As with all my writing, there's a bit of romance and build-up.
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"Interspecies cohabitation and education is not only inadvisable, it is in fact quite unsustainable in a modern setting." - Aart's 'Arguments Against Interspecies Interactions'
Silver Creek Conservatory was one of the last bastions that promoted and practiced the intermingling of multiple species. Only a handful of schools in the entire world have been known to do this, and even less of them allow the mixing of predators and prey. Even the dormitories were unsegregated, despite numerous concerns raised by parents and students alike. Even so, the institution remained steadfast in its resolve.
"Why are you even teaching us this?" A young doe chimed from the back of the lecture hall. "If it's so dangerous why does our school allow it?"
Numerous other voices joined hers in agreement. The professor, an elderly ram, sighed heavily. "That is not my place to say. I do not make the rules, nor the curriculum. This reading is required by all schools, including unsegregated ones."
"This is bullshit!"
The professor slammed down the lesson planner, fuming. This was a common occurrence with each new freshman class. It was an exhausting exchange that he quickly grew tired of. "Watch your mouth or I'll double the work load for the whole class."
The clamouring died down in short order. That threat always worked wonders. "You will find the assigned reading in your syllabus. Dismissed."
Jack slid his notebook and supplies into his canvas bag, tossing it over his shoulder. He got a head start out the door, eager to avoid the crowd. He wasn't particularly small for his species, for which he was grateful, but he still paled in comparison to most of his peers. Rabbits tended to be farming folk, and it was not particularly common to see other of his species in University.
Jack was a French Lop standing at just about three feet. He had a white velvet coat with speckled gray dusting along his face, arms, and ears. His ears in particular were a subject of some fascination among his peers. They were long compared to other rabbits, drooping down past his shoulders. He held a particular disdain for them, as they were often cumbersome. Others often took it upon themselves to play with or touch his ears, which made him furious. This was partially because they were so sensitive.
Because he was a small species, he was often manhandled and teased. Larger mammals often grabbed the small white tuft of hair on his rear, trying to elicit a yelp or similar reaction. He was also often mistaken for a girl because of his size and plush appearence. He wrinkled his nose in distaste at the thought of how often he had been approached with romantic intent by other boys. Girls never approached him, preferring to set their sights on larger, more impressive species of mammals.
Speaking of which, there was one now. Cornelius was a regal looking elk, towering above him at nearly seven feet tall. Even so, he was not yet full grown. He had wide, intricate antlers which ended in rounded tips. It was fairly common in modern society to dull ones horns, fangs, or claws, for predator and prey alike. It was seen as a point of pride, as it meant the individual had no need for violent displays.
The school uniform, a white collared shirt and tie with a grey vest and slacks, looked quite dashing on him. Jack's own outfit seemed ill-fitting and strange in comparison. He often left his tie off, with the top button undone, as he felt quite ridiculous otherwise. This had earned him a fair share of scolding, though he continued regardless. Jack gave Cornelius a nod, who returned one in kind. The two were neighbors, sharing adjacent dormitory rooms. This was a bit of an oddity, as small species like rabbits had their own accommodations. He had demanded a mixed room upon admission, warning the faculty he would cite discrimination law if they did not.
Of course Jack didn't know a damn thing about discrimination law, or any law for that matter, but they didn't need to know that. Jack was a music major, furthering his education with the intent to be a concert violinist. It had been his dream since he was young. He had purchased an old record from a flea market, bringing it to his grandfather's house to use his player. He was smitten in an instant, carried away by the dulcet tones. Back home his family and friends had mocked his aspirations, telling him he should just find work in the small rural farming town he grew up in. He had no such plans.
Jack had gotten his room in the mixed dormitories, though the school insisted on assigning him a roommate of similar stature. Maddox, a small tri-colored beagle shared his room. He was well mannered, if a little excitable. At least he didn't treat Jack the way others did. Apparently their neighbor Cornelius shared a room with a predator, a sizeable timber wolf named Darius. The few times they had occasion to meet he seemed nice enough. If anything he felt more sorry for Darius.
Jack harbored a remarkable amount of ill-will towards Cornelius. Perhaps it was because of his well renowned social standing, or his success in academics. More likely, it was because of what a fucking ruckus he caused. Jack and Maddox had both been mortified, as in the first week their neighbor brought home a new girl every day. Subtlety was something he lacked, apparently, as the passionate echoes of their activities permeated through the thin walls separating their rooms. It was a wonder how the massive buck could stand to look them in the eyes the next day.
Navigating through the halls was a daily dance with death. Lumbering predators and prey of massive proportions cut through crowds without regard for others. In this world, size and stature were often one in the same. The smaller folk were left to dodge and scramble beneath their feet. Some areas had designated pathways for the smallest students, but Jack avoided them as a point of pride. Others often remarked that his pride would be his downfall, jesting that he would find his end beneath the foot of an unsuspecting elephant.
Jack was quick and vigilant, however, deftly weaving between legs and sweeping tails. He made it to the dormitory, heading to his room to practice. He was glad that his roommate was accommodating of his work, as he was sure most other would not be. More than once he had been accosted in the halls by others who were perturbed by his music. Maddox, on the other hand, would often sit and listen to him play. He would sit for hours with rapt attention as Jack worked through various pieces. His music also served as a useful device to drown out the noises of his fornicating neighbor.
Maddox was already in the room, along with a Saoy Sheep named Samir. He was an eccentril little ram, and was partial to nicknames. He preferred that others refer to be addressed by 'Sam', and often called Maddox 'Mad' or 'Maddie', though the small dog despised the latter name. Somehow he had gotten it into his head to call him 'Jackie'. He had bopped the sheep squarely on the head upon hearing that, though he refused to stop. Jack liked the guy well enough, but the name made his blood boil.
"Jackie!" Sam announced in excitement as he came through the door.
"Sam," Jack growled in response. "I told you not to call me that."
"But it fits you so well. You're far too cute to be a 'Jack'."
Jack's bright pink nose scrunched up in frustration, a grimace spreading on his face. "Why do you invite him?"
Maddox shrugged. "He's not all bad."
"That remains to be seen."
"Oh c'mon Jackie, don't be like that. Us little guys gotta stick together," Sam replied, only making things worse.
"I outta bite you," Jack grumbled, hopping up onto his bed. Apparently he wouldn't be practicing this afternoon. Sam always insisted he didn't mind, but it was impossible to think with his constant yammering.
"I think even a bunny would get in trouble for that."
