A car pulls to a stop in a parking spot in front of the upperclassman building, and a figure steps out into the August heat. Hannah Frost moves to the back of the car as another figure climbs out of the passenger side. Kaity Klingbeil moves to the back to help her, looking out over campus before elbowing her friend.

"You okay being back?" she cuts to the chase.

Hannah holds a box and nods, looking sad but able to hold herself together. "There's no doubt it's going to be rough. It was hard just passing the Classroom Building, honestly. But it's going to be okay. It has to be okay." She then adds under her breath, "It can't hurt this much forever."

Kaity is about to say something when a shout draws their attention. "Charlie, slow down!" They turn to see Ben Prescott being pushed at a very spastic pace and direction in his wheelchair by Charlie Prescott. Charlie grinds to a halt, but loses a grip on the wheelchair- sending Ben careening towards the two ladies and he desperately tries to stop. Hannah drops her box and is about to try to stop him somehow, when Michael Harms comes out of seemingly nowhere to grab the handles and bring it to a stop. Ben let out a sigh of relief and turns to hug his rescuer. "Thanks Harms."

Michael responds with a few pounds on the back. "Of course, Prescott." Charlie manages to catch up to them as Michael gets a better grip. "I can take it from here, squirt."

"I'm so sorry," He apologizes frantically, only for Ben to wave him off.

"You may have grown immensely," he mentions the teenager's growth spurt that puts him taller than Ben in the chair and shoulder height for Michael, "but apparently you're just not big enough yet. You need to hit the gym," he adds, tickling his brother's stomach.

Charlie laughs and manages to bat him away. "Has anyone seen Lori yet?" Everyone shakes their head and he sighs, looking down the road for her car. "I hope she gets here soon."

"Didn't you spend all of June and July with her at Michael's if I'm remembering correctly?" Rachel Ellis can't help but question as she walks up to them, being led by Finch Hale with Andrew Parker carrying a stack of boxes behind them. They are quickly greeted by the group with hellos and hugs for the two girls- Finch being very delicate with Ben.

"She did," Michael answers. "I think she actually really helped my mom, I think. She liked having some people in our house, especially one that she could take care of. I dropped her off earlier this week and she seems to be coping. Time will tell. Baby steps."

"That's great though, Doctor," Kaity makes it clear. "A step forward is a step forward. She's digging down deep and finding what she needs- I have watched way too many Disney movies this summer," she mumbles to herself, making everyone laugh. "It's called research, everybody! I'd expect all of you to be as devoted Companions as I am."

"Been there, done that. Anyway, that means I haven't seen her for almost a month!" Charlie exclaims. "That's just criminal for two best friends!"

Hannah crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. "Hey! What about me? I'm her roommate and I haven't seen her in three months."

"Roommate isn't best friend," Charlie reasons with a roll of his eyes. Hannah counters his sass by grabbing his head and messing up his hair. "Stop! Stop!" he shouts playfully with a smile. "Only Lori can-!"

"Release my friend at once or suffer the consequences." Everyone turns to see Lori standing grandly, sword extended. She is looking a lot better being able to stand solidly on her own two feet again. The only visible remnant of last semester is a thin scar that runs down her left cheek. "This sword has slain a dragon after all." Hannah lets Charlie go and he runs for her, hugging her as she makes the sword vanish. "Hey, my ribs healed like a month ago. Give me a real hug." He obliges, squeezing as tight as he can. "That's better."

She rises to face everyone, looking them all over as they wave and greet her warmly. "I hear we all kept in touch and visited one another over the summer which is fantastic. I saw a great number of you, though not all since I wasn't fit for travel for a while." She waves to Hannah, who smirks and waves back. "But that's great. We needed each other after everything." She clears her throat. "As I talked about before we left, I'm not planning on changing how we do things. Caleb would want nothing more than for us to continue being heroes… if I'm allowed to say-"

Hannah nods as everyone turns to her, appearing stronger than before. "You certainly can because it's the truth. It's… it's exactly what he would say if he were here." She looks down, but Michael is quick to put an arm around her and kisses the top of her head.

Lori nods, more somber. "So we keep being heroes. We keep fighting to protect the characters in the book and get them home. We keep stopping the villains from staying out and hurting anyone on this campus. We try to stay safe, and know I will do everything in my power to protect you. But we've seen sometimes it's not enough, but it doesn't stop us from trying. We put ourselves through rough things and make tough choices that may not be best for us because if we don't then no one else will."

"And we do it together," Andrew adds, earning a nod from everyone outside Ben. Lori looks over the group once again and smiles.

"Then let's go kick this semester's ass together," she declares, earning a cry from her Companions. They all then head for the Upperclassman Dorm together- Finch pushing Ben, Kaity with her arm linked with Rachel's, Charlie laughing with Michael and Andrew, and Lori walking with her hand firmly clenching Hannah's.

XXX

So follow me down

Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town

Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
With you
Girl, you're movin way

Hannah is typing away at her computer.
Too slow

So follow me down

Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders.
Which way?

Rachel is performing on stage when her phone rumbles in her boot.
Down, down, down

Ben looks at his phone, adjusting his tie.
I'll show you around

Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room.
Okay

Andrew runs out the door, nearly tripping, removing his magician's cap from his head.
There's a place we gotta go

Finch puts the two fingers to her temple and her eyes glaze over.

Follow me, follow me

Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, Kaity, Finch, Rachel, and Andrew 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 One: If it's Not Baroque, Don't Fix It

XXX

Ben wheels out of one of the bedrooms in the boys' dorm room as Michael comes in with at least three boxes on top of one another. He sets them down in a bedroom with two beds, one of which is occupied by Charlie desperately trying to put his sheets on. "I can't thank you enough, Harms. I owe you an ice cream."

"It's no big deal, Prescott," Michael shrugs off. "I'm happy to help you out any way you need. Things… things are different, but we'll adjust. You get the bottom shelf instead of Charlie this go around." Charlie smiles at the joke, but Ben's is half-hearted. "It sucks, my friend. And I'm sorry it had to be you. But we will get through this." Ben nods and he pats him on the back. "Andrew should be up in a moment with your last box."

He sees Ben go to say something. "No. I listened all summer to this." Ben goes to speak again. "All summer. I really listened and tried to understand where you're coming from. But you still have no evidence. And we're not going to go whispering behind his back in his own dorm room. That's not fair to him and you know it." Ben says nothing, but is clearly not happy. "He called her once a week like clockwork. He cares about her. That should be enough to go off of that he's just a really nice guy. It is for the rest of us."

They are cut short when Andrew enters and sets down a box. He can immediately sense something is up and hesitates. "I'm going to visit Kaity," Ben declares, wheeling himself out of the room. "Thanks for the help, Andrew."

Andrew can tell he doesn't mean it, but treats is sincere anyway. "Any time. Looking forward to this year together, man." Ben leaves and he sees Michael go to comfort him. "I'm not worried. I just need to keep being myself and wait for him to come around because it is clear no one is going to force his hand. But you've all been through a lot and that's okay. He can take all the time he needs."

Charlie hops off his bed and heads over. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I think this is the best room a group of four guys can have. I say we should break the place in with a magic trick!"

Andrew instantly lights up. "I've got the perfect one. I've been working on this all summer." He grabs an empty suitcase from Charlie's pile. "Now, never take your eyes off me."

XXX

Meanwhile, Lori enters the dorm room she will be sharing with Hannah and stacks the last of her dozen boxes in their living area. She wipes her brow with a triumphant smile only for it to fade a bit in realization. "Now I have to move them all into the bedroom." She grabs the smallest and lightest one from the stack. "Baby steps." She goes down the hallway only to come to a halt at the sight of two doors. "Hannah!"

Her roommate sticks her head out from the closer bedroom with a polite smile. "Yeah?"

Lori is clearly afraid to ask the question weighing on her; becoming a much smaller version of herself not often seen. "There's… there's two bedrooms."

Hannah raises an eyebrow. "Good to see you can still count. What's the deal?"

"I-I didn't know you wanted-"

Hannah finally catches on and steps out towards her roommate, hands raised. "Oh no. It's not like that. I didn't- I hacked the system so we'd have a guest room." She leads Lori to the second bedroom, which is much smaller with one bed, dresser, and desk. "I actually got the idea from Russell last semester- put in a fake third roommate so we'd get it. We sleep in the other room together and the characters have this instead of a sleeping bag. Everybody wins." Lori just nods along, clearly relieved beyond measure that her interpretation was incorrect.

"That's actually a really great idea. I knew there was a reason I picked you as my roommate." Hannah gives her a brief hug before leading her into the first bedroom, both of their beds already lofted on top of their dressers and bookshelves. "And because you know my taste so well."

"Who knew all it took to freak you out were two bedrooms? Your nerves clearly need some more down time than three months." Lori sets the box down with a smirk as Hannah returns to setting things up on her desk. Hannah takes a beat before speaking up. "I wanted to ask you for some advice."

"Clearly roommate hell is freezing over," Lori says with sass, only to see how serious her roommate is. "What can I do for you? Though I warn you I want to be your model in like no things. So do like the opposite of what I say right now."

"I need a hobby," Hannah says simply. "I need a hobby or an activity or a club or something. Because otherwise I feel like I'm going to lose my mind being here. Everything… everything reminds me of him and there's nothing anyone can do about it. But I can't have too much time to myself otherwise I'm going to go crazy thinking. So I need… something. But I'm not sure what it is."

Lori thinks for a long moment. "Computer club?"

"Tried my freshman year. Got banned after they realized my skill set… meaning when I blew up the library computer. They never had any proof, but they suspected enough."

"Some sort of thing for future teachers?"

"I've never really connected with them or spent time with them. I never liked how majors sometimes isolate themselves from one another. That's why I like this so much, a lot of different opinions from a lot of angles."

"That's a little deep for me. Okay… I can't really think of anything, but I will keep my eyes out on those posters they always put up the first week for an idea."

"Idea for what?" Charlie walks in, one of Lori's boxes in his hands. "I finished upstairs so I thought I'd come help you." He nearly trips with the box, but Lori steadies him.

"I appreciate it, buddy. You are more than welcome to hang out here as long as you want- we even have a guest room now. But I'm okay. I can do things and you don't have to worry so much anymore. I know we both got used to it those two months and I can't thank you enough for taking care of me, but I think its important things go back to normal." He looks at her for a long moment. "You can chill and relax from unpacking your stuff while I do mine. Sound fair?" He nods and she hugs him, ruffling his hair. "Who's my best friend?"

"I am!" he shouts happily. She heads out to grab the next box and he climbs onto her bed, relaxing with a smile on his face.

A minute later, a voice calls out from the living area. "Hannah! Can I get a hand with this really big one?!"

Hannah just rolls her eyes and goes to head out as Charlie laughs. "I told you best friend beats roommate."

"Yes, smarty pants. You're right." She stops at the door and looks back at him. "You're never going to sleep in that guest room, are you?" she shoots back.

"I'm quite comfortable here," he answers honestly, falling back on his best friend's bed. Hannah can only shake her head affectionately as she exits.

XXX

Later the next morning, Finch is walking with Rachel to her first class. "We need to pick up the audition information as soon as we can," the brunette tells the projection. "Auditions for the Fall Play are next week already and practice makes perfect after all. I need to nail this." Finch nods as Rachel lets out a yawn.

"It looks like you need more sleep more than anything," Finch quips. "Having trouble getting settled yesterday evening?"

"Not quite," Rachel admits. "Kaity just likes to stay up really late when she's at a peak. She's just so full of energy and needs to channel it somehow. I know she's trying to be quiet, but I can literally hear every scratch of her pencil as she draws up a storm. And I don't want to be rude and tell her to stop, because she needs an outlet. Just like how I need the furniture to stay in one place." She rolls up her sleeve to show off an impressive bruise on her arm. "She dragged her desk to get a better angle and I literally fell over it this morning." There is a beat and then she suddenly starts up again. "And just because I don't see her and Ben making out doesn't mean I can't hear it and am aware of it. But again, don't want to be the bad guy our first day out."

She can almost feel Finch's eyes on her and takes a steadying breath. "I'm sorry. That was- I just had to vent. I was the one who agreed to having a roommate and expanding my horizons. I just didn't know it would take this much effort to do so. Don't tell her this stuff, okay? If she needs to hear it then she needs to hear it from me directly."

"I will refrain from detailing the previous conversation to Kaitlyn Klingbeil. You mentioned how stressful this year will be when we were discussing details over the summer. From what I have learned from Lori Fitzgerald and Hannah Frost, a roommate is meant to relieve stress and help you rather than make things more stressful."

"You seriously learned that from them?" Rachel questions incredulously. "Do you even pay any attention to the two of them? There is hardly a week that goes by without some form of bickering."

"To help one another. They know when the other needs an easy battle to win and provides it." Rachel actually contemplates this answer before being unable to really argue with the projection. "I'm sure Kaity Klingbeil would let you start a fight over your stress about the Trinity College Artist Scholarship."

Rachel takes a deep breath. "Don't even remind me. I haven't even started my essay and its due by the end of next month. What can I say that convinces them I'm the artist who's going to be somebody from this school?" Finch comes to a halt as Rachel keeps walking, eyes glazing over. "I was selfishly and shamelessly fishing for a compliment there. Feel free to oblige if you desire."

"The book has been activated," Finch relays. "I need to contact Lori Fitzgerald."

"You can do that from your first class," Rachel argues, reaching out to find her arm and tugging. "Send her a message and we can deal with this afternoon. I'm not letting you miss your first class of junior year. You are going to be a model student who read the entire book the first week of break because you were bored."

"Lori Fitzgerald and her Companions have recommended against my being too… enthusiastic in class participation because it will draw attention."

"Well, I say go big or go home. And I'm certainly not letting you go home." Finch can only roll her eyes and keep walking with her. "I will talk to Kaity though. You're right. This should be handled sooner rather than later."

"Of course I am right. I tend to average that way more often than not."

"Now that's the kind of stuff you can leave out of the classroom, projection," Rachel says in a very affectionate manner as she is dropped off in front of her classroom. "Now go be your brilliant self!" she shouts after Finch as she continues forward, causing the projection to merely sigh. "Now that's how you boost an ego. She should take notes."

XXX

Meanwhile, Lori has a few minutes between classes and steps out of the café with three pink smoothies to take to her next class. She starts at a good clip across the bridge when she sees Shawn Zimmerman, her ex-boyfriend, has spotted her and is waiting at the other side. She has nowhere to run other than jumping off the bridge, and tries to look casual as she meet up with him. "Shawn," she greets with a large fake smile. "It's good to see you. How was pre-season?"

"Really good," he smiles back a little awkwardly. "We're hoping to make it even bigger than last year. We lost some good guys, but the new ones could put even me to shame. How are you?"

"Rough summer," she admits.

"Yeah. I'm sorry about Caleb," he cuts in sincerely. "I know he was Hannah's boyfriend and seemed really close with your whole group."

"It's been rough, especially for her, but we're just… trying to move forward. I think about him and miss him every day still, though. And I know it'll eventually fade, but-"

"Part of you doesn't want it to because it's the first step in really accepting it." She just nods, surprised at his understanding. "I'm glad I ran into you actually. I've been thinking about talking to you and maybe running into you like this means-"

"I'm sorry, but I have class in five minutes," she kindly interrupts. "And Charlie and Michael will be expecting these for our first morning of Developmental Biology. Lord knows we'll need something to keep us going."

"I figured those all weren't for you, but then I remembered how much you could eat," he laughs before getting serious. "I'll make it quick though. Are you seeing anyone?"

Lori gets a little suspicious and guarded. "Not since I got dumped on Valentine's Day, no."

"Ouch. I deserved that."

"You did."

"But I did a lot of thinking this summer… about us and how we- how I ended it. I wasn't… God it's really hard to say my train of thought when you're looking at me like that," he gestures to Lori's unamused face. "But, the point is I think we should talk about us. I have a few things I want to say and I hope you'd be open to that."

"And if I'm not?" she questions, highly guarded.

"I will be at breakfast tomorrow. If you come I will take it as you want to talk and we will. We will visit the idea of us with an open mind once again- this time without the craziness of a supposed magical Disney book. If you don't, then I know and I won't bother you. Sound like a plan?"

Lori stands there for a long moment before giving the smallest of nods, lost in thought. He shows a dazzling smile as she starts past him down the path. "I do hope you come though. Just saying." She doesn't betray anything and keeps walking only for her phone to vibrate in her pocket. She instantly knows what it means and takes a deep, steadying breath.

"And here we go."

XXX

A few hours later, Michael rifles through his first aid backpack in the living area of the boys' dorm to make sure he has everything before throwing it over his shoulders. He gives a thumbs-up to Ben who nods and the two start out the door. Ben hesitates.

"I think I might actually grab a blanket. My legs might get cold… since I'm not using them and I won't really be able to tell until I have hypothermia."

"Okay. I'll meet you at the elevator." Ben then wheels back towards the bedrooms, but completely skips his to enter the one Michael and Andrew share.

"Let's see what you're hiding," he mutters to himself as he starts pulling drawers in the dresser and carefully looking under clothes. "A communication line or something." He comes up empty and then proceeds to the desk, looking through pencil cups and searching behind picture frames. The only thing he can find is in the drawer and it's merely a buried picture of a younger Andrew and his mom at what looks to be a soccer camp. It has been ripped, but then carefully and painstakingly taped back together. It isn't what he's looking for though and he throws it back in frustration, letting out a groan.

He finally gives up after searching the bed and wheels himself out the door into the hallway. He reaches the end where Michael is waiting at the elevator. He raises an eyebrow and Ben realizes he didn't grab a blanket. "I-I changed my mind."

Michael shakes his head slightly in disgust as he hits the button. "Sure you did." The doors open and he helps Ben in. "At least tell me you're done with this now, Prescott."

Ben just crosses his arms and doesn't answer as the elevator doors close.

XXX

That evening after dinner, Lori and her Companions are hiking through the preserve as storm clouds rumble above them. Lori herself has slipped into a plastic raincoat she has acquired for such an occasion while the others tote umbrellas as they watch the weather warily. Finch is pushing Ben and easily able to manage some of the rougher terrain with her strength.

Thunder rumbles once again. "Please tell me that's the weather and not the character," Rachel requests.

"It's the weather," everyone says in unison as they keep hiking in intense silence, trying to almost beat the storm. They arrive at the clearing and find nothing.

"Let's head for the Library Tree," Lori commands, leading them in another direction. She walks for a bit before deciding to state what's bothering her. "Shawn wants to get back together."

"What?!" Hannah breaks the silence, and soon everyone but Andrew is reacting accordingly and asking a flood of questions.

"I ran into him on my way to class while getting the smoothies," Lori answers, picking up a few words from each of them. "He says he's been doing a lot of thinking this summer about us and wants to see if I'm open to talking to him."

"And you threw the drink in his face right?!" Kaity probes harshly.

"I feel like that might have been the right answer," Michael agrees. "But maybe not as mean."

"Yeah, what an asshole," Hannah agrees with the majority as she crosses her arms. "Thinks he can just say some words and all is forgiven for what he put you through."

"If I'm allowed to ask," Andrew inquires politely, "what exactly did he put her through?" They all stare and he awkwardly smiles. "I-I don't know all the stories back… backstories yet. Sorry."

"He dumped her on Valentine's Day," Hannah answers as Lori flinches at the memory.

"Because she waited too long to be honest with him," Ben cuts in, earning everyone's attention.

"You're taking his side, Prescott?"

"I'm not, Harms. I'm just saying he's not completely the bad guy. Both of them helped screw things up. We all told her so the whole time. So don't completely vilify the guy." Everyone takes this in, becoming less defensive. "I think you should try though." Hannah rolls her eyes. "He made you happy and you could use some of that."

"But it doesn't have to be him," Hannah disagrees. "What happened to that librarian you said you flirted with?"

"Burned that bridge real good," Lori responds. "Didn't have the time or energy to give with everything going on. Don't know if I do now honestly." She seems lost in thought as it suddenly starts to downpour on the group and they hastily raise their umbrellas. Charlie goes to speak but Ben gets there first.

"Just think about it. It's not like other options-"Hannah whirls on him to argue fiercely when a growl sounds loudly through the trees, drawing their attention in a different direction.

Rachel's grip on her umbrella goes white. "Please tell me that was-"

"Not the weather," they all say tentatively in unison. Lori slowly makes her way toward the tree where a large shape is against it, sword appearing in her hand as another growl is let loose. She nods at Charlie who shines his flashlight at the creature slowly, revealing it to be the Beast. Everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief as Lori makes the sword vanish and approaches him more casually.

"Beast," she smiles as she approaches, only for him to thrust his claws out and try to strike her. She falls back into Michael who holds her steady and the Beast continues to snarl at them like an animal. "Beast, you're okay. I'm Lori- you might have heard of me. I can send you back home. It's my job to-" He lashes out again and Michael literally pulls her back.

"Why's he acting like this?" Charlie asks, baffled. "Even without or before Belle, he should still understand you." He shines the flashlight on him and Michael notices something, passing Lori off to Kaity to both of their amused annoyance.

"He's hurt," he says, moving the flashlight back to his arm where a large red gash is. He hands off his umbrella to Kaity once again to her amused annoyance and pulls gauze out of his backpack, making his way towards the Beast hands up. "I can help with that," he nods to the wound as the Beast regards him darkly. "I can make it feel better."

"Be careful," Lori whispers. Michael gets closer than she did, but when the Beast lunges he ducks under the arm and grabs it. "Doctor!" She starts forward, but he manages to get the gauze on the arm and the Beast stills.

"There we go, big guy," Michael says gently as he starts pulling more supplies from his backpack. "We need to get him inside. It's not good for him to be out here with this weather. He could catch hypothermia."

"How do we get him into the dorms though?" Andrew asks.

"Maybe you could magic him-"Lori cuts Ben off with a glare. "We could use a window perhaps. Pull him in." Michael bandages the wound after carefully sterilizing it. Lori watches the Beast immediately become tense at everyone once again as the Doctor backs off.

"He won't go anywhere with us," she deduces, turning to the group. "He's hurt and not thinking straight. We won't be able to reason him into coming with us and then we won't be able to keep him hidden if we do. We need to keep him here. Can I get someone's umbrella?"

Kaity volunteers hers and ducks onto Ben's lap under the one Finch holds for him- raindrops going right through her. Lori slowly hangs in on a higher branch, trying not to startle him, so the Beast is at least somewhat covered from the rain. "Are we just going to leave him?" Charlie asks.

Lori shoots a smile over her shoulder. "You know that's not my style anymore." She looks back. "I'll stay with him and make sure he's okay while the rest of you go back." There is a chorus of disagreements so she puts her hand up. "We're not arguing this. Everyone has class tomorrow and I'm not risking anyone getting sick out here when it's completely avoidable. I'm better prepared for this weather than anyone else is right now. You guys have to admit that at least." She waits for arguments, but none come. "This is one of those jobs that's meant for me- that I need you to let me take. Maybe if I stay here for a few hours he'll settle down or at least trust me enough we can consider sneaking him in."

"And is you're here all night?" Hannah asks.

Lori shrugs. "Then I'm here all night." She starts to the other side of the tree and sits down. "You guys should start back before it gets worse." They all hesitate a beat, but Charlie nods as Michael hands over some medical supplies.

"Stay safe," Charlie orders her. She gives him a real smile and he starts heading back with the others following behind him. Once they are out of sight she settles back against the tree and tries to get comfortable.

"Don't worry, big guy. I'm here." He lets out a faint growl and she smirks. "I'm not going anywhere."

XXX

About an hour later, Rachel steps out of the bathroom in her pajamas only to run face-first into a cabinet Kaity has open. She lets out a cry of pain that sends the smaller girl running out of her bedroom.

"Oh my God," she runs over to her roommate, closing the cabinet. "I'm so sorry. I was thinking about this painting I was working on and lost my train of thought and didn't think- do you need ice?"

Rachel shakes her head. "I'm okay. But I think we- I know you can be forgetful when your minds in your work and that you like chaos and disorganization. I'm an artist. I used to be that way too- never made my bed if I could help it." Kaity snorts. "But my life is a little different now and I kind of need things to stay in one place for my peace of mind… and safety. And I'm sorry-"

Kaity raises an eyebrow. "Why are you sorry? You're right. I need to think about you more. I'm still used to having an RA for a roommate who's secretly reporting back to my parents. I couldn't care less about them. But I care about you a lot. So I'll try… to think more about you. It'll be good for me."

"And I know it's not going to be perfect," Rachel smiles. "I'm not going to be either with my always asking you for things and times and my can always tapping and basically driving you up a wall. But I'll definitely try too because I care about you and want to make this work too. It's a learning process."

Kaity nods and starts leading her to the bedroom. "Did you seriously think I was going to get pissed at you if you talked to me about this?"

"It was the second day Kaity."

"Better now than never," the blonde counters. "Don't be afraid to talk to me about anything, because that's what's going to make me mad. You won't like Angry Kaity. She's not a fun as I am."

Rachel laughs. "I'll keep that in mind." She takes a beat before speaking up. "Can you not make out with your boyfriend when I'm in the room? I can still hear it."

Kaity hits her in the arm. "That was gum. I was chewing gum to help me think. Did you seriously- don't assume I'm trying to get away with things behind your blind back."

"Got it," Rachel agrees sheepishly. "Like I said… learning process."

XXX

Back in the preserve, Lori is sitting against the tree in the pouring rain as Beast lets out a sad roar on the other side. She tentatively looks around the tree only to recoil as he snarls at her. She hears a figure coming through the trees and can't help but smile. "How did I know you would put in an appearance?"

Charlie comes next to her in a matching raincoat and takes a seat beside her. "I figured you got us matching raincoats for a reason." They sit for a moment. "I gave it an hour. I figured you might be losing your mind out here."

"He's still bleeding through his bandages. I put some more gauze on but it doesn't seem to be helping our relationship overall." She puts her head on his shoulder. "What do you think I should do about Shawn?"

"Should you really be asking the fifteen year old for relationship advice?" he can't help but ask.

"You're almost sixteen," she shoots back. "Besides, if I can't ask my best friend who can I ask? So what do you think?"

Charlie thinks for a moment. "I think you ultimately want what Hannah and Caleb had," he answers honestly, surprising her. "But that's not what you're thinking about now. You're still scared about what Mulan said about you being dark, despite your best friend's insistence it's not true. And you think having someone could help prove that's not true- that you have enough to give and be in a relationship. You feel like you need this and that's why you're considering it."

"When did you become a psychiatrist?" Lori quips, though a little disarmed at how accurate he is. "You're really good at this."

"Hannah and Caleb cared more about bringing out the best in each other than themselves because that's how much they loved each other. Same thing with Ben and Kaity." He pauses before continuing. "You're worried about yourself and that's okay. But is worrying about yourself the right reason to date someone when there's two of you?" he finishes with an armor-piercing question. Lori is simply floored by what he has just said.

"I seriously need to come to you with all of my relationship advice," she decides. "It was cryptic but brilliant. I've almost got chills it was that good."

"So what are you going to do?"

"No idea," Lori admits. "Because I might actually be that selfish right now with everything that's happened. Though I know you don't believe that."

"Never did. Never will." He takes a beat before changing topics. "Michael still hasn't talked to Jolene yet. She's been texting him but he isn't answering."

"She spent a whole summer that was rough for him giving him the cold shoulder. That's hard to forgive- that someone wasn't there when you needed them. But you know the Doctor; he doesn't hold grudges for long. He'll give in and they'll either move forward or find a new dream."

"I didn't know love was so hard until I saw all of you guys in relationships."

"We have a few obstacles that make it harder than most," she smirks. "Don't get too disheartened because the girl for you is going to have to be practically perfect in every way." Charlie laughs at this. "She'll have to get past me, of course though."

"Of course," he smiles.

They both sit in silence for a moment listening to the rain. "You realize when I start dating you're going to have to start giving me advice."

She lifts her head up and ruffles his hair. "No. You're going to stay little and cute forever. Always going to be the thirteen year old who sat next to me and wanted me as his first friend."

"And you're always going to be the best person I knew who I wanted as my first friend." She hugs him to her side.

"Touché." There is another beat of silence.

"I still miss him," Charlie says somberly. "I-I keep thinking he's just going to show up at the table and ask us about our days. He always asked first before telling us about his. I know it's not an important thing, but it might be the thing I miss the most… that he asked first."

Lori tears up and she squeezes him to her side. "I miss that too. I miss him too. He'd probably have run back out here to bring us some soup and a blanket. Listening with a hint of rebellion was always his style if he felt it was the right thing to do. He was one of the good ones and now we just have to make him proud."

"I know that's why you're out here," Charlie guesses. Lori doesn't argue with that fact. "And he would be… just so you know." She nods, actually believing him for once before the two settle back and just watch the rain together.

XXX

Back in the boys' dorm, Ben smiles as Finch enters. "You asked for me, Ben Prescott?"

"Yes. I have a favor to ask since we've got a moment alone."

"Where are-"

"Michael went to grab Charlie, who of course went back by Lori. He fell asleep and she doesn't want to keep him out there too long. Andrew went to the library after we got back and has been there since. I think the lack of cleanliness is already driving him up a wall." Finch looks around and shrugs, thinking things don't look too bad.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need you to keep an eye out on Andrew. My gut tells me he's hiding something and we need to protect Lori and the others. So I want you check up on him- see where he goes, who he's talking to, and other things like that."

"Shouldn't Lori Fitzgerald be made aware-"

"They don't want to believe it," he cuts in. "He's got them fooled with this 'nice kid magician' act. They won't believe us without proof, so we need to find some. We can't talk to them about it until we're sure we have something."

"I don't know if I feel comfortable monitoring Andrew Parker without his knowledge or consent. He is a Companion."

"Finch, I believed you when no one else did- when they all wanted to shut you off," Ben plays his big card. "Now I need you to return the favor and believe me. Help me stop him before someone else gets hurt."

"Protect Lori Fitzgerald and her Companions," Finch states her objective.

"Exactly."

"I will do it," she nods. "I will present any relevant information to you immediately and then we will go directly to Lori Fitzgerald."

Ben smiles with relief. "Sounds like the best plan I've heard yet."

XXX

At about midnight, Lori rises in the unrelenting rain and makes her away around to the miserable Beast. She re-wraps his bandage as he hardly moves or puts up a fight. "Stay with me, big guy," she whispers. She goes back around the tree and nearly jumps out of her skin when she sees Andrew in a warm coat sitting there under an umbrella.

"I'm sorry Fitz," he apologizes sincerely. "Michael brought Charlie back and I had to agree to take you the backpack in his book… book in his backpack otherwise he would march out here again." He gestures to the backpack tucked away behind him. "Though I was planning on coming out here anyway so it was just a means to an end that managed to keep Charlie in bed."

She sits next to him. "Are you ever planning on listening to me?"

"As soon as your plans don't leave you by yourself in the rain," he answers sincerely. "It's clear you're going to be here all night. I'm not going to let you just sit out here staring at raindrops." She opens her mouth. "I know you orders gave… gave your orders, but I'm picking you over being awake for class. It's the right thing to do."

"Fine," she grumbles, sitting next to him and trying not to be offended when he moves away from her a bit. "Let me guess, you have some magic tricks planned to keep me awake?"

"If desperate," he smiles at her. "I actually have a question. Have we had Gaston yet?" Lori nods. "Great. He was always the one I was the most afraid of." He notices Lori's look. "What?"

"Gaston, Andy? Seriously? The hunter with an ego was the one you were afraid of instead of the dragon or the God of Death or-"

"He always felt like the one you could become," Andrew explains. "The others were grand and had powers beyond belief. Gaston… he was a guy who got too big of a head and let it lead him to do terrible thing because he thought he was entitled. It could happen. It was real. That to me was scarier than the dragon." Lori nods, not able to counter his reasoning. "Lady Tremaine was the second for the same reason- no powers and could really happen. Someone could really just make their living off making someone else miserable. Have we done her yet?" She shakes her head. "Whew. That'll be a rough one."

"If you say so…"

"Who are you most scared of? Which villain gives the chills you… you the chills?"

Lori doesn't even hesitate. "Oogie Boogie." Andrew nods. "I have only seen Nightmare Before Christmas once when I was little and I never plan on watching it again. He is the monster who doesn't care about your life, lives in this horrible place with scary stuff, and he made me sob and sleep with my parents for a week."

"So you fear darkness more than anything?" Andrew considers. "The literal monster under the bed," he says grandly, making her laugh. "You'd need someone smarter than I to piece that out… so I'm sure Charlie will take a crack at it in the morning."

"You're telling me. He was giving me relationship advice earlier about what I should do with Shawn. He's not as bad as everyone makes him sound."

"I figured so if you dated him. You have sound judgement and wouldn't put up with being miserable."

"I kind of was," Lori admits. "I waited too long to tell him about the book and once I did he never believed me. He thought I was just making it up and making fun of him. It was… frustrating. He still doesn't know the whole story though he literally knows the whole story."

"Then why would you get back together with him?" She looks at him to see him uncharacteristically sober. "You don't want to be with a guy who makes you miserable, right? At the very least you want to be with a guy who believes in one of the biggest parts of your life."

"It's not that-"

"It is," he reasons. "You, Fitz, shouldn't settle because you deserve the best the world has to offer. You are an absurdly good person who deserves to be with an absurdly good person. Don't let yourself agree to anything less. And do what you want, but to me this Shawn guy sounds like less."

"You haven't even met him!"

"Yes. But I have met you." He takes a beat before speaking again. "Just… keep that in mind. Because that guy who's an absurdly good person that's worth you…might be the librarian that would require more effort and be more intimidating overall. But he wouldn't make miserable you… you miserable." She just stares at him, thinking. "Food for thought."

"Why do you do that?" she can't help but ask, changing the subject. "The switching your words thing… if I'm not being obnoxious by asking."

"You're fine," he assures her. "Sports injury when I was eight. Soccer ball to the head gave me a pretty nasty concussion, which you wouldn't think for how light they are. Knocked out. Speech part of my brain never really recovered fully. Sometimes when I talk my words get ahead of my brain and I don't realize it until a minute too late."

"I'm sorry," Lori says sincerely.

"You live and you learn," he shrugs. "I hated it and raged but then I just… decided it wasn't going to win. Now it's been part of my life for so long I sometimes forget I haven't always had it. I don't let it get me down… especially that it sometimes makes people smile. That can't possibly be a thing bad… bad thing."

"Wow," Lori says quietly. "You never stop just… amazing me honestly. Just how you don't hate life by now in the slightest."

"Life's too long to be bitter," he says simply, making her smile.

"Did you keep playing soccer?"

He gets sober. "Yeah. For a long time. Was alright."

"But magic's the thing? The thing you feel like you're… meant to do?"

"Indeed it is," he agrees, more at peace with this and leaning his head back against the tree. Lori puts her head back too before turning to him.

"So what have you got for me, Andy?"

XXX

The next morning, Hannah heads to the cafeteria by herself. She fills a tray up with fruit and yogurt and heads to their usual table which is currently empty. She sets her stuff down and notices Shawn sitting at another table by himself, constantly glancing at the clock. She can't help but smile just a little bit at his misfortune as she goes to grab a glass of milk. "That's my girl."

She starts back when she notices one of the posters on the wall. She stares at it for the longest of moments before something seems to hit her and her entire face lights up. "That's it!" She can't help but run up to the poster and take a picture of it with her phone before returning to the table. She starts on her yogurt as she examines the photo, taking in the details with a spark of a smile she hasn't worn in a very long time.

Want to Make a Difference in Our School? Run For Student Council! President and Vice President Nominees Can Sign Up This Week at Lunch.

XXX

The sun is high enough now that it peeks through the trees and manages to cast a ray on Lori's face. It is enough to cause her to stir and let out a groan as she awakens. The first thing she notices is that it appears to finally have stopped raining. The second is that it is clearly morning, and she goes to grab her phone when she notices the third. She is resting against Andrew's side with her head on his shoulder, his coat over the top of her. She can't help but smile as she gently taps his arm. "I thought I told you to go home."

He lets out a sigh. "I wasn't about to leave you out here by yourself, Fitz." He then becomes alert enough to sense something, looking down to see her head on his shoulder and her hand on his arm. The effect is instantaneous as he pushes away from her- causing her head to slam into the tree behind them.

"Hey!" she shouts, rubbing the back of her head. She turns to glare and yell at him, but instantly softens at the sight of him hyperventilating against another tree, letting out gasping breaths as he furiously rubs the arm she touched. "Andy, it's okay. It's okay. I-I know… I didn't mean…" She rises and goes over to him- only to freeze as he shrinks back from her further against the tree. It absolutely breaks her heart to see him like this. "Andy…"

"I-I need to head back," he manages between gasps, pulling himself up by the tree. "I'm so sorry, but I need to go. I need to… shower and get a freaking grip. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just can't- I can't-"

She nods, clearly desperate to stop him from feeling like this. "It's okay. Go ahead. I'll be fine. I'll-I'll catch up with you." He nods and takes off, hand clutching his chest. She watches him go, clearly very upset at having caused this and just how shaken he is. Part of her clearly wants to follow him, but she knows to hold herself back. "I'm so sorry," she whispers before being distracted by a growl.

Lori runs around the tree to see the Beast is conscious and trying to rise as well. She runs up to him without fear and places a hand on his arm. "Hey. You're okay. Just take it easy." He growls, but she pushes past it and looks at the bandage on his other arm. The bleeding appears to have finally stopped. "This looks like it's doing alright. You're going to be just fine."

He finally seems to sense her words, blinking at her silhouette in the sun. "Belle? Belle, is that you?"

Lori doesn't even waste a beat. "Yes, it's me." She hugs his good arm and pets it, settling him down. "I'm here."

"You came back," he whispers. "We… we need to get back to the castle."

Lori pulls the book out from Charlie's backpack, gentle and sweet as she can be. "We will. You need to get some strength back first. So… just stay here and I'll read you a story, okay? And I won't… I won't mind if you fall asleep at all."

"Thank you Belle… for taking care of me. Especially since all I am-"

"You know I don't like it when you talk like that," Lori shushes him as she opens the book to a glowing poem. "You and I look out for each other. We take care of each other." She pets his arm one last time. "That's what true love is," she mutters to herself before turning her attention to the poem. "Bittersweet and strange Finding you can change"

He vanishes in a burst of light and she slowly rises to her feet, dusting herself off. She takes off her hood and takes in the sun before heading back by her lonesome, only companion the book under her arm and the backpack on her shoulders. "At least I could help one of you," she says sadly as she hugs herself before thinking of something. She pulls out her phone and notes it is late morning, sighing slightly in sadness and slightly in relief that the decision seems to already have been made. "Well, that's that I suppose. Let the new semester begin."

XXX

Tune in next week when Kaity needs a reason to smile, Hannah begins her campaign, and Lori and her Companions finally meet the best DIZ has to offer in the form of Commander Abbot. To say the relationship is strained might be a bit of an understatement.