Notes: I entered Challenge 8 and the next day we had a snow day. I didn't enter Challenge 9 and the next day I had to go to work. Coincidence? I think not! This one's for Challenge 10, using the prompt "One of the characters gets expelled from school" Come on Snow Day!
Warnings: Collins uses the word 'albino' in a slightly derogatory fashion.
Disclaimer: Since I don't own RENT, would someone please give it to me for my birthday?

"I won't stand for it," ranted Collins. He and Mark were sitting outside the administration office of the school after yet another altercation in class. "Can't you see what they're doing to us? They want to brainwash us into blindly conforming to The Man's archetype! They're taking away our freedom of choice and personal expression and infringing on our civil liberties."

Mark had heard this all before, but still tried to calm his friend down. "Come on, Collins. You're blowing everything out of proportion again."

"Mark, my disillusioned albino friend, you have already succumbed! You're playing by THEIR rules!. You follow their commands with the rest of the masses, like a sheep. I'm disappointed. I had hoped you wouldn't become an automaton like everyone else."

Recalling the last three times he had heard this speech, Mark rolled his eyes. "I'm not an automaton. Nor am I a robot, zombie, sheep or other form of mindless creature simply because I don't want to be thrown out of class yet again. Collins, this is the fourth time this has happened. They're not going to be so forgiving."

Collins was beyond listening to reason He rallied to his feet and bellowed, "Enough oppression, Mark! Are you with me? Show me some backbone! Show me your passion to fight for what's right!"

"Collins, I'm not just going to jump on the anarchy train for this. It's not that important."

"Not that important? Not that important! Society is crumbling around us and you don't have the guts to take a stand. Well, I'm going to do something! I'm leaving." With that he made his way to the door.

Mark sighed and got to his feet, tugging on his puppy's leash urged him to follow Collins and his Great Dane. "Fine! I'm with you. But you're the one who has to explain to my mother that we got expelled from obedience school."