FSE

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--Fen--

"It'll be fine, Naki isn't going to do anything bad to me," I mutter as we ride towards Phalance's main campus. Today's the day we move in and I couldn't be more excited-- or should I say anxious? Neither could my parents, apparently, as they've been listing off things I should make certain I do all day long.

"You should try the Requoran-reserved dorms out first, at least," Dad states, looking back at me from the passenger seat of Mom's car. "You can still hang out with Naki if you want but, at least, you would be around others like you. Probably safer if you travel in groups anyway."

"I still can't believe he called us Requorans," I comment after hearing the word. It'd been so long since someone used it around me. My parents and I rarely even referred to ourselves as such ever. "And anyway I don't want to be in those dorms. Sy and I will keep one another safe and Naki can help keep an eye on us too. He helped you guys out."

A sigh escapes my dad's muzzle.

"Can't blame him for being stubborn," Mom chuckles. "That's from you," she looks at Dad for a moment before turning back to stare at the road.

"I just don't see what you see in that boy. And we have to deal with his parents again today," Dad remarks.

"Just don't talk to them if you don't want to. They know about us now, I bet they'd understand since things went a little sour last time."

"A little?"

"They didn't know-- comeon Dad, let's not..."

"Yea, yea, I'm just messing with you. I'll be honest, -maybe- we misjudged him a bit. I still want you to be careful, Fen. You like him, I get it. Doesn't mean I don't worry about you."

"You know I will, Dad. Everything'll be fine," I try to comfort.

On campus, students are walking all over; lugging various duffle bags, backpacks, suitcases, and boxes around with their families. There's a lot of energy in the air as today is freshmen move-in, which is a couple days before the upperclassmen get to move into the dorms. I do manage to see a few families with collars on trying to make their way into dorms on either side of the campus-road we're driving down. It encourages me a little to see that they're not being harassed. At least, not yet-- or not visibly.

"Look at that," Mom states, pointing towards one of the taller buildings sitting next to the student center. I think the tall one is the library if I remember the map I was reading yesterday.

I look and there's a large sign hanging off of the roof of the library, covering a part of the side facing us:

"Welcome to Phalance! We welcome our Requoran classmates."

"I... wasn't expecting them to be so open about it," I admit, staring at the sign for a while and feeling a strange sense of comfort. We arrive at my dorm; a large, tower of a building climbing at least fourteen floors up. Surrounding it, students are moving stuff from their cars to their rooms and chatting amongst one another and their families. Settled nearby the walls on the outside of the building are student groups inviting various students over to collect fliers and information about their groups. There's a sign by the door reading:

"New students: Come meet your RA and check-in to your dorm!"

My parents and I get out of the car and walk towards the building. I don't notice any other micros around so I feel a little conscious about the collar around my neck. Even so, we only get occasional glances and a few people turn to grin or whisper to their friends or family after looking our way. I don't know if they're talking about us but I can't help but feel they are. We arrive at the desk that the signs were leading us to and are greeted by a perky, female squirrel.

"Hi! My name is Melissa and I'm the Residence Hall Director. What's your name?" she asks.

"Fen Luwinfe," I tell her, leaning over the desk a little as she looks over her computer screen and taps at the keyboard.

"There you are. Now, you know... we do have dorms for micr-- er" she looks down at a piece of paper for a moment. "Requorans. And you're allowed to register in those, instead. It might be a little more comfortable for you..."

"No, I'll be fine. I'm staying here," I say, firmly. Her tail twitches a bit and a grin spreads her muzzle.

"Alright! Now you're in one of the double suites so let me get your key..." she reaches down and finds the card that should open my room up, then has me sign a few papers talking about my responsibilities while in the dorms and telling me who my Resident Assistant is.

"You can find your RAs on the same floor as your room in the corner nearest the elevator. If you exit the elevators, turn right, and then turn right again, you'll be faced with the corner of the building on that floor and that room will be your first RA. The room located on the opposite side of the same hallways is the other RA, alright? Goodluck, Fen! If you have any problem feel free to contact your RA and, failing that, contact me."

"Thanks." I smile and turn to my parents.

"So far so good," Mom grins and wraps her arm around my shoulder.

My tail flicks a bit. "Yea, I hope this is how it stays for a while."

We get stuff from the car and begin to move towards the dorm room, navigating around the prying eyes of other freshmen as they try to finish their own move-ins and, seemingly, take notice of the fact that my parents and I aren't the typical Neotrians. The hallways are pretty normal, lined with doors leading to students' rooms. I see some wide open and quick glances as I walk past reveal people trying to fit things beneath beds or organize desks. Next to each room are several little cut-out tags with the names of the dorm residents on them. As I get a better look at the tags and the people in the room I conclude that the species of the cut-out corresponds to the species of the residents of each room. We have to squeeze by several families walking the opposite way but, eventually, we make it to my room. By our door is a little cutout of a badger, otter, raccoon, and a wolf. The raccoon and wolf are noticeably smaller than the otter and badger, too. I take a moment to smirk at that before I slide the card in and open the door wide so that my parents can carry stuff in.

"That's kind of cute," Mom remarks when seeing the tags outside our room.

"Heh, I guess. I wonder if there're any others on this floor," I say as my mom and dad walk in.

I follow them and look around, tail flicking quickly behind me now as I enter what would be my own room from here until the end of my freshman year.

I can see some stuff already on the floor and a quick sniff of the air reveals Sian and Naki's scent. They'd both already been here at some point. The common room is pretty nice. There's a 4-person couch with a wooden coffee table sitting in front of it and a television just beyond that. The door into the common room is perpendicular with the orientation of the couch to the television. The entire room is painted orange and has purple tiling covering the floor and in the middle there's a chandelier to light the place.

"Smells like Gillian and Mitsuna were already here. I'll call them, see if they want to meet up before we head home," Dad states while tugging his cellphone out of his pocket.

"Naki's here too," I say, wondering if he's around and if we'd run into them before this is all done. Part of me is excited to see him even though we'd been together a few days prior. Another part, though, wants to keep my parents away from his. I don't even know what's going to happen if graduation dinner comes up again.

Just as Dad is on the phone calling Mr. Connerly, the door's automatic lock clicks and in walks Motley. I blink a few times, noticing he's got his hands full. He struggles a bit to pull himself into the door with everything he has in his arms so I quickly rush over to pull the door open and empty his hands a bit.

"Thanks, Fen," he states, lugging some stuff in settling it down. I look around the door to see if his parents are coming in but I don't see anyone.

"No problem. Why're your hands so full? You need some help?" I ask.

"I'll be okay." He pants a little. " Just had to take everything off of the bus at the same time, trying to rush so none of it gets stolen."

"The bus?"

He looks at me for a moment, giving a light smile then looks to my parents. "The name's Motley, nice ta meet the two of ya." He holds his paw out to my mom first.

"I'm Christine, this is Roger," Mom states, motioning towards Dad whom smiles a little and reaches to shake Motley's hand.

"I gotta go get the rest of my stuff, I'll be back." He turns to leave and I follow him out quickly, hearing my mom call my name but I ignore it. I walk quickly, shifting my tail side to side while peering at the badger. He's a bit taller than me, but not as tall as Naki. He's big, too. Strong, that is. Naki is defined but you can't see it over his fur. Motley seems more like a wall. Not overly-muscular but I can imagine his pelt doesn't hide it entirely.

"I'm alright, Fen, no worries. Don't think yer mom wants you leavin' either."

"Uh, no, it's fine, let me help you," I respond. He looks at me for a second then gives a little nod.

"Cool."

"Where's Naki, anyway? I thought you'd come with him if, uh, no one else..."

"They ain't got that much room in their van. If I came with'em then they'd have to make two trips, so I took a bus that was comin' this way."

"With all of your stuff?"

"I don't got that much."

The fact that he doesn't mention his parents makes me feel a little awkward. I don't want to pry, especially since I don't really know the guy. Outside, I see a pile of things unattended right in front of the door.

"This is it," he states.

I help him move his stuff into the room since it's at risk of being stolen and can't help but wonder why his parents aren't here. Whose parents would miss their kid moving into college? I don't ask, though, deciding it's not my place. As strange as it sounds, it feels more appropriate to ask Naki.

"Excited? What're you majoring?" I ask as we move his stuff into the room.

"Huh? Hmmm. I was thinkin' sociology or somethin' like that. How 'bout you?" he asks in return.

"Physics," I state, entering the room.

"Makes sense. Tryin' to figure out those little things you wear?" he asks.

"Yea, I guess that's a bit obvious, eh?" I open the door to the room and hold it for him before walking in behind. Mom has her arms crossed, peering at me with a scolding look before she helps get Motley's stuff in.

Dad's jabbering to Mr. Connerly on the phone so on the next few trips it's just me, Mom, and Motley.

"So you're Naki's friend?" Mom asks and Motley gives a nod.

"Yeh, ever since elementary," he states.

"Where're your parents?" she asks, winning a glance from the badger. He stares at her for a while before shrugging. My mom doesn't press the issue anymore, nor do I.

"At home," he responds after a moment, just as we finish getting everything of his into the dorm. We head back down to get my stuff now.

"Not a big deal, though," he says, looking at us with a box of my game consoles in hand. "I'm here, I got some good friends by my side."

I smile a little. "We're gonna have fun, it'll be blast."

"Damn straight." He grins back.

Dad joins us again and we finish moving my stuff into the room. It's all kind of cluttered into the common area but I'll sort it out with Naki and Sy later.

"They should be here any minute," Dad states just as the door clicks and in walks Naki, Sy, and both of their families. Naki's brothers come in and stare around, trotting past their parents to settle on the couch. Reggie jumps around while Nathan buries his muzzle in a videogame of some sort.

"Hey, Naki, Sy," I say, walking over to them with Motley who grins and pats Naki on the back. "Glad ya made it."

"Glad -you- made it. We could've come back for your stuff," Naki states.

"Nah, it wasn't a big deal. Little Fen helped me out."

"Little?" I mutter.

"You -are- pretty short." Sy grins and I cross my arms, turning my attention to our parents. Mr. Connerly is as boisterous as usual, talking to my dad while Naki's parents stand nearby and seem out of place. I feel bad for them, but I'd rather our parents not talk if it means they'll just get on the topic we've had well-settled for the last few months.

"Where did you guys go?" I ask Naki and Sy.

"We just went to the student center to look around. Grabbed a little bit to eat but I'm already kinda hungry again." Sy rubs at his stomach a little and looks at Naki. "His folks and mine actually got along well enough."

"Yea, it went... smoother than I expected." Naki admits.

"Glad to hear it, I just hope ours can get along until the end of their stay. Honestly, I'm already ready for them to leave us here and go back," I state a little dryly.

"Yea, I agree," Naki says, looking at his own parents now. "If we're lucky they'll just leave one another alone."

"So this is all about that dinner thing after graduation?" Motley asks quietly and both Naki and I respond in a nod.

"Yea, this is the first time they've been in the same room since that," I reply.

"Got it. Well, we could go take a look around campus? No easier way to avoid a topic than to bring up other topics, yea?"

There's a knock at the door right before anyone can answer Motley. I open it and in walks a vixen with a clipboard clasped with her fingers and leveraged against her forearm.

"Good afternoon, everyone," she states, walking in calmly and looking around. "My name is Alex and I'll be your RA this year." Her voice is a little timid and she's on the shorter side. The sharp glare in her eyes nearly demands attention, though.

"Oh, this is an interesting room--" she looks around. "Two Requorans and two Neotrians. Is that correct?" she asks.

"Yea, that's right," I say. "My name is Fen," I say before the others respond in kind.

"Motley."

"Naki."

"Sy."

"Great. I'm just here to see if you have any questions and to give you a little information for your first year on campus. As you know, this dorm is called Tuften Hall. You've already received information from the Residence Hall Director about your responsibilities while here in the dorms so I'll let you read that on your own. Be sure to read it, though. Please try not to damage furniture within the dorms, drinking is -not- allowed and those caught drinking will incur a fine and may be suspended or kicked off of campus if multiple infractions occur. Finally, any questions or issues you have may be reported to me. I'm here to try and make this a good experience for all of you. We'll have our first dorm hall meeting tonight at 7pm so try to be there. Tomorrow there'll be pizza, drinks, cookies, games, and you'll get to meet other people that live on this floor. That'll be at 9pm in the same place as tonight's meeting. The meeting room is in the center of the floor, room 1416."

She takes a breath, then looks around. "That's a bit of a mouthful, I know. Don't worry, though, reminders will be sent out to help you keep track of everything until you get comfortable here. Now, I do have some information for our Requoran residents if you and your families would like to come out into the ha--"

"No, it's okay," I say. "Please tell us here, I want Naki to hear too."

She tilts her head and looks at Naki for a moment. "Uhh, alright. Is this okay with you?" She asks, looking at Sy who gives a nod.

"Yep! Explain away."

She nods and adjusts the glasses atop her muzzle for a moment before peering down a piece of paper. "I'm required to tell you that, due to federal law, the university is limited in its ability to prosecute crimes committed against Requorans. The reason we're telling you this is because we want you to be cautious in moving to and from your classes. It would be wise to move in larger groups or have a Neotrian escort you. The campus will give its Requoran population as much support as it is able within the boundary of federal law and university regulation, so we ask for the full cooperation of all of our student body in keeping the campus safe in order to promote learning for all." She looks over the sheet for another moment before giving a nod and looking towards all of us.

"Any questions?"

"So since it's not illegal to remove our cloakers, this is also allowed?" Sy asks.

"Yes. It isn't illegal for us to try and search for you if someone takes you to a dorm room, but if you're taken off-campus then you're outside of our jurisdiction."

The reminder makes my stomach curl a bit, even if I do appreciate knowing. I guess I'm not surprised but hearing it brings some of my worries back to the front of my mind.

"There is a student support group that should be starting up this semester for Requorans and people who support Requorans. I'd look for that group and see what it's about, maybe." She smiles a little. "I'm certain they'll have advice or, at least, it'll provide a way for you to meet people in a safer environment. Anyway, I need to go speak to the other students on the floor so I'll leave you all to move in. It was great meeting you and, remember, we have a floor meeting tonight at 7pm and tomorrow at 9pm. There is another floor RA that couldn't be here today, you'll meet him tomorrow."

"Thanks, Alex!" Sy says.

"Yea, we'll be there. Take care"

"Aye, seeya."

--Naki--

Motley and I glance at one another as the RA walks out. It was informative, at least. I don't really know what to say, not with my parents around at least.

"Maybe you could find some other micros to walk around with. She has the right idea about travelling in groups," Fen's dad states while staring towards Fen and Sy.

"I'm sure Naki and Motley will help'em out too," Dad speaks up. I feel my throat tighten again, avoiding the urge to look at Fen's dad for his reaction. "Seems like he did a decent job with your family over the summer. Thanks for that, by the way. He really appreciated you all givin' him the opportunity despite what happened."

I don't look at Fen's dad, but the silence in the room is telling enough.

"It wasn't a problem, Naki did very well." Fen's mom speaks up, thank god for her tact.

"Thanks." I smile. Fen's dad says nothing, though. Perhaps that much is for the better.

"I think we should explore around a little. Take a look about campus and see what there is to do?" Mom offers.

"I think that's a good idea, let's visit the student center first and work our way to our various colleges?" Fen asks.

"Comeon Nathan, Reggie. Let's go," Mom picks Reggie up and Nathan stands to follow along.

"Sounds good, lad," Sy's dad states before starting for the door. I follow him and Motley comes behind me with the rest. We spend most of the day learning a bit about the layout of campus and visiting the separate colleges pertinent to our majors. College of Physics for Fen, Business for me, Sociology for Motley, and Electrical Engineering for Sy. The campus itself is rather nice. The science and engineering colleges are down the same sidewalk travelling south from the student center, which is also directly away from our dorm. The sidewalk is split into two lanes with a row of trees and grass separating them. Every now and again the middle section opens up into more of a circle, I assume students can sit here between the sidewalks to study and enjoy the weather or something. Buildings line the sidewalks on the opposing sides of the divider and each building corresponds to a science or engineering profession. Fen's is early on, nearby the student center; a brick building with a single, large, glass-and-metal cube jutting out of the frontside. Showoffs. The rest of it is pretty plain, though. Sian's is the very last building in the row. I don't even really know how to describe it. Suffice to say, it's flashy. It's angled towards the sky with half of the building, the front, being metallic while the other half brick. On the sides, a pair of hallways lead to smaller, regular-looking buildings on the left and right. I'm guessing these are classrooms or offices or something.

Motley's college is west of the student center. He has to walk around, or through, a rather large, grassy field with a steep hill lining one side of it. I imagine this would be a nice sports field for soccer or football or something. For a moment, I wonder where the pools might be. I'll have to figure that out. This building is much more plain than the science buildings. Columns line the front of it and set atop a stairway that lead to the entrance of the building. Easier on the eyes than the science and engineering building.

Finally, we come to my college. It's nice, very glassy on the front-side where there're hallways filled with tables and places for students to lounge and admire campus. It has a professional feel about it. I guess each college kind of aims to create its own feeling for it's students.

As we walk back, Fen's mom takes an active interest in talking with mine, I listen in every now and then, still a little afraid. "My boss was fairly open to it, really," Fen's mom states in response to mine asking about what happened after Registration. "Everybody at my job has been very receiving and sensitive to it so I've been generally happy."

"That's wonderful. When Naki told us we were hoping everything was alright."

At least the conversation is pleasant for now. The walk back to the dorm seems to wear on as we walk past other groups of students and parents trying to find their way around campus. I can also hear music coming from around the student center now. Apparently some of the student groups are trying to attract our attention. "So is that what you all are called?" I ask, noticing the sign on the side of the library in the distance. "Requorans?" I look to Fen, who is somewhere in the middle of a conversation with Sy. All I heard was 'True Lives' before I interrupted them.

"Huh? Oh..." Fen looks at me. "Well, yea, that's what we called ourselves a long time ago. I don't ever hear anyone use the word anymore. I... think I've only heard it a few times in my life."

"Your ancestors called us micros and the name stuck," Mr. Luwinfe pipes up. "Couldn't even bother to use the proper term nevermind say it the right way."

"How do you say it?" Nathan pipes up, looking away from his video game for a moment.

"Ree-co-o-rans," he says, rolling both Rs very gently.

"So do you have a language, then? If there's a particular way to pronounce it." Nathan continues

"Not that many use it anymore. Using our language or proper name while wearing cloakers would bring suspicion if it didn't give us away immediately. If any of us use it, it'd be someone who doesn't wear a cloaker. Post Registration I suppose it doesn't matter much, but me and Christine are rusty at best and Fen was only taught enough to understand."

I look at Fen for a moment and he gives a somber nod. "It was a surprise to hear President Leary use it, we don't even use that name in the house. Then again, Phalance is one of the few state schools that decided to let us come so... I guess he might be pro equality. That much is nice think about." Fen smiles a little.

"About as pro-equality as norms get, probably," Mr. Luwinfe mutters.

"Now now, Roger, I gotta admit they're not doin' as bad as we thought they would," Sy's father says while listening in on the conversation.

"How long have you all been wearin' those things?" Motley asks.

"About twenty years for Gillian and I," Mrs. Connerly says.

"Aye, just before we had Sy."

"The same for us," Christine replies.

"Were your families together back then, too?" Mom asks, looking to Sy and Fen's parents.

"Yea," Mr. Luwinfe nods a little, looking away for a moment, frowning somewhat.

I quietly wonder if it's a bad topic.

"How'd you meet?" Motley asks.

Everyone stops talking for a bit as we walk through the center of campus, pushing past other students shouting and running around us. It's a massive area with plenty of room for students to lounge or draw advertisements on the sidewalk with chalk, which I see plenty have done already. The building that half-surrounds the center, called the student center, has a little patio that takes up a large portion of one-half the semi-circle it creates. The patio has tables all around it, presumably for students to sit and study or eat food at. I know there's a food-court in the student-center somewhere. There's also a fountain that sits between two columns of stairs that lead up onto the patio. I know the letters inside of the fountain spell out Phalance University, but they're partially covered by a group of students holding signs:

"Welcome, Requorans!" one sign reads.

"Equality for all!" another reads.

I wonder if they're micros themselves since they seem to be wearing collars. The collars they wear seem a bit different, though. They're all black and have a regular buckle instead of the buckle that Fen's collar has. The students march around and wave the signs for all to see, offering pieces of papers to students who pass by. Some of them refuse but others take the flyers. I'm tempted to go get one but Sy brings my attention back to the problem at hand.

"Les Gardiens," Sy says, gently.

"Les Gardiens? The poltical party?" Dad asks.

"They offer shelters to micros who agree to follow their philosophy--" Fen begins before his father interrupts.

"That's enough, Fen," Mr. Luwinfe mumbles

"Aww, comeon man, lighten up. We're curious, never have spoken to a micro before," Dad states.

"Oh?" Mr. Luwinfe says. "In so much of a hurry to eat us that you've never bothered?"

"Er--" Dad frowns a little. I can't blame him, I know all too well how good Fen's dad is at coming to a point.

Luckily, we're already back at the dorms again. Maybe we could break this up and go our separate ways, finally. An awkward silence settles around us as he finally make it back to the entrance of Tuften hall. No one says anything for a while and I don't dare break the silence.

"Sorry," Dad says suddenly, looking at Fen's father. He still doesn't seem amused at all.

"We never said it and we should've earlier. I know it ain't gonna fix anything but better late than never I s'pose. If it helps any, we're not doin' it anymore. I got stuck in my ways and, I'll admit, after finding out about you all we had a change of heart. Like I said, I know it won't fix anything, but we are sorry."

"We did really appreciate you taking us out. It was great, we won't forget it," follows Mom's voice.

"Best food I've ever had," Nathan agrees. "Plus shrimp taste better anyway."

I cringe at that.

"We already talked with Naki about it," Fen says, looking at me, then my parents. "We're gonna let it go."

"Yea, most norms wouldn't have apologized either," Sy speaks up. "And Naki's pretty cool so I can get over it."

I blush a little but try not to let it show. Fen's dad looks between us then shakes his head a little, deciding to give in, apparently. "Whatever," is all he says. I'm actually surprised he let it go so easily.

"I think it's about time to leave anyway," Mrs. Luwinfe states, looking at the sky. "Getting a bit late and I bet these guys want to get moved in and have their first dinner on campus."

"Yeh, and we can go celebrate a house without the kits to bug us," Mr. Connerly grins.

"Pfft!" I hear Sy. "Feeling's mutual, old man," he grins and Mr. Connerly ruffles between his ears with a mutual smirk.

"We'll head off too. It's about time to find something to eat tonight and Reggie's getting restless," I can see Reggie sleep in her arms. "Take care, Naki, call us sometime and tell us how it's going," Mom says. I walk over to hug her, Dad, and Nathan. I see Fen and Sy doing the same with their parents. Motley just stands there.

"Get over here, Motley," my mom grins. He perks up, then walks over to hug her with a half on his muzzle. "You and Naki take care of one another, hear? Not like I have to say it, I know you two are attached at the hip anyway."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Pelwisk. I won't let'em get into any trouble."

We finish saying our goodbyes and our parents walk off to go back home, leaving just us four. I sigh a little.

"Crisis averted? Kind of?" I ask.

"You can say that again," Sy chuckles. "You two're never going to get your parents to get along."

"Good for a laugh, though," Motley smirks.

Fen flicks his tail a bit. "Better than I expected it to go, honestly. Dad really held his peace."

We get back up to the room and look around at all of the stuff scattered around.

"Who is sleepin' with who, then?" Sy asks, peering between us.

As much as I want to be with Fen, I don't know if I want to put Sy in a weird situation with Motley. "Well, Motley and I can take a room and you and Fen can have the other?" I ask, looking at Fen.

"Whaat? You don't wanna room with your BF?" Sy smirks, leaving me to glare at him and fluster a bit.

"It's not that it's just-- well--"

"I get it, I get it," Sy waves his hand around while Fen covers his muzzle with a paw. I imagine he's grinning beneath it.

"Just tell me when you need the room alone, Naki. I'll give you a few hours," Motley states, wearing his own grin.

"You're supposed to be on my side, Motts..." I rub over my head. "Alright alright, whatever. Let's get this stuff arranged, yea?" I glare at the three a little then charge into the mess to begin grabbing my things.

We get everything put away. Somewhere in the middle of it I get a call from Samson. I hadn't seen him all summer and only really talked to him once or twice since high school. I forgot he was coming to this school.

"Hello?"

"Naki! Dude, we haven't talked in ages! You all moved in yet?"

"Yea, we're in Tuften. How about you?"

"Awesome, I'm across the road from there so yea, I'm already moved in. Hey, we're going to the food court to get a bite. You wanna bring those guys with you? Loraine is gonna come too."

"Lorry is here? Uh... lemme ask."

They seem mostly favorable so I go back to the phone. "Sure, that sounds good."

"Great! We'll be there in an hour." He hangs up.

We get everything settled and then exit the dorm as a group, walking back across campus. It's still light out since it's only about eight pm but the sun is setting. The view of the blackened library sitting in front of the sun's powerful, yellow-orange evening light is rather nice. I feel Fen's fingers wrap around my palm and I grasp his in return, smiling and looking to him.

"We made it, Naki."

"We did," I say, waving my tail behind me a bit. Mine doesn't work that way, but it's cute when Fen's does it.

I can hear Sy and Motley jabbering between one another but don't pay enough attention to know what about. Instead, I just enjoy Fen's touch. We walk past other groups of students, most of them regular Neotrians but I do spot a Requoran every now and again. Normally with other Requorans, but there are a few walking about with normals. I even see another couple-- or, at least, I assume it's a couple. Two wolves, male wearing a collar and female not. A few people glance at Fen and I but most of them go back to their business without staring for too long. The inside of the food-court is rather simple. It's a cube with a large, glass face on two sides and a line of fast-food restaurants covering the other two sides. Tables are set for students to sit at if they don't want to go outside to the patio we'd walked past earlier. There's a walkway down the center of the room that leads towards the student-center proper, I'll have to explore that another day. Finally, we make it to the table and Samson is the first over to us from the long table they've created out of two smaller.

"Hey, Naki."

We slap hands before Samson looks at Fen. "Yo, how's it goin' F--"

He blinks a few times, staring closely at Fen's collar for a moment. "T-that's a real one," he states, looking at Fen's face again. "Oh. You're.."

"A micro, yea," Fen says, visibly a bit bothered.

"Ahh, that's--" He looks over towards Sy, noticing the same thing before he seems to mull something over in his head.

"Err, sorry--" He says suddenly, reaching out to shake Fen's hand. "Good to see you, that's... a surprise if I've ever seen one. Sorry if I made ya feel weird. Comeon! Sit down or go get some food. I already grabbed a burger from the B&W. Hey, Motley, how's it comin'?" He walks over to greet Motley.

I don't think much of it but I notice that Fen watches Samson for a while before he gives a light shrug, then moves to sit down. I pull a chair up next to his but Loraine walks up before I can sit.

"Naki, how're you?" she smiles, opening her arms. I give her a quick hug and smile.

"Great! Parents just left and we're all moved in. How about you?"

"Not bad, we just got done moving into too." She sits down across from me and Fen, leaving a seat open to her right at the end of the table. Like Samson, she notices Fen's collar, but is a bit quicker to pick up on what's going on.

"Never would've guessed," she comments, motioning at Fen's collar.

"Yea, I guess I'll have to get used to people reacting that way," Fen chuckles a little uncomfortably.

"Aww, don't feel weird about it. I found out my cousin's wife is a micro. They have a kid and everything," Loraine flicks her tail a bit. "I didn't even know that was possible before this summer."

"Really?" That got Fen's attention pretty quickly. "So... they're still together and all?"

"Yea, of course. It was a weird conversation, I bet, but he loves her all the same. The baby is cute, too. Doesn't have to wear one of those things, though. Is that the way it always is if the couple is mixed?"

"I dunno..." Fen states

"Nah," I turn to see Sian sit on the other side of me with a hamburger."There's a fifty fifty chance either way."

"You're one too," Loraine states, staring at Sy. "Sheesh, so there're two micros and... Motley isn't one, is he?"

"No no," I chuckle, unable to imagine that. "No, Motley's norma- er... Neotrian."

"You guys have an interesting room. You sure you trust those two?" she grins, peering at Fen who just chuckles a little himself.

"Well, I'm still here. Either he's the worst hunter in existence or I'm pretty safe."

"Heheh, you two are cute," she remarks.

"Where's Brian? Are you still with him?" I ask of her.

"Huh? Oh! Yes, he's here too. Should be around before long, he wanted to shower after we moved in."

Motley and Samson join us eventually and Fen and I go to get some food. I decide on some weird stir-fry place and Fen went to go get a sub. I can't help but wonder just how many micros were at this school and how many people had discovered that their friends or family had been micros all along. I mean, the fact that Loraine has one in her family is a little surprising. I can only imagine how she felt about it.

Once back at the table we talk about what'd happened over the summer. Loraine and Samson were both pretty interested in hearing about our little adventure at the registration line. They'd, apparently, steered clear.

"So how are you guys going to get around campus?" Samson asks. "I mean, it can't be safe for you to walk around alone."

"I was thinking we'd help them out," I state. "I mean, there's supposed to be some sort of group on campus to help too but... well, I trust you guys and I think Fen and Sy would be more comfortable with someone they know." I look to them. I guess they don't really know Samson and Loraine, but I trust them. I hope that'll be enough.

"Yea, uh... it'd be a big help. Once Ian and Sam are here I'm sure they'll help too," says Fen. "When do they get here?" he turns to Sian.

"Hmm," Sy looks up with a ponderous gaze, "they'll be here tomorrow, I think. I dunno why they got moved to the second day."

"More than enough, then. We can look at our schedules and figure out what works best. If we can pair them up with us on our way to our own classes then that'd be best."

"I'm in," Motley states. "B'sides, maybe it'll be easier to pick up chicks with a micro around..." He grins to himself, staring off into the air with a dreamy expression. I just roll my eyes. "Oh Motley, you're so kind, brave, and strong. Here's my phone-number," he mocks.

"Now you're really dreaming," I mutter, wearing a smirk.

Samson laughs and holds his fist out, Motley bumps it.

Loraine peers at the two and rolls her eyes along with me. "I'll send you my class schedule," she says to me.

"Yea, I'll try," Samson states as he calms off the chuckle he got from Motley.

"Great, thanks guys. It'll take a bit to adjust but having all of us will help a lot."

"Yea, it means alot to us," Fen says.

--Fen--

Dinner doesn't last too long as we need to get to our floor meeting. Loraine and Sam stay behind to wait for Brian but the four of us leave to be back on time. We enter the room for our floor meeting and I notice that there aren't any other micros in the room. Just Sy and I. It doesn't bother as much as it disappoints me. We all sit next to one another with Sy at my right, Naki at my left, and Motley at Naki's left. The room is a large square with various, oddly-shaped pieces of furniture settled haphazardly about the room. I assume it's to lighten the atmosphere. We chose one of the couches and now take up all of it. The room is lined with various posters with pictures from previous groups that lived on this floor or, at least, that's what I assume.

Alex is here, talking to a few other students for now while she waits to begin the meeting. I don't see the other RA yet.

"Man I'm pooped," Motley says, leaning back into the couch and letting his head tilt back so that he's staring up at the ceiling. "I kinda hope this is fast, I wanna go to bed."

"I hear you," I say, peering at him. "And tomorrow won't be any less busy with orientation.

"Yea, I know. Mine's extra early, too. Eight AM. Can you believe that? Man..."

"We're in the same boat, then," Sy says. "Maybe we can go together."

"Sure thing," Motley nods just as a brown bat with a purplish mohawk walks in.

"Good evening, everyone," he says with a gentle tone. "My name is Rory, and you've probably already met Alex. We're your RAs." He has a rather lithe build and his wings are folded back and pressed as tightly to his body as I imagine he can manage. Like most bats, he has separate limbs for his wings and arms. I watch him take a look around the room for a moment before his eyes settle on us. One guess as to why. He doesn't say anything at first, though. "We wanna welcome you to the 14th floor of Tuften hall."

Alex joins him at the front after she's done with the other students but leaves her muzzle pressed close to her clipboard. "Today we're mostly going to get everyone introduced to one another and go over the ground rules for the dorm again. Bear with us, I know it's not the most fun you could be having but knowing these rules will save you a bit of money I bet. Let's start with introductions. Rory and I will go first. She looks at us all for a moment before speaking again. "I'm Alex and I'm a junior here at Phalance. I'm studying Visual Communication Design. My interests include drawing and 3d modelling."

Rory then looks around and introduces himself. "My name is Rory, and I'm a Sophomore here. I'm studying Mechanical Engineering. So if any of you are engineering students I may be able to help you get started in the college. My interests are gliding and I play a few games here and there. Both board and the digital type."

"And now let's begin onnnn this side of the room." Alex points to the side opposite of us.

There're easily thirty or forty people so it takes some time to get around. They're all normals if I assume that every micro would have registered by now, and most people are fairly generic with their introductions. When it comes around to us, Motley is the first.

"Name's Motley, I was in Necit High and I came here to study sociology. I like football and I play video games now and again."

"Naki; I'm studying business. Not sure what, exactly, but I'll figure it out while I'm here. I was also at Necit high. I like swimming-- er go figure" he chuckles to himself, "and parties."

It's my turn now. "Fen, I was at Necit too. I'm gonna study physics. I like video games and movies."

"Sian, but call me Sy. I'm studying Electrical Engineering and went to school with these guys," he motions towards us. "I'm about the same as Fen. Video games and movies."

"Really? Only one engineer in the entire group?" Rory chuckles.

"That's why we're in demand," Sian grins.

"Good point! So you two are the only mic-er--Requorans on our floor?" Rory asks, winning a bit of a nod from me and Sy.

"I didn't notice anyone else," I state, glancing about the room again. I notice all of the other students are staring at us now. Great.

"Well, I guess it's as good a time as any to ask that you all show the same amount of respect to these two as you would any of your other classmates. This is a new experience for all of us here at the university so we'd like everyone's cooperation."

One student, a fox, raises his hand. "So those rings on your fingers are your MMDs?" He asks, peering at us. I don't know why it makes me so uncomfortable that he'd ask that. You'd think it'd be obvious since it's mandatory that they be visible.

"Yea, these are our uh... we call them cloakers. I guess the name doesn't really apply anymore."

"You can say that again," Sy mumbles.

"Will you take'em off for us?" A mouse asks.

"No," I can't help but chuckle a little but the look on his face is serious. I feel a bit awkward but, of course, I'm not going to take it off around all of these norms.

"We don't usually feel safe taking them off around norms," Sy states

"I know it's probably weird for you guys but me and Sy are just like anyone else. Besides our collars you won't even know the difference. We're nice and all, feel free to talk to us. Just don't, uh... expect we'll take our cloakers off for you, alright?"

Their faces remain blank and some just whisper amongst themselves. I'm not sure if I got through to them or if they just don't care.

"Pft, soon enough they'll be telling us that our pets have to come to school too," a feline remarks. I look to him for a moment and he stares back as if to dare me to respond. I take the bait for some reason.

"What d'you mean?"

I feel Naki grasp my hand and tug backwards a bit. I know I should probably let this go.

"Micros belong in cages, not schools," he states simply before Rory clears his throat.

"Alright, guys, obviously we don't all feel the same. Doesn't mean we can't respect one another, right? Anyway, let's end the meeting and you can all get back to enjoying your first day." He looks at me, then to the cat whom just shrugs and begins to gather his stuff. I lower my ears, but sit down and lean against Naki again.

"It was great meeting you all! Remember, we have a little pizza party tomorrow so if you have some time come to that at 9pm. You're free, go get some sleep for tomorrow-- or don't. It's up to you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate," Rory states before him and Alex both begin to gather their things. Everybody shuffles out of the room rather quickly, including Naki and Motley. I wait a moment before getting up, wanting that feline to get as far ahead of us as possible. After a minute or so I start to leave, but the bat approaches us with intent plastered all over his face. I look for Motley and Naki and find them by the door, chatting while waiting for me and Sy.

"Sorry about that, guys. I admit I probably should've ended that conversation as it began instead of letting it go," Rory sighs a little.

"It's alright, not the first time something like that's happened," Sy mutters..

"Well I'm glad it didn't bother you too much. If there's anything we can do to make this more comfortable then let us know. Your feedback will help us figure out how to make the dorms friendlier towards Requorans."

"We'll come by sometime," I say. "We could use any help we can get."

Rory smiles a little and nods. "Good! Oh, and you're in engineering, aren't you?" He looks to Sy whose head snaps up suddenly from the ground to Rory's face. "We should talk about that one day. There're some professors you'll want to avoid," he chuckles. "Let me know if you need any help getting to class, too. If we're going at the same time I'll walk with ya."

"Oh... yea, definitely."

"Alright, take care." The bat begins to walk out, shoving his hands into his short pockets and Alex moves to catch up with him after getting all of her stuff into her bag.

We get back to the room shortly after the meeting and we're all tired. Sy and I start preparing for bed while Naki sits outside and talks to Motley. The water from the sink is loud and the brush scraping across my teeth doesn't help but I do realize that they're talking about Motley's parents. I do wonder about that-- why weren't they here? I finish and look to Sy who's using the sink next to mine before deciding to go say goodnight to Naki while Sy is finishing up.

"G'night, Naki." I squeeze his torso and lean up to kiss his muzzle. This time he's ready, kissing back and wrapping me in his warm arms.

"Goodnight, Fen, seeya in the morning. Don't worry about that guy from the meeting, alright?"

I nod a little, grumbling a little at the smug look on his face. "I know, I just... I was hoping it'd be a bit longer before we ran into someone like that."

"Doesn't matter, anyway," Naki smiles and pets over my ears. "If he tries anything Motley and I'll beat'em up." He grins.

I shake my head and chuckle. "Yea, yea. Night night blockhead." We kiss before I walk into the room with Sy and we jump into our respective beds. Today had been busy and tomorrow will be even busier. I'm happy, though. We'd finally made it and with only a few minor slip-ups.

"Did you see that bat's feet?" Sy asks suddenly, leaving me to blink in the dark room for a moment.

"Is that why you were looking down?" I chuckle.

"You don't see a bat every day, Fen," he mutters dryly.

"I wasn't looking. Were they nice?"

"You have to ask? He's a bat."

"Fine," I grin, shaking my head. "What do you think is gonna happen to the band now? We never did talk about that."

"Eh, we could still try. It'll be harder, now, though. Nowhere to play, yet."

"Yea. Guess we'll have to wait on Sam and Ian," I state, staring up at the dark ceiling for a while longer. "Think there'll be a lot of protest because of us?"

"Maybe. Remember those protesters near the student-center? They were wearing fake collars, I think. We might not be alone, at least. So far only one student has really said anything against us so... cross your fingers, I guess."

"Yea," I say, feeling a little better. The campus had been very welcoming so far. "Goodluck with your thing tomorrow, Sy. I'm gonna get to sleep. Make sure to get Motley up before you leave so he can go with you."

"Yea, I will. G'night, Fen," he replies before I hear him twist onto his side and begin to drift off into slumber. I lie there thinking to myself for a bit longer before I do the same. First full day at college begins tomorrow.