ADVENTURE

*
*By GILDA LILY*

A Post-"COTW" story.
Rating: PG
Mild m/m content.
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, Alliance does, for otters' sake.
(c) October 9, 1998

Ben smiled at Buck Frobisher and shook his hand. The older man's
blue eyes twinkled as his breath formed little puffs of smoke on the
cold Arctic air.

"C'mon, Fraser, let's get the lead out!"

Ben glanced back and his smile grew affectionate. No matter which
Ray was in his life, neither one was long on patience. His smile
faltered as he remembered his former partner, but he had a new life to
lead now. Ray was with Stella, and he would probably never see him
again. It was a sad thought. You were a man's partner for a long time,
and then...

He shook his head and Buck asked, "Everything all right, Benton?"

"Oh, yes, Buck, thank you kindly." He glanced back at Ray's
impatient dance to keep warm. "I'm fine."

A hand descended on his shoulder. "If you ever need anything..."

"I know, I can count on you." Ben covered the other man's hand
with his own, then he stepped away. "'Til next time, Buck."

"'Til next time, Benton."

Ben thought of the nights ahead trying to keep warm and his face
flamed. What he had with this Ray, he could never have had with the
other. It had taken him months of lonely struggle to come to terms with
that fact, and there had been pain and sadness, but the joy of
discovery, too. So now he could look forward to sharing his life with
someone who would never leave him. He had proven his worth time and
again. It was time to leave Chicago behind for good and forge a new
life out here in the wilderness he loved and understood. Time for
adventure after months of heartache.

The dogs and Dief were growing restless to be on their way, too.
Ray glared and rubbed his arms. "About time," he grumbled.

"Yes, Ray." And Ben kissed the American, whose eyes widened and
mouth curved into a grin. "Into the sled, now."

With great care, Ben tucked the blanket around his partner and
took his place behind the dogsled. He and Ray waved to Buck and were
off.

Buck waved back, pleased that his lonely young friend had found
his Paradise, and his name was Ray Vecchio.*

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This is a post-"COTW" Fix-It story, thank you kindly. Ray K. can
have Renny, not Benny! :)

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