How to Save a Life
Author's Note: This story takes place after RENT. RENT ends on Christmas, so fast forward a year, and that's where this story is at now. Everything that happened in RENT has still happened, so no Angel, as much as that depresses me. Mark and Collins are living together while Roger has moved out and is now living with Mimi. Also, if you read, please review. I don't mind constructive criticism, but no flames please.
Disclaimer: I don't own RENT, or the song How to Save a Life by The Fray
"December 24th, 9PM Eastern Standard Time," Mark Cohen said as he searched the room with his camera. He smiled as he watched his friends interact with one another. Maureen was performing, which was mainly just her acting like a cow, while the rest of the bohemians cheered her on. Though Maureen's girlfriend, Joanne, didn't seem to like all the attention everyone was giving her girlfriend.
Mark caught sight of Joanne's expression. "No need to worry," he reassured her, "One's gay and two are dating—Roger, what the fuck are you doing?"
Roger smirked from his position with Mimi on the couch. "Mimi."
Mark sighed and shut off his camera while Maureen pouted. "Hello? Wasn't everyone watching me perform a minute ago? I put on a great show you know."
"Oh, I know," Joanne smirked as she walked over to her girlfriend and kissed her.
"Why are all my friends so perverted?" Mark asked himself.
"Speaking of performing," Mimi said as she got up from the couch, "I'd better get going. I'm working tonight."
"They wouldn't even give you Christmas Eve off?" Collins asked.
Mimi sighed and shook her head. "Nope, I don't mind though. I mean Roger and I need the money…"
"No we don't," Roger said quickly, "I think we could manage fine without your tips."
"Where else are we going to get money from?" Mimi asked, "Oh wait, sorry. I forgot how well your music is coming. It's taken you what, two years to write three songs?"
"Four," Roger corrected, "And I'm just saying that you shouldn't have to stri—dance, for us. I'm sure these guys would lend us money if we got desperate." Roger motioned to Mark, Maureen, Joanne and Collins who all exchanged glances with each other, but none wanted to say anything.
Collins was the first to speak. "What money?"
Mark nodded. "I'm sorry you guys, but Collins and I have enough trouble getting by and it's just the two of us living here. I don't want you to have dance Mimi, but…"
"It doesn't have to be a bad thing," Maureen said quickly, "Performing is fun. No matter what kind of dancing you're doing." Maureen smiled at Mimi who returned the smile.
"I just don't think she should be doing that kind of dancing for anyone but me," Roger mumbled.
Mimi walked over to him and whispered in his ear, "I'll give you a solo tonight." Mark unwillingly overheard and fiddled with his camera to distract him.
Roger's eyes lit up at the offer and he gave Mimi a quick kiss. "Only me right?"
Mimi smiled. "Of course. Well I'm off, see you guys later."
Everyone waved goodbye and once Mimi had shut the door Mimi clapped her hands together and yelled, "Ok, who wants to see the rest of my dance?"
"I do!" Collins exclaimed eagerly, jumping onto the couch.
"I wouldn't sit there if I were you," Mark said as he turned his camera on to film Maureen. Collins made a face as he remembered what Roger and Mimi had just been doing on that couch and quickly got off and joined Mark behind it. Joanne quickly joined the two of them from across the room, while Roger just stood off to the side.
Maureen got down on her knees. "Moooo!" she yelled out.
"Moooo!" the room echoed, minus Roger. Maureen shot him a look, but he didn't seem to notice.
Maureen lifted up one of her legs and started to talk about cows, which Roger was sure had something to do with the homeless to help her protest…but he just didn't care enough to listen. He was too worried about Mimi to care.
He watched Mark, Collins, and Joanne enjoy Maureen's performance with huge smiles on their faces. How could they be so happy? Didn't they realize one of their friends was out on Christmas Eve stripping to get money, basically selling her dignity?
"I'm going for a walk," Roger said, not caring that he was interrupting Maureen's performance.
"You're going to walk alone on Christmas Eve in this neighborhood?" Joanne asked, sounding concerned. Roger shrugged.
"You'll get mugged," Collins said.
"That's the plan," Roger said, leaving the loft before anyone had a chance to say anything else.
The cold New York air hit him abruptly and he shivered. He walked past the Cat scratch club and was tempted to go him, but he stopped himself. He knew that seeing his girlfriend half naked dancing around a pole with other guys cheering her on would just make him feel worse.
Roger kept his face down while walking and accidentally bumped into someone. "Sorry," he mumbled. He looked up briefly and when his eyes met the man who he'd bumped into he couldn't help but say, "Fuck."
The man smirked. "Good to see you too, Roger. How's Mimi? I haven't heard from her in a while."
"Clean," Roger answered, "And not going back."
The man nodded. "I see, still working at the Cat scratch club?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't that bother you?"
"Isn't that none of your business?"
The man shrugged. "Well, Mimi's clean and not going back…what about you?"
"Not interested," Roger answered, beginning to walk away. The man cut in front of him.
"You sure? Might make you feel better about your girlfriend dancing for other men…"
"Or it might ruin my life again. Besides, I don't have the money."
"I'll give you some for free, just to get you started again," he offered, "Don't you miss it at all?"
Roger paused. He did miss it. He missed how if only for a moment, all his problems just disappeared. This man was offering it for free, how often did a chance like that come around? And he wouldn't ever do it again after this, he just wanted it now.
Roger sighed and held out his hand. The man placed the small bag of white powder into it. "Don't expect me to become a full time customer."
"That's what you said the first time."
"This time I mean it." Roger tucked the powder into his back pocket and walked away. At least he'd be happy on Christmas this year.