A/N Another slightly long chapter, but it had to be. Last chapter was more of a fluff piece building up to this one. Enjoy! I also wanted to point out, Cass arrived in New York on Saturday of Labor Day weekend and now it's nearing the end of September. So in 47 chapters, we've only gone about four weeks. This whole thing started out as just a short story! I'm glad that while it has grown, it's managed to grow so well.

Note for Sandy – It's just sort of implied that they told Mark and he was okay with everything. I mean like I said, it took 47 chapters just to get through September, so we can put in every little conversation!

Chapter 47

"And Roger said, 'Let there be light'!" He told Ginny screwing in the second light bulb and stepping off the chair.

"Great, on top of everything else you've got a God complex. How has Mark lived with you this long?" She asked sarcastically flicking the light switch on. "However it is nice to be able to see again."

"Where's the smoke alarm at shorty?"

"Mark's right, you're soooo funny. In the kitchen. You want a soda? I gotta find the batteries."

"Yeah. Thanks." Roger opened the fridge, pulled out a soda and sat in on the couch to wait. Ginny had her nursing books spread across the couch. He picked one up and started flipping through it.

"You doing research or just looking for naked pictures?" She teased walking back into the living room.

"Ha ha." He slapped the book closed quickly.

"Seriously though," her whole tone changed. From super sarcastic and bitchie to actually sounding concerned. Something she knew Roger didn't hear from her often so it didn't surprise her when his head snapped up as she spoke. "How are you guys doing?"

"Okay I guess." He shrugged. "What are we talking about exactly?"

"Duh. Baby dork." She rolled her eyes. "How's Cass?"

"Tired, but she was up late working last night and we got up early this morning to go to the doctor's."

"She's got a real doctor with insurance and stuff right? Not the clinic thing?"

"Yeah she's part of the same office as the other one. The one Joanne sent her to for her stitches and cast."

"You like the OB?"

"Huh?" He just looked at her, not a clue what she was talking about.

"The baby doctor idiot." She shook her head. "They're called OB's. Did you guys like her?"

"Yeah, I guess." He shrugged.

"How's Cass feel?"

"Kinda crappy. She's puking a lot."

"Already?"

"Is the bad?" He asked, alarmed.

"Oh sorry. No it's not bad. But if she's that sick already, it'll probably get worse before it gets better."

"Oh." Roger ran his hands through his hair. "Ginny can I ask you something?"

"Yep. I'll tell you whatever I can." She was serious. She could tell he was a little freaked out.

"Is that baby gonna be okay?"

"What do you mean Rog?"

"I mean in three weeks, we've drank a lot. And smoked a lot. Plus all the x-rays on her arm and her ribs. Not to mention being totally traumatized. A few times."

Ginny realized he was more than a little freaked out. Roger Davis was just plain scared. For a twisted moment, that really amused her, but she didn't let him know that. "Um, I don't know Roger. I mean, it's supposed to be all or nothing at this point. So I guess, most likely, yeah. It should be fine."

"What's that mean? All or nothing?"

"Basically, when it's only the first few weeks, I guess because so many people don't know yet at that point, that if you do anything that is gonna cause any major damage at that point, you either lose it right away or it doesn't hurt it. So I'd say don't worry about all that."

"Great." He popped another piece of gum into his mouth before running his hands through his hair again. "That's one thing down. Where's the batteries? I gotta get back upstairs. I need to talk to Mark before he leaves."

"Here you go." She handed him the batteries. "Listen Rog, I know we have this love to hate each other relationship," she grinned at him, "but if you guys need anything, just ask. Okay? And if I don't know, I can find out."

"Thanks Gin. Really."

**********

"I'm really, really sorry Mark." Joellen told him, pouring more ice tea into his, Maureen and Jen's glasses.

"It's okay. We've got plenty of time to catch the move. We just have to eat someplace quick, or eat here."

"As long as you're not mad. I mean I'm mad enough for both of us, believe me. If they don't fire that girl for pulling this crap again, I don't know what I'll do."

"Really, it's okay. Just do what you gotta do. When you get done we'll go. If we miss the movie we'll go another time. Besides, you're making more money. Except for this table." He joked. "Maureen always tips crappy."

"Oh thank you so much Mr. Rockefeller."

"You guys are too much. Okay, let me get back to work. Hopefully I'll be done soon." Joellen headed back towards the kitchen.

"Geeze Mo, I was just kidding. What's your problem?"

"Nothing." She chewed on her straw. "Hey what's Roger's deal? He about bit my head off earlier."

"Yeah, I should have warned you guys. They're a little crabby with the whole not smoking thing."

"I suppose. You should have heard him though Jen. He sounded just like Mark." She laughed.

"Roger? Turning into Mark huh?" Jen giggled.

"What do you mean?" Mark asked, confused.

"Sorry Marky." Maureen told him, surprising a laugh. "He was just, I don't know, going on and on worrying about, well, Mark type stuff."

"Like what?" He wasn't mad, and he actually knew what she meant. About him at least. When it came to worrying about stuff, Mark did the worrying. Roger on the other hand, well Roger pretty much left it all to Mark.

"Well," She began as she ate a french frie, "he was saying something about baby stuff and heat and paying for stuff. I mean just not Roger type stuff. I honestly thought he was kiddin around, till he about went ballistic on me."

"What else did he say Mo?" Jen asked, obviously concerned.

"Well he started yelling at me about being able to afford a kid and food and a new apartment and--"


"A new apartment?" Jen almost choked on her tea as she cut Maureen off. "You're moving?"

"Um…" was all Mark could say. He felt like he had just been punched in the stomach.

Jen's head was flipping back and forth from Mark to Maureen. She realized Mark had no clue as to what Maureen was talking about. Jen also knew Maureen didn't always have a clue as to what she was talking about either. She had a tendency to see things slightly differently in her brain then what was actually going on in real life. She didn't think Maureen even realized right now the implication of what she just said.

"Wait. Mo slow down." Jen took Mark's hand. "Tell us what he said. Exactly."

"I don't know." She shrugged, eating another frie. "He was just going on about how was he gonna be able to afford all that stuff. I mean what's the big deal? It's not like Cass isn't loaded."

"Maureen what did he say?" Jean almost demanded, slapping her other hand down on the table so hard Mark and Maureen jumped.

Maureen was slowly catching on to the fact that this had nothing to do with Roger yelling at her. It had nothing to do with her at all. After Jen slapped the table, she looked up from her food. That was when she saw the look on Mark's face. Suddenly she realized what it had been about that conversation that was strange to her. At no point during it did Roger ever mention Mark.

"Oh god Marky. I'm, I'm sorry. I didn't think, I never thought, I'm sorry." She babbled at him. She felt like she had just slapped him across the face.

Mark still hadn't said anything else. He couldn't.

"Maureen?" Jen said again, anxiously.

"I asked him what his problem was and he started going on about food, heat and baby stuff. I thought he was kidding around. Really. That's when he freaked out."

"But what did he say about moving Mo?" Jen was getting impatient.

"Don't yell at me I'm thinking. He said," she stopped to think. "He said they couldn't stay at the loft with no heat. Not with Cass being pregnant and with a baby." She stopped and sighed. "And he kept going on about how was he gonna afford all that. That's one reason I couldn't figure out what he was talking about. I mean Cass is like rich right?"

"Yeah, sort of I guess." Mark finally said softly.

"Marky are you okay?" Jen asked him.

"Um, yeah. I, ah, I gotta go." He stood up.

"Mark, I'm sorry." Maureen stood up and gave him a hug. "Call me later. Okay?" He nodded and started to step away but she grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "What about Joellen?"

"Damn! I forgot." He looked around for her and realized she must have been in the back. "Will you?"

"I'll explain. Don't worry."

"Tell her I'll call her later. And I'm sorry. Thanks Mo." He turned, walked out the door and headed towards home.

***********

The large pot of water seemed to be taking forever to boil. Cass checked it again as Roger came back in the door.

"Okay Baby," he grinned at her, grabbing her by her hips and pulling her close. "Ginny's got batteries in her smoke detector, so it's safe for you to cook again."

"Oh very funny." She kissed him as she hopped up on the counter.

"I told you, I'm a very funny guy." He tickled her, making her giggle and squirm as he kissed her hungrily.

"Uh huh." She said into his mouth as she kissed him back hard.

As his hands went under her shirt and up her back his lips moved down her throat. "Where's Mark?" He asked in a low throaty whisper.

"He's already gone." She pulled at his shirt.

"He left already?" Roger asked, pulling back some.

"Yep!" She tried to pull him close again. "I gave him sixty bucks from your wallet. He won't be back for hours."

"He took all my money? Damn it Mark! And I needed to talk to him too." Roger turned around and walked over to the sink, leaving Cass sitting on the counter.

"Roger what's the matter?" She asked, sliding off the counter and wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Nothing Baby." He hugged her, kissing the top of her head. "I just really needed to talk to Mark is all. I'm sorry. It's okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Hey your water's boiling."

"Oh. Ops. Well that's better than breaking I guess." She laughed.

"Huh?" Roger just looked at her, quite confused.

"Bad joke. Sorry." He kissed his cheek. "Hey do you want to run across the street to the deli? Salad sounds really good with spaghetti right now."

"Salad? But that's filled with vegetables." He teased her. "Yeah, I'll get you salad. As long as you don't make me eat any." He grinned as she rolled her eyes at him. "Any chance you're gonna make meat sauce?"

"What am I gonna do with you?" She laughed.

He gave her an evil, mischievous grin. "I could make a few suggestions if you want?"


"Go get some salad Davis!" She pulled ten dollars out of her pocket and tucked it into the waist of his jeans. "But I've got a suggestion too." She told him in a sexy whisper into his ear.

"Yeah?" Both his eyebrows went up at that statement.

"Uh huh." She nodded, running a finger down his chest.

"And what would that be?" He grinned as his hand went down her back and rested on her butt.

"You could take Georgio with you." She giggled, moving back over to the stove and dumping the entire box of spaghetti into the boiling water.

Roger let out a loud annoyed sigh as he rolled his eyes. "We are so never, ever getting a dog!"

**********

"Roger!" Mark yelled, bounding in the door.

Cass looked up from the computer desk as he came in. Hey sweetie. What happened to your date with Joellen?"

"Where's Roger?" In the short two-block walk from the Life, Mark had managed to run through a few emotions and he had landed on angry. Angry at Roger and angry at Cass too he realized.

"He'll be back in a minute. He ran to the deli. But maybe it's good you're back, he really wanted to talk to you about something." Cass paused to look at him for a second. "Mark are you alright?"

He could hear the concern in her voice, but right then he didn't care. Screw the peacemaker crap. He was pissed and wanted to stay pissed. At least until he saw Roger. "Yeah I bet he wanted to talk to me!" Just then Roger opened the door. Mark didn't even give him a chance to come all the way in before verbally attacking him. "Well?" He demanded from him.

Roger almost stepped back he was so surprised. "Well what? I thought you left. Where's Joellen?" He moved into the kitchen and set the bag with the salad on the counter.

"Were you gonna tell me this time? Or was I supposed to just figure it out again when I don't see either of your for a few days? At least last time I had an idea where you went."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Roger was really confused as he set the dog on the floor and took off his leash.

Cass had gotten up from the computer and walked over near them by the counter. "Mark what's wrong sweetie?"

Mark's head spun towards Cass. "What's wrong? Nothing's wrong! Why should anything be fucking wrong?" He almost spit the words out. "Other than the fact that I have to find out from Maureen of all people!"

"Find out what?" Roger was getting annoyed, but he kept telling himself not to yell at Mark. He did not want a repeat of the other night.

"You two want to run out and play house fine. Go ahead. Have fun. But couldn't you at least have told me?" He turned back towards Roger. "You tell my ex-girlfriend turned lesbian, and let her tell me! I'm supposed to be your fucking best friend Roger!"

"You are my best friend Mark, but I still don't know what the fuck you're talking about. And stop yelling at her. If you're mad at me fine. But don't take it out on Cass. And tell me what the fuck you're talking about!" He walked past Mark as he spoke and sat down on the barstool, pulling Cass over next to him.

"I'm talking about the fact that not only are you just gonna move out, but you told fucking Maureen before you ever fucking told me!"

"What?"

"You guys please don't start fighting again. Please." Cass begged. She could feel the tears starting to build up and blinked them back. She didn't know what was going on, but she had a feeling it was her fault. "Roger what's he talking about?"

He could hear the panicky edge returning to Cass' voice. God she so didn't need this. What was going on with all of them? He wrapped his arms around her hips. "Mark calm down. As a matter of fact, sit down." He kicked the other stool out towards him. "What the fuck did Maureen tell you?"

"That you two were moving out. And it sounds like soon, before it gets could outside or inside for that matter."

Roger rolled his eyes as his head fell to his hand as he rested his elbow on the counter. "God Maureen's an idiot! Actually, I'm an idiot for opening my mouth in front of her." He looked up at Mark. "And you're an idiot for listening to her!"

"Roger what's going on?" Cass asked nervously.

He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her onto his lap as Mark sat on the other stool. "It's okay Baby." He started to laugh. "Like I said, me, Mo and Mark are just messed up idiots."

"Uh huh. I'm an idiot all right." Mark said sarcastically.

"Oh relax you big bonehead. We're not moving."

"You're not?" Mark asked somewhat surprised. He got a bad gut feeling all of a sudden. One that told him he may have to kill Maureen later.


"No we're not. Not right now at least." He shook his head. "And not without you dumbass!"

"Oh." Yep, Maureen's gonna die.

Cass was really confused. She didn't want to move. She really liked it here. Granted the place was sort of a dump and needed work, but she liked it. It was the first time in years she actually felt like she had a home. Not just a place to stay between jobs. But an actual home. And Cass wanted that. She really, really wanted that. Especially right now, with the baby and all. "But why would Maureen tell Mark we were moving out? And why would she say without him?"

"Did she say that Mark? That Cass and I were moving without you?" Roger asked trying to make a point. He knew the answer immediately by the look on Mark's face.

Mark chewed on his lip as he spoke. "Um, no. I guess not. Not exactly in those words I guess."

"Uh huh." Roger nodded his head. "Let me guess. Jen was there helping to translate the babble coming out of Maureen's mouth too?"

"Um…"

"Okay, both of you just relax. Yes I said some stuff today. Not that stuff, but other stuff. I was just annoyed and like an idiot, went off on Maureen. But of course, because it didn't directly involve her, she only heard like every third word."

"Well what did you tell her?" Mark asked.

"And what were you so upset about before? When I told you Mark left already? And that I gave him some money?" She asked putting an arm around his neck and lightly touching his hair.

"Okay." He started. "How do I explain this? When I ran into Maureen I had just been running a bunch of stuff through my brain."

"Like what?"

"Don't sound so fucking amazed Mark! I do tend to do that once in awhile." He grinned at him. "Okay, seriously though. What I said was we, meaning the three of us, couldn't stay here."

"But why?" Cass asked.

"Because we don't really have any heat Baby." He told her. "And you can't stay here all winter with no heat. And we really can't keep a baby here. Not as cold as it gets in here. Right?" He asked Mark.

"Um yeah, I guess not. I never thought of that."

"I guess I sorta freaked out about all that on Mo."

"But what about the other stuff she was saying? About you going on about a kid and food and a new apartment? And how were you gonna afford all that?"

"Well how am I?" He just looked at Mark. "I mean I can barely afford this dump with no heat. And Cass doesn't have any winter clothes. Or even a coat. And yours is falling apart too. Not to mention feeding three people or four I guess, I don't know, either way, if you recall we've had problems feeding just the two of us. Plus baby stuff has got to be expensive. Thirty thousand dollars isn't going to go that far."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Well I'm actually getting paid for this film. Maybe that will turn into something else too. But I'll just get a job again. That will help."

"Yeah some." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I know I told you you didn't need to do that."

"Well this is different. And that was what almost two years ago? Besides the goal of me quitting the crappy jobs I was doing and letting you support us was so I could actually make and sell a decent film. And I'm actually doing that right now."

"Yeah. I guess. I just feel bad. I know how much you hated doing all that stuff. At least I like bartending at the Iguana."

"Well don't worry about it. We'll figure it out. We haven't starved yet." Mark grinned. "Hey this is a switch, me telling you not to worry about something."

"Yeah, I guess. I'm sorry I said anything to Maureen. She was just sort of there."

"Yeah, me too. I should know better than anyone to really listen to Maureen."

Roger laughed. "Yeah, you should."


Cass just sat there the whole time they talked. It was almost as if they had forgotten she was even there. They amazed her, they really did. Not about forgetting about her, it wasn't just that. It was the fact that they could get so wrapped up in each other, that they could almost forget she was there. Even though she was still sitting on Roger's lap, gently stroking his hair on the back of his head.

Cass just watched them talk. They cared about each other so much she thought. It made her realize how much she loved them. Both of them. She couldn't imagine life without either of them. Together. Here. At this place. In the loft.

They had both been through so much in their lives. Yet they were always there for each other. That's how strong their friendship was. How much it meant to them. She knew all about how Mark had totally taken care of and supported Roger after April died. And everything that had gone on when Mimi was still alive. And after. Mark had told her all of that. She also knew about Roger making Mark quit the horrible jobs he had worked to support his film career. And them. She knew how much that had meant to Mark.

Over the years she had tried to send Mark money. To help them out. He wouldn't let her. She'd send him a check, he would either rip it up and send it back as confetti or draw funny little doodles all over it, making it worthless.

She would still try every now and then, but she had been forced to get somewhat ruthless. Making payments to the power and phone company every now and then. She couldn't do it often for fear he would catch on, but once in a while a large "mistake" in their favor would happen. When Mark would tell her how incredible it was that they had screwed up again Cass had all she could do to keep from losing it on the phone to him.

She had always known they were best friends. Close solid best friends who would do anything for each other. That was what she had always gotten from Mark. But it wasn't until she got here that she saw just what all that really meant. Cass knew her arrival had tested that friendship more than once since she got there. And they always seemed to come out of it even closer.

That settled it for her. The decision she had been flipping around in her brain for over a week or so now. Actually it was an idea she had thought of a few years ago. If only she had done something then. Things would have been so different for them. Different. Better. Well, better at times at least. She would start working on all that tomorrow.

They had just kept talking. Trying to figure out how they were going to take care of and pay for a mess that they didn't create, or deserve to have to worry about. If she had gotten off that plane anywhere but New York, they wouldn't even have had to even think about any of that. But she did. And she was so glad she did. Cass realized there was no where she would rather be and no one she would rather be with than here, with them.

That was what she wanted her baby to see. To grow up with that. With them. To learn what true and real friendship and love really was. The baby would never have learned anything like that with her family. But here it would. With Roger and Mark who she knew both would love it and take care of it.

Cass shook her head. They were still talking. Still trying to figure out what to do about everything. About her. She listened again for a second and smiled. It was really nice to actually have people worry about you and want to take care of you, but his was getting almost too funny. She knew they loved her, and this proved it wasn't for her money.

Cass slowly started laughing. "Um, excuse me?"

Both Roger and Mark stopped talking and looked up at her. "Oh, sorry Babe."

"While I hate to interrupt this meeting of the minds, can I say something before Roger rations us down to toast, no name cereal and cheap no frills brand coffee?"

"What's wrong with store brand coffee?" Mark teased.

"I'll ignore the ignorance of that statement. However while I appreciate the fact the two of you are making yourselves crazy over all this, are you forgetting anything?"

Thinking she was completely serious they started listing things off. "Food, heat, new apartment." Mark counted out on his fingers.

"Baby stuff, winter stuff, I guess name brand coffee." Roger teased as he hugged her on his lap.

"Your pills." Mark added. "And electricity is kinda nice too."

"God we are so screwed." Roger almost laughed as he sighed.

"No," Cass shook her head. "Not screwed. Just hopelessly pathetic, sweet, adorable and maybe just a little dense. But I love you for it." She slid off Roger's lap and kissed him. "Both of you." She gave Mark a kiss on the cheek as well.

"But you both seemed to forget something." She gave them a second to catch on, but could tell by their faces they didn't. Cass rolled her eyes. "Fine make me say it." She looked at Roger. "Hello? Rich girlfriend? Trustfund? Really good paying job? Any of that sound familiar to either of you?" Blank stares answered her at first.

"Oh yeah." Mark said finally. "I forgot about that."

"Yeah." Roger chuckled. "So did I. I guess we're so used to not having any money, my brain didn't know what to do with all that info."

"I guess." Cass agreed with him, somewhat sarcastically as she grinned at him.

"You know what the sad thing about all this is?" Mark started to laugh. "I just realized part of the problem with getting information out of Maureen tonight was that she was so confused by you earlier."

"What do you mean?" Roger asked as he wrapped both arms around Cass and pulled her between his knees.

"Well," Mark said getting up and walking to the sink. "She thought you were kidding at first." He filled up a glass with water. "Going on about finding enough money for food and all that stuff. I guess Maureen couldn't figure out why. Unlike us, she of course remembered Cass made more money last year than you and me put together in all the years we lived here."

"Yeah, that's pretty bad I guess." Roger agreed. "I guess I sort of got a little caught up in all that."

"You know you should have told me you were worried about all that stuff." Cass told Roger, putting her arms around his neck and hugging him. "I'm sorry I put you through all that. But I kind of liked you worrying about me."

"Yeah well, Mark was busy, so somebody had too." He grinned running his hands up her back.

"But you don't have to worry about the money for stuff, okay? Neither of you. Mark can keep filming stuff. You can quit the Iguana if you want. And we're always gonna have food. Okay?"

"No, not okay. What if they find out about he baby? What if your uncle cuts you off? Or fires you? What then?" He looked at her. "I mean Mark and I have spent a lot of years on the edge of starving. But this is different. This isn't just me and Mark now."

"Honey don't worry. First of all, Andre would never fire me. It wouldn't look good and we know how important that is to him. Plus he's afraid of what I'd be able to do in the company system. You know, stuff like electronic back doors and things. And even if he did, I could get another job very easily. I have a very good reputation." She told him.

"Plus, no one can legally get to my trust fund. It's from my mother and grandmother and since I turned 21, no one but me has been able to touch it. And I've invested and re- invested so much from it, they wouldn't even know where to look.

"But Cass…"

"No buts. This is the first time since I've gotten here that I've been able to say don't worry about it, it will be okay. So let me. Please?" She whispered into his ear. "Please don't worry. Because that I can promise will be okay."

"Well it's just kinda weird, you supporting me and Mark."

"Get over it. I like having a fridge of food. Speaking of which, how long has the spaghetti been boiling?" Mark asked turning the burner from high to off.

"Oh shit!" Cass hopped up and ran around the counter into the kitchen side. "Well it hasn't been that long I guess."

Roger was trying hard not to laugh out loud. Mark wasn't bothering to even hide it as he watched Cass pour it out of the pot into the colander in the sink.

Roger walked into the kitchen side also and looked into the sink. The pasta that had been at the very bottom of the pan had burn marks on it, while the rest was so over cooked, it was starting to ooze through the holes in the colander. "So we're eating out again tonight huh?"

Cass just looked at him. "I just don't understand how that happened. I guess I cooked it too long."

"I guess so Babe." He told her, picking up a chunk of burnt, stuck together noodles. "So back to Life Café?"


"Oh shit! I forgot about Joellen! I gotta go!"

"You ditched your date to come back here and yell at me? That's no way to get laid Marky."

"Roger behave!" Cass laughed.

"Well not really ditched. And Jen and Maureen were going to," he slapped himself in the forehead, "Oh crap! Just hurry up if you're coming with me!"

Roger handed Cass the fleece and put on the sweatshirt he just got off the floor of his room. They headed out the door and down the stairs. "Well," Roger started, "I guess I feel better about the whole baby thing now that I don't have to worry about it or us freezing or starving."

"Well good." Cass told him, hugging him as they walked down the steps.

"Yep. That solves half the problem."

"What do you mean?" Mark asked, as Cass took his hand.

"Well like I said, I'm relieved to know I don't have to worry about the baby starving." He started to laugh. "Now I just gotta worry about you cooking for it Babe!"

Mark started laughing so hard he couldn't breath.

"Agg! Roger Davis you are so horrible!" She tried to act annoyed and pull away but he put both arms around her, lifting her higher up off the ground. Cass wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked.

"Yep! And I'm all yours Baby. I'm all yours." He laughed as he scooched her around onto his back and carried her down the steps piggyback.