I really wanted this chapter to be longer…actually, it was supposed to be two chapters, but I randomly decided to mix them into one, and therefore not extend too much on all of the ideas…mainly because I, as well, am tired of chapters that seem to go no where. Rest assured that the next chapter is the beginning of the rise of the story.

Also, a message brought my attention to what my deals with reviews probably looks like. I just want to clear something up, I do not "hold updates ransom". I have never actually had a chapter done, and refused to upload it because I didn't get the 5-10 reviews. To be perfectly honest, I don't have much time for writing, so if I didn't make the 10 review rule, the last 2-3 updates still would not have happened. I would have put writing this off. Rather than holding my chapter ransom, I use the reviews as inspiration to force myself to sit down and write. The ten reviews is more for me than you, cause once I see that 10th, I know I have to actually take time out to whip out a new chapter. Hope ya'll understand…and I'll lower the rule now.

Just to clarify. :D

No own RENT

No Miracles

The Twilight Zone did exist. It had to. If it didn't exist, why would Mark be sitting at a table in the Life with Roger, Maureen and Joanne? All three of them were eating and talking and laughing. Like old times.

Why else would the harsh feelings of almost a year, the fights, the cruel silences, the insults, be almost washed away as Roger turned to Mark and smiled at him. How else would Roger actually be being nice, not only to him, but to Maureen as well?

Two days ago, he was filming at his gig, strange but not groundbreaking…and if he were living in reality, Roger would already be back to being an asshole. Instead, he was stealing Mark's fries when he wasn't looking, and grinning like a devil when he got caught.

Mark laughed heartily, looking at his…friends in actual happiness.

Oh yes, the Twilight Zone indeed existed…and Mark Cohen was currently in it.

LINELINELINELINE

Two more days had passed, and Roger was still being…different.

Things weren't back to normal…that couldn't happen. What Mark thought of as normal was gone, hadn't been around in months. Too much time and too many things had gone by for that 'normal' to ever return. But, things were good…the best they'd been in a very long time, and that was enough for Mark

They still fought a few times, and Roger still had a short temper, but it was less now, and the chill in his temperament wasn't there as often. There were still moments when he didn't seem to want to talk to filmmaker, but now there were also moments where he sought out his company…more of those than the former, actually. Best of all, the general companionship of being roommate was back…for the most part. Mark really wasn't sure what had changed, but he knew not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Mark was sitting on the couch, pondering all of this when Roger wandered by and went into the kitchen. He watched him search through the fridge and cupboards for a few moments before the guitarist suddenly turned to face him, frustrated.

"Damn it, Mark! There is nothing to eat in this fuckin' house." He all but yelled.

Mark regarded him coolly and cautiously "Okay…sorry?"

Roger stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. "Whatever…get dressed and we'll go to the Life…my treat."

Mark grinned. "Sure."

He got up, heading to his room, Rogers voice following him. "But don't think you're not paying me back once your lazy ass gets a job, Cohen."

No miracles here. Mark thought, but he was still smiling to himself.

They hung out at the Life for the afternoon, talking novelties. They never did talk too seriously now…for instance, Mark never did tell him anymore about Reye than he already had, and the rest of his new life wasn't mentioned at all. He wasn't sure exactly why, he just had this feeling that it would have been too awkward.

It seemed that nothing too much had changed in Roger's life, aside from his band adjusting to the two new members, and the fact that they were getting a lot more gigs as they continued to make their comeback.

After they got home, Roger secluded himself with his guitar and lyric book, and Mark did likewise with the newspaper and a cup of weak coffee. They didn't talk much for the rest of the night, but this silence Mark could stand.

LINELINE

Mark smiled into his breakfast of ramen. He couldn't help it. It was finally Wednesday, and he was finally going to see Marshall again. Although, to be perfectly honest, he wasn't on edge to see his boyfriend like he had been that Friday before. He logically attributed it to him not wanting the escape quite a badly as he had before. He was still out in the living room, though, near the phone as he waited for the photographer to call.

Suddenly, Roger came out of his room and came and sat down next to Mark. "I have to go to the pawn shop in a little while. Thought afterward I'd go grab some Chinese. You in?" he asked.

Mark was about to answer, to tell him that he was busy, when the phone rang. He jumped, and stared at it for a moment before coming to his senses and jerking the phone up and to his ear before it could go to the machine. Roger gave him a strange look, probably not understanding why Mark wasn't screening.

"Hello?" Mark asked anxiously.

"Hey Babes!" Marshall's voice rang at him.

Mark smiled, forgetting himself. "Hey. Haven't heard your voice in a while, how've you been?"

Roger continued to look at him for a moment before getting up from the couch and going to the window, picking up his guitar along the way. Mark watched him for a moment, feeling torn.

"You want to meet up in about an hour? I just have to take a shower…I cannot wait to see you, Babes."

Mark winced, taking a breath as he stayed silent for a moment. He chewed his lip in uncertainty as his eyes drifted over to Roger by the window, not facing him as he strummed absently.

From outside his thoughts, he heard Marshall. "Mark? …Hey, you still there, Babes?"

Mark quickly turned his attention back to the phone. "Uh…yeah. Sorry about that…um, hey I'm real sorry…but something really important came up and…I can't hang out today…not until later tonight." He said, his guilt showing through his voice.

There was a moment of silence from the phone before, "Oh…okay…is everything okay?" Mark winced again at the sincere sound of concern in his boyfriend's voice.

"Yeah…no, everything's fine. I just…have somewhere I have to be…I'm sorry….but I'll see you tonight? Around nine maybe?" he reasoned with himself, telling himself that he could do this…spend time with both of them…and that there was nothing wrong with a compromise.

"Yeah Babes, that sounds good. I'll meet you at your place, then?" he could hear the reformed smile in Marsh's voice, and he couldn't help smiling himself.

"Yeah…but don't worry about coming up; it's a long climb. I'll meet you at the door."

"Alright, can't wait. Bye."

"Bye."

Mark smiled to himself as he hung up the phone. He felt guilty about blowing Marshall off, but…he had missed Roger, and he wasn't about to let opportunities to spend time with his former best friend just pass him by. He was sure if he could explain it to Marshall, he'd understand…but at the moment, he didn't see much of a down side. He was going to see Marshall tonight… and he was going to hang out with Roger now. What could be better?

He walked over to the window, sitting across from Roger who looked over at him.

"You got plans?" he asked, sounding completely indifferent.

Mark smiled at him. "Nah…but you said something about Chinese food and cheap pawn goods, right?"

LINELINELINELINELINELINE

Mark and Roger walked back to the loft, leftover Chinese food and Roger's "new" guitar strap in hand. They talked easily, Roger mocking the pawn shop owner's German accent, and Mark laughing and chastising him in the same breath.

Going up into the loft, they stored the food in the barely cool ice box that was probably so outdated it was leaking chemicals, and sat on the couch. Roger played a little of a new song he was trying to write, and Mark gave what critiques he could.

They sat and talked, mostly bullshitting, but it was a good time. Mark didn't notice the time getting away from him until he randomly glanced down at his watch and saw it was 7:45. Startled, he started to get up to start getting ready, when Roger caught his attention.

"Hey, I want to do something tonight…want to call up Maureen and Joanne and head out to the clubs? I think my friend's band is playing tonight."

Mark took a breath, worrying his lip before making up his mind. "Sorry, Rog…I can't. I'm meeting…a friend."

Roger nodded, looking suddenly disinterested. "Alright, whatever."

Mark swallowed back his guilt, and got up. He showered, dressed, and was out the door five till, all without another single glance from his roommate.

LINELINE

His guilt somehow melted away upon seeing Marshall, casually leaning against his building with a sexy smile, a warm feeling building up instead upon the sight of the single red rose in his hand.

"Babes." He greeted, kicking himself off the wall, and then sliding gracefully to his knees as he held up the rose as if he were a chivalric knight.

Mark laughed, taking the rose in his hand and pulling Marshall up and against him with the other, their lips meeting for only a short, warm kiss. "Thank you." Mark mumbled against the photographer's mouth.

"Don't mention it." Marshall responded as he pulled away slightly, interlacing their fingers as they started to walk.

"So guess what? Reye's coming home tomorrow! She'll be here in the morning." Marshall grinned.

Mark's face mirrored his. "That's great! I miss that girl…she never did call me… and wasn't she supposed to be here a few days ago?"

Marshall shrugged. "She claims she got 'distracted'" he used air quotes. "Anyways, I can't wait…I even called my two clients for tomorrow and said I have chicken pox, so I can't shoot. …it'll cost me some serious dough, but I do miss mi hermanita. …We're having a party at Tank's to celebrate them all coming back alive…a tradition every time they come back from one of their random adventures. You should come."

Mark smiled. "I'll be there, definitely."

Marshall kissed him swiftly before continuing their walk, making Mark smile broader.

"So where we off to?" Mark asked, smelling the rose briefly before depositing it safely in his coat pocket.

"I'm thinking the movies. Cliché, I know…but there's a good looking horror film that just came out…doesn't seem as obnoxious as most new horror."

Mark smiled. He knew fully well that Marshall wasn't a huge fan of horror; comedy and romance-comedy (AKA chick flicks) were more his area, but also that the photographer knew that he was a fan of horror…at least when it was done well.

"Sounds like a plan."

LINELINELINELINE

Don't know when the next update will be…its already completely written…just can't remember where… If you inspire me with enough reviews, I'll just be kind and re-write it…although, I bet you anything the original is probably better written than what I could rewrite…I did write the original over a year ago… Anyways, reviews loved!!

OH and NOTE: The next chapter takes place THE VERY NEXT DAY!!