A/N: I know the last chapter was kind of slow moving, but I promise we're getting to the good part soon! As always, reviews are love.
Roger's face was a mask of concern when he walked through the door. Mark braced, anticipating what was coming next. Roger rushed to his side and took his hand. "Are you alright?"
Mark nodded, and hoped that he managed to mask his surprise that Roger's words weren't what he expected. "Yeah, I'm okay. Some antibiotics, some pain meds, twelve stitches, and a night in the hospital for observation."
Roger squeezed Mark's hand. "Good. I was worried about you. But next time, Mark, just give up the camera. It can be replaced. You can't."
Mark managed a weak smile. "It's as much a part of me as my right arm. I couldn't just let it go… Imagine if they tried to take your guitar."
Roger nodded. "I guess I see your point." Mark tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. Roger pulled a chair over to the side of the bed and sat down, never letting go of Mark's hand. "Get some sleep, Marky. I'll be here when you wake up." Roger settled into the chair and squeezed Mark's hand. The last thing Mark saw before he fell asleep was Roger carefully removing his glasses and setting them on the bedside table. Roger watched over Mark's sleeping form before dozing off himself.
Mark awoke mildly disoriented. He glanced around, getting a blurry glimpse of his surroundings, and realized that he was in the hospital. Roger was sitting beside the bed, snoring softly, still with a death grip on Mark's hand. It was almost as if he was afraid Mark was going to disappear if he let go. Mark attempted to roll over and grab his glasses, but a sudden stab of pain in his side caused him to cry out. Roger jumped as if he had heard a gunshot. "Are you okay?" Mark had never seen Roger so concerned about anything.
Mark nodded, still gritting his teeth with the pain. "I'm all right. I just forgot what had happened, and was reaching for my glasses." Roger picked them up and handed them to Mark. "Thanks, Rog. For everything."
"Don't sweat it. I know you'd do the same for me." Roger smiled, almost sadly. He sighed deeply. "Mark, you know I have to ask…"
"How'd I get HIV?" Roger nodded, and looked mildly embarrassed. "I knew this moment would eventually come, no matter how much I wished it wouldn't. I'm going to start at the beginning – please don't interrupt. I know you know most of the story, and you're going to think it's irrelevant, but I promise you it's not. Just listen."
Mark sighed, and started the story he'd rehearsed so many times, knowing that this day was coming.