Disclaimer: I don't own the characters in this fic. They are owned by NBC, ER, etc.
Song is Blue "GUILTY"
Rating: FRT
Spoilers: None that I Know of...
Content Warning: Possible Strong Language
A/N: This is the first story in a series of 4…this focuses on Ray. Please read and review…if you want me to go ahead and start posting the entire series.
If it's wrong to tell the truth
What am I supposed to do
All I want to do is speak my mind (speak my mind)
If it's wrong to do what's right
I'm prepared to testify
If loving you with all my heart's a crime
Then I'm guilty
Ray watched as Neela and Gates walked off. There was nothing more he wanted to do than to kick the shit out of Gates. Once word was out that Neela was a free woman, Gates moved in rather quick. It hadn't ever been a surprise to people that Gates would. After all, he had eyes on 'Mayday', as he called her, since her ride along. Not being able to stand the sight of Neela and Gates together, Ray made his way to the lounge, half upset that gin and tonic were not readily available. He knew he'd need to get drunk to erase that memory, even if it was for a little bit. He sighed. "Guess Chuni's coffee is as good as a G & T." He spoke aloud to himself.
He poured a cup, debating on whether or not to make a fresh pot. He decided sitting was a better idea, so he sat on the couch, propping his feet on the table and leaning his head back. "You okay?" Abby's voice echoed softly in the near empty lounge.
"What does she see in him, Abby?" Ray sat up properly. "She no sooner becomes a widow than Gates, the goddamned vulture he is, swoops down and…"
Abby smiled. "Don't read too much into it, Ray." She sat next to him, holding her cup. "She's not looking for something serious. I promise you Gates is nothing more than rebound. Besides, why do you care so much?" Abby already knew the answer, but wanted to hear Ray say it.
Ray stood up. "She's my best friend, Abby. You think I'd care." His tone came across sharper and crisper than he wanted.
"Why do you two do this?"
"Do what?"
"Dance this dance?"
"What dance, Abby?" Ray dumped his coffee, deciding it wasn't as good as a gin and tonic after all.
"We can all see how much you two care for each other." Abby sipped her coffee. "Who let Morris back?" She laughed.
"Chuni made the coffee this morning." Ray laughed as he glanced at his watch. "Guess we've been too busy to stop for coffee because it's been sitting there for a few hours."
"UGH! Burnt coffee!" Abby dumped hers down the drain as well and started to make another pot. "You have to tell her, Ray."
"Tell her what, Abby? That I think she's making a mistake? And what do you think will happen?" Ray leaned against the counter. "She practically pushed me out of her life after Gallant died. What do you think she'd do if I told her?" He crossed his arms.
Abby followed Ray's lead. "I'd tell her you're guilty."
Ray laughed a little laugh. "Guilty? Of what crime?"
As Abby prepared to answer, Sam stuck her head in the door. "Two GSW's. ETA two minutes."
Abby looked at Ray. "You know the crime you're guilty of."