The Christmas Kiss	  

Believe it or not the Kender still lives (and has actually had a chance to

 do some more writing)!  And there was much rejoicing (I hope...) 
      Maybe it's something about the season.  Maybe it's the fact that my 
 new job lets me have 2 weeks off for winter break (I LOVE working for a 
 university <g) and my Muse decided I have nothing better to do.  Or maybe

 it's the fact that even as I near the 3 - 0 mark I *Still* have trouble 
 sleeping Christmas Eve <g.  Whatever the reason, the Guys decided to send

 me this particular "Christmas vision" at 7:30 pm on Christmas Eve and
I've 
 just now gotten it fit to post.  I hope you enjoy it. 
      Once again, the characters don't belong to me, I just *Wish* they
did. 
  No copyright infringement is intended and no money was made from it (so 
 don't sue.  I'm finally getting just enough to pay off the bills I
already 
 have ;-).  

     A few notes:  1.  This is a NC-17 m/m story.  If the idea of two men 
 engaging in loving (and Hot) relations offends you then don't read it. 
 (Sorry mom!) 
       2.  This does contain a few spoilers for 3rd season, but not many. 
 This is NOT a new guy story though he is in it (for a little while
anyway). 
      3.  The // symbol indicates character thought 
      4.  If you like this story, please feel free to drop me a line care
of 
 Mooncat (nekoneko@southwind.net)  Just be sure to put "Kender" somewhere
in 
 the subject line so she knows where to direct it.  I LOVE Feedback (it's 
 good for my fragile little Kender ego... <g) 
   
    So, without further babbling, on to the story: 
 ****************  The Christmas Kiss 

   by Kender  

     It was Christmas again and Constable Benton Fraser was alone.  Three 
 years ago such a state of affairs would have been normal.  Now... now it 
 felt strange to be alone on Christmas.  In the Territories, it had been 
 just Dief and him and that had suited the Mountie.  But three years ago
he 
 had come to Chicago to find his father's killer and everything changed. 
He 
 had gained a best friend and been swept into the arms of a boisterous 
 Italian clan that now claimed him as one of their own. As he sat in his 
 dimly lit office Fraser wondered why the solitude seemed so much more 
 barren than he remembered.  It wasn't that he had no place to go, quite
the 
 opposite, he had several open invitations.  Rosa, Ray's mother, had 
 encouraged him to join them saying it wasn't good for a person to spend 
 Christmas alone.  He knew he should still be at Rosa Vecchio's Christmas 
 dinner, but he just couldn't face his adopted family without Ray there. 
It 
 was too hard. 
      Ray had left for his undercover assignment several months ago, and 
 Fraser felt his absence now more than ever.  He hadn't realized how
*much* 
 he missed Ray until Francesca had come to collect her "Christmas gift". 
In 
 the three years he had been with the Vecchio family the "Christmas Kiss" 
 had become something of a tradition between them.  Francesca would always

 find some way to get him beneath the mistletoe at least once during the 
 holiday and Fraser would let her.  This year she had held the sprig of 
 mistletoe over his head and kissed him.  It wasn't the first time she had

 kissed him, and he *had* been expecting it, but something unexpected 
 happened.  As Francesca's lips brushed his, Fraser remembered another 
 kiss... a soul-shattering kiss.  The only kiss he and Ray had ever
shared.  

     Even now he wasn't sure what had prompted the kiss, but no kiss had 
 ever affected him like that one.  He and Ray had been on a stakeout.  It 
 was cold in the Riv and they had been passing the time talking when Ray
had 
 asked him about his childhood.  Fraser spoke of his mother, his 
 grandparents, his father and Ray had listened without comment.  When
Fraser 
 had spoken of his mother's death, Ray had reached across the seat and
taken 
 his hand.  It wasn't unusual for Ray to touch him, but this touch was 
 different... charged.  "Benny," Ray had asked softly, "were you ever
lonely?" 
      "I don't remember being lonely Ray.  Solitude was just the way
things 
 were." 
     Hazel-green eyes regarded him solemnly, "You sound so *sad* when you 
 talk about your childhood Benny.  No child should sound that sad." 
      "I'm not sad now Ray." 
      Long, delicate fingers reached up and caressed his face, "Good." 
      He had leaned into that caress, delighting in the feel of that
strong 
 hand resting tenderly against his face.  He had never felt so
cherished... 
 so... *loved*.  Then Ray had moved toward him, slowly, as if giving him 
 time to draw away.  Fraser couldn't have moved if he had wanted to, which

 he hadn't.  The sight of those beautiful eyes, that handsome face inching

 toward him, so completely open and caring, rooted him to the spot.  Then,

 he had felt the brush of those soft lips against his and all coherent 
 thought fled.  His eyes closed as he concentrated on the gentle pressure
of 
 Ray's lips on his, the heady scent of aftershave and *Ray*, the sound of 
 their ragged breathing as the kiss deepened and Ray's fingers twined into

 his hair.  Fraser stilled as long dormant emotions flooded his senses. 
      Ray felt the change and groaned, pulling away as if burned, "God 
 Benny, I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have..."  Troubled eyes turned away from 
 puzzled blue and back towards the motel they were watching. 
      "Ray, it's alri..." Further comments were forestalled by the 
 appearance of their quarry and Ray seemed all too happy to let the
incident 
 drop. 
    

     Fraser had let it drop as well, not wanting to upset his friend, 
 thinking they'd have time later to discuss what had happened between
them. 
 That time had ended while Fraser was away.  Ray had taken a dangerous 
 undercover assignment and now Fraser wasn't sure that he ever have the 
 chance to tell his friend how he truly felt.  That kiss had haunted his 
 dreams, making him more and more aware of the Italian's presence, and his

 absence.  That absence had become almost overwhelming the moment he had 
 stepped into the Vecchio household. 
       For appearances sake he and Stan "Ray Vecchio" Kowalski had gone to

 the Vecchio home after Stan had finished his shift.  It would have seemed

 strange for "Ray" to not go home for Christmas, and even stranger for him

 not to drag the Mountie with him.  The moment Fraser had stepped into the

 house, he knew it was a mistake.  The house, newly remodeled from the
fire 
 damage it suffered after Ray left, felt strangely empty even as the
Vecchio 
 children clamored around him.  He wondered if Ray knew about the fire, or

 any of the other changes that had gone on since he'd gone undercover.  He

 couldn't help wondering how Ray was spending his holiday... and if Ray 
 missed him. 
      Rosa Vecchio had welcomed him with a broad smile and a warm, 
 enveloping hug.  Ray's mother reminded Fraser of his own mother, or at 
 least what he remembered his mother being like,  warm, gentle, loving. 
To 
 Rosa, he was as much one of her own as Ray and she was not above taking 
 Fraser to task if she felt he wasn't taking care of himself.  And that
was 
 exactly what she had done the moment he had stepped into the house.  She 
 had pulled him into the kitchen, given Dief one of her sweetbuns over 
 Fraser's protests, and sat Fraser down to "Talk".  That's where Francesca

 had found him, sitting calmly at the Vecchio kitchen table.  He suspected

 she been waiting all evening for him to arrive, to claim her "gift" as
soon 
 as possible.  But as Francesca claimed her kiss all he could think of was

 another pair of Vecchio lips pressing against his...  warm, masculine
lips 
 that had claimed him, made him ache for more.  Lips that he might never 
 feel again.  His heart cracked and he knew he had to get away. 
      "Francesca!" Rosa's voice had brought him sharply back to the
present. 
      "Yeah Ma?"  Francesca's voice was soft, dreamy. 
      "Leave the poor boy alone.  He and I have things to discuss and they

 don't include you.  Out!" 
      Fraser was glad for Rosa's intervention.  He doubted he could have 
 extracted himself gracefully from Francesca's embrace.  He turned
grateful 
 eyes on Ray's mother and was startled at the understanding there.  She
had 
 seen his discomfort and he wondered uneasily what else she had seen.  Her

 eyes, so much like Ray's, saw into his soul and Fraser knew he couldn't 
 stay, not without betraying himself.  After Francesca left, he had made
his 
 excuses, telling Rosa how he had a large report he had to get done before

 Inspector Thatcher got back on the following Monday. It was "technically"

 true.  There was a report due, but he had all but the conclusion done,
and 
 that would take him no time to do.  He had the feeling Rosa knew that,
but 
 she had simply smiled and wrapped up a portion of the Christmas meal for 
 him to take with him.  Stan had tried to get him to stay, but one look
from 
 "Ma" had convinced him to take Fraser home without further comment. 
       She had walked them to the door and pulled Fraser into another warm

 hug.  "I miss him too caro, but he'll be back. Never doubt that Benton, 
 he'll come back to us."  She kissed his cheek and sent them out into the 
 snowy Christmas night.  The ride back to the Consulate passed in silence,

 each man lost in his own thoughts.  Stan had dropped him off, making him 
 promise to stop by the house the following afternoon for lunch.  Fraser
had 
 nodded noncommittally and entered the empty building, heading
automatically 
 for his office/home.  

     And there he sat, two hours later, staring at the same blank page, 
 lost in his holiday melancholy.  Dief had long since abandoned his vigil
by 
 Fraser's chair in favor of his sleeping pillow in the far corner of the 
 small office.  Fraser was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't 
 realize anyone else was in the building until his office door opened. 
      "I'm looking for a Constable Benton Fraser and was told he might be 
 here." 
      "I'm Constable Fraser," he answered automatically, looking up to see

 who his visitor was. The man's thin form was backlit by the lights in the

 hall, the shadows obscuring his features.  The figure was bundled against

 the December chill but something about the man's stance was hauntingly 
 familiar.  Fraser dismissed it as part of his holiday wishing.  "Can I
help 
 you?" he asked, all professional politeness once again. 
      The figure in the doorway pushed back his hood, sending a shower of 
 snow cascading to the floor, "I hope so.  It seems I've misplaced my best

 friend.  He's an impossibly polite Canadian.  Dresses in red a lot, sees 
 only the best in everybody..." 
       Fraser felt his heart stop. 
      The figure moved slowly into the room removing his overcoat and 
 placing it on the coat rack near the door, "Apparently his apartment
burned 
 down and he's taken to living at work."  Finally, the figure stood before

 Fraser's desk, the desk lamp highlighting his sharp features, "Never mind

 that there were perfectly good rooms at my old place." 
      "Your place was under renovation after the fire Ray," he whispered 
 through a suddenly dry throat. 
      "I know Benny.  Ma told me." 
      His heart started beating again.  "Ray?" 
      The specter before him smiled, "Yeah Benny, it's me." 
      Fraser was around his desk and enfolded in strong arms before he had

 time to think about his actions.  Ray's arms pulled him close and Fraser 
 was surprised at how thin Ray felt.  He wrapped his arms around the 
 Italian, reassuring himself that Ray truly was there in one piece.  He 
 could feel Ray's breath against his neck and shuddered, tightening his
grip 
 around the man he feared he'd never see again.  Overwhelming emotions
burst 
 through his reserve and Fraser clung to Ray like a drowning man clutching
a 
 lifeline. 
      Gentle hands stroked his hair, "It's ok Benny.  I'm really here. 
It's 
 all over and I'm back in one piece.  I'm right here.  It's ok, I'm not 
 going anywhere.  I promise."  Ray continued the reassuring litany until
the 
 tremors eased and Fraser relaxed against him.  "Ok now?" he asked, not 
 releasing the Canadian.  Fraser nodded against the slender shoulder, 
 pulling reluctantly away from the welcome embrace.  Ray let him draw away

 slightly, but not completely.  He studied the haunted, gray face before 
 him, shocked by the change in his friend. //Ma said something was wrong 
 Benny, and I intend to find out what.// 
      Fraser refused to meet the hazel-green eyes he knew were watching
him. 
  He struggled to regain his normal composure, to try and keep the want, 
 need, and *love* from his eyes.  He didn't want to risk driving this
light 
 from his world, not after he'd just regained it.  He dropped his arms
from 
 their place around Ray's waist, expecting Ray to do the same.  Ray's arms

 remained draped casually around Fraser's shoulders.  Fraser's heart 
 lightened every so slightly.  He ventured a look at Ray's face. 
 Hazel-green eyes searched his face and Fraser dropped his eyes again. 
      Long, gentle fingers caught his chin and drew it upwards until he 
 couldn't avoid those searching orbs.  "Benny.  I thought you'd be happy
to 
 see me." 
      "I am Ray.  It's just... unexpected." 
      Ray laughed, "That's what Inspector Thatcher said." 
      Fraser started, "The Inspector knew?" 
      "How do you think I got in tonight Benny?  Welsh contacted her to
see 
 if I could spend the last few days of my debriefing here.  Some of the 
 people we've taken down had contacts high-up in the force.  Who would
think 
 to look in the Canadian Consulate for an American cop?" 
      "Anyone who knew of your friendship with me." 
      Ray smiled, "But *I'm* still here.  I never left, remember.  'Ray 
 Vecchio' is still safely ensconced in the bosom of his loving family,
where 
 his best friend should be as well.  You ruined my entrance by leaving
early 
 Benny," he teased.  "Ma said she tried to get you to stay, but you had to

 work."  He left out the rest of what his mother had said.  How she knew 
 that Fraser wasn't being completely truthful and how Fraser *Needed* him.

 She had practically thrown him out of his own home and told him to go to 
 Fraser. 
      "Your mother knew?" 
      Ray didn't miss the sadness in Fraser's tone. "Not *officially* no, 
 but somehow she knew *something* big was going to happen tonight.  I
think 
 it's an Italian Mother thing."  His green eyes sparkled with merriment, 
 drawing Fraser in.  For the first time since Ray had entered the tiny 
 office, Fraser smiled.  Ray caressed the soft cheek under his fingers, 
 "That's better," he murmured.  Fraser blushed and looked away.  Ray 
 frowned, "What's wrong Benny?" 
      Silence. 
      "Fraser," he said, using the voice he usually reserved for 
 disciplining his nephews, firm but loving, "talk." 
      "About what Ray?" 
      "Oh no you don't Benny.  Just because I've been gone doesn't mean
you 
 can get away with that 'obtuse Mountie' act.  You know 'about what'. 
 What's going on Benny?  Why are you so freaked about this?" 
      "I never thought I'd see you again Ray."  The Mountie's voice was 
 little more that a whisper but there was no mistaking the pain in the 
 revelation. "I thought I'd lost you like I've lost everyone else I've 
 ever... loved."  Fraser's voice broke on the word but he forced himself
to 
 continue, wanting to get everything out before Ray could have a chance to

 leave.  "I never got to say goodbye Ray.  Every time someone I've cared
for 
 has left without saying goodbye... they've died.  When my mother was ill,

 they sent me to my grandparents.  She was already under the doctor's care

 and they didn't want to upset me so I never got a chance to say goodbye. 
 The last time I saw her, she was sleeping and I was scared to wake her, 
 thinking that if she could just sleep she'd get better.  I never said 
 goodbye.  I never told her how much I loved her.  She died two days
later. 
      "My grandparents died while I was away at Academy.  My father died 
 alone on the tundra," tears he couldn't stop coursed down his cheeks.  "I

 never got the chance to say goodbye to any of them.  When I came back and

 found out that you had left... all those lost chances came back to me.  I

 thought that I'd lose you as well.  I thought I'd never see you again,
that 
 I'd never be able to tell you..." he stopped, unable to continue. 
     "Never be able to tell me what Benny?"  Ray's voice sounded strange, 
 but Fraser still couldn't bring himself to look at that handsome face. 
      He pulled away from Ray, trying to regain his normal reserve and 
 failing, "Nothing." 
      "Would that 'nothing' be that you love me Benny?"  Fraser refused to

 answer, but his slumped shoulders spoke volumes.  Ray smiled at the broad

 back now turned towards him. //Well Vecchio,// he thought, //let's hope 
 those instincts of yours are right.// He took a deep breath and
continued, 
 "I hope so, because the hope that you might actually care about me the
way 
 I care about you was the only thing that kept me going during parts of
this 
 damned assignment."  Fraser's head snapped up and Ray couldn't stop the 
 smile that spread across his face. //Thank you!// He kept his voice 
 carefully neutral as he continued, "Was I wrong Benny?" 
      "No." 
      Ray never realized that one simple word could have such an impact on

 his soul.  He struggled to keep his voice steady as he reached for the 
 gentle man before him, "Good."  He placed a reassuring hand on the
slumped 
 shoulder and felt Fraser tremble.  Without a word he pulled the Canadian
to 
 him, cradling him close and stroking the silk-fine hair. 
      Fraser leaned into the embrace, afraid even to breathe lest he
disturb 
 the magic of the moment.  He listened to the steady beat of the heart 
 beneath his ear and felt the tension of the past several months slowly
ease 
 from his body.  He felt Ray chuckle and found himself smiling at the
joyous 
 sound.  He sighed as soft lips brushed against his temple.  He lifted his

 face and found hazel-green eyes watching him uncertainly.  With a smile 
 that made Ray's heart race, Fraser leaned forward and claimed the lips he

 had dreamed of claiming for so long. 
      The kiss was tender, almost timid... then Ray moaned.  That muffled 
 sound was all the encouragement Fraser needed.  He deepened the kiss, 
 sliding his lips over Ray's.  Ray's arms tightened around him and he
could 
 feel the Italian trembling against him.  He traced the thin, sensuous 
 outline of Ray's lips with his tongue and the lips parted for him
readily. 
 He slowly, thoroughly plundered the moist cavern that opened to him.  Ray

 tasted of coffee and chocolate and Fraser thought it was the sweetest
thing 
 he had ever sampled.  He felt Ray's tongue brush against his and his
knees 
 went weak at the intimate heat the touch sent through his body.  It was
his 
 turn to moan as Ray devoured him, driving all coherent thought from his
brain. 
      Finally, reluctantly, Ray drew back and smiled at the Mountie...
*His* 
 Mountie, "I've wanted to do that for *months*." 
      Passion darkened blue eyes locked with his, "Then why didn't you?" 
      Ray blushed, "After your reaction in the Riv I didn't think you'd
want 
 me to." 
      "You were wrong."  With that simple pronouncement, Fraser pulled Ray

 against his body, letting the Italian detective feel just how wrong he
had 
 been. 
      "Oh Benny," Ray leaned into the strong body pressed so intimately 
 against his own.  His hips involuntarily arched against the Canadian, 
 eliciting a strangled moan from the Mountie.  Ray pressed in closer, 
 nestling himself against Fraser's own rising passion.  He smiled as the 
 Mountie drew in a sharp breath and buried his face in Ray's neck.  Ray 
 kissed the soft, chestnut hair then brought his hand up to stroke the 
 silken mass, "Even in the heart of Chicago, you manage to smell like the 
 'Great Outdoors' Benny." 
      "Thank you kindly Ray," came the breathless reply. 
      Ray laughed and kissed the upturned face, "You're welcome love. 
 You're welcome."  His hazel-green eyes turned serious, "What do you want 
 Benny?  I know what I want, but I have to be sure it's what you want too 
 before this goes any further." 
      Fraser never hesitated, "I want *you* Ray.  I want you." 
      "I was hoping you'd say that." 
      No further words were needed as their lips met once more.  Slender 
 fingers found and unfastened the buttons on Fraser's soft flannel shirt, 
 parting the fabric to get to the silken skin underneath.  Nimble fingers 
 played across the heated flesh, exploring, teasing, loving.  Fraser
hissed 
 as those fingers found a nipple and pinched it slightly.  Mischievous
green 
 eyes watched his face as the nipple was squeezed a second time.  Fraser 
 moaned and Ray smiled triumphantly.  Without taking his eyes off Fraser's

 face, Ray lowered himself slightly and took the offended nipple into his 
 mouth.  Fraser's head fell back as Ray's tongue danced over his unusually

 sensitive flesh.  Ray gently grazed the pebbled flesh with his teeth 
 working the nipple to a hard peak before moving his attention to its 
 matching neighbor.  Fraser was writhing against him. 
      Strong arms wrapped around Ray's slender shoulders, pulling him 
 closer.  Large hands grasped at his short hair as if seeking a handhold. 
 Ray ran his hands down Fraser's solid chest, lingering over the band of 
 Fraser's jeans.  With a quick tug the flannel shirt came free of the
waist 
 band and Ray followed the tight denim around to the small of Fraser's
back. 
  He released the tender bud he'd been toying with and kissed his way back

 up Fraser's chest and neck.  As he captured those full lips once more he 
 cupped the Canadian's denim covered buttocks and pulled him forward. 
Even 
 through the layers of cloth Ray could feel the heat of Fraser's arousal
as 
 it pressed against his own.  Suddenly, the separation was too much.  He 
 needed to feel Fraser's skin against his own, to feel the Canadian
writhing 
 under him as passion took him.  He needed to make the Canadian *his*. 
 With impatient fingers he undid the fly of Fraser's jeans, easing the 
 fabric open and running his fingers across the soft flesh of Fraser's 
 abdomen.  He heard Fraser moan breathlessly as he stroked the cotton 
 encased erection, noting with a smile the trace of moisture on the
briefs. 
      He began to ease the jeans off Fraser's hips when Fraser's hands 
 covered his, stilling them.  "Ray?" 
      "Yeah Benny." 
      "I want to see you." 
      Ray smiled to cover his initial nervousness, "Later Benny."  He
kissed 
 the Canadian passionately and massaged Fraser through the heavy denim. 
      Fraser wouldn't be distracted, "I want to see you Ray.  I want to
feel 
 your skin against mine."  Blue eyes, bright with barely restrained lust 
 fixed on the Italian's face, "Please." 
      Ray could never resist those eyes.  He nodded and stepped back from 
 his partner... //his *lover*// he thought with a smile.  He slid his grey

 suit jacket off his shoulders and draped it over a nearby chair.  He kept

 his back turned to the Canadian as he struggled with his silk tie,
finally 
 managing to undo the tight knot and laying it with the jacket.  He had 
 managed two buttons on the expensive silk shirt before hands closed on
his 
 shoulders and he felt himself turned.  Fraser drew Ray's hands away and 
 undid the buttons himself, watching critically as each new inch of flesh 
 was exposed to him.  "Benny..." 
      "Shhh," Fraser didn't miss the subtle note of panic in his friend's 
 voice.  He reached up and caressed the well- loved face, "It's alright 
 Ray."  The hazel-green eyes watched him as the last button opened and the

 shirt was eased from deceptively slight shoulders.  Loving fingers traced

 the half healed gash that started just below Ray's left collar bone and 
 ended abruptly at his side, just under his left arm.  Fraser studied the 
 cut intently before meeting Ray's gaze.  "Knife wound.  Deep but not 
 fatal... just barely.  What happened?" 
      "I was almost found out.  One of the men I was working with decided
I 
 was too good to be true and decided to check me out.  Apparently the man
I 
 replaced was of a 'open' nature and this man had shared his bed once 
 before.  The man came to my room one night and tried to resume the 
 relationship.  Apparently I lacked a few of my namesake's scars and the
man 
 attacked me.  He'd come prepared and managed to knife me before I could
get 
 away.  He left me there to die and probably would have succeeded if the 
 Don's daughter hadn't seen him leave my room.  She found me and saved my 
 life.  She stayed close while I was recovering and helped convince her 
 father that he should send the man elsewhere.  I think she knew I wasn't 
 who I claimed to be, but she never once gave me away.  She was a sweet
kid 
 and I hated using her Benny.  I was never so happy to see an assignment
end. 
      "As I was lying in that bed bleeding all I could think was that I'd 
 never get the chance to tell you that I love you.  That I'd never get the

 chance to hold you and show you how much joy you've brought into my life 
 Benny.  I never realized how important those things were until I saw a
life 
 without that... a life without you."  The green eyes that locked with his

 were full of an emotion Fraser couldn't name but one that warmed his
soul. 
 "I don't want to lose you Benny.  You mean far too much to me." 
      Fraser couldn't find the words to express the feelings flooding 
 through him so he responded in the best way he could.  He drew the
slender 
 detective into his arms and kissed him.  He could feel Ray respond to
him, 
 pressing closer, seeking his warmth.  He wondered what else had happened
to 
 the detective in his time away but knew that there would be time to seek 
 those answers later, much later.  Fraser ran his hands over Ray's lithe 
 form, the supple strength in the compact frame evident to his questing 
 fingers.  The feel of warm flesh against his own was a sweet torment and 
 Fraser felt his body responding once again to the passion he felt for his

 friend and now lover. 
      He felt Ray's hands move to his waist once again and this time he 
 didn't back away.  He felt his jeans and briefs pushed to the floor by 
 trembling hands.  He stepped free of the fabric and bent to remove his 
 boots and socks.  Ray's hands traced the contours of his flank and Fraser

 shivered.  Slender fingers explored the pale globes of his buttocks, 
 feather soft touches lingering at the crease where cheek met thigh and 
 Fraser struggled for control.  He rose and captured the teasing hand in
his 
 own.  He stood naked and unashamed before the man who held his heart, his

 arousal clearly evident. 
      "God, you are so beautiful Benny." 
     The whispered reverence in the words caused Fraser to blush.  Never
had 
 he felt so cherished.  Without a word he reached for the Italian and
deftly 
 unfastened the Armani slacks, easing them from the narrow hips.  He eased

 his hand over the perfect flesh clothed in black silk.  He could see
Ray's 
 arousal pressing against the constraining fabric and stroked it.  Ray's 
 hips pressed forward into the caressing hand and Fraser smiled.  He
hooked 
 his fingers in the elastic waistband of Ray's briefs and drew them slowly

 downward, freeing Ray's beautiful manhood.  He could smell Ray's 
 excitement, could see the effect he had on the other man and it thrilled 
 him.  He helped Ray step from the pool of his clothing, kneeling to take 
 the shoes and socks as well.  Finally Fraser rose and studied the
slender, 
 olive skinned perfection before him and smiled. 
      Ray flushed under Fraser's scrutiny, painfully aware of his too thin

 and angular frame.  He could feel Fraser's eyes on him, studying him and 
 wondered what the Canadian saw when he looked at him. 
      "Do you know how handsome you are Ray?" 
      Ray felt the tension ease from his body.  He reached for the
Canadian 
 and drew him in close, pressing their bodies together.  The feel of 
 Fraser's manhood pressed so tightly against his own almost shattered
Ray's 
 tenuous control but he wanted more from this handsome man, so much more. 
 He felt Fraser thrusting against him and clasped his hands around the
firm 
 buttocks drawing him even closer.  Fraser moaned at the delicious
friction 
 of Ray's skin against his heated shaft and quickly spent himself between 
 their tightly pressed bodies. 
      Ray held Fraser close as the after shocks of his release shook him. 
 He whispered lovingly in Fraser's ear, "You're beautiful when you lose 
 control." 
      Surprisingly strong arms gripped his waist and Fraser's voice
soundly 
 roughly in his ear, "When do I get to see you?" 
      Ray's knees went weak at the passion in Fraser's voice, "Any time 
 love.  Any time." 
      "Now." 
      Ray searched Fraser's flushed features and felt his body tighten in 
 response, "I want to make love to you Benny.  Will you let me?" 
      "Yes." 
      "Are you sure?" 
      Fraser reached between their bodies and ran his fingers slowly up 
 Ray's straining manhood, "Make love to me Ray." 
      It was all the encouragement Ray needed, "Where do you sleep Benny?"

      "Here.  I have a bed roll and...." 
      Ray silenced him with a quick kiss, "Set it up for us Benny.  I want

 to be able to sleep with you in my arms tonight." 
      "Understood Ray." 
      Fraser spread the blankets and sleeping mat out over the floor, 
 pushing things out of the way to make room for both of them.  Ray crossed

 to the closed door and locked it.  At Fraser's look he shrugged, "I don't

 want to be disturbed tomorrow morning." 
     Fraser nodded and went back to laying out their bedding.  He heard
Ray 
 yelp and turned worriedly.  Ray was leaning against the door laughing
with 
 Dief at his feet, "Some watch dog you are," he scolded.  "Your master
could 
 have been carried off by now and you would have never known."  Dief
looked 
 unrepentant as he regarded his favorite Chicago resident, "Think about
this 
 Furface, who'd feed you if he disappeared?"  Dief tilted his head 
 questioningly then looked back at Fraser, who was watching the exchange
in 
 amusement.  "Exactly," Ray continued, ruffling the wolf's thick ruff of 
 fur, "I thought I told you to keep an eye on him for me.  Well at least 
 he's still in one piece.  Now scoot.  I want some privacy here."  Fraser 
 watched in amazement as Dief nudged Ray's hand one last time and then 
 returned to his sleeping pillow, his back turned to the room. 
      "Ray?" 
      "He and I had a talk before I left.  I told him if he kept you safe 
 until I got back I'd get Ma to fix him something special." 
      "Ray!" 
      Ray crossed the room and knelt beside Fraser on the bedding, "Well
it 
 worked didn't it?"  Without waiting for an answer he claimed Fraser's
lips 
 in a bruising kiss that left them both breathless.  He eased Fraser down 
 onto the blankets, his hands claiming the Canadian's body as thoroughly
as 
 his kiss claimed Fraser's heart.  Soon Fraser was writhing beneath him
once 
 again.  Ray fought to keep his own passion in check and raised himself up

 on one elbow to stare at the disheveled Adonis beside him.  "Are you
still 
 sure about this Benny?" he asked, pushing a stray lock of chestnut hair 
 back from Fraser's flushed face. 
      "Yes."  Fraser reached out and ran unsteady fingers down Ray's
cheek, 
 "Ray?" 
      "Hummm?"  Ray murmured as he bent to nuzzle the delicate skin just 
 below Fraser's ear. 
      "Is this the first time.... I mean, have you ever...?" 
      Ray chuckled, "Are you asking if I've ever made love to a man
before?" 
      Fraser blushed. 
      "Yes Benny, I've been with a man before.  Once or twice.  Is that a 
 problem?" 
      "No.  I'm just... I mean, I know the mechanics of... *it* but..." 
 Fraser let the question trail off. 
      Ray stroked the handsome face, "Do you trust me Benny?" 
      "With my life Ray." 
      "Then just relax and let me love you like I've done so many times in

 my dreams." 
      Fraser felt his breath catch at the tenderness in Ray's tone and he 
 opened himself up to the man beside him. 
      Ray urged Fraser onto his stomach and began to massage the broad
back, 
 feeling Fraser's body relax under his hands.  On each downward stroke
Ray's 
 hands ventured further down the glorious expanse of flesh.  As Fraser
grew 
 accustomed to the touch, Ray began to include the inner thighs on his 
 "route".  At the feather touch, Fraser parted his legs, silently begging 
 Ray for more contact.  Ray smiled and trailed a hand up between Fraser's 
 firm thighs to cup the heavy weight of Fraser's sac.  He rolled the
fragile 
 treasures between his fingers until Fraser's moaned his name pleadingly, 
 opening his legs even wider for Ray's tormenting fingers.  Ray smiled and

 reached across Fraser for a small bottle he had brought back with him
when 
 he had locked the door. 
      He withdrew his hand and Fraser whimpered at the loss of Ray's
touch. 
 "Easy Benny.  We've got all night.  There's no hurry."   The ache in
Ray's 
 groin told him otherwise, but he'd waited for this for so long, he wanted

 to make sure it was perfect for his beautiful partner.  If the undercover

 assignment had taught him nothing else, it had taught him that
anticipation 
 and patience paid off well in the end.  He had waited this long, he could

 hold out a little longer.  He poured a little of the oil into his palm to

 warm and then passed his oil slicked hand over the gentle curve of
Fraser's 
 backside.  Fraser's hips arched back to meet the caress and Ray took 
 advantage of the offered angle to press a well oiled finger into the dark

 crevice between those fleshy globes.  Fraser inhaled sharply.  "Relax
love. 
  I'm not going to hurt you."  Ray's hand stilled, but his finger remained

 resting lightly on the dark star that it sought to open. 
      As Fraser relaxed Ray began to move his finger in slow, easy circles

 over the tight ring of muscles.  Fraser felt his body responding and 
 moaned.  The moan turned to a startled cry as the finger pressed forward,

 gaining entrance into his body.  He stilled, his breathing coming in
quick 
 puffs. 
      "Breathe Benny.  Breathe and relax." 
      Fraser struggled to comply.  He focused on *Who* was touching him
and 
 he calmed.  He could do this.  He *Wanted* to do this.  He felt Ray's
other 
 hand on the small of his back rubbing in soothing circles.  He relaxed. 
 Then Ray began to move his finger in and out.  Fraser concentrated on 
 remaining relaxed as Ray thrust into him, each stroke going a little
deeper 
 than the last until Fraser's world exploded in a shower of stars. 
      Ray knew when he had found "the spot", not because of the feel of
the 
 small gland beneath his finger but because of Fraser's reaction.  The 
 Canadian went still, uttering the quietest of gasps before pressing
back... 
 HARD against Ray's finger.  As Fraser's body relaxed in release Ray
pulled 
 his finger out just far enough to add a second to the tender invasion. 
The 
 fingers slid easily into Fraser's well oiled passage and soon Ray was
able 
 to add a third finger to the others, opening Fraser further, preparing
him 
 for Ray's member. 
      Fraser pressed back against the invading digits wanting more,
wanting 
 to feel Ray's full weight pressed against his back as the Detective
claimed 
 him completely.  "Please Ray," he moaned, "take me.  Make me yours." 
      The fingers withdrew slowly and Ray urged Fraser to his hands and 
 knees.  With trembling hands Ray coated his painfully erect member with 
 more oil and spread Fraser's glorious cheeks.  He worked more oil into
the 
 puckered star, wanting to make sure Fraser was well lubricated.  That
done 
 he rested the head of his manhood against the tight opening leaning in 
 slightly, letting Fraser become accustom to the feel of him.  "Are you 
 still sure about this Benny?" he asked breathlessly, "I'll understand if 
 you've changed your mind." 
      "Please Ray..." 
      Ray ran a loving hand down the bowed back before him and then
pressed 
 his hips forward. Fraser gasped at the pressure/pain that shot through
him 
 as Ray began to press into him.  "Relax Benny.  It'll be ok, I swear. 
 Trust me."  Fraser forced himself to breathe and relax, to not fight
Ray's 
 intimate invasion.  Ray's breathing was labored as he pressed
relentlessly 
 forward, soothing his lover with murmured reassurances.  To Fraser's
relief 
 the pain soon gave way to a sense of fullness as Ray stilled, buried deep

 within him.  Fraser tried to catch his breath, letting his body grow 
 accustom to the unfamiliar, but not unpleasant, sensation. 
      "You ok Benny?" 
      Fraser could hear the strain in Ray's voice and knew the restraint
his 
 passionate lover must be exerting, "Yes Ray." 
     "Good."  With that, Ray began to move. 
     Fraser gasped as Ray pulled back then pressed forward once more.  It 
 didn't take long for Fraser to lose himself in the rhythm Ray
established. 
 He could feel Ray pressed tight within him, claiming him, loving him. 
His 
 own hips began to move in time with Ray's thrusts, straining upward to 
 cradle his lover deeper within him. 
      Ray curled over Fraser's back protectively, holding tight to the
other 
 man's hips.  Ray could feel his own release building and wanted to take
his 
 lover with him.  He reached around Fraser's body and found Fraser's
shaft. 
 Ray grasped the erect member and began to stroke it with a gently but
firm 
 hand.  The shaft was like hot silk over pulsing steel as Ray began to 
 establish a blissful counterpoint to the thrusting of his hips.  In no
time 
 Fraser was writhing mindlessly under Ray's ministrations.  Ray felt the 
 familiar tightening of his body as his orgasm approached.  He leaned 
 forward, pressing himself deep into Fraser's heat and whispered into the 
 pale, shell shaped ear, "I love you Benny.  You're mine.  All mine." 
      The passion filled tones combined with the overload of sensation
sent 
 Fraser toppling over the edge with a strangled cry.  Ray felt the warm 
 wetness of Fraser's release fill his palm as the Canadian's body closed 
 possessively around him.  He joined his lover in a mind-blowing climax.  

     Fraser slowly came back to awareness.  He could feel Ray's weight 
 pressing him down into the sleeping mat.  The Italian's breathing was 
 ragged but slowing and Fraser could feel the rapid flutter of Ray's heart

 against his back.  He smiled.  Finally he felt whole.  Ray stirred and 
 nuzzled his neck.  Fraser sighed contentedly, "Thank you kindly Ray," he 
 whispered. 
      Ray kissed the nape of Fraser's neck and then slowly withdrew from
his 
 lover's body.  Fraser was amazed at the sudden feeling of loss he felt as

 Ray's body no longer lay nestled within him.  As if reading his mind, Ray

 pulled him close and cradled Fraser's body against his chest for a long 
 moment, "Thank you Benny."  He kissed the Canadian and then stood. 
Fraser 
 watched him in confusion.  "It's ok Benny.  I'll be right back."  Ray
moved 
 across the room to his coat and returned with a soft cloth and a thermos.

 He opened the thermos and dampened the cloth with its contents.  "I come 
 prepaired.  I don't intend to move from this bed for a while yet and I
hate 
 to go to bed sticky."  Fraser blushed.  Ray chuckled, "You know, you're 
 absolutely adorable when you're flustered." 
     Fraser smiled and took the damp cloth from Ray's hands and began to 
 clean Ray's shrinking manhood.  Ray gasped and whimpered at Fraser's 
 attentive touch, "So are you love.  So are you." 
     Ray took the cloth and kissed Fraser's kiss swollen lips.  He eased
the 
 Canadian over and cleaned the evidence of their lovemaking from his body 
 before settling down next to Fraser on the blankets.  Fraser reached up
and 
 turned off the desk lamp, drew the blanket up over Ray's reposed form,
and 
 then snuggled down into his lover's embrace.  He settled into the 
 protective circle of Ray's arms with a contented sigh. 
      Ray kissed Fraser's forehead gently, "I've missed you Benny," he 
 whispered. 
      "I've missed you as well Ray," came the equally hushed reply, "and
I'm 
 glad you're home." 
     "So am I Benny.  I'm glad I'm finally *home*."  

                                         The End 
 ********** 
 Again, if you enjoyed this, please direct all comments and much missed
sexy 
 Chicago cops (and cute Canadian Mounties) to nekoneko@southwind.net with 
 "Kender" in the subject line.	

Thank you kindly, 
 Kender (who with a flip of her blonde top-knot scurries back into the 
 lurking shadows to try and fulfill one of her New Year's resolutions... 
 not to wait so long between story postings.) 
 Peace.