turps

Your second part of the question just made me laugh.

Okay, so Ray.

Only a few people picked up on it but at the end of Grey Crimson Skies I hinted that Ray and Brian started the beginnings of a relationship. Then it wasn't anything serious, more them hanging out while their friends got on with their own lives.

At that point Ray was juggling his studies and business, and also being a steady shoulder for the others. Which is something that comes easily for him, even though if he's honest, he doesn't really fully understand the whole serious depression thing. He's read up about it. It was one of the first things he did when he became friends with Gerard and he'll always be there when he's needed. It's just Ray's never felt that bad or looked into that pit.

He worries about that sometimes. That he's not helping as much as he can, but when he admitted that to Brian once Brian pretty much called him a moron and that 'fuck, Ray. You've given them part of you, your business. You helped change their lives so stop being a dick.'

Which did help, even if Ray had to protest the dick label.

So, Ray goes on with his night classes. Business at first, but as he becomes more established he branches out to things that interest him. English lit, computer programming, even cooking once. Things that to an outsider don't make that much sense but to Ray it's enriching his mind, the same way he enriches his plants so they grow steady and strong.

At the same time he keeps expanding his firm. Slowly at first, keeping a tight unit with Bob working full time and Frank when he can. Then one day Ray mentions to Bob that he's thinking about taking on someone new and Bob's all 'fine, we can advertise' but Ray shakes his head and says that he's thinking of offering work to those in need. The people who've ended on rock bottom and need a new start. Which is idealistic he knows, but it worked for Bob and sure, Brian's no gardener but having a job gave him the support to look for the role he really wanted.

Bob gives his support for the idea. Brian gives all the reasons it could fail. All the while drawing up contacts and contracts to make things work.

Ray puts his plan into operation and over the years they have successes. Men and women who come to them worn down and learn the value of hard work and friendship. And the failures too,like the girl who stole Ray's van and wrote it off. Ray never gives up, just straightens his shoulders and goes on.

In time he's so successful that he offers Bob a full partnership and they split up. Each with their own team. That's a happy and also sad day, but Ray can't help smiling when he sees how proud Bob is as he shows Gerard his own personal van. His name on the side.

So Ray's content. He's helping people, has a group of good friends, and also Brian. Someone who's been a constant for years, until finally, Ray says that he's thinking of buying a new place, one with an actual big garden and would Brian want to move in, and Brian says, "About fucking time' Then, uncaring that Ray's damp and covered in soil, kisses him hard and says 'yes'

Brian meanwhile gets promoted in his job. Soon he's looking after the baby bands who want to take on the world. He loves his job even though it means long hours and being constantly on call. He enjoys wrangling the bands and listening to shitty music in the hope of finding a hidden gem. It helps he's got a secret weapon in Mikey who seems to know and has listened to every band on the scene.

It's not easy. Being around all the alcohol is a constant temptation and once he got so mad he ended up punching a wall. Ray and Bob took him to the ER that night, sitting on either side as Brian stewed over letting his anger get the best of him. When he was finally patched up they loaded him in the van, Ray fastened his seatbelt and Bob casually announced they'd attend a meeting the next day.

It's the only slip Brian ever had.