Take Me Or Leave Me

Summary: What happens when Joanne thinks she's straight?

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Rent, which BLOWS.

"What do you mean, 'you think you're straight'?" Maureen's unruly, curly hair quivered with anger. "I went lesbian for you! I left Mark for you! I swore of men for a year and a half, because you wanted me to! And now you're telling me 'I think I'm straight'?" Maureen was pacing the apartment, arms flailing. Her eyes were blazing with fury. Joanne sat meekly at the table, listening to Maureen rant, trying to keep cool, trying to force down the rage that was bubbling up inside of her.

"Joanne, do you even know what changes I made for you? I haven't slept with another woman for months to keep you happy! I-" something inside Joanne snapped.

"Maureen, that's called being faithful! Its usually what couples do! Maureen, this may come as a shock, but its usually expected of people when they are in a relationship! Do you ever see Roger going off with another girl because he wants a break from Mimi? Did Angel ever run off with some gigolo for a week because she was bored with Collins? No! You are incapable of being in a normal relationship, Maureen. Simply incapable! And don't tell me about changes. I haven't taken you to see any of my friends, because you are an embarrassment! I ignored your little "flings", because I was in love!" Maureen opened her mouth to protest, but Joanne stopped her. "I listened to and believed all your 'I love you, pookie!' and 'you're my only one, honeybear! You are the reason I'm going straight, Maureen. You! When I was doing the whole hetero- thing, NONE of the men I dated were like this. None. I will not play this game anymore. I'm done." Joanne sat back down. When did I stand up, she thought.

"Pookie, I-" Maureen stared at Joanne with a helpless look in her eyes. "I'm sorry!"

"Me too, Mo. But I can't do this anymore," Joanne said gently. She saw Maureen's eyes filling with tears. She couldn't remember the last time Maureen cried when she wasn't on stage as part of a "performance". The sight shocked and slightly disturbed Joanne. She turned and went out the door to the sounds of Maureen's stifled sobs.