Chapter Text
“Why did I agree to do this?” Ray asked himself while writing his number on the boy’s bathroom wall, on a Monday morning. He was sure that Gavin would have lost that bet. How was he supposed to know that Gavin would get lucky and actually beat him in a match of Halo?
He stepped back to admire his work. He wrote his number, a little message (lonely and need a friend?) with a rose doodle. He was going to kill Gavin. He sighed and grabbed his book bag off the floor. He exited the bathroom and as he walked to the library, Ray hoped nothing would come out of this. Gavin would be so disappointed that he won this bet for nothing.
He entered the library and made his way to his usual spot. Michael and Gavin were already there snickering to themselves.
“Michael, asshole.” Ray greeted them as he sat down at their table in the back corner of the huge room.
“Has the deed been done?” Gavin managed to get out between small fits of giggling.
“Yes, the message and all. I’m going to haunt you if this gets me murdered.”
Gavin squawked and Michael busted out into full laughter. A nearby librarian shushed them and returned to putting books back on their shelves. The lads continued their normal conversations until the morning bell rang. The school day went on without an incident. Ray didn’t actually get anything for a week. He thought he was in the clear until Saturday night. His phone went off during a Destiny raid and he was sure it was Michael asking about how he was doing in the raid so far.
He was pretty confused when an unknown number had texted him. Then he remembered his mistake. He groaned and tossed his phone onto his bed. Hopefully the person who texted him would kindly fuck off. He was pleased when his phone didn’t go off again. When he finally went to bed, curiosity got the better of him and he checked the message from the unknown number.
Unknown: Uh, hi there? I’m not sure why I’m doing this but I saw your message in the bathroom and I was curious. Nice rose btw
Ray smiled to himself, but was too tired to respond back. It was close to four in the morning and the text was sent to him six hours prior. The sender is probably asleep and has forgotten about sending the message. Ray wondered who actually sent him the message but he didn’t let it bother him and fell asleep.
Sunday morning came and went without another word from the number. Monday morning though, on his way to school, Ray got another message.
Unknown: Dude, I am super tired. Spent too much time playing Destiny. Did manage to get some better gear.
Ray raised an eyebrow at the message. He was about to reply when Gavin yelled for him. Throughout the week, Ray would get random texts about the person’s day.
Unknown: Why does math have to be a bitch sometimes?
Unknown: Yes Mr. Heyman, please continue to tell us the value of gold for the hundredth time
Unknown: Today is actually pretty good for once
Unknown: Got a sweet new gun Destiny
Sometimes, they person would ask Ray question but he would never reply. It felt awkward to now.
The texting continued on for a month. Ray discovered a lot about this person, whom he nicknamed Percival. He was a big nerd. Good with computers, really smart, likes anime, manga, and video games. He was funny, into theater, and Ray might have developed a little crush. But, Ray still had no clue who the fuck this person is. Michael and Gavin were asking questions and Ray almost couldn’t take it anymore. He had to reply back.
It was Friday night and Ray couldn’t focus on his game of Tetris. He had been thinking about what to say to Percival. Should he introduce himself? Explain why he hasn’t responded until now? Just act like nothing happened and just carry on with the conversation? Ray jumped when his phone went off and he scrambled to grab it. His stomach dropped when he started to read the incoming messages Percival sent.
Percival: Why do I bother? Why do I care? Why should I? It doesn’t matter in the end anyway. Nobody really cares. Not even my own parents.
Percival: They hate me. They hate that I’m gay. That I like theater. That I’m not the Christian son they raised.
Percival: My friends don’t even notice anything different. They’re too wrapped up with their girlfriends. Maybe I should end it. Save everybody the trouble of dealing with me…
Ray knew he had to respond now. Percival had become such a nice part of his life. He enjoyed hearing about his day or his bad obsession with Destiny.
Me: I care. Despite not knowing who u are, I care. A lot.
Me: I love hearing about your day and about your love-hate relationship with Destiny and video games in general.
Me: And so what if you’re gay? I’m bi. Also, fuck your parents. I’m pretty sure you’re still the same son they raised.
Me: You’re really sweet and funny. I would hate to see you go… ): I’m pretty sure your friends would be devastated if you were gone. At the same time tho, fuck them for ignoring you too.
Ray exhaled as he sent the last message. He really hoped he didn’t make things worse. He stared at his phone while waiting for Percival’s reply. Five minutes went by, no message. Ray started to panic. Did he fuck up? He fucked up, didn’t he? Shit, why didn’t he reply to Percival sooner? Ray jumped again and sighed in relief as he unlocked his phone when it went off.
Percival: Thank you. Sorry it took me a bit to reply. Had to calm down from crying.
Me: It’s alright. I’m glad you’re okay. Do you want to talk about anything?
Percival: Not really, kinda already got most of it off my chest.
Me: Okay, well I’m here for you. If you ever need to talk about this stuff.
Percival: Thanks, man. I don’t know why it’s so easy to talk to a stranger.
Me: I’m not sure either, but if it helps, it helps. Wanna trade gamertags? :D
Percival: Sure, mine is BM_Vagabond
Me: I’m Brownman. That’s an interesting name
Percival: It’s a theater reference
Percival: Holy shit, your Gamerscore is ridiculous
Me: I seriously do not have a life outside of school. Btw, I’m Ray.
Percival: Lol, I’m Ryan.
Ray changed Ryan’s contact so his name was correct.
Me: This whole time, your nickname was Percival ;P
Ryan: Your nickname for me was Rose and out of all the names you could have chosen, you chose Percival??
Me: What? It’s the name of my cat in Minecraft.
Ray got a notification on his x-box for Ryan’s friend request. He quickly accepted it and for once was grateful for one of Gavin’s stupid bets.