CHAPTER 7

Frank's POV

We didn't hear from Ray at all that night. Nothing. I could only imagine what horrible things were going through his mind. Ray was a good person, infact, an amazing one. He would definitely be feeling guilty for what he had done to Gerard and I. I wasn't sure how Gerard would be around him when he got back, but I knew that right now, we were all worried for him.

Meand Gerard were all in the living room. Gerard was staring out of the window and biting his lip, I was sitting on the floor, and we could see Mikey in his and Ray's apartment, pacing nervously around the room. Mikey was especially in a state and just couldn't keep still. He was so worried about Ray. Earlier he was speaking to himself, constantly repeating 'I should've gone with him' and 'where on earth could he have gone'.

We had explained earlier exactly what had happened with Ray, and Mikey told us that he had gone to wait with the coffees in the cafe while Gerard checked the park to see if we were there. After what had happened, Ray had gone straight to Mikey but then eventually left when he was getting too upset about it. He had told Mikey he'd be back soon and not to worry, and left without another word. Mikey was overwhelmed with guilt for letting him go.

It was now 12:30am. Mikey had been back for 2 hours, and the last time he had seen Ray was 3 hours ago. Of course, 3 hours is nothing to worry about normally, but Mikey said that Ray had been in a terrible state.

I had a feeling Gerard knew just how upset Mikey had been, and this is why he was just watching him pace around his apartment. But how was Gerard feeling? Would things go back to normal once Ray was back?

Eventually (at 3am) we saw Mikey's light go out - he had gone to bed. I had a feeling he wouldn't sleep much, but at least he was trying. I patted Gerard on the shoulder.

"We should go to bed now too" I said. He nodded and I took his hand and we went into his room and got into the double bed, pulling the warm black covers over us. We didn't bother to change or brush our teeth, we were too tired. He slept with his back to me and so I wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my head in the back of his neck and feeling his soft hair on my face. He leaned into my touch and I just held him all night, even though we barely slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~ The Next Day ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mikey's POV

I woke up to hear a light knock on my bedroom door. "Come in!" I mumbled from under my covers. That was the worst night of my life, I must have slept for about half an hour. As the person walked in, I glanced at my bedside clock. 7:42am.

"Hey" I heard from the other side of the room. I knew that voice. Forgetting how tired I was, I launched myself out of my bed and brought Ray into a huge hug, holding him as if I was scared that he would disappear again. Ray meant so much to me ever since the day me and Gerard met him and Frank. Of course I didn't like Ray in the way that Frank and Gerard liked eachother, as I was 100% sure that I was straight, and I liked a girl at my work called Alicia. But Ray was a best friend to me. And I couldn't bear to lose him.

I felt him hug back and then I eventually let go, looking at him. From the smell of lynx and soap he had clearly showered, but where had he been last night? As if he could tell what I was going to say, he answered.

"I stayed at Bob's house last night" he said. I just nodded.

"I'm sorry I didn't answer my phone or anything, I was a bit scared that Gerard might use your phone to call me and I wasn't ready to speak to him yet" he confessed.

"Ray, it's fine. I think he's okay with you - he was definitely worried about you last night. All that matters is that you're back and you're fine"

He smiled and hugged me again.

"I have a present for you" he said, and turned to walk into the living room. Sitting on the glass coffee table was a mug of coffee, a huge stack of pancakes and some golden syrup and sugar. I grinned broadly and thanked him, running over to my coffee and pouring the entire contents of the golden syrup tub onto the stack of pancakes. This morning had definitely improved. After my breakfast, I grabbed my phone and quickly texted frank.

Ray's back and he's fine. All is good x - I said. A minute later, Frank replied.

Ah, awesome. That's really good news, you won't believe how worried Gee and I have been. He's been pacing all morning like you were last night! It must run in the family or something. Come over in a bit :) -xoFrnk

I laughed, I guess that did run in the family. I went into my room and started to get dressed, shouting to Ray that we were gonna go over and see them in a bit. He shouted 'Alright!' back and I heard him go into his room.

Ray's POV

Mikey wants us to go and see Frank and Gerard soon. I know I need to see them, but I'm a little scared. I realised while I was gone last night that I don't have feelings for Frank, I was confused. I'm pretty sure I'm bi though, but I won't be chasing after Frank or the others. I'm so glad that Mikey was so happy to see me today though, it made me feel all warm and happy inside when he hugged me. I hope nothing has changed between all of us, but I guess I'll find out when we go over in a minute.