Disclaimer: I own nothing you may or may not recognize. Song lyrics are by Coldplay, I don't own them. Characters are from RFR, sadly, I don't own them either. One tiny little lyric from the Lion King, (yes, Lion King, that's what I said.) Yada yada yada.

Rating: PG13, just in case

Pairing: Travis/Lily eventually

A/N: For all you Robbie fans out there, I must apologize. He does not feature much in this story which is why it's called a love triangle. I hope this little tidbit makes up for it and is true to his character. How do you like the story so far? Trily folks, don't hate me yet, we've got a long way to go.

Because I Know You

Chapter Four: Something Better

The following weeks passed by uneventfully. Each day they would meet at the studio as usual for the daily dose of RFR but the topics were just as uneventful. Robbie was beginning to feel that Cougar Radio was a more meaningful use of the airwaves. The end of term and the summer holiday was nigh and he wanted to bring RFR back to the standard it had been before "IT" happened.

The phrase, walking on eggshells, didn't even begin to describe how the four had been handling their situation. That would imply that they admitted they had a problem. Oh, they shared classes, a few lunches, and even had all hung out together once or twice. Yet, it was a parallel universe type of friendship; only safe subjects were discussed, such as the latest movies, most recent CD's or Waller's last trip down Ludicrous Lane. A simple "How are you" could cause tension. Being friends with Ray and Lily for as long as he had, he knew all the moves to the "ignorance is bliss" dance. Travis seemed to be struggling a little more. He would maintain a distance and yet staunchly show up every day for the RFR broadcast, little more than an automaton of routine.

Robbie felt responsible for the last on-air debacle and had promised himself that from that point forward he would "see nothing, say nothing, do nothing." However, he could see now that this game of "psychological chicken" was undermining the whole point of Radio Free Roscoe. It sure didn't feel like "do what we want, say what we want." Frankly, it sucked. Time to poke the dying fire with a sharp pointy stick.

"This is Radio…"

"Free…"

"Roscoe. I'm Question Mark and I'm wondering can true friendship recover from betrayal?"

The silence in the studio was oppressive; like that moment just after a blinding flash of lightning when your heart stops in anticipation of the bone-shaking clap of thunder. It might have been anti-climatic for listeners but Smog's trademark monotone retort had just as much impact on the DJ's as the thunder would have. "Betrayal is often based on one person's perception of an event. Their level of attachment could cause them to associate emotions and actions truthfully not involved, such as deception, anger, envy…when really it is simple as impulse."

Robbie looked around the studio. "This is it," he thought. Lily's lip quivered and Ray and Travis locked gazes; it was an eerie moment of deja vu. Robbie hoped it was strong enough to snap them back in time and deal with this in the manner they should have in the first place. The moment stretched a beat longer, tightening almost unbearably, so Robbie spoke softly, "What do you think, Pronto? Can friendship recover? Completely?"

Rays eyes finally released their hold on Travis'. He looked around at Robbie. In that instant he decided that all this drama was as useful as a screen door on a submarine. "You know, Question Mark, my dad always says that no matter how bad the break, given a little time and proper care, a bone will mend stronger than it was before the trauma. What do you think, Shady?"

As Ray looked in her direction he didn't know if he could name each emotion that seemed to cross her face. Obviously he saw relief there, possibly pride, and what he hoped was deep affection. She smiled widely as she spoke, "Just because its cliché doesn't make it any less true. What do you think callers? We'll get your take on "Can Friends Amend" after this song."

There were the familiar sounds of switches flicked and headphones removed. A slow smile crossed Robbie's face as he met each of his friends' gazes. As they all looked around grinning stupidly Ray abruptly broke into song.

"Caaan you feeeel the loove toniiite…. OW! That hurts Lily!"

They basked in the simple camaraderie that had been missing for the past weeks. Easily they fell back into the rhythm of bantering, playing songs and answering calls. Travis smoothly alerted them that the current song was ending and held up the chalkboard inscribed with the name "Devastated Diva." He looked tense and nervous once again.

"Question Mark here. I take it from your name, Devastated, that you were on the ugly end of betrayal?"

"Yeah, my boyfriend decided to cheat on me with one of my good friends." Robbie, Ray, and Lily now realized what had Travis feeling so uncomfortable; Audrey was on the line.

Ray was the first to snap out of his shock. "That is harsh. But maybe it was one of those things Smog mentioned, perception, proportion…whatever."

Her voice seemed heavy with her misery, "Yeah, well, even if I am perceiving things that aren't there, it doesn't make the pain any less real. I really liked him." Lily and Travis seemed to wince in tandem at that statement. Travis suddenly made himself very busy in the booth.

Lily suddenly found her voice, "You know, Devastated, a wise man once told me that if it's meant to be you won't break up; but if it does, maybe it's because there's something better out there. I'd like to think that's true for both friendship and love." Travis' attention was suddenly riveted to Lily, as was Ray's. "Because after what you've been through, you definitely deserve better, whether it's a new boyfriend and a new friend or just the same people who've learned a lot from their mistake, you definitely deserve better."

"Thanks, Shady. You'd make a better friend." Lily smiled sadly at the irony in that comment. "I'd certainly hope so, Devastated."

Smog interrupted quickly before dead air took center stage, "Thanks for your time, caller. It seems we've had a response to your situation. A request was made just for you; I hope it holds meaning for you. We're signing off with this song by Coldplay."

Now I never meant to do you wrong.
That's what I came here to say.
But if I was wrong, then I'm sorry.
But don't let it stand in our way
Cause my head just aches when I think of
The things that I shouldn't have done.
But life is for livin' we all know
And I don't want to live it alone.

The gang was silent for Travis' anonymous but none the less heartfelt apology via song. As the song died down Travis spoke, "Ray? Lily?" At their questioning looks he continued, "Thanks, I had no idea what to say to her, I kind of froze up. I'm glad you could help her."

Ray said sincerely, "No problem, Swami. You know you didn't have to let her call through."

Travis simply said, "Yes, I did."

They all nodded, understanding Travis' desire to ease Audrey's pain. Lily was beginning to understand more clearly what Travis had been trying to tell her that day in the studio. She could only imagine the pain they would have caused everyone if Travis had not pulled away. Her cheeks flushed as she realized he'd been completely honest that day, he had been attracted to her and possibly still was. When Travis' eyebrow rose in response to her lingering stare she ducked her head.

Robbie softly said, "Great show today, guys. I'm glad you are really back. I've missed you."

He received tentative smiles as they all stood and started gathering their things. "How about we go grab a bite at Mickey's?"

Lily declined immediately, already halfway to the door, "Sorry, guys, the Randalls require my presence this afternoon, previous engagements and all."

As Lily exited, Travis declined as well, "Me too, guys. I need to straighten out the studio. It seems I've been neglecting my duties here as of late. Time to give it the attention it deserves."

Robbie smiled brightly at that, a sign that perhaps RFR was indeed back on track. "Well, Ray, it's just you and me. Shall we?"

"We shall, you buying?" At Robbie's chuckle he continued, "I need your help anyway." They headed for the door.

"Really? What could the famous Pronto possibly need my help with?"

"Baseball, my friend. The perfect pitch."

Even though they were already out of the studio, Travis heard that last statement. He sat heavily in his chair, suddenly not wanting to do any organizing. He was honestly trying to do the noble thing but he felt like such a hypocrite. His perfect delivery of the "betrayal is perception" speech had seemed to help clear the air. Yet, in his mind, the betrayal was not in his impulse to kiss Lily. It was his inability to stop thinking of her as something more than a friend … something better.