What Are Roommates For?

7. Home At Last

Gerard's POV

After opening the door, Frank ran in and jumped on the couch, lying down and stretching. I smiled a little, going to my bedroom and putting my suitcase in the corner. I looked at my bedroom, the clothes everywhere, pieces of paper, empty or half-full water bottles around on every surface and the floor. I sighed, turning out the light and going back to the living room.

"Hey, Frank- oh."

I tilted my head, looking at Frank as he was sprawled against the couch. Apparently, if I wasn't mistaken, he was asleep. I looked around, grabbing a notepad and a pen, writing a little note that said I'd be back later. I stuck it to his arm, nodding and going out the door, quietly closing it and going to Ray's dorm. I knocked, standing awkwardly outside his door and kind of swaying until he answered.

"Hey, Ray- why are you all sweaty and shirtless? Oh... Did I interrupt something?"

"Nope, I was exercising in the gym, I just got back. Come on in."

I nodded, seeing his sweat-covered shirt on the coffee table, which put my mind at ease. Sure he would never lie, but I wasn't so sure because I never saw him work out before. I sat down, seeing Ray sit down on the coffee table; he knew this conversation was going to be serious.

"Frank and I just came back from my parent's house..."

"And-?"

"And he slept in my bed, 'cause my sword dropped when my foot hit the desk and punctured the air mattress."

"... And?"

"I um- you know the pullout bed from the couch in my bedroom you slept on all the time?"

"Yeah, the one Mikey and I played board games on and shared when your door was jammed?"

"... I didn't mention it."

"It is right there! How could he not have!"

"He didn't know it was a pullout!"

I sighed and rubbed my temples, shaking my head. I didn't know why I did it, or more of an exact reason. I looked at Ray, frowning a little and knowing that maybe it was a bad decision. He was always the responsible one, I don't know how he does it half the time, but in times like these, I see things from his point of view.

"Why did you not mention it was a pullout?"

"Well- I don't know. I think- and sometimes we get on each other's nerves, more I get on his nerves, but I think I started to kind of... Like him."

"How?! Geez- I mean, how? Gee, he was the worst to you when you guys first started to room together. Wait- no, wrong question. The better question is; why did you come to me for this? I haven't dated anyone in God knows how long."

"Because you're responsible and I don't know what to do."

"Nothing. The feelings could be from you guys sharing a bed for a week."

"Yeah, but it's my fault that happened in the first place... What is wrong with me?"

I slumped into the couch, curling up and sighing, looking at Ray who was assessing something in his head. It was silent for a while, I was feeling kind of dull and conflicted as he took forever to come up with an answer.

"Gee, maybe you just need to get out of the house for a bit? You've been around each other for months, maybe all you need is a break. Now, I'm not saying all this to invalidate your feelings, but I'm serious when I say you need a break. If the feelings still persist after a little time of being away, we can try to figure it out together. Okay?"