University Story - Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Proving Yourself
"YAAAAWWWWN," Alex stretched as he forced himself out of bed. It had been about 2 weeks into classes now, but he felt exhausted already. It seemed all his professors assumed that he had no life, thus could do three essays and a presentation in one week.
"My first death week is over..." Alex thought to himself. He grabbed his assignment sheet, "and another one is about to begin..." Alex sighed. He had been so swamped, he hadn't had the time to do much socializing and he hadn't even thought about joining a club. Shane said not to get lost in the books, but Alex wasn't just lost, he was a MIA, gone to the point that the search party gave up looking.
He looked around his room. His eyes started at his side, much messier then he liked, but he gave up being a clean freak; no time to be crazy now. His eyes then wandered to Keith's side, being miles cleaner then Alex's, oddly. Keith didn't spend much time at their room; in fact, Alex hadn't seen him for the past two nights. Alex knew he and Keith were different kinds of people, but he had been getting the feeling that Keith was openly avoiding him. He didn't like to think about it, and as long as he didn't get in Keith's way, he didn't really care. Well...maybe he cared a little...
* * * *
Alex stood in the long line at the caf, and by the look on his face, he wished he knew how to cook. Duke University was an excellent university, but many people found it funny that it was so close to the cities prison. What was even more hilarious was how the prison had a reputation for having better food.
"Hilarious," Alex said to himself "last week's meatloaf...hi-lari-ous."
Alex walked over to an empty table with his less-than-appetizing meal in hand. He sat alone for just a minute when Jeff sat next to him. Though Alex had only met Jeff through a mistake and an angry grizzly bear, Jeff had clung to Alex ever since. Though he was a second year, he had transferred from another university; so technically, this was his first year at Duke.
"Meatloaf Day!" Jeff said, actually excited,"My favorite!"
"I can't believe you can eat that thing" Alex said while poking his with his fork. It had become clear in his 2 weeks at Duke that he was going to lose weight. Jeff however couldn't get enough of it. Jeff was lean, with a swimmer's build, but his appetite suggested he should be a professional Sumo Wrestler.
"Hey guys, over here!" Jeff yelled across the room to a few furs that had just got their food.
Jeff had been at Duke for the same amount of time as Alex, but he had already made lots of friends. A few smiling furs walked over to their table.
"Hey Jeff," said Jet, a second year cheetah who, like Jeff, also planned on playing soccer, "Meatloaf day is the best, eh?"
"Tell me about it!" Jeff responded enthusiastically. Alex couldn't believe how alike these two were. Jeff was slightly larger than Jet, in both height and built. Both were taller than Alex, but Jet was about the same build as Alex. All three of them were dwarfed however by the next guy who sat at the table. A panda by the name of Paul sat between Alex and Jet. He was over 7 feet tall, about the same height as Keith or Shane, but was a little chubbier then those two. Where Shane and Keith worked out constantly, leaving them with well-sculpted bodies, with legs like moving tree trunks, Paul wasn't a jock. He was beefy, but clearly worked out a little. It was hard to believe he was a first-year.
"I don't know how you guys can eat this stuff," Paul said.
"Thank you!" a fox exclaimed, "they can hardly call it MEATloaf"
"Whatever Syd," Jeff said, "you gotta eat something!"
Syd sighed. He was a first-year fox that was slightly shorter then Alex, and skinnier. He didn't play sports or worked out like the other guys. His green eyes stared at his food, and he built up his courage and took a bite.
"Just think about surviving till class..." Syd said to himself, pretty unconvincingly.
"That food might be more likely to kill ya!" Jeff said jokingly. Jeff was the kind of person who could always make people smile, even on meatloaf day. Now THAT was a talent.
Everyone started eating, some happily, others reluctantly. Alex looked up to see two other figures heading for their table. A huge rottie walked over to their table, a small swagger in his step. He was almost as ripped as Keith was, but not as tall. He was still a massive tower of muscle that took over any room he was in though. He was wearing a black shirt, with jeans, both stretched against his rippling chest and massive legs.
"Hey boys!" The gorgeous dog said.
"Sup Ryan?" Jeff exclaimed. A small raccoon, about Syd's size, shorter then Alex sat down right after Ryan. Alex hadn't even noticed him, considering he was walking behind Ryan, being nearly lost from the wall of muscle that approached first. The raccoon, Robbie, was quiet, small and usually invisible, especially when he was with Ryan. Unfortunately, this was almost all the time, as the two were really good friends. It was a weird pairing, considering Robbie was a bookworm, and Ryan was a popular stud, and the star of the wrestling team.
"Not too much with me," Ryan replied to Jeff.
"How's your essay for psych coming?" Jet asked Ryan.
"Perfectly! Thanks to this guy!" Ryan said, after putting his arm around Robbie, pulling him into an impossible-to-break headlock. "I was having serious trouble, but Robbie helped me get back on track! You're way too smart to be hanging with idiots like me dude!" Ryan releases Robbie after seeing his face turn slightly blue. Ryan was always a little rough with Robbie, but always playfully. That was just who Ryan was. He knew Robbie would never be brave enough to make friends or talk to people, so he always pulled Robbie out of his comfort zone. It was something Robbie really seemed to need.
"You had all the right information," Robbie said, while catching his breath, "You really didn't need my help..."
"Bull!" Ryan said, "Don't sell yourself short man."
"Th-thanks Ryan," Robbie said quietly. They really were good friends. Alex smiled, happy that people were able to find such perfect compliments for themselves. His smile diminished wondering if he would ever find a best friend...or lover...someone nice...and who really cared about him...
"Hey little buddy!" Alex's daydreams were cut short when a strong arm slapped him on the back.
"How ya doing?" It was Shane, and Alex's heart fluttered. He hadn't seen the hot leopard since his "incident" at Jeff's room.
"Ah-not too bad," Alex replied, "I've had tons of work to do."
"Ah man, I said not to let the work get to ya!" Shane said, shaking his head, "Have you decided on any sports to play or something?"
"Ummm..." Alex trailed off. He didn't think he could say no to Shane. He couldn't bear to disappoint him.
"Oh, Alex! You should come to soccer tryouts tonight!" Jeff said excitedly.
"Oh that's a great idea!" Jet joined in, "You did play soccer in high school!"
"I dunno," Alex started. He was afraid of going and making a fool of himself, "I wasn't all that good..."
"I think it would be great if ya tried!" Shane added, "besides, I bet your better then you think!"
"Umm, well, I guess I could give it a try-"Alex started, but was interrupted by Jeff and Jet's cheers.
"Nice! This is gonna make soccer soooo much better!" Jeff seemed excited, but Alex was still nervous.
"Cool!" Shane said, with another slap on Alex's back. Alex could swear he was starting to bruise his shoulder; the leopard just couldn't control his own strength. "Football will be warming up when you guys use the field, so I can check you out-er, I mean the team and stuff." Had Alex just heard that? Did Shane just say he was going to check him out? No, he just stumbled over his words was all...but Alex still wondered.
"Alright, see ya tonight guys!" Shane said while he was waving goodbye.
"Ok, see ya!" Jet called back, "ok, Alex, you should come early so we can warm up!"
"Good idea man!" Jeff said.
"I'm regretting this already..." Alex sighed. Well at least he'd be able to see Shane again...
* * * *
Alex felt weird to be back in a soccer uniform. He hadn't played since the 11th grade. He was too occupied during twelfth grade...
Alex shook a bad memory out of his head, and focused on what the coach was saying. Coach Morgan was a lion in his mid 30s. He was fairly tall, about 6'3, with broad shoulders and a well-toned body, coming from years of athletics. He coached soccer, and was the assistant coach for the football team. He was nice, and easy to talk to, and even let Alex try-out despite his late sign-up. He was a good coach, and Alex was happy to have him there.
"Alright, to start were just gonna do some shooting," Coach Morgan started things slow, to see everyone's skill, "Anyone trying out for goalie, get in net!"
Alex had played goalie in high school, so he saw no reason to change now. He and two other guys, a short rat, and a lab, about the same size as Alex, stepped up. The rat went first, and nearly lost his head on the first shot. If he hadn't ducked Jeff would have hit him right between the eyes. Jeff laughed a little. He was the best centre they had had in years, and he never missed his target. The small rat didn't stand a chance.
The lab went up next and managed to stop a few balls, but when experienced players like Jeff and Jet came up, he couldn't even come close. Alex was pretty nervous now. Both guys before him didn't do too well, so he felt like it was up to him. He wasn't one of those people who worked well under pressure.
"Alright, nice try! Next up!" Coach Morgan pointed to Alex. He was up, and cracked his knees before getting into position. He was scared, but once he got into that stance, he felt his years of experience pour into him. The first few guys tried some shots on him, but he blocked them pretty easily. They didn't have the experience some of the senior players did. Then, Jeff stepped up to shot.
"Don't worry, buddy!" Jeff yelled to Alex, "I'll try not to hurt ya!" A few guys behind him laughed a bit. Jeff started working towards the goal, his footwork flawless. He lifted his leg, and almost too fast to see, his foot ejected the ball forward. No one really saw it, but when Alex looked up he was laid out on the ground. He had dived for the ball instinctively and had caught it just in time. Everyone stood, mouths open in shock.
"Well I'll be," the coach said to himself, "Not bad Alex! Keep it up guys!" Coach Morgan didn't want to say it out loud, but any kid who could stop one of Jeff's shots was good enough to be his goalie.
"Hey Coach Morgan!" A voice boomed from the sidelines, "Time's up! Football try-outs are starting!" The body the loud voice came from definitely matched. It was the head coach of the football team, Coach Williams, a tall, huge Polar Bear. He was 7 feet at least, and his size dwarfed some guys even on the football team.
"Alright! Good work boys, the list will be up by the end of the week," Coach Morgan dismissed the soccer kids, and headed over to the football huddle that was starting. He was assistant coach there after all.
Alex started to head for the locker room to shower when Shane caught his eye. He was one of the biggest guys on the team, and his golden fur shown in the evening sun.
"Hey Alex!" Shane called to him, "Nice job! Can't believe you got that last one! And you said you were no good" Shane chuckled. Alex blushed; he hadn't known that Shane would be watching.
"Th-thanks Shane-"Alex started, but was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Whatever man, pussy wouldn't last a second doing what we're doing." Zac Ursus had just joined the huddle. He didn't seem scared of being late, instead making his presence even more obvious. The crowd of huge football players laughed at Zac's comment, all except Shane.
"Come on man," Shane interjected. Alex was surprised someone was sticking up for him.
"Come on what? He'd be destroyed in a second if he tried playing a real sport," Zac's comment didn't sit well with some passing soccer players.
"What do you mean real sport?!" Jeff said to Zac, "Soccer is just as real as football, and I bet Alex would run circles around you in anything anyway!" Alex gasped and blushed even more. Sticking up for him was nice and all, but Jeff couldn't be serious? He did well in soccer, but Zac would destroy Alex! And Zac's comments suggested he wasn't against the idea.
"Are you serious? I'd trounce that little shit!" Zac replied.
"That's enough guys-"Coach Morgan tried to mediate, but was interrupted.
"No, it's alright!" Coach Williams interjected, "Let the boys have their fun! There's nothing wrong with a good challenge."
Zac laughed at the idea of playing against Alex.
"I-I don't think-"Alex tried to get out of the challenge, but an unknown voice whispered to him.
"Don't back down. It's better to lose and get some respect then to run from Zac," the calm, but still rough voice said to him, "besides, you've got skill. Zac probably won't be able to catch you." The voice stopped and walked back to the huddle. He was wearing his helmet, so Alex couldn't see who it was.
"Ah-ok, what do we do?" Alex said, hoping to sound more ready than he was. To be honest, he was terrified, and thought he wouldn't even be able to play soccer after Zac destroyed him.
"Alright! Alex, come with me, I'll get you into some pads!" Shane offered, and led Alex to the locker room. As they walked, Alex could hear the team laughing and getting Zac psyched up, not that he needed help. He noticed that the guy with the helmet on started pushing one guy and the next telling them to stop acting like idiots. Why was he sticking up for Alex?
"Umm, Shane?" Alex said, as soccer players past them in the locker room.
"Ya little buddy?" Shane said, "What's up?"
"Well, who was it that whispered something in my ear?" Alex had thought it was Shane until he saw whoever it was in a helmet.
"Oh, I thought you'd know!" Shane stared, a little shocked, "that was Keith. He is your roommate, so I thought you'd recognize the voice."
Alex didn't know what to think. He thought Keith hated him, and tried to avoid Alex, so why did he help him and stick up for him? Alex really didn't understand Keith, but found himself blushing. Keith was a nice person after all...
Back on the field the guys started some warm-ups, waiting for Alex and Shane to get back. Keith was sitting on the bench, thinking about what had just happened. Why the hell did he help Alex? I mean, sure, they were roommates, but that was all. Keith couldn't seem to get the thought of Alex out of his mind, he had even tried avoiding Alex to clear his head, but it didn't work. Keith was new at the university, but he was already one of the most popular guys, and was definitely gonna be one of the football team's star players. He towered over most guys, over 7 feet, and he had been working out since 8th grade, and it showed. He could get any girl he wanted, but why whenever he thought about sex, or when he was jerking off, the image always returned to Alex. How he slept in only his tight boxers, his ass just sticking out, his sheets never seemed to cover all the good parts of him... Keith splashed some water on his face. He shouldn't be thinking about Alex like that!
"What am I doing?" Keith asked himself.
"Well you're just sitting there instead of warming up!" Keith jumped at the sound of another voice. It was Tyson, a tiger about the size of Keith, the team's likely candidate to be quarter-back. He was a second year, and had played the position in his first year, and the team did better than ever.
"Ya just got dazed." Keith said, to cover up what he was thinking about, "let's do some laps or something."
"Actually you might as well stay put, perfect spot for the show!" Tyson smiled his perfectly white teeth, and sat next to Keith, "here comes Alex and Shane."
Keith looked to see Alex in a football uniform, clearly being too big for him. He wished he hadn't encouraged Alex; he didn't want him to actually get hurt.
"Well, well!" Zac said, catching a ball thrown by a beefy bull "didn't think you were actually coming back."
"Like he'd run, you're not that good Zac," Shane's comment sent the team into a fit of laughter, but Zac looked furious. Alex felt even more scared now, but he couldn't back down. He was terrified, but Keith and Shane felt so sure of him, he couldn't let them down.
"Ok, let's just do this," Alex said, sounding surprisingly confident.
"Alright you two!" Coach Morgan stepped up. Alex was happy it was him, he felt more comfortable already. Coach Williams was busy testing some other new guys. "Were gonna keep it really simple. Alex, Tyson here is gonna throw you a ball, and your gonna have to catch it and get by Zac to get a touchdown. Got it?"
The only thing Alex was gonna get, he thought, was a charging, angry, grizzly bear on his tail. *Gulp* "Ya, I got it coach," Alex said.
Zac laughed at the shakiness in Alex's voice, brushing off Shane's earlier comments. They got into position on the field, and Alex looked to the sidelines. Most guys were talking, laughing, betting on whether Alex was gonna live or not. Great, Alex thought. His eyes then wandered to Keith, helmet off. Alex felt happy; no one that hot should ever hide their face. Alex was so focused on Keith, he heard the whistle almost too late. The ball had already been thrown, and almost at the other end of the field. Alex bolted for it; Tyson sure had a good arm! Alex, to everyone's surprise, got to the ball in time, and caught it. Most would have thought it impossible to catch up to a ball moving that fast. Alex felt proud, but he knew the hard part was coming up. Zac had already started to rush him. The 400-pound piece of beefy meat was like a freight train, and heading right for Alex. Just like with Jeff, Alex opened his eyes and realized he had moved instinctively. He had ducked to the side, and moved around Zac. Zac just ran right by him, and before he could turn to catch him, Alex was gone. Everyone's mouths dropped, even Coach Williams, who Alex thought wasn't even paying attention. Zac was one of their best blockers, and no one ever got by him.
"Ummm, did I do that right?" Alex said in the endzone, thinking he must have done something wrong. It was too easy. He looked to Keith and he was actually smiling. Alex knew he did well! Shane started the cheering, along with Jeff and Jet, who stuck around to watch.
Alex ran over to the sidelines where everyone actually congratulated him, except those who had lost their bets, most of which being part of Zac's group. Alex looked to Keith, and his smile wavered a bit.
*cough* "Umm, nice job Alex," Keith said, trying not to look Alex in the eye.
"Ah, ya, no biggie," Alex replied, as Keith started to walk over to a bunch of guys. "Umm, Keith?"
"Ya?" Keith said. Alex thought he saw him jump a little. Was Keith nervous about something?
"Well, thanks for the advice," Alex said, "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. So, thanks." Alex felt more scared talking to Keith than going up against Zac. There was something about Keith that made Alex's heart flutter.
His heart nearly stopped when Keith slapped him on the back. With a smile he said "Nah man. That was all you."
Alex couldn't say anything; he could only look at Keith's hand. It had been resting on Alex's shoulder for a little while now. He should feel confused and nervous, but Alex wasn't. All he could think, with Keith's strong hand resting on him was, "Maybe football is for me..."