I love writing full stories again!

Reviews are lovely!

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After Melanie was hastily introduced to everyone, and a few banters to Roger that he had finally found a new girlfriend, everyone got settled and had a rowdy, but fun evening.

Roger walked Melanie home. She lived in the far end of the East Village, but Roger didn't mind.

"I had a great time tonight. You're not too bad, Davis. Not too bad," Melanie said teasingly as they reached the entrance to her apartment.

Roger chuckled a little. "I'm glad I was able to redeem myself."

Melanie rummaged in her purse, and pulled out a permanent marker. Then she took Roger's arm and wrote what seemed like her phone number on it.

"You better not wash it off, because I'm giving it to you again," she said seriously, but a smile played at her lips.

Roger nodded. There was an awkward silence between the two.

Melanie uncomfortably adjusted her hold on her groceries. "Well…goodnight, then."

She leaned forward hesitantly, then gave Roger a quick kiss on the cheek and headed into her apartment without another word.

Roger knew and took this as more of a friendly gesture, but he felt himself turn fiery red again. He had never felt like this since Mimi asked for him to light her candle. He smiled a little and headed back home

Roger and Melanie had a few more dates, but Roger was hesitant to start a relationship. He had the feeling he only liked Melanie because her personality was similar to Mimi's. He also wasn't sure how Melanie's daughter, Allie, was going to take them dating. Apparently, Melanie's fiancé had taken off when Allie had been born. Roger wouldn't do anything of that sort, but didn't want a huge commitment either.

Things got tense one time when Roger was walking Melanie home from one of their dates.

"So, we're on for next Thursday, then?" Roger asked on Melanie's front doorstep.

"Yep. Sounds good," said Melanie, but she seemed to be nervous about something.

There was an uncomfortable silence, but there was a definite tension. There was not much room in front of the apartment building, so Roger and Melanie only had a foot of space in between them.

Roger shifted his feet uncomfortably. "Well…goodnight." He hesitantly gave Melanie a kiss on her cheek.

For some reason though, he didn't pull away instantly, and before he knew it, the two were inches away from kissing each other.

Just as their noses touched each other, Roger lost his confidence.

"Melanie…" he said softly "I'm sorry…I can't do this…" He pulled away slowly from her.

"Why not?" Melanie said with annoyance. When Roger didn't say anything, she instantly knew why.

"Because of Mimi, right?" Melanie said, and exasperation and anger filled her eyes. She had been accidentally informed about Mimi and her relationship with Roger, and it had been a touchy subject with her ever since.

"No…it's not about her…it's just-"

"You still love her, don't you?" Melanie cut in, voice quaking with rage. "Jesus, Roger! The woman's dead! I can't believe I'm competing with a dead person for a guy…"

"That's not it, Melanie…it's just…I haven't been in a relationship since her…and –"

Melanie shook her head and turned toward the door. "Just forget it, Davis. Goodnight…"

Roger started to turn away, then realized his own stupid actions. What's wrong with you? She's right! What are you so worried about starting a relationship again? That you'll lose her? She doesn't have AIDS! God, Roger, do something!

"Melanie, wait…" said Roger as he walked back towards to door.

Melanie didn't turn around. "I said just forget it, Davis. What do you not – "

Roger had cut her off by taking both of her shoulders and turning her to face him. Then he cupped one of his hands on the side of her face and kissed her.

They pulled apart for a second, then Melanie dropped her bags, and threw her arms around Roger's neck, kissing him passionately.

They would've continued until they heard a muffled cry from inside the apartment. Melanie winced and pulled apart from Roger reluctantly.

"It's Allie…probably just another nightmare or something…"

Roger nodded, then, before he could stop himself, wrapped his arms around Melanie's waist and pulled her in for another kiss.

"Davis…" Melanie moaned as Roger nuzzled her neck, "I really have to go…"

Roger sighed and detached himself from her grudgingly. He put on his best little kid's face. "Fine."

Melanie giggled and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Davis." Melanie kissed him again on the lips, and they continued for a while. Finally, when Melanie heard Allie crying again, she pulled herself away from Roger, flashed a smile at him, and went into her apartment.

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Sorry it's kind of short…

Oh, but drama shall soon ensue!

Lovely reviews, thank you!!

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