Oh hey guys! Yay for updates! Sorry they are so slow! *hugs* Enjoy the chapter everyone. Warning: Mature content in this one.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rent or its characters. I wish!

Turn This House Into A Home

Chapter 20: What I Did For Love

Lily POV: Couple months later

"...Happy Birthday to you!"

"Now make a wish, Marky!" Maureen said excitedly. Mark rolled his eyes and blew out the candles. The Life Cafe was full of all kinds of noise as Mark's Birthday party was in full swing. Roger sat next to me filming the scene with Mark's camera. Mimi, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, and a few more friends from Life Support sat around the three tables we pushed together. Mark's mother and Cindy called earlier to wish him happy birthday and even Benny stopped by to say hello. I had invited Luke and Brittany, but they couldn't attend. Beth sat happily in my lap as I tried to feed her some cake. I giggled as she messily ate her food. I looked up at Mark.

"Happy birthday love." I leaned forward for a quick kiss.

"Love you." He replied and leaned in again.

"Aww, may I just say that the camera loves you two." Roger joked with Mark's camera. I blushed and pulled away from Mark.

"A little privacy Rog?" A small red tint appeared on Mark's cheeks as he adjusted his glasses.

"Hey, you told me to film. So, I am." Roger let a cocky grin appear on his face. "And how is our birthday boy?"

"Fantastic." Mark rolled his eyes again.

"C'mon Mark, pass out cake so you can open your presents!" Maureen chimed in. After cake Mark opened his presents which consisted of a new camera bag from Joanne and Maureen, a new nice jacket from Mimi and Roger, some filming equipment from Collins, and a nice watch, and some better editing equipment from me.

"Thanks everyone, this means a lot to me." Mark smiled gratefully at us all.

"Hey, you still got one more!" Maureen pulled out a rectangular box from next to her seat. "I got you one more." She grinned sweetly. Joanne looked confused.

"Maureen what is that?" She asked cautiously.

"You'll see." Maureen handed the box to a confused Mark. He hesitated but opened the top a little. I couldn't see inside it. Suddenly his eyes widened and he shut the box quickly as a blush overtook his face.

"What is it?" I asked, Beth let out a yawn.

"Yeah, c'mon Mark, show the camera!" Roger added next to me. Maureen's laughter echoed.

"Enjoy!" Was all she said.

"Enjoy what? I am so confused." Mimi said. The whole table agreed.

"It's nothing...," Mark said nervously. "Oh, look at Beth, it's past her bed time...we should get home."

"Fine." Roger huffed and set down the camera. We gathered our things, Mark tucked the box under his arm.

"Thanks for the great birthday party everyone." We all said goodbyes then headed home. Even with Roger begging, Mark wouldn't say what was in the box Maureen gave him. Mark put some of his presents in the bedroom when we got back home. Beth was almost asleep as Mark walked out of the bedroom.

"I'll put Beth to bed." I handed her to Mark. "Somebodys had a full day." He smiled and took her away. I grinned and went into the bedroom. Quietly, I dug out the box he hid and opened it. I have to know...I caught my laughter when I saw a silk, skimpy, white bra and underwear set with pretty black lace. Along with that was white net stockings, a short white mini skirt, and a garter belt. A note on it said: For both of you. Thank me later. XOXO, Maureen. She would do that, no wonder Mark didn't want anyone to see it. An idea suddenly popped into my head. Grabbing the outfit I stashed the box away and ran into the bathroom. Putting it on, I brush my hair and sprayed some perfume. I bit my lip looking in the mirror, I've never worn anything like this before. Hopefully, I don't embarrass myself. I quietly opened the door and saw Mark sitting on the bed with his back facing me, he was taking off his shoes.

"Mark, I saw what Maureen got you." I said seriously. "Is there something you need to tell me?" I saw him tense.

"I'm sorry about that, I can't believe she even..." He turned around and his expression went from concern to utter shock. I saw him look me up and down and I smiled.

"You know, Maureen spent money on this..." I walked around the bed toward him. "I like it...what do you think?" I grinned and turned around for him. He still didn't say anything. I fake gasped. "You don't like it, ah well...too bad." I turned to walk away when I hand grabbed my wrist. Mark's lips collided with mine. I instantly responded and pushed him back onto the bed; straddling him, I pulled his shirt off. Mark and I hadn't made love in a while, we needed this. Neither of us worried because I was on the pill now.

"God I love you..." Mark whisper breathless. I kissed down his neck and went for his pants. After getting them off I noticed his body was responing to mine. Kissing down his pale chest I got is boxers off. Kissing him again I ran a hand toward his groin. He moaned into the kiss as I wrapped my fingers around his length. Running my hand up and down him I felt his body start to tremble. "Lily..." He pulled my hand away and turned us over quickly, taking controll. "My turn..." He unhooked my bra and pulled it off, his hands found my breasts. A shiver went up my spine as he began rubbing me though my underwear.

"Hey, isn't this night...supposed to be about you..." I bit back a moan when he rubbed harder.

"The note said: for both of us." He grinned smugly and moved to take of my underwear. Hiking the little white skirt up, he slid into me. I arched my back as he entered me fully. Kissing me again, he began moving in and out. I moved my hips toward his as he sped up his pace. Digging my fingernails into his shoulders didn't seem to faze him as his grasp on my hips tighted. We made eye contact.

"Stay with me love...mmmm...don't stop..." I panted as his body began trembled over mine. His lips crashed onto mine for another kiss, a low growl sounded from him as he pounded harder into me. My stomach churned and I suddenly cried out, climaxing. I closed my eyes shaking uncontrollably against him. I suddenly felt warmth fill me as he too climaxed. He put his forehead over mine and kissed me lightly before we caught our breaths. He pulled out and layed down next to me. I cuddled against him. "Happy Birthday..." I breathed out.

"Yes it is..." He repiled with a smile, I laughed lightly. "...Remind me to thank Maureen."

Next Morning

I got up the next morning ignoring the pain in my legs, taking the rest of the outfit off, I took a hot shower. After, wrapping a towel around my body and drying my hair, I walked back into the bedroom. Mark was waking up.

"Morning love." He rubbed his eyes tired, and put his glasses on. I pulled out some clothes for the day, noticing his hair was all over the place.

"Morning...you are too cute." I repiled and gave him a quick kiss. After I got dressed, he finally got out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. I giggled "So you stayed to watch me dress then?" He turned around.

"Yupp!" He replied grinning before leaving. I rolled my eyes and left for Beth's room. After changing her, I took her into the kitchen and put her in a high chair then started breakfast. Mark walked in then fully clothed.

"Smells good," Then her turned to Beth. "How's my little girl?" He kissed her on the head and began to spoon some baby food into her mouth. I scooped up food on two plates and Mark and I began to eat. Mark opened his mouth to say something but a loud bang sounded in the hallway. I jumped up.

"Watch Beth," And I ran to the door despite Mark's protests behind me. Opening the door to the loft I heard shouting. I shut the door to my own loft not wanting to bother Beth.

"I won't do this anymore!" I heard a male voice above me. Luke?

"Fine! Go! But, who put a roof over your head? Huh? Who got you AZT?" Brittanys voice sounded. I gasped...Luke has it...

"Shut up! Just SHUT UP!" I heard a door slam and footsteps pound on the stairs. Luke stopped in front of me, I noticed is eyes were a little watery. "Fuck...I'm...I." He stumbled over his words then sped past me down the rest of the stairs. I turn and watched him, still shocked. What just happened? What did he mean by "do this anymore?" I've never heard Brittney yell like that... I didn't notice the footsteps behind me.

"You heard them too?" I spun around. Collins stood there. I nodded as my front door swung open.

"Lily! Don't leave like that again!" Mark held Beth.

"I'm sorry! It just...wow...I've never heard them fight like that..." I looked to Collins "Did you know Luke had-"

"Yes, he told me during work once. I invited him to Life Support, but he said no." Collins replied. He and Luke have become really good friends over the past couple months.

"I think you should go after him...make sure he's ok..." Collins gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze and ran down the stairs. Mark took my wrist and pulled me back into our loft. Beth made a noise.

"She wants you." Mark let a small smile cross his lips as Beth reached out for me. I grinned finally and held her. "You ok?" I sat down on the couch.

"Yeah, it's just...lots of excitment for one morning." He nodded, understanding.

"I have to leave for a gig with Roger and Mimi soon." He said, putting items in his new camera bag. I noticed the watch I got him on his wrist and smiled slightly. "Are you..."

"I'll be fine here, alone with Beth." I answered, knowing what he was going to ask. He adjusted his glasses.

"Ok," He got the rest of his stuff together and kissed me. " I love you two, be safe." He kissed Beth then and left to set up for the gig. I put Beth in her play pen and got some painting supplies out. Beth watched in wonder as I began painting. After a while someone knocked on my door.

"Hey, can we talk?" Brittany stood there, eyeliner running down her tear stained face.

"Sure..." I let her in. "Do you want some water?"

"No, thank you." I led her to the couch and we sat down. I glanced at Beth who was playing quietly.

"What happened this morning?" I asked.

"Sorry about that. Luke and I...we just...I don't know how we got to that. We fight over the dumbest things." She paused. "I don't know what to do...we might have a fight that get's...out of hand...I think I should break it off Lily."

"You know...I had a bad relationship with someone...getting out of a relationship is...tough...but, you need to do what you think is best...for both of you..." I replied. She threw her arms around my shoulders. Surprised, I gently patted her back as I heard her cry.

"Oh, Lily... your right. I should fix things now before they get worse...I know Luke isn't like Travis but...What I do...its for the best." She said suddenly calming down.

"I never told you Travis's name..." She held me tighter.

"You know..." She whispered in my ear. "I wonder why you never saw the resemblence between Travis and I...?" I was petrified.

"Brittany...?"

"Everyone always said I looked just like my brother..." Oh god...

Collins POV: Earlier

"Luke! Hey!" I finally caught up to him. He turned around and looked at me through red-rimmed eyes. "What happened?"

"Collins...I've made a huge mistake..."

"Talk to me..." I looked at my friend.

"Brittany isn't who she said she was, neither am I! God, I'm so sorry! I agreed to be her boyfriend because I needed them money...I'm so sorry! Your all such nice people..."He sputtered out.

"Who is Brittany...? Luke..." I took his shoulder to calm him down. "Anwser me..."

"She's Travis's sister! I'm so sorry! She wants revenge for Travis..." Luke was crying now. "I never thought I'd make friends in this...or that I'd develop feelings for you..."

"Wha-" Everything felt like it was going so slow

"Collins...I'm gay...I'm sorry...for all of this...We need to get back to the lofts now!" He practically shouted. I quickly grabbed his arm and ran. Everything felt like it was spinning now. I needed to get Roger and Mark. Lily better be ok...

Author note: Whew! That was an intense chapter! I hope yoy enjoyed! I'll try to undate again soon! I hate just leaving ya'll like this! XOXO, reviews are welcome!