a/n: I hadn't intended to post another throwback chapter for a bit, but I'm sensing a growing consensus in favor of it. Since I left you on a cliffhanger a few days ago, it also felt rude to jump back into the main story-line without some more context. I'll be posting another main-thread chapter in the next day or two, so also be on the look-out for that.

Thank you again to all of the reviewers! Many of you are reviewing as 'guests' so I can't respond directly, but know that I'm super excited to hear your take on the story.

Stay safe. - EQT.95


Silence fell between them, neither quite sure what to say next. It was an unfamiliar feeling. Kate awkwardly sidled into the room, her bags in tow. Sophie stepped back, watching and trying to contain the surge of emotions running through her. Part of her wanted to run up and pick up where they had left off weeks earlier while another part wanted to interrogate Kate for leaving her high and dry, but a bigger part of her was struggling to place Kate's demeanor. It wasn't happy or angry or sad. She looked… nervous? It was an peculiar look for Kate who could unfailingly walk into a room of strangers as the cool-tempered, easy-going socialite.

"So, wh-"

"I've been thinking," Kate began, accidentally interrupting Sophie. She hesitated for a moment, waiting to hear if Sophie would continue, never actually looking over at Sophie. After a beat, she started again. "Uhm, right, so I've been thinking -"

"Oh, so that's what you've been doing the last five weeks?" Sophie interrupted. "You've been thinking? In what, the middle of the Himalayas? Inside a cavern? Did Gotham suddenly become a black hole to all digital communication? Has it regressed back to morse code?"

Kate leaned against her bed frame, glancing up at Sophie's gaze for the first time. She didn't need to look up to see Sophie was annoyed - she gathered that much from her tone, but seeing the sharpness in her face reinforced how Kate had expected her to react.

"I should have replied, I'm sorry."

Sophie waited a moment to see if Kate would elaborate, but instead a silence hung in the air.

"What? That's it? Are you kidding me? That's what you say when you don't call your grandmother back on your birthday," Sophie replied, not buying Kate's apology. She could feel the familiar anger rising in response to the weeks of silence. "You don't get to roll in with some half-assed statement like that after what you did. You ignored me for weeks, Kate. Besides hoping you'd respond, the only thing I could think to do all break was check my mailbox every day for a letter informing me of my expulsion because you left me high and dry."

She didn't know how she had planned on greeting Kate, but this definitely wasn't it, especially after her conversation with Melvin, but Kate's lack of immediate explanation or words of genuine remorse had her seething.

"You're right, Soph. I-I didn't tell you, and I shouldn't have left you in the dark all break. I get that."

Sophie glared at Kate, about to respond when a knock came at the door. If Kate had looked nervous before, she had just reached a new level as she walked over to the door. She opened it to reveal Chelsea on the other side.

"Hey Kate! Sophie! Oh good, you're both here. How was your break?!" She started, her never ending energy contrasting starkly with the room's serious tone.

"Uh, now's not really a great time, Chelsea," Kate began.

"Oh, did you just get back?" Chelsea continued, noting Kate's jacket, "Totes get it. Just stopping by to bring you the forms. I've filled out all the information, I just need your signatures before I can submit them!"

"Right, th-thanks. Yea, let me… we- I'll get back to you in a bit about this. Still working through some logistics," Kate said cryptically.

"Sure thing; we need it submitted by tomorrow though, so don't wait too long. I can't tell you how excited I am, roomie!" she added with a wink.

With a quick goodbye Kate gratefully shut the door and turned pale-faced to see a stunned Sophie.

"What is that?" Sophie asked, already deducing the answer.

"Uhm, this was what I wanted to talk to you about. I was th-" Kate paused, sighing in frustration, "it might be best if we switch rooms. Chelsea's roommate dropped at semester, so I could move in with her and you'd have this one to yourself."

"I don't understand," was all Sophie could say as she stared back at Kate, trying to absorb the insane proposal. It was the last thing she expected to hear from Kate, and she was having a hard time processing it.

"Samantha transferred, and so now Chelsea doesn't have a roo-"

"What? No, I'm not an idiot, Kate. I understood your words," Sophie said, shaking her head in annoyance. "What I don'tunderstand is why you're saying them."

"I don't think we should room together anymore."

Sophie's face fell. "And why not?"

Kate sighed again in a mix of exasperation and resignation. "Do I need to spell it out, Soph? Obviously it's because of what happened."

"Yea? Well as Melvin tells it, there's nothing to be worried about," Sophie replied.

"How…" Kate began, distracted that Sophie had already talked to Melvin about it. "Look, what happened with Miller - we got lucky with him. But that's just it: we got lucky; he could have just as easily remembered and then we'd be beholden to his moral code and you'd be out."

"Let me get clear on this: you want to take the last three months, throw them out, move in with Chelsea, and just act like nothing ever happened? Wouldn't it be easier to just learn how to shut the door?"

"No, that - that's not the point. If y-"

"How is that not the point? That is literally nail-on-the-head the point. You're running because you're afraid some future hiccup will get you expelled?"

"Soph, you know that's not true. I already told you I don't care if I get expelled. This isn't about me."

"Actually, Kate, I don't. I don't know what's true anymore because you've shut me out. And don't act like this isn't about you. You made it about you the moment you decided I didn't have a voice in this decision," Sophie accused, her cheeks burning in frustration.

"That's because I knew you'd react this way if I included you," Kate offered defensively.

"And I think you've been alone for too long to know that's not how a relationship works, Kate," Sophie cut in, regretting her words the instant she saw Kate's face fall.

"You're probably right."

"Kate… I'm-I'm sorry," she rushed. "I didn't - I didn't mean it that way. I didn't mean to... with Beth and your mom… it… it just came out. I didn't mean… I wasn't thinking."

"It's fine," Kate replied with a distant tone, setting the papers from Chelsea on Sophie's bed. "I think you should consider this. I'm going to crash at Melvin's until they get the second bed in Chelsea's room. James is practically living with Jenn now, so there's extra space."

Sophie stared between the papers and Kate who was reaching for one of her bags to leave.

"Kate, you cannot be serious," Sophie said, her eyes pleading. "Is this really your solution? You're running? What happened to the resilient Kate Kane who would rather give the finger to the system than buckle?"

"I think with time you'll come around to it, too, Soph."

"Are we really not going to talk about this?"

"There's not much left to say. It's all pretty clear cut from where I'm standing."

"Bullshit, Kate."

"Yea? And what do you propose, Soph? Huh? You want to risk your future on this? Because if I had to guess, you don't. And that's fine; I'm not going to push you into something you aren't ready for, but then don't turn around and make me the bad guy for doing what you're too afraid to do."

"That's not fair," Sophie shot back, suddenly feeling defensive.

"How? Tell me how that's not fair. I know you, Soph. This Academy is everything for you, and I'm not going to let this screw that up."

"Who said anything about screwing it up?" Sophie asked, her frustration and voice increasing.

"Do you want to relive that night again?"

"Depends; which part?" Sophie replied sarcastically.

"Getting caught, except next time you aren't so lucky. Next time you actually get expelled. Is that something you're ready to gamble on? Having your parents finding out? Dealing with the fallout of that? Effectively destroying your future plans?"

Sophie fell silent at this. These were the exact same questions that had been spinning around her head for weeks if not months, and she hated that Kate could so easily call them out against her.

"I didn't think so," Kate continued, emboldened by Sophie's silence. She moved toward the door, making to leave.

"I'm not signing this," Sophie said as Kate opened the door.

Kate closed her eyes in frustration. Room swaps were only accepted by the Academy if all parties signed, and Sophie saying no would throw a wrench into the entire plan. It had been the best idea Kate could come up with given the circumstances. She had already tried persuading Chelsea to make the move informal without official approval, but she was almost as much of a stickler for rules as Sophie was.

"I think if you give yourself the night to think it over you'll realize it makes sense. I'll see you in class tomorrow."


Kate cautiously opened the door the next morning, quietly glancing in to check that Sophie wasn't there. After confirming the room was empty, she slipped in. She had timed her return so that she'd arrive just before Calculus II was set to begin, preferring to be berated by Gilmet for tardiness on the first day than face an angry Sophie. She quickly changed into a fresh outfit and went to grab her backpack when she caught sight of the neatly stacked papers on her desk. She stepped toward them, noting they were the roommate agreement forms, and, on the bottom line next to "Room 419, Roommate B" was Sophie Moore's signature.

Kate stared at the familiar handwriting, feeling a slight pang of disappointment rush through her. A small part of her had hoped Sophie's stubbornness would hold out, and they'd stay roommates, but this signature confirmed otherwise. She hesitated briefly before grabbing the papers and slipping them into her bag.


"So she signed them, eh?" Melvin asked from his desk.

"Yea," Kate responded simply. Their first day of classes was over, and Kate had just returned from submitting the paperwork to the housing office, all but sealing their fate as roommates.

"Well, on the plus side, you won't have to room in this mess for much longer," Melvin joked of his room's messy state, sensing Kate wasn't completely on board with her own decision. Kate gave a half-hearted smile at this, also knowing selfishly that the best room was behind door 419.

"I also got the vibe last night that you know I told Sophie about our conversation," Melvin continued, eyeing Kate's reaction closely. "I mean… it's cool if you don't want to talk about it."

"Yea, I'd rather not," Kate said quickly. She was sitting on the ground where a couch existed in her own room, her eyes pressed closed and her head leaned against the wall. She had spent the day convincing herself she was doing the right thing while dodging Sophie's looks from across various class rooms.

"Yea, s'cool," Melvin said, trying to keep his tone casual. "And look, I get it's not my business; you should do you. But you're also my friend so I'm gonna be honest with you: it's a bit bullshit you kept Sophie in the dark all break. You should have seen her yesterday; she was totally on edge."

"Yea, I know," Kate replied. "That's not something you need to tell me twice."

"So why'd you do it? I mean, you're a pain in the ass, but you're not heartless."

Kate broke into a smile, "Can I get that on my gravestone? 'Kate Kane: a pain in the ass but not heartless'."

Melvin broke into laughter, nodding his head in approval.

"I don't know why I did it," Kate continued after a moment, sobering the mood. "I think… I think I was afraid."

"Was?" Melvin pointed out.

Kate looked like she might disagree, but instead gave in. "Fair. Yea, I am afraid. What happened with Miller - Melvin, what if that happens again? Not everyone is chill with it like you; there's a very serious risk for her - for both of us - if we were to get caught again. And I don't know how to tell her that so she'll understand."

"Kate Kane, you are hopelessly in love."


"Rejected?! But how? Why?" Kate gaped up at a grinning Chelsea. She had just tracked her down in the dorm lounge to bring her the news. They had issued the forms only a day earlier, and Kate was banking on a quick response, but not like this. She continued staring up at Chelsea's smiling face with confusion.

"Apparently Martha over at Wilfred Hall also didn't have a roommate."

"But what does that have to do with us?"

"The school doesn't like it when there are multiple singles, and our submitting this form brought to their attention that I didn't have a roommate."

"So what does that mean?"

"It means either I'm off to Wilfred Hall, or I convince Martha to move into Murray."

"Shit, Chelsea, I'm sorry. Had I known-"

"Are you kidding? I mean, I'm bummed we won't be roomies, but it's not a big deal. Besides, I think I can convince Martha to make the move: Wilfred is great for parties, but Murray has bigger rooms. Plus, now you can stay with Sophie and I've got another roommate. It's a win-win!"

"Right," Kate replied, feeling daunted by the outcome. Chelsea had been the perfect option. Kate had overheard her talking about Samantha transferring at the end of semester. Apparently Chelsea had never not shared a room growing up and felt weird about being all alone. After the situation with Miller at the end of term, Kate tried making use of the information to avoid having to face Sophie as a roommate for another three months. Instead of coming up with an alternate solution, Kate had put all her eggs in that basket, expecting the Academy to have no reason to reject the request. Unfortunately, the exact opposite outcome had happened.

"And don't worry, I already told Sophie the good news on my way over here."

"That's great, Chelsea."


"Yea, well, don't wait up," Sophie said gruffly, zipping up her jacket before grabbing her bag.

"I thought you didn't like studying alone in the library," Kate countered looking up from her desk.

"Who said anything about being alone?"

Kate failed to hide her surprise, "W-what? With who?"

"Why, jealous?" Sophie replied coolly, her eyes narrowing slightly in challenge.

Kate gaped back at a loss for words. "Wh-depe-no."

"Then it shouldn't matter who," Sophie smirked in satisfaction before walking out and shutting the door behind her.


It was five hours later, and Kate was laying wide awake in her bed in complete darkness. She glanced at the digital clock: 2:14 AM. The library was technically open twenty four hours a day, but no one ever stayed past midnight. There had been no word from Sophie, and Kate was wrestling with whether she should be more worried by the silence or jealous of the mystery study partner. It wasn't like Sophie to not communicate where she was, but that norm was from back when they actually communicated. Now it was vague hellos and feigned niceties that filled the space between them.

She glanced at the clock again: 2:16 AM glared back. She lifted her phone to her face, double-checking that the times aligned; she sighed in frustration at the glowing screen confirming the time. It also confirmed Sophie had still not messaged her.

It had been over a week since news of the room swap fell through and six days since she had moved back in; an argument between James and Jenn over dirty socks had resulted in her temporary home with Melvin being revoked. It was only after Sophie left that Kate noted their earlier conversation was the most words shared by either party by a factor of ten since the first night back.

She sat up and unlocked her phone, navigating to Sophie's contact. She opened their messages, noting the last string of texts had all been from Sophie during break. She stared at the keys, trying to land on the words to say as the screen dimmed from inactivity.

Kate clicked her phone off and set it aside. She glanced at the clock once more: 2:19 AM. She had convinced herself to wait another thirty minutes before reaching out to Sophie. That was two hours and nineteen minutes ago. Instead of messaging her as planned, she kept pushing it out another thirty minutes. Her next window was at 2:30 AM, and she was trying to decide whether to push it another thirty or not.

She stared at the digital clock, watching the unmoving minutes; 2:22 AM. It was then that the rhythm of footsteps in the hall caught Kate's attention. She froze, listening intently at the sound coming closer. The sound of a key against the lock signaled it was Sophie. The door creaked slightly as it opened just wide enough for Sophie's frame to slip through. She quietly closed it, setting the dead bolt with a light click, assuming Kate was fast asleep.

"Where have you been?" Kate finally asked in the dark.

"Kate! Ju-you scared me," Sophie jumped at the sound of Kate's voice, "What are you doing up?" she asked, realizing Kate's voice wasn't groggy from sleep: she was wide awake.

"It's two in the morning."

"Yes, I am aware," Sophie dismissed. "And I'll repeat: what are you doing up?"

"I should be asking you the same. Where were you?"

"At the library. I tol-"

"Until two in the morning?"

"Ye-"

"And you didn't think to message me? You could have been on the side of the road dead for all I knew."

"What?" Sophie responded, perplexed by Kate's outburst. "You know, if you had it your way you wouldn't have even known I was gone."

"What?" Kate shot back.

"Because you'd be rooming with Chelsea?"

"Yea, but that's not what happened."

"So you don't want to be roommates but you want to keep tabs on me? You don't get to have it both ways, Kate."

"I'm not trying to keep tabs on you. I just want to know you're safe."

Sophie stared back at Kate's shadow and shook her head in frustration before letting out a long sigh. "I'll message next time."

"Thank you," Kate said, genuinely grateful for Sophie's commitment, before laying down on her bed.

Silence passed over them as Kate could hear Sophie changing in the dark. The sound of her creaking bed frame and shuffling blankets filled the air as she got settled. Kate continued staring up at the dark ceiling, her mind reeling from the last few hours.

"You're still not sleeping."

"You don't know that," Kate replied.

Kate could almost hear Sophie smile through the dark.

"I know that you don't fall asleep on your back."

Kate turned her head to see Sophie laying on her side, her eyes glowing in the dark as she stared over at Kate's side of the room. Instead of pressing how Sophie knew that, Kate rolled onto her side, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Better?"

"Hmm," was all Sophie replied.

Kate opened her eyes to see Sophie's were now closed. She watched her for a minute, unable to calm her thoughts.

"Hey Soph?"

"Mhm?" Sophie replied, half-dozing.

"Who wer-"

"Rice."

"Erwin?"

"Hmm."

"Erwin Rice?"

Sophie sighed. "He asked me to tutor him. Said you were too much of a hard-ass on him last semester."

"Oh."

Another moment passed between them.

"Hey Soph?"

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry."

Kate watched Sophie's eyes open in surprise at the unprompted remark, "For what?"

"For overreacting… earlier."

"You'll have to be more specific. Which 'earlier' are you referring to?" Sophie replied lightly.

Kate broke into a small smile, "Point taken. I guess… I mean, I was referring to tonight-"

"Well, let me know when it's for the other time, too. Then we'll talk," she replied before rolling onto her other side, leaving Kate staring at her back.