Disclaimer: As much as I wish that I knew Gerard and Ray and the rest of MCR, I don't. To the best of my knowledge these events never took place, except within my imagination. Don't sue me.

Feedback is greatly appreciated and since this is my first try at fanfiction, I'd love some constructive criticism as well. chelseaflo@comcast.net

Much More Than Just Popsicles

Ray sat cross-legged in the nearly empty shopping cart and made his biggest puppy dog eyes at Gerard who was pushing him down the produce aisle. "Puh-puh-puh-leeeeeeeeeease, Gee! Just this one time!"

Gerard sighed and shook his head sadly. "Sorry, hon, we're on a budget. We can only afford to get the bare necessities, and popsicles didn't make the cut." He shot an apologetic look at his poofy-haired pal who was now jutting out his lower lip in an adorable pout. "Maybe after our next show, we'll be able to buy you some popsicles, a whole box even!"

After picking up a few more items, Gerard wheeled the cart to the register. Ray unloaded the cart and then took the brown paper bag filled with groceries from the slightly confused bag girl while Gerard paid. Then, Gerard made a noise in the back of his throat like a revving engine and sprinted towards the door pushing the cart at a dangerously high-speed and nearly losing balance and hitting the gumball machines. Luckily, they made it through the magical opening doors before wiping out into a heap in the middle of the blacktop. They rolled around and giggled for what seemed like ages until Gerard stood up, brushing the dirt off of his newly-scraped knees and then helped Ray to his feet. "Ray," he giggled, "You have something in your hair." He reached up into Ray's curly mane and pulls out a high-heeled shoe.

"Ummm, Ray?" he began tentatively, "I think this is a sign that you should cut your hair."

Ray glared daggers at him and mumbled darkly under his breath. "Hey," Gerard said nervously, "don't take it the wrong way, I love the long locks. it's just that you shouldn't be able to hide heels in your hair."

"It's not like I meant for it to get in there," he grumbled, "And besides, if I cut my hair, where would we keep the car keys? And what room do you have to talk anyways?"

Ray then gently tugged on a strand of Gerard's shoulder-length hair, rubbing it between his fingers for a moment before letting it fall. Gerard just smiled cheekily. "But my hair's a chick magnet!"

Ray giggled girlishly. "All the girls just think you're one of them with that beautiful head of hair, honey."

"There's worse things I guy could do then go to an all-girls sleepover, paint his nails pink, get his hair brushed and braided, and enjoy hours and hours of girl talk."

Ray just shook his head, "Gerard," he said slowly, "You are a mystery to me."

"Care to do some detective work then?" Gerard purred.

Ray scrunched up his face in an adorable display of confusion, but ended up just waving it away. "You look so darn sweet when you're confused," Gerard whispered leaning into Ray's ear.

Ray blushed lightly and playfully swatted at Gerard. "Oh Gee," he said, leaning against Gerard's broad chest. Gerard wrapped is arms around him and pulled him into a warm embrace. They stood like this, feeling safe and at home in each others arms, for a few minutes before being interrupted by the ring of Ray's cell phone. Ray sighed and very reluctantly released Gerard and answered the phone.

"'Ello," he mumbled grumpily, "Yeah, we just got out of the store now. we're fine. okay, we'll just walk then .okay, bye."

"What was that about?"

"The van just broke down, so Frankie's not gonna pick us up."

"Okey dokey then, let's get going, lover boy. We'd better start walking now if we wanna get home by nightfall."

Ray blushed slightly at the nickname and then held out his hand. Gerard put his hand in Ray's and they began to walk together hand in hand through the parking lot. They walked like this for a while not really saying much but each soaking in the feel of the other's palm in theirs. After walking for about fifteen minutes, Gerard heard quite definitively the sounds of Ray's teeth chattering and felt the slight tremor of shivers run through Ray's hand. Gerard immediately pulled off his jacket and draped it over Ray's shoulder. "Y-y-you d-didn't have t-to d-d-do that," Ray whispered.

"I know," replied Gerard with a grin.

Ray's heart swelled and he pecked Gerard lightly on the cheek and wrapped his arm around his waist. Gerard's smile widened and he leaned over and he rested his head on Ray's shoulder. He loved the faint smell of shampoo in Ray's hair and the aroma of mixed cigarette smoke, chocolate bars, and something else just uniquely Ray. Gerard inhaled deeply, soaking in the scent and nuzzling into Ray's neck. Ray gently kissed the top of Gerard's head and then rested his head on Gerard's.

Although Gerard tried not to, he shivered when a brisk breeze blew by them. Ray frowned and felt guilty about taking Gerard's jacket. He tried to shrug it off and let Gerard use it again, but Gerard wouldn't let him. "I d-don't w-w-want you t-t-to fr-fr-freeze t-to death, b-babe," Gerard whispered through chattering teeth.

Ray sighed and wrapped his arms tighter around Gerard, rubbing the goose bumps on his arms and trying to keep him warm. "If you won't wear your jacket, I'm going to have to keep you warm," Ray said smiling slyly and giving Gerard a squeeze, "And I can't let your poor teeth chatter like that."

Ray then placed a big kiss on Gerard's shaking lips. He then licked Gerard's slightly chapped lips and soon the two were playing an intense game of tonsil hockey. When they finally parted to gasp for air, Ray gazed lovingly at Gerard's flushed face. "Feeling better, Gee?"

"Much," was Gerard's breathless reply.

They continued walking in silence for a few more minutes holding onto each other tight. When they arrived at the rundown motel they were staying at Gerard looked at Ray and said, "Sorry I couldn't get you those popsicles."

Ray grinned back, "It's okay, I've got you and you're sweeter and so much hotter."