I'm Only Human! - Part 2

Chapter 1: A Fresh Start

As they pulled into Sandalwood Academy's property from the main road, Noah Poole, a large and buff anthropomorphic giant panda, smiled as he rubbed his stepson's back. Matthew Craft, Noah's human stepson, smiled as Noah rubbed his back in the car's passenger seat. He looked out of the car window at the buildings and scenery around him, eager to start his second year at Sandalwood. Matthew's mind buzzed with excitement as he imagined the friends he would reconnect with, the new knowledge he would acquire, and the personal growth he aimed to achieve in his second year at Sandalwood. With renewed determination, he couldn't wait to dive into his studies and pursue his passions at the prestigious academy. As the car navigated through the campus toward the designated drop-off area, Matthew and Noah exchanged a loving glance, then Matthew put a hand on Noah's shoulder. The loving glance between Matthew and Noah speaks volumes about their bond and the support they provide for each other. It was a silent affirmation of their shared journey and their unwavering commitment to each other's happiness and success.

Eventually, after an eternity navigating the campus, Noah arrived at the designated drop-off area in front of the main administration building. He exited the car, followed by Matthew, and retrieved Matthew's backpack and luggage bag from the trunk. Noah handed them to Matthew, and they both shared a tight and loving hug. "I love you, Dad," Matthew said as he smiled and rubbed Noah's abdomen through his yellow shirt. Noah smiled, nodded, and said, "I love you too, son." They stood together, savoring the moment, until the campus security guard cleared his throat. Noah and Matthew broke their embrace, then Noah kissed Matthew on the cheek before he walked around to the driver's side door and got back into the car. As he gave his beloved son one last look, he smiled, wiped away a tear, and then drove away. The security guard watched this father-son interaction with a smile, then once Noah's car was out of sight, the security guard walked toward Matthew and knelt in front of him, dressed in baggy pants and a black hoodie with the hood pulled up. "Hey... Matty," he said as he got to eye level with Matthew, with a deep chuckle. "How's my favorite human?" Matthew was taken aback by the security guard's clothing and the fact that he called him "Matty," but then Matthew's jaw dropped, and his eyes widened as he realized who this was. The security guard chuckled again as he removed the hoodie and baggy pants, revealing himself as no other than Titan Coleman. Titan Coleman was a very large and buff anthropomorphic black Panther who was super close with Matthew and even treated him like his own son, in addition to his other three children.

Matthew's heart raced with excitement and joy as he recognized Titan Coleman. A wide grin spread across his face, and he couldn't contain his excitement as he jumped into Titan's arms, embracing him tightly. It was a reunion filled with pure happiness and the reassurance that Matthew had another source of unwavering support on campus. Titan chuckled as he held Matthew tight against his massive chest, his paws rubbing Matthew's back. "Oh, Matthew," Titan said. "It's so good to see you again!" Matthew said nothing as he rubbed Titan's massive and muscular back, savoring Titan's fur against his face. "I miss you so much, Titan," he said. "I'm so happy to see you again, and I know what you're doing right now is unprofessional for you as a security guard, but I don't care, as I love you so much!" Titan smiled warmly at Matthew and replied, "Matthew, my dear boy, nothing more important to me than seeing you happy. Also, don't worry about professionalism, as my role as a security guard is not my top priority. That is you, beloved human, and all your animal classmates! Now, let's not waste time standing here. I have a surprise waiting for you inside the campus." Titan then set Matthew down, took his hand in his giant paw, and walked him into the administration building. As they walked into the administration building, Matthew couldn't contain his curiosity about the surprise Titan mentioned. As they reached the entrance, Matthew's eyes widened with awe. He saw a banner hanging from the ceiling that read, "Welcome to Animal Appreciation Day - A Celebration of Our Amazing Animal Students!"