10.
Everything Burns
The sound of the gun going off he could still hear. The sight of it hitting Laura was something that will haunt him for the rest of his life. He still has her blood on him and he really doesn't know what to do. The sight of Laura bleeding out is one that will always haunt him. It was pretty twisted how just an hour before all of them were in tier own world naked and making love and now Laura was here fighting for her life. Ratliff could only think that if they hadn't left the room, then Laura would be alright. It was like his nightmare was coming to life and he felt sick. Just the thought of losing Laura sent shivers down his spine. Ratliff could feel the tears starting to come again, like they really ever left. Ever since she was shot all Ratliff did was cry. He turned and looked at Ross and the sight broke his heart. Tear stains marked his normal cheerful face. His hair was a mess from him running his hands through it stressed, waiting on word when their girl would be alright.
" Ross." He called out. Ross was brought out of his thoughts to see Ratliff calling for him. And his heart broke for him too. He realized that he wasn't the only one going out of his mind with worry about Laura. Ratliff was in love with her too.
Ross sighed. He walked back over to Ratliff and pulled him into his arms. Ratliff just wrapped his arms around Ross and he hid his face in the crook of Ross's neck. Breathing in the scent of Ross trying anything to calm himself down. The feel of Ratliff in his arms was what he needed but at the same time, something was missing and that was Laura. She completed the three of them and it just wasn't the same without her here. Ross was going insane waiting on word on Laura. He still couldn't believe that someone had the audacity to shoot her. Who would ever want to hurt someone as sweet as Laura?
All Ross knew was that when he finds out who did it, he would kill them. No one was going to take her away from him and Ratliff. Ratliff pulled away from Ross when he felt that he was stronger. Damn what was taking so long? Why couldn't they come out and let them know what was going on with Laura?
" She has to be alright Ross, I just can't imagine her not being here."
" I know same here." Ross said as she leaned and placed a comforting kiss on his boyfriend's lips. The lady that was sitting across from made a gagging noise and Ross and Ratliff just looked at her.
" Do you have a problem ma'am?" Ross asked.
" I have a problem what you two are doing. You do know homosexuality is a sin do you? How nasty." The lady sneered. Ross and Ratliff just rolled their eyes.
" How about you mind your business and keep your opinions to yourself." Ratliff replied.
" How about you go to church and repent your sin before you guys are burning in hell." The old lady sneered.
" You know what you old bat I am about to do you a favor and reunite you with your boyfriend Jesus pretty soon if you don't shut your fucking mouth. Now I would suggest you move before I take you and your fucking walker and throw you out the window. " Ross sneered back. He really was not in the mood for someone's bigotry. He really was going to toss the old bitch out if she didn't move her fucking ass. He wasn't going to let anyone make snide remarks on who he loves. Just because someone doesn't agree with it doesn't make it right for them to judge on what they know shit about. And with Laura fighting for her life right now he really didn't need this shit.
" You are a pretty rude asshole you know that? Talking to an old lady like that?"
" Not as rude as opening your mouth and saying shit that you know nothing about now come on and FUCKING MOVE!" Ross shouted in her face startling the lady. Ratliff held on to his arm trying to pull him back.
" Ross knock it off. Laura doesn't need us to be in a screaming match with a bigot. We just need to be focusing on her. This lady isn't important. Laura is." Ratliff said to his boyfriend trying to calm him down. Ross juts looked at Ratliff and realized that he was right. He just threw a look at the lady before the lady grabbed her things and left. Ross just fell back into his seat. He really felt like he was losing his mind. He was beyond scared shitless of losing Laura. God if she died he really didn't know what he would do. He knows he has Ratliff and he loves him, But Ratliff would be heartbroken and devastated as he would. So what good would they be without the one person that really brought them together?
Ross sighed. 'We can't lose her Ratliff we just can't." he whispered to him. Ratliff just held onto his hand and squeezed it.
" We won't there is no way that she would be taken away from us after we just found her. You have to believe." Ratliff said. Ross just nodded. He needed to believe that so much. As Ross and Ratliff were just continuing to wait, Riker and Rocky came through the doors and they saw Ross and Ratliff and they ran to them.
" What The HELL happened? We found out on the news that Laura was shot, thanks by the way for letting us know. How the hell did this happen?" Riker asked to Ross and Ratliff wanting to know how come this happened. And why didn't anyone tell him? Ross just rolled his eyes. It was typical Riker to make this situation all about him.
" To answer your first question some maniac on a motorcycle came by firing his gun and it hit Laura we don't know the reason or why he did it. And as for your second question we were busy worrying about if Laura was going to make it or not, so I am sorry if we didn't call you. We had other things on our mind like if our girl was going to make it or not." Ross sneered.
Riker rolled his eyes.
" What do you mean your girl?" Rocky asked. Ross and Ratliff just looked at one another and as they were about to answer Rocky, the door out of the OR opened and out came Dr. Weston who was the doctor handling Laura's case. Both Ross and Ratliff both dropped what they were doing and went to him.
" Dr. Weston any news on Laura's condition?" Ratliff asked. The boys all stood there waiting for the doctor to speak.
" May you follow me while we can discuss her condition? Come with me." Dr. Weston said as he made his way to his office, Ratliff and Ross just exchanged worried glances and Riker and Rocky were just as confused to what was going on. But they all wanted to know what is going on and to know if Laura was going to be alright. So all of them followed Dr. Weston down the hall to his office and all sat down as he closed the door and made his way to his desk.
' Can you tell us what the hell is going on with Laura? Is she alive?" Ross said with a quiver to his voice. Ratliff just grabbed his hand to give him comfort. Riker and Rocky both noticed this.
" What the hell is this?" Riker asked.
Ratliff rolled his eyes. " Not now Riker, Now what about Laura?"
Dr. Weston sighed. " Laura is going to be fine, the surgery was a close call and we did think that we were going to lose her. But she managed to pull through. I called you guys in here to let you know that it is going to be a few days before she can go home, we just want to make sure there is no complications and everything like that. She is going to need her rest so you guys are going to have to help her out. I would say this to her family, but her records show she has no immediate family in the area?"
" We are her family and we will make sure she is taken care of, now can we see her?" Ross asked.
" Unfortunately I would have to say no. the surgery was extra-long and she needs time to recover. I am sorry guys but come back tomorrow and I will make sure you guys have more time, even if it's after hours. Just let her rest and recover and you will see her. Here is my extension if you have any concerns or just want an update on her condition feel free to call. Now if you guys excuse me I have to check on my other patients. Now I were you I would go home and get the place ready for when she comes home, she is going to need dome time to recover, so if you excuse me." Dr. Weston said as he walked out the door leaving the four boys alone. As Ross and Ratliff were about to walk out, Riker slammed the door.
"What the hell Riker?" Ross asked.
"You two are going to explain to us why you were holding hands and calling Laura your girl?" Riker asked. He really didn't like the idea that Ross and Ratliff were so protective of Laura. That should be his job.
" Really? You are going to do this here?" Ross asked. He stepped up to Riker. This was the last place where he wanted Riker and Rocky to find out about the three of them but if Riker was going to be a complete asshole about it, then Ross had no problem putting Riker in his place.
" Yes Ross I am, so what is going on?" Riker asked.
" Come on guys can this wait until we get home, so we don't make a scene here at the hospital?" Rocky asked.
"No Rocky Riker wants to know what's going on so I am going to tell him what's going on. So Riker go ahead and ask what you want to know."
" What the hell is going on with you are Ratliff?" Riker asked.
" We are dating if you want to know." Ross growled. Riker and Rocky were surprised at that.
" You are what?" Rocky asked.
" We are together as in a couple if you must know. Do you have a problem with that?"
" When have you been gay Ross?" Riker asked.
" I am Bi, Ratliff isn't the only one that I am dating." Ross said.
" Oh wow so not only are you in a relationship with Ratliff, but you are two timing him with someone else? Ratliff why would you put up with his shit?" Riker asked.
" Riker you don't know what you are talking about so please don't judge on anything that you don't know about. And yes Riker I know who Ross is also dating because I am dating her too."
Rocky just laughed, Riker looked shocked.
" What?"
" Ross and I are in a three way relationship with a girl that we both love. There is nothing wrong with it. We all love each other and are happy. And we consider you to be our family and hope that you will be happy for us." Ratliff said to Riker. He really did hope that Riker would be understanding about them. And for Ross and Ratliff being together, Ratliff could see Riker being fine with it. But the fact that they are dating Laura too, would probably be the one part of it that Riker wouldn't be. Ratliff did notice how Riker was flirting with Laura since Ratliff brought her home.
" This is crazy, you guys are in a three way with some girl? Who is she?" Riker asked.
Ross and Ratliff just looked at one another, not sure on how to tell him. Rocky beat them to the punch.
" It's Laura isn't it?" Rocky asked. Riker's eyes widened. Riker couldn't believe what Rocky just said. It couldn't be true. Laura couldn't be in a three way relationship with Ross and Ratliff. No that couldn't be it. But Riker noticed the look between Ross and Ratliff and Riker knew that it was true.
" You two and Laura? You three are in a relationship?"
" Yes we are, and I hope you can be happy for us." Ross replied. Riker was in shock. He couldn't believe that Laura would be with Ross and Ratliff at the same time. He felt like his heart was breaking. He should be the one that Laura was dating. Riker just sighed. He knew he has no reason to be mad, Laura was free to be with who she wanted, but Riker had thought he was the one that she wanted. A part of him wanted to hate Ross and Ratliff for stealing Laura, but really he had no one to blame but himself. He pussyfooted around too much and now Laura was taken. By the two of them. Riker felt like he was going to throw up.
' Yo Riker are you okay?" Rocky asked. Riker just nodded. " Oh yeah. Congrats you two. I hope the three of you are happy together. I think we should go home now." Riker said opening the door and storming out leaving Ratliff, Ross and Rocky behind.
' Do you really think he is okay with it?" Ross asked.
" You know Riker, he wouldn't say something if he didn't mean it. Just give him time, it is a little surprising to get used to. But hey if you guys are happy, then that is all that matters."
Rocky and Ratliff smiled at Rocky. " Thanks Rocky, it means a lot to us for your support. Now we just need for Laura to be alright." Ratliff said.
" Guys you heard the doctor, she will be fine. Look give her tonight and you guys can come up and be with her tomorrow. Laura will be home soon."
Ross and Ratliff nodded. The two of them and Rocky decided it was time to go home. The sooner they do the sooner they can come back and be with Laura, Ross and Ratliff thought.
Riker didn't even bother waiting for the others. He got in his car and took off. He need some time and to get away from Ross and Ratliff. He could feel the tears stinging his eyes. He should have known that Ross would get the girl. It wasn't a surprise as Ross usually gets everything he wants. The one girl that Riker wanted, actually wanted his brother and his so called best friend. Riker just grabbed the wheel of his car tight as he could feel his anger boil up. He really was tired of Ross always getting everything. And Riker still finds it a mystery on why Ross does. Ross treats girls like shit, he always brags about his sex life and he has a different girl in his bed daily.
And now apparently Ratliff now shares his bed too.
Riker still couldn't believe that. He just couldn't understand on why Ratliff and Laura would want to share Ross? Why would you be willing to share someone that you supposedly cared for? Riker knew that Ross was loving this, he must love having two people in love with him at the same time. It really did make Riker sick. He was tired of being the good brother and always end up being the one to get screwed over for. Maybe it was time for him to take a page out of Ross's book. Riker continued to speed down the streets weaving in and out of traffic. He was receiving honks from the other drivers, but Riker really didn't give a shit. All he did was flip them off and continued to speed off.
He was done being the nice one, the one who was responsible. Screw that what did it get him? Nothing but a broken heart. He couldn't believe that he was willing to break up with Maia for Laura. Well the good thing is now that Riker probably won't do that. Why should his sex link dry up? Hell Riker might still see his other options are.
But it wouldn't be hurt to keep Maia on, for his needs.
The three of them arrived home finally having to walk home since Riker just left them at the hospital. Rocky opened the door and Ross and Ratliff followed behind.
" Hey Riker! Thanks for fucking making us walk you asshole!" Ross shouted. He was pissed that Riker just let them fucking walk. He knew Riker was not fine with this whole thing. But what else was new? Riker loved playing that he was the saint, so he could throw his purity in everyone's face. Ross stormed through the penthouse looking for Riker to give him a piece of his mind. He really was going to chew Riker out for this. If he was pissed, he really wished Riker would grow the balls and tell him that he wasn't thrilled about the idea of Ross being with Ratliff and Laura.
" Ross I don't think he's home. I didn't see his car parked outside." Ratliff said.
" Where the hell is he? He fucking left us at the hospital without one word, he said he was fucking fine with this, but then he turns and pulls this shit?"
" Ross calm your fucking tits. So Riker needed to blow off some steam? He has always been there for us, I think you need to get off his ass and give him a break. Now if you guys excuse me I am going to get ready and go down to the club. If you guys are going to get freaky please stay out of my room and my shower."
Ratliff and Ross just rolled their eyes.
" Yeah Rocky because we fuck everywhere." Ross said. " You never know with you two." Rocky said before he walked out the door leaving Ross and Ratliff alone. Ross felt this anger burst rising in him and he just walked away from Ratliff before he kicked over one of the chairs that was by them.
" Ross, calm down."
" How can I be fucking calm Ratliff? Laura is in the fucking hospital and we can't be with her till tomorrow? That is fucking bullshit and now Riker pulls this?"
" I am just as pissed as you about not being with Laura, in fact I was going to head back up there. I was just coming home to grab some things, now if you calm your tits then you can join me."
Ross sighed.
' You are right, I am so sorry. I just feel like I am on edge, Come on lets go back and be with our girl." Ross said as he leaned in and kissed Ratliff briefly. Ratliff broke the kiss and smiled. " Okay let me go grab a few things and let me grab Laura's things." Ratliff said as he then went to go grab the things to take up to the hospital. Leaving Ross alone to think. He knew Ratliff was right, what was important was that they were there for Laura and let her know that they are waiting for her. But Ross couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot worse before they get better.
A whole lot worse.