Chapter Text
Fantasia University, a high prestigious school for those who are competitive in academics and athletics of higher status. The campus had sloping hills and classical yet regal architecture of the buildings that make up the school that displayed the statue of a man in a wizard’s outfit that had the initials Y.S on his robe. Many students congregated the grounds arriving and getting ready for the first year ahead of them. One of them is our main protagonist of this story.
Walking around the campus is a white rabbit wearing red overalls, blue bowtie, yellow gloves. He had a tuft of red hair between his long ears, red nose and blue eyes. The rabbit had a backpack full of his essentials and everything he needed for the year ahead. This hero taking in the sights was none other than Roger Rabbit, with a stroke of luck got accepted into the university due to family connections. The rabbit sighed to himself looking at the large campus feeling like a little fish in a big pond or rather an ocean.
“Jeepers, I never thought I’d be on a new campus leaving my friends behind.”, the rabbit said to himself still strolling along the campus. He was searching for the residential office to get his dorm situated. At first, he was lot but came across a sign that had the arrows pointing left being the Residential Office in which he was in luck.
Roger did find the building and head right inside to settle his business. However, little did he know that there were two girls watching him closely. One was a statuesque redhead with long hair down to her back with one side covering her left eye, green eyes with eyeshadow and peach skin wearing red and purple blouse showing some of her cleavage and a long skirt. The other girl is smaller but kind of chubby but not obese. The girl had black hair with red headband done in a bob, pale skin, rosy cheeks wearing red and blue shirt and white skirt and black mary Jane shoes. They both watched Roger going inside and looked at each other.
“Hmm. Haven’t we seen him at the orientation, Jesica?”, the ravenette asked softly.
“Yeah. He seems quite nice when he was touring the school a week ago.”, the redhead known as Jessica said with curiosity. The ravenette blushed shyly before asking the taller woman.
“Do you think we should follow him? Not sure if we should disturb him.”, she asked meekily only for Jessica to smile.
“I guess we could. We’re only there to get our keys to the dorm house anyway. Come on. Let’s go.”, Jessica insisted with both girls heading into the direction of the building.
“W-What?! The dorm’s full?! You got to be kidding!”, Roger said flabbergasted as a receptionist being a grumpy brownish pink slug woman with gray pinned up hair, gray eyes with cat eye style glasses, pink blush and maroon vest with the nametag “Roz” unfazed shook her head.
“Sorry, kid. Your dorm reservation must’ve glitched on the Wonder Hall.”, Roz said disappointing the rabbit carrying a bag and suitcase.
“P-P-Please don’t tell me I’ve schlepped all my bags for nothin’.”, Roger groused.
“Now, now, kid. You do have a room. But it’s a dorm you might get use to. But for your sake, you better behave yourself.”, Roz said firmly.
“R-Really? What’s that?”, Roger wondered as the slug lady typed in something and it displayed some documents printed out for the rabbit followed by his physical keys for his student ID is also programmed to be a key as well.
“Mr. Rabbit, you’ll be residing at the Princess Terrace-Cottage 1. It’s what you expect it to be an all-girls dorm but because it’s too late to change your situation, it’s the only place you’ll reside in for the year. Any questions?”, Roz said to Roger who was speechless of him staying in a dorm being the only male student in the cottage house. To make it brief, Roger was not a ladiesman back home for his older brother Benjamin or Dodger got the girls with his bad reckless attitude. This seemed awkward for the rabbit for he shook his head.
“Good. Now remember, kid. Someone’s always watching. Always.”, Roz gruffily warned creeping out the poor hare. He eyed his keys before turning to leave. However, he heard a feminine voice call out to him.
“Hey, you. Do you have a minute?”, the voice belonging to Jessica called out to the hare in which Roger looked at in awe. The rabbit couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty and noticed the ravenette girl beside her twiddling her fingers holding her keys. Roger did eye the two girls until the redhead stopped his train of thought.
“Ahem.”, Jessica cleared her throat smirking while the other girl stood quietly. “Sorry, but we overheard your dorm situation. And apparently we met before at the tour a couple weeks ago.”
“Eh? Oh, we did. Jessica, right?”, Roger said now figuring out who the redhead beauty is. Jessica nodded her head confirming so.
“Yes. And this is Snow White. We’re sophomores.”, Jessica said with Snow quietly blushing not saying a word. “Don’t worry. Snow is quite shy around new people. But you’re living in Princess Terrace, right?”
“Yeah. For the year.”, Roger said. “But I’m confused on where that is.”
“Don’t worry. We know the way. We’ll take you to it. Come on. Can’t go around carrying your bags all day like that, can we?”, Jessica said as the trio headed out the office ignoring stares from the other students. Roz felt amused before chuckling to herself.
“Good luck, kid.”
Roger, Jessica and Snow White were walking along the campus past a giant white golf ball structure near the coast with futuristic tracks and a lab. It was the EPCOT Science Grounds which was a couple blocks from the Residential Office area. Then there was the Imagineer Hall where it was more of science courses but were less complex than the EPCOT. The next block over held the arts area that held courses related to theater, music, paintings and more. Roger was amazed of how the campus was vast yet cool at the same time. However, what caught his eye was the basketball park. This caught Jessica and Snow’s attention.
“Hmm. I see, are you a basketball fan?”, Jesica wondered.
“Yeppers. I use to play ball in the neighborhood back home. In fact, I even watch a lot of basketball growing up. I think my basketball is in that suitcase but it needs to inflate later.”, Roger sheepishly grinned at the last part. What also caught Roger’s eye was who was on that court near the coastline. There was a copper skinned Native American woman with a statuesque build with long black hair down to her back and wearing a buckskin colored sportswear dribbling a basketball shooting threes at many angles. The other girl was also Native American but shorter with a black Ponytail wearing her buckskin colored jersey and shorts trying to rebound the ball. Both girls were exhiniting their defense and offense skills with one of the shots making it to the hoop mid-range. Both were giggling and hustling down the other end of the court as Snow and Jessica watched them with intrigue.
“Jeepers, look at them go. Such finesse down the backcourt. Who are they?”, Roger asked still watching the girls shoot hoops.
“That’s Pocahontas Bedar. She’s the taller one and the best at being a shooting guard. The one defending is Nakoma Jones. She’s a point guard quick on her feet.”, Jessica explained with the group watching more of the basketball action.
Both Pocahontas and Nakoma hustled down the blacktop with the former on defense. Nakoma tried faking out with the ball to trick the taller girl to go the other way. It worked for the shorter girl ran down the court and tried a mid range shot only for the ball to miss going into Pocahontas’s favor. The taller woman got the rebound with Nakoma chasing her down to the other end to guard only for Pocahontas to make a close range shot making the bucket. She cheered to herself while Nakoma smirked at her friend’s celebrations.
“Jeepers, what a powerhouse layup. She is the best guard.”, Roger said impressed.
“She is and Nakoma as well. Anywho, we need to get going and get you settled. Besides, there are other residents you need to meet.”, Jessica noted only for Roger to sheepishly grin forgetting about situating his room. Snow ggiggled at the rabbit’s expression.
“There’s plenty of time to come back to the blacktop. It’s the weekend, anyway.”, Snow said assuring the eager hare. The rabbit knew the girls were right and decided for now to head to the new dorm. He couldn’t help but marvel the blacktop in all it’s glory reminding him of the streetball venues he heard about from Rucker Park to Goat Park. Little did the girls know was that Pocahontas and Nakoma were watching them leave from the gated fence amused.
“Hmm. Didn’t know we’d put on a great show for them. Right, Poca?”, Nakoma joked.
“No kidding. They saw one of my best signature shots on display.”, Pocahontas cheered spinning a basketball on her finger. Nakoma smirked at her friend’s boastful remark.
“Girl, you need to do more than just powerhouse layups. You got lucky that time.”, Nakoma said only for Pocahontas to pout.
“Oh come on, Nakoma. I use longshots, you know.”, Pocahontas whined.
“I Know. But seriously, you need to not fall for the fake out. Even though I’d missed the mid-range shot, at least you made up for it by rebounding.”, Nakoma critiqued with Pocahontas agreeing to what her friend had said. She then smiled appreciating the advice.
“You know. You’re right. Want to go again before heading back?”, Pocahontas offered another game with Nakoma eager to do so.
“Sure. You’re on. The loser orders take-out tonight.”, the shorter girl said as both girls got back to shooting hoops.
The trio were in front of a cottage like dorm with the number 1 on the sign and on the door. It looked like it does in one expect it to be from the European style. Roger was about to use his key but thankfully Jessica managed to open with her’s. Once inside, the group noticed the homely feel to their new Place that housed 7-10 people. They were in a spacious lobby with regal décor and the like.
“Jeepers, it looks nice. Pretty swanky.”, Roger complimented with Snow giggling.
“It really does. Reminds me of the fairy tale movies I watch as a kid. Hope you make yourself right at home.”, Snow said only for a buzz to hit her phone. She looked at who it was and smiled putting it back in her purse.
“Sorry about that. That was Ariel. She’s a friend of mine and Jessica’s. She’ll be living with us along with Aurora.”, Snow said with Roger confused yet curious. However, he heard chattering and a beep from the door opening up to reveal two girls in comic fashion arguing. The first girl is a swimmer built redhead with bangs, blue eyes, green and blue swimmer outfit carrying her sports bag. The other girl was blonde and slightly taller than the first having curly blonde hair, violet eyes, pink and blue summer skirt and blouse wearing a Jigglypuff themed watch and purse shaped like the Balloon Pokemon. Snow and Jessica sighed at their silly argument while Roger just watched.
“Every time there’s water involved, nothing ever stops you.”, the blonde said crossing her arms.
“Why are you complaining, Rosie? I’m just training to be the school’s best swimmer around. Don’t be such a guppy.”, the redhead told the blonde Rosie scoffing with the latter in cutesy fashion puffing her cheeks getting mad.
“I’m not a guppy. You’re the guppy, Ariel. We were suppose to get our classes settled before Monday! Just like high school, you procrastinate when it’s not even necessary.”, Rosie hissed with an anime vein on her forehead.
“I’ll be sure to finish signing up. I got 4 classes signed up. All I need is two more and I’ll have my credit hours required to stay in this dorm.”, Ariel assured the blonde.
“Fine. If that’s the case, why don’t you get to signing up for those two classes then and quit goofing Off. And stop laughing!”, Rosie whined puffing her cheeks in irritation.
“Aww, but you look so cute puffing your cheeks out like that. Just like your favorite Pokemon.”, Ariel said teasingly only for Jessica and Snow to stop the argument greeting them.
“Ariel and Rosie, glad you two showed up. It’s great to see you.”, Snow said as both redhead and blonde glomped squealing like dolphins onto the chubby ravenette. Once they broke apart, Snow smiled giving her friends the good news.
“Girls, we have a new guest staying with us for the year. I like you both to meet your new roommate, Roger.”, Snow said gesturing to the sheepish rabbit. Ariel and Rosie were surprised yet confused.
“Snow, no offense. But this is an all-girls dorm.”, Rosie said only for Ariel to scoff at her.
“Rosie, come on. Having a guy around the house isn’t that bad. I’m sure there’s a reason. Anyway, I’m Ariel Triton, the fastest swimmer alive. And the worrywart beside me is Aurora Brier but we call her Rose or Rosie.”, Ariel said boastfully with Roger smiling.
“P-P-Please to meet ya, girls. Don’t worry for the school put me here. A glitch in the system, even.”, Roger explained with Jessica nodding her head.
“It’s true. Snow and I heard the whole thing. He’ll be staying with us for the whole school year. Oh and can you two quit arguing for once?”, the taller redhead sighed. Ariel and Aurora pouted being put on the spot. However, Ariel and Aurora try to make Roger feel more welcomed.
“Hope we get to be good friends here at Fan U, Roger. Something tells me we’re going to get along just fine.”, Ariel smiled to the rabbit. Aurora looked around before asking Jessica and Snow.
“Hey, girls. Where’s Pocahontas and Nakoma? They should be back here by now.”, the blonde wondered only for Jessica to answer. She Innformed them that they were playing basketball on the blacktop.
“You should’ve seen them. They were great especially Pocahontas with the powerhouse layup. Although her friend tried a mid-shot coming down the backcourt.”, Roger said impressed to Rose and Ariel. The latter grinned squealing to the blonde.
“Poca’s definitely a shoe-in for the annual intramural streetball season. Swimming and water Polo’s my thing though.”, Ariel said with Roger confused.
“Intramural streetball?”, Roger wondered with Jessica nodding.
“Yeah. An intramural basketball season is where all the dorms of Fan U participate in seeing who’s the best. At the end of this year, we hold a tournament to see who’s the best. The winner gets to have the coveted wand displayed on their dorm.”, Jessica explained showing a picture of all the games held at the blacktop with various students showcasing their skills. One picture had Pocahontas and Jesica on a team against another team composed of a imposing figures. The redhead closed the book and sighed.
“We were so close last year. But it’s in the past now.”, Jessica said with a small smile. However, Roger grinned asking the redhead.
“When do we sign up? I want to play basketball. Not just to win but share my love of the game. I breathe, eat and sleep basketball. Well, not literally eating a basketball.”, Roger chuckled.
“Signups won’t happen until next week. It’s a three-on-three style basketball game. But there’s a party Sunday night on the blacktop before the school year starts.”, Jessica said reminding Roger.
“Not only do we play for competition but also for the fun of it. It’s how we forge bonds and settle our problems that way.”, Aurora added. However, the girls had one thing to do relating to Roger. They noticed his bags on the floor and had to figure out where he will stay for the year. They all had an idea due to the documents given by Roz.
They knew at least the rooms are all on the first floor. The rooms in order were like this: Ariel and Aurora, Snow White and Cinderella, Pocahontas and Nakoma, Jessica, Roger, Belle and Tiana. That was the room assignments and since Roger’s was next to Belle’s in which the remaining girls will be in later, they decided to help Roger set his up. In short, the basketball memorabilia were put on the nightstand, fresh sheets and covers on the bed, his game system hooked to the dorm’s TV. But it seemed off with one detail being that since it was the girls’ dorm, it had color schemes and décor fit for the female body of residents. But for Roger, it would have to do. The girls and Roger were satisfied of their handiwork as the latter smiled.
“Gee, girls. Thanks for helping me set up my room. It almost feels like my room back home with all the things I like.”, Roger said in gratitude as Snow White spoke on behalf of the other girls.
“You’re welcome. We all have something in our rooms that remind us of home. Sometimes we want to get back home to our families but at least we have friends here to help us through.”, Snow reminded but saw Roger have a sad smile on his face.
“Is something wrong, Roger?”, Jessica spoke with the rabbit shaking his head.
“It’s nothing. Just in thought.”, Roger said but Jessica and Snow weren’t convinced but before they could pry anything out of him, they heard more girls coming in giggling and groaning.
“Hmm. Sounds like more residents have arrived. Say, Roger. Are you good staying in your room or do you want to come down? I’m sure they’ll be eager to meet you.”, Ariel insisted.
“I’ll be down there in a minute. Just have to settle in first. Catch ya girls in a bit.”, Roger said with the girls understanding. As soon as they left closing the door, the rabbit sighed pulling out a scrapbook of photos of himself and his two best friends back in simpler times. Roger eyed them full of nostalgia and depression.
In the photos with the plucky rabbit were a short blond kid with a gruff demeanor with blue eyes and a babyface look that doesn’t fit his gruffnesss wearing a baseball cap, red shirt and blue shorts and sneakers. The second boy was taller than both Roger and the short kid. He had black hair wearing a fedora, trenchcoat with a white button-up shirt and brown pants and shoes. The photos had them at summer camp, each other’s birthday parties, holidays and other special moments since they were kids. Another picture showed them with a middle-aged man in a cabbie uniform at a diner akin to the stereotypical color scheme of a taxicab. Another picture showed them at many basketball games having a good time. The next one showed them on a little league basketball team that fueld Roger’s love for the sport.
The last picture showed him ass a kid with his dad being a black and cream rabbit with white gloves and shorts. The one next to him was a mouse with large round ears with the same color scheme as the older rabbit but had gloves, tan shorts and galoshes. It was Roger’s uncle next to his father in which both presented Roger with a red, white and blue basketball smiling. Roger then saw his graduation and cookout pics with his family and best friends however Roger made a small chuckle at a tall slender dog with a blue hat yelling while a while a white duck in a blue sailor uniform and hat shot him with a fire extinguisher putting out the fire on the dog who Is Roger’s godfather.
“Oh, those were good times. I wish herman and Eddie were here. We would’ve gone through college together. I left them all behind. What am I going to do without them?”, Roger wondered perplexed of what to do but he decided to greet the other girls in the lobby as he placed the album onto the nightstand.
--
“Oh, come on. You were lucky enough to make that winning shot. I was so close on having you order takeout.”, Nakoma whined with Pocahontas smirking with Snow White and Jessica silently shrugging. Ariel and Aurora were listening on what the two had to whine about.
“Like I told you, Koma. My powerhouse layup never fails. So you are ordering us pizza.”, Pocahontas said triumphantly while spinning her basketball on her finger. Nakoma shrugged but a dark skinned girl in a chef’s outfit rolled her eyes at Pocahontas.
“Girl, no offense. But you usually eat healthy foods and not the rubbish like greasy pizza. Besides, I’m cooking gumbo tonight.”, she said much to Nakoma’s relief. Ariel’s face lit up at the sound of what the food was.
“Gumbo? Did you say gumbo? I want some, Tiana!”, Ariel begged using a fork out of her purse to comb her hair only for Aurora to sigh and give the redhead her a comb.
“Easy, Ariel. I have to make it first. I’m not Mama Odie nor the Fairy Godmother and make it out of nowhere.” Tiana chuckled.
“Hey, girls. Where’s the new guest you were talking about? It better not be that Gaston jerk. I can’t stand him.”, a girl shuddered being a short brunette with hazel eyes wearing a librarian’s apprentice uniform reading a book on the chairs.
“To save you the trouble, Belle. It’s not Gaston. It’s somebody not from our high school.”, Jessica said to the bookworm known as Belle. Another girl being strawberry blonde wearing white and pink shirt and pants looked down the hall seeing Roger walking into the lobby.
“Say, isn’t that the guy who is staying here?”, she asked catching the other girls’ attention. Roger spotted the other girls he yet to meet. He had a mixture of emotions for not only he was away from his bros but living with girls he shares a dorm with for the academic year. He didn’t want to mess it up for himself but in a small yet good start, he manage to introduce himself well to Snow White, Jessica, Ariel and Aurora. Now all he had to do is meet five other girls. The rabbit walked over to the group but didn’t see the kink in the carpet and fell flat on his face causing the girls to gasp. However, Tiana nearby helped him up looking him over while the rabbit saw tweeting birds.
“Are you okay, sugar?”, she asked checking to be sure Roger wasn’t hurt anywhere. The rabbit shook off the daze and sheepishly grinned in front of the girls.
“Oh I’m okay. Say, what’s your name? I’m Roger Rabbit.”, he introduced himself.
“I’m Tiana, culinary student in training. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”, Tiana said with a smile. Roger eyed the same colored ball Pocahontas had earlier on the court and in his photos. Not wanting to feel down again, he had an amazed smile Intrigued.
“Say, is that the ABA ball? I have one just like it.”, Roger asked Pocahontas. The tall Native American nodded her head impressed.
“Yep. That’s the One. Oh, you must be the one watching me and my friend earlier on the court. I’m Pocahontas and the one beside me is my bestie Nakoma. Wingapo.”, Pocahontas said using her greeting gesture. Roger grew confused until Nakoma chimed in.
“It means hello in our language or rather the Powhatan language. Anyway, you’re a basketball fan I see.”, Nakoma said with Roger nodding his head.
“And I’m Cinderella Tremaine. I’m usually in charge of being the RA here when Jessica is off her shift. I hope you feel welcome here at Fan U. And the girl on the couch reading is Belle, a library studies major.”, Cinderella gestured towards Belle in which the Latter blushed in embarrassment like a deer in headlights.
“Oh. Nice to meet you, Roger. Sorry. I get too engrossed in my books. Once I really get into my favorites, it happens.”, Belle explained sheepishly. Ariel snickered much to Belle and Aurora’s chagrin.
“That’s our Belle for you. Always stuck in a book.”, the redhead said only for Aurora to roll her eyes dryly.
“At least she is serious enough to register her classes and not procrastinate like a certain someone.”, Aurora chastised only for Ariel to pout crossing her arms. Cinderella sighed to herself at her friend’s silly antics. Tiana smiled gesturing to the Kitchen.
“Well, guess I’ll be preparing to make the gumbo. It shouldn’t take me long to make It. It’s a Louisianan staple.”, the culinary chef said before Roger’s tummy grumbled.
“Yeah. All this prepping for school worked up an appetite. Registering for classes and getting situated.”, Roger said wiping off his brow.
“Yeah. Same with me.”, Pocahontas said.
“Ditto.”, Ariel joined in much to Nakoma and Aurora’s disbelief.
“Yeah right. When the water and the court calls your names, you’re not tired then. Ugh. We wonder about you two.”, Nakoma smirked much to Pocahontas and Ariel’s embarrassment. Snow White turned to Tiana with an eager rosy smile.
“Mind if I help you cook in the kitchen, Tiana? I like to cook too.”, Snow offered with Tiana nodding smiling at the request.
“Sure thing, doll. I don’t mind an extra hand. Follow me. Oh and y’all should expect dinner to start in a couple hours.”, Tiana called to the group with Ariel groaning.
“Really? It’ll take forever.”, the redhead whined with Jessica crossing her arms.
“Patience is a virtue, Ariel.”, the taller redhead noted only for the shorter one to pout. Aurora pointed to the hall hinting of what Ariel must do.
“How about you finish registering the rest of the classes? Maybe that would take your mind off of when Tiana will be done with dinner. Now get going.”, Aurora said puffing her cheeks emphasizing her point preventing Ariel from whining any further. Once Ariel was out of earshot, Cinderella and the remaining girls sigh at the shorter redhead’s carefree yet slacker mentality.
“Well, that’s Ariel for you. Anyway, Roger. How are you liking the campus so far?”, Belle asked.
“Oh, It seems nice. Just getting use to the whole layout and atmosphere.”, Roger answered unsure of how he truly felt about it. Jessica deducted a little of the truth of Roger but she had an idea that could help take his mind off of what was bothering the hare.
“Hey, Roger. I might have an idea to pass the time while Tiana and Snow White are cooking. How about a two-on-two pick-up game of basketball? Don’t worry for each dorm has their own basketball court. Ours is between Cottage 1 and Cottage 2.”, Jessica offered with Nakoma deep down rubbing her hands together hoping for a rematch against Pocahontas and Roger but her hopes were dashed.
“Roger and I against Pocahontas and Nakoma in a game of 21.”, Jessica noted only for Nakoma to fall flat on her face in comic fashion causing Pocahontas to stifle a snicker. Roger perked up at a pickup game and smiled.
“P-P-P-Please. Don’t mind if I do. Just have to get changed.”, Roger said ushering to his room for a sec.
“Be down in a couple minutes.”, Jessica called out to the rabbit. Cinderella, Belle and Aurora were curious but wanted to see what Roger is made of.
The group minus Ariel, Snow White and Tiana were on the blacktop or rather the court had a pink and blue scheme with the court a pink color with baby blue lines and a pink and blue goals. On the bench sat Cinderella, Belle and Aurora watching the two teams on the court. Roger had on red and blue shorts, jersey and headband standing beside Jessica awaiting who will tip off.
“Okay, Jess. A game of 21’s gonna whip us into shape.”, Nakoma smirked.
“Just don’t lose again. Otherwise, you’ll be ordering me takeout.”, Jessica joked only for Nakoma to groan. Cinderella turned to Belle and Aurora with a smirk.
“Well,girls. This is going to be quite interesting. Let’s see how this goes.”, Cinderella remarked.
“Something tells me to put my book down or I’m getting bonked on the head by a basketball. If only Ariel finished up searching for her classes, she would’ve been out here.”, Belle said shrugging watching Pocahontas throwing her ABA ball into the air for tip-off. Aurora just shrugged and tuned in to how the pickup game will turn out.
Once the ball was in reach, Jessica and Pocahontas jumped for the ball and the latter got the possession. Jessica got in front of Pocahontas after she and Nakoma got to the other side of the court. Roger and Nakoma were creating space shuffling around the court hoping for a pass. Pocahontas smirked watching the redhead guard against her while Nakoma called for the ball. Pocahontas then chest passes it to her friend in which Roger tried his best to defend only for Nakoma to psych him out with a fake out and went near the goal for a close shot giving her and Pocahontas 1-0.
Roger and Jessica gave props for Nakoma scoring and Pocahontas with the assist. However, it was Jessica’s turn to dribble down the backcourt and Pocahontas smirked and waited for the redhead to advance. She then defended shuffling around the court with Jessica having to step backwards to space herself while Roger trying to move around for an open opportunity. The redhead with quick agility went around the tall girl and both hustled to the rim with Jessica doing a layup equaling the score. Nakoma was guarded against Roger as the two were quick and agile while Pocahontas sets herself up for a rebound. Jessica noticed Nakoma ready to fake out but Roger thankfully didn’t fall for it. Nakoma then tried stepping back and moved around behind left of the 3-pt marker and shoots the ball landing into the rim for a 2-pt basket putting her and Pocahontas into the lead.
“Hmm. Poca and Nakoma aren’t called the best guards for nothing.”, Cinderella said impressed.
“But it’s still anybody’s game. They gotta reach 21 or 2pts ahead if either has 20 or more.”, Belle noted. Aurora raised an eyebrow of an anthropomorphic cat with a yellow shirt and baggy pants and cap watching the gate putting up flyers from the dormitory areas. The cat impressed by the newcomer Roger’s efforts on the court after he shot a long range basket after Jessica passed it to him.
“Wow, this kid’s quick on his feet. He has some talent.”, the dark blue cat said impressed. Aurora seeing the mysterious feline just got back to watching the game.
The game’s leveled at 3 a piece with Pocahontas and Roger one on one. The rabbit tried eyeing the ball of Pocahontas’s possession. They shuffled around until the rabbit found an opening and swiped it for a steal. The two ravenettes gasped giving chase to Roger while Jessica hustled to the goal ready for a rebound just in case. The rabbit went left down the backcourt and tried to shoot a long range but missed the shot. Thankfully, Jessica was there to get the rebound and hit the close shot giving her and Roger the 4-3 lead. The tempo intensifies once both teams got a feel for their strengths and weaknesses. Pocahontas ran down the court and smirked weaving and powering around Roger and did a powerhouse layup basket. Roger quickly went down the center court attempting a mid range once inside the semi-circle attack zone giving the lead back with 5-4. Nakoma had to think fast and quickly went to the long range mark shooting but Jessica rebounded and went quickly down the other side and made a jump shot pulling a 6-4 lead. Pocahontas and Nakoma played with more aggression as the former passed it to her bestie shooting mid-range cutting the lead to just 6-5. The other girls were impressed watching them play their hardest. Ariel who just came from the dorm sat beside Aurora with a smile relieved of finishing up registration.
“So, what did I miss?”, Ariel wondered.
“Not much. Things are just heating up. Trust me, Pocahontas and Nakoma are trying to claw back for the lead.”, Aurora said recapping to the redhead.
“And Roger’s getting good. He really knows his basketball. Do you really think he’ll help us win the Blacktop Games? I can really feel it.”, Ariel said excitedly.
“Hold on, Ariel. Don’t get too excited. You’re jumping the gun.”, Cinderella said with Aurora and Belle shaking their heads at the perky redhead.
Time passed a bit with each team 16 a piece. So far, Roger puts up a great fight with his reflexes and speed to make up for lack of power. Not to mention making decent baskets. Jessica being taller than the rabbit had more of an advantage driving to the hoop like Pocahontas. Speaking of Jessica, she and Pocahontas were in a rebound battle after Nakoma did a jump shot. However, Pocahontas beat Jessica to the punch and jumped dunking the ball to give her and Nakoma the lead. This stunned Roger but had to shake off his amazement when Jessica passed him the ball. The plucky rabbit went down the backcourt where both Pocahontas and Nakoma were waiting to pounce. They had the idea to double team once Roger went near the 3-pt marker. Jessica moved around near the goal to the right for Roger to make a pass. Without any hesitation, he made a pass after creating space away from the Powhatan girls. Jessica then shot the ball right into the paint for the 17-17 leveled score. Nakoma saw what Roger was about to do being a quick steal and fakes him out going to the other side of the goal managed to bank a 2-pt basket from the 3-pt marker as she takes back the lead.
“Well, guys. Two more points from me or Poca and it’s game.”, Nakoma warned smirking.
“Not bad, Jess. And Roger, too. But Koma’s right. Time to put yet another win in the books.”, Pocahontas said confidently. Jessica readies as Roger passed the ball to the redhead in which Pocahontas gave it all she got defending against Jessica. The redhead maneuvered gracefully and figured she’d made a mid-range shot instead of a 2-pt from the 3-pt line making it 19-18.
“That’s confusing. Why didn’t Jessica just go for the two right away? That doesn’t make any sense.”, Ariel said puzzled only for Aurora to chime in.
“Ariel, you lovable guppy. She can’t be too greedy. Just mix it up a little. Though Pocahontas and Nakoma are quite tough.”, Aurora noted observing intense defense with neither scoring.
“Yeah. Reminds me of Aquata and I when we were doing little league water polo. We always school everyone with every chance we get. But I’m not called the fastest swimmer alive for nothing. I can Outswim her, Moana, Kida and all the other swimmers in the neighborhood.”, Ariel boasted only for the other girls on the bench to groan.
“Careful, Ariel. Your ego’s showing.”, Cinderella dryly said only for the redhead to gasp.
“What? Where?”, Ariel squeaked only for Aurora and Belle to laugh making her roll her eyes in a deadpan. “Ah, what’s so funny?”
“Nothing. Just nothing.”, both Aurora and Belle said whistling innocently. While the girls on the bench were bantering, the intense defense turned in Roger’s favor after stealing the ball from Pocahontas and shot a 2-pt basket leveling the score. Nakoma however tried her best to hit a long range to close the game but missed. Pocahontas ran under the goal spotting the basketball rolling off the rim into her hands. The taller girl does a pick and roll giving her the 20-19 lead. Pocahontas and Nakoma squealed knowing victory was in their sights a shot away. However, after Jessica does a rebound after Roger missed the mid-shot did the redhead placed the ball with an alley-oop tieing the game up.
It was now or never for a 2-pt shot can end the game for either. The cat from earlier posting flyers liked what he saw in Roger and the girls’ pickup gane. Approaching him were two other college-aged cats finishing up spreading flyers everywhere handing them out to students. The first cat was ginger furred with yellow eyes in the sclera and black pupils wearing a green shirt, red beret, jeans and sneakers holding paint supplies in his bag. The other cat had black fur, same color eyes as the ginger cat but wore a blue shirt, jeans and shoes holding the sack of flyers. They observed Roger closely as the rabbit went toe-to-toe with Pocahontas with the latter dribbling after Nakoma stole the ball from Jessica.
“Gee-whiz. This was a great game. Glad we took care of all the flyers. Otherwise, we wouldn’t come around here.”, the ginger cat said wiping the sweat off his brow.
“Oh come on, Toulouse. We got the job done and that’s all that matters.”, the black cat chastised with Toulouse rolling his eyes scoffing.
“Easy for you to say, Berlious. How come Marie isn’t helping us promote the Jam on the Blacktop?”, Toulouse whined.
“Don’t you remember? She had to take care of her classes in the Music Hall. Now shut up and watch the game already.”, Berliose shushed Toulouse as they and the mysterious cat watched the final play of the game unfold. Roger got the ball stolen from Pocahontas and went left down the backcourt smirking. She then did a cross-cut long-shot ending the game.
“Yes! We won! I don’t have to order Jessica any takeout! Yes!”, Nakoma celebrated happily. Pocahontas went up to Jessica and Roger with a smile holding her basketball.
“That was a great game. Jess and Roger. Put up a challenge.”, Pocahontas said.
“Sure was. You and Nakoma did well out there. Gotta admit that I need to take my time with shooting.”, Roger noted.
“But you did good maneuvering the court and use your agility to help set things up like a small forward. Jessica has been a power forward great at driving to the goal.”, Pocahontas noted genuinely. Jessica agreed to the feedback but noticed Nakoma celebrating.
“Nakoma, you still have to order takeout at next dinner.”, Pocahontas reminded dryly much to Nakoma’s chagrin. However, Tiana and Snow White yelled from the window of the dorm exciting Ariel.
“Dinner’s ready, y’all. I got the gumbo piping hot.”, Tiana called out.
“About time! I get dibs first!”, Ariel said dashing out the court leaving a trail of dust zooming back to Cottage 1 making the girls give chase to the eager redhead.
“Ariel, wait for us!”, they chorused leaving Roger behind for a moment. Jessica noticed the three cats from earlier approaching him in the court impressed. The one in the yellow shirt and blue baggy pants spoke.
“Yo, man. That was some great hoopin’ out there, man. You’re Roger, right?”, the cat wondered with the rabbit nodding his head.
“Yeppers. The one and only. It was a great game for sure.”, Roger said with the cats intrigued.
“That’s cool to hear, man. By the way, the name’s MC Scat Cat but you can call me Scat. And these are my two best buds, Toulouse and Berlios.”, Scat introduced the boys to Roger in which they all gave the rabbit dap. Toulouse had a question in mind and asked the plucky hare.
“I’m curious but how did you manage to live in an all-girls dorm area anyway? You’re so lucky. But don’t let them get on your nerves.”, Toulouse advised only for Scat and Berlios to glare. Toulouse sheepishly grinned eyeing the cats glaring disapproving of what he said.
“No worries, guys. It’s a long story. But I’m taking it one step at a time.”, Roger added.
“That’s cool. Don’t mind my brother. He means well. Anyway, have you heard about the back to campus party on the blacktop?”, Berlios asked with Roger hearing something about It from the girls.
“Yeah. And something about a intramural basketball competition.”, Roger said with Scat nodding his head.
“You heard right, man. I’m DJing this event where all the students before school starts enjoy a party and basketball competition. And seeing your moves out here in action, you’re definitely a shoe-in to tryout for the contests being Trick Shots and the 3-pt competition. In fact, here’s a sign-up copy for you and the ladies if you’re interested. Just bring the form tomorrow at my turntable and we’ll make things happen. Ya dig?”, Scat informed handing out the signup sheet to Roger with the team’s name of his dorm being the Monarchs.
“Jeepers, I’ll definitely have to talk this over with the girls.”, Roger noted.
“You have until tomorrow to decide, man. Otherwise, you’ll be watching from the sidelines. Oh as for your team’s name. The Princess Terrace is known as the Monarchs. Just have four represent the competition Sunday and you’re good.”, Toulouse reminded as Roger had another question.
“Before I go, what’s this intramural basketball league about?”, the rabbit wondered with Scat happily explaining.
“It’s an annual competition held every year here in Fan U commemorating the time a legendary all-star game of the goats that help save Fan U years ago against the Doom Stars. It’s because of them, they spread the spirit of the sport to the campus and all the dorms to this day compete to see who’s the best of the best. And I see that something tells me that you’ll be a legend on the blacktop that no one has ever seen before since my dad’s days. All you gotta do is answer the call. We’ll give ya time to think It Over. It’s nice meetin’ ya, Roger. Here’s our digits if yaw wanna hang with us, ya did?”, Scat said as the cats and Roger exchanging digits. Once they bid him laters did Roger eyed the sheet of paper pondering for a moment. He heard his stomach grumbling and decided to head inside. Jessica heard everything and was curious of what Roger wants to do.
All were at the table eating Tiana’s gumbo and pastries with the girls seeing Roger and Jessica head to the kitchen. Ariel had to be pulled back by Aurora and Cinderella for she had to wait for more seconds.
“What took ya so long, sugar? The gumbo’s getting a little cold. Is everything all right?”, the culinary apprentice asked in concern. Roger smiled presenting the sheet Scat gave him to the group who gasped.
“Wow,that’s cool. Can’t wait for the party tomorrow. A chance to unwind before the professors bore us to death.”, Ariel said excitedly. Belle felt offended of the redhead throwing jabs at the professors for the bookworm is eager for knowledge. Pocahontas noticed a signup sheet and the others knew of the basketball tourney. Roger so far didn’t choke on his social life let alone with a group of beautiful girls. They ate their dinner with the rabbit letting loose for the time being.
Roger was deep in thought in his room with the evening rushing in. With the help of Jessica, he managed to settle well into his new home despite an awkward mixup on the school’s part. The rabbit bounced the basketball against the ceiling and catching it repeating the process. He was still concerned not seeing his best buds Herman and Eddie. That got to him the most. His train of thought was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“It’s open.”, Roger called out as the door opened to reveal Jessica. The redhead saw Roger bouncing his ball against the ceiling and tilted her head in confusion.
“Do you have a minute?”, she asked as Roger nodded. Jessica sat on the rabbit’s bed and wanted to ask him something. The silence was short but tense with both looking in each other’s eyes until Jessica broke the silence.
“Is everything okay here? I hope your move here didn’t overwhelm you too much.”, the redhead asked with Roger rubbing the back of his head.
“Aside from the school mixing my dorm up, things are swell. And you ladies helped me make my first day bearable.”, Roger said with a small smile as Jessica noticed an album not closed on the nightstand.
“Who’s that in the album?”, Jessica wondered gesturing to it with Roger sighing to himself twiddling his fingers. This gave Jessica a clue of why the rabbit was nervous and a bit sad. Roger showed Jessica of his best friends Herman and Eddie and his family. This intrigued Jessica seeing a glimpse into Roger’s past knowing how close knit they were. After seeing the album and listening to what Roger had to say, Jessica wanted to encourage the rabbit the best she could but needed to be realistic.
“It makes sense why you felt this way. Being away from your friends and family can be overwhelming. Now I’m not saying you should rush into things off the bat. Being in a new place with people you hardly know is taxing. But at the same time, you worked hard and earned a fresh start at a university. I’m sure your loved ones are proud of you for that.”, Jessica said genuinely with Roger thinking of what she said. He had to admit that his folks were happy for him to be blessed with an opportunity at a high prestige school.
“I suppose. But I wish that the boys came here with me. Taking on the world past high school. It feels wrong without them.”, Roger sighed with Jessica comforting him before she spoke once more.
“Yes but it happens with people we grew up with to be apart for a while. I felt the same way you did when I started out here last year. I left my sister and parents behind but at least I made great friends and memories here. One step at a time is all you need to do to figure things out. But you have us here in the dorm to help you. Even me. We’ll handle it together.”, Jessica assured the rabbit in which Roger had the weight off his shoulders. Sure, he needed to adjust to life On campus without Herman and Eddie but the girls and the folks he came across so far would make his days at Fan U worth it.
“Ya know, Jessica. I’ll try. And thanks for listening to my problems. It means a lot.”, Roger said with a hopeful smile. “I’ll do this for myself, us and for my best friends too.”
“I can respect that.”, Jessica remarked as both were just hanging out until they heard yelling down the hall.
“Ariel, how many times do I have to tell you?! Stop using the dorm forks as your personal combs!”, Tiana yelled irritated of the redhead using the forks for her hair.
“Come on, Tia. I’m innocent.”
“You’ll be washing the dishes if you keep on doing that.”, the Cajun chef yelled threatening dish duty to Ariel. Jessica sighed pinching the bridge of her nose.
“That Ariel. Do you want to come out and join us in the living room later?”, Jessica offered with Roger nodding.
“Sure. Just need to chill here first.”, he said with Jessica happy for the rabbit. She left him alone to handle Tiana and Ariel’s squabbles. The rabbit looked at his album with a determined smile. Jessica was right for it’s realistic that people go different paths away from each other. But they’ll be cheering him on no matter where they are.
“One step at a time. Or rather one game at a time. That’s how a basketball season is. And that’s how I need to handle what the days ahead has for me. Welll, guys. This is for you and for me.”, Roger said to the album before he left his room to join the girls. One step at a time is all he needed for his path of becoming a legend in the intramural basketball scene.
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