Chapter Text
They had brought the unconscious man back to his lascivious home, Ray straggling behind near Jack. It was Geoff who carried the fallen man, holding him calmly as they moved upstairs and into his room. He couldn't help but find it rather cute when the shaken Ray shooed them all away, saying he would change Joel and clean him up a bit. Gavin didn't want to leave his new friend just yet, but with a leveled glare from Geoff and distant look from Ray, he was out with Michael within touching distance. That didn't stop the much older men from staying close, near the door, with fire arms of course...
That didn't stop them from hearing the muffled sobs as the boy cared for his lover that couldn't move on his own at this point. Nor did it allow them to forget the sound of him singing softly to Joel, a child's tune.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
Geoff was quiet as he looked at Jack who looked at his hands. He had heard Ray whimpering other songs on the return trip to Joel. Songs that when questioned about, would just send him into a round of sobs.
You never know, dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
Ray's voice was muffled, terribly off tune and almost haunted but no one would dare open that door to check on him. A small boy had managed to terrify and enchant these men into silence, giving him time they rarely offered. But they could picture it all. They could see Ray moving gently around the bed, tugging off Joel's tattered clothes to expose the scratched skin. They could feel the pain he held as he cleaned away the dirt and blood, washing away the previous days.
The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamt I held you in my arms
Jack, who had spoken with Ray a bit more than the rest, could see him looking at Joel's messy hairy clumped with dust with annoyance... Trying to clean it the best he could. Yet, the door was sealed shut, no eyes prying on the broken lovers. All three men had someone they couldn't think of losing, and now, they knew Ray was Joel and vice versa. Jack decided he had to care for this boy while Joel couldn't, his friend would make it through. He knew he would. He had to. Within hours Jack returned with several plates, handing everyone one before knocking on the door. He just keeps repeating the song. Geoff whispered before he opened the door gently.
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head, and I cried
Ray lay on the bed next to Joel, cuddled to his side, eyes rimmed red. Gavin was quiet at this point, Michael at his side. Yet, it was Ryan who stepped forward first. Speaking to the crying boy. Ray, this isn't going to work. You have to care for yourself as well, Joel wouldn't want you like this. Ray looked up at the men holding food. He rubbed his eyes, fixing his glasses as he sat up. He wouldn't leave his side, he wouldn't. He stayed right there but Jack handed him a plate and sat with him on the bed. Everyone soon following in some fashion.
Michael sat on the window seat, Gavin bouncing into the spot beside Ray. Geoff sitting on another chair that he dragged with him, beer in hand. Ryan, gentle, as he sat comfortably by the foot of the bed. One thing they could see was the grey skies, they just hoped that fucking sunshine would come back soon.
And it did. Slowly.
After a few days Ray ventured out and showered, then played a video game, until Gavin suggested Minecraft. That sent the boy back upstairs in a fit, they heard shouting from upstairs, but no one went up to stop him. Who could stop a boy from screaming at his lover for leaving him when he was still right in front of him? That was the usual for a while. Some times the guys would leave, other times more people would return. Ray was getting better, but he had his bad days. Everyone was always afraid of stepping wrong with the fitful man. One song always came back through. It got stuck in all their minds and they found themselves humming it... Ray would sing it every night...
Yet, one night, they heard it.
It wasn't Ray this time. It wasn't Gavin's off tune voice, or Michael's growl. Jack wasn't trying to soothe him, and Ryan never sang it loud enough for others to hear. God knows everyone can tell Geoff's cracking voice from miles around... This was hoarse, an unused tone. But it got better, it got smoother. The words were normal, and the sobs were aswell... But it was one word that snapped everyone out of their frozen state. Joel. Jack was the first upstairs, size couldn't pause his feet as he pressed to the door, making it swing open.
On the bed Joel was sitting up right, arms wrapped around the shaking man that everyone in this apartment could call family by now. Ray was smiling, something that was like a spider jockey in minecraft to these guys, something special and surprising. He was frozen as he felt the others press in behind him, peering in. Jack wasn't surprised to hear that the rest of Team Lads as they had been calling themselves were upset. They had held Ray during his nightmares, consoling him the best they could. Michael thought Joel was absolutely stupid for getting either of them hurt like that. But said nothing as he calmed down. He wouldn't start anything, not with his friend so happy.
Joel was awake! that was all Ray could think as he rested in his hold. As the song ended he looked up, without pausing he pressed his lips to Joel's. The kiss was gentle, showing the relief. Joel was smiling as he pulled away, cupping his cheek. Then everyone could see it. The sunshine. Why the song was so special. Why Joel fought so hard and why Ray broke. They could see it, and well, they sure felt special for seeing the grey leave the skies above them all. No more comas or getting kidnapped. All good? Good. Oh and Joel... Ray kinda learned some things. Gavin blurted happily, clapping his hands. Everyone looked at him sharply. Oh no. Jack did not want to bring up the Team Lads' mission thing to Joel right now. Michael had Gavin away instantly.
It seems their story wasn't over just yet, and while Joel looked back down at Ray in his arms... He was completely okay with that.