Mr. Grant and Jax have been getting much closer these days. Their study sessions were starting to pay off in Jax's Economic Plants class. Mr. Grant seems to genuinely enjoy his company too. So, Jax has been more motivated to impress him. After all his adviser would be an important reference in the future. Grant believes his plot to get Jax in bed is running much more smoothly than he'd earlier believed. The undergrad was really starting to warm up to him. Bringing him on this all-day trip today was definitely the right move. The big grizzly really felt at home in the bottomland hardwood forest near the university, and sharing that with Jax would be his opening move in what he hoped would be a fun game with his student. Jax could sense Mr. Grant's enjoyment. There was an obvious spring in his step as he stepped over roots, and his hazel eyes had a twinkle in them with every sight he'd show him. The fun was getting contagious, and Jax was starting to let his guard down. He hadn't thought twice about the time earlier that day when he'd tripped over a fallen tree branch and his professor had turned almost too quickly to catch him as he fell. Instead, he'd just blushed like a fool and stammered out a "thank you" as Mr. Grant's huge paws steadied him.
They'd long since abandoned the main path and went down one that was almost wild with vegetation when Mr. Grant suddenly decided it was time for a lunch break. He pulled two individualy wrapped sandwiches from a brown backpack that looked too small for a man his size, lowered himself to the ground steadily against a tree he liked, and patted the grass next him indicating Jax should do the same. "Come on, let's stop for bite to eat." Grant grins sheepishly. "I hope you like honey mustard." Jax's face lights up at the thought of food. He had forgotten to pack anything besides water, and didn't waste any time sitting next to his mentor. The tree was warm from the sun. It was going to be a hot afternoon, but the canopy kept the forest cool. Grant passes the smaller mammal a sandwich, silently musing how people could be as small as Jax. He once joked to the kid that the was five-foot nothing, and had received a glare he hadn't known the timid red panda could produce. So, instead of bringing that up again they shoot the breeze. Sitting next to Mr. Grant, Jax became acutely aware, once again, how much bigger the grizzly was than him. Sitting side-by-side he had to look up to meet his eyes. Otherwise, he'd just be speaking into his professor's robust chest. Their footpaws were near each other from sitting cross-legged, and Mr. Grant's foot was more than double his own in size! When he wasn't looking at the huge bear he could always smell him. A rich cologne couldn't hide the musky smell of bear fur mixed with sweat that the long trek had released. He was almost certain it overpowered his own scent. That made him feel a bit more comfortable with whatever B.O. must be coming off him after all this time. Grant resisted the urge to wrap an arm around the red panda. It is probably too soon to make a move on him yet, but they dry scent coming off the red panda below him was driving him crazy. He likened it to the smell of Fall leaves crushed underfoot on a brisk yet sunny day. He didn't understand why Jax reminded him of it, but it intoxicated his thoughts. He wished he could bottle it.
After their brief lunch, washed down with a bottle of water each Mr. Grant is slightly startled when Jax inhales sharply and rushes over to the dirt path. "W-what?! Where are you off to?" He doesn't get an answer right away, and lumbers over, curious at what caught his student's eye. Jax kneels down and partially reveals a violet flower. "This is a type of mint right? Ddin't we talk about these in class?" Grant kneels down on one knee looking over Jax's shoulder. He immediately can tell the plant is not a mint, but doesn't want to discourage his student too much. Jax's ears were perked in anticipation of being right. So, Grant decides, instead to make him forget all about the flower. "Actually, that's not a mint. Mints in this area have a strong smell, see? Go on, smell it." Jax starts to feel crestfallen. He'd been too hasty. He really should have known better. The embarrassment was threatening to overwhelm him. He attempts to stifle it by leaning in to smell the plant, but Mr. Grant leans in first. His muzzle isn't aimed at the plant though.

This awesome art comes from the great  Kimmykun. I was so lucky to get this commission, and I couldn't be happier with the result. He went above and beyond with the info I gave him. He's also got an awesome comic he's working on called The Golden Week. I've been reading it since it started. You should try it too! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8349886