Author's Note: Chapter One. Oh, I'm so good, haha. I've already started writing chapter two, and I keep making myself write at least a few lines at a time. This isn't slash just yet. I don't know when it will be. Just hold on, haha. Read, review, enjoy!

Chapter One:

Roger wakes up, as usual, at noon. As he stretches, he plays through the daily routine in his head. He will trudge out of his room and got to the kitchen. There, he will pour himself a bowl of Captain Crunch, eat it, and then discard the empty bowl into the sink. Mark, who listens for the sound of the bowl going in the sink, will look up from the couch (where he is fiddling with his camera) and instruct Roger to take his AZT. At this, Roger will sigh and do as told. Next, he will go to his room and get his guitar while Mark gets up and fetches his jacket. Roger will occupy the spot on the couch that Mark deserted; Mark will tell Roger that he'll be back soon. Mark will leave. Roger will work on a song. It is this way everyday.

Roger yawns and gets out of bed. True to the beginning of the routine, he makes his way to the kitchen. He reaches for the Captain Crunch and thinks to himself that he could do this in the dark. As he eats, Roger is mindful of his chewing. Too much crunching annoys Mark (Roger used to protest that the cereal is called Captain Crunch, but Mark dismissed it). Once he is done eating, Roger puts his bowl in the sink and waits. Something is not right.

Roger looks at the couch and scowls. Mark isn't there. Roger wonders what is more important to Mark than reminding the guitarist to take his AZT. He is bothered. Roger walks to Mark's door and knocks.

--

Mark is almost done packing his few belongings into a small suitcase. He does not remember when he decided to leave, but he has been thinking about it for a while. He will not stay away long. He will stay away long enough. Thoughts of his friends have been flitting through his mind. Mark knows that they will be upset, and he knows they'll get over it. It is Roger that worries Mark the most.

It is not that Mark thinks that Roger cannot take care of himself. Mark knows that his best friend has been through enough to know how to get by on his own. But Roger has mood swings that can sometimes be uncontrollable, and Roger does not like being alone. This is what makes Mark nervous. What if something were to happen?

Mark does not let himself think of that. His mind his made up; he will not change his decision. Leaving is what's best for him right now. There is a knock at his door, and the filmmaker's thoughts are interrupted. Mark wonders what Roger wants. He finishes his packing and opens the door.

--

Mark is met with a frown. He braces upon instinct, because he isn't sure if Roger is truly mad, nor does he know if Roger is mad at him. He feels that he is better safe than sorry.

"Hey, Rog," Mark says. "What's up?"

"You broke the routine." One of Roger's eyebrows raises.

"I broke the … What?" Mark furrows his eyebrows.

"Nevermind. What are you doing?" Roger looks over Mark's shoulder. "Why are you packing?" His blue eyes flash with momentary confusion.

Mark looks down slightly and runs a hand through his blonde hair.

"I'm leaving for a while." He gathers his courage and looks up at his roommate. "I'm going back to Scarsdale. Things aren't … I need to get away from NYC for a bit. To sort things out."

Roger stares at Mark. He cannot decide whether he should look shocked or not, so his face remains expressionless.

"You're leaving." Roger wants to turn that into a question. He wants to say 'You're leaving us?', or even 'You're leaving me?', but he doesn't. His voice remains flat and hollow.

"Yes, Roger, I'm leaving." Mark goes to his bed and picks up his suitcase.

"When?"

"If I leave now, I can catch my bus with five minutes to spare."

"So soon." Again, Roger wants to make it a question.

Mark looks at Roger properly for the first time. Roger has always been good at hiding behind a façade, yet Mark can read this look perfectly. He's seen it many times. He's learned that everything is in the eyes.

Roger's eyes have darkened, portraying all of the things that he wants to express to Mark and hide from him at the same time. There is confusion swimming in those dark pools, flirting with hurt and just shying away from anger. Betrayal lingers in the background, ready to open the door for loneliness. Depression is merely waiting for an invitation, should the occasion arrive.

Yes, Mark has seen this look many times. He has never imagined that he would be the cause of it. Neither men know what to say. Silence is something that Mark likes, but this silence is unnerving. He pushes passed Roger, making his way to the door. Roger merely watches. His lips are set in a line. He wants to say something. He cannot say anything.

Mark quickly puts on his jacket and opens the door. He looks back at Roger.

"I'll be back later," he says. His reassuring tone relaxes the songwriter slightly. "I'll call … Take your AZT."

Mark closes the door silently behind him.

Author's Note: Well? I'm dying to know what you think so far. :-) If you have any ideas of what you would like to see happen, I'd be glad to hear them.