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A trade for \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBunnypaint\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Rated M for implied nudity.", "writing": "Overcoming Fear by Pent Ghelsburg\n\nDisclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters. You have been warned.\t\n\nThe time had come…a young male cub stares at the tiles, counting them one by one. Taking slow and methodical steps into the misty showers of the locker rooms. He'd been told by his father many times that nothing ever happened there and that he had nothing to worry about. To just mind his own business and get cleaned up as quickly as possible. Yet he couldn't help but be nervous. In the back of his mind, there was something bound to go wrong. He just didn't know what it was.\n\n\tJakk was a young boy who lived a rather quiet and insular life. At 12 years of age, the brown-furred rabbit cub was your typical gamer boy. A cub who lived for the thrill of the moment of whatever level he found himself in, often finding himself more inside than out. An issue with bothered both of his parents to no end. As such the young rabbit spent most of his time with his friends online playing whichever game found his fancy that particular day.\n\n\tJakk was a friendly cub who had more friends than his parents realized. The only time they saw them was when the boy had game night. An event that didn't happen as often as they liked since online play was just easier. As such they began pressing the issue, constantly reminding him that he needed more friends. That he needed to spend time more outside and do things that they considered more \"traditional.\"\n\n\tFor the last few weeks, Jakks parents had been badgering him about doing something out of the house. They were finding themselves having the babysit more often than they wanted. The rabbit cub was far from the most mature cub and as such they weren't quite ready to make the jump and allow him to stay home alone. A fact that he'd brought up countless times, that he felt he was ready to take on the responsibility.\n\n\tThey even started incentivizing him to do something more outgoing than he was otherwise used to. Telling him that if he joined a school sports club or something of the like, they'd give in to his request. Of course, it was more a ploy than anything else. It wouldn't be the first time they'd white lied to him in the past. After all, they just wanted to have a date night to themselves, without having to worry about their son.\n\n\tOne week at school, the school had begun advertising for a soccer club. It was a sport that Jakk was vaguely familiar with. The local professional team was something that had games all too frequently. He'd watched a few of them with his father, who was a nut about the sport. Upon seeing the fliers for it, Jakk began thinking about trying it out. He'd never played soccer competitively but he'd done it enough in gym class that he was comfortable enough to try it.\n\n\tSo he took a mental note of the details; That the tryouts were to be held the next day and were to occur from after school until 5 pm. All cubs trying out had to arrange for pickup but the team promised transportation if they made the squad. Jakk knew that if he wanted to go through with it that he'd have to ask his parents. He normally took the bus home as his family's house was a bit too far for him to ride by bike.\n\n\tThat night he decided to confront the idea. He always had dinner with his parents and was certain they'd be fine with it. The prospect of finally getting to be home alone was something that was all too inspiring for him. Yet, he was a bit unsure about it all. When he was finally called to dinner, the boy couldn't help but be nervous about bringing it up. He sat down with his parents at the table, looking at the veritable selection of greens and juice in front of him.\n\n\"How was school, kiddo?\" The boy's mother asked him.\n\nJakk shrugged as he battled with his thoughts. \"It was fine. Just another day.\"\n\n\"Nothing exciting eh, sport?\" The father began chomping on some vegetables.\n\nThe boy took a deep breath. \"Well, the school is advertising sign-up for the soccer team and I was hoping to try out tomorrow.\"\n\n\"Oh really? You want to try out?\" The older woman couldn't believe what she just heard.\n\nThe rabbit cub nodded even if he felt uncertain of himself. \"Yeah. You guys keep talking about it and soccer seems simple enough.\"\n\n\"That sound's fun. When are tryouts, champ?\" The man was willing to help him out to get him out of the house for a change.\n\nJakk began eating, speaking muffled between bites. \"Tomorrow after school.\"\n\nBoth of the boy's parents looked at each other before the mother responded. \"Until what time?\"\n\n\"5 o'clock.\" He said after a slight hesitation.\n\nHis father smiled. \"I can pick you up. That's right after work so that is fine with my schedule.\"\n\n\"I suppose the school is providing equipment?\" His mother didn't want to see him get hurt.\n\nThe boy thought about it for a second. \"I dunno. I guess.\"\n\n\"We'll check the school website to be sure. Though for tryouts that is probably the case.\" The father had been on teams before and that was usually the case.\n\nHis mother patted him on the back. \"I'm glad you're going to try out. It'll be good for you.\"\n\n\"I'm a little nervous. I've never tried out for a team before.\"Jakk just wanted to be honest.\n\nHis father empathized with him. \"It'll be fine. It's just tryouts. Even if you don't make the team, at least you tried.\"\n\n\"I guess you're right. Does that mean I finally get to stay home alone?\" He forced a smile at them, still thinking about it a little too much.\n\nThey stared at each other again. \"Maybe…we'll see how it goes, alright?\"\n\nHe nodded at them, still distracted by his thoughts. The rest of the meal went by like normal. The two parents were beside themselves that Jakk wanted to join the school team. His father even droned on a bit about his own experiences in soccer clubs in the past. Giving his son tips and telling the boy that if he made the team they could practice in the backyard. By the end of the conversation, Jakk was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.\n\nThat night the rabbit boy had a bit more trouble going to sleep than he usually did. His mind was preoccupied with everything that could go wrong. The prospect of getting hurt or just not playing well ran rampant in his young mind. However, the possibility of finally getting to stay home alone was just too lucrative for him to pass on. Eventually, his mind succumbed to his fatigue and he fell asleep.\n\nThe next morning came before long. He awoke to the sound of the familiar buzz of the alarm clock. Jakk yawned and stretched as he got out of bed. He had already forgotten about the prospect of trying out for the soccer team so he wasn't nearly as nervous as he had been the previous day. He began to get changed out of his pajamas and into his school uniform. It wasn't long before he heard a knock at the door.\n\n\"You have a big day honey, don't lumber about. We want you to get a good breakfast and are packing you lunch today.\" She said after opening the door.\n\nHe stopped stepping into his pant leg. The realization of what he had decided on yesterday dawned on him again. The rabbit boy stared blankly. She noticed his sudden hesitation.\n\n\"It will be fine, cubby. Don't worry yourself sick. \" The woman walked over and stroked his back to comfort him,\n\nJakk looked at her with a look of concern on his face. \"But what if I….\"\n\n\"No buts…it will be fun. I promise you, okay? When have I ever steered you wrong?\" She tried to convince him to relax.\n\nThe cub sighed. \"I guess.\"\n\n\"That a boy. Now get ready for school. Breakfast is on the table when you get dressed.\" His mother turned around and walked out of the room.\n\nIt took several more moments before Jakk finally snapped out of it. The constant rumbling in his stomach reminded him he needed to eat and that was a more present issue than the one at the end of the day. He finished getting ready and grabbed his bag from the side of the room. Jakk made his way to the kitchen where he found a large meal had been prepared for him. A plate of pancakes, some fruit, and a cup of juice sat at his usual space at the table.\n\nThe boy made his way over to the table and put his bag behind the chair before sitting down. The stuff smelled of maple syrups which were draped all over it. He took a deep whiff of it enjoying the smell of it. Digging into it before long as he worked through the powder-covered pancake with his fork and knife. He worked through the meal in no time. His rumbling stomach was satisfied and he let out a loud burp as covered his maw.\n\nJakk got up from the kitchen and grabbed his bag from the back of the chair. The rabbit made his way out to the living room and said goodbye to his parents. He took the bus in the morning since his parents had work and couldn't take him. He saw no signs of either of his parents and assumed they were either busy or had already gone to work. The cub decided not to worry about it and head out, locking the door behind him.\n\nThe rabbit headed down to the bus stop and proceeded to wait. It wasn't a long wait until the familiar yellow bus came trucking down the street. Once it arrived he stepped up inside of it and headed down the space between the seats. Soon he found an open seat and made his way into it. The bus started before long and headed off into the distance on its usual route toward the school.\n\nA few stops later and one of his friends hopped off the bus. An arctic fox who he knew for about a year now. The fox kit waved to him as he made his way down the middle of the bus. The other boy joined him at the seat as they often did when no one else had taken it.\n\n\"How goes it, Pent?\" The rabbit looked over to his friend once he sat down.\n\nThe smaller boy shrugged.\n \"I can't complain. You?\"\n\n\"Another day. Any plans today?\" Jakk said as his ears perked up in curiosity.\n\nPent shook his head. \"Probably not. I have to finish a project.\"\n\n\"Are you not going to try out for the school soccer club?\" The bigger boy was hopeful this was the case.\n\nThe fox hesitated a second before answering. \"No, why?\"\n\n\"Because I was thinking about trying out and I'm nervous about going.\" The brown-furred cub looked down at the floor as if ashamed about it.\n\nThe white cub put his hand behind the other boy's back. \"You don't need to be nervous. It's just tryouts. I'm sure there are plenty of cubs who have never played sports before going.\"\n\n\"You're just saying that to be nice.\" The bigger boy had a distraught look on his face.\n\nThe smaller boy hummed. \"No, I'm not. Every year when we have hockey tryouts there is at least one or two cubs who haven't even skated before.\"\n\n\"Really?\" Jakk's smile perked up a bit.\n\nPent nodded. \"Yeah, and we show them the ropes regardless of where they are in terms of their skill level. So I don't think you have anything to worry about.\"\n\n\"I guess…\" The rabbit twiddled his thumbs a bit as he was still unsure about it.\n\nThe smaller cub didn't want to see his friend distraught. \"I tell you what…I will go to tryouts with you if it makes it easier on you.\"\n\nThe rabbit's smile grew a bit wider. \"Thanks, Pent. I appreciate it.\"\n\n\"But…just to be clear. It's just for today. I'm not joining the team. I have too many things on my plate, alright?\" The white cub wanted to make his intentions apparent.\n\nJakk nodded. \"Yeah, sure. That's fine.\"\n\nThe two continued to talk about nothing specific until the bus pulled into the school. The vehicle parked at the drop-loop near the front of the building. They got off the bus together and went their separate ways. Jakk knew that Pent had Science club meetings in the morning and let him go his way. The rabbit's mind was a little more at ease now knowing his friend would be there with him. After all, having a friend around made things better.\n\nJakk made his way to his first class and went about his day like normal. School was always a bit boring for him and today was no different. There wasn't any one particular class that interested him and the amount of homework he was assigned was overwhelming sometimes. The only class that went into something new was math, a topic he wholly didn't understand and just sat there with his eyes glazed over.\n\nBy lunchtime, he was glad that it was time for a break. Jakk had a usual group of friends that he hung around with at lunch. The same group of gamers that he hung around with online. He looked around for Pent who hadn't seemed to show up just yet. Instead, he decided to go with his usual group as he was certain the fox would do his own thing. They were friends but the arctic fox's focus on academia was somewhat overwhelming to him, especially for someone who didn't care as much about his grades nearly as much as the other boy did.\n\nJakk grabbed his lunch tray and sat with his usual group of friends. The conversation surrounded a new game they were all enthralled by. The latest Zelda title, which many of them were enjoying. The rabbit found himself soon entrenched within the group's conversation, even if he hadn't gotten very far in the game itself. So much so that he almost forgot to eat his food and had to stuff his face the last 5 minutes of lunch.\n\nHis last class of the day was gym. He figured it would be a good way to get ready to play soccer. Jakk had no idea what the coaches had in store for them. It would only be a matter of time before he found out. The cub finished his meal and disposed of the garbage before making his way down the hall. Many of the cubs his age were congregating in the halls making it a little more difficult to get to the last class of the day.\n\nHe made his way into the locker room. The cub found himself in an empty locker and changed into his gym clothes. The short sleeve shirt and thin pants were designed after the school colors and meant to be cooler to wear than the usual uniform. He saw Pent on the other side of the locker room and looked at him briefly. Pent and Jakk were in different gym classes but went at the same time, he assumed he'd be playing against the fox cub today in whatever event they picked.\n\nThe whistle was soon blown so Jakk had to hurry his way out. He made his way onto the court where he found the other cubs in his class congregating around the snow leopard woman who was his coach. She began to share the details of the event today, which was to be a basketball game. Many of the cubs sighed and others even booed at it. She hushed them all, assuring them that it would be fun.\n\nThe basketball game started before long with the two coaches splitting the teams among the two classes. As Jakk thought, his friend was on the other team. They tipped off with the first group of cubs facing off against each other. Many of them were having trouble with dribbling the ball and some of them tripped over the ball. So much so that within the first few rotations of the game, the coaches called off the game.\n\nInstead, the cubs were assigned to just do passing and dribbling drills. Each of them was given a ball with the coaches looking over their form to make sure they did it right. This was a much easier endeavor, one that most of them were able to accomplish with a little trial and error. Jakk was able to do it after just a few tries. When the final whistle was blown, many of the cubs sighed in relief glad that the ordeal was over.\n\nFor Jakk, the anxiety began to build again. His mind already thinking about the soccer tryouts and everything that could go wrong with it. He walked slowly back to the locker rooms, figuring it would probably just be best to stay in his gym clothes since he'd have to change again anyways. Instead, he waited for dismissal, he sat on one of the benches while waiting for the final dismissal bell.\n\nWhen it finally buzzed, Pent found his way over and tapped the bigger cub on the shoulder.\n\n\"Come on, you're going to be late.\" Pent reminded him of his after-school engagement.\n\nJakk nodded softly, glad that he had someone to go with. They grabbed their bags and headed out the back door. The school had already set up the soccer tents and chalked the field with the sidelines so it was rather obvious where they needed to go. Both the fox and rabbit made their way to the group that was already starting to get larger. Over time the sidelines of the soccer field began to overflow with furs.\n\nThe same two coaches from gym class soon appeared outside and blew their whistles to gain everyone's attention. They went and started counting off each of the cubs out loud and sent the even numbers to one side of the field and odd to the other. Yet again Jakk and Pent found themselves on opposing teams, an issue which the rabbit was all too sour with. No equipment was handed out; instead, a no tackling or tripping rule was to be enforced to prohibit injury.\n\nThe game started after a long process of figuring out who was on defense and who was on offense. Jakk found himself to be a striker and was designated in the second group to go on the field. He watched with interest as the first group went on the field. Pent played defense for his team, seeming more than capable of keeping up with the other cubs. After all, hockey made him more than athletic to keep up with most of them.\n\nThe first goal was scored for the other team with the sides rotating for the second group of cubs. Jakk found himself facing off against a lizard girl who was much larger than herself. The ball locked at the center between the two of them as they kicked at it without any sort of upward motion to dig it out. The ref soon grew impatient and kicked it themselves as the ball shot out to one of the other members of Jakk's team.\n\nThe goat boy behind Jakk grabbed the ball and threw it forward back to Jakk who was immediately intercepted by another member of the other team. The rabbit grunted at them before reeling back and trying to go after them. Skidding his feet under the other player and kicking the ball out toward one of his teammates. The other player raced forward and made an easy score on a goalie who had never played before.\n\nThe rest of the game went much the game with both sides remaining more or less deadlocked. Neither side was that great at the sport. A few cubs stood out as better than the others and were shoe-ins for the team. But the rest simply went through the motions of playing the game. Still, by the end of it, most of them had fun participating. They were informed by the coaches that the list would be posted at the gym tomorrow for who made it and who didn't.\n\nJakk and Pent made their way inside together. The fox congratulated his friend on a good effort and patted him on the back. Both boys a sweaty mess with their fur matted to their bodies after a long day. They made their way to the locker room and separated once they were inside the enclosed area of the gym. Each boy went to the part where they had left their school bag and change of clothes.\n\nPent undressed and proceeded to go towards the shower to wash up so he could go home. Jakk could hear the sounds of the shower. It had never occurred to him that he'd have to shower and the thought of it was a bit unnerving. He looked down at his body. His knees had grass stains on them and his upper body was littered with dirt and mud. He figured he couldn't go home like this as his parents would likely not be happy with him.\n\nHe took off his clothing and took a deep breath. The rabbit took slow and methodical steps toward the shower rooms. The warm mist from within sprayed out onto this body making him shiver a bit. Stepping inside he continued to look at the floor as he was not wanting to see any of the other cubs naked. He could smell the\n shampoo and soap in the room as the fragrance from bathing filled the area.\n\nSoon he made his way to the last stall as he was met with the wall. Stepping inside he allowed the water to hit him. He could see two a barricade between himself in the next stall. Looking up, there was more privacy than he expected. Not feeling nearly as uncertain about himself as he stood there, finally getting the nerve up to start cleaning himself. The warm water offered a slight respite to his somewhat tired body.\n\nHe lathered up his body and shampooed his fur. The grease, grime, and dirt from his form fell off with the water as it cascaded off his body. A voice soon called through the room.\n\n\"Wrap it up, showers close in 5.\" The male coach shouted within.\n\nJakk picked up the pace and hurried himself up. He was pretty close to being finished anyways and rinsed off his body before using the same tactic to go outside. Before he exited he grabbed two towels and wrapped one around his naked waist. Once back outside in the locker he dried himself with the other towel and changed back into his school clothes. Feeling much better than he had before he got dressed back up and waited for Pent to finish.\n\nThe two rejoined each other on their way out. Pent congratulated his friend on making it through, that even if he wasn't recruited that at least he was fun. His parents were all too happy he'd gone through with it. The next day the rabbit had mixed feelings when he learned he made the team. This meant he got to play the sport but it also meant he'd have to get used to being in a club. The idea excited him but he still couldn't help but be nervous about it.\n\nHe shared the news with his parents who were all too happy that he made the team. His father went through showing him all the tricks of the trade. Over time he got used to the idea of competition, the idea of undressing in a somewhat public vicinity, and the idea of showering in similar conditions. It took some getting used to but the like most cubs he soon began to appreciate it for what it was; a lesson in teamwork, friendly competition, and companionship.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Overcoming Fear by Pent Ghelsburg

Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters. You have been warned.\t

The time had come…a young male cub stares at the tiles, counting them one by one. Taking slow and methodical steps into the misty showers of the locker rooms. He'd been told by his father many times that nothing ever happened there and that he had nothing to worry about. To just mind his own business and get cleaned up as quickly as possible. Yet he couldn't help but be nervous. In the back of his mind, there was something bound to go wrong. He just didn't know what it was.

\tJakk was a young boy who lived a rather quiet and insular life. At 12 years of age, the brown-furred rabbit cub was your typical gamer boy. A cub who lived for the thrill of the moment of whatever level he found himself in, often finding himself more inside than out. An issue with bothered both of his parents to no end. As such the young rabbit spent most of his time with his friends online playing whichever game found his fancy that particular day.

\tJakk was a friendly cub who had more friends than his parents realized. The only time they saw them was when the boy had game night. An event that didn't happen as often as they liked since online play was just easier. As such they began pressing the issue, constantly reminding him that he needed more friends. That he needed to spend time more outside and do things that they considered more "traditional."

\tFor the last few weeks, Jakks parents had been badgering him about doing something out of the house. They were finding themselves having the babysit more often than they wanted. The rabbit cub was far from the most mature cub and as such they weren't quite ready to make the jump and allow him to stay home alone. A fact that he'd brought up countless times, that he felt he was ready to take on the responsibility.

\tThey even started incentivizing him to do something more outgoing than he was otherwise used to. Telling him that if he joined a school sports club or something of the like, they'd give in to his request. Of course, it was more a ploy than anything else. It wouldn't be the first time they'd white lied to him in the past. After all, they just wanted to have a date night to themselves, without having to worry about their son.

\tOne week at school, the school had begun advertising for a soccer club. It was a sport that Jakk was vaguely familiar with. The local professional team was something that had games all too frequently. He'd watched a few of them with his father, who was a nut about the sport. Upon seeing the fliers for it, Jakk began thinking about trying it out. He'd never played soccer competitively but he'd done it enough in gym class that he was comfortable enough to try it.

\tSo he took a mental note of the details; That the tryouts were to be held the next day and were to occur from after school until 5 pm. All cubs trying out had to arrange for pickup but the team promised transportation if they made the squad. Jakk knew that if he wanted to go through with it that he'd have to ask his parents. He normally took the bus home as his family's house was a bit too far for him to ride by bike.

\tThat night he decided to confront the idea. He always had dinner with his parents and was certain they'd be fine with it. The prospect of finally getting to be home alone was something that was all too inspiring for him. Yet, he was a bit unsure about it all. When he was finally called to dinner, the boy couldn't help but be nervous about bringing it up. He sat down with his parents at the table, looking at the veritable selection of greens and juice in front of him.

"How was school, kiddo?" The boy's mother asked him.

Jakk shrugged as he battled with his thoughts. "It was fine. Just another day."

"Nothing exciting eh, sport?" The father began chomping on some vegetables.

The boy took a deep breath. "Well, the school is advertising sign-up for the soccer team and I was hoping to try out tomorrow."

"Oh really? You want to try out?" The older woman couldn't believe what she just heard.

The rabbit cub nodded even if he felt uncertain of himself. "Yeah. You guys keep talking about it and soccer seems simple enough."

"That sound's fun. When are tryouts, champ?" The man was willing to help him out to get him out of the house for a change.

Jakk began eating, speaking muffled between bites. "Tomorrow after school."

Both of the boy's parents looked at each other before the mother responded. "Until what time?"

"5 o'clock." He said after a slight hesitation.

His father smiled. "I can pick you up. That's right after work so that is fine with my schedule."

"I suppose the school is providing equipment?" His mother didn't want to see him get hurt.

The boy thought about it for a second. "I dunno. I guess."

"We'll check the school website to be sure. Though for tryouts that is probably the case."  The father had been on teams before and that was usually the case.

His mother patted him on the back. "I'm glad you're going to try out. It'll be good for you."

"I'm a little nervous. I've never tried out for a team before."Jakk just wanted to be honest.

His father empathized with him. "It'll be fine. It's just tryouts. Even if you don't make the team, at least you tried."

"I guess you're right. Does that mean I finally get to stay home alone?" He forced a smile at them, still thinking about it a little too much.

They stared at each other again. "Maybe…we'll see how it goes, alright?"

He nodded at them, still distracted by his thoughts. The rest of the meal went by like normal. The two parents were beside themselves that Jakk wanted to join the school team. His father even droned on a bit about his own experiences in soccer clubs in the past. Giving his son tips and telling the boy that if he made the team they could practice in the backyard. By the end of the conversation, Jakk was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.

That night the rabbit boy had a bit more trouble going to sleep than he usually did. His mind was preoccupied with everything that could go wrong. The prospect of getting hurt or just not playing well ran rampant in his young mind. However, the possibility of finally getting to stay home alone was just too lucrative for him to pass on. Eventually, his mind succumbed to his fatigue and he fell asleep.

The next morning came before long. He awoke to the sound of the familiar buzz of the alarm clock. Jakk yawned and stretched as he got out of bed. He had already forgotten about the prospect of trying out for the soccer team so he wasn't nearly as nervous as he had been the previous day. He began to get changed out of his pajamas and into his school uniform. It wasn't long before he heard a knock at the door.

"You have a big day honey, don't lumber about. We want you to get a good breakfast and are packing you lunch today." She said after opening the door.

He stopped stepping into his pant leg. The realization of what he had decided on yesterday dawned on him again. The rabbit boy stared blankly. She noticed his sudden hesitation.

"It will be fine, cubby. Don't worry yourself sick. " The woman walked over and stroked his back to comfort him,

Jakk looked at her with a look of concern on his face. "But what if I…."

"No buts…it will be fun. I promise you, okay? When have I ever steered you wrong?" She tried to convince him to relax.

The cub sighed. "I guess."

"That a boy. Now get ready for school. Breakfast is on the table when you get dressed." His mother turned around and walked out of the room.

It took several more moments before Jakk finally snapped out of it. The constant rumbling in his stomach reminded him he needed to eat and that was a more present issue than the one at the end of the day. He finished getting ready and grabbed his bag from the side of the room. Jakk made his way to the kitchen where he found a large meal had been prepared for him. A plate of pancakes, some fruit, and a cup of juice sat at his usual space at the table.

The boy made his way over to the table and put his bag behind the chair before sitting down. The stuff smelled of maple syrups which were draped all over it. He took a deep whiff of it enjoying the smell of it. Digging into it before long as he worked through the powder-covered pancake with his fork and knife. He worked through the meal in no time. His rumbling stomach was satisfied and he let out a loud burp as covered his maw.

Jakk got up from the kitchen and grabbed his bag from the back of the chair. The rabbit made his way out to the living room and said goodbye to his parents. He took the bus in the morning since his parents had work and couldn't take him. He saw no signs of either of his parents and assumed they were either busy or had already gone to work. The cub decided not to worry about it and head out, locking the door behind him.

The rabbit headed down to the bus stop and proceeded to wait. It wasn't a long wait until the familiar yellow bus came trucking down the street.  Once it arrived he stepped up inside of it and headed down the space between the seats. Soon he found an open seat and made his way into it. The bus started before long and headed off into the distance on its usual route toward the school.

A few stops later and one of his friends hopped off the bus. An arctic fox who he knew for about a year now. The fox kit waved to him as he made his way down the middle of the bus. The other boy joined him at the seat as they often did when no one else had taken it.

"How goes it, Pent?" The rabbit looked over to his friend once he sat down.

The smaller boy shrugged.
 "I can't complain. You?"

"Another day. Any plans today?"  Jakk said as his ears perked up in curiosity.

Pent shook his head. "Probably not. I have to finish a project."

"Are you not going to try out for the school soccer club?" The bigger boy was hopeful this was the case.

The fox hesitated a second before answering. "No, why?"

"Because I was thinking about trying out and I'm nervous about going." The brown-furred cub looked down at the floor as if ashamed about it.

The white cub put his hand behind the other boy's back. "You don't need to be nervous. It's just tryouts. I'm sure there are plenty of cubs who have never played sports before going."

"You're just saying that to be nice." The bigger boy had a distraught look on his face.

The smaller boy hummed. "No, I'm not. Every year when we have hockey tryouts there is at least one or two cubs who haven't even skated before."

"Really?" Jakk's smile perked up a bit.

Pent nodded. "Yeah, and we show them the ropes regardless of where they are in terms of their skill level. So I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"I guess…" The rabbit twiddled his thumbs a bit as he was still unsure about it.

The smaller cub didn't want to see his friend distraught. "I tell you what…I will go to tryouts with you if it makes it easier on you."

The rabbit's smile grew a bit wider. "Thanks, Pent. I appreciate it."

"But…just to be clear. It's just for today. I'm not joining the team. I have too many things on my plate, alright?" The white cub wanted to make his intentions apparent.

Jakk nodded. "Yeah, sure. That's fine."

The two continued to talk about nothing specific until the bus pulled into the school. The vehicle parked at the drop-loop near the front of the building. They got off the bus together and went their separate ways. Jakk knew that Pent had Science club meetings in the morning and let him go his way. The rabbit's mind was a little more at ease now knowing his friend would be there with him. After all, having a friend around made things better.

Jakk made his way to his first class and went about his day like normal. School was always a bit boring for him and today was no different.  There wasn't any one particular class that interested him and the amount of homework he was assigned was overwhelming sometimes. The only class that went into something new was math, a topic he wholly didn't understand and just sat there with his eyes glazed over.

By lunchtime, he was glad that it was time for a break. Jakk had a usual group of friends that he hung around with at lunch. The same group of gamers that he hung around with online. He looked around for Pent who hadn't seemed to show up just yet. Instead, he decided to go with his usual group as he was certain the fox would do his own thing. They were friends but the arctic fox's focus on academia was somewhat overwhelming to him, especially for someone who didn't care as much about his grades nearly as much as the other boy did.

Jakk grabbed his lunch tray and sat with his usual group of friends. The conversation surrounded a new game they were all enthralled by. The latest Zelda title, which many of them were enjoying. The rabbit found himself soon entrenched within the group's conversation, even if he hadn't gotten very far in the game itself. So much so that he almost forgot to eat his food and had to stuff his face the last 5 minutes of lunch.

His last class of the day was gym. He figured it would be a good way to get ready to play soccer. Jakk had no idea what the coaches had in store for them. It would only be a matter of time before he found out. The cub finished his meal and disposed of the garbage before making his way down the hall. Many of the cubs his age were congregating in the halls making it a little more difficult to get to the last class of the day.

He made his way into the locker room.  The cub found himself in an empty locker and changed into his gym clothes. The short sleeve shirt and thin pants were designed after the school colors and meant to be cooler to wear than the usual uniform. He saw Pent on the other side of the locker room and looked at him briefly. Pent and Jakk were in different gym classes but went at the same time, he assumed he'd be playing against the fox cub today in whatever event they picked.

The whistle was soon blown so Jakk had to hurry his way out. He made his way onto the court where he found the other cubs in his class congregating around the snow leopard woman who was his coach. She began to share the details of the event today, which was to be a basketball game. Many of the cubs sighed and others even booed at it. She hushed them all, assuring them that it would be fun.

The basketball game started before long with the two coaches splitting the teams among the two classes. As Jakk thought, his friend was on the other team. They tipped off with the first group of cubs facing off against each other. Many of them were having trouble with dribbling the ball and some of them tripped over the ball. So much so that within the first few rotations of the game, the coaches called off the game.

Instead, the cubs were assigned to just do passing and dribbling drills. Each of them was given a ball with the coaches looking over their form to make sure they did it right. This was a much easier endeavor, one that most of them were able to accomplish with a little trial and error. Jakk was able to do it after just a few tries. When the final whistle was blown, many of the cubs sighed in relief glad that the ordeal was over.

For Jakk, the anxiety began to build again. His mind already thinking about the soccer tryouts and everything that could go wrong with it. He walked slowly back to the locker rooms, figuring it would probably just be best to stay in his gym clothes since he'd have to change again anyways. Instead, he waited for dismissal, he sat on one of the benches while waiting for the final dismissal bell.

When it finally buzzed, Pent found his way over and tapped the bigger cub on the shoulder.

"Come on, you're going to be late." Pent reminded him of his after-school engagement.

Jakk nodded softly, glad that he had someone to go with. They grabbed their bags and headed out the back door. The school had already set up the soccer tents and chalked the field with the sidelines so it was rather obvious where they needed to go. Both the fox and rabbit made their way to the group that was already starting to get larger. Over time the sidelines of the soccer field began to overflow with furs.

The same two coaches from gym class soon appeared outside and blew their whistles to gain everyone's attention. They went and started counting off each of the cubs out loud and sent the even numbers to one side of the field and odd to the other. Yet again Jakk and Pent found themselves on opposing teams, an issue which the rabbit was all too sour with. No equipment was handed out; instead, a no tackling or tripping rule was to be enforced to prohibit injury.

The game started after a long process of figuring out who was on defense and who was on offense. Jakk found himself to be a striker and was designated in the second group to go on the field. He watched with interest as the first group went on the field. Pent played defense for his team, seeming more than capable of keeping up with the other cubs. After all, hockey made him more than athletic to keep up with most of them.

The first goal was scored for the other team with the sides rotating for the second group of cubs. Jakk found himself facing off against a lizard girl who was much larger than herself. The ball locked at the center between the two of them as they kicked at it without any sort of upward motion to dig it out. The ref soon grew impatient and kicked it themselves as the ball shot out to one of the other members of Jakk's team.

The goat boy behind Jakk grabbed the ball and threw it forward back to Jakk who was immediately intercepted by another member of the other team. The rabbit grunted at them before reeling back and trying to go after them. Skidding his feet under the other player and kicking the ball out toward one of his teammates. The other player raced forward and made an easy score on a goalie who had never played before.

The rest of the game went much the game with both sides remaining more or less deadlocked. Neither side was that great at the sport. A few cubs stood out as better than the others and were shoe-ins for the team. But the rest simply went through the motions of playing the game. Still, by the end of it, most of them had fun participating. They were informed by the coaches that the list would be posted at the gym tomorrow for who made it and who didn't.

Jakk and Pent made their way inside together. The fox congratulated his friend on a good effort and patted him on the back. Both boys a sweaty mess with their fur matted to their bodies after a long day.  They made their way to the locker room and separated once they were inside the enclosed area of the gym. Each boy went to the part where they had left their school bag and change of clothes.

Pent undressed and proceeded to go towards the shower to wash up so he could go home. Jakk could hear the sounds of the shower. It had never occurred to him that he'd have to shower and the thought of it was a bit unnerving. He looked down at his body. His knees had grass stains on them and his upper body was littered with dirt and mud. He figured he couldn't go home like this as his parents would likely not be happy with him.

He took off his clothing and took a deep breath. The rabbit took slow and methodical steps toward the shower rooms. The warm mist from within sprayed out onto this body making him shiver a bit. Stepping inside he continued to look at the floor as he was not wanting to see any of the other cubs naked. He could smell the
 shampoo and soap in the room as the fragrance from bathing filled the area.

Soon he made his way to the last stall as he was met with the wall. Stepping inside he allowed the water to hit him. He could see two a barricade between himself in the next stall. Looking up, there was more privacy than he expected. Not feeling nearly as uncertain about himself as he stood there, finally getting the nerve up to start cleaning himself. The warm water offered a slight respite to his somewhat tired body.

He lathered up his body and shampooed his fur. The grease, grime, and dirt from his form fell off with the water as it cascaded off his body. A voice soon called through the room.

"Wrap it up, showers close in 5." The male coach shouted within.

Jakk picked up the pace and hurried himself up. He was pretty close to being finished anyways and rinsed off his body before using the same tactic to go outside. Before he exited he grabbed two towels and wrapped one around his naked waist. Once back outside in the locker he dried himself with the other towel and changed back into his school clothes. Feeling much better than he had before he got dressed back up and waited for Pent to finish.

The two rejoined each other on their way out. Pent congratulated his friend on making it through, that even if he wasn't recruited that at least he was fun. His parents were all too happy he'd gone through with it. The next day the rabbit had mixed feelings when he learned he made the team. This meant he got to play the sport but it also meant he'd have to get used to being in a club. The idea excited him but he still couldn't help but be nervous about it.

He shared the news with his parents who were all too happy that he made the team. His father went through showing him all the tricks of the trade. Over time he got used to the idea of competition, the idea of undressing in a somewhat public vicinity, and the idea of showering in similar conditions. It took some getting used to but the like most cubs he soon began to appreciate it for what it was; a lesson in teamwork, friendly competition, and companionship.", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Overcoming Fear", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "1", "rating_name": "Mature", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "2", "name": "Nudity", "description": "Nonsexual nudity exposing breasts or genitals (must not show arousal)", "rating_id": "1" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "2", "views": "149" }