Rent copyrighted to Jonathan Larson etc. All media of this beautiful music belongs to him, and defiantly not me. Reviews are lovely and wonderful, always remember that! A bit of Benny in t his chapter, but in more of a…strange light. Part of this chapter is just mindless humor that I included to lighten things up a bit. Loose ends from it will be tied in the next chapter.

---

Saved…

At hearing the loft door open Roxie quickly looked to the camera once more and gave one last fake smile. Getting up quickly she walked over to the couch. Brushing a few dark curls over her shoulder. This gal couldn't help but have a relieved look be clearly seen on her face. Setting the books on the table the emerald eyed girl wanted to look as if she had nothing to do with them for now. The last thing that was needed was to have everyone else question why they were there. Sitting up a little more Roxie wanted to appear as aloof as usual. Call it a talent. Mark's interview didn't really even matter anymore at this point in time.

Angel had been difficult till the very last moment. Every inch of the way those trademark Go go boots were firmly pressed to the cheap wooden floor of the hall. She couldn't help but let her rarely shown stubborn personality be apparent. After all, what did she do to Roxie? None of this was her fault, and yet she had to be the one to apologize and be forgiven. The only crime she had truly committed was just hating the fact that her cousin treated her like dirt. And yet, here Angel was.

Collins just thought this would be a good start to get the two to get along. After all, they desperately needed a chance like this. Besides, it was never a good thing to see Angel so upset over just one person. She was always the nicest and would always find good in every person. Even Benny! That in it's self was a giant feat. Benny was a good person, but pretty much sold his soul to Muff-Allison. Dear Buddha, it would just be great if this all ended. Then what level of peace they had would be restored once more.

Angel had stumbled in, followed by Collins. This drag queen had forced a bittersweet smile on her face as the professor was just trying to catch his breath from his lover's antics. Pushing her gently forward Collins urged his love kindly enough to get her to listen, "Go on baby, it will be real quick. Like a band-aid." And now, it was up to those cousins to figure out things for themselves. After all, if there were to be further interference, well, it wouldn't be welcomed in the least bit.

She finally stepped forward trying to keep her head up. Chocolate brown eyes gazed over to the familiar figure on the couch as lips spoke softly, "Hey… Roxie, I need to talk to you Hun." Quicker then Angel had expected, her cousin had stood up at her own pace and turned a heel looking her right in the eyes without a certain emotion. Just keep eye contact, and nothing can go wrong. Hopefully…

Roxie honestly didn't care for what reason Angel had finally decided to make a confrontation. As long as she wasn't on the spot anymore. "Yes, what is it Angel?" She asked gently walking towards her cousin. Normally this tone was something she would save up for some kind of sucking up act. Leaning forward a little Roxie was for once, somewhat interested in what her relative needed to say.

"Well, I just know we haven't been getting along for quite some time, and I just wanted to say…" Angel had swallowed nervously. "I'm sorry." Hey, that wasn't very painful at all! Well, at least that was easy enough. Smiling a little proudly and cheerfully the younger relative had felt as though a big weight had been lifted off of her. But, they were not out of the woods yet. After all, this could end in so many different ways. Some, much worse then others.

Replying with a sly grin that could only be found similar to the Cheshire cat the somewhat older one replied calmly, "Aww, thank you Angel. I'm sorry as well." She was defiantly going to have to make some smart-ass remark so as not to all 'touchy-feely'. Since, despite how much she wanted to be nice, this emerald-eyed girl had grown to love being bitchy as well. "That's a lot coming from someone who dresses like they were blind. Oh, and never ceases to stay so behind on fashion trends." Hugging Angel in a mocking fashion Roxie was happy that she had gotten the last word. Or, at least, brought her cousin's spirits down a substantial amount. Pulling away from Angel abruptly she laughed lightly and finished, "All better." Quick fix, like a band-aid. Riiight.

Collins couldn't help but raise a brow at this whole thing. All of his efforts were dashed away. Mark was just getting his equipment back to the table to tinker with it some more. Mostly oblivious to this new issue brought up. He wasn't disheartened by having his interview cut short, and couldn't wait to review what footage he had collected this night. Angel, Angel looked as if she wanted to slap her cousin right then and there. Luckily though, before all hell broke loose Roger and Mimi had arrived through the already opened door. Thus, interrupting what would be a catfight. Collins' worry of having to attempt to separate these two divas was relieved from his work. Thank Aisha!

Between Roger and Roxie there was just a quick exchange of words. One, they never really enjoyed talking to each other. Two, they had already gotten into one fight already. This was reason enough to keep words brief and skip the pleasantries and to just get straight to the point. What else was there to say anyways?
"Did you look for that job?"
"Yeah."
"Did you actually get one?"

"Almost. I'll have to find out later."
"Good enough."

The couple had walked over to the back of the couch, hand in hand. They had a great view of the loft foot and unfortunately, what came through that door made them wish that it was promptly closed and locked. Angel was still trying to restrain herself from doing something that may send her straight to prison. Mimi, well, she was unaware about this whole fight that was about ready to happen, and was just enjoying Roger's company.

"Ho ho ho!" Benny called into the loft with an expecting smile. It was obvious he came for the rent. "I see everyone's together now. Well, except for Maureen." A thick tone had made its way into his voice as he said her name. "Looks like I came in just on time." He had acknowledged everyone in the room and seemed to pay extra attention to Roxie, as opposed to his normal routine of Mimi. Very subtly at first, but soon it would become apparent.

"So I see you had taken the advice I had given to you on coming here Roxie." She rolled her eyes dramatically as if already annoyed with him and seemed to know what was coming. Like some sort of inside joke, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. "Isn't that what you were wearing the night you came and convinced me on helping you find your family." He had continued as if he had the advantage.

Of course Roxie quickly replied, "I don't remember much of that night. Except in the morning I gladly left to go to a bar and kept on drinking until I had washed away any memory of it. That was probably one of the worse nights I've had in a long time." Crossing her arms over her chest and cocking a brow she continued, "You never were too good with the romantics. Oh, and with all those weird faces you make."

Benny had looked, well, completely surprised. He was expecting her to be flustered and horribly embarrassed. Or to have one member of the group of bohemians to shout out and defend her in some way. Well, things didn't always turn out as one would want to predict. He tried to not look like a complete idiot and somehow find some sort of defense that was going to throw her off. Unfortunately, Roxie was far too proud to even have the biggest offence bother her in the least bit.

"Well if you didn't feel the need to turn aro-"

"Don't even go there Benny. Now get your ass back to its owner. Allison. Wouldn't she be interested in getting a call from a certain someone?"

Surprisingly enough that had been enough to get Benny to leave. But not without leaving everyone, save Roxie, in a horrible confused fashion with many strange images in their head. Well, their landlord had badly predicted on how that was all going to turn out for him.

-With Benny and Allison at their home after the visit to the loft-

Allison had never given up on being her prissy self, and luckily had known nothing about her serva-husband's 'guests'. She was too busy being her controlling self somewhere else. Hey, maybe she did have a lot in common with Benny's most recent visitor.

To say the least… Benny missed Roxie's kind attitude when she was just trying to manipulate him to get what she wanted. It was much better then how Muffy acted on a regular basis.

-Back at the loft-

"Speeaak."

"Hey uhm, Markie we need your help. I don't think Joanne knows what the hell she is doing. So, um, if you could drop by the performance space sweetie, that would be great."

This chapter was some dialogue so I hope you don't mind. It was just to show some hostility towards a few characters. I really hope you all take the Benny humor well. I'm nervous you guys won't like this chapter. I really hope I'm wrong. I just wanted to lighten the mood a little.