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"You still in here? Come on, Trav. You've been at this all day," Duke teased at the ferret still mulling over the paper he had written. Duke was there that morning when Travis had finally finished it. But now it was nearly 5pm and Travis was still at his desk staring at those pages since he put his pencil to the first line.

"I know, I know. I just feel like I'm missing something..." Travis groaned to himself, sitting back in his chair. He had been at this all night and had gone over each line of each page for what felt like even longer, but there was something that wouldn't let him walk away and just be done with it.

"Come on," Duke smirked, pulling Travis' chair away from the desk. "You need a break." Travis gave a defeated sigh and turned back to the persistent weasel.

"Fine, you win," Travis got up from his chair and stretched for the first time in solid hours. He turned around to face Duke, seeing the weasel smiling. He leaned against the table which had an assortment of chips and drinks on it. "When did you get these?"

"Wow, you were really into it, weren't you? You didn't hear me bring in any of this stuff?" Duke snickered.

"I guess not," Travis exhaled.

"Well, come on. I'm bored and you need to relax," Duke chuckled, picking up a can of soda and handing it to Travis.

It took Travis a few minutes to really relax, but once he did the mammals were talking to each other like they were lifelong friends.

"So, I've been meaning to ask you. Have you thought about what you're gonna do after this?" Travis asked sheepishly.

Duke chuckled and shook his head. "Hmm, the age old question. You know what you're gonna do, I bet."

Travis felt himself getting a bit flustered. He took the weasels' words as a compliment, never mind if that's what they were actually meant to be. "Well, yeah. I'm gonna study agriculture. Who knows, maybe in like 15 years I'll come up with a whole new way to grow stuff."

"Hmm, glad you got something figured out. I still got no idea what I wanna do," Duke admitted with a shrug. "Truth is, the only reason I'm here is because ol' mom and dad. Something about a family tradition."

"So, they made you come here?" Travis asked.

"Yep, just like everything else I've ever done. It was never what I wanted to do. It was always about what would give me the best edge over the 'competition' and what would look the best on my record," Duke scowled, looking off in the distance. Travis just stayed quiet and let the weasel continue.

"My whole life they just pushed me in whatever direction they felt like was the best for me. They never cared if they were good at it or even liked it. And now they sent me out here and I have no idea what I'm even doing here," Duke chuckled dryly before turning back to the ferret who was listening intently.

"You'll figure it out, I know ya will," Travis blushed as he heard his southern accent slip out. He felt a spike in embarrassment well up in him.

"What was that?" Duke snorted. "Something you're not telling me?"

"Yeah... I grew up in Bunnyburrow. A country podunk in the middle of nowhere," Travis groaned to himself.

"What's wrong with that?" Duke asked.

"A whole lot. I wasn't the best person back then. I was a bully and hypocrite. I only had one friend and he's still my best friend in the world. But we did some bad things in the past and I still feel bad about it. And it got even worse when I..." Travis stopped, the only one he ever talked to about this was Gideon or his parents.

"When you what?" Duke asked carefully.

Travis took a deep breath and continued. "When I found out I was gay. I didn't have a problem with it, but I can't say the same for others back in high school. The things they said to me, did to me. I l know that it wasn't right...But sometimes I think I deserved it. Like some kinda karma," Travis admitted.

"Travis..." Duke said slowly. "I don't care about that. But you didn't deserve to be bullied. I think you're one of the nicest guys I know."

"Hehe. Took some practice," Travis smiled a bit. "It's been a while since I talked about this. Thanks for listenin'," Travis thanked, letting his accent out.

"I guess neither of our past were the best," Duke sighed.

"Guess not. But I'm glad I'm here now," Travis admitted. "...Hey, Duke. You remember last week? The party?"

"Oh, you remembered that?" Duke smiled a bit.

"Hehe. Yeah, I do," Travis blushed and looked away.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You're actually a pretty good kisser," Duke smirked.

"Uh, thanks," the ferret blushed even harder. The two talked for a little while longer until Duke let Travis continue finishing up his paper.

Left alone once again in the dorm, Travis looked each page up and down. He looked at every line and checked for perfect punctuation. For some reason, the paper seemed just fine to him now. Perfect, even. Travis beamed and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. It was finally done, finally over. He could turn it in tomorrow and never have to look at it again.

Travis looked back at the leftover wrappers and empty bottles that sat on the small table. He smiled a bit and made a note to himself to do something nice for Duke sometime.

***

Duke was in his dorm, laying on his bed a magazine he saw on a rack outside on campus. What struck him about the magazine in particular was the fact that almost every page had some kind of ad for some kind of shirt or other product that adorned the logo Zootopia Tech. It reminded the weasel of something his dad told him. Something about subtle marketing. But this was anything but subtle.

His ears flicked as Travis came trudging back from his class with a heavy sigh. He threw his things to the floor and mumbled something to himself.

"Everything alright?" Duke asked, not looking up from the pages.

"Not really. No..." Travis sighed and plopped down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Anything I can do?" Duke asked in a pitched voice, finding the ferret's pouting both cute and annoying.

"Not unless you have 300 dollars to spare," Travis groaned, sitting up to face his roommate. "I thought I had all I needed when I first enrolled in the class. But oh no... Surprise, surprise. All of a sudden I need 2 whole textbooks that were never mentioned before..!" the ferret finished his rant and laid back down on the bed.

"You can't just call up your home and ask for it?" Duke suggested.

"What? No way!" Duke sprung back into an upright position. "They spent nearly everything they had just to get me here in the first place...Back in Bunnyburrow, farmers or not, money doesn't grow on trees."

"Alright, I get it," Duke nodded in understanding. He smiled a bit and continued. "So. How long have you got to find the money?"

"Ugh. Two days," Travis groaned and once again fell on his bed.

"Well, say that you were given 300 dollars right now. Would that help you out?" Duke eluded, the smirk growing wider across his face.

"Of course it will! But who's just gonna give-" Travis stopped in realization and gasped. "Oh no! No way! You can't just..."

"Yes, I can. And I will," Duke interrupted and snickered. "Don't worry about it, Trav."

"Well, alright," Travis took a deep breath and stood up from the bed. As the ferret grew closer Duke could feel his breath catch in his throat. He looked at the ferret with that adorable expression on his face. "Thanks, Duke. Really, I can't thank ya enough," Travis said, snapping the weasel back to the present.

"Uh, yeah. Don't worry about it," Duke gulped. He composed himself and continued. "Heh. Just buy those books and make sure you pass that class so it won't be for nothing!" Travis chuckled at that, making Duke brighten up as well. He liked seeing Travis' smile. It was something not often seen due to the ferret's rather timid nature. But every time Duke saw his roommate smile it made him feel something inside that made him want to smile as well.

Duke had given Travis the money he needed after assuring Travis again that he didn't need to worry about anything. Travis rushed off to buy the textbooks, leaving the weasel to ponder about what he should do.

Should I ask him out? Is he even into me? All he really cares about is studying... Duke thought to himself and the image of Travis' smile once again made its way into his mind. Yeah, I'll do it. When the time is right.

Travis soon returned to the dorm with a sigh that came from his effort rather than any problem he would have. Duke took that as a good sign that things went well enough.

"Get it over with?" Duke asked, getting up and stretching.

"Yeah, thanks again," Travis chuckled. "So, you just have, like, 300 dollars laying around? Or are you saving it for something?" the ferret asked with a hint of concern in voice.

"I just had it on me. It's okay, Travis. Really," Duke waved it off. "My parents are super loaded. It's nothing like I said."

"Yeah... But you never mentioned they were rich," Duke gasped in awe.

"And can we keep that between the two of us? As far as everyone else is concerned I'm just some party weasel that does enough studying to keep his grades up. If anyone knew about it.... I just want the college experience, not a bunch of fake friends and girls that try and get with me just for money," Duke huffed.

"Yeah, I'll keep it between us. And I get about girls only wanting you for money but isn't having girls chasing after you a good thing?" Travis asked. There was a certain tone to the ferret's voice that Duke picked up on and felt a fluttery feeling in his stomach. He recognized it as the same subtle tone his step mom used when she was trying to trap his dad into admitting something.

"Heh, well I'm not really looking for girls right now; so yeah," Duke answered with a wide grin. He was a quick expression flash across Travis' face and just as quickly faded.

"Well, either way. You're secret's safe with me. But I can't just go without even thanking you properly," Travis clicked his teeth. "If you need help with anything I'll be more than happy to help ya out."

"Thanks, Trav. I appreciate it," Duke smiled back. The two went back to normal about their days. Duke went off to his class while Travis cleaned up around the place. While he did he was also lost in thought.

He was thinking about what Duke said earlier about not looking for girls. Did that mean he had a chance? It was a thought that made the ferret pretty excited.

Is he even into me? I mean I think he is. Oh man, but what about that time I kissed him! But I was drunk out of my mind when I did it. And he only mentioned it once! But he did say I was a good kisser. So... So that means that he liked it! So I could have a chance!

The front door knob jiggled and the ferret's ears twitched in response. He quickly rushed to his bed and made himself look busy.

"Hey, Trav! GUESS WHAT?!" Duke yelled, throwing the dorm room open.

"Hmm, what is it?" Travis' asked calmly, hoping that they just didn't get a noise complaint.

"This weekend the Feral House is having a rager. We gotta go!" Duke's muzzle was wide in excitement and his eyes had a child-like brightness to them. Travis gave a slight chuckle and remembered that he wanted to do something for Duke. After what happened at the last party he went to the ferret was more than willing to sit this one out. But looking at the expression on the weasel's face. He just couldn't say no to it.

"Yeah. It sounds like fun," Travis smiled as well. "J-just uh. I'll make sure to keep close to you so we don't get a repeat of last time."

"Getting plastered or the kiss?" Duke asked with a coy look on his face, leaning closer.

"The former. Maybe if you're lucky you'll get a repeat of that," Travis was surprised by his own words, having no idea where they came from.

"Hmm, we'll see. I'll be right back," Duke waved a claw, turning around to leave the dorm once again.

Travis was once again left alone with his thoughts. He imagined what the Feral House must be like. He heard about it before. It was known as the (italics) frat house on campus and every party they threw was wilder than the last. He heard a rumor that most of the parties only ended because the cops were eventually called. It made Travis wonder how the house was still a thing if that were the case.

The thought of pounding music and larger animals shoving him around or even nearly stepping on him was not appealing in the least. But the thought of being there with Duke made him think that it wouldn't be that bad. He laid back on the bed and figured he better start mentally preparing himself.

***

It was the evening of the next day that Duke and Travis were walking on campus towards the Feral House. Duke was more than excited, knowing full well that the house was famous for hosting parties that were unforgettable. The eager weasel saw it as a chance of a lifetime. Travis on the other hand was trying not to let his mind fill itself with worries and doubts. To Duke the word 'unforgettable' was something exciting, something he had to see from himself. To Travis the word 'unforgettable' was something akin to trouble or even dangerous, for him at least. The ferret often avoided large crowds, aware of his own size and the fact that he could be easily hurt by someone much larger than himself whether accidentally or purposefully.

"You ready for this, Trav?" Duke asked, snapping the ferret from his thoughts.

"Oh, yeah. Totally... I mean it's Feral House," Travis forced a chuckle.

"I know!" Duke balled his paw and pumped it in the air. "We're gonna be talking about this for the rest of our lives!"

"Rest of our lives..?" Travis whispered under his breath, hoping that the nearby weasel didn't hear. He once again felt a spike of anxiety rising in his chest. He gulped but still continued onwards alongside Duke.

The duo approached the massive house known as Feral House, a large three-story house. As they drew closer pounding music, laughing and cheers of animals at the party could be heard.

"I guess this is it..." Travis took a breath. Duke noticed the look in the ferret's eye and placed a paw on his friend's shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry so much. I got your back this time. Heh, stick with me and you'll have the night of your life," Duke assured. Travis gave an awkward smile and nodded.

The two came upon the yard and looked at the scene of all kinds of animals outside laughing, dancing and of course drinking. Duke looked around and saw it as a paradise. Travis took a look around as well and relaxed as well, seeing that everyone around seemed to be pretty casual.

"You ready to go in?" Duke beamed.

"Yeah, let's do it," Travis gave the weasel his warm smile.

"That's the spirit, Trav," Duke placed his arm around him and the two arrived together.

"Hey, hey!" Duke and Travis looked over to see Brayden once again.

"Hey, Brayden right?" Travis asked the zebra.

"Hell yeah! Whenever there's a party you know Brayden's gonna be there!" The zebra whooped before taking another swig of the beer he held. "Look around you boys. This is the high life."

Travis couldn't help but snicker at those words. He could get the appeal, but this isn't exactly what the ferret would call the 'high life'. But he had to admit that everyone around him did look like they were having the time of their lives.

"Well, I...I guess we should get started then," Travis nodded awkwardly. Duke smiled as well and the two joined the party.

From that point on the night became one huge blur for the ferret. All he knew was that he was having a great time. He remembered glimpses of himself laughing with Duke and Brayden and a bunch of other animals. Sipping on something that tasted both sweet and spicy. There was a pool that with a little convincing from Duke he jumped into. A pool table that instead of actually playing pool the players were spinning a bottle and taking shots of something that stung the back of his throat. The whole while Duke was right by the ferret's side as he said he would be.

Duke and Travis were laughing away as they entered the kitchen.

"That was crazy!" Travis snickered. "I can't believe he actually did it."

"He came way too far to back down," Duke wrapped an arm around the ferret. "I just hope they check on him in the morning."

As both of the small mammals were recounting the events taken place in the living room prior, a familiar face was eyeing them, trying to figure out why they seemed so familiar. Until it suddenly clicked and a knowing grin spread across his face.

"Hey, I know you two!" the gopher pointed at the pair.

"Hmm?" Travis asked, looking over at the accuser. His eyes laid upon someone he had seen before. The gopher from the last party he went to. Wearing the same pink hoodie as last time as well. Duke also remembered him, too. The gopher who was sitting at Travis' side when he was downing all those shots.

"Heh, so the two of you decided to tie the knot, huh?" the gopher snickered.

"Hmm? What are you talking about?" Duke asked, letting go of Travis and taking a step closer.

"Duke?" Travis asked in a hushed tone.

"I mean that I saw the two of you last time. I was getting ready to pack it up when I saw that kiss of yours out the back window," the gopher chuckled again.

"Yeah, whatever," Duke crossed his arms in defense.

"Besides it's none of your business anyway," Duke looked over to see Travis standing at his side, giving his own input.

"Hey, hey. Relax. We're all chill here," the gopher backed off. "Let's just enjoy the party."

"Well, alright," Duke lowered his arms and sighed. "Alright. But we're not really a couple."

"Not really?" the gopher repeated. "Hehe. Well, I thought you two looked good together. My bad. Hey, you gonna take some shots like last time?" the gopher asked, referring to Travis.

"Ugh, no way," the ferret shook his head. "After the hangover I had I'm never doing something like that again."

"Heh, suit yourself then," the gopher shrugged to himself and took a sip from the cup in front of him.

"Yeah. Right," Duke once again led Travis out of the kitchen.

"Jeez. That guy is a weirdo," Duke hissed under his breath.

"Yeah. But I think he's onto something about the whole 'cute couple' thing," Travis hiccuped and giggled at the thought.

Duke didn't say anything in response, a bit taken aback by Travis seeing them being an item as a cute thing. That must mean he would want to...

The rode out the rest of the party joining others in stupid dances, dares and things that would never be mentioned once the sun rose. The party was winding down and many were either gone or stumbling out of the frat house. Both Duke and Travis agreed it was about time they both returned to their dorm. They said their goodbyes to the ones who still wanted the party out till the sun rose, more specifically Brayden. As they walked back to the dorms both of them were in their own heads. Asking themselves questions about one another.

Duke was still mulling over whether he should ask the ferret out or not. Travis was questioning himself or whether he should admit that he had a crush on Duke.

"Hey, Duke," Travis spoke first.

"Y-yeah?" the weasel responded quickly. He held his breath, waiting for what the ferret was going to tell him.

"I had a lot of fun tonight," Travis admitted. "I'm pretty sure I would have hated it there if I went alone. But being there with you made it fun."

"I, uh, had a lot of fun too," Duke cleared his throat and continued. "I...I hope we can do something like this again. In fact I want to do a lot of stuff...with you. Uh, if you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I think I do," Travis gave a small smile and stopped. The two stood just outside of the campus, gazing at one another. "Duke, I want... I want to... No, what I mean is I..."

Duke smiled and began to laugh at the ferret trying to find the words. He took the ferret's paws and lifted them and held them to his own. "Yeah, I know. Heh. Me too."

"Really? I mean I had a feeling but Really? Does this mean we're a thing?" Travis asked sheepishly, a blush creeping up his muzzle.

"I guess we are," Duke smirked and lightly punched Travis in the arm. "No take backs."

"Hey!" Travis chuckled and rubbed his arm. He looked up at the night sky and back at the weasel. "We should head back. I don't wanna fall asleep in the middle of chemistry tomorrow."

"Alright, alright. But you're sleeping in my bed tonight," Duke smirked again.

"Wha- Duke!" Travis exclaimed, his muzzle a light pink. Duke couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Okay, okay. We'll take it slow then," Duke smiled. "Come on."

"Yeah, slow," Travis sighed and walked alongside the snickering weasel back to their dorm.

The next few days were very much a blur to the ferret, when not in class he spent as much time as he could with the weasel. Most of the time the two of them huddled close to one another in their dorm. Travis would listen to Duke tell all kinds of stories, things like places he got to visit and trouble he often got into. And Duke would listen to Travis best recall stories of his life back in Bunnyburrow. Travis thought that his stories were boring and dull compared to the weasel's but Duke was just as happy to hear them.

It was a truth that Travis was aware of but the reality of finances hit the ferret especially hard. Not only was he struggling to buy the basic books he needed for his classes but after just a month and a half food became a major problem. His funds were tapped dry and even though he knew his parents would give him the money if he asked, he wouldn't dare. He was aware that they spent so much just for him to be here and he couldn't ask them to spend anymore on him.

Luckily for him Duke was more than happy to share the daily breakfast, lunches and dinner he bought with his new boyfriend. It made Travis feel a little guilty but also grateful. He noticed that the weasel was consistently buying all kinds of expensive things from the menus and the local restaurants on campus, too.

One day in particular Travis was busy reviewing his notes for an upcoming exam when the weasel returned to their dorm with both paws filled with full grocery bags. Normally Travis would have just left it at that but on that day in particular the question was just eating away at him.

"Hey, Duke?" Travis called, placing his paper down on the desk.

"Yeah, what is it?" Duke called back, placing the bags in the kitchen area of the dorm.

"Where are you getting all the money for all this food? I gotta know," Travis couldn't help but chuckle at how absurd the question sounded to them.

"Heh, well you know... Daddy's money can only get me so far. So I got a little side hustle going on," Duke chuckled. "Don't tell anyone about them, cause it ain't exactly legal."

Travis shook his head, finding that he was not very shocked by the answer. But he was not opposed to the idea, either. Maybe it was the fact that food was coming in. Or maybe it was just him adopting the atmosphere of college in general. The ferret decided it was best not to dwell on it and just let Duke do what he does while he focused on passing.