A/N: Ha, I just posted a like...an hour ago and I'm already writing again. Addicting. Much thanks to all the reviewers who I love like you would not believe (especially EvilEatingSanta who leaves the LONGEST reviews...just how I like 'em). And like I said, I'll try to update as frequently as I can.

Disclaimer: Don't own. I honestly get so sad when I write that.

Roger woke up on the couch, his blanket completely strewn on the loft floor. Instantly, he felt his head throbbing with pain. He had no recollection of the previous night until he saw the post-it that Mark left on the door.

"Out with Collins at the Life for lunch.

Hope you're sober.

Maybe if you grow up, you can join us."

Sober?

Roger gasped, the memories of the previous night immediately coming back. "Oh shit...oh shit...beer...drunk...3 AM...Oh God..."

He grabbed his jacket and left the apartment.

He was too drunk the night before to change into pajamas anyway.

---

"What do you mean, he came home at 3?"

"I mean, he came home at 3 AM, incredibly drunk, and didn't even apologize or anything."

"Drunk people never apologize, and if they do, it's never sincere."

"It's not even that, Collins, he just...he barely acknowledged the fact that he was doing something reckless. Again."

Collins put down his beer and stared at Mark. "Mark, he's been through a lot. How would you feel if Maureen dumped you?"

"Maureen did dump me."

"...oh yeah. Well, imagine that pain, only magnified like 7000 times. His girlfriend died. Left the guy with AIDS. It's bound to have some sort of affect on him, correct?"

Mark sighed. "Yes, but..."

"Give him time. He'll snap back."

For the love of God, I hope you're right.

---

Roger finally reached the door of the Life Café and was about to walk in when something caught his eye.

A sign.

A literal sign.

Guitarist needed for Life Café Band

"Ultrasound"

Must be out of high school

Inquire inside for application

Roger gaped at the sign for a few minutes before actually speaking.

"Oh sweet Jesus, you've got to be kidding me."

Without hesitation, he ran inside and asked for an application.

---

"I don't know, Collins, I just wish he'd talk to me more. Give me more hint as to where he was half the time. Not only physically but emotionally. I wish I knew how he felt."

"That's where this song writing thing is coming from, I think. He can't express it in words alone, so he's trying in song. It's very admirable and a little romantic, I think."

"Makes sense, but still."

"Maybe you should stop babying him. That might be where the rebellion streak is coming in."

"I do not baby him!"

"Hey guys!" Roger ran up to the table, panting almost.

"Hey, why are you so out of breath?" Collins asked. Mark just averted his eyes to the table.

"I ran to get here. Collins, can I have a moment alone with Mark?"

"Sure." Collins placed a five dollar bill on the table to pay for the beer. "See you guys later."

Roger replaced Collins' place at the booth and stared at Mark.

"I...am so fucking sorry about..."

"Forget it."

Mark got up to leave, but Roger grabbed his hand. "You wanted me to grow up? Well, I'm on my way there."

With that, he slammed the application on the table.

Mark stared at it blankly. "What's that?"

"Job application. This place needs a guitarist, I need inspiration for a new song. It was like fate."

Mark was dumbfounded.

"You're really going to do this, then? You're going to go to band practice, and learn the chords, and wake up early and be responsible?"

Roger laughed. "I'm 26. It's about time I do something responsible."

Mark still looked uncertain.

"Mark, come on! I'll be doing something 'responsible' as you say, I'll have a job, I'll be earning cash, and most importantly, I'll be doing something that I love."

He leaned in and firmly kissed Mark on the lips. "And I'll be doing it for us. Face it, we both need cash."

Mark laughed. "Roger, we're in public."

"I don't give a fuck." He replied, before leaning in for another kiss.

Yet, no matter how sincere Roger sounded, Mark still had his doubts.

A/N: I was going INSANE. I got this idea and I wanted to write it but my brother had his friend's over and they were on the computer. I was literally pacing my bedroom waiting for them to leave. Crazy college kids...anywho, I kinda liked this chapter. Roger being all responsible and all. Like? Dislike? Loathe? Despise? Hate? ...love perhaps? Review, please! And I'll love you forever.

A/N2: I'm REALLY sorry about the lack of Mark and Roger fluffiness and all that, but there really hasn't been an opportunity for it thus far. I'll squeeze more in, I promise!