Title: Christmas in New York
Author: Greens
Feedback: Please?
Pairing: Benny/Alison
Rating: PG13
Summary: Benny runs into Alison at the Life Café
Notes: bold lyrics are from Adam Pascal's song Rhyme and Reason from the album Model Prisoner.
Special Thanks: To all of you fantastic writers and artists who are participating at speedrent at livejournal.
Spoilers: None
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I do not own RENT. Wish I did, but I don't. I just like to take the characters out every once in a while and play with them:):)

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Christmas in the city. Benny was never too fond of Christmas time. It could have been because of the one time about two years ago when Roger and Collins talked him into being the mall Santa. He had gotten so tired of kids and the holiday, that by the end of the day he was less the jolly, turning a simple "Merry Christmas" into a "Merry Christmas. Now sit and tell Santa what he's gonna have to stand on line for this year. Mark and Roger had gotten a kick out of it. Benny however was less than impressed.

The Life Café was usually busy this time of day, especially around the holidays. Tourists. But all Benny really wanted was a decent cup of coffee, so he went in.

"Benny?" the soft familiar voice put a smile on his face.

"Alison..." Benny slowly approached the table where his beautiful wife sat alone. Her long blonde hair was pulled back loosely away from her face. "I thought you had an appointment with the doctor."

"I did," Alison said. Benny loved the way her vibrant green eyes sparkled behind the perfectly applied makeup. "I was just going to order something if you're not in a hurry..." She sipped at her tea.

"No hurry," He took a seat in front of her. What are you getting?"

"Just a salad," Alison responded.

"I just need a good cup of coffee... maybe a burger." He could see the look Alison was giving him. "You're not going to start about the poor cow that died so I could have my lunch, are you?"

"I didn't say anything," Alison defended. "I wish you would stop trying to paint me as the Wicked Witch of the West."

Benny sighed. She might have been beautiful, but Alison Grey could be a real bitch. Benny hated arguing with her, so he decided to pick his battles. This wasn't one of them.

"So what did the doctor say?" Benny changed the subject.

"Nothing," Alison answered way too fast, looking down at her tea.

"Alison..." Benny sounded worried now."

"Not now Benny."

"Is something wrong?" Benny asked. She didn't respond, still not looking at him. "I'm standing here pleading and you just cover your eyes?"

"I'm fine" Alison finally responded. "The doctor says I am just fine. He says I... He says..." She looked up from her tea, taking a deep breath as she connected with Benny's glance. She smiled at his worry. "I'm pregnant."

"What?" Benny stammered.

"I wanted to find the right time to tell you I..."

"You're pregnant?" he smiled, getting out of his seat and going around the table to her, crouching down and taking her hands. "A baby?"

"A baby..." Alison said softly as Benny placed a gentle hand on her abdomen.

At that moment, his whole outlook on Christmas had changed.

END