Author's Note: Lookie lookie! Chapter five is up. Finally. I'm sorry this took a while. The lyrics for Civilian aren't exactly plentiful, even if it is a great song. I've got ideas about the coming chapters, though, so they shouldn't be too hard to write. Keep in mind, I've got an insanely full schedule, so I can't make promises! About this chapter. There are some parts I really like - such as Roger rambling - but, over all, it's not one of my favourites. Regardless of this, I hope you enjoy it.
CHAPTER FIVE: Civilian
You're a liar
And too weak in the knees.
-- Civilian
The first days of their renewed relationship were awkward for Mark and Roger. Whenever they sat on the couch, they weren't sure if they were too close or too far apart. Whenever they walked down the street, they didn't know if they should have been holding hands or something. Kissing was – is – just as bad, if not worse. It reminds Roger of a couple of school kids during their first relationship.
On top of it all, it's been feeling as though there isn't enough "them" time. Mark thinks this is because all Roger cares about, at the moment, is his band. Of course, Mark can't blame him. Finally things are turning out the way Roger wants, but Mark would like to spend some time talking about other than music.
Roger, on the other hand, thinks it's something to do with Mark. To him, Mark is being unresponsive and unsupportive. As much as he tries to involve Mark in what's been going on with him, there's a sense of disinterest that bothers him. To some degree, Roger blames himself. Perhaps if he hadn't been so pushy last time …
But that's all behind him now. As Roger races up the stairs to the loft, he can't see Mark being uninterested in the news he's about to hear. With a large grin, Roger pushes open the loft door, sets down his guitar, and pulls Mark into a kiss.
Mark is too surprised to feel his usual sense of awkwardness. He smiles in response, and looks at Roger.
"Er … Hey, Rog. Having a good day?"
Roger's grin gets bigger.
"Damn fucking rights I am!" He sits Mark down on the couch. "Get this. Ok. You know Greg, right? The guy that sometimes helps us out with our equipment? His brother lives in Los Angeles. Los Angeles, Mark! And he's in a band. And he's doing this show with some regional bands, and he asked Greg to recommend a band from here to go play there as well. And guess what! Recommended us! I might be going to Los Angeles! How fucking awesome is that?"
Mark is at a loss on how to react. He hasn't seen Roger look so happy or so excited over something in a long time. There's no denying it's a great opportunity, and Mark can't think of anyone more deserving than Roger. The only thing upsetting Mark is that, if Roger does go, then he'll have no time at all with him. There's a part of Mark that wants to be greedy and tell Roger it's not worth it, but he cannot bring himself to say that.
"That's great." Mark forces a smile. Upset or not, this is about Roger. Not him. And he should be happy.
"I know!" Roger flops down next to Mark. "We have to wait a week or so before we know if we're going or not. But still. I'm fucking stoked." He turns to Mark. "We should go out or something. Celebrate."
Mark's smile gets bigger.
"You don't even know if you're going yet."
"Fine. We should still go out. Wanna go torment the staff at the café?"
Mark can't help but laugh at the slightly maniacal glint in Roger's eye.
"Fine. Let's go." He stands up and grabs his jacket.
Roger follows suit. He grabs the key and follows Mark down the stairs. Once they're on the street, Roger pulls Mark into another kiss.
"What was that one for?" Mark smiles up at Roger. "You're not going to tell me you're going to Canada or something, are you?"
"Nah." Roger waves his hand slightly. "That one was a thank you."
"For what?"
"You encouraged me to really try and get something going with this band." Roger shrugs, but it's obvious it means a lot to him. "I think if it had just been me, I would've forgotten the whole thing in about a week or two." He looks down for a moment, as if almost ashamed at admitting this. He lifts his head and smiles brightly. "Now let's go. It's starting to rain."
Mark stands there for a moment, watching Roger. There's a heavy lump settling in his stomach. He's been encouraging Roger the whole time. All his inner whining about not spending enough time with Roger is his own fault. He sighs and trudges after the other man. On the bright side, at least there aren't anymore awkward feelings between them.
Author's Note: Ooh. Look at me, causing problems. Mwahaha. Will Roger goto LA? Guess you'll have to review, encourage me to write more, and find out. I'm so devious.