notes/disclaimers
Ben and Ray were lying in bed together under the
blankets, relaxing after their latest bout of
lovemaking. Ray felt completely at ease and happy,
running his hand lazily over Ben's back.
Slowly though, Ray began to realize that Ben was not
as relaxed as he should be. The muscles in his back
felt tense, and when Ray looked at his lover's face,
Benny seemed troubled and pensive.
"Benny," Ray asked, planting a kiss on his forehead,
"what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Ray."
"Benny?"
Ben sighed softly. "It's just... I have heard people
talking, and..."
"And what, love?"
"And they don't think we should be together."
Ray blinked in surprise. "That's what's bothering
you?"
"Yes."
"The fact that some 'people' don't think we should be
a couple?"
"Yes, Ray."
"Screw them, Benny. Who cares what they think?"
"I don't exactly, Ray, but it does hurt that people
feel they have the right to talk about us and judge
us."
"Where did you hear these things, Benny?"
"At the station, around the apartment building, even
in your neighborhood."
Ray shook his head. "And who said these things? Our
friends? My family?"
"No, Ray! Of course not."
"Then why let it bother you?"
"I try not to, Ray. But it is upsetting that people
feel they have the right to talk about us like that."
Ray started rubbing Ben's back again. "I know, baby.
But the people who really matter understand. They
understand us and encourage us and they're happy for
us. They're glad that we found each other, that we
love each other."
"Yes, I know."
"So who cares what other people think? If they think
we shouldn't be together because we're the same sex,
who cares? If they think that I'm not good enough for
you, who cares?"
Ben rose up onto elbow and stared down at Ray
indignantly. "Did someone say that? Who could
possibly think that?!"
Ray was amused and touched at the same time. "I think
a lot of people might think that, Benny."
"Well they're wrong," Ben said vehemently. "You are
the best person I have ever known. What they should
be asking is if I'm good enough for you."
Ray laughed quietly and pulled Ben's arm until Benny
was lying against his chest once again. "You are,
Benny. You absolutely are."
Ben smiled. "Do you really think so, Ray?"
"Oh, absolutely, Benny. A man with a bedroll and a
wolf? What's not to love?"
Ben laughed. "Thank you kindly, Ray."
"You're welcome kindly, Benny."
There was a rustling of sheets as Ben settled more
comfortably against Ray.
"Do you think you can sleep now, Benny?"
"Probably. But just to be sure, I think I need a good
night kiss."
Ray grinned, then gave Benny a long, loving kiss.
"I love you, Benny."
"I love you, Ray."
Two contented sighs sounded in the bedroom, and then
all was quiet.
THE END