Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews everyone! I've got plenty more chapters up with just some everyday Ray/Neela stuff. I didn't really know where I wanted to go with this story but I did come up with an idea and am in the process of writing those chapters currently. Sorry that it's taking so long. This was hard for me to write, being my first attempt at an ER fic and all. I appreciate the comments, and I welcome all the criticism. So, again, thanks to everyone who's been reading! Here's Chapter 5! Hope y'all enjoy it.

Chapter Five

Once they were back in their apartment, Ray started to lead her over the couch, so they could talk.

"I just need to use the bathroom really fast, if that's okay?" Neela said before they sat down.

"Yep, I'll be here." He replied with a smile.

She returned the smile and turned towards the bathroom. Once inside, she pulled out her cell phone and sent Abby a text message. Abby knew she disliked text messaging so she would know that it was important to listen to her.

"Hey Abby, I told him. We're back at the apartment to talk about everything. I'll tell you everything else when I come over tonight. Love you!"

She flipped her phone shut and put it back in her purse. Looking in the mirror, she made sure her hair and everything was still nice, flushed the toilet and quickly washed off her hands so Ray wouldn't be suspicious.

Back in the living room, Neela sat down on the couch next to him, but not too close. She was still nervous about this whole thing in the first place.

"So, where do we go from here, Ray?" She asked.

"Well, we've both admitted to having feelings for each other, so I guess there's only one question left." He replied.

"What's that?" Neela looked confused.

"Will you be my girlfriend, Neela?" Ray asked.

Neela blushed. "Of course, I will, Ray."

"Good, cause if you rejected me, I might've thought I'd gone crazy." He laughed, taking her hand in his.

"You already are crazy, though." Neela pointed out.

"Me? Crazy? Never…"

"Right, and I'm the Queen of England."

"Are you getting sarcastic with me, young lady?" Ray questioned.

"Me? Sarcastic? Never…" Neela mimicked, followed by a squeal as he pulled her into his lap and started tickling her. "Ray! That's not fair!"

"Oh, I think it's plenty fair." He laughed as he pulled them off the couch and pinned her to the ground.

Neela just continued squirming. It wasn't long before her eyes started watering from laughter.

"Ray… please." She said in between attempts to get away.

Ray laughed and finally stopped, but he didn't move from his spot above her.

"Thank y-." She started but was cut off when Ray leaned down and kissed her.

"Come on, I'm exhausted now. Let's go rest." He got up and pulled Neela to her feet.

Neela hesitated but took his hand and followed him to his bedroom.

An hour or so later, Neela lay awake in Ray's arms, her head resting on his chest. She sighed, knowing she had to tell him but that didn't make it any easier.

"Neela?" Ray's voice interrupted her thoughts. With his eyes still shut, Neela wasn't sure if he was awake or not but when he said her name again, he opened his eyes. "Neel?

"Yeah?"

"What's wrong?" He said, propping himself up on this left elbow to look down at her.

"What do you mean? I didn't -." Neela shook her head.

"I know that sigh. It's your worried about something sigh. You can tell me anything, honey. I mean it."

"I need to tell you something else, Ray. Please, don't be mad." She rolled over onto her stomach and looked down at the pillow, feeling her eyes start to water.

"What is it, Neela?" Ray asked, his hazel eyes full of concern.

She took a deep breath and turned her head to face him. "My parents brought me up very religiously, Ray."

"What does -?" He interrupted.

Neela shook her head. "I was forced into being a good, innocent girl. I was barely allowed to date anyone, let alone anything else." She paused, not sure how to tell him. "My mother didn't really teach me anything either, you know, about relationships. When I came here to go to school, I had boyfriends but because I didn't know anything and it scared me, I ended them before they got serious. I think my longest relationship lasted about four months."

"Neela, are you telling me that you've never…" Ray hesitated. He didn't want to make her feel bad about it. "You're a virgin?"

Neela nodded her head silently and Ray saw the tears hitting the pillow hard and fast.

"I'm sorry, Ray. I should have told you before. I understand if you don't want to be with me."

"Neela, Neel, stop. It's okay." He pulled her into his arms. "This isn't a bad thing at all. It just makes me love you even more knowing that you were able to tell me this."

"Really?" She sniffled.

"Really, Neela." He smiled down at her tear-stained face. "We can take this as slow as you want. I'm in no hurry."

Neela didn't respond. Just the look in her eyes and the small smile on her face told Ray everything he needed to know. She closed her eyes and moved closer to him, pulling the blankets up to her chin. "Perfect. Everything was perfect."

"The end of fear is where we begin."