"That's not my fault!" Logan sputtered.
"Isn't it?" Wally spat, spearing Logan with a glare that could melt steel. "When they told me you'd asked to room with me, I thought… I thought maybe it meant a chance to put this shit behind us. That you were done being an ass, and wanted all this 'bonds of brotherhood' crap. That we could both have a fresh start.Fuck. I dunno why, but… I trusted you. I should have known better."
"You can trust me," Logan replied. "I didn't know you'd changed your name, and I'd never have dreamed they'd try pulling the Wet Wally thing. I just — I screwed up, okay?"
"Yeah? Because from where I'm standing, you've been screwing with me for years, and not in the fun way."
And that brought Logan up short, fidgeting. "So…it's true?"
Wally's eyes narrowed. "Is what true?" he asked suspiciously.
"That, um… That you like guys?" Logan whispered, as if there was anyone else in the house to hear. "That you're… You know."
"Gay?" Wally replied, incredulously. "Is that what this is about? Yes, Logan — your roommate is a big flaming homo. You've only been on my case about it for the last four years since I came out."
"Wait," Logan said, reeling. "You've been out fouryears?"
"You were the one who outed me!" Wally glared.
"I was? But…how?I only just found out tonight!" Logan told him honestly.
"You literally called me 'Gaylord' our entire freshman year of high school," Wally snapped. "After that, it's not like the rainbow cat was going back in the bag."
"Oh. Um." Logan flushed hot, remembering. "That's because I was out sick the day the teacher introduced you to the class, and Jimmy Bridges swore that was your last name."
"And you never thought to learn myfirstname?" Wally sputtered.
Logan shrugged. He had, obviously. Eventually. "All the teams I played on, we called each other by our last names. I guess it was kind of a habit."
Wally just looked at Logan strangely, his hands stilling on the pile of clothes jammed into the duffel bag.
And this… This might not be the best time, but if Wally really was about to leave the house? It could be Logan's only shot.
He took a deep breath.
"So, um… can you help me?"
Wally scowled. "Why would I helpyou?"
Logan winced. But for all the anger loaded into Wally's voice… That wasn't a 'no', was it?
"Look, I told you: Coach said I'm about to get kicked off the team," Logan whispered, his shoulders hunching. "My grades are already on the line, and I've got to find a way to bring them up. Because if I can't, or if you file a formal complaint…they'll cut me from the team."
"So? Why should I care?" Wally huffed. "Fuck your grades. What are you even telling me for? If you haven't gotten it through your thick skull, I'm furious. Maybe Ishouldfile a formal report — of you being a fucking idiot."
"Wally — "
"Why would you give me that kind of ammo?" Wally asked, his voice rising. "Especially after tonight?"
Logan swallowed harshly, glancing away.
"Trust," he said simply. "To show you I'm serious, I guess? That I really do need your help. That's what I'm asking you… That I mean it."
"'What you're asking me?'" Wally repeated, scoffing. "Is this where the mighty jock asks the nerd to tutor him so he can stay on the team? You gonna give me dating tips or something in return, Casanova? Maybe offer to set me up with one of your girlfriend's sorority sisters?"
Logan shook his head. "Pretty sure Madeline just broke it off with me. She saw what happened at the party, and…" Logan grimaced as he spread his hands, his neck flushing hot as Wally laughed again.
"Good," Wally spat. "Serves you right."
