anightatopera   

Standard Disclaimer: due South and it's characters belong to Alliance. I
just use them for fun. Hopefully they will return to their world unharmed
and ready for other people to play with them. 
 

WARNINGS: AU Adult Situations/Descriptive Sex Francesca/Fraser Pairing
Romance NC-17 or X (considering what you think) 
 

Spoilers for Our Mountain and Endless is the Night. :) 
 

This is the continuation of "A Night at the Opera". A little different.
But for me just as fun. Anyone who reads it enjoy it for what it is. A
piece of fluff written for the hell of it. Otters be damned! - Icecat62 
 Caught in the Act Icecat62 
 
 

 Maria had gone downstairs to check on her children. Francesca was tired,
but she was too excited to go back to bed. Sure she had been in bed all
night, but she didn't do much sleeping. She stretched and smiled. Poor
Benton. He had done most of the work and now he was at the consulate. She
wondered how he would stay awake if he were posted on sentry duty. 

 When she had finally 'talked' him into going back to his apartment she
had no idea what she was in for. She wasn't kidding with Maria when she
said that he was a bit on the kinky side. She had thought that she had
done everything that you could possibly could have. Until he began making
small suggestions. 

 His middle name must have been foreplay because instead of taking her as
soon as they opened the door he said that he had wanted to 'explore' her.
"After all Francesca, I am an expert tracker." He had her pinned up
against a wall. Her arms above her head held in place with one hand. He
had started nibbling at her collarbone. Slowly making his way up her neck.
He had used his free hand to roam along her side. Occasionally stroking
her breast, cupping it. When he reached her ear he whispered to her. "You
want to do what?", she had blurted out. 

 They had spent the entire night alternating between stroking and
caressing one another. Then moving to various positions. He had asked her
what she had wanted. What she had done before. Wanting to gage her
reaction whenever he brought in something new. This had been the first
time that she had found herself laughing in the middle of having sex. 

 "Francesca. What is the point of doing anything if you can't have fun
while doing it." This coming from the non-emotional Mountie had caught her
completely off guard. Then he would switch from the teasing to deep
passion. That had frightened her. She had wanted him for so long, but she
didn't know if she was ready for the type of love that he was offering
her. 

 She had been married and had not found it to be a pleasant experience. He
hadn't said to her that he loved her, but she could see it when he looked
into her eyes. It was the look of possession. She was his. He had a claim
on her. 

 She walked out of her room. Yes he frightened her. But she couldn't stop
the feeling that maybe for once in her life something good was happening.
She had Benton. A man who wouldn't lie to her. Or cheat on her. That would
be something new. 

 She showered and changed. Picking up the RCMP sweatshirt she pulled it
over her head. It was way too big for her, but she wore it anyway. It
smelled like him. As she ran down the stairs she saw Ray coming in the
house. When did he leave? He wouldn't have! 

 "Ray!" "Yo Frannie." "Where did you go?" I might as well get this over
with he thought. "I went to see Benny." "What?!" How dare he! "What do you
mean you went to see Benton! I told you that it was none of your business!
What is wrong with you?" 

 She wanted to reach out and strangle her brother. How could he do this to
her? Why did he want to ruin her life? "Frannie." "How could you Ray?"
"Frannie! I didn't do anything. I took him to the consulate, we talked a
little and he's coming over for dinner tonight. What did you think I was
going to do? Go and kill him like I was some mobster from Vegas?" 

 "You didn't go and threaten him? Tell him never to come back here?" "Give
me a break Frannie, I'm not a jerk." She crossed her arms glaring at him.
"Well maybe sometimes I get a little carried away." "You're right about
that. What did you talk about?" "Nothing much." "Ray." "All right. I'm
gonna' help him look for a different place to live. Are you happy now?"
"Ray you are so full of it. You know he's never going to move. You've been
trying to get him to leave that place for over two years. What would make
him want to leave now?" "You." "Me?" "Yeah you Frannie. All I had to do is
say that I didn't want to worry about you going there because it's too
dangerous. We're going to start looking at places tomorrow." 

 She didn't know what to say. Fraser was going to move. For her. He had
flatly refused to leave before. "You know Frannie. I wasn't too sure about
the two of you." He paused not knowing whether to say it or not. "You know
he really cares for you." She felt uncomfortable talking to Ray like this.
"I know." They stood there not knowing what else to say to one another.
Ray broke the silence. "Have you had breakfast yet?" "No. Have you?"
"Nope. How about we go to Jen's Diner. The Riv is already warmed up."
"O.K. Let me go and get my purse." 
 
 
 
 

 Francesca was growing nervous. Fraser was coming to dinner tonight.
Nothing new about that she thought to herself. He has been here for dinner
a million times. He was part of the family. But this was the first time
that she would see him since they had been together. And she was nervous.
Come on Frannie. Pull yourself together. Nothings changed. Not if you
don't count the fact that he now knows every square inch of your body. 

 Ray had gone to pick Fraser up at the consulate. They would be back soon.
She looked down at her hands. My palms are sweating. This never happened
before. This is too ridiculous. He's just coming over for dinner. He'll
still feel the same way about you. Just because you had sex he's not going
to dump you now. 


 
 

 Fraser was standing stiffly at attention. He body locked into place. This
had been one of his hardest days. Trying to stay awake on sentry duty
after no sleep was a nightmare. When he had walked into the consulate that
morning he had been happy. Content. Everything in his life was falling
into place. 

 But for some reason the moment Inspector Thatcher saw him she froze.
"Constable!" "Goodmorning Inspector." He didn't realize that he had a
smile on his face, but it slowly faded. What did he do now? He tried
thinking about what he could have done to annoy her already. All he did
was walk into the building happy. 

 "Sentry duty! Double shift! Dismissed!" She turned sharply and walked
away from him. Her posture ramrod straight. Placing his stetson back on
his head he assumed his position on the steps of the consulate. And he
spent the remainder of the morning trying to figure out what he had done. 

 The only time he was allowed to move freely was on his lunch break. She
sent Turnbull out to tell him that he had a half hour to eat, use the
facilities and then go directly back on duty. Turnbull had stammered and
fumbled with papers in his hands as he told him this. She must have really
laid into Turnbull. He couldn't even look him in the eye she had upset him
so. 

 Only a few more minutes and I can go he thought. Ray pulled up in front
of the consulate and got out of the Riv. "Hey Benny." Glancing at the
tower clock he turned back to Fraser. "Three minutes and you're out of
here." He looked at Fraser with a confused expression. "I thought you had
the morning shift?" Ray snapped his fingers. "I got it! What did you do to
pissoff the Dragon Lady? It must have been something really good." He had
a smile on his face as he spoke. He loved to bug Thatcher. It was a
favorite pastime of Rays much to Fraser's dismay. 

 "Hey Dief. What did he do?" Diefenbaker just stared back at him. "What is
he upset about?" Ray said pointing at Dief. The clock chimed and Fraser
stepped forward. "I have no idea Ray. Inspector Thatcher seemed angry at
me the moment I walked in this morning. As for Dief..." He paused not
wanting to tell Ray why. It was embarrassing. "It's personal." "Oh. You
did something to him too. That's O.K. Dief. You can hang out with Maria's
kids tonight." Dief barked at that. He like them. They were his little
pack of followers. 

 Fraser thought about last night. Dief was upset with him because of him
and Francesca. They had come into the apartment. Basically tearing at each
others clothing. Dief had lay in the kitchen observing them. He hadn't
really given a thought about Dief being there. He was preoccupied. But
when they were in the middle of making love Dief had approached the bed.
He barked at Fraser startling the both of them. 

 "What?!" He didn't mean to yell at Dief that way, but he was caught off
guard. Dief sniffed at them and barked again. "I know. Just...I don't
know. Find something to do. Do you mind?!" Dief was hurt by his reaction
and climbed out onto the fire escape. It had taken Fraser fifteen minutes
of apologizing to get him to come in after Francesca had left. It had
almost been funny, but he felt that Francesca might have been offended.
Dief had asked why they were mating when the bitch wasn't in heat. How
would he explain that to her? 

 They got into the Riv and headed to Fraser's apartment so that he could
change. Ray stood in the middle of the room looking around. It was
spotless. Neat as a pin. But it was still a dump in a slum. Then his eyes
fell on the small narrow bed. He quickly looked away. Eeeeewww! Fraser and
Frannie. Making a face he tried to think of something else other than his
sister and the Mountie wrestling around on that small space. 

 "Hey Benny." A muffled reply came from the closet. "Yes Ray." "Pack extra
clothes." Fraser stepped out of the closet fully dressed, not a hair out
of place. "Why Ray?" "So we can get an early start looking for apartments
tomorrow." Then Ray stopped. What the? Nah. Yes. It was. I can't believe
it! Ray felt himself growing warm. 

 "Uh, Benny. You got a turtleneck?" Fraser looked back at him confused.
Christ! He has no idea."Benny..." his voice trailed off as he pointed at
his own neck. Fraser still stared back at him. Then he turn beet red. Ah,
the light bulb finally went on Ray thought. Fraser slowly turned and
walked over to the the mirror on the wall. Oh dear! Even with the uniforms
high collar it would have been partially visible if that person were
shorter than he. 

 It was a dark quarter sized hickey. How embarrassing! He couldn't look
back at Ray. He cleared his throat, "excuse me" and hurriedly went back to
the closet to change. I can not believe that I have a hickey. I haven't
had one of these since I was sixteen. He walked out of the closet not
looking at Ray. He could feel the heat radiate from his body. I must be as
red as my serge he thought. He hated the fact that he blushed so easily.
And because he was so pale it made it twice as bad. 

 To his surprise, instead of Ray being angry at him he started laughing.
Ray couldn't catch his breath and tears were streaming down his face. "I
can't believe it!" He said between breaths. "You have a hickey!" Ray was
pointing at Fraser's neck. "You had no idea you had a hickey! A big fat
hickey! And the Dragon Lady saw it!" Ray was now leaning against a wall
trying not to fall on the floor. "Oh this is too good!" "Ray I fail to see
the humor in this." 

 Oh my God! Thatcher saw it. That is why she was so mad at him. That is
what had annoyed her. Now she knew that he was involved with someone. Or
worse yet, maybe she thought that he had gone out and satisfied his carnal
needs with a perfect stranger. He sighed. I will have to talk to her. I
will need to apologize for showing up at the consulate like this. 

 Ray finally controlled himself. "Just bring some clothes to change into.
You can sleep on the couch in the den. We'll get an early start looking
for a real place to live." He gestured around the room as he said the word
real. "Ray there is nothing wrong with this place." "Yeah, but it's all
wrong for Frannie." Fraser paused. "I stand corrected. I will be only a
few minutes more." 

 

 

 Francesca opened the door letting Ray and Fraser into the house. To her
surprise Ray burst out laughing when he saw her. She had no idea what was
going on. Ray hitched a thumb in Fraser direction. "I'll let him explain."
He left Francesca and Fraser in the foyer as he walked into the kitchen. 

 She turned back to Fraser. "Well?" He took a finger and pulled down the
collar of his shirt. Her eyes widened. Oh my...a hickey. "Uh, sorry. I
guess I got carried away." Fraser looked at her noting the mischief in her
eyes. She didn't look sorry. "There's nothing wrong with getting carried
away Francesca. But please. No more marks in visible areas. Inspector
Thatcher was not amused." 

 "She saw it!" "Unfortunately for me yes. I had no idea. When I put my
uniform on I didn't see it." How could you not see it! It's huge!" He
turned red again. He is so cute she thought. "I am not in the habit of
looking at myself when I get dressed. I didn't need to shave, so I missed
it. As a result I was posted to double shifts on sentry duty." 

 She moved closer to him. Picking up his hand she brought it to her cheek.
"I said I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you." She could see the smile
tugging at the corners of his mouth. "In what way?" Moving closer she
pulled him into her arms giving him a slow, deep kiss. "Ahem!" They both
jumped apart startled. It was Ray. "If you two can detach for a while
dinner is ready." They looked guiltily at one another as they followed Ray
into the diningroom. 

 

 

 After dinner they all moved into the den. Everyone was full and relaxed.
Ray flopped in his recliner, leaning back with the remote in hand.
"Nothing like eating until you explode and then watching t.v." 

 Francesca and Fraser were on the sofa. Holding hands. All cuddled up real
close. They are way to gross thought Ray. He began to channel surf. Click.
Click. Click. Ray loved cable television. There was nothing like it to
find programs that you could never see on the regular stations. 

 "Stop! Go back!" It was Francesca wildly gesturing at Ray. She had
practically climbed over Fraser to reach the remote in Ray's hand. "Turn
it back Ray!" "What is wrong with you?" "I said turn it back!" She was
getting frantic. "O.K. O.K. Hold your horses." He clicked one station
back. "Not that channel. Go back one more." Click. "Yes! I knew it!" She
had an ecstatic smile on her face. "Leave it Ray." "Aw come on Frannie.
Not this one again." Ray was exasperated. You've seen this twenty times
already." She glared at him. "Now it will be twenty-one. Don't touch it." 

 She settled back into the couch with a contented sigh. Fraser was
curious. "Francesca. If you have seen this program before, why are you
watching it again?" "Because she's a sap Benny." "Just shut-up Ray." 

 She never let her eyes leave the screen as she talked to Fraser. "It's
called 'Our Mountain'. There's this girl and she's been involved in a
murder and the cop, well he's actually a Ranger from Montana..he takes her
with him to testify against the killers, but when they come back their
plane crashes on a mountain and the whole story is about how they survive
and get to know one another, but the best part is he loves her and she
loves him but nether of them realize it and when they get rescued she
thinks that he'll never see her again and so does he and she thinks that
he's in love with someone he works with but in the end they both find out
how much they love each other and they finally get together. Oh, isn't
that so romantic!?" 

 Fraser sat next to her stunned. She had rambled off the entire story line
without pausing to breathe one time. How did she do that? "The guy sorta'
reminds me of you Benton. And guess what his name is?" He just looked at
her speechless. "Come on guess?" She paused. "You're no fun. His name is
Ben. Get it? Ben, Benton. This story could have been about you ya' know.
Except for the girl Analise. I'd take her place. And he'd have to be a
Mountie instead of a Ranger." 

 A commercial came on. "They're going to make a sequel to this called
'Endless is the Night'. I read about it in the T.V. Guide. They said she
is going to get accidentally pregnant and the whole story will be about
whether or not they really love each other. You know he had a past with
some nasty woman, but he really does love Analise and their unborn
children. Did I tell you that she was pregnant with twins?" Francesca let
out another contented sigh. 

 Then Tony spoke. She cringed. Lately whenever he opened his mouth it was
to say something sarcastic about her and Benton. "Yeah, well if the story
reminds you of him (he pointed a finger at Fraser) I hope you two don't
have an accident. There isn't room for anymore kids in this house." 

 Fraser as usual turned beet red. "Tony!" Her sister Maria jumped up and
slapped her husband in the head. "What is the matter with you!? Get up!"
She grabbed him by the arm and dragged him upstairs. Then a door slammed.
No one could make out what was being said. All they could hear was Maria
yelling. The door slammed again. Maria came back down without Tony. "I'm
sorry Benton. Tony doesn't know what he is talking about." "That is quite
all right Maria." Ray had taken this break to change the channel to the
Bulls game. Thank you Tony, Ray thought as he snuggled down into his
chair. 

 

 

 Tony never came back down the rest of the evening. Ma and Maria had gone
to bed an hour ago. It was just Ray, Francesca and Fraser left in the den.
Ray looked over at the two of them. Francesca was curled up next to Fraser
on the sofa and he had his arm around her. He looked like he was
struggling to stay awake. 

 "Hey you two. I'm gonna' go to bed." He stood up looking pointedly at
Francesca. "Don't stay up too late." "I won't. Goodnight Ray." She nudged
Fraser. He was almost out. "Goodnight Ray." "See you in the morning. I'll
make breakfast." 

 They were finally alone. The room was quiet. She reached over and turned
off the light. Snuggling closer to Fraser she pulled the collar of his
shirt down and began kissing his neck. He leaned back with a sigh. "Now
don't fall asleep on me." He kept his eyes closed. "I won't. I'm
conserving energy." He didn't move. "You really must be tired. Well I
guess I'll go up to bed." 

 She started to get up only to feel an arm go around her waist and pull
her down. She found herself lying on top of Fraser. "I'm not that tired."
How did he do that? He has got to have the fastest reflexes to move that
quick. "Good. So. You want to you know...do it?" She grinned at him
evilly. 

 He had thought that they would just lay there together. Kissing and
touching. He had no idea that she actually wanted to try and do anything.
Considering they were in the Vecchio's home with Ray and everyone else
sleeping right above them. 

 "Francesca." he began laughing at her. "We can't do 'that' here. What if
Ray comes back down? Or anyone else?" "Oh he's not going to come back. Why
would he? Besides. Doesn't it get you excited thinking that maybe we'll
get caught?" She moved so that she was sitting on his chest looking down
at him. Then she slowly slid her body down his until her chin was resting
just below his belt buckle. Her hands on his chest. "I know you're turned
on. I can feel it." She pushed in on him with her chin. 

 "We can't." "Why not?" Why should I feel embarrassed he thought to
himself. These things happen all the time. "We...I don't have
anymore...you know." "Know what?" "Condoms. I don't have anymore. We used
them all last night and I didn't exactly think that we would be doing
anything of that nature here." 

 "Hold on a sec." She pushed off of him. He could hear her running to the
kitchen. She came back and dumped her purse on the floor pawing through
the contents. "Yes!", she called triumphantly, holding a single foil
wrapped condom in her hand. "Where did you get that?" "I was a girl scout
and I was taught to always be prepared." He didn't say anything. "I stole
one from you last night, O.K.? Oh. I really didn't steal it if you think
about it. If you remember when we stopped at the drugstore you didn't have
any more American money left. So I bought them." 

 She looked at the foil coin. "Ya' know Benton. I don't understand. This
is supposed to be Trojan's best. You know. The BMW of condoms. Why did
they name them Lucky 13's? Isn't the number thirteen supposed to be
unlucky?" 

 He plucked the coin from her hand. "Francesca?" "Yes?" Crud. Now he's
thinking. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Fraser had sat up and was
flipping the coin over in his fingers. A look of deep concentration on his
face. "Francesca. Do you want to have children?" She felt like someone had
punched her. "What?!" she squeaked out. "Nonononono! I mean...what I meant
to say..." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. How do I always
manage to sound like a complete idiot when I am trying to discuss
something serious? "What I meant is...when Tony said if we have an
accident. This (holding the condom up to her) is not one hundred percent
effective. What if. And I am speaking hypothetically. What if you did
become pregnant? What do you want?" 

 Francesca sighed. Yes she had thought about it. She had always been
careful in the past. That is why she didn't have any children now. And she
had thought about it when she was with him the night before. They had been
so involved in what they were doing that she wasn't sure if everything was
safe or not. 

 She looked up at him. He was so serious right now. "Well, yes I have
thought about it. Yes I do want children. But I have to be married to do
that." "I agree. But what if something were to happen with us? Now. We are
not married." I didn't think we would be discussing this so soon. She
tapped her fingers on his knee as she thought. "We aren't married. But if
there were an accident I couldn't have an abortion. I'm catholic. I know
that I'm being a hypocrite considering I'm having premarital sex with you.
Plus the fact that I have been divorced. I just couldn't Benton. I would
keep the baby. Does that make any sense to you?" "Yes it does." 

 Again he paused. How can I say this without making a complete fool of
myself? "And if there were an accident. How would you feel...I mean would
you...have you ever thought about us being married?" There. I said it. But
what is she thinking? 

 Francesca again sat there. Marriage. To Benton Fraser. She had thought
about having sex with him. Being with him. Living with him. She had even
thought about having children with him. Whenever she watched him with
Maria's children she always thought that he would make a wonderful father.
But marriage? Marriage was scary. Marriage meant giving up who she was. It
meant having someone controlling her all over again. She didn't know if
she wanted to do that again. 

 This is too confusing! I want children, but I have to be married. But I'm
not sure if I ever want to get married again. She felt like crying. All I
wanted was to have sex. How did we get on this topic? She snatched the
condom back from him. "Benton. Can't we just talk about this later? I mean
we've just started dating. Isn't it a bit early to be talking about
marriage?" 

 She moved towards him as she talked. Placing her hands on his thighs she
leaned up and kissed him. "Please?" Again she kissed him as she moved and
sat in his lap. "With a cherry on top?" She didn't let her gaze wander
from his. She knew she could change the subject. If she played her cards
right. She repositioned herself so that she was now straddling him.
Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him passionately. He wasn't
responding. But he wasn't pushing her away either. This is going to be
alot harder than I thought. 

 She let go of him and pulled the sweatshirt she was wearing off. Tossing
it behind her. Then she slowly pulled his shirt off. Well. Maybe I was
wrong. He's not stopping me, but he's not exactly participating yet. But
he is watching me. She could see a glint in his eyes and a smile that was
threatening to come out at any moment. 

 She leaned in again kissing him while she ran her nails down his chest.
Ah! A response. I knew that I could do it. His arms had come around her
and he finally opened his mouth to take her tongue in. She quickly broke
away from him leaving a confused look on his face as she did it. "Now
isn't this better than talking?" 

 He pulled her roughly back kissing her. His tongue probed her mouth and
when he let her go she found that she had trouble catching her breath.
Where in the hell did that come from? "Yes. This is better than talking."
Reaching around her back he snapped the catch of her bra. Her eyes widened
in surprise. He removed one strap at a time kissing her arms and breasts.
Sucking her nipples as he pulled the bra from her. 

 She closed her eyes enjoying the sensations. He did things slowly. Taking
his time. She could feel his head at her waist. Then his tongue traced a
path up her body. He stopped at her neck. Nuzzling her and smelling her
hair. He whispered in her ear, "You taste so good." She could feel herself
getting warmer with desire. "You sound like an animal getting ready to eat
me." He laughed in her neck. "That would be a good idea." 

 He stood up holding her to his chest. She felt so small. Her feet
wouldn't even touch the floor. It wasn't that he was a big man. He was
rather short compared to some of the men that she had been with in the
past. He was what? Close to six foot? But next to him she felt dwarfed.
When he held her he engulfed her. Making her a part of his body. It was a
peculiar sensation. 

 He place her on the sofa and lay on top of her. But again he was
different than other men. He didn't put his full weight on her. She
remembered her ex-husband. He would just jump on top of her. Crushing her
so she couldn't breathe. Not caring what she wanted. She shivered at the
thought of him. 

 "Francesca. Are you all right? I'm not too heavy am I?" Always
considerate. Always polite. Making sure she was happy and satisfied. And I
was sitting here a moment ago wondering if I would marry him? I don't
know. We'll see how things go she thought. 

 She looked up at him and gave him a small smile pulling him by the neck
to her. This was good. Nothing serious. Just kissing. Just touching.
Exploring one another. But she wanted more. But she still had one more
obstacle to overcome. The jeans. 

 "Benton." "Yes" She nodded at his legs. "Do you think maybe we could get
rid of them?" "Francesca. Didn't we just discuss this?" "No. We talked
about pregnancy." He gave her a look. "We really shouldn't. What if
something happens?" Don't get mad Frannie. Think of something. 

 "Does this mean that we're not ever going to do it again because of some
hypothetical pregnancy?" "No. It's just..." She covered his mouth with her
hand. "Lose the jeans." He looked at her. "And while you're at it take
mine too." He did what she said. She watched him as he slowly peeled her
jeans off. Trailing his fingers down her thighs. He removed her underwear
along with them. Leaning down he kissed her stomach. 

 She lay there on the sofa totally nude. Turning hotter under his gaze.
"You are so beautiful", he said as he stood up. Never looking away from
her. He removed his own jeans. She arched an eyebrow at him. No boxers. No
nothing. That was different. She stared at his erection. God he was
blushing! If only he knew how much that turned her on. He looked so
innocent. But knowing that he wasn't made it even more erotic. 

 She reached out to touch him, but he stepped back from her. "No." "What
do you mean no?" She wanted him now. No more fooling around. "Wait." He
again lay on top of her. The heat radiating from each other. Hungrily he
kissed her. Loving the feel of her nails down his back. The taste of her
tongue in his mouth. 

 Slowly he began to trail kisses down her body. He could feel her stomach
tense up in anticipation. She knew what he was going to do. Calm down.
Control yourself. He had trouble concentrating. He wanted to just take her
like that, but he also wanted to taste her. Ray always complained that he
had a problem with tasting things. But this was so different. 

 The closer he got to what he wanted the more he had to control himself.
It wouldn't make Francesca very happy if he came before they had even
started. He knew how much she loved this. They had only been spent one
night together, but he had memorized everything that he could tell that
she liked. 

 The sofa was a long one. He wouldn't have to maneuver onto the floor. He
settled between her legs. Kissing the insides of her thighs. Trailing
kisses along them. Watching her body tense, her hands clenching into
fists. He trailed his tongue along her. She was hot and soft. Like silk.
She tasted metallic. Salty. And some other heady musk that he hadn't been
able to place. But he didn't care. It was almost intoxicating. 

 He kissed her there. Probing and stroking her with his tongue. Hearing
her muffled cries. He smiled inwardly to himself knowing how much she
wanted to yell out like she had before. But if she did that the whole
family would think something was wrong. They would all come flying down
the stairs to see what had happened. 

 Her hands ran through his hair, pulling and tugging. She began to moan
and tense. He knew she was about to orgasm. He pulled back from her.
easing his way up her body. Kissing and licking her as he went. Pausing at
her breasts he took his time. Nibbling and sucking each one. 

 Francesca was right about him being like an animal. But so was she. They
were like two wolves. Biting and licking. Again he moved upward nuzzling
her neck. He wondered if this had the same effect on her as it did him.
His hand trailed down between her legs. 

 Again he moved up, looking into her eyes. How he wished he could tell her
he loved her. But she had seemed reluctant to even discuss marriage. Would
she want to hear what he felt for her as well? 

 She brought her hands up to his face, softly touching him. Then pulling
him to her. Kissing him with passion and want. She sucked at his tongue.
As the kiss deepened he stroked her. She was slick, waiting for him. He
didn't know how much longer he could hold back, but he wanted to hear what
she wanted. Whether she needed him. 

 She pulled away from him. "Benton." She looked so beautiful. Flushed and
panting. "Please. Now. I want you now." She whispered to him in a pleading
tone. He felt lightheaded as he moved above her. Pushing open her knees as
he settled between her. "Wait!" He stopped. She picked up the condom with
a trembling hand. He shook his head. "I am sorry." 

 I can not believe that I am so stupid. After they had just talked about
having an accident he almost did what he had never wanted to do. He would
have to learn to control himself with her in the future. He couldn't
chance ruining what they had through his stupidity. 

 He kneeled between her rolling the condom on. Already forgetting his
blunder. Again he moved over her. With agonizing slowness he entered her.
He never tired of this sensation! The pressure . The heat. The feel of her
body beneath him and around him. They fit together like a puzzle. 

 He moved into her with slow long strokes. Finding himself staring into
her eyes. Trying to see if she felt anything other than lust for him. She
felt so good. Small and hot. Her hands running along his back. Clutching
his ass. Pulling him to her. He felt her hand between them. Touching his
erection as her entered her. He quickened his movements. Watching her
face. Her head back, mouth slightly parted. 

 He leaned forward and kissed her again. Sucking her tongue. Hearing her
moan into his mouth. He broke the kiss off. Moving his lips to her ear.
"Francesca." He was losing control. His breathing was heavy. He could feel
himself tightening. The heat coursing through his body. 

 He felt her tense beneath him. Her head thrown back stifling her yells.
He could fell her orgasm as her muscles clenched around him. He didn't
have to hold back any longer. In two thrust he came. Not hearing or
feeling anything except for the pleasure that washed over him. 

 He stopped, not pulling out of her. Not wanting to break the connection.
This is what he wanted with her. He knew. He could tell she loved him. But
he needed to hear the words. If only she would say them. She was looking
at him. Still flushed, her mouth parting to speak. But she held back. She
only kissed him. They lay there watching each other as their breathing
returned to normal. 

 He slowly pulled out of her, not wanting to. But he knew that he had to.
He moved slightly away from her. Pulling the condom off in one motion he
put it into a tissue, tossing it onto the floor next to the sofa. Then he
lay back beside her, pulling her into his embrace. Kissing her softly.
Just looking at her. 

 Francesca knew something was wrong. She knew what it was. But she just
couldn't say the words. Not yet. He looked so sad lying next to her. But
she wouldn't say it just to make him happy. She would say the words when
it felt right to her. 

 She drifted off to sleep. He watched her. Her breathing was soft. How
could he have everything that he had always wanted, yet still want more?
He smile softly as he let his fingers traced a path gently down her body.
In sleep she snuggled closer to him. Kissing her lightly on the lips, not
wanting to wake her he whispered, "I love you." Then he tucked his head on
his arm, draping the other across her he closed his eyes. 

 She tried not to move. Had she heard him right? He had actually said the
words, but only when he thought that she was asleep. Was he just as afraid
as she was? I love you. He had said it softly, but with such feeling. If
she weren't so afraid. All she had to do is hold him and say the words
back. But she couldn't. 

 She could feel him sleeping next to her. Opening her eyes she look at
him. She had found that when he did sleep, it was quickly and soundly. She
could get up and vacuum in the same room and he probably wouldn't wake up.
Why couldn't she just say it to make him happy? He wouldn't have said it
to her if he didn't mean it. But it meant that he wanted all of her.
Everything. She just couldn't do it. Not yet. 

 Slowly she eased her way out of his embrace. Taking the sheet that her
mother left on the chair she covered him with it. Tucking him in like he
was a child. She put her clothes back on. It wouldn't do to be caught
going to her bedroom naked with her clothes in her hand. 

 Turning she leaned down and kissed him. Running her hand through his
hair. She left the room heading towards the stairs. As she walked away it
hit her. Oh shit! She scurried back into the den grabbing the tissue and
condom. Imagine Ray or Ma seeing that on the floor? Taking one last look
at him sleeping she went upstairs. 

 

 

 Ray walked down the hall. Good. Francesca was in her room. She had better
be 'cause if I came down and found her on the sofa with Benny I'd have to
kill her. He made his way quietly into the den. Fraser was sound asleep.
He was partially covered with a sheet. To Ray's surprise he didn't have
his red longjohns on. His clothes were thrown carelessly on the floor.
Boots and socks next to the chair, shirt over the coffee table and his
jeans were wadded up by the sofa. That was so unlike Fraser. Any other
time that he had stayed over at the Vecchio's home his clothes were always
neatly piled up in a perfect stack. Placed on the chair by the door. 

 Ray just stared down at him. Lying there he looked like an overgrown
version of one of Maria's kids. He was lying with his arms draped across
his chest and waist. His legs hanging partially out from the sheet.
Breathing softly. Not making a sound. Fraser looked so innocent. 

 But looking at the clothes on the floor. Him lying there on the couch
practically naked. The hickey on his neck a glaring mark on his pale
throat. No he wasn't innocent. Not by any means. He was a man, not a boy.
Ray didn't need to be a detective to have figured it out. Frannie could be
very persuasive. If she wanted something she would get it no matter what.
It was apparent that she got what she wanted last night. Shaking his head
he walked into the kitchen to start breakfast. 

 

 

 He could feel someone staring at him. Opening his eyes he jerked back in
surprise. "Mornin' Uncle Benny!" Maria's youngest son was only inches from
his face. "You gonna' get up? Breakfus is almos ready!" The boy looked at
him. "Uncle Benny. Where did ya' get the boo-boo?" He poked Fraser in the
neck as he said it. "Uh, Dief and I were playing and he stepped on me." He
couldn't believe he just lied to a child. "Oh. O.K.! Dief plays ruff." He
ran out of the room laughing. Fraser could hear him yelling as he ran into
the kitchen. "Uncle Ray! Uncle Benny is up!" 

 Sitting up he put his hands up to his face to rub the sleep from his
eyes. Picking up his watch he looked at the time. Eight o'clock. He had
overslept. Looking around the room he saw his clothes thrown all over. Oh
dear. I hope Ray didn't see this. Without taking the sheet off he reached
down for his jeans. Making sure no one was around he slipped them on. 

 Picking the shirt off the table he pulled it over his head. Then he
started picking up the room. Folding the sheet and setting his boots off
to the side. He was almost finished when Ray came in. "Morning Benny."
"Goodmorning Ray." "So. Did you sleep O.K.?" Ray was grinning at him. He
knows. He could feel the blush creeping up his face. At least he's not
angry with me. "Yes Ray." 

 "Breakfast is almost ready. Everyone except for Frannie is up. You should
go and get your shower before she does or there won't be any hot water
left. If Frannie isn't up when you're done, get her up." Fraser paused.
"Yes Ray." "See ya' in a bit." 

 It was nice that Ray wasn't angry with him anymore for being with
Francesca, but he knew that he would be teased relentlessly by him. For
Ray to tell him to go in and wake Francesca. In her bedroom. He felt like
a caribou being taken down by a wolf. Ray would have as much fun
tormenting him as he did Inspector Thatcher. 

 

 

 Drying off he thought about last night. It was everything that he wanted.
Except for Francesca saying those three words that he wanted to hear. Why
was she holding back? He was confused. She had pursued him for two years
and now that he was with her he didn't understand why she didn't say that
she loved him. He was certain she did. He could see it when he looked at
her. But there was something wrong. He wanted to talk to Ray about it, but
it seemed too personal. But if he were ever to get some answers, that
would be who he should talk to. 

 Tilting his head up he looked in the mirror. Maria's boy had pointed the
hickey out to him as soon as he had woke. It had faded, but not enough.
How was he going to cover it up when he reported to duty? He couldn't wear
a turtleneck with his uniform. There were too many things too think about.
Francesca, the hickey, explaining said hickey to Inspector Thatcher and
finding a new place to live. He had better stop standing there thinking
and get moving. Ray had wanted to get an early start and now that wasn't
even possible. 

 He finished dressing and walked down the hall. He hadn't heard Francesca
yet so he assumed she was still in bed. Walking to her door he lightly
knocked on it. There was no answer. Cracking the door open he looked
inside. She was still asleep, curled up in a fetal position. Even though
Ray had told him to wake her up, he still felt guilty going into her
bedroom. It was almost sacred. 

 He walked to her bed looking down at her. She was so small and the bed
was so big. He wanted to crawl in next to her and wrap his arms around
her. He had always been attracted to her, but now she was becoming an
addiction. He didn't know if this was good, but he found that he didn't
care. 

 "Francesca. Francesca." "Huummm?" "Francesca. Breakfast is ready. It's
time to get up." He knelt down so that he was eye level with her, resting
his arms and chin on the bed. "Francesca." She opened her eyes looking at
him. A teasing smile on her lips. "Goodmorning Mountie." He couldn't help
but smile back at her. "Goodmorning Miss Vecchio." "Can I have a wakeup
kiss?" He hesitated. He was in Francesca's bedroom, with the entire family
down in the kitchen eating breakfast. 

 "Just one small kiss. I promise I won't do anything. Come on Benton. Just
one little kiss. Please." He stood up looking down at her. "Can I trust
you?" "Yes you can trust me. Just give me one kiss and I'll get up." "I'm
doing this against my better judgment." Leaning down he kissed her only to
have her wrap her arms tightly around his neck. Her one little kiss
deepened. He had to break it off. Stepping back from her she gave him a
cry of disappointment. "Benton!" "You said one little kiss. I'm not going
to have you get me all worked up." She grinned back at him. "You are
incorrigible Francesca." 

 "Please get up. We have to eat so we can go looking for an apartment."
"Uh, Benton. I told Maria that I would go shopping with her today. Is that
O.K. with you?" I can not believe that I just asked him if it's O.K. if I
go shopping. It's starting already. 

 He could see that something was wrong. She had a look on her face that
made her seem uneasy. He looked back at her puzzled. "Francesca. Why would
it bother me if you went shopping?" He didn't know what she was thinking.
She could be so confusing at times. "You mean you don't mind?" "No. Why
would I? If you had already made plans to do something why would I
question it?" 

 She stared back at him feeling the tension slowly go away. He didn't
care? He wasn't angry? "Are you sure?" "Yes. Should I be upset?" "No. It's
just...never mind. Why don't you go down and eat. I'll be about a half
hour. Then I'll come down and we can have coffee together." He was
relieved to see that she wasn't upset anymore. He leaned down and kissed
her again. "I'll see you downstairs." She watched him as he left her room.
He wasn't angry. He didn't care what she did. The day was getting off to a
good start. 

 

 

 Fraser entered the kitchen to the greetings of the Vecchios. "So. Did you
get Frannie up?" "Yes Ray." "Toast and muffins are on the counter.
Pancakes under the plate. Bacon and sausage are in the pan. Help
yourself." As Fraser began preparing his plate he marveled at the Vecchio
family. The children had already eaten. He could hear the cartoons blaring
in the den. Maria and Mrs. Vecchio were going over a list of some sorts.
He guessed it was a shopping list. Maybe Mrs. Vecchio was going with Maria
and Francesca out shopping. Ray was eating toast and reading the morning
paper. Tony wasn't there. Fraser had known him to always get up on
Saturdays just in time for lunch. 

 Their home was constantly in motion. People coming and going. Voices
raised in laughter or anger. They were so full of life. Maybe that was the
reason he kept coming here with Ray. They were the opposite of the type of
family he had. Well, actually he didn't have a family. They were all dead.
He was alone. But when they were alive they weren't very close.
Non-emotional. Strict. Only his mother had shown him any love and she had
died when he was six. 

 It was only through his exposure with the Vecchios that it made him
realize what he had missed growing up. Simple things that the Vecchios
took for granted. Hugs. Smiles. Touching. Toys. 

 When he played with Maria's children he would play games with them. He
would play with their toys. Turning them over in his hands. Looking at
them. Trying to think what it would have been like if he had them as a
child. All he had were books. And more books. 

 Sitting down across from Ray he began to eat. "I've been looking at the
apartments for rent. I've circled some, but I need to know what you make.
"Excuse us." It was Mrs. Vecchio. She and Maria rose from the table and
left the kitchen. Ray knew his mother. She left because she felt that
Fraser and he had needed some privacy. Discussing someone elses income was
a personal thing. His mother had the manners of a saint. 

 "So Benny. What's your income?" "Canadian or American?" When Fraser told
him what he made Ray almost fell off his chair. "You are kidding me
right?" "No Ray. I'm not." "You mean to tell me you've spent fifteen years
in the R.C.M.P. and that is all they're paying you?" "Yes Ray." "That has
got to be wrong." 

 No wonder Fraser chose to live where he did for so long. Fraser was
silent. Ray could tell he wanted to say something, but he was reluctant.
It was like pulling teeth to get him to open up. But Ray had to admit that
he was alot better than he was a year ago. Ah. I might as well take a shot
at this. 

 "Let me guess. The R.C.M.P. is punishing you by paying you so low. That
is not what you should be making." I must have hit the nail on the head.
He's not saying anything to correct me. "I do not know if it would be
called punishment. But I believe that it was their intention to make my
transfer as difficult as possible. They would have preferred it if I would
have resigned my posting." 

 Ray just sat there stunned. It was bad enough they threw him out of his
own country. But to put him in a pay scale that could almost be called
poverty. That was sick. There had to be something that could be done about
it. 

 "Benny. Have you ever talked to Thatcher about a pay increase?" "No. I do
not want to involve her in this. It could prove detrimental to her
career." "Wait a minute! You have shit for money. You live in a pit for
two years. You're thrown out of your own country. And you're worried about
Thatcher's career?! What about you? What about your future? How are you
ever going to support a family on what you make?" 

 Ray hadn't realized that his voice was getting loud until he saw Fraser
flinch. Running a hand over his head, he tried to calm down. "Look. I'm
sorry, but you need to say something Benny. If not they're just going to
keep walking all over you like this." "I'll have to think about it Ray.
It's complicated." "Just ask her Benny. What have you got to lose?
Nothing. 'Cause that is what they are giving you right now." 

 Ray felt so angry. He would have loved to go into Thatcher's office right
now and ring her neck. She didn't live like Benny did. She had a nice
apartment in a nice neighborhood. She knew what Fraser was making. It was
sickening. 

 He couldn't let it drop. "I'm serious about this. You have to talk to
Thatcher. You do want a family don't you?" Ray knew that he was pressing
it, but if Fraser stayed with Frannie this could possibly affect her.
Fraser probably hadn't even thought about this. He watched as Fraser ran a
thumb across his brow. "Yes Ray I would." "O.K. Now don't get all antsy
about this. I'm just using it as an example. Say you don't go back to
Canada anytime soon. You stay here. Things between you and Frannie are
going pretty good. You stay together and eventually get married." He
stopped speaking to see Fraser's reaction. He wasn't saying anything to
cut him off. Fraser was waiting for him to continue. 

 "All right. You're married and living in a cramped apartment because the
R.C.M.P. isn't paying you squat. All of a sudden you find out that Frannie
is pregnant. You're going to be a father. Where is the kid going to sleep?
What about medical costs, clothes, school. This isn't up north. There you
would just kill a few extra caribou and everything's fine. Basic stuff in
the city isn't cheap Benny. If you want to stay with Frannie you have to
think about her too ya' know." 

 Fraser sat staring out of the window into the backyard. Looking at the
empty swing set. "I know this a lot to think about, but you need to do it.
When you see Thatcher talk to her." Fraser looked back at him and slowly
nodded. "I will Ray." Ray didn't know what to say. He is serious. He's
actually thinking about a future with Frannie. This isn't just about sex
or seeing her for a while. He's thinking long term. 

 "Ray" "Yeah Benny." "What was Francesca's ex-husband like?" Ray blinked
in surprise. What had brought that up? "Why do you want to know?" Fraser
opened his mouth to speak, but he shut it just as quickly. He really
didn't know if he should ask Ray questions that involved Francesca. "I
would just like to know something about him." Good. He didn't lie. It was
the truth. 

 "Well, Frannie won't even say his name if that gives you an idea.
Whenever she talks about him, and it's not too often, she refers to him as
'The Pig'. That should give you an indication of what he was like. Frannie
always wanted to get married and have a family of her own. So when she met
Gino just out of high school...you know the type. Tall, good looking. But
all he cared about was himself." 

 "Back then Frannie didn't have any confidence. Not like she does now.
Well, she got all infatuated with him and when he asked her to get married
she jumped at the chance. She didn't know if anyone would ever ask her
again. As far as I'm concerned they got married too young. I knew it
wouldn't work, but how could I tell her that. She was so happy." 

 "He treated her like dirt Benny. She always kept a good house. Dinner was
always on the table, nothing was ever out of place. But he was never
satisfied with what she did. The way he yelled at her. He would sometimes
grab her arm and pull her aside. She would never admit it to any of us,
but I think he hit her when no one was around." 

 "One day she just up and left him. She came home with a car load of stuff
leaving everything else behind at her house. That's how bad it was for
her. She didn't care about anything except getting away from him. He use
to call or come over here screaming at her. But I took care of that. I
told Gino if he didn't stay away I'd have him locked up. She got her
divorce soon after that. I'm just glad they never had any kids or we would
have been stuck with him forever." 

 Fraser was still the entire time that Ray spoke to him. He couldn't
picture anyone ever hurting Francesca. She was just so small. So nice.
This explained alot about Francesca to him. Her reluctance to open up to
him. To say she loved him. She had been deeply hurt years ago. But the
scars were still there. His scars from Victoria were fresher, but
Francesca's were just as deep. Maybe they could find a way to heal them
together. 

 

 

 Fraser could hear Francesca coming down the stairs. "About time you got
up Frannie", Ray yelled out to her. "Yeah. Yeah. Where's Maria." She's in
the diningroom with Ma." Francesca went to the counter and poured herself
a cup of coffee. She pulled a chair out next to Fraser and sat close by
him. "So. When are you two going out apartment hunting?" "In about a half
hour. Maria said they were going around the same time." 

 Francesca looked at Fraser. "Where are you going to look?" "Ray has
marked some places in the paper." "Let me see." She reached over and
snatched the paper from Ray. As she began to read she frowned. "These are
too far away. Can't you get anything closer to here?" "Frannie. He has to
be closer to the consulate. He doesn't have a car." "So. There's always
public transit." Fraser could see an argument was brewing between the two.
"Maybe we could look at some in this area too Ray. It wouldn't hurt."
Francesca stuck her tongue out at Ray and smiled up at Fraser. 

 As they continued to talk Fraser noticed that Francesca had laid her hand
on his thigh. And she was slowly inching it further up. He had been
holding his coffee with both hands and he didn't think moving his hand
under the table would have looked good to Ray. He wished he would have
done it. 

 It was getting harder to speak. He glanced at her only to see her smiling
back at him. She was slowly squeezing and rubbing him. She could be
so...relentless. She was going to get them in trouble sooner or later.
What had she said? Isn't it exciting to think that someone would catch
them? The prospect of that happening was terrifying to him. 

 "Ray..ahem...ah..would you mind if Dief stayed here with the
children...and Tony while we go out?" He shifted in his chair trying to
think of a way to get Francesca to stop. To his relief Ray spoke. "Sure
Benny. No problem. Dief doesn't have to go with us. I saw him outside with
the kids playing so I don't think he'd want to go anyway. Hold on. I'll be
back in a second. I gotta' go get something." 

 Ray stood up and left the room. Fraser quickly turned to Francesca.
"Could you please stop it!" he hissed in a low voice. She just grinned at
him. "Stop what?" He took her hand off of him. "That. Stop that." "Why?'
"Francesca..." She leaned forward and grabbed him again under the table.
"Oh! You mean this." Again he removed her hand. "Yes that!" "Why? You like
it." "Yes I do, but not at the table with Ray sitting across from me."
"But Ray isn't here", she teased. 

 He closed his eyes. How could she do this? He felt her hand again. He
sighed in frustration. "Francesca. How is it going to look to Ray when I
stand up." He looked pointedly at her. "Would you like to see how he's
going to react?" She frowned at him. Then smiled. Tightening her grip on
his growing erection. "But it's such a waste." 

 Count to ten. Take her hand away and count to ten. "Francesca please."
"Only if you make me a promise." He looked at her. She was grinning at
him. There was too much mischief in her eyes to bode well for him. "Yes?"
"Promise me we can fool around upstairs when you get back. Before dinner."
"No!" His voice rose slightly. She kept smiling at him. 

 He had moved her hand again. She put it back. "Come on. Promise?" He
could hear Ray coming back. "O.K. I promise. Just please stop." She was
about to remove her hand, but she gave him a last hard squeeze as Ray
walked into the kitchen. 

 "Stop it!" Fraser blurted out. "Stop what Benny?" Something's going on
thought Ray as he looked at the two of them sitting at the table. Fraser
was red in the face and Francesca was grinning ear to ear. "Nothing Ray."
Poor Benny. He had no idea how aggravating Frannie could be. He didn't
grow up with her. 

 "Well I have to go." Francesca spoke as she stood up. She leaned over and
kissed Fraser on the cheek. "I'll see you tonight." She added an emphasis
to the word you. Ray watched Fraser as he watched Francesca leave the
room. He looked uncomfortable. "Are you O.K.?" Fraser quickly looked back
at Ray. "Yes Ray." "Are you sure." "Yes." "You ready to go?" "No." "No?"
"No. I'd like to finish my coffee first please." I'd like to stand up
without embarrassment is more like it. Being with Francesca was wonderful.
But she sometimes made things very difficult. 
 
 

 

 Fraser and Ray were sitting in the Riv in front of an apartment building.
Fraser could see that Ray was losing his patience with him. "That's number
five." Ray crossed off another listing. "So what was wrong with this one?"
Of the five apartments that they had looked at this one was the best. It
was in a decent neighborhood and it was reasonably priced. But how could
he explain to Ray the reason he didn't want to live here? 

 Was he being paranoid? Maybe. But when they had walked around the complex
Fraser had noted several young women. All who looked at him like he was a
wounded rabbit and they were hungry polecats. He didn't have this type of
problem where he lived now. And he didn't want to be in a place where he
would never be able to relax. 

 "It just wasn't right Ray." "Right in what way? It's perfect. It's in
between our neighborhood and the consulate. It's in a good area. You can
afford it (barely). Why don't you want to move here?" Fraser stared out
the windshield not speaking. "Do you want to move or not?" Do you want to
keep dating Francesca or not is what I should have said. "Yes I do. But if
I am to move I want it to be the right place. I do not want to move again
because it is not what I want." 

 Ray shook his head. Benny lived in a slum for two years and he's choosing
now to be picky? Go figure. "Whatever. I don't know about you, but I'm
tired of looking and I'm getting hungry. I want to go home. We'll have to
look another day." "Understood Ray." 

 The closer they got to Ray's home the more nervous Fraser became. All he
could think of was the promise that he made to Francesca. Exactly how much
fooling around did she mean? Did she just want to kiss? Or was she
planning on trying something more involved? That is what worried him. 

 He relaxed a bit when he thought of one important thing. They didn't have
any condoms left. So there was no way she would want to try anything of
'that' nature. And she knows that I am not going to purchase any with Ray
around. Once he thought of that he relaxed. A little. 

 

 

 "Maria. Do me a favor. Can you take Ma to the shop across the hall?"
"Why? What's the problem?" Francesca rolled her eyes and pointed at the
package in her basket. "What are you doing with those? I thought that was
the guys responsibility?" "Oh yeah. Can you picture Benton, (she imitated
Fraser) Pardon me Ray, but could you please stop at the local pharmacy so
that I may purchase a box of condoms?" Both women broke out into laughter.


 "That will never happen in a million years. Besides, I had to buy them
the other night. He was too embarrassed even after I gave him the money."
"Wait a minute. You bought a package of these when?" "The other night."
"And you paid for them?" "Yes. He ran out of American money. He paid me
back though." She smiled lewdly. 

 "But Frannie. There's six in a package!" Maria looked at her sister in
disbelief. "You used all six in one night?", she squeaked out. "No. Five.
What do you expect. He's Canadian." They both started laughing again. 

 "What about the sixth one? Did you mess it up or do you still have it?"
"Maria." Francesca was looking around to see if her mother was anywhere
nearby. "Uh, no. We used it last night." "Get out! Frannie no you did not.
Not in the den!" "Yup. In the den. On the sofa." Maria's eyes widened.
"What if Ray caught you?! Geez Frannie. What is wrong with you?" 

 Her sister started laughing again. "How did you manage to get him
to...you know...when he knew everyone else was upstairs?" "Believe me. It
took alot. But once I get him past a certain point...it's no problem" "You
had better watch it Frannie." Her sister was shaking her head at her. 

 "Can you get Ma out of here so I can buy them or not?" "You know you're
gonna' get caught one of these days." Francesca just looked at her sister.
"Oh all right. I'll get Ma out of here so you can buy your goodies." As
Francesca stood in line she thought about what she could get Benton to do
before dinner. Wouldn't he be surprised! 

 

 

 Ray noticed that the closer they got to home the quieter Fraser was. "You
O.K.? Anything bothering you?" "No Ray. I'm just thinking." I'm just
thinking how am I going to talk Francesca out of going up to her bedroom?
I did make a promise. But I can't. She's going to get us into so much
trouble. 

 I know we can't do 'that'. It's out of the question. But then there are a
hundred other things that we could do. And all of them would equally get
them in trouble if they were caught doing them. There really was no
option. He was just going to have to come out and say it. Promise or not,
they would not be fooling around anymore in the Vecchio's home when there
were people present. 

 

 

 The moment they walked through the door of the Vecchio's home Francesca
pounced on Fraser. "Come on Benton. You have got to see my new dress that
I bought today." As she pulled him upstairs he caught a glimpse of Maria.
She was smirking at him. Oh dear. 

 Once they had reached her room Francesca shut the door. Fraser opened it
back up. She shut it again and locked it. "You did promise me Benton.
You're not going to break your promise are you?" "No I am not. But I
believe that we need to define what you mean by fooling around." "How
about I just show ya'?" 

 Fraser sighed. This was not going to be easy. He would have to be blunt.
Francesca had moved towards him and was now holding him lightly around the
waist. "Oh come on Benton. Just a few kisses. That's not too much to ask
for is it?" He could tell that she wanted more than that, but it wouldn't
hurt to find out. Maybe she didn't want to do 'that'. "No it is not." 

 He slowly wrapped his arms around her, leaning down he began to kiss her.
Her lips were so soft. And they tasted like...raspberry. She must have put
on some type of lipstick that had a flavoring in it. He was so lost in
what they were doing that he didn't realize what she was doing. Before he
knew it he found himself pushed back onto her bed. This has got to stop. 

 He pushed her away from him against her shoulders, holding her at arms
length. "Benton!" "Francesca. We need to talk." She stared down at him in
confusion. What was wrong with her? She looked like she was about to cry.
She jerked away from him and moved towards the door. What did he say? We
need to talk. Oh dear! 

 He jumped off of the bed and quickly grabbed her before she could get out
of the room. "It's not what you think." "Let me go Benton." Oh my. She was
crying! "Francesca, I didn't mean for it to come out that way." He pulled
her to his chest and held her tightly just in case she made a move towards
the door. He knew that Francesca could be stubborn. If she truly wanted to
leave she would. 

 "I said let me go." "Let me explain first. Please." She tucked her head
down and laid it against his chest. Her voice was muffled. "Go ahead." She
sounded so sad. And it was all his fault. How come I can never say the
right thing when I am trying to talk seriously with her? There's no reason
to be nervous. This is just a simple misunderstanding. 

 "You didn't understand me." She was crying some more. What did she think
he was going to say? She didn't think that he was going to leave her did
she? "Francesca. You didn't think I was talking about...you know...not
being with you? Did you?" She didn't answer him. All she did was nod her
head yes into his chest. 

 Fraser closed his eyes and held her tighter. "I am so sorry. I didn't
mean it that way." He loosened his hold on her and backed slightly away
from her. She still kept her head down. "Francesca look at me." She
refused to look up. "Look at me.", he repeated slowly. When she finally
did he thought that his heart would break. Her face was red, blotchy and
tear streaked. He did this to her just by speaking a few words. He had
been right. She did love him. Enough that the idea of him leaving her
could make her feel this way. It should have made him happy knowing that
she felt like this, but to have her cry...he never wanted that. 

 "Why would you think that I would leave you?" She looked up at him. She
felt like crying some more. He looked so serious, but he also looked
worried. He wasn't going to just dump her like she had thought. She
couldn't help it. Every relationship that she had since her divorce from
the Pig always ended up with the words 'we need to talk'. 

 She was shocked to hear them coming from him. She thought that he loved
her. He had even said it to her. Why would he have wanted to leave? She
felt so stupid now. "I'm sorry", she said as she wiped her face with her
hand. He touched her face lightly with his fingers and then he leaned down
and kissed her softly. "No, I'm sorry. I would never do anything to hurt
you. You know that don't you?" She nodded her head yes and hugged him
tightly to her. 

 They stood there like that for some time. Not moving. Just holding one
another. She finally let go and stepped back from him. She felt confined
in the room now. She needed to move around. But peeking into the mirror
over her bureau she couldn't very well go down to the kitchen or the den
looking the way she did. 

 "Do you want to go for a walk before dinner?" "Yes. That would be nice."
She took his hand and led him down the stairs, looking to see if anyone
was around. She didn't want to have to answer any questions. Oh no! It was
Ray coming out of the den. He saw her. They both froze. 

 She's been crying. Frannie's been crying. Ray approached them. "Are you
O.K. Frannie?" He looked directly at her. Then he gave Fraser a look that
basically said 'what did you do to her?'. She moved between Ray and
Fraser. "We're going for a walk. We'll be back before dinner." She pulled
Fraser to the door and out of the house before Ray could say anything
else. Ray stood in the hall looking at the closed door. 

 What did Fraser do to make her cry? The only thing that he could think of
would be that he told her he was going to leave her. But he knew that
wasn't it because of the conversations that they had today. He just shook
his head and walked away. The two of them were hard to figure out. They'll
let him know what was going on when they wanted to. 

 

 

 They walked down the street through the neighborhood. Holding hands but
not speaking. She felt like an idiot. He wasn't leaving her. But she hated
knowing that he had worked his way into her heart like this. She loved
him. She didn't like him. She didn't lust after him. She loved him. And it
scared her. But she was finally going to face up to her fears. 

 She swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Benton." Yes Francesca?" She
tightened her grip on his hand. "You do know that I love you." He stopped
walking and looked down at her. A slight smile played across his features
"Yes I do. And you know that I love you. Don't you?" She started smiling
back at him. "Yes." 

 The next thing she knew they were locked in an embrace. Kissing each
other and not wanting to let go. Then she heard a voice screaming at them
from the window of the house next to them. "That is disgusting! You young
people have no morals!" Then the window slammed shut. To her surprise
Fraser didn't get embarrassed. He burst out laughing. "Oh dear. I believe
that we just got in trouble. I hope that this doesn't get back to Ray."
"Oh you can bet it will. That's Mrs. Rizzo. She's a crabby old..."
"Francesca!" "Well she is! You can be sure that she'll call Ma and let her
know what a hussy her daughter is." 

 They continued to walk talking about their jobs, his moving, what things
he would need to buy once he had moved. Francesca had noticed that he
didn't own any dishes, glasses, silverware or linens. Basically he needed
almost everything for that matter. She was looking forward to going
shopping with him to pick out all of those things. 

 "Benton. What exactly did you want to talk to me about?" He looked
confused for a moment and then remembered. He cleared his throat. "Well. I
believe what I was going to say is that we can not 'fool around' at your
home anymore." "What?" He felt uncomfortable discussing this but he had to
do it. "Francesca. We can't do 'that' or anything else when we are at your
house. At least not when there are other people present. You may find it
exciting, the possibility of us being caught. But how will you feel when
it actually occurs? And what if the person catching us happens to be one
of Maria's children?" 

 She hadn't really thought about that. What if it was once of Maria's
children. Or Ma! Yes the prospect of being caught by someone was a
definite turn on, but when he put it like that. Well, it seemed a bit too
much. How would she feel? Embarrassed. Mortified. Yes, he was right. They
couldn't do anything anymore where they could possibly be caught. It was
common sense. 

 "You're right Benton. When I think about it. It would be sorta'...well
you know." He was relived to see that he wouldn't have to argue about this
with her. He expected for her to disagree with him on this subject. That
she would just say that he was being old fashioned. That he had no sense
of adventure. "Thank you." "For what? Agreeing with you? You thought I was
going to argue with you about this didn't you?" She was smiling at him as
she said it. "Yes. I did." "Well, Benton you were wrong. I agree with you.
But that doesn't mean we can't 'make out'." He looked at her. "That's just
kissing Benton. Nothing more. No heavy petting." She laughed at that
statement. "Heavy petting?" You remember what we did on the porch the
other night?" she smiled teasingly at him. "Yes." He was blushing. He is
so cute she thought. "That is heavy petting." "Oh." 

 Looking around the neighborhood Francesca checked her watch. "We should
start back. I didn't realize that we walked this far." Just as she was
about to turn she felt Fraser's hand on her arm. "Could you wait here for
a moment?" She watched him as he jogged across the street and began
talking to an old man. After a few minutes he turned to her and waved for
her to come over. What is he up to? 

 "Francesca this is Mr. Deutch. Mr. Deutch this is Francesca Vecchio. "Ah,
this is your fiancee then?" "Uh, no. She's my girlfriend." Francesca
smiled at Fraser and held her hand out to Mr. Deutch. "Nice to meet you."
"Two polite young people in one day. That is nice for a change. Come with
me." She looked curiously at Fraser . 

 "Come on. I want you to look at this with me." He put his hand on her
back and led her up the sidewalk of the house that the old man had been in
front of. She finally spotted the for rent sign in the window. "Your going
to look at a house?" "Yes." Why would he look at a house when all he and
Ray had been looking at were apartments? 

 The neighborhood they were in wasn't a bad one. It was made up of mostly
small cottage homes with even smaller yards. As she walked through the
front door she felt her heart drop. It was a mess. She could see that it
needed a ton of work. It didn't even look livable. But looking over at
Fraser it was obvious that he didn't see the things that she saw. 

 As the old man and Fraser talked she watched him run his hands along the
woodwork. Occasionally stopping to pull or tug at various parts. In each
room he would inspect everything. Kneeling down, looking underneath
things. As she watched him turn on a faucet she thought that at least the
plumbing worked. 

 "As you can see it needs a lot of work. Some of the plumbing and wiring
needs to be updated, but they passed inspection. Do we have a deal?" A
deal? What was he talking about? "Yes we do Mr. Deutch." She watched as
they shook hands. What in the heck was Fraser doing? "I'll get the papers
drawn up. How's next week sound. The day after Thanksgiving?" "I'll have
to check my work schedule, but I believe that would be good. Thank you
kindly." 

 They walked out of the house and began to make their way back to the
Vecchios. "So Francesca. What do you think of it?" "It's a dump. It needs
a ton of stuff done to it. Are you sure that you want to live there?" He
looked over at her. His smile had never left his face since leaving the
small house. "Yes I'll admit that it needs a lot of work, but it's mostly
cosmetic. Did you see the woodwork? It's oak. Very unusual for such a
small home. Structurally it's well put together." 

 "What kind of deal did he mean when you shook hands?" "We used a barter
system. He'll supply the materials and I'll do all of the labor. In return
he's renting the house to me at below the asking rate. Also when I have
finished the work that needs to be done, Mr. Deutch said that I may rent
it at a reduced rate if I continue the upkeep. I didn't think that I would
be able to find something like this at all. Ray will be very relieved to
know that he doesn't have to go out apartment hunting with me again." 

 "Well at least it's within walking distance of my house, but what about
the consulate?" "Yes, it will take me longer, but I do need the exercise.
I do not want to get soft living in the city." She laughed at him. "You
are the last person I know who will ever have to worry about that
happening." 

 

 

 They got back to the Vecchios just in time to set the table. Ray watched
them. Frannie showed no sign of ever being upset. In fact they seemed even
closer than before. Constantly looking at each other. Smiling. Touching.
Ray looked away. It was worse than watching a Disney movie. 

 As they sat down to eat he noticed that they had set their places next to
one another. He could tell that they wanted to say something, but they
were waiting for the right time. No! They weren't! He quickly thought
back. Frannie was crying and now they were closer than ever. He didn't ask
her to marry him?! 

 Ray strained to see Francesca's left hand. It was under the table. More
than likely they were holding hands. He couldn't have asked her so soon.
They had only been dating for two months now. I know that they aren't
getting any younger. And I know that they both want children. But to get
married so fast? He couldn't let Frannie make the same mistake twice. He'd
have to make them wait somehow. 

 Dinner was almost over. Francesca looked over at Fraser and nudged him.
"Go ahead Benton. Tell Ray." Ray's eyes widened. "Ray..." "You can't! I
won't let you do it! Frannie you can't make the same mistake twice. And
Benny! What in the hell are you thinking? You don't even know her well
enough to do this!" 

 The table was quiet. "Uh, Ray? What are you talking about?" Fraser was
looking at him in total confusion. "Oh come on Ray!" This time it was
Francesca. "You thought...you thought he asked me to marry him didn't
you?" Ray just stared back at them. Uh oh. That isn't what Benny was going
to tell me. Aw geez. 

 Putting his face in his hands Ray took a deep breath. This is too much.
Looking back at them he could see two reactions. Anger from Francesca. And
Fraser. He just had a blank look on his face. Like he didn't know what was
going on. That was nothing new. "Look Frannie I'm sorry. I just...well I
was putting two and two together and that's what I thought." "Well Mr.
Detective you thought wrong." Francesca sat there. What if Benton had
asked her to marry him? What would she have said? 

 "Benton could you please tell Ray what you were going to say." "I found a
place to live." "A place to live?" "Yes Ray." "You're not...?" "No Ray."
Fraser cleared his throat. It was awfully hot in here he thought. "When
Francesca and I went walking before dinner I found a house for rent. It's
approximately ten blocks from here." 

 "Your renting a house?" "Yes Ray. I should be able to move in shortly
after Thanksgiving." As Fraser proceeded to tell Ray about the house
everyone began to relax. They weren't getting married. But it nagged at
Ray. What in the heck had Frannie been crying about? 
 


 

 "It's getting late Benny. You want me to take you home?" "Yes Ray. Thank
you." Francesca followed them onto the porch. "So you think maybe you
could stop by for a bit tomorrow night?" "Yes I believe that I could."
They stood awkwardly for a second or two. "Oh all right. I'll be waiting
in the car. Don't take too long." 

 These two have spent the whole evening on the sofa and now they want to
still spend time together? He'll see her tomorrow. What is with these two?
They were worse than love struck teenagers. He wasn't going to watch them,
but curiosity got the best of him. The way that they stood there. Holding
one another. Kissing. It looked almost erotic. He jerked his head away
from the two. Geez! That is gross! I just thought about Benny and Frannie
that way! 

 He looked back. They still hadn't parted. They are going to do this all
night if I don't stop it. He beeped the horn of the Riv. Fraser and
Francesca jumped apart. "I guess that Ray wants me to go." "I'll see you
tomorrow then?" He kissed her once more quickly. "Yes. Goodnight." "'Night
Benton." 

 He walked over to the Riv and got in. "My apologies Ray. I didn't mean to
be so long." He felt himself beginning to blush. Ray had an extremely good
view of the porch from here. "You two are too much Benny." 

 

 

 Fraser stood in front of the mirror inspecting himself. He was dressed in
his red serge. He lifted his chin up slightly. Wincing when he saw the
hickey. It had faded some more, but not enough. It was quite obvious what
it was. 

 How many people had walked by the consulate that day and seen it? And why
had Inspector Thatcher put him on sentry duty if the mark was so visible?
Why not relegate him to his desk? Keep him out of sight. 

 He removed his jacket and took the small bottle off of the shelve near
the mirror. When he had talked to Francesca about how he could hide it,
she had snapped her fingers and knew exactly what to do. Requesting Ray to
stop at the drug store last night when he took him back to his apartment
to get it was embarrassing. 

 "Foundation? What do you need foundation for?" When he explained what he
wanted to do Ray had burst out laughing. "You're kidding me right?" "No
Ray I am not. Would you mind helping me pick out the shade?" "You are
really something Benny." 

 The few patrons and workers that had been in the store had given them
funny looks. Two men in the middle of a cosmetics section. One with his
head tilted back and the other holding up various bottles to check the
skin tone against the neck. 

 "This is the last time I'm gonna' do something like this. You know that
don't you?" "Yes Ray and I appreciate that you are doing this for me now."
"Well. It's one of these two shades." Holding up the bottles Ray looked at
the two very pale colors. "Have you ever thought about getting a tan?" 

 Handing them over to Fraser he began to walk away from him. "You go pay
for the stuff. I'm gonna' wait in the car. I've had enough embarrassment
for one night." As Fraser paid for the foundation he hesitated. Looking at
the counter behind the clerk. It was he responsibility after all. Not
Francesca's. "Could you...I would like a package of those please." He
pointed at the Lucky 13 condoms that Francesca had chosen the other night.


 The clerk picked them up and she put them in the bag with the makeup. She
started smiling at him. "I hope your boyfriend like's them. He's kinda'
cute." "Uh, well..no...he's not...never mind." He quickly paid for them
and left the store. 

 He cleared his throat. "Ray? Do you frequent this store very often?" "No
Benny. First time I've been in there. Why?" "No reason." Ray looked at him
funny. "You need to go home and get some sleep. You've been staying up too
much lately." 

 Now he was standing in front of the mirror applying the foundation to the
hickey as Francesca had instructed. Apparently she had done this in the
past. It took a few coats, but it worked. He sighed in relief. Putting his
jacket back on his adjusted the collar and looked at himself. He was
presentable for duty. Now all he had to do was face Inspector Thatcher and
apologize to her. 

 

 

 Fraser walked into the consulate. Turnbull was in the foyer cleaning. Why
was he always cleaning? They had people who came in every day that did
that. "Goodmorning Turnbull. Is Inspector Thatcher in yet?" Turnbull was
fidgeting with his duster. She was in. "Yes Constable Fraser she is. She
said that you are to do sentry duty. Morning shift." 

 She had changed his schedule again. He looked blankly at Turnbull who
seemed even more flustered by his reaction. "Excuse me." Turning away he
walked directly towards Thatcher's office. He might as well get this over
with. No sense in prolonging the agony. 

 Thatcher heard the knock at the door. She was expecting it. "Who is it?"
Her tone was flat and unemotional. "It's Constable Fraser sir. May I come
in?" She gritted her teeth. She was in no mood to listen to his apologies
or watch him nervously handle his stetson. He could come in and then she
would dispatch him immediately to sentry duty. "Granted." 

 Fraser walked in. He could see by the set of her shoulders that she was
not going to want to talk to him. Or be talked to. He had seen her like
this before and the encounters had never been pleasant for him. Steeling
himself he stood in front of her desk. Waiting for her to acknowledge him.
He waited two minutes before she finally looked up at him. 

 "You are posted to sentry duty. Morning shift. Dismissed." Then she
returned to her work. Keying figures into her laptop. She was going to
ignore him. Ignore the problem and it will go away. But he wasn't going to
go away this time. 

 "Permission to speak sir." She kept ignoring him. He stood for another
minute in a resting stance. She finally looked back up at him. "I don't
believe that you heard me constable. You are dismissed." She stared at
him. Trying to intimidate him. Normally he would have mumbled some type of
apology by now and he would have tripped out of the room. She enjoyed it
when he got flustered. Not that she was malicious. It's just that he was
so cute when he did it. Today he was just grating on her nerves. And she
had no idea why. 

 Fraser looked back at her and repeated himself. "Permission to speak.
Sir." He spoke slowly and never let his eyes leave hers. He knew that what
he was doing could be construed as insubordination, But he didn't really
have much to lose by doing this. He was already an outcast in the R.C.M.P.
Except for kicking him out, they really couldn't do much more to him. 

 She leaned back in her chair. Looking at him. Trying to figure him out.
He was actually challenging her authority. Without a fumble, a blush or a
stutter. She was curious. What would change him to the point where he
wouldn't back down from her? She smiled at him, but without any humor. 

 "Permission granted." "Sir. I would like to apologize for reporting for
duty the other day in an unsuitable manner. I did not realize my state. If
I had I would have notified you in advance. It will not happen again." The
smile left her face. "Constable. What you do with your free time is not my
business. My business is running the consulate and keeping everything in
order. It is not to inspect you for...hickeys." He blinked at that. Ah.
She got a reaction from him. "If you insist on satisfying your 'urges'
then make sure you do not allow them to interfere with your duties as a
representative of the R.C.M.P. It is unprofessional and I will not have it
in my consulate. Do I make myself clear?" 

 He stared back at her. His urges? The fact that he had feelings. The fact
that he was finally in a relationship that he was happy with. Urges?
"Excuse me sir. But I do not believe that I would call my being involved
in a relationship as urges. I apologize again for my appearance, but I
will not apologize for my relationship." Oh dear. I can't believe I just
said that. He looked at her trying to gauge her reaction. 

 Relationship? So. He was involved with someone. It must have been the
person that he took to the opera. I wonder who she is? "I don't care what
you want to call it. You will not do anything that will interfere with
your duties. Are we clear on this matter?" "Yes sir." "Dismissed." 

 He didn't move. "Permission to speak sir." What does he want? This could
go on all morning! She tapped her pen on her desk. "What more do you have
to say constable?" He took a deep breath. "I would like to inquire as to
why my pay is well below regulation level for my position. And what can be
done to rectify this situation." 

 He comes into my consulate. With a hickey on his neck. And now he has the
nerve to ask about a pay raise? She just looked at him. He was standing at
attention now. Stiff. Not a hair out of place. No sign of any emotion. The
model R.C.M.P. officer. He stood there waiting for her to answer him.
"I'll see what I can do." 

 Ah. Now she had another reaction from him. He looked confused. He didn't
expect that answer. "Dismissed." She smiled back at him. Now this was the
Constable Fraser that she knew. He looked flustered. "Uh, yes sir. Thank
you sir." He backed away from her desk and had trouble opening the door.
She would have to get Turnbull to fix it. It was jamming lately. 

 As soon as he left her office she pulled his file out. She hadn't read it
since she first took her posting in Chicago. It was a thick file. She
wanted to go over it thoroughly once more before she decided on what
course of action to take. 

 

 

 Sitting in the den Ray thought about the past week. It had been
uneventful. He had his usual case load. His desk was always overflowing.
But Fraser had stopped by several times that week to help him. Either they
went out investigating crimes or they stayed at Ray's desk catching up on
paperwork. Ray could never get over how Fraser would come in on his own
time to work with him. Be his unofficial partner. Ray had asked him the
day before about it. 

 They had been going through files all morning and were eating lunch
across the street from the station. "Benny. Can I ask you a question?"
"Certainly Ray." "Why do you do this?" Fraser looked back at him in
confusion. "Eat lunch with you?" "No. I mean why do you work at your job
and then come work with me?" 

 Fraser put his sandwich down and looked out the window at the station
across the street. It was as if he were trying to decide whether or not to
tell him. Then he started smiling as he turned back to Ray. "I believe it
would be because I enjoy your company and I like solving the cases with
you." Ray had found himself smiling right back at him. 

 Benny had changed so much in the past year. Ever since Victoria. Before
he had been withdrawn. Quiet. Secretive. Never wanting to let anyone into
his life. Now he was taking more chances. Ray had noticed the effect the
Vecchio family was having on him. And even more so since he had begun
dating Frannie. 

 Ray would watch him. He notice Fraser was becoming looser. Not that he
would ever be the life of the party. It was just...he seemed to be
enjoying life more. He would get into discussions with Huey and Duey.
Pointing out what they were doing wrong. Sometimes it seemed that he was
baiting them. But he never would go beyond the point that they could
figure out if he was. He smiled more often. The changes were small, but
they were nice. 

 Getting up he decided he had better go and help with carving the turkey.
It was Thanksgiving and it was almost time to eat. As he walked out of the
den he could hear Frannie and Fraser talking. They were in the diningroom
setting the table. He paused in the hallway to listen to them. "Yellow."
"Yellow?" "Yeah Benton. Yellow." "But wouldn't a cream color go better
with everything?" "But yellow is a happy color. It brightens up the whole
room. And since the kitchen is so small it'll make it seem bigger. Plus a
sunflower pattern would look really nice in there." "Then yellow it is." 

 Ray shook his head. They sounded like a couple planning their first home
together. Only a week before that thought would have sent him into a
panic. But he knew that they weren't going to rush things. It was weird,
but he was getting use to them being together. They seemed so relaxed and
happy with one another. 

 He had also noticed that Fraser wasn't the only one changing. Before the
two of them had begun dating Francesca had pursed Fraser relentlessly. It
had almost been sad watching her throw herself at him like that. Only to
have him run from her. And to later find out it was because Fraser didn't
want to go against Ray's own wishes that he not be with Francesca. Two
years of running. For nothing. 

 Francesca had seemed to calm down some. She had even begun toning down
her clothing at work. She would never wear the regulation civilian aid
uniform that Elaine had, but for her it was a noticeable change. The other
day at work a clerk from forensics named Catherine had come in. She was
another one of the 'Fraser Fan Club' as the bullpen called them. 

 "So Frannie. What's up with the pants? Given up on ever getting Big Red
in the sack?" She had laughed right at Francesca, leaning over on her
computer as she had done it. "Yeah. Real funny Cathy. You should be a
comedian." Ray had watched the exchange with amusement. If only Cathy
knew. 

 For some reason Francesca had wanted to keep her relationship with Fraser
a secret. He had thought that the moment she had him, she would have put
posters on the walls at work proclaiming the fact. Even Fraser had been
puzzled by her request, but he agreed not to let anyone know about them.
When Ray had asked her why she had just said she wanted her privacy. That
was a first. Things were changing. 

 Ray decided to go into the diningroom. Why not join them in the
conversation about the house? Walking in he stopped. "Aw come on! Don't
you two ever stop?" Francesca had Fraser up against the table and was
kissing his neck. And Fraser seemed perfectly happy with the situation.
They quickly broke apart when Ray yelled at them. As always Fraser turned
red and Francesca yelled at him. 

 "Ray! Quit sneaking up on us like that!" "I'm not sneaking up on you! I
just came in to talk about the house with the two of you. Is it my fault
every time I walk into a room you two are all over each other?!" Fraser
just stood there quietly. Watching them yell each other. He still couldn't
get use it. 

 "Excuse me." They both stopped and looked at him. "Could we finish
setting the table? It's almost time to bring the food out." "Yeah Benton.
That's a good idea. Hand me the napkins Ray and go get the silverware."
Fraser gave Francesca a look. "Please. Please go and get the silverware." 

 

 

 The entire family was seated at the table, passing food back and forth.
Gesturing and talking loudly. Fraser observed the children handing Dief
pieces of turkey under the table. They tried to sneak it. They all knew
how he didn't like anyone feeding Dief. But today was different. Today was
Thanksgiving. 

 By the end of the day Dief would lay bloated and content on the carpet in
the den. Mrs. Vecchio had been feeding him the entire time that she had
been cooking. It would be senseless trying to stop it. And after dinner
there would be scraps put in a bowl for him. Even Dief had been adopted
into the Vecchio family. He was no longer a fearless hunter. He was a
lounging, pampered house pet. 

 "Yo Benny. What are you thinking about?" It was Ray. His argument with
Francesca long forgotten. "Pardon?" "You're sitting there, not eating,
watching everyone else with a smile on your face. What are you thinking
about?" He was getting too relaxed around Ray's family. 

 He remembered a time when he could sit for hours and not have anyone have
the slightest idea of what he was thinking or feeling. It was apparent
that he was now broadcasting his emotions. He cocked his head to the side
and chewed on his lower lip. How should I respond? Tell him what I am
thinking or just brush him off? 

 He had also been getting in the habit lately with Ray by answering him
before thinking about what he was going to say. That was not like him.
There was just something about Ray's family. They wore their emotions on
their sleeves and spoke from the heart. It wasn't always a good thing, but
they did seem to be a happy family because of it. 

 It only took that second for it to sink in. He was starting to act like
one of the Vecchios! Maybe a more restrained version. But he was slowly
becoming one of them. He knew that they had accepted him as one of the
family. But now he really felt that he was a part of it. 

 "I was thinking how nice it was to have family." Ray smiled back at him.
"Well, you had better face it. You're a Vecchio." Mrs. Vecchio had been
listening to them and was now smiling happily. "Benton." He turned towards
her. "Yes Ma?" She began to speak to him in Italian. Ray listened to her.
It was a poem about a mother and her son. 

 Ray was surprised when Fraser answered her. In Italian. How many
languages did he know? He hadn't mentioned knowing Italian before. "When
did you learn to speak Italian Benny?" "I decided after the opera to learn
it. Francesca had thought that I already knew it, but I only knew the
words from the opera. I've been listening to the translation tapes at the
consulate." 

 Ray was stunned. "You mean that in two months you've taught yourself to
speak Italian?" "I can hold a basic conversation in it, but I wouldn't
exactly say that I speak it very well." "How can you do that?" "Speak it?"
"No. Learn so fast?" Fraser sat for a moment thinking. "I don't really
know. It just happens. My grandmother once said that I have exceptional
recall." 

 He would never be able to figure Fraser out. So why bother. He decided to
change the subject. "How's the packing coming?" "I have everything boxed
and ready." "How many boxes?" "Three." "What else?" "Besides my hat stand,
trunk and guitar? Nothing." "What about the bed, the dresser and the
table?" "None of those are mine Ray. They were all in the apartment when I
moved in. I can't very well take them with me." 

 "What are you going to sleep on at the house then?" "My bedroll." "No. I
mean what about a bed?" "I really do not see the need to get one right
away. The bedroll will be sufficient." Francesca cleared her throat. "I
think we need to talk about that." Fraser looked over at her. "Why would
we have to.....oh." 

 There he goes again. Blushing. Ray thanked God that he didn't have that
problem. And to make matters worse, Tony spoke up. Ray saw Francesca
cringe. This was going to be fun. "So Fraser. What type of bed you
thinking about getting? A twin?" Tony chuckled satisfied that he thought
of it so quickly. 

 Ray watched as Fraser hesitated. He's going to say something back. Ray
watched in anticipation. "No. I do not believe a twin would be
appropriate. A king would be more suitable." Tony choked on the stuffing
he had just shoved in his mouth. "Did you say king?" "Yes." Tony just
gawked at him. He was finally at a loss for words. He didn't expect any
response at all from Fraser. 

 He really was a Vecchio. Fraser was learning to come back at Tony. He
wasn't malicious. He wasn't really very creative. But he didn't just sit
there anymore taking Tony's wisecracks. Maria sat next to her husband
smiling back at Fraser. He blushed again feeling a bit of shame for having
said anything at all. It just wasn't like him to do something like that. 
 


 

 "Thank you very much for dinner Ma." Fraser kissed Mrs. Vecchio on the
cheek and gave her a hug. "And thank you for the food for Diefenbaker." He
looked around. Where was Dief anyway? It was time to go. "Diefenbaker.
Dief!" 

 Ray walked into the foyer. "He's in the den. I don't think you're gonna'
get him to budge. Just leave him here. You can pick him up tomorrow." "Are
you sure Ray." "Yeah. It'll give the kids a surprise in the morning."
"Thank you kindly Ray. Goodnight Ma. Goodnight Francesca." He leaned down
and gave Francesca a quick kiss. He still felt uncomfortable doing it in
front of Ray or anyone else for that matter. 

 "You'll be ready at eight?", Fraser asked her. Ray snorted. She gave him
a dirty look. "Yes I'll be ready." She looked back at Fraser smiling.
"Don't forget to wear old clothing." "I won't Benton." He kissed her once
more, smiling back at her. Ray grabbed his arm and began pulling him
towards the door. 

 "Come on. I don't want to stand here all night." "Ray stop that!" "Say
goodbye Frannie. Say goodnight Benny." "Goodnight Francesca." Ray pushed
Fraser out the door and shut it in Francesca's face. "That wasn't very
nice Ray." "Yeah, well watching you two play kissy face the rest of the
night isn't nice either." "Kissy face?" "Just forget it Benny."
"Understood Ray." 

 

 

 Fraser had just finished the paper work with Mr. Deutch. Standing in the
small living room he looked around. He was starting to get excited. Ever
since moving to Chicago he never really had a purpose. But fixing up the
small house. Making it a place to call home. It gave him something to look
forward to. He would be using his hands to make things again. 

 There would be no more nights of coming back to apartment with nothing to
do. Now he could choose a different project to start. And when he would
finish it, there would be a visible result. The other plus to moving here
was being closer to Francesca. 

 Walking out the front door he locked it. He felt a pang of regret in
doing this. But Francesca had said he should start getting use to it. He
trusted too many people she had said. This would be the place that he
would live. For how long he didn't know. But he had already begun
referring to it as home. 

 There was something about the small place that was comforting. Maybe its
size was the reason. His cabin in Canada was home. It was small. Cozy.
This was how it felt here. The settings were different, but the feelings
were there. 

 With a satisfied sigh he began walking to the Vecchios. Ten blocks. It
was a short distance to him. He would never have to bother Ray again to
bring him home at night. And now Ray wouldn't worry about Francesca. Well,
he would worry, but not for the same reasons. 

 

 

 Ray greeted him at the door. "Goodmorning Ray." "Mornin'." Ray turned
from him and yelled up the stairs. "Frannie! You had better be up and
dressed 'cause we're getting ready to leave!" To Ray's surprise Francesca
came running down the stairs. 

 "You don't have to yell. I told you I would be ready." Ray looked at her.
She had on old sneakers, ripped jeans and a ratty looking sweatshirt. He
didn't even know she owned clothes like that. Fraser spoke to her. "I see
you took my advice and dressed properly." "Yup. I'm ready to be put to
work. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it." 

 She smiled and leaned towards him crooking a finger so she could whisper
in his ear. "And I mean anything." Fraser pulled back laughing at her.
"What did she just say?" Fraser shook his head. "Nothing Ray." Francesca
smirked at him. "It's called nunya. None of your business." "Whatever!
Let's get moving. From what you've told me we've got alot to do today." 

 "Ray where's Diefenbaker?" "Oh sorry. The kids took him to the park. I
didn't think you'd mind. I told him you were expecting him to come with
you, but he left with Maria and the kids about fifteen minutes ago." 

 Ray had talked to Diefenbaker. He felt like a complete idiot when he had
done it, but he found himself talking to the wolf just like Fraser did.
And Dief had barked back at him in return, running out the door with the
kids happily hugging him. Go figure. 

 "Your family is spoiling him Ray." Ray raised an eyebrow at him. "My
family?" "Ours. Our family is spoiling him." That better Benny. Get use to
saying it. Ma would be really hurt if you keep saying stuff like that. 

 

 

 Ray walked into the small house. Frannie was right. It was pretty bad. He
looked over at Fraser who was picking at the carpet. Then Ray watched as
he grabbed hold of a section and ripped it back from the floor. "What are
you doing?!" "I'm ripping up the carpet Ray." "I can see that. But why? Do
you know how expensive carpet is?" 

 Fraser pulled up another section exposing a large portion of the flooring
underneath. He knocked on the floor with his knuckles. "Hardwood floors
Ray. Why someone would want to cover them up with carpeting is beyond me."


 Francesca had already walked away from them and was in the kitchen. She
could hear Ray and Fraser talking. Yeah this place is a dump. But as she
filled the bucket up with soap and hot water she couldn't help thinking
that it had potential. With some cleaning and painting it wouldn't look
half bad. And once Fraser had done all of the sanding and staining that he
had talked about. Well the little house could be a home. 

 

 

 Ray threw down the sponge he was holding and sat on the floor. "I don't
know about you two, but I'm tired and I'm hungry. It's almost two. Why
don't we stop, go home, get cleaned up and eat." "I'm with Ray, Benton. If
I don't get something to eat soon I'm gonna' pass out." 

 Fraser looked up in surprise. He was tying up rolls of carpeting into
bundles to put out with the trash. "Come on. You have to be tired. You're
even dirty for once. And don't even try and say you're not hungry." "Yes
Ray I am hungry, but I would like to get this finished before I leave. If
you and Francesca would like, you can both go home now and I'll be over
shortly." 

 Ray watched as Fraser picked up several large bundles of the carpeting
and easily carried them out the front door. "Does he not ever get tired?
Tell me Frannie. Does he ever get tired? Are you sure you want to be with
someone who never stops?" 

 Francesca looked at Ray and started laughing at him, shaking her head,
but not answering him. "Aw come on Frannie! You are so gross! That is not
funny!" "You're the one who brought it up Ray." "You know I didn't mean
that!" She gave him an evil grin. "Yeah he gets tired Ray. But it takes a
while." She laughed again sitting down on the floor across from Ray.
"Knock it off Frannie! You are disgusting." 

 Fraser walked back into the house. Both Vecchios were sitting on the
floor. Francesca was laughing and Ray was making a face at her. He knew
that she was up to no good. She had that glint in her eye. For some reason
she loved to provoke Ray. 

 Reaching down he grabbed her hands and pulled her up to hug her. "Leave
Ray alone Francesca." "Yeah Frannie, leave me alone." "We'll leave in a
few minutes Ray. I don't want to overwork you." "That's very kind of you",
Ray spoke in a dry tone. "I still need you to come over tomorrow evening."
"Oh you are really funny." Ray lay back on the floor closing his eyes. 

 "Lets' go in the kitchen. I want to show you what I've done." She grabbed
Fraser by the hand and pulled him into the kitchen. "So what do you
think?" He looked over the small room. It was dingy looking and the
cabinets still needed to be refinished, but it was spotlessly clean. 

 "It looks like a different room. Thank you." He backed her into the
corner away from the entrance. "You're thanking me for cleaning?" "That
and other things." He leaned down, kissing her, pinning her against the
cabinets. Then she felt herself being lifted up so she was sitting on the
counter, now at eye level with him. 

 "My aren't we inventive today." He smiled back at her. "No. To be honest
my back is aching and I didn't want to lean down to kiss you." She pushed
him in the chest. "You're lying." "No. I would never lie to you." She was
beginning to get worried. "Are you O.K. then?" 

 Was his back hurting from the physical labor or was it from the bullet
still there? She felt a wave of anger wash over her. Here she was.
Perfectly happy. And somehow that bitch still managed to intrude into
their lives. She hated this constant reminder of his past. Of her. She had
never even met the woman, but she just couldn't say her name. 

 "Yes I'm fine." He slid his arms around her and leaned into her. Kissing
her hungrily. When he pulled back she couldn't help but laugh at him.
"What brought this on?" He didn't answer her. Instead he began to kiss her
neck. "You know I'm dirty." He started nibbling at her collarbone and then
worked his way back up her neck speaking between kisses. "Dove soap. Dust.
Dirt from the front walk. Murphy's Oil Soap." 

 She started laughing harder. "How can you tell? You can't taste all of
that." He breathed heavily into her ear. "Was I correct?" "Yeeeeesss." He
moved back to her mouth. Tasting her. Now it was sweeter. No sweat. No
dirt. Just...Francesca. 

 She broke apart from him pausing to catch her breath. "You do remember
that Ray is in the other room?" He tucked his head against her breast.
"Unfortunately yes. I do remember." He wanted her now. But he could wait.
As long as Ray was in the other room he decided it wouldn't hurt to keep
kissing her. 

 He slowly slid his hands into her shirt as he continued to kiss her.
Biting at her lower lip. He felt her tense. Moving back to her neck he
whispered in her ear. "What's wrong?" "Ray" "Ray what?" Running her
fingers through his hair she pulled him to her. He reached further up her
shirt cupping her breast. Letting his thumb rub over her nipple. She
moaned softly into his mouth. What had Frannie called it? They were
allowed to do this she had said. It wasn't heavy petting. 

 He pulled back from her again, looking into her face. "He'll hear us
Benton." He smiled at her. "He won't hear us because we're not doing
anything." Moving both hands to her back, pulling her to him, he lifted
her off the counter. Letting her slowly slide down his body until she
finally stood. He closed his eyes. Trying to regain some control. Ray was
in the other room. He could walk in at any moment. Calm down. 

 Then he felt her. Francesca had grabbed him. Rubbing against him as she
had before. Like the night on the porch. Each touch was like fire. It
amazed him that she could make him feel this way with just the touch of
her fingers. He pinned her back against the counter kissing her with a
passion that he didn't know that he was capable of. Grinding into her.
Feeling her. Touching her. 

 They broke apart startled. Staring at one another. Hardly being able to
breathe. Speaking both at once. "We have to.." Fraser finished
alone..."stop". He moved away from her trying to breathe. Running a hand
through his hair. Looking over at her he found her staring at him. He
smiled at her. "What?" "When did you know that you loved me?" Blinking he
looked back at her. The question caught him off guard. 

 Crossing his arms, he leaned against the stove. Biting his lower lip. "I
remember the first time I saw you. When Ray brought me over for dinner the
first time. It wasn't then. But I knew that I liked you. Do you remember
the picnic? The one for your cousin Mario when he came visiting from
Italy?" "Yes, I remember. It was so much fun. I actually got you to dance
with me." He just stared back at her. "You mean then? But that was
before..." Her voice trailed off. "Before her. I know. But Ray just didn't
want me to be with you. Even before he said it in the interrogation room.
I knew he wouldn't like it." 

 "Then how come when I came over that time. Why didn't you, you know, do
anything with me then?" "I didn't want it to be that way. If we were ever
to be together I wanted it to be right. What if I had? Would you always be
thinking that was the only reason that I had finally been with you?
Because of sex? Nothing more. How would you have felt about that?" 

 He was right. She would have been thinking that was the only reason he
would have wanted her. But for him to have loved her all this time. And
she never knew it. Ma had been right. She knew more about people than she
ever let on. 

 "You're right. I would have thought that. I think it was worth the wait.
I also think we should go and check on Ray. He might start wondering what
we are doing in here and come check on us." They clasped their hands
together and walked back into the livingroom. Ray was still on the floor.
Asleep. 

 "Ray. Ray. Ray." Ray jerked awake. "What?" "You fell asleep Ray."
Standing up he put a hand to his back. "My back is killing me. Remind me
never to sleep on a floor again." "Come on. Let's go home. Ma probably
need help getting dinner ready." 

 

 

 "You know Benton. This is only the second day we've been cleaning the
place up and it's already looking livable." Fraser was on his knees
holding a brush, vigorously scrubbing the floor. Francesca had never seen
a man scrub a floor before. He looked kinda' cute doing it. He was only
cleaning the floor, but the look of concentration on his face. You would
have thought he was preparing the room for the Queen of England. 

 Walking over to him she tapped him on the shoulder. "I think we need to
take a break." He didn't look up at her and kept scrubbing. "We will. As
soon as I finish this." Reaching down she grabbed the brush from him and
tossed it across the room. "Break time Benton." 

 Leaning back on his heals he looked up at her. "That wasn't very nice
Francesca." "I never said I was nice. I want a break and you need one.
Look at you!" He looked down at himself. His arms were covered in grime.
His clothing wet and sweaty. He felt good. He smiled at her and shrugged.
"And..." "You are so stubborn. Just because you aren't tired it doesn't
mean I'm not." 

 "Francesca. You don't have to work. Go ahead and relax. If you want
to..." She cut him off. "I know. Go home and you'll come over later. Maybe
I don't want to go home. Have you ever thought that maybe I want to spend
some time with you? We haven't exactly gotten the chance to be alone for
over a week." 

 Ah. He finally got the picture. "You said you like to finish what you
start. Well you didn't finish what you started in the kitchen yesterday."
He was grinning up at her. "I don't know. I am rather dirty as you so
kindly pointed out. Are you sure?" He held his hands up to her. They were
black. 

 "Yuk." She made a face of disgust that quickly turned into an evil grin.
"You have soap." "Yes, I have soap." "How about a shower? Together." He
looked up at her in surprise. This might be interesting. "A shower?"
"Uh-huh. I could rub the dirt off of you." She walked over to him and
ruffled his hair. "O.K." 

 Before she knew it he had scooped her up and was carrying her to the
bathroom. "Benton. Put me down! What about your back." "I'm fine. It's
just a twinge. It's going to bother me for the rest of my life so why
worry about it?" "You should be more careful." 

 He set her down and backed away from her. She reached over and was
playing with the hem of his t-shirt. "So...can I undress you or do you
want to do it yourself?" He hesitated then smiled back at her. "You do it.
As long as I can disrobe you in return." This is going to be fun she
thought. I am going to drive him nuts. She had started laughing. He gave
her a look. What was she going to do? By the expression on her face he
knew he was going to have some trouble this time. 

 Grabbing his shirt she pulled it up. Kissing his chest she made a face.
"You are way too sweaty." "And what do I taste like?" "I don't know.
That's your specialty." "Why not see if you can guess." He was laughing at
her now. He doesn't think I can do it. "O.K. wiseguy. I'll try." 

 She yanked his shirt off almost pulling him down trying to doing it.
Placing both hands on his shoulders she pushed him back. Which one?
Running her tongue over a nipple she tried to place the taste. She decided
to go for a second taste sucking at him as she pulled her body against
him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Pulling back a bit only to
quickly lick at him again. She was already breathing hard and noticed his
breathing was just as rapid. 

 "I'd say your standard Mountie issue soap." She licked him again. "Salt
from your sweat. And...Ajax?" She looked up at him questioningly. "I need
to verify your findings." He kissed her, probing his tongue into her
mouth. Then he pulled away only to lick her lips. "You are correct. Very
good Francesca." 

 "And what is my reward?" Before she could say anything more he had
removed her sweatshirt and was unhooking her bra. "Wait! What are you
doing?" "Why not undress together." He hugged her to him nipping at her
neck. "Benton, you are way too sweaty." "So are you." 

 He continued nuzzling and licking at her neck. Removing her bra, kissing
each breast as he did it. Francesca sighed. He was so hard to get through
to some time. "How about we finish getting undressed and get in the
shower?" "Understood." He slid down her body kissing her as he worked his
way down. She watched as he knelt before her, unbuttoning her jeans. Then
unzipping them, he kissed her stomach as he slowly pulled them down. 

 She put her hands on his shoulders and stepped out of them. "My turn.
"No." He had hugged her to him, still on his knees. Kissing her stomach
and thighs. She grabbed his hair and pulled his head back. "It's my turn."
He gave her a look, but he listened to her this time. Standing up slowly
so she could finish taking off his clothes. 

 She almost told him to take his sneakers off. But with them on it would
make it harder for him to move. She kissed a trail down him. Repeating his
actions, she pulled his jeans down around his ankles. Smiling she pulled
his boxers down. He was trapped and he didn't even have a clue. 

 He gripped the sink behind him, looking at her. "You like this don't you
Benton?" She had begun running her nails up the insides of his thighs.
Reaching up to softly caress him. "Tell me you like it or I'll stop."
"Yes. I like it." Good. He's having trouble talking. Time to torture him. 

 She wrapped her hand around his shaft in a tight grip. Using her free
hand to grasp his thigh. She began to slowly stroke him. Watching him grow
tighter. Bringing her mouth to his head she started licking him. Then
sucking. All the while keeping up the slow even strokes. 

 Peeking up at him she saw that he had leaned back against the sink. His
eyes were closed and she noticed that he was gritting his teeth. Yes you
are good Frannie. She stopped sucking at him. She didn't want him to come
yet. She pulled at him. "Benton?" He looked down at her. "Do you want to
get in the shower now?" He didn't try to speak. He quickly nodded his head
yes. 

 She untied his sneakers and watched him as he kicked them and the jeans
off. "My aren't we in a hurry." Grabbing her he pulled her to him.
Crushing her breasts against his chest. Kissing her deeply. Sucking at her
tongue. 

 When they stopped she looked up at him. Running her hand along his face.
It had only been a few months before. When she would just watch him walk
through the 27th. Quiet. Polite. Never showing any emotion towards her.
Always wondering what it would be like if she could get him to go to bed
with her. She had no idea he would be like this. Passionate. Spontaneous.
Willing to do and try everything. Life could change so quickly. 

 If anyone at the 27th could see him like this they would be hard pressed
to admit it was the same person. Hair in disarray. Covered in dirt and
sweat. Breathing like he had run after an escaped criminal. Nothing at all
like he was when he was being the gentlemanly Mountie that everyone knew.
She loved knowing that she was the only person who would get to see him
this way. And it was all a result of what she could do to him. 

 "Let me turn on the water." He kissed her again. "Benton. We're never
going to get clean if we don't shower. And if we don't get clean you're
not touching me anymore." He let her go and backed away from her. Smiling
the entire time. "When we get out I'll take care of that." She pointed at
his erection. 

 Turning away from him she pulled back the shower curtain and began
running the water. Testing the temperature she felt him behind her.
"Benton!" She started laughing. "Yes?" "Just wait. Aren't you the eager
one today." "It has been a week." 

 Stepping into the shower she turned and offered her hand to him. She
snorted at him. "I'm sure you're suffering." She backed into the water and
pulled him towards her. "I think we should start with your hands first." 

 For the next fifteen minutes they leisurely soaped one another. Rinsing
off. Touching. Francesca found herself relaxing. It was sensual, but not
heated. It was nice and gentle. She knew things would change once they had
dried off. 

 She had been right. The moment they stepped out of the shower and toweled
off he change his pace again. It was his turn to get her worked up. He had
her against the wall in the hallway. Kissing her, sucking at her breasts.
Stroking her softly with his fingers. She felt him reach deep inside her
only to pull out and stroke her again. She could feel herself beginning to
tense. She didn't want to . Not yet. 

 "Stop! Not yet! Wait!" "Why?" He continued. She grabbed at him arm. "I
want to feel you inside me." He kissed her and then started laughing at
her. "But I am inside you." She found herself laughing back at him, but
she quickly stopped. She couldn't hold back if continued to do what he was
doing. "Stop Benton." He knew that she was serious. He stopped,
withdrawing his hand from her. "What do you want then?" 

 She knew this little game of his already. He wanted to know what she
wanted. What she liked. it was as if he didn't care what they did as long
as she found pleasure in it. It was nice, but she was curious as to what
he liked. 

 "I want you to choose." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Me?" "Who else is
standing here naked in the hall with me?" He looked around the hallway. "I
guess it would be me." He ran his tongue along his lower lip. "I say...the
kitchen." "The kitchen?" "Yes. That is where we started and that will be
where we finish." 

 "What time is it?" He looked back at her in total confusion. "I'll have
to look at my watch, but if I were to guess I'd say it is close to three."
"Good. Ray won't be here until after five." His eyes widened at that
statement. "It's a good thing you thought of that. If he caught us he
would kill me." "He wouldn't kill you Benton. Maybe he would maim you, but
he certainly wouldn't kill you." 

 "Wait one moment." He ducked back into the bathroom. Coming back out into
the hall he had his hand behind his back. "What do you have?" He brought
up a Lucky 13 to her face. "When did you buy that? "The night that Ray
went to the pharmacy with me." "You did not! You didn't buy them with him
standing there?" "Nooooo." He was shaking his head at her laughing. "I
could never do that Francesca. It would be...I don't know. In bad taste." 

 "At least you finally bought some. Now let's go use it." He approached
her and grabbed her around the waist. Throwing her over his shoulder. She
reached down and smacked him on the butt. "Nice view. But I told you to
watch your back." She ran a finger over the scar. "Does this hurt?" "No." 

 He set her down. "That was a quick ride." He tossed the condom on the
counter behind her. "Now where did leave off?" He began kissing her deeply
again. Their hands touching and caressing one another. She loved the feel
of his smooth skin. She could feel him breathing on her neck. 

 "You said that I can choose." "Yes I did." Both of them were panting. She
knew that she was ready and it was obvious that he was too. "Well?" He
turned her around facing away from him. Moving against her. "Could you..."
He indicated towards the condom on the counter in front of her. She handed
it to him. "Thank you kindly." She almost started laughing at him. 

 Listening to him rip open the foil packet she heard the laughter in his
voice. "I am placing you under arrest madam. Assume the position." She
almost lost it. "Benton! Oh all right. What are the charges sir?" "Lewd
and indecent exposure. Or should I say decent from my point of view." 

 Francesca placed her hands on the counter in front of her. She heard him
laughing at her. "What?" "Excuse me madam. But I think a cavity search is
called for." "You are sick you know that don't you? I should tell everyone
at the precinct what you just said." "They would never believe you." 

 He reached around her hugging her body to him. "I see you don't want to
play Mountie anymore." "No." He was back to being serious. "You are so
fickle." Her only answer from him was to feel him pushing up against her.
She leaned further into the counter, pushing back against him. That was
all he needed. She knew how easy it was to get him once he was ready. 

 He took his time entering her. "Why do you always go so slow?" He leaned
forward on her back kissing her. "Because you feel so good." She stopped
talking. He had increased his pace. And when it started to feel good like
this she found it hard to speak. 

 He pulled her up into a standing position. Cupping her breast as he
pushed into her. Closing her eyes she leaned back into him. Feeling the
heat from his body. He tucked his head into her shoulder, breathing
heavily into her neck. Kissing her. 

 Moving forward slightly she opened her eyes. Only to see Ray walking into
the kitchen. "Hey you two. Where...." "Ray!", she yelled out. She felt
Fraser jerk back in surprise. Then he quickly picked her up and turned her
away from Ray. All she heard was Ray screaming. "Oh my God!" Then him
running through the house and the front door slamming. 

 She stood frozen. This can not be happening. No. No. No. Her heart was
beating so hard she thought if was going to come out of her chest.
"Benton. That was Ray." She couldn't breathe. She felt him let go of her.
"He's going to kill me." "Benton, he is not going to kill you." 

 She turned around and looked at him. His face was one of complete shock.
"He is going to kill me." "Benton, he is not going to kill you. He's
probably having a heart attack right now." He slid to the floor, putting
his head on his knees. "I cannot believe that this is happening." 

 She sat down next to him on the floor. "Did you see his face?" "Yes." "He
looked like a squirrel." "He is going to kill me." She sighed. "O.K. He is
going to kill you. And me. It takes two you know." 

 They sat there for some time not speaking. "Thank you for trying to cover
me." "He's going to kill me Francesca." She stood up. "Get up Benton." He
didn't move. "I said get up. We have to go and talk to Ray about this."
"Nooooooo." Fraser sat on the floor shaking his head. "There is no way I
am going to go and see him now." 

 "Benton Fraser you will get up, clean up, put your clothes on and come
with me to see Ray. Now!" "But Francesca!" "I know. He's going to kill
you. Get up." He finally stood up. Grabbing his hand she pulled him back
up the stairs. 

 

 

 It had only been an hour since 'it' had happened. Francesca and Fraser
were walking slowly towards the Vecchio home. "He's going to kill me
Francesca." She rolled her eyes at him. "If you say that one more time I'm
going to kill you. Geez Benton! We were having sex. We weren't doing
anything wrong!" 

 They finally made it to the porch. "You're crushing my hand Benton." He
loosened his grip. She watched him as he nervously shifted from foot to
foot. "Come on." She opened the door and pulled Fraser in behind her. "You
are such a baby! Come on!" She had to yank him into the foyer. "No!" "We
have to talk to Ray." "No! I can't." He was trying to pull away from her.
"Francesca, he is going to kill me." 

 Ray sat in the den listening to the two of them arguing in the foyer. Aw
geez. They're here. I can't look at them. Not now. He could hear Francesca
getting louder. "Come on!" "No!" "Benton Fraser if you don't talk to Ray
now, I'm leaving." "But Francesca!" "Now!" 

 He heard them come into the den. "Ray." It was Francesca. "Ray! Oh come
on! You two are two of the biggest babies I have ever seen. Look at me
Ray." Francesca couldn't believe that this was happening. She was standing
in the den with two overgrown boys. One sulking in a chair and the other
was practically hiding behind her almost in tears. 

 She looked back at Fraser. "If you don't calm down you're going to have a
stroke." No one spoke. That's it! I've had it! "If you two don't want to
talk about this, then maybe I should go tell Ma and let her handle this
mess." Both men yelled at her in unison. "No!" Ah. That's more like it. 

 "Good." She pulled Fraser over to the sofa and sat down. She watched as
Ray and Fraser finally made eye contact.This was a first. Ray was the one
who was blushing. She hadn't ever seen that before. But they still
wouldn't talk. I guess I have to do everything. As usual. 

 "Ray. Why were you there so early? You weren't supposed to be there for
another two hours." He looked over at her and quickly looked down. He
cleared his throat. "I. I got off of work early so I thought it would be
nice if I came over to help you. I didn't know that you would be...you
know." 

 She nudged Fraser. He looked at her questioningly. She nodded towards Ray
and mouthed 'say you're sorry'. "Ray. I apologize for you finding us in
that position." Dear lord that came out wrong. "I mean not in that
particular position. Any other would have been just as bad. What I meant
is..." He sighed. Pulling at his ear he tried to regain his composure.
"I'm sorry you saw us Ray." 

 She watched as the two of them nervously played with their fingers. "What
is the big deal? Come on Ray. You have to know that Benton and I have sex.
It's no surprise. Just make sure you knock on the door next time. Loudly.
And Benton. You are getting a phone." "A phone?" "Yes. A phone. So when
Ray is getting off early from work or just stopping by he can call you to
see if you are busy." "I will get a phone." 

 "Good. Now that all of that has been cleared up, I'm gonna' go and help
Ma with dinner." She stood up to leave. "Frannie! You're not going to say
anything to Ma about this are you?" "Ray! You know I would never tell Ma
anything about this. It would kill her." She watched him as he visibly
relaxed. 

 "Maria on the other hand..." She smiled back at them as she left the
room. Ray looked over at Fraser. "She's not serious. She won't tell
Maria." Fraser put his face in his hands not speaking. "Benny?" He looked
up at Ray. "She tells Maria everything." "Oh." 

 They sat looking at each other without speaking. Ray picked up the remote
and turned the television on. "Uh Benny. "Yes Ray?" "You. I mean do you
and Frannie, you know." Fraser just stared blankly at him. "Do you
use...you know...so that there isn't..." He couldn't say it. This is all
so embarrassing. I can't believe I saw them doing it and now I'm asking
him if they use protection. 

 Fraser finally got the meaning of what Ray had been asking him. "Oh. Yes.
I mean we both...we take precautions if that is what you mean." "Good.
That's nice to know." He sat staring at the television and then he turned
and looked directly at Fraser. "Look Benny. I'm sorry. I should have
knocked. I just didn't think that you would be...you know." "That is
understandable Ray. I should have locked the door. Francesca had said that
I should get use to doing it. She was right." 

 They were more relaxed. "And Benny." "Yes Ray." "I'm not going to kill
you." "Thank you Ray." Leaning back in his recliner Ray smiled. "I wanted
to shoot you, but Frannie would kill me."