Copyright July 26-28, 2000 by Matthew Haldeman-Time

Rating: NC-17 for graphic male-male sex

Pairings: Ray Kowalski/Ray Vecchio, Benton Fraser/Renfield Turnbull

Disclaimer: "due South," with its related characters and themes, belongs to Paul Haggis and Alliance, not to me.  I make no money from this venture.

Dedication: This slashfic is for Ewan McGregor and Paul Gross.

Wherein Benton Fraser's vocabulary fails him; Ray Kowalski's tub is full of socks; and Ma Vecchio goes postal over an OFC.

Notice: You may assume that everything from the series happened except that Ray Vecchio did not marry Stella and leave for Florida; he's still working at the 27th precinct, partnered with Ray Kowalski.

        "Mmm."

        "Ben.  Someone's at the door."

        "Diefenbaker, answer the door."

        "Ben, he can't possibly - - oooo.  Ben, I think it's Ray Vecchio.  Oh dear.  Oh my.  Oh.  Oh.  Ben, please, really, he sounds upset.  Perhaps you'd better oh my good lord.  Ben, he's going to disturb the neighbors."

        Ben sighed and rolled off of the bed.  "Stay," he said, and dressed himself.  Barefoot in jeans and a T-shirt, he walked to the door of the apartment and opened it.  "Good evening, Ray."

        "Where's Turnbull?"

        "May I help you?"

        "I need the ring.  Kowalski's ring, my ring."

        "Why?"

        "What do you mean, why?  It's his ring, he needs to wear it."

        "Ray entrusted his ring to Ren for safe-keeping.  Without his permission I cannot-"

        "He sent me over here to get it, Benny!"

        "Why?"

        "Because we're married and we're going to stay married."

        "That's wonderful news, Ray."

        "Where's the ring?  Where's Turnbull?"

        "Ray, we'll need Ray's expressed consent.  I'm loath to phone him, as it will disturb the children."

        "Benny!  Give me the ring!"

        "I'm afraid that I don't have it, Ray."

        "Where's Turnbull?  Like I have to ask.  Turnbull!"

        "I'm afraid that Ren is unavailable at this time, Ray."

        "Tell him to drag on some pants, Benny, I need my ring."

        The phone rang.  Ben reached for it.  "Hello, this is Fraser.  Good evening, Ray.  Yes, he's here.  Mm.  Mmm.  Mm.  Mmm.  Yes, I see.  Yes, Ray.  Good evening."

        "Are you satisfied now, Benny?  Can I have my ring?"

        "Will you excuse me for one moment?" Ben asked.

        "No, I won't!  Benny, I need my ring.  Turnbull, you'd better be decent, I'm coming in."

        "Really, Ray," Ben said, barring Vecchio's way.

        "I need that ring, Benny."

        "I know, Ray, and I'm going to get it for you.  I'll be with you momentarily."

        "Holy Mary Mother of God," Vecchio said, and put his hand over his eyes.  "I'm blind.  I've gone blind."

        "Ray, whatever is the matter?"

        "Just hand me the ring and point me towards the door, Benny.  I'll take a cab home and pick up the Riv in the morning."

        "Ray, please, I have no idea what you're talking about at all."

        "That's a whole lot of Mountie."

        "Oh dear.  Ren, I asked you to remain as you were."

        "Yes, Ben.  I thought that Ray might like his ring," Ren said, handing it to Ben.

        "Thank you," Ray said, as the ring was placed in his free hand.  "Where's the door?"

        "Ray, it's all right, please, remove your hand from your eyes," Ben said.  "You're being perfectly silly."

        "Is he dressed?"

        "Yes, Ray."

        "All of him?"

        "Well, no, Ray, not entirely."

        Ray slid the ring onto his finger one-handed before clapping his second hand over his eyes as well.  "Just point me to the door, Benny, and I'll be out of here."

        "I'm very happy for you, Ray.  I'm glad that you and Ray are going to find happiness together."

        "Thanks, Benny."  Ben guided him towards the door.  "Thanks for the ring."

        "You're welcome, Ray," Ren said.

        Ben closed the door, locking it.  He walked straight up to Ren until they were face-to-face, then kept walking, hands on Ren's hips, propelling Ren back toward the bed.  He stripped Ren of jeans and boxers quickly, then pushed Ren onto the mattress.  "I told you to stay."

        "I'm not Diefenbaker."

        "Dief never listens, either."

        "If I always obeyed and always agreed you'd be bored to tears."

        "I might get my own way for once."

        "You always get your way, Ben."

        "You didn't stay."

        "I wanted to give Ray his ring."  Ren sat up and put his hands behind Ben's knees, giving a quick pull so that Ben ended up flat back on the mattress gazing at the ceiling.  Ren stripped Ben neatly and said, in a casually conversational tone, "You do know, Ben, that if you ever left me I would hunt you down and drag you back with me."

        "I won't leave."

        "I know."

        "You won't leave."

        "Never."

        Ben put his hand to the back of Ren's neck and pulled Ren down until they were nose-to-nose.  "Fuck me."

        "Such language."  Ren tsked.  "If you can't ask for it nicely you don't really want it, Ben."

        Ben grit his teeth.  "Ren, please make love to me."

        "There.  That's much better.  Thank you kindly, Ben.  It would be my pleasure."