(Images)	  
 Images
 by necessary angel
 Notes
 Rating: NC17 m/m interaction, bad words. 
 
 Ray, Fraser and a camera. This story originally appeared in the fanzine,
Serge Protector. It is a sequel to a story, which also appeared in Serge
Protector, His Only Vice by Meghan Black.
 
 I would like to thank Meghan and Anne for the work they did to improve
this story. 
 
 Feedback: Yes please to necessary angel
 
  
 
 The book was heavy on Ray's lap, heavy and teasing wedged against his
crotch. He stared at the page, trying to fill in the details on the
picture with what he was about to see; if Ben ever finished developing the
damn photos.
 
 He jumped to his feet as he heard the bedroom door open, letting the book
slide to the floor.
 
 "At last! I thought I was gonna die of waiting." 
 
 "That's hardly possible Ray. I may be out of practice…." 
 
 "Okay wise guy. Let's see 'em." 
 
 Ray moved to the bedroom before Ben could take more than a couple of
steps towards him. Ben waited for him to reach his side, watching him with
a faint frown crinkling his eyebrows. And there was more color in his
partner's face than normal. Ray stopped a few paces away and felt his
stomach knot for the first time. 
 
 "What? You're not done yet? I thought you said…. Are they hideous? Do I
look like a freak?"
 
 "No, no. The photographs are…you look… beautiful in them Ray."
 
 "Then what?"
 
 "It's not important." Ben cracked his neck and the frown disappeared.
 
 Ray sat down on the bed and sighed. "Bring 'em on then." 
 
 "As you wish." 
 
 The mattress dipped as the other man settled next to him. Ray closed his
eyes as Ben gave him the photographs. They felt cool and smooth against
his suddenly too large hand. He wiped his free hand against the woven
cotton of his bedspread and breathed in sharply. 
 
 You can do this Kowalski. You… posed for these. How hard can it be? 
 
 Ray rubbed a hand across his bare skin of his chest and frowned. 
 
 "Are you alright Ray?" 
 
 Ray opened his eyes and found a smile. "I'm good. Just a little…."
 
 "Apprehensive?" Ben's eyes were worried but he was smiling slightly.
 
 "Yeah that works."
 
 "There's no need to be. You are very photogenic and the photographs
are…well you can see for yourself." 
 
 The faint flush Ray noticed earlier had deepened into a definite blush
but Ben wasn't uncomfortable. Not uncomfortable at all. Ray took a closer
look at his companion. His eyes were darker but then the light was low. He
was breathing kinda, well not hard but faster than usual, and the bulge in
his jeans was much more definite.
 
 Oh yeah! This was turning Ben on, just as the pictures in that Kama book
had. The photo session itself had been mind blowing. Ben had been wild by
the time he'd started touching Ray. This was gonna be good. Could only be
good.
 
 Ray wiped his free hand again and felt his cock beginning to stir and
lengthen inside the soft cotton of his sweats. Okay, cool it Kowalski or
this will be over before you even look at the damn photographs.
 
 The photographs were rolled into a loose scroll; even the ones from the
lab were flattened before they arrived in the Squad Room. The edges of
these were curled up so that you couldn't really tell what they were of.
It was odd. It felt like looking at treasure maps, which kind of fitted
the situation in a weird way. 
 
 Weird, yeah that was a good word for his life ever since Fraser had
called his name that first time. He wouldn't change it though, well except
for the name thing. He'd rather be Kowalski any day.
 
 Ray unrolled the scroll and held them so that he could get a close look
at the pictures. The first photograph ordinary… well not ordinary in that
it was a good photo of him. An upper body shot, he was lying on his bed,
one arm hooked behind his head, his other hand resting on his bare chest,
smiling up at the camera. He looked relaxed, happy even, and he looked
like himself.
 
 Maybe it was the black and white film they'd used. Color film did scary
things to Ray's skin and hair color sometimes. His wedding photos had been
okay but they were definitely the exception. 
 
 Ray couldn't help but feel good at the absence of the sting that normally
went with the word wedding.
 
 Keep it on track here.
 
 "I'm a little out of practice at photography Ray. The composition could
be a lot better in most of the photographs…"
 
 "Ben." 
 
 "What?"
 
 "Shut up. I don't care about that stuff. This is a good photo because
it's me, not the mutant that usually shows up whenever there's a camera
around."
 
 "Ray I…" Ben's intended words fell away as he started laughing. 
 
 Ray smiled to himself and turned his attention back to the photographs.
The first few shots were more or less innocent. It had taken him a little
while to loosen up. He'd expected Ben to take even longer to get into the
groove, but once he'd picked up Ray's old camera he had been fine.
 
 Here we go. 
 
 This one was a full body shot; Ray still lying on the bed but this time
his hand was inside the open fly of his jeans. Nothing relaxed about his
face now. There was only one word for that smile…or maybe two… invitation
and tease.
 
 Ray breathed deeply for a moment or two. He hadn't expected that… that
the camera would get so close, almost inside his head.
 
 No smile in the next one, his face was turned into the curve of the arm
hooked behind his head. He was still wearing his jeans but the fly was
open, open enough to display everything. And his other hand was wrapped
around his cock. 
 
 Ray heard Ben take in a deep breath and Ray closed his eyes. He was back
there, on his bed, touching himself, jerking himself off. It had been
intense. Ben liked to watch. Ray had found that pretty early on, but with
the camera, it had been like the first time they had tried it all over
again. 
 
 He had really got off on that, hadn't expected to make that much
difference…Ben watching him was more than hot enough, but through the
camera. Jesus, he had gone from hardening, to more than ready, to go, just
thinking about it. 
 
 Ray opened his eyes at the slide of Ben's hand against his jaw. He
started to speak but Ben's lips were there and Ray forgot about talking.
It could wait.
 
 "You like this don't ya?" Ray pulled back to breathe.
 
 "Kissing you? Of course I do." Ben's mouth was busy on his neck but Ray
could hear the twinkle in the too smooth voice. 
 
 "Not the kissing. Freak. Not the kissing, the photos, the camera." Ray
found some exasperation to put in his voice.
 
 Ben leaned away from him. "Yes I do. It was unexpected but I do." He
smiled and bent down to pick up the photos from the floor.
 
 "Unexpected huh?" 
 
 Ray watched Ben's long blunt finger trace the line of his naked body on
the photo he was holding. He shivered almost as if that fingertip was
running along his hipbone in reality. He was as hard as he'd ever been in
his life and Ben had barely touched him.
 
 "That you would do this, would let me." 
 
 Ben's voice faltered and Ray jumped in before the second-guessing could
start.
 
 "Why not Ben? It's not hurting anyone and besides it's as hot as hell.
What it does for you. Knowing that you're getting all worked up is
…well…."
 
 "Hot." The hint of laughter in Ben's voice was exactly what Ray needed to
hear.
 
 "Yeah. You know what though?" 
 
 Ray leant in to kiss Ben's beautiful mouth. It was too distracting to sit
here like this, talking like this and not have Ben's weight and skin all
over him.
 
 This time Ben broke the kiss. "What Ray?"
 
 "Uh?" Ray slid his hands under the white T-shirt Ben was still wearing.
Ben's skin was so smooth and warm. Ray was never going to get over how
much heat this man pumped out.
 
 "What were you going to say?" Ben's mouth descended to Ray's left
shoulder and Ray closed his eyes. 
 
 "So good."
 
 The sharp sting of Ben's teeth sank in just above his collarbone. "That
wasn't it." Another nip and then Ben's tongue licked at the spot he had
just bitten.
 
 "No." Ray found words in the scrambled remains of his brain. "The picture
in the Karma Suture thing, the one that kicked this whole thing off. You
really liked that yeah?"
 
 Ben's mouth was gone now but his hands were shaping and rubbing over
Ray's chest. Fingers dragged over his nipples and Ray's back arched.
 
 "It's Sutra as you well know." Ben's voice had deepened and his breathing
was ragged. "Yes I did like it, but I don't understand?"
 
 "Wanna do that? You and me, it'd be so fucking hot."
 
 "We've done that… oh I see." 
 
 Ben's hands were gone from his stomach and chest. Ray stopped working his
mouth along the lines of Ben's neck and shoulders.
 
 Fuck. He should have known. But he had to try.
 
 "Look Ben we don't have to…I only thought. I mean it's fantastic when we
do it that way but I can't see you and that picture…"
 
 "Ssh. Ray. I was surprised. I hadn't thought." Ben pulled him close and
Ray wrapped his arms tight around his partner. "I'd like… yes, let's try
that."
 
 "Really?" 
 
 Ray pushed back against Ben's tight embrace and looked at his face. Ben
was smiling, blushing but smiling.
 
 "Yes. Your camera has a timer function. I noticed that when I was
familiarising myself with it…."
 
 Ray gathered his brain as his partner moved towards the bedroom door.
"You really want to do this? Now?"
 
 "I think now would be the best time." Ben turned in the doorway, a wry
smile lifting the corners of his eyes.
 
 "Let's rock and roll."
 
  
 The camera was set up. Ben had spent surprisingly little time fussing
with the angles and lighting. Much less than last time. 
 
 Who would have thought? Ben had an exhibitionist streak, well hidden, but
it was there. Ray grinned to himself as he lay on the bed and watched his
partner undress.
 
 Ray was ready to rumble and couldn't resist the urge to touch the aching
weight of his erection. Ben had stopped undressing and was watching him.
 
 "I'd better stop hadn't I?" Ray left his hand where it was, holding his
cock lightly.
 
 "That would be best." Ben's hands were busy again and Ray could wait.
 
 Ben paused at the camera and then crossed rapidly to the bed. Ray was
ready for him and curved into the right position as Ben's hips moved
parallel with his mouth. 
 
 Ben's hands were on Ray's hips as he adjusted him to the perfect angle
and then the hot slick warmth of his partner's mouth was around him. Ray
licked his way around the crown of Ben's cock, and then slid his mouth
down over the reddened, swollen length.
 
 Ray was lost in the thick push of Ben's cock in his mouth. The taste and
heat of him was all that mattered. A brief flash of light startled him and
he only just controlled the press of his teeth into Ben's flesh. Ben
thrust more deeply, but Ray was expecting that, needed that. 
 
 "The camera." 
 
 The hum of the words around his cock sent Ray flying higher and he pushed
more deeply into the tight suction of Ben's mouth. Another harder thrust
from Ben was his reward.
 
 Ray was starting to fly apart but he needed this to last. He always
wanted it to go on and on. This feeling that there was nothing in the
world but the taste, heat and warmth of Ben over him, inside him.
 
 He eased off on the fast, hard rhythm they had established. Ben caught
his unspoken signal a heartbeat or two later and slowed his thrusts to
match. They settled into a delicious knowing pace that pushed them as high
as they could go without finishing it. 
 
 They held it off but it couldn't last forever. The heat gathered in Ray's
spine and pushed through his skin and every nerve in his body. Ben was
shaking and his cock was thickening and twitching in Ray's mouth. Another
deep thrust and Ray was coming hard in Ben's mouth just as Ben shuddered
and Ray's mouth was filled with his taste. 
 
 Ray rolled onto his back. "Ben that was … intense."
 
 "I know." 
 
 Ben's mouth was on his own, intent on a thorough search and explore
operation and Ray knew the rest could wait, would have to wait.
 
  
 Fraser was gone again. 
 
 Ray raised his head from the crime scene shots and took a discreet survey
of the Squad Room over Dewey's left shoulder. The familiar, unsubtle shade
of scarlet was totally absent from the swirling chaos, well the parts that
Ray could actually see. 
 
 That made it what the fourth, or maybe the fifth time his partner had
muttered an "Excuse me" and left in the last couple of hours; definitely
not normal behavior, even for Fraser. What was up with that? Fraser was
the original camel bladder, all those hours of making like a toy soldier
outside the Consulate. Or more likely spending way too much time where you
could lose something important if you stopped to pee.
 
 Maybe he was sick. Not that he ever was but still Fraser was just the
type to keep going unless he couldn't actually walk, even then….
 
 "What do you think about here, Vecchio?" Dewey's impatient voice and the
sharp prod of his elbow into Ray's ribs dragged his attention back to the
case.
 
 "Yeah right…I think that would work. We could have one car here and
another here which would cover the exits. Backup here maybe?" Ray tapped
his forefinger on the battered map as he spoke.
 
 "Or here." Huey pointed to another location slightly further out from
their target. "Less chance of being noticed."
 
 "That's the better choice gentlemen." Welsh's voice very close to his
right ear nearly forced Ray out of his own skin but he managed to control
his start into a twitch.
 
 "If I may Sir, this location may well prove…." 
 
 Fraser was back. 
 
 Ray snuck a look at his partner out of the corner of his eye. Fraser was
slightly flushed and his hair was a little damp at his temples, but he
looked bright eyed and well rested. The lines around his eyes that were
very obvious when he was tired were nowhere to be seen. 
 
 Not sick then.
 
 So what the fuck was up with him?
 
 Ray moved closer to Fraser and waited for him to stop speaking. "You
okay?" he muttered, almost under his breath.
 
 Fraser started slightly and loosened his collar. "I am fine… it's just a
little warm in here. I am afraid I had to step out to…."
 
 "Cool off a little?" That made sense, Fraser's only sign that he ever
actually noticed the heat was splashing his face with cold water. It
wasn't that warm though, but Ray wasn't wearing the fifty thousand
regulation layers that made up the Mountie's uniform.
 
 Fraser nodded, and blushed. 
 
 What the hell was that all about? 
 
 Welsh was glaring at them and Ray turned his attention back to what the
Lieutenant was saying.
 
 "I think we have it there. We'll move in on them at three. Vecchio, you
relieve Patterson and keep an eye on them until then. Let's do this right.
I don't want these scumbags to get off on a technicality."
 
 Ray shook himself. "You got it. Fraze you ready?"
 
 "No you don't Constable. The… uh… uniform is a little too conspicuous."
 
 "But Sir, it was Fraser's…." 
 
 Ray shut his mouth at the look Welsh sent his way. The Lieutenant was on
a shorter fuse than normal today and even he knew it wasn't wise to push
it.
 
 "If you'd let me finish Detective. Constable can you get into street
clothes and be back here in time to join us for the bust?"
 
 "Of course, Lieutenant. I'll be here at 2:30." 
 
 Fraser's voice was as smooth and polite as ever but Ray was very sure
that he hadn't imagined the flash of relief in those deep blue eyes.
 
 Something was very hinky with his partner.
 
  
 
 Fraser was very quiet, too quiet. Ray signed the last part of his share
of the massive amounts of paperwork the takedown had spawned. 
 
 "You ready to get out of here?" 
 
 No answer, Ray looked up. Fraser was sitting in the chair next to Ray's
desk but his eyes were shut and he showed no sign that he had even heard
Ray's voice. He was smiling slightly, whatever or wherever he was seemed
to be a very good place.
 
 "Hey, Fraze, Fraser. Anyone home? FRASER!"
 
 "Oh… yes Ray?" 
 
 Fraser blinked; color flared in his cheeks and burned brighter still when
he caught Ray's look. 
 
 "I asked if you were ready to go. You know blow this place and make our
way home?" Ray stood and grabbed his leather jacket from the back of his
chair.
 
 "Yes, I am ready to leave. I have been for some time." Fraser ran a
finger around the inside of the collar of his flannel shirt.
 
 "Looked like you already had." Ray muttered but he'd known that Fraser
would pick up on it.
 
 "I was thinking." Fraser held open the Squad Room door.
 
 "Not power napping then?" 
 
 "Of course not Ray, my eyes would have been open then."
 
 So Ben wanted to play. He could do that; he could always do that. Ray
fumbled for his keys and unlocked the GTO.
 
 "So you want to get something to eat?" Ray settled himself in the
driver's seat.
 
 "If you do. I…."
 
 "Had something else in mind?" Ray powered up the GTO.
 
 "You could say that." Ben's voice was very smooth but Ray had caught the
quirk of his mouth as he glanced over.
 
 "It was kind of obvious. So where to?"
 
 "Your apartment, where else?" Ben was smiling, really smiling; Ray could
hear it in his voice.
 
 "You're not going to tell me are you?"
 
 "Pitter patter Ray."
 
 Ben slid his hand onto Ray's thigh and squeezed lightly as Ray pulled up
at the stoplight. Ray shivered and went from soft to hard in what felt
like a heartbeat. Like Ben had hit a switch. Nothing new there but it
still surprised him.
 
 It seemed to take forever to reach his apartment even though the roads
were clear, well for Chicago at any rate. 
 
 Ray pushed the door shut behind them. "C'mon give it up Ben."
 
 Ben was hanging his jacket up in the closet and just turned his head to
let Ray see his smile.
 
 Ray shed his own jacket onto the nearest chair and flopped on the couch.
He could wait, he didn't do patience well but he could play this game.
 
 Ben seated himself on the other end of the couch. "I came over last night
while you were at the stakeout."
 
 "Oh yeah?" 
 
 Ray raised an eyebrow. Ben had a key but usually only used it when he
knew Ray would be arriving home late. Ben had not been around when he had
eventually made it home just before the sun got up.
 
 "To use the darkroom." Ben fumbled in his shirt pocket and pulled out a
photograph.
 
 "Oh." Ray sat up straight. "Is that?"
 
 "Yes." 
 
 Ben handed him the photo and Ray noticed that his hand was shaking. Ray
felt his heartbeat skid up and his own fingers nearly trembled themselves
as he turned the picture over.
 
 Fuck.
 
 It was better than the book. Okay, the lighting was not as artistic and
he would win no prizes as a model. 
 
 But Jesus that was Ben's dark head curved into his groin and him sucking
on Ben. It looked as good as it had felt at the time. His breathing was
gone. Ben hadn't touched him and he could already feel the growl building
in his chest and throat.
 
 Ray swallowed. "So this is what had you stirred up all day?" He put the
photo down on the coffee table.
 
 "Hmm." 
 
 Even if Ben had wanted to expand on that annoying syllable Ray had no
intention of letting him and sealed his mouth over Ben's pretty lips.
Whatever Ben wanted to say could wait, would have to wait.
 
 End