AN: If you haven't read part one to this story, Tangled Webs We Weave, I suggest you do so now. Otherwise, you will be lost. To those of you who have already read it, read on and enjoy.
Mark hurried into The Lion's Den on Sullivan Street. Inside, Roger was up on stage with his band-mates. Two of them Mark knew only by sight, but Robbie, on the other hand, he remembered from Roger's old band, the one he'd had before the heroin and HIV.
"Hey, Mark," Roger waved upon noticing the filmmaker. "Thanks for coming down."
"Don't mention it. Happy to help. So, where's the sound board?"
"Over in the corner. Emily's been trying to work with it, but she doesn't have the same level of expertise as you do."
"Wait. Emily's trying to fix it?"
"Yeah. She's been going out of her way to do small favors and little things for us lately. Just the other day, I came home to find her allowing Mimi to do her nails, and we both know Emily hates painting her nails."
"Hmm. Well, I better go give her a hand, then," Mark announced, making his way over to the sound board where Emily was trying, without much luck, to get it fixed. "Need some help?" Mark grinned, removing his messenger bag from his shoulder. Emily looked up and smiled back.
"Thanks, Mark. I guess I really am hopeless at this sort of thing. I'm a photographer, not a mechanic."
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Roger and the others are grateful you tried, at least." Mark set to work on the soundboard before continuing his conversation. "Listen, Emily. Is something up? You've been acting rather… I don't know... strange lately."
"Care to explain that, Mark?"
"Well, don't get me wrong. You've always been nice and willing to help the rest of us out when you can, but lately, you're kinda taking it into overdrive. Helping Collins grade papers? Letting Mimi do your nails? And now trying to help Roger and his band get the sound system working?"
"Since when does someone need a reason to do nice things for her best friends?" Emily asked, trying to appear nonchalant. "Mark, believe me. Everything's fine. I just want to be a good friend, that's all." Despite Emily's assurance that there was nothing to worry about, Mark couldn't help but notice a slightly uncomfortable look in her hazel eyes. However, he decided not to pry. After all, Emily would tell him if it was something serious, wouldn't she?
"So, can I still help out here, or would I just be getting in the way?" Emily glanced down at the sound board.
"Well…" Mark thought for a moment, scanning over the piece of equipment. "You could slide this button up to the halfway point when I give the okay." Emily nodded in agreement and posed a hand on the indicated button while Mark moved to the other side to adjust some cords. In putting his attention on the cords, however, Mark failed to notice that Emily kept sneaking glances at him with a contemplative look on her face.