Lori Fitzgerald exits her dorm room, balancing her Chemistry book in one arm expertly as her other remains slung and in a cast. She finds Charlie Prescott waiting for her outside the door, beaming with his usual brightness. She gives him a small smile and ruffles his hair.

"How's Hannah?" Charlie asks in concern. "I know she's been putting on a brave face but something obviously happened a few weeks ago with Phillip."

"She's doing better," Lori replies honestly. "It was hard, but I think she's starting to move on." The two then start down the hallway towards the stairs, her sneakers squeaking on the wet steps.

"I still can't believe I'm the only one of the three of us who has to go to Chemistry lab today," she grumbles, a frown creeping back onto her face. Charlie quickly grabs the door for her.

"Hey, the Doctor and I figured out what our unknowns are. It just takes you a little more time." This seems to rub Lori the wrong way and she gives him a glare.

"I'm not slower. I'm handicapped," she argues, nodding to her slung arm. "I didn't finish because I ran out of time. It takes me thirty minutes to set up and pouring liquids is just a nightmare without your dominant hand."

Charlie instantly nods sympathetic. "Alright then. Don't get upset. That's what this day is for- people like you can finish up." Lori seems to soften as they start through the now dry campus, the snow having recently melted as March is dawning. "I can come in if you want and help you so you can get set up faster," he offers.

"Don't you have to study for a big computer test?"

"Yeah, Hannah actually agreed to help me. But, I can study after I help you." She regards him for a moment before shaking her head.

"That's okay. I'll be fine."

"Okay then." They walk in silence for a moment, her thinking.

"You really would have done that, wouldn't you?" she finally asks, obviously a little taken aback.

"Of course." The two keep walking, Lori obviously silently thinking to herself before giving a small smile.

XXX

Fellow companion Michael Harms is in his room, obviously not knowing what to do since he doesn't have to attend Chemistry lab. He goes from lying on his bed to sitting at his desk reading to pacing the room in the span of about a minute. Finally, he grabs his coat and heads to grab lunch from the cafeteria.

He gathers a plate of pizza and a breadstick and heads out to the table, quickly noticing Charlie sitting by himself and enjoying a slice of pizza as well. Michael smiles and goes to grab a drink. As he fills up his cup, Tyler and three other guys come up behind Charlie. Michael frowns as Charlie almost shrinks into his seat, forgetting the drink and starting for the table.

As he walks over, Tyler flips Charlie's plate so his lunch is scattered all over the floor. As Charlie kneels to clean up and they laugh, Michael comes right in front of Tyler and glares at him. "Hey. That wasn't cool," he says in an unusually icy tone.

Tyler doesn't look at all intimidated. "Well, neither is he." He high-fives his pal as they start laughing again. Michael rolls his eyes, sets his plate down, and kneels next to Charlie to help him. "Hey, who do you think you are?" Tyler questions. "I've got this covered."

"You can just go Michael," Charlie whispers, resigned. "It's okay." Michael looks at Charlie as if his soul has just been crushed before rising again to glare at Tyler.

"Excuse me, but I thought bullying stayed in the minor league halls of high school. You're the one who's done here." He nods over to where a few professors having lunch are watching the scene. Tyler glares but takes a few steps back. "And for the record, he is cool. He has accomplished more in fourteen years than you ever dreamed." They storm off as Charlie finishes cleaning up. "Let's get you a new lunch," Michael says kindly, his famous patience and compassion returning to his voice.

"Sorry," Charlie mutters as they head back to the food.

"What are you sorry for? They're the assholes. Does this happen often?"

"It's just Thursdays when I come here alone," he says defensively. "Hannah has class and you two are in lab. It's fine. I'm used to it."

"Well, you shouldn't be."

"It's not a big deal. Don't tell Lori about it, okay? She'll just get upset and then do something that'll get her in trouble. No one needs to know." Michael hesitates as Charlie grabs another plate and fills it up. He looks at Michael sadly. "You didn't have to-"

"No. I did, because that's what friends do for each other, squirt." The two head back and sit, Charlie breaking into a heartwarming smile.

Michael then looks up and notices Ben exiting the cafeteria, glancing over at them. This makes him frown as Charlie starts digging in, obviously happier and more at peace with Michael there.

XXX

So follow me down

(Lori stands with the book)
Where to?
Outta this town

(Charlie examines his map)
With you
Girl, you're movin way

(Hannah is typing away at her computer)
Too slow

So follow me down

(Michael grabs the first aid kit from a cabinet)
Which way?
Down, down, down
I'll show you around
Okay
There's a place we gotta go

(The Disney Encyclopedia begins to glow. Lori sighs)

Follow me, follow me

(Lori, Hannah, Michael, and Charlie are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces)
Fa la la la la

Follow me, follow me

Fa la la la la

(Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground)

Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)

Episode 7: Don't Hurt the Little Guy

XXX

Michael arrives at the front of the girl's freshman dorm just as Lori and her roommate Hannah Frost exit. Lori has the familiar Encyclopedia tucked under her arm and both are armed with flashlights.

"Hey," Lori greets him with a smile. Hannah crosses her arms. "Charlie will be here in a minute. We'll split up and check-"

"Can I go with you today, LF?" Hannah rolls her eyes at yet another attempt that Lori doesn't react to.

"Uh, yeah can he go with you LORI," Hannah emphasizes. "Take him off my hands before I do end up locking him on the library roof permanently."

Lori frowns. "But-"

"Please. I really need to talk to you… about Charlie." Lori catches on to his urgency and gives a quick nod. He takes the book from her and she turns on her flashlight.

"We'll take the gym and meet you two in the preserve if there's nothing." Hannah nods and the two start walking down the path. "What's the matter?" she asks as soon as they're out of earshot.

"So I went to lunch today and Tyler and his cronies were picking on him because he was alone." Lori's eyes narrow and she grows tenser. "I managed to get them to back off. But, Lori, he's acting like this is no big deal and he should just deal with it. He didn't even want me to tell you." He looks to her, but she doesn't say anything. "Lori?"

Lori shakes her head, fist clenched. "Sorry Doctor. I just want to go beat in Tyler's face right now." The venom is clear in her voice, but she reins it in. "But I'd imagine he thinks being bullied is normal."

"But it doesn't have to be," Michael says sadly. "He just needs someone to stand up for him. Ben wasn't doing anything."

Lori comes to halt, obviously becoming furious. "Wait. Ben was there and he didn't help him?!"

"Not from what I saw," Michael answers, slightly scared. "He just walked past. I'm sure-"

Lori starts walking again. "And now I have two people I want to take a baseball bat to."

Michael runs to catch up. "He shouldn't have to deal with this, Lori."

"He won't," Lori says with finality. "I'm going to see to that."

"I can't exactly endorse you beating up Tyler. We don't need any more injuries." This causes a smile to flicker on her face and Michael sighs relieved.

"I'll be fine. I can hold my own. I'm scrappy." She laughs and he joins as they enter the gym.

XXX

Hannah and Charlie enter the Arts Center, awkwardly stepping through a hallway littered and filled with masterpieces. Hannah shines her flashlight in every corner, concentrating.

"Keep your eyes peeled," she says. "Those people in the library mentioned mice being spotted in here." The artists wandering around pay the two an odd glance before continuing with their work.

"It could just be a normal mouse," Charlie offers.

"It seems highly unlikely knowing our luck. Who could we have, fellow Disney expert?"

"The mice from Cinderella probably? Does one of us need a sewing lesson?" From one room there is the sound of clattering. The two head in to see a can of paint roll towards them. The whole room has open cans of paint and ladders with some sort of project being made on the ceiling. The two pulls their shirts over their mouths and noses at the fumes. "Hello!" Charlie shouts.

"We're here to help you. We can get you home?" The two look around when Charlie notices something fall off a ladder next to him as he bumps it.

"Watch out!" He prevents the mouse from falling into an open can of paint by catching him. "There you go. I've got you." He holds up Timothy in his palm. Hannah pulls out her phone and starts texting as the two exit the room and take a deep breath. "You're okay now."

"Wow, that room really messes with your head," Timothy laments, holding his head. He almost falls, but Charlie uses his fingers to hold him up. "Why thank you. Well, it's about time I run into someone polite. Everyone else in this joint runs around screaming like a pack of elephants. The name is Timothy Q. Mouse."

"I'm Charlie and that's Hannah," Charlie smiles, just as entranced by the character as ever. "How's Dumbo doing?"

Timothy gives him a look. "Dumbo? What's a Dumbo?"

"The story hasn't happened yet," Hannah concludes. Charlie nods in agreement. Her phone buzzes and she checks it. "Lori says to take him back to the room for the night. Now we just have to figure out what we need to learn. Can you come with us Timothy? We're going to get you somewhere safer and then work to get you back home." Charlie tucks him into his coat pocket and they head into the cold.

"Well, now this is service! So you can get me back to the circus? Tomorrow there's the big show and that means peanuts all around! You folks can come too if you want," he offers.

"Is there clowns?" Charlie asks.

"Of course!"

"Then no thanks!" Charlie exclaims quickly, making Hannah giggle.

XXX

The next morning, Michael enters the upperclassman dorm and begins to pound on one of the doors. After a moment a frazzled Ben Prescott answers, not even in his tie yet. He notices Michael and consciously covers where it should be. "Hey, what can I do for you?" he asks, more polite than usual.

"I'm here to warn you," Michael begins. "I don't know when, but she's coming for you."

Ben's brow furrows in confusion. "Who?"

"Your girlfriend!" Michael exclaims a little too loudly. "Who else?!"

Ben punches his shoulder. "Shut up. It's not like that!" he says harshly.

"She's mad," Michael get back on track. "No, actually she's genuinely pissed at you."

Ben crosses his arms. "Is this over that stupid book thing? I don't-"

"No, it's over Charlie. Did you know he was getting bullied?" Michael probes gently.

"No!" he argues instantly. Michael gives a relieved smile.

"Good, because I spotted you in the cafeteria-"

"Oh, you mean yesterday with that Tyler punk." Michael's smile drops and Ben's eyes widen, realizing his mistake.

"I'd get my story straight here," he says a little colder. "She's going to be merciless when she ambushes you." He glares at Ben for a long moment before he cracks.

"Stop! Yes, I did see that jerk occasionally pester him. Happy?"

"And you didn't do anything? He's your step-brother!"

"I know, but what good am I really going to do," Ben defends. "Besides, he doesn't even want anyone to bother. We've talked about it, but he says its fine." Michael is clearly starting to become angry, an emotion that looks very unnatural on him.

"Of course he would! It's almost like he thinks he should be treated like that, and that's not okay!"

"I don't want to get involved," Ben answers honestly. Michael takes a step back, his anger being replaced by disdain.

"Wow. Okay." He takes another step back. "You're on your own. Lori's going to come after you and I'll be so glad when she does. I genuinely thought you were a better person than this. I'm really disappointed in you." He leaves and Ben just closes the door, nothing more than a little annoyed at the interruption as he puts on his tie. He then takes a moment and fear crosses his face.

XXX

Hannah is sitting at her desk designing some sort of programs with rapid clicks and typing. Timothy is perched on the shelf above her, head in a bag of peanuts she got from the vending machine in the library.

"Are you sure you don't want one?" he asks, stuffing another in his mouth.

"No. I'm fine." Lori enters and throws her stuff down. "Hey, can you test-"

"Sorry," Lori apologizes sincerely. "I really need to talk to Charlie. Tyler's been bullying him." Hannah whirls around to face her.

"What?! Why hasn't he said anything? I should go over there and-"

Lori puts her hands up and Hannah breaks off, sitting again. "Come on Hannah. We know why. We've both been there. He thinks its okay. He might even think he deserves it. It certainly doesn't help that Ben just ignores it."

Hannah's on her feet again. "Excuse me?! That's it, I'm going over there and-"

"Hannah," Lori says in a sharp tone that makes her sit again. "Trust me, I'd love to join you but-"

"I'm actually surprised you haven't already?" Hannah observes. Timothy can't help but nod in agreement.

"I know how we really need to deal with this," Lori assures her. "And then we should be able to send you back Timothy."

Timothy stuffs another peanut in his mouth. "Take your time. All the peanuts I can eat! And the shells are already off too!"

Lori laughs. "Sorry, but shortly there is going to be someone who really needs you. You can't miss out on that." There is a knock on the door. "I'll be out in a minute Charlie," she calls, removing her coat and hanging it. She goes to head out.

"Lori!" Lori turns to her roommate, curious. "Just… be careful. I know you can be abrasive and-"

Lori nods in understanding. "Heartless," she agrees.

"No!" Hannah replies, realizing her mistake.

"It's okay. I know exactly what you meant," Lori says with a sad smile. She exits and Hannah takes a beat before rising.

"Come on," she says as Timothy hops into her palm. "We need to be there for when she screws this up. I don't want her to upset him too much."

XXX

Lori and Charlie enter the lounge. She gestures for him to sit on the couch and he does. Hannah creeps so that she's right outside the door, out of sight but within hearing range. Timothy chomps on a peanut and she puts her finger to her lips. He nods.

"What's the matter?" Charlie asks as Lori paces awkwardly for a moment.

"I… I just want to talk to you," Lori commits, standing in front of him. She takes a moment before starting, him staring up at her. "Michael told me about Thursday, buddy."

His face instantly falls and he defensively crosses his arms. "Uggh… it's no big deal."

Lori sighs. "Charlie-"

"It's my fault for being smart," he argues, desperately trying to just end the conversation. "I wish I was normal," he admits. Lori takes this in for a moment as Hannah holds her breath at what'll come next.

"Well, I don't," she says kindly- obviously trying very hard. "Everything that makes you special isn't normal. Never is."

"I don't care," Charlie answers.

Lori grows a little frustrated. "Well, I do," she says a little too sharply.

"Since when have you ever cared about me?!" he shouts back. This seems to break him and he starts to cry. Lori is frozen and Hannah nods having figured this would happen. She is about to turn the corner and head in for damage control when Lori speaks up again.

"Now you listen to me Charlie Raymond Prescott," she says, kneeling so she is eye level with him. Her tone has shifted to one of genuine compassion, things coming out much more naturally.

"When I first met you I did indeed think you were nothing but annoying." He scoffs at this, but she keeps going. "But you proved me wrong. You are willing to do so much for me," she says in amazement, "in fact I'd be lost without you. I wouldn't be half the person I am now without having you by my side." Hannah stands in the doorway, clearly being moved. Charlie, however, continues to look down though he has stopped crying.

"So I do care about you very deeply and that is why I'm going to help you with this. I know you think you might deserve this, but no does- especially someone as wonderful and awesome and kind-hearted as you are. I get what's going on up in that noggin, but it's wrong. So I'm not going to back off on this. We're going to handle Tyler and the others. But that isn't going to work until you understand that you are so much better than what you think of yourself. And if others, like Ben, can't see that- screw them! You have people that do now. You have people who care about you, and this is what those kinds of people do for each other." She smiles at him, proud of herself.

"Stop lying! We're not even friends according to you!" he shoots back, glaring at her.

"No. No we're not," Lori answers simply, shrugging. Hannah smacks her hand to her face and Charlie gives a smug smile at his being right, sniffling. Lori takes a moment before putting her had on his, meeting his eyes. "I don't know about you, but I consider us to be best friends. Don't you?" she admits.

This catches everyone of guard. "W-what did you say?" Charlie questions in disbelief.

"I said that you, Charlie Prescott, are my best friend," Lori says again with clear pride. "And don't you forget it."

He takes a beat before breaking into a smile that lights up the whole room. "You're my best friend too!"

Lori laughs. "Glad to hear it." Charlie joins her before suddenly stopping, something having just hit him. "What is it?"

"I have friends," he whispers in disbelief. "Not just you- but Hannah and Michael. They're my friends too. I have friends, Lori!"

"Indeed you do. And that's because you're awesome," she tells him, hoping to break through.

He smiles at her. "I am, aren't I? I'm a genius actually!" They both laugh at this together. From her hiding spot Hannah is tearing up and Timothy is smiling- almost inspired.

"They're adorable, aren't they?" she says, heading back to the room.

"Yeah," Timothy agrees. "You can just tell she's going to stick by him for thick and thin. I wish everybody would that for the little guys."

Hannah can't help but giggle. "Keep that in mind, alright?"

"I will. I'm going to try to be more like Lori," he says, puffing out his chest.

"I honestly thought I'd never hear anyone say that," Hannah whispers in disbelief, placing him back on her desk.

XXX

Hannah opens the door after a knock later that night to find Ben Prescott standing there sheepishly. Her mouth instantly becomes a line.

"I've been waiting for her all day," Ben begins hastily. "I've been checking around corners. My blood pressure is probably through the roof. I just need to see her before I start going bald."

"She took Charlie for ice cream."

Ben sighs. "Judging by your expression you know. I just came to get it over with."

"Oh, I actually think you got really lucky. I think she's sparing you."

Ben instantly looks confused. "That doesn't sound like Lori."

Hannah crosses her arms in disgust. "Yeah, well she's not the person you accuse her of being." She goes to slam the door, but stops. Ben flinches.

"There's more you want to say. She may spare me, but you're not going to."

"You are his older brother."

"Step-brother."

Hannah shakes her head, almost trembling in anger. "You are his older brother! He idolizes you more than anyone! Actually, that's a lie. Almost more than anyone! And the reason for that is your own doing! You never step up Ben Prescott! She may grief and joke but she goes to bat for him every single time he needs someone in his corner! What do you do?!"

Ben recoils, faltering. "I…I… well I…"

"Exactly! You hate the fact that Lori always wins. I can see it drives you beyond insane. But she will always win as long as you act like this! It's about time you step up and do a better job at being a brother! He's the only one you've got!" Satisfied, she slams the door in his face. He takes a moment before walking back, becoming lost in thought.

XXX

Tyler and his friends sit the next morning eating lunch and laughing with one another, Victoria even with them. Lori comes up in front of them flanked by Hannah and Michael. All of them clearly have expressions that show they mean business. Tyler opens his mouth, but Lori holds up her figure.

"Don't even open your mouth," she orders, clearly in control. He shuts it abruptly, almost a little scared. "I'm going to make this simple so that it can get through even your thick skull. You will leave Charlie alone." Victoria goes to speak. "I said don't even!" Lori orders. She turns back to Tyler. "You will leave my best friend alone. We are giving you a pretty great chance here- an opportunity to get out of this scot free. You don't and we will go to the deans and the principal. We will do whatever it takes to ensure you can't even come within a foot of him. That kind of behavior is unacceptable. You know I'm not messing around. Are we clear?"

"We're-"

"I said no talking!" He nods, obviously terrified. "Good. I'm glad we had this chat. Enjoy your pudding. We both know it won't be delicious." They group walks off to exit the cafeteria. "Let's see if that was enough to get Timothy home," Lori says with a smile. They walk past Ben entering without either party noticing one another. Ben looks over the tables and sees Tyler. He stands for a moment before getting a determined look, rolling up his sleeve, and walking over there.

XXX

Lori flips to a glowing poem in the book as Timothy shakes everyone's thumb. "Well, it's been fun," he says. "I've learned quite a bit. And also ate a lot. Lori," he begins, reaching her.

"Yeah?"

"You're a pretty awesome person."

She shakes her head and her companions frown. "No I'm not," she answers with what she feel is honesty. She begins to sing, "Time for lemonade and Cracker Jacks Time to send Timothy Mouse back"

"Tell Dumbo we're sorry for the tree," Charlie adds as the glow begins. Timothy gives one last confused look before vanishing in the flash of light. Lori shuts the book and Charlie smiles at all of them. "Thanks guys."

Michael puts an arm around him. "Ah, it's what friends are for squirt." He turns to Lori. "I'm going to head back. I'll see you for lunch tomorrow." Hannah regards him coldly but the other two nod emphatically.

"Have a good night," Lori calls as he exits the door and heads out of the dorm. He spots Ben from a distance walking towards him and he looks to ignore him, putting his head down. However, as they pass he can't help but notice Ben now sports a shining black eye. He gives a laughing smile.

"Harms," Ben greets.

Michael gives a nod of respect. "Prescott." The two then walk past one another to their separate destinations.

XXX

Charlie has fallen asleep by Lori's blanketed feet on his pillow. Lori regards him with a smile before closing her book, slipping his out from under him, and then reaching to turn off the light. Before she can, Hannah enters the room and leans on her bed frame.

"You know," she begins in a whisper, "I was in just as much disbelief as you when Merlin said those things. But between the Phillip thing and now this, I might be starting to get a picture. At least I'm never going question if you have a heart ever again."

"Whatever you say," Lori whispers back, obviously not buying it. Hannah rolls her eyes and climbs into bed, lying down. Lori clicks off the light and takes the spare blanket to tuck Charlie in before lying down and closing her eyes. "Whatever you say."

XXX

Tune in next week as Charlie and Lori land in peril that forces Michael and Hannah to work together and requires assistance from a very reluctant individual who makes a very important decision