A/N: You've probably seen this done before--put an iPod on shuffle, write 100-word drabbles based on the songs. I decided to start writing some occasionally for RENT, to help with writer's block. There are only four this time because I only had time to listen to four songs before I had to get off Shuffle, but there will hopefully be more in each chapter after this. I promise, they are all exactly 100 words (not counting the titles).
All pairings, canon and non-canon, may eventually come up. And Angel will die or live as necessary. No formula or guidelines for these...
Disclaimer: I do not own RENT. And the songs are owned by their respective writers/licensers/etc.
Session 1
Written in the Stars from 'Aida'
"Roger…this isn't working." Mimi's eyes were sad, yet sincere.
Her boyfriend sighed and nodded, standing.
"I know."
A tear dripped down the dancer's cheek. "I love you so much. And in any normal world…that would be enough. But not in this crazy city. We've tried so hard."
"It's not good enough," Roger said bitterly, turning away.
"It wasn't meant to be," Mimi countered.
He snorted. "I don't believe in karma."
She laughed humorlessly and reached across the table, her fingers resting briefly on Roger's guitar. Then she stood on tiptoes and kissed the rocker on the cheek.
"I'll miss you."
Work Song from 'Les Miserables'
"Marky!"
Mark groaned and put his head on his desk. Please…not now.
His boss couldn't, of course, hear him. She burst through his office door with her usual lack of concern for privacy.
"Marky, I-what are you doing?"
Mark had, in fact, been repeatedly slamming his head onto his notebook, but he looked up with a wide smile.
"Nothing, Alexi. What do you need?"
"I need you to work late tonight," she told him cheerfully.
"But I-" he sighed and nodded. I hate my job…
"Great!" Alexi pranced out.
And head met desk once again. Who needed brain cells anyway?
Not While I'm Around from 'Sweeney Todd'
"Daddy!"
Collins looked up as his son ran into the kitchen, sobbing. The little boy fled into his father's arms.
"Angelo? What happened?" he asked.
"They keep making fun of me!" Angelo howled. "Because our family's different!"
Collins' eyes darkened; he held his son closer.
"Listen - they're jealous because they wish their families were special like ours is. You have two daddies who love you, and that's cooler than having a mommy and a daddy, right?"
"I guess," Angelo sniffled. He smiled. "Love you, Daddy."
"Love you too, boy. Don't worry. No one's gonna hurt you while I'm here."
The Music and the Mirror from 'A Chorus Line'
"You're Mimi?" a gum-smacking middle-aged woman eyed her doubtfully.
"That's right."
"You're…how old?"
"Twenty-one." The reply was too quick. A lie.
The woman shrugged.
"Show me what you got."
Mimi hesitated, then broke into dance, gliding across the stage and working her body with everything she had. She couldn't resist smiling as she saw herself in a stage mirror – she was in her element. This was what she'd always wanted.
"Stop, stop!" the spectator shouted. Her face showed impression, despite itself. She pursed her lips. "Well, I think you belong in Broadway auditions, not here, but…welcome to the Catscratch Club."