NEW BEGININGS-CHICAGO   Author's disclaimer: Although the story is
mine, it is a work of fiction based on the character of Due South. All
Characters portrayed here belong to Alliance. Please do not
print/copy/download or send any part of this story to anyone else, other
than for your personal enjoyment. Thank you. 

Author's Notes: This is a tale that takes place after CotW, assuming that
Fraser and Ray K. parted ways. Ray returns to Chicago and finds a
surprising new partner to start anew with. There are references to many
episodes-MotB/Dead Men Don't Throw Rice and a few minor mentions that
aren't really enough to be spoilers. Rating is R, for sexual content,
language and suggestion of slash relationship. 
Please contact me at perrymor@home.net 

Please let me know what you think. 
  
  
 
  

NEW BEGINNINGS-CHICAGO 

By. Amethyst 

        Stanley Raymond Kowalski sat quietly in his darkened apartment,
the haunting strings of the Celtic-inspired soundtrack of the hit movie
Titanic drifted through the large speakers of his stereo and surrounded
him in an almost ethereal quality. He was stretched out on his sofa, a
hand over his eyes, as he let the music sooth his disgruntled spirit. 
         Ray Vecchio had returned and was retiring to marry and move away
with Kowalski's ex-wife Stella. Fraser had been awarded a prestigious
position back in the Yukon and had elected to stay there, while Ray
returned to Chicago. Hewy and Dewey had a nightclub going and were no
longer police officers. The only constant was Welsh, who was still
Kowalski's Lieutenant and Francesca who still worked as a civilian aid. He
had considered moving on to another district, but he just couldn't force
himself to leave the good officers he had met at the 27th behind,
especially Welsh. 
        It was weird without Fraser around, but Ray was still keeping his
arrest record up and was surprised that he had at least learned a few
things from the Mountie. Of course, his desk was still a mess and he had a
backlog of cases he was avoiding, but that was just the way he worked. He
did miss Fraser though, more than he thought he would, even with the
Canadian writing to him on a regular basis. He said he might be down for
Christmas, so that was something to look forward to. Ray had already
managed to tick off two partners enough that they refused to work with
him, even when Welsh ordered them to, and now Ray was awaiting assignment
of a third partner. 
        It wasn't that he didn't want to work with the men assigned to
him, because he had tried to be as forthcoming and cooperative as he
could. However word had gotten out that Ray was no good without the
Mountie and the two dickheads that had been assigned to him seemed to
promote that theory. They never listened to Ray's theories, always
questioning his ethics and procedures. At least Fraser let him do his own
thing and it irked him that these snot-nosed rookies dared doubt his
ability as a cop. He was a damned fine cop before he ever became Ray
Vecchio and met Fraser, Fraser simply added style and together they were a
team. He didn't have to prove himself to anyone and he could care less how
aggravated Welsh got or how many partners he went through, he did his job
and that was all that mattered. 
        A knock at his door surprised him and for a moment he just lay
there, as though thinking it might have been someone looking for another
apartment. He didn't socialize much and no one other than Fraser had ever
come to his place, but then the knock sounded again and he rolled to his
feet. He automatically retrieved his gun from the table beside him and
padded to the door in his bare feet. 
        "Who is it?" he demanded, raising the gun to his cheek, just in
case. 
        "Detective Kowaski?" came a soft feminine voice. 
        "Who wants to know?" 
        "Leftenant Welsh said I should come by and see you." The voice
explained and Ray raised an eyebrow. 
        The only ones who had ever called Welsh Leftenant were Thatcher or
Fraser. He pulled open the door a crack, hiding his pistol from view, and
stared down at the petite woman that stood before him, dressed,
unbelievably, in a red serge uniform. She was maybe 5'5" if that and her
Tan Stetson covered most of her face, even as she looked up at him. 
        "Yer a Mountie." He said, either as a question or statement of
fact he wasn't sure, and she nodded, the brim of her hat once again
obscuring her face as she held out her small hand. 
        "Constable Alyana Fraser, Sir." Ray stared at her in shock. 
        "D..Did you say, Fraser?" he asked incredulously and when she
nodded he suddenly wished she'd take off the damn hat so he could see her
face. "Are you related in any way, shape or form, to Benton Fraser of the
RCMP?" Again she nodded and once more her news rocked him. 
        "He is my cousin, apparently." She stated, then glanced back at
the gentlemen that had opened his door from another apartment to peer out
curiously. Ray pulled his door further open and reached for the woman's
arm to pull her inside, before taking a parting shot at their audience. 
        "What'sa matter, never seen a Canadian before?" he asked then
closed the door before the man could answer, then as an afterthought he
glanced down at his guest. "You don't have any like wolves or bears or
anything with you do you?" 
        "Bringing wildlife into the states without proper authorization
would be in direct violation of the customs law, detective." She informed
him politely and Ray shook his head quickly, as he usually did when
something went over his head to fast. 
        "Er, yah, okay." He agreed and was relieved when etiquette finally
encouraged the removal of her Stetson, now that she was inside a
domesticated domain. Her long dark hair was coiled neatly into a
regulation knot at the base of her neck, while still off the collar; much
as he remembered seeing Maggie Mackenzie's fashioned; and familiar deep
blue eyes sparkled up at him under long thick lashes. Her bone structure
and porcelain skin rivaled the most beautiful models, except for the small
adorable dimple in her chin, and everything about her was tiny. Ray felt
his breath catch in his throat, damned but the Fraser family had some good
genes. 
        "My father was Robert Fraser's half brother, but they hadn't
spoken in many years and he had not even known that Robert had passed
away." She explained smoothly. "He had seen an article of Benton, becoming
the new Inspector in Inuvick and contacted him. Needless to say he was
surprised to learn he had other family, even if it was just me and Dad,
and suggested we meet; which we did precisely three months ago." The
Fraser smiled. Ray suddenly realized he was standing there with his weapon
still in his hand. He quickly placed it on the counter and dredged up his
manners. 
        "Um..can I get you something to drink or eat?" He paused as he
opened his refrigerator. "I think I have some of that twig ah..bark tea
left over from when Fraser, um..the other Fraser...er..yer cousin Ben was
here last." 
        "Thank you kindly." She replied with a small smile, "But I'm not
much of a tea drinker I'm afraid, I've always preferred coffee." 
        Ray grinned and closed the door, moving to retrieve a small can of
gourmet coffee-mocha chocolate flavored- from his cupboard and filled two
cups with water from the sink. Someone had given the coffee to him in a
gift basket last Christmas, he couldn't remember who, and he had never
even opened it. He stuck the two cups inside the microwave and waited for
the water to heat to the required temperature. 
        "So, um...how'd you end up here?" he asked curious. 
        "Oh, I simply asked for directions and had no trouble finding your
apartment building." Ray dipped his head, yep, she was a Fraser. He
released a slow, calming breath. 
        "No, no. I mean how did you come to be in Chicago?" 
        "This was where the plane from Canada brought me." She remarked
bewildered and Ray rolled his eyes. Okay, let's try this again. 
        "Why'd Welsh send you here?" he inquired slowly, enunciating ever
word so she would understand him clearly, as he often did when he was
getting frustrated. She brightened. 
        "Ah." She nodded. "He said I should come and introduce myself
since you weren't at the station when I arrived." 
        "Why were you at the station?" 
        "To see you of course," she returned. "And the others Benton told
me all about, but especially you." 
        "Why especially me?" he asked as the microwave beeped and he
removed the cups, almost burning his hands in the process as he let out a
quiet yelp of pain. She was beside him instantly and holding his palm
under the running faucet. 
        "Do you have any margarine or butter?" she asked concerned. 
        "It'll be fine." He assured, pulling his hand away and sucking on
the now tender flesh for a moment, before reaching to turn off the water.
He felt stupid and foolish and not in the mood to be pampered for his own
dumb mistake. 
        "The butter will keep it from blistering." She encouraged but he
shook his head and started to spoon the coffee into the cups. 
        "It's fine." He insisted,  in a tone that forbade argument. He
stirred the mixtures then handed her a cup as he leaned against the
countertop to drink his; it was surprisingly tasty. "Now, why did Fraser
want you to see me, especially." 
        "You're his friend and partner," she reminded calmly. "He spoke
very highly of you and suggested you might 'show me the ropes' as he put
it." Ray was pleased that Fraser still talked about him, but something
nagged him. 
        "What ropes am I supposed to show you?" he demanded cautiously. 
        "Police work of course." She stated. "I mean how it's done here in
Chicago. Benton said it is very different from the work we do in Canada,
much less..umm..I believe he said 'by the book.' I'm not quite sure what
that means exactly, but I assume Chicago Police officers have a
more..ah..creative view of the law in general." Ray grinned, he couldn't
help it. Maybe he had rubbed off on Fraser more than he realized, and that
tickled him to no end. 
        "Yah." He agreed. "You could say that. So, are you planin' on
stayin' here in Chicago?" She nodded and sipped her coffee. 
        "I'm assuming Benton's  former position here." She stated. "I've
always been interested in coming to the States and this was an opportunity
I couldn't pass up, of course it helped to have Benton refer me, but I
believe I achieved the position on my own merits." Ray nodded, he liked a
woman who was sure of herself. 
        "So you're the..what..Liason for Canada now?" 
        "Quite so." She agreed. "I am to take over all of Inspector
Fraser's former duties here in Chicago." Ray lowered his cup from his lips
and gazed at her warily. 
        "Ah..exactly how many of his duties are you fillin' in for?" 
        "All of them." She replied calmly. 
        "Than that means yer..." he stared at her shocked. 
        "Your new partner, Detective Kowaski." She supplied smiling. "That
is correct." Ray gripped the counter as the room swayed before him.
Another Fraser as his partner? Another Mountie, another Canadian, another
possible freak-and a woman at that for his partner? Alyana mistook his
reaction and stepped forward extending her hands. 
        "Are you ill, Detective?" she assumed worried and he shook his
head and stumbled away from her. This can't be happening to him. Welsh
wouldn't do this, God wouldn't do this to him. It wasn't fair! He had just
started getting his life back together, getting over the hole that
Fraser's leaving had left inside of him and now he had a female look-alike
wanting to take up where they had left off? He almost fell onto the couch
and dropped his head in his hands as The Fraser rushed over to him. "Would
you like me to call a doctor?" 
        "This can't be happening." He groaned as though he hadn't even
heard her. "You gotta be kiddin'. I can't do this again, not again." She
knelt beside him, concerned. 
        "Do what again, Detective?" she asked, obviously puzzled. "Didn't
Leftenant Welsh tell you that I was assigned your partner? I have no real
jurisdiction here of course, but you know how that works. He informed me
he had called and told you I would be coming by." Ray shook his head, it
had been his two days off and he had automatically neglected his messages.
He remembered Welsh had called a couple of times, but thinking he wanted
Kowalski to come into the station for some stupid paperwork deal he just
hit the cutoff switch the moment the Lieutenant started talking. 
        He groaned again, as though in terrible pain and his fingers were
gripping his already spiked hair so tight he looked like his hands would
come away with half of the blond tresses. 
        "This isn't fair." He muttered. "This just isn't fair." The Fraser
rose and stared down at him. 
        "You're upset." She observed quietly. "You didn't know I was
coming." He shook his head and he thought he heard her release a regretful
sigh. "I'm sorry Detective, I did not mean to shock you with the news.
I..If you would prefer that I was not your partner I will understand. I
mean it is difficult to replace a partner, especially one like Inspector
Fraser, so I can understand your reluctance to..." 
        "Fraser?" Ray growled. 
        "Yes, Detective?" 
        "Just hush." 
        "Understood." She agreed quietly and Ray almost smiled. Just like
old times, he thought. But this wasn't old times and this woman was not 
Benton Fraser, despite her resemblance and last name and he was no longer
a Mountie's partner. 
        It had taken him a long time to come to grips with that, even
though he and Fraser stayed in contact, there was now a void that
separated them because he had left and Ray had stayed. They were no longer
two parts of one team, no longer good cop-bad cop and no longer true
partners. Friends, yes, Ray liked to think they'd forever be friends
because of what they shared, but they could no longer be partners and that
hurt more than Ray had expected it would. He had come to rely on Fraser,
both for getting him into and out of difficult situations. To be his
sounding board when things got bad, to pick him up and dust him off when
his confidence was in the toilet and tell him everything was going to be
just fine. To laugh at his lame jokes, to share meals and confidences
with, to annoy the hell out of to tease him to... 
        He glanced up at the quiet Mountie standing before him, her head
bowed slightly, and her eyed lowered and her Stetson fidgeting between her
fingers. He could tell she had not expected this type of reception from
him, Fraser had probably told her what a sweet guy Ray could be, that he
would probably be lonely as hell and eager for the chance to have another
Mountie as his partner. Fraser probably, though unintentionally, made him
sound like a charity case. He slowly stood and dropped a friendly hand on
her shoulder. 
        "I'm sorry..." he paused. "What did you say your name was?"  She
looked up at him. 
        "Constable Alyana Fraser of the Ro.." 
        "Yah, yah, I know that part." Dismissed Ray quickly. "Alyana, I'm
sorry fer..well fer not...I just didn't expect..." he growled at his
inability to communicate his thoughts as he stalked toward the kitchen. "I
never thought I'd have another..." as though sensing his distress she
chipped in. 
        "Mountie, Canadian, Fraser?" she offered helpfully. 
        "Yah, all of those, but especially not..." 
        "A woman?" Ray sighed with relief. 
        "Yah." Then quickly added. 'Not that I got anything against women
cops it's just..I never been partnered with one." 
        "Well, then it seems we have something in common, Detective." She
surmised. "I have never been partnered with an American flat foot cop with
experimental hair, before either." Ray laughed. 
        "Fraser talks too much." He decided still chuckling as he held out
his hand to her. "It's nice to meet you  Constable Alyana Fraser of the
RCMP." She shook his hand and smiled. "But I'm afraid this ain't gonna
work." Her smile froze. 
        "I..I don't understand." She stammered. "I thought..you just
said..." 
        "It is nice to meet you." He insisted moving toward the door. "But
I can't be yer partner, I'm sorry." He opened the door and steeled himself
against the big-eyed Mountie stare she cast at him. Jeeze, and he thought
it was bad when Fraser looked at him like that, on her it was twice as
effective; made him feel twice as guilty. Finally she nodded and replaced
her hat as she moved toward him. 
        "It was a pleasure to meet you, Detective." She offered politely,
hiding her disappointment as effectively as any Fraser would. "Perhaps we
can see each other again at some other time, to visit." Ray nodded, not
trusting himself to speak. "Goodbye then. Thank you kindly for your time,
I apologize for intruding on your day off." She gave him a polite nod,
then he watched her until she turned the corner, before he closed the door
and proceeded to bang his head against it repeatedly. 
  

        Ray walked across the station house floor, dropped unceremoniously
into his chair, formerly Vecchio's chair, and picked up the file closest
to him. His stack of unsolved cases had grown in just the few days he'd
been away and now threatened to overflow the small rack that held them. He
desperately needed a cup of coffee, and he was pretty hungry as well, but
he also needed to get to work on his caseload. He raised his hands in a
scale fashion. 
        "Hmmm..coffee and food" he designated to his right hand. "Work."
He glared at the left. "Eat...write.  Drink...review. Substance...paper
cuts." He dropped his left hand in delight. "We have a winner ladies and
germs." He threw the file pack onto the top of the stack and headed for
the lunchroom, where he met up with Constable Fraser, who was hurrying 
past him with a doughnut and cup of coffee. He reached over and caught her
arm. "Hey." 
        "Oh, Hello detective Kowalski." She greeted warmly, balancing the
two items in her tiny hands. "How are you?" 
        "I'm good." He assured. "What's the rush?" 
        "Oh, Detective Arnold has a very serious medical condition that
requires he drink plenty of fluids and consume enormous amounts of sugar
on a regular basis." She informed him. "I'm bringing this to him." Ray
frowned, he wasn't aware of any condition of Arnold's, not to mention
something as asinine as that one sounded. 
        "You..ah..like yer new partner, Fraser?" he asked her, tripping
over her last name, he wasn't used to saying it to a woman, and not her
larger, stronger, male cousin. 
        "Detective Arnold will take a bit getting used to, I think.' She
admitted freely but without sarcasm or malice. "He has
many...eccentricities that I must adjust to." Ray could just bet he did.
He didn't like Arnold, he'd been one of the smart asses that had
originally been partnered with Ray, who also walked around with a
swaggering-I know-something you-don't know attitude that stuck in
Kowalski's craw. Arrogance like his only got people hurt and that
irritated Ray. 
        "What kinda eccentricities?" he inquired curiously, hiding his
distaste for the man in question. 
        "Well," she thought for a moment. "He suffers from Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome and can't do very much writing so I fill out his reports for him
and he signs them." Ray gritted his teeth, knowing Arnold was both an avid
bowler and golfer; Carpal Tunnel my ass, he thought. "And he is allergic
to dust so I dust, vacuum and do his dishes for him and make sure his car
is washed..." Ray stopped her. 
        "You're cleaning his apartment?" he demanded incredulously. Fraser
nodded, unaware of the fury mounting in the detective beside her. 
        "And of course there is his Mother." She continued and Ray tried
to temper his patience. 
        "What about his Mother?" he asked warily. 
        "Well, she is in a nursing home and all his money goes to her and
his three sisters who are invalid. His is their only support so I need to
make sure I have American currency when we go out, for food and fuel and
the like, because as you know we're paid in Canadian funds and...." Ray
growled and she stopped talking.    "Did I say something wrong?" He shook
his head and  grabbed the coffee and doughnut from her with one hand, then
taking her other hand and marching her over to Arnold's desk, where the
well dressed, obnoxious youth was yucking it up with one of the other
officers. 
        "Arnold." He challenged. "You an me gotta have us a little talk."
Arnold barely glanced at Ray. 
        "Whadd'ya want Kowalski?' he demanded in a bored tone. "Can't you
see I'm busy doin' real police work, unlike some others I know." Ray bit
back the retort that rose to his lips, this wasn't about him, and it was
about Alyana. 
        "Yah, let's talk about this 'real' police work yer doin' Arnold."
He insisted loudly, to make sure everyone in the squadroom would take an
interest in the conversation. "That's some real fine police work yer doin'
making Fraser here pay for yer meals and gas, wash yer damned car and
clean yer freakin' apartment." There were a few gasps and murmurs from the
other officers, as Ray knew there would be, and Arnold's face turned red.
"Ya got her turnin' down yer bed at night and tuckin' ya in with yer teddy
bear too Arnold?" Snickers sounded around them. 
        "This ain't none of yer business, Kowalski." Hissed Arnold. "You
had yer chance and you threw her away, so now she's my partner." Ray
released Fraser's hand and stepped closer to the man, almost pressing his
nose to Arnold's' in a serious violation of the other man's personal
space. "Back off, Kowalski!" 
        "Sorry pal," he refused throwing his arms out aggressively "This
is me,  Ray in-yer-face-Kowalski. I don't play by the rules, I'm a fly by
the seat of my pants kinda guy and you, Arnold, are a sorry excuse fer a
human being." 
         "I'm warning you, man." Arnold spat viciously but Ray was
unimpressed, already too far-gone to care. 
        "Warning me?" he repeated maniacally.  "Warning me Ferret-face?
That sounds like a threat." He turned to one of his fellow officers.
"Doesn't that sound like a threat to you, Joe?" The big man next to him
nodded solemnly, always one to enjoy the blond detective's theatrics. Ray
turned back to Arnold who was turning purple with his own embarrassment
and rage. "Yep, that sounds like a threat, y'know you can go to jail for
that Arnold, that's pretty stupid. But y'know what's more stupid?
Expecting anyone to believe a creep like you would be helpin' to support
his lovin' mother and three sisters," Ray's eyes narrowed menacingly.
"Considerin' yer an only child and yer mom lives in Florida ya freak!" 
Arnold took a swing at him and Ray dodged, delivering a solid punch to the
man's stomach that landed the detective in his own chair behind him. Ray
threw the doughnut at him and poured the coffee into his lap, spilling
most of the contents onto the younger man's crisp expensive suit. "Mustn't
ferget yer midmornin' snack." Arnold leapt up from his chair with a growl
and lunged for Kowalski, who moved toward the confrontation only too have
both men held back by other officers. 
        "You son of a bitch!" screamed Arnold. "Yer nothin' without yer
damned Mountie friend." 
        "Com'ahn." Ray taunted struggling to get released by his fellow
officers. "Let's go. You an' me asshole. Let's go right here." 
        "Enough!" bellowed Welsh and all movement and voices stopped at 
their commander's order. Welsh strode across the room toward them, taking
in the entire situation. He glared at Kowaski. "What's going on here,
Detective?" 
        "He's a psycho..." screamed Arnold only to  have Welsh silence him
with a forbidding look. 
        "I was asking Detective Kowalski." He informed coolly. "You'll get
yer turn, for now shaddup." Arnold closed his mouth and shook off the
other officers stubbornly. Welsh fixed his gaze on Ray again.      
"Well?" He could tell the hyper detective was working hard at getting
himself under control again. 
        "He's been using Aly...Fraser here as a freakin' maid service and
ATM machine, Sir." He finally muttered, his anger not entirely spent, but
he would never dare show it before Welsh, he respected the Lieutenant to
much, besides the older man could probably kick his ass if he got too far
out of line. 
        "He's lying!" denied Arnold hotly and Welsh once again glanced his
way effectively silencing him. His attention turned to the Canadian 
standing almost reluctantly beside Ray. 
        "Is this true, Constable?' he asked her and watched her eyes flick
first to Arnold then to Kowaski, who was watching her intently. 
        "I...I'm not sure I understand the question, Sir." She managed.
She didn't want to get Kowalski in trouble, but at the same time she felt
a duty to remain loyal to Arnold, even though she disliked him, he was her
partner. 
        "Do you feel Detective Arnold is making unreasonable and
inappropriate requests of your person in regards to your being his
partner, Constable." Elaborated Welsh calmly. Again she glanced at the two
detectives, but before she could answer, Ray spoke up. 
        "He's tellin' her crap like he got Carpal tunnel so she would
finish his paperwork." He supplied. "And that all his money goes to
supportin his family, of which he has none, other than a retired mother in
Florida." Welsh stared at Fraser again. 
        "Is that true?" he asked her, although he already suspected it was
from the color Arnold's face was now turning. 
        "Yes Sir." She admitted quietly. 
        "He makes her get him food and coffee' claiming he has some
ailment that says he gotta eat and drink certain things at certain times."
Continued Ray with a sneer in Arnold's direction, watching the other man
squirm under his gaze. Welsh approached him, his large arms folded
impressively across his broad chest. 
        "I've heard of that kind of condition." Admitted Welsh to
everyone's surprise. "As a matter of fact, I have one just like it-it's
called Diabetes ." There was shock on many of the officer's faces, except
Ray's and a select few, that had known Welsh longer than most of the
others there. Welsh towered over Arnold.     "However, it doesn't affect
my everyday coordination and I can manage to get my own coffee and
snacks." His eyes narrowed and Ray smirked at the sudden nervous bobbing
of Arnold's  Adam's apple. "Are you saying your condition impedes these
abilities for you, Detective? Because if they do you shouldn't be working
here as a street detective and if they don't..." He paused a long moment
for effect. "You son, are in a heap of trouble." 
        Ray hid his chuckle behind his hand as Arnold grappled for an
explanation that would most likely only make things worse for him, but
suddenly Welsh's attention was redirected and the blond was no longer
laughing. 
        "As for you, Kowaski," he began. "You know I don't stand for my
officer's brawling..." 
         "But sir..." protested Ray, knowing what was coming, only to be
silenced as Welsh raised one meaty palm toward him. 
        "We'll discuss it later." He informed firmly. "Right now I want
everyone to get back to work." Automatically, like Moses parting the Red
Sea, people began to quickly disperse in every direction as Ray caught up
to Welsh who had been striding back to his office. 
        "Sir, wh...what about Alya...um...Fraser?" he asked him in a
hushed voice. Welsh glanced over at the Mountie who was quickly wiping up
the mess the coffee had made on Arnold's desk, while Arnold griped angrily
at her. 
        "What about her, Detective?" returned Welsh innocently. Ray shot
him a frustrated glare, then quickly lowered his eyes, sensing another
reprimand was in store for him. 
        "You can't let her stay with Arnold, Sir." He insisted quietly. 
        "She is a Canadian Liaison for the department, detective."
Informed Welsh pointedly. "She has to be assigned to someone and Arnold
needs a partner." He gazed at Ray intently. "Unless you can recommend
another partner for her." Ray ran his hand through his hair and glanced
over at the Canadian woman, standing out among her American peers in her
bright colored serge; so much like....He shook his head. He wasn't going
to go there, he could not go there. He had sensed Welsh's disapproval when
Ray had come to the station the day after meeting The Fraser and told the
Lieutenant he wouldn't accept her as his partner.       Since it was
basically a voluntary basis, for the sake of public relations between
their two countries, Welsh couldn't order him to partner with Constable
Fraser but he made no effort to discuss his disappointment in the
detective's choice. Ray stepped back from Welsh and shook his head. 
        "No, Sir." He denied. "I can't recommend anyone else for her."
Welsh nodded and headed back toward his office. 
        "Then get back to work, Detective." He ordered and left Ray
standing there staring at his retreating back. 
        Ray glanced back at the Mountie and found her watching him, a sad
look touched her incredible blue eyes just briefly, before being replaced
by the soft, passive calm that was part of being a Fraser. He suspected
she had hearing much like her cousin, in which case he was sure she had
heard him refuse to work with her for the second time and his gut twisted
mercilessly. He didn't want to hurt her, he just couldn't work with her. 
  

        Ray pulled up to the Canadian Consulate the following day and
stepped out of his GTO. He was only mildly surprised to find Alyana posted
at guard duty, her blank stare as rigid as her Cousin's had been, must be
the eyes, thought Ray as he glanced at his watch and waited for the hour
to strike. At exactly twelve, the city clock chimed and Alyana stepped
down toward him. 
        "Good afternoon, Detective Kowalski." She greeted politely
choosing not to comment on the wince that briefly passed over his handsome
features. 
        "Call me Ray." He requested with his best smile and she returned
his approach with a small smile of her own. 
        "If you wish." She agreed. "Then you must call me Alyana." Ray
nodded, it was how he already referred to her, still too difficult to call
her by her last name. 
        "Yah, sure." He returned. "Listen,  I was in the area and I
thought maybe we could grab a bite to eat. Ya hungry?" That was a lie, he
had driven here purposely from the station to speak with her, he had to
explain why he didn't want her as his partner." 
        "Thank you kindly, Ray." She accepted as he held the car door open
for her and she slid inside. "That would be nice." He nodded, decision
made and hurried to his side of the car before she could change her mind.
Not that she would, he was sure, she as too polite for that, like someone
else he knew.  He shook the thoughts from his head and smiled at her as he
started the engine. 
        "Where would you like to go?" he asked her, noticing how she
neatly placed her Stetson on the dashboard in front of her, just like
Fraser used to. His fingers gripped the wheel tightly. Damn why did he
have to be so hung up on that damned Mountie? And why did Alyana have to
be so much like Benton Fraser.? 
        "I'm still quite new to the city, Ray." She informed him calmly.
"So I'll leave it to your discretion." Ray nodded and a few minutes later
they were pulling into one of his and Fraser's old haunts. Jeeze, he
couldn't even get away from the guy to eat! Fraser was everywhere for Ray.
The places they ate, slept, solved crimes, cried together and fought with
each other, were all ingrained into Ray's memory and most importantly his
heart. 
        Part of him wished he had decided to stay with Fraser and go in
search of the missing hand of Franklin, but Ray simply couldn't handle the
isolation and cold like Fraser could. So they returned to Chicago just a
couple of months later, Fraser got his things in order, saw Ray Vecchio
and his bride Stella off to their new destination and said goodbye to
Kowalski, promising to visit often and stay in touch. 
But that had been six long months ago when he had said goodbye to Fraser
at O'Hare airport and wished him luck in his new life. Six long months
that Ray struggled to come to grips with no longer having to be Ray
Vecchio, but Stanley Ray Kowalski, whoever that might be. He forced
himself to return to work with so many new faces and only a bare handful
of people that he was well aquatinted with from his previous undercover
assignment. 
        He had to come to grips with the fact that his ex-wife Stella gave
up her career to marry a fashion pig like Vecchio; who overall wasn't a
bad guy but Ray still resented him, the same Stella who chose her own
career over him, her childhood sweetheart.  But mostly the loss of Fraser,
his friend, his partner, and most of all the one thing that kept him sane
in the chaos that surrounded him. He would never have believed he would
ever experience such an festering wound, as what Stella bestowed on him
upon their divorce, but it was nothing to the ache that now filled him. 
        If anyone could see inside his soul they would probably think he
was morning the loss of a great love, and in a way he was. He never felt
anything sexual toward Fraser, although he sweated over that idea a few
times as well, attempting to analysis his feelings, but he truly did feel
as though he had lost the greatest love of his life. Fraser was a person
to be loved, he exuded the warmth and genuine honesty that caused everyone
to love him, including Ray, but more importantly Fraser loved Ray and he
had showed the detective this in many ways, though Ray hadn't realized it
at the time. 
        Ray had never really felt loved, not even by Stella, because for
years he felt guilty that she saw him as something he wasn't-a hero. That
one incident in a bank so many years ago had cost him so much in his
relationship with the woman he loved so dearly, because he couldn't trust
her feelings for him. Perhaps, that added to their break up, he had
stopped trying to analyze what caused the divorce long ago. But Fraser
loved him, really loved him and Ray was finally getting comfortable with
that, with their relationship, when Muldoon showed up and it all went down
hill from there. Ray had lost everything he held dear, the one person he
cared deeply about, and just as he was finally getting over that gut
wrenching sorrow, Alyana showed up, acting and looking so much like his
lost partner that he wasn't prepared to handle it. It would be so easy to
just accept her, to get a part of his Fraser back, but that wouldn't be
fair to either of them and he wasn't willing to risk his feelings, not
again; never again. 
        They entered the restaurant and the proprietor smiled at Ray,
recognizing him instantly as a regular. 
        "You haven't been here in a dog's age, Ray." The older man grinned
encouragingly, placing an exaggerated hand on Ray's arm "Where you been
hiding?" Ray shrugged, this was a bad idea, and he hadn't been here since
Fraser left. The gay man didn't bother Ray, he and Fraser had become good
friends with him, and of course he liked that Paul would flirt equally
with both men when they came in, unlike most who fawned simply over
Fraser. Although Ray always made a point to show he was one hundred
percent heterosexual straight, which of course amused Paul to no end. 
        "Um, hey Paul." He muttered a greeting self-consciously. "Been
busy y'know?' The man nodded emphatically, and grabbed up some menus then
indicate they follow him through the other diners toward the window area. 
        "Where is Fraser?" Paul continued, obviously not picking up on
Ray's mood. "And who is this lovely lady? Another Mountie?" Alyana nodded
and extended her hand as they stopped beside a  secluded booth. 
        "Constable Alyana Fraser, Royal Canadian Mounted Police." She
introduced politely, liking the talkative man instantly and Paul shook her
hand warmly. 
        "So good to meet you." He returned smiling. "Another Fraser, hmmm?
How wonderful and how lucky that Ray has two of you." 
        "Umm, yah, real lucky that's me.." Replied Ray, wanting nothing
more than to shut the man up and get the hell out of there. Instead he
pointed to another table a short ways over. "How about over there, Paul?"
Their host frowned. 
        "But this is your booth." He protested. "You and Fraser always sit
here." Ray turned on him, his eyes blazing. 
        "Yah, well Fraser ain't here," he snapped angrily.  "At least not
that Fraser so can we sit over there or what?" The man's glance darted
around nervously at the other patrons who were now staring from the
detective's outburst. 
        "O..Of course, Ray." He assured quickly, hurrying over to the
other table and setting their menus down. "I..I'll leave you a moment to
decide." He hurried off as though he thought Ray might chase after him an
shot hot him down and Ray immediately regretted his actions. He settled
across from Alyana and ran his fingers through his hair. 
         "Is anything the matter, Ray?" she asked him quietly only too
have him shake his head at her, though he couldn't meet her eyes. 
         "Nah." He denied. "I just suck, that's all." She peered at him
questionably. 
         "What do you suck, Ray?" she asked confused and Ray felt the grin
pull at his lips. 
         "No, no." he amended quickly, boy that was a loaded question!
"I..I mean I'm a jerk sometimes. I'm an asshole, a looser a chump." She
stared at him bewildered. 
         "Why would you say such things, Ray?" she inquired curiously.
"You are none of those things and that is an awfully negative attitude to
take, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself." Ray watched her quietly as
that old familiar headache right between his eyes started, and he almost
smiled.. 
         "Never mind, Fraser." He murmured, unconsciously using the same
tone he often did with his old partner, and she smiled then turned her
attention to her menu. 
         "As you wish." She agreed as Paul approached them once more,
rather nervously Ray noted. Being the owner, the older man only waited
personally on whom he considered special patrons; he'd always serviced Ray
and Fraser himself. 
         "Have you decided?" he asked anxiously. "Would you like some more
time?" Ray awarded him with one of his special smiles. 
         "Paul, I'm sorry for bittin' yer head off." He offered and the
man relaxed immediately under his gaze. "Frase went back home to Canada." 
Paul brightened. 
         "I forgive you." He exclaimed dramatically. "You're just too cute
to stay mad at!" Ray was unprepared as the man reached down to give a
quick affectionate hug, only to have the blond push him away just as
quickly. Paul laughed, used to the reaction as Ray indicated Alyana. "This
is Fraser's cousin Alyana Fraser." Paul smiled again.. 
         "It is so wonderful to meet you." He told her again. "Fraser was
such a sweet man, he and Ray..." he glanced at the detective and saw his
face darkening again, so decided to shut up. "Um..what would you both
like?" Ray took their menus and handed them to Paul, then smiled at
Alyana. 
         "Trust me?" he asked and she nodded without hesitation. 
        "Implicitly." She replied easily and he was only mildly surprised,
she was a Fraser after all. 
         "The usual Paul." He told the owner, then again to Alyana.
"Mineral water?" She nodded pleased. "And a coke fer me, Paul." The man
nodded happily and walked off. 
         "Did you and Cousin Ben come here often?" Alyana asked once they
were alone, she had set her Stetson on the seat beside her and was
smoothing back her impeccably neat coil. 
        "Yah, a few times." Muttered Ray and Alyana found herself watching
him intently. The man was an enigma, she discovered, his moods swung like
a confused pendulum, how intriguing, but then her cousin had warned her of
the detective's flair for emotional outburst. She had been thrown by his
passionate defense of her regarding Detective Arnold, but quite
disappointed when he did not offer to be partnered with her. Her Cousin
Ben had been so sure that Ray would want to partner with her, that was why
she had taken the assignment-to meet the man she had heard so much about,
to experience Chicago police work like Benton had. He had told her it was
a worthwhile endeavor and had changed his life dramatically. He had
learned so much, and since Alyana had only been a Mountie for four years,
he felt she could benefit from the same experiences he had. 
          Alyana also knew Fraser worried about his old partner, perhaps
more than he would ever admit to and now she could see why. Kowalski it
seemed had decided he was going to stay a loner and that apparently had
scared her cousin Ben, the idea that his friend would no longer open up to
anyone. Well, she could be stubborn too and she'd find a way to make the
detective her friend, no matter what. She liked him so much already that
she couldn't wait to get to know him better. The fact that she had seen
the hidden smile on his lips when their host teased him with the dramatic
embrace, despite Ray's attempts to pretend it bothered him, only made her
like him that much more. 
         "So, how do you like Chicago, so far?" Ray asked her as their
pineapple and ham pizza and drinks arrived. Alyana accepted a slice, which
he generously served her, then smiled at him. Ray noticed she smiled a lot
more easily than Fraser ever did, he liked that. 
         "It's very different from home," she admitted. "But I am quite
intrigued by it. The people at the Consulate are  very accommodating and I
feel a great respect for Leftenant Welsh, he has been very accepting of my
position at his station." Ray shrugged and swallowed the bite of pizza he
had in his mouth. 
         "Yah, well, he's used to it." He informed quietly. "You stayin'
at the Consulate?" She nodded. 
         "Yes, how did you know?" she asked. 
         "Figures." Ray shook his head. 
         "Inspector Fraser had arranged for them to give me one of the
upstairs apartments, rather than rent one in the city, and they just take
out so much from my wages for my room and board." Ray nodded, that was
better than a cot in her office, which was all Fraser had. "It's quite
sufficient for my needs, as I don't take up much room." Ray grinned. No,
he doubted she did take up very much room at all. Finally he decided he
need to tell her why he brought her here. 
         "Listen, I...umm...I wanted to explain to you about yesterday."
He managed, taking an interest in his pizza, why was he such a coward
about this stuff? 
         "Thank you kindly for helping with Detective Arnold." She offered
quickly. "I suppose I am a bit naive sometimes and I had not realized he
was...well telling me falsehoods." 
         "Taking advantage of you, ya mean?" supplied Ray grimly and she
nodded. 
         "Yes." She agreed. "Well, he's doing much better now, I suspect
the Leftenant and yourself put the fear of God in him." Ray grinned. 
         "So, you...ah, like working with him?" 
         "He is my official partner." She pressed. "It would be
inappropriate to discuss my feelings toward him in anything other than an
official capacity." Ray smirked. 
         "Yep, yer a Fraser." He muttered and she blinked at him. 
         "Pardon?" 
         "Nothin'." He dismissed. "I...look I just didn't want you to
think..." He paused again. "I know ya probably got ears like yer cousin
and probably heard me and Welsh talkin after and..." She was watching him
quietly with those big blue eyes and he found himself unable too meet her
gaze.  "Umm...what I'm tryin' ta say is it isn't that I don't like ya or
anything, I just don't want another partner." He finally raised his eyes
to hers. "It's me, not you, understand? It's me that the problem's with,
not you." Alyana watched him for a moment longer, then finally nodded. 
         "I think I understand, Ray." She replied solemnly. He nodded
relieved the discussion was over. He had said what he meant to say, and
for once it hadn't come out sounding stupid. "May I ask you a question,
Ray?" 
         "Shoot." He offered and she raised an eyebrow. 
         "I'm afraid I'm not permitted to garner a weapon, Ray." She
explained. "There are many legalities that..." 
         "I meant ask yer question." He amended with a sigh and noticed
the pink that tinged her cheeks. How adorably Fraser. 
         "Oh, ah..well I was just wondering." She paused, now she was not
meeting his eyes. "What you said about not wanting another partner, does
that pertain to friends as well?" Ray's eyebrows rose. 
        "Whadd'ya mean?" he demanded. 
         "Well, Cousin Ben...that is Inspector Fraser thought we might
be..." Ray couldn't believe she was so nervous  "...well, become
friends-you and I. He did say you might show me the ropes." Ray looked
down at his food. Become friends with her? Hell, he could do that easily,
she was very likable, but he couldn't risk his heart again. She'd hang
around awhile, then leave him, just like Fraser did. But, she was also all
alone in a strange city and it sounded like Fraser was depending on him to
keep and eye on his female cousin. 
         "I'll think about it." Was all he could offer her at this point,
but it seemed to be enough for she immediately brightened and proceeded to
eat. 
         "Thank you kindly, Ray." She replied taking a bite of pizza.
"Mmm, this is very good." Ray grinned and selected another slice for
himself. 
  

            Ray pulled the GTO to a screeching halt outside the bank and
jumped from the vehicle to hurry over to the other officers already on the
scene. He had heard the call come over the radio and realized Arnold and
The Fraser, funny how he had started to refer to her like that in his
mind, he did that with The Stella too, were involved in a hostage
situation. He asked Welsh for the low down and grimaced at what he was
told. Arnold had stopped at the bank to make a deposit, he and The Fraser
were apparently taken by surprise when three men in masks entered the
building and demanded everyone get on the floor while they ordered the
tellers to give them whatever money they had. Arnold had apparently been
able to slip out a back exit and call for back up, and he was now standing
over with some of the other men, but Alyana Fraser was still inside. Ray
stormed over to the detective, grabbed him by the collar and threw him
atop the hood of a car. 
         "You left her inside?" he screamed at him furiously as one of the
other cops attempted to pull the blond off the already shaking detective.
"How could you do that? You don't abandon yer partner, you got that? You
never abandon yer partner!" Welsh was the one that finally managed to pull
Ray away, as Arnold stumbled upright and straightened his tailor made
clothes. 
         "I had to get help." He defended. "Besides, she'd already told
them she was a cop, how stupid is that?" Ray could imagine one of the
perps inquiring about the red serge, like so many others had before and
being the honest lot they were, he had no doubt The Fraser told him who
she worked for.  Had possibly even tried to talk the thieves into giving
up, giving Arnold the opening to escape like a rat deserting a sinking
ship. 
         "You don't leave yer partner!" Ray repeated viciously, waging his
finger at him because Welsh was between them. He turned away and headed
toward the bank. 
         "Kowalski!" warned Welsh. "Get back here!" 
         "I ain't leavin' her in there alone, Sir." Ray called back
defiantly grabbed hold of the fire escape ladder attached to the side of
the building and pulled himself upward. Besides, Fraser'd kill him if his
cousin got killed her first month in the city. He was only mildly
surprised  when he sensed someone on the ladder just below him, and when
he glanced down at the officer below him his grin widened. 
         "What are we waiting for?" demanded the woman smiling up at him,
looking sharp in her blue police uniform. 
         "Good to see ya, Elaine." He offered then continued to climb.
"Let's go." They climbed to the roof, scurried across and broke the lock
on the door that led into the building.  They ran down the seven flights,
until they were on the floor directly above the main lobby of the bank.
The other people that worked in the building had already been evacuated
via the fire escape, they had just climbed, and he suspected one of the
robbers had barred the roof door. 
         "There's only one way down from here," Elaine told him quietly.
"The stairs or the elevator and they've shut the elevator off and I'm sure
they'll be watching the stairs." Ray nodded, he had assumed the same, but
then his eye caught the ventilation duct above them. Elaine looked up at
the vent as well and nodded in understanding. They found a chair and
managed to get the grate off, it was fairly large and both of them would
probably be able to crawl through it. He gave her a boost up inside the
vent, then removed his gun from its holster and tossed it up toward her,
before hoisting himself up as well. There wasn't much room to maneuver,
which was why he wanted his gun handy. Elaine handed him back his gun,
then he followed her as she slid forward almost on her stomach. 
         Neither spoke, using hand signals to convey their directions,
concerned that their voices would carry and alert the robbers to their
location. They were getting closer, he could hear some women pleading to
be let go and some thug yelling at her to shut up. They were nervous, that
was not always a good thing, but then Ray would be nervous too if there
was half a police force outside waiting for him. He caught Elaine's ankle,
indicating she try to move sideways enough that he could squeeze past her
to see through the grate ahead of them. It was a tight fit, but he managed
to move forward enough so that both of them were peering out into the
lobby. They were in a back office and there was a Perp by the door and he
could see The Fraser and a few other hostages sitting to the side. 
         "You smell good." Ray whispered to Elaine teasing and she smiled.

         "Now you notice." She returned in a hushed voice. He quietly
pushed at the grate, careful to keep it twined about his fingers so it
wouldn't drop to the floor and reveal them. The guard at the door began to
turn their way and suddenly Ray saw The Fraser rise and try to capture the
guard's attention, and he knew he had somehow seen them, or perhaps heard
their whispering. 
         "Excuse me, Sir." She inquired politely. The man turned and aimed
his gun at her warily.  "I was wondering if it might be possible adjourn
to the ladies room." When the man refused her she continued.        "Well,
you see that is a problem because, although it is quite possible to hold
one's bodily fluids for long periods of time, we have already been here
for 3.4 hours and I have not had the chance to attend the washroom since
six O'clock this morning. That being the case I would suggest that you
grant my request as I'm afraid I would end up making an awful mess on the
floor and unfortunately all over my uniform if I were not able to..." 
         "Go for Christ's sake!" the man demanded moving to grab her arm
and shove her out of view. Ray grinned and carefully tossed the grate over
to the sofa a few feet away, watching it land soundlessly against the
cushion as Elaine squeezed back behind him so he could crawl out. He
dropped lightly to the floor, holstered his gun briefly, and then reached
up for Elaine, after checking to see if the guard had returned. She slid
out and he caught her around the shoulder's then waist, as she slid down
his body to her feet. They quickly moved to a shadowed area where they
wouldn't be seen, each with their weapons ready, as the guard returned and
The Fraser remained standing in her former position. Ray crept up behind
the man and put the muzzle of his gun to the back of the masked man's
neck. The robber stiffened at the cold metal that touched him and turned
his head to shot, but Ray shook his head and clamped a hand over his
mouth, pulling him inside. 
        "No, no." he whispered, pulling the man's mask off and effectively
gagging him with it, while Elaine handcuffed him. "Play nice and let's not
tell the others." The man glared at him, but he was no longer a concern,
for Elaine had her gun trained on him and he wouldn't risk getting shot.
Ray glanced cautiously around the edge of the door and met Alyana's eyes.
Immediately he felt the connection and she nodded, seeming to read his
mind like Fraser had always done. 
         "Excuse me." She held up a polite hand to one of the other men
that Ray couldn't see. "But I believe your associate has been abducted."
She pointed to the room where Ray and Elaine were hiding and the two men
rushed over, ready to fire on anything that moved. As the second one moved
past her, The Fraser reached out her leg and tripped him, then delivered a
smashing blow to the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. 
         The leader turned back to her, obviously surprised that she had
disabled his team mate, more surprised that she had not picked up the
semi-automatic that had fallen next to the man, but instead kicked it
across the floor out of harms way. She read the question in his eyes. 
          "I'm afraid I am not permitted to carry a weapon outside of
Canada." She informed him calmly, just as cold metal touched his neck and
Ray stood behind him grinning, 
         "But I am." He insisted, pushing the barrel of his gun further
into the man's flesh for emphasis. "Now be a good scumbag and drop the
gun." The metal echoed loudly as it hit the floor and the man put his
hands up. "Ah, you've done this before, haven't you." Remarked Ray,
patting him down, then ordering him to his knees and cuffing his hands
behind him as the people in the back cheered with relief and one of the
tellers ran to open the doors for the police outside. Ray continued to
read the man his rights. "You have the right to be silent, so shut up or
I'll kick ya in the head. Ya got the right to an attorney, if you cannot
afford one we'll find the worst possible screw-up to represent ya. Ya have
the right to be a moron, opps, sorry been there done that haven't ya?" He
pulled the man to his feet and tossed him toward one of the approaching
officers, as Elaine led her own captive out, after a quick smile for
Kowalski. 
         "That was very impressive, Ray." Commented Alyana, with a nod. 
         "So was that." Returned the detective, indicating the prone body
of the third robber, being carted off by police. Alyana smiled. 
         "We make a good team." She observed calmly and Ray stared at her
intently. 
         "Yah." He agreed as Arnold and Welsh approached them. 
         "Although I wasn't aware your Miranda rights were so very dif..."
she was cut off by the Lieutenant. 
         "Are you alright, Constable?" Welsh asked and she nodded. 
         "Quite well, thank you, Sir." She returned. 
         "That was stupid, Kowalski." Hissed Arnold, not bothering to
inquire about his partner's health. "That was totally against procedure.
You could've gotten somebody killed." Ray stepped up to him, his eyes
narrowing as his hand went for the now holstered weapon. 
         "There's still time." He warned and he watched the younger
detective back off nervously. Welsh slapped Ray on the back. 
         "I don't agree with your tactics, detective." He told him firmly.
"But you did good." 
         "Hey!" exclaimed Elaine coming up to them with a smile. "He can't
hog all the glory!" Welsh and Ray laughed. 
         "Of course you were something else as well." Welsh told her as
Ray grabbed her hand and pulling her into his arms and gave her a quick
waltz around. 
         "You were fantastic!" he declared dramatically. "You can share a
vent shaft with me any day, Elaine." Elaine blushed, giggled and pushed
him away at the same time. 
         "You haven't changed." She remarked amused. 
         "Was I supposed to?" he asked her innocently and she shook her
head. 
         "No, never." She confirmed and received one of his heart-breaker
smiles as a reward. He quickly introduced her to Alyana, explaining how
the Canadian was taking Fraser's place at the Consulate and her relation
to his old partner, as she shook the Mounties hand. 
         "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elaine." Offered Alyana.  "Benton
has told me a lot about you, he said you were irreplaceable in the solving
of many or their cases." Elaine smiled delighted. 
         "He said that?" she returned surprised. "That is so sweet. Of
course I did do most of the grunt work for them. Fraser was always very
gracious of course, but Vecchio was a pain in the ass." She indicated Ray.
"He's a charmer, though, always appreciated my efforts." Ray grinned and
kissed her hand. 
         "Always." He assured her. "Until you left me at the mercy of that
chatterbox Francesca!" Elaine laughed. 
         "Now, Ray." She scolded. "She got better after awhile, you just
had to be patient with her." She grinned wickedly. "Besides you were just
ticked because you liked her and had to pretend to be juts her brother."
Ray's eyes darted away noncommittal, but a slow grin spread across his
face. 
         "It was just mean." He told her gruffly and she laughed again. 
         "Francesca." Repeated Alyana. "Is that the pretty woman that sits
at the desk just down from yours, Ray?" Kowalski nodded. 
         "Yah, she's Vecchio's sister and she isn't to bad, really." He
replied. "Still talks to much though." Elaine nudged him. 
         "At least you don't have to pretend to be her sister anymore,
Ray." She reminded. "You could ask her out now." Ray grunted. 
         "I had a better chance when I was pretendin' ta be Vecchio." He
replied grimly and Elaine chuckled.   "Besides, I got to know her too
well, it won't work now." 
         "Oh, so you only go out with women you don't actually have to get
to know?" she teased and he nodded. 
         "Of course, keep it simple." She shook her head at him, knowing
he wasn't the type to do any such thing, his heart was too big for one
night stands. Ray glanced at Ayna with a grin. 
         "Besides, she had a thing for your cousin big time." Alyana
nodded. 
         "Ah yes." She returned. "I believe he mentioned that." Ray
smirked as Arnold, seemingly perturbed by the camaraderie that the others
shared finally spoke to Alyana. 
         "Let's go, Fraser." He demanded. "We've got paperwork to fill
out." Alyana nodded, noticing the frown that now creased Ray's brow. 
         "Of course, Detective." She agreed. "It was nice to meet you,
Elaine. Good bye, Ray, thank you kindly for your assistance." She walked
off with Arnold and Welsh as Elaine peered up at Kowalski, whose
expression was noting short of venomous. 
         "What's the deal, Ray?" she asked him as they too headed out of
the bank. 
         "What deal?" he avoided pulling his shades out and placing them
over his eyes to dull the bright sunlight surround them. "There's no
deal." 
         "Why," began Elaine deliberately. "If she's taking Fraser's old
position, is she partnered with that jerk?" 
         "As opposed to some other jerk, you mean?" he teased her and she
swatted his arm. 
         "Why isn't she your partner, Ray?" she pressed. "I would have
thought you would have been the better choice, having worked with Fraser
and..." Ray cut her off. 
         "Yah, well I ain't the better choice and she's not Fraser." He
stated coldly. "I prefer to go solo nowadays, no partner being my
conscience and tellin' me how not to do things and no one gettin' me to
risk my neck for stupid Good Samaritan causes." Elaine's gaze pierced him
and he had to look away. 
         "I was wrong." She murmured. "You have changed, Ray." Ray
shrugged, trying not to show how much her disappointment in him hurt. She
turned away and he caught her arm. 
         "Hey, can we..." he paused. "Can we maybe get together sometimes,
Elaine? Y'know go out to eat, talk and stuff." Elaine offered him a small
smile, then reached for him and pulled him into a bear hug, which he
returned after only a moment's hesitation. 
         "I'd like that, Ray." She admitted. "Call me." He smirked as they
ended the embrace. 
         "Sure ya don't gotta wash yer hair or have your cat's follicles
trimmed?" he teased, remembering the many times she turned him down when
he was posing as Ray Vecchio and still new on the job. 
         "Call me and find out." she dared and waved as she walked off. He
smiled after her, then headed for his car. 
  

         Ray pushed open his apartment door and grabbed up his telephone
on the third ring. 
         "Yah?" he greeted with his usual pinnace. 
         "Ray?" returned a familiar soothing voice that set Ray's sprits
high. 
         "Fraser! Buddy! How the hell are ya?" Benton Fraser laughed in
delight. 
         "I'm just fine Ray, How are you?" 
         "Oh, y'know. The same, catchin' bad guys, kickin' heads and
takin' names." Replied Ray with a shrug the Mountie couldn't see. "How ya
like being back home in the cold and snow?" 
         "I love it, Ray." Fraser admitted freely. "I hadn't realized how
much I really missed it. Although I miss Chicago quite often as well." The
Canadian paused. "Especially you, Ray. I miss you." Ray blinked back the
tears that were forming in his eyes, determined he wasn't going to cry
just because the man he practically worshiped had said he missed him. 
         "I...I miss you too, Frase." He returned. "A lot." There was
silence for a moment between both parties, then Fraser spoke again. 
         "How is Alyana working out, Ray?" 
         "Oh...she's ah...she's good." Stammered the detective. "She's a
lot like you, got that freakish quality y'know." Fraser chuckled again. 
         "Yes, I suppose its part of being a Fraser." He assumed wryly.
"It doesn't seem to matter how you're brought up. I was quite surprised to
learn that I had even had a cousin, even though she's only about four
years younger than me, Dad never mentioned he'd had a half brother." 
         "So you gained a sister and a cousin and uncle so far, hey,
Frase?" remarked Ray, glad the Mountie had finally found some family to be
with. 
         "Yes, Ray, although Alyana's Father passed away a few months ago,
I only met him briefly." Ray frowned. 
         "She didn't tell me." He commented aloud. "I'm sorry to hear it."

        "Yes, well, she is surprisingly well adjusted." Continued Fraser.
"She had a very good relationship with him, though she lost her mother
when she was about my age as well. Still she is very naive to the ways of
the world, Ray, much like I was when I first came there. I was hoping you
could watch out for her while she's in Chicago." 
         "Yah, sure, Fraser." Ray agreed quietly. "I'll do what I can."
Ray's head shot up as a knock sounded on the door. "Hang on a minute
Frase, there's someone here." 
         "Certainly, Ray." Replied Frase amiably, as Ray turned the
cordless into his chest and approached the door. He opened it a crack,
then all the way to let Alyana inside. 
         "I hope I'm not intruding..." she began as he shook his head and
closed the door, then lifted the receiver to his ear again. 
         "Hey, buddy, yer never gonna believe who just dropped by." He
informed Fraser, then handed the phone to Alyana. She took it tentatively.

         "Hello?" she greeted curiously and Ray watched her whole face
brighten as he retrieved two sodas from the fridge. "Cousin Ben! How are
you? This is a surprise. No I just came by to give him something. Yes it's
everything you said it would be." She glanced at Ray and caught him
staring at her, their gazes locked. "Yes, he's exactly as you described
him." Ray smirked, not sure if that was good or bad. "Tomorrow, at the
Consulate?" Fraser must be making a time to call her so that could talk
alone. "Of course. Yes, I'll talk to you then. Here's Ray." She handed the
phone back to the detective and he traded it to her for one of the sodas
he was holding. She smiled and popped the tab as he put the phone to his
ear. 
         "Yah, Frase?" he greeted his friend. 
         "I have to go, Ray." Fraser informed reluctantly. "But I'll try
to make it up there for Christmas and we can spend some time together
then." He heard Fraser chuckle. "Maybe I'll even help get you out of any
trouble you might find yourself in." 
         "Yah." Retorted Ray grinning. "Or get me into trouble I shouldn't
be in." Fraser laughed and promised to call again soon with the details.
Ray hung up and tried to ignore the hollow feeling that suddenly knifed
through him as he set the receiver back on the cradle. He turned to
Alyana. 
         "So what did you have to give me?" he asked her curious and was
surprised when she set her soda down and reached inside her hat to
retrieve the silver bracelet hidden in the under seam. 
         "Where?" Ray asked, glancing at his bare wrist then back at the
bracelet. He hadn't even noticed he'd lost it. 
         "I noticed it was missing when you apprehended the last criminal
at the bank." he informed him offering to place it over his wrist and
fasten it for him. "May I?" He nodded slightly and held his wrist out to
her. 
         "I just may not have been wearing it that day." He commented as
she secured the treasured item and Ray felt a sigh of relief that it was
back where it belonged. 
         "I've noticed most men don't wear jewelry, unless it either is
meant as a bizarre form of fashion statement or it has sentimental value."
She explained as she stepped back and retrieved her soda. "The sentimental
type is usually almost always worn to represent how special it is. I
hadn't seen you without it before, so I assumed you had lost it while
crawling through the ducts of the bank." 
         "So, what?" he asked bewildered. "You went back looking for it?"
She nodded. "Ya mean you went crawling around in that filthy vent lookin'
for a measly ol' bracelet?" 
         "It wasn't measly old bracelet." She protested. "It was yours and
it means a lot to you. I thought you would like to have it back and the
Bank President was very cooperative when I explained why I wanted inside
the vents." Ray nodded, he would be considering they had saved the bank an
enormous amount of money. He wriggled his wrist thoughtfully, the silver
bracelet catching the light just enough to make it glitter. 
         "Thank you." He offered quietly. "I..I don't know what to say." 
         "Thank you is more than enough." She assured sipping her soda.
"Though I must confess that I did have an ulterior motive for wanting to
see you." Ray tensed and glanced at her warily. 
         "What would that be?" 
         "I wanted your opinion." She replied and he relaxed somewhat,
he'd been afraid she was going to bring up them becoming fast friends
again. 
         "About what?" he inquired more easily. 
         "Well, I remembered what you said about...well Detective Arnold
taking advantage of me." Ray tensed again. Now what? "I am uncertain
exactly what areas constitute taking advantage." 
         "He doesn't have ya doin' chores again?" demanded Ray curtly and
she shook her head. 
         "Oh, no." she assured quickly. "He's been much better about that
actually since...well since you and Leftenant Welsh discussed things with
him." Ray smirked, that was one way to put it. "The thing that is
bothering me is...well, other than today, I haven't actually worked any
cases with Detective Arnold. I mean I understand that I am mainly an
observer , but I haven't had the opportunity to even observe any type of
official police work, other than the reports filing." 
         "What do you do when he is on a case, then?" 
         "Stay in the car." She replied simply. "Or he drops me off with a
list of errands to run for him before he responds to a call." Ray gritted
his teeth, Arnold was treating her like a civilian, that wasn't they way
it worked. 
         "So, what're you asking of me?" he inquired cautiously. 
         "Well, I wondered if you thought Leftenant Welsh would be
agreeable to letting me ride occasionally with some of the partnered
officers to observe a little better." Ray stared at her surprised, he was
sure she had been about to ask to be his partner again. He was more
surprised by the disappointment that seemed to droop over him like a
hooded cloak. 
         "Um..he probably wouldn't have a problem with that." He murmured,
trying not to let his disillusionment show. 
         "Oh, good." She beamed at Ray. "I'll ask him about it tomorrow
then." She moved toward the door, dropping her soda can in the bag by the
sink that held the others. She held out her hand to him. "Thank you
kindly, Ray for your assistance." Ray hesitated, still somewhat confused,
and then shook her hand. She turned to leave and he caught her arm to hold
her back. 
         "Are you at all particular about what you put in your mouth?" he
suddenly asked her and she stared at him bewildered, feeling the heat
spread through his cheeks as he realized how bad that sounded. "Um...I
mean Fraser had this habit of tasting nasty things that he'd pick up,
y'know...trash, footwear, tires, electrical sockets, stuff like that.
Um...do you do that?" Alyana smiled secretly. 
         "It's a well known tactic for gathering evidence," she informed
calmly. "At least for Mounties." 
         "Yah, but do you do it?" he pressed, and she sensed her response
was very important to him for some reason. 
         "No, I don't lick things, Ray." She stated with a small smile.
"At least not things like that." Both of them blushed that time. "I work
much better with my nose, I have an overdeveloped sense of smell and it
serves me better than my tongue." 
         "So you go around sniffing things then?" Ray elaborated, not
caring much for that option either, it seemed. 
         "Only when the occasion calls for it, Detective." She encouraged
and he released a small smile. 
         "And..ah, you don't have any like Inuit stories that refer to
every possible situation in daily life, do you?" 
         "I know some Inuit tales, yes, some of my best friends were
natives." She replied. "But I actually grew up in Labrador City and we
only moved to the Territories a few years ago, so I wasn't as surrounded
by the culture as Benton was." Ray smirked and lowered his eyes, she knew
exactly what he was asking and why. How much was she like Fraser and could
he get by with the differences and similarities between the two. Finally
Ray nodded and she regarded him quietly. "I'm not going to lie to you,
Ray. I found lot of things that Ben and I have in common, the way we
think, the way we act in certain ways, but the fact remains that I am not
Benton Fraser. If we are to be friends, you'll have to take me as I am,
for who I am, that being a Fraser, a woman and a Mountie." 
         "Yer, right." Ray, sighed and moved back further into the
apartment, suddenly restless. "I know yer, right it's just..." 
         "Just.." she prodded coming to stand behind him. Ray shrugged his
back to her. 
         "I..I really miss Fraser." He admitted quietly, relieved somewhat
that he finally told someone. "I...he was my partner and my best friend. I
don't know what all he's told you about how we met, but we had a rocky
start at first. We were finally gettin' along great, like two halves of
one whole, when Vecchio came back and...well all of a sudden my life, or
rather the life I was leadin' as Vecchio was turned upside down. It was
over and I was loosin' all the people I came to care about." He moved way
from her again, stalking the apartment like a caged lion. "I mean I knew
it would, y'know, that's what happens when you go undercover, I
just...well I didn't expect it to be so soon, y'know?" Alyana nodded, but
doubted he even noticed, he was too rapped up in his own thoughts and
pain. "Fraser...Fraser helped me through some real heavy stuff and I kinda
started dependin' on him to be there for me, especially after all we went
through goin' after Muldoon. But then he left-went home-adios amigos and I
felt kinda stranded. Vecchio was retiring, so I could stay on at the
precinct, but most of the cops there that I knew had all had other plans,
decided to do something else with their lives. But not me, nope not
Stanley Kowalski-I'm a cop, that's all I know, all I've ever been good
at." 
         "Ben felt abandoned too, Ray." She stated quietly and Ray glanced
at her. 
         "What?" he exclaimed incredulously. "But, he was the one who
decided not to come back to Chicago." 
         "That's right." She agreed calmly. "And you were the one that
decided not to stay in Canada with him. He would have gone forever with
you, Ray. Whether it was searching for Franklin's hand or some other
adventure he would have supported that decision to keep you with him." 
         "I tried!" cried Ray. "I tried to adjust to the cold and the
isolation but I just couldn't hack it! I'm a wimp and I know that but it
was just tearin' me up." 
         "And Ben couldn't handle leaving home  and starting over again."
She countered gently. "He'd lost so much in the past few years, but he'd
gained a lot too. He's a man of the North, it's where his heart is, where
he belongs and it tore him apart to decided between it and you, Ray." Ray
stared at her and she saw tears glistening in his eyes. She walked over to
him, as he slumped down in a chair, and knelt beside him. "He worried
about you coming back here alone to face whatever might be in store for
you now that Vecchio was back. He worried you would shut yourself off from
everyone and not show anyone your pain, and that seems to be exactly what
you did, doesn't it?" Ray placed his head in his hands, refusing to admit
she was right. How could this outspoken woman be Benton Fraser's relation?
"Don't be afraid of change, Ray. Embrace it. Sometimes it can bring things
more wonderful than before." She followed his eyes and saw that he was
staring at a picture of him and Fraser that was propped in a gold frame on
his entertainment center. She rose and retrieved the picture, handing it
to him. "You have to decide if you are going to live in the past." She
indicated the picture. "Or the present." She put a finger under his chin
and raised his eyes to hers. Ray watched her stand and quietly leave, then
turned to stare down at the picture in his hand. What was he to do? He
dropped the picture into the chair and stood, he'd do what he always did
when h didn't know what to do-he'd dance. He selected a CD, set it to
play, switched off his lights and danced to the backdrop of the Chicago
evening skyline. 
  

         The following day, Ray Kowalski strode into the 27th Precinct
with a purpose. He nodded in passing greeting to Francesca, who was on the
phone at her desk, then headed for his own area and dropped into his
chair. He picked through his selection of open case files, pulled out the
one he was looking for and flipped through it, making a few notations in
his note book, then dropping it back on the top of the pile. He shoved his
notebook in the back pocket of his jeans and headed for Welsh's office. He
knocked and waited for permission to enter, which came surprisingly
quickly for Welsh. He stepped inside and approached the Lieutenant, who
was seated, at his desk. 
         "How can I help you, Detective?" he asked gruffly. 
         "Sir, yes, Sir." Began Ray and Welsh noticed the blond was more
hyper than usual this morning. "I've got a case that I need a little help
on and I was wondering if you might..umm...well, Sir I need a woman ya see
and..." 
        "That detective is outside my jurisdiction." Teased Welsh wryly
and Ray grinned. 
         "No, no." he amended. "I mean I have  plan that might help me
solve this particular case, but I need another female officer to help and
since we're kinda short on those right now I wondered if..." 
         "Just say you want to work with the Mountie, Ray." Finished Welsh
with a small grin. Ray stared at him for a moment, then grinned. 
         "Yes, Sir." He said. "I would like to burrow her for a day or
so." 
         "Just a day, detective?" inquired Welsh and he watched Ray blink
indecisively. 
         "Um..yah, or however long it takes to finish this case up." Welsh
tilted his head toward Arnold's desk. 
         "Shouldn't you be asking Detective Arnold to lend you his
partner, Ray?" Ray shook his head. 
         "She isn't his partner, Sir." He assured. "He makes her sit in
the car and won't let her do anything and..." 
         "And you want to show her some real police work, is that it
Detective?" 
         "Well, yes, Sir." 
         "So you want her for your partner, then?" He saw the panic surge
over Kowalski immediately. 
         "I..no, Sir. " he refused. "I..I mean I want to work with her on
this case but not..I mean I don't want another partner, Sir." Welsh
regarded him quietly for a moment then nodded. 
         "All right." He agreed. "You can burrow the Mountie, providing
it's okay with Arnold." Ray grimaced. 
         "Jeeze, Sir, don't make me ask him." he protested but Welsh was
firm. 
         "Ask him at least, if he says no, I'll still okay it, detective."
Ray nodded. 
         "Thanks, Sir." He replied with a grin and left to confront
Arnold. When he did ask him, he had expected the man to be all spit and
fire, but surprisingly Arnold was happy to get rid of the Canadian for
awhile, seemed she was too weird for his tastes. Ray probably would have
hit him, if he hadn't been so glad he'd agreed to let her go. He returned
to his desk, grabbed his sports coat and headed out of the office. 

         "Hey, Fraser!"  called one of the men working in the Consulate,
Alyana frowned, granted she wasn't as high ranking as some of the
officials there and she was still relatively new to the job, but that was
no reason to be disrespectful of her title. She left her small office that
had also been Ben's office, and approached the man angrily. She glared up
at him, mindless of his uniform and sneer toward her, he was also only a
constable. 
         "You are only a senior over me because you arrived two months
before I did Constable Riggins." She informed the tall, red-haired
Canadian coolly. "You will show me the same respect I award you, is that
clear?" The man swallowed and nodded. 
         "Certainly." He replied politely. "I apologize for my lack of
manners. There is a Detective Kowalski here to see you." Alyana tried not
to show her delight at the news, as she nodded to him and headed for the
foyer. 
         "Thank you kindly." She offered, then turned back to go in search
of Ray. She found him leaned over the desk of the pretty blond
receptionist. "Hello Detective." She greeted purposely, wiping the smile
from her face as he straightened to smile at her. 
         "Hi, Alyana." He returned as she drew closer. "Arnold said I
could burrow you for a few days to help me with a case, if you're up to
it." She almost smiled, but didn't want to appear unprofessional in front
of the receptionist, who was watching them curiously. 
         "That would be acceptable, Ray." She assured. "Let me just inform
my superior officer and retrieve my things." Ray nodded, willing to wait,
as the busty blond handed him a slip of paper with her number on it, no
doubt, Alyana thought bitterly. Well, that wasn't very congenial of her
now was it? After all, it isn't the blonde's fault that she feels she has
to overcompensate for her lack of intelligence by injecting her body with
huge amounts of silicone. 
        Alyana blushed, that was also an uncharitable thought. She should
be ashamed. She was perfectly happy with her own body, she was small, but
she had great strength, a fact many overlooked because of her size, from
her years of physical training. Her breasts were smaller than average, but
they were proportioned to her body and though she believed her hips were a
little too wide, her waist was slim and trim and suited the rest of her.
Her upper arms and legs were very toned, giving only a hint to the secret
strength hidden beneath the smooth, creamy flesh. 
         She reported the situation to Inspector Cabot, a short, graying
likable fatherly figure, who eagerly wished her on her way, then returned
to her office to retrieve her Stetson and met up with Ray once more. He
smiled at the receptionist and held the door open for Alyana. 
         "After you." She offered politely, standing aside that he might
exit first. Ray placed a hand on his hip. 
         "After you." He insisted and she nodded, hiding her smile as she
turned away from him. Benton had been correct, it was fun teasing Ray. He
also held the door for her to the GTO and she waited until he climbed in
beside her to speak again. 
         "You don't really have to hold the doors for me, Ray, although I
do appreciate your manners to do so, it is really quite unnecessary and
would be a waste of your time if we were on a case together and had to
exit the vehicle quickly." Ray watched her quietly for a moment, as though
trying to piece together what she had said and what his brain had actually
understood. 
         "Don't worry, if the car bursts into flames or something, I'd
expect you to get out on your own." He said finally said. "And I'll
probably forget once we're..." He had been about to say used to each
other, but hadn't he told himself he wasn't going to get used to her? That
would entail spending time together and getting to know her better and
hadn't he be the one that said he didn't want that to happen? "Once in a
while." He finally finished. The Fraser watched him quietly, he could feel
her eyes upon him, burning, prodding, and prying to see into his soul.
"Stop staring at me!" he snapped and immediately the woman focused her
gaze ahead of her. Ray bit his lip and felt his head drop in shame. He
hadn't meant to hurt her feelings and, although she showed no sign that
his tone had bothered her, he knew it had. 
         "You don't need to yell." She observed quietly. "I told you I
have excellent hearing." Ray stared at her surprised, I usually took a lot
to make Fraser admit he was annoyed or hurt, but Alyana obviously was more
outspoken. Good. He liked that. That was good. 
         "I'm sorry." He offered just as quietly. "I...Fraser used to
stare at me, until I'd either agree with him or blow my top." He thought
he heard her make a distinctly frustrated noise, but when he glanced at
her she was passive. "I'm not comparin' you to him." He stated. "I just...
like you said there are a lot of similarities between you two and it takes
gettin' used to. I react to the things I remember Fraser doin' not
necessarily the things yer doin'." 
         "Is that why you are so against us being partners?' she asked
continuing to stare ahead. "I remind you too much of him and that hurts
you?" Ray sighed, wishing he could make her understand, make himself
understand. 
         "Yes, no..I dunno." He admitted. "Fraser an' me...we were a team
an' now we're not and it's just hard to remember that sometimes. I mean I
was just startin' to train myself not to automatically look fer him or
call out to him when I need him and then..." 
         "I came along and messed up your training?" supplied Alyana,
finally offering him a glance. 
         "Well, kinda, yah." He grinned. "I mean, I'm glad to have met ya
and all that, it's just..." 
         "May I ask you a personal question, Ray?" she asked suddenly,
catching him by surprise. "One I hope doesn't offend you." He stared at
her a moment. 
         "Ah..umm...'kay." he allowed warily. 
         "Are you in love with my Cousin Ben?" Alyana gripped the
dashboard as the car violently swerved to narrowly miss the vehicle in
front of them. Ray pulled off into a nearby parking lot and switched off
the engine, resting his head on the wheel. She waited a moment, thinking
he would speak, and trying to get her heart rate back to normal, but he
just stayed in that position, his eyes closed, and his fingers absently
smoothing the worn leather of the wheel. Finally after what seemed like an
eternity to Alyana, he spoke. 
         "Is that what you think?" he asked without bothering to look up
or open his eyes, and she stared at him surprised, obviously not expecting
her question answered with another question. 
         "I don't know." She admitted. "That is why I asked you." Ray was
silent for a  moment longer, then suddenly he was moving,  his response so
quick than she hadn't even had time to register what he was doing, until
he reached across, cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers. At first
she was startled, shocked, to find the detective so boldly kissing her,
then she was angry, indignant that he dared to do it, and finally she was
pleased and excited as his warm mouth enticed a response from her. All
this, she felt, in a matter of seconds, and then she was returning his
kiss, coiling her arms around his neck and pulling him closer, opening her
mouth to his sweet exploration. He tasted sweet, like chocolate and
peppermint, perhaps from the gum he had been chewing earlier, and he
smelled simply wonderful to Alyana's talented nose. 
 She felt him tense briefly, perhaps surprised by her reaction, obviously
expecting harsher treatment, then he was pulling her across the seat
toward him, one hand cradling her neck the other pressed against her back,
as his tongue found hers and he released a soft sigh of pleasure.  Finally
he pulled away, she notice his breathing seemed as shaky as hers did. 
         "Now do you think I'm gay?" he growled, but his eyes still held
both desire and shock from their kiss. Alyana sat up and tried to compose
herself, tried to swallow the disappointment that was running rampant over
her senses now that they were no longer touching. 
         "I..I didn't ask if you were gay." She reminded, glad her voice
at least sounded composed. "I asked if you were in love with Benton." For
a moment it seemed he might reach for her again, to prove his point, and
she tensed in anticipation, but then he turned away from her and gripped
the steering wheel, staring straight ahead. 
         "No." he forced. "At..at least not the way you mean." He couldn't
believe what he was saying, was that his mouth, his voice, because they
sure as hell couldn't be his words. He wasn't in love with Fraser that was
stupid! Bizarre! Sick! He wasn't into guys, he liked women, hell he loved
women. The Mountie was....well, he was...what? He was attractive, but
everyone noticed that, you didn't have to be homosexual to recognize the
great beauty that was Benton Fraser, but that wasn't what had gravitated
Ray toward him. He was kind and loveable, if not often annoying, he was
smart and crafty and honest and loyal and...Ray paused. Everything he
might look for in a life mate, everything he thought he'd had with Stella.
Was he in love with Fraser? Was that why he couldn't seem to mend the hole
inside him caused by Fraser's leaving? He shook his head,  refusing to
believe it. 
         "Ray?" Alyana asked him concerned. 
         "No!" he denied. "No, that's not it, it can't be." Alyana bit her
lip, was he talking to her or to himself, it was difficulty to tell. Was
he really so distraught by her query? She would have thought it an easy
yes or no question, but he seemed to be in some kind of private turmoil.
She reached across to gently place her hand on his arm. 
         "Ray, it's alright." She soothed and was startled when he
flinched from her touch and turned to seer her with his eyes. 
         "Why would you ask me that?" he demanded angrily. "What makes you
think that I...what possible evidence is there that Fraser and me....How
could you say that?" His last words were almost shouted at her and she had
to force herself not to flinch from their impact. 
         "I..I didn't mean to upset you." She stammered, though her voice
still sounded quite normal, surprisingly. "I only asked because....you
seem so lost without him, so defensive and angry and hurt because he isn't
here. I never meant to insinuate...there isn't anything wrong with...with
loving another person, even if they are the same gender as you." Ray
stared at her so long and hard she thought the sheer force of his gaze
might push her out of the car. Finally he turned away and she watched his
hands fly fast and furious, against the wheel, the window, the dash and
the roof of the car, as though fighting off an angry swarm of insects that
he needed to squash. He leaned his head back against the seat , exposing
the long column of his throat, and closed his eyes. 
        He looked drained. He looked defeated. He looked lost. Alyana
watched him quietly, memorizing the harsh angles of his face and the soft
glow of his skin, his lashes were incredibly long and she couldn't help
envy him for them. She didn't know what to do, what to say to take the
pain away, the pain she had caused. She was a Mountie, she was prepared
for every situation, and she calculated all possible risks and outcomes.
How had she messed this up so terribly? Finally, she did something she had
never before done for another living person, except her Father, she moved
across the seat toward him, pulled his head down to her breast and cradled
him in her arms. 
        "I'm so sorry." She whispered, smoothing her fingers through his
delightfully soft and wild hair. "I never meant to hurt you or cause you
pain. Please forgive me, Ray." He neither responded nor moved away, so she
continued. "It was wrong of me to try and press myself into your life, as
your friend or your partner. Ben had told me such wonderful things about
you, he was so sure that we would make a great team and I guess I was
caught up in the adventure. We never consulted you, never considered your
feelings, I'm so sorry." 
        "I loved her so much." She heard him whisper and she glanced down
at him, confused. 
        "I'm sorry," she offered. "I don't understand..who...?" 
        "Stella." Ray breathed her name as though it was sacred. "She's my
ex-wife. We were childhood sweethearts. I loved her more than I ever
thought I could love anything in the entire universe, we were soul mates."
He shook his head slightly, his hair tickling her chin. "Fraser helped
me...he made me see I was wrong, that I couldn't have The Stella back no
matter how much I wanted her and that it was okay, because I had other
things, important things in my life to see me through." Alyana raised an
eyebrow, The Stella? What sort of way was that to refer to someone? But
she said nothing and allowed him to continue. "But he didn't realize that
one of the most important things was him and now he's gone and...I...I
don't know what to do. I..I can't think straight I can't...everything is
closing in on me and I feel like I'm loosing myself...the me I was with
Fraser...in an abyss of self doubt and past deeds." Alyana once again held
her disappointment in check as he sat up and pulled away from her. 
        "You feel lost because Fraser isn't here to tell you why you need
to go on with your life?" she surmised puzzled. And was shocked when Ray
nodded miserably. "But Ray, you don't need someone telling you why you
should move on, enjoy life. You don't have to have someone remind you of
who you are, you know who you are." Ray shook his head. 
        "I don't." he denied grimly and he looked as though he was ready
to burst into tears, but his macho pride and perhaps self preservation
kept him from doing so. "I thought I knew who I was, then I became
Vecchio. I thought I could keep it separate, y'know, be him an' me at the
same time, but Fraser seemed almost to compel me to be better than either
one. I didn't always like the way I acted with him, but overall I was
startin' to like the person I was becoming because of him." He sighed.
"Don't ya get it? Without him I'm just a  hotheaded, three time looser
again. Maybe everybody is right, maybe I couldn't have done all the
things...become the cop I am today without his help." 
        "There isn't anything wrong with admitting he helped guide you
into becoming a better person, or a better officer, Ray." She insisted.
"Just as you helped him become a better Mountie, a better man. That is
what life is all about, change and friendships and helping each other." He
finally looked at her. 
        "You really think so?" he asked quietly and she nodded. He stared
out the window again. "I'm sorry about...you know." 
        "Kissing me?" she supplied calmly and he nodded. 
        "I...I  mean I'm sorry for the way I did it, not that I...well,
the actual kissing part." She was surprised to see the light shade of pink
that now tinged his cheeks; he was alarmingly shy sometimes that was very
endearing. 
        "Are you saying you wanted to kiss me?" she inquired brazenly. "Or
that you simply enjoyed the deed itself." 
        "Yah." He admitted and she forced herself not to smile as she
wondered which question he was answering, or if that was the answer to
them both. "But ya know, we can't do that." 
        "Do what, Ray?' she inquired, once again he had managed to
befuddle her. "Kiss?" 
        "Yah." He agreed, his voice was returning to its natural taunting
tone. "Because y'know, partner's don't do that kinda thing. I mean I let
Fraser kiss me once, but it was only because he thought I was drowning and
he called it 'Buddy Breathin' and we y'know squared things afterwards."
Alyana's eyes had widened to the size of saucers as she stared at him and
he grinned. "What?" 
        "P..partners?" she almost squeaked. "Y...you mean you'll really be
my partner?" Ray chuckled and started the engine, he had thought she was
shocked by the buddy breathing thing. 
       "Yah," he agreed calmly. "I mean if you'll have me." Ray was
unprepared for her assault, as she threw her arms around him in a fierce
bear hug, unable to contain her joy. He pried her amazingly strong arms
away and pushed her gently back. "Now, I just said partner's don't do that
kinda stuff." He reminded, but the  teasing glow in his eyes and the wide
grin he offered her took the sting out of his words. Boy, she definitely
was more animated than the Fraser he knew was. 
        "I..I'm sorry I just.." Alyana's face now matched her tunic as she
stammered through her apology. "Thank you kindly, Ray. I really appreciate
you're doing this." Ray shrugged and pulled back out into the street. 
        "Yah, well." He rebuffed self-consciously. "Anything to piss of
that moron, Arnold." Alyana held back her laughter by sheer force of will,
knowing it wouldn't be polite to find amusement in such a derogatory
statement, but a smile tugged incessantly at her lips and she had to bite
her lower lip hard to keep it from escaping. 
        "That isn't very nice, Ray." She finally managed dutifully. 
        "I never said I was nice." He replied with a slow grin. "And I'm
sure Frase didn't tell you that either." Alyana lowered her gaze to stare
at her hat atop the dash; she couldn't deny that, Cousin Ben had
specifically 'not' used that word when describing Ray Kowalski. Turbulent,
soft hearted, loyal, generous, outrageous and hyperactive perhaps, but
never 'nice'." 
  

         Ray was surprised how well he and The Fraser worked together,
like a well-oiled machine they seemed to know exactly what the other was
thinking. Although there had been a few glitches in the beginning, such as
the fact that Alyana seemed to have the same penchant as her Cousin for
running headlong into a conflict while unarmed and trusting Ray to back
her up. But Ray was slowly trying to break her of the habit by explaining
that getting herself shot, blown up, or murdered was not only unproductive
to their partnership, it was stupid. He couldn't fault her for taking a
risk, he did that himself and being a Mountie and perhaps more so a
Fraser, it seemed to be ingrained in her sense of duty. So he tried to
look past the fact that she was a woman, she had already proven she could
handle herself quite well. Past the fact that she was Benton's cousin and
past the fact that she was Canadian and more opt to dive head in headfirst
through simple ignorance of the way Chicago criminals worked. What he
couldn't get past was the fact that she was his partner and was fast
becoming more, much more, and he wasn't ready to loose that over such a
stupid sense of duty. 
         He was sure he hid his feelings from her well enough, doubted she
suspected that he was perhaps feeling much more than he should as her
partner, but he couldn't help doubt his own judgement around her. She was
annoyingly correct in most of her assumptions and theories, much as Fraser
was, but she didn't needlessly correct Ray unless it was something she
determined quite pertinent, and usually at that point Ray was willing to
listen. She allowed him to go with his gut on many occasions, following
him faithfully to whatever his instincts might lead them, and he in turn
would assure to try it her way as well . 
         Most importantly, in the two months they had been working
together, she had not once coerced him into a situation where he might get
blown up, thrown, pushed or jumped from a height of no less that thirty
feet in the air. Nor had he half drowned in the murky waters that
surrounded the Chicago area. Not that they didn't have some close calls
and a bit of excitement in their cases, no sir. Ray still got shot at
entirely to often for his tastes, because she couldn't help trying to stop
a crime in process or innocently walking into a full blown war between
drug dealers. Also just like her cousin, her plans often bordered on the
bizarre, sometimes getting them into the worse possible predicaments. 
         Like now, for instance, they had trailed a suspected thief and
smuggler to a  seedy club in probably the worst area of town, where
'freaks', as Ray referred to them, of all shapes, sizes and sexual
orientation gathered in a multitude of costumes. Unwilling to loose their
main suspect, Alyana had suggested that they go inside and apprehend the
man immediately, feeling since it was others were in costume, she would
not stand out as she normally wood, in her red serge and Stetson. Ray
refused, yes he wanted to get the perp, but he did not want to go inside
for any reason. 
         "You're being silly, Ray." She informed calmly, as they stood to
the side of the club's entrance. "If we don't go in we may loose him." 
         "You don't understand, Aly." He insisted, having shortened her
name to a more familiar term, since he couldn't bring himself to call her
Fraser. "There is stuff that goes on in there that you really don't need
to see." She opened her mouth to protest and he cut her off. "If it's that
important I'll go in, but you're stayin' here, understand?" 
         "But, we're partner's Ray." She insisted stubbornly. "Where you
go, I go." Ray sighed, while they were arguing the perp was probably
getting away. 
         "Fine, just don't tell anyone you're a real cop or they'll shoot
us where we stand." 
         "Understood." She agreed simply and followed him inside. The
music was loud and indefinable, the lights were lowered to a crypt like
gloom, other than the red an yellow lights that hit the dance floor
occasionally. It smelled of smoke, alcohol, dirt, sweat and...Alyana
paused, there was something distinctly familiar about one particular scent
and she blushed profusely when she realized what it was; the fact that
there was a couple engaged in the act in one corner confirmed her
suspicions. She walked into Ray, so intent on the said couple and he
turned around to glare at her. 
         "What?" he almost yelled to be heard over the blaring music. 
         "That couple over there." She indicated loudly. "They're...they
are ...isn't that against the law... in public I mean?" Ray glanced over
at the woman who was unceremoniously pushed against the wall as her
partner screwed her from behind with vigor. He shrugged. 
         "Looks like they're enjoyin' it." He commented and started
forward again, only to have her catch up to him and grab his arm. 
         "Shouldn't we..I mean they're committing a crime wouldn't it
be...it's our duty to..." She couldn't seem to get a full sentence
finished, perhaps because of the scents of pheromones, sweat and sex that
assaulted her sensitive nose. 
         "I'll explain the problems with that, later," Ray promised,
taking her arm. "Right now I just spotted our guy, so com'ahn." She
followed him dutifully, as they shuffled and squeezed past the horde of
bodies between them and their suspect. Alyana was shocked as one woman,
dressed in a skintight leotard grabbed Kowalski's ass with one hand and
his head with another, planting a firm wet kiss on his mouth. Ray shook
her off. 
         "I'll make it worth your while, lover." She purred seductively. 
         "Not my type," he told her. "Sorry." She waved him off
disappointed as a giant, bulky Indian in red leather stepped forward,
blocking their way. 
         "How about me?" the mountain rumbled. "I yer type Blondie?" Ray
thought he would get whiplash trying to meet the creature's dark black
eyes. Ray couldn't help swallow nervously. 
         "Nope, sorry." He managed, reaching back for Alyana's hand and
pulling her forward. "H..here's my type, right here. Just y'know wanna bit
of privacy to y'know do some business." The man appraised them for a long
moment then nodded and stepped aside. 
         "Second door on yer right's free." He caught Ray's arm as they
started to pass. "Name's Andy, whistle if ya need help with...anything."
Ray swallowed again. "Ya know how to whistle don'cha..." Ray nodded
quickly, not waiting for the man to finish the line and hurried Alyana
forward, away from the crowd, toward the back section of the club. He
caught a glimpse of their suspect entering a room to the far left and
dashed forward. They listened at the door for a minute then Ray, with his
usual calm demeanor kicked it open, with his weapon drawn. It was a stupid
mistake and he knew better, but he was still unprepared for the baseball
bat that smashed into his hand, knocking his gun to the floor. He ignored
the fact that his hand was most likely broken and swung out, catching his
assailant on the jaw with his good hand. He thought he heard a strange
piercing sound behind him, but then a fist contacted with the back of his
neck and he lost whatever he had been thinking. 
         He started to pull himself up from the blow, still only on his
hands and knees, as a boot caught him painfully hard in the stomach and he
felt his own breath leave him for a harsh moment. He barely managed to
avoid the same boot, about to trample his head, by rolling away. He had
only managed to gain one foot under him, when he saw Alyana being thrown
up against the wall by one of the other thugs. Her tiny, yet strong legs
quickly used her position to her advantage as she drew them up and kicked
the man away from her, using the wall as her leverage; dropping to the
floor once he was no longer holding her.  Ray, his concentration on his
partner, didn't see the swinging bat that caught him on between the
shoulder blades, as the man he had first hit continued his assault. 
        Ray went down for a third time and glanced up to at least see the
man who was bent on killing him, but his attacker had been thrown to the
floor unconscious. Bleary eyed, he watched as the mountain named Andy
quickly dispersed of the other two as well and helped the rumpled Mountie
to her feet, then approached Ray, who had already started to get to his
knees again, funny how he couldn't get past that point. Andy reached down
and pulled the detective, surprisingly gently, to his feet, carefully
steadying him as Alyana assessed his injuries. 
        "I think your hand is broken, Ray." She determined concerned, as
she observed the discoloration and swelling of his right hand. 
        "Hmmm." Was all Ray said as he thanked the giant next to him for
his assistance, then carefully retrieved his cuffs from the back loop of
his belt. He bent to secure their suspect, but with only one good hand,
Alyana had to help him. 
        "Want me to take them out fer you Officer?" asked Andy and Ray and
Alyana stared at him surprised. 
        "You knew I was a cop?" he declared and Andy nodded. 'But..you
prop..propo..you made me an offer." Ray finally managed, hating that he
couldn't always use the damned dictionary sized words, and they just
didn't fit on his tongue. Andy nodded again. "Why?" 
        "Cause yer cute." The giant replied with a grin, then slugging all
three bodies into his arms he headed out, with Ray and Alyana. 
  

        Ray gave in to Alyana's pestering and went to the emergency room
for a quick check up. His hand was indeed broken, but it wasn't a bad
break and would heal in a few weeks, they still put a cast on it, which
irritated the hell out of Kowalski. He also had a dislocated shoulder,
which he later wished they had left dislocated as the reconnection process
almost caused him to pass out, and two bruised ribs. When Ray informed the
doctor that it was a baseball bat that he'd been assaulted with, the
Doctor was impressed that his injuries weren't more serious. Alyana had
watched quietly as they patched her partner up, heard his scream as they
pushed his shoulder black in place, and felt so damned guilty she thought
she might crumble from her own self loathing. She hadn't known Ray had
been in such pain, he'd hardly said a word, as they booked the three men
in at the station then he drove to the emergency room. 
        "Hey." She glanced up, so deep in thought that she hadn't heard
Ray approach her. "Where ya too, Mountie?" She smiled slightly at his
teasing, but it quickly turned into a frown. "What's wrong? We did a great
job tonight, we got three scumbags off the streets, discovered the
existence of giants in our fair city and got to see a new use for a
baseball bat other that baseball.." She said nothing so he continued.
"What's wrong, Al?" 
        "I'm very sorry, Ray." She offered quietly, refusing to look at
him. "I..I recklessly endangered your life and I almost got you killed
because of my overdeveloped sense of duty." Ray couldn't help but smile,
remembering himself and Fraser on that sinking ship with fire
extinguishers strapped to their backs  as he demanded Fraser admit that he
was going to endanger Ray's life in a wild and bizarre way. 
        "Let's get outta here." He decided, heading toward the exit.
Alyana followed him quietly. They drove in silence to Ray's apartment, the
Canadian was surprised when he had not taken her directly to the Consulate
and instead suggested they grab a pizza and head to his place. He no
longer hurried across to open her car door for her, knowing she would beat
him to it, but he still held regular doors for her, perhaps the gentleman
in him wasn't buried so deep after all. She had only been to his place a
few times, and though they would stop to eat during the day or after a
particularly grueling night, they usually ate at the restaurant or in the
car on the way. Ray didn't ask her to accompany him during his or her days
off, unless they were working on a specific case and he never invited her
to his apartment. 
        They had become good partners, working well together in whatever
was presented to them in the line of duty, but Alyana remembered Fraser
telling her how much time on and off duty he and Ray had spent together.
They were close friends and partners, they were well instituted in each
other's lives and Alyana wanted that, or as close to that as she could
get, with Ray. He was funny and sweet and hyper and unpredictable and
confident. Occasionally he would get annoyed with her and blow up, but she
understood it was just the way he dealt with stress, it never had the
chance to really fester inside him as it did her, he always seemed to find
an outlet. But he wasn't personal. He wouldn't talk about personal things,
never since that time he kissed her, had he given her an inkling into what
he might be thinking or feeling or dreaming. Their partnership was one of
mutual respect and loyalty, but there was no real friendship there, at
least Alyana couldn't feel it. 
        They entered Ray's apartment and he immediately set the pizza on
the counter and retrieved plates. She watched him wince as he reached up
to open the cupboard above him. She moved to assist, though she could
barely reach the cupboard herself, but he waved her off with his good
hand. 
        "I'm fine." He almost growled, setting the plates beside the pizza
and grabbing a soda and a water from the fridge. 
        "I..I can leave if you want." She offered quietly, sensing he was
perhaps angry or even disappointed in her for leading him into such a
situation; of course it was hard to tell with Kowaski, he swung back and
forth. 
        "Why?" he asked her, obviously surprised. "Aren't you hungry?" She
stared at him and blinked. 
        "I..I just thought you might want to be alone." She offered
politely as she followed him into the living room, where he set the box
and plates on the coffee table, then went back for the drinks. He was
amazingly productive for a man with only one good hand, she thought
surprised. 
        "Nah." He replied dropping onto the couch slowly, favoring his
bruised ribs. "I can be alone any time." He glanced at her as he flipped
the top on the box and pulled out a slice, for her.  She held out her
plate, then watched him get one for himself. They ate in silence for a
while, every now and then she felt Ray's eyes on her. 
        "You're staring." She commented quietly, expecting that to be
enough to get him to stop, but instead his gaze grew more intense. "What?"

        "Take off yer tunic." He demanded and she stared at him. 
        "I beg your pardon?" 
        "Take off yer tunic." He repeated and when she still made no move
to do so he said. "Fraser would do it when I asked him to." He knew he
shouldn't have said it, but it seemed the only way to spur her into action
sometimes was to compare her to her cousin. She set down her plate and
quickly began to unfasten the clips, ties and buckles of her Sam Brown
Belt and tunic. She slipped it off, revealing, of course, a gray RCMP
issue T-shirt and the black and yellow suspenders that were fastened over
her shoulders and held her jodhpurs in place. 
        "Happy?" she asked with only a trace of sarcasm, as she folded the
serge and placed it on the seat beside her. Ray rose from the chair he
occupied, pushed her clothes aside and settled next to her on the couch.
His hands traced her jaw, throat and examined each arm, noticing the tiny
bruises that had just started to show. "What are you doing?" she asked
him, trying desperately not to think of what his nearness was doing to
her. Damnit, she was a Mountie, she could do this. She would not betray
her feelings, it was inappropriate, for he was her partner. 
        "Hurt?" he asked her as he gently caressed a darkening bruise on
her forearm. 
        "No." she replied, she'd had much worse injuries and could manage
a few bruises; unlike Ray who she still felt so guilty about. God but he
was attractive, everything about him seemed to send her senses into an
uproar. His hair his eyes, that amazingly saucy grin of his. She wondered
what he looked like underneath the shirt and jeans he wore. Would he be
hairy like so many men, no Ray would be smooth, smooth and lean and so
silky soft. She blushed and lowered her eyes, she could not believe she
was so brazenly fantasying about her partner while he sat there analyzing
her few small injuries. He was being polite and his concerned touched her,
yet she sat here thinking of what he looked like naked. 
        "What's wrong?" he asked her, his voice was so soft, his face so
close to hers that his breath tickled the contours of her cheek. 
        "Nothing." She assured quickly, then blushed redder for having
lied to him. "I..I'm just thinking, that's all." 
        "About what?" he asked her innocently and she bit her lip to keep
from shouting 'YOU'. She shook her head. 
        "It's unimportant." She assured, glad her voice at least sounded
normal. When she looked up she saw that he was still watching her intently
and she was surprised at the number of emotions that seemed to be
expressed in his eyes. Fear, guilt, uncertainty and, she wasn't sure, but
she believed there to be desire in his eyes as well. Then his gaze dropped
to her mouth and she knew he wanted to kiss her. She tried to give him the
encouragement he was looking for, but as she leaned toward him he suddenly
stood up and returned to his own chair. She straightened, feeling like an
absolute fool but betraying nothing as she calmly bit into her pizza. 
        "What are your plans for tomorrow?" she asked him, small talk was
always a good way to break tension in a room. 
        "Dunno, probably just hang out here." He replied calmly. 
        "I..um..." Why was this so hard to do, she wondered. "I'm not
doing anything tomorrow either." She revealed, it was Sunday and she had
the day off, as did Ray. "Maybe we can do something together." He remained
silent for so long she started to suspect that he hadn't heard her, but
when he finally spoke she couldn't help the flow of joy that chorused
through her. 
        "Yah, maybe." He had replied noncommittally, but it was enough for
Alyana and she immediately became more animated. 
        "I haven't been to the zoo yet?" she commented excited. "I'd like
to go there if we could, or maybe you could show me some of the things you
like to do for fun, perhaps a movie or a show or a...." She was shocked
when she felt is palm against her mouth, silencing the remainder of her
words. She hadn't even heard him move, and now he was kneeling before her
with his hand over her mouth, his way of telling her to hush. She closed
her mouth and stared at him, until he slowly took his hand away. "You
don't want to do any of those things?" she asked easily. "We can do
whatever you want.." 
        "Don't...don't say that, Aly." He warned quietly. "You have no
idea what I want right now." 
        "I...no, but if you tell me we could..." 
        "No we can't." he stated firmly, as he started to rise. In a
moment of desperation, fearing she might never have another chance, Alyana
reached out, caught his face between her small hands and pulled him toward
her, touching her lips to his. To say she startled Ray with her reaction
was an understatement, his entire body had gone rigid and his eyes had
widened briefly when he realized what she was about to do. Then, when her
mouth met his, his eyes closed in a sigh so quiet it was barely as
whisper. Alyana's kiss was tender and shy and Ray didn't push beyond that,
content to just feel the gentle pressure of her sweet lips over his. 
        When she finally pulled back, she was gazed longingly at him,
waiting for a rebuttal or an absolution to her act. Ray, his good hand had
been resting on her thigh to keep him balanced, brought the hand up to cup
her neck gently and pull her lips back to his. This time she let him lead
as he tentatively moved his lips over hers, tasting her, molding her,
memorizing the very feel of her. He gently traced her lower lip with his
tongue and she opened her mouth to his with a sigh, as her arms coiled
around his neck, pulling them closer until his chest was touching hers.
Ray's hand moved down her back, to pull her closer to the edge of the sofa
cushion and closer to him, as his tongue explored her mouth with slow,
deliberate movements. Alyana released a small moan, never had she been
kissed so thoroughly, it was as though he was making love to her mouth. 
        Suddenly Ray broke away and stumbled to his feet to move away from
her, his expression registered shock, fear, desire and bewilderment all at
once. His mouth moved, but no words came out and he shook his head
confused, as his hand ran through his rumpled hair. 
        "I'm sorry, Aly." He managed finally. "I wasn't supposed to...we
can't...you're not..." His hit his fist into the wall and Alyana jumped.
"It won't happen again. We're partners, just partners.' He released a long
breath as he moved to stare out the window. "I think you should probably
go now." Alyana stood, her expression neutral, as she pulled on her tunic
and fastened everything in place. She retrieved her hat and moved toward
the door. 
        "Thank you kindly for dinner, Ray." She allowed quietly. "If you'd
like to do something tomorrow let me know. Good night." Ray didn't turn
around again until he heard the soft click of his door closing, then he
leaned against the wall and proceeded to thump his head repeatedly against
the surface. He'd make it up to her, somehow. He didn't want to loose
another partner. 
  

        The following day, Ray pulled up to the Consulate and stepped out
of the car. He jogged up the steps, determined that he was going to act
like last night had not happened. He cursed himself for being attracted to
her, blaming it on being alone for so long. Even though she had kissed
him, Ray blamed himself for the incident, and vowed there would not be a
repeat performance. He knocked on the door and rang the bell, then waited,
knowing it might take Alyana a moment to get downstairs to answer it. He
just needed to remember she was his partner, his bud. Treat her like
Fraser, pal around, joke, but no touching, no kissing and avoid looking at
her beautiful smile when ever necessary. She's a Mountie, not a woman.
Remember that Kowalski, he told himself. He could do that, as long as he
didn't touch her he would be fine. 
        Finally the door opened and his vow to think of her as just a
buddy and a partner went out the window. Alyana stood there, a surprised
smile on her face, in a pair of tight pink leggings, blue pull over tank,
and sneakers. Her normally coiled hair was pulled back in a loose, playful
pony tail, and her skin was shiny with sweat, making her look almost
ethereal when mixed with her sparkling ocean blue eyes. 
        "Ray!" she exclaimed delighted, opening the door wider and
inviting him inside. "Please come in." Ray hesitated for a moment, then
stepped inside and watched her close and lock the door. 
        "Did, um...I interupt you?" he questioned, hoping her impressive
ears couldn't pick up the sudden pounding of his heart that was suddenly
making it diffiocult to breathe. 
        "Not at all." She assured as he followed her up the stairs to her
small apartment. "I was just dancing. It's a wonderful way to keep in
shape and relieve stress." Ray tried to keep his eyes on anything but her
as she pushed open the door that led to a small bed-sitter. Ray stepped
inside and glanced around. It was about the size of his own kitchen and
living area, but not much bigger than that. There was a small daybed on
the far side of the room, close to the only window, covered in a simple
floral spread and throw pillows. A small nightstand was next to that with
an old style reading lamp. The floor was hardwood, the walls white and
without adornment. 
        A small table sat in the corner closest to the door and held four
straight back chairs next to a shelving unit that held a microwave, hot
plate and small refrigerator. One wall, directly opposite held three
full-length mirrors with a cross bar along the middle. A small desk in
that area held a multitude of framed pictures, a small boom box and
selection of tapes and CD's. Other than that, it didn't hold much
attention. No television, no kitchen or bathroom. Rather plain except for
the mirrored corner. 
        "What sort of dancing do you do?" he asked her, as she walked over
to retrieve the towel she had left on the handrail. 
        "Oh, a combination." She remarked modestly. "I took ballet and tap
for many years and then I became interested in Jazz." Ray grinned. She was
a dancer that was too cool. "I really wanted to learn the ballroom type,
but you couldn't get that very much home." 
        "The schools didn't offer it?" 
        "What schools?" 
        "The dance schools." 
        "Oh, I never went to a school, I taught myself." Ray raised an
eyebrow impressed, just like him,  and she smiled. "We only had two
television stations where I grew up, and it was cold the majority of the
time so your resources were limited as to activities. I read quite a lot,
just as Ben did, but I at least got to see Television every now and then
and most of the shows that came on were the old time musicals." She wiped
at her face and neck with the towel and Ray tried to ignore the gentle
rise and fall of her breasts in the tight top. 
        "I like musicals." He commented, for lack of anything else to say
and she brightened. 
        "I love them, I always wanted to learn too dance like Fred Astair
and Ginger Rodgers, but I had no one to practice with, so I learned the
individual numbers." 
        "That's cool." He remarked as he wandered over to glance at her
collection of tapes, mostly show tunes and eighties stuff. 
        "Ben mentioned you liked to dance too." She recalled coming up
beside him. "He said you were quite good." Ray shrugged, uncomfortable
with the praise but pleased at the same time. 
        "Yah, well, Fraser's got a great voice." He returned.  "I'd like
to be able to sing like him," he grinned.   "But he's got the rhythm of a
stick."  Alyana laughed. 
        "Can I get you something to drink? I have water and juice." Ray
shook his head.  "So then, why are you here, not that I'm not glad to see
you." 
        "I thought we could catch a movie." He offered, still flipping
through her tapes. He found one he liked and removed it from the case to
place in the stereo. "Y'know, since it's our day off and stuff." 
        "I'd enjoy that." She accepted. "Mind if I shower and change
first?" He shook his head as he rolled the tape forward to find the song
he had selected. "I'll just be a few minutes then." She pulled a pair of
jeans and a light cotton top out of the small closet, along with some
towels and toiletries. "I'll be right back." Ray nodded and glanced at her
as she left the room, then turned back to what he was doing. 
         He listened to a selection of songs, swaying to the music, while
Alyana took her shower and got dressed in the washroom downstairs. When
she returned she was wearing her selection of clothes. Ray turned and
grinned, she looked like a teenager. 
        "Might wanna bring some ID to the movie." He teased. "They may not
let you in without one." She laughed and tossed her hair, which was now
braided neatly behind her. 
        "What shall we see?" she asked as he switched off the stereo and
they headed out. Ray shrugged as they headed down the stairs. 
        "Don't know yet." He returned easily as he sat on the banister and
slid the rest of the way down in a flourish, then glanced back up at her
where she had paused to watch him. "Comin'?" She glanced at the banister,
then put her foot down on the step, deciding to take the regular way. "Try
it. It's fun." Again she eyed the banister warily. It was hardly
appropriate, but since there was no one else at the Consulate, she grinned
and carefully settled on the edge of the slippery wood. She let out a
little squeal as she slid down incredibly fast and Ray caught her as she
slipped off the end. She laughed and he set her on her feet. Ray chuckled,
she was much easier to influence then Fraser had been he thought
mischievously. 
        "You are silly." She pulled her shirt down, where it had ridden up
during the ride. Ray shrugged and held the front door open for her. 
  

        In the theater, Ray and Alyana settled somewhere in the middle
seats and waited for the movie to start. A bag of popcorn sat on Alyana's
lap and two drinks sat in opposite adjacent holders that were connected to
the seats. Ray, his long legs bent in front of him as he slouched in the
seat to get comfortable. Alyana looked around excitedly, she had never
been to a theater this large and impressive. The screen was almost the
length of the front wall, and her hearing was picking up every little
noise around them. Ray had explained it was surrounded sound and had
pointed out the rows of speakers on the walls to the side and behind them.
Alyana kept sneaking glances at her partner, who looked incredibly
relaxed, but also incredibly attractive at the same time. He wore his
familiar gray tee, a light gray jacket over it, hiding his holster and
gun, and of course his trademark blue jeans. His hair as always was styled
and spiked. Alyana remembered how soft those spikes felt under her
fingertips when he had kissed her and she blushed. He hadn't mentioned
last night, so neither would she. 
        "Hey, Ray!" called a voice from behind and Ray sat up, immediately
alert to look behind them. Two black youths were jogging down the isle
toward him and Ray stood up to do some sort of ritual handshake, was what
it looked like to Alyana, along with some joking and backslapping. She had
a difficult time understanding them, as she stood politely beside Ray,
however, perhaps they were speaking some kind of code. 
        "Hey Levon, man!" Ray greeted grinning. "How's it hangin'?" 
        "Yo Ray man!" the boy returned. "Just catching a flick hangin'
with my homey Jamar here." Ray grinned again and made a familiar handshake
with the taller boy. "Where's Big Red?" 
        "He's back in Canada." Returned Ray easily as he turned to Alyana.
"This is his cousin, another Mountie Aly Fraser." The two youths offered
their hands and  was surprised when she managed to shake their hands as
Ray had. Ray grinned. "She's a quick learner. Aly, this is Levon and
Jamar." 
        "How do you do." She offered. "It is very nice to meet you." 
        "Yo, a chick Mountie!" laughed Jamar. "That's the bomb." Alyana's
eyes widened and Ray quickly explained. 
        "It' s slang. It just means he thinks that you're cool." She
relaxed and his eyes twinkled. 
        "Well, thank you kindly, Jamar." She replied. "May I say also that
you are equal to an explosive device as well." Jamar laughed and Levon
shook his head at Ray. 
        "Another one, hey?" Ray rolled his eyes. 
        " 'Fraid so." Levon chuckled. 
         "So long as she don't rank us house boys." Ray grinned and
nodded. 
        "I'll get her straight with that." The boy's chatted a few minutes
later than the lights dimmed and they waved to take their seats. Ray and
Alyana settled back down as the previews started. 
        "They seem quite nice." She remarked popping some popcorn into her
mouth. 
        "They're good kids." Agreed Ray, once more getting comfortable in
his seat and reaching for a handful of popcorn. 
  

        "Freeze Chicago PD!" Ray announced, wishing just once people would
listen and not make him chase them or fire on them. Ray ducked behind a
near by car as bullets whizzed past his head and glanced across at Alyana,
who was waiting for him to return fire so she could get closer to the
suspects. He didn't let her down, and in a moment she was off. The one
with the gun had dropped his weapon and had darted off with the other. Ray
took off after them. Alyana, her small, lean body seemed to fly through
the air, damn but she could run. Ray suspected she could be an Olympic
runner if she wanted to. The man she was after threw things in her path as
she pursued them and she hurdled them better than he had ever seen Fraser
do. Ray ran up over the top of a parked car and tackled his suspect from
above. He rolled him onto his stomach and cuffed him to the vehicle, then
checked on Alyana's progress. 
        Her collar had caught hold of a fire escape and was quickly
ascending to the rooftop above, with Alyana directly behind him. Ray
hurried to catch up. They had disappeared over the top of the building
just as Ray started his climb. He lost sight of them when he had finally
gained the roof, and with his weapon drawn, he called out to her and
cautiously searched the roof. 
        "Fraser!" He had gotten used to using her last name, it didn't
hurt as much as it had before, and he automatically used it in stressful
situations. His eyes caught a movement from the other side and he saw
their suspect had made it to an adjacent roof with the use of a board he
had found. The man pulled the board back and let it drop to the ground
below as Alyana reached the edge. He seemed to grin at her daringly and
turned to hurry across the roof. Ray watched her back up a few feet and
grab up another board, then realized what she was going to do and started
to run after her. "Aly no!" But she was already running the few feet
toward the edge. 
        His heart leapt up in his throat as she pole-vaulted off the
building, barely making it across to the other side. She landed, rolled to
her feet and threw the board she had used to get across like a spear,
catching the man I the back and knocking him down. Ray shook his head,
trying to get his breathing back to normal again as she turned and smiled
at him. 

        At the station, Ray booked their two assailants, the one that Aly
had collared complaining about police brutality for having gotten a two by
four in the back, but he was ignored. Alyana stood quietly at Ray's desk
as he finished up speaking with one of the booking officers. He turned to
her walked over, dropping into his chair. 
        "What the hell kind of stunt was that?" he demanded as she sat
down opposite him. 
        "I don't know what you mean, Ray." She returned innocently,
flashing her that big blue Mountie stare. 
        "The thing...the roof..you know..." he glared at her in
frustration and she smiled slightly at his annoyance. 
        "Well, Ray." She began calmly. "I had to get across or he would
have gotten away." 
        "You could have fallen." He implored. 
        "Nonsense." She dismissed. "I had plenty of room, there was no
chance I would have missed my destination." 
        "Yer as nuts as yer cousin." 
        "Thank you kindly, Ray." The detective glared at her as he fished
out his keys. Well, at lest she didn't chase moving cars, he thought
grimly. 
        "Let's go." He sighed, knowing it was senseless to argue. "Are ya
hungry?" 
        "Yes, I could eat something." She agreed as they left the station.

        "Wanna get some Chinese and head to my place?" he asked as they
stepped out into the evening air and walked to the GTO. Alyana hesitated,
the last time she had been at his apartment was almost three weeks ago,
when they had kissed. Still, she wanted to spend time with him. 
        "I'd like that, Ray." She replied as she slid into the passenger
side of the car. Ray nodded and got behind the wheel, then pulled out of
the department parking lot. They stopped for takeout, then headed back to
his apartment. Both were reasonably quite on the drive over, it had been a
long day and they both seemed tired. 
        Inside his apartment, Ray grabbed some plates and drinks, then
they settled in the living room to eat. Alyana removed her Stetson and her
brown tunic, revealing the standard cream blouse underneath, as Ray
shrugged out of his own sports jacket, leaving his shoulder holster and
gun on. Ray had settled on the floor to lean against the sofa cushions,
Alyana sat opposite against the chair. 
        "I think we did pretty good this week." He remarked out of the
blue. "Welsh seems happy with our record so far. We make a good team."
Alyana smiled, he could not have said anything better to her, unless it
was to ask if he could kiss her again, but she knew that wouldn't happen.
He had made it clear they would remain strictly partners. 
        "I'm glad, Ray." She told him. "It has been a pleasure to work
with you." And it had, Alyana waited all day for her duties at the
Consulate to end and for that sleek black GTO to pull up and whisk her off
on another crime solving adventure. She wondered if Benton felt the same
when he was here, anxiously awaiting Ray's arrival every day? 
        "Frase will be here next month." He commented taking a mouth full
of chow mien. "Hard to believe it's almost Christmas." Alyana nodded they
had been experiencing a very mild winter so far and it had only snowed a
few times. It wasn't even very cold outside yet. 
        "You should enjoy that." She prompted, knowing how much he missed
his old partner." Ray shrugged. 
        "Sure." He agreed, having finished his food, he sat back and
closed his eyes for a moment to relax. Alyana wanted to lean over and kiss
him so badly that she thought she might explode, but her rigid control
kept her still. Ray would spurn her advances again and she didn't want to
risk humiliation with him a second time. Sighing, she finished her food. 
  

        Ray's lips moved to her jaw, placing a delicate trail of kisses
along her chin, then down the column of her neck, moving her shirt just
enough that he could get a taste of her shoulder and collar bone. Her
fingers threaded his hair as though spinning it to gold. She was
disappointed when he pulled back, his breathing was accelerated and she
could see the barely contained passion in his eyes. 
        "We can't..." he started reluctantly, but she shook her head and
held him in place to keep him from leaving her. 
        "I want to, Ray." She whispered, willing him to know the extent of
her desire. 
        "We're partners." He croaked. "It..it isn't safe to get so
involved." 
        "Please, Ray." She pleaded, making her own trail of hot frantic
kisses across his brow, cheek, nose and chin. She heard him smother a moan
of desire as she reached his lips. Again he managed to pull away, this
time almost stumbling as he rose to his feet. 
         He returned the kiss, hungrily, greedily, his previous gentleness
seeming to give way to a heavier need. He pushed her back against the
cushions, almost pinning her with the weight of his own body as he
continued to ravage her mouth and leave her gasping for breath. 

        Ray was startled awake by the soft fabric that was being coiled
around him, and he glanced up at Alyana's quiet face. She had been
wrapping a blanket around him, where he had fallen asleep against the
sofa. He shook his head clear and started to get up, noticing she moved
away instantly. 
        "Sorry." He muttered sheepishly, dropping the blanket on the sofa
and stretching the kink out of his back. He couldn't seem to look directly
at her, if he did he knew that the dream he had been having would flash
through his mind again. 
        "That's okay." She assured as she retrieved her tunic and hat.
"Why don't you get some sleep and I'll see myself out." Ray watched her
head toward the door, then she turned and stared at him, her expression
hesitant. Finally, as though coming to a decision, she walked over and
stood before him. "I have to do this." She told him, almost as an apology,
as she reached up and pulled his lips down to hers. 
        At first Ray was too surprised to respond, then the remnants of
his dream came back and he returned the kiss eagerly. Maybe he was just
dreaming again, yah, that way it would be alright to be kissing his
partner, the adorable dark haired sprite that invaded his thoughts and
dreams constantly, from the day they had met. Common sense however finally
kicked in and he realized what he was doing, what they were doing. He
wanted her to come to her senses, but he couldn't seem to drag his lips
away from the softness that had captured them. Instead he deepened the
kiss, met her tongue with his and began to ravage her mouth as he had in
his dream. His hands roamed her body in ways he really had no right to do.

        Alyana was startled by his sudden passion, but she realized what
he was doing, he was trying to scare her off by coming on to strong,
trying to press the idea of what she was considering doing firmly into her
brain, and perhaps cause her own fear to reject it. Instead she kissed him
back, matched his movements, his darting tongue, arched against him. She
would not be scared off, not now, when she was so close. It was Ray who
broke away first, stumbling back and gasp for air. 
        "W...what was that?" he demanded, his voice entirely too high for
his liking. 
        "I believe it's called kissing, Ray." She informed calmly, as
straightened up and adjusted her shirt accordingly. "Or perhaps necking
would be the American term." 
        "I can't believe...." He began confused, outraged, surprised, all
of these emotions flashed across his face, his voice, and his eyes. "Why
did you... " 
        " I kissed you because I wanted to, I assumed you kissed me back
for the same reason. Didn't you want me to respond to you, Ray?' she
asked. "I thought that was the point of the exercise." 
        "No, no." he protested weakly. "You were supposed to...I mean
not...I didn't..." He stared at her and she saw the frustration on his
face and his inability to communicate. 
        "I told you I wanted to." She informed boldly. "Did you think I
was lying?" Ray stared at her, then shook his head. 
        "We can't do this, Alyana." He stated. 
        "Why?" she demanded. "Because we're partners but not friends?" Ray
glanced at her surprised. 
        "Of course we're friends." He assured quickly. "Why would you
think we weren't friends." Well, she thought, she'd let the cat out of the
bag this time, may as well be honest. 
        "You rarely ask me to spend time with you other than for a case,
we hardly actually do anything outside work and this is only the second
time I've actually been invited to your apartment and not just shown up of
my own accord." Ray was silent, knowing he couldn't deny those things and
because he didn't deny it she got angry, though her tone didn't waver.
"You used to do that with Benton, those things you would do with him why
not with me? Why don't you like me? Is it because I remind you too much of
him? Does it hurt that much to look at me Ray? Can't you see past any of
that to who I really am?" 
        "I never kissed, Fraser." Ray stated slowly, deliberately, and she
could tell he was desperately attempting to control his temper. Accept of
course for the 'buddy breathing thing' he added silently, but that was
Fraser kissing him, well sort of. "I never wanted to kiss Fraser and I
sure as hell didn't ever wanna..." Have sex with him, he finished
silently. Didn't she understand that it wasn't the similarities of her and
Fraser, it was the differences. She laughed genuinely at his jokes, she
was outspoken, she was silly some times and loyal and very much a
beautiful woman. How could he explain that it wasn't about her but him,
for feeling things he shouldn't for his partner. 
        "But you are in love with him." She stated before she could help
herself and Ray stalked away from her furious. 
        "I am not in love with Fraser!" he screamed at her. "That's not
only sick it's ludicrous!" 
        "Why, because you're both men?" she demanded rising to her feet to
face him. "It happens all the time, Ray. Partner's develop such a close
relationship it almost becomes a marriage, it would only be a small step
to make it more." Ray turned away from her. 
        "Yer nuts!" he declared angrily. "Yer freakin' loony toons. Yah,
Frase was my partner and my best friend, but I never wanted more than that
and neither did he." 
        "You're denying it to yourself because you're afraid." She
concluded, chasing after him, knowing how dangerously unpredictable the
detective was and how this might all blow up in her face, but she had to
make him face the truth, before he could ever move on and forget the past.
"He meant everything to you, you said it yourself he was the most
important thing in your life. When he left you died inside, if that isn't
love than what is?" 
        "That's...that's...yah, it's love!" he admitted finally, then
quickly added. "But not that kind. I loved Fraser, still do and he loves
me, I know that. But you can love someone without being in love with him
or her. Fer God's sake why are you doin' this to me? Why can't you let it
go?" 
        "Because you won't let it go, Ray." She insisted. "You hold your
pain inside until it boils to the top and then you gather it all in again
after barely surviving the explosion. You won't let anyone get close to
you because of that pain and because of Fraser." 
        "I took you as my partner." He accused. "I showed you the ropes, I
let you lead and get yer daily dose of crime fightin' what the hell more
do you want from me?"  He stormed past her into his bedroom, searching for
something, he possibly didn't even know what, until he turned to face her
again, as she came up behind him. "You wanna be my friend? My pal? Well
here I am, honey! This is me. All of me. You don't like what you see get
the hell out, but damnit decide because I can't play this tune anymore." 
 He was fighting for breath, his anger and fury having pushed him so far
past the limit that all he wanted to do was get her out of there so he
could hit something anything, to release the pressure building inside. 
         "You want a partner, you got one. You want a friend, ya got that
too, but damnit stop pushin' me for somethin' I ain't ready to give yet."
The anger suddenly seemed to flow out of him and she watched as he slid,
like a deflating balloon, onto his bed, where he dropped his head and
hunched his shoulders dejectedly. "Maybe I was in love with Fraser. Maybe
I'm in love with you or maybe I don't now what the hell the word means. I
just know that I feel empty inside and I can't find anything to fill the
whole in my heart, in my soul." He shook his head. "I want to..I want to
share things with you Alyana. I want to find what I had in Fraser in you,
but I'm scared and I can't get past it." 
        Alyana bowed her head, a feeling of deep shame overpowered her,
for having pushed Ray so hard on something he just wasn't ready to deal
with. She was being a lousy partner and a lousy friend. 
        "I'm sorry, Ray." She whispered. "I'll leave you alone." She had
just retrieved her tunic and other belongings and started to open the door
when Ray's good hand flew past her cheek to shut it again. She turned
surprised, as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately,
fervently, as thought he might never get the chance again. Finally they
parted and he held her in his embrace, she realized he was trembling. 
        "Stay." He pleaded hoarsely. "Don't leave me. I don't want to be
alone, please." Alyana gazed up at him, saw the fear in his eyes, the fear
he was denying so he could keep her with him, so she wouldn't leave. 
        "I...in what capacity?" she asked quietly. "Do you want me to stay
as a partner, a friend or..." she paused letting him finish the rest in
his mind. 
        "Whatever you want." He vowed. "Any way you want just stay with
me, please." She nodded, she couldn't refuse him, as she returned his
embrace. She reached up and lightly pressed her lips to his in an achingly
tender kiss. 
        "I want to help you forget, Ray." She whispered. "I want to help
you be whole again. Tell me how to do that." Ray stared down into her deep
blue eyes, as though choosing his next words carefully. 
        "Be the Fraser I can't have." He returned huskily "Be the Mountie
I dream of, the partner I lost." She nodded. He wanted her to help him
replace Fraser in his heart, to make him forget the tall, beautiful man
that he'd been so afraid to admit he loved. Because she was his partner,
because she was his friend and mostly because she loved him, she agreed. 
        She dropped her belongings on a chair close to them, took his hand
and led him back to the bedroom, where she gently pushed him onto the bed.
Ray pulled off his shoulder holster and placed his gun on the nightstand
beside him, as she reached down to unlace her boots, first one then the
other, then pulled the suspenders from her shoulders and unfastened her
jodhpurs. She stepped out of them and picked them up to neatly fold and
place them on the bureau, her shirt falling to just above her knees. Ray
watched her quietly, unsure what to say, wondering if he should stop it
before things went any further. When she crawled up next to him on the
bed, and wrapped her arms around him, carefully placing her head on his
chest, he knew he didn't want it to end. He raised her chin and took
possession of her mouth, as his hand felt for the clips that tied her hair
back. Finally it fell in long black waves to her lower back. Ray groaned
and ran his fingers through the silken tresses, he'd always loved long
hair on a woman. 
        Alyana's fingers were pulling at the ends of his shirt, tugging it
free of his jeans and carefully raising it over his head, then proceeded
to place warm wet kisses all along his chest and down over his stomach.
Ray's hand wandered across her creamy, muscular thigh, up under her shirt
to tickle her abdomen and wrap his long fingers around her hips. He pulled
her up to capture her mouth once again and he noticed that she was trying
not to lay directly atop him because of his ribs. He pulled her legs
across him, ignoring her mild protest, until she was flat against him and
she could feel the heat of his arousal against her. She pressed her hips
firmly into him and felt his sharp intake of breath that the sensation had
caused. 
         "God yes." He murmured around her lips as his hand found a silken
clad bottom and squeezed playfully. She jumped a little at his touch, then
wriggled against him demanding more. Suddenly she was rolled over on her
back and Ray was taking control, he pulled her shirt up over her head and
quickly dispensed with the sports bra she wore underneath. She thought she
would be embarrassed and shy at such exposure, but when he took one of her
nipples into his mouth she thought she had died and gone to heaven. Never
had she thought such sensations , that the touch of another person, could
thrill her to the core. Her mind screamed at her, it's not you he loves
it's Fraser! But she was a Fraser, she was his partner now and she would
help him forget, perhaps even get him to love her in return. 
         Ray made love to her softly, slowly, as though she was a precious
treasure to be worshiped, only once did he cry out in pain when she
accidentally rolled onto his hand, which was still sore, but he just
grinned and continued. When he entered her she cried out and he grew
still, gathering her to him and whispering into her ear. 
         "I'm sorry. Why didn't you tell me?" His tone as agonizing and
she wrapped her arms and legs around him, afraid he would stop. 
         "Please." She whispered capturing his gaze and moving against
him, the pain gone now. "Please, Ray." As she moved her own hips against
him encouragingly, Ray finally started to match her movements, unable to
stop his own desire. He thrust inside her with low smooth strokes, that
grew faster as they were both lost in the passion that surrounded them.
His ribs and shoulders hurt, but he didn't care, his hand throbbed from
the way he was trying to half support himself above her, but all this was
beyond him because she felt so damned good and he was so very close to his
goal that nothing else mattered. Alyana's legs, though he knew them to be
muscular from the speed in which she ran, closed tightly around him and he
had to catch his breath at her vice like grip, but then they here sailing
high-over-head to their glorious destination. Both cried out the other's
names, then Ray collapsed, rolling slightly so he fell on his side and not
on top of her. 
         They lay there for a long moment, still clutching each other,
trying to catch their breath and allow their bodies to come back from the
ecstasy they had propelled them toward. After a long moment, Ray gathered
the strength try and pull out of her, but her legs wouldn't give. He
couldn't help the insane giggle that rose from his throat. 
         "Alyana, ya gotta let go." He whispered as he stroked her hair
and looked down at and saw that her eyes were closed, her face flushed. 
           "I...I can't." she muttered embarrassed. "My legs feel like
Jell-O, they won't unlock." Ray laughed and watched her grow crimson. "I'm
sorry." He immediately sobered, hearing the tears in her voice. He raised
her face to meet his gaze. 
         "I'm not laughing at you." He assured. "I'm laughing at the
situation." He grinned. "Guess that means you enjoyed it." She blushed
redder, if that was possible, but didn't take her eyes from his. 
         "Yes, I did, Ray." She admitted shyly. "Thank you kindly." Ray
chuckled again and kissed her gently. 
         "Why didn't you tell me you were a virgin?" he demanded quietly. 
         "You didn't ask." She replied simply, then when he shot her a
warning glare she said. "I wanted this, Ray. You never would have done it
if you had known, would you?" 
         "No." agreed Ray softly. "Not because I didn't want to, but
because yer first time should be with someone special..." 
         "You are special." She protested quickly, then to prove her point
she captured his mouth. Ray moaned against her, surprised to find himself
hardening again, as he still lay inside her. They kissed until they were
both gasping for breath, and Ray finally pulled back. 
         "H..how's yer legs?" he managed shakily and he felt her grip on
him tighten around his hips, pulling him closer if possible. 
         "Getting better." She surmised as her hand traveled down his side
to his hip and then around to his ass. "Much better." She moved against
him, obviously a fast learner, and within moments Ray was rock hard and
wanting more. He kissed her again, then moved his attentions to her
breast. 
         "Yer so beautiful, Alyana." He pledged as he began to match her
rhythm. "I can't believe...." He raised his head as she captured a sweet
piece of his neck and suckled it. "Um...I can't...re...remember what I was
sayin'." She giggled and rolled him on to his back, never breaking their
intimate connection, then proceeded to ride him slowly. 
         "Am I doing it correctly, Ray?" she asked as she bent to kiss and
lick his chest all over. 
         "Umm...yah, yer...ahhh." She watched his eyes close and his lower
lip disappear under his teeth. "Yer makin' me crazy, Alyana." She smiled
and moved off of him, his eyes opened to look at her with disappointment
and surprise, until he watched her lower her mouth over him. He arched
against her instantly. "Al..Alyana, you don't have'ta..." Again his words
were ripped from him from the intense waves of pleasure that were rippling
through him. He had never expected her to do that, how would she know to
do that if he was the first....again a mind-blowing explosion rose in him
and his thoughts scattered. GOD! She had a very talented mouth that was
for sure. He could stand it no more and he reached down and pulled her
atop him again, sliding back into that hot, moist place that would bring
them both pleasure. Only seconds later, despite his attempt to control it,
he exploded inside her and her muscles contracted in an incredibly sweet
tightness that almost blew his mind. 
         "How was that, Ray?" she asked sweetly, as she allowed him to
catch his breath while she snuggled next to him, this time she had managed
to free her legs, easily. 
         "How did...why did...where..." he still couldn't finish a
comprehensive sentence, and he wondered if it was because he had gone so
long without such pleasure, or because Alyana was just that damned
exciting. He suspected it was the latter. Alyana seemed to understand his
unfinished questions. 
         "I heard about it a few times," she revealed.  "Just never quite
understood what it was all about, decided I'd find out." She traced his
soft lips with the tips of her finger. "Was it okay?" Ray gathered her
closer, kissing her gently on the mouth, only because he didn't have the
energy to do anything more. 
         "It..it was..." he remembered a word she had latched on to while
in Chicago, that she liked to use.        "Awesome." She gave him a bright
smile, then quietly posed her next question. 
         "Did it help?" Ray glanced down at her, threading the fingers of
his good hand through her hair as she rested her cheek on his chest. He
knew what she was asking, did it help him to forget Fraser- help make him
a little less empty inside. Honestly, it had felt good, wonderful in fact,
but this one piece of happiness didn't even seem to make a dent in the
hole that was his heart, and for that he was ashamed. He moved from her,
long enough too pull the coverlet over them, then let her cuddle into him
again. 
             "Yah." He lied. "It helped, Alyana. Thank you kindly." She
smiled and snuggled closer, closing her eyes. In a few moments she was
asleep and Ray stared up at his ceiling, seeing another face with coal
black hair and deep blue eyes. Then, the harsh realm of reality hit him as
he remembered what had been nagging at him earlier, that he had forgotten
in the throws of passion; he had not used protection. He had used an
innocent young woman, his partner, and his friend, to compensate for the
loss of someone she resembled, then he had forgotten to protect her. He
closed his eyes and sobbed; what had he done? 

  
        Ray awoke with a start to the jarring noise of his phone ringing.
He blinked a few times, disoriented and realized he was alone in the bed.
Had last night been a dream, like so many other nights? The phone caught
his attention and he rolled toward it with a tired groan. 
         "What?" he demanded sourly, he was not a morning person and it
had taken him awhile to get out of greeting people as Vecchio. 
         "It's Frannie, Ray." Greeted the civilian aid entirely to
cheerfully. "I see you're still a treat to wake up." 
         "What do you want, Frannie?'" he sighed, sinking his head back
into the pillow after glancing at the clock, it was only a little after
six in the morning. He was surprised the woman was even up. 
         "I was wondering if you could give me a ride to work this
morning, my car won't start." Ray groaned again. "Is that a yes?" 
         "Yah." He sighed, he rarely refused her anything. "I'll be there
about seven thirty, be ready because I won't be in the mood to wait." 
         "Sure bro." She assured sweetly. "Thank you." Ray grunted and
hung up, glancing at the clock. He may as well get up, pitter-patter and
all that. With another heavy sigh, he threw back the covers and realized
he was naked, at the same time Alyana, wearing one of his tee shirts came
into the bedroom. He pulled the sheets quickly over himself again and
stared at her as she brought him a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of
eggs. Last night wasn't a dream! 
         "Good morning, Ray." She greeted with a smile as she settled on
the bed next to him and handed him the small tray. "I hope you don't mind
but I burrowed one of your shirts. Did you sleep well?" Ray continued to
stare at her, making no move to take the tray. 
         "Um....no...er..yah...um..." Why was he so nervous? He'd slept
with women before, of course other than Stella he or they usually left
before the morning after could be experienced. "Thanks, Aly." He took a
long swallow of his coffee, pleased when the chocolate she had dropped
inside coated his tongue. She smiled and crawled up next to him, laying
her head on his shoulder. 
         "I'll need a ride to work, Ray." She told him. "If you don't
mind." He nodded absently and took another sip of coffee, he didn't touch
the eggs, he wasn't big on breakfast and his stomach was already in knots
this morning. Then he remembered he had to pick up Francesca and the
questions the woman would no doubt throw at him about Fraser being in the
car so early would not be good. 
         "I gotta get ready." He stated setting his cup on the night table
and moving the tray further down on the bed, as he bent to grab his jeans
from the floor, but they weren't there. "Um..where'd my clothes go?" 
          "I folded them and put them on your chair." Alyana informed
indicating the small chair across the room, then as though reading his
thoughts she rose and retrieved his robe from the bathroom, then left him
to get out of bed. He stood up and shrugged into the robe, pulling out
some clean clothes and moving to the bathroom. He turned the shower on,
pulled off the robe and stepped under the hot spray. 
         Alyana was dressed in her uniform, waiting for him when he
immerged to the living area. He glanced at his watch, as he strapped on
his shoulder holster and secured his gun inside, then did the same with
his ankle holster and pulled his boots on. His hair was relatively untamed
this morning, as though he didn't have the usual time to spend on it, and
it was still damp from the shower, though he had dried it partially. He
was unshaven, his jaw was shadowed with stubble, but he smelled
wonderfully of soap and a mild cologne to Alyana, and this morning his
hurry in getting ready just gave him a wildly, roguish look that melted
her heart and made her want to kiss him. 
         "Ready?" he asked her pulling on his raglan, over his grayish
green long sleeve shirt and faded denims. She nodded and followed him out,
waiting as he locked his apartment the door then headed toward the stairs
that would tale them down. Alyana was mildly surprised they didn't take
the elevator, but Ray was taking the steps three at a time and seemed to
be in a hurry; she had to almost jog to keep up with him. 
         Outside it had started to drizzle and it was much colder than the
previous day, as they hustled into the GTO and Ray started the engine,
giving it a moment to warm up and setting the defogger for the covered
windows. Alyana wanted to talk about last night, but Ray seemed reluctant
to even make eye contact with her this morning. When he pulled up to the
consulate a few minutes later, she leaned toward him to give him a kiss
good bye and was stung when he pulled back. She lowered her eyes and
reached for the door handle, only to have Ray catch her hand just as she
opened the door and let the cold air inside. 
         "We'll talk later, okay?" he promised her. "I'm just in a hurry
now." She offered him a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes and
nodded, then got out. Ray pulled away and she turned to go inside, trying
to analyze what her mistake might have been. 
  

         "Ray!" called the familiar voice as Kowalski turned and grinned
at the approaching Canadian and wolf. He was almost disappointed that
Fraser wasn't wearing his red serge, but then the man was on vacation.
Diefenbaker reached Ray first, jumping up and kissing his face eagerly and
the detective ruffled his fur and smiled, then turned to his friend. 
         "Fraser, buddy!" He greeted as the Mountie, in blue jeans and
blue plaid shirt and leather jacket reached him. He threw his arms around
the other man in a warm hug, glad when Fraser returned it. 
         "It's good to see you, Ray." He returned smiling, removing his
Stetson and giving Ray a better view of his face. 
         "How was yer trip?" Ray asked, noticing as usual that Fraser only
had the one bag with him, slung over his shoulder. 
         "Rather boring, actually." Admitted Fraser as they headed out of
the train station and toward the interior parking to find Ray's GTO. 
         "What, no explosions, hostile takeovers, escaped convicts or the
like?" encouraged Ray as he unlocked his car and Fraser tossed his bag
inside and held the front seat forward for Diefenbaker to climb in. 
         "Not a one, Ray." He sighed and Ray laughed as they both got into
the vehicle. 
         "You stayin' at the Consulate or you wanna stay with me?" Ray
asked, hoping he didn't sound desperate. Damn it was good to have his
friend back, even if it was only for a couple of weeks. 
         "I would love to stay with you, Ray." Agreed Fraser pleased. "I'm
not here on official business and so I would prefer not to have to use the
Consulate's faculties." Ray grinned. 
         "No problem." He assured as he pulled out into traffic. "So yer
an Inspector now, hmmm?" Fraser nodded absently glancing around at the
passing scenery, he was surprised how much he really had missed Chicago,
although he suspected that was partly do to the man sitting next to him.
Ray looked good, he looked familiar, in his blue jeans, maroon over-shirt
and the leather waist jacket that Fraser always admired, the detective
hadn't changed at Fraser was glad. Perhaps there was hope after all for
what he wanted to tell him. 
         "Yes." He responded finally to Ray's question. "More
responsibilities and an increase in pay of course, but it isn't nearly as
much fun as when I was a Constable." Ray grinned. 
         " 'O course not, Frase, ya ain't got me and half the Chicago
underworld to play with no more." Fraser laughed, really laughed, that
high-pitched giggle of his and Ray almost felt giddy that he had elected
such a response. 
         "I've missed you, Ray." Fraser informed when he finally sobered.
Ray offered him a quick glance and a smile before returning his attention
back to the traffic around them. 
         "I missed you too, buddy." He allowed easily. 
         "How is Alyana?" Fraser asked, the emotional level had risen
between them in just those few words and he needed a change of topic to
release some of the tension. 
        "She's good." Replied Ray, quickly. "Not half as annoying as you
were, almost listens to me part of the time." Fraser chuckled. 
         "Well, I'll have to show her the difference then." He teased.
"Wouldn't want it to be to easy for you." 
         "Now, just leave Aly alone, Frase." He warned. "We're doin' good
and if you start in on her and get her ta annoy me as much as you did I'll
pop you 'cause I can't pop her, understand?" 
         "Oho!" grinned Fraser. "Threatening me with bodily harm already
and we've barely left the station." Ray frowned. 
         "I didn't mean it like that, Fraser." He assured almost too
quickly. "I don't wanna pop ya really." Fraser stared at him intently for
a moment, read the anxiety in his eyes, the body language that the
detective had always told him to look for and was surprised. Ray was
afraid! He was really worried that he might upset Fraser and that was hard
to take for the Canadian. Was he really so unsure of himself now that they
had been separated awhile? 
         "I was just teasing Ray." He clarified gently and watched the
tension release from the blond's body, albeit only slightly. 
         "Oh, yah, sure Frase." He deflected calmly, though Fraser could
still head the strain in his voice. Ray forced a chuckle. "Ya know me,
Fraser. I'm just weird sometimes." Fraser nodded, not trusting himself to
speak. When Ray had greeted him so warmly, even hugged him, he had
believed the detective had gotten past what ever had bothered him about
Fraser's leaving. He knew Ray would be hurt, but they both made a
conscious decision to be in other places. He had thought encouraging
Alyana to pair up with the detective would help the wounds heal, give Ray
someone to be close to again, but it appeared the tension was still
between them. 
         "I can stay at the Consulate, Ray..." he began quietly and was
alarmed when his friend twisted the steering wheel viciously, narrowly
avoiding a passing car that had moved in front of them without signaling. 
         "I...if that's what you want Fraser." Replied Ray sullenly, not
looking at the Canadian who was watching him so intently. "Stop starin' at
me, damnit!" 
         "I'm sorry, Ray."  Offered Fraser softly, looking away. Ray made
a noise low in his throat, a sound Fraser had come to realize as a warning
that Ray was near the edge of his temper. Ray pulled the car off to the
side of the road and switched off the engine, then sat staring out the
window, seeing nothing. Fraser waited for him to speak, unsure how
volatile the situation had become between them and he didn't want to risk
Ray's wrath. 
         "I'm sorry, Fraser." He said finally releasing a long, slow
breath. "I...I didn't mean to snap at ya. I'm workin' on a difficult case
and it's got me on edge." 
         "Is there anything I can do to help, Ray?" Fraser offered
quickly, wanting to assist his friend in whatever was causing him trouble.

        "I don't want'cha workin' while yer here, Frase." He declined.
"Yer on vacation, besides, it's my case and I'll figure it out." He sighed
again and Fraser wished suddenly that he could make things easier for him.
He didn't know why his next movement was so important, but before he
completely comprehended his actions, he found himself reaching across the
seat and enveloping Ray in an awkward hug. Ray was surprised, but returned
the embrace quickly, then settled back further in his seat. 
         "I'm sorry, Ray." Fraser said quietly. "I never meant to hurt you
like this." Ray glanced at him, only mildly surprised that the Canadian
had guessed the real cause for his discomfort, after all it was Fraser
next to him, and the Mountie missed nothing. 
         "It's not yer fault, Frase." He determined. "I was the one that
left and broke the partnership." Fraser was quick to intercede. 
         "You couldn't be expected to adjust to that kind of lifestyle,
Ray." He insisted. "You weren't brought up in the north like I was, I was
asking to much of you." 
         "I coulda tried harder, Fraser." 
         "Ray, you caught phenomena twice in the short time you were there
and I almost killed you with that stupid pursuit of Muldoon." Fraser
reminded stubbornly. "I expected to much of you, I always did. I'm not
surprised you hit me, I would have hit me. You should have done it more
often. Like you said, I consistently risked your life in a wild and
bizarre way and the trek through the Territories was the last straw." 
         "Yah," agreed Ray. "But we were partner's Frase. That's the kinda
stuff partner's do. Yah don't just give up on yer partner because
everything isn't running exactly smooth." For the briefest moment, Fraser
wondered to which partnership Ray was referring. 
         "Ray, I don't blame you for wanting to come back to Chicago. I
wish that I could have come back with you but....I needed to be home, can
you understand that?" Ray nodded, he had always understood that Fraser
needed to be up North, it was where his heart was, but it didn't dull the
pain any less. 
         "Let's not talk about all that right now." Ray returned starting
the car again, just as the cold from outside had started to frost up the
windows. "Yer here on vacation, let's just enjoy it. I'd like if ya stayed
with me but if ya wanna stay at the Consulate with Aly that's fine too."
Fraser swallowed his frustration.        They needed to talk they had been
avoiding the subject for almost a year now and it was time to set things
straight. Fraser didn't want to loose his friendship, but he knew from
previous experience that if he pushed the detective too hard they would
both be sorry, so he settled back against the seat and nodded. 
         "I'll stay with you, then, Ray." He stated. It would give them a
chance to talk. 
  

         "Cousin Ben!" exclaimed Alyana, the moment she came out of the
Consulate and found her partner and the tall Mountie waiting for her. She 
glanced back, careful that there was no one about, then launched herself
at Fraser in a most un-Mountie like fashion. Fraser laughed and swung her
around as Ray grinned and shook his head. 
         "Told'ja she wasn't like you." He grinned at them and Fraser
chuckled then set the smaller woman down. 
         "You're looking quite well, Alyana." Fraser informed her
dutifully. "How are you liking Chicago?" Ray glanced up as the Consulate's
door opened once again and Constable Riggins'  stepped out. Ray didn't
like the man, he seemed to always be spying or picking at Alyana for one
thing or another and that irked him, Alyana in turn was always more rigid
around him, as she was now. 
         "Chicago has been quite acceptable, Inspector." She informed
coolly, her eyes suddenly detached, her hands behind her back in a rigid
stance that Ray had often seen on Fraser. Fraser glanced over her head at
the young man approaching them. 
         "Good afternoon, Inspector Fraser." Greeted Riggins' dutifully,
making no comment of Fraser's lack of uniform. "Good afternoon Detective
Kowalski." Ray played with the toothpick in his mouth. 
         "Hey Baggins." Ray returned in his usual fashion and Fraser
barely caught the discreet flush of the other Constable. Ray obviously
didn't like the man much. 
         " My name is Constable Riggins." The Mountie introduced, turning
slightly from Ray to screen his attention to Fraser. "If I can be of any
assistance to you during your stay please feel free to ask.  Inspector
Cabot informed us that you would be paying us a visit. We have your room
prepared for...." Ray glanced up surprised as Fraser interrupted the man. 
         "I won't be staying at the Consulate constable." He informed the
man coolly, oblivious to the man's attempts to suck up. "I informed
Inspector Cabot of my visit simply as a respect, should he require my
assistance with anything." The man flushed slightly, obviously not
comfortable with his mistake. 
         "Of course, Sir." He replied quickly. "If there is anything I can
do...." Fraser shook his head. 
         "I don' t think there will be," he stated calmly.  "As Constable
Fraser here should be able to assist me easily enough should I require it.
I thank you kindly for your offer though. Dismissed Constable." Riggins
gave a slight bow to Fraser, then turned to Alyana. 
         "Good day, Fra..Constabul Fraser." He offered dutifully, though
Ray detected the edge in his voice. Alyana returned the parting shot
coolly then watched the man head stiffly back inside. Immediately Alyana's
demeanor softened as she looked at the two men before her. 
         "Now that freaks me out sometimes." Ray indicated to Fraser,
referring to Alyana. "She goes from hot to cold so fast it makes my head
spin." Alyana smiled. 
         "That's part of our training." She excused as Ray pulled open the
car door and held back the front seat, glad Ray was in a cheerful mood.
The past few weeks he had been distant with her and they had never had
their 'talk' as he said they would. Ray caught her staring at him. 
         "Enough of that, com'ahn, we're takin' you to dinner." Alyana
climbed in beside Diefenbaker who greeted her enthusiastically, then Ray
and Fraser settled in the front seat. 
         "I miss Turnbull sometimes." Remarked Fraser off hand and Ray
chuckled. 
         "Yah, he was a character." The detective agreed as they pulled
out into the street. They decided to go for Chinese, as it had been a long
time since Fraser had eaten it, so Ray stopped at one of their old
hangouts in China Town. The owner recognized them immediately and ushered
them to a table, they had beat the supper crowd so there were only a few
other patrons in the restaurant. Chin Lee quickly settled Diefenbaker with
a bowl of food than took their order. Once their food was delivered the
three settled into a comfortable conversation about work and Alyana's
adjusting. 
         "It took getting used to at first." She admitted to Fraser,
boldly allowing her foot to rise under the table and nudge the valley
between Ray's legs. "But Ray's made it easy." Ray almost choked on his
soda as he discretely pushed her foot away, giving her a look that said
'not now!" She smiled and bit into her egg roll.   "Are you going to be
staying with Ray, Benton?" 
         "He invited me to, so yes." Replied Fraser calmly. "It will
hopefully give us a chance to catch up." He shot Ray a meaningful glance,
saying that they 'would talk sooner or later' and Ray suddenly wished he
hadn't suggested they all go out to eat after all. He cleared his throat
and excused himself to go to the bathroom. Fraser waited until he saw him
round the corner for the men's room, then said to Alyana. "So, how are
things going between you two?" Alyana shrugged, what could she say, that
she was madly in love with his ex-partner and that they were sleeping
together, or at least they had slept together once, but that Ray was still
in love with Fraser. 
         "Fine." She finally elected. "He's been very helpful at getting
me adjusted." 
         "I'm glad." Sighed Fraser. "Though he seems awfully bothered. He
said it was a case that he was working on, do you know what he might be
referring to?" Alyana shook her head. 
         "It isn't one I'm working on with him." she assured, Ray only
worked a few cases with her lately and those seemed rather mundane and
boring considering the ones that had originally worked on; before they had
slept together. He was right, things changed when partner's got involved,
and she suspected he was only selecting the least possible dangerous cases
to have her assist him with. "But then I don't work every case with him."
Fraser thought he detected a note of bitterness in her voice. 
         "Has something happened between you two?" he asked her quietly.
"Has Ray still been putting you off?" She lowered her eyes and shook her
head. 
         "No." he assured quickly. "Detective Kowalski has been very
patient with me, I can't complain." 
         "Are you complaining?" Fraser continued, watching her reactions.
"Was coming here a bad idea?" Alyana opened her mouth to answer but saw
Ray returning with his cell phone to his ear, his expression grim. 
         "What is it, Ray?" Fraser asked immediately, watching the
detective throw some bills on the table and pull his jacket from the
chair, his open flannel  that he wore over his tee, still covered his
weapon. 
         "I gotta go." He informed, and Fraser caught the apprehension in
his eyes. "You two stay and finish." Fraser had already stood and was
shrugging into his own jacket. 
         "We'll go with you, Ray." He insisted when Ray looked like he was
ready to argue. Instead he just shrugged and headed for the door. 
         "Suit yourself." The two Canadians exchanged a glance, then
Fraser retrieved Diefenbaker and they hurried out to Ray's car. Ray was
already inside with the motor running and once again on his cell phone, as
they climbed inside. 
         "Yah, Frannie, thanks." He was saying. "Have Arnold and Carter
meet me there." He ended the call and put the phone back inside his coat
pocket. 
         "What's going on, Ray?" Fraser inquired, intrigued as Ray pulled
out into traffic and exceeded the speed limit toward their mysterious
destination. 
         "We've been after this one fella, Roger Thomas, that we think is
connected to a string of burglaries around the city." Ray explained as he
drove with one hand while searching his pockets with another. "We haven't
been able to nail him because he always has a class-A alibi. He was out of
site for a while but we just got a tip that a deal's goin' down on the
docks and he's involved." He reached across Fraser and pulled open his
glove box, one eye still on the road ahead while he searched through the
assortment of candies and papers. "I know it's here some where." Fraser
smiled and reached inside the detective's pocket, then pulled out the
package of gum. Ray grinned and snatched it, straightening so he was
behind the wheel again. 
        "Still haven't gotten that tear in your seam fixed, I see." Fraser
remarked dryly as the detective slid a stick of gum from the wrapper and
propped it into his mouth. 
         "I'll get around to it eventually." He shrugged, offering a piece
to the others, which both declined. He shoved it in the opposite pocket,
one without the tear and changed lanes. He did not see the flash of
jealousy that was mirrored in Alyana's eyes behind him, as he continued
speaking. "Anyway, that's where we're headed now, to see if we can catch
him in the act." 
         "What can we do to help, Ray?" asked Fraser dutifully. 
         "Well..." hesitated Ray glancing at Fraser amused. "Technically
yer a civilian here, Frase." 
         "Never stopped us before, Ray." Retorted Fraser smiling. 
         "True." Chuckled the detective as he slid silently behind some
packing crates on the dock and reached for the radio. "Hey, units three
and four, what's yer twenty?" 
         "We're about three blocks away, Kowalski." Came Detective
Carter's voice back at him; Ray like Carter he was a solid cop to rely on
and didn't get cocky like his new partner Arnold. "Blue and whites are on
their way." 
         "Ten-four, I'm gonna check it out." replied Ray tossing the mike
back on the hook without waiting for a response and getting out of the
car. Fraser, Alyana and Diefenbaker followed, as Ray quickly headed for
their destination. Fraser's and Alyana's hearing both picked up four
voices up ahead and Fraser tapped Ray's arm, holding up four fingers and
indicating the direction. Ray nodded and pulled his weapon as they crept
closer than ducked behind some more crates to survey the scene. 
         Four men, one of them Ray's suspect, obviously making a deal for
the stolen goods in a truck that Thomas stood closest to. Ray crouched
down, checking his clip and searching his jacket for his glasses. Alyana
handed them to him, he had left them in the car, and he grinned at her as
he slipped them on. Between the two Fraser's they knew him pretty well.
Thomas was nodding and money was exchanging hands. 
         "They're not gonna get here in time." Ray whispered to the
Mounties. "Gonna have ta stall." Fraser and Alyana nodded as they spread
in separate directions. Fraser, in his civilian clothes looked like a
simple dockworker walking the pier as he approached the foursome. 
         "Excuse me, gentleman." He greeted and Ray shook his head-would
the Canadian never learn? "I believe you are in the possession of stolen
property. If you would kindly place your weapons on the ground you are
under arrest." Thomas glared at him. 
         "Yer kiddin' right?" he taunted, unable to believe someone would
be stupid to make a citizen's arrest on four heavily armed criminals. 
         "I assure you I am not." Returned Fraser. "My name is Inspector
Fraser of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and although I am not
currently in uniform, you are breaking the law and I will have to arrest
you." Thomas walked up to him and waved his gun in Fraser's face. 
         "You and what army?" he sneered. "What's to keep me from blowing
you away, Mountie?" 
         "Why, her of course." stated Fraser indicating Alyana behind
them, close to one of the other criminals. Thomas started to turn toward
her and Fraser deftly disarmed him and knocked him to the ground as Alyana
took care of the one closest to her. Ray had come around and was now
holding his weapon on the other two standing. 
         "Chicago PD." he introduced. "On the ground." They didn't move.
"Now!" the one closest to him started to move, just as Fraser called out a
warning. Another man blindsided Ray and knocked him to the ground as the
other two started to run for cover, Thomas among them, while firing at
them. Fraser pushed Alyana out of the way and rolled with her behind the
truck as Ray scrambled  to his feet, grabbed his weapon from where it lay
and dived behind a pylon. He glared across at Fraser. "Five! There were
five Fraser!" Fraser shook his head. 
         "I'm sorry, Ray, I only heard four." Responded Fraser contritely
as the sirens sounded in the background. 
         "Loosin' yer touch as ya get older, hey Frase?" Ray teased and
Fraser shot him a droll look. 
          They were pinned down by gunfire, but Ray wasn't about to let
Thomas get away and their backup would not get there quickly enough. He
took a deep breath, stood and returned fire as he bolted after them,
Fraser and Alyana close behind. 
        They were once again at an impasse, huddled behind some crates,
Fraser could tell from the gleam in the detective's eye that he wasn't t
going to give up, as Ray, shaking with adrenaline,  pulled another clip
from his holster and reloaded. 
         "We have to draw their fire long enough for one of us to get
close to them, Ray." Stated Fraser. Ray glared at him. 
         "I know that Fraser." He hissed. "But I'm the only one with a
gun, remember?" 
         "I can draw their fire, Ray." Offered Alyana quickly. "I can run
faster than either of you. It's harder to hit a moving target and then you
both can circle around and get them by surprise." 
         "No." Ray refused without a moment's hesitation and she stared at
him. "Not because yer a woman either, I didn't like it when Fraser put
himself at risk either so don't give me that look." 
         "It's a viable plan, Ray." Insisted Fraser. 
         "You want yer cousin to get shot?" Ray demanded angrily. "She
can't outrun a bullet, Fraser!" 
         "No of course not, but it's really the only chance we've got,
Ray." Stated Fraser logically. "We can't allow them to get away." Ray
closed his eyes for a moment, two Fraser's were too much for his fragile
mind. With an exasperated sigh he agreed. 
         "Fine. On three. One..." 
         "Two...." Counted Fraser. 
         "Three!" Cried Alyana bolting from behind the crate and out into
the open. Immediately they fired on her as Ray and Fraser hurried to
circle around. Fraser tagged one with a solid punch, Ray tackled the other
as Thomas fled after Alyana. Carter and Arnold showed up and Ray left them
to take care of the fallen criminals as he and Fraser chased after Thomas.

         Alyana was running toward the waterfront, there were no longer
obstacles to hide behind, but Thomas was a poor shot while running so that
gave her the advantage. Alyana glanced back, missing the cord in front of
her and tripped. Thomas caught her before she could get back on her feet,
and hauled her in front of him, his gun to her head. Ray and Fraser
stopped short of them, Ray's gun aimed directly at Thomas. 
         "Let 'er go, Thomas." He warned. "Ya can't win the place is
crawlin' wit cops." Thomas backed up, then realized he was right at the
dock's edge, with only freezing water below. 
         "I'll kill her." He screamed at them. "Drop yer weapon or I swear
I'll blow her brains out." 
         "You shoot her, I shoot you." Vowed Ray dangerously, his aim not
faltering for a second. 
         "Yah, but can ya live with watchin' her die, cop?" he tossed
dangerously, glancing back at the edge behind him. "Cause I can." Ray
stared at him, then started to lower his weapon, Alyana felt the Thomas's
aim shift and she realized he was going to shoot Ray. She grabbed the arm
that was tightly around her throat, as she shoved his aim off then threw
her body backwards. She heard the shot go off, and heard her name, but
then she was gasping as the freezing water engulfed her and her assailant.
Thomas somehow managed to hit her, as he pushed away and then she was
floating on a sea of darkness. 
         Ray and Fraser hit the water at a dead run, taking the barest
second to throw off their jackets, neither caring that the temperature
could kill them, nor the fact that Ray couldn't swim well. Fraser grabbed
hold of Thomas and shoved him toward Ray, who was doing his best, with the
bloom-kick movement the Mountie had showed him, and indicated he surface.
Ray grabbed the man and headed up, as Fraser dived to find Alyana. He
caught sight of her finally and started to drag her to surface, just as
Ray joined him again. 
 Together they pulled her out of the water, Thomas was laying, cuffed by
Arnold a few feet away, as they laid Alyana on her back and Fraser checked
her pulse. 
         "I..Is she?" began Ray fearfully, his eyes widened as Fraser
began CPR. "Christ! Don't do this Aly!" he pleaded as Fraser breathed air
into her lungs while Ray rhythmically matched his count with the hands
he'd placed over her sternum. 
         "Com'on Alyana." Whispered Fraser as his mouth covered hers
again. After what seemed like forever, she coughed and they rolled her on
her side to dispel the water she threw up. She blinked Ray gently rested
her head against his lap and Fraser called for a blanket to warm her. 
         "R..Ray?" she croaked gazing up into the worried eyes that  now
held hers as cold, shaking fingers brushed at her cheek. 
        "Don't do that ever again!" he blurted, trying to ignore the urge
to crush her in his arms.  "W..what would you have done if Fraser hadn't
been here? I can't swim, Alyana! You almost drowned!" She offered him a
small smile as Fraser draped the heavy wool blanket over her and started
rubbing the circulation back into her hands and arms. 
         "I'm s..ss...sorry." She stammered, the cold taking hold of her.
"H..he was going to s...shoot you." 
         "He was gonna shoot you too remember?" he demanded, his relief
becoming anger. "You prefer drowning to being shot?" 
         "Ray." Said Fraser quietly. "She's okay, calm down." Ray shook
his head as the paramedics arrived and proceeded to put Alyana on a
stretch and offered blankets to Fraser and Ray, until one of them noticed
that Ray was bleeding. 
         "Hey, you've been shot." He observed his fingers glancing over
Ray's shoulder. Ray shoved him and the blanket away as they loaded Alyana
into the ambulance. Ray didn't care that he was shot, didn't care that the
his shoulder was on fire and the rest of him half frozen and wet, all he
could see was that he'd almost lost Alyana, another partner. He ran a
shaky hand through his now slick hair as Fraser approached and draped the
blanket around the detective's shaking shoulders. His hands rested on
Ray's shoulders, but he didn't say anything. 
         "I can't do this, Fraser." He whispered wondering if it was the
cold or fear that caused his body to tremble so badly. Fraser turned him
into a quick embrace, then led him to the ambulance. 
         "Let's go, Ray." He instructed quietly, as he helped Ray inside
then climbed in behind him and swung the door closed. 
  

         At the hospital, Ray finally let his shoulder be seen to, after
they assured him that Alyana would be fine, but they wanted her to stay
over night in the hospital for precautionary measures. Wearing a sling, he
tracked down Fraser, who was talking with Alyana in her room. Ray stopped
just outside the door. 
         "He's angry with me, isn't he?" she was asking Fraser, who stood
next to the bed she lay in. 
         "He'll get over it." Fraser assured. "Ray is a highly emotional
individual, especially when mixed with the adrenaline that comes with
these kind of situations." 
         "How do you know?" she demanded. "He probably hates me now. He's
right, what if you hadn't been there and I had drowned because he couldn't
swim?" 
         "Ray wouldn't have let you drown, Alyana. He'd have found a way
to save you, that's just the way Ray is." He sighed. "But I was there and
everything is okay now. He'll get over his anger, I've angered him myself
on many occasions, but he always got over it." 
         "How did you anger him?" she asked curious, thinking Fraser was
perfect in Ray's eyes. Fraser smiled ruefully. 
         "There were many things I did, that I didn't realize I was doing.
We almost split up our partnership over it because we both were too
stubborn to see the other side." 
         "He would never have stopped being your partner, Ben" she
insisted. "The both of you too right together, to good a team." 
         "Even the best partners have falling outs' Alyana." He stated
calmly. "Ray actually hit me over this particular one." 
         "He hit you?" she stared at him incredulous and Fraser smirked. 
         "Yes, but I understood later why, and he let me hit him back to
even the score." 
         "Did it give you any satisfaction?" 
         "A bit." He admitted. "But I was so worried he really would go
through with breaking up our partnership that it actually hurt to do it. I
didn't want to loose him you see and neither of us seemed to be able to
communicate properly. I was too logical and he went too much on instinct.
We finally reached a compromise and I am glad that we did." 
         "He said I listen more than you did." She said smiling. "That you
had a hard time trusting him at first." Fraser nodded. 
         "I was so used to being in control it was hard to go on the word
of another, even if he was my best friend. I was never good with
expressing myself." 
         "Do you think he'll give me another chance, to be his partner?"
she asked hopefully. 
         "I'm sure he will, Alyana." Promised Fraser. "You scared him,
that's how Ray reacts when he gets scared, he lashes out and gets angry.
He'll calm down, you'll see." 
         "He misses you, Ben." She informed quietly. 
         "I know." Admitted Fraser. "I miss him too. I wish things could
be different for us." 
         "Do you...do you mind if I ask you a personal question, Ben?"
Fraser nervously caressed his right brow. 
         "Um...all right. How personal?" 
         "Well, I think that Ray is in..." 
         "Hey, Fraser's how're ya doin'?" Ray suddenly asked, making his
presence known and flashing her a warning look. She averted her eyes and
blushed as Fraser smiled at Ray. 
         "How's the shoulder?" he asked his friend and the detective
shrugged. 
         "I'll live." He returned with a grin. "Ah..Fraser, you mind if I
talk to Aly alone for a minute?" 
         "No, not at all, Ray." Assured Fraser quickly as he retrieved his
Stetson. "I'll wait outside." Ray nodded and closed the door behind him.
When he turned back to Alyana she couldn't meet his eyes. 
         "What are you doing?" he asked her, his voice lower than normal
and she sensed the fury that lay beneath it. 
         "We...we were just talking Ray." She explained, fidgeting with
her bed sheet. Ray approached and settled on the bed beside her, willing
her to meet his gaze, which she finally did. 
         "You were gonna tell him somethin' stupid and I don't appreciate
that, Alyana." He pressed firmly. 
         "I'm sorry, Ray." She sighed. "But maybe if you did tell him he'd
stay and you could be together again. I see how you two are, you're like
one person, and he seems to read your thoughts. You need him." 
         "How many times do I gotta say it?" he hissed. "I am not in love
with Benton Fraser." He leaned closer. "Why can't you trust me to know my
own heart? Yah, it would be great of me and Fraser could be a team again,
but we can't so drop it. I've accepted that and yer my partner now, so why
would ya want me to go back with Fraser?" 
         "But I see the way you look at him, Ray." She insisted. "I see
the way he looks at you. You're meant to be together but you're both
afraid to admit it." Ray's jaw locked and she could tell he was trying to
hold in his temper. It was killing her to say these things but she loved
him enough to want him to be happy. 
         "This is the last time we're gonna discuss this Alyana." He
decided, his voice shaking with emotion and barely contained fury. "I am
not in love with Fraser. He is not in love with me. What we shared is hard
to explain and it may be a kind of love but it's not the kind yer tryin'
ta turn it into. Yer screwin' wit my head trying to make me doubt my own
feelings and I don't like that." He took a deep breath to steady himself,
his next words were more of a low growl from the effort he was using. "You
want to be my partner and my friend, I accept that. But if you bring this
up one more time we're through, you got me?" He saw the fear in her eyes
but didn't let it deter him. "I've got enough problems without you tryin'
ta make more. Now, are we partners or do I walk outta here solo again?" 
         "I...I...please Ray." She whispered and he forced himself  to
ignore the tear that slid slowly down her cheek. "I'm sorry. I...I want to
be your partner, please." Ray nodded after a long moment and stood. 
         "Okay then." He agreed. "We're still partners. I'll come by to
pick you up tomorrow. Get some sleep." 
         "T..thank you, Ray." She managed as he turned to leave. 
         "Get some sleep." He repeated and left. Alyana released her tears
the moment he was gone. 
  

         Ray stood staring at Fraser as he unrolled his bed for the night,
watching the familiar way his muscles rippled beneath his white T-shirt
and the tightness of his jeans. Fraser shot him a questioning look. 
         "What is it, Ray?" he asked curious at the way Ray was staring at
him. For a long moment Ray didn't speak, but Fraser was patient, used to
the was his friend expressed himself, knew he was searching for the words
that didn't come easily. 
         "Frase," he finally said, moving to squat down beside the
Mountie. "You remember that buddy breathin' thing you did back on the
Henry Adam?" 
         "Allen." Corrected Fraser automatically. "And yes I do, why?" 
         "D..do you ever think about it?" He glanced at Ray puzzled, then
sat down on his bedroll and wrapped his arms around his long legs, resting
his chin on his knees. 
         "Think about it in what way, Ray?" he queried. "Think of it on
the whole, for it was quite an adventure, or just that specific part?" 
        "S..specificly that part." Managed Ray nervously. Fraser shrugged.

         "Not especially, no." he replied calmly. "I mean I remember it
because I gave you air to keep you from drowning and I remember you were
oddly upset afterwards." 
         "D...did you ever wonder why...that I was upset I mean?" 
         "I just assumed it was stress, you did almost drown, Ray."
Reminded Fraser. "Why? Would you like to tell me why you were upset about
it?" Ray settled on the floor beside him, careful of his shoulder as his
eyes scanned the room looking for a place to land. 
         "I...umm.." He glanced at the floor and Fraser detected a slight
flush in the detective's pale cheeks.      "I..well, I thought you
were...ya know..k..kissin' me." 
         "Well, I was in a way, Ray." Returned Fraser logically. "Our lips
did touch and your mouth was over mine, so I suppose it was a type of
kiss, but there is really is no other way to give a person air as
effectively." 
         "Yah, I..I know that." Agreed Ray quickly. "I um...it surprised
me and I..well, when I asked if..ya know, if anything had changed between
us I meant...well, because of that I thought..." Fraser rescued him from
his embarrassment. 
         "You thought I was making some sort of pass at you?" he finished
quietly and Ray nodded. "Well, I was under a lot of stress to keep you as
my partner, Ray- would making a pass have worked?" Ray's eyes shot up
startled and Fraser smiled. "I'm joking, Ray." Ray relaxed chagrined and
Fraser felt bad for teasing him. 
         "Have you...er.." Ray was getting redder. "I know this is a
personal question but have you...um ever...y'know kissed a guy...one that
wasn't drowning, before?" 
         "Just Ray Vecchio." Fraser stated admitted simply. 
         "Really?" Ray declared shocked. 
         "He's Italian, Ray." Fraser clarified. "It was his way. He's an
affectionate man, but he's quite heterosexual, I assure you." 
         "A...are you?" stammered Ray. 
         "Am I what, Ray?" 
         "Y'know..Ya like girls, guys or...b..both?" Fraser stared at him
so long he wished he had never asked the question. 
         "What are you asking me, Ray?" he demanded quietly, though Ray
detected only curiosity in the Canadians voice. "Are you asking if I am
sexually attracted to you?" 
         "No no." Ray denied quickly. "N..not me nece..nec..guys in
general." 
         "Do you believe you are sexually attracted to me, Ray?" Fraser
prompted, ignoring the other question. 
         "I..I..damnit!" Ray rose and stalked to the kitchen. "I shouldn't
have ever started this stupid....!" He slammed the cupboard open to pull
down two cups, the slammed it closed again as Fraser walked up behind him.
"Aly...Alyana thinks...she thinks I'm y'know in love wit ya...like in
'that' way." 
         "And you aren't sure?" Fraser assumed leaning against the
counter, as Ray dropped the kettle onto the stove and flipped on the
proper burner. 
         "I..I dunno, Fraser." He sighed shaking his head. Fraser moved
closer and placed his hands on Ray's shoulders, careful of the injured
area, and gently began kneading the tense muscles he found there. "I'm a
sick bastard ain't I?" 
         "No, Ray." Denied Fraser as he felt the blond relax under his
touch. "I think you're just confused. How can..how can I help you clarify
your feelings, Ray?" Ray chuckled wearily. 
         "I dunno about my feelin's, Frase." He muttered. "But yer doin a
great job on my physical well bein'." Fraser smiled and continued the
massage across Ray's upper and middle back, again being careful of the
detective's shoulder. "Hmmm. They teach you that in Mountie school too?" 
         "No," chuckled Fraser "My grandmother taught me this." 
         "Good lady." Ray almost whispered, the tension was absolutely
flowing from his body as Fraser proceeded to his lower back. 
         "Does it scare you, Ray?" Fraser asked suddenly. 
         "What?" 
         "That you...well, that there might be something..sexual between
us?" Ray lowered his head and closed his eyes, his grip on the counter
tightened. 
         "I don't know." He replied. "I just want to know, y'know? Before
I go crazy second guessin' myself." Fraser nodded and slowly turned Ray to
face him. Ray raised his head and opened his eyes just as Fraser placed a
hand on either side of his face and pulled him closer. Ray's eyes
flickered briefly in panic as he tensed, but then their lips touched and
it was just as Ray remembered, warm, soft and life giving. The kiss was
shy and gentle at first, but then Ray felt his lips part and Fraser's
tongue slid inside. Ray's eyes fluttered closed again as he moved closer,
pressing his body up against Fraser's. The Mountie released a soft sigh
and wrapped his arms around the detective. Finally they parted, each
gasping slightly for breath. 
         "Do you know, now, Ray" Fraser asked softly and when Ray's eyes
opened to stare at him, they were shaded with desire and just a hint of
surprise. 
         "I..I think so." He whispered as the reality of it hit him. "My
God! I am sick!" he started to push away from Fraser, but the larger man
caught him and turned him to meet his gaze. 
         "It's not sick, Ray." He protested firmly. "I love who I love,
social issues don't enter into it." 
         "You mean you're...you're..." Ray couldn't even say it. Fraser
was in love with him, with him! A scrawny Chicago flatfoot cop! It boggled
Ray's mind. 
         "It's al right, Ray." Fraser assured. "It's okay to be scared, I
was when I first realized it myself." 
         "W...when was that?" demanded Ray, still shaken by the discovery
that Fraser wanted him. 
         "I believe it was the first day we met, when you hugged me." 
         "Y..You knew all that time?" declared Ray. "And you never told
me?" 
         "It wasn't that simple, Ray." Returned Fraser. "I merely
suspected it then, but I buried my feelings for a long time. Besides, how
would you have reacted to the news if I had told you? You probably would
have hit me again." Ray grinned. He did have a point. 
          "So..w..what do we do now?" he asked quietly. 
         "That's up to you, Ray." He replied. "If..if you really
want..ah..needed me to come back to Chicago I think I would." Ray stared
at him. 
         "Canada is yer home, Fraser." He protested. "I know that and I
appreciate ya offerin' but...." 
         "I've been meaning to tell you, this." Began Fraser quietly.
"I've been offered a position here again.  Haven't been able to decide on
that, I wanted to talk to you. I know you have Alyana as your partner now,
and there's really no guarantee that the position they are offering me
will allow us to become partners again, but I would be here." Fraser moved
away and stared out the window at the lights of Chicago. "I don't want to
come between you and my Cousin, after all I was the one that sent her here
and she seems...taken with you." 
         "Yah." Ray sighed. "I know." Fraser glanced back at his friend. 
         "How do you feel about her, Ray?" Ray shrugged. 
         "About as confused as usual." He flipped grinning and Fraser
smiled. "She's a good partner and a sweet woman. I could fall for her
easily, but there's other things involved." He sighed again and moved
toward Fraser. "Either way I'm kinda screwed here, Frase. If I keep Aly as
my partner, I don't know how long I can keep my feelings fer her a secret.
If I get you back as a partner, well you pretty much know my feelings, as
much as I know 'em anyway. Either way it isn't good to be involved wit yer
partner and either way somebody gets hurt." 
         "It will be a difficult decision, Ray." Fraser admitted. Ray
shook his head ruefully. 
         "A year ago I thought no body gave a damn about me," he glanced
at Fraser who was about to protest. "In a romantic way, Frase." The
Mountie nodded. "I was still tryin' ta get over Stella and livin' someone
else's life. Now, I got two people who care about me more than I every
probably deserve an' I have'ta choose between them." Fraser stepped up and
placed a hand on Ray's shoulder. 
         "You don't have to choose, Ray." He decided solemnly. "I'll just
stay on Canada and..." Ray shook his head adamantly. 
         "No, Fraser!" he exclaimed quickly. "I..I mean, you've given me
the offer, now let me think about it. I don't want you bowin' out because
it's the polite thing to do. I..I just gotta think." Fraser nodded. 
         "Perhaps this well help then, Ray." He began softly. "No mater
what you decide, we will always be friends and partners, regardless of
where either of us live or with whom we have or don't have a relationship
with. I couldn't comprehend you not being in my life and I in yours, even
if it is from a distance. I believe Alyana will tell you the same. You
just have to do what is best for you." 
         "Hell, Fraser. I never could figure that out, why'd ya think I
kept you around?" Fraser chuckled. 
         "Well, then, how about I tell you that although I have deep
feelings for you, there is one other person I could consider a
relationship with should we decide to just remain friends." Ray's eyes
danced and his ears perked up. 
         "Who might that be?" he inquired curious. "Not Frannie?" Fraser
shook his head. 
        "Francesca is a wonderful woman and I truly like her enormously,
but she would never get used to life up North and I couldn't ask her to
give up all that she has here." 
         "Who then?" Fraser flushed and moved away, toward the kitchen as
the kettle boiled. Ray watched him stroke his right eyebrow thoughtfully,
as he poured tea for himself and coffee for Ray. Ray followed him instant.
"Give already. Who has got the great Benton Fraser hooked?". 
         "Ray, please." Muttered Fraser embarrassed as the detective
retrieved some cookies from the cabinet and they wandered out to sit in
the living room. 
         "Tell me or I'll kick ya in the head, Fraser." Warned Ray with a
smile. "I told you, now com'ahn." Fraser sipped his tea and selected a
cookie from the package. 
         "She...she's just a woman that I have been...sort of..well
working with up home." He finally admitted. 
         "What kinda woman, Frase?" Ray demanded popping a cookie in his
mouth. "What's her name? What's she look like? What's she do? Is she
another Mountie?" Fraser's head started to spin at the speed with which
ray's questions were fired at him. 
         "She... she's....her name is Jeanette Dupois." He revealed,
answering the first question. "She's from Montreal, but she has been
living most of her life in the United States. She...ah...she's b..blond,
wears it in sort of a layered bob. She has p..pale blue eyes and light
coloring." Fraser was wondering if Ray was picking up on the similarities
that Fraser had noticed between the woman and his ex-partner the first
time he had met her. "She's a private investigator and I have been
...assisting her on some of her cases." Again his face flushed. "Strictly
for professional reasons of course. She has a rather relaxed view of
Canadian Law and I have needed to remind her of a few of the differences
on several occasions." 
         "So she's a trouble maker then?" grinned Ray, his eyes shining a
Fraser's obvious discomfort. 
         "Well, no..not exactly." Protested Fraser mildly. "She..ah...she
tends to get over zealous when she is on a case and sometimes she gets
into..er..situations that require a more diplomatic touch." 
         "So basically ya have to run around savin' her ass from getting'
jailed or tossed from the country, is that it Fraser?" Fraser actually
glared at him and Ray chuckled, knowing he had hit a nerve. 
         "She isn't that bad." He defended with a sniff. Not nearly as
volatile and unreasonable as one Stanley Raymond Kowalski, he added
silently. "She's actually quite delightful to be with most of the time.
Very intelligent and witty." 
         "Is she a babe?" teased Ray sipping his coffee and Fraser blushed
again, though he his lips twitched to hold back a smile. 
         "She's very lovely." He admitted with a nod. 
         "Have you and she..y'know..." Ray made some crude gestures and
Fraser threw a throw pillow at him in disgust." 
        "You have a dirty mind, Ray." He tossed, without even a trace of
anger in his voice. "No, of course we haven't. I don't think she even
realizes I'm..." 
         "In love with her?" Ray prompted helpfully. 
         "A man." Returned Fraser quickly and Ray raised an eyebrow in
disbelief. How could anyone not notice Fraser wasn't a man? Women fell all
over him. The Mountie must have seen the question in his eyes and decided
to elaborate. "She treats me...well, like you treat me, well when we were
partners. Like chums, friends, only she doesn't hit me when I aggravate
her, although I seem to do that a lot as well." 
         "Yer never gonna forgive me for deckin' ya, are ya, Frase?"
demanded Ray perturbed. 
         "Oh, I have forgiven you, Ray." Fraser assured quickly, then
added with a smile. "I just don't intend to let you forget it." Ray
growled and tossed the pillow back at him and Fraser chuckled as he
deflected it with his hand. Ray smiled at him, then moved to sit beside
him. Fraser returned his suddenly intent gaze." 
         "So, it's my call, hey?" he asked quietly and Fraser nodded. 
        "I'll be here for two weeks, Ray." He informed quietly. "Think
about it." Ray nodded, that he would do. Hesitantly, he moved forward and
touched his lips to Fraser's in a shy kiss. Fraser smiled, but didn't
press for more, as the blonde rose and stretched, careful again of his
shoulder. 
        "Given' me somethin' to think about." He explained moving toward
his bedroom. "Night Fraser." 
        "Good night, Ray." Fraser returned watching his friend disappear
inside his room. "Sweet dreams." 
        "You too, buddy." Ray called back as he shut the door. Fraser rose
and carried their mugs and the package of cookies to the kitchen. He
placed the dishes in the sink and returned the cookies to the cupboard,
then wiped down the counter. Ray had given him something to think about as
well. 
  

         Ray opened the door to his apartment and stepped wearily inside.
He was tired, it had been a long day, longer it seemed since Welsh had him
on desk duty because of his injuries. Alyana had stopped by, but since he
was only doing paperwork he told her there wasn't really field cases for
them to work on. She had been quiet and withdrawn since her near drowning
and Ray suspected she was avoiding Fraser, she had an excuse not to
accompany Ray and her cousin almost every time they had invited her along
for a meal or an outing. Ray was still trying to sort out his own
feelings, so didn't press her for an explanation, one he probably wasn't
ready for anyway. 
         "Ray!" greeted Fraser delighted, as he looked up from the sauce
he was cooking. "You're home. How was your day?" Ray shot him a look that
said don't-ask, and Fraser smiled. "That bad?" 
         "I hate light freakin' duty." Ray growled as he pulled off his
jacket and pulled his weapon and spare holster out of the waistband of his
jeans. His shoulder was still sore, but he didn't have to wear the sling
any longer, yet Welsh still wouldn't let him back on the street. Two more
days the lieutenant insisted, just two, but they might as well be a month
to Kowalski who was itching to get back out and work the street. 
         "Did you speak with Alyana, today?" Fraser asked as he added some
spice to the sauce. Ray nodded. 
         "Yah. I think she's still ticked at me." He commented as he
pulled a soda from the fridge and popped the tab, then offered a bottle of
water to Fraser. 
        "Thank you kindly, Ray." He accepted graciously. "Why would she be
upset with you?" Ray shrugged, not really wanting to tell Fraser that his
cousin was jealous of him. 
         "Women are hard enough to understand." He muttered, hopping up on
the counter and sipping his drink. "And a Canadian woman is impossible!"
Fraser chuckled. Ray shared his smile, watching Fraser as he spooned up
some of the sauce and held it out for Ray to taste. 
         "Mmmm, good." He complimented as Fraser turned back to the stove
and turned down the pasta. 
         "Doesn't need more seasoning?" he suggested and Ray shook his
head. 
         "Nah, tastes great." Fraser drained the spaghetti as a knock came
at the apartment door. Ray hopped off the counter and went to answer it,
smiling in surprise as Alyana stood on the other side, wearing blue jeans
and a simple white sweater, her hair pulled back in a pony tale. She
returned his smile hesitantly. 
         "Hi." She greeted quietly. "Am I intruding?" Ray grabbed her hand
and pulled her inside. 
         "Partner's never intrude." He told her closing the door. "Hey,
Frase, look who came for dinner." Fraser smiled warmly at her. 
         "Hello Alyana." He greeted. "Just in time." Alyana returned his
greeting shyly. 
         "I can't stay." She protested. "I just wanted to return this to
Ray." She held out his code enforcement book that she had taken home to
look through. Ray took the book and tossed it on the counter. 
         "Okay, now sit down and we'll eat." He stated gently ushering her
toward the kitchen table. 
         "Ray, I really should go..." she protested, but Ray was already
pulling out her chair and gently pushing her down into it, as Fraser
brought the food to the table. 
         "What do you want to drink?" he asked her, ignoring her protests.
She sighed and accepted a bottle of water, then he and Fraser joined her
at the table. In only a few moments she was more relaxed, enjoying the
teasing that Ray and Fraser threw at each other during the meal. They were
arguing playfully over some of their escapades, Ray especially accusing
his friend of being entirely to frivolous with Ray's life on more than one
occasion. 
         "I was merely adding some excitement to your life, Ray." Replied
Fraser mildly. 
         "You had me jumpin' through hoops, is what ya were doin'."
Responded the adamant detective. "My heart was always in my damn throat
because you were so careless with your own life. Like when we smuggled you
in to that funeral parlor." Fraser smiled. 
         "You thought it was a good idea at the time, Ray." He reminded
calmly. "We had to find a way to reveal what was going on." 
         "Yah," agreed Ray. "But when I came in the next mornin' and yer
coffin was closed, Christ I just about lost it. Then ya wouldn't wake up."

         "It just took me some time to come back that's all." Replied
Fraser with a sigh. "And it all worked out fine." Fraser smirked.
"Although Francesca was quite upset with me." 
         "I still don't know how it got out what we were doin'." Chuckled
Ray shaking his head. "But I gotta admit, ya had a hell of a turn out fer
yer first funeral, Frase." Fraser laughed. 
         "That's encouraging then isn't it?" he remarked. Then to Alyana.
"Ray doesn't care much for dead people." 
         "I noticed." She agreed with a smile. "He stands with his back to
them when we're in the morgue. Mort thinks it's funny." Ray grimaced. 
         "I'm eatin' here." he grumbled. "Can we talk about something
other than Mort and dead guys?" Fraser laughed, noticing the queasy look
that came over the detective's face. 
         "Certainly, Ray." Agreed both Mountie's simultaneously and Ray
shook his head clear. 
         "Freaks." He muttered, causing the Canadians to chuckle. Suddenly
Ray's head shot up and they peered at him curiously. 
         "What is it, Ray?" Fraser asked. Ray jumped up from his chair and
grabbed his notebook out of his jacket pocket, then started flipping
through the pages. "Ray? Ray? Ray?" 
         "What?" the detective finally asked, as though noticing them for
the first time. 
         "What is going on?" demanded Fraser calmly, folding his napkin
and setting it aside as he rose to walk over to his friend. 
         "It's this case I'm workin' on." He informed them both, still
flipping through his book, then stopping to read something he had scrawled
on one of the pages. "I told ya about it when I first picked ya up, it was
makin' me nuts." Fraser stared at Alyana surprised, there really had been
a case bothering him. 
         "What sort of case is it, Ray?" inquired Alyana, also leaving the
table to stand beside them. 
"Bodies have been disappearing from the local funeral parlors." He told
them. "There isn't any pattern to the victims, they're male, female,
different  origins, but they've been disappearing and the only link that
we have is that it's always the stiffs that are only about one to three
days old. We've checked out the personnel the parlors, had surveillance to
see of we could catch someone in the act, but we've had nothin' and the
stiffs keep disappearing." 
         "Were you  thinking of using our plan like before to get inside
the parlor or graveyard to catch the culprit?" suggested Fraser intrigued
and Ray shook his head. 
         "No way!" he laughed. "This time they might try and cremate you,
not just suffocate you. No, I just remembered the coffin they put you in."

         "Why on Earth would that be relevant?" demanded Fraser confused. 
         "The guy said yours was air tight, to prevent any bugs and things
from getting inside," he frowned slightly. "That's why it scared the hell
out of me when I came in and saw it closed. Anyway, if they make specialty
airtight coffins, wouldn't they have lower budgeted ones that aren't air
tight? And maybe just as deep as the one you were in that...." 
         "Could hide another body." Finished Fraser impressed. "Of course.
And if the coffin wasn't air tight, someone could smuggle inside under a
body, or even replace the body under the false lining to show the body was
missing, but it never actually left in the first place." 
        "Exactly." Agreed Ray grabbing up his holster and gun, then
shrugging into his jacket. "The last robbery took place today around noon,
so if we go back to the funeral parlor, the body might still be in the
coffin." 
         "And the person who is stealing them would be waiting to smuggle
it out." Stated Alyana delighted and Ray smiled at her. 
         'Let's go." He led them out of the apartment and down to the GTO,
before Alyana had the thought to ask if a warrant was needed. Ray and
Fraser exchanged a glance. "We'll figure that out later." They told her
and she shook her head as she climbed in the backseat. 
  

        Fraser stood next to Ray Kowalski's desk and sipped the eggnog,
that one of the female dispatchers had insisted he try, as the festive
mood of Christmas filled the squadroom of the 27th precinct.  His partner
was involved in a deep conversation with Lieutenant Welsh, while
Detective's Dewey and Hewy were dressed Santa suits offering party favors 
and small candies and gift baskets. Diefenbaker was going person to
person, receiving entirely too many sweets for Fraser's liking, but since
it was a party he'd let it go. He smirked, it wasn't as if the junk
addicted wolf would listen to him anyway. 
        He took another sip of his drink and glanced across the room at
Francesca Vecchio, who was staring out one of the few windows in the
precinct, watching the gentle falling snow. She had seemed preoccupied the
last few days, but had been unwilling to admit anything was bothering her
when he had inquired earlier in the week, in fact she had been almost
abrupt with him. He had stopped by with Ray to visit, thinking Francesca,
who used to hang all over him, as Ray would say, would be pleased to see
him, but he had miscalculated. He was too modest to consider that her mood
was contributed solely to her possible anger with him for staying in
Canada, but he suspected he was part of it 
        He, Ray and Alyana had busted the body theft ring just a few days
earlier, Ray's hunch of the coffins had been correct, and the robbers were
selling the bodies to a medical science team outside of the States for
experiments. He and Ray had not had much of a chance to talk, since then,
and he wondered what Ray's decision regarding their partnership was going
to be. Fraser would honestly accept either decision the detective made, he
just wished he'd hurry and make it. Ray had not tried to kiss him again,
since that one night and he suspected it was because it would simply add
to the detective's confusion. 
         After a brief moment of indecision, he decided to try and
approach her.                 He had just set his cup on Kowalski's desk,
when he noticed his partner had also been watching Francesca. He had an
odd expression on his face, not unusual for the blond here lately, he had
seemed distant and stressed. Every now and then Fraser noticed his
friend's gaze drift toward Alyana, who was still in her red serge, smiling
and visiting with some of the other officers, then back to Francesca, and
for once Fraser couldn't comprehend what Ray was thinking. Someone had put
on rock music and the first song was an upbeat favorite. 
         A flash of decision swept over Kowalski's face as he quickly
excused himself from Welsh and strode determinedly toward the sad looking
civilian aid that used to be his pretend sister. He whispered something in
her ear, as he grasped her arm, and she looked up startled. She was
shaking her head, but Ray was already pulling her away from the window and
pulling her into his arms. She looked wary and flustered as they started
to dance, Kowalski moving her to the gentle swing beat of the tune. At
first she seemed uncertain, but soon her, once make believe brother, was
leading her into a delightful number of steps. He'd toss her away then
pull her back, do a few quick steps in his arms, twirl her under his arm,
then back again.  The others had started to watch them and cheered them
on. Fraser noticed that Alyana watched intently, Ray's eyes meeting her's
occasionally over Francesca's head, but he never missed a beat in what he
was doing. 
         The song changed and the tempo increased. Francesca was laughing
as Ray led her into a more complex number, grinning the whole way through,
and Fraser realized he'd rarely seen the detective so open, yet Fraser
could tell it was a cover for what Ray was really feeling and that
bothered him. A couple of the other women grabbed Dewey and Hewy to join
the dancing and soon everyone was getting into the game. Those who didn't
have a partner, clapped or sang loudly, Fraser declined when asked, for
fear he couldn't keep up with the others. 
         FootLoose, an older favorite began and Fraser watched Francesca
blow her bangs out of her eyes with a gathered breath, as she realized
they were about to go faster, but she seemed to be enjoying herself.
Kowaski spun her around him, over him and under his legs, twisting and
turning so fast Fraser had to fight to keep them from becoming a blur, yet
Fransesca kept to it and worked in perfect time with her partner. Finally
the songs changed to a traditionally slower melody and they stopped
breathless, the squadroom applauding their efforts. 
         "Thank you." Gasped Ray to Francesca, who was fanning herself as
he led her to a chair at his desk, where she literally dropped into.
Fraser handed them both a cool drink, Kowalski downing his in one gulp,
while Francesca sipped hers a little slower. 
         "That was wonderful." He assured them both with a smile. 
         "I'm beat!" exclaimed Francesca, but her color was high and she
was smiling, an improvement over her earlier state. She glanced up at
Kowalski, who was leaning against the desk, also trying to catch his
breath. "Why did you do that Ray?" 
             "I felt like dancin'." He returned, his eyes darting to find
Alyana watching him, as Fraser retrieved another drink for him and this
time he just took a few sips. 
         "I..I didn't realize you were so good." she commented smiling. 
         "I've been tryin' ta tell ya this forever, Frannie." He winked at
her. "I'm very good." She blushed and looked away, surprised at the
sensations that roared to life inside her when he gave her that
wicked-bad-boy look of his. 
         "That's not what I meant." She muttered shaking her head. Ray
chuckled and surprised her by hopping up on his desk and laying across it,
one leg dangled the other perched on the edge. 
         "I know." He sighed, closing his eyes for a minute, despite all
the hoopla around him he was exhausted. It had been a long day, he, Fraser
and Alyana had been out tracking a suspect, which they eventually found
and booked just a few minutes after the party started. Ray had not been
sleeping well and had been up very early that day, and had to come back
tomorrow for at least a few hours, even though it was close to midnight
now. His impulsive need to take cheer Francesca up had left him exhausted,
even though he and had fun. 
         "Are you tired, Ray?' Fraser asked him quietly, observing the
taught lines around the detective's face. 
         "Mmmm." Was his answer, his eyes remained closed. He was getting
a headache, perhaps from being over tired or it could be the punch, but
his head was suddenly throbbing. 
         "Perhaps we should go then." Suggested Fraser. "I'm more than
ready to leave when you are. Ray?" The detective didn't move for a second,
then he reluctantly opened his eyes and slid off his desk. Fraser helped
him to straighten up slightly, suddenly concerned that the normally hyper
detective may be too tired to drive. 
         "Are you okay?" Francesca asked, noticing the blond's weariness.
He nodded. 
         "Yah." He assured running his hands over his face for a moment,
trying to get some life back into him, then waving a hand toward Alyana.
She smiled and joined them. 
         "Yes, Ray?" she asked politely. 
         "If ya can pry yerself away from yer fan's," he remarked. "We're
ready to go. If you wanna stay we can arrange a lift for you with
someone." All three of them stared at him surprised, wondering why he was
being so sarcastic to his partner. Alyana stared at him mutely for a long
moment. 
         "I'll walk, thank you kindly, Ray." She returned finally, in true
Fraser like neutrality. 
         "Yer not walkin' and don't start with that crap tonight, Alyana."
He warned grabbing up his raglan, as Fraser and Francesca exchanged a
worried glance. 
         "Umm..why don't I take Benton back to your place, Ray." Suggested
Francesca. "Then you and Alyana can go..together..and um..talk." 
         "An excellent idea, Francesca." Agreed Fraser before Ray could
protest, as he retrieved his Stetson.   "I will see you at home, Ray." 
         "No, wait..." began Ray frustrated as Francesca and his
ex-partner made a hasty exit. He made a quick tightening movement with his
head and neck, like he had been jolted suddenly, a gesture Alyana had come
to realize was his willful retraction of the desire to get physical with
something. Ray released a long, slow breath then grabbed his keys and
headed out, Alyana following quietly behind him. Neither spoke as they
stepped out into the cold December evening. The snow danced merrily around
them in delightful patterns, but for Once Alyana didn't pause to admire
the beauty of the scene. Instead she regarded Ray thoughtfully as the
flakes caused his spiked hair to glisten teasingly as he unlocked the GTO.
They climbed inside and he revved the engine, pulling quickly out of the
department lot and onto the almost vacant roads that lead to the
Consulate. 
         "H..Have I done something to upset you, Ray?" she finally asked,
unable to stand the silence between them any longer. Ray didn't even
acknowledge her, just kept his eyes on the treacherously icy road before
them. "Ray? Please talk to me." 
         "Talk about what?" he muttered. "Just what do you want to talk
about, Aly? How about we talk about the weather, always a good topic." Ray
made and exaggerated sweep of the windows of the car. "Hmm, looks like
it's snowin' probably cold too. Well, that's that. Have we talked enough?"
Alyana was surprised she had to suppress an incredible urge to reach out
and slap him. Instead she put on her best Mountie face and in a passive
voice said. 
         "If you are going to be belligerent and childish, then don't
worry about it, Ray. I wouldn't wish to distract you from your driving."
Ray didn't bother to tell her she was already distracting him, just by
breathing and sitting in the car with him. He rubbed his eyes with the
palm of his hand, trying to focus on the road that had become so blurry
ahead of them. Alyana noticed them start to drift across the white line,
and although there were  no other cars on the road at this time of night,
she feared for their safety. She asked him to pull over. 
         "Why?" he asked her tiredly, to which she returned firmly. 
        "You can barely keep the car on the road. Pull over and let me
drive." Ray nodded and pulled to the side of the road. He couldn't argue,
he could barely keep his eyes open and he didn't want to endanger her with
his inability to drive safely at the moment. He started to move to her
side and she slid over him, as they exchanged seats. Ray's eyes opened
wider as she almost landed in his lap at the effort, but then they were in
position and Alyana was moving the car back onto the road, slowly. Ray
didn't criticize her, as he had when Fraser drove so slowly, he knew the
roads were icy and she wasn't used to the GTO. She did a good job though,
and in a manner of minutes they pulled up beside the Consulate. She got
out and Ray moved behind the wheel again, so Alyana reached in and
confiscated the keys. He gazed up at her. 
         "I can't drive without the keys, Aly." He explained wryly and she
nodded. 
         "You're too tired, Ray." She stated, leaving him to sit in the
car, with his door standing open, as she moved up the Consulate steps.
"You can take a nap in the car, or come inside, it's your choice, but you
aren't driving home in that state." Ray groaned, he really didn't want to
go in with her, he just wanted to go home, and he cursed Frannie and
Fraser for running out on him, at least Fraser could have gotten him home.
He shivered in the cold and finally rolled out of the car, closed the
door, and trudged up the steps after her. She hid a smile and closed the
heavy door behind them , locking it securely, then headed upstairs toward
her apartment. Halfway up, she realized Ray was still standing down on the
lower level. "Ray?" He glanced up at her. 
         "Just remembering the last time I had to spend the night here."
He commented quietly, glancing around, but unwilling to make a step toward
the stairs. "Fraser arrested me." Alyana turned and slowly descended the
stairs to stand next to him. He looked absolutely worn out. 
         "I remember him telling me something about that." She said
quietly. "You're tired. Come up and get some sleep." 
         "I can sleep down here, Aly." He decided. "I've done it before."
Alyana regarded him for a long moment, then reached out and took his hand.

         "Please come up with me, Ray." She requested quietly. "I'll call
Ben and tell him you are here so he won't worry." Ray stared at her and
realized even she was starting to blur. He sighed and nodded, slowly
following her up the steps. Inside her apartment, she quickly walked over
and pulled out a trundle bed from under the day bed and popped it up into
position. She pulled out clean sheets from her small closet and quickly
made up the bed, shooing Ray away when he tried to help. When she was
finished she turned back toward her partner and found he had fallen asleep
in the one chair she had in the room. She smiled and took the opportunity
to change into her red long johns, and pull a robe around her. She gently
shook Ray awake, helping him pull  jacket and boots, then his shoulder and
ankle holsters and weapons, which she placed on the small table beside
him. She guided him over to the day bed, it being more solid than the
rollaway, and sat him down. 
         "Aly," he muttered as she pulled his shirt over his head. "I'm
not a kid I'm just tired." She smiled shyly and nodded, as she reached for
the button to his jeans. His hand stopped her and his eyes, suddenly
focused on her quite clearly. "I'll leave'em on." She shrugged, trying not
to let her disappointment, and moved away. 
         "I'll go call Ben." She offered leaving the apartment so if he
wanted to he could finish undressing and get into bed.  With a sigh, he
stretched out on the surprisingly comfortable bed, his socks and jeans
still on, and pulled the blanket over him, laying atop the sheets. He was
so very tired, but he'd wait to at least say good night to Alyana, his
guardian angel. He smiled and closed his eyes, he'd just rest a minute. 

         Ray awoke to unfamiliar surroundings and semi darkness. The
street lamp outside the Consulate shone a pale light though the only
window and added a ethereal softness to the blackness of the room. He
glanced over at the tiny form curled up on the trundle bed just a few feet
away and smiled. He was still tired, but he was rested enough to drive
now, at least. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was missing. He
shot up in the bed and glanced quickly around, then he noticed his the
light bouncing of metal on the Alyana's small table, where his guns, watch
and bracelet lay. He didn't even remember her taking off his jewelry, he
really must have been tired. 
        He quietly grabbed his jacket and felt in his pocket for the keys,
nothing. He knew they weren't in his jean pockets, so he searched the
small room quietly, but came up empty handed. He found his shirt, pulling
it over his head in a swift motion, it was chilly and he shivered a little
without the warmth of the blanket. He found his boots, grateful that the
light gave him way to see, and pulled them on, then strapped on his
shoulder holster and gun, leaving the smaller ankle one to carry. He
didn't want to wake Alyana for his keys, but he also wanted to get home.
Tomorrow, he looked at his watch, correction today was Christmas Eve and
he still had to go into work for a few hours before he could finish up his
errands for Christmas. 
        He moved silently toward Alyana, glancing down at her and thinking
how beautiful she looked in her sleep. Her tiny hand was closed into a
half fist and Ray saw his keys in them. He grinned and shook his head at
her stubbornness, then carefully started to pry the keys from her fingers.
He had to almost lean across her body to do it, though he didn't actually
touch her, other than her hand, and her sweet scent filled his nostrils.
She moaned and rolled over onto her back, startling him backward to keep
her from knocking against him. Her long dark hair flowed against the
pillow and whispered about her pale porcelain features. Her fingers
tightened on his keys involuntarily in her sleep and he thought those
silly red long johns looked absolutely adorable on her. He resisted the
urge to pull a silken strand from her cheek, tried not to look at the way
her small, rose colored mouth parted with each breath she took, and
reached for his keys. He almost had the elusive things, when he glanced
down again and found her watching him sleepily. He offered her a weak
smile as he started to pull his keys from her grasp, but she tightened her
grip and he sighed. 
        "Com'ahn, Fraser," he teased her softly. "I gotta go home. I'm
fine now." She shook her head and continued to stare at him, her deep blue
eyes piercing his soul. "Please can I have my keys?" Alyana seemed to
consider, then a small smile formed on her lips. 
        "You can." She agreed and watched him smile with relief. "For a
kiss." He tensed again as his smile dissolved. 
        "I don't think..." he began hesitantly, but he saw the plea in her
eyes, one that said please don't reject me again and shatter my heart
completely. He nodded finally and lowered his mouth to hers, intending it
to be brief and strictly platonic, but the softness of her lips held him
captive and before he realized it he was deepening the kiss and she was
opening her mouth to him. She tasted so wonderful, better than the
sweetest candy, softer than purest silk and he wanted more, so much more
than to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him
closer, inviting him to share the bed with her, as she moved slightly to
give him room, and Ray stretched out beside her. 
        The keys dropped from her hand as her fingers found their way into
his hair and Ray pulled her body closer to press against his, to feel his
heated arousal and how much he wanted her. This was heaven, this was
right, this was what he wanted, she was what he wanted and at that moment
Ray made a decision that would change his life forever. 
  
  

        The New Year was being celebrated in a big way,  Inspector Cabot
had insisted they hold it at the ballroom of the Consulate, as a gesture
of good will between the two working departments. Every one, that was not
on duty, of course was permitted to come as they liked, which worked well
for the detective divisions and street cops who were stopping by hourly
for a bit of food and drink didn't feel as off set in their blues. The
holiday workers at the department were coming in shifts, each getting a
couple of hours away to enjoy a little Christmas Cheer. Fraser was dressed
in navy wool slacks and a red and white sweater, while Alyana stood beside
him in a charming sleeveless creation of green, white and red silk. Her
dark hair flowed down to the middle of her back in thick dark waves,
pinned back from one side with a jeweled mistletoe comb. 
         Most people had  already come and gone during their shifts,
though the party was still in full swing, both Mountie's were beginning to
wonder where Detective Kowalski was. He had dropped Fraser off early in
the day, so he could help with the arrangements of the party, and claimed
he would see them there, but he should have gotten off shift hours ago and
Ray would have called them if something big was happening.  Welsh had come
in around six, claiming he'd last heard from Kowalski around three that
afternoon and that he hadn't said anything much, just reported in. Elaine
wandered up in a pretty black cocktail dress with a Christmas scene
embroidered across the bodice and full skirt, and whisked Fraser away for
a dance. Alyana moved closer to the door, wishing desperately for her
partner to arrive. She had already danced quite a bit, but she just
couldn't enjoy herself until she knew where Ray was. 
         Finally she saw him, in black jeans, a red silk shirt, open at
the neck, and his leather waistcoat, he actually turned heads when he
entered. His hair was, of course wildly spiked and wavy, but it gave him
the rebel appeal that carried  of the rest of his outfit, giving him a
dangerous and mysterious appearance. When she saw the blond, on his arm
she had to swallow the knot that suddenly lodged in her throat. He'd
brought her! That bimbo was his date? He hadn't said that he would be
bringing a date, why hadn't he told her? Why bother to dress up if he
wasn't even going to give her a second glance? 
She suddenly felt deeply ashamed for her thoughts. Ray had made it clear
they were just to be partners, she was the one who wanted more, but she
was sure he was attracted to her, he'd kissed her he had made love with
her twice. Still he had laid the ground rules, then why did it hurt so
much. He watched her partner guide the beautiful, stylish woman out onto
the dance floor and begin to dance. They moved well together, as though
they had been dancing for years, they were good enough to be competitive,
and she noticed all eyes watched them admiringly. Ray was smiling at her,
he was making her laugh and there was something intimately familiar about
the way they held each other. 
         Finally Alyana had seen enough and she turned to wander out onto
the terrace. She closed the doors on the laughter and music and stood,
staring out at the evening snow. It was cold but she didn't care, she
didn't even feel the cold, all she could feel was embarrassment at being
such a fool and pain for accepting what she couldn't have. Now she knew
how Ray felt about Fraser, but if he did love Fraser, why was he with that
blond? She shook her head and wrapped her thin bare arms around herself,
the chill finally staring to penetrate, but she didn't want to go inside,
not yet. 
         "Aly?" inquired a familiar voice softly and she turned to stare
at her partner's worried face. "You okay? Fraser said he saw you come out
here." He stepped out and shrugged off his jacket, quickly spreading it
over her slim shoulders. "It's freezing out here, you'll get sick." She
turned away from him, but pulled his coat closer around her, it was warm
and smelled like him, the man she loved. "Are you mad at me or somethin'?"
he asked his breath shaping a soft cloud of frost that drifted along the
air toward her, as he rubbed his arms in the thin shirt. 
         "Go back inside, Ray." She instructed quietly. "You're cold." 
         "Come in with me." He pressed. 
         "I want to stay out here." 
         "Com'ahn, tell me what's wrong?" he urged. "Are ya mad 'cause I'm
late? I had to pick up a surprise fer Fraser, kinda his Christmas gift." 
         "Ah yes, dear cousin Ben." She muttered bitterly. "Mustn't forget
about him, must we?" Ray frowned. 
         "Listen Alyana, I don't know what's got yer knickers in a twist,
but this is a party and we're supposed ta be havin' a good time. Now are
ya gonna come inside? There's someone I want ya to meet." She shook her
head and Ray let out a growl of frustration. "Fine then, partner, stay out
here and freeze" Alyana flinched as the French doors slammed behind him.
She barely had a moment to gather her breath before the doors opened again
and Fraser walked out. He quietly closed the door and moved to stand
beside her. 
         "Aren't you coming inside?" he asked her calmly. She shook her
head. "Why? I know for a fact you were anxiously awaiting Ray's arrival,
so why are you giving him the cold shoulder now that he's here?" 
         "It isn't your business, Ben." She informed coolly, willing
herself not to break down in front of him. 
         "You're hurting him." Stated Fraser firmly. " He is my best
friend, that makes it my business." 
         "I'm sure he'll get more than enough comfort from his guest." She
assumed. 
         "Ah." Said Fraser. "So that's it is it?" She remained silent,
until he grabbed hold of her wrist. 
         "Leave me..." she started but her words were cut off as Fraser
almost literally pulled her back through the doors. The warmth was a
blessing, but she stood her ground, until Fraser glared down at her with a
look she had never before seen in his gentle eyes. 
         "Walk or be carried, your choice, Alyana." He warned. "Although
walking I'm sure would be more appropriate to your station." Alyana glared
at him then lifted her chin and allowed him to guide her over to where a
small group of people had gathered. Welsh, Francesca, Elaine ,Hewy and
Dewey, whom Ray had introduced her to when he had brought her to their
nightclub and a dark haired man with a receding hairline that she didn't
recognize. Beside him was the blond that Ray had been dancing with. Fraser
smiled at them. 
         "Hey, Benny, who's this lovely lady?" The dark haired stranger
asked, receiving a playful swat from the blond. 
         "You flirt." She accused gently and he grinned. 
         "I'm Italian, what d'ya want?" Fraser chuckled. 
         "This is my cousin Alyana." He introduced politely. "Alyana, this
is my good friend and was my first partner here in Chicago, Ray Vecchio
and his wife Stella." Alyana shook their hands, but didn't really feel
their touch. 
         "The Stella?" she almost squeaked and the blond laughed. 
         "Well, I didn't know I was that special, but yes that's me." She
admitted. "Ray, or rather Stan, but if you call him that he might hit you,
is my ex-husband." Alyana glanced at Vecchio. 
         "Then you're the...." 
         "The one he was pretendin' to be when he got the luck to take my
life and my partner too. But I got even 'cause I took his wife." Everyone
but  Fraser and Alyana laughed. Fraser because although he knew Vecchio
was only joking, it was made at Stan's expense, Alyana because she was
completely confused and more than little appalled. 
         "I...it's very nice to meet you." She rushed glancing at Fraser,
who quickly took her aside and whispered in her ear. 
         "I don't know why you're angry with Ray, if you're jealous of
Stella or of me." Alyana gasped. Ray had admitted he was in love with
Fraser? Before she could consider this, however, Fraser continued. "You
seem to be of the idea that he is in love with his partner." She nodded
despondently. "Alyana, you're suspicions are correct but you've..." She
glanced at him surprised. 
         "Ray is in love with you." She determined quietly. "I know it
he..." 
         "Ray is in love with his partner.," agreed Fraser. "But I'm not
his partner anymore, Alyana." His voice lowered to a velvet softness. "You
are." She stared at him. "I told him I was offered a transfer  back here
over a week ago, asked him if he wanted to be partners with me again."
Alyana's lower lip trembled and Fraser caressed her cheek. "He turned me
down, Alyana." Her gaze shot up toward his in hope and disbelief. "He
wants us to be friends, but he knows my place is in Canada and his is
here," He smoothed her hair. "With you." She shook her head, afraid to
hope, afraid to believe Ray wanted her over Ben. "It's true, Aly, I never
lie." Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as Francesca approached them. 
          "W..where's Ray?" she whispered aloud. Francesca stopped beside
her and smiled. 
         "I think he said he was going home." She commented. "Said he was
tired." 
         "Excuse me." Alyana offered before hurrying past them and out the
door. 
         "So she's Stan's new Mountie, hey?" remarked Vecchio, joining
them,  with a small grin and Fraser nodded. "Good, I like her. He deserves
someone special like that." Fraser nodded and draped an arm over his
friend's shoulders. 
         "You are very right, Ray, my friend." He agreed. "Very perceptive
of you." Vecchio grinned. 
         "Always am, Benny." He commented. "I picked you didn't I?" Fraser
laughed. 
  

        . Alyana stepped outside, her heels slipping slightly on the icy
steps of the Consulate, despite the sand that had been thrown over them to
prevent accidents. She glanced around, as she pulled Ray's jacket closer
around her, looking for a sign of the blond detective. She saw him huddled
in his car in the far side of the street, frost partially distorted her
view through the windows; it was running but he had not left yet. She
hurried down the steps and across the street to the GTO that was as much a
part of Ray Kowalski as Fraser's Stetson was to him. She knocked on the
passenger door window and watched him jump in his seat, reflexively going
for his gun. He sighed and reached across the seat to unlock the door for
her. She quickly slipped inside, glad for the warmth that the car's heater
offered her; now she remember why she left Canada! 
         "H..hi?" she managed, trying to stop her chattering teeth.
"W..were you l..leaving?" He continued to stare out the window as he
nodded. "I..I thought it was a party y..you wanted to enjoy? A..all your
f..friends are inside." He shrugged. 
         "I changed my mind." He stated sullenly. 
         "Ray, I..I'm sorry about....I didn't mean to be...to ruin the
party for you." She offered quietly. 
         "I didn't mean to be late, Aly." He sighed with a shake of his
head and she stared at him. He thought she was angry with him for coming
late to the party?! "I had to pick up Vecchio and.....Stella. Their flight
was late and we'd planed it as a surprise fer Fraser. I'm sorry ya got
mad." 
         "Ray," she began, moving closer to him in the seat, but he
interrupted her. 
        "An' I'm sorry I was such a jerk at the Christmas party, I was
just tired and...well, I didn't like the way those other guys were hangin'
all over ya." Alyana swallowed her cry of joy, Ray had been jealous! She
tried again to explain. 
          "I wasn't angry because you were late." She bit her lip, her
face was already flushed with her embarrassment. He was going to think she
was such a fool. "I...I thought...when I saw you come in I thought the
blond..that is Stella was your date. I was jealous." Ray finally looked at
her, an unreadable expression in his eyes and she averted her eyes in
shame. "I was a fool I know. I mean I have no right to..." 
         "You were jealous 'cause I danced with Stella?" he asked amazed
and she raised her eyes to his again. 
        "I didn't know she was your wi..your ex-wife." Suddenly Ray
started to chuckle, then he started to really laugh. Alyana sat there in
silence, her face beet red as he laughed at her, but she deserved it she
had been a fool. Finally when she thought sure her face would bring forth
every person in the vicinity like a beacon in the night, Ray sobered and
spoke. 
         "I..I'm sorry babe, but it's just so ironic." He suppressed
another chuckle. "I been tryin' ta get Stella outta my system forever if
feels like and when I do, I want to introduce you to her, to show her the
new woman in my life, and yer jealous because ya think I'm dating her!"
Alyana smiled, it was rather funny. Ray reached over and kissed her. She
stiffened in shock, then melted against him. When they parted he gazed
down into her eyes and smiled so sweetly that Alyana thought she could now
die happily after seeing such a wonderful smile. "I love you Aly." He
stated. "Not Fraser, not Stella, just you." Alyana thought her heart would
burst as he gave her an affectionate squeeze. 
         "Let's go ring in the New Year, partner." He prompted, shutting
off the engine and throwing the keys in his pocket, She gave him a
dazzling smile and scooted across the seat to follow him out of the car.
They hurried across to the Consulate and stepped inside, Ray kept his arm
around her waist and she his. She realized he wasn't wearing his shoulder
holster, but he caught her look and pointed to his boot, he never went
anywhere unarmed. She smiled and let him lead her out onto the dance
floor, as he pulled his jacket from around her shoulders and tossed it to
Fraser, who caught it easily and set in against a chair smiling. 
        Ray pulled Alyana into his arms and proceeded to twirl her around
the dance floor. Fraser and Francesca soon joined him. Ray and Ben
exchanged a glance that spoke of their bond of friendship, a bond that
would never be broken, regardless of where either of them were. Stella and
Ray Vecchio moved out onto the floor, then Elaine grabbed Dewy and soon
the four couples were dashing about the floor in a wonderful display of
friendship and music. The countdown to midnight started and people echoed
it around them. ...5...4...3...2...1...Every one cried out as confetti
fell from the ceiling and welcomed the New Year with a kiss, especially
the couples on the dance floor. 
        Welsh stood to the side,  thinking Francesca Vecchio looked as
though she had one the lottery as Fraser's head dipped  to press his lips
to hers. Ray and Stella, were smooching like newly weds still, Elaine and
Dewey were  trading an affectionate kiss and Ray Kowalski was twirling
around his new partner, never missing a step of the dance as they kissed
passionately, oblivious to their surroundings and eyes only for each
other. The Lieutenant grinned and sipped his glass of punch. It was good
to have the family back together again. 
  
  
  

Look for the parallel story of 
Fraser and his new partner in Canada, 
coming soon!!