1I got chocolate, a bottle of water, "Rock n' Roll Life" to update, and a late opening. LIFE IS GOOD.

(This is to damnedimmortal because she is just too damn awesome for words 3)

Rock n' Roll Life

By Donna

Chapter Three: Come as You Are (Nirvana)

Angel stood at the door of the studio for the photoshoot. She sighed. She played with the wild pattern on her tights and pulled at her dress. This was it. Now or never.

Mark came from behind and gave her a big hug. "You ready?"

Angel nodded. "I guess so."

Mark smirked. "Come on, Angel. Have some confidence."

"I'm ready," she repeated, a little stronger. She didn't feel like having an emo kid trying to boost her self-esteem.

They linked arms and walked forward.

Meanwhile, Roger was listening to the photographer's scheme for the whole photoshoot. "Okay," he rambled, "You'll wear all black and they'll wear..."

Roger nodded, his eyes wandering around to the door. Where were Mark and Angel? Here he was at their first real photoshoot that wasn't some friend with a digital camera, and they were MIA.

He found Collins walking around with a coffee at hand. He pulled him over and asked, "What the hell?"

Collins took a sip from his coffee. "Look, man, if you wanted a coffee..."

"Not that! We're two Treehuggers short!"

"Maybe they're nervous. Angel always looks ready to puke in any situation anyway..."

Roger sighed, looking back to the door. The door opened and Mark came in, carting a brunette. Roger ran over and gasped. "Angel!"

Angel nodded. "Yeah... I'm... Angel. Uhm... oh God! I'm so sorry!"

Roger grinned like a Chesire Cat. "Hey, it's cool, Angie. Hell, it's about time."

"You knew!" Mark asked.

"Yeah, of course," Roger said. He laughed. "Angie D on Myspace?"

Angel blushed. "Yeah.. That's me."

Roger hugged her to prove a point. "You look good as a girl. Seriously."

"So you're not mad," Mark wanted to confirm.

"Nope. Not at all. As long as it doesn't impair your drumming, I'm okay."

"Told you," Mark teased Angel.

They passed by the photographer. The photographer gasped. "So... uhm..."

"Didn't you know my drummer likes dresses?" Roger asked.

The photographer shook his head slowly. "Uhm... no. But... we'll manage."

After some make-up and a wardrobe change, the photographer decided to use Angel's habits to his advantage. He made her pose in very sensual ways, leaning on Roger possessively and sitting in these very sexual poses. When she had separate shots, Mark and Roger watched in disbelief. Whatever it was that came with dressing like this gave Angel confidence and a very feminine air about her. She laid her head on her knees and closed her eyes in a pose and Roger could swear to God she was a girl.

Mark smiled. She'd make a great model.

When they were done, April stopped by. He sighed. She walked over and wrapped him close. "Hi, baby," she whispered, "I got some goodies at home with your name on it."

Roger looked at over at Mark and Angel. Mark looked at him in disgust and Angel stared vacantly in confusion. He looked back at April and gulped. Drugs or bandmates. Drugs or bandmates... drugs. He couldn't deny that he was addicted. Addicted to some failed drug to take away pain. All it was doing to him was causing it.

But he needed it.

Angel looked at Mark, confused.

"Do something, Angie," Mark pleaded.

Angel got up and yanked at Roger's sleeve. "Hey. You wanna come to my place? Mark's coming."

April's eyes widened. "Angel!"

"Yeah! Hi, honey!" Angel said, waving. "You're invited, too!"

April leaned on Roger. "Roger?"

"Well... we'll come later, Angie, okay?"

Angel nodded. "Okay. Oh, and Roger?"

"What?"

"Thank you."

She walked to Mark and sighed. Mark patted her shoulder and gave her a hug. "Hey, you did okay. Don't worry." He looked at Roger and April. "Don't do anything stupid."

Roger rolled his eyes as they went to their car and got inside it. When the motor started, April asked, "Did you know Angel was a... uhm... queen?"

"Yeah. A queen, Ape? That sounds a little harsh, don't you think?"

"You know what I mean."

"Why are you so pissed about that? Don't girls like gay guys?"

"No! I mean!"

"You're just jealous that she has nice legs."

"Ew... you were looking!" April looked almost tramatized.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding..." he slapped her thigh. "I love your legs."

They came to their apartment. Roger opened the door for her. "You're calling her a girl?" April asked.

"Yeah. I never really thought it was much of an issue."

"Oh... okay."

Roger sighed. "Look, April, I'd never date someone in the band. I'm with you. I named my guitar after you for God's sake!"

"I know... just... look out for Mark."

"Why?"

"...Mark is awfully close with Angel."

"They hugged."

"Yeah."

Roger laughed. "Mark wouldn't cheat on Maureen." He learned long ago not to box someone as gay or straight, but to him that wasn't the true issue. He knew if someone would cheat or not. And Mark wouldn't.

"But Maureen would," April whispered.

Roger gasped. "Did she!"

April put her finger on his lips. "Don't say anything. But I saw her a few days ago with Joanne... sucking face. You guys were at a practice. I'm sorry."

Roger didn't say a word as they went to the apartment and found April's stash. They tied their arms, shot up, and forgot about the drama surrounding the other two Treehuggers, who were alone in another apartment not-too far away.

---------------------------------------------------------

"Where's Roger?" Angel asked, eyeing the clock.

"God only knows," Mark mumbled, "What a disastrous couple. Two junkies. Who the hell thought of that one?"

"Oh, come on Mark," Angel whispered as she walked up to the meal she was preparing. "No every couple is Sid and Nancy, you know."

"Huh," Mark snapped, "You have no idea, Angie. You have no idea."

----------------------------------------------------------

I hope you liked this chapter! Next chapter will be about their first gig together!

Previous Tracks:

Changes, David Bowie

You're My Best Friend, Queen

Come as You Are, Nirvana

Next track:

First Date, Blink-182