For sdwolfpup, 'Moments Like This'
As my recipient is away this weekend...
For: sdwolfpup
Title: Moments Like This
Author: Aingeal
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Pairing: Fraser/Vecchio
Warnings: There is some injury caused to our dear Mountie but there is happy ending.
Disclaimer: I wish I owned them but sadly they remain in the clutches of Alliance Atlantis.
Author's Notes: Thanks to ultra_chrome for dropping by my LJ and beta-ing this for me. It was much appreciated. Word count 4,344.
Summary: A quiet day off turns into something of a nightmare for Ray.
Moments Like This
Ray Vecchio eyed the finish of the Riv carefully. Just had he had feared there was a scratch on the surface. He tried his best to protect his car against the ravages of the city but he couldn’t do much about people walking past and scratching his car.
Fraser was watching Ray intently. “Ray is something wrong?”
“It’s scratched, Benny. It’s definitely scratched.”
“Ah.” Fraser had never understood his lover’s fascination with his car, at least not the more cosmetic aspects of it.
“That’s all you can say? Ah?” Ray was indignant.
“Well, Ray it’s simple enough to repair.”
“Yeah, but still you know you would have thought people would have more respect for another’s man vehicle,” Ray groused as he examined the finish more closely.
“They may not have realised they scratched it, Ray, and if they did I’m sure they would have apologised.”
“Not unless the person who scratched it was Canadian, Benny.”
“Ah. Point taken.”
Ray stood up form his inspection. “So what do you want to?”
“When?”
Ray rolled his eyes slightly. “Today, Benny. I’m going to fix this scratch, wash the Riv and then the rest of the day is for us.”
“I’ll help you wash the Riv, Ray,” Fraser was perfectly sincere in his offer.
“That’s just another excuse for you to see me in denim.”
“Well, Ray perhaps that’s a bonus to just spending time with you,” Fraser replied blushing slightly.
“Good catch, Benny.”
“Though now you mention it I would like to run an errand for Mrs Garcia.”
“Who?
“One of the tenants in my old apartment building, Ray,” Fraser explained.
A couple of months ago Ray had finally got Fraser to agree to move with him into a new apartment in a better part of town, but that didn’t stop him going back to West Racine to continue helping the people he still considered to be neighbours.
“So what does she want?
“Well, it seems that her daughter isn’t available to collect her prescription this week so she asked me if it would possible for me to collect for her.”
“Alright, Benny, as long as you don’t get the urge to rescue any kittens on the way,” Ray joked as he got into the Riv. They may as well go now and get it over with. Then they could spend the rest of the day just the two of them and a classic automobile.
*********************************************************************
It was just a short drive to the drug store but as always in Chicago traffic it took longer than expected. Not that either of them minded, they didn’t have anywhere they had to be, other than with each other. They’d left Dief at Ray’s mothers for the day. Whilst they loved the wolf he had a bad habit of taking the romance out of washing the Riv.
Fraser went in to collect the prescription, leaving Ray to guard his car against further scratches from the unwary Chicago public. For once Ray wasn’t able to find a parking space next to the store but Fraser didn’t mind the short walk; he was getting quite spoiled with Ray driving him everywhere.
As he walked out to head back toward the car something attracted his attention. However it wasn’t a kitten but a small child who had strayed out into the middle of the road. Ray noticed a few seconds later. It was at that point Ray noticed a car heading straight toward his lover and the child he was rescuing.
“Benny!” he yelled.
Fraser looked up from his examination of the child and saw the car. He pushed the child toward the safely of the pavement but he wasn’t so lucky himself. The car clipped him and he was pushed headlong into a parked vehicle. Ray watched in horror as the driver didn’t slow down or stop but carried on.
For a moment things seemed to stand still. Ray couldn’t hear anything but silence. Fraser was lying on the floor; he wasn’t moving. For a moment Ray was paralysed as other bystanders rushed to help. After a few agonising seconds Ray was finally able to get his body to respond and he rushed to his lover’s side.
“Police! Out of the way!” he yelled.
“Benny, you okay?”
There was a slight moan from Fraser but his eyes were closed and there was no other response.
Ray could see blood coming from a wound on Fraser’s head and there were a number of cuts across his face. Ray’s heart constricted at the sight.
“Call an ambulance!” Ray shouted to anyone who would listen. He was completely unaware of anything other than the body in front him. He didn’t want to risk moving him in case there were neck or spine injuries even in his panicked state Ray remembered that much. All he could do was gently lay Fraser in something resembling the recovery position to help him breathe.
He stroked his lover’s hair gently, whispering at him to hold on. The time seemed to pass so slowly until finally he heard the sound of sirens in the distance.
********************************************************************
Ray looked at his watch; it read 11AM. He’d been at the hospital for around 24 hours now. He’d ridden with Fraser in the ambulance, holding his hand and shouting at the paramedics who managed to calm him down. Once in emergency Fraser had been wheeled away from him. He knew he’d just stood there until a nurse had taken him somewhere to wait.
Fraser had been put into a room for recovery shortly afterward. Now the doctors were in thereto check on him. Ray had been asked to wait outside. Ray was sitting on the hard hospital chairs, wondering how much longer it would be when Lieutenant Welsh approached. Ray didn’t acknowledge the presence of his superior until he spoke.
“Vecchio?”
“Yeah, Lieutenant?”
“How’s Constable Fraser?”
Ray could hear the genuine concern in his superior’s voice.
He ran his hands over his shorn head. “He’s going to be okay, they think. His got a head injury, they did a scan and there’s no real damage, just a bad concussion and a slight fracture. He’s got a broken rib or too and a broken arm too, but no internal bleeding. He just needs to wake up.”
“You look as if you’ve been in an accident yourself, detective.”
“I didn’t get any sleep last night,” Ray mumbled trying to remember how long ago that had been.
“Well, I suppose that’s understandable,” Welsh paused. “Have you got a description of the car that hit Constable Fraser?”
“Yeah,” Ray was hesitant; it had all been a blur all he could remember was seeing Benny go down. “Who’s doing the investigation? I mean I can, soon as I know Benny’s okay.” Ray got up from his seat.
“I’m going to be leading the investigation.”
“But, sir not that you can’t or anything but…” Ray trailed off. Of course his lieutenant knew what he was doing, he was a cop.
“I know I’ve not exactly been doing a lot of work in the field and I’m not the only one in this case. Let’s just say I’ll be a bit more hands on than usual.”
“I appreciate it, Lieutenant, and I’m sure Benny appreciates it, too. “
“What was the car like?”
Ray leaned against the wall and buried his face as he tried to picture the car. All he could picture was Fraser being hit, he hadn’t been concentrating on the vehicle. “I dunno. It was dark blue, going way too fast.” So fast Fraser hadn’t had time to get out of the way. “Erm, the plate had RC something, something.”
“That’s a good start Detective.”
“Dammit I’m a cop!” Ray said as he pounded the wall with his fist. “I should be able to remember stuff like this.”
“Ray, we’ll catch the guy.”
At the gentle tone and use of his first name Ray calmed down a little. He sat back and slumped in his seat. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”
“Now if you want to take a few days off?”
“I’d appreciate that but I should be helping catch the guy.”
“I think perhaps Constable Fraser would prefer you here.”
Ray knew what Welsh was trying to say. Ray was so emotionally right now he’d probably screw the investigation up. That wouldn’t do him or Fraser any good. “Yeah, I should be here when he wakes up.”
“I’ll keep you informed, Vecchio,” Welsh replied. “I’ll see you again Detective. Don’t worry about your leave, I’ll sort it out.”
“Thanks, Lieutenant.” Ray replied.
As Lieutenant Welsh left him a doctor appeared.
“Mr Vecchio?”
Ray nodded. Doctors always sounded so nice, even when it was bad news.
“Constable Fraser is comfortable now, you can go in and see him.”
“Thanks, Doctor,” Ray replied and he made his way into his lover’s hospital room. It was beige and boring but Ray didn’t notice the décor. He noticed Fraser on the bed asleep. Without a second thought he pulled up a chair and sat by the bed, beginning his vigil.
*********************************************************************
Back at the station Lieutenant Welsh poured over the eyewitness reports. They all told pretty much the same story. The car had been a dark blue one, going too fast. All the witnesses who mentioned it said the driver was a young male, not that that narrowed down the field at all. What did help was different witnesses were remembering different parts of the licence plate so hopefully that would get them closer to finding whoever had hit Fraser.
For a moment Welsh flashed back to the scene at the hospital. Ray hadn’t moved from Fraser’s bedside all night by the looks of it, and Welsh had overheard the doctors and nurses mentioning they couldn’t get Detective Vecchio to leave. Not for the first time he started to wonder what exactly was going on between the detective and the constable.
He’d been wondering about it since Ray had first taken up with the Canadian. They had always been something of an odd couple and it had taken some time for Lieutenant Welsh to really appreciate that the partnership was doing Ray a lot of good and not just on his case solve rate. Finally Ray began displaying the early promise he’d shown, sure he had relapses, but he was turning into the good detective Welsh had suspected he was all along.
There were little things here and there that did make Welsh wonder how close the two men were. There was the closet thing. He’d never known two grown men to talk in closets before, but maybe it was a weird Canadian thing. The two men also had no concept of personal space around each other, they were always together and there were little glances that Welsh had seen. It wasn’t anything concrete but perhaps…maybe, there was something going on there.
As if to break into his thoughts Elaine came in and politely interrupted Welsh’s internal monologue.
“Hey Lieutenant I’ve got the car registration you asked for, a blue chevy, registration RCW 139 is registered to an Edward Frost, here’s the address.”
She handed Welsh a piece a piece of paper.
“Thank you Elaine.”
“Shall I tell Ray?” she asked, presumably having heard about Ray’s vigil at Fraser’s bedside.
“Not yet. I think Detective Vecchio has enough on his mind right now,” Welsh said tactfully. “Ask Detective Huey to come in here please.”
*********************************************************************
Ray was still patiently waiting for his lover to wake up. The doctors had given Fraser some heavy painkillers for which Ray knew he’d be complaining about when he woke up. Fraser hated taking any drugs really and Ray could remember the long arguments they had when Fraser refused to take even an aspirin for a headache. He smiled as he remembered the last such incident
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
He’d picked Benny up outside the consulate and noticed his lover seemed tired.
“Are you okay? “ Ray had asked.
“It’s just a headache, Ray.”
“What, just a headache makes you look like death warmed up?”
“I don’t look that bad,” Fraser had mumbled.
“Take a look at yourself in the mirror, Benny.”
Fraser had done so but didn’t see anything wrong in his appearance. “You know mirrors distort things, Ray.”
Ray had sighed. “Then trust my eyes, you look awful.”
“That’s not very flattering, Ray.”
“It’s the truth. Look as soon as we get back to your apartment how about you take an aspirin?”
Fraser had looked a bit upset. “I don’t like to take non-prescription medicine, Ray”
“I know that. I also know I’m not going to take you to a Doctor to get you a prescription.”
“But, Ray…”
“No buts, you’re taking an aspirin. It’s for your own good.”
Fraser had been in a sulk all the way to the apartment, Ray remembered. This was despite the fact Benny didn’t like to admit he sulked, but Ray knew better than that. Once inside the silence had continued until finally Ray had been so annoyed he’d broken it.
“Benny, you need some aspirin and a lie down.”
“Nonsense, Ray, my head is fine,” Fraser had said wobbling and having to grab onto the table.
“Sure that’s why you’re struggling to stay off the floor.”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
“Benny, there’s nothing wrong in dropping that super-Mountie act. To let the people who care about you take care of you.”
Fraser had looked at him and Ray, knowing his lover had been in trouble, had supported Benny all the way to the bed.
“I love you, you crazy Mountie and that means I get to take care of you.”
“I don’t want to be a burden, Ray.”
Ray had gently lowered Fraser on to the bed and helped him get comfortable. “Benny, you’re not a burden, you never will be a burden, got it?”
Fraser had smiled. “Yes, Ray.”
Ray had persuaded Fraser to take the aspirin and it was clear that he had needed it, Fraser had dropped off to sleep with Ray gently holding him. Ray had kissed Benny’s forehead as he had drifted off to sleep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray was brought back into the present and noticed Benny was still sleeping. This time it had been more serious than a headache. Ray just wanted him to wake up
*********************************************************************
It hadn’t taken Lieutenant Welsh and Detective Huey long to find the house. It was in a nice, middle class neighbourhood. The sort of neighbourhood where there were 2.4 kids and a white picket fence. Not the sort of place you’d expect there to be a hit and run driver. Lieutenant Welsh knocked at the door. When the door finally opened a middle aged woman stood there. She wore a weeding ring on her left hand and seemed rather nervous. She was tugging at the bottom of the pink blouse she was wearing.
“Mrs Frost?”
The woman just nodded.
“We’d like to speak to your husband, is he here?”
The woman shook her head, both Welsh and Huey noticed she looked as if she had been crying. “My husband is away on business,” she answered.
“Did he take his car with him?” Huey asked.
“Er, no. Edward flew. He’s in Indiana for a conference. You can check with his company. I can give you the number of the hotel where he’s staying.”
“I see ma’am. Where’s your husband’s car?” Welsh asked. “It’s not in your driveway.”
“It’s in the garage. My son’s been using it.”
“May we see it?”
“It’s erm…not here. It’s in my sister’s garage.”
Welsh could tell the woman was trying to hide something and he had good idea what that something was.
“Ma’am that car was used in a hit and run accident. It’s important we see it.”
“Richard didn’t do anything!” She started crying again.
Huey used a gentle voice with her. “Is Richard your son?”
She had tears running down her face but nodded.
“If he was involved it will be easier on him if he comes forward now, ma’am. You don’t want us to have to get a warrant and disturb the neighbours do you?”
Mrs Frost seemed to realise it was hopeless to lie any further. It was clear that she cared about her son but she was also smart enough to realise that a warrant and the police activity that would accompany it would arouse the suspicion of her neighbours. This way she kept things discreet. So she let Welsh and Huey into her home.
They found the car in the garage and sure enough it had a dent on the left hand side where it must have clipped Fraser. Some witnesses had also seen it clip some other vehicles as it sped away form the scene. It matched the description of the car given by Ray and the other witnesses.
They discovered Richard Frost in his bedroom, sitting on his bed. He’d been crying.
Huey led Richard Frost away. The boy was clearly shaken. His mother had asked they be discreet so no cuffs were used. After watching the proceedings Welsh pulled out his phone. He knew there was a person waiting for the call.
*********************************************************************
Ray was rubbing his eyes when the nurse came in. He’d forgotten what time it was, or the last time he slept. Fraser showed marked improvement and the doctors were pleased with his progress. The fracture of his skull shouldn’t cause too many complications and his other broken bones had been set and should be healing. But Fraser still hadn’t regained consciousness.
“Detective Vecchio?” the nurse asked.
“Yeah?” Ray didn’t look around to meet her but kept his eyes fixed on Benny, hoping for the slightest movement.
“Your lieutenant called. He told me to tell you they got the guy who hit Constable Fraser.”
At the news Ray turned to look at her. “Thanks, Terri,” he said reading her name badge. “Did he say anything else?”
“Just that he wishes you and Constable Fraser the best.”
“Thanks,” Ray said as she disappeared.
He turned back to Fraser. “Did you hear that, Benny? They got the guy.” Ray smiled grimly. “I guess Welsh didn’t want me there ‘cos he knew what I’d do if I got my hands on him. Is that why you’re still unconscious? You didn’t want me to go and shoot my mouth off at him? Well it worked, Benny so you can wake up now, right?”
There was no answer from the bed.
*********************************************************************
Lieutenant Welsh helped conduct the interview with Detective Huey. It turned out Richard Frost was just 17 years old. He hadn’t been driving all that long and he wasn’t able to get much practice as his father was always using the car and his mother didn’t drive. With his father away on business he’d taken the opportunity to take it for a ride but hadn’t reckoned on the pedestrians.
Welsh felt sorry for the kid. Sure he was irresponsible, but he was a teenager and weren’t they all? The kid had confessed and luckily no-one had been killed so Welsh thought that the kid would be lucky and get off lightly.
“Want me to call Ray?” Huey asked as he finished off the case notes.
“No thanks, Detective I’ll drop by the hospital and tell him myself.”
“How’s Fraser?”
“Ray says the doctors don’t think his injuries are life threatening, they’re just waiting for him to wake up, he did take a blow to the head.”
“Yeah well, tell Ray I hope it works out okay.”
“I will.”
*********************************************************************
Ray was tired now. He hadn’t moved in what felt like well over 36 hours even though he’d got up now and then to stretch his legs which were feeling numb after sitting on the hard hospital chairs. He’d had his mother bring Dief over as he and Benny had left him with her whilst they went on their errand. Ray had been hoping that Dief would help Fraser to wake up. So now both man and wolf maintained their vigil.
“Benny, if you wake up I’ll let you tell me an Inuit story and I promise I won’t interrupt.”
No answer.
Ray was holding Fraser’s hand tightly. He didn’t realise quite how tightly until the Mountie squeezed back.
“Benny?”
“Mmmm” there was a moan coming from Fraser. Finally it coalesced into a word. “Ray?”
Ray smiled. “Yeah I’m here, open your eyes.”
“Hmmmm,” was the answer as Fraser slowly cracked open his eyes.
Ray was relieved to see the shining blue eyes focus and look around.
“You’re in the hospital, Benny, you’re a hero, you saved a kid’s life.”
“I don’t remember much, Ray,” he said, his voice weaker than normal.
“They caught the guy. I’ll tell you all about it after the doctor sees you, okay?”
Fraser nodded. “Ray?”
“What?” Ray got up to go into the hallway. He had his hand on the door. It was already ajar.
“Before you go, can I have a kiss?”
Ray tried not to laugh. Fraser always got like this after an injury. Anything from a headache to a cut on his finger and he wanted a kiss. It had become a familiar routine. Ray remembered what had triggered it all off. He’d been telling Fraser about whenever he was ill or hurt his mother would kiss it better. Held been joking about it after Fraser had seen Ray’s mother kiss him when he’d got his finger trapped in the cupboard door.
Fraser had been intrigued by the ‘ritual’ as he’d called it . Ray had asked if Fraser had nay memories of being kissed better himself. Fraser answered he had some vague ones but his mother had died when he was so young he didn’t really remember. It had been at that point Ray had kissed him and said that if Fraser wanted a kiss better all he had to do was ask. His lover had asked on every occasion since and Ray had never refused.
“Of course,” Ray replied as he returned to the bedside ready to comply with Fraser’s request. “Where would you like this kiss?”
Fraser thought for a moment. “Lips, please.”
“Lips it is.”
Ray gently pressed his lips to his lover’s, forgetting the door was slightly open. So focused was he on his task he didn’t notice when Lieutenant Welsh appeared at the doorway until his superior coughed.
“Not interrupting anything am I gentlemen?”
“Erm, no sir,” Ray blushed bright red and he was pretty sure Fraser was doing the same.
“I just came by to tell you we have Richard Frost in custody, he confessed to everything, and also to see how Constable Fraser is doing.”
“That’s great news, sir, thanks. Constable Fraser is erm…well he…”
“I’m feeling better, thank you, Lieutenant.”
“I see.”
Ray was unaware he was still holding Fraser’s hand tightly. “Sir, about what…just happened…”
“Vecchio, don’t try and come up with excuses, they’re aren’t any. I’m not exactly surprised.”
Ray was even more startled now. “You knew, sir? I mean this isn’t going to affect my job?”
“No, Vecchio, it’s not. I wondered how close you and the constable were, I guess I have my answer.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll leave you to it.”
“Sir, thanks for not…you know.”
“Ray, it’s fine. Just one question. How long have you been…”
“Six months sir.”
“And 20 days,” Fraser added.
“Just make sure you let Fraser get some rest.”
“I will sir.”
“I’ll see you back at the station in a couple of days.”
Ray smiled. “Understood, sir.”
*********************************************************************
Welsh smiled as he finished up for the night, So Vecchio and the Mountie were in a relationship. Everything seemed to fit together now. He wasn’t surprised about that. However he was surprised that they’d take a risk like that, where anyone could walk in. Well, it didn’t really change anything. The two of them worked together unofficially anyway and they had been for the last six months.
He wondered who they’d told. He made a note to make sure in the event of Vecchio being injured in the line of duty Fraser would be the first person he’d call about it, but then Fraser would probably be with him. When Vecchio came back to work Welsh knew he’d treat him just the same as always. He’d keep their secret and not treat one of his best detectives any differently.
It had been very strange to see the Mountie being kissed by Vecchio, but then Welsh hadn’t seen many men kiss each other. He tried to gett the image out of his mind. For now he had other things to concentrate on. As he left the station, wishing the night shift goodnight he allowed himself a little smile knowing they’d done some good work today.
*********************************************************************
Back at the hospital Ray had been provided with a bed. He’d kicked up such a fuss at leaving his lover that the staff had relented and set up a bed in the same room. Fraser had wisely stayed quiet throughout Ray’s tirade to the hospital staff.
As Ray got into bed ready to settle down he decided to broach the earlier events with Fraser.
“Welsh knows.”
“Yes.”
“He’s okay with it..”
“You seem surprised.”
“Well, yeah I mean he’s a cop and you know cops don’t like this sort of thing, two guys together.”
“He didn’t seem too disgusted by us kissing.”
Ray laughed. “Of all the ways I thought he’d find out that wasn’t top of the list. I figured we’d just tell him.”
“It was rather dramatic.”
“No kidding. Things are going to be weird at work now he knows.”
“I imagine he’ll stay away from the closet.”
“Well, you must be feeling better if you’re making closet jokes.”
“Yes, Ray although it hurts when I laugh.”
“Get some rest then, Benny.”
“Ray?”
“Yeah?”
“I’d like a goodnight kiss.”
Ray smiled as he got out of the uncomfortable hospital bed. “You’re such a sap, Benny.”
Nevertheless he bestowed a kiss as requested and this time no-one interrupted them.
For: sdwolfpup
Title: Moments Like This
Author: Aingeal
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Pairing: Fraser/Vecchio
Warnings: There is some injury caused to our dear Mountie but there is happy ending.
Disclaimer: I wish I owned them but sadly they remain in the clutches of Alliance Atlantis.
Author's Notes: Thanks to ultra_chrome for dropping by my LJ and beta-ing this for me. It was much appreciated. Word count 4,344.
Summary: A quiet day off turns into something of a nightmare for Ray.
Moments Like This
Ray Vecchio eyed the finish of the Riv carefully. Just had he had feared there was a scratch on the surface. He tried his best to protect his car against the ravages of the city but he couldn’t do much about people walking past and scratching his car.
Fraser was watching Ray intently. “Ray is something wrong?”
“It’s scratched, Benny. It’s definitely scratched.”
“Ah.” Fraser had never understood his lover’s fascination with his car, at least not the more cosmetic aspects of it.
“That’s all you can say? Ah?” Ray was indignant.
“Well, Ray it’s simple enough to repair.”
“Yeah, but still you know you would have thought people would have more respect for another’s man vehicle,” Ray groused as he examined the finish more closely.
“They may not have realised they scratched it, Ray, and if they did I’m sure they would have apologised.”
“Not unless the person who scratched it was Canadian, Benny.”
“Ah. Point taken.”
Ray stood up form his inspection. “So what do you want to?”
“When?”
Ray rolled his eyes slightly. “Today, Benny. I’m going to fix this scratch, wash the Riv and then the rest of the day is for us.”
“I’ll help you wash the Riv, Ray,” Fraser was perfectly sincere in his offer.
“That’s just another excuse for you to see me in denim.”
“Well, Ray perhaps that’s a bonus to just spending time with you,” Fraser replied blushing slightly.
“Good catch, Benny.”
“Though now you mention it I would like to run an errand for Mrs Garcia.”
“Who?
“One of the tenants in my old apartment building, Ray,” Fraser explained.
A couple of months ago Ray had finally got Fraser to agree to move with him into a new apartment in a better part of town, but that didn’t stop him going back to West Racine to continue helping the people he still considered to be neighbours.
“So what does she want?
“Well, it seems that her daughter isn’t available to collect her prescription this week so she asked me if it would possible for me to collect for her.”
“Alright, Benny, as long as you don’t get the urge to rescue any kittens on the way,” Ray joked as he got into the Riv. They may as well go now and get it over with. Then they could spend the rest of the day just the two of them and a classic automobile.
*********************************************************************
It was just a short drive to the drug store but as always in Chicago traffic it took longer than expected. Not that either of them minded, they didn’t have anywhere they had to be, other than with each other. They’d left Dief at Ray’s mothers for the day. Whilst they loved the wolf he had a bad habit of taking the romance out of washing the Riv.
Fraser went in to collect the prescription, leaving Ray to guard his car against further scratches from the unwary Chicago public. For once Ray wasn’t able to find a parking space next to the store but Fraser didn’t mind the short walk; he was getting quite spoiled with Ray driving him everywhere.
As he walked out to head back toward the car something attracted his attention. However it wasn’t a kitten but a small child who had strayed out into the middle of the road. Ray noticed a few seconds later. It was at that point Ray noticed a car heading straight toward his lover and the child he was rescuing.
“Benny!” he yelled.
Fraser looked up from his examination of the child and saw the car. He pushed the child toward the safely of the pavement but he wasn’t so lucky himself. The car clipped him and he was pushed headlong into a parked vehicle. Ray watched in horror as the driver didn’t slow down or stop but carried on.
For a moment things seemed to stand still. Ray couldn’t hear anything but silence. Fraser was lying on the floor; he wasn’t moving. For a moment Ray was paralysed as other bystanders rushed to help. After a few agonising seconds Ray was finally able to get his body to respond and he rushed to his lover’s side.
“Police! Out of the way!” he yelled.
“Benny, you okay?”
There was a slight moan from Fraser but his eyes were closed and there was no other response.
Ray could see blood coming from a wound on Fraser’s head and there were a number of cuts across his face. Ray’s heart constricted at the sight.
“Call an ambulance!” Ray shouted to anyone who would listen. He was completely unaware of anything other than the body in front him. He didn’t want to risk moving him in case there were neck or spine injuries even in his panicked state Ray remembered that much. All he could do was gently lay Fraser in something resembling the recovery position to help him breathe.
He stroked his lover’s hair gently, whispering at him to hold on. The time seemed to pass so slowly until finally he heard the sound of sirens in the distance.
********************************************************************
Ray looked at his watch; it read 11AM. He’d been at the hospital for around 24 hours now. He’d ridden with Fraser in the ambulance, holding his hand and shouting at the paramedics who managed to calm him down. Once in emergency Fraser had been wheeled away from him. He knew he’d just stood there until a nurse had taken him somewhere to wait.
Fraser had been put into a room for recovery shortly afterward. Now the doctors were in thereto check on him. Ray had been asked to wait outside. Ray was sitting on the hard hospital chairs, wondering how much longer it would be when Lieutenant Welsh approached. Ray didn’t acknowledge the presence of his superior until he spoke.
“Vecchio?”
“Yeah, Lieutenant?”
“How’s Constable Fraser?”
Ray could hear the genuine concern in his superior’s voice.
He ran his hands over his shorn head. “He’s going to be okay, they think. His got a head injury, they did a scan and there’s no real damage, just a bad concussion and a slight fracture. He’s got a broken rib or too and a broken arm too, but no internal bleeding. He just needs to wake up.”
“You look as if you’ve been in an accident yourself, detective.”
“I didn’t get any sleep last night,” Ray mumbled trying to remember how long ago that had been.
“Well, I suppose that’s understandable,” Welsh paused. “Have you got a description of the car that hit Constable Fraser?”
“Yeah,” Ray was hesitant; it had all been a blur all he could remember was seeing Benny go down. “Who’s doing the investigation? I mean I can, soon as I know Benny’s okay.” Ray got up from his seat.
“I’m going to be leading the investigation.”
“But, sir not that you can’t or anything but…” Ray trailed off. Of course his lieutenant knew what he was doing, he was a cop.
“I know I’ve not exactly been doing a lot of work in the field and I’m not the only one in this case. Let’s just say I’ll be a bit more hands on than usual.”
“I appreciate it, Lieutenant, and I’m sure Benny appreciates it, too. “
“What was the car like?”
Ray leaned against the wall and buried his face as he tried to picture the car. All he could picture was Fraser being hit, he hadn’t been concentrating on the vehicle. “I dunno. It was dark blue, going way too fast.” So fast Fraser hadn’t had time to get out of the way. “Erm, the plate had RC something, something.”
“That’s a good start Detective.”
“Dammit I’m a cop!” Ray said as he pounded the wall with his fist. “I should be able to remember stuff like this.”
“Ray, we’ll catch the guy.”
At the gentle tone and use of his first name Ray calmed down a little. He sat back and slumped in his seat. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”
“Now if you want to take a few days off?”
“I’d appreciate that but I should be helping catch the guy.”
“I think perhaps Constable Fraser would prefer you here.”
Ray knew what Welsh was trying to say. Ray was so emotionally right now he’d probably screw the investigation up. That wouldn’t do him or Fraser any good. “Yeah, I should be here when he wakes up.”
“I’ll keep you informed, Vecchio,” Welsh replied. “I’ll see you again Detective. Don’t worry about your leave, I’ll sort it out.”
“Thanks, Lieutenant.” Ray replied.
As Lieutenant Welsh left him a doctor appeared.
“Mr Vecchio?”
Ray nodded. Doctors always sounded so nice, even when it was bad news.
“Constable Fraser is comfortable now, you can go in and see him.”
“Thanks, Doctor,” Ray replied and he made his way into his lover’s hospital room. It was beige and boring but Ray didn’t notice the décor. He noticed Fraser on the bed asleep. Without a second thought he pulled up a chair and sat by the bed, beginning his vigil.
*********************************************************************
Back at the station Lieutenant Welsh poured over the eyewitness reports. They all told pretty much the same story. The car had been a dark blue one, going too fast. All the witnesses who mentioned it said the driver was a young male, not that that narrowed down the field at all. What did help was different witnesses were remembering different parts of the licence plate so hopefully that would get them closer to finding whoever had hit Fraser.
For a moment Welsh flashed back to the scene at the hospital. Ray hadn’t moved from Fraser’s bedside all night by the looks of it, and Welsh had overheard the doctors and nurses mentioning they couldn’t get Detective Vecchio to leave. Not for the first time he started to wonder what exactly was going on between the detective and the constable.
He’d been wondering about it since Ray had first taken up with the Canadian. They had always been something of an odd couple and it had taken some time for Lieutenant Welsh to really appreciate that the partnership was doing Ray a lot of good and not just on his case solve rate. Finally Ray began displaying the early promise he’d shown, sure he had relapses, but he was turning into the good detective Welsh had suspected he was all along.
There were little things here and there that did make Welsh wonder how close the two men were. There was the closet thing. He’d never known two grown men to talk in closets before, but maybe it was a weird Canadian thing. The two men also had no concept of personal space around each other, they were always together and there were little glances that Welsh had seen. It wasn’t anything concrete but perhaps…maybe, there was something going on there.
As if to break into his thoughts Elaine came in and politely interrupted Welsh’s internal monologue.
“Hey Lieutenant I’ve got the car registration you asked for, a blue chevy, registration RCW 139 is registered to an Edward Frost, here’s the address.”
She handed Welsh a piece a piece of paper.
“Thank you Elaine.”
“Shall I tell Ray?” she asked, presumably having heard about Ray’s vigil at Fraser’s bedside.
“Not yet. I think Detective Vecchio has enough on his mind right now,” Welsh said tactfully. “Ask Detective Huey to come in here please.”
*********************************************************************
Ray was still patiently waiting for his lover to wake up. The doctors had given Fraser some heavy painkillers for which Ray knew he’d be complaining about when he woke up. Fraser hated taking any drugs really and Ray could remember the long arguments they had when Fraser refused to take even an aspirin for a headache. He smiled as he remembered the last such incident
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
He’d picked Benny up outside the consulate and noticed his lover seemed tired.
“Are you okay? “ Ray had asked.
“It’s just a headache, Ray.”
“What, just a headache makes you look like death warmed up?”
“I don’t look that bad,” Fraser had mumbled.
“Take a look at yourself in the mirror, Benny.”
Fraser had done so but didn’t see anything wrong in his appearance. “You know mirrors distort things, Ray.”
Ray had sighed. “Then trust my eyes, you look awful.”
“That’s not very flattering, Ray.”
“It’s the truth. Look as soon as we get back to your apartment how about you take an aspirin?”
Fraser had looked a bit upset. “I don’t like to take non-prescription medicine, Ray”
“I know that. I also know I’m not going to take you to a Doctor to get you a prescription.”
“But, Ray…”
“No buts, you’re taking an aspirin. It’s for your own good.”
Fraser had been in a sulk all the way to the apartment, Ray remembered. This was despite the fact Benny didn’t like to admit he sulked, but Ray knew better than that. Once inside the silence had continued until finally Ray had been so annoyed he’d broken it.
“Benny, you need some aspirin and a lie down.”
“Nonsense, Ray, my head is fine,” Fraser had said wobbling and having to grab onto the table.
“Sure that’s why you’re struggling to stay off the floor.”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
“Benny, there’s nothing wrong in dropping that super-Mountie act. To let the people who care about you take care of you.”
Fraser had looked at him and Ray, knowing his lover had been in trouble, had supported Benny all the way to the bed.
“I love you, you crazy Mountie and that means I get to take care of you.”
“I don’t want to be a burden, Ray.”
Ray had gently lowered Fraser on to the bed and helped him get comfortable. “Benny, you’re not a burden, you never will be a burden, got it?”
Fraser had smiled. “Yes, Ray.”
Ray had persuaded Fraser to take the aspirin and it was clear that he had needed it, Fraser had dropped off to sleep with Ray gently holding him. Ray had kissed Benny’s forehead as he had drifted off to sleep.
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Ray was brought back into the present and noticed Benny was still sleeping. This time it had been more serious than a headache. Ray just wanted him to wake up
*********************************************************************
It hadn’t taken Lieutenant Welsh and Detective Huey long to find the house. It was in a nice, middle class neighbourhood. The sort of neighbourhood where there were 2.4 kids and a white picket fence. Not the sort of place you’d expect there to be a hit and run driver. Lieutenant Welsh knocked at the door. When the door finally opened a middle aged woman stood there. She wore a weeding ring on her left hand and seemed rather nervous. She was tugging at the bottom of the pink blouse she was wearing.
“Mrs Frost?”
The woman just nodded.
“We’d like to speak to your husband, is he here?”
The woman shook her head, both Welsh and Huey noticed she looked as if she had been crying. “My husband is away on business,” she answered.
“Did he take his car with him?” Huey asked.
“Er, no. Edward flew. He’s in Indiana for a conference. You can check with his company. I can give you the number of the hotel where he’s staying.”
“I see ma’am. Where’s your husband’s car?” Welsh asked. “It’s not in your driveway.”
“It’s in the garage. My son’s been using it.”
“May we see it?”
“It’s erm…not here. It’s in my sister’s garage.”
Welsh could tell the woman was trying to hide something and he had good idea what that something was.
“Ma’am that car was used in a hit and run accident. It’s important we see it.”
“Richard didn’t do anything!” She started crying again.
Huey used a gentle voice with her. “Is Richard your son?”
She had tears running down her face but nodded.
“If he was involved it will be easier on him if he comes forward now, ma’am. You don’t want us to have to get a warrant and disturb the neighbours do you?”
Mrs Frost seemed to realise it was hopeless to lie any further. It was clear that she cared about her son but she was also smart enough to realise that a warrant and the police activity that would accompany it would arouse the suspicion of her neighbours. This way she kept things discreet. So she let Welsh and Huey into her home.
They found the car in the garage and sure enough it had a dent on the left hand side where it must have clipped Fraser. Some witnesses had also seen it clip some other vehicles as it sped away form the scene. It matched the description of the car given by Ray and the other witnesses.
They discovered Richard Frost in his bedroom, sitting on his bed. He’d been crying.
Huey led Richard Frost away. The boy was clearly shaken. His mother had asked they be discreet so no cuffs were used. After watching the proceedings Welsh pulled out his phone. He knew there was a person waiting for the call.
*********************************************************************
Ray was rubbing his eyes when the nurse came in. He’d forgotten what time it was, or the last time he slept. Fraser showed marked improvement and the doctors were pleased with his progress. The fracture of his skull shouldn’t cause too many complications and his other broken bones had been set and should be healing. But Fraser still hadn’t regained consciousness.
“Detective Vecchio?” the nurse asked.
“Yeah?” Ray didn’t look around to meet her but kept his eyes fixed on Benny, hoping for the slightest movement.
“Your lieutenant called. He told me to tell you they got the guy who hit Constable Fraser.”
At the news Ray turned to look at her. “Thanks, Terri,” he said reading her name badge. “Did he say anything else?”
“Just that he wishes you and Constable Fraser the best.”
“Thanks,” Ray said as she disappeared.
He turned back to Fraser. “Did you hear that, Benny? They got the guy.” Ray smiled grimly. “I guess Welsh didn’t want me there ‘cos he knew what I’d do if I got my hands on him. Is that why you’re still unconscious? You didn’t want me to go and shoot my mouth off at him? Well it worked, Benny so you can wake up now, right?”
There was no answer from the bed.
*********************************************************************
Lieutenant Welsh helped conduct the interview with Detective Huey. It turned out Richard Frost was just 17 years old. He hadn’t been driving all that long and he wasn’t able to get much practice as his father was always using the car and his mother didn’t drive. With his father away on business he’d taken the opportunity to take it for a ride but hadn’t reckoned on the pedestrians.
Welsh felt sorry for the kid. Sure he was irresponsible, but he was a teenager and weren’t they all? The kid had confessed and luckily no-one had been killed so Welsh thought that the kid would be lucky and get off lightly.
“Want me to call Ray?” Huey asked as he finished off the case notes.
“No thanks, Detective I’ll drop by the hospital and tell him myself.”
“How’s Fraser?”
“Ray says the doctors don’t think his injuries are life threatening, they’re just waiting for him to wake up, he did take a blow to the head.”
“Yeah well, tell Ray I hope it works out okay.”
“I will.”
*********************************************************************
Ray was tired now. He hadn’t moved in what felt like well over 36 hours even though he’d got up now and then to stretch his legs which were feeling numb after sitting on the hard hospital chairs. He’d had his mother bring Dief over as he and Benny had left him with her whilst they went on their errand. Ray had been hoping that Dief would help Fraser to wake up. So now both man and wolf maintained their vigil.
“Benny, if you wake up I’ll let you tell me an Inuit story and I promise I won’t interrupt.”
No answer.
Ray was holding Fraser’s hand tightly. He didn’t realise quite how tightly until the Mountie squeezed back.
“Benny?”
“Mmmm” there was a moan coming from Fraser. Finally it coalesced into a word. “Ray?”
Ray smiled. “Yeah I’m here, open your eyes.”
“Hmmmm,” was the answer as Fraser slowly cracked open his eyes.
Ray was relieved to see the shining blue eyes focus and look around.
“You’re in the hospital, Benny, you’re a hero, you saved a kid’s life.”
“I don’t remember much, Ray,” he said, his voice weaker than normal.
“They caught the guy. I’ll tell you all about it after the doctor sees you, okay?”
Fraser nodded. “Ray?”
“What?” Ray got up to go into the hallway. He had his hand on the door. It was already ajar.
“Before you go, can I have a kiss?”
Ray tried not to laugh. Fraser always got like this after an injury. Anything from a headache to a cut on his finger and he wanted a kiss. It had become a familiar routine. Ray remembered what had triggered it all off. He’d been telling Fraser about whenever he was ill or hurt his mother would kiss it better. Held been joking about it after Fraser had seen Ray’s mother kiss him when he’d got his finger trapped in the cupboard door.
Fraser had been intrigued by the ‘ritual’ as he’d called it . Ray had asked if Fraser had nay memories of being kissed better himself. Fraser answered he had some vague ones but his mother had died when he was so young he didn’t really remember. It had been at that point Ray had kissed him and said that if Fraser wanted a kiss better all he had to do was ask. His lover had asked on every occasion since and Ray had never refused.
“Of course,” Ray replied as he returned to the bedside ready to comply with Fraser’s request. “Where would you like this kiss?”
Fraser thought for a moment. “Lips, please.”
“Lips it is.”
Ray gently pressed his lips to his lover’s, forgetting the door was slightly open. So focused was he on his task he didn’t notice when Lieutenant Welsh appeared at the doorway until his superior coughed.
“Not interrupting anything am I gentlemen?”
“Erm, no sir,” Ray blushed bright red and he was pretty sure Fraser was doing the same.
“I just came by to tell you we have Richard Frost in custody, he confessed to everything, and also to see how Constable Fraser is doing.”
“That’s great news, sir, thanks. Constable Fraser is erm…well he…”
“I’m feeling better, thank you, Lieutenant.”
“I see.”
Ray was unaware he was still holding Fraser’s hand tightly. “Sir, about what…just happened…”
“Vecchio, don’t try and come up with excuses, they’re aren’t any. I’m not exactly surprised.”
Ray was even more startled now. “You knew, sir? I mean this isn’t going to affect my job?”
“No, Vecchio, it’s not. I wondered how close you and the constable were, I guess I have my answer.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll leave you to it.”
“Sir, thanks for not…you know.”
“Ray, it’s fine. Just one question. How long have you been…”
“Six months sir.”
“And 20 days,” Fraser added.
“Just make sure you let Fraser get some rest.”
“I will sir.”
“I’ll see you back at the station in a couple of days.”
Ray smiled. “Understood, sir.”
*********************************************************************
Welsh smiled as he finished up for the night, So Vecchio and the Mountie were in a relationship. Everything seemed to fit together now. He wasn’t surprised about that. However he was surprised that they’d take a risk like that, where anyone could walk in. Well, it didn’t really change anything. The two of them worked together unofficially anyway and they had been for the last six months.
He wondered who they’d told. He made a note to make sure in the event of Vecchio being injured in the line of duty Fraser would be the first person he’d call about it, but then Fraser would probably be with him. When Vecchio came back to work Welsh knew he’d treat him just the same as always. He’d keep their secret and not treat one of his best detectives any differently.
It had been very strange to see the Mountie being kissed by Vecchio, but then Welsh hadn’t seen many men kiss each other. He tried to gett the image out of his mind. For now he had other things to concentrate on. As he left the station, wishing the night shift goodnight he allowed himself a little smile knowing they’d done some good work today.
*********************************************************************
Back at the hospital Ray had been provided with a bed. He’d kicked up such a fuss at leaving his lover that the staff had relented and set up a bed in the same room. Fraser had wisely stayed quiet throughout Ray’s tirade to the hospital staff.
As Ray got into bed ready to settle down he decided to broach the earlier events with Fraser.
“Welsh knows.”
“Yes.”
“He’s okay with it..”
“You seem surprised.”
“Well, yeah I mean he’s a cop and you know cops don’t like this sort of thing, two guys together.”
“He didn’t seem too disgusted by us kissing.”
Ray laughed. “Of all the ways I thought he’d find out that wasn’t top of the list. I figured we’d just tell him.”
“It was rather dramatic.”
“No kidding. Things are going to be weird at work now he knows.”
“I imagine he’ll stay away from the closet.”
“Well, you must be feeling better if you’re making closet jokes.”
“Yes, Ray although it hurts when I laugh.”
“Get some rest then, Benny.”
“Ray?”
“Yeah?”
“I’d like a goodnight kiss.”
Ray smiled as he got out of the uncomfortable hospital bed. “You’re such a sap, Benny.”
Nevertheless he bestowed a kiss as requested and this time no-one interrupted them.