Color - Study Partners 01/03 (Patreon)

"Hahahahaha, you hit the jackpot in the cast of project partners," Dave could barely contain his laugh.

“Yeah Dave, so funny… how old are you? Eight? ”I said with some irony.

"Oh come on, I just think it could be useful if you bring your brush to collect hair... and have allergy pills on hand," Dave kept saying in a rather annoying way.

"You know, I'm fed up with this conversation," I said with a very serious tone, "If you're going to behave like a mutaphobic I'd rather stop talking to you."

"Woah, calm down!" Dave said sensing the seriousness of my sentence. "I'm not mutaphobic… in fact, I find some of them quite sensual..."

"Dave, that's not helping..."

"I'm just saying my friend, it’s one thing to be a mutant... and another to be a furry mutant," Dave commented.

"Could you tell me how it's different?" I said with obvious anger.

“Well… IT'S A FURRY. They are almost anim… ”Dave broke off when he saw me turn around and stop listening to him. It had been a while since I had distanced myself from several friends because of their unfortunate comments. Dave had been a nice enough party friend, but I think it was time to let him go.

As I walked home, I wondered how different my thinking was from Dave's nasty comments. Faith had come to our class at the university two months ago and no one had done anything to welcome her. Like in every big city, we have already seen mutants, a couple of our companions have tails, even one has three eyes... but the issue of a mutant with animal genes is a subject that still scares people. This coupled with Faith's withdrawn and focused personality had not made her any friends.

I admit that her appearance is also somewhat disturbing to me, although not at all repulsive. That is why, when our project teacher decided to make random work couples, I had a somewhat uncomfortable feeling that I would have to work with her.

"Students, we will pair up at random," said our teacher, "I know you have co-workers with whom you get along better with than others, but in the real world, sometimes you will have to get used to doing your best with complete strangers."

As the pairs were formed, I could notice with discomfort that some colleagues whispered with relief that they did not have Faith as a partner. Moreover, I could tell that Faith heard them too.

“Oliver Brown”, the professor mentioned my name, “you will have Miss Hunt. Do your best”.

I could hear some annoying giggles around me. A chill ran down my spine and I hated that feeling. I looked over at Faith and I could see how flushed she was under the thin layer of fur on her face. I took a breath and replied "Don't worry professor, we'll do our best."

After class, I spoke with Faith to coordinate the study. She told me that she did not feel comfortable inviting me to her house yet. We arranged to meet in the university library.

Back at home, I was gnawing with anxiety for the day ahead. I had never spoken a word with Faith before. She was always quiet in class and with good reason. I did not know how many layers of armor she had built for self-defense. I decided that it would be best to try to sleep and take care of that tomorrow.

The next day I nervously headed to the Library. I spent the whole way there making a mental list of topics to talk about, other than study. I was terrified of saying something inappropriate.

Inside the building, I met Faith not much beyond the door. She was a mutant cat of no more than 4' 8'' (1.42m), with fine light fur that covered her entire body, black hair with purple highlights and large turquoise eyes. It was also very noticeable that she had more than one pair of breasts.

"H-Hi", I said a little nervous, "I hope I didn't make you wait too long"

“Oliver”, she interrupted me cordially as well as firmly, “I want to be clear about whether or not you mind working with me. If that is the case, I propose that you let me finish the job and I will give you credit for it. I want to get a good grade, but I don't want to bother you”.

“U… uh… no… NO! Not at all. Not really,” I stumbled.

"Are you sure?" She asked me with a genuine air of sadness in her voice.

"SERIOUSLY, I swear!" I said a bit desperate, "it's just that... it's just that I don't want to bother you. I mean, you still catch my attention and... Well, everything boosts my curiosity. I honestly don't know how to explain myself... you really do not bother me”.

Faith was looking at me as I was speaking fast and nervously in an attempt not to bother her. At one point, I managed to see a small smile spread across her face.

“Ok then… let's go find some information!” She exclaimed with an enthusiasm that I had never seen in her. I must admit that it was the first time that I noticed her beauty.

"Y-yes!” I exclaimed still a little surprised, "Come on!" I continued before we walked deep into the corridors of the library.