Author's Note: Here's the REAL chapter three. To all those who read the phony one, I'm sorry. It had to be done. Your reviews made it an awesome April Fool's Day. So, don't let the beginning of this mislead you. It's the same as the other one, but it turns out different. I promise. Now, enjoy the proper Wonderchild and hopefully chapter four will be up soon. :)

CHAPTER THREE: Wonderchild

Tear it down, light the light

You wonderchild, your eyes about to see.

-- Wonderchild

"Was that not one of the most kick ass shows I've ever done?" Roger turns to look at Mark as they walk towards the loft.

Mark can't help but smile as he takes in Roger's flushed cheeks, glistening slightly with sweat, and his large grin. It's been ages since he's seen Roger like this.

"It was awesome, Rog," Mark says truthfully. "And I've got it all on film." He pats his camera.

Roger laughs and throws an arm around Mark in a half hug.

"Just like old time."

"Just like old times." Mark echoes. Well, not exactly. Mark knows it can never be just like old times. It's close, though, and that's enough for now.

The two walk in silence for a moment, before Roger speaks again.

"So. I've been thinking."

"Never a good thing." Mark grins as Roger smacks him lightly in the shoulder.

"As I was saying. I've been thinking that me and the guys should try doing a lot more to get our band out there." Roger's voice grew louder with enthusiasm. "We're doing better than we ever have, and the songs I'm writing are awesome. I think it's like, the right time, you know?" His voice gets slightly quieter, more questioning. Mark knows it's Roger's way of not so much asking his advice, but his permission as well.

"I think that's a great idea." Mark is all smiles as Roger grins again.

"You think so?"

Mark nods.

"It's what you've always wanted to do. You've got nothing holding you back anymore."

"You're right. I'm going to do it. I'm really going to work at this." Roger looks at Mark again. "Thanks, man."

"Don't mention it." Mark blushes a bit, and is thankful the night covers it up.

--

"So … Are you paying?" Mark looks across the table at Roger, taking a sip of his tea.

"Me? Why me?" Roger frowns.

"… You're the one getting money."

"What's your point?"

"Roger! We can't keep not paying!"

Roger waves a hand carelessly.

"They're used to us not paying." He scowls slightly when Mark sighs. "Fine. I'll get it paid for."

He begins scanning the Life Café with a hungry gaze that slightly unsettles Mark. He turns his attention outside, grins (in a slightly manic way), takes a drink of coffee, then gets up. In an easy casual manner, Roger saunters over to the waiter of the café. He has a quick conversation and immediately walks over to a professional looking man.

Mark watches Roger skeptically. He feels a pang in his stomach as he sees Roger begin flirting with the man. Whoever he is, Mark notices he's thoroughly enjoying the attention and is more than happy to return the favor. Mark hardly notices his scowl. Roger's smile is too bright, and his body language too fluid. Is Roger not telling him something? Another scowl crosses his face as Roger winks to the man and makes his way back to the table.

"It's taken care of ," Roger says to Mark. "Are you done your tea?" He puts on his jacket.

Mark raises an eyebrow, but finishes his tea. He stands up and follows Roger to the door.

"What the hell is going on, Roger?" Mark frowns.

He stops walking suddenly, and turns his head around as the waiter approaches the man Roger was just talking to. Mark blinks as the waiter asks about paying for a tea and coffee, and he hears the man's startled response. He feels his arm being yanked on, and suddenly he's outside, walking quickly down the street with a grinning Roger.

"… That was horrible, Rog."

"Oh, please." Roger snorts. "You'd have done the samething."

"Er … Actually …" But Mark can't help but smile at the way Roger behaves.

"You know," Roger looks back at the café, "it's a shame I had to do that to him. He was pretty good looking. And totally in to me." He grins some more.

Mark feels his smile fade.

"Yeah … A real shame." He stuffs his hands in his pockets, and the two walk the rest of the way in thoughtful silence.

Author's Note: There you have it. What do you think? Much better than the other one, eh? Reviews make me happy, as always. ;) I promise I won't be mean and horrible anymore. Well ... I won't be THAT mean and horrible anymore. Mwahahaha. :cough: