Rating: On the Carl-o-meter, between PG13 and R, just at the very end
Codes: Episode-related
Pairing: Fraser/Vecchio
Teaser: Ray and Miss Fraser are NOT meant for each other, but...
Found at Hexwood
Disclaimer: This work of fanfiction is mine, even if some studio or production company claims the rights to the characters. The only profit I stand to make is feedback.
Kind and Honest, With a Good Sense of Humor
by Cloudwalker
Ray came over to where Fraser stood watching Melissa walk away. "You ready?"
"Yes," Fraser replied, happy to be once again dressed normally. He had removed Miss Fraser's teal dress in favor of his red serge uniform. It was good of Ray to have had it in the trunk of his Riviera. The two friends walked toward the car.
"You know Benny," Ray glanced at him, smiling. "You weren't a bad looking woman."
"Thank you Ray."
"Of course, you weren't exactly my type, either." Ray was still grinning.
'What does he mean by that?' Fraser wondered. Aloud, he asked, "What exactly is your type, Ray?"
"Well, I like a woman who is kind and honest, with a good sense of humor." A little swagger had crept into Ray's walk. Fraser wondered again what had gotten into his friend.
"Well I don't have those qualities?"
"No, no, you do! I just like a woman who is, you know... a woman."
"Well, that's just... picky, Ray." Really, sometimes Ray could be such a baby.
Ray opened the Riv's driver door. "Ah, don't get in a snit."
"Well I'm not," Fraser replied, opening the passenger door and putting one foot inside.
"Well good."
"Well fine."
Ray started to step into the Riv, but asked Fraser over the car's roof "So, what you are doing after work?"
"Nothing with you," was his answer, as he slid into the car. . "Ooh, you're *so * sensitive," Ray laughed, slipping under the wheel. He eased the Riv through the congestion around St. Fortunata's School and onto the street. "No, really, what do you want to do tonight?"
"As I said, Ray: nothing. Would you please just take me home?"
Ray glanced at his morose partner, who was staring out the passenger window but looked as if he were seeing some other place than Chicago. "Hey, Benny, you mad at me?" A diffident shrug was the Mountie's only response. "C'mon, talk to me." Fraser remained silent. "Okay, have it your way." Ray concentrated on his driving, not wanting to give Fraser any reason to become even angrier with him.
Ray still wondered why the man was angry to begin with. He thought over the events of the past few days, trying to find a clue. The coincidence of running into his old flame while helping Benny to find a rare bottle of Scotch for the Dragon Lady, then finding that she had become a nun who frequented bars searching for lost children was pretty bizarre. Ray had been quite put off his stride by the knowledge that someone he had shared passionate groping with as a teenager had ended up a nun. He had felt somehow responsible for 'the loss of a good woman', until sister Ann had reassured him that she had happily chosen to become a Bride of Christ.
And speaking of good women, there was that whole thing with Benny. Just when he thought he had the Canadian figured out, Fraser would come up with something to knock him for a loop. This time had been too much, though.
Ray had checked with everyone he knew who could possibly go undercover as a teacher in the Catholic girls' school where Sister Ann was principal; to gather clues on the disappearance of one of the students. Each one had been unavailable, or had simply turned him down, all but one. When Ray arrived at her door, he learned that she had broken her leg, and had to withdraw from the project. Instead of helping to find another candidate, Benny had simply walked away. Ray chalked it up to another of Benny's idiosyncrasies, and went back to work.
Some time later, Ray looked up to find a handsome woman with shoulder-length red hair seated beside his desk. She couldn't help but overhear him on the telephone asking yet another acquaintance, this one only marginally qualified, to take the undercover assignment. As soon as Ray hung up the phone the redhead's soft voice said, "I'll take the job."
"I don't even know who you are," Ray replied, walking away. He needed a moment to change gears before finding out what she was here for.
"Oh, I think you do," the redhead replied. She stood to follow him, a somehow familiar gesture. Then her voice changed, and in a stage whisper, Fraser called out "Ray! It's me!"
Well, you could have knocked Ray over with a feather! This nice-looking, demurely dressed woman was his friend, Benton Fraser, RCMP, offering to go undercover at St. Fortunata's School.
Ray had serious misgivings. He remembered all to vividly how badly the Mountie had done as an undercover used car salesman, trying to recover the pizza-delivery kid's stolen car. Sure, they solved the case, but Benny would never have made it without Ray's help. Ray had no idea how he would help him with this one.
Learning, however, that Fraser had already fooled everyone in the station before arriving at Ray's desk, he decided to leave it up to Sister Ann. If she gave her blessing, Benny would go into the school as Miss Fraser to try to find the missing girl. To Ray's complete surprise, Sister Ann had agreed.
So now this case was closed. Not only was the missing girl found safe and sound, but a huge cache of jewels, furs and liquor had been uncovered which would go a long way toward solving St. Fortunata's financial problems. They had even ended up with a bottle of the Glendorlan Scotch whiskey for the Dragon Lady.
Ray had tried to compliment his friend on the fine job he had done impersonating a woman, and now that friend wasn't speaking to him. Benny was his best friend, but Ray sure didn't understand him.
Just as the silent treatment was becoming unbearable for Ray, he pulled up in front of 221 West Racine. Ray shut off the engine and got out to open the trunk so Fraser could retrieve his duffel bag full of Miss Fraser's things.
When the Mountie walked toward the building entrance Ray followed him. "Ray, I said I didn't..."
"I don't care, Benny," Ray cut him off. "We hafta talk."
"Please, Ray, not..."
"So how ya gonna keep me out, huh Benny? It's not like you even have a lock on your door. Look. I'm not goin' away from here until you tell me what's wrong, you got that? Now let's go."
Reluctantly, Fraser led the way to apartment 3J. He put his duffel in the closet, and carefully hung his red tunic. He then busied himself tidying the spotless apartment. Ray sat in a chair at the table, waiting his partner out.
It took some time, but Fraser finally gave up trying to ignore Ray into giving up and going home. He came and sat in the other wooden chair, letting the tea that Ray had fixed for him cool untouched on the table between them.
"Okay," Ray said finally. "I figured out that you got mad when I made comments about you being a woman. I was trying to compliment you, Benny. You did a great job. I never thought you could do it."
"And just why not, Ray?" Ray had never heard Fraser sound so angry. "I am a police officer, trained in, among other things, undercover work. I also come from a culture which is apparently not nearly as homophobic as yours."
"Homophobic? You think I'm homophobic? What, because I'm Italian and Catholic and a cop, you think I have to hate gays? You might as well say I must be mobbed up, Benny. Or do you think that, too?" Ray was shouting now, gesticulating wildly.
Fraser never flinched. "Of course I don't think you have mob connections, Ray. That's just silly."
"But you do think I'm a gay-basher."
"Ray...you did say you only like real women. I assumed that you meant that I shouldn't be so free to express my feminine side, that you felt there was something wrong with it...with me."
"Oh geez, Benny, you're my best friend, of course I don't think anything's wrong with you. Oh I know, I tease you a lot for being so different, but that's really what I like about you. You've never let my teasing bother you so much before. Why did it get to you today?"
"Well, Ray, when you said I had all of the qualities you liked, but that you didn't like me because I wasn't a real woman, well... It hurt my feelings, Ray."
"Oh man. Benny, I'm sorry." Ray ran his hands over his close-cropped hair, a nervous habit he had picked up since getting it cut so short. "I never said I didn't like you, but I guess I can see how you took it that way. I was teasing you about... Oh hell." Ray paused, and came to the decision he had wrestled with while Fraser was 'cleaning'. "Benny, I've been keeping something from you. I guess it's time I came out."
"Why would you keep anything from me, Ray?"
"Because you're a cop! I been hangin' around cops 15 years now, and I know one thing. You're right; most of us are homophobes. But not all, Benny. Not all. That's why I got angry when you called me that. I guess I do a pretty good job keeping my personal life personal. A straight arrow like you doesn't see a thing."
"Ray, I still don't know what you're saying."
"All right, here it is: I'm gay. I kept it from you because I didn't want to lose your friendship. I've kept it from everyone at work because, well, you know cops, right? My Ma knows. She doesn't like it much, but she's okay with it. My sisters don't know, and I hope they never will. That's about it, Benny."
"What about... lovers, Ray?"
"I've had a couple of boyfriends, Benny. The last one broke up with me about the time you and I met. You didn't have anything to do with it," he added quickly, when Benny glanced up.
"You said I wasn't your type. And you called me a straight arrow."
"Yeah, well, it wasn't meant as an insult, Benny. When I said I like a woman who is a woman, I meant that I also like a man who is a man. Somebody who is confused over whether they're male or female... well, I don't have much patience for that. Not that I think you're confused, Fraser. And hell, everybody knows crossdressers are straight."
"Well, no, Ray. Not all crossdressers are straight."
"Well, I guess you'd know more about that than I would." Ray grinned.
"So, are you saying, Ray, that I would be your type if I weren't a crossdresser?"
"Don't worry, Benny, I won't bother you. I just hope you find some nice woman who doesn't mind that you want to be a woman sometimes, too. I know there are women like that out there."
"Ray, I only 'dressed' to help you. It's not something I expect to do often. Perhaps not ever again."
"Hey, don't let me stop you, Benny."
"Ray, I think you're missing a crucial point, here."
"Oh yeah? And what would that be?"
Fraser spoke thoughtfully. "I mean, it's as much my fault as yours. It seems I have kept things from you, as well. And this whole 'gaydar' thing... that's apparently a cultural myth."
"Benny, you're babbling. You wanna get to the point, here?"
"Yes. I love you, Ray."
"Aw gee, Benny. I love you, too. You're my best friend, you know that."
"You're still not hearing what I'm trying to say, Ray."
"Well then, maybe you better be more specific. And don't tell me any Inuit stories, I couldn't take one of those right now."
"Ray, I love you."
"Yeah, you said that, Benny."
Fraser just stared at Ray a moment, waiting. Finally, he got up and walked over to Ray, holding his hand out. When Ray took it, looking confused but willing to do whatever Fraser asked, Fraser pulled him to his feet and into his arms. When he took Ray's mouth with his own, he met considerable astonishment before Ray relaxed and began kissing him back. When the kiss ended Fraser was dizzy with desire.
"You're a wonderful kisser, Ray," he breathed.
"You're not so bad yourself, Benny. How come I didn't know this about you?" he asked, caressing the Mountie's back.
"For the same reasons I didn't know about you." Fraser recaptured Ray's delightful mouth. Some time later, he realized that he was standing in his kitchen with a naked cop in his arms, and that only his boots had defeated Ray in getting him naked, as well, although his upper garments were gone and his jodhpurs and starched boxers were around his knees. Laughing happily, he stooped to remove his boots, depositing a quick kiss on Ray's circumcised crown as he did so. Ray groaned.
Fraser kicked off the rest of his clothes, and led Ray to his bed. Lying down, he pulled the slender cop down on top of him. Their tongues danced together as hands explored sensitive flesh. Soft moans disturbed the wolf's dreams as the two men rejoiced in finally sharing their last secrets. Ray began to murmur what Fraser could only assume were sweet nothings, in Italian, as his need rose to fever pitch.
Fraser's vocabulary became limited to the single word, "Ray"; spoken tenderly as he caressed a close-cropped head, in anguish when a sweet tongue was withdrawn from sensitive flesh, in triumph as his essence surged forth to mingle with that of his love.
Blankets were retrieved from where they had fallen to the floor and wrapped to ward the evening chill from recently over-heated, now rapidly cooling bodies. Soon they would shower together, but for now they dozed peacefully in each other's arms.
end
This piece was inspired by many things, not the least of which being Benny's fantasy from Manna's wonderful 'Double or Nothing'. I really wanted him to get his wish, although I beleive this is quite different than the way it would have happened in that universe.
I had a harder time titling this than writing it. I am still not happy with it. Any sugestions before I archive the thing at Hexwood?
I hope you enjoy this 'typical evening in the Fraser/Vecchio household.
(Close your eyes tight, Carl, and move into the next room, please.)
Hockey Night Routine (once known as December Night: I told you it was hard!) by the Cloudwalker
Benton Fraser walked into the apartment he shared with Raymond Vecchio, skates over his shoulder, wolf at heel, and a huge grin animating his usually placid features.
"You should have been there, Ray. It was most exciting! My team won by three goals!" Benny exclaimed, as he hung his hockey gear on the rack Ray had built for him.
"You score any of 'em?" Ray looked up from his paper, the Mountie's cheer starting to infect him.
"Two, Ray. I scored two! You should have seen me!" Fraser pantomimed how he had deked the opposing goalie and made his shot, throwing both hands into the air to indicate that he had scored. Dief danced around him, sharing his exuberance.
Ray carefully folded his paper and laid it on the coffee table, then stood to go check on dinner. On Fraser's hockey nights it was Ray's turn to cook. He had taken one step toward the kitchen when he found himself swept into a bear hug and waltzed around the room.
Ray gasped when Fraser's winter-cold cheek met his sensibly housebound warm one, then laughed as he was twirled in Benny's arms. "C'mon, Benny, I gotta check if the lasagna is ready, and put the bread in the oven."
"All right, Ray." Fraser grasped Ray in a tango hold and danced him into the kitchen. He stole a kiss in front of the stove, then released Ray reluctantly.
Deciding the lasagna was done, Ray removed it from the oven, then turned on the broiler to make the garlic toast for which he was justly famous. Fraser, meanwhile, fed the wolf and gave him fresh water, chattering happily about the hockey game.
"Ya know, Benny, I'm glad you joined that recreational league. I've seldom seen you so happy."
"Ray, being with you makes me happy, much more than hockey ever could."
"Aw geez," Ray grinned. "I love ya, you big lug."
"Lug?" Fraser arched an eyebrow, an amused glint in his eyes.
"It's a figure of speech, Benny."
"All right."
"Sheesh!" Ray shook his head, laughing, and turned to slide the baking sheet of garlic bread under the broiler. As he closed the oven door, strong hands grasped his hips, pulling his rear end against his lover's groin.
"Benny," Ray groaned, then straightened to lean into the Mountie's solid body. He sighed. "This is really bad timing, Benny. The bread will burn, stink up the whole place."
"I don't want you to burn the bread. I'm just telling you what I want for dessert, Ray," Benton whispered in his ear, then gently suckled the lobe.
Ray let his weight sag against Benny for a moment, snaking a hand into dark hair to turn that handsome face for his kiss. Just as Fraser's tongue invaded Ray's mouth, the oven timer dinged. Both men groaned their disappointment at the interruption.
"Bread's ready, Benny. Would you get the salad from the 'fridge?" Ray bent over to get the bread out of the oven, waggling his hips as he did so. Benton groaned again, very theatrically or so Ray thought, then turned to do as Ray had asked.
A moment later they sat down to their meal. Ray saying a brief blessing over their food, a habit he had made since renting this place with Benny. Even though he knew that many people believed that what he and Benny were doing was wrong, still he thanked God every day for bringing the Canadian into his life.
Dinner conversation revolved around their work. They talked about Ray's police cases and Turnbull's latest fiasco, as well as Harding Welsh's latest attempt at romance.
"And Benny: don't forget the precinct's Christmas party is this Saturday."
"I won't, Ray."
"So, have you finished your shopping yet?"
"I'm not going to tell you what you're getting from me, Ray."
Ray laughed. "No, no, Benny, I wasn't trying to ask that. Ma called. She wants us to stay over on Christmas Eve. You know, to be there when the kids get up to open their presents."
Benton's face clouded over. "I see. No."
"What? C'mon, Benny, you love watching the kids open their presents," Ray wheedled.
"I would have to sleep in the guest room, since your mother has said we are not welcome to sleep together under her roof. I'd rather not. You go; I'll join you on Christmas morning."
"Yeah, well, it's my roof. I didn't tell ya this, Benny, but I had a little talk with Ma a couple weeks ago. I reminded her that Pop left the house to me, and that while I have no plans to ask her or my sisters to leave it, and that I'm very happy living in this apartment with you, if I wanna come home I will, and if I come home so do you. And we share our bed, just like always."
"And she's all right with that?" He still looked doubtful.
Ray sighed. "She's getting used to the idea, Benny. It helps that she already loved you like a son before we fell in love. She can't really make herself believe, now, that you're a bad person, and of course she loves me. Who wouldn't?" A merry twinkle lit Ray's eyes.
"I can't imagine." Benny tried to stay deadpan, but the corners of his mouth quirked up.
"So, are we going home for Christmas?"
"Yes, Ray. And thank you. For standing up to your mother for me."
"Benny, I'd stand up the whole world for you. If you wanna come out, I'm with you."
"Let's not be too hasty, Ray. Besides, I believe that most of our friends have already figured it out."
"Yeah, you're probably right, Benny," Ray grinned at him.
When they were finished eating Benton filled the sink and began to wash the dishes, as he always did when Ray cooked. Ray just sat at the table, sipping his coffee and enjoying watching the play of muscles under Fraser's white long-sleeved t-shirt. Ray remembered Benny's dessert request, and was instantly hard. He stood, setting the coffee cup aside, and sidled up behind his lover.
Fraser smiled over his shoulder as Ray's arms went around his waist. "I'll be finished soon, Ray," Benton said. He kissed Ray and turned back to his work.
Ray continued to nuzzle Benny's neck, gently bumping his cock into Fraser's rear to keep it hard. Benny's brisk dishwashing motions faltered as Ray's hands wandered across his chest and stomach. When Ray's hand brushed over his stiffening cock, Fraser's hands came to rest in the dishwater. Fine tremors ran through the Mountie's body.
Benton's trembling increased as Ray slipped his braces off his shoulders, nipping at where they had rested on Fraser's shoulder blades.
"Ray..." Fraser whispered.
"Ummm?" Ray smiled, nuzzling the hairline at Benny's nape. He opened the button on Benny's jodhpurs, then ran his hands up to caress his firm pecs. A soft groan rewarded him. He ran his hands firmly down Fraser's chest, across his stomach and down his thighs, making sure their bodies made firm contact down their full length. He brought his hands to Benny's zipper, keeping them still while he licked the shell of an ear, the line of a jaw, the place where the neck disappeared into the shirt.
"Please..." The whisper was a little stronger.
"Please what, Benny?" Ray heard a guttural groan, deep in the Mountie's chest. He tugged the zipper partway down. "Is this what you want? You gotta tell me, Benny."
"Ray, I... I..." The zipper was dragged lower still. "Ohhh," the Mountie groaned, then "No!" he moaned as Ray stepped back. He turned to look over his shoulder, and slumped in relief to see Ray removing his slacks, his elegant, gently curving cock standing proudly up from his groin.
Ray reached out and pushed Fraser's boxers down with his trousers, then gently draped himself over Benny's back again. He placed a hand between Fraser's shoulder blades and pushed gently. The Mountie obediently bent at the waist, elbows resting on the sink's edge. He ground his naked posterior into Ray's hard-on, knowing what was coming and relishing the anticipation.
Ray kicked Benton's feet apart almost roughly, and Benny groaned again, bucking his hips back. Ray guided his shaft between Fraser's spread thighs, slowly raking the tip across the perineum and poking Fraser's balls. He rocked back and forth, savoring the sensations. Then he hooked one foot on Benny's ankle and dragged his leg inward, closing the strong thighs around his now aching cock.
"Ray... Ray..." There was no doubt in Ray's mind what his lover was pleading for, and Ray was more than pleased to give it to him. He reached around Benny's hip and wrapped his long, elegant fingers around Fraser's shaft, stroking in time with his hips' thrusts.
All too soon, Ray felt his balls tighten and knew he couldn't last much longer. Determined that the Canadian would cum first, he increased the rhythm of his strokes and started talking in Benny's ear.
"Oh, Benny! Cum for me, baby. You know you need it. Come on, let it fly. I love you, caro."
"Ray, I... please, Ray. Inside me. Please!" Benton panted, more coherent than usual during their lovemaking.
"Can't, Frase, no protection, I'm sorry." Ray chuckled. "We gotta start keepin' some lube, and condoms in here. Later, okay? Cum for me, now. Go ahead. I want you to. Cum, Benny." Ray's free hand grasped Fraser's balls and rubbed firmly.
"Ray, I'm..."
"Yes, Benny?"
"Ray. I'm gonna..."
"Yes, Benny! Do it!"
Benton's cock swelled and jumped, then erupted, spewing ropes of thick white fluid onto the cupboard door. Ray watched it run down for a moment, then almost desperately sought Benny's mouth to kiss as his own thinner spunk joined the stream running down the door.
Benny felt as limp as the cloth he had been using to wash the dishes, in the aftermath of his orgasm. Ray held him, kissing and whispering soothing not-quite-words, until his heart rate slowed to near normal and his legs lost that rubbery feeling. "Thank you, Ray," he murmured.
"I love you so much, Benny. Now finish cleaning up in here, and come watch TV with me." Ray slapped Benny on the rear, almost as if he were one of the hockey players congratulating him on a great play. He quietly slipped his pants back on and left the room without a backward glance.
Benton luxuriated in the afterglow of sex for another moment, then dried his hands and rearranged his clothing before wiping down the cupboard door, manfully resisting the temptation to taste the mess. He quickly finished the dishes and wiped down the stove, countertop, and table. Finally, his chores finished, he left the kitchen.
Ray looked up when Benny entered the living room. Putting down the paper, he patted the couch beside him. "Come sit here with me, big guy."
"I will, in a moment, Ray." Fraser passed through, going into their bedroom. He returned a moment later with a small tube in one hand and several foil packets in the other.
As Fraser passed by him again, Ray asked "Benny? What are you doing?"
The Mountie stopped long enough to show Ray what he had in his hands. "I'm just going to put these in the drawer next to the sink, Ray. That way... well... Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance, you know, and I mean to be... prepared. For next time." Blushing furiously, he went on to the kitchen.
Ray chuckled to himself, amazed at just how much that scenario in front of the sink had meant to Fraser. The Mountie seemed to have been holding back about his fantasies, but Ray knew he would have the full story out of him soon. Meanwhile, he was willing to play just about any game Fraser would ask of him. Fraser's happiness was the most important thing in the world to him.
"There, Ray. Problem rectified," Benton said, as he settled in next to Ray, putting his arms around the cop and pulling him close. "I love you, Ray."
"Yeah, me too, Benny." He was already reacting to Fraser's nearness. There would be no problem in keeping his promise of 'later'.
end
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