Author's Note: I don't know what's up with me and these short chapters ... At least I'm trying, right? Next chapter will have both Mark and Roger in it, so I'm sure that will be longer and much better. Oh. I just got hit with an idea for it. Excellent. And, by the way, I'm horrible at writing Collins, but it was about time he showed up. So. Forgive me. Enjoy!

CHAPTER NINE: Mother's Child

Should I try to change the world we live in?

-- Mother's Child

Roger's bus gets into the city in the late evening. He walks to the loft, getting more apprehensive with every step he takes. He has no idea how he can face Mark right now. His palms are getting sweaty. Somehow this reminds him of his first day of school. Cautiously he climbs the stairs. He stops in front of the door and stares at it. He can't do this right now. With much quicker steps than before, Roger walks away from the door and down to the street again. He already knows where he's going.

The walk to Collins' place takes longer than usual, it seems. Perhaps Roger just hasn't been there for a long time. He hasn't. Though, it comforts Roger to know that Collins is there nonetheless. The other man is good for things like this.

Roger knocks on the door. Hopefully Collins is home.

In a couple of moments, the door is opened and Roger is greeted by a smiling Collins.

"Roger! Long time no see." Collins steps out of the doorway, letting Roger step inside. "Did you just get home or something?"

Roger looks at his bag and guitar, and sets them on the floor.

"Yeah." He takes a seat without an invitation.

"How was San Francisco?" Collins sits as well, and grins at the look Roger gives him. "Mark told me. He was over the other day. He was getting worried about you. Said you didn't call."

"Oh …" Roger looks down slightly. "I got pretty busy down there. With the gig and stuff," he adds quickly, seeing Collins' sudden amusement. "I meant to call."

"I hear you two had a pretty rough goodbye. Want something to drink?"

"Please." Roger leans back. "So you already know that part of the story?"

Collins pours himself and Roger a drink.

"I don't think that's what you want to talk about, though. Here." He gives Roger his drink. "What's up with you now?"

"It's … I'm scared about seeing Mark." Roger downs his drink. He hates talking about his feelings. "I'm getting like I used to be."

Collins raises an eyebrow, then realization dawns upon him. He knocks back his drink as well and rolls his eyes.

"You got over it once before, Roger. I'm sure you can do it again."

"I tried! It's not like I can just -"

"I can't everything for you, Roger." Collins smiles at him slightly. "Just go to the loft and see Mark. Maybe you just miss him. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that shit."

Roger stares at Collins.

"I bet you gave Mark better advice than this."

"Yeah, well Mark isn't a self-centered bastard."

"Asshole."

"You know it."

Roger gets up and grabs his bag and guitar. He opens the door and looks back at Collins.

"Thanks for the cheap words of wisdom."

"Anytime, Roger. Anytime."

The two share a laugh and Roger is once again headed towards the loft.

Author's Note: Yeah yeah ... Sorry. My mind is so on everything else. Hopefully I'm making up for the long absence though. Reviews make me a happy camper! P