AN: A little reply to Tina101 and maureen is me: The issue of Roger and Mimi getting married will be resolved, but in a future fanfic. Sorry to make you wait, but I have other ideas to get out of the way. I got a 'master plan' worked out, and my intention is to post two other fanfics first: a special 'Angel Dedication' fic, and a humorous story staring all the RENT girls.

On that note, on with the story.


Roger stood by at Bar None, waiting for his turn to go up. He had arrived just as Robbie was finishing up with his audition, and the two former band members were now talking.

"Can't believe you decided to come down after all," Robbie laughed.

"I wasn't going to, actually. But Mimi and Penny talked me into it."

Roger and Robbie continued to talk until it was Roger's turn to try out. Collecting his fender, he moved up to the stage, his hand reaching into his pocket to rub his lucky charm, the St. Cecilia medallion Penny had given to him as a birthday present. Once up on stage, he was asked a few questions, such as his name, and what previous experience he'd had. Finally, it was time to show what he could do. Moving the fender in position, Roger began.

"When I think about my life
I wonder if I will survive to live to see in 25
Or will I just fall?
Like all my friends, they just keep dying
People 'round me always crying
In this place that I like to call my home

Not everybody knows that everybody goes to a better place
Not everybody knows that everyone could be living their last days
But the hard times will come, and we'll keep movin' on, we're movin' up
Keep movin' on

Life,
Hope,
Truth,
Trust,
Faith,
Pride,
Love,
Lust

On without the things we've lost
The things we've gained we'll take with us

And all I've got are these two hands to make myself a better man
I wonder if I'll ever see the end of this
With all this rain it just keeps falling
On my head and now I'm calling
Out to someone else to help me make it through

Not everybody knows that everybody goes to a better place
Not everybody knows that everyone could be living their last days
But the hard times will come, and we'll keep movin' on, we're movin' up
Keep movin' on

Life,
Hope,
Truth,
Trust,
Faith,
Pride,
Love,
Lust,
Pain,
Hate,
Lies,
Kill,
Laugh,
Cry,
Live,
Die

Some friends become enemies
Some friends become your family
Make the best with what you're given
This ain't dying
This is living!

Said we're movin' on, and we got nothing to prove
To anyone 'cause we'll get through
We're movin' on and on and on and on...
Keep movin' on

Life,
Hope,
Truth,
Trust,
Faith,
Pride,
Love,
Lust,
Pain,
Hate,
Lies,
Kill,
Laugh,
Cry,
Live,
Die

Some friends become enemies
Some friends become your family
Make the best with what you're given
This ain't dying
This is living!"


In Ben and Jerry's, Mimi and Penny sat at a table, watching the door for any sign of Roger. They were soon rewarded when Roger and Robbie both came through the door. Roger looked shaken, but Robbie was exuberant.

"Davis and Kysar are back!" Robbie cheered. "The good old team from a few years ago!"

"You got it!?" Mimi cried in excitement. Roger breathed deeply before nodding. Mimi squealed in happiness, throwing herself at Roger and wrapping her legs around his waist, placing a congratulatory kiss on his lips, one that Roger returned with earnest. Once Roger returned Mimi to the ground, Penny moved forward to hug the musician, who couldn't help but laugh as Penny only came up to his navel, so she had to hug his legs. Eventually, the three returned to the table, while Robbie volunteered to order some ice cream and coffees on him in celebration.

"So, what did you two do, today?" Roger asked, rubbing Mimi's knee beneath the table.

"Not much. Stopped by the Botanical Garden for a bit, and then went over to the Manhattan Mall," Mimi grinned. "Penny tried on twelve pairs of shoes, and we didn't buy anything."

"I made a salesperson cry," Penny announced proudly.

"I'd hate to think what Emily would say if she thought we were corrupting Penny," Roger chuckled.

"Oh, nonsense," Mimi laughed. "Emily's a Bohemian, too. She should understand that it'll be Penny who will lead the next generation of Bohemians. It's never too early to start training her for that day."


For the next hour, Roger, Mimi, Penny, and Robbie talked and laughed over their ice cream. Then the time came for them to leave in order to make it to the fireworks display in time. Before leaving, Mimi took Penny to the bathroom, leaving Roger and Robbie alone.

"I'm sorry, but there's something that just doesn't fit the picture," Robbie began. "In all those days of being in that old band, none of us ever would have pictured Roger Davis taking care of any kid. And here you are today, actually babysitting."

"Sometimes, people change, Robbie," Roger shrugged. "I went through a lot of sh-t around the time the band split up. But I eventually wised up a bit, mostly thanks to Mimi. And a guardian angel." Roger instinctively glanced up to the heavens, in a silent acknowledgment to his lost friend.

"Yeah, you've definitely changed Rog. You looked real comfortable looking after Penny there."

"Hey, who could blame me? Little Penny's a wonderful kid. How could anyone not love her?"

"Well, you ever think about having one of your own?"

"What?" Roger's eyes widened in surprise.

"I'm just saying. After seeing you and Mimi watch Penny, I just got the thought that the two of you could make pretty good parents, if the chance ever arose." Roger turned his head, so Robbie wouldn't be able to see the hurt in his eyes.

"Hey, Robbie? If it's okay with you, could we not talk about that sort of thing?"

"Oh. Sure, buddy." Further conversation was postponed, as Mimi and Penny had returned, allowing the four friends to leave for the fireworks display.


AN: The next chapter is most likely the last one for this story. It will have a final tender moment between Roger and Mimi, but it will be partially bittersweet.
And that song Roger ends up singing is called "Moving On", which is sung by Good Charlotte. I always thought that the song really fit the story and theme of RENT.
So, until next time...