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.

I never want to play the games that people play

I never want to hear the thing they gotta say

I've found everything I need

I never wanted anymore than I can see

I only want you to believe

For a couple days, Ray kept to himself, not sure of what to do about Neela and Gates. Try as he did, Ray couldn't escape the looks of victory from Gates. Often, Ray would retreat to the doctor's lounge, thankful that Gates couldn't follow him there. On this occasion, Ray stood, looking out the window, watching the rain falling.

"Can we talk?" Ray recognized Neela's voice, but he ignored her. "Ray?"

"What, Neela? Talk about Gates and how wonderful he is and how much you enjoy spending time with him?" Ray kept his back to her so she wouldn't see the hurt in his eyes.

"No. First of all, Gates is a good guy, and second of all, I talked with Abby."

Ray sighed heavily. He hoped Abby hadn't betrayed his trust. "What did she say?"

"She was worried. You're not sleeping or eating well and she thought that I could talk to you." Neela moved behind him.

He could feel how close she was. He wanted nothing more than to talk to her; to tell her what was going on with him, but he was too hurt and too prideful. "Tell me why you care so much, Neela."

"You're my best friend."

Ray walked over to pour a cup of coffee, slightly relieved to be out of Neela's web. "If how you've treated me that past year is how you treat your best friend, I'd fucking hate to be your enemy." He knew he shouldn't have said that, but he justified it by telling himself it needed to be said, but he knew there was no justification when he saw Neela's eyes glaze over with hurt.

"Is that what you think? You think I've pushed you away because I hate you?"

"What am I supposed to think, Neela? I always thought that when you cared about someone, and you needed help, you reached out to them for strength. You, on the other hand, have pushed me away when I wanted nothing more then to help. You can't do everything alone, Neela. That's why we have friends, but dammit. I don't' even know where I stand with you anymore. At one point, that was very clear. Now? What am I to you, Neela? Your best friend or former roomie?" Ray sipped his coffee.

Neela's eyes filled with tears. "You're a bloody wanker, Ray. I came in to talk to you and then you…well, seems to me you have done to me what you claim I've done to you." She began to leave, only to be stopped by a quick footed Ray, standing between her and the door. "Move, Ray."

"No." He put his hand under her chin and made her look at him. "You don't see it, do you? You never have. I don't play games, Neela, and you, more than anyone should know that."

"I don't, Ray. Apparently, I don't really know you like I thought I did." Neela slapped his hand away from her face. "Like it or not, I'm dating Gates and you are my best friend. Now, move, please."

"No." Ray was stubborn. "I can't."

"Why not?"

Ray smiled. "Someone must have dropped a soda or something and I think my foot's stuck to the floor."

His joke made Neela laugh and roll her eyes. "Seriously, Ray. I've got work to do."

"This isn't over, Neela." Ray moved out of her way.