Somebody Else's Lover    

 Somebody Else's Lover	As this is our first posting to DSX (there's two
of us!), we thought it needed some explanation. This story started out as
a joke between two friends, both Leapers *and* Duesers, Al *and* Ray-fans,
and both slashaholics, who thought it might be fun to put our two
favourite boys *together*. The result is this story "Somebody Else's
Lover". For those who *really* feel Al and Ray should not be unfaithful to
their respective partners (and technically they're *not*, but you'll have
to read the story to know what that's all about ;-)), there's a very sweet
conclusion as a reward for sticking with us! But then again, in the
immor(t)al words of Al Calavicci : "What's wrong with an old-fashioned
one-night-stand anyway?" ;-) Okay, now that's out of the way, some
warnings : Rated R for M/M relationship, some sex, silly authors notes, a
peek into the third season (the way *we* want to see it), sexy Italians,
classic cars,... As for any spelling or grammatical errors, please be
gentle as both authors don't have English as their first language. Usual
disclaimers : Sam and Al belong to Belisarius Productions and Universal,
Ben and Ray belong to Alliance, we just like to play with them! 

 Somebody Else's Lover	a Due South / Quantum Leap crossover by Lisa
Martin and Agnes Joseph 

 Ray's story 

 He had it again. A vague, unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He didn't have to ask himself what it was, he knew. And he hated it. What
he didn't know, was where it came from. It had suddenly emerged one day,
with mind-blowing force. For years, he had been able to resist it, yet
every time it returned it seemed stronger. And more difficult to ignore.
In the end, he had given in to it. Not able to resist the temptation
anymore, not with the worst kind of temptation staring him in the face
every day. Now it was like a drug, an addiction, only he couldn't get what
he really wanted. The burden got heavier with every passing day. The day
had been long and wet, rain pouring from the steel grey sky without pause.
When Ray stepped into his car, he felt his clothes sticking to his skin.
He shivered when he caught himself rehearsing the things he would say to
his mother tonight. He felt so cheap, so dirty. Angrily he drove off,
ignoring every traffic regulation. For one thing he was thankful. Benny
had called him at the precinct, telling him he had to work late. His
relief had shamed him, but it meant one less lie to tell. And if there was
one thing he hated even more than lying to his mother, it was lying to his
friend. Yet, he had woven this web of deceit and he knew there was no
escape possible anymore. 

 A few hours later, he was on his way again. Every time the same route.
Park his car in front of Fraser's apartment building, get out, lock the
door and walk a few blocks, then try to find a cab. No way was he gonna
take his car to where he wanted to go. The risk was simply too great. He
noticed the trace of disgust on the cabdriver's face as he told him his
destination. Noticed it and ignored it. These things didn't really get to
him any more. As long as he got where he wanted, no needed to go, nothing
else mattered. 

 He entered the bar and walked up to his usual place at the bar. He slid
onto a stool and was greeted by the bartender. "Ray." He gave a short nod
back. A glass of beer was placed in front of him. Taking it, he glanced
around. Seemed like a slow night, the place was practically empty. Must be
the rain, he thought to himself. He turned back again when suddenly he
became aware of eyes that were watching him. Peeking out of the corner of
his eye, he saw a figure sitting at the table at the far end of the room.
He couldn't see him very clearly, but he saw enough to realise this man
wasn't a regular here. In fact, he had never seen him before. His breath
caught in his throat as the man got op from his chair and walked towards
him. No matter how often this happened, he still wasn't used to it. Not
that it had happened a lot, but he did have some experience. He scoffed at
the thought, experience... 

 The man sat himself down on the stool next to him and ordered a coffee. 

 "You want another?" 

 "Huh?" Ray started. 

 "Drink." 

 "Oh, uh....yeah." He mentally kicked himself for being so clumsy. His
gaze went to the man beside him. He was older than most of the guys who
came here, dark, close cropped hair, a lined face and dark brown eyes,
that were now twinkling with laughter. Yet, there was something sad in
them as well. A part of him wanted to run off as fast as he could, but
another was fascinated. The other part won. 

 "You're new here," he said casually. 

 "I have never been in this joint, if that's what you mean," was the quiet
reply. It was delivered in a raspy, gruff voice and it sent shivers up
Ray's 

 spine. He couldn't recall being attracted to someone so fast. Well, one,
but that one was an exception to every rule. He pushed the last thought to
the back of his mind, tonight he didn't want to be bothered by it. 

 "Thought as much," he said. He had the uneasy feeling he was being
studied, and he shifted a little on his stool. 

 "You don't strike me as a regular, either." 

 "Not really. I only drift in every now and again." It came out with
surprising ease. For some reason , he didn't feel like hiding. His natural
defence system seemed to be temporarily disabled. 

 "I understand." The words hit Ray with force. He looked at the man and
realised that he had just met someone who *did* understand. He felt
himself relaxing. A slow smile spread across his face as he extended his
hand. 

 "I'm Ray." 

 Eyebrows were raised in puzzlement above the eyes that went big for a
second. Then the smile was returned and his hand was taken in a firm grip.
"Al." 

 Silence stretched on for a couple of minutes after that, as if neither
man knew what to do next. Ray took a few swigs from his beer, feeling the
cold liquid burning down his system. 

 "Look," Al said suddenly. "I don't know what your plans were tonight, but
I want to get outta here. This place is depressing." 

 "It is. Depressing, I mean. And I didn't have any real plans." Again so
easy, Ray kept on surprising himself. The surprise turned into
astonishment when he heard himself asking, "Any suggestions?" 

 "You're the local here, you tell me." Al shrugged. Ray didn't even bother
to wonder how Al knew he was a local. "Your place?" 

 Ray could've been mistaken, but he thought he heard a trace of hope in
those words. "Not if you want the entire family looking over your
shoulder," he replied. 

 "Ah no! Better not," Al grinned. Again no further explanation was needed.
No questions, no inquiries, just simple acceptance. He jumped off the
stool and grabbed Ray by the arm. "Come on." 

 Once outside, Al stopped and looked around. "You got a car?" 

 "Not here." 

 "We'll use mine then." Ray was dragged to a nearby car. 

 "Rental," Al said shortly, noticing Ray's grin when he looked at the car.
"Not exactly my style." Ray's grin got broader, hearing the barely hidden
disgust. 

 "What is your style?" he inquired, when he had seated himself in the
passenger seat. He received a mischievous look and felt his cheeks heat
up. "Eh...that's not what I meant!" he snapped, completely embarrassed. 

 Al chuckled. "I know. But my mind has taken a permanent residence in the
sewer." 

 Despite his awkwardness Ray had to laugh. It almost sounded like
something he could've said himself. "I was talking about cars, mister," he
said in a stern voice. 

 "Yes, sir!" Al saluted. They looked at each other and burst out in
laughter. "But to answer your question," Al said, when he could capture
hisbreath again. "I like sports-cars. The faster the better." 

 "You own one?" 

 "Two, actually. A Chevrolet Corvette '57 that I never use, and a
prototype." 

 "Cool," Ray replied. "I like classic cars. Have a Buick Riviera '71,
myself." 

 "You drive a classic like that in this city?? You're nuts!" 

 "Probably. But I can't afford another car. Besides, I bought that car to
drive it." He paused for a second. "A prototype? What kind?" 

 "Red, sleek and fast. A friend designed it for me. He loves playing with
those things. Only designing and building, though. Where it comes to
driving he has no taste at all. Owns a Jeep!" 

 "Yeg!" Ray shivered. "That's no car!" 

 "That's what I keep telling him!" 

 "And he doesn't listen?" Ray's thoughts involuntarily went to Fraser.
Stubborn as hell were the words that flashed through his brain. 

 "Sam? Not in my lifetime!" Despite the gruffness of the comment, Ray
could hear the affection behind it. Yet again something very familiar.
Benny could drive him up the wall sometimes, but he couldn't stay away
from him. 

 The rest of the ride was bridged in silence, a comfortable silence. It
wasn't until Ray realised that they were now in the suburbs, he spoke up
again. 

 "Where are we going?" 

 "I'm staying at a friends place. He's out of town. " Moments later Al
pulled up the car in front of a modest house. He cut the engine and looked
over at Ray. "You wanna come in?" 

 Temptation and common sense fought a war inside the younger man. One look
in those dark, brooding eyes and he knew temptation had won. Again. "Yes."


 Ray found himself back in the living room of the house. How he got there
was a mystery to him. A flash of panic coursed through him and he almost
bolted. Then he felt a hand running over his back, gentle and soothing.
The panic evaporated immediately and he leaned back into the caress. His
hand was taken and he let himself be led to the bedroom. The only sound he
could utter was a whispered "No," as Al wanted to switch on the light. 

 

 His shirt was tugged out of his pants, hands sliding underneath it,
teasing, tormenting. He groaned loudly as a nipple was pinched, throwing
his head back. His clothes were slowly removed, dropping soundlessly to
the floor. The cold air of the air-conditioning that hit his overheated
flesh send goosebumps all over his body. It also cleared his mind a
little. He realised that Al was still fully clothed. His hands began to
undo the other man of his garments. He heard Al chuckle low at his
impatience, but ignored it completely. Then he was pushed towards the bed
and onto it, a warm body covering his a second later. 

 It was different than he had ever experienced. Fingers that were trailing
over his body, setting every nerve ending on fire. He felt himself drift
away on the sensations, the only thing he could do was return the
caresses, as gently and soft as they were given. The pleasure built, wave
after wave shooting through his system. A scream was building up in his
throat, he tried to postpone the inevitable, only to discover he couldn't.
He let it out, feeling his body convulse in the most powerful orgasm he
ever had. It seemed to go on forever; he wanted it to go on forever. Then
his muscles relaxed and he fell back on the bed, letting the softness
welcome him. 

 He became aware of his surroundings again, finding himself sprawled on
the bed, arms flung out. A smile touched his lips, for the first time
since this madness started, he felt good about it. This was what he had
been hoping to find, all along. 

 He opened his eyes, squinting against the light. He blinked, letting his
eyes grow accustomed to it. Then he met a pair of other eyes, looking down
at him. 

 "Back in the land of the living?" 

 "Yeah." It came out breathless. A soft chuckle followed and he turned
towards the other man, reaching out with one arm to pull him closer. Every
muscle responded sluggishly, his limbs seemed to weigh a ton each, but he
felt wonderful. Better than he had in ages. With a deep-contented sigh he
moulded himself around the smaller man. His back was stroked with long,
lazy strokes. At one point the hands suddenly stopped. 

 "What is it?" Ray asked , drawing back a little. Al smiled, a small
smile. 

 "Nasty scar," he answered, touching Ray's shoulder. 

 "Bullet wound," Ray said shortly, not wanting to talk about it. 

 "Thought as much. You got in the way?" 

 "No, well, yes I did." Al looked at him, sensing the discomfort in the
younger man. This was obviously a very bad memory to him. Not that getting
shot is pleasant, but he had a distinct feeling there was more to it. 

 "Oh God," Ray muttered softly. Only now, he had taken a good look at the
man lying next to him. Numerous scars covered his chest, shoulders and
upper arms. 

 Al sighed deeply and closed his eyes briefly. How many times had he heard
this reaction before? Too many. 

 "Seems you get into everybody's way," Ray grinned, in an attempt to
lighten the mood. Tonight he didn't want to think about those dark days,
tonight he wanted to forget that. 

 Al's eyes snapped open in surprise, then he grinned. A feeling of relief
washed over him and he pulled his bedmate close again. "I like you, ki..
Ray." he whispered in his ear. Ray shivered, getting aroused again. He
pressed himself closer, wanting to touch every inch of skin. He rolled the
smaller man over, pressing him into the mattress. Then he started to
nuzzle his way down, his hands stroking , petting. A low, shuddering moan
was his reward. He glanced up for a second and saw the desire burn in the
dark eyes. Feeling bolder he went on, further down. A teasing lick on the
hardening cock had the desired effect. 

 "Yes!" It was a gasp, a plea. 

 Ray hesitated for a moment. He had never done this before and he wasn't
sure if he should do it at all. Then he threw all caution to the wind and
engulfed the shaft with one swallow. He willed his gagging reflex down and
began to suck. The blood was ringing in his ears, but he could still hear
the groans of encouragement. Hips began to buck wilder and wilder, and Ray
had to brace himself. Then Al let out an inarticulate cry and came into
Ray's mouth. Ray swallowed with a satisfied grin. It was a salty, earthy
taste and he realised he really liked it. He rested his head on Al's
stomach, waiting for him to recover. 

 "Oh God, you're good." Al's voice was a hoarse whisper. 

 "Thank you," Ray replied. He was stunned for a split second when he
realised he had almost added another word. He shook his head slightly,
wanting to shake out every thought of that infuriating human being. 

 "Come here, you." 

 Ray obeyed gladly, sliding upwards into the waiting arms again. His
erection pressed hotly against Al's leg. 

 "My turn," With those words he was flipped over on his back. Soon he was
trashing all over the bed in sheer ecstasy. One thing was sure, this man
was 

 no newcomer to this game. Stars exploded before his eyes, he cried out
until his throat was hoarse. Then the big explosion, lightning flashes and
thunderbolts all at once. Then silence, heavenly silence. 

 He must have drifted off, because when he opened his eyes he found
himself alone. His eyes darted across the room, panic seizing him again.
He heard a soft gasp from the doorway. To his relief Al was standing
there, clad in a robe. 

 "Hi," he smiled. 

 "Hi, yourself," Al smiled. "You were completely out of it. I thought I'd
let you sleep for a while." 

 "Thanks. You wore me out." Ray confessed without shame or embarrassment. 

 "Should I take that as a compliment?" Al asked, a teasing note in his
voice. 

 "You bet!" 

 "Well, thank you." Al took the comment with an exaggerated bow. It had
Ray laughing. He really liked this guy. "Hey, I've made some coffee, you
want some?" 

 Ray pushed himself up and nodded. "Great!" He watched as Al turned and
walked away. He felt sore all over, but it was a pleasant ache. He got off
the bed and dressed himself quickly. He was almost sorry to leave, but he
knew it couldn't be any other way. At least he had a night to remember. 

 When he got down, the smell of coffee wafted towards him. It made his
stomach rumble and he wished he had taken the time to eat a proper meal.
The kitchen was small, yet cosy. He sat himself down at the table and took
the mug that was sitting there. The liquid was hot and tasted very good. 

 Al sat himself opposite him, holding a mug between his hands. For a
moment they just looked at each other, smiling. 

 "I...eh...I had a real good time," Ray said finally. "I never knew it
could be like this." 

 Al's smile got deeper, understanding. "You haven't done this much, have
you?" 

 "No, and never like this. Quick lays in dirty motel rooms and..." 

 Al raised his hand to stop him. "I know what it's like, Ray. You don't
have to explain. I've been there. Nowadays, when I get the chance, I
prefer it like this. And not with any guy." 

 Ray took the compliment in silence, feeling flattered. "You never met
someone special?" 

 "Special?" 

 "Yeah, you know, special, someone right for you." 

 A wistful look crossed Al's features. "I wish I had." 

 "Me too." 

 They drank their coffee in silence. When Ray had finished it he rose from
his chair. "I've gotta go now." 

 Al nodded and got to his feet. 

 Ray walked to the living room, Al following him. Then he turned, and
handed him a small card. "My phone-number. Maybe when you get into town
again..." He took a deep breath and continued, "It's my private number, a
cell-phone." 

 Al took the card and looked at it. "Are you sure about this? You hardly
know me." 

 "I know you well enough to trust you." Ray amazed himself by doing this.
Yet, he felt he could do it. He did trust this man. He hesitated for
another moment, then turned back and stalked out. 

 As he walked swiftly through the empty streets, his mind was still with
the man he left behind. He knew Al lied to him. There was someone special
in his life. Why else had he moaned that name during their lovemaking? Not
his name. Sam. 

 Al stared after the retreating figure. He knew Ray had lied to him. There
was someone special in his life. Why else had he yelled out that name? Not
his name. Benny. 

 Al's story 

 He had it again. A vague, unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach.
He didn't have to ask himself what it was, he knew. And he hated it. Hated
it because he knew precisely where it came from, knew precisely who and
what was to blame for this feeling. Knew it and hated it. Hated it
especially since he was here, so far from what... whom he wanted. 

 *Damn!* He hit the wheel of his rental car hard. Why did he have to be
stuck here in Chicago when he should be back home, where he was needed?
One of these days Weitzman would push his little games a little too far
and he would snap, just like that. He couldn't though. He'd promised the
kid to keep his cool, one more promise that he intended to keep no matter
what. 

 He let his mind drift, calming on the thought that he'd be on a plane
back tomorrow. Only a few more hours and he'd be back where he belonged,
where he mattered to someone. Where he could look into sparkling green
eyes and know that there was some one in the world who cared for him, who
thought he was special. The knowledge made him feel all warm inside. Yeah,
that was it. Someone who thought he was special. 

 That vague, unsettling feeling slammed into him with full force now. Damn
inconvenient time, he thought, but at least the place wasn't. Far from
home, in a city where no one knew him, there'd be no worries about running
into someone he knew, someone who might recognise him and jeopardise his
career or the project. 

 He knew exactly what he was looking for too. No matter which city, or 

 which country for that matter, places like this looked the same the world
over. He would have recognised this one blindfolded. Before he'd really
made up his mind even, he'd parked the car, stepped out and locked the
door behind him. Rental car or not, this was Chicago and he wanted to find
his car still parked here when he returned. 

 The place had a nice feel about it, but it wasn't very crowded. A few
people at the bar, a few at scattered tables with their heads close
together in a whispered conversation, but that was it. Slow night
apparently. He didn't mind, actually he preferred it that way. With any
luck nobody would walk through that door who he would find remotely
interesting, taking away the danger of what he was about to do. With any
luck, someone interesting actually might. 

 Nursing his third cup of coffee half an hour later he was about to give
up. Maybe he'd picked the wrong joint tonight, but the patrons of this
establishment weren't exactly his cup of tea. Ten minutes ago a young man
had sat down at his table, asking if he wanted to buy him a drink. He
hadn't exactly told the young man to take a hike, but his body language
had said it all. This wasn't what he'd had in mind. A quick romp in the
sack, no names, no questions asked. He may have fallen low, but not that
low yet. 

 The door swung open, letting a soft evening breeze in and a tall, very
thin young man. There was something about the elegance, the grace of his
walk that immediately caught his eye. Tall, a gorgeous brown coat slung
across his shoulders, he appeared somewhere in his thirties, maybe around
Sam's age. He was definitely as tall as Sam, maybe even a tiny bit taller.
For the rest he couldn't be further removed from Sam if he tried. Skinny,
a sharp beaky profile that you couldn't call handsome no matter how hard
you tried, and hair that was so badly thinning that he'd settled for a
very short-shaven peach fuzz. It suited him, he had to admit. 

 The object of his scrutiny had opted for a stool at the bar instead of a
table and ordered a beer. Something about the shoulders, the way they
seemed to slump, as if he was about to up and run away at any second,
peeked his attention even further. This guy didn't want to be here any
more than he did, he realised with a fascinated shock. The close-cropped
head was turned in his direction, ever so slightly, obviously sensing the
other man's observation. His head turned towards him like this, he noticed
another similarity with Sam, one that made him smile affectionately. He'd
never tease Sam about his nose again. 

 There was no need to keep this game up, he realised. His interest was
peeked. Might as well make the most of it. As he got up from his chair and
walked closer, he noticed the other man tensing up, a slight straightening
of thin shoulders under a heavy coat. More than ever Al got the impression
that he just wanted to get the hell out of there, but just like Al he knew
that he couldn't. With as much nonchalance as he could muster, he slid
down on the stool next to him and ordered another coffee. 

 "You want another?" he asked casually. 

 A startled head shot in his direction, huge eyes staring at Al. Those
eyes. They were mesmerising. And *exactly* the same colour as Sam's! 

 "Huh?" 

 "Drink" Al clarified, an amused smile forming on his lips. This kid
didn't look nervous, he looked flat out terrified. He could sympathise
with that feeling, knew what it felt like, had experienced it countless
times himself. 

 "Oh, uh... yeah." 

 Al saw the inner battle the kid was waging. The clear green eyes were
studying him, while he fought between the terror of staying and the terror
of going and maybe never knowing what might have been. The smile that
slowly spread across the younger man's face told Al which part had won the
battle, a curving of the generous mouth that so lit up his face that it
almost looked handsome. 

 "You're new here," he said, trying to sound casual, but still unable to
hide the slight tremor in his voice. The battle wasn't completely won yet,
Al realised. 

 "I have never been in this joint, if that's what you mean," he replied
quickly. He knew there was no danger of being recognised here, but still
his reputation sometimes tended to precede him. This wouldn't be the first
time that someone recognised him from TV or a magazine. 

 "Thought as much," the other man said as he reached for his beer and took
a nervous sip. 

 Something in his words rang a bell inside Al's head. The kid was too
jumpy for someone who was accustomed to hanging around in this kind of
joints. It wouldn't surprise him one bit that he didn't come to places
like these any more than he did. Maybe once in a while, when the need
became too much, when the thought of *him* sent every fibre in his body
into a roaring fire. When he saw the kid shift uncomfortably in his seat,
Al realised with 

 a shock that he'd been staring at him. The knowledge unnerved him. He
couldn't remember ever falling for some one so quickly, except maybe *him*
but then *he* was the exception to every rule. Before he knew what had hit
him, the two of them were on the pavement outside, Al leading the younger
man who had introduced himself as Ray to his rented car. 

 They were talking while driving, about classic cars or something? Buick
Riviera?, Al thought amused. At least the kid had good taste in more than
just clothes. [And men, eh, Lise?! They both do, Agnes!] Too bad he wasn't
more into tight jeans like... No, he would stop thinking about Sam for a
change. 

 "Sam? Not in my lifetime!" he heard himself say. Damn! Couldn't he stop
thinking about him for just one night at least? 

 "Yeah!", a voice spoke softly next to him, "The times I've told Benny to
move out of that flee-trap, but does he listen?" 

 A gigantic lightbulb flashed inside Al's head. *So your Sam is Benny, huh
kid?* Al thought sombrely. *Then why the hell are you sitting here with me
instead of him? At least I'm far away from home. I have an excuse.* His
shoulders sagged in defeat. No, he didn't. He'd known Sam for more than
ten years now, worked with him, fought with him, shared his hopes and
dreams with him, and loved him with all his heart. In all of those ten
years, he'd never worked up the courage to tell him that the thought of
him drove him crazy. He glanced briefly at the profile of the man next to
him. *That your story too, kid?* he thought with a sudden burst of
understanding and sympathy. *Terrified of being laughed at, or worse even,
being rejected? Rather live with this ache and need than lose *his* love
and respect forever? 'Cause that would be *unbearable*, wouldn't it?
Anything is better than *that*. Even *this*.* 

 The car stopped in front of the house of an old pilot-buddy and his
family, who had generously offered Al a place to stay while they were out
of town for a couple of weeks. He opened the door and stepped aside to let
Ray enter, noticing the nervous edginess in the younger man. He wondered
briefly if he'd made the right decision and just as his eyes met the
round, green, mesmerising depths of the other man, he recognised the same
reluctance. They could still turn back. It was not too late yet. A soft,
hesitant smile, answered by an equally soft, hesitant smile. 

 "Let me take your coat," Al finally managed to say, pleased when Ray
smiled briefly and shrugged out of his heavy coat, handing it to Al almost
shyly. Hanging Ray's coat and his own away, gave Al a moment to collect
himself and by the time he returned to find the tall, young man standing
awkwardly in the middle of the large living-room, he'd made up his mind.
And he was *not* going to regret it or feel guilty. 

 Unnoticed by the man looking around the room, Al stood in the doorway for
a moment and drank in the sight. He was thin, but the loose fitting suit
he wore under his coat hid a lot. It was almost as if the kid was trying
to make himself invisible to the world. Probably extremely self-conscious
about his looks, Al guessed, and probably this Benny of his was Mr.
Universe himself. He needn't be shy though, Al thought amused. He had a
very nice, elegant body and that pert butt of his was almost as cute as
Sam's. Not quite, but almost. Sam's was fuller, rounder... 

 Almost unconsciously he found himself walking closer and before he knew
what he was planning to do, he found his hand on the warm, firm, slender
back. It wasn't even a caress, just a warm touch of a hand, but he could
feel the reaction in the younger man's body, could feel it in his own, as
he circled the elegant figure to stand in front of him, his hand never
leaving it's place. They were facing each other now; bewildered green eyes
meeting sensual dark ones, Al's arm loosely around the narrow waist the
only physical presence between them. 

 "I...", Ray started, but Al cut him off. 

 "Sshh," he whispered. "Let me." 

 Hands disappeared under expensive material, caressed slender shoulders,
slid the jacket off them and onto the ground in one smooth movement. The
most elegant neck he'd ever seen presented itself before his eyes now and
wondering how it might taste, he nuzzled it briefly, listening with amused
satisfaction to the soft murmur of appreciation it elicited. The head
against his tilted slightly, and next he was aware of the sensation of
lips against his temple, down his cheek, on his lips. Pleasure shot
through him like electricity as that full, generous mouth opened beneath
his, allowing access into that wondrous haven. He had to reach up to kiss
him, he noticed distractedly. He'd have to reach up to kiss Sam too! The
thought sobered him and he broke the kiss rapidly, chiding himself for
letting Sam sneak into his thoughts while he was here with Ray. *Go away,
Sam. Go away*, he 

 told the image inside his head, as he stared gasping into eyes the exact
same shade of green as Sam's. There was only one way to get the image to
go away. He grabbed Ray's hand boldly and led him out of the room. 

 Five years later 

 The tall, handsome man and the shorter, older man looked like the
mismatch of the century, walking together like that through the large
building, but that only went to show that sometimes appearances could be
deceiving. Because in truth, these two had found everything they would
ever need in each other. 

 Al sighed happily as he lead his lover from one display to another,
marvelling at the warmth and affection in the younger man's presence. The
hell called Leaping which had taken five years was finally truly behind
them. Sam was finally back home, where he belonged, with the people he
loved and who loved him. During their five-year-hell, Al had made a vow to
himself that, if Sam ever made his way home alive, he would reveal the
truth, tell him how he felt about him. There was one thing he hadn't
counted on. 

 The bond between them, which he never would have believed could get any
stronger, had gained a whole new meaning while Leaping, when they couldn't
even so much as touch, and eyes and words were all they had between them.
When Sam finally had returned, Al hadn't even needed to tell him anything.
It was like some sort of telepathic connection had formed between them,
every single thought Sam thought his and vice versa. And the most
startling revelation of all was that Sam had felt the same about him, had
*always* felt the same, but just like Al had been too scared of rejection
to do anything about it. 

 The only thing that now sometimes put a damper on their happiness was the
realisation of all the time they'd wasted, time that could have been spent
loving each other. At those times they just clung to each other, and made
up for all the time they'd lost. 

 "Hey Bingo!" a voice called out to him, and looking up, Al found himself
staring at Sam, leaning against a beautiful black Corvette, a grin on his
lips which was about to split his face. "Isn't this your car, Ensign
Calavicci?" 

 Al grinned back amused, closing the distance between them and lingering a
gentle caress across the smooth surface of the car, a caress that ended on
his lover's hip. He'd been forced to give up his own baby some time ago,
but he had never regretted it. He never regretted anything he did for Sam.


 "Sure looks a lot like her!" he mumbled softly. 

 "Her!" Sam exclaimed with mock annoyance. "You sailors are all alike!"
Before Al could dignify that with an answer, Sam grabbed his hand and
dragged him along to the next display. Al shook his head at so much boyish
enthusiasm. Not that he wasn't enjoying the carshow Sam had brought them
to, but ever since Sam had returned from Leaping he seemed to be filled
with more energy than Al knew what to do with... which wasn't always a bad
thing, he thought with a lecherous smile. 

 "Wow, look at this beauty!" Sam offered in awed admiration, but all Al
could do was stare in shocked surprise. The car *was* a beauty, a Buick
Riviera, as sleek and elegant as *he* was, as green and mesmerising as
those eyes. He hadn't thought about *him* in years... 

 The tall, handsome man and the slightly taller, skinnier man looked like
the mismatch of the century, walking together like that through the large
building, but that only went to show that sometimes appearances could be
deceiving. Because in truth, these two had found everything they would
ever need in each other. 

 Ray sighed happily as he lead his lover from one display to another,
marvelling in the warmth and affection of the other man's presence.
Strange, but the most devastating experience in both their lives had
brought them together in a way that had seemed quite impossible before. An
assignment, dangerous and top secret, national security, had sent Ray deep
undercover, away from Chicago and the man who owned his heart and soul. It
was the chance of a lifetime career-wise, and reasoning that absence made
the heart grow fonder, Ray had accepted the challenge, but only when Benny
himself had insisted that it would be totally crazy not to. 

 He'd hoped that Benny would miss him as much as he would miss Benny, and
maybe come to realise that there was so much more than just friendship
between them. When reports from Frannie (who'd found herself a job at the
precinct, which was one good reason not to return in a hurry) reached him
about a new man in Fraser's life, someone who of all things worked at the
precinct, and how close he and Fraser were becoming, Ray had finally come
to terms with the truth. That to Fraser he'd never been more than a good
friend, a friend who could be replaced just like *that*. He'd been foolish
to think otherwise, and with a heart broken into a zillion pieces, he 

 finally accepted that he'd lost Benny, that was if you could lose
something you'd never had. 

 And then he'd returned six months later, heartbroken, but resigned; happy
to see Benny again, but *never* again expecting anything more. Fraser was
out with Kowalski, Elaine had informed him, a sad look on her sweet face.
He'd chatted with her a while then, caught up with Huey and Dewey (Welsh'd
had to be kidding when he paired those two!), when the door had opened and
Fraser had walked in, laughing at something Kowalski'd said, and looking
more gorgeous and happier than any man had a right to be. Ray'd been sure
he was over Benny and yet he'd felt his heart breaking all over again. 

 He'd tried to get away in time, but it was too late, Fraser had seen him.
The smile had frozen on that lovely face, the colour suddenly sickly white
against the red uniform, but (and Ray would never forget this no matter
how long he lived) those bright, blue eyes had lit up like a christmas
tree. Ray'd felt something soft and furry against his leg, but he couldn't
be bothered with Dief saying hello, captured by the overwhelming emotions
flooding those blue eyes. Was that guy staring from one to the other like
they'd gained an extra head Kowalski? And did anyone care? [authors' note
: NOT US!!] 

 "You're back!" a soft voice had finally murmured and all Ray had been
able to do was nod. 

 What happened next was still a blur in Ray's mind. He'd felt a hand close
around his arm in an iron grip and the next moment he'd been dragged
through the door, down the corridor, shoved into a closet, the door
slamming shut behind them. Before he could recover, Benny had grabbed him
and slammed him against the wall, hands tearing, grabbing, caressing,
pulling at him, a hot urgent body pressing him hard against the wall.
Ray'd been too stunned to do anything but hold on tight for dear life and
hang on for the ride. Benny had kissed him urgently, hungrily, needy, the
wantonness and need of his desire almost too much for them both. He'd
finally let go of Ray's mouth to start kissing every inch on his face,
murmuring "Missed you. Love you." over and over, one blurring into another
until it sounded like "Muv you". 

 They'd climaxed there and then, too overcome by the need and frenzy of it
all, too caught up in each other and the sudden realisations to notice or
care where they were. They'd stayed in that closet for the longest time,
simply basking in the other's presence, just being together and feeling
whole again after an eternity of emptiness. Elaine had told him later that
when Welsh needed a roll of toilet paper right then, he'd sent Elaine out
for some rather than disturb the two in the closet. It was the sweetest,
and the most embarrassing thing Ray had ever heard. 

 As for Kowalski, in the end he'd become a good friend of them both and
now that he and Frannie were happily married [authors' note : punishment
enough for coming between Benny and Ray if you ask us!], Ray couldn't
comprehend how he'd ever felt jealous or threatened by the guy. 

 "Hey, Curly!" a voice called out, and Ray sighed at the stupid nickname
Benny had found for him. It was a private joke, since Ray hardly had any
hair left at all, let alone any curls. When he looked up, his jaw dropped
at the sight. He couldn't decide which was more spectacular. The green,
streamlined car, or the grinning-his-ass-off vision in jeans and leather
leaning against it. "It's the Riv!" Benny added quite unnecessarily. 

 "Geez, Benny!", Ray groaned, as he came closer. "Are you gonna make me
blow this one up too, like you did with the other *three*?" 

 "The second one wasn't *my* fault," Fraser pouted, as the grin vanished
from his face. 

 Quite unselfconsciously, he trailed a tender hand across Benny's face,
the sparkle in his eyes saying more than any words could. "You know I'd
blow up anything for you!" he said ever so softly. 

 The grin returned, blue eyes transmitting the same message back, but
before Ray could get anything else said, Benny grabbed his hand and
dragged him along the narrow corridor. He was mumbling something, but Ray
wasn't quite sure he'd heard right. It sounded an awful lot like "Whoever
owns this car, I'm gonna buy it off him!" 

 "But you can't afford it!" Ray protested weakly. 

 "You couldn't afford to bail me out of prison either!" Fraser shot back
as an argument. "Besides, see it as a wedding present!" 

 Ray stopped in his tracks, forcing the man holding his hand to a dead
stop as well. "Benny?" he whispered, almost afraid to ask. The head turned
slowly towards him, blue eyes sparkling like diamonds, the most loving
smile Ray had ever seen on that sensual mouth. "Are you serious?" 

 A slow nod of the head, a gentle step towards him, then there was no more
distance between them. "If you'll have me!" 

 "If I'll...?" Ray repeated mesmerised. "Are you *nuts*?" 

 

 Another nod of the head, a dazzling grin now. "About you!" 

 He didn't care who saw them. Ray just threw his arms around Benny's neck
and pressed his lips against his, his heart bursting with all the love he
felt for this man. His soul was souring as he walked next to Benny, not
really caring whether they found whoever owned the Riv or not. Nothing and
no one could take this moment away from him. 

 A sight caught him from the corner of his eye. Wasn't that a '57
Corvette? Didn't he know someone who owned a '57 Corvette? The car was a
beauty, as compact and classy as *he* was, as black and mysterious as
those eyes. He hadn't thought about *him* in years... 

 Al was still staring at the green Buick Riviera, not even noticing when a
short, fat man joined the two of them. 

 "Ah, Doctor Beckett, there you are!" he said, his voice loud and booming.
"I've been looking all over the exhibition for you! It's settled!" 

 "Perfect!" he heard Sam reply, which made him look up at his lover
inquiringly. 

 "What is?" he asked suspiciously, when he saw the broad, pleased grin on
his lover's face. 

 "The black Corvette," the short man replied. "Doctor Beckett just
purchased it." 

 Al's eyes snapped up at Sam. "Tell me you're kidding, please!" 

 "Nope!" was the smug reply. "Bingo isn't complete without his Corvette.
The one he never should have sold just to get my ass outta the fire!" 

 "Oh Sam!" Al muttered, touched by the generous offer despite everything.
Of course, since the roaring success of Project Quantum Leap, and more
offers to replicate Ziggy than they could possibly fulfil (not that they
ever would), financial matters were the least of their worries. If he had
his way, he'd just throw caution to the wind and give into his feelings
right here and now, but it wasn't up to him, and Sam's name was too famous
to risk his reputation. His eyes snapped open in surprise when Sam
actually leaned down and kissed him gently, but fully on the lips. 

 "I love you, Bingo," he whispered, his voice raspy with emotion. "Don't
ever forget that." 

 How could he ever? Not with this wondrous man here to keep reminding him.
"Love you too," he whispered softly and overcome with emotion. Yet there
was something else nagging at the back of his mind as his eyes focused
again on the car in front of him. 

 Ray turned away from the black 1957 Corvette he had been staring at, and
stared at the sight in front of him. 

 Al turned away from the green 1971 Riviera he had been staring at, and
stared at the sight in front of him. 

 This couldn't be coincidence. 

 This couldn't be coincidence. 

 The man he'd just been thinking about was standing a few yards away,
staring back at him, a tall, handsome stranger in jeans and leather
watching him intently. 

 The man he'd just been thinking about was standing a few yards away,
staring back at him, a tall, handsome stranger in jeans and leather
watching him intently. 

 "Ray?" 

 "Al?" 

 "Sorry, sweetheart, I thought I saw someone I used to know... I was
mistaken." 

 Two figures turned towards their respective partners at the same time,
trying to calm down their racing hearts and trying very hard to convince
themselves that it was just coincidence. 

 Ray Vecchio grinned at Ben Fraser, took his hand and walked off
blissfully. 

 Al Calavicci grinned at Sam Beckett, took his hand and walked off
blissfully. 

 At exactly the same time, two heads turned around, green sparkling eyes
meeting dark sparkling eyes, and the message read there was exactly the
same. 

 The End. 

 And now back to our regular Benny/Ray program! ;-) Lisa and Agnes