Disclaimer: I do not own RENT, it all belongs to Jonathan.

A/N: I'm sorry to keep you waiting Jedi and everyone else! I've been on hiatus because of school but I found some time and I'm back to update! ItalicsFlashbacks

Chapter 10

March 22nd 3:00 PM Standard Eastern Time

Mark paced around the room nervously, checking his watch. Roger should have been home by now and he wasn't just worried about him getting sick. He had something to tell Roger, something very important. He was scared to tell him; how would he take the news? How would he respond? Would he look at him differently? He didn't want to wait until Roger was on his deathbed to tell him, so it had to be today. Just then he heard the metal door slide open. Roger walked inside and brushed the snow off of his leather jacket. He looked pretty good, even though he was losing weight.

"Hey buddy" he said to Mark, "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, sit down Rog, I need to talk to you," said Mark, stumbling on his words.

"Sure, you know you can tell me anything," said Roger.

"Ok" said Mark, sighing heavily. "I'm gay."

"That's all? I was wondering when you were gonna tell me," said Roger.

"You…knew?" asked Mark surprised.

"Mark, I've known you for like ever. Every time you were around a woman, even Maureen, you never looked comfortable or happy. But while you were around a nice guy, however, you had this sparkle in your eye, you know?"

Mark was stunned. He knew why Roger was his best friend and could never accept the fact that he was dying. Roger stood up and embraced Mark all of a sudden.

"I'm glad for you buddy, I hope you find happiness," said Roger genuinely.

March 31st-8:00 PM Standard Eastern Time

Mark was looking himself over in the mirror, making sure all aspects of him were flawless. He had a date tonight with a great looking guy named Dave who he met at the park while filming some footage. Dave had green eyes, black hair, and a killer smile that made Mark weak at the knees.

"Mark, can you PLEASE hurry up in there? I really gotta pee and you take longer than me in there when I do my hair and that's saying something!" said Roger urgently.

Mark stepped out in a nice gray sweater and black dress pants. He walked over to the table and picked up flowers that he had for Dave.

"Sorry Rog, this night's just really special to me, you know?" said Mark.

"I know buddy, I'm sorry. Good luck tonight, I hope it works out. And you better be home by ten mister!" said Roger jokingly. He shook his finger at him for added measure.

"Will Crystal be working at the Life tonight? I want her to meet him," said Mark.

"Yup, she'll be there to seat you guys. She'll tell you what she thinks of him I'm sure. Me, I don't have that ability," said Roger. Mark laughed.

"Alright, I better get going. Bye Roger, and thanks for everything!" said Mark.

Roger waved and Mark was out the door.

Mark took his bicycle and arrived at the Life Café around 8:15. Dave was there already, and he greeted Mark.

"Thank you so much for the flowers hon, they're beautiful," said Dave smiling.

"We better get inside, I don't want you to get cold," said Mark.

Mark and Dave walked over to the podium Crystal was standing behind.

"Hello my lady, your finest table for two," said Mark grinning.

"And who is this?" asked Crystal.

"Dave, this is Crystal, Crystal, this is Dave."

They shook hands and Crystal led them back to a small table. Crystal couldn't shake the feeling that she knew Dave from somewhere, but didn't make a big deal out of it. She gave them their menus and said "Ok guys, your waiter will be right with you, enjoy your dinner at the Life Café." (It was something she had to say, but she added a little wink for Mark.) There was two candles in the middle of the table (Crystal called in a favor), and Mark couldn't stop gazing at Dave in the candlelight. Dave touched his cheek and Mark giggled like a little school boy.

"Mark, this is amazing. I'm so happy to be here with you," said Dave. He reached out his hand and touched Mark's, looking right into his eyes. Mark blushed and didn't pull away.

"I can't wait to see some of your films Mark, I'm sure they are amazing," said Dave.

"Aw, thanks, they're nothing special," said Mark.

"Don't say that, you're so creative and talented, I'm surprised you aren't famous by now," said Dave.

Mark couldn't stop grinning and giggling. This guy seemed perfect to him in every way. He was interested in his life, articulate, charming and sweet. Maybe for once Mark Cohen could have a true shot at love and happiness.

"So, Dave, what's your life like?" asked Mark.

"Well, I write poetry and I love my dog. I work at a clothes store for now, but I'm hoping to become a writer someday," said Dave.

"I can't wait to read your poetry," said Mark.

"Thanks sweetie, finally someone is interested in it," said Dave with a smile.

"Well I have to go to the bathroom, don't go anywhere," said Mark gently.

"I wouldn't dream it," said Dave smiling.

When Mark left, Dave took something out of his pocket and looked around to make sure no one was looking in his direction. He then slipped something in Mark's champagne. Mark came back a few moments later and sat down.

"Now where were we?" said Mark.

"A toast to the future of me with a wonderful man like you Mark," said Dave with a more sinister grin, but it went unnoticed by Mark.

"Cheers," said Mark and they tapped their glasses together.

"Bottoms up honey," said Dave and they both drank their champagne.

April 1st Midnight-Standard Eastern Time

Crystal slid the metal door open of the loft and walked inside. Her feet were aching from working all night, and she collapsed on the couch. Roger came out of his room when he heard her come in.

"Is Mark home yet?" asked Roger.

"No, he's probably still with Dave. And with looks like that, I wouldn't blame him. I can't shake the feeling that I know him from somewhere though," said Crystal.

"You probably have just seen him around. It's just not like Mark to go home with someone after one date, but maybe they're just hanging out and enjoying each other," said Roger.

"I'm sure he's ok. Well, I'm going to bed, I am wiped out. Goodnight Roger," said Crystal.

"Goodnight," said Roger. "I think I'm going to wait up for Mark,"

"You want me to wait with you?" asked Crystal.

"No, you worked all day, go to bed. I'll be fine," he said.

"Alright, I hope you get some sleep, and cover up for Christ's sake it's still cold out!" said Crystal.

"You got it," said Roger with a grin. Crystal went into his room and Roger sat on the couch to wait. He had no idea what he would find later on.