The clop-clop-clop of equines hooves along the classroom floor caused an anxious pounding behind Xander’s eyes. Tail tucked, he sat at his desk, doing everything he could think of to keep calm as that ominous clop-clop-clop grew more and more smothering. When the sounds stopped, he lifted his head, only to find himself face to belly with the significantly larger mare teacher, the situations not helped he was sitting at one of those awful chairs.

I’ll take your test, she said in her deep, maternal, vaguely ominous voice. And here is your tutor.

Xander blinked. With her right hand, the teacher had taken his test. With her left hand, she set down the white rat who had spent the past three weeks tirelessly educating Xander in everything that had to do with square roots.

Clop-clop-clop. Equines hooves pounding the weekend-polished floor. Xander hated it. Whimpering, he put his head down, flat on the now bare desk, and did his best just to breathe.

You’re gonna do fine, Xander.

That was Albert, the rat that had spent so long tutoring him, for no reason whatsoever, since deep in his heart, Xander knew he was going to fail. The three weeks had been an utter waste of time, because Xander was stupid. He was smart enough to know that.

I’m stupid, the wolf said, his collar glowing with the words. That’s it, I’m stupid. I can’t learn this shit. I just can’t. Stupid two-leggers. With their stupid numbers. I’m going to fail, cause I’m not a two-legger, and I can’t get it. I just can’t.

Xander, we’ve been over this stuff for weeks. You’re going to do great.

No I won’t! Xander said, now barring his teeth. I… I’m…

Xander, do you think Ms. Maredom would have come in on her day off unless she thought you have a chance?

I’m going to fail, you little bug! You are smart enough to know that. You should have seen me coming and cut losses! You stupid little…

Clop-clop-clop. Xander lifted his head.

I am amazed at your improvement, Xander, the mare said, placing the paper down on the desk before the tearful wolf.I still think you can do better, but you and your tutor should be proud. Look, I get it, math is hard, but you have so much potential. Just never forget that. Stick with it. And Albert, thank you so much for taking him on. I-I’m not going to shit around with you two, it… it’s hard since the city cut funding, but you two… just support each other. Please.

She walked off.

I-I…

Told you, Xander. You’re not dumb! You just… I’ve been studying you four-leggers. You just… you know. You… like… learn differently. Not that you’re dumb, you’re just different.

I-I…

I mean, I’m the size of your paw. I’m different. That doesn’t mean I’m dumb. It just means I’m different. Weird, sure, but I’m not dumb. And I… I’m happy I could… you know, help you like this. Cause you… you carrying me to school and stuff… I feel like I owed you it… and… You used to be kind of a dick, but ever since I started tutoring you, I guess… I kind of like being around you, you know? I mean, remember when you took me to the comic store? When Squad Supreme got rebooted? And, I didn’t even ask you, but you saw me on the street, and you took me along? It… uhm… I really like riding between your ears, or on your back, or even in your bag, that time I got super worried and you just stuffed me, but I liked it, cause I know you would keep me safe.

I-I…

And, I mean, you got a B+! Flunking to a near A! And I am happy to keep tutoring you. I mean, it’s t-

Scoop. Slurp. Set down.

By the moon, Albert I… I’m so sorry I just… I-I…

What, do you brush your teeth with meat grease? God damn it, your mouth is disgusting!

I just wanted to thank you. Th-that’s… that’s how kra- I mean that’s how kritians I mean that’s how ferals thank each other. Oh by the moon, please don’t tell the principal.

You damn animal! What, I got you to pass your test and you were going to eat me?!

No! I… I’m so sorry Albert. Please don’t tell the principal.

Oh, I am going to stomp into his office a-and… I-I… are you crying?

The principal said if I fail even one class or get one complaint, he’s gonna get me kicked out and then Terran City will kick out my family and I don’t want that to happen because this is the only place I’ve ever lived so please don’t report me, Albert. I promise, I… I’ll do anything for you f-for a week! A month! Wh-whever you wanna go, I’ll carry you just please don’t tell the principal. I-I’ll be your slave, I promise.

X-xander… calm down… I won’t. I promise. But… maybe you can take me home so, you know, I can change my clothes and… uh… take a shower?

Smile. Scoop. Set. Stroll.

A phenomenal commission I bought from  IcaroZilla. This was a silly idea I had, and figured I would see how good she could be. I cannot stress enough, the artist was amazing and I would highly recommend her for various macro/micro type stuff. Also, she has an amazing ongoing comic, so please do look in to her.

Originally, Albert was going to be wearing his micro harness, seen here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/32036460/

I asked the artist to drop it since I think this works very well as early in their budding relationship. Albert had been tutoring Xander for a while and growing closer, but they are not at the micro harness level of friendship.

Again, I am so, so, so happy with this. The artist was amazing and I would strongly recommend employing them. She kept me well informed and does gorgeous work.

Keywords: Xander the wolf Albert the rat macro micro slurp kiss lick short story tongue drool