Disclaimer: I don't own Roger, Mark, Collins, Maureen, or Joanne or Rent. But Fi and Gen are of my creation.
A/N: To all my readers, I love you much! Here is the epilogue as promised, but I won't be posting another Rent story for quite sometime. If you like Harry Potter stories, I have two going right now, and I'm writing a third. If you like fairy tales- I have one called A Simple Fairy Tale...stupid title I know, needless to say Annika kicks butt in the story though. Anyway my Harry Potter Fics:
When they were seventh years: James/Lily Remus/OC (there will be a sequel to this that will take place after James and Lily's death and during Harry's seventh year.
A Different Kind of Love: a Ron/OC fic
And like I said...a Harry and Ginny fic....I'm outlining it right now, and I put up a one-shot of Harry and Ginny last night called Had to Let Go. Please review it if you like it so I can take what everyone thinks and put it in my newer story. Updates will be once a week from now on with the exception of school breaks. Okay I have bored you all enough. I'd like...ten reviews for my conclusion.
Epilogue- Bittersweet Return
Gen spent eight months in Africa. Eight months that she both loved and loathed. Her friends at the mission were ecstatic to see her, and Gen found that she had too missed them. Kiara took her to the memorial, a heartbreaking day for Gen. She moved her fingers across the rows of names and came across Jeff's. That was what he had been deduced to...a name on a wall. Her hands had clinched into a fist as she had bitten her lip, begging the tears to dry up. Everyday was nearly the same, she woke up early, went to sleep late. Four times they had been forced to evacuate the camp, and Gen even found herself lost in the jungles. The thing that had kept her hopeful of her return were Fi's letters. They came in so often that Gen had to buy more than one wooden crate to fill for just her letters. She also received letters from Collins, Roger, and even Maureen. The ones that had meant the most were Mark's. They didn't come in as often as Fiona's, but they were even more meaningful. She'd crawl onto her cot and read the letters while both happy and sad tears marred the paper. Eventually her departure date arrived. She had begun to pack her things when Kiara walked in.
"Kiara!"
"Hello Genevieve." Gen ran to her friend and hugged her tightly. "Do you need help?"
"No I think I have it all."
"You really are leaving."
"I am."
"It is hard to believe that you won't come back."
"I'll visit."
"It won't be the same."
"No, it won't."
"I will miss you Gen. You are a gift from God."
"As are you. I've heard the man to take my place is a very wonderful surgeon." Kiara nodded. "I guess that's everything." Gen said, placing her remaining clothing into a suitcase.
"I guess this is goodbye." Gen nodded. "May God be with you." Kiara said.
Gen embraced her friend once more. "And with you." The two women cried and when Gen pulled back, she wiped away her friend's tears.
"Come on, you don't want to miss your flight. Besides, don't you have someone waiting for you in New York." Gen smiled.
"That I do." Kiara helped load Gen's things into the beaten up truck and waved to her husband George.
"Ready Gen?"
"Yes." The trip to the small "airport" was long, and Gen was relieved when the view of the plane came into sight.
"This will take you to the main airport, from there you will be flown to New York." Gen nodded. "Goodbye Gen."
"Bye George." Gen leaned over and kissed George's cheek.
The atmosphere back in New York was rushed. Fi was scurrying around trying to make sure the flat was clean, that Gen's sheets and clothes were clean, that the dinner the next day would be prepared when Gen arrived. Roger walked in several times only to roll his eyes and leave the apartment immediately. Finally his impatience won and he stood place in the foyer. Over the past eight months, Roger and Fi had grown even closer. He still had AIDS, but he believed Fi had finally come to grips with her demons when it came to his illness.
Collins was doing well. His prescription had been upped, other than that though he seemed fine. Maureen had finally been accepted back into their ring of friendship, and of course Maureen and Joanne had gotten back together. For how long...no one knew. Mark had worked a lot more since Gen left, part of which Roger believed was to keep his mind off Gen, a feat Roger knew was impossible, even for Mark. Yet, his spirits had been lifted upon the upcoming hours of Gen's return. The smile that he had discarded eight long months ago had returned.
Roger stared at Fi's frantic behavior and finally decided to intervene. He silently walked up behind Fi and grabbed her from behind. She jumped in surprise and turned around to face him. She breathed a sigh of relief. Roger raised an eyebrow. "Waiting for someone?"
"Besides Gen...no, I thought you were some killer-guy or something."
"I'm not."
"I know that now smartass."
"Lovely to see you too." Fi scrunched up her nose, and Roger bent down to kiss it. His arms still locked around her waist. Fi smiled at him then grabbed his face and pulled him down for a "real kiss." After a few minutes, both pulled back, and Roger placed his forehead on hers. "Excited?"
"Very."
"You knew she was coming back."
"I hoped she would."
"Want to do something tonight?"
"Oh Roger, I don't think so, I have so much to do and..."
"We don't have to go out. I thought I'd cook you up some dinner, and maybe we could just sit in front of the fire and talk." "I don't trust you in my kitchen."
"I'm not that bad of a cook!" Roger protested. "Please." He said, batting his eyes.
"Oh no you don't."
"Don't what?"
"That." Roger just looked at her. "The puppy dog face, it isn't fair." He continued to look at her, finally she caved. "Alright. Fine." Roger smiled and kissed her.
"Thanks. Need help?"
"No, if you stay I won't get anything done. Go keep Mark company or something."
"That is if he isn't working."
"Give him a break, he misses her."
"I know. See you tonight around eight?"
"That's fine." Roger nodded, kissed her once again, and left the apartment. He jogged up the steps and opened the door. He gasped in mock surprise.
"Mark? Is that you?"
Mark only laughed. "In the flesh."
"It's been so long...have you lost weight?"
"As a matter of fact I have. I even had my birthday two months ago."
"Oh god, Mark can legally drink."
"I've been able to drink for a while now."
"You don't look a day over twenty-one."
"Roger?"
"Yes?"
"I'm not a woman."
"Real shocker."
"Shut up."
"Right away." Roger made a zipping motion across his lips with his fingers. He began to tap his foot.
"Roger?" Roger just looked up at him curiously.
"Could you stop?" Roger made a motion with his hands as if to say Stop what?
"Stop tapping your...oh hell talk please." Roger winked.
"Excited about tomorrow?"
"Nervous more like it."
"Why?"
"What if she has...well...what if..."
"Spit it out."
"What if her feelings have changed?"
"Mark?"
"Yeah?"
"You still care for her?"
"More than anything."
"Then she still loves you."
"How can you be certain?"
"Nothing is certain."
"Thanks."
"I try. But I know she does, and you know she does. Have you changed?"
"No!"
"It's hard to believe you're in love."
Mark ran his fingers through his mussed hair. "I know."
"What do you plan to do about it?"
"I don't know."
"Good luck."
"Thanks. And Roger?"
"Yeah?"
"Good luck with tonight."
Roger nodded, "Thanks buddy. I hope I don't need it though."
"You won't."
"She rejected me once."
"She won't do it again." Roger only nodded.
That night Roger arrived at eight with two lilies. When Fi opened the door, she smiled. "They're lovely."
"No more than you." Fi smiled and kissed him.
"Come in."
"Thanks." Roger walked in and headed immediately for the kitchen. He began mixing the ingredients to the Chicken Alfredo he was preparing. After thirty minutes, Fi walked into the kitchen.
"Smells wonderful in here." Roger wiped his hands on a dishtowel, before walking over to her. He cupped his hand under her chin and kissed her.
"Thanks." He said after they pulled apart.
"Need help?"
"I think I've got it. You can open the wine over there if you want though."
"Wine? Dear god Roger, you went all out didn't you?" Roger smiled. Fi opened up the bottle and poured two glasses. She handed one to Roger and made a toast. "To us."
"To us." They clinked the glasses together. Thirty minutes later, dinner was prepared, and Roger set the table with the two dishes, silverware, and courses. For dessert he had prepared cheese cake.
Dinner couldn't have gone better for Roger. Thinks were falling into place exactly as he had planned, Roger almost feared something tragic would break it all up. Almost. Finally dinner was finished and Fi wiped her mouth. "That was amazing." She said, reaching for his hand. Physical contact had been quite frequented throughout the meal.
"Come on." Roger said as he stood up and pushed Fi's chair back. Once she had stood up, he reached for her hand and walked her over to the couch. There he bent down and built a fire. Even though it was only November, temperatures had been very cold. He stood up and wiped his hands on his jeans and walked back to the couch where Fi sat, her feet curled under her. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in close. The two sat in silence for quite sometime until Roger finally gathered his courage.
"Fi, the past eleven months have been amazing for me."
"Me too."
"And I know we've been dealt our share of shit."
"We have."
"But we made it through it all, and still together."
"Yes."
"That's why I want to ask you something."
"Ok."
"You rejected me once, but hear me out first."
"Ok..."
"I love everything about you. I love your smile, I love your sense of humor, I love your strong sense of self, and I love how you can be dependent on me yet independent at the same time. I love your music, and I love the love you have for your music...and mine. I admire your talent greatly. I love your eyes, your lips, your nose and your hair. I love how you look at me, and I love how you put me in my place. But most of all, I love you. Fi," Roger said, getting up from the couch and bending down on one knee, "please don't break my heart by rejecting me. Please don't break my heart by leaving me alone. Fi, will you marry me?"
Fi stared at him, her eyes filled with tears. "That was perhaps the most eloquent thing you have ever said." She paused. Roger just looked at her. "How could I say no? Of course I'll marry you Roger!" Roger's face broke into that boyish smile Fi loved and he enveloped her into a hug. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"Are you going to kiss me?"
"Gladly." And Roger did just that.
The next day bloomed hope for everyone. Gen's returning was an exciting moment for everyone, as was the new found news of Roger and Fi's engagement. Seven o'clock finally rolled around, and Mark and Roger sat in Fi's apartment. Mark paced back and forth.
"You're going to wear a hole in the carpet. I don't know why you just didn't go with Fi to meet Gen at the airport."
"I don't either, I just wanted to make sure everything was perfect."
"For what?" Mark only shrugged. "You asshole! You're going to propose aren't you...aren't you?"
"Yeah. But don't tell Fi until I've done so."
"I won't." Mark nodded. Seven thirty rolled by and Fi knocked on the apartment door. Roger went to answer it and Fi stumbled inside carrying a suitcase, Gen in tote carrying another suitcase and a carry-on. "Have enough shit Gen?"
"Shut up Roger." She said sternly, though she was smiling.
"Come here." Gen laughed and launched herself into Roger's arms. He spun her around before putting her down. "You look good...tanner..."
Gen laughed, "Even fair skin people tan in that kind of sun."
"Is that my beautiful Genevieve?" A voice boomed.
"Collins?"
"The one and only."
"Oh my god!" She said as Collins walked into the apartment.
"You look radiant."
"You're a liar, but I thank you all the same." She said as she hugged Collins, who held onto her tightly. "How are you?"
"I'm better."
"Found a new beau?"
"No, but I'm not closing my mind to the possibility." Gen nodded her head.
"Good." The group talked, and Gen found herself at home. Someone cleared their throat behind her and Gen turned around. "Mark?"
He nodded. She ran up to him and jumped into his arms. He held onto her tightly and Gen began to cry. "Why are you crying, baby don't cry, please don't."
She pulled back and looked into his eyes, "I just missed you so much you have no idea."
"I think I do." She nodded and he pulled her back into his arms. Gen pulled back once more and Mark placed her feet onto the ground. He searched her eyes before he bent down and kissed her. She put her arms around his neck and Mark put his around her waist, pulling her in tightly. "I love you."
"I love you." The room had been silent until finally Roger spoke up.
"Aw..."
"Shut up Roger." Mark said, his eyes still on Gen. Gen found herself blushing, but she kept her gaze trained on his. Roger bent down to Fi and whispered something into her ear, and then into Collins's. They both nodded, and the three quietly left the apartment. Gen and Mark looked up as the door shut behind them and Mark laughed. "I guess they took the hint." Gen giggled and nodded. They walked over to the couch and Gen sat down, then Mark. He put one arm around her and Gen put hers on his knee. The two talked for quite sometime. And Mark decided it was time.
"Gen?"
"Hm?"
"You look beautiful."
She smiled, "Thanks."
"I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"I don't want to have that feeling again." Gen cocked her head to the side. "What I mean is, I want to spend every day with you. I know I'm not smooth, or debonair. I know you deserve so much more than a crummy filmmaker, you deserve a prince, not a stable boy. But this stable boy loves you so much it hurts. I felt a little bit of me die each day you were gone, but as soon as I saw you, I felt revived. So Gen, believe me when I say this, you are the only one to make me feel whole." He took a deep breath and brought out a velvet ring box. "Genevieve Alexandra Blake, will you marry me." Gen smiled and kissed him.
Some things just don't have to be answered with words.
A/N: A bit long for an epilogue I know, but I could not leave the story angsty, and there were a lot of loose ends to tie up. I hope you enjoy this, and please review.
Your devoted Rent-head.
Jennifer.
Thank you:
Thefrauline: I couldn't leave my characters depressed, and I'm glad you liked Fi and Gen. They've grown on me I must say, and it did kill me to let Aaron die. I do plan to write more Rent fic, just not soon. I have other fics to finish before I indulge myself back into the rent world. Feel free to read my other stories, you are awesome. I hope my epilogue did not leave you disappointed. Keep up the wonderful writing.
-Jen.
