A/N from PinkElf: "Dearly beloved, we gathered here to say our goodbyes…" yeah, guys, this is it- I'm sad to inform that this is the last chapter. As in every grand finale, we've decided to split the last chapter into 2 parts, so this chapter and the following one were written by Fae, in Mark's POV. Don't be upset that it's almost over, though, because there is plenty more to come, among other stuff- a side story about the one everyone loves to hate (aka Alex Meyers,) that Fae is working on in these days, so stay tuned- we promise we're not going anywhere.

I really hate sum-ups so I'll try to do it short. I wanna thank all of you, our amazing readers and reviewers. I can't even start telling you how much your support and encouragement meant for both of us. We've been working on this story for almost 5 months, and I have to say that this was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Above all things, I made myself a new friend, so Fae- thank you SO MUCH for everything. You're an amazing writer, and I was honored to write this story with you. I had so much fun doing all these online dialogues (as you well know, ha ha,) and I sure learnt a lot from you (hums Wicked's For Good)

So yeah, now I think I'll shut up and let you all enjoy the first part of our finale, so… thank you guys. You're awesome. See you soon. No day but today.

Love, T.M (Maureen)

A huge thank-you for Katie, the second half of Erik and Fae (or in other words, Fae's partner in crime,) who helped us with the following multi-character dialogue :)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Part One

This was the end. The final chapter, the last goodbye, the "until we meet again," the great finale. This was how it felt, anyway, with Collins leaving after all they'd been through. Actually, this was how it always felt when he left. That feeling never changed and Mark was going to miss him just as much. How could he possibly say goodbye again?

"Collins, do you really have to leave?" asked Mark from across the kitchen counter.

"Mark, for the last time, unless I get a job as a detective in the next twenty-four hours, then yes, I really have to," said Collins, setting a stack of cups next to the liters of soda.

Mark laid his head down, feeling the cold marble pressing on his skin. Guests were to arrive any minute, just another step to assure his leave. The doorbell rang.

"Mark, can you get that?" called Maureen from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I got it," said Mark, jogging to the door. He opened it to see Roger and Mimi smiling on the other side. "Hey guys."

"Buenas noches," said Mimi.

"You brought nachos?" asked Mark curiously.

"Hey, where's Collins?" said Roger as they ushered themselves in.

"Trying to make himself look pretty," said Mark grinning.

"I don't have to try, boy," said Collins walking out of the kitchen.

"Collins!" greeted Roger with his arms wide open. Collins laughed and gave him a bear hug.

Mimi shook her head and gave Collins a hug as well. She looked at Roger strangely. "It's not like you didn't see him yesterday."

"Hey, nobody misses me?" asked Maureen wiping her hands with a towel and tossing it to the side. "It is MY birthday party." She embraced Mimi and Roger tightly. Collins raised his arms slightly.

"What, am I not leaving or something?" asked Collins.

"Hey you guys, it's a party for the both of you. Chill," said Mark. But, to no one's surprise, Maureen put on her ever-so-famous pout.

"No, it's my party," she said, a smile curling up, like a five-year-old.

"And she'll cry if she wants to," said Collins, sighing and rolling his eyes.

"You would cry too if it happened to you," Maureen finished happily.

"Oh, great, another karaoke party," groaned Mimi.

"You'd really think I'd be at a party without any karaoke?" asked Collins.

"No mas, Collins, no mas," said Mark winking at Mimi. For some reason or another, she had been teaching everyone that phrase. Just a few days ago, Mark was coming home from filming and caught another glimpsed of police brutality. The white homeless person they were taunting, who Mark recognized to be the squeegee man, kept yelling, "No mas! No mas!"

"Yes mas, more mas!" said Roger grinning. Yeah, the singer wants to do karaoke, thought Mark rolling his eyes.

"Roger, if you're going to speak Spanish, speak it well por favor. Mucho mas, mi angelito."

"We HAVE to do this karaoke thing again! Marky, you must sing with me," said Maureen urgently.

"Sing? I can't-" started Mark, but Roger intruded.

"NO EXCUSES Marky. Besides, yours truly has been teaching him how to sing and well if you close your eyes and stand a good four feet away, he's not that bad anymore," said Roger unsurely.

"You're going to sing with me," Maureen said giving him that seductive look, "You're my birthday slave, remember?"

"Mark, after cake and ice-cream, you've got a date with the microphone," said Collins proudly. Maybe I just shouldn't fight it, thought Mark hopelessly.

"You can make him sing, but I can't do it today," declared Mimi. "I'll dance if you want me to."

Roger's eyes lit up. He turned to Collins. "Lawn chair handcuff dance?"

"No way," said Maureen but they didn't listen to her.

"I'll get the ice tea," said Collins smirking.

"You have an hour to decide what you want to sing," said Maureen as she pulled herself closer to Mark. "Come on, Mark. You sang with HER… and it wasn't even her birthday."

She always did that, and he couldn't help but fall under her spell all over again. Well, some things, he guessed, never changed.

"Maureen, don't do that," he said blushing a bit, "you know I'd do anything for you."

The doorbell rang signifying that more guests were here. Saved by the bell, thought Mark. Collins answered it and greeted his friends at the door. He invited them in, and Mark was about to join him when Maureen pulled him aside.

"You'll do anything, but not this?" she asked softly.

He just smiled at her and kissed her softly. The party started well as Collins introduced everyone. Some of the guys were from the karaoke party, when they were welcoming Collins to his new place. One of them even joked around how he had never been at a welcoming part then at a bon voyage party in the span of a couple of months. A few other friends, lady friends, Mark had never seen before. They used to work with Collins at NYU and called him one of their most memorable mentors. He was such an inspiration and he hardly knew it.

The party commenced, and they passed out sandwiches and pizza for the guys because Roger said Alex would freak if there wasn't any pizza. At one point, Mimi wandered over to the kitchen, snooping out for something.

"Hey Collins, do you need any help in here?" offered Mimi, joining Roger and Collins in the kitchen.

"Admit it, Meems, you just want to get to the ice-cream first," said Maureen. She suddenly turned to Mark. "It's vanilla ice-cream."

"Yum," said Mark grinning evilly, leaning over to give her a kiss. What fond memories. The three just stared at them unbelievably, as Collins passed out the ice-cream.

"Gross," muttered Roger, taking a bite from his bowl.

Mark pulled away and Collins bent over to his ear. "Do I even want to know what you guys did to the ice-cream?"

Unfortunately, he said it loud enough for Roger to hear. "You guys did something to the ice-cream?" He looked into his bowl.

"Collins, mind your own business, and Roger, the ice-cream is fine. Quit looking at it like it's going to bite you," said Maureen. "It was just Collins and his dirty mind. Besides, what would we possibly do to the ice-cream?"

Collins shook his head, but quickly looked up to the ceiling and started to whistle. Thankfully, the doorbell saves the godforsaken conversation.

"I got it," said Mark, running to the doorway.

"Run, doorbell boy, run!" cheered Roger. Maureen responded by telling him to shut up. Mark made his way to the door, and opened it.

"Hey buddy." Alex stood there with his son, a chestnut brown hair, freckled boy. He was the epitome of his father except for his hair and freckles. He was hanging on to his father's leg closely. "This is Jacob."

Mark smiled. So this was Jacob. He couldn't believe that the guy who toileted the usher's car at the movie theaters because he told him to shut up was the father of this cute and innocent child. Mark knelt in front of him.

"Hello Jacob," he said. The little boy backed away a little, a bit frightened.

"Hey, fella," said Roger from behind, "how are you?"

Jacob suddenly grinned and ran to Roger's side. Roger picked him up and swung him around as the kid giggled joyfully. Mark stood up, a bit abashed.

"He doesn't know you yet," said Alex softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. Mark nodded. He understood.

"I know," said Mark, patting him on the back. He let him in.

"Hey the clown's here!" said Maureen as soon as she spotted Alex.

Alex grinned and glanced at Mark as if to say, 'is that the best she could do?' Mark shook his head, warning him not to say anything rash. "Nice to see you too Maureen," replied Alex.

"And…?" she asked crossing her arms. Alex walked passed her to his kid, brushing against her.

"Not in front of the kid, you animal," he said looking over his shoulder. Mark followed him and gave Maureen a look of 'don't mind him.'

"Shut up Alex," she said frowning.

"Tell her happy birthday, you dork," whispered Mark to Alex as he straightened out his kid's suit.

"Huh?" said Alex, standing up. "Oh, happy birthday Maureen." She gave him a quick fake smile and leaned over to the child.

"Hey sweetie, can you give me your name?" she asked softly.

His lips began to tremble and he ran to his father, clinging on to his leg again.

"Gee, Maureen, what did you do to the kid?" Alex asked playfully.

Maureen shot him a glare. "He's obviously not yours if he's running away from ME."

"Maureen…" Collins tossed her hair a bit, giving her a look of warning. He walked over to Alex and Jacob.

"Hey Alex," said Collins. Mark grinned. He remembered Collins having a crush on Alex, and every time he tried to hit on him, Alex would fight back.

"Why is it that every time I finally get to see you, you leave?" asked Alex.

"Haven't you caught on? We can't stay in the same room together, in the same town together, or people will gag at how sexy we are together. It can't be. It can never be," said Collins a bit overdramatically.

By this time, everyone was staring at them.

"Collins, you're not that hot," said Alex laughing.

"It's because I'm black, ain't it?" he said cocking an eyebrow. Everyone laughed and the party commenced. Mimi approached Roger from behind and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Hey baby," whispered Roger kissing her forehead. Mark smiled and Maureen slipped her hand in his. He was so happy that everything was falling into place.

"Does he need anything?" asked Mark gesturing to Jacob.

"He'll be fine once he has something or someone to play with," said Alex.

Mark turned to Roger. "Care to baby-sit?"

"Why me?" asked Roger incredulously.

"Because you're the only one here who could communicate with him, Roger. You're mentally the same age," said Maureen.

He stuck his tongue at her. "Am not!"

"Yeah you are," said Maureen.

"Whiner," claimed Collins, toasting his drink in the air.

"I'll help you baby-sit," said Mimi. Roger wrapped his arms around her warmly. A knock came at the door.

"I'll get it," said Maureen suddenly as Mark was going to approach the door.

"Are you sure?" asked Mark.

"I don't want you to tire out," she moved closer, "just yet." She kissed him on the cheek and went over to the door to open it. Mark tried to peer over the crowd of heads to see who it was.

A lady was at the door but Mark couldn't make out who it was. He moved a little closer to get a better hearing, but he didn't want to make it seem like he was eavesdropping or that she couldn't handle opening the door on her own.

"So… umm how are you?" asked Maureen to whoever was at the door.

"Good, good… I don't think you've met Rebecca yet."

Rebecca. Cindy! Cindy was at the door. He watched as Cindy handed her Rebecca. Luckily, her little hands outstretched, wanting Maureen to hold her. Cindy had a hesitant look in her eyes. Trust her, Mark kept thinking. The sibling telepathy seemed to have worked as she gave her daughter to Maureen to hold. There was a sparkle in her eye as she embraced her, and Mark's heart melted. It was such a picturesque scene; Mark wished he had his camera.

"Cindy, hi," said Mark finally approaching them, "glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," said Cindy smiling.

"Hi beautiful," Maureen whispered to the baby. Rebecca giggled. Mark rubbed his sister's shoulder and her son, Adam, appeared from behind his mother.

"Hey, Adam," said Mark offering a high five. Adam grinned and slapped him five, laughing nervously, but a bit excitedly. He had been talking to him on the phone a bit more, and the relationship they once had was slowly being restored. It wasn't much, but it was more than Mark could hope for.

"Muncle Mark!" exclaimed Adam.

"I thought you said you were going to work on that," said Mark to his sister and they let her in.

"He can't help it. He even calls our cousins Muncle. Sorry brother you're Muncle Mark for life," said Cindy shrugging, but quite pleased.

"I think it's cute," said Maureen fixing the baby's hair.

"Sure," he murmured, messing Adam's hair. Before he knew it he felt himself almost topple over as Alex jumped on him from behind.

"MUNCLE MARK!" he mimicked, messing with Mark's hair.

"Quit it," he said lowly.

"Hey Maureen, is there something you're not telling Mark?" he said nodding to the girl in her arms. A few more people had gathered around them to coo over the kids. Maureen was about to shoot him a dirty look, but kept her place. That didn't stop her from insulting him, however. Mark bit his lip in disbelief.

"Alex, do humanity a favor and shut up," she said with a fake sweet tone.

Alex pretended to look shocked and turned to Collins. "Should I?"

"No, now what would we do without your two cents prodding in every detail," asked Collins sarcastically. "Maureen, watch it in front of the kids. Alex…" he slapped his face gently, "that was uncalled for."

"Yeah, come on you guys," said Mark. He didn't want anything wrong to happen, especially now they he and Maureen were back together. He didn't want Alex to ruin everything, but he didn't want Alex to leave either. He just wished they'd hold a truce, at least until one of them died.

"HE started it," said Maureen handing the baby to Cindy.

"And you finish it," said Collins.

"You know I love how the wonders of experiences leads us to be even more immature by the day," said Alex to no one in particular.

"Don't be an intellectual idiot," said Collins.

"Fine, I'm sorry," said Maureen breathlessly. "Does anybody want anything from the kitchen? Cindy? Coffee?"

"Maureen," said Mark but Maureen shook her head.

"I'm fine, don't worry." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Please." Mark kissed her forehead and smiled. She was learning self control.

"I'll help you, Maureen," said Cindy, following her into the kitchen, taking Rebecca with her. Alex and Roger tried to get the little boys to play, as Mimi moved toward Mark.

"So do you think you can get away with it?" she asked suddenly.

"Get away with what?"

"The karaoke thing," she said.

"Let's hope." He led Mimi to Roger and Alex, thinking that it would be fun to see the two throw jokes at one another.

"Jacob, this is Adam," said Roger pushing him a bit.

"He's so great with kids," said Mimi dreamily. Mark smiled. Their relationship couldn't have been more perfect.

Alex eyed the two kids skeptically and waited patiently. His son was awfully shy. Mark wondered how that could be possible, with a father who had no fear whatsoever. Adam grabbed Jacob's wrist and egged him to the baby bag his mom had set near the hallway, probably to show him a toy he brought with him. It looked as if Jacob was about to cry. He glanced at his father. Alex gave him an encouraging look. Slowly, Jacob followed.

Mark observed that he was becoming a bit more comfortable with his father's support. He must have really looked up to him. Adam pulled out a toy truck and started showing Jacob how it worked.

"Aww, they're like Mark Junior and Rogereeny," said Alex standing between Mark and Roger.

"That's so cute!" said Mimi.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they end up sharing an apartment together," said Alex, raising his eyebrow at Mark.

"Let's just hope they don't meet an asshole friend that mooches off of them," said Mark, smirking.

"Haha Mark, you made a funny," said Alex. At the same time, Mimi had smacked him on the shoulder.

"What did I do?" asked Mark.

"Watch your language, mi dios," said Mimi. "El ninos."

"They can't hear me."

"Sure they can. They're children, they're not stupid."

"I only said asshole."

"Muncle Mark, what's an asshole?" asked Adam coming up to him all of a sudden. Mark dropped his jaw and looked at him, horrified. Where did he come from? Those were the curses of being so little. He hardly heard them approach.

"See?" said Mimi. Roger and Alex looked at him expectedly. They were grinning. Yeah, what else would they be doing?

"Nice going, big shot, you ruined the kid for life!" said Alex.

"What's an asshole?" asked Adam persistently. "Am I an asshole?"

"No, Adam, you are definitely not an... an..." Mark stopped. What was he supposed to say? Think, think!

"You're totally screwed Mark," said Roger. "What are you going to tell Cindy?"

"Shut up," mumbled Mark, frantically trying to concentrate on what to do.

"Is Roger an asshole?" asked Adam innocently.

"No, no-" said Mark carefully. His head was beginning to spin.

"Then who is?" He was about to respond but held his tongue, and merely looked at Alex, who in turn gave him a look.

"I'll give you a hint," said Mark lowly. "He's tall and his name rhymes with Shalex."

"Wallex?" suggested the idiot Meyers.

"MUNCLE MARK, what is an ASSHOLE?" demanded Adam.

Why did he keep asking that? Mark just wished he'd shut up, but the horrifying scene of him going to his mom and dad one quiet evening and saying that awful, forbidden word-

"Goddamnit," thought Mark bowing his head down. He looked up three seconds later to see Roger and Mimi's jaw nearly dragging on the floor, and Adam grinning wildly.

"What?" he asked clueless.

"Mark!" said Roger and Mimi, but they couldn't suppress their laughter.

"Goddamnit!" mimicked Adam. He heard me, that little squirt! thought Mark, burying his face in his hands. That's it... no more talking, no more thinking, no more breathing! Who was he kidding? Mark looked at Alex for help, but he just shrugged.

"I watch my mouth in front on my kid," said Alex.

"Some friend you are, you shithead," said Mark giving him a cold eye.

"Shithead!" said Adam, happily copying his uncle.

"WHAT are you doing, Mark?" asked Alex. "And is that the best you can do?"

"Mark, just shut up!" said Mimi.

"Fuck, Mimi I can't," said Mark hopelessly. Oh God…

"Oh man," said Alex laughing.

"Fuck Mimi!" imitated Adam.

"Hey- not until your 18," said Roger, but Mimi nudged him in the stomach for that. She gave him a dirty look.

"You will never be able to deal with kids of your own," said Mimi to Mark. I just want to make him stop, thought Mark desperately.

"That's four cuss words in a row, care to make it five?" asked Alex.

"Shut up, Alex," said Mark.

"You surprise me, Mark," said Mimi, "A bright and charming boy like you..?"

He grabbed Mimi by the shoulders and looked her dead in the eye. "I… am… going… to… hell." Mark sighed. "Crap." He had no idea how to handle these type of things with kids.

"Crap! Hell! Fuck!" sang Adam.

"MARK COHEN, what are you teaching my child?" yelled Cindy, as she marched toward them.

"There she blows," whispered Alex picking up Jacob.

"NOTHING!" said Mark quickly. He didn't mean any of it.

"He really didn't mean it!" defended Mimi. Thank you Mimi, thank you, he said silently. His sister stood in front of him, hands on her hips, glaring at him menacingly.

"Ohh," she said, "so you WERE teaching him something?"

Oh great. "Mimi!" said Mark.

"You blew it babe," Roger whispered.

"I'm sorry! I'm trying to help," she said burying her face in Roger's shirt.

"Do us a favor… don't help," said Alex a bit too gently.

Mimi tried to smile. "Really, Cindy, it's nothing."

"Don't try to protect my little brother," she said. She picked up Adam and looked him square in the eye. "Adam, if I hear you say those words one more time, I'm washing your mouth out with soap." She then looked at Mark icily. "And MARK COHEN, if I hear you say those words around my kids again, I'm shoving that soap down your throat and you're going to be washing it down with Dove."

"At least we'll know his intestines will be clean and silky smooth," said Alex. Mark felt horrible and tried not to give Alex a dirty look for his comment. Alex placed a hand on Mark's shoulder. "Do us all a favor, Mark, and don't have kids."

"Shut the fuck up," he said. Damn! He looked at Cindy who just stared at him, shocked. "Shit..."

"Hey, who's that guy Maureen's talking to?" asked Mimi suddenly. Mark's head snapped toward the kitchen window. A tall, dark haired man was inching closer and closer to Maureen. He had a strong jaw, high cheekbones, and a dazzling smile- just the type of guys that really irritated him. Mark began to get agitated, his heart beginning to race. What if she fell back into her old lifestyle? What if the temptations are just too strong for her? And whom could he blame? She was beautiful.

"What's going on?" asked Roger following his gaze.

Mark continued to watch them. Maureen was smiling, but it looked as if she was uncomfortable too. If he made one move, just one move… She laughed a bit, but tried to slip away. He was trying to corner her.

"Mark, look at me when I'm talking to you or I'll let it spill who your favorite Sesame Street character was," said Cindy threateningly.

"Come and play, everything's a-okay. Friendly neighbors there, that's where we meet! Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?" sang Roger.

"How the heck do you know that song?" asked Alex. Mimi gave her boyfriend a suspicious look.

"I live with Mark, don't I?" asked Roger rationally. Mark shot him a glare. Fortunately, Maureen came from behind, snaking her arms around him.

"What are you all talking about?" she asked.

"We're reliving Mark's childhood," answered Alex. "He liked Elmo."

"How do YOU know the characters?" asked Roger inquiringly.

Alex looked down. "Everyone loves Elmo."

They laughed as Collins entered the conversation. "I preferred Captain Kangaroo."

"I LOVED that show!" said Maureen excitedly, jumping up and down.

"Oh man," said Mark. Why couldn't they just have a normal conversation, like normal twenty-year-olds? Oh right, the word normal was in there. He leaned his head against Maureen's, and smiled. Everyone was having fun.

"Oh come on Mark, you're enjoying this," said Alex, "Aren't you glad? For once, we're not talking about the hanky-panky and junk."

"Hanky panky?" asked Collins.

"Sorry," he said shrugging, "But one of us has to watch our mouth in front of the young ones."

"Where is your kid, anyway?" asked Maureen.

Alex looked at his arms to find that it was empty. Mark hadn't noticed either. "I'm not sure," said Alex.

"Alex…" said Roger.

"Don't worry, he's right there," said Alex pointing near the baby bag. "What do you take me as?"

"Can I steal you away for a while?" asked Maureen. Mark looked at her curiously. He hoped everything was alright. He nodded and she pulled him away into the hallway. They stood in front of one another, in the softly lit room. This brought back memories. He remembered backing away nervously as Maureen closed on him, with that tight shirt she was wearing… actually, that wouldn't sound half bad now…

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said nodding. "Why wouldn't I be okay?" She tried to act calm, but he knew something was bothering her. But he felt proud of her for finally taking control of her anger.

"Well, it kind of looked like you were having trouble… over there… with Prince Charming," he said.

"Him," she said disgusted. "He was… ew… I can't believe Collins hangs out with people like him. I got so tired of listening to him praising himself."

Mark smiled reluctantly. "Nothing… happened?"

"Well he asked me out, but I turned him down."

He sighed of relief. Still, he was kind of worried. "Really?"

"Yeah. Because I can't go out with him if I'm in love with someone else right?" she looked at him honestly, and Mark loved her for that.

"Right. I mean… Maureen, I love you so much," he said embracing her.

"I know," she said hugging back. "I love you too. So why would I go out with… with that?" She pulled away slowly. "Stop worrying, okay? I promised I'd be good." So far, she was keeping her promise.

It felt as if it was the right time to ask her. He wished it could be somewhere more romantic than a poorly lit hallway, but he just had to ask her now. What the hell? It is the last chapter, anyway.

"Maureen," he said softly, taking her hands and kissing them gently. "Maureen can I ask you something?"

She formed an uncertain smile. He looked at her sincerely and she smiled.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Maureen, I really love you and I want you to know that I'll always be there for you, no matter what," he started. Good start, establish your love, good start, he thought with recurring diligence.

"Mark, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Maureen…" he said. He just wanted to be with her. "I want to wake up beside you, every morning…"

He was beginning to choke up. Or chicken out. What was the difference? He didn't want her to say no. Was he rushing it? Maybe it was too soon. Yet, he'd never find out if he didn't try. It was now or never.

"Maureen, would… would you…" Okay, it was called chickening out. A familiar twist was growing in his stomach, and for some reason he felt as if a thousand eyes were looking at him, pressuring him. Just ask her, you idiot! Okay, once more.

"Maureen, would you…?" Oh God. Dear Lord, someone encourage me.