Rated M for language, yaoi and other mature themes

'No day but today.' The saying was his favorite and he often lived by it. Ace smiled to himself as he softly sang along with the album, snuggling into his lover as he did. A strong wrapped around his shoulders and held him close.

'I can't control my destiny

I trust my soul

My only goal is just to be...'

Fingers threaded through his hair, softly playing with the strands. Ace relaxed with a contented sigh, his mind drifting back to last year, when his theater teacher told him about the play. At that time, he had only seen the movie. He didn't know about the stage performance or how altered the music had been. Nor had he known about the play's creator, Jonathon Larson and the tragedy that befell him. That, not even two weeks before opening night, Larson died. He never got to see the show hit the stage and that saddened Ace.

His teacher, Ms. Strader, lent him a copy of the original cast recording and beseeched him to listen to it. That night he did and found himself even more in love with RENT then before. Later that week, he returned the CD, thanked her and inquired why she had him listen to it.

"You're my most promising student, Ace. You have talent. I want you to co-direct this production with me for the theater department's winter show. Pick people for the main cast and bring them here. If they can pull off a successful performance, I'll advance you one year. If not, you stay behind a year. Okay?"

"...And if I refuse?"

"This conversation never happened and you carry on with your peers."

"...Anyone I want?"

"Anyone."

"Even me?"

Ms. Strader blinked, slightly confused.

"Can I be in the performance?"

She thought it over for a moment, considering the request. Ace had narcolepsy. Uncontrolled narcolepsy at that. The silver medical bracelet on his right wrist attested to that. But, he was good. Too good to let a sleeping disorder to stop him. She nodded her consent.

"Then I accept."

Ms. Strader smiled and that was how the hellish project began.

First, he had to find a cast. It had been more difficult then he would have liked, but he managed.

Ace-Mark Cohen

Luffy-Roger Davis

Nami-Mimi Marquez

Zoro-Tom Collins

Sanji-Angel Dumatt Schunard (it had been a hellish ordeal to get him to shave and wear a skirt)

(surprisingly enough) Hina-Maureen Johnson & Tashigi-Joanne

And, after some convincing (at the cost of some of his dignity) Marco-Benjamin "Benny" Coffin III

The three months of preparation were long and tiring. Between the bickering and Ace's narcolepsy fits, it seemed they were doomed. What didn't help the doomed cast was the week of the performance, Ace took some prescription pills and slept for three days straight. The morning of the play stressful and Mrs. Strader had no hopes for a successful performance.

But when the stage lit up, everyone went into character. Their performance was powerful. Ace only slipped up once and it was hardly noticeable. His cataplexy* kicked in at the beginning of La Vie Boehme, but he carried on. Zoro even cried for his roll as Collins during I'll Cover You Reprise. And, when the curtain fell, so did Ace. Later on, he awoke on a couch in the men's dressing room. Ms. Strader sat in a chair nearby, smiling.

"Ace, you did a beautiful job! To tell the truth, I didn't think this cast of yours could pull this off. But, as always dear, you surprised me. Congratulations. You passed."

Ace passed out from the sheer joy.

An abrupt shift brought him back to the present. He looked up at his lover and was met by his usual scowl.

"Stop drooling on me, brat." Smoker grumbled.

"Sorry, babe. Didn't mean to." Ace said apologetically. Smoker shook his head and kissed Ace's cheek. He stood and slowly stretched, knowing Ace was watching his every move.

"C'mon, brat. Bed."

Ace grinned and jumped up from the couch, racing past Smoker and stripping as he went. The elder was hot on his heels, stripping as well. They hit the bed in a tangle of limbs, mouths connecting and hands exploring. Sweat slicked bodies moved against each other. A sharp gasp pierced the silence as the younger was entered. The bed began to creak and groan as they began to move, the elder driving the younger into the bed with harsh, powerful thrusts. Gasps and moans filled the air, mingling with the sound of flesh smacking together. They hit orgasm together, bodies shuddering from the force of it. Murmured sounds of appreciation followed suit as they traded soft kisses. Slowly, they detangled for a moment to rearrange themselves more comfortably for sleep. They settled with Smoker spooning Ace, an arm draped around the younger's waist and the other tucked under his own pillow. Ace twined one hand with Smoker's own as the other dangled off the bed. They both sighed in contentment as they slipped off to sleep.

"Night, 'Moker." Ace mumbled sleepily. "Love you."

"Goodnight, Ace." the elder grumbled. "I love you, too."

They nestled closer and fell fast asleep, content to be in each other's arms.

'I think they meant it

When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you are, my love

On life

All my life'