Disclaimer: I do not own the original RENT characters: Mark, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, and Roger.
I do own: Gen, Fi, and Aaron.
The Only Sane thing to do is to Scream
Maureen stood staring around the table. She noticed that Roger and Fi were not talking. Collins and Aaron were laughing easily with Collins's arm placed carelessly on the back of Aaron's chair. Mark was laughing as well, and Gen had an animated look on her face as she was telling a story. By the time she finished, everyone at the table was laughing, including Fi and Roger. Maureen cleared her throat, and Gen looked up. "Maureen! I didn't see you there. Here have a seat." She said standing up, offering her own chair.
"Thanks." Maureen said. Gen waved it off and went into the kitchen, bringing back a mug of steaming coffee for her.
"Here you go. Sugar and cream is on the table." She said pointing at the table she then looked down at her watch. "Alright, well I'm going to go."
Fi looked up, "Where are you going?"
"I need to drop by the bank and then I have an appointment with the doctor."
"Alright. Want me to go with?"
"No, I'll be fine." She said. "Thanks though."
"Yeah, yeah, just don't do anything stupid while you're out."
Gen wrinkled her nose, "You're no fun. See you guys later." Gen said walking to the door and pulling on her converse and a jacket. She jogged down the steps and out the door into the cold, stale air.
Back at the apartment, Aaron whispered something in Collins's ear. Collins nodded. "We're heading off too." The two men got up and left the apartment. Fi sighed, and started taking dishes to the kitchen. Roger left the apartment quickly after Fi left the table. When she returned she looked at the table and then at Mark and Maureen.
"I'll get this later. I'm going to an audition."
"Good luck." Mark said, Maureen frowned.
"Thanks Mark. Bye." She grabbed a jacket and left the apartment.
"I guess that leaves just us." Maureen said.
"Guess so." Mark said, not reading into the situation Maureen was creating. Suddenly Maureen started crying. Mark looked over at her. "Maureen, what's wrong?" He asked.
"It's Joanne."
"Did something happen."
"We broke up."
"You'll get back together...you always do."
"No, this is it. It's really over."
"You said that the last three times." Maureen glared at him, Mark shrugged. "I don't mean to offend you, but Maureen it's true. You guys break up at least once a month and always get back together. Despite what either of you claims."
"I came to you for help."
"How am I supposed to help?"
"I don't know, be a friend? That would be a wonderful start."
"I am your friend."
"Not that type of friend." Maureen stated. Mark looked confused and was about to ask what she meant when she pressed her lips hard against his. He started to respond, and Maureen deepened it.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Fi yelled, walking back into the apartment. Mark pulled back quickly. 'Shit!'
"Fi, it's not what it looks like! Maureen was upset and-"
"And kissing her made it all better did it? God that's my sister you just betrayed." Fi blared, her eyes blazing of utmost hostility.
"Back off Fiona. What he says was true."
"And you! Gen trusts you, and let me tell you something right here and now. It is incredibly hard to gain her trust." She said to Maureen, violent anger flashing in her eyes.
"Just because you and Roger are no longer the 'hot item' does not mean you can come in here and be a bitch to us." Maureen said.
"Funny. The only bitch I see here is you. Get out."
"Excuse me?" Maureen said stepping up to her, trying to intimidate her.
"Leave. Put one foot in front of the other and continue the motion until you are out of this apartment. Then go screw whoever you want. By the way Joanne is downstairs." Fi said walking to her bedroom and slamming the door shut.
"What's her problem?" Maureen said slinking up to Mark and putting her arms around his waist.
"The same problem I have. That was totally inappropriate Maureen, you know that!"
"You could have pulled back anytime, but you didn't Mark, I know you still care for me."
"Maureen, just go. GO!" He yelled. Maureen glared at him.
"Fine asshole."
Mark ran up the stairs to his loft and pushed open the door. Roger was on the couch. "What's wrong Mark." Roger asked.
"I just kissed Maureen."
"Hold up...what?"
"After everyone left the apartment, Maureen started crying and then just kissed me and I responded!" He said, weaving his hands in his hair in frustration.
"You have to tell Gen."
"I know that Roger. I'm not an idiot."
Roger simply looked at him. "You may not be an idiot. But you are a fool."
"Excuse me?"
"Maureen always does this. Every time, every single time. And you go back to her, if only for a moment or if for a few days. Then she dumps you and you're miserable. I thought you had moved on, being that Gen is here and all..."
"I didn't expect this to happen."
"You should of. Maureen and Joanne break up so fucking much!"
"So did you and Mimi."
"That was low." Roger growled.
"Everything is with you! I don't give a shit anymore Roger so back off!" Roger looked at him.
"Fine. But you just made a mistake."
"And what about you and Fi?"
"I didn't just kiss another woman did I?"
Mark punched him in the jaw. "I know what I did Roger, I was there. I felt it."
Roger glared at him and walked out of the apartment. Mark threw a glass against the wall and sat down staring at how the wall soaked up the clear liquid and how it streaked down the wall. Never before had he been so angry. Not when Roger was a brooding waste of air. Not when Maureen dumped him for a chick. Never. And what made it worse was there was only one person he could be pissed at. Himself.
Aaron walked in from a bedroom in the back. "Is it true?" He said, his voice low and steady.
"Is what?"
"That you kissed Maureen."
"Yeah but listen-"
"Don't. Don't bother giving me excuses. Fix it."
"How?"
"You think of a way." Aaron said, walking back into the room. Mark sighed and sat down on the couch. He had to tell her, three people knew, five including himself and Maureen. She'd find out. 'Shit!'
Downstairs Joanne and Maureen talked. "What's her name?" Maureen asked Joanne.
"Lynn."
"How long has this been going on?"
"A couple of weeks."
"So let me get this straight. You accuse me, ME, of being untrustworthy, when you were the one that was cheating on me."
"Basically. Maureen it's over." Joanne said nonchalantly.
"Thank you for stating the obvious." Joanne turned around and walked away. "Wait! Don't you have to say anything to me?"
"Like what?"
"'Like I'm sorry for cheating on you?'"
"I'm not you Maureen. I don't say things I don't mean." Joanne stated.
"And that means..."
"It means that I wont apologize for cheating on you when, for once in the many days I spent with you, I don't care." Joanne continued walking.
"You'll regret losing this." Maureen shouted.
"You already do." Joanne yelled back, turning the corner.
Maureen sat down on the steps and grabbed her head. She looked out into the streets and screamed. A couple walked by. "What the hell are you lookin' at?" The couple shook their heads and said one thing. "Mental." Maureen laughed. Perhaps she was crazy.
Hours later, Fi walked into her apartment. She had left her portfolio in her room, so she walked back to her apartment, and that is how she found Mark and Maureen. She left after Mark and Maureen had left and she spent an hour auditioning, but the rest of the time she walked around the city, thinking about Roger. She did not want to break it off with him, she was just shocked. Fi's temper was always fearsome, and she always ended up saying things she knew she would regret, but not necessarily did not mean. She could not help it. She had walked into a club when she saw a flyer hanging up on a billboard advertising the Well Hungarians. She groaned and had left the club after that. She made her way back to her apartment when it hit her like a blow to the gut. She could not lose Roger. Gen was right. She needed to talk to him. When she walked inside, she headed for the kitchen and began cooking dinner. She had a plan, and hopefully he would listen. Aaron had called sometime while Fi was cooking dinner and said that another club wanted them to perform. Gen walked in a few minutes later and walked to the kitchen. "Something smells good." She said reaching out to taste the sauce that was simmering on the stove.
Fi smiled, "Thanks. It'll be done in thirty."
"Great."
"Oh, it turns out we're performing at another club tonight. Do you want to sing?"
Gen looked at her sister, "Surly you aren't serious!" She stated incredulously.
"Of course I am. You used to love to hang out with our band."
"I know, but it's just- I haven't sung in a long time."
"It's like riding a bike. One song at least?" Gen stared at her for a moment. "Please." Gen frowned and shook her head. "Please?" Fi repeated.
"Fine, I don't have anything to sing though."
"I'm sure you'll find something."
"I'll need to practice..."
"We don't perform till midnight. So we should have plenty of time to practice."
"Alright. I'm going upstairs to see what Mark is up to. See you back here at 8:15?" Fi winced when she said Mark, but nodded her confirmation at the time of meeting.
"Is something wrong?"
"No." Fi said in a clipped voice.
"Right, well see you later..."
"Will you tell Roger to come down here; I need to talk to him for a moment."
Gen looked delighted, "No problem."
Gen walked back upstairs and found Mark on the couch, sleeping. She smiled and walked over to him. She kneeled by the side of the couch and moved some hair off his face. He stirred and opened his eyes. "Hey." He said in a dreamy voice.
"Hey, have a good nap?"
"Sure," he said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands then putting on his glasses. He looked down at Gen and pulled her up on the couch. He put his arm around her and kissed her temple.
"Are you alright?" He nodded. Roger walked back in and found Gen and Mark on the couch. He knew he had not told her yet. He glared at Mark who stared straight forward. Gen cleared her throat. "Roger, Fi asked me to tell you that she wants to talk to you."
"Now?"
"Now."
"Should I be worried." She smiled and shook her head. He sighed gratefully. "Good. I'll be back in a bit." He glared at Mark one more time and left the apartment.
"Mark what's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your hiding something."
"No I'm not."
"Now your lying. Tell me." Just said pulling away from him.
"Okay, I kind of...kissed Maureen." He whispered, rubbing the back of his neck, willing the building tension to dissipate.
"Oh." She said, her lips forming an "O". "When?"
"Earlier today."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Gen..."
She stood up, "Did you?"
"I guess."
"Right. Okay." She sighed, her shoulders stiffened.
"But Gen, listen, I didn't mean for it to happen....it just did...."
"I'm sure; I thought she was dating Joanne."
"They broke up."
"Convenient."
"Perhaps, but please Gen understand."
Gen glared at him, "I understand fine. Is this what you want? Do you want a relationship with me?"
"Genevieve..."
"Damn it Mark just answer the question!" She yelled. He did not answer for a moment for hundreds of thoughts were running through his head. Did he? Did he want a relationship with Gen? 'Yes,' he realized after a moments of hesitation. He was about to answer her when Gen answered for him. "I guess that's my answer." She spoke, her voice lacking emotion. She got up and walked out of the apartment.
Gen walked into the apartment and headed straight for the bathroom. Fi sighed as she heard water running. She looked at Roger, "She's pissed."
"Well yeah, I guess Mark told her."
"No, she is really pissed."
"What do you mean?"
"She does that whenever she is exceptionally angry, takes a shower I mean. I don't know why, but she does." Fi said, sighing. Silence soon filled the space between them. Both were sitting on the couch and other than "hellos" they had not talked. Roger shifted uncomfortably on the couch and Fi decided to speak up. "I'm sorry."
Roger looked at her surprised. "What?"
"I'm sorry. I overreacted. I just, I don't know. I wasn't expecting it and there's just so much baggage that goes along with it and I..." She faded off and rubbed her forehead realizing that there was not much she could say. She looked up at him as he nodded and she realized that he had not taken it the way she had meant for him too. "Roger, look at me. None of that matters though, I do care about you and I don't want to loose you. Is there anyway I can-" Roger cut her off.
"Listen. I don't want you to feel forced and uncomfortable in a relationship. I understand, you don't want a sick boyfriend, it makes sense really, I mean who would? You don't want to make a mistake and end up with it too. Just don't make up false apologies. They mean nothing." Roger said standing up. He knew she would feel uncomfortable with him and he sure as hell did not want to spend his remaining time with someone who felt obligated to him.
"Roger, that's not how I feel."
"Fi, I don't know when I'm going to die, but I am going to die. I don't know how long I'll live, but it won't be more than a few years. Would you like to spend the rest of your days in a relationship you knew the other person did not want to be in? I know I don't. Stop wasting your time. I got it the first time."
"Roger would you just shut up for a moment and listen to me?"
"No. Because nothing you say will change my decision. You said you didn't know if we could have a relationship, well now you don't have to worry about it. I'll see myself out." Roger stood up and left. Fi threw a pillow against the wall and screamed. Gen walked out of the bathroom five minutes later, towel drying her hair.
"What was that about?"
"Don't worry about it."
"The talk didn't go well?"
"Went as well as yours did." Gen laughed softly.
"Sucks for you."
"Likewise. We might as well eat."
"Thank you, my stomach was going 'GRRR.'"
"I know, I heard it."
Fi and Gen sat down at the table and were the middle of the meal when Aaron and Collins walked in, laughing at something. Gen wiped the corners of her mouth, "Well if it isn't the two lovebirds." Aaron blushed. "Collins! You made my friend blush!" Fi laughed.
"He's been doing a lot of that lately."
"Cute." Aaron said.
"Oh Aaron, Gen agreed to sing the song she wrote a few years back."
"That's fantastic!" Aaron said, grinning at Gen who waved her hand and continued drinking water.
"Gen sings?" Collins said.
"Somewhat. She likes to think she has a horrible voice, but those two are more alike then they want to believe. Gen was always more of the intellectual though.. Fi was always the artsy one."
"Weird."
"We know." Fi and Gen said.
"How come you two ladies are so....well rounded."
"Parents." They said simply.
"They were like the damn Brady Bunch...minus the four extra kids."
"Anyway Collins, are you coming tonight?" Fi stated.
"Wouldn't miss it."
"Fabulous. We got to go, Gen's voice needs to be tuned."
"Your ass needs to be tuned."
"Touché." Aaron and Fi went to get the guitars and Collins took this moment to talk to Gen.
"So you know about Mark and Maur-"
"Drop it Collins." Gen said in a meaningful tone. He nodded. Fi and Aaron came out and the three left with cheerful 'Good-byes.' Collins walked back upstairs to ask the guys if they wanted to go. Mark had some serious ass-kissing to do, and Roger...well he just needed to talk to her.
"Hey guys."
"Hey."
"Aren't we cheerful?"
"Fuck off."
"No thanks. Hey Fi's band is doing a last minute performance."
"Again? They've done one like every day this week." Roger said.
"Apparently they're popular."
"Obviously."
"Anyway, Fi and Gen want you to come." Collins said... 'A little lying never hurt anyone,' he thought to himself. It took him a while to coerce the two depressing men to come, but they finally relented. "They perform at midnight."
At midnight Collins, Roger, and Mark entered the club. It was quite rundown on the inside, but it was inviting none the less. Collins walked up to the stage where Pessimistic Dreams was setting up and told them the usual "Good luck." Fi and Aaron nodded their thanks and Gen smiled. They began their set, and all went smoothly. Finally, Fi sang her first ballad in ages and Aaron beamed at her.
The audience stood up and applauded Fi who bowed graciously and walked up to the mike. "Thank you so much. Alright, tonight for our last song, we're going to do something a little different. My sister just came back to the states not too long ago, and after A LOT of begging she's agreed to sing." Gen blushed slightly and walked up to the mike as the lights dimmed and the slow music played.
Not too long ago,
You were right by my side.
With you everything always went right.
I tried so hard, to walk in your prints.
And I loved every laugh,
And the sparkle of your eyes,
And even now, I remember your last words...
You told me,
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight.
It's so hard to let go of everything,
When everyday brings back new memories
Summer love, winter heat.
Nothing meant more than that.
Chaste kisses, passionate laughs
Everything was too much
But even now, I remember your last words
You told me,
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight.
Sweet lullabies,
Closet dreaming,
Your scent lingers on my pillow,
I see you everywhere,
I hear your voice in my mind
It's hard to begin to say what I feel
The notes are nothing compared to your faith.
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight, oh...goodnight.
Aaron walked up to Gen afterwards and hugged her. "Jeff would be proud of you, you know that right?"
"He'd better be." Gen said, Aaron chuckled. Fi walked up to her sister and smiled.
"You alright?" Gen inhaled shakily and nodded. It was a song that both Aaron and Fi knew was very personal. It was a song that held to many memories, written by a man who never spent time on poetry or whimsical words.
"I'm never doing it again, so don't ask." Gen said meaningfully.
"I know. I know." Gen nodded.
"I'll meet you back at the apartment."
"Want me to come with."
"No." Fi looked at her. "God Fi, I won't get lost, I promise."
Fi took a step back at her sister lash, "I know Gen, it's just..."
"Don't bother." Gen said heading for the door. When she left the club she screamed "God!" Someone came up from behind her and tugged on her shoulder, she whirled around. "What do you want Mark?" She asked, suddenly tired and not looking forward to talking to him.
"I just wanted to see if you were alright, obviously not. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not now, and not with you." Mark took a step back.
"Gen if this is about earlier, I want to apologize, you left before I got to say what I wanted to-"
"First off, this isn't about you and your fucking incapability to keep your lips off other women. It's about something you could not possibly understand."
"I could try."
"I don't want you to understand."
"That makes a lot of since." Mark stated, sarcasm dripping off each word.
"Does anything make sense?" She asked him.
"Some things do."
"Does anything meaningful make sense?"
"Usually not."
"I was afraid of that." Gen turned around and started walking.
"Hey wait up."
"Mark, please...leave me alone alright?" Mark stood and looked at her, anger growing in his eyes. Instead of retorting though, he just nodded his head.
Back at the club, the band had finished cleaning up when Fi noticed Roger. "I'll be right back." She told Ryan who nodded. She walked up to Roger, "Hey. I didn't realize you were coming."
"Collins told us you were performing. Do you ever take a break?" Fi smiled and shook her head. "No, you wouldn't."
"Why'd you come?" She asked.
Roger ran his fingers through his highlighted blonde hair. He then looked down at her and smiled. "I honestly don't know."
"Oh."
"Listen, I know we can't forget what happened, can we just get over it?" Roger said.
"What about earlier?"
"Screw what I said- there's enough drama around here without our help. So..."
"I'd like that." Fi said cutting him off.
"Let's go." Roger said grasping her hand. The two headed back to the building and Roger bent down to kiss her. The kiss started out slow, but quickly grew. Fi moaned slightly and dropped her guitar case and tried to open the door behind her. She backed up into the apartment, her lips still attached to Rogers and the two fell over the end of the couch. Fi laughed slightly and Roger pulled back for a moment. Then kissed her once again, it was a kiss of hunger, passion, fear, hope, and possibly love.
"I see you two made up." Gen said, thoroughly humored. Roger sat up quickly and Fi wiped her mouth. "Don't let me stop you. I'm going out."
"Gen, it's like 2 in the morning." Gen only shrugged.
"See you later." She walked out of the apartment. Roger stood up and looked at her.
"I'd better go." She nodded. She walked him to do the door. "So we're back to this again?"
"To what?"
"Walking each other everywhere." He said teasingly.
"I wouldn't want you to get attacked." She said winking. "Good night love." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"Good night Fi."
Gen walked outside, the air had grown colder and bitterer than it was earlier. She shoved her hands in her pockets and began walking, she had no destination in mind, but she needed to walk. It was quite stupid really, walking around aimlessly at two in the morning, how many people were out that could be trusted. She walked around to a coffee shop that seemed to still be open and walked in. The guy behind the counter looked dead on his feet but smiled when she came in. "I just want a latte, thanks." He nodded and handed her, her coffee. "Why are you still open at this time of the night."
"For people like you who seem to walk around at god-awful hours."
"Couldn't sleep."
"That's usually the story."
"I guess." She sat down at a table that was near a window and stared out at the sidewalk. She sat there for maybe an hour or two. She did not really know, nor did she care. Finally she stood up and waved her goodbye to the poor soul who was working the graveyard shift in the house of caffeine and walked out the door that jingled with its opening. She breathed into her hands and began walking down the street. She stared at the gray sidewalk that seemed to understand her grief. It was funny really that she found her only solace in inanimate objects. Even more so at how she seemed to understand the sidewalk. Millions of people walk over it everyday and not one person ever seems to take the time to wonder who walked on the sidewalk. That was how Gen felt, old, used, and ultimately ignored. She groaned and laughed at her foolishness. She was comparing herself to the damn sidewalk. She continued her journey back to the apartment completely oblivious to her surroundings. She passed a man who waved and she nodded her greeting, after that however, everything went black....
A/N: Wow that royally sucked. Sorry guys, Guard just started up so unfortunately my arms are aching...please review though. I feel like I'm turning Gen and Fi into some kind of wimpy ass chicks instead of who I really want them to be.
I do own: Gen, Fi, and Aaron.
The Only Sane thing to do is to Scream
Maureen stood staring around the table. She noticed that Roger and Fi were not talking. Collins and Aaron were laughing easily with Collins's arm placed carelessly on the back of Aaron's chair. Mark was laughing as well, and Gen had an animated look on her face as she was telling a story. By the time she finished, everyone at the table was laughing, including Fi and Roger. Maureen cleared her throat, and Gen looked up. "Maureen! I didn't see you there. Here have a seat." She said standing up, offering her own chair.
"Thanks." Maureen said. Gen waved it off and went into the kitchen, bringing back a mug of steaming coffee for her.
"Here you go. Sugar and cream is on the table." She said pointing at the table she then looked down at her watch. "Alright, well I'm going to go."
Fi looked up, "Where are you going?"
"I need to drop by the bank and then I have an appointment with the doctor."
"Alright. Want me to go with?"
"No, I'll be fine." She said. "Thanks though."
"Yeah, yeah, just don't do anything stupid while you're out."
Gen wrinkled her nose, "You're no fun. See you guys later." Gen said walking to the door and pulling on her converse and a jacket. She jogged down the steps and out the door into the cold, stale air.
Back at the apartment, Aaron whispered something in Collins's ear. Collins nodded. "We're heading off too." The two men got up and left the apartment. Fi sighed, and started taking dishes to the kitchen. Roger left the apartment quickly after Fi left the table. When she returned she looked at the table and then at Mark and Maureen.
"I'll get this later. I'm going to an audition."
"Good luck." Mark said, Maureen frowned.
"Thanks Mark. Bye." She grabbed a jacket and left the apartment.
"I guess that leaves just us." Maureen said.
"Guess so." Mark said, not reading into the situation Maureen was creating. Suddenly Maureen started crying. Mark looked over at her. "Maureen, what's wrong?" He asked.
"It's Joanne."
"Did something happen."
"We broke up."
"You'll get back together...you always do."
"No, this is it. It's really over."
"You said that the last three times." Maureen glared at him, Mark shrugged. "I don't mean to offend you, but Maureen it's true. You guys break up at least once a month and always get back together. Despite what either of you claims."
"I came to you for help."
"How am I supposed to help?"
"I don't know, be a friend? That would be a wonderful start."
"I am your friend."
"Not that type of friend." Maureen stated. Mark looked confused and was about to ask what she meant when she pressed her lips hard against his. He started to respond, and Maureen deepened it.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Fi yelled, walking back into the apartment. Mark pulled back quickly. 'Shit!'
"Fi, it's not what it looks like! Maureen was upset and-"
"And kissing her made it all better did it? God that's my sister you just betrayed." Fi blared, her eyes blazing of utmost hostility.
"Back off Fiona. What he says was true."
"And you! Gen trusts you, and let me tell you something right here and now. It is incredibly hard to gain her trust." She said to Maureen, violent anger flashing in her eyes.
"Just because you and Roger are no longer the 'hot item' does not mean you can come in here and be a bitch to us." Maureen said.
"Funny. The only bitch I see here is you. Get out."
"Excuse me?" Maureen said stepping up to her, trying to intimidate her.
"Leave. Put one foot in front of the other and continue the motion until you are out of this apartment. Then go screw whoever you want. By the way Joanne is downstairs." Fi said walking to her bedroom and slamming the door shut.
"What's her problem?" Maureen said slinking up to Mark and putting her arms around his waist.
"The same problem I have. That was totally inappropriate Maureen, you know that!"
"You could have pulled back anytime, but you didn't Mark, I know you still care for me."
"Maureen, just go. GO!" He yelled. Maureen glared at him.
"Fine asshole."
Mark ran up the stairs to his loft and pushed open the door. Roger was on the couch. "What's wrong Mark." Roger asked.
"I just kissed Maureen."
"Hold up...what?"
"After everyone left the apartment, Maureen started crying and then just kissed me and I responded!" He said, weaving his hands in his hair in frustration.
"You have to tell Gen."
"I know that Roger. I'm not an idiot."
Roger simply looked at him. "You may not be an idiot. But you are a fool."
"Excuse me?"
"Maureen always does this. Every time, every single time. And you go back to her, if only for a moment or if for a few days. Then she dumps you and you're miserable. I thought you had moved on, being that Gen is here and all..."
"I didn't expect this to happen."
"You should of. Maureen and Joanne break up so fucking much!"
"So did you and Mimi."
"That was low." Roger growled.
"Everything is with you! I don't give a shit anymore Roger so back off!" Roger looked at him.
"Fine. But you just made a mistake."
"And what about you and Fi?"
"I didn't just kiss another woman did I?"
Mark punched him in the jaw. "I know what I did Roger, I was there. I felt it."
Roger glared at him and walked out of the apartment. Mark threw a glass against the wall and sat down staring at how the wall soaked up the clear liquid and how it streaked down the wall. Never before had he been so angry. Not when Roger was a brooding waste of air. Not when Maureen dumped him for a chick. Never. And what made it worse was there was only one person he could be pissed at. Himself.
Aaron walked in from a bedroom in the back. "Is it true?" He said, his voice low and steady.
"Is what?"
"That you kissed Maureen."
"Yeah but listen-"
"Don't. Don't bother giving me excuses. Fix it."
"How?"
"You think of a way." Aaron said, walking back into the room. Mark sighed and sat down on the couch. He had to tell her, three people knew, five including himself and Maureen. She'd find out. 'Shit!'
Downstairs Joanne and Maureen talked. "What's her name?" Maureen asked Joanne.
"Lynn."
"How long has this been going on?"
"A couple of weeks."
"So let me get this straight. You accuse me, ME, of being untrustworthy, when you were the one that was cheating on me."
"Basically. Maureen it's over." Joanne said nonchalantly.
"Thank you for stating the obvious." Joanne turned around and walked away. "Wait! Don't you have to say anything to me?"
"Like what?"
"'Like I'm sorry for cheating on you?'"
"I'm not you Maureen. I don't say things I don't mean." Joanne stated.
"And that means..."
"It means that I wont apologize for cheating on you when, for once in the many days I spent with you, I don't care." Joanne continued walking.
"You'll regret losing this." Maureen shouted.
"You already do." Joanne yelled back, turning the corner.
Maureen sat down on the steps and grabbed her head. She looked out into the streets and screamed. A couple walked by. "What the hell are you lookin' at?" The couple shook their heads and said one thing. "Mental." Maureen laughed. Perhaps she was crazy.
Hours later, Fi walked into her apartment. She had left her portfolio in her room, so she walked back to her apartment, and that is how she found Mark and Maureen. She left after Mark and Maureen had left and she spent an hour auditioning, but the rest of the time she walked around the city, thinking about Roger. She did not want to break it off with him, she was just shocked. Fi's temper was always fearsome, and she always ended up saying things she knew she would regret, but not necessarily did not mean. She could not help it. She had walked into a club when she saw a flyer hanging up on a billboard advertising the Well Hungarians. She groaned and had left the club after that. She made her way back to her apartment when it hit her like a blow to the gut. She could not lose Roger. Gen was right. She needed to talk to him. When she walked inside, she headed for the kitchen and began cooking dinner. She had a plan, and hopefully he would listen. Aaron had called sometime while Fi was cooking dinner and said that another club wanted them to perform. Gen walked in a few minutes later and walked to the kitchen. "Something smells good." She said reaching out to taste the sauce that was simmering on the stove.
Fi smiled, "Thanks. It'll be done in thirty."
"Great."
"Oh, it turns out we're performing at another club tonight. Do you want to sing?"
Gen looked at her sister, "Surly you aren't serious!" She stated incredulously.
"Of course I am. You used to love to hang out with our band."
"I know, but it's just- I haven't sung in a long time."
"It's like riding a bike. One song at least?" Gen stared at her for a moment. "Please." Gen frowned and shook her head. "Please?" Fi repeated.
"Fine, I don't have anything to sing though."
"I'm sure you'll find something."
"I'll need to practice..."
"We don't perform till midnight. So we should have plenty of time to practice."
"Alright. I'm going upstairs to see what Mark is up to. See you back here at 8:15?" Fi winced when she said Mark, but nodded her confirmation at the time of meeting.
"Is something wrong?"
"No." Fi said in a clipped voice.
"Right, well see you later..."
"Will you tell Roger to come down here; I need to talk to him for a moment."
Gen looked delighted, "No problem."
Gen walked back upstairs and found Mark on the couch, sleeping. She smiled and walked over to him. She kneeled by the side of the couch and moved some hair off his face. He stirred and opened his eyes. "Hey." He said in a dreamy voice.
"Hey, have a good nap?"
"Sure," he said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands then putting on his glasses. He looked down at Gen and pulled her up on the couch. He put his arm around her and kissed her temple.
"Are you alright?" He nodded. Roger walked back in and found Gen and Mark on the couch. He knew he had not told her yet. He glared at Mark who stared straight forward. Gen cleared her throat. "Roger, Fi asked me to tell you that she wants to talk to you."
"Now?"
"Now."
"Should I be worried." She smiled and shook her head. He sighed gratefully. "Good. I'll be back in a bit." He glared at Mark one more time and left the apartment.
"Mark what's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your hiding something."
"No I'm not."
"Now your lying. Tell me." Just said pulling away from him.
"Okay, I kind of...kissed Maureen." He whispered, rubbing the back of his neck, willing the building tension to dissipate.
"Oh." She said, her lips forming an "O". "When?"
"Earlier today."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Gen..."
She stood up, "Did you?"
"I guess."
"Right. Okay." She sighed, her shoulders stiffened.
"But Gen, listen, I didn't mean for it to happen....it just did...."
"I'm sure; I thought she was dating Joanne."
"They broke up."
"Convenient."
"Perhaps, but please Gen understand."
Gen glared at him, "I understand fine. Is this what you want? Do you want a relationship with me?"
"Genevieve..."
"Damn it Mark just answer the question!" She yelled. He did not answer for a moment for hundreds of thoughts were running through his head. Did he? Did he want a relationship with Gen? 'Yes,' he realized after a moments of hesitation. He was about to answer her when Gen answered for him. "I guess that's my answer." She spoke, her voice lacking emotion. She got up and walked out of the apartment.
Gen walked into the apartment and headed straight for the bathroom. Fi sighed as she heard water running. She looked at Roger, "She's pissed."
"Well yeah, I guess Mark told her."
"No, she is really pissed."
"What do you mean?"
"She does that whenever she is exceptionally angry, takes a shower I mean. I don't know why, but she does." Fi said, sighing. Silence soon filled the space between them. Both were sitting on the couch and other than "hellos" they had not talked. Roger shifted uncomfortably on the couch and Fi decided to speak up. "I'm sorry."
Roger looked at her surprised. "What?"
"I'm sorry. I overreacted. I just, I don't know. I wasn't expecting it and there's just so much baggage that goes along with it and I..." She faded off and rubbed her forehead realizing that there was not much she could say. She looked up at him as he nodded and she realized that he had not taken it the way she had meant for him too. "Roger, look at me. None of that matters though, I do care about you and I don't want to loose you. Is there anyway I can-" Roger cut her off.
"Listen. I don't want you to feel forced and uncomfortable in a relationship. I understand, you don't want a sick boyfriend, it makes sense really, I mean who would? You don't want to make a mistake and end up with it too. Just don't make up false apologies. They mean nothing." Roger said standing up. He knew she would feel uncomfortable with him and he sure as hell did not want to spend his remaining time with someone who felt obligated to him.
"Roger, that's not how I feel."
"Fi, I don't know when I'm going to die, but I am going to die. I don't know how long I'll live, but it won't be more than a few years. Would you like to spend the rest of your days in a relationship you knew the other person did not want to be in? I know I don't. Stop wasting your time. I got it the first time."
"Roger would you just shut up for a moment and listen to me?"
"No. Because nothing you say will change my decision. You said you didn't know if we could have a relationship, well now you don't have to worry about it. I'll see myself out." Roger stood up and left. Fi threw a pillow against the wall and screamed. Gen walked out of the bathroom five minutes later, towel drying her hair.
"What was that about?"
"Don't worry about it."
"The talk didn't go well?"
"Went as well as yours did." Gen laughed softly.
"Sucks for you."
"Likewise. We might as well eat."
"Thank you, my stomach was going 'GRRR.'"
"I know, I heard it."
Fi and Gen sat down at the table and were the middle of the meal when Aaron and Collins walked in, laughing at something. Gen wiped the corners of her mouth, "Well if it isn't the two lovebirds." Aaron blushed. "Collins! You made my friend blush!" Fi laughed.
"He's been doing a lot of that lately."
"Cute." Aaron said.
"Oh Aaron, Gen agreed to sing the song she wrote a few years back."
"That's fantastic!" Aaron said, grinning at Gen who waved her hand and continued drinking water.
"Gen sings?" Collins said.
"Somewhat. She likes to think she has a horrible voice, but those two are more alike then they want to believe. Gen was always more of the intellectual though.. Fi was always the artsy one."
"Weird."
"We know." Fi and Gen said.
"How come you two ladies are so....well rounded."
"Parents." They said simply.
"They were like the damn Brady Bunch...minus the four extra kids."
"Anyway Collins, are you coming tonight?" Fi stated.
"Wouldn't miss it."
"Fabulous. We got to go, Gen's voice needs to be tuned."
"Your ass needs to be tuned."
"Touché." Aaron and Fi went to get the guitars and Collins took this moment to talk to Gen.
"So you know about Mark and Maur-"
"Drop it Collins." Gen said in a meaningful tone. He nodded. Fi and Aaron came out and the three left with cheerful 'Good-byes.' Collins walked back upstairs to ask the guys if they wanted to go. Mark had some serious ass-kissing to do, and Roger...well he just needed to talk to her.
"Hey guys."
"Hey."
"Aren't we cheerful?"
"Fuck off."
"No thanks. Hey Fi's band is doing a last minute performance."
"Again? They've done one like every day this week." Roger said.
"Apparently they're popular."
"Obviously."
"Anyway, Fi and Gen want you to come." Collins said... 'A little lying never hurt anyone,' he thought to himself. It took him a while to coerce the two depressing men to come, but they finally relented. "They perform at midnight."
At midnight Collins, Roger, and Mark entered the club. It was quite rundown on the inside, but it was inviting none the less. Collins walked up to the stage where Pessimistic Dreams was setting up and told them the usual "Good luck." Fi and Aaron nodded their thanks and Gen smiled. They began their set, and all went smoothly. Finally, Fi sang her first ballad in ages and Aaron beamed at her.
The audience stood up and applauded Fi who bowed graciously and walked up to the mike. "Thank you so much. Alright, tonight for our last song, we're going to do something a little different. My sister just came back to the states not too long ago, and after A LOT of begging she's agreed to sing." Gen blushed slightly and walked up to the mike as the lights dimmed and the slow music played.
Not too long ago,
You were right by my side.
With you everything always went right.
I tried so hard, to walk in your prints.
And I loved every laugh,
And the sparkle of your eyes,
And even now, I remember your last words...
You told me,
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight.
It's so hard to let go of everything,
When everyday brings back new memories
Summer love, winter heat.
Nothing meant more than that.
Chaste kisses, passionate laughs
Everything was too much
But even now, I remember your last words
You told me,
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight.
Sweet lullabies,
Closet dreaming,
Your scent lingers on my pillow,
I see you everywhere,
I hear your voice in my mind
It's hard to begin to say what I feel
The notes are nothing compared to your faith.
Don't the let sun fade away from your eyes.
The moon is always envious.
Your heart is what I fell in love with and now...
I'm letting you go,
I'm wishing you the world,
Just let me say Goodnight, oh...goodnight.
Aaron walked up to Gen afterwards and hugged her. "Jeff would be proud of you, you know that right?"
"He'd better be." Gen said, Aaron chuckled. Fi walked up to her sister and smiled.
"You alright?" Gen inhaled shakily and nodded. It was a song that both Aaron and Fi knew was very personal. It was a song that held to many memories, written by a man who never spent time on poetry or whimsical words.
"I'm never doing it again, so don't ask." Gen said meaningfully.
"I know. I know." Gen nodded.
"I'll meet you back at the apartment."
"Want me to come with."
"No." Fi looked at her. "God Fi, I won't get lost, I promise."
Fi took a step back at her sister lash, "I know Gen, it's just..."
"Don't bother." Gen said heading for the door. When she left the club she screamed "God!" Someone came up from behind her and tugged on her shoulder, she whirled around. "What do you want Mark?" She asked, suddenly tired and not looking forward to talking to him.
"I just wanted to see if you were alright, obviously not. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not now, and not with you." Mark took a step back.
"Gen if this is about earlier, I want to apologize, you left before I got to say what I wanted to-"
"First off, this isn't about you and your fucking incapability to keep your lips off other women. It's about something you could not possibly understand."
"I could try."
"I don't want you to understand."
"That makes a lot of since." Mark stated, sarcasm dripping off each word.
"Does anything make sense?" She asked him.
"Some things do."
"Does anything meaningful make sense?"
"Usually not."
"I was afraid of that." Gen turned around and started walking.
"Hey wait up."
"Mark, please...leave me alone alright?" Mark stood and looked at her, anger growing in his eyes. Instead of retorting though, he just nodded his head.
Back at the club, the band had finished cleaning up when Fi noticed Roger. "I'll be right back." She told Ryan who nodded. She walked up to Roger, "Hey. I didn't realize you were coming."
"Collins told us you were performing. Do you ever take a break?" Fi smiled and shook her head. "No, you wouldn't."
"Why'd you come?" She asked.
Roger ran his fingers through his highlighted blonde hair. He then looked down at her and smiled. "I honestly don't know."
"Oh."
"Listen, I know we can't forget what happened, can we just get over it?" Roger said.
"What about earlier?"
"Screw what I said- there's enough drama around here without our help. So..."
"I'd like that." Fi said cutting him off.
"Let's go." Roger said grasping her hand. The two headed back to the building and Roger bent down to kiss her. The kiss started out slow, but quickly grew. Fi moaned slightly and dropped her guitar case and tried to open the door behind her. She backed up into the apartment, her lips still attached to Rogers and the two fell over the end of the couch. Fi laughed slightly and Roger pulled back for a moment. Then kissed her once again, it was a kiss of hunger, passion, fear, hope, and possibly love.
"I see you two made up." Gen said, thoroughly humored. Roger sat up quickly and Fi wiped her mouth. "Don't let me stop you. I'm going out."
"Gen, it's like 2 in the morning." Gen only shrugged.
"See you later." She walked out of the apartment. Roger stood up and looked at her.
"I'd better go." She nodded. She walked him to do the door. "So we're back to this again?"
"To what?"
"Walking each other everywhere." He said teasingly.
"I wouldn't want you to get attacked." She said winking. "Good night love." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"Good night Fi."
Gen walked outside, the air had grown colder and bitterer than it was earlier. She shoved her hands in her pockets and began walking, she had no destination in mind, but she needed to walk. It was quite stupid really, walking around aimlessly at two in the morning, how many people were out that could be trusted. She walked around to a coffee shop that seemed to still be open and walked in. The guy behind the counter looked dead on his feet but smiled when she came in. "I just want a latte, thanks." He nodded and handed her, her coffee. "Why are you still open at this time of the night."
"For people like you who seem to walk around at god-awful hours."
"Couldn't sleep."
"That's usually the story."
"I guess." She sat down at a table that was near a window and stared out at the sidewalk. She sat there for maybe an hour or two. She did not really know, nor did she care. Finally she stood up and waved her goodbye to the poor soul who was working the graveyard shift in the house of caffeine and walked out the door that jingled with its opening. She breathed into her hands and began walking down the street. She stared at the gray sidewalk that seemed to understand her grief. It was funny really that she found her only solace in inanimate objects. Even more so at how she seemed to understand the sidewalk. Millions of people walk over it everyday and not one person ever seems to take the time to wonder who walked on the sidewalk. That was how Gen felt, old, used, and ultimately ignored. She groaned and laughed at her foolishness. She was comparing herself to the damn sidewalk. She continued her journey back to the apartment completely oblivious to her surroundings. She passed a man who waved and she nodded her greeting, after that however, everything went black....
A/N: Wow that royally sucked. Sorry guys, Guard just started up so unfortunately my arms are aching...please review though. I feel like I'm turning Gen and Fi into some kind of wimpy ass chicks instead of who I really want them to be.
