Author's Note: So. I'm actually really pleased with this chapter. It didn't turn out as long as I wanted it to, but most of it came out better than I expected. I love Roger. And, by the way, this story is at 73 reviews and there are only two more chapters left ... Think we can get close to 100? Enjoy (and link some friends, lol - ooh, look at me pimp my stories)!

CHAPTER TEN: Book of Endings

I'm just that kind of guy

Never know the reasons why.

-- Book of Endings

Roger walks towards the loft with a bit more confidence in his steps. He makes his way up the stairs and pulls open the door. He freezes. He doesn't even see Mark come out of his room.

"Roger!" Mark says. "You're back early!"

"What the fuck happened here?"

Mark looks around.

"Oh … I got a bit restless."

Finally, Roger realizes that Mark is there. He tears his eyes away from the miraculously clean loft. He looks at the other man.

"Oh … Hi." Roger feels his confidence fading quickly.

"Hi." Mark smiles a bit.

"Er … I …" Roger searches through his mind about what to say first. "Sorry about being an ass before."

Mark smiles a bit more.

"It's fine. I brought it upon myself."

Roger stays silent for a moment.

"Can we just skip this awkward bullshit and forgive each other?"

"Sure." Mark laughs and hugs Roger. "It's nice to have you back."

Roger tenses up and steps out of Mark's hug. He looks down at his feet, avoiding Mark's gaze. He's not sure he can do this. He's surprised he's not breaking out into a sweat.

Mark frowns.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't do this right now."

Roger brings his things into his room. He plans on going into seclusion for a little while. That's always worked for him before. Mark isn't going to let Roger off this easily. He follows him into his room.

"Seriously, Roger. What's going on?"

Roger is obviously bristled. Not only his confidence gone, but his good mood is going with it. He puts down his guitar and drops his bag on the floor. He pushes passed Mark, heading for the kitchen.

"Stop being an ass." Mark follows him again.

Roger pivots around to face Mark.

"You stop being an ass!"

Mark flinches back slightly. He hadn't been expecting this.

"What the fuck has gotten into you?"

"You've gotten into me, alright?" Roger glares. "Happy now?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You know damn well what it means." Roger walks over to Mark, towering over him with fire in his eyes. "You spend your time making everyone feel good about themselves, pretending not to give a shit about yourself." A distinct note of hysteria appears in Roger's voice. "And, you know what? You do it so well that I completely forget everything because you make me feel so good about myself, that I didn't even notice what the hell you were doing to me."

Mark gives Roger a look of confusion.

"Roger, calm down … What are you talking ab-"

"I can't stop thinking about you! I can't do anything without wondering what you'll say about it. Do you know what the fuck that feels like, Mark?" Roger pauses to take a few breaths. "I thought I could do this now." He looks at Mark, all the anger gone from his expression and replaced with a softness that Roger rarely shows. "I'm sorry." He kisses Mark's cheek. "Someday. I promise."

Mark stands there, blinking, while Roger returns to his room. Normally, Mark would leave situations like this where they stand, but something about the way Roger let everything out like that gives Mark some hope. He's not going give up on Roger so easily this time.

Author's Note: So, did you like? Let me know your thoughts. 27 more reviews is all I need. P