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Hartley

It was with a groan that he finally pulled himself out of the bed, ribs taped and a bandage still on his nose. Sporting a black eye on top of that, Hartley looked less like the Homecoming King Lisa kept harping on about and more like a car accident victim.

Lisa had FINALLY left for her hair appointment. Apparently, it took hours for her to get her hair done. Hartley thought this whole thing was a terrible idea. He didn't even want to be out in public, much less parading around as some psychopath's fake date at Homecoming. He struggled to get his shirt on as a shadow passed over the doorway.

"Hartley. You wear your war badges very well."

It was Ms. Darkholme, a sympathetic smile on her face.

"I feel awful."

"Well, you should know that the Cuckoos have been punished by being forbidden from attending Homecoming, as have two of the football players who conspired to do the whole thing. Ms. Frost, showing her usual sickening display of nepotism, hasn't acted yet against her precious favorites, Cassandra Sandsmark and Achilles, but rest assured that they will be taken care of for their part in this fiasco as well. Lord Ares will see to it."

Hartley nodded, feeling slightly dizzy. He decided to level with Ms. Darkholme.

"Ms. Darkholme, I don't think I can go to Homecoming tonight. I'm bruised, I'm beaten, and, well...I'm gay. I can't go with Lisa Snart. It's wrong."

She patted him on the shoulder.

"You are much braver than you think you are, Hartley. When I went to this school-and yes, I did when I was your age - I would never have been able to be my true self to any of the staff. Never admit who I was or who I loved. It is one of the reasons I teach here, to find students who don't fit in the mold expected of them and help them to find an outlet for their extraordinary selves."

Someone who believed in Hartley just for being Hartley. Not because he was a Rathaway and therefore expected to be perfect. Hartley decided that he would do anything for Ms. Darkholme.

"I need you to be brave tonight, too, Hartley. To go out there and show those stuck-up students and staff who don't care how badly you were hurt last night, who only care about winning some stupid game, that you can rise above their pettiness. Yes, even with Lisa. She is a victim in this too, after all. Those psychics invaded her mind and made her act against her will. I have a gift for you."

Ms. Darkholme reached behind her back and pulled out a small plastic box with two beautiful, black rose corsages.

"I've given a set of these to all of my Rogue boys. I know that you'll make me proud tonight."

Hartley took the box and looked at the black roses inside. They were strange, but beautiful. He nodded.

"You're right. I have to go to Homecoming. And...I think I'll bring my flute."

"Cassie, I..."

::Wally trails off, and realizes that he has NO idea what to say in a situation like this.::

"It's not fair! You and Achilles have to come to Homecoming! If you don't....then I won't go either! And I'm sure Dani would agree, too!

*pulls out a suit and lays it out*

I need a shower...

*heads into the bathroom*

Thanks Wally.. That means alot.

* kisses Wally on the cheek*

Dani's lucky to have a guy like you.. Now to wake up Chris.. Do you think you could let me in your room.. I'm sure I can wake Chris up.

*comes out of the bathroom in his boxers*

Where is my stupid tow-

eek

*runs back in the bathroom*

*blindly gropes for the towel*

I didn't know we had visitors!!! gonk

Uh...yea...woke up. Give me a minute.

*showers real quick*