A/N:  Sorry for the long time without an update, and the fact that this is a short chapter.  The next few should be good, I just need to find time to write them, but I'm moving and work is crazy right now.

          The truth was, I really wanted to live in the loft with them.  I didn't know why though.  I hardly knew them, but I knew they needed me as much as I needed them.  With or without me, April's secret is going to come out and tear them apart. 

          Chances were, since April had it, so did Roger.  He's probably the stupid fuck who used some dirty needle and passed it on to his unknowing girlfriend.  Just one careless mistake, and bam, he killed her.

          Just like Michael's one careless mistake long before I met him, and our own careless encounters, even though we were vigilantly safe.  But accidents happen, so do addictions and illness and death.  It is called life and I plan on living.  Nothing was going to stop me, I was going to make a difference, and my first stop was in that loft on Avenue B and 11th Street.

          My beeper went off as I rounded the corner back to the loft.  I left my AZT inside. I mentally tell myself that I'm going to have to remember to bring it with me from now on. 

          When I get to the door, I stand for a moment, debating whether I should knock or just walk in.  I heard their voices through the thin walls, talking about me, and about the disease.

          "Can you imagine knowing you are going to die young?"  Maureen asked.

          "All I know, if I ever got AIDS, I would kill myself."  Roger stated gruffly, "No fucking way would I ever allow myself to get that sick."

          "Really?" April said meekly.  "I mean, you wouldn't even try and fight it?"

          "Hell no.  I'd rather die quickly and under my own hands then slowly in a hospital bed."

          "I don't know, I mean, they are working for a cure, it might be a good…"

          I couldn't stand listening to anymore.  I knocked on the door as I pushed it open.  "Hey guys.  I'm home… or uh… back."

          "Sweetie," Maureen walked towards me, "You're home.  We're thrilled to have you."

          "Yeah man, as long as you teach me your hustling tricks, you can stay as long as you want,"  Roger laughed.

          I laughed too, "No way, I'm going to hustle you till you have nothing left."

          "He's got nothing to start with," Mark interjected.  "But seriously, Collins, if you need anything, let us know.  We're here for you."

          They all nodded in agreement.  "Thanks guys."

          "Hey, it is early!  Why don't we all go out to a club!"  Maureen said suddenly. 

          "Early, it is eleven o'clock."  Mark said, obviously not wanting to go.

          "Exactly, Mark."  Roger stood up, "I definitely want to go out, I need to talk to a few people."  The room fell silent for a moment.  "Guys, don't give me shit."

          "We didn't say anything." Mark said flatly.

          "Yay! We're going then!  I'll go change!  April, do you want to borrow something of mine?"  Maureen walked behind her and draped herself over April.

          "Ooh! Leather catsuit!"  Roger suggested, poking April.

          "You have a leather catsuit?"  I asked, curiously.

          "Doesn't everyone?"  She said with a flirtatious smile.

          "Thanks anyway, Maureen, but I'm going to stay here."  April pulled away from her and got off the couch. "I have a headache, so I don't feel like going to a club."  She smiled, "But you guys go, have fun. Dance the night away."

          "You sure, April?"  Mark asked.

          "Yeah, of course.  I'm just going to pop some pills and go to sleep."

          "Come on Babe," Roger followed her off the couch, "We slept all day."  He leaned over and kissed her, "Time to go party."

          She smiled and shook her head. 

          "Well at least put the catsuit on," he whispered seductively.  She pushed him away playfully. 

Mark sighed deeply and walked around collecting dirty dishes from around the room.  "I think I'll stay in too."

"What! Pookie!"  Maureen yelled from her bedroom.  "You have to go!"

"What the fuck, man, you don't want to go now?"  Roger stated.

"Look guys, why don't we all just stay here?"  I interrupted.  We could just hang out and talk or something.

"No!" April interjected quickly, causing all of us to turn curiously at her.  "I mean… I have a real bad headache and really just want to be alone."  She rubbed her temples for emphasis.

"Mark, get dressed, you're going."  Maureen came out of her room, wearing a short jean skirt and a halter-top. 

I whistled at Maureen's grand entrance.  "Damn girl, you look fine."  She played right along with me and draped her body over mine.

"You really think so, hot stuff?"

"Ahem!  Come on guys!"  Mark whined.

"Yeah Maureen, save it for the dance floor, or at least someone who is straight."  Roger pulled her from me.

"Yeah, like me," Mark said, and we all turned to him as he pulled Maureen from my arms..

"So then you're coming, Pookie?"

"Yeah, yeah.  Let's go." 

April walked us to the door and hugged each of us.  She kissed Roger goodbye, whispering to him that she loved him.

With that, the four of us were out the door.