Neil Perry never thought he could develop a platonic love—but Todd Anderson came close.

He met Todd a year ago, at the start of the year, when he learned they were going to be roommates. Neil took Todd under his wing, introduced him to his friends, and showed him the school. They talked a lot after school in the dorms—whether outside by the Willow or at DPS meetings. They studied together, sat together at dinners, and were in the same study groups. Since Todd met Neil, he hasn't regretted coming to Hellton.

Neil would notice how their knees sometimes touched, or how Todd's fingertips would grip his sleeve in crowds. On cold December nights, as soon as Todd fell asleep, Neil would make sure his roommate had enough blankets to keep him warm. Anderson would sometimes gently rest his head on Neil's shoulder as they read poetry together. Perry, on the other hand, ruffled Todd's hair when he was proud of him—like he was a younger brother—and since Neil was always proud of Todd, the boy always wore his hair unkempt.

The problem was his father. Of course, neither boy was considering a romantic relationship with the other, but if Tom Perry noticed Neil getting distracted, he would force him to move dorms. Todd's parents definitely wouldn't approve of such a relationship, so sometimes they both drifted apart. But it wasn't long; they couldn't live without each other for long. Neil sometimes wished Todd were a girl.

On a September morning, at the beginning of the school year, Neil searched for Todd. Todd was searching for Neil too. Perry found him first—and next to him was a girl who looked remarkably like Todd. Neil would recognize those eyes anywhere. Neil had seen her before, almost; he was sure it was the same girl in the frame on Todd's desk. Maybe a younger sister?

Neil wasn't sure if it was Todd's fault, or if she was just that beautiful. She was a bit shy, like Todd, always around her parents. She was well-mannered, always smiling—even at Nolan (and damn it, no one wanted to smile to that evil.) She was a little embarrassed, clinging to Todd's sleeve, just as Todd clinged to his. She was almost like Anderson's twin—the hair color, the eyes, the posture, the smile. Todd in Drag.