Legal Disclaimer-Don't own. Wouldn't want to make money from them, I would give it all up. Just working out an artistic jones . If you're looking for money, focus in on my empty wallet.

Author's Note-I love my reviewers. You guys all rock. This and the rest of this story is not just for those who have come before, but those who have friends, family and heroes who live every day with diease.

Happy World Aids Day everyone.

"Speak" the answering machine droned as Mark was getting dressed. He had managed a pot of coffee, cereal and a cold shower before the phone rang, which for him, wasn't that easy.

"Mark Cohen! Answer your phone, it's Mary!" the woman hollered into the phone.

Flying across the loft he answered the phone, stepping quietly as not to wake Roger, who was out cold on the couch.

"I'm here, I'm here," he replied, praying she wouldn't hang up.

"Made you run, huh?" she assumed, from his lack of breath, "Look, rehearsal got cancelled today which means I have a free day, with you, if you want."

Mark smiled. It was the first time in ages someone wanted to spend the day just with him. In the two weeks since he met Mary he knew that he had fallen for her, and he knew it was a hard fall. The thought of a whole day with her was mind blowing.

"Yes," he said distractedly, "I would want that."

"Okay then, where and when," she continued, "Unless you want me to come by your place."

Shit, Mark thought. He reconsidered.

"Yeah," he continued, "It's about time you saw how the other half lived."

"Directions, and I'll even bring coffee," Mary continued, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," Mark smiled, even though Mary couldn't see it.

He gave directions, she hung up and he stood there for a moment, contemplating his coffee then looked around the loft. Mimi had been a cleaning binge, so at least it looked presentable.

"So, when's she coming?" Roger asked, breaking the silence.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," Mark replied, looking toward his roommate's perch on the sofa, "In an hour."

"Good, just enough time for a shower," Roger yawned, "What time is it?"

"8:30," Mark replied, "What time did you get in last night?"

"The band played till one, the band played till two and I wasn't going to wake Mimi, she and Maureen were going Christmas shopping early," Roger replied, looking at him sleepily, "She left about seven."

"You heard her and didn't go into your room?" Mark asked, pouring another cup of coffee and bringing it him, "Too tired?"

"Got comfortable," Roger's reply was muffled by his slurp of coffee, "Sides, I got to hear you on the phone with your woman."

"And you get to meet her, only if you lose the smell of that bar," Mark replied, "We need to go shoot stuff today anyway."

Roger laughed, got up and taking his coffee with him, headed for the small bathroom that he, Mimi and Mark now shared. Mark in turn made sure the place got straightened, even fluffing up the pillows that Roger had messed up in his sleep.

Roger was dressed and respectable when the rapping at the door began.

"Man, she's got a good arm," Roger said as he raced Mark for the door, winning as Mark slid across the floor.

"For baseball," she replied as the door opened, "My hearing is good too."

Roger grinned. Mark sighed. In the doorway of their loft, she was even more beautiful.

"Hey there, so this is the batcave?" she said, walking in, looking around then handing Mark a steaming coffee, "You've been elusive about showing it to me."

"That's Mark, the elusive one," Roger smiled at her, "You must be Mary."

"And you must be Roger," she smiled back, "Cause you don't fit the description of Collins."

Mark laughed. She walked over to him and hugged him.

"Nice to see you," she said, "I hope I didn't wake you guys."

Mark yawned. As he stretched, Roger leaned against the doorframe and watched him.

"No, strangely enough, I was up," Mark's replied, "Have a seat."

As she sat on the couch, Mark joined her. He put the coffee on the small table in front of them.

"Where to today?" she asked, meeting his eyes, "We've covered Mosques, Temples, Churches, even that stop at the Scientology center.."

"How about I show you what I shot?" Mark asked.

"That will work as well," Mary smiled, "You just want to stay in?"

Mark leaned over and did the first thing that came to his mind. He kissed her.

Roger stopped for a moment and stared at them. He had to resist a silent urge to clap. Mark looked into her eyes as he broke the kiss. The light shone there was suddenly replaced with shock and embarrassment.

"Well that was unexpected," she replied, "and somewhat wonderful."

Mark blushed.

"Thanks," his voice a near whisper, "I've been wanting to do that for a little while."

"You can do that whenever," Mary's voice as soft as his, "But I think Roger might have something to say about us doing it here."

"No, I won't," Roger replied, "Mark's seen me and Mimi enough lately."

Mark's glare made Roger grin.

"It's true," Roger continued, "Sorry that Mimi's not here to meet you. She and Maureen went shopping."

"Maureen?" Mary asked, "You still keep in touch with your ex?"

Mark nodded. He got up from his place on the couch and walked over to his film table.

"She's been pretty close since Angel's death," Roger replied, heading into the kitchen for his own bowl of cereal.

"Angel?" Mary asked.

"Yeah, I never told you about her," Mark began, "It might be better if I show you."

Mary stood up and joined Mark at the table. He took out a film canister, labeled "Proof Positive" and began to thread his waiting projector.

"You mind seeing this again Roger?" Mark asked quietly as his friend's look of shock filled his face.

Roger was stunned enough to not hear the question. Mark never told Mary about Angel. He began to wonder what Mark had told her about them.