DESTROYED

Chapter 19

SUMMARY: In this chapter, Mark meets up with Alexi Darling. Mark and Julia grow closer. Collins is confronted by a superior from MIT who gives him a harsh ultimatum… which would once again tear him from Angel's bedside. I think this chapter will be a bit unusual and not what you might expect of our bohemians, but trust me it'll all make sense in the end – everything has a point and purpose in the story.

Oh, and I have a few people to thank for their constant reviewing and giving the constructive criticism I need to keep growing and developing as a writer. So, in no particular order I must thank:

Eponine Poe

L.M. Ward

Phoenix-Satori10 (Daina, you rock, hunni! LATINO HEAT LIVES ON!)

Marauding-siriusly

To No Absolutes

Angelover609

Alice Midnight; and

LLPotter

Thanks so much for the reviews and very kind words. You all have no idea how much I appreciate it. Thanks! Massive hugs all around If I've missed anyone out, I'm sorry. Just know I appreciate the kind words and constructive criticism.

Mark and Julia sat in the Life Café, waiting for Alexi Darling to show up. So far, she was almost ten minutes late and Mark was already getting antsy – Julia found it amusing at how he was acting to all of this, even though she really shouldn't be. He was trying to do the right thing for his friends and get justice for them when the law turned a blind eye and tried to sweep them all under the proverbial rub. Mark was just sick of the bullshit that went on, and was sick of being treated like a second class citizen, so he had enough – that, and he had been extremely lucky to catch that confession on tape, and was planning to use it to their advantage. Ever since this who episode played out, it had been Sam and even Julian who had the upper hand on how things turned out, but now Mark was determined to see fit that it changes and to see, if anything, street justice prevail where the criminal justice system did not.

He sipped his diet coke and looked out the window, stretching a little to see if Alexi's car had pulled up, and as of yet, it hadn't. Where the hell is she? He wondered, and with every passing moment he became more agitated with Alexi. Mark never liked that woman, or her sleazy show 'Buzzline', and it sickened him that he had to resort to these measure, but any sort of advantage that could be taken of this position was gonna be considered. Even if it meant making a deal with the devil.

"Mark, calm down," Julia tried. "She'll be here."

He had explained to her who Alexi Darling was and their history; about the riot and his view on her show, and why he was so annoyed by this whole process. It's not that he hated Alexi or anything – just the principles she supposedly represented and what kind of show she worked for, that's all. And it wasn't just Mark; it was a lot of the community he lived in, so at least now Julia had an understanding as to why he was so resistant. You may be wondering what's happening between these two and the truth it… nothing. At least, not yet. Who knows what could happen? I guess there's just an understanding between them and a sense of attraction from the curiosity they sparked in each other. They were complete opposites, but had similar understandings. That really was an odd thing, but nevertheless Mark was focused on getting Sam and Julian and nothing or no one would deter him from that goal… at least, so he thought. Maybe.

He glanced at her, not sharing her optimism, and shook his head.

"Yeah, well it's not like I'm gonna enjoy this…"

"Why?"

"It's selling out."

"What?"

Mark sighed and turned his body so he could face her more comfortably, and leaned against the side of the seat. "You honestly don't get it, do you?"

"Well, why don't you explain it to me then?" she replied, prepared to fight him about it. Julia really didn't give a damn what he thought about her or her background, but she wanted to learn about his own – his and his friends'. All inspired by the time she spent with Professor Collins, Julia felt a sense of responsibility for convincing him to go make amends with his lover and then all this happening as a result. "I can't 'get it' unless you tell me." Mark detected a bit of sarcasm and bitterness in her tone and decided not to bait her any further.

"Look, what you gotta know is that here it's all about where your next meal is coming from. Whether you're gonna have heat or gonna freeze to death. Following your dreams yet all the while getting kicked down and ridiculed for having those dreams… people like Alexi Darling… they do good for us sometimes. You know, getting the 'plight' out there… but it's usually for no other reason than ratings and money – people wanna hear about the bohemians causing trouble again, and then get to condemn us for not being as successful or responsible or whatever… you know what I'm saying? It can give people like us bad reputations… for as long as I can remember we were treated as the outcasts. The social failures. The waste on society. And now, it's getting to the point that our community can stand up and say that we're an 'us' not 'them'… and it's hard. It's not a life you'd want, Julia…"

He was tired of explaining it to her but she seemed to be getting it – Mark couldn't blame her for wanting to know more about it. It was obvious to him that she didn't fit in her own world and so desperately wanted to fit into his, where she'd probably be more accepted after a while.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I don't mean to rant. It's just hard for someone from where you're from to really get it. I mean really understand it."

"I know," she replied. "Honestly, you don't gotta apologise. But I want to understand. Collins, he – he did a lot for me. And it's been real hard for him to adjust back at MIT; I'm guessing that ever since he met Angel… I don't know… but he doesn't seem comfortable there anymore… I consider him a friend and it's hard to be there for a friend when you don't understand where they're coming from. Literally."

"So you came here to understand him better?"

"No. I came here to understand what was so important to him that would make him so upset... And now I know… I think I understand. Can't say I blame him either." She sipped her drink, thoughtfully.

"Why?"

Julia looked up. "Because, I come here and I see how different it is… you all don't have much, except each other. And you're all happy… content… you live life based on love and friendship and I can't think of anything to live for that's greater than that."

Their eyes connected and for that split second, Mark saw who Julia really was… as corny as that sounds, it's true. She spoke with sincerity and passion, telling him that she could be trusted, and with hope which told him she wanted to experience it for herself. So it's no wonder why he thought she must be crazy… or at least, seriously misinformed.

"Let me tell you something, Mark," she continued. "You try living up to everyone's expectations of being perfect, everyday, and you'll see it's not so easy living my life either. I don't have to wonder where my next meal is coming from… but I do gotta wonder who my real friends are at time – and where my next real friend is gonna come from."

He hadn't thought of it like that, but then again he wouldn't, because he's never experienced her life…

"Well we all got our problems."

"Yes we do!" an excited, familiar, and very annoying voice broke their conversation, and both of them looked up simultaneously and Mark recognized Alexi as she slid into the chair across from them, smiling charmingly and placed her handbag on the chair beside her.

"Hey, Mark!"

"Hi, Alexi," Mark replied with less enthusiasm. "This is Julia, a… friend of a friend."

"Ahh," Alexi winked. "Say no more." She turned to Julia and stuck her hand out – Julia could see why Mark wasn't so happy to see this Alexi Darling person. She seemed way too… happy. Fake.

"Hi, I'm Alexi Darling from—"

"Buzzline, I know." Julia replied with a half-hearted smile.

"Oh, you've seen the show?"

"No."

"Oh."

"Look," Mark took over. "We don't have time for any small talk, Alexi, so about this favour with need."

Alexi's smile grew even wider. "Why such the rush, Mark?"

"Because our friend is dying in the hospital and this has gotta be done right away."

"Oh…" once again, Alexi was put in her place. Clearly, neither Mark nor his lady friend was in the mood for small talk, and with the deadly serious look on their faces, she decided not to 'tempt fate'.

"Well, um… okay. What's this favour you need?"

30 MINUTES LATER

Alexi shook Mark's hand and left hurriedly, without so much as another word as their agreement was set in place. The deal was, Mark would give her a copy of the confession of two drug dealers confessing to murder, and she would air it should Sam and Julian refuse to make the confession to the cops. If they didn't, Mark would sign the rights to the footage over to Alexi and let her do what she pleases with it… so blackmail wasn't usually Mark's choice of activity, but for Angel's sake and the sake of his friends, he would do what it'd take to make those bastards pay for what they did. As Mark explained to her what had happened, Alexi furiously took notes and then signed one her self, guaranteeing him that she wouldn't use the tape for her show until his authorization came through. If Sam and Julian were gonna pay, they would do it on his terms only…

Luckily enough, Alexi had agreed to all his terms – this wasn't about money – for she was as horrified as any of them when she learned what happened to Angel. Mark gave her a full rundown on who Collins and Angel are their relationship, etc., however held off giving too much information away. Alexi agreed to hold off until Mark gave her the go ahead to air the footage – until then, Mark decided to tell the others (except Collins) about what happened, and what he was intending to do… there's no way he would confront Sam and Julian on his own.

Julia was impressed with the way Mark handled himself during this time, and not only did Alexi get a good idea of what had been happening, but she did as well… needless to say, she was shocked and horrified. What Angel and Collins must have gone through is absolutely unthinkable, unbearable pain… and you know what? If they could survive all this together, then they really would be the true definition of pure, true love.

She and Mark both stood up and left the Life Café and walked out onto the main street.

"So what now?" Julia asked, wrapping her arms around her waist to preserve some heat. Seeing her discomfort, Mark immediately removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. At the gesture, Julia felt her face getting red and turned away so he couldn't see her blushing.

"Back to the hospital. Gotta tell the others… you can go see Collins… but I gotta tell the others."

"Then what?"

He sighed. "Pay a little visit to Sam and Julian I guess…"

She turned back to him, finding herself worried that he would put himself in harms way – that was not the kind of reaction she was expecting of her self.

"Why not go straight to the cops?"

"Like I said before, Julia… you don't get it. They're not interested. Sam and Julian are major drug dealers, gun runners… if the tape gets aired, their 'business clients' are gonna scatter and take their business elsewhere… and besides. I trust the cops about as much as I trust Sam. They have to follow procedures; rules… by the time they get around to an arrest, Angel might be dead. We'll give Sam and Julian the chance to go to the cops and tell them everything. Otherwise, I'm gonna call Alexi and she'll air the tape."

It sure wasn't Mark-like behavior to act like this… but too much had happened and he and his friends had been betrayed by the cops long enough. They don't give a damn. Angel was almost dead because they never bothered to investigate why he was there in the first place. No… there's no more faith left in the justice system. Not, at least, from our bohemians.

"Come on. We gotta go."

WITH COLLINS AND ANGEL – 4:45PM

Angel had fallen asleep again after staying awake about two minutes longer; the look in his eyes told his lover that he was fighting with every bit of his body and more importantly, that he still loved him more than anything. That was all the assurance Collins had needed, who then encouraged Angel to go back to sleep before informing the medical staff of the miracle that had just occurred… and they were all pretty stunned to see that he had woken up just hours after major surgery – and Emily had suggested that it was the strength of the love between Collins and Angel that had drawn him back from the brink of death. Collins couldn't help but wonder if that was a possibility, but it didn't matter anymore… Angel's vital signs were stable, only slightly improving, and the hospital director, not wanting a huge scene to be made of this, offered complete counseling to both him and Angel, which he readily accepted. Suing the hospital was an option, but neither Angel nor Collins or any of them were the kind of people to go through that process. Like I said, it didn't matter at this point… Angel was alive and that's all that mattered.

Now, Collins was sitting next to the bed after promising Angel that he wouldn't let go of him, and he didn't. He held his angel's hand in his own, stroking the bandaged hand and whispering soft, loving words – knowing full well he could hear him. Even after being raped and beaten almost into a coma by Samuel, and then almost bled to death after having his throat slit open by Julian… there was still life in him. STILL Angel's spirit couldn't be defeated, and maybe that was due to the love he held with Collins that kept him so strong – but either way, Angel wasn't broken. And he wouldn't be.

In case you're wondering what happened with Roger, Mimi, Maureen, and Joanne, they had returned to see Collins smiling and he gave them the good, well… more positive news about Angel waking up. You can imagine the reaction. Now, Mimi had fallen asleep on Roger's lap who was sitting in the chair on the opposite side of Angel's bed, and Maureen was outside with Joanne, talking about something… Joanne was again, pissed off about something that Collins didn't know the details of. Where Mark was, none of them knew, but hoped he would return soon.

"So Angel didn't do anything when he woke up?" Roger kept his tone low and stroked his girl's hair.

Collins shook his head. "No. He just stared at me. It's weird… that look on his face… was so peaceful."

"After what he's been through…" Roger shook his head in disbelief. "Don't know how he does it."

"Angel's all about love… no room for evil or hate in that heart of his."

"What about you?"

"Hmm?"

"How you doing?"

Collins shrugged. "Better, I guess. Not until he can smile again will I be happy."

Roger turned to look at the door, wanting to know where his friend had got to. "Do you have any idea where Mark's got to?"

"Nope."

"How longs he been gone?"

"No idea."

"Collins!"

"He was here earlier; he said he was going back to the loft… you know Mark and his camera. He probably got distracted or something."

"Well, with Sam and Julian still lurking out there, don't you think—"

"What I think? I don't think even Sam and Julian are stupid enough to go after anyone of you. I know Sam best, trust me… he's not that stupid. Look, I don't know what to tell you. He'll be back man, chill!"

Roger wasn't usually worried, but he had a bad feeling… things had been very bad this past week, and his desire to slice Sam open was as present as ever, but now he didn't trust any of his friends out there alone with Sam and Julian looking over their shoulders. Little did he know of Mark's recent developments… well, he soon would know. Still, not wanting to move and disturb Mimi, he resigned himself to the uneasy idea that Mark was off doing his own thing with that damn camera.

Collins looked back at Angel who didn't look like he was gonna be moving or waking up anytime soon, and that was probably for the best given the pain he would most likely be in when he woke up. At that moment, no more medication could be administered because otherwise it'd be considered dangerous, and thus would have to wait for him to wake up. It was an ironic thing… Angel has AIDS, but most likely he'd die from injuries he sustained by someone who contracted the virus from his form and Angel's current lover… it was a mangled moral mind game that would probably destroy the first person who blinked.

"Do you think it was a mistake?" Collins suddenly asked.

"What?"

"Me coming back. You think it was a mistake?"

"All I know is everything's gone to hell since you left."

"You didn't answer my question."

"What does it matter what my opinion is?" Roger replied, testily. "You never cared what anyone thought, before…"

"First of all, you're my best friend. Second… I hurt everyone. Didn't mean to. I guess I just couldn't stand to see anything or anyone that reminded me of Angel. Including New York."

Collins rubbed his thumb across the back of Angel's hand, hoping he could feel him there.

"It's over, Tom," Roger said. "It's done with. Forget it… you and Angel still got time."

"It's not enough."

"No kidding. I don't know what to tell you."

"Tell me what I wanna hear… that might be a start."

Roger laughed. "Yeah, it seems like that's what's got you in trouble in the first place."

"No," Collins insisted. "Lying got me into trouble in the first place."

"That and sleeping with your ex-boyfriend."

Both men let the conversation die there and knew what would happen if either went to pursue it any further, and Collins didn't want to revisit his screw ups that almost led to the love of his life's death… twice.

Then, a knock came at the door and both of them looked up and to Roger, the man standing there was unfamiliar… but to Collins, the person was recognized immediately at Devon McAdams was standing in the door – a middle aged man in his late forties, balding, and a little overweight was looking not at all too happy as he was glaring very darkly at the disheveled-looking professor sitting before him. Fuck! He thought and stood up, letting go of Angel's hand.

"Uh, Devon!" he addressed his superior. Devon was the head of the Computer Sciences department at MIT, and immediately Collins knew why he was there – he hadn't submitted his final exam plan for the students, and had missed two very important meetings. Devon walked into the room and around the side of the bed, totally ignoring the other three people (including the patient) who were in the room too. Roger kept silent. "Wh… what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" the man replied, angrily. "I have been trying to get in contact with you for the past week! I've received disturbing information that you deliberately took a student out, in your own car, and have a personal relationship with her! Not only that, but you're exams are way past due, and you've missed the meetings, and we have a situation with Professor Davidson! Then, as I sit down to dinner with my family last night, I get a call from Professor Martin who directs me to turn on the television, in which I see a news story from New York City about an attack in a hospital – and to my absolute shock, I see you on screen arguing with a police officer!"

The man finished his rant, looking very flushed in the face – his cheeks was puffed up and red; his eyes were ablaze… if he had the authority to, he'd fire Collins right there on the spot. Meanwhile, Collins and Roger were just staring at him – stunned. Roger felt out of place and wanted to leave them to their little argument, but for Collins' sake he stayed…

"Now, Tom," Devon continued. "You're gonna tell me what's going on, or so help me God I will have you up in front of the board, TOMORROW!"

Collins, in any other circumstances, wouldn't be trembling and as fearful as he was now – Devon never really liked him to begin with, because Devon came from a rich background, etc., and really didn't think to highly of Collins' recommendations (or the fact that he came from the East Village in New York City). But they got on as professional colleagues as best as they could. Now, realizing that he was serious with his threat, there was a good chance that Collins would have to come out about everything – his relationship with Angel, what happened with Sam and Julian, the AIDS, etc… everything. Given the conservative nature of the Board of Directors, he knew that none of it would sit too well with them… and he'd face being fired again. But he had been fired from there before, so that wasn't concerning – but if he was, for the reasons above, then his ability to get another credible teaching job would be severely restricted. Nervously, he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Devon," he began, taking a deep breath. "This really isn't a good time or place… I'll explain it all later."

"No, you'll explain it now!" his colleague hissed. "And these allegations about you and Ms. Julia Sampson will not go by unnoticed!"

That was funny. Both Roger and Collins had to try with all their might not to laugh of that, and Devon became even more enraged when he saw a small smile tugging at the corner's of Collins' lips.

"Do you think this is funny, Professor!"

Collins let out a small, pitiful laugh. If only he knew. "Okay, look… you got it all wrong, man. Julia is just a student is all. I took her to the convention last week because she had no other way to get there. Secondly… who the hell gave you the idea that I'm having a relationship with her!"

"That's none of your concern!"

"Oh I think it is," Collins scoffed and challenged him. "Given that these 'allegations' are completely false, I think I should know…"

"I don't think so. Now you better start talking or—"

"Or what?" he snapped. "Get me fired? Is that it? Devon, I've already been down that road before; it doesn't scare me."

"This time it'll be for good. And should these allegations about you and Ms. Sampson prove true, as I don't believe you, then I'll personally be making sure that you face civil and criminal charges."

"For what! She's twenty-two!" not to mention the fact that he's gay. He didn't need the judgment of this asshole, and certainly Angel didn't need to be looked down upon with contempt while he was struggling to get life into him self.

"For a breech of contract! Now, Professor, you must hand over your exam plan. And I am willing to put this all down to personal issues," Devon glanced down at Angel. "And that you've had a lot on your mind… and the Board is willing to overlook your indiscretions, if and only if Julia's story holds to your own – and that you replace Professor Davidson at the MIT Conference tomorrow."

Collins frowned and reached into the bag that was just next to the bed, and pulled out the final exam he had somehow managed to prepare for his students, and handed it to Devon. "Why? What happened?"

Devon sighed, and for the first time he noticed Roger staring at him with a dumbfounded expression on his face, but paid him no special attention. His eyes locked with his colleagues.

"A family emergency on the west coast. A family member passed away and we need someone to quickly fill in and give a speech at the conference. The university is holding a republican benefit for students, their families, and contributors to the university tomorrow night. I volunteered you."

"ME!" Collins cried, exasperated. Again, Roger had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing hysterically. Getting Collins to speak at republican conference! You gotta be kidding! "Why? Devon, I got too much to handle right now… Angel is—" he stopped himself before getting too far ahead. He didn't want to reveal too much to this idiot.

"This is Angel?" Devon looked down at the heavily sedated young man in the bed, and eyed him suspiciously. "Who is he?"

"He's none of your business, sir." Collins replied with bitterness. "And I'm not speaking anywhere. I'm not leaving his side." He could visibly see Devon's muscles tensing up with anger, however stood his ground.

"This is non-negotiable Professor. You will report to the auditorium at 6:30 tomorrow night," he then turned around and walked back to the door. When he reached the doorway, he turned around again, and added…

"Be assured now, Tom. We will be talking with Julia, and her story better match yours…" he then left Roger and Collins in a state of shock and confusion – neither could register what had just happened. Collins sat down and placed his head in his hands, sighing miserably… why did this shit keep happening to him? There's no way that he'd leave Angel's side now, but… if he didn't go, then he could kiss any chances at another job goodbye. Of course, Angel was way more important to him than some stupid job, but the practical side of Collins' mind had also been kicked into motion now and he didn't need it. Roger shook his head in disbelief. This was a new situation that he didn't think would happen…

"What are you gonna do?" he asked.

"I'm not going," Collins replied, stubbornly. "My life is here, with Angel and you guys. They can take the job and shove it up their ass… if they can first remove the very pronounced pole that's already stuck up there."

He looked at Angel, knowing that whatever he did, it would be beneficial to them both… and right now, that meant staying right where he was. There's no other place he'd rather be.

"I'm not leaving him again."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, what are the odds you're gonna find anymore work if they fire you?"

"I don't care, Rog. I lost Angel once, I won't do it again… ever." Collins' loyalty was admirable to Angel and his friends, but there were circumstances that would soon force him back out of New York City. He leaned down and kissed Angel's cheek tenderly… "This is where I belong, man… not MIT. Not Massachusetts. Here."

"I get it." Then, Roger remembered something. "Hey, why didn't you tell him you're gay? You never used to be so… in the closet… about it."

"Honestly, I don't need his homophobic, judgmental crap and neither does Angel. Besides… come on, it was funny."

Roger chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But still. If they're investigating you…"

"Like the man said, Julia has to back up the story and she will. There's nothing there man, she's the wrong gender!"

"It could get messy."

"Messier than this?"

"Good point."

"And anyway… Julia's got her thing for Mark."

"Yeah, true. So what now?"

"What now? Nothing," Collins told him firmly. "Like you said. It's done with."

"What was all that hating going between you and that guy?"

Collins took the soda can off the side table and sipped it and hesitated in answering… the animosity between him and Devon wasn't much of a secret among the faculty or student body at MIT, but really it was nothing. He was different. He didn't fit in with Devon's ideologies of a competent teacher at an esteemed institution.

"It's nothing, really. Nothing I can't handle."

Sensing his friend's lack of willingness to talk about it, Roger dropped the subject though remained cautiously skeptical of what Collins was hiding. "Whatever, man. You know I got your back though, right? We all do."

Collins smiled when he said that – he had his friends back, and it was refreshing, after so long of having to go through self-pity and self-torture for what he did to them. To have his friends forgive him was just as important as having Angel forgive him.

"Yeah. Thanks."

"Anytime."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: In the next chapter, Mark tells Roger and the others of the recent developments and they agree to keep it quite from Collins for the time being. Collins makes a decision as to whether or not to go do this speech. Angel wakes up.