A/N: I'm not entirely sure that bars actually have sound guys, now that I think about it. So let's just say that the Barracuda is a very nice bar. Everyone seems to think this is M/R. It's not.  Enjoy. Next up: the loft!

When Mark showed up for work at the Barracuda on Monday, he was surprised to see Roger there, sitting at a table sipping a beer, with a look on his face that would normally have scared Mark away from anyone other than this man who was usually so friendly. So, instead of cowering in fear, he sat down next to him.

"Hey Roger. Anything wrong?"

"Oh, everything's great, other than the fact that I no longer have a place to live," was the rather bitter response.

"Geez... I'm sorry," Mark said with a grimace. "What happened?"

Roger sighed.

"I was living with the drummer and his parents, you know, and everything was fine until Friday, when he decided that he just had to come out to them as gay. So, they assume that I'm his boyfriend and kick me out, because they're just morons like that. Next thing I know, they've gone and moved, and no one's been able to find them. Too bad, really. He was a hell of a drummer. Well, anyway, I spent the weekend with Dave, the bassist, but he already has more people than are legal living in that apartment."

Mark listened sympathetically, trying to conjure up a picture of the drummer in his mind. He couldn't remember him, although the band had played just this past Thursday. He'd never really paid much attention to any of the other band members, just to Roger.

When Roger finished his story, Mark glanced at the beer is his hand.

"So what you brings you here? Planning to drown your troubles in cheap beer?" Mark asked, trying to lighten the mood somewhat.

Roger smiled, but without much feeling.

"Actually, I was hoping Rick might be able to help me find a place to stay. For that matter, why are you here? Does this place actually have live entertainment on a Monday?"

"Not usually. Some stand-up comedian was desperate for a slot. I doubt he'll last the month."

Roger gave Mark a curious look, as if he had just realized something.

"I guess you do sound for all the other groups that play here, too, huh? I'd always just thought of you as our sound guy... So, how are the other bands?"

"They're alright." Mark shrugged. "Loud music and smoky bars aren't really my thing, but it pays. I like the Well Hungarians, though," he added. "You're really the best, I think. I'm surprised Rick hasn't moved you to Friday or Saturday yet."

The musician laughed appreciatively.

"Well, I'm glad we're enjoyable, since you have to hear us every week. Speaking of Rick, though, I'd better find him if I plan on talking to him tonight."

He got up, leaving Mark gazing after him in a thoughtful manner.

Mark hesitated for a moment, and then called out, "Wait! Roger."

Roger turned, expectantly.

"Well, I was just thinking," Mark began, apparently nervous, "if you want, you... you could always stay with me."

Roger raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised.

"Of course, I'd understand if you didn't want to. But if you did, I'm sure my roommates wouldn't mind. But you probably don't want- it was a stupid idea. Sorry I bothered you, I- "

He was cut off by Roger's laughter.

"Mark, calm down, you dork. That sounds great. Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all," insisted Mark, with a relieved grin. "You'll like my roommates, Benny and Collins; they're great. And the rent's not too bad- shouldn't be, for an apartment as crummy as ours. But it's livable."

Roger grinned.

"Hey, as long as there's a roof, I'm good. Thanks, man. Really."

Mark reddened slightly, still smiling.

"It's really no trouble. Let's see, I still have to stay here for a couple more hours, but if you want, I can go ahead and give you my key so you can move in."

"That's alright. I'll just stick around here until you're done."

"Are you sure? I don't mind giving you the key."

"No, it's okay. After all, you may need some moral support if that comedian turns out to be as bad as you're expecting. Besides," he added, with a devilish grin, "Rick let's me have free beer."

"Then it's settled," Mark agreed, laughing, as he made his way to the soundboard.