well I mean... they could be related... should I ask?

Tom: uhm I don't know, it's up to you to decide that

Sunday, 21:28 pm

James and Tom walked into the club, it was some kind of ballroom but nightclub thing going on.

James mind: how lame is this place, such mediocre music

Tom: c'mon let's go crazy woo!

James put on a fake face just to please Tom for a while, but he really wanted to leave and go to the underground rave and go fucking crazy there! He had thought of the ultimate plan, it was now time to walk the walk. Tom was already distracted within seconds, but it was far to early for James to leave. Half an hour or so later, Tom had two bottles of beer and had not spoken to James once.

He knew it was go time, now or never. He walked out the door while making sure he wasn't being watched by Tom. Tom did not notice James's escape and kept partying. James remembered the location from earlier and went to the place.

James: here it is, it's called... hmm what does that say?

A large group of burly female bears arrive at the front door next to James.

James: hey um excuse me... is this place the underground rave?

bear 1: yes this is the "Death Lair" are you lost or something?

James: nope this is the right place, now how do I get it?

bear 2: just follow us and you'll be fine *she said menacingly*

The bears giggled, they opened the door and led the way in.

bear 1: my name is Tricia and we are the 'Grizzly Bears'

James was confused as to why they had a group name but carried on.

Tricia: so who's in your group?

James: uhm it's just me, that's it

Tricia: oh well one piece of meat isn't a hell of a lot

James choked on his own saliva after hearing what she said.

James: w-what do you mean?!

Tricia: are you stupid? do you not know where we are?!

Tricia: this is a carnivore dance to the death rave

James: d-dance to... the... death?!

Tricia: yeah you dance and if you get challenged and lose... well it's the end for you buddy hahaha

The doors open and the music was blaring so loud that it was close to bursting James's ears and the bass was making everyone's fur jump up and down.

Tricia: see ya little boy *growls*

The Grizzly Bears giggle and walk off, but one slows down and whispers into James's ear.

bear 6: once you step foot in here, you're not allowed to stop dancing, and you can only leave once the competition is over

She ran off and James looked up and around the floor.

There were 5 boxing rings, 1 in each corner of the room and 1 large one in the centre. James begun to dance to the music, and become one with it. Within 5 minutes of dancing, he got called upon.

Voice: hey you!

James turned around and saw a Rhino, but this one looked awfuly similar to one of the Rhinos that he fought against with the Dokugumi.

Chapter Text

Rhino: you me in the middle ring right now!

James looked for an exit but a gang of rhinos popped up out of nowhere and escorted him to the stage unwillingly. He was thrown into the boxing ring, he looked around at all the people going completely mental. He says to himself "holy shit this is crazy, how the fuck do I get out of this?!" His mind had a different approach...

James mind: don't worry James, the rhinos won't eat you, they're herbivores, you'll only get tortured or sold that's all.

He got more and more scared, there are voices of hundreds of carnivores that would crave to eat some of his meat.

James mind: if you do die tonight, at least do it with style

James: I cant believe I'm actually going to do this, oh well, I knew it was a risk coming into here...

James: oi rhino let's fucken go, hop in the ring you little bitch, let's dance!

The rhino slams into the ring.

Rhino: I'm the boss round here so if you beat me or lose against me, I'm still killing you either way hehe

James mind: it's all tough talk, you're faster and smarter than him

James: OK THEN LET'S DANCE!

DJ: I've been told we have a wicked battle in the middle ring! everyone congregate around the ring and place your bets!

Tricia: oh no, I thought it was a funny joke seeing the kid come on his own, now I feel guilty for bringing him in here

Bear 2: I'm sure he'll be fine, who cares about him cmon

Tricia: no he won't be fine!

Tricia felt a lot of guilt and she knew James had no fighting ability. James and rhino are on opposite sides of the ring. Rhino has his gang members behind him offstage ready to pounce whenever. James looked to see who was behind him offstage, it was those bears, and all of them too!

James: what're you guys doing here?!

Grizzly Bears: we're here to cheer you on!

James: wow well thanks a lot, could you guys do me a massive favour and record this battle for me

Tricia: yeah sure, but you might not be able to see the footage though *she joked but was also serious*

She began recording. James went up to the camera.

James: you're coming with me next time Bill or you're a little bitch! Hahaha

DJ: round 1 begin!!

James began dancing yet evading all the charges the slow rhino makes. He had a good dancing combo and flow whilst the rhino was basically drifting around like a headless chicken.

DJ: alrighty guys make some noise if you think the little dude won that round!

Grizzly Bears: woooo! let's gooo!, yeahhh!!

James smiled at them.

DJ: make some noise if you think the rhinos won!

Hundreds began cheering.

DJ: well the next song is the last one, either way that little fella in the ring is dead meat, get ready for a bloodbath people!

DJ: final round, BEGIN!

James was in his element through and through as heard of the tune, he shut his eyes whilst he danced. The rhino began to walk over to James, stomping like a madman. James is still in the musicial mood and doesn't register the rhino approaching him.

Tricia: open your eyes dammit!

James kept his eyes closed and sensed everything. The climax of the song was about to hit. He made dancing and maneuvering look easy to do. The beat drop made James ascend to another dimension, it was as if he had roller skates on his feet. The Grizzly Bears squealed in excitement. The rhinos were wondering why their boss is landing any hits. The song comes to an end and there was a loud overbearing applause, James bows his head to the audience.

James: thank you everyone, thank you very much!

James: oh most importantly thank you bears for sticking by me!

Tricia: it's o-ok *gobsmacked*

DJ: let's vote people!

Rhino: NO! *he screamed out*

Rhino: YOU'RE ALL VOTING FOR ME!!

James: you guys should vote for the better dancer not the strongest dancer!

The crowd begin to whisper.

Drunk raver: the kids got a point you know!

The crowd begin to decide who they'll vote for.

Rhino: either way kid I'm gonna kill you *he whispered*

James mind: it's not happening dude, you faced so many of your fears till this moment, we are staying here till the rhinos leave so then we can show them who's boss!

If only it was that straightforward.

DJ: make some noise for the underdog!

The bears were going nuts, so were many others.

DJ: wow that's a lot of noise!

DJ: now make some noise for the rhinos!

A small minority of the crowd cheered on, making the rhinos furious.

DJ: we have a winner!!

Rhino: NO! I NEVER LOSE!!

The rhino charges at James horn first. James nearly shits himself and jumps out of the cage. The provinces armed forces team barged through the entrance of the Death Lair sending a chaotic surprise to everyone inside. Tricia and the Grizzly Bears grabbed James and brought him upstairs. The rhino looked around, pissed off, frustrated that the kid got away.

Rhino: I will find you one day and kill you with my bare hands!

James mind: relax James he cant find your location

James: hmm your right

Tricia: about what?

James: oh n-nothing, was just talking to myself

The girls brought James to the emergency exit escape upstairs.

Tricia: ok girls lets bust this door down and get in the car as quickly as possible

Grizzly Bears and James nodded. James saw the escape door and on first instinct, he plowed straight through the door. The girls were all impressed and they all run with James out the escape door. They were all running on the road to get into the car. Luckily they all got into the car safely.

James: there are cops at the front entrance!

Tricia: Marie please drive quickly

Marie: yes Tricia!

They all escaped unscathed.

Tricia: holy shit that was unreal!

Marie: yeah I know right!

Bear 6: yeah that's never happened before, consider yourself very lucky buddy!

They drive for 10 minutes around a quiet area.

Marie: we shook em all off

Tricia: great, here's your phone James, now get out

James: uhm but I don't know where I am

Tricia: look you are being hunted by the rhinos and we do not want to get on their hit list, so it's only fair we drop you off here because we saved you earlier

James: ok I'll get out, that's a fair reason

James hopped out of the van, he walked for a couple hundred metres before he saw something bright.

James: those headlights are so bright

James: oh no, they're single... headlights

James: FUCK THEY'RE MOTORCYCLES!!

James started to sprint for his life to the nearest alleyway. Bullets fly past James and barely miss him. He ran the corner quickly and kept running.

James mind: relax James just outsmart them, like jump in the car park on the left and enter the house with the lights on, the door is open, so just close it and they won't notice.

James jumped in the car park and very quietly and quickly crawled into the strangers house and closed their door gently.

James mind: I get it you're shitting yourself, just leave the house when you hear the rhinos drive by

James was still terrified that he's just entered some random persons house. The house was nicely furnished which made James think that they'll call the cops instantly, if not already, so James listened eagerly and quickly and heard only two rhinos run past him, James left the house and started running the other way.

BONK!

James runs directly into one of the rhinos that was standing at the front of the door.

Rhino 3: he's here!

The two ran back, it was now three rhinos to one James. The rhinos surrounded James.

Rhino Boss: who do you work for?

James: I don't work for anyone *he trembled*

James: please I've done nothing wrong!

Rhino Boss: you made a fool of me in front of everyone and now you're going to pay for it!

The rhino boss then picked up James by one hand and went to pull his eye out but James dodged it and the rhino scratches his cheek instead by using his sharp horn.

James mind: THE GRENADE THAT SAVON GAVE TO YOU, USE IT YOU IDIOT!!

James reached for his pockets and dropped the mysterious glass ball at the rhino's feet. It dissolved almost instantly.

Rhinos: argh my feet! what the fuck!?

The grenade worked perfectly and gave the rhinos a third degree burn giving adequate time for James to escape. It took James 20 minutes to run home, James had no idea of the time and completely forgot about Tom. James made it home, his cheek was bleeding badly, he cleaned it up and bandaged it. Tom was already fast asleep in his room.

James: school tomorrow... and I have this scary scratch on my cheek, everyone's going to be staring at me tomorrow...

James mind: it's ok James tomorrow is a new day and things will get better, believe in yourself James!

James: thanks brain, that was the first time I've heard my brain give me a nice comment

James went to sleep straight after, he had a big day tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Monday, 06:39 am

James was awoken to the sound of jackhammers.

James: hmm what's that sound? Oh yeah I forgot they still got construction here

Tom barged in through the room when he heard James was awake.

Tom: hey James, how are you feeling?- WOAH WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?!

James: uhm I got into a little fight with someone, it's not a big deal

Tom didn't want to start an argument with him on his last day at his place so he kept his mouth shut

Tom: please be more careful James

James: yeah, yeah I will don't worry

Tom gave James a suitcase to put all his stuff in. It was 07:46 am and James wanted to get to school early to settle in his new dorm room with the apes.

James: well I guess now we part ways

Tom: yeah, part ways...

Tom: text me every so often yeah?

James: yeah of course I'll text you!

James: alright see ya Tom

Tom: see ya... James

The door closed. Tom then locked the door. Tom let go of all of his worries and could finally continue on with his life.

James: big breakfast and full battery on my phone, what a great combination, well this damn scratch on my face is the only thing that's ruining this day

James went on his phone and checked his photos, it turned out there was a video of the battle and the escape too at that ridiculous underground rave.

James: I still can't believe that shit happened last night *he chuckled*

James knocked on door 254. Goro opened the door.

Goro: hey James, oh damn that's a big scratch...

Mike: Jaaaaames! what's up bro we've been looking forward to having you sleep here with us!

Oren: that was poorly worded mike...

James: I get what he was saying haha

Oren: anyway so here is where you'll be sleeping and uhm if you dont mind me asking, how did you get that scratch?

James: that's a nice little bunk bed, oh and I was just... got in a fight, no biggie

The three of them nodded and ended that topic. James dropped off all his stuff and proceeded to get himself comfortable. In the apes room they had 4 beds, 1 bathroom, 2 two couches a table and a TV and that was just getting started!

James: is there like an assembly that happens every morning that we must attend?

Oren: only on Monday mornings, or every now and then

James: ok, so where do we go this morning?

Oren: the same place where you did your little speech

James: ohh right, gotcha

They all walked to the assembly and they listened to the latest news.

Gon: it's great to see all of your faces in week 2, semester 2. The first announcement is that we have closed the rooftop patio due to asbestos, so no one is allowed up there. Also James if you're here I am expecting to see you in my office after school. Besides that you're all dismissed, have a wonderful day.

James sighed quietly, he knew it had to be about the scratch mark on his face from Sunday night. The bell rung and it was time for breakfast. The four of them made their way to the table with their food. James walked and followed Oren to their table.

Bill: YO JAMES! OVER HERE!

The apes looked at James.

Oren: you can go it's fine *he smiled*

James: thanks guys * he smiled back*

James walked over to Bill and his group. On Bill's table there was Bill, Els the goat, Sheila the cheetah, Aoba the eagle and some other people he didn't know well from the drama club.

James: room for one more?

Aoba: oh yeah man come sit!

They made some space for James in the middle section of the table across from Bill. James was the centre of attention. He sat down comfortably. Everyone stared at his scratch mark on his cheek.

Sheila: how did you get that scratch?

James: uhm I went to one of those underground raves, it was called like the Death Lair or something...

Bill: no way! did you record it too!?

James: yeah I got some footage *he said proudly*

Bill: let me see! let me see!

James brought out his phone, everyone at the table suddenly wanted to watch it.

James: I had no idea this was what it was gonna be like, it was so loud in there too! oh and here is the dance battle I had

Els: was he the one that scratched you?

James: yeah he was... it happened after I left the rave...

They all looked a bit uneasy after hearing that. He skipped it to the end of the battle.

James: so here is me being chased by the rhino and running to the emergency exit with these random bears that I bumped into... And that's it

The video ended and James put his phone away. Bill had a big grin on his face. Aoba was intrigued at the place. Sheila was concerned for James and Els was disappointed that such places existed in their city.

James: well if it makes you feel any better, the police actually shut this place down as well as many other places. I know now for next time that I won't be going to those places *he chuckled*

Zebra: what happened after

James: well Ellen I just got chased, he scratched me then I fled off on foot

The bunch nearly lost their appetite.

Sheila: you have to be more careful James, you could've been in big trouble

James: yeah I didn't think of the consequences at the time

Aoba: look you haven't even been here for a week, so I suggest you live a low life, I mean you definitely will because you live here now

James: yeah true

Els: well on a more positive note, Sanu has already booked the cities theatre for our performance!

Everyone on the table cheered and looked forward to hearing more about it from Sanu himself. They all left the table and went to their next class. James quickly glanced at his phone.

Roxy: hey James how is ur first day of school going?

James closed his phone and kept walking.

James mind: do it James, ask to have sex, I know it's on your mind so just ask her already

James: no I'm not doing that, no way

James mind: James I know you, and I know you crave Roxy don't you?

James: stop thinking about this shit argh!

Kai walked behind James, even though Kai wasn't on good terms with James he still felt as if he needed to say something.

Kai: um James you ok?

James: oh yeah yeah I'm fine, sorry bout that *startled*

Kai: all good-woah how did you get that scratch on your cheek?!

James: I got in a fight

Kai: oh shit do you know who it was?!

James: yeah some rhino...

Kai didn't say anything after that, he didn't know what to say back to him.

Kai: well uh

James: see you

Kai: yeah, see you

James walked off.

Kai: damn that kid already got a fat slice of reality...

It was 3:03 pm and James was at the drama club.

James: hey Dom

Dom: hey jAmEs! What happened to your cheek?!

James: this rhino guy scratched me

Dom: oh no that sounds awful!

James: ah it's all good now haha

Ring ring...

Dom: Hello Dom from the drama club speaking. Yes he's right here with me. Ok... bye.

James: ah shit please tell me that wasn't Gon

Dom: um yep it was, and he's coming here in 5 minutes

James: ohh man...

James waited in the club. Gon entered the room, he didn't even knock.

Gon: we need to talk for a minute

James: yes of course sir

The two of them go to the back room of the club.

Gon: look at this

James looked at Gon's phone.

Gon: there are images and videos of you going to the back alley market

James looked at the pictures and saw the time James was eating goat meat with Roxy.

James: I-I didn't know, I swear I will never visit that place ever again!

Gon: I'm not saying you can't visit it but just not till the end of the year when you finish school, I get it you weren't at school during this stage but you still wore uniform and I just want to let you know that you can't do this anymore, understood?

James: yes sir I 100% understand and will comply to your measures

Gon: good James, that's what I want to hear

The two of them walked out of the little room.

Gon: keep up the hard work guys!

Members: yes Mr Gon

Gon left, James approached Aoba.

James: so Aoba, what're we doing today?

Aoba: we're just having a chill one, reading through the script and so on

James: oh alright

Sanu: James, hello and here's your script for the play

James: woah I really got a role

Sanu: yes, it's a minor character, becuase I think thats reasonable for you

James: wow awesome!

Everyone was surprised how someone could be so happy getting such a minor role.

James: thank you so much Sanu, I will remember this inside out!

James looked behind him and saw a few new young faces.

Sanu: everyone please listen here! All freshman and sophomore students please pay attention, we have our new student James in our club so please don't give him a hard time!

Goat: hey there mister J

James: what's up... goat

Goat: it's Pina, I'm surprised you haven't heard my name already

James: you're just not that popular I suppose

Pina: hilarious James, hilarious *pokerface*

James: I'm joking dude

Pina: yeah dude I know, I don't live under a rock

Sanu: can we please do a quick rehearsal?!

Everyone got in their position. Since James had a minor role he was already learning the script very quickly.

Bill put a fake gun to his own head

Bill: what is the meaning of life

Ellen: don't say that my love, you have so much to live for

Bill: there is no point of living, i've already lost the battle

Ellen: don't you think i am a reason to live for

Ellen ran off stage. BIll put the gun down. James entered the stage.

James: Prince Galahad I was worried sick about you

Bill: Jester o'knowledge please let me be

James: but-but your father told me-

Bill: DO NOT MENTION FATHERS HEALTH!

James: my apologies Prince Galahad

Bill: Jester leave at once!

James ran offstage

Bill: where will thou light guide me

Sanu: CUT!

Chapter Text

Sanu: great start guys, a little bit more enthusiastic next time but this is a good start! That'll wrap it up for today, thank you everyone

Els: good job Bill

Bill: haha thanks Els

Sheila: that was a good performance James

James: oh thanks, it wasn't much though

Sheila: it was a good start though

James: yeah true

Bill nudged James's arm and made a face alluding to something between him and Sheila. James got embarrassed, he even blushed a bit. Sheila made a small smile.

Sheila: is there something I should know?

James looked into her eyes. Sheila's eyes were already locked onto James's. It surprised him in the moment, he realised that Sheila was staring at him the whole time, but that was most likely because of the large scratch on his face, that mark was hard to miss.

James: Bill could you uhh, give us some privacy? *he whispered*

Bill: hehe yeah alright

Everyone was doing their own thing in the drama club, however most were leaving gradually.

James: so uhm, Sheila... I think you are really pretty and cool... and I was wondering whether you'd like to go out one day *blushes*

Sheila: yeah sure, sounds like fun *she smiled*

James: oh great, I was thinking of something lowkey you know

Sheila: alright, maybe like a restaurant

James: yeah that's nice

There was an awkward pause, but of course only James was the one who felt embarrassed.

Sheila: you look like you're thinking hard, have you phased out or something *she chuckled*

She waved her arm in front of James.

James: oh sorry I just didn't think I would have had the guts to ask you out

Sheila: what do you mean? it's not that big of a deal haha

She saw James's face turn a bit red.

Sheila: aww don't tell me you're embarrassed, come on James

James: yeah I get a bit shy around women I like

Sheila: oh! so do you think?-

James twiddled with his fingers and looked down at the floor.

Sheila: do you think I'm a good dancer?

James wasn't expecting her to ask that question.

James: uhm well I haven't seen you dance before, but I'm gonna assume that you would be a good dancer

Sheila: what makes you think that I would be a good dancer?

Sheila was trying to push James's buttons.

James: because you seem very confident in what you do

Sheila: anything else?

James: I'm guessing that you have the body of a dancer

Sheila: and what does that look like?

James: well typically a dancers body is defined, sometimes petite and has a nice silhouette

James panicked as he didn't want to make her insecure. Sheila was surprised with that response.

Sheila: so who do you know that matches with the qualities that you've listed?

James: you *he chuckled awkwardly*

Sheila: aww James you're so sweet

She hugged him and spun him around.

Sheila: that wasn't difficult to say was it? took a while to get it out from you though

James: haha yeah *he cringed at himself*

Sheila: hmph so you can waltz into the Death Lair with ease but you barely had the guts to ask me out...

James: it's just... i-i don't know

Sheila: but why James tell me?

James: I think you're really attractive!

James said that a bit too loudly, a couple drama club remembers stared at James and Sheila. He felt a bit more confident from telling her how exactly he felt.

Sheila: uh that was a bit loud... *a little embarrassed*

James: sorry... but everyone needs to hear the truth

Sheila shook her head and smiled.

Sanu: come on, everyone to their dorms please, it's getting late

Sanu was cleaning up, he put a lot of effort in for his students.

James walked Sheila to her room.

Sheila: and this is my dorm

James: room 204, huh, I'm room 254

Sheila: so you live in this building too?

James: honestly I'm not too sure, this school is massive

Sheila: you're joking right?

James: ha yep, I know my way around here don't worry

Sheila: ah really

James: yeah...

Sheila closed her eyes slowly and leaned in towards James. He got nervous and his heart was beating a million miles and hour, he looked elsewhere and not at her. She opened her eyes. She knew what she was doing.

Sheila: EEK! SPIDER!

James looked up at her face and then all over the ground in an attempt to find the spider. She jumped onto him and wrapped her arms and legs around him. He was in shock and wrapped his arms under her bottom to keep stability. She tricked him by saying there was a spider just to get James out of his comfort zone a bit, but she wasn't expecting him to grab her bottom. The only thing that was on James's mind was to kill wherever the pesky spider was. He had no space to think about what he was grabbing, he was only determined to help Sheila from the spider.

James: w-where is the spider?! I don't see it anywhere

Sheila: ...

James came to his senses, the placement of his hands nearly made him pass out, only now James realised that there was too much sexual energy, he got a little tense. He felt his cock slowly erect all of a sudden, but for some reason his cock was facing upwards "that never happens!" he thought to himself. The level of embarrassment and shame was unbearable. He didn't know what to do let alone say, he was turning red like a tomato. He felt his cock gently grind against her. James lifted her up and got her off him immediately.

James: i-i-i think the spiders gone... *he said quietly*

Sheila: yeah I think so...

She took a haste glance at James's crotch, she knew the reason behind James chucking her off so quickly. She crossed her arms and leaned against the door frame.

Sheila: you think I don't know James...

James: a-about what?

Sheila: spider behind you!

He turned around quickly and analysed the entire area, although there was nothing all along. Sheila knew this was going to be the best opportunity give James a little bit of her cheekiness. She took a step forward, swung her arm back and smacked James's ass with heaps of force. It was her way of playing around.

James: AHH! geez...

James covered his butt with his hands, it hurt his sensitive butt a lot.

Sheila: oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't think it was that hard!

James: it wasn't even that hard to be honest, I thought a strong cheetah like you could do harder *tries to not tear up*

Sheila: I know something else that's even harder

James: ehh... like what? a cucumber?

Sheila: yeah that'll be up your butt if you keep messing around!

James: oh... it's not the first time *he murmured*

Sheila: oh! huh, you are crazy *she chuckled*

James: look I think I sho-

Sheila: whats the biggest you've put up?

James: u-uhhh what?! *startled*

Sheila: oh sorry, I apologise

James: you scare me sometimes, I'm not going to lie *he chuckled*. Anyway you should... like go inside *he pointed*

Sheila: yeah I probably should, I got exams coming up

James: you should've said something earlier that you had exams, I don't want to be a burden!

Sheila: no no no, it's not like that

James: alright if you say so, that's nice to hear

She opened her dorm room door, She hugged him and then paused beside the door.

James: goodnight

Sheila: goodnight

The two of them smiled to each other and Sheila closed the door and peaked through the keyhole.

James put one hand on his knee and the other on his heart and he was still smiling. He didn't think he'd be moving so fast, it felt like a roller-coaster even though it was about five minutes. He walked off straight after. Sheila thought to herself  "I've spoken to many people before, but James... there was something different about him."

Lynx: Sheila, anything you want to say?

Sheila: about what? *she asked calmly*

Lynx: coming here later than usual? you have exams next week!

Sheila: oh what's the time?

Lynx: 5:53 pm...

Sheila: oh relax Linda it's fine

Linda: and who was the boy outside?

Sheila: just the new one, James

Linda: ah, not a bad sort aye?

Sheila: very funny *pokerface*

Linda: I was just kidding haha, anyway would your father approve of him?

Sheila: I don't know...

James headed off the room 254

Knock Knock

James: it's me James

Oren opened the door.

Oren: where were you? *he said quietly

James: I was just talking to this girl

Oren: James have you already found someone you like?

James: *sigh* yeah I have...

Oren: well I suggest you focus on your exams first and then your relationship

James: hmm i'll have to find a way to have both

Oren: ehh sure

James sat on his bed.

James: hey Goro, hey Mike

Goro and Mike: hey James

James: I don't know about you guys but i'm gonna sleep now because I am completely knackered

The apes: goodnight James!

James: goodnight guys

James slept very well however he should've ate dinner.

Chapter Text

03:26 am, Tuesday

James: oh fuck, no not that smell! *he whispered*

James had a wet dream, he needed to decide what the plan was to get out of the situation, being caught would be eternally embarrassing. He thought of a good plan, however it was going to be difficult. He pulled out his phone and viewed his boxers under the covers. It was a complete mess and it stunk. He crawled out of bed and left the dorm room. He tip toed down the hallway. It was very dark and eerie. There wasn’t a strong light source either. He had a plan where to put the dirty boxers but it was going to be a tough one. He ran down the stairs wearing just his pyjama shorts and no t-shirt. He thought to himself whether the people here found it acceptable to walk around shirtless, but that didn’t matter at the time. He got out of the dorm building and onto the campus ground. He ran to a nearby bush, took a good look to see if there was anyone nearby, the coast was clear. He took off his pyjama shorts and boxers. His pyjama shorts smelt bad too.

James: fuck, the shorts smell like cum too!

James saw a small white plastic bag next to him. There were knives and other contraband in there. He grabbed one of the sharp knives and ripped up the underwear and pyjamas. He finished cutting up his clothes, but then he realised he didn’t have a plan b. He was naked and afraid in an uncomfortable shrub. He put the knife back and dug a little burrow and dumped the pyjamas and boxers in there, no one should be able to find it. Now it was time to make an escape back into the dorm room. A sign nearby stated ‘CURFEW: no students allowed out between 10pm to 6am’.

James: I can't let anyone know that i'm out here

James made up a plan in his head, it only took him 2 minutes to get to the bush, so that meant it would be 2 minutes to get back obviously.

James mind: you had the balls to ask Sheila out, so doing this shouldn't be an issue

James peeked his head outside the bush, the coast was clear. He snuck out of the bush and he ran to the building while covering his privates. He made it to the building, he ran up the stairs, and made it to his floor. So far no one had noticed him. He could not see the dorm numbers and he didn’t have his phone on him, so he very quietly walked to the very first door, shut his eyes and gently felt the door numbers with his finger.

James: 250 just 4 more down *he murmured*

James walked down 4 more doors. He felt the number on the door, it felt like 254. He opened the door, quietly grabbed his new clean boxers and went to the bathroom.

James: *sigh* that was a close one

James cleaned himself up and went to bed. No one had noticed James, this set a precedent for him for future purposes. He went back to bed and struggled to sleep.

07:32 am

Mike: wake up James time for school

James woke up to the same words that his mother used to say to him for countless years.

James: oh! Hey mornin’ 

James remembered what happened earlier on. He took a deep breath in to start the day. He could tell it still smelt ever so slightly. He was embarrassed and opened the windows.

The apes: you ready James?

James: no i'll be down there in 2 or so minutes

The apes: alright see you

James nodded. They left the dorm and the door closed, James quickly locked the door. He straight away ran to the bed sheets and took a big whiff.

James: ah shit it still smells a bit, is it wet though?

James rubbed his hand up and down the area of the bed.

James: hmm it's not wet which is good this should be able to- oh! deodorant, that's a great idea

He sprayed his deodorant that he had in his bag.

James: deodorant should be able to mask up the smell temporarily, and with the windows open, it should be fine

James left the dorm and headed to the cafeteria, however he was diverted to the assembly area. James walked into the assembly and sat at the back.

Gon: As you know we have a strict rule when it comes to walking around campus at night… There was yet another movement in the security camera sensors, our cameras didn't pick it up, so we will be organising a security guard sometime soon, whoever is roaming around campus at night from now on will be suspended immediately

Hearing that scared him, he was grateful that he wasn't caught in the act. Gon concluded the assembly and everyone walked to the cafeteria for breakfast. James walked on his own, he needed time to think.

Voice: hey you!

James looked behind him, it was a rhino student

James mind: hope this kid isn't related to the rhino you gave 3rd degree burns to on the weekend

Rhino: You were the one weren’t you?

James: what do you mean?

Rhino: the one that walked out last night?

James: no of course not, I don't want to ruin my reputation at this school

Rhino: whatever

The rhino walked off. James was grateful that he didn't say something else. He went to the cafeteria and bumped into Aoba.

James: hey man

Aoba: hey James, you all good?

James: yeah I'm all good, you good?

Aoba: uhm, yeah getting through

James: it'll be alright

Aoba: hope so...

The two of them got to the table first. Everyone else came a couple minutes later as a pack. They greeted each other then they all sat and ate. Sheila sat next to James.

Els: Ellen have you been memorising the play yet?

Ellen: yes I have been, pretty simple script in comparison to last years

Els: oh ok

Bill: so James where you the one lurking around at last night?

James: I don’t wanna talk about it

Bill couldn’t tell if it was him or not so he decided he’d ask him later. James whispered to Sheila.

James: Is there like a social media thingy here? With posts and followers and stuff?

Sheila: yeah duh of course there is, here gimme your phone

He handed over his phone, she downloaded an app called ‘Iggy’ the social media platform.

Sheila: so this is the app, do you want me to link your contacts to your followers?

James: uh yeah sure I guess

Sheila: alright, I doubt you have many contacts anyway *she chuckled*

Ding! 10 followers

Sheila: 10?! Since when did you know that many people?

James: I just do I guess haha

Sheila: mind me having a scroll?

James nodded.

Sheila: so you have me obviously, Aoba, Bill, Dom, Goro, Mike, Oren, Savon… he looks strange, Roxy, Tom and last person is SKOSA?! How the hell do you know my dad?!

James: he’s your dad?!

Sheila: yeah he is! How do you know him?

James: well, he was the first person I spoke to and saw when I got here. He also interrogated me but like he's a good guy

Sheila: oh that is sooo weird

James: what no it's not, wait so that would mean your name is Sheila... Miles

Sheila: oh my gosh James stop *she smiled*

James had a little laugh and cracked a smile.

Els: hey Bill, should we tell them?

Bill: yeah I think so

Els: excuse me guys

Everybody looked at Els.

Els: I just wanted to tell everyone that Bill and I are officially-

Bill: a couple! See we already finished each other's sentences!

Everyone on the table was happy for them and congratulated them. Sheila looked over at James while making a face alluding to something. James saw her expression and smiled as he shook his head. Breakfast ended and the classes began. Tuesdays classes always finished earlier, 13:00 pm to be exact. The time struck 12:30 pm. He thought to himself whether he should say something to Skosa about the recent turn of events.

James mind: go to the police station and tell him about the rhino gang and how they are an underground crime/drug ring and give them their address

James decided he’d go straight to the police station after class finished. As soon as it hit 13:00 he ran out of class, he went straight to his dorm room and closed the windows and covered his sheets. He then got changed and began walking to the station. James walked in the police station, he spoke to the lady at the front desk, she then told him that he was busy for the next few hours, James wrote down a note with evidence, statements and the address of the incident.

James: Please give this to Skosa

Front desk lady: yes will do-

Skosa: James?

James: Skosa! By any chance do you have any spare time?

Skosa: hmm I got 20-ish minutes so it can't be too long

James: no it won't be

Skosa: ok come to my office

James explained and confessed everything to Skosa, from the situation with the rhino mafia, to the run-ins with Savon and the dokugumi, the Death Lair and the getaway driver fiasco shoot up. They talked far more than they had expected. James asked Skosa whether it would be a good idea to get the two gangs to clash, then the police force to raid and make the arrests. Skosa knew it was a good idea, but he couldn’t be so sure, he installed an app on James’s phone.

Skosa: this way we can track your location so we can pounce at the perfect time

James: yeah that would be great

Skosa: well, thank you very much for bringing this to my attention, we will conduct the raid on Sunday since it was already planned a while ago

James: oh good should I get in contact with-?

Skosa: no don't, don’t arrange anything, let them do what they want and hope it lies on the same day and time, and do let me know if anything changes

James: alright

Skosa: so the deal is you bring the dokugumi and the leader to this rhino drug house, we arrest and detain everyone and hopefully seize a bunch of narcotics to keep off the streets

James: yeah that would be ideal

Skosa: hey before you leave, you should be careful who you associate with, I don’t want to see you with the wrong crowds son, I mean, I wouldn't mind a street smart person like you on the team, I like your thinking

James: hmm I'll consider it *flattered*

James left his office and walked back to school.

James: talk about two worlds colliding *he told himself*

James kept walking through the city, it was quite busier than usual. Savon appeared out of nowhere and pulled James aside in a small alleyway.

Savon: what happened with that Rhino boss that followed you?!

James: gee man calm the fuck down, you could’ve texted me you know... I just got a scratch and I used your acid grenade thingy

Savon: ahh and did it work?

James: I think so...

Savon: hmm ok, listen, me and the boys plan on doing a full on ambush on the rhinos trap house, you in?

James: ehh I don’t know

Savon: GREAT! You will drive!

James: Oh crap...

Savon: meet me at the hideout Sunday morning 07:30 am sharp

James: *sigh* alright should I bring a weapon or something just in case?

Savon: nah I'll provide you with that shit, don't worry *he chuckled* you know I always look after my trusty getaway driver *he smiled creepily* anyway I'm out

Savon climbed vertically on the wall behind him within seconds. James continued on with life like an average joe for the next few days.

Chapter Text

05:49 am, Sunday morning

James was at the police station bright and early getting dressed up in their special equipment. He was amongst many other police officers.

Police officer: this should do it, you have plain clothes on, a bulletproof vest under your shirt, and because this is a very dangerous mission we are giving you this pistol

Sheriff: boy that's a five-seven you’re holding there, it's got 12 rounds so use them wisely and only if needed

James: yes of course understood

Police officer: we've got your phone wired up to the system and we also have a third party microphone planted on your phone and on your person

James: ok yep

Skosa walked in.

Skosa: sorry everyone there was traffic. James you ready? We are all counting on you here at the P.D.

James felt confident, he didn’t want to stuff it up, and as he heard Skosa motivating him, he felt as if Skosa was the cool uncle he wished he had. James began to look up to him.

James: I will NOT fail this task! *he said firmly*

Skosa: good, that's what I want to hear James. Oh and press this button when you are going to be ambushing the house, like when you enter specifically

James: ok I'll remember to press it

James got out of the station and took a good 30 minute walk to the dokugumi hideout.

07:28 am, Sunday, dokugumi hideout

He pressed the button on the door. BZZT.

Intercom: eh who are you?

James: it's me

Intercom: I need a name

James: come on man stop playing, let me in

Intercom: yeah ok wait a minute

The overly large doors opened, James walked in quietly. He noticed there was a van as he first entered, he figured he was in the garage, however this was not the same vehicle as last time, this van was big and black and it looked like a celebrity's transportation.

Savon: kid get in the car

James: ok

James sat in the driver's seat.

James: are we gonna do it now or later?

Savon: right now kid, we’re getting it over and done with

James looked in the passenger seats behind him, it was empty. James discreetly pressed the emergency button. The police units should be at the location within 10 minutes.

Savon: you look scared, is something wrong?

James: this is different, I feel like after that fucken rhino boss jumped me I feel like I needed revenge after that... and doing this now... I want the rhinos head on my FUCKING WALL! *he said meticulously*

James clenched his fist.

James: I was so weak, puny and useless against those rhinos

Savon: you're not weak when you’re with us

James: about that, I think that...

James paused

James: we should fucken raid it right now

Savon: right now?

James: yeah let's go right now

Savon: alright *he chuckled*

James began to drive. For some random reason he had the urge to pull out his pistol and shoot Savon right in between his eyes. But he chose not to. He drove for a few hundred metres till he noticed that the dokugumi members were blended in the car all along, the seats were the same colour as their scales. James realised if he had shot Savon earlier they would have taken James out within seconds. All ten of them in the van pulled up outside the house.

James: so whats the get go?

Savon ignored him. James unbuckled his seat belt. Savon grabbed him by his collar

Savon: Are you serious? you wanna go in there with us?

James: yeah im not a bitch, either way i'm stronger with you guys around

That was all it took to convince Savon.

Savon: alright take this beretta, I'll use the other one

James: huh twins, you know because they’re dual berettas

Savon: yeah I know, however the one holding the gun makes their personality different though

James: uhm I guess so

A total of roughly 9 komodos and 1 James broke into the rhino’s trap-house. Savon watched James go first and wanted to see whether he was bluffing or not. James whispered to 2 other members to go to a specific location. Savon and 6 other members barged in through the front. James and 2 other flexible members broke in through small windows. James was as silent as a predator hunting his prey, even quieter than the time he was naked on campus. He pressed his emergency police button frantically to get their attention and to come and flank them already. James was in a bathroom, it was empty, he looked under the crack of the door and saw no one nearby. He stepped out and looked left then right.

James mind: it's clear, I recommend checking your back every couple seconds

James saw the other members looting prepackaged bags, which made things convenient. James was looking through cabinets, he found something valuable, it was a diary of the rhino boss, it contained something he thought was valuable.

James: Savon!

Savon: what?!

James was at the top of the stairs.

James: take a look at this

He tossed the diary down to Savon.

Savon: hehe got all their secrets now, thanks kid

James: no problem-

James suddenly felt a hand over his mouth and a glock put to his head. It was the same rhino boss that had scratched his face, he appeared under the shadows.

Rhino boss: don't say or do a fucking thing *he whispered*

James thought it’d be smart to shoot Savon in the tail since it would get his attention without hurting him. James flicked up his beretta and tried to shoot Savon, but the rhino held his arms down with a lot of force.

Rhino: YOU KOMODO BITCH!

Savon and his gang instantly turn around to see James hostage, the rhino was trigger happy and pointed the gun at one of the dokugumi members.

BANG! He shot Savon in the chest, his arch enemy, green slimy liquids flew out of his body. All the other komodos pointed their guns at the rhino but they didn’t shoot. Savon was in a bad state. It was inevitable that only a miracle could keep him alive. BANG! The rhino shot the next member that entered the room and the next few in a collateral, now only one komodo remained standing. The rhino laughed as he kept James in a headlock. “Stupid slimy shitheads, these are the people you work with?” he laughed. The police sirens could be heard outside the trap-house.

Last dokugumi member: fuck, the cops are here

There were 6 of them on the ground in pain but not dead yet, the last member didn’t walk in the room as he heard the commotion earlier. James knew that there were others lingering around.

Bang!

Voice: I killed the last three of them boss!

Rhino Boss: that's it Freddy! Come in here and finish off this goon

Freddy: yes boss!

Freddy came stomping into the room, he found the last standing dokugumi member and put a gun to his head.

Last dokugumi member: fuck what do I do?!

The other dokugumi members were laying on the ground in agony.

Savon: u-use your tail! *he said quietly*

He sliced off his tail, ignited it and threw it at Freddy, Freddy caught the explosive and his blood splattered all over the staircase.

Police megaphone: WE ARE ENTERING THE HOUSE IN 1 MINUTE, SURRENDER NOW!

Rhino boss: well it looks like we'll both die today *he laughed*

The rhino let go of James and pushed him down the stairs. It gave James a couple bruises.

Rhino boss: heh such a weakling

They both looked at each other and pulled out their guns and pointed them.

Rhino boss: you gonna shoot me now huh?

James got up.

James: let's fight, no guns

He tossed his beretta away from him.

James: come on!

The rhino tossed his gun at James with all his force. James just dodged it. The rhino ran up at James and landed a heavy blow on his stomach.

James: AAAHHH! FUCK!

James gave him an uppercut, however he did not feel a thing. He them jumped on his horns and kicked his face multiple times.

Rhino boss: stop it you little shit!

The rhino fell on his back, James was consecutively kicking his head, he chipped his horn and left him with a large bruise on the side of his head. The rhino got up all of a sudden, he grabbed James by his shoulders and threw him on the wall. As James tried to recover from that painful hit, the rhino picked up his pistol and finished off every single dokugumi member that was left.

Police: WE ARE ENTERING THE BUILDING!

Rhino boss: if I don't make it out alive, then I'm making sure that you don't!

He cocked his gun right in front of James's face.

Rhino boss: you get what you fucking deserve!

BANG! Blood splattered everywhere, all over the room it became a bloodbath. The gun dropped from his hands. James opened his eyes, he couldn’t believe what had just happened. The rhino's heavy body fell on him, James pushed it off and looked ahead of him. Skosa stood there in front of James, looking like a hero in his uniform. James jolted up and gave Skosa a big hug.

James: THANK YOU SO MUCH I THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO DIE!!

Skosa: ok son calm down let's get you outside and checked up

James went outside while the police completely swooped the trap house inside out and the nearby area. The ambulance was outside as well. The dokugumi were all put in body bags and sent away mysteriously. The rhino boss and his accomplice Freddy were also put in a body bag. There were no more gang members of the rhinos or the dokugumi in the city. 

A couple hours later James was hanging out at the police station bandaged up. He had to write a lengthy report about all the events that happened that morning. Skosa and his colleagues looked after James. James put on some ordinary clothes they gave him and he took off his undercover clothes, and equipment. James finished his evidence statement and talked to Skosa, the sheriff and another officer.

James: I can’t believe we really did it, oh and thank you guys for believing in me, I am really glad we were able to successfully conduct this operation

Skosa: Well James, we were all tuning in to you on the microphone at headquarters, we liked the way you handled the situation

Sheriff: boy we're giving you an opportunity to take a short policing training course and to hopefully work with us here at this police station fighting crime, usually we select bigger figures but with your intelligence, there are exceptions...

James: oh wow thanks, so is that like a trainee-ship?

Skosa: yes exactly that, are you up for it?

Chapter Text

James: I accept your offer *he said confidently*

Skosa: great, now take these papers, fill them out carefully and don't let anyone see them or know about it

James: yeah alright

Sheriff: you should probably leave now, we have other work to do now

James: yes sheriff

Skosa: no, stay

One of the police officers looked uneasy.

Sheriff: I don't thinks it's necessary-

James: don't worry Skosa, let me do my paperwork and training first before I do anything else

Skosa: you were on scene about an hour ago, what's the problem? Too much for one day?

James: no not at all, and what if this task is confidential? I shouldn't know about it

Skosa: look it won't kill just one task

Sheriff: errmm I’m not sure about this Skosa, the boys still got bruises

Skosa: yes I know but I really want to push him further, he has potential

James felt happier knowing that Skosa actually saw the potential in him.

James: alright show me the plan, what task will we be doing?

Skosa: James you will be on duty with officer Lincoln from 10 to 3 just for a little experience

Skosa and the Sheriff were eager to hear James's response.

James: uhh yeah sure, oh I just realised its nearly 10, are you ready officer Lincoln? Wherever you are...

Lincoln: yes I am here and ready for duty

Sheriff: great you two go for a walk around section 51

Lincoln: y-yes sheriff

James: sounds good sheriff, should be a breeze

James put on a set of police uniform, and some aviators. He looked at himself in the reflection of the glass inside the station.

James: haha I look like i'm from a movie

Lincoln: it's not a fashion show James, let's leave early

James: yeah ok sorry

The two of them left the police station and made their way to section 51. James and Lincoln were nearly at the location.

James: so... which weapons can I carry on me?

Lincoln: geez you-

James: no i'm only asking just in case there’s an emergency, I want to be prepared

Lincoln: tsk I shouldn't have brought you out here when you have little to no experience, your physique doesn’t help eithe-

Anteater: HELP HE STOLE MY BAG!

James looked at the culprit, they wore a balaclava with all black clothing, he didn’t know what animal it was. James started running straight away. Lincoln was surprised to see James bolt so fast.

Lincoln: James you go get him and i'll question the lady

James: ok!

Lincoln made a big mistake not helping James. James kept running after the thief.

James: oi stop running! you’re making it worse for yourself

As James kept running he felt that his arms kept hitting something, it was a baton that was attached to his belt.

James mind: well you have a somewhat decent weapon just in case you get into a fight

The thief took a turn into a dark alleyway away from the other civilians. James was only a couple seconds behind him, James took out his baton as he turned the corner.

The thief looked at James. James walked up to him with his baton out in a firm grip.

Thief: im sooo scared hahaha, your cute little baton and your blue uniform doesn't scare me, I can devour you within seconds

The thief got on all fours and prepared to make a dodge past James to pass him and run away as he was in a dead end. James tossed his baton to the side, it was too slippery.

Thief: Are you serious? You threw your baton away, what are you gonna do next? Pull a gun out on me? haha

James was pissed off at him.

James: I don't get angry often, but you people really piss me off

Thief: I don’t care, now move out the way!

James ran at him, the thief ran at him as well, James remembered tackling techniques from his old schoolyard days. He wasn’t very afraid of the thief’s physique, James tackled his hips whereas the thief went for his torso. James striked a somewhat successful tackle on the thief, he managed to put him down and sit on his legs.

Thief: get the fuck off me!

The thief swung back and punched James on the shoulder. It hurt James and he had to back off to recover. The thief took off his balaclava. The thief was a panther. He revealed his large fangs, hoping to scare off James and make him run away. James reached for his gun, but he didn’t have one and the baton was useless. James was scared, how was he supposed to get out of this one without being a coward. The panther launched at James with his paws first. James ducked, now it was James cornered by the panther.

Panther: its the people like you that don’t deserve to be here

James watched as the panther approached him. The panther got close and put his arms around James’s neck. James was trying his hardest to get his hands off him. He felt his claws slowly dig in his neck.

James: s-s-s-stop 

James was slowly losing colour in his face, he couldn’t handle it any longer and had to escape his death grip. James pulled a cheap shot and kneed him in the balls which gave him a moment to recoup himself. James breathed heavily, he looked up at the panther, he was distracted and covering his balls. James charged at him but without strong momentum. The two of them were trying to take the other person to the ground.

Skosa and the Sheriff watched James's body cam footage and were terrified for him, they didn’t leave the police station though because they didn’t want to be associated with any wrongdoing that James does in the heat of the moment.

Radio: chsss shoot him in the leg kid chsss it's your only choice!

Skosa hoped that James might use his carnivore side of him to take the panther down, as long as there weren’t any cameras or civilians around… sometimes the rules could be broken.

Sheriff: Skosa this won't work, he doesn't even have many carnivore characteristics, he's a herbivore inside out, come on Skosa get it in your head, he's not the one. Fuck what are we going to tell the public when they this out?

Skosa: just wait and see, calm down will you!

James kept fighting the panther.

Radio: chsss SHOOT HIM ALREADY!

Hearing the voice of Skosa on the radio distressed made James cantankerous, James did not obey the orders from Skosa, James was in another world. James tripped the panther and he fell on his back. Skosa and the Sheriff watched on the edge of their seats.

Sheriff: what's he gonna do, he isn't using his gun or baton and he's closed to being mauled, I can't watch this

Skosa jumped on the radio while the Sheriff was distracted.

Radio: chsss BITE HIM SON! chsss

James pinned the panthers head to the ground, he also heard Skosa’s comment on the radio. James unintentionally got his hand stuck in the panther's mouth and he was closing his jaw rapidly.

James: ah shit *he squealed*

His teeth were excruciatingly sharp and he couldn’t pull his hand out.

James: let go of me!

James had a very slim chance to pull his hand out his mouth, he could already tell it was bleeding. Something in James’s mind triggered him to become a different person, he became furious and filled with testosterone. He clenched his fist in the panther's mouth and pushed his arm down his throat violently. James’s entire forearm went inside his throat. The panther opened its mouth and stopped biting him to free up the airway to breathe. The panther was breathing heavily then pounced on top of James, its demonic eyes frightened James. He opened his mouth and was inches away from shredding James’s face apart, till James felt a strange inhuman feeling overcome him.

James: aaaAAAHH! *he grunted*

James pushed the panther off of him and he pinned him back to the ground. The panther knew James wouldn’t bite him because it wasn’t legal for police officers to do so. James ripped open the jacket that was covering the panthers neck, James opened his mouth wide and bit his neck.

panther: AARGH STOP!!

The panther tried to do anything to get James off and stop the agony. James had his teeth a centimeter in his skin, which was very satisfactory. He held the position tightly and shook his skin back and forth. James's teeth weren't strong or sharp compared to most animals, but it still inflicted damage. James was even chomping down on his neck. Skosa and the Sheriff were in awe as they watched the body cam.

The panther took his claws out and scratched James's back as if it was a chalkboard. The pain James felt after that was unreal, but the testosterone from the biting covered up the pain.

Lincoln: JAMES! *pulls out gun*

James looked up, the panther threw James off him. The amount of guilt James felt was sickening, his mouth was bloody, and so was his back. Lincoln was also a Bison which is a herbivore, this also made James feel really ashamed of himself. The panther was on his knees trying to get off the ground while covering his neck with his hand.

Panther: you are a psycho cop, where the fuck did they find you?!

Lincoln handcuffed and arrested the panther. Lincoln told James to clean himself up and go back to the police station without showing any evidence and no sign of the police uniform.

Lincoln: I’ll take him from here

James nodded and wiped his mouth. His hand was covered in another man's blood. He sat against the dirty walls of the alleyway.

James: Is this justice? It didn’t have to escalate like this...

Radio: chsss James, James do you hear me?

James picked up his radio.

James: yeah, I hear you

Radio: we'll get someone to pick you up and bring spare clothes so just stay where you are

James sat down in the dark corner behind some bins.

James: ok *he said with a little tremble*

James mind: what's the matter James? wasn't that awesome? The intensity of the fight was absolutely thrilling!

James spoke to himself: the point isn't about having fun, it's about helping the community, I wouldn't have ever thought that being a police officer was so difficult, oh boy was I wrong

Radio: calm down James you did what you had to do, but where was your baton and gun?

James: the baton was too slippery, and I didn't have a gun on me

Radio: did you get hurt?

James: yeah, i'm going to need a lot of rest

Radio: ok we'll look into it for you, don't worry, we’ve got the medic ready for you at the station

James: that’s not the part i'm worried about 

Radio: look, James I know what you did was the last option, but in this world, it's kill or be killed, that's how it rolls, so I don’t know what world you are from but things are different here *he said firmly*

James was silent and didn’t say a word. He curled up into a little ball in the shadow of the alleyway. He looked at his hands all bloody, his mouth was full of someone else's blood. He felt disgusted and ashamed of himself. James closed his eyes. A singular tear from each eye trickled down his cheeks.

Voice: James? Are you here?

James opened his eyes and wiped his tears as he saw the police officer.

James: A-are you taking me back to the station?

Police officer: yes, now wear this jacket and helmet to cover up the evidence

James did a small nod. He hopped on the officers motorbike and they made it back to the station within 5 minutes.

10:46 am, Sunday, Police Station.

James walked in and the officer sat him down in the first aid room. He was treated by a nice nurse, she was an owl as well. A couple minutes later Skosa, the Sheriff, Lincoln and the constable all walked in the room. James watched all four of them surround him. The constable sat with a notepad writing notes. The three others asked a series of questions, police brutality was something that was not condoned, so this event was taken very seriously. They began evaluating, James didn’t include his two cents because there was already a voice recording and live video footage of the arrest. The 4 men needed a bit of time to make a final judgement of the event. They also assessed whether James should still be given the opportunity to participate in the traineeship.

James was left alone with the nurse.

James: Do you think they'll file a lawsuit on me?

Nurse: I don't think so, that's not how the constitution works, if the criminal does the wrongdoing, then police have their powers to restrain and contain the criminal, at ‘reasonable measures’ of course.

James: *sigh* yeah that makes sense

James: Was I being reasonable?

Nurse: well if it makes you feel better, a weak police officer is allowed to use more weaponry due to their lack of strength

James: So you’re basically calling me weak?

Nurse: sorry but yes I am, thats the world we live in, if you haven't noticed already

James sighed and closed his eyes.

Nurse: well don't worry, they'll look at your physical factors, in your case you had no weapons, no claws, thin stature, so just your teeth, so that's a clear indication that you had to use your fangs in order to save yourself from death.

James: wait and see I guess

Nurse: that's right, just be patient and things will come your way…

James remembered being at an ice cream shop, whining and complaining to his mother about the long wait, mother said "be patient and things will come your way". He remembered those words specifically. It gave James a headache. Every thought that James got about a relationship he had on earth and his life there, he always got a headache.

James: mmm my head

Nurse: stop thinking, snap out of it!

The nurse injected James with an anaesthetic. What she injected was a chemical that made the user forget what had occurred in the last few hours for a couple minutes only. As James was still in pain, she came to the conclusion that something else was hurting James… mentally. The nurse didn’t question what was wrong with him. James did start to get fresh new thoughts, school, Sheila, drama club etc. All the stuff that made him happy. James laid on the bed, the nurse left for a moment. 

Nurse: I’ve given him one of those hallucinates, so he will temporarily forget about the past events, yet it still seems as if it's taking no effect on him. Look, it's hard to explain, I'm not an expert on the mind.

The constable dismissed her and the nurse brought James into the room with the other men. The hallucinate had already worn off. James walked in the room, they all sat there with their arms crossed.

Constable: we have assessed the situation and evaluated it, as a collective we have come to the conclusion that what you did in the alleyway was reasonable due to your lack of training, lack of physical strength and lack of equipment

James: So I won't be charged with anything? Is there a lawsuit?

Constable: why would there be a need for a lawsuit? Do you know how the jist works here?

James: well from my knowledge it would make sense that the thief would sue me for being unqualified, and the attacks I made to him should be paid out of my pocket

Constable: doesn't work like that here, some aspects make sense but no that statement does not comply with the powers that the police have on the citizens

James: oh ok

Constable: what you did was smart thinking for a man of your build however it was unethical, you were going to die if you hadn't bitten him which is why we aren't too pissed off at you for that, you stopped the criminal too, and society wasn't affected by your little biting incident, so you got out of this one

James: ...

Constable: we've been thinking that being an on field officer is not the best choice for you, you have to understand that you ultimately have the wrong physical body to become a police officer, it's nothing personal *he said firmly*. I’ve seen footage and saw what you did at the drug house and how you managed to arrange the two gangs together in a bloody battle, I'm impressed with how clean and efficiently it was completed, only one P.D. bullet was fired, no innocent was injured. As I run this police station's headquarters I make the final decisions. I have heard everyone's opinion here and outside of this room as well. James, you still have your traineeship, however you cannot become a police officer or anything similar to that field of work. I want you to become an intelligence agent with us. *clasps hands*

James always liked being a bit sneaky, and he knew how to talk bullshit.

Constable: the crew and I firmly believe that you can bring strings together in this team

James: y-yeah I am very cooperative, I can work in any environment

Constable: I have a scenario, in the event of you controlling a train lever-

James: This is the "Trolley problem" isn't it?

Constable: ah yes it is, give us a response...

James: in the event of the trolley problem you must distinguish whether the train will kill 5 people or 1 person, I firmly believe that if the people are all ordinary citizens, then by all means, the 1 person must sacrifice their life

The crew: hmm

Constable: you must answer this question, same event, but one side 5 useless drug taking members of society, and the other side is a rich business owner that is... a property developer for example, who do you save?

The crew quietly discussed amongst themselves. James had the good and bad side talking to him inside his head.

James: Well that's a tough one, but I would have to save the rich businessman due to him being able to build infrastructure to reduce poverty which will ultimately reduce crime. If you save 5 drug abusers, how does that really meet society's needs?

Constable: ah I thought I had you there but you twisted it to me at the end, ok you gave the right answer, but don't get me wrong the safety of the civilians is crucial. But some civilians are more important than others *he said quietly*

The Constable looked at his watch.

Constable: its 13:15 you should go home now, you’re all cleaned up, and you MUST NOT tell ANYBODY what happened today, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! *he shouted*

James: y-yes s-sir *startled*

James turned around and went to the door, he was about to twist the handle. The sheriff nudged the constable to imply that he forgot to tell him something.

Constable: James, wait…

James turned around.

Constable: you will be working with Skosa in his department

Skosa: that's right, you'll be working for me

James: nice *he smiled*

James: well um, it's been quite an eventful day, I look forward to starting my traineeship with you Skosa, i'll fill the paperwork you guys gave me as soon as possible, i'll be heading off now, thank you guys very much for reconsidering me to take on the traineeship, it means a lot to me. 

James waved them all goodbye then left the room. The Constable looked at the sheriff then Skosa.

Constable: why was he so serious and mature for his age? 

Sheriff: I dunno, but that's the good attitude I like to hear from the younger generations. We need determined and smart youth

Skosa: I know you guys hate to admit it but, hes brought many new concepts to this place already

Lincoln spoke up.

Lincoln: Care to share? 

Skosa: Well Lincoln, he... he...

Lincoln: he hasn't done much has he? oh wait hes caused trouble

Constable: Lincoln, no one died, the criminal was injured and arrested, justice served, it happens everyday

Everyone besides Lincoln nodded their heads in agreement, that they would've done the exact same thing as James if they were in that situation.

Skosa: well believe it or not James was the one that primarily organised the entire raid on the dokugumi and the rhinos

Constable: you're telling me that kid managed to pull all that off? like he thought of it and everything?

Skosa: yep he was the one that organised nearly the entire plan, pretty impressive if you ask me

Skosa lied, he was going to tell his colleagues the theory beforehand but he waited until the perfect time when James came in coincidently. But in all honesty, James put a lot of effort in that raid, which is why he gave him the honor instead of himself.

Constable: well the kid still goes to school, on the break, he'll come here to train for a week or so I guess, and then exams, then full time here, with you Skosa. You seem you can handle the kid, and it seems that only you can really link up with him from what i’ve seen

Sheriff: I think he idolises you Skosa

Skosa: really you think so?

Sheriff: yeah I think so

Skosa: well... that's nice to think about

Skosa thought to himself: does the kid really idolise me? I mean that's cool if so, now that I think about it he's somewhat similar to me… He's like the son I wish I had.

Chapter Text

Monday

James was back at school, he had a black eye from the panther thief from yesterday, some people asked him what happened, James said he fell down some stairs, he was falling behind in class today but he eventually caught up. He went to the drama club and had fun. James began a daily workout routine because he wanted to show the others at the police station that he has a lot of potential and patience.

Tuesday

It was a bland day for James, he didn't do much, he finished early and he studied a lot. The daily workout was his highlight of the day.

Wednesday

James could feel a lot of pain in his back, not only did the rhino throw James down a set of stairs but the panther from Sunday also scratched his back. But it didn’t stop James from keeping fit.

Thursday

Gon had a talk with James about James's whereabouts last weekend, James said he was doing volunteer work, Gon didn't investigate further. James ran laps around the campus.

Friday

James looked forward to Friday, his black eye also disappeared.  James was relaxing in his dorm with the apes.

James: TGIF, am I right guys?

Mike: What does that mean?

James: thank God it's Friday

Mike: oh ok

Oren: What's God?

James: uhm hmm I expected you guys to know the name, well I guess I'll describe it to you. Do you guys believe that there is an invisible figure that created this planet and all the people?

Oren: Are you hallucinating James?

James: I'll take that as a no *he chuckled*

He learnt that there was no concept of God, how strange he thought. As the day went by James was only looking forward to going to the drama club.

Sheila: I saw you running around campus the other day

James: oh you did? 

Sheila: yeah you were wearing those red short shorts too

James: heh yeah uhm quite observant of you, anyway I actually have a secret to tell you

Sheila: What is it?

James: I have a traineeship at the police academy

Sheila: wow that's great, be careful though, it's not an easy job

James: yeah I know haha

Sheila: well you've got something to look forward to after school-

James: Do you know what you want to do after school?

Sheila: I want to become a full time dancer, like the ones that travel the world and stuff

James: That sounds awesome! Which places would you like to visit?

Sheila: well I would love to go to this island called ‘Lecksus’

James: That's a peculiar name for an island, so what’s so special about it?

Sheila: the island was only recently built up, there are endless shops, plenty of nice resorts, the theatres there are on another level, and it's also very romantic too

James: seems like a pretty dope place, now i'm starting to think about going to this ‘Lecksus’ place *enthusiastically*

Sheila: yeah but I don't think I’ll be able to go anytime soon...

James: c’mon of course you’ll go eventually… maybe I could take you there when it's summer *he said shyly*

Sheila: no I wouldn't want to put that stress on you

James: ha it'll be fine don't worry, I go by the motto ‘work hard, play hard’ *he said confidently*

Sheila: I can't help but say that I worry about you sometimes

James was confused.

James: W-what do you mean?

Sheila: you look like you’re fighting a headache

James: maybe because I am heh

Sheila: oh, I hope you’re ok

James: I'm always ok around you *he said quietly*

Sheila: oh James… *she smiled*

Drama club concluded for the day. James went to his dorm, had a shower and then asked the apes a question.

James: Hey guys, can you help me open a bank account?

The apes: yeah sure

James opened his own bank account online mainly with the help of Oren.

James: thanks a lot guys, I'm gonna deposit my money in it

Oren: well yes that's what it's for

James: haha yep duh

Goro: how much money do you have saved up?

They all listened intently.

James: I got like 300 ish dollars

They acknowledged it and didn’t share their thoughts as they knew James wasn’t well off. However James secretly had close to $12,000 due to the jobs he did for the dokugumi and also from the police operation. James slept that night with his bag to make sure none of the apes would try and steal his money.

Saturday

James walked to the bank with all of his money in a discreet bag. The bank asked for ID which wasn’t an issue, they asked for his occupation, James had a thought and then said police trainee, and that was satisfactory enough for them to accept it.

Bank lady: ok and done

James: Great, so do I get a debit card or something?

Bank lady: it's all on your phone, cards haven’t been used since a long time

James looked on his phone on the bank app.

James: oh yeah it is, nice

Bank lady: if you lose your phone you have to either call us or come here straight away to block the account

James: oh alright got it

James walked out, he felt better knowing everything was in the bank and not in large sums under his bed. As he was walking he noticed a homeless donkey sitting by the pavement. The donkey looked at James with a sign that said ‘I need money for food’. James stopped and looked at him, then he walked off. James remembered that when he was younger and walked in his old city, there used to be homeless people always asking for money, but they would spend it on drugs or other things other than what they needed most. He got a headache from that slight thought of the past.

Voice: hey you!

James turned around, the voice came from a raccoon.

Raccoon: don't you have any etiquette?!

James was confused.

Raccoon: it's really disgusting the behaviour of you millennials…

James turned around and walked off, not sure what that raccoon's problem was.

Raccoon: Thief! Thief!

James instantly turned around and saw the raccoon pointing at him.

James: w-what?! I didn't do anything, are you serious?

James ignored him and turned his back and walked off quickly. James went on his phone to check something when he tripped over and fell on his face. The raccoon had stuck its leg out on James The raccoon picked up James’s phone and ran off. James was mad and lifted himself up straight away. The raccoon was nimble, but James was faster on the straight. The raccoon ran into the wrong street. He looked left right up and down, he knew he was stuck. James caught up to him and approached him slowly.

James: give me my phone back

Raccoon: ok ok, please I beg you let me live!

The raccoon slid the phone to James. James walked backwards then left. James was thinking, why did the raccoon beg for his life? What James didn't realise was that since he was panting after chasing him, his mouth was wide open gasping for air, he needed to breath heavily, but the raccoon saw it as danger. Hence why he got scared and gave the phone back. He made it back to the dorm fine after that. He checked his balance in bed.

James thought to himself: twelve thousand, and ninety three dollars, that’s not bad, maybe I should save up for an apartment… real estate here seems reasonable

Sunday

James woke up at the crack of dawn and filled out all the paperwork for the police traineeship. It was 10:28 am, James was at the police station, the front desk lady asked James to go to Skosa's office.

knock knock

Skosa: come in James

James walked in with his paperwork.

Skosa: just leave the papers over there

James plopped the papers where Skosa told him.

James: So how's it going boss?

Skosa: yeah good, sit down... oh and close the door firstly 

James closed the door and sat down. Skosa gazed at him.

Skosa: what you did was good

James: What did I do good?

Skosa: the bite, I thought, no, we ALL thought you were going to die, or be torn up

James: hmm

Skosa: i'll be honest... we all thought that you weren't a carnivore and that it was an act

James: well now you know that I am 100% a carnivore

Skosa: good, no offense to the herbivore's but the carnivores are much more aggressive and intelligent which means that we will always get the job done one way or another, what i'm trying to say is that we carnivores never give up

James nodded in agreement.

Skosa: so I'll get you to do jobs for me and sometimes with me, I'll pay you money along the way

James: it's not about the money, it's about the experience

Skosa: doesn't matter, I have already wire tapped your phone, I already inspected your account

James started to sweat.

Skosa: you got a fair bit of money in your account

James: yeah um some was from the dokugumi, when I was forced to do that job

Skosa: Well you haven't spent any money have you?

James: n-no, I actually want to invest in an apartment

Skosa: huh that's exactly what I said when I was your age...

James: I think we are somewhat alike

Skosa: heh, let me see something, come here

James leaned over the table slightly. Skosa leaned over his side of the table as well.

Skosa: open your mouth

James: wha- why?

Skosa: sorry... let me see your fangs

James: oh... ok

James opened his mouth completely. Skosa was a bit disappointed how such pathetic teeth could have hurt the thief from last week.

Skosa: I feel bad for a carnivore like you to have such tiny, blunt teeth, your fangs are sharp but so small compared to mine

Skosa put his index finger in James's mouth. James felt a bit uncomfortable but let him do whatever it was.

Skosa: wow these aren't very useful, the teeth at the back are basically nearly useless for a carnivore

James: gee thanks for the compliment *he said indistinctly*

Skosa: I'm just curious but could you bite my finger, I just want to see how much it hurts… just for research purposes

James: ok…

Skosa's finger was laying on the two back teeth on the right side of his mouth. James began to slowly bite.

Skosa: have you started biting? I can't feel a thing

James bit him firmly.

Skosa: if this is near your peak then you might as well go full throttle on me because this doesn't hurt

James set his teeth as if they were two magnets that wanted to stick to each other. James could tell that he was getting deep in his finger but he kept going and waited for Skosa to tell him to stop.

Skosa: ay ok stop!

James stopped the bite. Skosa shook his finger around to get the blood flowing to it.

James: What's the problem? I thought they were blunt?

Skosa: you deceived me, I underestimated your blunt teeth

James: yeah that's right *he said confidently*

Skosa: how about you look at my teeth for comparison, I won't bite *he smiled*

James: uhh ok

Skosa opened his mouth wide open, it somewhat scared James for a second then he snapped out of it.

Skosa: go on!

Skosa grabbed James's finger and put it on his teeth. James felt the massive fangs that were much larger and intimidating than his own.

Skosa: these are my fangs, scary aren't they?

James: yeah they are

Skosa closed his mouth quickly. James wasn’t quick enough to withdraw himself so he put his hand into a fist position on first instinct. Skosa trapped James's hand in his mouth deliberately.

James: you’re not biting me hard, but why can't I get my hand out?

Skosa: it’s because of my teeths formation

James: So I can't get my hand out?

Skosa: try

James moved his hand inside his mouth, he felt his tongue which felt like sandpaper, Skosa was just staring blankly in James's eyes. James realised how weird it was and how it was erotic in some sort.

James: ok I think I've had enough

Skosa: actually try this time, you’re not trying hard enough

He tried to shake his hand left and right more aggressively but Skosa wasn’t giving up. Then he pulled his secret move which every adult hates, tickles. James opened his hand in Skosa's mouth, he gently scraped his nail on the top of his mouth. Skosa tried to keep a straight face and not open his mouth, but he couldn’t resist it anymore, he failed and James pulled his hand out hastily.

Skosa: you cheated!

James: No way! Oh and where can I wash my hands?

The two of them washed their hands, it only took James a couple seconds or so whereas it took Skosa a minute.

Skosa: having no fur has its benefits sometimes I suppose *he chuckled*

James: yeah sometimes *he smiled*

The two talked for quite a while before it got late. James got to the dorm an hour later and studied for his math exam coming up, he had a steamy shower then went to bed. He laid in his bed and thought to himself "I wonder where life will take me..."

Chapter Text

Monday

James knew the math test was on Friday so he studied hard the entire week. James kept working out every single day, he gradually saw improvements. Drama club was going well, so was his relationship with Sheila.

Tuesday

James spoke to Kai more than he expected, their friendship improved a lot.

Wednesday

Bill and Els suggested to James and Sheila that the four of them should go out after the exams, they all agreed on a specific date a couple weeks away.

Thursday

Bill and James became close friends. James asked Aoba to fly, but for legal reasons he wasn’t allowed.

Friday

Goro poured water on James' face because he wasn't getting out of bed, James jumped up and out of bed.

James: ahh!... thanks

Goro: no problem

James changed his t-shirt in front of the others. The apes were whispering to each other. Goro pointed to James. The apes saw the terrible scars on James's back. Oren threw his hand on mike mouth

Mike: hmhmhmhm!

Oren: shut up, don't say a thing *he whispered firmly*

Mike calmed down. James put his shirt on and turned around. The apes were looking elsewhere and doing their own thing.

James: don't act like you didn't see it. I'm fine, don't worry about me

Goro: ehhm I cant help but notice you have a decent six pack, I can show you my routine if you want?

James: yeah sure

Oren: Is everything ok James?

James: yes yes Oren I'm fine, it wasn't anyone from the school, it's my private life, so please don't tell anyone

The apes: we won't, we swear

James: thank you guys

James walked to the assembly. He made his way there early and sat in the front row on his own. There were mice and other small mammals next to him, it didn’t bother him.

Gon: it's great to see all your lovely faces on this fresh Friday morning. It's good news that the censors haven't picked up any students for a week now, let's keep it that way. Oh James you’re not allowed to sit there, the front is reserved for the mice and other smaller people. Unless you're secretly a mouse hahahaha

The audience began to snicker and laugh at James.

James mind: did the principal really just make fun of me? You know what, I’ll take it on the chin, whatever

Voice: you don't sit there idiot!

James stood up in front of everyone.

James: Who said that? Come on don’t get all quiet, who the fuck said that?!

It went quiet before Gon spoke up.

Gon: James please watch your language, you’re making a fool of yourself. Please do us a favour and sit at the back and close your mouth, thank you

James felt all the eyes in the assembly on him, everyone was staring at him, he was the only one standing amongst a room of people sitting down. The feeling made his breath short for a moment. He looked around then stormed up to the stage where Gon was.

Gon: please James just take a seat will you

James hopped up on the podium and gently pushed Gon out of the way. James took control of the microphone.

James: If any one of you guys wanna talk shit about me, come say it to my face and stop hiding in the dark, I'm not scared of any of you. And can I just say Gon that I am very disappointed in your behaviour, you lack empathy.

Gon was startled, the crowd went silent. No one ever dared to do what James did. James walked off the stage and sat down in the front row seat where he was before, the mice next to him were a little worried.

Everyone looked at James, no one was laughing, they all just whispered amongst themselves.

Gon: w-well that's a first, I guess we'll end the assembly now, have a good day everyone

James closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath in. He opened his eyes and everyone was already out of their seats walking to the cafeteria. James stood up and went with everyone else, he hald a straight face. As James was getting his food he began to crave for some meat, more specifically lamb.

Voice: I can't believe you actually did that dude!

James looked over to whoever said that comment, it was a panther, the exact same panther that pranked James, was now looking up to James.

James: It's no big deal…

James picked up his food tray and walked over to his usual table.

Fox 1: that's the guy that did it

Fox 2: No way he really did that? I can't believe I missed it

James was happy that he had made a mark on the school. He wonders what the drama club members and apes will think of him when he encounters them.

Bill: shut up he's coming

James was about to sit on the edge of the table but they all scooted to the side so that James could sit in the middle, James rolled his eyes and plonked himself down in the middle of the table and began eating. Sheila was sitting next to Bill and Ellen, whilst James was sitting next to Els and Tao. Bill tried to break the ice

Bill: so James, nice speech you had up there, really showed em who's boss

James: thanks...

Bill: I know the person who called you an idiot

James: I don't care about that Bill, it was never about that, it was about sending a message

Bill and Els gave Sheila the stink eye to try and get her to talk to him. Sheila knew James the best so they forced her to talk to him. As James ate with his head down, he felt a soft paw gently rest on his hand. As much as he enjoyed it James ignored her, he knew what she was trying to do. He slowly lifted his head up and looked at Sheila.

James: I just need some time alone to think *he said quietly*

James's pupils grew so large that it became very obvious to everyone on the table.

Bill: judging by your eyes you either love Sheila or you just snorted a line of coke

James: What do you think Bill? Judging by your tone you genuinely sound like you don't know

Bill: I think you love Sheila don’t you?

James didn’t make a peep. Everyone on the table was eavesdropping.

Bill: Hey Sheila, what qualities have made you drawn to him?

Sheila: hes special and different, but a good different

Tao turned over to Sheila 

Tao: no shit he's different!

James had a sudden deep thought, he took his hand away from Sheila. He put his head down and covered his face with his hands. He started to quietly sob. As embarrassing as it was to do it at school, he couldn’t hold it in forever.

Els: J-James are you ok?

Tao: dude… are you crying?

Everyone looked at James but they didn’t want to make it a big scene. James discreetly wiped the tears off his face. Sheila got out of her seat and sat next to James.

Sheila: I’ve never seen you cry before, James is everything alright? *she whispered in his ear*

He looked up at Sheila's face, her face… it was soft and comforting, just like mothers, James remembered all the times that mother used to always help him and comfort him, only now did he realise that mother was trying all she could to care for him. James held his head up on the table. Sheila wiped the tears off his face with a napkin.

James: thank you… Sheila. *he whispered* Ahem I apologise for that

Sheila: that's ok James don't worry, it happens to everyone

Aoba: yeah bro it's ok, if there's any problem you can always tell us

Els: that's right, we always support and help each other

Tao: take it easy man

Ellen: it's ok James it's natural to cry, we all do it

Bill: yeah dude don't worry, you have us!

James’s headache was being masked over by the kind words from the group.

James: thanks guys I really appreciate it

James took a deep breath in he returned to his normal self

Sheila: Do you want to talk about it with me somewhere else?

James: no, no it's ok, you can sit back in your seat

Sheila nodded.

James: I have come to a conclusion that whenever I get the thought of my family I get a slight headache every time. I used to hate my parents because they never got me any cool gifts, or nurtured me as a child, but the reality was that not only did they nurture me to a great extent but I was selfish and oblivious.

The group had never heard of such a situation.

Bill: shit man, that's um full on

Ellen: at least you’ve pinpointed the issue

James: look it's not a big deal, it was the past

Tao: that's the best way to think about it, that's what I always tell myself

The bell rang for class. Everyone stood up and made their way to where they were supposed to be. James was on his own for the first class, he sat near the back and didn’t say a word. During his second class, James had a wholesome conversation with Ellen, he realised that she was quite a nice person with some interesting backstories. As time went by, lunch arrived and everyone was cheerful and laughing together at the table. The last class was a double math period. James walked with Bill to maths.

Bill: you taken her out yet?

James: who? Sheila? No, not yet...

Bill: ah alright

James: I'm sure you’ve done heaps with Els

Bill: heh yeah you could say that

James: you haven't done much with her, I know it

Bill: ok crybaby

James: Bill, how could you say such thing? *fake cries*

Bill: ahh man, drama club has been getting to your head haha

The two of them walked into the class and sat at the back. James put his collar up.

Bill: What the heck is this?

Bill fixed James’s collar

James: What's the problem man? it's trendy

Bill: nah that's not a trend, who the hell told you that? haha

Sheila joined their class a couple minutes later. The three of them always had a good time in maths. Eventually the time struck 15:00. 

James: Bill get your ass up, we gotta go drama club

Bill: yeah man no rush, I'll be there soon

James: alright

James walked with Sheila to the drama club.

Sheila: Are you feeling better since this morning?

James: yeah I am, thanks for asking

Sheila: It’s the least I can do *she smiled* Oh! Have you heard the latest about your role in the play?

James: No, what is it?

Sheila: you have to fight Bill, but like not actually fighting of course. That’ll be fun won’t it be?

James: It really won’t be. But I’ll have to give him a run for his money, and how the hell did my role change that much?

Sheila: I don’t know, i'm just the messenger 

James: I will have to ask Sanu what’s going on. And you know what, you should totally show me your dance routine

Sheila: Uhh really? Are you sure about that?

James: yep later though

The two of them walked in the drama club and split up.

Sanu: alright now that all the actors are here, please put on your costumes, we'll be doing rehearsals

The actors were excited to be going one step further.James quickly changed his shirt

Bill: ready for the fight scene?

James: uhh no not really, and what's up with this costume?

Bill: I think you are representing my deep evil thoughts

James: And let me guess, you beat the shit outta me?

Bill: yep, no of course not come on haha

Sanu: alright enough chit chatter. Action!

Ellen: Prince Galahad, who is thee you must exterminate?

Bill: My love, an inner demon has possessed, it must be cleansed from my body at once

Ellen: b-but how Prince?

Bill coughed a few times dramatically. James appeared in all black holding a wooden baton

James: well well well, isn't this cute

Bill looked angry and he grabbed his baton

Bill: I'm not scared of you, there is nothing to fear about you

James: I've lived inside your mind for years Galahad, I know how you feel, I know your every move. There's nothing you can hide from me hehehe

Bill gasped. 

Sanu: Cut!

Bill and James ignored Sanu and kept acting.

Bill: the touch of evil on my staff has never escaped unscathed

James: your words don't scare me, you can fight all you like but I still control you

Bill swung at James, he was trying his best to block all of Bill’s attacks.

Bill: impossible!...

Bill ran up to James and lightly tripped him over. James laid on the stage. Everyone suddenly gained interest as to where it was heading. James laying on the ground gave him some bad memories, from the rhino to the panther. As Bill was on top of him, James growled at him quietly.

Bill: Any last words before I kill you?!

James: *cough cough* you may have defeated me but I will always linger in your mind forever

James’s body was deceased but his soul was still alive. Bill stood up.

Bill: the evil devil within, where has he gone? Who will he affect next?

Sanu: ok Cut! Cut!

Bill put his hand out for James, Bill lifted him off the ground and grabbed his back to help him get up easier.

James: AY! Don't touch my back!

James smacked Bill’s hand away.

Bill thought to himself: did I hurt him? I don’t wanna be in that situation again…

Bill: you ok man?

James: yeah I'm fine, thanks for the hand

James walked into the changing rooms and got changed while no one was around. Bill was going to get changed backstage but there were too many people around so he went to the change rooms. James took off his shirt in peace, he didn’t want anymore people seeing his scars on his back. Bill walked in quietly, it triggered a past event.

Bill thought to himself: oh no, that scar looks like I did it, but I didn't do it!

Bill: James what happened to your back?! *he whispered frantically*

James: Shit! don't just creep up on me like that, my back is fine, it wasn’t anyone from school

James was shirtless, he walked up to Bill and crossed his arms.

James: it was the same person that gave me this black eye *he pointed*

Bill: oh ok, I won’t asking anything else

James turned around and put his shirt on.

James: I don’t mind the questions, but don’t expect an answer every time…

Bill just nodded and finished getting changed. Sanu was waiting for the two of them in the backstage area.

Sanu: What's going on with you two?

James: nothing sir, we’re all good

Bill was frustrated, if the members ever saw James's back they would instantly blame him for it. Bill had a hard time handling stress and he always wanted to get the weight off his shoulders. He didn't want to be held accountable again since he had another incident a while ago. As the two of them walked back into the main room, Bill let loose.

Bill: James has a scratch mark on his back! *he shouted*

Everyone slowly looked towards James and Bill, no one said anything as they couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not. James was visibly pissed off at Bill.

James: I told you not to say anything! *he whispered*

Bill: I'm sorry *covers his mouth*

Sanu jumped in straight away.

Sanu: Is it true James?

James: *sigh* yeah it's true but it's not a big deal I insist...

Sanu: let me see James

James: Sanu, it's fine, I’m half stitched up, it's not a big deal

Sanu: ok but I still need to see it, I need to determine whether you can still play your role or not, the safety and wellbeing of the actors is vital!

James reluctantly took his shirt off.

Sanu: *gulp* that is one hell of a scratch…

All the drama club members caught a glimpse of his scar. He knew the news was going to spread like a wildfire now. James put his shirt back on.

James: that's what happens when you’re not careful enough

Tao: h-how did it happen dude?

James: can’t answer that, for legal reasons *he smiled*

Tao: errm fair enough

James: whatever you guys do, please don't tell Gon, he probably hates me already *he laughed softly*

Sanu was caught in between the fence, he didn’t know what to do. However all the students agreed and moved on. Sheila approached James.

Sheila: James I can't believe you didn't tell me about this *concerned*

James: I’m sorry Sheila but there’s a lot of things I haven’t told you yet

Sheila didn’t look chirpy anymore.

Sheila: we need to talk after this

James: I know...

Chapter Text

Drama club ended, everyone left but James and Sheila stayed behind. It was just the two of them alone in the drama club.

Sheila: take off your shirt, let me see your scar again

James took off his shirt, he felt apathetic. Sheila was worried for him. She gently rubbed her paw on the scars on his back.

Sheila: Who did this to you?

James: a panther…

Sheila: He doesn't come to this school does he?

James: no, he was an adult

Sheila didn’t know what to say. James put his shirt on and told Sheila to sit down with him on the ground.

James: I was told not to tell anyone but I trust you

Sheila nodded.

James: I got the scratch when I was working at the police station

James admitted it all to Sheila and how despite all the wreck it's done to him, he still loved the job and will be pursuing it one way or another.

Sheila: no but... I don't want to see you like this

James looked at her dead in the eyes and held her paws.

James: this is what I love doing, I want to serve justice for the community, that's what my passion is

Sheila could tell that he meant it deep down. James let go of her paws and put his hands in his pockets.

Sheila: ok I understand James

The two of them sat in silence for 30 or so seconds. The lights were dimmed to a nice setting. It was quite dark for James but it was a nice level of brightness for Sheila. James got up and put his hand out.

James: Care to teach me how to dance?

Sheila: b-but what about your back?

James: I’ve had it for a week, it just looks scary, that's all

Sheila: hmm ok, let me prep it up 

Sheila played some music from her phone. She showed James what their dance was step by step. He was a quick learner and excelled at the dance within the first 5 minutes, however at a very satisfactory level.

James: tell me if this is good, and be honest

James did the exact dance that Sheila just did.

Sheila: your flow is a bit choppy, but it's not that bad

James: haha thanks but I know it's awful, anyway how about some good ol fashion ballroom dancing?

Sheila: That's a bit slow isn't it?

He nodded and played a song on his phone. He grabbed Sheila by her hand and waist and twisted her around to begin the dance. She didn’t expect him to grab her waist so abruptly.

Sheila: I- 

James: shhh

James waltzed with her, he swayed the two of them to the side of the room, he picked up a rose prop and he put it across his mouth.

Sheila: you look ridiculous *she giggled*

James smiled and turned it up a notch. He picked up the pace and pulled off risky moves. He spun her around and did some other gimmicks.

Sheila: I didn't know you could dance like this

James: honestly I didn’t really think so either haha

Sheila got closer to James as they waltzed.

Sheila: I want to know more about you

James: you will, it’ll happen one way or another

Sheila: James, can I ask you something

James: y-yeah go for it

Sheila: *sigh* How can I say this without being rude, could you maybe tone up a little for me

James: I’m already trying haha

Sheila felt relieved that he didn’t take it the wrong way.

Sheila: Is there anything you want from me?

James: …

He knew that he had to be careful with whatever he said. Sheila waited very intently.

James: uhm I don't see the need for you to wear makeup, like don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup, but maybe you could ease it down a bit

Sheila: tsk yeah I can do that, but I was thinking if there was something physically that you would've liked changed?

James: n-no as long as you are eating healthy foods, i'm fine with the way you are...

Sheila: yeah that's right eating healthy, I do that already

As they kept slowly dancing in the dimmed room, Sheila remembered to ask James an important question.

Sheila: Have you started your traineeship yet? and what do you do?

James: yeah its already kinda begun, uhm your dad, Skosa, has given me a traineeship under his specific branch

Sheila: oh gosh this is awkward...

James: not at all, trust me we've gotten quite close

Sheila: That makes me feel so weird, how close is your relationship with my father?

James: hmm *he snickered* I’d say we’re pretty close, hey maybe we should catch up together!

Sheila: L-like with my parents?

James: Yeah, why not?

Sheilas face melted.

Sheila: no no, that's a bad idea...

James: What why?

Sheila: My parents want me to marry one of my own...

James: calm down you know it's up to you to make that choice who you marry, not your parents

Sheila: yeah I know but my parents don’t let anyone in with open arms...

James: *sigh* have to wait and see

Sheila: ...

James: let's go back to our dorms now

Sheila: alright

The two of them walked slowly to their dorms together.

James: I haven’t told anyone this but do you remember the person that was out on campus at night like last week?

Sheila: yeah that was like ages ago

James: well that was me haha

Sheila: Wait what why?

James: Well one night, I woke up at like 3am and I uhm, I had a errm… *embarrassed*

Sheila: You had a what? What happened at 3am?

James: I may have had an accident

Sheila: Did you... pee on the bed? 

James: no no no, it was something else. Anyway. It was like 3 in the morning and I snuck out of my dorm and I went all the way out to that bush *pointed* in just my shorts and boxers.

Sheila: Uhh I don’t think that was the most logical thing to do was it? 

James: yeah I know but it gets crazier. I took my clothes off and I ran back to the dorm naked

Sheila: Are you serious?! you should've called me or something!

James: no way, I don’t wanna disturb your beauty sleep

Sheila: oh gosh James, so you didn't get caught right?

James: no I didn't get caught, luckily. I'm so grateful I didn't get caught that night

Sheila: so when Gon-

James: yeah I was the one that Gon was talking about earlier...

Sheila: Ohh, well you are wild!

James: nah it was just… oh here’s your dorm

James opened the door for her. He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

Sheila: hmpf i'll let this one slide, but I’m still waiting for a proper kiss *whispered playfully*

James: hmm we’ll see *he smiled*

Sheila walked in her dorm and James closed the door. She saw her roommate Linda crouching behind the door.

Sheila: Linda! Are you serious?!

Linda: whaaat I was just here doing stuff...

Sheila: just say it as it is, you were eavesdropping

Linda: hmm!

James walked back to his dorm, it was sunset, he was thinking about how he will one day  take her out. He had many ideas planned out, but how many will become realit-

voice: what are you looking at?

James looked up, it was a hyena. Could this have been the person that called James out at assembly?

Hyena: give us your phone

James heard another voice coming from another hyena behind him.

James: Are you two for real gonna try jump me right now? 

The hyena's looked at each other.

Hyena 1: yeah that's how it works

They came sprinting at James simultaneously. James closed his eyes. His attackers were fast but lacked strength due to their age. He opened his eyes and ran to the fire escape door. He ran down the stairs as quickly as he could. Luckily no alarm was set off doing so. The hyena’s went down the other set of stairs and not the fire escape ones. Once James was out on the ground level he jumped into the bush where he cut his clothes up stark naked a couple nights ago. He peeped through the bush.

James: they're gone, good riddance

James walked into his building again, however he saw the same two hyenas on the other building adjacent to his, they gave each other the stink eye and then walked off. A few seconds later he was outside his dorm room. He opened the door and was surprised.

James: Uhh and you are?

Security Guard: I am the sssecurity guard, I am checking to see if there is any contraband in this room

James: oh ok

James laid on his bed.

Security guard: GET OFF THE BED, YOU COULD BE DESSSTROYING EVIDENCE!

James: alright calm down *he said firmly*

The apes told James to shut up, it wasn’t worth saying anything.

Security guard: hmm no money is found, I sssearched this place top to bottom

The security guard slithered out of the room. James slammed the door shut.

Oren: James, did you steal the $300 dollars you had in your bag?

James: no of course not, I hate how they always pick on the new kid, it happens all the time

Oren: we know…

The four of them went to sleep a couple hours later.

02:37 am, Saturday

BZZ... BZZ

James woke up, someone had texted him. It was Roxy, she was Tom's ‘plaything’.

Roxy: Hey James, I hope you haven’t forgotten about me. I know it's been a while, but if you could come over Saturday night, it would mean a lot to me, im very lonely and I want to see you

James texted her back.

James: Sure, perhaps you could teach me a few things...

Roxy: I'll give you a ‘hole’ lesson, come to my home address, I'll see you then *wink face*

James: alright see you then

Chapter Text

06:55 am, Saturday 

James woke up, got his bag and went to the police station.

Knock knock

James: I'm here boss!

Skosa's door was open. James peeped his head through.

James: Skosa you there?

He walked in the room and had a look around.

James: wow what a nice office

There was a piece of paper on his desk. James read it. 

‘Behind you’

James turned around quickly and ducked down into a squat position. Skosa creeped up behind him to ‘playfully wrestle’. James bashed his shoulder into his stomach and tackle Skosa.

Skosa: mmmpf!

Skosa flipped James’s arms off and he put him in a headlock.

James: w-what is this? *panting*

Skosa: your death *he panted excitingly*

Skosa growled at him while showing his fangs, all while grabbing onto James's upper body.

James had trusted Skosa a lot but there were some occasions where he felt threatened and he had to defend by all means necessary. Doof! James kneed him in the gut and shoved him to the ground. He put one knee on his torso and was about to punch Skosa right across the jaw.

Skosa growled and hissed at James to see his reaction. James immediately backed off. Skosa began to stand up with an evil grin on his face. James pushed him down again and wrapped his legs around him. He wrapped his arms around Skosa’s neck to contain him.

James: What the hell has gotten into you?!

Skosa: It’s all an act, now let me go

James let him go. Skosa went face to face with James and growled at him and he salivated in front of James. James knew he was playing games, so he put Skosa up to the test. James threw a fist at Skosa’s face. He caught James’s fist just in time.

Skosa: too predictable!

James kneed him in the balls and pinned him on the ground, he then strangled him.

James: you had me there for a second, but you had no clue about my secret move

Skosa: alright alright let go!

James let go off his neck and lifted him up.

Skosa: You didn’t have to choke me that hard, nor did you have to kick me in the groin. That was completely uncalled for and unnecessary

James: you left me no choice, without sufficient preparation how do you expect me to react?

Skosa: for a basic training exercise you went completely overboard. I was expecting you to threaten me, intimidate me. Clearly I couldn’t get that out of you

James: well, what do you expect me to do? My growl and fangs are humiliating

Skosa: give it a go, growl and show me your fangs, do it

James knew it was going to be awkward and cringe. He stepped close to Skosa's face. He made a soft growl, but there was no growl. It was just a low sound, James showed his fangs and licked them. Skosa was trying his hardest not to laugh.

Skosa: James please I've seen enough *he snickered*

James: thanks for laughing at me *he shrugged*

Skosa: all I can say is that there is room for improvement

James: Skosa you know I'm not born like you guys, mighty fangs, strong nose, nocturnal etc. How am I meant to, you know...

Skosa: you still have that bite though… you know what, come with me

Skosa brought James into a testing room for criminals.

Skosa: bite this little rubber ball and try to rip it off the machine

James: uhh I don't know, looks pretty degrading

Skosa: what? This is the most fun you could ever get! Watch me go first

James: umm yeah I’ll watch

Skosa put the ball on the right side of his mouth, he pulled and shook the ball around very aggressively, natural instincts made him growl as he pulled the ball. James couldn’t tell whether Skosa was passionate or angry when he conducted the test. He stopped after 10 seconds.

Skosa: *panting* now let's see my score

Beep boop 89

Skosa: eighty nine?! Oh no I can't let anyone know that, how humiliating...

James: calm down, sounds like a great score

Skosa: ugh whatever, your turn

James: Your saliva is still on it!

Skosa: are you a precious child or something?

James: what no! 

The ball was covered in his saliva. James reluctantly agreed to doing it. James bit on the slimy ball. ‘This is so gross’ he thought to himself.

Skosa: 3 2 1 go!

James wriggled the ball as much as possible from the machine and left and right to the best of his capability.

Skosa: c'mon really tear that thing! Think of it as your favourite food!

James stopped and thought of some nice lamb and steak, those foods are tough so James pretended the ball was the meat. James did a little better with this thought.

Skosa: alright that's enough

James wiped his mouth.

James: so let's see what I got

Skosa thought there was no way that he could exceed 50, his teeth were as blunt as a rock.

Beep boop 61

James: So where does that rank me?

Skosa: that ranks you with the lower tier of the Carnivores, you’re not last I can tell you that 

James: oh ok

Skosa: Anyway I gotta end it early today, here take these. Bite on these when you’re studying or in class, it’ll make your teeth stronger

James looked at the suspicious packaging.

James: looks sketchy 

Skosa: Because it is. Military grade stuff by the way so don’t let anyone else get a hand of this, especially not a wild carnivore. Its known to boost testosterone as well

James: So why'd you give it to me?

Skosa: put two and two together, anyway I’ll see you next week this time

James nodded and left the police station. He put one of those teeth strengthening things in his mouth

James: huh tastes like mint

James thought it would be funny to send a selfie of himself in front of the police station with the caption “I tasted your dads saliva” and send it to Sheila. After he sent it to her, he put away the packet and his phone. He didn’t mind whatever chewy thing Skosa gave him. He walked straight back to the dorm.

James: Hey guys all good? No more pesky security guard aye?

Mike: no security guard here

Oren: If the security always comes here then we know that something's up

James: I think it must've been a one off thing...

James studied for his math examination till sunset, by the end of it he was exhausted, he ate a measly amount of food for dinner. Bing! Roxy sent James a message.

Roxy: mine at 21:40, it's a win for the both of us so you better not bail out on me!!

James: I won’t

Chapter Text

James glanced over at the time. He decided to take a quick nap before he went out to catch up with Roxy. He woke up many hours later, he forgot to set an alarm which threw him off. James got up and looked at the time.

James: SHIT! I'm going to be late

James put his nice clothes on, grabbed his phone and left the dorm. The apes looked at each other, very confused as to where he could be going to on a saturday night. James was wearing a neat trench coat that was gifted by Skosa.

James: she lives at... oh those flats by the dock

James’s stomach grumbled he was very hungry.

James: fuck I hope she's got food, im being too demanding...

James walked up to the apartment complex. He walked up to her door which was number 5. He knocked on the door and waited patiently. James saw other people walk past.

Dingo: you going in there mate?

James turned around.

James: uhh yeah I am

Dingo: well don't tell the miss about this haha

The dingo walked upstairs. James started to feel guilty, but since he had never tried it before he wanted to be perfect for Sheila. A couple seconds later Roxy opened the door.

Roxy: come in, make yourself at home

James walked into her apartment, it was small but it was in a good location.

James: Did you clean the place up for me?

Roxy: no way its always like this… ok yes I did clean it up just now

James: heh thanks but you didn't have to

Roxy: yeah I know don't get me started about how dreadful it was, anyway, are you hungry?

James: yeah I'm a little hungry

Roxy: frozen pizza sound good?

James: yeah definitely!

Roxy: ok I'll heat it up for you

James: alright

James walked over to the balcony and leaned over the bar.

James: wow it's beautiful

Roxy playfully jiggled James's arse. It gave James a slight fright.

James: w-what was that for?

Roxy: relax, you’re at my place, so you have to go by my rules, I'm the teacher here and you’re my student

James: ok, do you think you could give me any advice? Like girl stuff...

Roxy: hmm a good piece of advice I can give to you would be that you gotta do some role-play but it has to be the girl that dominates the guy

James: a-are you sure? Dominate to what extent?

Roxy: Well you always do whatever the girl wants, if she wants a kiss then you give her a kiss, if she wants to do something kinky like stick something inside your little bottom, you let her do so, understood?

James: I don’t know…

Roxy brought out two plates with a slice of pizza on it.

Roxy: here you go, now sit down outside on the balcony with me

The two of them sat on the balcony, eating semi cold pizza, talking about life and so on. James thought to himself ‘what a vibe, I don't even need sex to be happy…’ It made him tear up as he discovered the truth behind it all. Roxy was uncomfortable seeing James tearing up and was hesitant to say anything at the beginning.

Roxy: What's wrong? you still scared of me?

James had seen a drastic improvement in his life in many aspects.

James: nah, i'm all good… *he sniffled*

Roxy: we’ve finished eating, wanna go to the bedroom?

James: oh um ok

Roxy laid on her bed, James looked at her.

Roxy: well you have to take my clothes off

James: oh right haha

James slowly got on her bed and took her dress off, she was just wearing panties and a bra.

James: this feels wrong...

Roxy: why would it? are you secretly gay or something?

James: no no im not gay, I just... I have stage fright

Roxy: oh stop it, you’re with me just relax

Roxy waited for James to undress. He took off his shirt and pants. She crawled around and behind James she noticed and felt the scars on his back.

Roxy: hmm hot. You must’ve been a bad boy, who were you fighting?

James: a petty thief…

James laid down beside her. She pulled the covers over the two of them. James didn't do anything with her, she was begging him for any action. After 15 or so seconds James bailed out. He knew this wasn't the right time.

He couldn’t handle it, there was something about that night that he just couldn't do it. He put his head down and apologised. He got put his clothes on and left her apartment,

James: why am I like this? I am so pathetic…

He sat down on a park bench and cried while covering his face. He sobbed for a while. People walked past James, but they didn’t say anything, they all completely ignored him. James lifted his head up and wiped the tears off his face. He clenched his fist and tensed his arms out of pure frustration.

James: I need to let go of all this anger...

Gazelle: help someone! He just stole my purse!

James slowly looked up and saw the entire scenario unfold in front of his eyes. James glanced at the Gazelle. It was the same one from weeks ago, that he failed to retrieve her purse back. He felt as if he had to redeem himself. He put on his trench coat and began sprinting. He was chasing a thief who was roughly the size of his legs.He stuck his leg out and tripped him over. The thief fumbled the purse out of his hands. James picked up the thief with one hand and the purse with his other hand.

James: Who do we have here...

James looked closely at the thief. It was the same raccoon that tried to steal his phone a day or two ago. James knew exactly what to do.

James: Im putting you under citizens arrest

Raccoon: please no, I beg you, I’ll do anything I swear!

James: sorry but this is my second encounter with you, so i’ll have to take you to the station

James returned the purse to the rightful owner. The gazelle lady recognizes James from weeks ago because of his distinct features.

Gazelle: wow thanks *she smiled*

James nodded and walked off while holding the raccoon with his arms behind his back. He brought the thief into the police station.

James: hey is Skosa here?

front desk lady: hello James, no unfortunately Skosa is not here

James: well i'm actually here to drop off a criminal I caught

Front desk lady: oh um ok, just wait a moment as I bring the constable

Constable: oh hello James, it's a bit late for you to be roaming the streets cracking down on crime don't you think?

James: oh I was actually walking home, then I caught this pesky little thief

Constable: he's actually wanted for multiple petty thefts, thank you James

James dropped off the criminal to the constable.

James: It’s the least I could do, see you guys next week

Constable and front desk lady: see you James

James left the police station.

James: where the fuck am I going to go now?... school is an option but I don't want to get caught by security, I don't know where Sheila is and I doubt she would be much help at *looks at time on phone* 00:24 am. How did it get so late?! That leaves me only one other option. 

He knew that it would be a good idea to ask Tom if he could come over, it was his best option. He called Tom and waited outside his apartment block.

Tom: argh which stupid scammer is calling me now?!

Tom: oh it's James

Tom: hello James, everything alright?

James: hey Tom, I know this is bad timing but can I sleep over at your house tonight?

Tom: yeah sure where are you?

James: nearly at your door

Tom: oh really? ok one second

Tom opened the door.

Tom: come inside, you must be cold

James: thanks man

Tom and James sat on his couch.

James: Tom I have to come clean with you, the whole experience with Roxy and I was a lie, I have never done anything sexual in my life, I'm so sorry for lying to you that night when she came over

Tom was really happy that James never did anything with her but he obviously had to hide his joy.

Tom: it's not a race nor a competition, the right time will come for you, just be patient and it will happen

James: thanks Tom

Tom patted James's arm.

Tom: it's all good James

James: hmm yeah

Tom: on a another note, you look a bit different from last time

James: Oh really? Thanks I guess...

Tom: you seem like you need some relationship advice, are you still talking to that girl, the cheetah one?

James: yeah we’re pretty close

Tom: oh well that's great, you can just tell her your problems and she'll help you

James: I don't know about that, I don’t think she’ll wanna hear my problems, I don’t think anybody does…

Tom didn’t say anything for a while.

Tom: the time will come eventually

James: I think I'm gonna sleep on the couch, if you don’t mind

Tom: oh yeah sure, if you have any other question, don’t be afraid to ask

James nodded and laid down on the couch, Tom went to sleep in his bedroom. James was experiencing a million different emotions all at once.

Chapter Text

James woke up, he was still laying on Tom's couch. He looked at the time 05:49 am Sunday. James felt like a new person today. He sat up and straightened his back.

James: I wish I had my own place, somewhere where I could call home

Flush sound.

James: oh Tom's up too

Tom walked into the living room.

Tom: oh hey man, you hungry?

James: yeah I am a bit

Tom: I'll make you something

James: Oh really? Thanks

James and Tom sat and ate their breakfast together.

Ping! James got a notification from his bank.

Tom: credit card debt?

James: haha no no… oh! I was given eight thousand dollars… oh and I forgot to tell you that I got a traineeship at the police station

Tom: wow that's awesome man, good on you

James: yeah thanks, there was a message as well, I wonder what it reads

The message read: James I wish I could've been there last night to see you bring in your first criminal, I'm so proud of you boy.

James felt a warm fuzzy feeling in his heart, Skosa actually cared about him.

Tom: How did you earn it?

James: I made an arrest on a petty thief

Tom: oh nice, so how much money do you have? if you don't mind me asking

James: I have nearly 10 thousand *he lied*

Tom: wow, that's a lot! Do you think I could borro-

James: yeah sure how much?

Tom: just a thousand that's all

James: alright, whats your-

Tom: I'm just kidding! haha it was an experiment

James: ha well now you know me 

They had a pleasant conversation. However James had to go back to the campus. James studied hard the entire day. He went for a long run as well. He spoke briefly with the apes that night.

James: week 5 already... time has flown by huh?

Goro: yeah I know right, ridiculous

The apes all have an early sleep that night. James went to sleep early too, he thought about how he was going to be a different man from now on. James thought to himself ‘smile more often, be more social and get closer to Sheila’.

Chapter Text

Monday

James woke up nice and early, he did his workout first thing in the morning. Drama club was the same as usual, James became better friends with Tao. They had a few common interests.

Tuesday

James texted Sheila that he wants to bring her to Skosa's office and tell him that they’re a thing, Sheila was still unsure.

Wednesday

By now James had learnt nearly all the unwritten rules of the complex world he lived in.

Thursday

James studied a lot today, he also realised that his birthday was next Friday.

Friday

James told everyone at the cafeteria table that his birthday was coming up. Everyone said that they would get him a gift but James refused. Sheila under the table wrapped her legs around James's leg.

Sheila: I already got a gift prepared for you

James: o-oh you do?

The bell rang and it was time to go to class. James, Sheila and Bill walked together to their math class.

Math Teacher: the exam is next Friday just to remind you guys

James: huh on my birthday *he said quietly*

Bill: oh I got a great idea what I'm going to get you

James: alright well surprise me next Friday

Bill: oh yeah I will

James was excited his birthday was coming up very soon, he wondered how the day will go. It was three in the afternoon. School had ended for the week, James walked to the drama club. He noticed the annoying slithery security guard and he put his head down and kept walking.

Security guard: where are you off to?

James: drama club

Security guard: ah drama club, ok I ssstill got my eye on you though

James: But why, what did I do?

Security guard: there was just some pocket money ssstolen and sssomeone gave the same dessscription as you

James: Could you tell me who told you that false accusation, or let me guess its private to protect his or her identity?

Security guard: you know a bit, a bit too much, exactly why you might sssteal sssome money

James: I don't need money, I literally have a well paying job

Security guard: where do you work?

James: the police station, I have a traineeship there

Security guard: hmm! ok. Well I'll leave you now

James: uhm ok

James mind: when people are suddenly nice to you when you say you’re a police officer, then it almost definitely means that they are guilty of something

James walked into the drama club with that thought on hold for now.

Sanu: I saw you speaking to security

James: yeah, I suspect the security guard might be suspicious though, maybe a bad past

Sanu: uh what made you think that?

James: well they got a shock and started being nice to me as soon as I mentioned my traineeship at the police station

Sanu: hmm, well be careful because that snake is no ordinary snake, that thing looks like a monster. But I didn’t say that of course!

James: I'm determined to investigate it

Pina: yeah that sounds like a good idea

James: where the hell did you come from?!

Pina: haha sorry I was just standing behind you the entire time

James: you two better not tell anyone

Sanu and Pina: we won't

James: good

It was nearly a full house at the Drama club today.

Sheila: James! come and show them the dance

James: you want me to do the dance? Like r-right now?

Sheila: please show them, it's just in front of them

James: alright fine

James knew it was going to be cringe but he did it for Sheila. James did half of the dance for about 10 seconds.

Els: ha I didn't expect that!

Other dance members: me neither

Sheila: see I told you it was going to be fine, just do as I say *she whispered*

James remembered what Roxy said "let the girl dominate". Which meant do as you are told.

James: ok, you be in charge *he whispered back*

Sheila: You'll actually let me do that?

James: yeah, only if we go tomorrow to your father's office and tell him about our relationship

Sheila thought about it, she decided to take the risk.

Sheila: ok tomorrow morning we'll meet up at the police statio-

James: no no, I'll be at your door at 08:00 am

Sheila: oh! ok sure

They both wondered how the other person will act and behave tomorrow. Drama club ended and the two of them went separate ways. James went shopping after the drama club. He bought a white designer t-shirt, blue jeans and tan boots. James brought the clothes and shoes home and tried them on with his trench coat. He looked at himself in the bathroom mirror.

James: damn this fit fresh as fuck

James took a picture of himself and sent it to Tom and Roxy. He texted them individually with the picture saying ‘do you think she’ll like my outfit?’ He sent it to them and then put his phone down. James was a bit paranoid and wanted to make a good impression on both Sheila and Skosa. James walked out of the bathroom and the apes saw James all dressed up.

Goro: woah where are you going?

Mike: looking cool bro

Oren: where did you get the money to buy that shirt?

James: i'm going out tomorrow,thanks mike and I got a job, so no I do not steal money just to clarify

Oren was a tad embarrassed. James could tell he was.

James: it's fine Oren, I would be skeptical too at the new student, I don't blame you

James sat on his bed. He heard a notification. James looked at his phone.

James: hmpf…

Roxy and Tom both texted that the outfit looked great, Roxy told him to tuck in his shirt and wear a nice belt along with it. James thanked Tom. He looked at the time, it was 19:52 pm. He really wanted to buy a belt now. 

James: What colour belt?

Roxy: black of course!

James: alright i'll buy one now

James left campus and went looking around the stores.

James: that place looks fancy

James walked in the store with his head up. He had a good look around, he liked a particular belt.

Lady: Would you like some assistance, young man?

James: uh i'd like to try on this belt *pointed*

The lady inspected James, James wasn't a thief, she could tell he was loaded. The lady was a wolf in her 30's.

Wolf: yes of course! Let me get that for you sir

She bent over in front of James. James took a step back. He thought it was strange that she did that in front of him, so he looked elsewhere.

Wolf: ok here we are, lets go to the fitting room and try it on *she smiled*

She took James into a small changing room, just the two of them.

James: ok thanks, I can try it on, on my own…

She realised that he wasn’t interested in her, she cringed at herself.

Wolf: i'm so sorry I didn't mean to bother you

James: its ok I’ll be just a moment

She waited for him outside the dressing room. James sent a picture of the belt to Roxy.

James: How does this look?

Roxy responded within seconds.

Roxy: wow big budget! Hell yeah it looks good!

James: haha alright thanks a lot!

James put his phone away and stepped out of the dressing room.

James: i'll buy it

Wolf: great! Come this way

She made the transaction.

Wolf: Alright, all done... sorry for the inconvenience *she murmured*

James: It's ok, I think a pretty lady like you shouldn’t have to sell herself… anyway thank you

Wolf: ok hehe, goodbye

James: goodbye

James wore his belt as he left the shop.

James: hmm, I should check my account balance

He didn’t check it as he didn’t want to get unwanted attention. Instead he looked at the receipt.

James: huh what a good deal, nearly half price off the original

He went back to his dorm room. He just made it in time before the curfew. He went inside, put on his pyjamas.

Goro: So your back is getting better I assume?

James: yeah I think so, I can't really feel it anymore. I wonder how long it'll take to heal...

Oren: it shouldn't take that long

James: yeah... it'll be faded by the end of the year

Mike: Sorry to be very intrusive but how exactly did you get it again? Because I get worried everytime I look at your back

James: I work for the police academy, and I was on duty one day, and let's say I fought against a panther with no weapons...

Oren: go on...

James: I was punching him in the face and he just grabbed me and scratched the hell out of my back, the nurse at the police station helped me a lot

Mike: oh...

Oren: did the panther try to bite you?

James: yes of course tried

Oren: was it scary?

James: hmm well yes and no, you have to believe in yourself when you are in a fight...

Oren: oh... ok

Oren asked James these questions because he was scared and paranoid that it might happen to him one day unintentionally. They all did their own thing after that. James laid down on his bed, he checked his bank balance.

ACCOUNT BALANCE: $17,540

James put his phone away and went to sleep, he was looking forward to tomorrow.

Chapter Text

06:08 am, Saturday

James woke up nice and early. He made a silent yawn and then got ready to go jogging as he thought why the heck not. He went to the schools oval and did a couple laps, there were a few other people there running too. As James was jogging he heard a familiar voice.

Voice: hey James!

James turned around whilst jogging. It was a panther.

James: hey Tao!

Tao paced up to James's level.

Tao: how long have you been running for?

James: just felt like doing it today, I do it on and off

Tao: ohh alright haha

James and Tao spoke and ran for a while.

James: hey can I race you to the end? Then I'll have to stop running

Tao: yeah ok! I'm gonna stop running too. You count us in

James: alright alright

James and Tao were close to ending the last corner and entered the last 100m zone.

James: 1 2 3!

James sprinted in front of Tao as he had the advantage of calling the countdown. He had his head up and his legs were striding with power. He kept putting his fullest attention into himself and in front of him and not to look at Tao. James kept running as fast as he could. They had past halfway. James genuinely thought he won. That was till Tao past him. Tao ran notably faster than he did, and the way he ran was very smooth. Tao overtook James in the last couple of seconds and Tao won to the finish line. The two of them both gasped for air.

James: how are you... so fucken fast?! *panting*

Tao: I don't know man, good run though!

James: yeah good run

Tao: we should do this more often, it has so many benefits

James: yeah I think I'll come here more often from now on

Tao: nice, come here exactly 6 am every morning

James: alright, you got yourself a deal

James and Tao left the oval and began walking to their dorms together.

James: so how long have you been running for?

Tao: I've been running everyday for about a couple of months

James: woah nice, that's impressive!

Tao: thanks!

James: my dorms up here, see ya tomorrow

Tao: yeah see ya tomorrow

They both went their own way. James enjoyed the run however he wondered whether Tao had any connections to the panther James bit a couple weeks ago. James went inside his dorm all sweaty and sticky.

Chapter Text

James had a shower and put his clothes on. The time was 07:48 am.

James: ugh i’m getting so nervous...

Goro: are you seeing Sheila?

James: yeah...

Goro: but aren’t you two a thing?... aren't you comfortable with her?

James: in most aspects, yes

James put a pinch of cologne on.

Goro: good luck!

James: thanks!

James left straight after. James whistled as he walked to Sheila's dorm room. Some students looked at him, they thought it was a bit odd to be fully dressed up on campus. He stood outside Sheila’s dorm room.

James: got nothing to lose *he muttered*

Knock knock

Linda, Sheila’s lynx roommate, opened the door. She had a quick glance at James's outfit.

Linda thought to herself: wow he looks really different when he's not in uniform…

James: hey uh, is Sheila ready?

Linda: she'll be ready in a minute, give us a moment...

She closed the door. Linda rushed over to the bathroom.

Sheila: is that James?

Linda: yes it is, he looks really good as well

Sheila: huh is that so? You been perving?

Linda: yeah sorry about that...

Sheila: *rolled eyes* anyway, I’ll be leaving now

Sheila walked to the front door. Before she opened the door she looked back and saw Linda make an ok sign with her hand indicating it's all good. Sheila opened the door and was amazed to see James in his outfit.

Sheila thought to herself: woah, I didn't know he could dress up this well!

Sheila wore a short black dress.

James thought to himself: wow she’s really hot!

James dropped his jaw as a joke.

Sheila: aw stop it

They laughed and then they hugged each other. James looked at Linda while he hugged Sheila. Linda made a squeezing gesture to him, he ignored her and closed the door.

Sheila: you look amazing, the uniform hides all this

James: heh thanks, and you look beautiful too, that dress looks stunning

Sheila: thank you so much

The two of them stopped hugging. They looked each other in the eyes. James held her hand.

James: are you ready?

Sheila: of course I'm ready

James let go of her hand.

James: alright let's make moves

Sheila: UH?! James? You have to hold my hand when we walk *puzzled*

James: ohhh right, I knew that *sarcastically*

They held hands and walked out of the building. Ellen walked past the two of them.

Ellen: hey, have a great time you two

James and Sheila: thank you Ellen

James started to skip while holding her hand.

Sheila: why are you skipping?

James: because I'm happy

Sheila: the day has only begun, how can you be happy already? 

James: being with you is the best start to the day, I can't believe I used to get butterflies in my stomach when I talked to you

Sheila: you had butterflies in your stomach?

James: yeah and only from you...

Sheila: Is there a punchline somewhere? because I don't get the joke...

James: oh no haha ‘butterflies in your stomach’ is that weird feeling in your stomach, like before a race, you know that feeling right?

Sheila: oh yeah I know that feeling

James: That's the feeling I used to get when I was around you...

Sheila: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

James: It's a good thing because you usually only get that feeling when you’re pumped with adrenaline. It’s hard to explain...

Sheila: So do you have this feeling right now?

James: yep and it feels extra strong today

Sheila: hmm I see, its because of my dad isnt it?

James: *sigh* yup

They arrived at the police station.

James: should we still hold hands?

Sheila: yeah relax James, lets go to his office

Front desk lady: hello James, oh you have a familiar face, do I know you?

Sheila: I'm Skosa's daughter, Sheila 

Front desk lady: ohh of course you are, well I'm assuming you'd like to see him so I'll send him a message to see if he's available

Skosa sent a message to the front desk lady stating that he's busy. She sent him a message back saying that it'll make his day seeing these two people. Skosa then sent a message back saying for the two to come to his office now.

Front desk lady: he's available, I didn't say your names, I hope you two can cheer him up

Sheila: Has work been stressful?

Front desk lady: don't ask me, ask him!

James: lets go surprise your dad, it'll make him happy

Sheila: I don't know about this anymore...

James: he likes me a lot, just trust me

Sheila: *gulp* ok James

She held a firm grip on his hand. James knocked on Skosa's door.

Sheila thought to herself: dad is NOT going to approve James, we aren't the same species nor is he even a feline...

Skosa: come in

James opened the door holding Sheila's hand. The two of them walked in. James had his head up confidently. Skosa slowly lifted his head up to look at his visitors.

Skosa was shocked ‘are they boyfriend and girlfriend?!’ he thought to himself.

James: hey Skosa!

Sheila: hey dad…

Skosa thought to himself: this is so weird... what the hell do I say? they're both just smiling at me

Skosa: erm hello you two

Skosas mind: think of something to say you idiot!

Skosa: James I can't believe what you did last weekend, did he tell you princess?

Sheila: uh no what happened? And please don't call me that

Skosa: *he chuckled* he caught a notorious thief all on his own

Sheila: wow well that's impressive James, I had no idea

James: thanks, I was meaning to tell you it at some stage… 

Awkward silence.

James: so uhm Skosa, I think it is obvious, that Sheila and I are in a relationship together, hence we are holding hands

Skosa looked at Sheila.

Skosa: you really like him?

Sheila: y-yes of course I do!

Skosa: you don't sound so sure… 

Sheila: I do like him... and, I know how you feel about other specie-

Skosa: look... Sheila, it doesn't matter what species James is, as long as you are happy that's all your mother and I care about, I know James is a good kid with resilience. But right now your exams are your utmost priority, and that's for you too James! After that you two can do whatever you kids do these days… 

Sheila couldn’t believe what she heard.

Sheila: b-but dad you always said that I could only go out with my own kind-

Skosa: that was just a scare tactic for your high school years

James was really happy. He walked up to Skosa and shook his hand.

James: thank you so much Skosa, I will take good care of your daughter

Skosa: I know you will son, I know…

Sheila thought to herself: did dad just call him ‘son’?! How close are these two?

Sheila: you two seem really close

James: I look up to your father, he's a good role model

Skosa: thanks a lot James, means a lot to me

Sheila: so... I should tell mum right?

Skosa: yeah of course, you have to tell her

Sheila: all right thanks dad, we'll leave now

Skosa: ok you two go out, i'll stay here

James: No, I'll stay here and work too, today is my work day after all...

Skosa: no no no, you should take her out, however next Saturday you’re gonna work your arse off

James: haha yes boss 

Skosa: alright see you guys

James: see you Skosa

Sheila: bye dad

James and Sheila walked out of the police station.

James: call your mum and tell her about me, your dad said so too

Sheila was still shocked from how chill her father was.

Sheila: Uh yeah... I'll call her now

Sheila called her mother.

Sheila: hi mum

Samantha: hi darling how have you been?

Sheila: I’ve been all good, I just wanted to tell you tha-

Samantha: Oh! If you're free can you please come over tonight for dinner?

Sheila: um I don't know mum...

Samantha: What were you going to tell me before?

Sheila: I have a boyfriend… His name is James and he works with dad...

Samantha: oh I've heard bits about him from your father. He sounds fearless! 

Sheila thought to herself: how long have they been talking about James for, and whats this talk about fearless?!

Samantha: I have a GREAT idea, how about you bring James over tonight for dinner? It'll be just the four of us, it'll be cute

Sheila hated the position she was in.

Sheila: mum I don't think so-

Samantha: look it's happening, no ifs or buts about it

Sheila: But muuuum!

James was wondering what the two were talking about, judging by what he’s heard on Sheila’s behalf, it didn’t sound good.

Samantha: calm down darling, put the boy on the phone

Sheila: ugh fine...

She handed her phone to James. James put the phone against his ear.

James: Hello this is James, who am I speaking with?

Samantha: Samantha here, Sheila’s mother. Any chance you are available to have dinner with our family tonight? Is that ok with you?

Sheila was cringing. She hated not being able to hear their conversation.

James: yep that'll be great!

Samantha: awesome, now make sure Sheila isn't too close to you for a moment

James: ok give me a second

James scooted away from Sheila and he told her to keep distance.

James: I've somehow managed to distance myself from her

Samantha: haha, well I can't talk about these things with Sheila nearby because she hates talking about this topic

James: oh what is it?

Samantha: You are a carnivore right?

James: yes through and through although I don't really look like one...

Samantha: That's ok, I'm going to cook some goat meat for us tonight, does that sound ok?

James’s brain was going bonkers. He was craving meat for weeks now.

James: Yeah that would be great! Although I would need you to cook it for me

Samantha: that's a bit demanding, you need me to cook it...

Sheila noticed James had a worried look on his face.

James: I'm so sorry if I came across as demanding. My body cannot comprehend raw meat, I will most likely catch a disease… 

Samantha: I was just joking around, I'll cook yours very well

Sheila saw that James looked relieved.

James: that would be perfect thank you

Samantha: it's no problem

James: Would you like to speak to Sheila?

Samantha: yes that would be great, see you tonight James

James: yeah see you tonight

James handed over the phone to Sheila. Sheila flung the phone to her ear.

Sheila: WHAT WERE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT?!

Samantha: nothing, dinner will be ready at 18:00 pm, see you then!

Sheila: *sigh* I'll see you... then

She hung up the phone and put it away. She grabbed James's shirt and yanked it back and forth.

Sheila: PLEEEEAASE tell me what you were talking about with her!

James: we were just talking about dinner

Sheila mind: James doesn't eat meat does he? I hope mum doesn't serve any meat

James looked at his phone.

James: 10:48, should we start walking princess?

Sheila: don't call me that I hate it so much 

James: don’t you think it’s a nice thing to be called princess?

Sheila: yeah but I just don’t like it...

James: fair enough

As they kept walking around the city, James observed the cars on the road.

James: that's the exact same car logo as Mercedes, I didn’t know they had them here

Sheila: You're kidding me right? That car is a Merzazes

James: what? Nah you’re joking aren’t you?

Sheila: look it up then

James: all right, I will… huh no search results of ‘Merzazes’ I knew it wasn’t real

Sheila: you are probably using an old browser that's why

James: Maybe, I don’t really know. This place looks nice, you wanna eat lunch here?

Sheila looked from the outside, it was a fancy restaurant.

Sheila: no no we'll go somewhere else

James: I like this place and I won’t take no as an answer *he smiled*

James tugged her hand and they went inside.

James: table for two please

The employee looked at James and Sheila, they seemed legit. The employee gets them a table. They sat down, James looked for a menu.

Sheila: there's no menu here dummy haha

James: Oh, one of those restaurants huh?

Sheila: yeah, they’ll organise something for us

James: that sounds good, I don’t do this stuff often

Sheila: Me neither…

The two of them had their 3 course meal, they both enjoyed it and they received the bill.

Employee: Here is the bill…

James: thanks

He saw that Sheila tried to take a peek at the price. James covered it with his hand.

Sheila: let’s split it

James: no way, the gentleman always has to pay

Sheila: Are you sure? 

James: yes of course, it’s etiquette

Sheila: that's really nice of you to do that, thank you

James: relax, it's not a big deal

Sheila thought to herself: I know exactly what I'm gonna buy him for his birthday...

The two of them went walking all over the city, they visited many shops, they went to a nice coffee shop and they went sightseeing to all the famous landmarks within the area. James and Sheila sat on a bench by the ocean.

James: wow I can’t believe it’s already 17:30, what a day it’s been, we’ve done so much

James leaned his head on Sheila's shoulder.

Sheila: Is my little baby tired?

She put her arm around James.

James: hehe, a little bit

James mind: you're having meat tonight remember? Get your ass to their house early!

James got up and stretched. He put his hand out.

James: to your castle my lovely maiden

Sheila: oh gosh James, stop with the names *she giggled*

They started walking to Sheila's house.

Sheila: here it is, number 32

James saw their house for the first time, it was big, lavish and in a nice area.

James: Wow, this is your house? 

Sheila: yup...

James: it's nice

Sheila: thanks

Sheila rang the doorbell. It was time for James to be on his best behaviour, he didn't want to stuff up now.

Chapter Text

James waited at the door while holding Sheila's hand. He was excited and had a big smile on his face.

Sheila: why are you smiling?

James: because I'm happy! *he chuckled*

Sheila wondered how the hell James was so comfortable to come over to her parents house.

Samantha: hello darling, hello James

James: hello Mrs Miles

James thought to himself: If Sheila looks like her mum when she's older then im damn lucky

Sheila thought to herself: ‘mrs miles’ did he really just say that?!

Samantha: just call me Samantha, no need to get all formal with me

James: haha ok

Samantha: well come on in, make yourself at home

James: should I take my shoes off?

Samantha: yes that's common etiquette in this part of town haha

James: haha alright sorry

They took their shoes off and the three of them sat in the lounge room.

Samantha: you barely have any hair, it's so bizarre

James: I mean it’s strange being surrounded by people that have a full set of fur and I'm just hairless, well I mean I'm not actually hairless, like I still have little hairs on my chest and face

Samantha: is that so? let me see

She crept right up to James's face.

Samantha: oh yeah you do have little hairs all over your face. Why is it you only have notable hairs on your chin though?

James felt insulted but he knew they didn’t understand.

James: genetics and stuff… 

Samantha: So hypothetically if you two were to have a child, would it be hairless?

Sheila: Mum STOP!!

Samantha: it's fine darling, we are just having a grown ups conversation

Sheila was gobsmacked and refused to take part in the conversation.

James: I don't know what will happen, i'm not a scientist haha

Samantha: well you gotta hope your little sausage works for it to happen in the first place *she joked*

Sheila was so embarrassed she covered her ears. James’s face went red, he felt a bit uncomfortable. But he made a quick recovery.

James: I think it works just fine haha… 

James changed the conversation quickly.

James: you have a really nice house

Samantha: oh thanks, I think it needs cosmetic changes to it though, the colour in this room is starting to fade out a bit don’t you think?

James: it is a bit, but painting is not that hard, it’ll only take a day or two

Samantha: well it is difficult since we can’t inhale it, the chemical smell is so strong it hurts our lungs

James: oh wow really?

Samantha: yeah that's why we use wallpaper

James: ahh ok, that's quick and easy to install

Samantha: yep that's right

Ding dong

Sheila: mum can you get that please

Samantha: sure thing darling

Samantha left the room to open the door. Sheila grabbed James.

Sheila: Since when were you so chill?!

James: I’m just making conversation that’s all haha

Sheila: This is so embarrassing...

James scooted over to her and wrapped his arm around her.

James: you know I was bound to meet them one day, you’re parents seem chill which is what I like

Sheila: true but, but

James: no buts just enjoy it from now on

Sheila: … 

Sheila thought to herself: good times from now on… 

Skosa and Samantha walk in the room.

Skosa: hello you two, hope you've had a good day

James: We sure have!

Sheila didn’t say anything, she just nodded. Skosa got changed in his room, Samantha went to the kitchen to finish prepping the food.

James: I'll be back

He got off the couch and went to the kitchen.

James: hey Samantha, do you need any help around the kitchen?

Samantha: oh um I don’t think so, actually could you set the table?

James smelt the food in the kitchen. The meat was almost cooked to perfection. James set the table, the way he's always known to do it. Sheila walks in a couple moments later.

Sheila: w-why are you doing the table?! You're the guest!

James: It's the right thing to do, helping out is important

Samantha: it's very generous of you James thank you

Sheila didn’t say anything

James: Sheila, you need to calm down, I know what I'm doing *he whispered*

Sheila began to believe James because her parents were so lively to have him around at the house.

Sheila: ok you do you… *jealousy*

James: oh Sheila, please don't give me the guilt trip. Your parents love you to bits, come on you know that *he whispered*

Sheila thought to herself: how does he know exactly what I'm thinking of, am I that transparent?

Sheila: u-um

James: it's all good, I'll take it from here *he whispered*. Done Mrs Miles! What's next?

Samantha and James talked for a while. Sheila sat down on the dining table with her head down pretending to have a nap. James and Samantha spoke about Sheila for a couple minutes.

Samantha: What made you interested in my daughter?

Sheila kept her head down but became more attentive.

James: your daughter is very pretty but I love her personality more, she's funny, kind and always caring. She's always the first one to ask about my wellbeing

Samantha: Oh that's a really nice thing to say, but how can I know for sure you mean it?

Sheila was very eager to hear his response.

James: Well the attraction is straightforward but personalities are never easy. Sheila is different, her presence makes me feel happy every time. On one occasion where I had a cry at school, she was the first person to run over to me and ask me if I was ok, and if I needed anything. It’s a really heartwarming feeling to know that someone is there for you, and Sheila is always there for me, and I'm always there for her…

A tear came out of Sheila’s eyes, she kept her head down and wiped it away.

Sheila thought to herself: he... he really means it... wow…

James crouched down next to Sheila's chair.

James: Hey, you ok?

Sheila looked up at him with red eyes.

Sheila: yeah I'm fine *she said quietly and sniffled*

Sheila put her head back down. James put his hand under her chin and lifted her head up, James could tell she was crying by her watery eyes.

James: did I say something wrong? Did I make you upset? I don't want to see you cry… *soothing voice*

Sheila thought to herself: h-how did he know?!

She didn’t say anything. James wiped his finger near the corner of her eye.

James: It's wet, you were tearing up, it's a good thing to cry, don't be ashamed of it. Go to the bathroom and wash your face *he whispered*

She stood up and walked straight to the bathroom, James could read Sheila like a book. She got to the bathroom and let off her emotions, she took in some deep breaths. After a couple minutes she calmed down.

Sheila: ok… let’s not get emotional on the table, especially not in front of the others

She walked back inside with her face cleaned up. She sniffed the air.

Sheila: oh no… no no no! 

Sheila thought to herself: how the hell is James going to react when he sees the meat, oh my gosh he'll be so scared

Sheila got into the dining room. Samantha, Skosa and James were having a pleasant conversation with each other. James got up and pulled Sheila's seat out. She sat in the seat, but she felt a bit tense.

Samantha: what a gentleman

Skosa: anyway... let's start eating, I’m starving

Samantha opened the pot filled with juicy goat meat.

Sheila: uh! C-can you eat this James?!

James: Of course I can! I'm a carnivore duh

Sheila: well not all carnivores eat meat, you know… 

James: I think all carnivores should eat meat, not everyday though, I say a minimum once a week, this is because meat contains high levels of iron which is good for the body

Sheila: argh stop, you sound like my parents!

Samantha and Skosa: that's right! 

Sheila sighed and pulled herself together.

Samantha: three pieces for you *Skosa*. You can have this piece *Sheila*. I'll take this one and James gets a special piece

James: wow this looks great *cut it open* woah cooked to perfection!

Samantha: Not sure if that's perfection, that's nearly burnt James, but we all have different perceptions of perfect meat as mentioned earlier

James: yeah haha

Sheila thought to herself: as mentioned earlier? Was this what they were talking about on the call earlier today?

Skosa: all the nutrients are nearly destroyed if it's cooked to that extent but it's understandable for your condition

James: *nods* mhm

Everyone but Sheila began to eat. James analysed how everyone else was eating. Skosa literally stabbed the meat with his fork and then bit it as is. Samantha cut her meat in big pieces and ate it that way. And Sheila was not currently eating. James ate as he usually would, knife and fork, cut into small pieces since he didn’t want to look like a grub.

Samantha: James you'll be here till your 40 if you keep cutting the meat haha

James: haha yeah

James cut bigger pieces. The three of them discreetly peeked at James to make sure he was enjoying his food. They wanted to make sure that he wasn't bluffing about being a carnivore. Sheila then began eating her food. He realised that they weren’t very talkative on the table. Something he wasn’t used to.

James mind: they've nearly finished their entire meal, hurry up man, it's embarrassing to be the last one eating

James ate a little faster.

Samantha: James do you like the meat?

James had just finished the meat.

Samantha: sorry let me rephrase that, did you enjoy the meat?

James wiped his mouth.

James: Yep no doubt about it, it was so juicy and tender! You’re a good chef

Samantha: why thank you

Skosa: that was alright, thanks honey

Samantha: so what did you two do today?

James looked at Sheila, she didn’t seem to pay much attention.

James: we went to a nice restaurant for lunch, then we walked all over the city, Sheila showed me all the cool artifices and landmarks of your city

Samantha: Wow, that sounded like a full day. You’re a bit quiet tonight Sheila, you want to add in anything else about the day out?

Sheila: um I don't really have much to say, James said it all...

Skosa: you guys want to go to Serena's shop?

Samantha: that sounds like a lovely idea, should we take the car or walk there?

Sheila: car, let's take the car… actually lets walk there

Samantha: great

Skosa: Let's go!

Sheila: woah right now?! Can't we relax here for a while, it's a Saturday night, no rush

Samantha: alright we’ll stay here till 9, then we'll go

Skosa: ok, the boss has spoken, 9 it is

Samantha: oh James let me show you around the house

James nodded. Samantha took him on a little house tour. Sheila was sitting on the table with Skosa.

Skosa: … 

Sheila: dad stop with the silence, just say something

Skosa: he's a good kid, but I don't really know him beneath the surface level that well. He's not like one of us so he’s hard to read...

Sheila: I thought you said you wouldn't judge?!

Skosa: no, that's a completely different thing, he's not like anyone in the city or world, he's one of a kind…

Sheila: yeah I know…

Skosa: Well we'll have to be patient for now, he's got good morals, especially compared to most felines...

Sheila agreed.

Samantha: so here is the bathroom

James: hmm fancy, very nice

Samantha: here is the Sheila's room

James: wow her room has so much flavour, such a nice pastel colour

Samantha: yep that’s what she's always wanted all her life, wallpaper with pastel colours… she loves anything that has pastel colours *nudge*

James: haha ok I’ll keep that in mind

Samantha: my room and the spare room

James looked in the spare room, it was a plain old bedroom with a study, bed and bedside table.

Samantha: you might even sleep in here soon… 

James: U-Uh? Why is that? *surprised*

Samantha: You're 18... your family isn't here from what Skosa told me, you most likely don't have the funds either... unless you already have a residence?

James: woah um I never thought of that, I mean I have definitely thought about finding an apartment somewhere. When school ends, they'll kick me out of the dorm straight away won't they?

Samantha: mhm yep

James: but I don't want to put that pressure on you guys, I don't want to be a burden

Samantha: no trust me you won't be a burden

James: hmm well thank you very much for your offer, but it’s only fair if I can pay you and Skosa weekly, for rent etc...

Samantha: Skosa and I have been thinking about it, the process might be easier than you think. Now that'll be a surprise for another time… that is of course if you stay with my daughter… 

James: *startled* I will NEVER leave your daughter Mrs Miles, she means the world to me!

Samantha: But you’ve only known her for a month or two haven’t you?

James mind: crap she got me on that one, what am I gonna say...

Samantha thought to herself: threw him in the deep end on that one

James: well Mrs Miles as you know, you only live once and life is a gamble, I'm not choosing any fish from the barrel, this was meant to be, we both love each other

She was satisfied with that response to an extent.

Samantha: have you done anything sexual with her?

James: n-n-no of course not!

James was confused as to how open and relaxed she was. Clearly things were different in this world.

Samantha: Have you kissed her at all?

James: no I haven’t… 

Samantha: what kind of people pleaser are you? If my daughter wants something you give it to her, i'm sure you can tell what she wants

James: y-yes understood… *he looked at the ground*

Samantha: ok I get it, you’re nervous, but you have to break free and get out of your cocoon. Sheila told me everything, just grow some balls will you haha

James: yeah haha *he took that very personally*

James thought to himself: Sheila told her mother how I probably can't pull myself together and kiss her, geez, I don't feel that good anymore, I feel like I’ve been put down. ‘Grow some balls’ she doesn't even know the struggles that I go through. It's not easy, why can't people understand this… 

Samantha: let's go and eat at th-

James: actually, I have to go back to my dorm, I forgot I had an errand to do

Samantha: oh uhm ok

Samantha thought to herself: why is he leaving? I thought he wanted to stay?

James walked downstairs and into the dining room, Samantha was upstairs staring into space trying to figure out what went wrong. Skosa crept up behind Samantha.

Skosa: you insulted him… *he said quietly*

Samantha: ah! Don't scare me like that

Samantha audibly breathed in and out.

Samantha: *sigh* What did I say wrong? *guilt*

Skosa: you told him to ‘grow a pair of balls’ that's the problem. You know it isn't easy for some guys to completely open up and just kiss the girl, especially since it'll be his first time... I've been keeping track of all his facial expressions, he is deeply disappointed and ashamed of himself. Compared to the other ‘boys’ he is far more mature and less of a ‘sex addict’.

Samantha: you’re right, I was thinking the wrong way. What should I do?

Skosa: apologise to the kid. Should be grateful he hasn’t been using her…

Samantha thought to herself: he's done nothing wrong, I just had different expectations

Samantha went down stairs

Samantha: James? James, where are you?

James had gone on a walk with Sheila around the area.

Samantha: argh he's gone *shakes head*

Skosa: they probably went on a walk, relax honey, we’ll wait for them when they get back

James: So your parents are fine with us going on a walk at this time of the night?

Sheila: yeah of course

Samantha: just follow them again would you

Skosa: no he knows what he's doing

Samantha had an idea of where they were going so she sat back with Skosa and the two of them had a coffee.

Samantha: wait and see I guess

Skosa: yep, wait and see... 

Chapter Text

18:43 pm, Saturday

James and Sheila were walking together by the beach. There was a romantic sunset. James felt a tingle that this was the right time.

James: lets walk on the sand

Sheila nodded. They took their shoes off and they started walking on the sand together. The two of them didn’t seem to be their happiest. James stopped walking. He dropped his shoes in the sand. Sheila put her shoes down carefully. He held her hands and leaned in for their first kiss. However Sheila slowly backed away. James picked up his shoes.

Sheila: No wait, James you have to say something…

James realised what she meant. He dropped his shoes on the sand once more.

James: I just want us to be happy, I only care about the two of us, I hope you are happy around m-

Sheila: What's on your mind? I can tell something is bothering you

James: n-no I'm fine *lying*

Sheila: no more lies or secrets! If we want this relationship to work, we have to be honest

James sighed.

James: I was talking to your mother, she told me that you weren’t satisfied with me...

Sheila: huh? What do you mea-

Sheila thought to herself: oh no, mum must’ve told him

Sheila: Look James it’s not like that I swear! I’m happy to take things slow

James: You really are?

Sheila: yes of course James, I love you

James gave her a big hug. He saw the beautiful ocean as he hugged the love of his life.

James: I love you too…

James gently grabbed her by her waist with both arms and stepped closer to her. He closed his eyes and leaned in closer and closer. The next thing he felt were her lips against his. The feeling was indescribable. The two of them kissed calmly as the waves lightly crashed behind them. They both were getting goosebumps, and Sheila’s fur on her forearm shot out. James pulled her in even closer unintentionally.  After 10 seconds of kissing, he opened his eyes, Sheila was staring at James dead in the eyes. She noticed that as soon as he opened his eyes his pupils expanded almost instantly, it clearly demonstrated his affection for her. James began to blush a lot when he saw Sheila staring at him. He also noticed her pupils were dilated which was very attractive.

James thought to himself: am I doing it wrong?! Why is she staring at me?!

Sheila stopped kissing James.

Sheila: don't worry about your kiss James. I'll always like it from you

James was speechless.

James: I can't believe that just happened...

Sheila: it’s a start to a whole new chapter, that I opened for you

James fell backwards on the sand.

Sheila: y-your clothes!

James: I don't care about my clothes, I don't need designer clothes to be happy. I need you to be happy... lie with me you'll love it

Sheila was skeptical at first but she eventually took the offer. Even though she was wearing a nice black dress, she still laid on her back in the sand. James held her hand tight as they stargazed.

James: it's us two forever, no one can stop us

Sheila: yeah... like a unity

James: yeah a unity, I like that one. It’s getting a bit late, we should head back

Sheila nodded.

James: let me dust off all the sand off you

It took a while to dust all the sand off her fur, however it only took James seconds to get it off his skin.

Sheila: perks of having little to no hair huh?

James: yep haha

They both had a laugh as they walked back to Sheila’s house. They held each other's hand in an interlocking way the entire time. They reached back home and they said their goodbyes. Samantha had discreetly put a note in James’s pocket.

Skosa: see you guys

Samantha: bye guys come back soon

James: Yeah we will!

Sheila: yep bye!

Sheila and James walked back to the campus, they had small talk along the way. James well and truly felt incredibly horny. He planned a surprise for Sheila.

21:56 pm, outside Sheila's dorm.

James: thank you for everything tonight, I'll never forget it

Sheila: no thank you! I won't forget this either… *twirling hair*

There was a small open break where the two of them awkwardly stood there. It was obvious that there was sexual tension bouncing off the walls.

Sheila: eek spider!

She pulled off the trick she knows best. She jumped up on James’s torso and wrapped her legs around him clinging like a monkey. James grabbed her by the thighs to help sustain the weight. Sheila blushed and gave James a cheeky wink. James made a mischievous smirk back. 

James: the ol reliable huh

Sheila: I had to use it, I know you love it deep down

Their faces came closer and closer, this time more intimately. They began to kiss but it quickly involved a lot of tongue action. Her long and rough tongue absolutely destroyed James. She had her arms over his shoulders, although she slowly moved them lower and lower till her hands were in his pants. She playfully squeezed his ass as a nice surprise. James noticed it and it didn’t bother him.

Sheila: wow there’s a lot of hair down there, not so hairless after all *she giggled*

James: my ass hair is beautiful, you don’t need to remind me *sarcastically*

The two of them were still passionately kissing in the hallways in front of Sheila's dorm room. He decided that if she could just play around by putting her hands on his ass, then so could he. James pinned her back against the wall, their torso’s were only inches away from each other. Sheila still had her arms and legs around him, only this time there was no escape. James slowly put his hands under her dress. She noticed it instantly and she began to get hot and sweaty.

James switched up and now he had his back against the wall because Sheila weighed a lot to carry for a long time. She now had him pinned up against the wall. He could feel her perky breasts slowly grind against his chest.

James: oh yeah, I like that~

Sheila: of course you do~

James: how about this?~

James reached in her dress and beneath her undergarment. He grabbed her bare ass. As he jiggled and played with it, it made him giggle as to how bouncy it was.

James: You love it don't you?~

Sheila loved it very much, she was also surprised that James would take such risks and big steps. She thought that James would have still been nervous. She jumped off James.

Sheila: *licks lips* wow, aggressive, just you wait till I control you, you will be begging for mercy!

James: hmm that sounds like it would be a lot of fun, you have a strap on? Because I want some of the action too!

Sheila: hehe James you kinky boy, I've got it in my backpack unopened, I can't wait to use it on you

James: it’ll be just us two, role play, anal play, all of it... Don’t be afraid to dominate me *he smirked*

Sheila: You'll let me do that?

James: of course, tie my up, do whatever you like to me *he winked*

The two of them were getting very excited, they didn't want it to be all talk and no action.

James: when should we do this? 

Sheila: next Friday, your birthday present will be at the after hours of the drama club, you in?

James: that sounds like a great plan

Sheila: good, now do be prepared for my monster dildo because it eats innocent weaklings for fun

James: We'll see about that, bring it on!

The sound of keys was lingering around, then they heard the sound of a radio signal.

James: shit the security guard is coming, get in your room!

James opened her door and shoved her inside gently.

James: I'll text you later

He shut the door and made a run for it. He used his coat to cover his face. The security guard never saw James. He made it to his dorm room with no problem.

James: phew close one

The apes didn’t ask questions as James looked like a mess. James had a shower and then laid in bed.

Text messages:

James: thanks again for the great day and for the cheeky little play we had, goodnight! ;3

Sheila: thank you heaps for convincing me to go out, totally worth it, goodnight! <3 

The two of them laid in their beds. James couldn’t believe what had happened, his heart was easily beating more than 130bpm. Sheila couldn’t believe James finally broke out of his cocoon, and it turns out he was such a freak…

The two of them cannot wait to see what happens on Friday after the drama club. However as Skosa said, 'the math exam takes priority'… then after that all hell can break loose.

Chapter Text

05:39 am, Sunday 

James woke up, he straight away had a smile on his face when he remembered last night.

Sniff sniff.

James: ahh fuck not again… *he said quietly*

James had a wet dream. He knew he should’ve done something about it the night before, but since he didn’t he now has to pay the consequences. James turned on his flashlight and looked in his boxers. It was not that bad, only needed to change boxers, the pyjama shorts needed a little rub with a towel or something then the smell would be gone. James started thinking.

James thought to himself: I got spare underwear but where do I hide this one?

He got out of bed quietly and tiptoed to the bathroom. He took off his clothes, cleaned his cock then put on his tracksuit pants without boxers. He wasn’t a big fan of the airflow and the free space it had to jingle around. He got out of the bathroom and put on a singlet. He then went back into the bathroom and locked the door. He grabbed his personal towel, wet it with water and gradually rubbed it against the small leftover bits remaining in his pyjamas. After he did that he washed his hands.

James thought to himself: alright pyjamas are clean... now where the fuck should I put my boxers?

James thought real hard, since he didn’t want to make the same mistake again.

James thought to himself: that's it! I'll just throw them out, i'll get a plastic bag from the cupboard inside

James got a plastic bag, put his boxers in it, then he went downstairs and found a random bin and dumped it in there. He then walked to the campus oval and started stretching.

Voice: BOO!

James got a fright, he turned around instantly.

James: You really scared me Tao...

Tao: oh sorry man, force of habit

James: that's alright

The two began to do laps around the oval whilst talking to each other. They ran 20 laps then they went back to their dorms. James had a shower, he shaved his armpits and chin. James realised that he should get a haircut at some point. James was sitting on his bed looking for barbers. He had a keen eye on one shop in particular not too far from him, so he planned to go there and get his haircut on Thursday night.

James met up with Sheila and Bill so the three of them could study for the math exam together. They got a lot of work done and they ate lunch together at the cafeteria at school. Bill said his relationship was going really well and that he and Els are looking forward to the double date. James and Sheila were looking forward to it as well. James left to go to the bathroom.

Bill: So you actually like him?

Sheila leaned back and folded her arms.

Sheila: yeah I really really like him

Bill: Well that's good to hear...

Sheila: How are you going with Els?

Bill: yeah um, good yeah all good *uncertain tone*

James came back.

James: i'm gonna go back to my dorm now

Sheila: yeah guess we'll all go now

Bill: alright

Bill split off from James and Sheila. Sheila brought James to a quiet part of the school hallways.

Sheila: I have planned out your birthday, you wanna hear it?

James: no no don't tell me

Sheila: ok then, i'll surprise you

James: Alright, do you want me to bring anything?

Sheila: bring protection *she said seductively*

James blushed, he kept a reminder in his head. James was facing Sheila, he put his arms on her shoulders.

James: I'll be ready, and this is after drama club ends right?

Sheila: oh actually about that, my parents aren't going to be home on friday and saturday, they're going on a small trip for two nights

James: So we'll get to do it in your beautiful pastel room?

Sheila: *gasp* How do you remember?

James: It caught my eye, and it’s a nice colour. I think it's time we go back to our dorms

cling clang

James and Sheila looked at each other. The security guard was coming and James and Sheila looked awfully suspicious standing in the middle of the quiet hallway. James immediately looked around to find a place to hide, he found a dark corner under the stairs. He grabbed her arm and they both hid in the shadow under the stairs. The shade was small and it would be difficult to fit both of them in. James laid down first, Sheila laid on top of him.

Security guard: hmm nothing here…

Sheila was making sounds quietly as she was very nervous. James put his hand over her mouth to try to get her to shut up and not alert the security guard. Although it didn’t work well, which left James no choice. He began caressing her hips to distract her, he then gently rubbed his finger around her torso. He swayed his finger from one of her breasts to the other making a figure 8. Now she’d begun to quiet down.

The sound of keys became more and more distant, the security guard left the area. As James was about to get up Sheila grabbed James's hand and put it on her left breast. James blushed.

James: d-dont you want to wait till Friday?

Sheila: it’s only a little bit of playing around~

James nodded and he gently caressed and squeezed both of her breasts on top of her shirt.

James thought to himself: aahhh they're so nice and soft

Sheila let go of his arm and she quietly pushed him to lie on the ground facing up. She got on top of him and sat on his groin. He reached for her hips and pulled her towards him. She laid on top of him like a sandwich, their noses were touching. She wiped her wet nose all over his nose. James thought it would make sense for her to appreciate it if he licked her face since she was a feline. As he was doing so he got a bunch of fur in his mouth, it was an awful feeling. However she was really enjoying it. James didn’t want to ruin the mood so he kept the hair in his mouth. They started kissing, slowly and passionately. They never would've thought they would be kissing in a dark shadow under the campus stairs.

James: should w-

Sheila covered James's mouth, she put her paw over his mouth. James had no idea what was going on. He licked her paw that was covering his mouth for fun. Then she gave him a pose, a very sexy pose. James’s cock was now rock hard. She started to slowly open up the buttons on his shirt, she then licked and caressed his nipples. James put his head back, he enjoyed how calm and quiet it was. She was licking his snail trail on his stomach, she was going lower and lower.

James mind: weewoo weewoo she's going lower, just a heads up!

James lifted his head up and saw her head going close to his groin. James didn’t want to do anything extreme, and she could tell by the look in his eyes. She stuck her tongue out and did a slimy lick from his upper groin all the way up to his nose. She got up right next to his ear.

Sheila: You like it, don't you?~

James: I love it, you even made me tingle~

Sheila smugly smirked. She sat back down on his groin again, this time she could feel an obvious bump. She began thrusting back and forth on his groin.

James: oh fuck~

James sat upright and she wrapped her arms and legs around him. He thought of something new to do, something to really please her. He put his hands on her legs, he slowly caressed her thighs, then her upper thighs, he kept going higher and higher. Sheila's tail straightened up, she liked what he was doing.

James thought to himself: damn her thighs are worth dying for…

James's right leg started to slowly shake, it was shaking because there was a lot of sexual tension that James couldn’t handle just yet.

Sheila thought to herself: I KNEW IT HE COULDN'T HANDLE ME!! *she thought smugly*

Sheila got off him and started caressing his right leg, she licked on his upper thigh. James was trying hard to stop shaking his leg and to contain himself. He thought it’d be smart to just stretch his leg. As he stretched his leg, the worst possible outcome happened. He had a muscle spasm in his calf. James bit his lip really hard to cope with the pain, he also didn’t want her to know. Sheila bit her lip too when she saw James do it. James gave her a fake smile but his eyes screamed pain. She grabbed his shirt and lifted him up.

Sheila: What's wrong, are you in pain?

James nodded, he didn’t say anything but he pointed to his calf.

Sheila: oh a muscle spasm in your calf, how unlucky

Sheila felt his calf with her paw

Sheila: it feels so nice, they're like waves rippling

James mind: THE PAIN, MAKE IT STOP!

James pulled his legs away from her and sat up straight with his legs crossed. Sheila copied him. They sat as if they were school children. James held her hands. They paused in position for a couple seconds, the muscle spasm had finally gone away. He leaned in and kissed her, however this time he put one hand behind her neck and the other hand was scratching behind her ear. Her tail swung up and around. A thought struck James. He stopped kissing her and he leaned into her neck. She was a bit unsure what he was trying to achieve, but she went along with it. James held her neck gently, he licked it and gave her a soft hickey.

Sheila: Oh!

Sheila thought to herself: I don't know what he's doing, but I don't mind it...

She became more at ease, more controlled. James looked over at her tail again, it was shot straight up. James bumped up the intensity, he really sucked the life out of her neck. She became a bit squirmy, she took deep breaths to contain herself.

James thought to himself: every time her tail strikes up is when I am dominating, or when she’s really liking it…

Sheila: I'm sorry James but I don’t want to get myself wet, especially not in my clothes.

James stopped giving her the hickeys, he backed off softly.

James: this was unplanned, it's completely fine, we were just experimenting after all *he smiled*

Sheila: yeah, thanks for understanding… 

James stood up and put his arm out for Sheila. She grabbed his hand and got up. James peeked his head slowly from the shadows.

James: the coast is clear, lets go

Both of them ran out from under the stairs. They were running next to each other while holding each other's hands. The two of them locked eyes while running, they smiled at each other and thought to themselves.

James thought to himself: wow, she is just so incredible, everything about her makes me smile

Sheila thought to herself: he knows exactly what I want, and he respects my boundaries, he means the world to me

Sheila: race you to my dorm

James: bring it on!

They laughed and giggled as they raced to Sheila's dorm room. Sheila obviously got to her door before James did.

Sheila: yes, I won!

James: I am determined to beat you whenever we get the opportunity again, mark my words!

Sheila: Yeah, I'll be watching you from the finish line!

James: woah that was a good one! Princess is feisty!

Sheila: oh my gosh JAMES! I’ve told you so many times I despise that name! *punched his arm*

Linda and her roommates heard the commotion and conversation coming from outside, they peeped through the keyhole to see what they were talking about.

Sheila: so, i'll see you tomorrow

James: yeah, see you tomorrow

Sheila put her hands behind her back. James thought she looked like a bouncer which was his initial thought, then he clicked back to reality. James put his hand on her chin and kissed her. Her tail flicked around. James stepped back and smiled.

James: I can understand how tails work you know

Sheila: b-b-but-

Sheila's roommates were cringing at her. James crossed his arms and giggled.

James: it's normal, and I actually think it's really cute seeing your tail go erratic

Sheila: aw thanks *embarrassed*

James: see you tomorrow

Sheila: hmpf know it all, see you later *she smiled*

Linda and her roommates ran away from the door and onto their beds to ‘read’

Click

Sheila walked in her dorm and locked the door behind her. She had a small yawn.

Sheila thought to herself: that was wild... I can only imagine how crazy it’ll be on Friday.

James's heart was still beating fast.

James mind: you surprised me today, I wasn't expecting you to do that much. You managed to do a lot without fucking up, personal record right there

James laughed at his own thought because it was so true.

Chapter Text

05:56 am, Monday

James: Oh man... Monday

James jumped out of bed, got changed and ran downstairs with just tracksuit pants on and no shirt. 

James: woo lets go, it's a nice chilly morning, I love it

He began to stretch aggressively.

Tao: hey uhm James?

James: yo Tao! Let's start running!

Tao: woah easy there, I gotta stretch... shirtless today huh

James: yeah I feel better running shirtless

Tao: next week you'll be running naked haha

James: haha who knows

The two of them started running around the oval.

Tao: hey your scratch mark on your back is getting better.

James: oh shit I completely forgot about that! I hope no one reports it or anything

Tao: it should be alright

They both ran 20 laps together.

Tao: i'm gonna stop man, I can't do anymore i've reached my limi-

James: NO YOU HAVEN'T!… *panting* YOU'RE GONNA KEEP RUNNING WITH ME TILL WE HIT 50 LAPS!

Tao: *panting* oh ok!

They both ran 50 laps, it was exhausting and painful but they managed to do it in the end.

James: *panting* WOO! That was fucken awesome!

Tao: *panting* that... was... painful… 

Tao thought to himself: why does he have so much energy today? Not wearing a shirt with a massive scar on your back, you must be looking for trouble

James: aight see ya same time tomorrow

Tao: yeah see ya tomorrow, and please wear a shirt, you know you’re not allowed to be shirtless on campus 

James: yeah alright i’m going back now anyway

James walked on his own back to his dorm. He was feeling hyperactive this morning. As he was skipping back to his dorm, he saw Linda, Sheila's roommate, come around the corner. They both locked eyes

Linda: oh hey

James: hello

She saw him shirtless and she obviously had to take a glance.

Linda: wow shirtless on campus, what a rebel *she smirked*

James: I forgot about the rule, it’s not that big of a deal

Linda: yeah I don’t think it should be a thing, maybe then i’d start running in the mornings…

James ignored that last comment. He didn’t think it was that extreme to be running around shirtless. But every school has their annoying rules and policies.

James: I know you’re Sheila's roommate, tell her I said "hi"

Linda: ok I will

James jogged off to his dorm. Linda walked off in the other direction, she turned back at James. 

Linda thought to herself: what the heck he has scratches on his back?... That's so cool… 

James had a shower and walked to assembly. He sat down at the back row corner seat of the assembly. A group of rhino's sat next to him. James didn’t notice them. Gon blabbed about school events that only matter to about 10 people out of the thousand that were at the school. James was close to falling asleep until he heard something interesting.

rhino 1: how have you been since your father's incident?

rhino 2: i've gotten better, but it's still weird to think that he was the leader in that gang

James became very attentive but still looked at Gon.

rhino 1: I wonder why our father's would do such things

rhino 3: well it's cool isn't it? i'm going to follow my father's footsteps after high school, sell drugs, make money, buy cars and fuck bitches. As if you don't want to do that

rhino 1: we learnt from our father's footsteps, that if you do that, you'll die young...

rhino 2: yeah that's true, i'm not doing any of that gang stuff… 

rhino 3: ok fair enough but when im living on a waterfront house with luxury cars and tons of bitches, don't come to me begging for a slice of the pie

The rhinos stopped talking and looked at James. The rhinos looked at each other.

rhino 1: hey did you hear anything we were saying?

James mind: do a fake zone out

rhino 3: hello dipshit are you alive or what?

James: huh? oh sorry what did you say? I was in another world… 

James pulled off the act reasonably well.

rhino 2: nah he didn't hear anything, if anything he looks like he’s on something with that face

James looked straight ahead and stretched. His mind was going crazy as he realised he was involved with the death of their fathers. But of course he could not say anything.

Gon: and that'll be it for today, thank you everyone

Everyone left to go to the cafeteria. James got there first since he sat at the back of the assembly.

James: alrighty lets see what we got today. Hmm, strawberry milk, and the weird donut looking thing please

The cafeteria workers gave him his food. He sat at the usual spot.

James: First, how strange...

Ellen and Tao came, then Aoba and Bill, then Sheila and Els and so on. Eventually all of them were at the table eating and talking with each other. James was sitting next to Bill and he decided to make a funny action. He turned over and looked at Bill.

James: Hey Bill!

Bill looked at James. James had stuck his tongue through the hole of the donut, he licked it around as a joke.

Bill: oh you are horny horny, hahaha

James: I’m just eating my little donut thing, you got a dirty mind 

Bill: shut the fuck up James hahaha

James: hahaha *put donut down*

Ellen saw the two of them laugh at the sexual joke. James and Bill both looked at Ellen at the same time. They cringed and laughed.

James: i'm sorry you had to see that haha

Ellen: it's ok, I know its a joke

Bill had his head under the table and was trying to stop laughing.

Aoba: What's he doing under the table?

James: got no clue, hey Bill you good buddy?

Bill lifted his head up.

Bill: yeah i'm good *containing the laughter*

Sheila was talking to Els the whole time and didn’t pay attention to James so she didn't see the joke.

Bill: oh that was too funny man

James: yup I know, perfect timing

The bell rang, classes began, classes ended. And sooner than later the drama club started. Everyone was at the drama club today, including the freshman and sophomores. James had seen most of their faces around campus at least once. But he still didn’t know most of their names.

Sheila: Hey James do the dance I taught you for Juno

James: Who's Juno?

Juno: Hey, I'm Juno! James is it?

James: oh hello Juno, yeah it's James

Sheila: please please do the dance

Sheila: it's hilarious, you gotta watch this *she nudged to Juno*

James did a terrible reenactment of the dance, it was a while since he last did it. Juno laughed but tried to not be rude. Sheila laughed her ass off.

Sheila: oh you're too funny… 

Juno: I mean it wasn’t… thaaaat bad… 

James: It was awful, I know it was, just say it as it is haha

Juno nodded. Eventually they split up, actors on one side, dancers on the other. They rehearsed and Sanu seemed to be happy with the way things were looking. Drama club came to an end. James walked Sheila to her dorm.

Sheila: see ya tomorrow

James: yeah see ya

He kissed her on the lips but only for a brief moment. He smiled at her as he walked off. That moment hit different for the two of them. It wasn’t in a bad way but it felt very mature, as if they were proper grown ups.

Chapter Text

Tuesday, early hours in the morning.

James: uh geez what time is it?... 4:30, ugh good

He went back to sleep and woke up an hour later.

James: 5:49am, yeah might as well get up early. I think from now on i’ll wear my singlet so Gon won’t lose his shit at me ha

James put on his tracksuit pants and a white singlet. He had a look at himself in the mirror.

James: doesn’t show my abs but ehh whatever

He went down to meet Tao, a thought struck his mind, he wanted to ask Tao a question regarding if any of his family members were criminals. He obviously knew he had to word it well when asking.

James: yo Tao!

Tao: hey James, ready to go?

James: yup

As they ran James slipped the question into the conversation.

James: So speaking of criminals, are there any in your family?

James said it as a joke, if Tao’s face was uneasy it would blatantly symbolise guilt. However Tao was expressionless.

Tao: uh no, not that I know of… 

James: it was just a joke haha *he lied*

Tao nodded as he knew it was a joke.

James: do you have any siblings?

Tao: why do you ask?

James: oh nothing, nevermind

Tao: nah tell me, what is it?

James: I-I don't know

Tao: just say it as it is

James: well I was walking through the city a while ago and I saw a panther being arrested

Tao: and you thought of me?

James: yeah because you two are both panthers!?

Tao: well i’ll let you know that it was not anyone that I know of *he said sternly*

James: im sorry, I just thought that surely there aren't many panthers in the city

Tao: its fine, and there aren’t that many so I don’t blame you

The two of them went back to their dorm rooms.

James: that got a tad awkward 

He waited a few moments for Mike to get out of the bathroom, as soon as he got out James went in and had a shower. He put the water hotter than usual. He sat down on the ground as the hot water trickled down his face and his spine. He had an expressionless look on his face. Despite the hot water nearly burning his skin, it felt good at the same time. Eventually he started playing with the water around him. He splashed it around like waves. Before he snapped out of it. He got himself cleaned up and went to the cafeteria with the others. He didn’t feel like saying much. He just stayed a bit quiet. The bell rang and he had language class. James hated that class as he didn’t want to learn a new language just for ‘aquatic people’. He strayed away from the normal route and decided to walk upstairs. His curiosity led him to the top floor. It was quiet but there were still classes. He wondered if it was possible to go to the rooftop, whether there was one or not. He found the door to get there but it was blocked off. He recalled that Gon mentioned that there was asbestos. He stood there and thought for a while. A few moments later he heard light footsteps approach him.

Border Collie: hey are you lost? *polite manner*

James: oh uh yeah kinda, do you know if there’s a way to get to the rooftop?

James spoke with the younger girl, she looked a bit nerdy. He wasn’t sure whether she’d know the answer.

Border Collie: I don’t know if it's true but there’s a set of stairs in classroom N54. People say it's haunted, but I don’t know if that’s true

James: no such thing as something being haunted, that's all a gimmick *he said confidently*

Border Collie: …

James: you’re not gonna snitch are you?

Border Collie: n-no of course not

James: well thanks, see you around 

James walked off and looked around to find the classroom. The girl went straight away to her class.

James: ah! Here it is… room N54

The classroom was filled with boxes on desks and dust everywhere. It was as if it was all grayscale. He went snooping around the draws and found a facemask in the uninhabited teachers desk. He wore it and continued on. He flicked through the files cabinet for the heck of it.