Dedication: This story is dedicated to Caalan (caalan4rfr) for her help with my stories. Go read her stories too if you haven't already, they're really good.
A/N: YES I know I said I probably wouldn't put any more notes in this, but this is a quick claimer. The newly introduced character in chapter 3 is mine, so ask for permission if you're THAT desperate to use her.
"We're on in five… four… three.. two… one." Travis's fingers went down with the numbers.
"I'm Question Mark and I'm wondering, why does love hit you so hard? When that special someone rejects you, why does it hurt? Pronto?"
Ray straightened up and spoke into the microphone. "It hurts because you care so deeply for them. When they turn you away, it hurts because you've just lost a piece of your heart. You're not whole."
There was a stunned silence as the other three realized that Ray had said something sensible.
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Pronto, I think there's something wrong with you. You're thinking and you normally don't. Do you have a fever?"
"I think he's alright. Maybe Smog is finally rubbing off on him. Let's take the question to the public now: why does love hurt?"
Travis held up his small chalkboard with the first caller's name.
"Queen of Hearts, you're on the air. What do you think about love and rejection?" Robbie leaned back in his chair to listen.
"For once, I actually have to agree with Pronto on this one. When your feelings aren't returned by that other person, it really hurts. It feels like…"
Ray wasn't really listening to the callers as they phoned in, added comments and griped about their love lives. Even the music and Lily's 'Ask Shady' segment couldn't bring him out of the depths of his mind.
Noticing Ray's unfocused gaze and inability to talk, Robbie shot Lily a questioning look that clearly asked 'what's wrong with Ray?' Lily shrugged indifferently and advised the caller to talk to his girlfriend about their relationship.
A few minutes later, the show ended. Robbie clicked off his microphone and stood up. "I'm going down to Mickey's. Anyone coming?"
Travis agreed, as his Japanese bonsai plant wasn't due for watering for another few hours. Lily had a science project due the next day that she hadn't even started on, so she headed home.
"Ray?"
Ray's head jerked up. "Huh?"
Robbie shook his head. "Never mind. We'll just let you space out for a while until you realize that you missed the much-awaited release of the latest pointless action movie. Let's go, Smog."
After everyone had left, Ray reached into his bag for his Discman. Music healed the soul, and he couldn't think of a better time for his soul to heal. He pressed repeat and shut his eyes.
As the first few bars of the intro started to play, he sank lower in his chair and sighed at the comfort the music provided. The lyrics meant more to him than they ever had, and each note was like a breath of relief.
I don't need a lot of thingsI can get by with nothingOf all the blessings life can bringI've always needed somethingBut I've got all I wantWhen it comes to loving youYou're my only reasonYou're my only truth I need you like waterLike breath, like rainI need you like mercyFrom heaven's gateThere's a freedom in your armsThat carries me throughI need you You're the hope that moves meTo courage againYou're the love that rescues meWhen the cold winds, rageAnd it's so amazing'Cause that's just how you areAnd I can't turn back now'Cause you've brought me too far I need you like waterLike breath, like rainI need you like mercyFrom heaven's gateThere's a freedom in your armsThat carries me throughI need youOh yes I do I need you like waterLike breath, like rainI need you like mercyFrom heaven's gateThere's a freedom in your armsThat carries me throughI need youOh yes I doI need youI need youLeann Rimes - I Need YouRay sat there, head back and eyes closed, until Robbie returned to lock up and found him peacefully sleeping in his chair.