Disclaimer: I don't own RENT. The characters belong to the late, great Jonathan Larson.
A/N: I'm having trouble coming up with a title for this...if you've got any ideas, let me know! And please review... feedback is love. 3
The sound of the door to the loft opening made Roger look up from his guitar, although he continued to play. When he saw Mark stagger through the door, his shirt soaked in blood, he dropped his guitar and rushed over to his best friend. Helping Mark to the couch, Roger asked, "What the hell happened to you?"
"I was jumped," Mark wheezed. "I wouldn't give up my camera, so they stabbed me."
Roger lifted the edge of Mark's shirt to look at the wound. "You need to get to the hospital. I'm calling the paramedics." Mark merely nodded, knowing that it was futile to argue with him. Mark sat back on the couch, trying to keep his composure despite the pain. He heard Roger on the phone, giving the paramedics the information they needed. Mark closed his eyes, knowing that there was one piece of information that they would need that Roger didn't have.
When Roger hung up the phone, he rushed over to the couch, and held Mark as close as he could without causing him more pain. When the paramedics arrived a few moments later, Roger stepped aside so they could work, but still held Mark's hand. It was cold, and Mark was trembling.
The paramedics checked Mark over, got him onto a gurney, and reviewed the short medical history Roger had given them over the phone. One paramedic stood over Mark, with a pen poised. "Is there anything you need to add to your medical history?"
"Yes," Mark said, glancing up into Roger's clear green eyes. "I have HIV."