Author's Note: I had some time to kill, so here you go. Sorry again about the slow update. It's exam time. Eesh. By the way, the fluff attacks you in this chapter, so be warned. Enjoy!

CHAPTER EVLEVEN: The Ringing in My Ear

So scared to love

So scared to take the fall.

-- The Ringing in My Ear

The next few days are filled with Mark talking to Roger, trying to coax some sort of explanation – or even reaction – out of the musician. His persistence is noticeable, and it makes Roger bristle even more. He can't figure out why people don't take hints anymore.

Secretly, and only ever secretly, Roger enjoys how much Mark is putting into this. It makes him feel all warm and fuzzy inside – makes him feel important for once. There are times when Roger thinks he should never respond to Mark, just to keep this going. Then he thinks of the consequences, and his mind shuts up.

Besides the mounting tension between the two of them, Mark and Roger go on with their daily routines the same as they would any day. They get up, eat something, Mark goes filming while Roger sits on the couch writing a song, Mark comes back and Roger goes to band practice. Sometimes neither of them do anything all day, and they sit in the loft making small talk. It goes on like this for a while.

Suddenly, one afternoon, Mark comes home only to be greeted by a smiling Roger who happens to be waiting for him by the door.

"Er … Hey, Roger," Mark says with a slight frown. "What's going on?"

"I'm sorry," Roger replies bluntly.

"What?"

"I said I'm sorry." Roger grabs Mark gently by the arm and pulls him close, then wraps his arms around him. "Is there a problem with that?"

"No, I just …" Mark grins a bit. He knew Roger wouldn't last that long. Then again, the sudden mood change strikes Mark as being out of place. He frowns again. "Why are you saying sorry now?"

"Does it matter?"

Mark gives Roger a mildly reproachful look and pulls out of the embrace. He goes to the kitchen and sets down his camera. Roger follows him, not at all pleased with how this is turning out.

"Hey. I said I was sorry. What more do you want from me?"

"You've been avoiding it for days, and now suddenly you're a changed man again. I'd like to know why."

"You don't believe me or something?"

"I'm not saying that, Roger, I'm just saying -"

"Why can't you stop looking at the whole picture for once in your life?"

"Why can't you start?"

The two men stand there, watching each other. Mark holds his breath as he waits for Roger's reply, hoping he hasn't pushed him over the edge. After what seems like an eternity of silence, a small confession comes out of Roger.

"I love you."

Mark blinks, and scowls.

"Look, Roger, if you're just going to act like this then there's no point in even bothering." He takes off his jacket and turns his back to Roger.

"No … Mark … Wait …" Roger pulls Mark around to face him. He's never liked showing signs of desperation, but he knew that desperate times called for desperate measures. "That's my problem. I love you."

"How the hell is that a problem, Roger?" Mark's tone is clipped. As he looks at Roger, waiting for an explanation, his mood softens.

"I don't deserve you. But I love you, I can't get enough of you." Roger strokes Mark's hair lightly. "And for now you love me back. But once you realize that I'm not good enough for you, you'll stop. I don't want you to stop."

Mark can't help it. He laughs. He leans against Roger, laughing into his shoulder and wrapping his arms around him.

"How is that … Why the fuck are you laughing?" Roger's cheeks turn pink. "I just confess myself to you, and you start laughing at me?"

"I was so worried," Mark says, once he's caught his breath, "that it was going to be something worse than that." He looks at Roger and grins. "It's a laugh of relief." He puts his head against Roger's shoulder again. "And, honestly, Rog, I can't think of a pair better suited than us."

Author's Note: Well? One more chapter to go, people!