"Are you talking to me?" Nick said, sitting up. "We share the room. That doesn't mean I have to talk to you."

"Look, I can take your attitude. I can deal with it because I know that you have some personal vendetta against me. But when you start to go after Marcie..."

"That's right," Nick said. "You girls have to stick together."

Mark sighed, shaking his head. "Do you really... we got along before I came out. What does me being gay change?"

"It changes you!" he said, "The thought of it is disgusting. The whole thing... is disgusting. Guys... are not supposed to hook up with other guys. That's not the way things are supposed to be. I've heard it from the time I was a kid. It's disgusting and it's wrong."

"And that... makes you a homophobe."

"No," Nick stopped him. "There's nothing about you queers that scares me. It makes my stomach turn."

"So you go and you turn on the charm with the ladies?" Mark defended. "To prove what a man you are? Is that what getting those girls into your bed is for? Nick Messina, campus Casanova... the stud of Llanview University... any girl who's lucky enough to catch your eye..."

"Will you just shut the hell up!" Nick screamed. "Shut up, Mark!" He got right in his face. "You don't know... anything about me! You don't know me at all, so don't you dare... go around thinking that you know what's going on in my head!"

"Is getting involved with dozens of girls so much better than me being involved with a guy?... What does that make you?" Mark shook his head.

"Makes me straight," he said. "And you a queer... and in my book, a million times better." Nick went back to his bed, laying back. "Now if you're going to go to sleep, go to sleep. If not, I don't care. Just leave me the hell alone." He clicked the light off on his side of the room.

Mark sat there silent for a moment, letting out a deep sigh before turning off his own light. And the room went dark.

>>>>>>

Shannon had had enough 'fun' for one evening with the Love Crew at Rodi's. Actually, she had other things on her mind, primarily, Nick Messina and pledging for the SDD. She had gone to the hotel hoping to talk to John, but was shot down, finding out he hadn't arrived home yet. Shannon sighed, turning back towards the stairs.

"Hey..." Michael said bumping into her as he came up the stairs. "Shannon... what are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too, Mikey." she said . She looked at him, taking a deep breath. "Can I... talk to you?"

"John's not home, huh?" Michael said, heading down the hall to the suite he shared with Ron Walsh. Shannon followed him.

"Yeah well it's John's fault and now he's not even home for me to complain to."

Michael opened the door, letting Shannon enter ahead of him. "What did John supposedly do?"

"He talked me into getting involved more, and now I'm in majorly deep." Michael raised his eyebrows. "Major."

"It's not drugs is it?" he said.

"God... Michael!" Shannon said disgusted. "No! No I am not doing drugs. I'm not stupid! Besides..." she lowered her voice. "It's a lot more serious than that. I'm joining the sorority."

Michael almost choked. "Holy shi----"

"Don't even say a word." Shannon interrupted him. Michael raised his hands. "Look, I have to do this stupid task before pledging and--- you have to swear on your soul you won't say a word."

"Not a word." Michael said.

"I have to--- and not that it would be bad because the guy is--- OK, well he's a creep, but he's gorgeous and---"

"Shannon." Michael said.

"Right--- I have to hook up with Nick."

Michael's jaw dropped. "Messina?" he said "The creep who looks at women like pieces of meat? That Nick?"

"You said you wouldn't say anything." Shannon said.

"Have you lost your mind?" Michael said. "You know I don't think that's what John meant when he told you to get involved."

"It's supposed to be this huge feat... almost impossible."

"And you're seriously considering it?" Michael said "Where's your head, Shannon? To lower yourself like that..."

"If I turn it down now, I'll look like a chicken."

"If you turn it down now, you'll keep your dignity."

"You mean I won't look like a whore" Shannon said.

"I didn't say that," he said. "Listen to me. You know how dangerous this can be? You have heard Messina's reputation. You've heard it, Shannon. I am asking you not to do this because I don't want you catching anything. I don't want you to pick up something that could potentially kill you. Risking your life... your health... it's not worth it. Not for some stupid sorority. Just listen to me for once. Please." Shannon sighed shaking her head. "Shannon," she headed for the door, walking down the hall. "Shannon!"