(Disclaimer: Characters are not mine, never will be.)
(Note: It's 4 days later… and I have no knowledge of clubs in NYC, so I just used one mentioned in the play. And I stole the name of the company from the TV show Working… I love that show!)
Ch 6: If Only Happiness Lasted
Mark laid in bed, half-awake, joyfully reminiscing the past 4 days. He snuggled closer to the slumbering man beside him and sighed contentedly. It was hard for him to believe that just six days ago he was doubting Roger's friendship as he sat alone on his birthday. Now he smiled, enjoying the feel of someone sleeping beside him. This was the first time he had shared a bed with someone in quite a while. Well, since Maureen. But that wasn't who Mark wanted to think about, he settled his eyes on Roger's face and got lost in his reverie of the last few days. He and Roger had spent most of it in their loft; Mark got the feeling that Roger wasn't ready to go public with their relationship. This was re-enforced by when Collins, Maureen and Joanne stopped by on a surprise visit and insisted on Mark and Roger going to lunch with them. Roger backed out, lying that he had to practice with his band, his eyes pleading Mark to go along with it. It didn't really bother him. Okay, just a little, he admitted. Just as long as he doesn't try hiding it for much longer. Mark was startled back to the present when Roger rolled onto his back and stretched without opening his eyes.
"Good morning, Roge," Mark whispered as he reached out and ruffled his hair.
Roger slowly opened his eyes. "Mmmm… I fell asleep," he said, a little disoriented.
"Right in the middle of our conversation, sleepyhead. I didn't think I was that boring!" Mark said with a soft laugh.
"Sorry," Roger said through a yawn.
"Don't be sorry," Mark pulled himself closer to Roger and rested his head on his chest, "you can fall asleep in my bed anytime you want."
Roger put his arms around Mark and closed his eyes. In a few minutes he was snoring quietly.
"Roger?" Mark lifted his head. Geesh, he's lazy. How late does he sleep? He suddenly realized he didn't even know what time it was. Mark reached out for his glasses on the night stand and put them on. The fuzzyness of the room grew clear and he could read the clock on the wall. "8:00?" he asked aloud. "I'm not usually awake this early." Okay, maybe Roger isn't that lazy. Mark wriggled out of Roger's arms and got out of bed, remembering that he had planned to go shopping today. Might as well get it over with early.
Mark gathered the clothes he would wear today and went to take a shower. He stripped off his pajamas and climbed into the tub, turning the faucets on, he silently prayed for some hot water. He was pleasantly surprised when the water started to come out warm, maybe it just feels warm because the air is so cold. He decided he didn't really care and took a leisurely shower.
While he was drying off he could have sworn he heard footsteps. Mark threw on his boxers and pants and poked his head out of the bathroom, the door to his room was still closed. Towel still in hand, he walked to the door and poked his head out into the hall, he could hear the distant closing of a door, but other than that, no one was around. He was about to close the door when something fluttering caught his eye. He reached up and pulled a newspaper clipping that was taped to the door down.
Thought you might be interested. He recognized Collins's handwriting. Mark walked back inside and read the clipping, while towel-drying his hair. It was a help-wanted ad for a filmmaker, it was pretty short, with minimal details, saying to call for more information. He taped it on the refrigerator, maybe it would be worth looking into. We could really use the money, Mark thought as he peered into the fridge and cabinets and made a mental note of what needed to be bought. He went back into the bathroom and finished dressing. After looking in to see if Roger was sleeping, Mark grabbed his camera and left.
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Roger awoke to an empty apartment. Where did Mark go? He vaguely remembered something about shopping from yesterday. Oh well… He'll be back soon. Roger didn't doubt that at all, Mark wouldn't leave him for long and Roger was glad for that. Part of him wondered what made him think this, the other part didn't care. He meandered into the kitchen in search of breakfast, with no such luck. "I hope Mark went shopping," he said aloud. Restless, Roger decided it was too dim in the loft, even with the lights on, so he opened the window shades. He stared down at the people on the street, all strangers in this big city, until he caught sight of someone familiar. Even though he only saw her back disappear down the street he could tell it was her. Mimi. Roger felt an ache in his heart. He had never wanted to hurt her, he still loved her, but it wasn't the same as the love he had hidden from his best friend since before he's even met her. Still, I never wanted to hurt her. Roger sighed, hoping he would be able to talk to her, to see how she was feeling and try to make her understand how he felt. I doubt it. Even if it devastated Mimi, and Roger knew how selfish it was to feel this way, he wouldn't take back what was happening between him and Mark. So what if he was scared to death about what would happen when people found out. What his friends, his band, and his family would think. So what. But you're not even brave enough to tell your closest friends. And they're all gay anyway! Roger recalled the hurt look on Mark's face when he had declined to go out with everyone. Mark tried to hide it from everyone, he had succeeded in it too- well, hiding it from everyone but Roger. I just need time to get used to this. Mark needs to get used to it too! he realized, kicking himself for being so self-centered. We're going through this together, so everything will be okay. He turned away from the window, deciding he was thirsty. He was filling a mug with water when someone started banging on the door.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," he made his way towards the door, the loud knocking hadn't stopped. He turned the lock and had barely opened the door when Maureen stormed her way in.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" she fumed.
"What?" Roger was caught off guard.
"First you tried to kill Mark and now-"
"Hold on! I did not try to kill him!" Roger cut her off. He stormed over to the table and picked up his mug of water, trying to keep moving so she wouldn't see him shaking. He was terrified about where this was going.
She continued as though he had never said anything. "And now you broke up with Mimi for some whore!"
"Who told you this?" Roger was frozen to the spot, his jaw tensed.
"Mimi! I just saw her. She said you left her for someone else. So, who's the whore?" Maureen demanded.
Roger's mouth opened and closed a few times.
"Roger," Mark called, pushing the door open with his hip, his arms laden with groceries. "Oh, you're up." Mark smiled as he walked into the room and kicked the door closed, unaware of the tense situation he had walked into.
"Hey Maureen," his smiled turned uncertain as he put the bags down on the table. "What's going on?"
"Well, Roger?" Maureen ignored Mark.
Roger broke into a smile. "Maureen," he said as he put his arms around Mark, "meet my new whore."
She blinked a few times before laughing shrilly. "Yeah right!"
"Oh, is that my new nickname?" Mark turned around in Roger's arms so he was facing him. Roger grinned down at him.
"Only if you want it to be." He kissed Mark gently on the lips. Roger felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Oh my god!" Maureen exclaimed. "I can't believe this…" She sat down on the couch. Mark ducked out of Roger's embrace and began unpacking the groceries.
"Joanne is not going to believe this!" She got up to leave.
"Let us tell her and Collins, okay?" Roger told her.
"Yeah," Maureen felt somewhat dazed. "Wow, congratulations you guys."
Mark had finished putting away the food. "Will you be at The Pyramid Club tonight?"
"Huh? Oh yeah! Your band," she said to Roger. "We might be a little late."
"Joanne has to work?" Mark asked.
"Yeah… Well, see you tonight." Maureen left.
Mark watched his ex leave before exclaiming, "You told!" He immediately blushed, realizing how dumb that must have sounded.
"Did you think I wanted to keep us a secret forever?" Roger's eyes glinted with amusement.
"Not that long… Maybe just a year or two."
Roger's face hardened. "I was joking Roge!" Mark added quickly.
"I know," his shoulders slumped. "It just makes me feel like shit that you even had to think like that."
Mark didn't know what to say. "I… uhm…" He coughed. "I bought some food at the store." He walked over to the cabinets. "Look, we haven't had these in a long time." He held up a bag of Nacho flavored Dorritos.
Roger struggled to keep a straight face as Mark dug through their new supply of food. Finally he couldn't help it and burst out laughing.
Mark turned around and mumbled something about mood swings.
"What's this?" Roger pulled the help wanted ad down from the refrigerator and read it.
"Collins left it on the door. Think I should look into it?" Mark asked.
Roger nodded. "And try not to forget about us little people when you're a big movie producer."
Mark laughed bitterly. "Yeah, sure…"
"As much as I want to stay here, I've got to go. Jared has been gone for a week, and it was too hard to practice without a drummer. We've got to make up for a lot of lost time if we want to sound good tonight," Roger said as he opened his guitar case to make sure everything was set.
"You're going to be gone all day?" Mark asked, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice.
"Yeah, we can go out for lunch or something, if you want," Roger offered as he put his coat on.
"Nah, you'll be busy. I'll see you tonight."
Roger pulled Mark into his arms and gave him what was supposed to be a quick kiss goodbye, but it was prolonged by both of them. "I'm going to be late," Roger pulled away, his cheeks were flushed. "See ya," and he was out the door. Mark stood and watched him go, before closing the door.
Mark found the help wanted ad on the counter, he quickly scanned it, hoping for some clue as to what kind of film he'd be making. The three-line ad offered no clue. He picked up the phone and dialed determinedly.
"Good morning, Upton/Webber, how may I help you?" a female voice prattled off.
"Hi, I'm calling in response to the want ad for a filmmaker," Mark said.
"I'll transfer you, one moment please." Mark held his breath.
A few minutes later he was off the phone, an appointment set up for early next week and some directions scribbled on a napkin.
"A recruit video for some big company… Do I really want to do that?" he asked aloud. It would be an easy way to make some money. But still… Maybe he would call and cancel the interview.
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"Hey Roger," Nick, his fellow guitarist prodded him on the arm, "are we going to be seeing your lovely Mimi tonight?"
Roger shrugged and turned away from his band.
"You didn't like break up with her or something?" Jared asked.
"Yeah, something like that," Roger mumbled under his breath as he plugged his guitar into the amp.
"It's the bachelor life for you now, huh?" Jared dropped his cymbal. "Shit!"
"Not really…"
"You have someone else already?" he asked as he finished setting up his drums.
"So, that means Mimi's free?" Nick asked suggestively.
Roger gave him a disgusted look. "Just asking!" Nick held his hands up in surrender.
"Where's Taylor?" Roger changed the subject. "He's late."
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Mark stood outside The Pyramid Club at ten of nine, with his camera. "Tonight the Well Hungarians live at The Pyramid Club," he said as he zoomed in on a poster with a picture of Roger and the rest if his band on it. He was jostled by some people walking by him to get into the club and decided if he wanted to get a seat he should go in. Inside it was packed, Mark hadn't expected such a crowd. So much for the seat idea. He spotted an empty stool at the bar and sat down. He signaled to the bartender and ordered a beer. He didn't really like the taste of it, but if he wanted to keep his seat he'd have to drink something.
A little after 9 the Well Hungarians took their place on the stage, they were met with cheers from the crowd. Mark filmed their first set, narrating with little comments about the songs and the members. When the set was over, Roger headed over to Mark.
"Hey," he smiled and picked up the beer that the bartender had set down for him.
"Great set," Mark complimented.
The blonde on the next stool over turned around to Roger and squeeled. "Oh my god! You were so hot up there! You are hot!"
Roger smiled politely. She continued, "If you're not busy later-"
"Sorry, I'm not interested."
"Oh, fine. Your loss," she got up in a huff and walked off. Roger sat down on the vacated stool. He turned his attention on Mark, who was struggling to keep a straight face.
"What?" he asked.
"I don't know if I can compete with all the beautiful blondes who are coming on to you," he smirked.
"That's not very funny, you know," Roger commented.
"It isn't? Well, I'm on my third beer. I don't think alcohol and me go well."
"Well, then, you're cut off!" Roger grabbed the half-full bottle from him and downed it in a gulp. "Anyway, I don't think you have to worry, you're the only blonde I want."
"I'm glad to hear that. So all I have to worry about are brunettes and redheads, huh?"
Roger smiled and stood up. "I need to go check my amp, it sounded a little weird."
"Okay," Mark fiddled with one of the empty bottles.
"Comere," Roger said gruffly as he leaned down to Mark and kissed him. "Don't look so lonely." He went back to the stage.
"Hey Roger," Nick joined him on the stage. "That your new girlfriend?" he motioned towards Mark.
Roger tensed.
"Hey guys!" Nick called to the rest of the band. "Check out Roger's new girlfriend!"
Roger pulled Nick backstage. "What's wrong with you?" he growled.
"Chill! I'm just having a little fun!"
The rest of the guys joined them backstage.
"Your new girlfriend is here?" Jared asked. "Which one is she?"
"Never mind! Just drop it!" Roger warned. "We need to go on."
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Roger could tell that after the gig the other guys were gawking at him and snickering. He pretended not to notice as he packed up with guitar. It's their problem, not mine. He couldn't control how they'd react. He saw Mark making his way to the stage through the crowd of people.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked immediately.
"Nothing, help me pack up," Roger avoided his eyes.
"Sure," Mark clamored on stage.
"So." Nick walked up to the two of them.
Roger ignored him. Mark looked at him politely, waiting for him to go on.
"Anything you want to say, Roger?" Nick continued.
"Let's go Mark," Roger said as he finished packing.
"Uhm… Okay." He was obviously confused. He trailed Roger out of the club, leaving Nick standing on the stage.
"What was that he asked?"
"What was what?" Roger pretended to be oblivious.
"That. Back there, with Nick."
"He saw me kiss you."
"Oh…" Mark searched for something to say. "You just need to talk with them."
"You're right," Roger cheered up a little.
"I always am."
"Don't push it!" Roger jokingly warned. They walked down the street, Roger's guitar case banged noisily against his leg. Their hands brushed together lightly and Mark gradually eased his hand into Roger's, who squeezed it tightly in return.
They finally arrived home, as Mark was sticking his key in the lock, they heard a voice carry from the stairwell.
"Roger! Wait a minute." Mimi ran up the stairs. "I need to talk to you."
She stopped in front of them. "Could we have a little privacy?" she asked Mark. He glanced at Roger and opened the door to the loft. Roger pulled Mark back.
"Whatever you have to say to me you can say in front of Mark."
Mimi looked like she was about to protest. Mark wasn't sure if he wanted to hear this, but stayed because Roger was gripping his arm too hard.
"Roger," she took a deep breath, "I'm pregnant."
(Dun dun dunnnnnnn…. To be continued next part. Uhm, please don't throw tomatoes or other rotten fruit. I do know what I'm doing and it didn't seem so soap opera-ish when I first planned this. Anyway, I'm glad to have this part off my hands, it took too long to write. Please review. No death threats please, unless you can find a nice way to go about them :-)