I own nothing. RENT belongs to Jonathan Larson (RIP)

Please be kind and R&R.

"Hey, baby, I'm home." I said walking into Angel's apartment. As usual there were brightly colored fabrics scattered across the floor. Angel was at it again. She was making more cloths. I started leaving my shoes on the house because Angel's needles and pins would be lying on the floor.

"Angel? Are you home?" I asked once more. This is unlike her. Normally Angel would run over to great me or she would be dancing around the kitchen. But I don't see her or hear her.

Then I heard something crash in the bathroom. The only thing that I could think of was Angel while I ran to open the door, but it was locked.

"Open the door, baby! It's me!" No answer. I reached up over the door and grabbed the key. Opening the door I saw Angel hunched over the toilet, throwing up. I froze. She looked up at me. Her face was pale and her eyes were unfocused.

"Collins." She said weakly and then passed out.

I picked her up and rushed out of the building. Once we were outside she woke up. We sat on the curb and Angel looked at me. I guess Angel's a he right now because he's not in drag. He's wearing torn jeans and a black sweat shirt. It's strange to see Angel wearing dull colors. "Come on, we're going to the hospital."

Angel's eyes widened. "No, no. You can't take me there." He stood up and walked towards his apartment.

"Angel! You passed out and you look like death. We're going." I said.

"Please, Collins, don't. I can't."

"You have to. Your sick. Now come with me, please." She is still standing and I'm looking up at her. "Why don't you want to get better?"

"Because once I'm in the hospital I'm dead." he said quietly. I stood up and stared at him.

"No, they can help.."

"They can't. Once I am taken to the hospital I know that I'll be gone soon and I don't want to leave. I want to stay here, with you." Angel's eyes were lined with tears. I felt myself crumbling.

"Trust me. You will get better. I wont let you die. I'll never leave your side." Angel rubbed his arms and looked around.

"Please come with me."

Angel sighed, defeated, which surprised me. He would never give into something so easily. All the more reason to take him to the hospital.

The subway was crowded, but no one noticed us. Angel and I shared a seat towards the back. He was shaking and kept saying he was cold. But he was sweating. I wrapped my arms around my lover and whispered soothing words to him.

Now that we were so close people would glance at us, but seeing Angel's condition must have made them feel some sympathy because no one gave us any problems.

Days had passed and now everyone is here. The whole dysfunctional family. Mimi is painting Angel's nails a shimmery blue. Everyone else is talking.

Seeing Angel smile is comfort enough for me.

But soon days turn into weeks and now there's only myself and Mimi here. Angel is shaking, again. Now for the first time I let myself think of what would happen if he died. Angel and I always knew one of us were going to have to watch the other die. I just didn't think it would be so soon.

What will I do without my queen?

xXxXxXxXxXx

What will I do without my queen? I'll die. Angel was my life. Now I'm here holding my sweet in my arms, crying for him. For her. Angel is still my everything. Angel's skin is covered in cancer and he had just gotten over a cold. The doctors told me not to get to close because I have AIDS and like Angel's my immune system isn't too strong.

Let the illness take me. I'm not afraid of death anymore. The only thing I lived for is gone. There's no point to live without my queen.