-1Chapter 11
Roger felt as if his heart was going to burst. He had finally heard those four words he'd longed to hear. "I love you Roger." and they had come from Mark. Suddenly he was brought back to earth by the sound of Mark sighing.
"It's okay if you don't feel the same way Roger. I - I just wanted you to know." he said with his eyes full of tears. Slowly Mark turned to walk off down the street. He didn't feel like going back into the café and pretending that his heart wasn't broken. Then he felt a hand on his wrist. Roger's.
"Mark." he said softly. "I love you too. I feel so stupid because it took me ten years to realize it. But I do Mark. I love you so goddamned much, that it hurts. It hurts like hell." Then he leaned forward and pressed his mouth against Mark's. For a moment Mark just stood there and Roger wondered if he had moved too fast. Then with a whimper of pleasure, Mark's lips came alive and he kissed Roger back.
They kissed for a good minute before they heard a shriek and broke apart. Maureen was standing in the window watching them. It was she who had shrieked.
"Mimi!" she screamed. "Come here!"
"What?" Mimi called back. She came up to the window and looked out. "Okay." she said slowly, "so Mark and Roger are standing outside, is it that serious?"
"Uh, yeah. Because they were just kissing!" Maureen exclaimed.
"Mark and Roger, kissing? Who were they kissing?" Mimi asked in confusion.
"Each other!"
Mimi opened her mouth to say how ridiculous that notion was, when she saw Mark lean in and capture Roger's lips with his own, and then Roger kiss him right back.
"Nombre de Dios!" she shrieked in Spanish. "They're kissing!"
"I told you Roger was gay." Maureen said in a singsong voice. By now the others were aware of the commotion going on by the window, so they came over to investigate. They too were treated to they sight of Mark and Roger kissing passionately in the street. Joanne just stared and tried to cover her daughter's eyes. Collins laughed. Sara regretted that now she'd never get to date Mark or Roger, but she was still happy for them. Lanna on the other hand was outraged.
"No" she said bitterly. "He has an image to keep up. No teenage girl wants to fantasize about a guy who will want their brothers before them. He can't do this."
Collins decided that his friends had been on display long enough, so he opened the door and leaned out. "Yo lover boys. Were all very happy you've found each other again after ten years, but I don't think every one appreciates seeing two grown men kissing the way I do. Maybe you should bring the party inside." he called
Mark and Roger had to agree that Collins was right and they came back into the café holding hands. Immediately they were surrounded by their friends and congratulated. Lanna went over to the bar and ordered the strongest drink they had. Once she had a nice buzz going, she walked back over to Roger.
"So, have you made a decision yet?" she wanted to know.
Roger looked around at his friends who were waiting with bated breath to hear his answer. Then he looked at Mark. His blue eyes were shining with love and he knew that Mark would never hate him if he decide to leave and go to Europe. It was the right thing to do. Except, now he didn't want to. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Mark and be happy. Not running all over the world trying to make fake people love him. He had friends who already did.
"Lanna" he said. "I'm not going. I'm sorry but I just don't want to go. I have enough here to keep me happy and I can't be a rock star forever. So the answer is no."
Lanna narrowed her eyes at Roger. "Well then," she said huffily. "You'll just have to call Ducky and tell her that you are declining her offer."
"Fine." Roger said back. "Give me her number and I will." Lanna cued up the number on her cell phone and gave it to Roger who pushed the call button. The phone rang a few times and then was answered by a receptionist.
"Hello, Rapp-Heredia Records. This is Rose speaking. How may I help you?"
Roger cleared his throat and put on his charming voice. "Hello Rose. Could I please speak with Laurel Ducky?" he asked.
"Who's calling?" Rose asked.
"Roger Davis."
"One moment please." Rose said. There was a hold moment where Roger heard some cheesy music playing. Then,
"This is Ducky, what can I do for you Mr. Davis?"
"Miss Ducky." Roger began. "I would just like to first say thank you for your consideration of my demo. It means a lot that someone as important as yourself thinks I have talent. But I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline the offer."
"I see." Ducky said. "May I ask why? Did you get a better deal?"
"In a way I did Miss Ducky. This one comes with a lifetime of being with the ones I love. One person in particular." Roger locked eyes with Mark, who blushed with pleasure.
"Well I wouldn't want to stand in the way of true love Mr. Davis. Just know that I meant what I said about you being great., and the offer will still be good for a while. Good luck with the lucky woman. Or man, or whoever it is that's making you so happy." And just like that Roger was off the hook. He handed Lanna back her phone.
"Well that's taken care of." he said. "Miss Ducky was very understanding and she told me that the offer would still be good for a while."
"See?" Jaylah said poking Mark. "I told you Roger was the greatest."
"You know what Jaylah?" he responded, looking at the love of his life. "I do believe you're right."
Author's Note: Okay loyal fans of RENT and this story. Guess what? It's over. This story is done. I have a permanent headache from trying to keep up with all the twists and turns in the story. And I wrote them. Don't be discouraged though. For those of you who really wanted to be in the story and those of you who are kind of disappointed with the ending, (I know I am. But it's like eleven at night right now and my brain hurts.) I am pleased to announce that there will be a sequel to this story. It's currently untitled (Ideas anyone?) and I should start putting it up soon. I want it to follow the story after Roger and Mark get together and think about adopting a child. If you remember way back in like chapter three Roger said he wanted to. I will be needing new characters for the story so send those PM's in. Oh and Lanna, I'm sorry you seem kind of bitchy in the end. You'll make up for it in the next one I promise. And Ducky you will be in there too, along with Madame Elphaba as everyone's favorite new dancer, Sara. So this note is now almost as long as the chapter so I'll end it here. I hope you liked the story, even if the ending sucked ass. (At least to me.) As always reviews are my life blood. Keep me alive so I can right the next one okay?