Author's Note: Talk about a quick update, eh? I just had the urge to write, so I did. I'm sorry that this chapter is even shorter than the previous one. I don't think I could get much more out of it, even if I tried. And, I forgot to mention last time, that this is now officially my most review story! Thank you all muchly. Now enjoy the quick update, because, as much as I want it to happen again, I don't know if it will.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Cellophane Sun

Morning is a dream, a break in the night

Life is but a scene, a moment in time

-- Cellophane Sun

Mark sits on the counter, eating his usual breakfast of Cap'n Crunch. The bruises he received from Roger the other night while he was flailing around are fading now. He and Roger have developed amuch betterway of sleeping by now. Still, the memory of their problem brings a smile to Mark's lips.

He watches as Roger walks out of the bathroom after taking a shower. With slow, thoughtful chews, Mark wonders about the other man. Lately, Roger's behavior has been changing awkwardly and almost drastically. It intrigues Mark as much as it worries him. He slides off the counter and dumps his bowl in the sink. When he turns around, he is greeted by a still-wet Roger, who happens to be wearing only a towel around his waist.

A blush flares up quickly in Mark's cheeks.

"Roger! What the hell are you doing?"

"It's not like you haven't seen me in just a towel, Mark," Roger says. "We've lived together for years."

"That's not what I meant." Mark's response is almost a mumble. "Stop sneaking up on me." He tries to move passed Roger, and is blocked.

"I just wanted to say hi." Roger puts on a pout and nuzzles Mark's neck a bit. Although Mark cannot complain, his mind wanders.

This is a further development in the ever-changing acts of Roger. In a matter of days (a couple of weeks or so, if one is to be technical), Mark has watched Roger go from happy, to secluded, to normal behavior, and then to how he used to be before April committed suicide. He is much forward and open now, which Mark knows he should be happy for, yet, as with all things, there are some downfalls.

Roger is almost strangely possessive of Mark's time now. He is constantly around Mark, and when Mark is going out, he puts on a pout. After this, Mark usually makes it half way down the stairs before feeling guilty and returning to the loft. Roger is always touching and kissing and looking for any form of physical contact. Mark does not mind this so much, but he is not comfortable enough with the whole situation to fully enjoy it. He still wants his personal space sometimes.

Mark smiles a bit once Roger is done nuzzling him.

"Can I go to the bathroom now?"

"I still haven't said hi." Roger grins, taking obvious delight in this.

"Well, hurry up and say it. I'm dying here. You take longer showers than a girl."

"You've told me that for years, Mark, and it's never once changed anything." Roger kisses Mark's ear.

Mark, in reply, whines.

"Roger …"

"Fine." Roger pouts. "Hi." He steps out of the way so Mark can go.

"Thanks."

Mark smiles slightly again and goes to the bathroom. Before he walks out of the bathroom, he tries to shake off the uneasy feeling that is building inside of him. He doesn't know if he feels like this because he is still growing used to being Roger's boyfriend, or if it's because there's something going on that he can't point out. Things like that bother Mark.

Peering out of the bathroom door, Mark sees that Roger is in his room. Quickly, taking advantage of this, Mark grabs his camera and throws on his jacket and scarf. He can leave, finally, without knowing Roger is pouting because of it. Of course, Mark knows Roger will lay on the guilt trip once he gets home, but that's alright. Mark needs to get out of the loft and think.

Author's Note: Oh. Someone's getting suspicious. Just wait ... Two more chapters and Roger's obsession will cross the line. It's all building up! Next chapter, we can welcome back Mimi. Reviews make me a happy and eager writer.