How do you measure a last year on earth?

[im_just_someguy]

In honour of World AIDS Day, Mark has set up his projector and is showing, all day long, a movie he'd made a few years back about the AIDS epidemic in New York City. It wasn't widely well recieved, generally panned for being 'too honest'. Most critics said no one wanted to watch people dying onscreen

Comments

[findonesong]

Roger watches a few moments quietly, then comes over to sit by Mark. "Hey," he says quietly.

[im_just_someguy]

Mark just leans against him, taking Roger's hand and twining their fingers together. "Hey..."

[findonesong]

Roger squeezes Mark's hand tightly. He glances up at the video again and is rewarded with seeing himself - pale, thin, just out of rehab and absolutely scared out of his mind.

"Jesus fuck," he shivers.

[im_just_someguy]

"You're better now..." He kisses Roger's forehead. "I'm -- I'm restarting Life Support. If you wanted to come..." It's an open invitation with just a hint of hope behind it.

[relyonintellect]

Gordon doesn't mean to come by, but it's funny how these things work out. He is keenly aware of the day, and has managed to find a shirt of red argyle to wear (hey, it's something, right?). He stops when he sees the chairs, then he looks at Mark, then at the screen. He doesn't sit down as he watches, strangely fixated on the movie, and finally when he can't bring himself to watch more, he goes over to the tables. In a move surprising to even himself, he's the first one to sign up for a new Life Support.

[im_just_someguy]

Mark was wearing a red longsleeved shirt instead of his usual sweater. He gave Gordon a small smile and nodded. He doesn't say anything, can't think of anything that really needs to be said. He just wishes he could show Gordon that they're there for him, and hopes that the new Life Support will help that.

[relyonintellect]

"All you're missing are the red ribbons," he says with a wry smile. The silence was discomforting. After all, it's a day to celebrate the living as much as it's to celebrate those who've passed on. It shouldn't be so ... Somber.

[im_just_someguy]

"Knew there was something I left out. How're you feeling?" Mark nods to the seat next to him, offering it, if Gordon wants.

[sweariwontdie]

Armand sits on the floor near the screen to watch, concentrating on learning. He has questions, lots and lots of questions. Ignorant and worried questions.

[im_just_someguy]

Mark was a little surprised to see Armand, there. But pleased, at the same time. He's there, whenever Armand feels he wants to ask.

[silencestrange]

He was just walking by, not even really aware of what day it is or what's going on, but he stops for a minute, watching a few seconds of the movie before he understands what it's about. -- oh. He swallows thickly, suddenly nervous, but he sits in a chair, crossing his arms over his chest. This was never talked about at school, and he'd never really heard anything about it when it was a real problem. He isn't quite sure what to make of the video, but since becoming more out, it means a little more to sit and watch.

[im_just_someguy]

Mark lets Jason sit by himself for a few minutes before he goes over to sit next to him. He squeezes Jason's shoulder gently and offers a reassuring smile, "Hey..."

[silencestrange]

He offers a smile back, wondering what exactly this moment calls for conversation wise. "What's all this about?" seems like a good way for conversation to start, and he sits up a little, trying to shake off his nervousness.

[im_just_someguy]

"It's..." God, where to start? "How much do you know about HIV/AIDS? Did they teach you anything in school?"

[anothermoriarty]

Bella also knows nothing about the subject of Mark's film, but she's impressed by the...emotion and honesty of it all.

[im_just_someguy]

Mark nodded to Bella with a very small smile. "There's more information on the table, if you want it."