Same but Different

Aluko

Aluko was less than enthused to enter. Clutched tightly to her chest were notebooks barely fit for her front pocket. Dressed in suede overalls and a soft, floral-laced sweater beneath, she felt simultaneously over-dressed and under-dressed... Yet, waiting behind the class's open door kept her relatively small, out of the way. She couldn't help but observe the others entering, seeming to recognize none... But curious of their outward features. When it seemed the last person had entered, she made a bee-line for the door.

Bolesalv

Bo enjoyed being to class early when he was permitted. Time to find a proper seat, set up his materials for the class, and sometimes chat with the professor if they were also there early. Labs were no different, and he particularly enjoyed the intimate setting since it left room for more questions and he was often conversing with a T.A. that was closer to his age. Being an older sophomore was difficult for him, most of the students in his classes were often years younger than him so making friends was... not his priority. 

He chose to sit close to the back wall. His antlers had yet to fall and it often made it difficult for students to see the board if he was sitting close to the front. While it set him up closer to the larger carnivores, he didn't mind. He grew up with polar bears, tigers, and lynx. Bo's lab notebook sat close to him with today's instructions placed on top of the notetaking sheet with his pencil aimlessly tracing the left hand margin as he waited for class to start and a lab partner to join him.

Aluko

An unfortunate soul passed much too close to Aluko once she arrived, warranting a critical deadpan that sent them far away from her. That cold gaze then settled on what seats were left, roaming over the various carnivores and - herbivores. A twinge of discomfort brought her tail to a lift, pressed against her back for space in the narrow walkways. She slowly realized there were maybe only one to two seats left... The number quickly being cut once more as she watched someone take the coveted front. It took all of her strength not to bare her fangs and growl in displeasure. Instead, she put on a brave face, striding towards the back where the final chair sat awaiting. 

The table was indeed situated by quite a many larger predators. She was quietly thankful that they wouldn't be in her company. Hopeful eyes landed on who she now assumed was her future lab partner: a tall beast covered in fluff even thicker than her own. Her sight slowly traveled up his form, to the impressive rack atop his head. Her lips pursed with wonder at this incredible ivory. A whole parade of feelings marched across her mind, somewhat clear within her sparkling optics. Her fur bristled. Curiosity, nostalgia... Fear. 

And then she realized she was just standing and staring, quite stupidly she bet. The little vixen quickly took up the seat, breaking her keen gaze to sort her books instead. A couple were promptly stuffed into oversized pocket, before her nose pointed towards his. There was a stark difference in their handwriting. She peered for a name, pronouncing with great emphasis, "B-o. Bo."

Bolesalv

His attention seemed elsewhere, his ears occasionally flickering with an instinctual interest in the noises around him, but his eyes never broke the page. The pencil stopped when he felt eyes on him. Predatory eyes. He still never looked up, it would make it too obvious that he knew someone was staring. His own instincts kicked at him, begging him to look for whoever's attention was on him, but he refused to give it to such a primal urge. He was a large beast, and he should act as such.  

The vixen sat in the chair next to Bo and his eyes quickly flickered to study the smaller creature next to him. Large ears, ginger fur, and fawn-spotted freckles adorning her face. He stared long enough for her to know he was looking before turning his attention back down to his paper. He straightened up at the sound of his nickname.

"Is short for Boleslav, but it is easier for this tongue to say Bo," his voice rumbled in a quiet tone so as not to speak over the other chattering students. "Pleasure to meet you," he added, a bit more friendly, or at least what he thought was more friendly.

Aluko

He adjusted his posture, something that Aluko just had to mimic, as though immediately wrapped under his influence. Classroom manners came very late to her. Claws scraped against the desk, fingers pulling back into softly curled fists as she tried her best to be neat. Her tail curled up over her lap, vaguely curly after a crude brushing just before class. Its size hid a great deal of her torso, but still... Bo towered over her.  

She couldn't help but repeat the long version of his name once heard. It felt smooth, familiar, like the accents from back home. "Bole-slav. Hm, I like the sound. Exotic, must be." The fox nodded hastily as if she were confirming it to herself. "I'm called Aluko."

Bolesalv

He watched her carefully, with a characteristic that only former prey would have. Noticing every twitch and movement the vixen made, The subtle display of her claws, and then the retreat within herself. An attempt to be less intimidating to the reindeer. Some smaller creatures would have been grateful for the attempt, but Boleslav made no effort to show if he did or not. 

Exotic. 

He had grown to dislike that word.  

The name seemed to roll more naturally off the vixen's tongue than Bo expected, his brow twitching in amusement for a brief moment. "You say my name well, Aluko," he repeated her name just as she did his, "Are you familiar with my tongue?" he asked.

Aluko

She seemed to perk up with his response. Her tail wagged against her thighs, brushing with a little thrush thrush against her overalls. The compliment likely inflated her ego... She struggled to make a decent smile, however. As he asked, she peered upward towards his antlers once more. Trailing over the many points, up and up until finally reaching the end. A low hum resonated within her throat as she pondered his features.  

Eventually, her sharp blue gaze sought to meet his. "Hm, don't think so. You're not like the deer from my house." her head cocked to the side, eyes wide and ears flopping to attention. "Antlers and fur, much different. But not a moose." The awe behind her optics turned to utmost inquisition. She seemed to continue contemplating his exact species for a moment, before scratching absently at her cheek. "I'm from Germany, though." Aluko replied, albeit a bit unsure.

Bolesalv

His eyes trailed from Aluko's face to her tail. It was easy to see when someone from the Canidae family was pleased, their tails never stopped wagging. Foxes were no different. Bo turned his attention from her tail back to her face. He missed her seemingly hungry gaze at his antlers. "I am reindeer. Type of deer, but bigger than deer, smaller than moose," he corrected her.

"Germany is close to Russia, but I am from East Russia. So, dilect is different." he stated as if she didn't know the difference. "I understand why you could say my name easily." The large herbivore crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back into his chair, relaxing his stiff posture slightly. "When move from Germany?" his face seemed to relax as well, his brows raising in curiosity and his frown not so prominent.

Aluko

Her snout wrinkled, watching his movements close 'til the words parted from him. A perfect middle in the cervids, perhaps? Why, the fact she was speaking to a cervid at all felt... Strange. Her head seemed to teeter back and forth as she considered this, hastily turning to scrawl the name in her notebook. 'Reindeer. And... Russia. “Hmm… Wonder if you’re bigger than Elk.” She thought aloud, bringing a set of claws to her chin.  

As he mentioned her home, the once perked ears swiveled back. Her paws clasped together, settling despondently against her throat. "I was taken here at ten." Aluko offered a gentle shrug of her shoulders. "Japan... So different than the fatherland. I assume for the motherland, too." Her own gesture began to ease, filled with once more curiosity. She hoped that he was reciprocating, now that he was beginning to settle in a little more.

Bolesalv

Bo's made a silent comment of Aluko's notes as her spoke. He prevented himself from grimacing at the behavior since he didn't know exactly what she was doing. "Smaller than Elk, normally. I am big for reindeer. Papa only comes up to chin," he bumped his furry chin with his hand.  

He took note of the word taken rather than moved, unsure if that was animosity or a forcible decision out of her control, "Here is lot warmer. I shave fur almost weekly. I never had to shave in my home," he commented. "Everyone is friendlier here, less... aggressive," he struggled to find some of his words as he spoke, scratching his neck to distract from the fact he was struggling.

Aluko

His words and motions prompted an uncontrolled giggle. Light and airy, like a song... Or a mischievous, mystical forest nymph. Certainly an eye-catching noise if there ever was, but if she spotted such a glance, they were met with a displeased glower. Once the class settled into their own conversations, she whipped back towards Bo to continue. "Hehehe," she nickered, "my deer mum would've come up to your chest, I bet." Excitement for this sharing of knowledge belied the sadness within her gesture. The fox's head bobbed once or twice, nodding to herself again. Upon hearing the word "shave," however, she fell still. Almost puzzled... Her jaw hung slightly agape, ears reaching a halfway point. "Shave?" She questioned, promptly shaking out her mane. "Raaa,that'scrazy!" Aluko instinctively clutched at her fluffy neck. "What do you do with all of it?"  

And whilst waiting for his reply, she honed in on that final sentence. Aggressive. "Less, maybe." The little vixen's teeth shifted against one another. "But always other issues... Have you been here long?"

Bolesalv

His discomfort was palpable as Aluko drew attention to the pair with her giggles. His cream cheeks flushed with embarrassment and he arms tucked tighter against his chest with his face dripping in disapproval. He was not the type to draw attention to himself, his appearence was a distraction enough. To have a chortling vixen at his side made him stand out anymore. His face turned to his lab book as he tried to get the heat to leave his face and ears. Bo waited for the attention to clear before even looking in the general direction of Aluko. His face grew more confused as she spoke of a deer mother. Adopted? he thought, although she did have the fawned-freckles. Perhaps she was a hybrid. Interesting. 

"I, uh, it goes in trash," he replied, untucking his arms to rub his hands over the cropped fur around his wrists. It resembled the short mane of a horse or a dog with a bad haircut. "I would get heat... heat stroke," the term felt clunky on his tongue, the heavy R of his accent getting in the way of his rather fluent dialect. "I grow up around bears and big Felidae, here is easy," he shrugged his shoulders, leaning over the lab table and resting his elbows on the table. 

"I have been here three or four years, but not in school until last year. I am sophomore," he explained briefly. "Are you sophomore?"

Aluko

Hm, he didn’t much like that… An inward part of herself could relate, but what she saw before her was a strong beast. She almost couldn’t fathom that it would be lacking in power, or confidence if that were truly the case. She quieted down when the discomfort became tangible… And from then on, she did her best not to fall to any excitements. 

So when her thoughts got the best of her, she quickly clasped her muzzle shut, covering it with a single hand. A clear “WHAT” could still be heard between her fangs. After he explained, her eyes squinted with some humor... Offering a tiny smile when she released her trap-jaws. Eventually, Aluko gently shook her head. "No - no - you should keep them. Sooo much fur. Keep it or not, very good uses - and some will pay for the luxury of having a nice coat." The fox couldn't help but toy with her tail, ruffling up the thick fluff to emphasize her point.  

With a gentle ruffle of her sleeves, they fell to her elbows, revealing some scruff of her own. She let her arms laze across the table in a similar manner, keeping them close to her notebook, however. A cautious glance was cast to the larger predators down the way, but she seemed to agree. "Yes, more big herbivores. I do like it that way, too." A more vacant smile grew on her features, fading slightly as she looked to Bo again.  "Junior. I think you've already seen, but I'll still warn you; I'm not a very good lab partner." Her gesture was sheepish but without guilt. The real test would be to see if Boleslav switched sections or not later down the road...

Bolesalv

The more she spoke, the greater Boleslav's confusion became. He didn't think shaving was an unusual process. He blew his coat out twice a year when the weather began to change, but it never got cold enough for his winter coat here. "It shave messy. I throw in bag and throw away. It no come off in chunks like sheeps wool or alpaca fur. It's coarse, more like pig bristle," he tried to explain. His undercoat was incredibly soft, but the only place that could salvage that would be on his body which he didn't know if he liked the thought of someone owning his body hair. He would rather throw it away. "I could see it used for pillow suffing, but no one make fur coat out of deer hair." 

The vixen's coat would be a much finer prize for individuals who wanted to collect fur.  

Wait. Was she offering to buy it? He didn't know if he wanted to think about that either.  

He had come to enjoy the diversity that city living provided, he didn't feel like he stuck out as much. He did to a certain degree as a cold-climate animal in a warmer area. Aluko's comment on larger herbivores caused his brow to raise in question, but the comment never followed. 

"No worry, I like labs. They are easier to me than class," he replied. As long as her work didn't affect his grade, Aluko could cackle and snort all she wanted. "Especially early year labs. Basic information, can find in text book. It's no problem." While he had been staring at the handout the teacher had provided, he didn't actually look at what they were doing today. He assumed it was something along the lines of species idenitification as that's what lectures had been about, but he had no clue.

Aluko

“Hmm…” she looks at him all around, finding a moment to fully appreciate the uniqueness of his coat. Even if it was so scruffy. Her muscles flexed, wanting to reach out and give it a test to confirm his words… She inclined to nibble one of her own fingers instead. It certainly wasn't the first time. There was a slew of subtle bite marks, no more than simple scars and indents, across her arms. She’d finally gained enough meat to be considered savory to fellow carnivores, but most of the gnawings were likely her own. The lack of knowledge made her ears rest halfway in faint embarrassment, but she was more than eager to learn.  

Being an upperclassman, her instinct was to simply nod and nod at his explanation. Her former experiences in past bio labs, however, seemed to crop up behind her stare. Aluko's eyes squinted with distaste at the memories. “You must be smart,” she surmised, "you're also a biology major?"  

Letting the question hang, she finally leaned closer, merely to get a look at the instructions. On his page, of course. A low yet brief rumble built in her throat as she saw the word "icebreaker. Her lips strained, briefly revealing her fangs in a bout of dismay.  “Aah, I hate this shit…” The vixen's fangs clicked together, before her cold orbs traveled through the rest. A few of the small-talk questions that had already been asked, but also - identifying physiological characteristics on your partner. “Hmm… Easy enough though. Well. For me; you have lots of unique features.” A small smile played across her features, and she pulled back to hastily scrawl across her notebook. Never shy to hide it, she had begun scribbling imperfect bullet points, each one listing a trait. Most were followed, in parantheses, by extra details or a theory of their use. Her last target was his own gaze. She couldn't quite tell their hue... Orange, or darker, more red leaning?

They had a gleam of blue, a reflection or simply part of it? Her ears pinned against her skull, unsure.“Your eyes. Are you ill?”

Bolesalv

Her mannerisms were bot unusual for a carnivore; restlessness, redirection, and staring. Bo had grown accustomed to it during his youth, surrounded by animals much larger than he was, but he never lost the ability to pick up on the behavior. Although, the specific questions regarding his grooming habits were a first for him. He was tempted to ask about her fascination, but he wasn’t sure if he was prepared for any potential answer Aluko might give. 

”I am healthcare,” he answered, ”I wish to be doctor. General surgery or orthopedics.” Biology and health science had many of the same classes, so it made sense for Aluko to guess he was a biology major.  

He stiffened as the vixen leaned closer, but made no movement to lean away from her advances. She was bold and that didn’t make Bo nervous, it was the fascination that Aluko seemed to have for him that made his shirt collar seem too tight around his neck. Bo stared down at the paper will her to actually read the assignment. His face fell in annoyance. He took the brief moment of silence to copy Aluko and scribble a heading in his lab book with the date, assignment name, and his lab partner. He hoped just a first name was sufficient enough.Aluko - Vulpus vulpus (?)

• red

small

fawn spotting (?)

He looked up from his notes when Aluko began her questioning. ”In winter, sun no set in homeland. Reindeer used to live in cold and snowy climates close to Arctic Circle. Blue eyes in the colder months are adaption. Gold in summer, blue in winter. Antlers will shed soon, too,” he explained, reaching up to scratch the heavy hair the sat around the exposed bone. ”And you? Your cheeks. I have not seen on vixens before. I see on deer children. You said your mother was deer?”

Aluko

His answer seemed to give her a mixture of disappointment yet awe. Especially at her standing, she wagered this might be the only course shared between them - unless he ended up within the electives in her final semesters. Still, surgery and... Orthopedics, whatever that meant. A single claw brushed against the scar on her cheek as she tried to decipher its meaning. At the same time, she did her best to respond,  "Ah, impressive. I could never. Hope those don't get too much in the way of stuff." She gently gestured towards his antlers before cupping her chin. Hmm, that gave her an idea. While he'd turned away, she began to write an additional note on her page. Antler caps, or something of the sort. She hoped this would give him enough of a break from her overwhelming interest... Probably not, though.  

The caution present in her gaze began to wane as he replied. Her lips pursed to form a small 'o' in once more astonishment. A place where the sun never set, yet the storms persisted, like an ominous and eternal twilight. She wrote as he spoke, adding in a small question to the side, Why don't normal blue eyes do this? Of course, bearing such a cold color for her own optics, she wished they had similar abilities.  

Mentioning that his antlers shed opened up a can of worms for Aluko... "They are bone, yes?" She asked, tail wagging as she looked to him again. "You also toss them when they're gone? Does it hurt?" Naturally, there was the likely unspoken offer of, "Can I have them?" Despite this, no longer did her intrigue seem downright predatory; more like a child discovering a wonderful new toy. Asking a question towards Aluko herself, however, was a surefire way to settle her down. She seemed to lean back in her chair and contemplate, as though she wasn't even used to being addressed in this manner. Most especially, being asked for her markings in specifics.

Deer, deer, she heard him, a sound more painfully loud within her mind. "Deer." She echoed aloud, before gulping awkwardly. It took her a good few heartbeats, but eventually, the query processed in her mind... And she nodded slowly. "Step-mom. Raised me, but didn't birth." A couple digits traced her freckling, avoiding the scar as she gestured to the side of her neck as well. "I think just a mutation from arctic fox blood."

Bolesalv

”If I need to keep them cropped, then so be it,” he chuffed. Bo held little regard for materialistic things like his horns or his fur, he preferred comfort over appearance. If something as simple as his antlers was going to get in the way of his career, then he would chop them off in an instant.  

For fall, his eyes had yet to turn over into their complete blue hue. It was difficult to see the change from a distance, only those standing right in front of him, like Aluko, would pick up on something so subtle. He much preferred his summer eyes, they were warm and brilliant. It took the edge off his overall intimidating appearance, and he also thought it complimented his fur tones better.  

His ears briefly pinned back at her question of tossing his antlers, composing himself before responding, ”Yes, bone. Connect at skull,” he pushed the hair away from the area on his head to show where the bone connected below his skin. ”I loose in winter. I give to carnivore friends, they like them. I have not done that last few years since I have not found anyone to want them,” he explained, momentarily pausing for the inevitable follow up question to see if she wanted them. It didn’t come, so he was surprised. ”I have thrown away since arriving here.” 

Bo observed Aluko’s demeanor change as he returned the questioning. Her tail wasn’t wagging and the excitement seemed to fade. He briefly looked away, giving her some privacy even if they sat in a busy classroom. He noted the distaste within her answer, knowing to avoid this type of questioning in the future if they were to ever explore their backgrounds as they were. ”I think is nice,” he replied, not knowing if a compliment would help, ”the spots.”  

He scribbled out the fawn spotting on his notes. ”Do you get winter coat or anything?” he asked. Seeing that she might be part arctic fox, she might have a similar shedding season to him. He only had come across a few arctic foxes in his time, they usually weren’t as far east or south as he was.

Aluko

Aluko quirked a brow. Cropped? She couldn't even fathom how hard it'd be to cut the bone. At least not with a lot of gnawing... Mmm... Speaking of which - he did offer his rack to carnivores! Damn, she should have just asked in the first place! Her tail thumped against her lap for several moments, eager to take advantage of this new source. "Wait, wait," she leaned on the desk, unable to control an excited leg beneath her, "I'll take them!" The fox's head bobbed absently, until she caught herself and switched it to a quick shake from side to side. "Not for free, though. I'll give you something back. I have an idea already, unless you want something else." She hadn't retrieved a smile just yet, but her eyes were wide with hopefulness. After all, there had to be some pain with the disconnect - and she supposed it might be poor manners to leave Bo like that. With a single finger she tried to trace the outline between the antler and the skin. Hmm, perhaps it was just a waiting game to see the process... 

Her intensity had since dulled since the arrival of a new topic, but the somberness was faint. A considerable amount of enjoyment from the interaction kept her from falling to the poorer memories in her mind. The compliment was a welcome addition. The vixen's eyes squinted, their blue color much more vibrant with the fading sunlight from the windows. Part of her muzzle contorted, as though she were biting down the smile that sought to return. She placed a shy hand against her cheek, almost annoyed at the growing warmth upon it. "No need for niceties." She uttered, slowly crossing her arms over the table. "But I like them... A reminder of both mums, I guess." A thoughtful hum left her at this comment.  

Her eyes fell to his page, snickering to herself as his pen scratched against the paper. It was a sound she wouldn't long forget from her time in the university - and one that was somewhat underappreciated.

He had another question for her, though - her ears perked and her eyes widened in once more surprise. She supposed it was sort of a "given," though, after mentioning 'arctic fox -' to which she giggled lightly. "Yes, but it's just thicker. Maybe more white as I get older, like, fifties..." She briefly glimpsed the ceiling as though thinking of something - or someone - before looking to Bo again. "It's pretty bad for roommates once I have to shed for the summer, hehe. But rarely shave... Don't have any patience for it. Unless I can make cool shapes." Her chin rested neatly on her hands, ears swiveled back. With her partner's cut, she wondered if he was the same way - but did so out of necessity, still. She did feel a little bad for giving him such flak on shaving.

Bolesalv

Bo somehow expected Aluko to take him up on the offer. He ripped a corner of his notebook paper off and slid it over to Aluko, "Here. Write phone number and I will call when they drop. It won't be for another month or two."  

While he didn't know the vixen well, it made his stomach twist. Causing an impact wasn't something that he enjoyed, even if he couldn't have predicted that a simple question would've caused some type of damage. Aluko seemed to take it well, and despite her dismissal of his compliment, he could see the bashfulness rise in her face. It was a distraction, welcomed or not, that seemed to ease the tension. "Is no problem, I'm sorry to cause discomfort."

"My fur gets whiter in winter," he agreed, pushing up his sleeves to show off the darker coloring in his forearms. "I think is called blowout. At least, what dog friends called it at home. They lose fur in giant chunks. They use... I think is called blow dryer to get it out stuck chunks. We would end up breathing in half of the fur while we tried to get out," he chuffed, the smirk briefly tugging on the corners of his lips before falling. "No need to shave when it rarely gets above 0 degrees year round." 

He placed his pen back down on the paper before looking to Aluko, "Anything else I write? I've got two bullet points for you," he jested.

Aluko

The krrrr from his notebook made her jostle at first, unaware of his intentions... Only to be somewhat surprised and especially ecstatic at his offer. With a rapid tail wag and an excited bounce of closed fists, she waited for the paper to arrive... Before hastily snatching up her pencil and her phone to oblige. Raaa! Thrilled, she'd say! But - wait - she peered at her phone case. At the little houses, hilltops and pine trees covered in snow... Contemplating if she should really give out her number. Was it appropriate to use her business phone for a transaction like this...? Eh - did Mr. Tiordore really care? EH... If it was a problem it'd just be dealt with later. In the end, she succumbed to her enthusiasm, scrawling her number in thankfully legible writing.

Hearing an apology - which she deemed wholly unwarranted - she found herself ready to speak... Only to quiet down and let him finish. If this was her lab partner for the next few months, she'd surely have to make up for this first impression. Better if it was soon - perhaps after the assignment was done.  

With that in mind, she settled down to observe in a manner more befitting of Bo's aura... Which was a great deal calmer than hers. She moved only to compare their colors, settling her arm across the table several inches from his. "Blowout." She repeated with a gentle 'hee-hee-hee.' Hmph, dogs,not as cool... But she liked the thought of the ones he befriended. As if she knew exactly what he meant, she shook her head with purposeful slowness to emphasize her aversion. Before she could react with her usual humor, he mentioned '0 degrees -' and she quieted down. "Aah, do sometimes miss the cold. Winter here is very pretty though." Her tail ticked at the thought of autumn approaching, and what would follow soon after...

Anymore bullet points, though? Shit, what else was there about her that was... "Defining?" Eventually, she pointed to her ears.

"Huge ears! Great listeners when I wish them to be." A little snicker came from the vixen. She let her ears flap for a moment, before 'rounding back as she considered her next words. She waited for Bo to finish, of course, but she didn't want to keep him waiting... Nor did she want to overthink and shut herself up instead. "Guess I should be the one saying sorry for causing discomfort." The words felt awkward from her jaws... Expected from society, but she did also want to be... Well, a decent partner, for once. And most certainly not a danger.

Bolesalv

Bo took the scrap paper and put it into his pocket, entering into his phone could wait. "I have liked winter here so far. I just wish it was more cold," he replied. "I am glad not to have to shove self out of room just to get anywhere. That part is nice." He used to beg for his winter coat to come in, even if it was only a few weeks early, and now he dreaded the days he was covered in thick, white fur.  

He attentively wrote down huge ears on his little list, hoping that she was serious. He truly wanted to complete the assignment as it was one of the first labs of the semester and every grade counted. "No need. It's been long time since I've had discomfort. Asking about antlers and fur is someting normal for me." He wasn't the only reindeer in his town growing up, his parents would often use their dropped antlers as birthday or housewarming gifts. The Markin's had to use for them once they dropped, but they knew carnivores liked to chew on them.  

The reindeer looked up at the clock posted at the front of class, noting that it was almost over. He then looked back down to his paper, somewhat satisfied with the results of today's lesson. "I think this might be good enough for professor," he flashed Aluko his paper with a smirk. "I hope you are satisfied with my answers for your assignment."

Aluko

More cold, yes, yes. Loads of snowfall, now that would be wonderful! "Always." She mused aloud, before registering the rest of his comment. A little unsure of what he meant, Aluko tilted her head. "But do you prefer Japan, then? Or just pleasant place to be?" Her gesture was one of usual curiosity, but it had gentled greatly. And with winter, of course, came the holidays. "Going to assume you enjoy the Rexmas stuff." She smiled, expecting a hearty affirmation. 

But then he said she hadn't caused any trouble... His words were taken with slight disbelief. "Hmm, if you say so, but I think you are leery about something." She dipped her head, trying to give him a good look-over. Surely he was only sparing her feelings, or trying to downplay her actions... No, she knew she'd been a little creeper, as she tended to be. "You can say, always. Partners for the rest of the year; should trust a bit." Her voice was soft, encouraging as much as it could be for a vicious vixen. A humoured sniff passed through her nostrils, however."Well. Except with chemicals and sharp objects; I can't be trusted with those." Any lab partner - or any professor - could surely attest to that!  

The fox knew in some part that he was joking, but she could only answer with utmost honesty. "Raa, of course, learned so much!" She nodded contentedly. "But there's more, I know it. Which is why you should tell me when you're uncomfortable." Hopefully this wasn't too pushy to go about it. A carnivore was still a carnivore - all of them had the instincts there. "May not be as big or tough as those back home... Aluko, though -" She points to herself, "not very good at hiding stuff, like fangs."

Bolesalv

"I don't know that yet," he answered truthfully. "I have moved many times over the years, so I would prefer to stay here for little while." 

The questioning didn't make Bo uncomfortable, it was the staring. As much as Aluko made herself seem friendly and open, there were just somethings a carnivore wouldn't understand about how herbivores felt being glowered at like a piece of prey. It was primal, woven into their DNA long before the modern person existed. "I will make sure to take control of any scalpels and chemicals when time comes," he wouldn't admit it, but that did make him nervous. Not that she would cause chaos with the instruments, but that she might jeopardize his grade by accidentally making mustard gas. He also hoped she wouldn't stab him, but he would have to take up those issues as they arose. Aluko made it this far, so she wasn't completely incompetent. 

"Seeing as we have whole semester to learn of each other, this was good start," he replied, scribbling his name on to the top of his paper along with the other proper indicators so he could turn it into the professor. "Best relationships come with time, best no rush." The other students began following in Bo's lead, writing their final words and packing up their belongings. The reindeer only had a notebook to shove into his backpack, so he was ready to go rather quickly. "Was pleasure, Aluko. I see you next week," he dipped his head respectfully, pushing out of his seat and heading towards the front of the class.