Title: Underneath It All
Author: Alison

Rating: PG (for now)
Pairing: Mark/Roger
Summary: Mimi leaves the city, never to return. Roger finds comfort in Mark and eventually starts to feel an attraction to him that was always there, underneath it all.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the storyline.

II.

Collins and Mark walked alongside one another back from the Chinese place a few blocks from their apartment. They could afford to eat out like this occasionally as long as it wasn't too expensive. They picked up their pace as the winter chill started to set in and their bodies, warm from being inside, started to lose some heat.

"So, where's Roger tonight?" Collins asked.

"He was on the roof when I left him," Mark replied with a soft chuckle, his face stiffened up a bit, "I think something's wrong. I'm worried."

"Why? What happened?"

"He wouldn't tell me anything, only that he didn't want to talk about it. He seems really upset, though."

"Do you think he's sick?"

"Jeez, I hope not. I really don't know what it is."

"Well, don't worry too much, Mark. I'm sure he'll either just tell you or get over whatever it is."

"Oh god, what if he is sick?"

"Mark, chill. Just talk to him, don't start making up all kinds of crazy things. You're just gonna scare yourself."

Mark shrugged, "Yeah, all right."

They reached the apartment building and walked in, then up three flights of stairs.

"You want to come up and hang out for a while?" Mark asked Collins.

"Nah, I'm done for the night. I've got a class to teach in the morning. Besides, you have other things to attend to."

Mark gave him a face.

Collins slapped him lightly on the back, "Oh, just go! I'll see you later."

He opened his door and went in, and Mark went to continue up the stairs. Two more flights and he reached their floor. He walked in and saw Roger sitting next to the window, staring out. There was some snow still on the ground from the week before. Most of it had become sullied by the passing cars or by dogs walking by, but there were a few white patches sticking out here and there. Mark closed the door behind him and Roger turned around.

"Hey." Mark said and offered a half smile.

"Hey." Roger said and then turned back around to face the window.

"I saved you some vegetables and noodles," He placed a styrafoam container down on the table and started walking over to the window, "It's right there if you want some."

"Hm, thanks." He nodded without even turning around to look.

Mark stood behind him. "I know there's something wrong. What is it? You can tell me, Rog."

Roger rested his face in his right hand and let out a small sigh.

Mark sat down next to him and looked him in the face. "Roger, come on."

He looked back. He saw Mark's concerned face. He knew that whatever he said wouldn't change it. However big or small his problem, he would treat it with the same compassion.

"It's Mimi." He finally said.

"Is she all right?"

"She left."

"Where'd she go?"

"It doesn't matter."

Mark looked uncertain.

"Look, she's not coming back. That's all." Roger said angrily, though you could see tears welling up in his eyes. He turned his head away from Mark.

"I'm sorry." He layed his arm across Roger's back and shoulders.

Roger closed his eyes and a few drops fell from them. He quickly wiped his face and stood up.

"I'm fine."

"You're obviously not fine." Mark said gently. "Just sit down, take it easy."

He went into his room and slammed the door.

Mark sighed, went into his own room and, quietly, closed the door. He could hear Roger sniffling in the next room. Roger never cried. He wondered why she'd left him. He was so happy with her. Why had she left him? Mark only wanted to see Roger happy, even if he wasn't a part of it, all he wanted was to see him happy. He slipped off his shoes and got into bed under his blanket. He heard Roger sniffling for another hour or so. When it finally stopped, which meant that Roger had drifted off, and Mark stopped worrying as much, he fell asleep.