notes/disclaimers
“I can’t believe you had to stand guard duty this
afternoon,” Ray bitched as he followed Benny up the
stairs to apartment 3J.
“It’s part of my job, Ray,” Benny said, with the
patient air of one who has explained something a
thousand times before.
“Yeah, but it shouldn’t be part of your job on a day
like today. Standing out in the freezing cold all
afternoon. It was barely ten degrees today, Bennyand
that’s without the wind chill factor.”
“I dealt with much colder temperatures in the
Territories.”
“Yeah, I know, but at least there you were moving
around. You didn’t have to stand still and stiff as a
statue in the freezing cold and wind.
“I couldn’t believe it when I pulled up in front of
the Consulate and saw you standing there! Thatcher
shouldn‘t make you stand guard duty when it‘s this
damn cold outside.”
“I don’t mind it, Ray. Not really.”
“Yeah?” Ray wasn’t convinced.
They entered the apartment and hung up their jackets,
then Ray pushed Benny gently towards the bedroom.
“You go get changed, love; and I’ll make you a cup of
tea.”
“All right,” Benny smiled; and headed into the
bedroom.
Ray turned on the burner under the tea kettle, then
filled Dief’s food and water dishes. When the tea
kettle started whistling, he fixed Benny’s cup of tea
and headed towards the bedroom. When he entered the
bedroom, Ray stopped dead in his tracks.
Benny was standing with one arm braced against the
wall, his head resting against his arm; while his
other hand was massaging his back.
Ray closed his eyes as a wave of guilt and pain and
anger washed over him, as strong as ever.
Setting the mug on the floor, he quickly moved over to
stand behind Benny and placed a hand his shoulder.
Ben started slightly, and Ray squeezed his shoulder
and began rubbing Benny’s back.
“Ray,” Benny said, “you don’t have to-”
“Ssssh.” Ray wrapped his arm around Ben’s shoulders
and pulled Ben closer to him. He continued rubbing
Ben’s back until Benny was relaxing against him.
“Does that feel better?” Ray asked softly.
Ben let his head drop back to rest against Ray’s
shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ray,” he whispered.
Ray didn’t answer, he just stepped away from Benny the
slightest bit, then gently turned Benny to face him.
He took Ben’s face between his hands and gave him a
kiss, then pulled him into his arms.
Benny wrapped his arms tightly around Ray’s waist and
buried his face against Ray’s shoulder as Ray
continued gently rubbing his back.
THE END