Archive of Our Own

Ray Vecchio fumbled and dropped the wooden spoon into the pot when the front door slammed open and banged shut. 

"Jesus, Stanley, slam it a bit harder! I don't think enough plaster fell off the wall." 

"Can it, Style Pig, I'm not in the mood," Ray Kowalski uttered as he marched past the kitchen. 

"Point me to a time when you have been in the mood!" Ray shouted after him, wincing when the bedroom door also slammed shut. He sighed and gingerly fished out the spoon, burning his fingers in the process, and dumped it in the sink. "This is the thanks I get for slaving over a hot stove," he grumbled to himself. 

"Thank you kindly, Ray."

Ray jumped about a mile in the air and clutched his chest at the sound of Fraser's voice directly behind him. "Goddamnit, Fraser! We've talked about announcing yourself when you enter a room."

Fraser rubbed his eyebrow contritely. "My apologies, Ray, I merely wanted to express my appreciation for your cooking. You know how much we both enjoy it."

"Yeah, well, not exactly feeling it right now, I gotta say, Benny."

"Ah. So Ray's home, then."

"Came through here like a bat out of hell." Ray narrowed his eyes at Fraser. "What did you do?" 

"Me? Nothing," Fraser replied, and then let out a nervous laugh. "At least not directly."

"Fraser…"

"It was Dief," Fraser continued quickly. "I'm afraid he's made rather a nuisance of himself." 

Ray leaned closer. "And he's still alive?" 

Fraser grimaced and tugged his earlobe. "Well, the likelihood of his sudden and unanticipated passing has hopefully been negated by the fact his malfeasance aided in the capture of an evasive criminal Ray was pursuing with great fortitude. That and only that, I believe, stayed Ray's hand in this instance."

Ray was rubbing his temples with both hands. "Any chance I could get all that again in English?"

"Dief survived by the skin of his teeth," Fraser clarified. He shot a worried look toward their bedroom. "Do you think I should—?" 

"Nope. First things first, greet your other partner, who doesn't want to kick you in the head. Then you can help me finish dinner, and we'll make the sourpuss a coffee and see if we can't lure him out with the promise of chocolate before dinner." 

"That's inordinately kind of you, Ray. Though doesn't it break your no dessert before a meal rule? The one that you're constantly arguing with Ray about?" 

"Please. Like that's ever stopped that chocoholic. His sweet tooth rivals Francesca's. I'm expecting a diabetes diagnosis any day now."

"He has improved somewhat—" 

Ray held up a hand. "Ah, ah, what did I say came first? Come on, Fraser, bring it in here," he held his arms out, "or are you going to make me beg?" 

Fraser smiled and stepped into Ray's space, his strong arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. "Hello, Ray, how was your day?" 

Ray sighed as Fraser gave him a slight squeeze. It had taken a little while for Fraser to feel comfortable with physical displays of affection, so his hugs were something Ray relished, even if they did come more often and naturally now. "Getting better by the second," he answered with a smile. After a few moments he drew back and was treated to a chaste but sweet kiss on the lips. "Alright, alright, out of the uniform."

Fraser lifted one eyebrow in bemusement. "Really, Ray, in the kitchen?" 

Snorting a laugh, Ray waved him off. "Maybe later. Right now, I need you to prep the pasta sheets for the lasagna."

"Right you are." Ducking his head in amusement, not quite hiding his blush, Fraser unbuckled himself out of his Mountie get-up faster than Ray had ever learned how and slung it neatly over the arm of the sofa in the living room. 

It spoke volumes as to how relaxed and comfortable he was in their home that he could do that, and Ray couldn't help but smile. It was those little things that made all the bad tempers and rough days worth it.

**** 

Kowalski had finally been coaxed out of the bedroom by coffee and a donut. He was now slouched on the sofa in his sweat pants and black tank top, scowling at the television. 

"That man has more in common with that wolf of yours than I think even he realizes," Ray commented, when Fraser entered the kitchen to get a top up of tea for himself and a coffee for Kowalski. "You better be pouring decaf in that mug, I swear."

"Ray," Fraser chided gently. "Ray's similarity to Diefenbaker stops after a love of sweet processed food and a mildly territorial nature."

Ray chuckled as he pulled the bubbling lasagna out of the oven. "He's refusing to let you sit on the sofa with him again, isn't he?" 

Fraser looked briefly pained. "I'm not sure whether the man wants me to prostrate myself for forgiveness or just sacrifice Diefenbaker upon the coffee table to atone for his crimes."

"He does like making you squirm, that's for sure," Ray said. "How the two of you survived before I returned from Vegas is nothing short of God's own miracle." He turned and smiled at Fraser, who looked embarrassed, as if he'd accidentally tripped over Ante again. "Relax, Benny. Once he's got food in him, it'll be fine."

"Sometimes I wonder how you can be so certain."

Placing the lasagna in the center of the round table, Ray shrugged. "I know how he feels about you, and about us; he just needs to, you know…make you stew. It's not always easy to get through to you that we're upset but don’t want you to try and fix it all the time."

"If you have a problem, why would you not want—" 

"Benny." Ray pressed a finger to Fraser's lips, cutting him off mid-rant. "He just wants to be pissed off, and he's aiming it at you because your wolf threw you to the literal wolves." He snickered at his own pun. "When are you going to see that it's not the end of the world if one or both of us is mad at you? You get mad at us too—" 

"But Ray…"

"Don't try to deny it, Fraser. I know you better than that," he stated firmly. "Once he's done sulking, he'll complain a lot, swear, and then we're going to share stories about your wolf nearly costing us our jobs." Ray grinned and kissed his discombobulated Mountie. Placing some plates on the table, he turned toward the bedroom. "BAG LADY, DINNER!" he shouted, and patted Fraser's cheek. "Sit, relax before you pull something."

"About time; I was dying in there," Kowalski commented as he marched in. He went to the fridge first and grabbed two beers. Handing one to Ray, he pecked him on the cheek as he passed, and kissed Fraser's hair before he sat down at the table. He scooped a large portion of lasagna onto his plate before Ray even had a chance to sit down. "Mmm, smells good. Ma's recipe?" 

"Who else's?" Ray laughed. He popped open his beer and sat down. 

Kowalski gestured across the table, his eyes darting furtively to Fraser. "Frase, pass me the garlic bread...please."

"Certainly, Ray."

Kowalski flashed him a grin and dug in with gusto, and Ray couldn’t suppress a smile when Fraser caught his eye, one that Fraser gratefully returned as he began to eat. Even after all this time, Fraser still worried, still looked at them both with a fear that they might vanish before his eyes. Ray understood that; after coming back from Las Vegas, he'd experienced some of that panic himself. Still, they'd gotten this far, so they had to be doing something right. 

Maybe one day, instead of fretting, Fraser would learn that the way to calm an angry Kowalski down was with one of three things: food, dancing or sex. This evening, given Kowalski's eagerness for dinner and the subtle but affectionate way he'd touched both Ray and Fraser before he'd sat down to eat, he was aiming for two out of three. 

****

"Nnghh! I am stuffed!" Kowalski practically melted into the sofa. "Did Ma proud there, Raymundo," he declared. 

Ray took the compliment graciously. "It's never quite up to Ma's standard, but I aim to please." He raised his beer to Kowalski's, and they tapped bottles before Ray settled into his favorite armchair. 

"Ray is right, she would be proud of your cooking," Fraser said from the kitchen, where he was busying himself with the dishes. 

That dishwasher Ray had invested in when they'd moved in together was hands down one of the smartest things he'd ever done. A few moments later, Fraser was making himself comfortable on the sofa beside Kowalski. Things were definitely looking up if Kowalski had already forgiven Fraser enough to let him sit beside him. 

"So," Ray tapped Kowalski's knee lightly with his bottle, "you ever going to tell me what crawled up your ass and put you in a foul mood earlier? Or do I have to play charades and guess?" 

Kowalski opened his eyes and shot Fraser a glare before meeting Ray's eyes. "His wolf almost cost me my job."

"Now, really, Ray, I don't think things were quite that bad," Fraser interjected. 

Kowalski bared his teeth and growled. "I don't want to talk about it. We'll just end up fighting."

"Ray…" 

"Zip it, Fraser, unless you want to be sleeping on the floor for the next month," Kowalski retorted, frowning up at the ceiling. 

"Now, let's not be too hasty," Ray interrupted, holding a placating hand out. 

Rubbing his neck and shoulder, Kowalski just grunted and continued to stare up at the ceiling, oozing discontent, while Fraser sat contritely next to him, a pout tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

Shaking his head at his ridiculous men, Ray swallowed a mouthful of beer, put his bottle on the side, and got up to walk around the back of the sofa. Once behind Kowalski, he squeezed Kowalski's shoulders and began to rub his thumbs in circles over the tense, knotted muscles. 

Kowalski's eyes fluttered closed, and a low groan escaped from his parted, full lips. Ray tilted his head with a half smile; Kowalski was ever so kissable like this. "How about I help with some of this tension you're carrying, and Fraser can tell you the time Dief almost cost us both our jobs and nearly put Fraser on a mob hit list."

Kowalski's eyes flew open. "What, another one?" 

Ray laughed. "He hadn't made a habit of it back then."

"Saved all the fun times for me, huh?" Kowalski asked without any heat. He smirked and rolled his head forward with a deep moan as Ray kneaded the taut tendons of his shoulders. 

Fraser cleared his throat demurely. "I believe you are what Ray would call a bad influence."

"Why, you little…!" 

Ray barked out a laugh as Kowalski threw a cushion at Fraser's head, which he caught, of course. 

Peering up at Ray upside down, Kowalski grinned. "I think we corrupted the Mountie. If we trade him in, do we get a newer model, you think?" 

The returning cushion hit Kowalski's face with expected precision. 

"Touchy Mountie," he teased. He held up his hands as Fraser raised another cushion. "Alright, alright! It's not a fair fight when I'm in the middle of a great massage. I want to hear the story, anyway."

"Very well," Fraser relented, and sat back down, legs crossed, facing Kowalski. "It wasn't quite the dire situation Ray is making it out to be," he explained.

"Not the dire situation?" Ray spluttered. "I was packing up my desk, Fraser. You were helping me!" 

Kowalski snickered. "That bad?"

"No," Fraser replied.

"Yes!" Ray yelled. "Welsh was ready to skin me alive."

"Come on, come on, let's hear it," Kowalski urged. He held up a long finger. "As long as it doesn't involve cannibals or lichen."

Ray frowned in confusion. "What the hell are you talking about?" 

"You do not want to know." Kowalski feigned an all-over body shudder. 

"Fraser?" 

"I'll explain later, Ray," Fraser said with an eye roll. 

"Yeah, later." Kowalski drummed his fingers on Fraser's knee. "My story first, before I die of waiting."

"Right you are." Fraser cleared his throat, sipped some water and got himself comfortable. "It began innocently enough. I arrived at the 27th precinct to find that Francesca and Elaine were organizing a charity auction for that year's Policeman's Ball."

Ray snorted in amusement and leaned down to Kowalski's ear level. "Yeah, he almost turned tail and ran right back to Canada."

****

"Fraser! Frase!" 

Ray looked up at the sound of Francesca's over-excited yell. "Oh boy, here we go," he said, rolling his eyes. "I thought I told you two to stay away from the Mountie?" 

"What, you don't think he'll take part?" Elaine asked, planting a hand on her hip. 

"I know for a fact that he will, because he'll have no idea what he's getting himself into."

Elaine raised an eyebrow. "Francesca is dead set on him being part of it." 

"That's because she's already bought all the tickets." Ray scowled and marched over to where Francesca had got his partner cornered. "Don't you have to pick up Ma's groceries?" he demanded, stepping between her and Fraser. 

"I'm not her slave, bro," Francesca retorted. "Why don't you do it?" 

"Oh, I don't know, some of us have an actual job around here. Something I'd really like to get to with my partner, if you wouldn't mind."

"Jeez, what crawled up your tailpipe?" 

"Ray, really, it's fine," Fraser interjected politely. 

"Fine, is it?" Ray raised both eyebrows. "Did she tell you that she wants you to be the prize in the Policeman's Ball auction and that she's already bought all the tickets?" 

"I…uh…" Fraser raised a finger and opened his mouth, only to close it again. 

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Ray sneered. He met Francesca's irritated glare. "You, home, before I call Ma."

"What, you going to tell on me?" she scoffed. 

"If I have to!" Ray countered, ushering Fraser out of the corner. 

"Bye, Fraser," Francesca said demurely, with a coy wave. 

"Francesca." Fraser politely nodded, running his finger along his tight uniform collar as he backed away. 

"Mountie, eyes front." Ray pointed at Fraser, and then scowled at Francesca. "Go on, git." He gestured at his sister to leave, only for her to make a face at him and saunter over to Elaine's desk. 

"Ray, that wasn't really necessary," Fraser commented.

"You want to be auctioned off like a toy soldier, be my guest."

"Ah, no. That is, I'm sure she means well. Isn't it normally for a good cause?"

Ray snorted. "Oh yeah, sure, the charity of Francesca."

Fraser cleared his throat and distractedly stroked Dief's head, which was nosing at the plate holding Ray's jelly donut. "Yes, well. You wanted to see me?" 

"I did!" Ray declared with a grin. "That case we've been working on, the counterfeit money one with the really nasty guy who likes to cut pieces out of his opposition?" 

Fraser tilted his head. "The Clovelly case, yes."

"Right." Ray held out the file and smiled at him. "We just got ourselves a break."

"We did?" Fraser asked in surprise. He took the file, and his eyes widened as he read. "Christina Cringle has agreed to testify against one Peter Clovelly. This is pivotal. Is it legitimate?" he asked. 

"That's what we're about to find out." Ray took back the file and stood. 

"She's here?" 

"Interview room one. You ready to play some good cop, Canadian cop?" 

Fraser frowned. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that game, Ray."

Ray laughed. "Ah, you'll get the hang of it. You lead with the niceties and politeness, lull her into a false sense of security, and then, bam, I come in with the real questions."

Fraser rubbed his brow in mild confusion, his frown only deepening. "Hasn't she come in voluntarily?" 

Ray made a face. "Yeah, but she's not talking. Says she has to make an appointment somewhere first and won't tell us where or what. So we arrested her."

"On what charge?" Fraser asked, bewildered. 

"Obstruction of justice," Ray stated with a grin. "Hey!" He glared at his desk. "Where did my jelly donut go?" 

"You must have eaten it."

"I did not eat it, Fraser. I would know if I'd eaten it. Where's that damn wolf of yours?" 

"I assure you, Ray, Diefenbaker wouldn't have eaten it."

"And why's that?" 

"He doesn't like them."

Pursing his lips, Ray pointed a finger at Fraser. "One of these days, Benny, you're going to have to accept that that wolf of yours is a con artist."

"I hardly think so, Ray," Fraser countered confidently as he followed Ray out of the bull pen. "What would he possibly have to gain by lying to me about his dietary preferences?" 

"More jelly donuts!"

"You're being ridiculous."

Ray rolled his eyes and stopped in front of Fraser outside the interview room door. "Fraser, you owe me a jelly donut."

"Understood."

****

"Hold up," Kowalski interrupted. "This better not be a Dief-steals-my-food story, so help me God. Not after your dramatic build up."

"Get your panties unbunched," Ray teased, squeezing Kowalski's shoulders a little harder. "We're just getting started."

"I would like to add that Diefenbaker doesn't steal food," Fraser insisted earnestly. 

Both Rays glared at him until he cleared his throat and continued with the story. 

****

"Ready to talk yet?" Ray asked as he marched into the room. 

Christina's mouth twisted, and she looked away. "I've already told you my terms."

Ray slapped the file down onto the table. "Look, lady—" 

"Ray," Fraser placated gently with a hand on Ray's shoulder. He sat down opposite Christina and clasped his hands in front of him. Then, with a bland smile, he opened the file and began reading it silently. 

Ray folded his arms with a smirk and leaned back against the wall. He might not have rated Fraser's interview techniques in the beginning, but now he knew they got results, even if the method still frustrated him. It required patience, finesse. Qualities he had, sure, but not to the same extent as Fraser. 

After a few very silent minutes, Christina shifted in her chair and scowled at the Mountie paying her no attention. "I already told your pal here, I can't say anything until my appointment…" 

Fraser looked up, gave her a nod, and continued reading. 

"What is this, some kind of freakish torture technique?" Christina looked at Ray. "Police intimidation not working for you no more?" 

"Hey, don't look at me," Ray said with a shrug. "I don't wanna know what the Canucks do up in the frozen North. All I know is they always get their man. One way or another. Ain't that right, Benny?" 

"Actually, Ray," Fraser began, holding a finger up. 

"I said, ain't that right, Benny," Ray repeated tersely. 

Fraser lowered his hand and nodded. Turning back to Christina, he smiled. "Always get our man. While adhering to the law and ensuring justice is done," he added. 

Christina snorted. "Oh, I'm terrified," she declared, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Slapping a hand over his face, Ray resisted the urge to scream. He wondered how much time he would get if he actually strangled a Mountie. Would they really hunt him to the ends of the Earth? They'd already sort of exiled Fraser, so surely there would be some wiggle room there. He'd have to ask Welsh later. 

He looked up as the door opened. 

"Sorry," Elaine said. "He was whining and pawing at the door."

Dief trotted in and circled the table, sniffing the floor, probably for more food. 

Ray was about to open his mouth and yell about having wolves in the interrogation room when he noticed Christina's face. She wasn't smirking anymore. 

"Is that…that's a…" She swallowed and stiffened in her chair when Dief stopped by her chair and looked at her. "Jesus Christ, that's a wolf!" she whispered harshly. 

"Indeed, he is," Fraser answered proudly. "Well, half—" 

"Starved," Ray interrupted. He walked over and leaned across the table towards a visibly shaken Christina. "Part feral. Rescued, and only responds to two things: the Mountie and the call of his stomach."

"Um, Ray…" 

"So, still want to stay silent?" Ray continued, ignoring Fraser. 

"You can't do this," Christina squeaked. "Ah, oh God, what is it doing?" She nearly jumped out of her seat, which startled Dief and made him bark and then growl. 

"Ah, I wouldn't make any sudden moves," Fraser warned. "While not entirely wild, he does retain some predatory instincts."

"Yeah, mostly for donuts," Ray muttered under his breath. 

"He was licking my hand!" Christina yelped. 

"A prelude to lunch," Ray said with a grin. "Ready to talk?" 

"I told you, I can't."

"Alright." Ray got the file and started walking to the door. "Come on, Fraser, let's leave Dief in here to get acquainted with Miss Cringle while we go chase a new lead."

"But, Ray…" 

"Now, Fraser!" 

Fraser frowned but got up and joined him at the door. 

"Wait!" Christina shouted. "I'm not trying to be difficult." She glanced at Dief, who tilted his head at her and looked back at Fraser. "Innocent lives are in danger if I talk. He'll know, and he'll start killing. I can't let that happen. I need some guarantee…" 

Ray scoffed. "And we need you to start telling the truth."

"I am!" Christina argued. "You have to believe me."

"That's where you're wrong, lady," Ray said, and walked out of the room. 

Fraser followed with a polite 'excuse me' and closed the door behind him. "Ray?" 

Ray looked over his shoulder at Fraser, who fell into step beside him. 

"Are we really not going to listen to her?" 

"Sure. But I can do without the sob story," Ray replied. 

"She could be telling the truth."

"And the moon could be made of cheese, Fraser. Look, you're a nice guy and you think people are inherently good, so this might come as a shock to you. But anyone involved with people like Clovelly and the mob is a crook, and they'd sooner turn in their own mother than grass him up."

"Ray, that's a generalization. I think we should hear her out."

"And I think I should get a pay rise. The world is unfair, Fraser. She made her bed, now she gets to lie in it and think about the consequences. There's always something, some story to make you feel sorry for them, Fraser, and you can only believe like one percent of their sad little tales."

"Ray…"

"Give her a few minutes. If she's smart, she'll be scared of Clovelly finding out she's in here. So I guarantee she'll talk after she's stewed for a little while." Ray patted Fraser's chest and continued walking down the corridor. "Trust me. This is not my first rodeo. Now, your wolf ate my morning snack, so come buy me lunch."

Fraser cocked his head and raised an eyebrow as he followed his partner. "Rodeo, Ray?"

****

Walking back into the interview room, Ray stopped in his tracks. "Great, just great. You're friends with the wolf now?" 

Christina looked up and smiled, her left hand scratching behind Dief's ears. The wolf shamelessly rested his head on her lap. 

Ray turned and glared at Fraser, who raised both eyebrows in a Mountie version of a shrug. 

"I haven't changed my mind," Christina stated as Ray sat down. 

Fraser sat beside him and regarded her sympathetically. "Miss Cringle, you came to the police station voluntarily. Can I assume you had sufficient cause?" 

"Who the hell are you?" 

"Constable Benton Fraser, RCMP. I first came to Chicago on the trail of the killers of my father—" 

"Benny!" 

"I'm here to help. Unofficially." Fraser clarified. "So, do you?" 

"Do I what?" 

"Have sufficient reason to walk unprompted into a police station, when your alleged associate is renowned for not reacting kindly to what he deems as a betrayal of trust."

Frowning, Christina shrugged and looked down at Dief nosing at her sweater. 

Ray huffed and folded his arms. "Sure. Her reason is to waste police time."

"If you felt so compelled, surely you know it's in your best interests to talk to us?" Fraser said.

Rolling his eyes, Ray scoffed and shook his head. "She doesn't care, Fraser."

"I do care!" Christina snapped. "I'm risking my life just being here."

"So talk to me," Ray implored, leaning across the desk. "Let me do my job."

"Oh, because you've been doing it so well so far."

"Look, lady, you came to us."

Fraser clasped his hands in front of him and pinned Christina with what Ray thought of as his 'Mountie eyes'. "What my partner means is, if you don't talk to us, we cannot keep you here—" 

"Fraser!" 

"Let us help you, Christina."

Letting out a sigh and looking up to the ceiling, Christina closed her eyes momentarily. "I work for Steven Clovelly, Peter's brother, and I can tell you everything about their businesses and the fronts they use."

"Doesn't sound so serious." Ray replied dryly. "What kind of businesses are we talking here?" 

"I think you know the answer to that, detective."

"Humor me," Ray sneered. 

"Money laundering, drug smuggling, counterfeit money, murder. Is that serious enough for you?" 

"Is that why you don't want to talk?" Fraser asked. 

"What do you think?" Christina scoffed. "With a rep like Peter's, would you?" 

"Yes," replied Fraser earnestly. 

She snorted in disgust. "Yeah, well, look at you, you're a freak. I doubt you've ever had to face any monsters like him on any day in your easy little life."

Ray slapped his hand down. "Hey! No smart mouthing or putting down of the Mountie. He's likely the only guy in this place who would go out of his way to genuinely help you. Now you're rubbing my last two nerves together, so start talking or I'm cutting you loose, and I'll make damn sure every lowlife on the street knows where you've been spending the last six hours."

"Ray…" Fraser began.

"No, Fraser, I've had it. You're actually trying to help her, and she spits in your face. I'm not having it."

"I'm sorry…" Christina whispered. 

"What!" Ray glared at her. 

"She apologized, Ray."

"Oh."

Christina gazed down at Dief, who licked her hand encouragingly. "He'll kill me…"

"Tell me something I don't know—" Ray started, only for Fraser to touch his arm. 

"You're not just protecting yourself, are you?" Fraser asked Christina, with a gentle voice. 

She shook her head. 

"Let us help you," he said. "Who else is in danger?"

"You've got to get Peter off the streets first." 

Fraser looked at Ray. 

Sighing, Ray rubbed his head. "You agree to testify?" 

Christina nodded. 

"Alright, I'll see what I can do. Stay put. I'm putting a guard on the door, so don't think about any funny business."

Fraser got up with Ray and looked at Diefenbaker. "Are you coming?" 

"It's alright," Christina said. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like it if he could stay." 

Dief whined and looked at Fraser. 

"It's your choice," Fraser said. "You're your own wolf."

Putting his head back on Christina's leg, Dief stayed where he was. 

"Some time today, Fraser, when you've finished negotiating with the dog," Ray bellowed through the door where he was waiting. 

"As you wish. We'll be back soon. Be good." Fraser looked up sharply. "I mean, Dief be good, not you. Well, obviously you, but…" He stopped himself and closed his eyes for a second. "Do not let him impose," he told Christina. "He has been known to take liberties."

Dief let out a wolfy grumble. 

Christina smiled for the first time. "Thank you, Constable."

****

"Oh, takes liberties, does he?" Kowalski drawled. "Like stealing food?" 

"Or evidence?" Ray added with a smirk. 

"I'm sure you're both exaggerating," Fraser responded primly. 

Kowalski snorted. "Stubborn ass."

"I wouldn't mind, but you're the one who's always having the arguments with him," Ray declared with a laugh. 

"It's like you two are a married couple," Kowalski agreed with a grin. "We play second fiddle to a wolf."

"You certainly do not," Fraser countered with a frown. "As I've told you both before, Diefenbaker is his own wolf, and if his behavior has become a problem then we can discuss it, but I am still responsible for him. If you decide he no longer has a place, then—" 

"Hey, hey," Kowalski cut in. He grabbed Fraser's hand and squeezed. "Who said anything about not having a place?" 

"Yeah, the wolf is family, Benny. You know that."

"Doesn't mean we don't get pissed at him. Plus, we need to have a serious talk about workplace-appropriate behavior," Kowalski added. "But remember what you said on our adventure?" 

Fraser looked at him with those big sad eyes, and Ray smiled. Kowalski, for all his bluster, was a surprisingly sensitive and empathetic man, and a bit of a Mountie whisperer. It was a pleasure to watch him in action. 

"Pack, Ben. You, me, Ray, Dief. Pack ."

Fraser swallowed and nodded, reaching up to take hold of Ray's hand too. "Pack," he repeated softly. 

"Pack comes with some teasing, though, Benny," Ray pointed out. "Because we love you guys, but Dief is a pain in the ass, and you know that better than we do."

Fraser grimaced slightly and rubbed his eyebrow. 

"There it is!" Kowalski crowed. "He'll never say it."

Ray just laughed and moved to sit in his armchair. "Come on, speaking of pains in the ass, tell him what happened next, Fraser." 

****

"You are going to regret this, Detective Vecchio."

Ray kept a firm hold of his prisoner, marching him through the 2-7 in handcuffs. "Like I haven't heard that one before."

"I'm not sure you understand the gravity of what you've done."

"I'm not sure you understand how very arrested you are," Ray retorted. "Get in there and shut the hell up." He shoved Peter Clovelly into lockup with the other prisoners. 

"Detective Vecchio, you think these bars will protect you?" 

"Is that a threat, dirt bag? Because I can just add that to the list of charges that will put you away for a long time."

Clovelly laughed. "I'll be out of here before the end of your shift, don't you worry about that."

"Please, tell it to someone who cares," Ray retorted, bumping into Fraser outside the lockup. "Come on, Benny, we've got a statement to get."

"Ah, about that, Ray." A small furrow creased Fraser's brow. "We appear to have somewhat of a small problem."

Ray stared at his partner. "A problem? What kind of problem? Fraser, I don't have time for guessing games." 

Fraser stood at parade rest and clasped his hands behind his back. "No, I don't suppose that you do."

"Fraser!"

"Miss Cringle has gone."

"What do you mean gone? Gone where?" Ray's eyes widened, and he suddenly broke into a sprint down the corridor. "Fraser!" He stepped out of the interview room and began marching back towards Fraser. "Tell me this is some kind of twisted Canadian prank you're pulling on me here."

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Ray."

"Where's the wolf, Fraser?" 

Fraser shifted slightly in his stance and ducked his head. "I can only surmise that Dief is with Miss Cringle."

Ray jabbed a finger into Fraser's chest. "Your wolf stole my witness, Fraser," he said in a low, barely steady voice. 

"Now, we don't know that for certain, Ray."

"This is it." Ray gestured helplessly to the wider universe. "This is the last straw."

"Ray?" 

"Taking my jelly donut is one thing, Fraser, but taking my witness?" 

"He will have had a good reason, Ray."

"Oh, great!" Ray paced in front of Fraser, forcing everyone who wasn't staring at them to get out of his way. "The wolf has a good reason. That makes everything alright, then."

"There really is no need for sarcasm, Ray. I can and will find him."

"No, Fraser, I'll tell you what there's no need for: your wolf taking my things!" 

"Detective Vecchio," Welsh bellowed down the corridor. "Clovelly lawyered up. I trust you have something that's going to stick?"

Ray scowled. "Fraser, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to find that wolf, then I'm going to kill him. Then I'm going to kill you, right before Steven Clovelly chops me up into little pieces and dumps me into Lake Michigan for arresting his brother. Does that sound like a plan to you?" 

Fraser thumbed his eyebrow. "Well, not a very good one…" 

"Vecchio!" Welsh called again. "Your silence does not fill me with confidence."

"About that, sir…I had something solid."

Welsh glared at him. "What do you mean, 'had'?"

"I mean, my something solid has somehow managed to leave a guarded interview room with a wolf, uncontested, sir. And is, uh…currently…um…" 

"At large," Fraser finished helpfully. 

Welsh rubbed his face wearily. "My office, now."

"Right away, sir…" Ray replied. He hung his head with a sigh. "A whole career down the drain because of a wolf. How is this my life?" Shaking his head, he started walking towards the bullpen. 

"I will find him, Ray."

"I think you've done enough, Fraser," Ray replied glumly. "You want to help me? Go persuade Clovelly not to kill my entire family."

Fraser frowned and tugged on his ear as he watched Ray leave. "Oh dear. Dief, Dief, Dief, how many times do I have to tell you…?" He had to do something, and fast. 

****

Ray stepped out of Welsh's office and collided with his sister. "What the hell?" 

"Ray…you're here."

"I work here, for now." Ray frowned. "Why are you still here, running around with raffle tickets?" 

Francesca flicked through the book of tickets in her hand. "Oh, this? This isn't anything…" She tucked the book behind her back. "You seen Fraser?" 

"Frannie, quit messing around. If Fraser knows what's good for him, he'll be out tracking that damn wolf of his." 

"I wouldn't count on it," Elaine stated from her desk, with a knowing look. 

"Elaine, I need the Clovelly file."

"Which one?" 

"All of them."

"Trouble in paradise?" Francesca teased. 

Ray headed over to his desk and rummaged through his files. "Don't you have something better to do than annoying me?" 

"Jeez, it was just a question." Francesca rolled her eyes. "Hey!" 

Ray grabbed the book from behind her and scowled at it. "This is what you're doing? I was kidding before, but you're actually selling tickets to auction off my partner? Are you crazy? And why does half the book have your name on it, Frannie? How much have you spent?" 

Snatching the ticket book back, Francesca shrugged. "It's for a good cause."

Elaine came over and handed Ray the files he'd asked for. "It's for the policeman's ball. The charity auction raises money for the local children's orphanage, run by Father Mike."

Ray let out an exasperated huff. "I know what it's for. Did Fraser agree to this?" 

"Well," she tongued the inside of her cheek, "not exactly…"

Ray folded his arms. "What did you do?" 

She looked guilty. "I told him it was for the children…" 

"Did he know Frannie had bought most of the tickets?" 

Elaine and Francesca shared a look. 

Shaking his head, Ray started to walk away. "Got to say, Elaine, I expected better of you."

"What? I bought some too. There's a chance Francesca won't win."

"Do you hear yourselves?" Ray made a face. "He's not a piece of meat."

"Look, it's just for one date," Francesca protested. "Not like he's being sold into marriage or anything." 

"Give me that book." Ray held out a hand, holding his files under his other arm. 

"But…people have already bought them…" 

Gesturing with his fingers, Ray waited. Pouting, Francesca slapped the book in his hand. 

"How much are they?" he asked.

"Just a dime a ticket." 

He counted the rest of the tickets and then handed it back. "My wallet is in my coat. I'll buy the rest."

"You will?" Francesca asked in surprise. 

"I'm not leaving my partner to the whims of you and the rest of the vultures in this station."

"Wow, that's really generous of you, Ray," Elaine said, smiling. 

"Yeah, yeah. I'd rather he doesn't run screaming back across the border, if it's all the same to you two. Now, some of us have work to do, before the mob comes for our head." Ray headed for the door. "Did you actually see Fraser, when you tricked him into selling himself?"

Elaine smirked and half-covered her mouth. "Might want to look in the supply closet."

Ray snorted. "Yeah, I should have guessed."

****

Flinging open the door, Ray raised his eyebrows at Fraser. 

"Ah, hello, Ray."

"Benny, Benny, Benny, you know one of these days you're not going to be able to hide from Frannie."

"I'm not hiding," Fraser countered a little too quickly. 

"Sure you're not." Ray smirked. "Come on, I've checked the folder, and the only chance I've got to save my job and my neck is to find Christina Cringle before my shift ends."

"Leftenant Welsh gave you more time, then?" 

"Nah, he took pity on me." 

Fraser canted his head curiously. "He did? Is he feeling unwell?" 

"Oh, ha ha, funny," Ray retorted. "You keep growing that sense of humor, Benny, and they'll take away your Canadian citizenship."

"Understood," Fraser said with a small smile. "So is Mr. Clovelly being released?" 

"Not yet. His lawyer argued the case, but we officially have until the end of my shift to get the statement on record before we have to let him go. I told Welsh that if I'm already on the guy's list, it would be pointless asking me to clear out my desk for gross incompetence."

"You bought more time, then. That's very clever, Ray."

"Welsh just agreed it would be pointless if I'm already a dead man. Steven Clovelly isn't going to take his brother's arrest by sending me flowers," Ray explained nonchalantly. "So can you really track Dief down?" 

Fraser nodded. "Yes. It's not as straightforward in the city, but as you know I've done so before." 

"I remember that taking us all night, Fraser."

"Well, how long do we have?" 

Ray's mouth twisted. "Three hours, give or take?" 

Fraser's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "Ah." He donned his Stetson. "No time like the present, then." 

Ray held out his hands helplessly as Fraser began marching away. "Fraser? Can you find him in three hours?" He jogged after him. "Fraser?" 

"It looks like we're going to find out, Ray." Fraser smiled and held up Ray's coat and car keys. 

"I'm a dead man," Ray groaned. 

"Nonsense, Ray." Fraser clapped him on the shoulder as they left the station. "We don't have time for despair. My father used to say that to achieve greatness you need two things—"

Ray gave him a flat look and unlocked his car. "A wallet attached to your underwear?" 

"No. A plan and not quite enough time."

"I hate you," Ray grumbled. 

"Not to fear, Ray," Fraser replied cheerfully. "Where there's a will, there's a way."

"Great, you can write that on my tombstone," Ray said, with a roll of his eyes. "Where to first?" 

"We should start at Miss Cringle's home."

"Oh wonderful, right bang in the middle of mob central," Ray complained, putting the Riv into gear. "Why don't you just shoot me now, while you're at it." 

****

"She's not here, Fraser," Ray declared. The apartment was a mess. It looked like she hadn't been there in a while. "My guess is she's been holed up with Clovelly at his place."

"Just a moment, Ray."

Peering around the door of the kitchen, Ray scowled. "What are you doing, Fraser?" He stared at his partner, who was crouched on the floor, frowning. "You better not be licking anything down there."

Fraser ignored him and leaned down closer to one of the cupboards. "Hmm."

"Not 'hmm' again." Ray crouched down beside him. "Fill me in here, Benny."

"They were here, Ray." 

"That's it?" 

Fraser stood up and looked at him. "Miss Cringle hasn't been the only one staying here."

"From the mess, I could have told you that, Fraser," Ray muttered, following him through the apartment. He stopped when Fraser went into the bedroom. "You mean Clovelly was here?" 

"No, Ray." Fraser reappeared holding a tee-shirt in his hands that was clearly too small for Clovelly or Christine. 

"Kids?" Ray's eyes widened. "She's got kids?" 

"Well, we don't know if there's multiple children or if they're hers, Ray. It was evident that she was protecting someone, however."

"I thought it was just herself."

"We thought, Ray. I am as culpable as you are in that regard."

"Now what?"

"Dief is still with her. I'll be able to track them if they're on foot." 

"And if they took a cab?" 

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Ray," Fraser stated. "We don't have much time to debate the issue."

"Thanks, Benny," Ray muttered with an eye roll, "so helpful." He stopped in his tracks as Fraser placed a hand on his chest and put a finger to his lips. Fraser silently pointed to the door of the ensuite bathroom and then raised two fingers. Ray nodded and slowly pulled out his gun. "On three," he mouthed. He counted on his fingers. 

On three, they both kicked the door through. The guy closest grunted in pain and crumpled to the floor, holding his nose. The second guy lifted his shotgun and aimed at them. 

"Ray!" 

Ray oofed as Fraser barreled into him, sending them both crashing to the floor as the shotgun fired and the door burst into splinters. He barely got his breath back before Fraser was up and rushing the bad guy. Ray scrambled up quickly and tried to aim at the guy, only for Fraser to take a fist to the jaw and block his shot. Ray winced and took aim again, but the guy decided he'd had enough and leaped out of the window. 

Rushing to Fraser's side, Ray grabbed him before he could chase after the dirt bag. "Benny, we don't have time. Besides, I guarantee they're Clovelly's guys."

"They were already here, Ray," Fraser said somberly. 

"So?" 

"There's no way they knew we were coming. They are after her, Ray." 

"Then she has less time than we do," Ray finished grimly. 

****

"Ray, you're back." Elaine's eyebrows shot up when Ray shoved his 'guest' into the free interview room. 

"Yeah, we need some help. We think Christina might have kids. Can you run a check for me?" 

"Sure thing."

"Has there been any sign of Miss Cringle or Diefenbaker?" Fraser asked. 

She shook her head. "I'm afraid not, I'm sorry. No calls, nothing."

"Understood. Thank you kindly, Elaine."

Ray tapped Fraser's chest with the back of his hand. "Let's see if we can get anything from that goomba. He's got to have an idea where she's gone."

"Right you are."

"Fraser!" Francesca's voice cut through the station. "There you are, I've been looking all over for you." She coyly curled a strand of hair in her fingers. 

"Francesca—" Fraser began.

Ray rolled his eyes at his sister. "Are you still here?" 

She glared at him. "What's it to you?" 

"What, that you're harassing my partner while we're trying to work? Pretty sure that's got everything to do with me."

"Look, Ray, I just came to tell Fraser that with his help we've raised over two hundred dollars for the orphanage." She smiled sweetly at Fraser. 

"That's excellent news," Fraser said with a pleased smile. 

"Please," Ray scoffed. "What she hasn't told you, Fraser, is that she contributed about a hundred of that."

"For a good cause, Ray," Francesca bit out.

"Sure," he drawled with a smirk.

Fraser cleared his throat and ran a finger under his collar. "If you'll excuse me, I need to...go over…there…" 

Snorting a laugh at Fraser's less than smooth escape, Ray threw a pointed look at Francesca. "Happy now? You've scared the Mountie."

"Like I could." Francesca rolled her eyes. "He just needs to process the excitement of going on a date with me."

"Oh, that's it," Ray nodded. "That's why there's a Mountie-shaped hole in that wall there," he added dryly. 

"You know what your problem is?" 

"Oh, this will be good," Ray muttered as he started walking to the interview rooms. "I'm related to you?" 

"You don't know when to take a risk," she shouted at his back. When he ignored her, she tutted and strolled off, with her empty ticket book clutched possessively to her chest. 

Ray had heard that before, and while she might have touched a nerve, especially where Fraser was concerned, he wasn't about to admit that to her. In fact, she would be the last person he would admit that to. 

He stopped dead as Elaine stepped into his path with a playful smile on her lips. 

"You spent about ninety on the rest of the tickets, Ray," she pointed out. 

"So? What of it?" 

"You wouldn't be trying to compete, would you?" 

His stomach lurched, and he stepped around her with a shrug. "That's ridiculous, Elaine. I'm simply trying to protect Benny from the well-manicured clutches of my sister. No man deserves that fate."

Elaine touched her tongue to her top lip, and her eyes twinkled. "Jumping to his rescue, then. Just a regular knight in shining armor, aren't you?"

"That's me," Ray agreed. He stopped and swung around. "Hey, wait...not like that!"

"Suuuure, Ray," she grinned, before sauntering off with a chuckle. "May the better Vecchio win." She winked at him. 

Ray scowled and marched into the interview room, feeling oddly exposed. It was not a competition, and he didn't care who Fraser dated. He just didn't want it to be Francesca. That was it. No more, no less. He didn't care what Elaine implied, or that the thought of winning made his stomach do somersaults. It didn't mean anything. Not one thing. 

****

"So you two hadn't admitted you had feelings by then?" Kowalski asked in surprise. 

"I thought you knew this, Ray." Fraser looked at him with a slight frown. "Ray and I didn't admit our feelings to one another until after Ray returned from Las Vegas."

"Then he left me and went prancing about Canada with you," Ray added. 

"Ray…I hardly pranced."

Kowalski hummed. "That must've sucked."

"Nah, I had eyes on Stella by then, as you well know. It was only after I came back to Chicago that I thought something could…you know…but when I learned he was with you, I figured that was that…" 

"Yeah, sorry about that whole thing…" Kowalski gave him a sheepish grin. 

"Hey, I've told you before," Ray patted and then squeezed Kowalski's leg, "no hard feelings. You thought I was trying to steal your boyfriend."

"Which you kinda were," Kowalski replied. 

"Yeah," Ray grinned. "I kinda was."

"And here we all are, having worked everything out the best way possible," Fraser interjected with a pleased smile. 

"No thanks to you," Kowalski said with a smirk. "I had to punch Ray before you would open your mouth and tell us what you wanted."

"Yes, well, I apologized for my reticence. How was I supposed to know you would both be amenable? It doesn't exactly toe the line of conventional," Fraser said stiffly.

"Benny, we're teasing you." Ray smiled. "We were all pretty stupid and stubborn back then."

Fraser shifted, absently picking some fluff from his sweater. "It all worked out in the end." 

Kowalski leaned over and kissed Fraser's cheek. "It did, so stop worrying. We're all good, Ben."

Fraser let out a soft sigh, his cheeks flushing. He smiled at Kowalski and then at Ray. 

"How often are we going to have to keep reminding you that it's great and we're happy, Benny?" Ray said.

"I don't mean to worry," Fraser said apologetically. 

"Just means you care," Kowalski pointed out. "Don't let it blind you to the truth, okay?" 

Nodding with a small, shy smile, Fraser lifted Kowalski's hand and kissed it fondly. "Ray, I believe you would be the best person to continue the story."

Ray grinned. "Yeah, it did get pretty crazy from there, didn't it?" 

Kowalski huffed and stretched out on the sofa, his feet wriggling in Fraser's lap. "Hello, your audience is slipping into a coma over here. I gotta know, did Dief actually go with Christina or what?" 

****

"Oh boy, oh boy, have you guys made a big mistake."

Ray glowered at the large, handcuffed man sitting opposite Fraser. "Tell me something I don't know." He sat down next to Fraser. 

"This man claims to be Steven Clovelly," Fraser murmured quietly. 

"Huh, figured you'd be bigger," Ray commented. "Guess you know why you're here, then."

"I know that you two are the walking dead." Steven leered at them.

"What is it with you and your brother and the threats?" Ray rolled his eyes. "You two are jailbirds, we're picking you both out a nice cell as we speak. We know what your business dealings are. This is just formalities. You are going down. For how long is up to you."

Steven's upper lip curled, and he flexed his big hands in the handcuffs. "You don't have anything. If you did, you wouldn't have been at Chris's apartment."

"Routine. A little something called police work."

At that moment the door opened and Welsh stepped in. "Detective." He gestured Ray over with a flick of his hand. 

Ray scowled and walked over to him. "Sir?"

Pulling the door closed, Welsh peered through the small glass window. "This Steven Clovelly?" 

"Yes, sir, we apprehended him sneaking around Miss Cringle's apartment."

Welsh grunted and pointed. "What happened to his face?"

"Oh, uh, he had an unfortunate altercation with a door, sir."

"A door?" 

"Yes, sir. As in, he happened to be directly behind it when we kicked it open, sir."

"I see. These door incidents are most unfortunate." Welsh rubbed his chin. 

"Somebody should get building maintenance on it, sir. Before somebody gets hurt."

"Hm. Can you get him to roll on his brother?" 

Ray glanced back at Steven, who seemed to have entered into a staring contest with Fraser. "Not sure. They are definitely after Christina, so she must have information they don't want getting out."

"You better hope for your sake that you get something quick. You only have an hour before I have to cut Peter Clovelly loose, and if he thinks he can get away with killing a cop in a police station… I'm just suggesting, you might want to clear out your desk sooner rather than later." Welsh gave him an appraising look. 

Ray gulped and stared at him. "Understood, sir."

"Good, good." Welsh tapped Ray's chest with two fingers. "Dig up some dirt, Ray, and make it stick. If I were you, I'd be out there tracking this Christina down rather than wasting time in here with that wise guy. You hear me?"

"Loud and clear, sir."

Blowing out a long-suffering sigh, Welsh shook his head. "Next time, secure your statement before you let your only witness go wandering through the streets of Chicago with a hit on their head."

Pursing his lips, Ray nodded, his cheeks burning. "Will do. Fraser thinks she's got a kid." 

"A kid?"

"Yeah." 

"Clovelly's?" 

Ray shrugged. "No way to know at this stage."

Frowning thoughtfully, Welsh tapped his mouth. "She said she had an appointment. Have you tried family courts?" 

Eyes widening, Ray darted back into the interview room. "Fraser, come on, I think I know where Christina's gone."

"Played your hand too soon, cop," Steven sneered.

Before Ray had even registered what Steven said, the desk had been flung across the room, and Steven had Fraser pinned up against the interview room wall, his feet dangling about a foot off the floor. 

"SOME HELP!" Ray hollered, as he and Welsh rushed in and grabbed Steven's massive arms. Even cuffed, Steven was a challenge. He just wouldn't budge. Ray's heart hammered wildly in his chest as Fraser started to turn an unhealthy shade of purple. 

Huey and Gardino burst into the room, and everything seemed to slow down around Ray. Fraser had somehow got his knees up—because choking to death clearly wasn't enough of a hindrance to some Mounties—pressing them firmly against Steven's broad chest. This gave the other cops the leverage they needed to drag the larger man off Fraser, while Fraser pried Steven's fingers from around his throat. 

Once free, Fraser dropped to his knees with a gasp, and the officers who'd come to help dogpiled onto Steven, who even now was putting up a ridiculous fight. Ray kneeled down beside his partner, his hand on Fraser's back, while Fraser spluttered and coughed, his skin slowly returning to a color more suited to the living. 

"You still with me, Fraser?" 

"Just about…" came the hoarse reply.

"Had me worried there for a second," Ray said as he helped Fraser to his feet. "When you turned the color of your uniform, I thought your head was going to pop right off."

Raising an eyebrow, Fraser blinked at him. "Your concern…is heartwarming…" he said incredulously. 

Ray grinned. "Figured it was karma for letting your wolf steal my witness."

Fraser rolled his eyes, his hand rubbing his bruised throat. "I didn't let him do anything. Honestly, Ray, sometimes I believe you think I do these things purely just to spite you." 

"Eh, only sometimes?" At Fraser's pointed look, Ray laughed. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." 

They both watched as Steven Clovelly was finally dragged from the room, cursing both their names and shouting that they were dead men. 

Ray clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Looks like we're heading for a life on the run from the mob, Fraser," he declared, resigned. "Better start calling you Billy Bob."

"Ray, I don't think—" 

A familiar woman's voice interrupted, "Wow…What did I miss?" 

"Woof!" 

Both Fraser and Ray stared speechless at Christina Cringle and Diefenbaker, who stood sheepishly together in the doorway. 

"Sorry for leaving…I didn't have a choice…" 

"What the hell kind of decision is that?" Ray spluttered. 

"You certainly had a choice, Miss Cringle. You put yourself in grave danger."

Ducking her head, Christina exhaled slowly. "Dief wouldn't have let me get hurt. Besides, it wasn't about me—" 

"No, it was about putting the Clovellys behind bars until the next ice age." Ray stepped around the ruined table. "I should arrest you again for obstruction."

"Um, Ray…" Fraser tried to intervene. 

Shrugging his partner off, Ray glared at Christina. "What the hell was so important you just had to risk everything?" 

Mouth twisting, Christina looked down at Dief, who whined and nudged her leg. Looking past the door to her left, she held out her hand. 

Ray opened his mouth to yell some more but stopped when a dark-haired little girl stepped into the doorway and her tiny hand took tight hold of Christina's. His ire drifted away, like leaves in the wind, and his shoulders sagged. 

"Izzy, say hello to the policemen who I told you are going to help us."

Izzy gave a shy little wave, and then giggled when Dief licked her other hand. 

Fraser came to stand beside Ray, who just didn't have the words. "Dief did have a good reason, after all, Ray. Wouldn't you agree?" 

Ray turned and scowled mildly at his partner. "You did not just say 'I told you so', Benny."

A small smile tugged at Fraser's lips, and he ducked his head ever so slightly. "I think you'll find that I most certainly did, Ray."

****

Kowalski barked out a gleeful laugh. "It's official!" He flashed a grin at Fraser. "You have always been a sneaky, smug bastard."

"Gotta say, he's right there, Benny," Ray agreed with a grin. 

Fraser gathered up their used bottles and mugs and headed for the kitchen. "I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about." 

Ray snickered, while Kowalski snorted a laugh and stretched languidly on the sofa. Pale midriff peeking out from beneath his tank top drew Ray's eye, and he licked his lips. "Okay, I think storytime is over. I'm ready to hit the hay."

Turning his head to throw a knowing grin in Ray's direction, Kowalski made no effort to move. Instead, he scratched at his stomach, causing his tank top to ride even further up his body. "Yeah, bet that's not all you wanna hit." His eyebrows waggled suggestively, and Ray smiled. His eyes openly roved over Kowalski's toned body, enjoying the view. Between Kowalski and Fraser, he was a lucky guy.

"Definitely bedtime," he declared, adjusting himself. 

Kowalski chuckled and peeled himself off the sofa with all the slinky grace of a cat taking its sweet time. "There's just one thing I have to know."

"What's that, Ray?" Fraser asked from the kitchen. 

"Who won that auction thingy?" 

Fraser and Ray shared a lingering look. A smile played across Ray's lips when Fraser blushed and looked away. After all this time, Ray finally knew he hadn't been the only one to feel that particular spark. 

****

"And the winner of the Policeman's Ball auction is…drum roll, please." Welsh paused for effect. 

Ray tutted and sipped his wine. "Get it over with already," he grumbled. He couldn't help but feel bad for Fraser, who looked so uncomfortable on the stage beside Welsh. Ray knew he wouldn't hear the end of it once Francesca got the date she dreamed of. It rankled. 

"Ray Vecchio!" 

"Ray, you won!" Elaine shook him, with a wide smile. 

"Detective, I think it's appropriate for you to come and claim your prize," Welsh said dryly. 

"Uh…" Ray swallowed, all eyes on him. 

"Go on," Elaine insisted, shoving him towards the stage. 

Straightening his back and suit, Ray was suddenly awash with a fresh resolve. So what if he'd won? Benny was his partner. He was just saving his partner, as any good friend would. Marching determinedly over to the stage, he grinned at Fraser. To his credit, Fraser was doing a good job of keeping most of his absolute bewilderment off his face. He had a fixed smile and was watching Ray approach, with curiosity burning in those blue-grey eyes. 

"Congratulations, Benny," Ray said, clapping him on the back. "You won a date with me."

The room erupted into applause, and Fraser leaned closer to murmur in Ray's ear. "Are you sure about this, Ray?" 

"Sure, I'm sure, Benny."

"Aren't you worried people will talk?" 

Ray looked at him and lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. "I'm just a guy having his best friend's back and saving him from the less than honorable intentions of his besotted sister." He held Fraser's bright-eyed gaze steadily, feeling more sure with each passing second. "I'm going to show you a great time, Fraser." He grinned broadly at Fraser's touched little smile. Witnessing that made any gossip a hundred percent worth it. "Let them talk, Benny. Let them talk."

****

"Whoa, big moment for you guys, then," Kowalski said with a fond smile. 

"It wasn't something we fully realized at the time," Fraser pointed out. 

"Talk about beating around the bush," Kowalski teased. 

"Yeah, nothing is ever simple with us, is it, Benny?" 

Fraser brushed his fingers over Ray's cheek with an affectionate smile of his own. "You wouldn't have me any other way."

"Except in bed," Ray murmured, his voice lowering. "I will definitely have you in bed. Both of you, right now."

Kowalski laughed and led the way into the bedroom. "Don't have to tell me twice."

Ray hummed appreciatively as Kowalski stripped off his tank top and discarded it as he walked. "Coming, Benny?" He turned to look at Fraser and was greeted with warm lips pressing tenderly to his own. His eyes fluttered closed, and he relished the moment, letting it stretch out around them. 

Fraser's voice was soft and warm like molasses when he spoke. "I'm glad we finally stopped beating around that bush, Ray."

Inhaling deeply, breathing in the woody, comforting scent of him, Ray nodded. His fingers caressed Fraser's smooth skin and cupped his cheek. "Me too, Benny."

"Hey!" Kowalski reappeared in the bedroom doorway. "You two better not have started in there without me."

Fraser and Ray shared a quiet laugh, their eyes meeting for a few seconds. Then, taking Fraser by the hand, Ray led the way into their bedroom.

****

Later that night, Ray stirred, his bare back feeling strangely cold. Peering at the pillow behind him, he frowned to see it empty. Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes. Then he heard quiet talking coming from the living room. 

Kowalski grunted and shifted on Ray's other side, and Ray's frown deepened. Carefully climbing out of bed, he padded silently to the door. 

"...I know you want to help. It's just that there are ways to go about doing things...of course they love you, you have nothing to prove…" 

Fraser was sitting cross-legged on the floor, dressed only in sweatpants. Dief's head was on his lap as Fraser gently reassured him. It melted Ray's heart. 

"Is he talking to the wolf again?" Kowalski mumbled from beneath the covers. 

"Yeah," Ray whispered. 

"Then come back to bed. He'll be a while…" 

Ray couldn't help but smile. Taking one last look at Benny and Dief, he did just that. Sliding in beside Kowalski's warm, naked skin was a sweet contrast to the slight chill of the bedroom air. 

Kowalski murmured sleepily and wrapped himself bodily around Ray. Content and drowsy once more, Ray let himself drift as Kowalski softly snored. 

A short while later, Fraser's cooler skin caressed Ray's own, and Ray snuggled deeper into the welcome embrace. Even as the inevitable pull of sleep claimed him, he felt the bed dip by his feet. Four paws circled round and around, before a solid weight settled on top of the comforter and let out a whiny, wolfy yawn. Ray smiled and dreamed of finally getting to eat that jelly donut.