Pretend to Love Me ~Norray~ (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 11.

The boys got up and Ray got dressed then they went down to where Ray's mom was. "Norman you pull a stunt like that again and you two won't be allowed to be alone," Isabella said sternly. "Mom!" Ray hid his red face in his hand. "It won't happen again," he said sheepishly. "Good," she replied. "We're going for a walk," Ray said. He really just wanted to escape his mom.

Ray dragged Norman out of the house. They held hands as they walked. The air was warm and there was a slight breeze. "Why'd you come over?" Ray asked. He and Norman were looking at each other, then Norman looked away. "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I just wanted to see you?" Norman asked.

Ray pressed his lips together in a thin line. "Because I know you, and you know I don't wake up until ten on the weekends so you come over at Eleven," Ray said. Norman was quiet. Ray stopped walking, patiently waiting for him to answer. "It's nothing," Norman inhaled sharply. "I know it's not nothing," Ray said.

Ray was used to Norman hiding his emotions. He had always done it. But he thought maybe now would be different. Now that Norman had opened up about his anxiety, and since they were officially dating.

"Norman, please tell me what's wrong," Ray said softly. "I can't," Norman sighed. "Why?" Ray asked. "I just can't," He said. He was afraid of telling Ray. And once he got this all figured out he wouldn't need to tell him. At least that's what he told himself.

"Why don't you trust me?" Ray asked. He was getting a little upset. He wanted to be patient with Norman, but it was hard. "I do trust you, Ray!" Norman protested. "Then why won't you tell me," Ray mumbled. "It's complicated," Norman said. "Whatever." Ray walked away from Norman. Norman went after him.

"Darling, please don't be mad," Norman pleaded. "I'm not mad," Ray sighed. "I just— I just don't understand, I thought we wouldn't keep secrets," Ray said. Norman furrowed his brows and looked at the ground.

He looked up at Ray. "I'm sorry," Norman said. Then he pulled Ray into a hug. "I just can't tell you," he whispered. Ray sighed. "It's okay..." Norman held him tight. "It's not okay, I'm sorry, Darling," Norman whispered.

Ray finally hugged him back. They stood like that for a bit. "I love you, Darling." Norman kissed Ray on the cheek. "I love you too," Ray replied. They continued their walk, Ray leaning against Norman's shoulder.

"Wanna go see a movie?" Norman asked. Ray looked at him. "Sure, but none of your boring rom-com," Ray replied. "They're not boring!" Norman argued. "Mhm, sure." Ray rolled his eyes.

Norman pouted and they headed to the movie theater. "80's week?" Ray read a sign. "Looks like they're showing all these old 80's movies, cool right?" Norman smiled. Ray nodded. They looked at the movie options. "I read that book, 'The Outsiders' it was really good," Ray said. "Then let's watch it! Two tickets for 'The Outsiders' please," he said.

They got their tickets, popcorn, soda, and snacks. "I can't believe you never read this book," Ray said sitting in his seat. Norman sat next to him. "I've never heard of it," he said. They shared the popcorn and talked a bit more until the lights dimmed. Ray's hand found Norman's, they smiled at each other then the movie started.

After the movie, the lights came back on and Ray looked over at Norman. "How did you— Norman! What's wrong?! Why are you crying?!" He asked in a panic. "Dally died...why did Dally die?" He looked at Ray tears in his eyes. Ray stared at him dumbfounded.

"That's why you're crying? Idiot! I thought something was wrong," Ray said. "They did Dally dirty," Norman mumbled. Ray wiped Norman's tears. "Come on," Ray said standing up, they walked out of the theater holding hands.

"Besides Sodapop was better than Dally," Ray said as they walked out. "How dare you!" Norman said. "Soda was hot as hell, way hotter than Dally," Ray said grinning. "You can't call him hot!" Norman whined. "Sure I can, I'm just stating a fact, I'd let Soda—," "finish that sentence, I dare you," Norman said. He looked at Ray, and Ray looked at him.

"Jealous much," Ray mumbled. "I'm allowed to be jealous! Cause your mine," Norman said. Then he showered Ray with kisses on his cheek. "Norman stop it tickles!" Ray laughed. "Say I'm hotter than Soda," Norman said. "Fine you're hotter than Sodapop," Ray sighed. "C'mon at least as ya mean it!" Norman whined. "Babe, you're hotter than Sodapop, and I love you regardless," Ray said.

Norman smiled satisfied. "You are such a baby," Ray said. Norman huffed and Ray laughed. They walked to Ray's house talking about the movie. Norman gave Ray a quick kiss on his porch. "I love you," Ray said. "I love you too Darling," Norman smiled.

Norman's phone buzzed. It was his mom. His smile faded. "Everything okay Norman?" Ray asked. He knew Norman wasn't okay, he also knew Norman wouldn't tell him that. "It's just my mom, everything is fine," he said. 'His mom? Is that why he came over? Something happened at home?' Ray thought to himself.

Norman silenced his phone. Then it rang again, and again. "Maybe you should answer," Ray said. Norman shook his head. Ray hated seeing Norman like this. Something was bothering the one he loved, and he couldn't do anything about it. "I'm gonna get going, see ya Ray," Norman said. Ray frowned. "Bye," Ray said.

Norman left and Ray went inside and sat on his couch. He couldn't stop worrying about Norman. He never thought he'd have trouble at home with his parents. It just didn't make sense. Why wouldn't Norman tell him? Why didn't he trust him?

Authors Note: hehe finally done! I almost didn't know what to write, but my brain came through 😭🫶 thank you for reading! Bye!