If any of you have ever seen Flicka, think of Brian as Howard. I've been picturing him ever since I started writing it; he's the perfect big brother figure and I am seizing a lot of inspiration (and possibly scenarios) from his character and the movie. If you Google Ryan Kwanten, you'll see why I'm enjoying using him as Brian's model very much. He's so sexy and amazingly hot. Oh, and I also need to thank my beta, Rosablasifann08, for the Brian/Collins part of this chapter. It's awesome, girl! Write more RENT soon, OK:) Enjoy this chapter. :)

Chapter 3

A few weeks later…

"Hey, where's Brian, Mom?" Melanie asked, when Mrs. Schwartz poked her head into Melanie's room. She was hanging out with Roger, Mark, Maureen, Benny, and Alison.

It was almost August and the upcoming junior year weighed heavily upon Roger, Maureen, Benny, Alison, and Melanie's minds. Mark was, of course, concentrating on his fast approaching sophomore year, but he knew his stress level was a lot less than the others'. Collins was going to start his junior year at NYU, in pursuit of a teaching degree. In addition to his teaching degree, he was also double-majoring in philosophy and computers. They all knew he was working very hard on keeping up his grades and trying to have a social life at the same time. He was excited to be turning 21 soon after New Year's.

"He's hanging out with Collins today," Mrs. Schwartz said. "They're spending the day in the city today before they go back to NYU."

"He is, even though they both attend there?" Melanie asked.

"Yes. They still don't get to see much of each other," Mrs. Schwartz said. "You can understand that, can't you?"

"Oh, definitely," Melanie said. "Except for lunch hour and after school, we never get to see Mark, especially when he has a film project he has to finish."

Mrs. Schwartz nodded and left the room. Melanie turned and looked at the others. She'd seen the nervous smile on her mother's face and she knew Mrs. Schwartz was only like that— distant and anxious— when there was something on her mind.

"Am I missing something?" she asked the others.

"Oh, I dunno," Maureen said knowingly, smiling. "Have you seen the way Brian and Collins have been looking at each other lately?"

Melanie shook her head and shrugged. "I guess not," she said, "but I know my brother, and if he wants something, he'll go for it, no matter what it is."

"Good for him," Mark said, smiling at her.

"Do you think that I should… ask him about it?" Melanie asked, looking at the others.

To her surprise, they shook their heads. "It might be best if you just let this play out," Mark said, looking at her. "We've known Collins was gay since his freshman year of high school. He had a lot of trouble with it and with others in high school. Give it some time and then ask him or Brian. I'm sure Collins won't mind that you ask, but I can't say for your brother."

Melanie nodded. "I know," she said, smiling at him. "I'm not worried."

The sun was shining and it was warm out as Brian and Collins walked, hand in hand, through a street fair, in the heart of New York City, Times Square. The street fair was humming with activity. There were couples everywhere, young children dancing to the music that was coming from the various bands on the streets. The boys were admiring the amount of people who seemed to pour out of the city on a gorgeous day like today.

Brian and Collins were taking turns guessing who tourists were. He pointed to a nearby family. "Look, that family is obviously tourists. They are in awe of the tall buildings, and are taking pictures of everything they see. Plus, the whole family is together laughing and having fun. How often do you see that in New York City?"

"Mark has a camera constantly glued to his face, but that doesn't make him a tourist," Collins countered.

"True, but usually, he isn't gawking at a building; it is usually some homeless man or pigeon whenever he comes up here. Back at home, it is anything that isn't boring Scarsdale, which usually amounts to shots of Maureen protesting the lunch with the lunch ladies," Brian said.

Collins laughed, remembering the numerous protests Maureen would try and lead with the lunch ladies over the 'senseless murder of precious cows for a dish that doesn't even deserve the title of lunch!', as Maureen had passionately put it.

They strolled down the street fair, stopping at the different booths admiring the artwork and the sheer volumes of tourist aimed products.

"Hey, baby, are you hungry? We could get one of those yummy pita bread fluffle thingies?" Brian asked, pausing in front of a food both.

Collins chuckled at the description his boyfriend gave. "You mean a falafel?" he asked, cocking a curious eyebrow at Brian.

"I'm glad you know what I mean!" Brian laughed. Brian blushed and smiled. Collins' heart skipped a beat, as it always did when he was the reason Brian smiled. He loved the sight and would do anything to make sure Brian was always smiling.

Collins gently squeezed Brian's hand and led him to the falafel stand. "We would like two falafels and two water bottles, please?" The man behind the counter handed him his order, which Brian held while Collins paid. They continued walking and ate their falafels in true street fair style.

Once they got to the end of the street fair, they walked to Central Park. They walked to a secluded area of the park and found a shady tree. Collins sat against the tree, and Brian sat between his legs and leaned against him. Collins started to play with Brian's long, curly blonde hair.

They sat in a comfortable silence, watching the city life go by for a while, until Collins decided to break the silence. "Hey, sweetie, are you gonna tell your mom about us any time soon?" he asked.

Brian looked up at him, but before he got a chance to speak, Collins jumped in. "I know you are having a hard time with telling your mom that you're gay— much less that you have a boyfriend who is almost three years older than you— but I don't wanna be your secret lover. I want to be able to take you to a restaurant back home and not worry about running into anyone who might tell our secret."

Brian sighed, knowing Collins was right, but he wasn't sure how his mom would react. He hoped she would understand and welcome Collins into the family, but the small voice in the back of his mind was asking what if his mom didn't approve and he was forced to choose. He knew he would never be able to pick, but he couldn't live in two worlds at once, especially when so much was pushing those worlds closer together.

"I swear I will tell my mom about us as soon as I get the courage. I want everyone to know about us; I really and truly do. I am just having a hard time figuring out how to tell everyone. I mean I have had boyfriends before, but never one as serious as you," Brian said, looking at Collins.

Collins hugged Brian, holding him while they had their conversation. "I know how hard it is. I had known I was gay for a while, but I just got the courage to tell Mark and Roger before my parents died. Once they died, I just couldn't keep it in any longer. The gang was really supportive, and hasn't treated me any differently. They won't look at you any differently, either. I am sure Mel will be the same way. Hell, she will start showing you cute guys on the street."

Brian laughed. "I will tell my mom really soon, I promise," he said.

"Good," Collins said, hugging him and kissing him on the top of his head. Then he slid out from behind Brian. He extended a hand to Brian to help him up. "Come on, I wanna show you something fun. Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Close your eyes. I want to lead you there."

"OK…" Brian agreed nervously. Collins looped one arm around his waist, pulling him in close. He whispered directions into his ear, until they arrived at a small pond with a waterfall.

Collins positioned him so when he opened his eyes he would see the breathtaking waterfall. "Now open your eyes," he whispered, his mouth close to Brian's ear.

Brian quietly gasped, seeing the waterfall. He turned around to face Collins. "I love you so much," he whispered.

"I love you, too," Collins whispered back. He pulled Brian in for a gentle kiss, as the sun was setting behind them.

"Hey, Mom, is it OK with you if I go with the others to Coney Island this weekend?" Melanie asked, a few weeks later. "We would only be gone a day. Brian would go with us; Collins, too."

"Sure, sweetie," Mrs. Schwartz said. "Just call me when you get there, OK? And you know the rules."

"I do, Mom," Melanie said, looking at her mother.

A few days later…

"Man, I have never had so much fun," Roger said, holding Melanie close to him and smiling, as they staggered to Benny's Range Rover. He was not only holding Melanie, but also a huge teddy bear, a big, fluffy, green top hat, and a stuffed puppy— prizes he had won Melanie on the midway games.

"Neither have I," Melanie said, smiling up at him.

"I'm glad you had fun," Roger said, leaning down and kissing her.

"Gross, you two, can't you at least wait until we get home?" Benny teased them.

"Shut up, Benny," Roger said, aiming a swipe at Benny's head and missing.

"Roger, you're gonna drop Mr. Puppy!" Melanie said, laughing.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Puppy," Roger teased her, smirking.

A few hours later, they arrived home. "Mom?" Melanie called. She walked into the kitchen and noticed a note on the fridge, which said that Mrs. Schwartz was out grocery shopping.

"We could watch a movie or something until she gets home?" Roger suggested.

"OK," the others agreed.

"What movie?" Mark asked.

"How about The Fox and the Hound?" Maureen suggested.

"Oh no, Maureen, that one always makes you cry," Mark complained, looking at her with a pained expression on his face.

"So what?" Maureen protested. "Real men cry during chick flicks."

After that comment, Mark didn't protest to watching it.

"Do you guys want popcorn or anything to drink?" Melanie asked, before they sat down to watch it.

"Sure," they said.

"And some stoli!" Collins yelled after her, as she went into the kitchen to play hostess. Melanie rolled her eyes. Roger got up and went with her.

"The popcorn's in the cupboard to the left of the stove," Melanie said to him. Roger got a few packs out and put one in the microwave to start cooking.

"I can make lemonade or something?" Melanie suggested.

"Sounds great, baby," Roger said, smiling at her. "Hey, just in case I haven't said it today, I love you."

Melanie smiled back at him, her body getting a warm, fuzzy feeling from his smile. "I love you, too, Roger."

They all sat down on the floor and on the couch, popcorn and lemonade in hand, and watched the movie. Not even halfway through the movie, Melanie, Maureen, and Alison were all bawling. They cried even harder when it came to the scene where Widow Tweed left Tod in the forest because he'd gotten too big to live with her anymore. Roger, Mark, and Benny held them close and attempted to comfort them. Only Roger really succeeded. Even Collins shed a few tears.

Mrs. Schwartz arrived back home about an hour and a half into the movie, but she let them finish it before everyone had to leave. Melanie knew she'd see them again soon, but she was still glad to have spent the time with them that she did.

"I love you, Mel," Roger said, looking down at her and holding her close before he was to leave.

"I love you, too, Roger," Melanie said, and she watched him and the others leave before going back inside.

Melanie looked up as she heard a knock on her bedroom door. "Come in," she said.

Brian poked his head in the door. "Hey, you," he said, "are you busy or can I talk to you for a second?"

"I'm not busy. Of course you can talk to me," Melanie said, and she moved over to give him room to sit down on her bed with him. "What's up?"

"You and I have said we would always be straightforward with each other about our problems and stuff, right? That, if something happened to you or me, the other person would be the first to know?" Brian asked, sitting next to her on the bed.

"Yes," Melanie said, looking at him nervously. "This isn't you being straightforward, though, Bri. Tell me what's up."

Brian looked at her. "OK, here goes." He took a deep breath and spoke. "I'm gay, Mel."

Melanie looked up at him, unsure about what to say. "Oh," she said, "OK. W-what do you want me to say?"

"Don't say anything… not now, OK?" Brian asked her. "I mean, you can if you want, but… I thought you'd maybe want to think it over."

"Well… could I at least ask who you're with, if anybody, if that's OK?" Melanie asked. "I mean, it's only in your best interest."

"It's fine. I've been with Collins since the beginning of the school year," Brian answered.

"Oh, OK… how are you going to tell Katie?" Melanie asked. "Not only that you cheated on her, but that you cheated on her with another man? Brian, how could you cheat in the first place?"

"I didn't cheat," Brian said. "She knew about it. We both agreed that, while we were still interested in each other, we were interested in others as well. We were open about it because we didn't want to end it with each other yet. My, uh, other interest just happened to be Collins. I know it may not make a lot of sense to you, but it does to him, me, and Katie."

"Oh," Melanie said, raising her eyebrows. "Well, OK, if it works out that way."

"It's fine, really," Brian said. "She said she would be long gone if we weren't both OK with it."

"Won't you have to choose one or the other in the end, though?" Melanie asked.

She could tell she'd unintentionally struck a nerve. "Yes," Brian said, sighing, "and I think that'll be Collins. I mean, Katie's beautiful and I love her, but… I think I love Collins more. There's something about him that's different… and I think I'll choose him."

"Do you?" Melanie asked. "How are you going to tell Katie that?"

"I'll tell her somehow, but I don't know how," Brian said.

"You can only come right out and say it," Melanie said, "as far as I know."

Brian nodded. "I'll invite her to dinner or something. I don't know…" he said, his voice trailing off in the end. "I want to make it easier for her, but it's proving to be difficult."

"Well, I'm glad that you're happy with Collins, Bri," Melanie said, "but you need to tell Katie your decision soon. She has a right to know."

Brian nodded. "I know," he said. "I'm sorry."

"Don't tell me you're sorry; tell Katie," Melanie said. "You can't keep leading her on. It's no fair to her."

"I will, somehow," Brian said. "I'm also worried about Mom's reaction when I tell her."

"You are going to, aren't you?" Melanie asked.

"Yes," Brian said. "I just don't know how."

"Brian, you're her son," Melanie said. "She might freak out for a while, but she'll still love you. And I know Collins will take good care of you; just be careful, OK? Don't you dare get infected with that hepatitis or HIV shit or anything, you got it?"

"Mel, keep your voice down!" Brian hissed.

"Why, Mom can't hear us up here, unless she's by the stairs?" Melanie said.

"Ah, no, don't you know?" Brian said, lowering his voice. "She's got hidden cameras and microphones all over the place."

Melanie rolled her eyes, but she was amused nevertheless.

"Look, Mel, don't worry about me, OK?" he asked. "I'll be fine."

Melanie nodded and lay back on her pillows. "I know you'll be fine wherever you go," she said, looking at him. "Me, on the other hand… I just don't want you to leave."

"Mel, I'm not even changing time zones, let alone solar systems," Brian said. "I'll still be in the same city to finish up college at NYU, you know that."

Melanie nodded. "Good," she said. "So when are you going to tell Mom?"

"I don't know," Brian said. "Just don't do it for me, OK? It has to come from me."

"Of course," Melanie said. "As long as you're happy, then I'm OK with it. Just be careful, OK?"

"I will," Brian said, smiling and laying on his back next to her.

Melanie jumped as the phone rang that night. Brian was hanging out with Collins again, but he had promised to tell Katie tonight about his decision to be with Collins, and her mom was working her night job as usual. Melanie had the entire house to herself and she was completely bored.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Hey, baby," Roger said.

"Hi, Roger," Melanie said, turning and leaning against the kitchen counter, "what's up?"

"Have you eaten yet?"

"No, I haven't been really hungry. Why, what's up?"

"Wanna come over to my house and have pizza and hang out? My mom's in L.A. for the week and it's just me."

"Sure, I'd love that," Melanie said happily.

"Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, I can drive, that's OK. You drive me around too much."

"But I like treating my girl."

Melanie laughed. "I'll meet you in about half an hour at your house, OK?"

"Ok, great, that'll give the pizza time to get here. Is Dominos OK?"

"Dominos is perfect."

"OK. Hey, Mel?"

"Yes, Roger?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Roger. See you soon."

"Bye, Melanie."

Roger hung up and went to go set up everything. He wanted everything to be perfect for his and Melanie's big night.

Finally, the pizza arrived. Roger paid the worker and set the pizza in the center of the table for two he had set up for him and Melanie. He checked to make sure everything else was perfect, and then he heard the doorbell ring. Melanie had arrived.

"Hey, baby," he said, as he greeted her at the door. "Wow, you look amazing, as usual."

"Thanks, Roger," she said, smiling at him. "Something smells great."

Roger laughed. "That would be the pizza," he said. "Close your eyes, OK?"

"Close my eyes?"

"Yes."

Melanie looked at him, but after a moment of hesitation, she did. Roger led her into the dining room and stopped her next to the table. He heard her take in a breath of surprise as she set her hand unknowingly onto the table, but she was not sure what it was.

"OK, open them," he said.

Melanie did and she gasped. Roger had lit two candles and set them in the middle of the table in perfect symmetry. The pizza sat next to it.

"Roger, you did all of this for pizza?" she asked.

"Anything for my girl," Roger said, smiling at her. "Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful," Melanie said. She looked at him. "I love it."

"I'm glad," Roger said. "Are you hungry now?"

"I sure am," Melanie said, smiling and going over and kissing him.

He pulled out the chair so she could sit down, and they ate their pizza while talking. Roger found it interesting that, no matter how long he talked to Melanie, he never ran out of things to say. When they were finished, he looked at her.

"Do you want to digest this pizza over a movie?" he asked.

"Sure," Melanie said, smiling at him. "You pick this time, since Maureen and I got to pick last time."

Roger smiled. "OK, how about Jaws?" he asked. Melanie gasped in surprise. "Are you OK with that?"

"I guess," Melanie said, shrugging. "I'm not really one for scary movies, but if you want it…" She didn't want to look wimpy to Roger.

"If you're not OK with it, I can pick something else," Roger said. "I'm just one for scary movies."

"No, it's fine," Melanie said. "I've just heard about it; I've never actually seen it."

Roger smiled. "OK, but if you get…" he said, his voice trailing off. He wasn't sure if he should finish what he'd been about to say.

"If I get scared, let you know, right?" Melanie guessed.

Roger let out his breath. "Yeah," he said.

They went into the living room and Roger put in the movie. He walked over to the couch and sat down next to Melanie.

"GOD, HELP ME, PLEEEAAASE!" Chrissie screamed in horror.

Melanie squeezed her eyes shut, whimpered quietly, and buried her face in Roger's chest. "It's OK, Mel," he said, stroking her hair.

It was OK, Melanie reminded herself, because she was with Roger.

"This was no boat accident," Harper said to the medical examiner and Brody.

Melanie squirmed. She normally wasn't squeamish, but even just the previews to this movie had made her nervous. But she didn't say anything to Roger, who had his arm around her protectively.

"You OK, Mel?" he asked. He could feel the tension coming from her.

"I'm fine," she said.

About an hour later, the movie ended. Melanie looked up at Roger. "I'm getting kind of tired," she said. "Is it OK if I sleep for a while?"

"Sure, baby," Roger said. "You can sleep in my mom's room for a while, if you want. When do you want me to wake you up?"

"I don't know, around nine, if I sleep that long?" Melanie asked him.

"OK," Roger said, and he kissed the top of her head. "Goodnight. I love you, baby."

"I love you, too, baby," Melanie said, and she went into Mrs. Schwartz's room.

She was tired and it didn't take her long to fall asleep. But it also didn't take her long to have nightmares about sharks attacking her in the water.

"Roger! Roger, help me!" Melanie screamed. "The shark's attacking me! Roger, help!"

Roger rushed into the room, after hearing Melanie's screams from downstairs. He held her by the waist to prevent her from falling off the bed.

"Melanie! Melanie, wake up! It's OK!" Roger's voice said to her.

Melanie's eyes flew open. Despite her thrashing around, Roger was holding her firmly and gently around her waist. "Melanie, it's OK!" he said.

"Oh, Roger, it was that movie," Melanie said. She could feel tears on her face. She'd obviously been crying in her sleep.

"Mel, why didn't you tell me you were scared?" Roger asked her, concerned. "Calm down, baby."

"I didn't want to look weird," Melanie said.

"Melanie Elizabeth Schwartz, you never look weird to me," Roger said, hugging her close and kissing her cheek. "It's OK. You should have told me."

"I know," Melanie said. "I'm sorry, Roger."

"It's OK, Melanie. And hey, in case I haven't told you today, I love you."

"I love you, too, Roger."

Roger tilted her head up and brought her lips to his. He ran his fingers through her hair and she caressed his strong chest. As his blood started to pump and his breathing increased, he felt himself starting to lose control.

Then he felt Melanie's lips part from his and her pushing him away.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Roger, wait," she said breathlessly, "we… we should stop."

"Why?" Roger asked, breathing hard. "You're amazing."

"Thank you," Melanie said, and when he moved toward her again, she had to push him away again. "But you know… we have the rest of our lives to do this."

Melanie looked up at him, hoping for understanding.

"Maybe so," Roger said, "but I love you, baby. I'd do anything for you."

"Me too, baby," Melanie said, looking up at him.

"So what are we waiting for?" Roger asked.

"Roger, sex isn't love," Melanie said.

"I know, baby," Roger said.

"So please respect my wish to wait. I'm not ready for this," Melanie said.

Roger was silent for a moment, and then he nodded. "OK, I'm sorry, baby. Please forgive me."

"It's OK, Roger; just not yet, OK?" Melanie asked.

"OK," Roger said. There was several long seconds of awkward silence, and then he looked at her again. "So… did you have fun tonight?"

"Yes, it was great," Melanie said. "But I should probably get home. Thank you for tonight, though."

"I'm glad you had fun," Roger said. "I'll see you home, OK?"

"Oh, no… that's OK, I'll be—"

"Baby, please let me drive you home. It's late and the least I could do after being so stupid," Roger said quickly.

Melanie sighed and put her head in her hands. "All right," she said, "you can. Then you should get back home. I don't want Mrs. Davis to worry or lose her trust in you or me."

Roger nodded stiffly. Melanie could tell he was upset. They shut off the movie and walked to the entryway, put their jackets on, and left.

The moment Melanie got home, she ran past her mother and up the stairs to her room. "Melanie, honey, are you OK?" Mrs. Schwartz asked.

"I'm fine, Mom," Melanie said, and she slammed her door shut. She flopped onto her bed and picked up her cordless phone and dialed Maureen's number.

"Maureen, I need to talk to you," she said, when Maureen picked up.

"What's wrong, Mel?" she asked. "You sound upset."

"Maureen, I…" Melanie stammered. She was unable to begin telling Maureen what had happened.

"What is it?" Maureen asked, worried. "Spit it out."

"Well, OK," Melanie said. "Roger tried to get me to have sex with him tonight."

"WHAT?" Maureen yelled.

"Maureen, please don't yell," Melanie said. "My head hurts."

"Were you two drinking?" Maureen demanded.

"No, not a drop, I swear," Melanie said. "And you should talk." Before Maureen could retort, she went on. "We were watching a movie and I freaked out. I went to go sleep in his mom's room for a while, and I had a nightmare… Silly, I know… Well, I woke up with him holding me, and—"

"What movie was it, Mel?" Maureen interrupted.

"Jaws," Melanie replied. "Does it really matter?"

"No, I was just curious. Don't worry; at first, that movie freaked me out, too," Maureen said. "Go on."

"And, well, he was holding me and… before I knew it, we were all over each other. But I pushed him away and told him we had our whole lives to do it, and that I wasn't ready… And, well, I think he got frustrated, because he saw me home without saying a word."

"Well… the only suggestion I have is to talk to him, Mel," Maureen said. "And tell him that, if he ever tries to make you do something you don't want to again, I'll kick his ass."

"OK, Maureen, I will," Melanie said. "I'd better go before my mom gets home. She was working an evening shift, but she doesn't like me on the phone after nine, and it's almost ten."

"OK, Mel," Maureen said. "Take care, OK? And don't put off talking to him."

"I won't, Mo," Melanie said, "but I am going to go to bed."

"OK. Goodnight, Mel," Maureen said, and she hung up.

Melanie changed into her pajamas, and as she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up over her shoulders, she heard her mother enter the house and shut the door. Mrs. Schwartz walked upstairs and quickly entered Melanie's room. She looked down at Melanie, who was pretending to be asleep, and then, satisfied, she left the room and closed the door.

Melanie didn't sleep well that night.

As always, don't forget to review. I will be uploading the next chapters as soon as I can. Be prepared for more CollinsOC with Brian, but it will NOT affect his relationship with Angel during RENT, so don't let that worry you or turn you off from this story. I don't know when I will update, though, because my musical openstonight (Rosablasifann08, I'll tell you more about it when I talk to you on Saturday, but dress rehearsal was amazing, I made no mistakes, YAY!), I'm concentrating on getting scholarship applications done, and I'm also having some family trouble, among many other things that are keeping me busy. I will update again as soon as I can, though. Thanks for reading. I can't wait to see your guys' opinions.

Until next time, lots of love,

Renthead07