The Reason Why3    Disclaimer: This piece of fiction has been written
solely for the enjoyment of the readers (and its author). No infringement
upon copyrights has been intended. This is my response to the "Sappy Song
Challenge" that Shannon McKinnon recently posted to thecloset. Inspiration
for this story comes from the seventies song "Sometimes When We Touch" by
Dan Hill.  This particular vignette would not have been written without
the help of Jennifer Swanson. Thank you, Jennifer for your wonderful
suggestions and words of support.  ======================= THE REASON WHY
by Renny Ramos "Why?" The question was crisp, a crackle that broke softly
through the darkness. Ray stirred.  "Benny?" he asked sleepily. He heard
him gasp.  Ray opened his eyes. The shadow figure shifted uneasily in his
chair. "You must really love being a Mountie, don't you," Ray muttered.
"What do you mean?" "Well, look at you. You're supposed to be in bed,
Benny. Sleeping, recuperating, you know? Not watching over me like you're
still on Sentry Duty." Ray rubbed his eyelids with his fingers. "What time
is it, anyway?" "I don't know. Five ... five thirty." "See? Jeez, Benny. I
don't think the roosters of Chicago are even up yet." "I woke you up. I'm
sorry." Ray shook his head. "No, don't worry. You didn't," Ray lied. He
heard the man sigh. "What's the matter?" "I was thinking about what
happened. You ... took a bullet for me." Ray laughed softly. "So I
noticed." He winced a bit, as the pain dug into him. "I think I need a
bullet-proof vest ... for next time," he joked. Ben mustered a laugh. It
was a forced response, and fleeting. Just as quickly, Ben returned to
silence. In an unexpected gesture, Ben reached out and held Ray's hand. 
"What's the matter, Benny?" Ray asked. "Why?"  "Why what?" "Why did you
risk your life for me, considering ..." Ben paused. "I've let you down so
many times ..." "No, you haven't," Ray lied. "Yes, I have. I ... Victoria.
I betrayed you because of her." "Benny ..." "I almost ruined your life
because of her. You must hate me now." Ray shook his head. "You're the
most annoying man in the world, you know that?" Ray sighed. "I don't hate
you. I could never hate you." "I don't deserve ..." "Listen, if this
happens again -- and I hope to God it won't -- I won't think twice about
doing it again. So shut up already. Really, you are the most annoying man
in the world." "Why do you put up with me, Ray?"  "You know, for someone
who's extremely bright, you can be incredibly dim sometimes," Ray said.
"Because you're my best friend, and I care about you ..." Ray closed his
eyes, and hesitated. There were so many reasons now -- reasons to be hurt,
reasons to hate, reasons to turn him away -- and just one reason not to.
"... and I love you." Silence. Ray opened his eyes. "Benny?" He reached
out and touched Ben's cheek, felt his fingers come into contact with
wetness.  Ben's lips curved upward into a slight smile. He grasped the
side rail on Ray's bed and slid them down. Ray brought his hand up to
nestle against Ben's nape and pulled him closer.  Their lips touched.  The
End -    E-Mail the Author: Blue_Grey_Eyes@hotmail.com