Author's Note: The song in this chapter that Ray "writes" is actually by Heart. I don't own it or ER or anything else unfortunately.

Another chapter. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

Chap. 7

Ray got up the next morning wondering if they would be back to square one in their relationship. What a jerk I am. Neela seemed fine. She had made coffee and handed him a cup. She said,"We're going to be late if we don't hurry." Ray thought, Okay, she's still talking to me – that's a good sign.

Neela thought, Okay, act like nothing happened. That'll work. Just give him the coffee and smile.

They got to work on time, barely. Fortunately for Ray, Weaver was nowhere in sight. Luka said "Multiple GSWs on the way in. Ray, meet them in the ambulance bay. Abby you too." Neela went up to surgery.

Ray and Abby went out to wait for the ambulances. Abby said "How's it going with Neela, Ray? We haven't had a girl's night out in awhile. Is she doing okay?"

Ray thought. Great, now I have to berate myself all over again. "Well, everything seemed to be better – she's been talking to that Tony Gates guy and it seems to help. We were having a great time last night – that is until I made her cry. Just because I wanted her to talk to me. I am such an ass."

Abby said, "To tell you the truth, I was surprised when she wanted to talk to Gates. He has been hitting on her since before she was married. Ray, all you can do is be her friend. She'll come around. Be patient."

Not one of my virtues. Just then the ambulances arrived and he was saved having to talk any more about Neela.

It was the day from hell. After the multiple GSWs, there was the hit and run traffic accident and the barfing 6 year old twins. Ray's shoes would never be the same. Neela and Abby went out to dinner so she wasn't home when he got there. He was exhausted but he couldn't sleep. He took a shower, then went in his room and started to write. He couldn't keep his feelings for Neela inside anymore and writing was the only way he could think of to let them out without telling her. He finally fell asleep when he had finished the song.

Neela and Abby were rating the waiters at the restaurant. Abby said, "Nice ass, but too broad of shoulders – he looks like a body builder. Probably takes steroids. That one over there isn't bad, though. I give him a 9."

"Abby! You are not supposed to be doing this. You have Luka."

"So, I am still breathing. Besides, I am just trying to help you decide what your type is."

"I am not interested in finding out what type I like. I don't think I have a type."

"What about Ray, Neela?"

"Abby, do not go there. Ray is not interested in more than one night. Although, I have to admit, it would probably be one hell of a night."

"Neela! I am shocked!" Abby laughed. "And how do you know Ray hasn't changed? I think he really cares about you. Maybe you should give him a chance."

"I need stability, Abby. Like Tony. I just wish I connected with Tony the way I do Ray. Maybe I should just sleep with Ray and get it over with."

"Stability is not all it's cracked up to be, Neela. Passion is important. I speak from a multitude of experience. I think you need to have a little fun. And like you said, Ray would be fun."

"Yes, but he is also my best friend. I can't screw that up. How do you know if it's worth taking the chance?"

"I can't tell you that Neela. You need to talk to him. And you should let Tony down easy before you do, cuz I don't think he's going to take it well."

They left the restaurant and Neela thanked Abby for her advice. When she got home, Ray was already in his room with the door shut.

The next day Brett called Ray and told him that they had a gig that night. Someone else had cancelled and the bar owner had called. Ray said he would be there and he had a new song. It was a ballad, not like his usual stuff, but he wanted to try it out.

Brett said, "You should ask Neela to come."

Ray said, "I don't think I want her to come tonight. Um,….the song's about her. I don't really want her to hear it yet."

Brett said, "No problem." Maybe I'll call and ask her to come anyway. What he doesn't know won't hurt him.

That night the band had a good crowd. The bar owner was happy with the turnout. The band went through their usual set. Ray didn't notice Neela sitting in the back. He didn't look for her because he hadn't told her about the gig. He said to the crowd of mostly women, "I wrote this song last night. I hope you like it."

I've been lonely

I've been waitin' for you

I'm pretending

And that's all I can do

The love I'm sending

Ain't making it through to your heart

You've been hiding

Never lettin' it show

Always trying

To keep it under control

You've got it down

And you're well on your way to the top

But there's something that you forgot

What about love

Don't you want someone to care about you

What about love

Don't let it slip away

What about love

I only want to share it with you

You might need it someday

All the girls in the bar hoped Ray was singing to them, but Neela knew he was singing the song for her. Even if Brett hadn't told her, she would have known.Ray loves me. Oh shit, maybe this isn't just about sex. Ray doesn't fall in love with girls. Now what do I do? I gotta get out of here before he sees me.

When Ray got home Neela was in her room pretending to be asleep. She heard him come in and go straight to bed.

Work was really busy the next few days so Neela did not have a chance to call Tony. She needed time to process the Ray factor too. She had no idea what she should do. Ray is my best friend. He is the hottest guy I know and even when I was married, the thought of Ray made me weak in the knees. I guess I must be in love. This could get complicated.

Finally, a week later, Neela was able to make plans with Tony. He had called her a few times to see if she had decided whether or not she would go out with him. What Neela had decided was that she needed to tell Tony she wasn't interested in him, and she was interested in someone else. It was only fair. They met for drinks that night. Ray was working late so she didn't tell him she was meeting Tony.

"Tony," Neela said as she walked in the bar. "I really appreciate you helping me through Michael's death. And I want to remain friends because I really enjoy spending time with you. I just don't think it's fair to lead you on. I wanted you to know that I am interested in someone else. I have no idea if it will lead to anything, I just thought I should tell you."

"Who?" Tony was not pleased. He sounded mad. Shit, I can't believe this. I don't want to be her friend. "Is it that sleezy roommate of yours? Why is it guys like that always interest girls like you? What's wrong with nice guys?"

"Ray is a nice guy." Neela said indignantly. Tony got up, threw a $10 bill on the bar and left. On his way home Tony decided to pick up a bottle of scotch. He was walking home drinking it when he decided he needed to talk to Neela again. He swung by the apartment and knocked on the door. He was very drunk, and when Ray answered the door, all Tony saw was the reason Neela didn't want him.

Ray said, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Neela, asshole."

"Don't come here drunk, pal. In fact, don't come here at all."

Tony said "What the hell does she see in you?" Then he slugged Ray right in the kidneys. Ray was caught off guard and went down hard. On his way down he hit his head on the corner of the amp that was sitting in the hallway. Tony took off when he saw what had happened. Neela had been in her room until she heard the crash of the furniture meeting Ray's head.

"RAY!……are you alright? RAY," she yelled, as she gently slapped his face, trying to get him to wake up. She quickly picked up the phone and dialed 911. "This is Dr. Neela Rasgotra, I work at County. I have a 28 year old male, possible concussion, bruising and contusions. He is unconscious. I need an ambulance to this address." Neela hung up the phone and continued to try to revive Ray. She decided to check for other injuries. She lifted his shirt and saw a large bruise forming on his lower abdomen. She unbuttoned the top button of his jeans. She jumped when she heard him say groggily, "No peeking."

"Ray you scared the shit out of me. The ambulance is on the way."

"Why do I keep getting the shit beat out of me when I am around you? It is ruining my manly image."

"You really need to learn to play well with others, Ray. Who did this to you? Somebody's husband?" She teased. Thank God he seems okay.

Okay, I could tell her the truth but I don't want her to feel responsible. The guy was drunk and probably will be embarrassed about it tomorrow. It's not worth it. Besides, I think he may have done me a favor. "No idea."

The ambulance and paramedics arrived. "I am fine, Neela."

"We are going to the hospital, you might have a concussion." Neela said with authority. Ray figured it was easier not to argue. He kind of liked having her boss him around.

Especially since his head really hurt. When he tried to get up and couldn't, he groaned. He hurt all over. He looked down and noticed his jeans were partially unbuttoned. "You could have waited until I was conscious, Neela. It's much more fun that way."

"Shut up, Ray." Neela knew she was blushing but she couldn't help it.

At the hospital Neela got Ray on a bed in Trauma 1 and handed him a gown. He said, "You have got to be kidding, Neela. I am not wearing that. If you really want to see me naked that bad, you just have to ask." And if looks could kill, I would so not be breathing right now.

If you only knew."I need to examine you, Ray. Besides, I've seen it all before."

"Oh, really." He lifted his eyebrow and grinned at her.

"Shut up, Ray, you know what I mean." She examined his eyes, checking their dilation. "You have a mild concussion. You need to stay awake. Fortunately, I can keep an eye on you tonight. Alright, you don't have to wear the gown, but take off your jeans. I'll examine you in your boxers. Fair enough?"

Oh shit. Ray looked sheepish."Um….not wearing any. Forgot to do laundry." Ray did not meet her eyes. He was blushing now.

Neela burst out laughing. "Ray Barnett, you total slut!" Great – more fodder for my fantasies. Don't go there, girl.

Ray started to laugh but then said "Don't make me laugh, it hurts too much."

"Alright, I'll check you out at the desk and take you home. You don't seem to be too bad off. But you can't go to sleep."

Neela checked Ray out of the hospital and got a cab to take them home. She helped him to the couch and got herself a glass of wine. "Are you hungry? I can make popcorn."

Ray was beginning to feel like shit. He took off his shoes and lay down on the couch. "Sounds good. Can I have a glass of wine?"

"Of course not, you idiot. You have a concussion." Neela refilled her glass of wine and stuck out her tongue at him. "I'll drink for you too. What do you want to do to pass the time?" She looked at Ray and saw him smirk. "Don't say it, Ray. Not if you want to live. How about we play poker?"

"Okay, but I am broke and I am not playing for matchsticks." Ray said.

"What do you want to play for, then?"

"We can play strip poker…..after all; you've said you've seen it all before anyway…" She will never go for it but I am having fun with her anyway.

Danger Zone Alert! Neela thought. Oh what the hell. I sure wouldn't mind making him lose those jeans. "Okay Ray but I warn you, I am a really good poker player – you know I watch celebrity poker every night." Neela checked what she was wearing – a white linen sundress, a lace bra and lace underwear (at least I am wearing some! She thought But I probably should have worn a slip with this dress. Oh well.) She had taken her sandals off when she came in the door. She started to put them back on.

"Uh uh, no cheating! The sandals were not part of your clothing when you said yes. You still have way more clothes on then I do." Ray was definitely starting to feel better.

Author's Note: Sorry, you want to know what happens with strip poker, you have to wait until the next chapter! I know, I am so mean!