Chapter 28 is dedicated to Rabid RENThead (Miranda) who for some odd reason was signed in on my account when she reviewed chapter 27. Why she was… I don't know. And… I saw RENT in LA and it was freaking AMAZING. Except Angel was kinda disappointing, and in I'll Cover You the kiss was more like one of those -muah hug hug- moments. Certainly not as adorable as Jesse & Wilson. And… whee. Italics are going to be flashbacks here.

Disclaimer: I don't own RENT.

--Happy New Year--

-Angel's POV-

The time is currently 10:32 PM on December 31st. Collins and I are on the couch watching some TV show. I'm not really paying attention. I'm too busy thinking about all the stuff that's happened in my life recently. Since moving to this town everything has changed- my family, my outlook on life, how I see myself and how others see me…

I also decided to talk to that therapist Collins went to for a while. He and his parents don't know I went, but I think it helped a little.

I sat down in the well-lit room, noting the Broadway musical posters on the walls. Dr. Kendall sat at his desk and greeted me warmly. I only felt a little awkward… okay a bit more than a little. But it was all for the best, I suppose. And I needed someone to talk to,someone who wasn't one of my best friend.

"So… I wanted to talk. I don't know, I've just been under stress lately I guess."

"Okay, well we can talk. Let's start with your family…"

That had been… already a week ago. And I still haven't told anyone, and I don't think I will.

The time is currently 11:17 PM. I'm starting to feel sleepy, and I lean against Collins, feeling his chest rise and fall steadily. He's not asleep, though. His arms wrapped around me provide a feeling of safety, of calm, of love.

We barely ever fight. I know we argue sometimes, but we almost never really fight. Until a few days ago.

The phone rang and Collins jumped up to answer it. I followed him as he laughed and told me it was Mark. His smile quickly faded, and I leaned closer trying to hear what Mark was saying. He was crying.

"And J-josh won't even r-r-return my phone calls… I-I thought he l-liked me…" Mark stuttered and soon all that could be heard were quiet sobs.

"Marky… calm down. I'm sure there's a good explanation for why he hasn't been able to talk to you. Have you thought maybe he went out of town with his family? He might have forgotten to tell you, honey. It'll be okay." I said, pulling the phone away from Collins a bit so Mark could hear me. His crying reduced to sniffles.

"R-r-really, Angel? Thanks. I hadn't thought of that."

"But he could be just being an ass." Collins said quickly. "Just remember that. Be careful around him."

"Y-yeah. I will. Thanks guys. I… I just was worried, is all." He hung up the phone and I glared at Collins. He wouldn't even give Josh a second chance!

"Tom, that was horrible. Poor Marky, he just needed someone to make him feel better. He was probably freaking out over nothing. Why did you say that?"

"Because it's true. He's a jerk most of the time, and he hasn't changed. No matter how much you think he has."

"Okay, fine. I get it. You're bitter. But why do you have to take it out on Mark? He's had to deal with a lot of shit already, and you don't need to go and make it worse!"

"I was just being realistic! God, you think I don't know what Josh is like? I fucking dated him. He was an ass, and he always will be! Just because you can see the best in people doesn't mean they can or will show the best part of themselves."

I was not going to listen to him go on about his ex-boyfriend and how he'll never change and blah blah blah. So I just walked away. That was a little insensitive, I will admit, but he was being stupid too. So I left and went to the kitchen.

"Angel! Hey, look, I'm sorry okay?"

"No, it's not okay! Look, I just want Mark to be happy, and I want you to be okay with Josh being with him. But since you obviously can't do that, I just don't want to deal with you right now!" I walked to the refrigerator and got a soda. I then went up the stairs to my room and sort of slammed the door.

It was actually almost two days before we made up after that fight. It wasn't a terrible fight, but still… for us, that was pretty bad. I barely talked to him during those two days and now I feel horrible about it. We both kept apologizing for being idiots, and I think we both forgave each other. Thank god we don't fight like that all the time.

The time is currently 11:56 PM. The TV switches channels- we're now on a New York news station. Seems a little silly- watching New Year's happen somewhere else. I turn to Collins and kiss him gently. I lean my head on his shoulder and we watch the minutes tick past, down to the last few seconds…

"Five… Four… Three…" I start counting down the last seconds.

"Two… One…" Collins continues.

"Happy New Year."

Some Angel Collins fluff for New Year's. I had writers block so I wrote this. Hope it isn't too crappy. Well… please review. You know you want to!