my boyfriends roommate died so i missed rent live :-: i still havent seen it and have heard bad reviews but at least i got to see wilson and jesse together!

Angel closed the front door of Collins house and hurried to Mimi's , she was only a few blocks away. His mind went to his wallet, he had enough money on him to get some clothes from the thrift stores, nothing from any department stores, too expensive. His stomach tied itself into knots, he couldn't get over the fact he was really going to do this.

It took fifteen minutes to get to her house he ran the last few feet. She was waiting for him, it wasn't hard to tell. As he approached the porch Roger was shoved out the door.

"Hey," Angel said looking at the ground.

the blonde didn't really know what to say, "She's really excited about something in there," Angel gave no response. "Uhhh, have fun."

Angel nodded screaming on the inside, HE KNEW! He knows, Mimi told him! I'm going to kill her.

He walked up to the door and knocked harshly, but got no response, "Come on I know you can see me!"

Mimi opened the door, she was dressed and ready to go, "No I can't."

"Well, you could at least here me."

"Ooooh, someone has either sass pants on," she mocked.

"Can we just go?" he begged.

"Yes!" she laughed and grabbed his hand pulling him down the street.

The two too the bus 2 1/2 hours into New York City. Angel's decision he couldn't risk being seen by his parents or someone from school.

"So... who are you getting all dolled up for?" Mimi finally asked.

"No one, I just wanted to," he shrugged.

"Bull. Shit. You would never do this on your own. Who is he?"

Angel sighed she wasn't going to get out of this, "It's no one, you don't know him."

"SO there is a guy?" she said with the biggest grin on her face.

"FIne, yes, there's a guy. I give up, I'm gay I admit it, now can we please drop this?"

"Who is her?"

Angel let out a sigh, "Don't worry about it."

"I will, does he go to our school? What's his name?"

His heart started to race, he had to lie, he wouldn't be able to leave it unanswered.

"His name is, Uhhh, Thomas, ok? happy?"

"Not yet," she squealed. "Does he go to our school?"

"Um, not really? He hangs out there sometimes, uh, I mean, he graduated already."

"Oooh, college boy."

"Mhmmm,"he nodded.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it," she leaned her head on his shoulder. "And no more crushes on teachers. It's no good, and the ones who do like you back are creeps. Trust me, I know first hand."

"I know," he nodded remembering her first heart break from last summer.

they rode the bus the rest of the way in silence. It seemed like an eternity before they got to their stop. But they made it to a street in Alphabet City full of thrift stores, record shops, antique stores, and other second hand stores. They could also see an open air market at the park nearby.

"What should we do first?" Angel asked feeling the nerves creep back up.

"Well," Mimi smiled as the thoughts came to her. "We need to see what kind of girl you want to be. So I suggest we start with hair. It's the base of everything."

Angel let out a nervous laugh, Mimi had a point, "You're the expert."

They walked into a wig store near by, the store was pretty empty except for a few workers.

"How can I help you guys?" A young lady asked.

She seemed cool and down to earth in a sense, her arm were covered in tattoos and half of her head was shaved.

Mimi pushed Angel forward, "My friend here is looking for a wig to let HER inner self free."

"Oh," she smiled. "Say no more."

The lady sat Angel down in a salon chair and placed a wig cap on his head.

"I'm Tiffany, by the way," she introduced.

"Angel," he said softly.

"Nice name, so what are we thinking?"

"I-I'm not sure," he looked at Mimi desperately for answers.

"Something girly, and fun, but still fierce and sexy," Mimi answered.

"Tall order," Tiffany raised an eyebrow.

Over the next hour he tried on more wigs than he could count, long ones, curly ones, ones in every color of the rainbow. But none of them he loved, even though there was a long blonde one the girls thought was stunning.

"This isn't working, just pick one!" Mimi complained bored out of her mind.

"Here Sweetie, why don't you take a break, walk around pick out one that speaks to you," Tiffany took the cap off of Angel's head.

He got out of the chair and wandered the aisles alone. On the top shelf in the back of the store there was a wig that caught his eye. It was a short, black bob, and it was perfect. Sleek and feminine but simple. He grabbed the mannequin head it stood on and brought it back a huge smile spread across his face.

Mimi was shocked when she saw it,"That one? But it's so short?"

"Don't argue," Tiffany smiled brushing the wig. "She's the boss."

She carefully positioned the wig on his head and turned him around to see the mirror. Both girls were smiling uncontrollably and Angel couldn't believe how he looked. He felt so beautiful and confident like the girl he always drew himself as.

"This the one," he claimed.

They paid for it and left the store making sure to thank Tiffany a hundred was so giddy he couldn't wait for the next store. They walked into a second hand clothing store next, and Angel had no fear. As they looked through the racks Angel had a thought.

"We should live here," he said.

"In the clothing store?" Mimi laughed.

"No! In New York City. We could rent an apartment together and do stuff like this together all the time, and not worry about how I dress or love, or if my family disowns me."

"Me too, that sounds nice. Then we can do whatever, with whoever, whenever we wanted."

"Is sex and drugs all you think about?"

"No, I think about other things like how my best friend is coming out! FINALLY!"

"Yeah, yeah calm down."

They looked through the entire store before finding a few outfits to try on. Angel was just too picky and Mimi kept insisting on the shortest and tightest things she could find.

"Are you sure they don't have this in long sleeves?" Angel asked for the tenth time.

"No, its a thrift store you're lucky that's in your size."

Angel sighed before stepping into the dressing room. His nerves began to the better of him, this was a bad and stupid idea and he wanted to leave. But there was no escaping now, he realized in the tiny room. As he undressed he looked in the mirror that took up one wall. He hated every inch of his body, his long arms that hung too low,the small layer of fat on his stomach that never could go away no matter how many meals he skipped. But most of all, he hated the scars that littered his arms and legs, even though he was the cause of those. He turned away from the mirror and put on the clothes he and Mimi picked out.

"Hurry up!" Mimi squealed. "You've been in there forever!"

"I'm coming," he huffed buttoning the skirt.

The complete outfit was on, save for the wig, it was time to see himself. He took a deep breath and turned around, and he thought he looked amazing, he cupped his hand over his mouth to muffle a scream.

"Oh, My God! Open Up!" Mimi pounded on the door more.

With his hand still over his mouth and his eyes tearing up he threw open the door.

Mimi began screaming, "OH. My. God. Girl! You look so hot I can't believe that's you!"

"I look amazing," he said shyly.

"No! You look better than that look at those legs! Damn! Where's the wig?"

Mimi pushed passed him to the shopping bag that held his wig and carefully placed it on Angel's head. She then stood in between Angel and the mirror.

"Presenting Angel Dumott Schunard!"

Angel's teary eyes finally spilled over as he- well, she saw herself for the first time as the person she wanted to be. The outfit was perfect: bright green leggings with pictures of New York on it, A white tennis skirt with flowers, and a tight pink shirt with a faded blue heart on it. there was a sweater with each sleeve a different color on it that she threw over it and zipped it up. She was beautiful.

"I can't believe that's me," she said proudly.

"Well, it is! Now show me more clothes!" Mimi demanded.

Angel shut the door and tried on three more outfits loving each one more and breaking more and more out of his shell. She opened the door to show Mimi the last outfit, when an old lady gave Angel a dirty look.

Angel gave her the same dirty look, "What?"

"You're disgusting!" She spat.

Normally, he would have ran away or shut the door to hide and cry, but this wasn't ?ngel this was Angel and she was pissed.

"Listen here, boy," the woman started.

"I'd rather not," She shrugged and slowly closed the dressing room door slowly giggling.

She took off the wig Adrenalin making her hands shake. She was finally fully happy and accepted who she really is and someone just had to ruin it. Angel put back on his normal clothes and wanted to hide.

What if he opened the door and the lady was waiting for him, or what if she told the manager and they were ready to kick him out.

"Ang? Need help?" Mimi tapped on the door.

"Uh, yeah just a minute," he shook his head.

he gathered the clothes and they checked out. Luckily everything was supper cheap. He got three outfits for ten dollars, so after that and the wig he still had fifteen dollars left. He told Mimi and the two of them laughed money went so fast these days.

"Wanna use the last bit for lunch?" she suggested.

"That sounds amazing! I'm starving."

"There's a cafe just down the road, Meet you there?" Mimi asked.

"What, Why?"

She pulled a cigarette out of her boot, "I don't want to stink you up with your new clothes."

"But... I mean we can walk together while you smoke, it might help the smell."

"I'm just going to go sit in that alley, don't worry I won't be long."

"Oh, ok," Angel nodded and headed down the road.

Honestly he was a little nervous, he didn't trust anyone in the city. There was always stories on the news about people getting shot or kidnapped, it freaked him out. He soon found himself in the safety of the restaurant, the sign said 'Life Cafe.'

He was quickly seated and looked over the menu, then at the walls, there was pictures and memorabilia of different events everywhere. The server soon came over, he was a young black man with long dreads tied back in a long pony tail.

"Hi, I'm Paul and I'll be... taking care of you tonight," his voice was as smooth as velvet and flirtatious, he had a mischievous smile. "What would you like first?"

He looked at Angel with such confidence and domination, the latino couldn't help but blush.

"Um, j-just two diet cokes," he looked down and smiled.

"Mhmm, waiting for you're date?' he asked.

"No, just my friend, she'll be here soon."

"Alright, be right back, handsome."

"Oh, n-no I'm I-I-I mean I have a boyfri-"

"So do I," He interrupted and winked. "I'll be right back."

Angel's jaw hit the floor, he was embarrassed and flattered that that guy was hitting on him but was mad and sad that he didn't say anything about Collins sooner.

After a few minutes went by before Paul came back, Angel was still alone. He put the drinks down then sat down in the booth on the opposite side of Angel.

"So, what are you doing tonight?" he asked.

"Nothing, why?" he asked confused.

"Want to go dancing?"

"I'm sorry," Angel choked on the drink putting two and two together.

"You, me, a club, some drinks, maybe some grinding?"

Angel's mind raced as he tried to find an excuse, "I'm busy."

"You said you were free," he contradicted.

"I-I mean I'm too young to drink."

"Hmmm, jail bait huh? Well we could just stay in... at my place have some fun."

"Angel, hey, who's this?" Mimi asked. "Some dessert before dinner?"

Paul got out of the booth and touched Angel's shoulders, "I'll come back for your orders and your answer." He walked into the kitchen.

Mimi sat there her jaw dropped but smiling she was on the come down from a high still, "Who was that?"

"Our waiter," he answered his eyes still glued on the door.

"Well what are you doing here?! Get back there! suck his dick!"

"No, he's so creepy! Way too forceful, and I'm seeing someone."

"You said you're seeing someone last! Meaning he's not top priority, meaning you should go suck his dick," she analyzed in a teasing fashion.

He changed the subject, "What took you so long? it was one cigarette."

Mimi held up a shopping bag, "I'm sorry your outfit just wasn't complete without it."

"Aww, Meems! You didn't have to. What is it?" he grabbed the bag, curious about what was inside.

"I just hope they fit."

Inside the bag was a shoe box with a beautiful pair of platform high heels. Angel wasted no time or words he kicked off his ratty old converse and put on the shoes.

"Oh, they're perfect!" he gushed. "I love them!"

he stood up they made him about six inches taller.

"I'm glad, you're going to give your man a heart attack tomorrow!"

"Well, I'm going to try not to kill him but I do hope he's impressed."

He did one more twirl before sitting back down. The two friends ordered and had a great lunch despite more forward attempts from the flirty waiter. Soon the bill came Angel paid and took the receipt. Written on the bottom of the paper, however, was a note.

Let's have fun some time. -Paul

Followed by a phone number, Angel groaned in annoyance and stuffed the paper in his pocket.

They took the long bus ride back to their shitty homophobic neighborhood. By the time they got back it was already seven. All Angel wanted to do was go home and call Collins, but Mimi had other plans.

"Come on," she grabbed his hand and dragged him away from his house.

"No, I want to go home," he pulled away.

"No, I need to show you how to do your make up."

"Ugh, fine but let's make this quick."

Mimi took him to her house and upstairs to her room. She took out a huge bag and dumped it on the floor, she began grabbing bottles of foundation and testing it on his skin.

"Ok anything that matches your skin tone you can have."

"Thanks," he smiled.

Carefully, Mimi applied the make up to only the left half of his face. While she explained how to do it. Once she was done she handed him a mirror.

"whatcha think?"

"I think I look good!" he smiled and covered the half of his face that didn't have makeup.

"Your turn," Mimi said pushing the make up on his lap.

"Ok" he laughed nervously. "I'll try."

He began to apply the make up. Even though it took him much longer than Mimi, when it was done it looked just as good, if not better.

"Are you sure you've never done this before?" she laughed.

"I'm positive! I'm just naturally blessed!"

"Well Miss 'Naturally Blessed' I think it's time to take it off. My parents will come in here sooner or later," she said and passed him a makeup wipe.

he sighed and began to rub it off. His mind wandered back to Collins even though he saw him this morning he already missed him so much. He couldn't wait for tomorrow, hopefully he would love her just as much. Mimi put all of the makeup she was giving Angel in a spare bag.

"What time is it?" he finally asked.

"A quarter to ten," she squinted at the digital clock across the room.

"I'm gonna- I gotta go," he said throwing everything into his backpack.

"since when do you have a curfew?" she mocked his frantic state.

"I don't I just have plans."

And with that, he took off running as fast as he could back home. He ran through the back door trying to avoid his parents that could be sitting in the living room. Thankfully no one was in the kitchen either. He quietly went upstairs, shut his door, and called Collins.

It rang twice before he picked up, "Hello?"

"Hi," Angel said butterflies in his stomach.

"Oh, hey! I was beginning to worry," he laughed into the phone. "what have you been up to?"

"Oh, nothing much, just a best friends day," Angel tried to stay casual.

"Mhmmm, and how was that?"

"Good, good, do you mind if i come over tomorrow? I have a surprise for you."

"You do? oh baby you didn't have to you know that?"

"I wanted to! I'll come over after church so about noon?"

"Sounds perfect," he could almost hear the smile on Collins face.

"Alright, I'll be there."

"Where did you even go today?"

"The city," Angel smiled. "Just for a change of scenery."

"Aww, you must be tired."

"A little..."

"I'll let you go you can talk to me tomorrow."

"No, I'm ok to talk."

"Hey, sleep is important I'll still be here in the morning," Collins reminded.

"Alright, I guess," he said with disappointment. "Sleep well."

"Sweet dreams," Collins said and hung up the phone.

Angel laid down and instantly fell asleep.

Finally the next chapter in a long epic!

for realz the next chapter is gonna have sex! so rating will go up