Ross's whole body locked up when he felt a light touch on his body, namely, his oversensitive tail. A flash of a fist connecting with his head appeared in his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Realizing that his fur was being petted by none other than Max, he easily relaxed. This red-headed boy was the first kind person Ross has met in a very long time. Perhaps he could stick around this time. Perhaps the inevitable bullying would be slightly more bearable if he knew he had a friend that cared about him.

After a while the hybrid sat up straight, ready to focus again. He could not let that ass of a boy–Jason, did the teacher call him?–see him cry. He was emotionally sensitive, yes, but he wanted to hide that for as long as possible. He'd quickly become an even bigger target if people found out.

He felt Max's warm, comforting hand leave his tail. Ross almost asked the red-head to keep going, but decided against it. One, that would be weird, and two, he didn't want to come off as completely dependent on him. He could already feel the bond growing between the two, even if they only met ten minutes ago.

Today, first day in a new school and new people, was going to be interesting.

______________________________________________________________

Max had stuck to Ross's side like glue for the entire day, guiding him through the halls and pulling him through the crowds of whispering students. News about Ross's form had spread like wildfire since first period.

As it turned out, the schedule Ross had been given was identical to Max's, so the made the red-head's personal oath to be the brunette's body guard easier. Now, halfway through the day, lunch had rolled around, and Max was trying to convince the new student to join him in the cafeteria.

"Come on, Ross, let me introduce you to my friends. They won't judge you."

The boy's ears were flat against his head and his tail had puffed out in, what Max could only assume as, fear and/or anxiety. Probably both. "How do you know that? Besides, I don't want to be on display in front of the whole school. I get ridiculed enough as is."

Max rolled his eyes. "I've known these guys for years. They know I'm bi and don't mind. Another one is as well, and two others are dating. And you won't be on display because we eat in the very back. It's not like you'll be standing in the middle of the cafeteria."

"Your sexuality isn't the same as being a rodent hybrid."

"You'll be fine. We'll protect you. I'll protect you. Besides, we may not have rodent ears and a tail, but you'd be surprised how many kids are homophobic. Four of us in a group is a massive target. We stand up for each other, take care of each other's wounds, be it mental or physical, and stand up for each other. We're a family. You'll fit right in."

Ross visibly calmed down, his fur beginning to lie flat again. "O-o-okay. I'm g-gonna trust you, M-Max."

The red-head grinned. "Thank you."

He pulled Ross into the large cafeteria. Immediately the whispers started but Max purposefully ignored them and continued to drag Ross along till they reached a table in the very back corner. Five other boys were there, along with two girls. The seven of them were chatting till they spotted the other two.

"Whoa!" One of the boys stood up, staring at them. "You're that squirrel kid everyone's talking about!"

Max glared at him. "Adam, everyone, this Ross, the kid that's probably all over the school by now."

Eyyyyy, new chapter! I'm totally NOT late and most definitely didn't almost forget to post it today! Anyway, ya get two for one 'cause these two are short. Enjoy! See ya again in two weeks for another chapter!