Days Gone By (Markiplier)

Day 23

Mark and Ray slept most of the day away, having such a late and emotional night before. He only got up once to take Chica out for a walk and then joined her back in the bed. After a few more hours, he finally woke up and checked his phone to see it was close to 6 p.m. He looked to his side to find that Ray was facing him, curled in a ball and sleeping soundly. He stared at her face; taking in every shape and detail so he could remember her perfectly. While he believed that she won't leave him again, Ray will be leaving eventually back to her old life.

He put his hand on her waist and nudged her toward him, kissing her lips softly, "Wake up."

She moaned a little but didn't move.

"Come on, we've been asleep all day."

Ray opened her eye slightly and yawned, "And it's been nice."

"We need to get up."

"I'm hungry."

"Get up then!" Mark said, rolling out of the bed.

Ray groaned loudly as she sat up, rubbing her eyes. She got out of the bed and pulled on some sweatpants with an over-sized thin sweater. She was moving so slowly that it made Mark worried.

"Are you still in pain?" He asked.

She looked at him for a moment as if she was considering lying, "Yes."

Mark walked up to her and tilted her head, examining the bruises on her neck. They were fading a bit but he still felt bad for losing control.

"I'm fine," Ray said, taking his hand and kissing it.

"I know but..."

"I think I'm in the mood for some pizza."

"I know a really good place that makes New York-style pizza."

"As long as there is no pineapple on it."

"That's my girl," Mark said. "It's a cardinal sin to put that on pizza."

They took Chica along with them to walk down the street to the diner. Mark reached out to hold Ray's hand and she linked her fingers with his, effortlessly. He felt as if they had crossed a big step in their relationship that made them closer than ever. He had developed deep feelings for her and had no question in his mind that she felt the same.

When they arrived at the pizza place, Mark told Ray to wait at a table by the window with Chica and then ordered an extra-large pizza with extra pepperoni. Mark joined the two at the table and linked his hand with Rays' again.

"I hope you got the largest pizza ever," Ray said excitedly.

"The slices are larger than your head."

They stayed silent for a while as they waited for their pizza. Mark pulled her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her palm. His heart started to beat fast as he thought of a way to bring up what was on his mind.

"I'm glad you decided to come to L.A."

"Me too."

"Do you have to leave?"

Ray looked at him and Mark tightened his grip, waiting for her answer.

"Yes, I do."

"You could write anywhere, right? As long as you turn in your stories, you could stay with me."

"It don't work that way," Ray said. "Plus, all of my family and friends live there."

"My mom lives far away from me," He responded, reaching for any way to convince her.