By: Amethyst feedback
 

CHRISTMAS WISH

         "Do you have an idea what it is you are shopping for, Ray?" Fraser inquired, as he and the Detective wound their way through the busy mall. They had just gotten off work, so Fraser still wore his uniform, but Ray was dressed in his usual attire, jeans, maroon sweatshirt and black leather jacket.

         "Yah, Fraser," Ray assured and narrowly avoided a hurrying woman, bent on running over anyone in her path to get that special gift for her kid. "Shouldn't take long. I just been so busy I haven't had a chance to get all my shoppin' done, ya know?"

        Fraser nodded and resisted telling his partner that he should have done all his Christmas shopping back in October and early November, to avoid the crowds; as Fraser himself had. But, Kowalski had a habit of putting off things he didn't like, and the cop did not like shopping.

         "Who exactly are you buying for, Ray?"

         Ray shot him a playful grin. "No no, can't ask questions like that dis time of year, Fraser," he scolded.

        A mannequin in a lingerie shop caught Ray's eye and he stopped in front of the window, completely forgetting the conversation he had started.

        Fraser shook his head.

         "Ray? Ray? Ray? Ray!"

         "What?" Ray finally responded and turned his attention back to the Mountie.

         "You were saying, Ray?" Fraser prompted.

         Ray gave him a confused look. "About what?"

         Fraser forced himself not to smile. "Asking questions this time of the year, Ray," he reminded. He knew it would take a few seconds for his partner's over active mind to get back to it's original track.

         "Umm…oh, yah!" Ray grinned and they continued their walk. "Ya can't go fishin' for what I got ya."

        Fraser gave him an innocent look. "Was I doing that, Ray?"

         "You know you were, buddy, so don't deny it. Besides, I already got yer gift. I bought it months ago."

        Fraser's eyebrows rose, perhaps his assumption of Kowalski's procrastination was in error. "So, then who are we shopping for?" he repeated his earlier question, but Ray's mind had already wandered away again as he spied a pretty woman walking past them.

        Fraser sighed and waited patiently. Sometimes, having a conversation with his partner was like surfing on a turbulent ocean, you just had to wait and catch the next wave, when the tide turned your way again.

        Eventually Ray had decided he'd ogled enough women and continued walking, picking up where he left off. "My Mum." He began ticking the names off his fingers. "Frannie, Elaine and Welsh."

        Fraser nodded complacently.

        "My Mum wants a bread maker," Ray continued.  "I can pick dat up in a store, around the corner from home. Frannie, I'll probably get her dat bracelet I saw her lookin' at in a catalog at the station a couple of weeks ago and Welsh I'm gettin' him one of dem ships in a bottle thingys  I overheard him tellin' Dewey he collects them. Ii haven't decided on what ta get Elaine yet, but it'll hit me when I see it probably."

         "I am sure they will enjoy your selection's very much, Ray," Fraser agreed, impressed his friend's  ingenuity for finding out what their friends would like. Ray picked up pieces of information, like Fraser picked up on unique scents, and filed them away for future use. "How did you find out what your mother wanted?"

         "Dad told me," Ray replied simply.

        Fraser frowned. "Then why doesn't your father buy her the bread maker?"

        Ray gave him a, get-real look. "Ya don't buy yer wife appliances fer Christmas, Fraser," he explained, tolerantly.

         "You don't?"

         "No, nothin' useful. Dat stuff ya buy 'em ya know, just ta buy em' cause she needs them or whatever." Ray paused to admire a display of Christmas music boxes, set out on a table by one of the stores. "Ya gotta buy yer wife special things fer Christmas and Valentine's and anniversaries; romantic things, ya know?"

         "I was not aware of that, Ray," Fraser admitted, "I do appreciate you telling me and, should I have a wife in the future, I will endeavor to follow your wisdom."

        Ray nodded and glanced through the boxes with interest.

        Fraser never took Ray for the music box type, so he assumed his partner was considering them as a possible gift. "Perhaps for Elaine?"

        Ray glanced at him, puzzled. "Huh?"

        Fraser pointed to the music box that Ray had selected and was currently listening to. It was an old
fashioned looking chest with intricate carvings along the outside. When Ray lifted the lid there was a
couple dancing to an old Russian waltz. "The music box, as a gift for Elaine?"

        Ray smirked and shook his head, returning his gaze to the tiny dancers. "No, I told you I don't know what I'm gettin' her, yet." He wound the key on the bottom of the chest, as the music started to slow, and the couple became animated once again. "My grandmother had a music box just like dis. She used to let
me listen to it, whenever we went to visit her." Ray traced the velvet lining. "She used to keep her special
jewelry in it, not necessarily her most expensive or fancy, just the pieces that meant the most."

        "You must have been special to her, if she allowed you to play with it, Ray," Fraser offered, kindly.

        "I was," Ray confided, softly, lost in whatever memories the music conjured up for him. "I
mean...she was special to me too, I loved her more than...gee more than anyone I think, other than my
Mum." He closed the lid with a snap and set it back on the table. "She's dead now though, been gone
awhile." As if his last statement was the signal to end that particular topic, Ray moved forward again.

         "So what is your father getting for your Mother?" Fraser asked, following him and allowing the
discussion to revert back to what they had been speaking of before.

        Ray grinned back at him.  "You sure are a nosy parker, Fraser," he teased, ignoring the Mountie's
innocent look. "He's takin' her on a cruise over the holiday's."

        "I am sure she will enjoy that very much," Fraser surmised. "Does that mean that are you going to be alone for the holiday's then, Ray?"

        Ray shrugged and stopped at one of the jewelry shops to examine the selection in the glass case before him. He asked the salesperson to retrieve the dainty looking tennis bracelet he had selected. "She's always wanted ta go on one," he commented, examining the bracelet carefully, before offering the woman his credit card.

         "A wonderful choice, Sir," she smiled at him and moved to zip his card through the machine. "Your wife will be a very happy woman come Christmas morning."

         "It's fer my sister," Ray remarked, moving to another case to inspect the jewelry.

        Fraser was always amazed at how easily his partner retained his cover as Ray Vecchio, even when it was just the two of them. Ray acted like the Vecchio's were his real family and bought gifts accordingly. Although, Ray rarely divulged in the family gatherings, preferring to remain removed and apart from them when there was no one else to play the part for. It also surprised Fraser to learn that Ray had excellent taste in his choices of gifts. Francesca would love the colors of the bracelet Ray had selected.

        "Hang on a minute," Ray requested and the sales clerk paused from ringing up his purchase. He bent to examine a small gold locket in the display case, then nodded. "Can I see the locket?" He pointed it out and she pulled the locket from of the case then handed it to him. Ray took his time checking it out; opened it to see where the pictures went, then he finally nodded and handed it back to her. "I'll take dat too, please."

        The sales woman smiled and added it to his total, then charged his card and gave him the slip to sign. Ray scrawled the name Ray Vecchio across the receipt, as she placed the items in individual gift boxes and wrapped them in a small bag. The department had opened up a dummy account for him with Vecchio's name, and most of his paycheck went in there. He still had another account under his real name, but that was savings and he never touched that money.

         "Thank you, Sir," the sales woman smiled. "Merry Christmas." She turned to Fraser. "Can I help you with anything, Sir?" Her voice practically purred for him. "For that special someone?"

        Fraser shook his head and backed away so quickly Ray had to struggle not to laugh.  "Ah…no...no thank you kindly I am with her..ahh him…ah good day." Fraser plopped his hat back on his head and followed Ray out of the shop.

         "Another amazing escape from a willing female, and the crowd goes wild!" Ray crowed.

         Fraser glared at him. "That isn't funny, Ray," he informed coolly, but he wasn't really upset with his partner.

        At least Kowalski just laughed at such situations; Ray Vecchio always complained or teased Fraser unmercifully about his constant run ins with the opposite sex. American women seemed so aggressive in their attentions toward him and entirely to forward for Fraser to ever be comfortable around them.

        Ray had started to say something else, when the breath was literally knocked out of him. He grunted in surprise as a small, cowboy slammed into his stomach.

        Fraser caught Ray and Ray caught the boy before they both ended up on the floor, as a harried brunette hurried up to them.

         "Jared!" she exclaimed angrily as she caught up to her runaway son and snagged him by the arm, securely. "I told you not to do that." She offered Ray and Fraser an embarrassed smile as she knelt beside her son. "I am so sorry, he isn't usually this wild, but he wants to see Santa and he saw your red uniform and well…"

        Ray chuckled and looked over at the Mountie, grinning.

         "Perfectly all right, Ma'am," Fraser offered kindly. "It happens all the time."

        Ray 's smile widened at that as the woman turned to him.

         "I really am so sorry, did he hurt you?"

        Ray shook his head. "No, just surprised me," he assured and winked at the boy. "Mighty fast little
guy, didn't even see him comin'."

        Jared smiled up at him, shyly.

         "You need to apologize to these men, Jared," the mother told her son firmly. and the boy did as he was told, unable to meet their eyes while doing so.

        Ray's heart went out to him and he knelt to face the child. "Tell ya what, Jared," he reasoned. "I'll forgive ya for almost knockin' me on my…" Ray glanced up at the woman. "Ah…on the floor if you'll give me a hand with somethin'?"

        Jared glanced up at his mother doubtfully, who seemed to consider it his choice,  and then back at Ray. Finally he nodded.

        "See, I wanna get an ice cream," Ray continued. "Ya know one of dem really big sundae things, with different flavors, hot fudge and sprinkles?"

        Jared nodded wide-eyed.

        "Well, my partner here," He indicated Fraser behind him. "He's Canadian and has a thing about me eatin' sweets so much, says they're not good fer me, yada yada yada. But, if you get one too, he won't mind me havin' one,  'cause it's only polite, so what'dya say? I'd really owe ya one."

        Again Jared glanced up at his mother for approval and she nodded, her lips twitching.

         "Okay," he agreed, shyly and offered his hand to Ray.

         "Greatness," Ray declared. He handed his bag to Fraser as he offered the woman a smile. "We'll be right back, Mum."

        Fraser smiled as they walked off toward the Dairy Queen a few feet away, and then introduced himself to the woman beside him.

         "I'm Anita Porter," she offered ahead of him, and shook the Mountie's hand.

        Fraser nodded and introduced himself and offered Ray's name as well. They watched Ray lift the boy onto the counter to choose the ice cream he wanted.

        "Your friend is very sweet," Anita decided.

         "It is mostly due to his enormous sugar intake I believe," Fraser reasoned.

        Anita laughed. "Is he this easy around all children?" she asked.

        Fraser bit his lip to keep from laughing. He remembered that Janet Morris's three children had handcuffed the detective to a post in the interview room at the station. "Not always, no," he admitted, tongue in cheek, "but mostly, he is quite accommodating toward them."

        Ray of course was sometimes just a big kid himself, so why shouldn't he get along with the younger generation? A moment later, the blond returned with Jared, holding a large waffle cone in each hand.

        "We decided to get these instead," Ray explained, handing Fraser a strawberry flavored ice cream cone; Ray's was chocolate Mocha.

        Jared offered his Mother a vanilla one, then licked at his own cookie dough flavored ice cream.

         "Thank you kindly, Ray," Fraser returned as Jared pulled at his mother's shirt.

         "Yes darling?" she inquired smiling down at him. She noticed him glance over
at Ray again, who nodded discreetly, before speaking to his mother.

         "I promise not to run away from you any more, Mama," the little boy vowed, solemnly. "I don't wanna get lost or make you sad, so I'll even hold your hand if ya want, when we're out."

        Anita gave Ray a surprised look. "We had a little chat about runnin' around crowded malls," he explained. "Right, kid?"

        Jared nodded."Ray's a policeman, Mama an' he says if I ever do get lost I have'ta look for a policeman an' have him find you. But, I won't get lost Mama, because I'm gonna stay right beside you."

        Anita hugged her son, careful of the ice cream he held. "That sounds like a great idea, honey," she agreed once again glancing at the detective. "Thank you."

        Ray shrugged."No, problem. Merry Christmas." He turned to his partner. "Pitter patter, Fraser, let's get at'er."

        The Mountie returned Ray's bag of shopping, before the detective headed off, as Anita rose to her feet and caught the Mountie's arm.

         "Could I…um…could I have your number or something?"

         "You can reach me at the Canadian Consulate, Ma'am," he informed, thenglanced knowingly toward the blond already a few feet ahead of him  "Detective Vecchio can be reached at the 27th Precinct Police Department."

        She smiled, shyly and released his arm. "Thank you, Merry Christmas."

         "Merry Christmas to you as well. Have a nice evening." He donned his hatagain and hurried to catch up with his partner.
 

        "You have to come Ray," insisted Francesca Vecchio, as she gathered her belongings from her desk and prepared to leave the 27th precinct for the day. The man posing as her brother shook his head adamantly and he shrugged into his jacket, before helping Francesca on with hers.

        "I told'ya Frannie," Ray protested, "I ain't a church person, they make me nervous."

        "But, it's Christmas Mass, Ray," Francesca pressed as they headed out of the station to the parking lot behind the building, where both their cars were parked. "My brother has never missed the midnight service at Christmas, it will look strange if you don't go."

        "It will look strange if I do go, Frannie," Ray reminded. He stopped beside her car and waited for her to fish out her keys, glancing around them warily.

        Francesca was used to his habit, she knew Ray didn't stop being a cop just because his shift ended. He was so much like her real brother.

        Ray continued. "The people at yer church know yer brother, they'd get suspicious if I showed up. Face it, I don't even look like him."

        "They won't have to know who you are, Ray..." Frannie started to explain as she unlocked her car.

        Ray held the door open for her, politely, and pouncing on her opening. "If dey don't know who I am, what does it matter if I'm not there?"

        Francesca sighed in exasperation. "Fraser is coming."

        "Good fer Fraser."

        "Ray, please, it's Christmas. There will be some people there that will expect my brother to show, and they don't necessarily know what he looks like- they just know the whole Vecchio family attends." She met his gaze gently. "Ma wants ya to come, please?"

          "It's not..." Ray began.

         "It's Christmas!"

        "I'm workin'. Christmas don't mean squat ta criminals, Frannie."

        "Not even for a couple of hours?" Francesca encouraged. "What's a couple of hours? If God could spare three days ta make the world, you could spare a couple of hours ta come with us and thank him fer it."

        "No, Frannie," Ray refused softly, as she slid in behind the wheel of her small, sports car. "I'm sorry but I can't."

        Francesca shook her head as Ray closed her door and headed to his own car.

        Ray waited until she had started to pull out of the lot, then he got inside his own vehicle and headed for home.

        Fraser was out of town on Consulate Business and wouldn't be back, until tomorrow, so Ray decided to grab some take out and spend a quiet evening at home. Upon his arrival, Diefenbaker, whom he had agreed to watch while Fraser was out of town, immediately greeted him. He quickly removed his jacket and holsters, making himself comfortable, fed his turtle and put some more food and water down for the wolf, promising to walk him later. He turned on the lights of the small table top tree that his mother had set up one day, while he was at work. There were three packages under the table, one for Fraser, one for Dief,  and the other was for him from his parents; again his mother had left it.

        He picked up the guide and flipped through it, as he listened to the messages on his machine. Two were from his mother. She was worrying about how Ray was spending the holidays, since they had gone back to Arizona to stay with their friends for Christmas. One was from Stella, who had heard the Kowalski's would be out of town, and offered to let Ray come to a dinner party she was holding Christmas Eve night. Ray didn't consider that offer, knowing it was only her conscience making her call him at all. The last one was Fraser, telling Ray what time his flight got in tomorrow and asking if he could pick him up at the airport. Ray erased his messages and dropped the guide, there was nothing good on television. He'd eat his food, then take Dief for a walk, and maybe rent some videos.
 

        Ray lay restlessly in his bed that night, unable to sleep, despite the warmth and companionship Dief was offering, by curling up next to him in the bed. Was he depressed? He didn't think so. He'd never really spent the holidays alone before, he always had Stella to come home to at least. Still, he'd spent Easter and Thanksgiving alone and it never really bothered him, he just worked through it. For whatever reason, Welsh had refused his request for over time on the holidays, allowing Ray to work only one of the extra three he had asked for. He didn't know if he was lonely, or just bored.

        Tomorrow, he'd pick Fraser up, then take him to the Consulate and maybe have a quick meal with him. Then he would drop the Mountie at the Vecchio's for dinner and mass. They had invited Ray to dinner as well, but as usual he refused all invitations, it was just the way he was. He wanted no one's pity, and he was adjusting well to being a bachelor again, now that he was no longer married.

        Sure, he still longed for Stella, he missed her, but if he couldn't have her he really didn't want to be with anyone else. He lived alone, spent holidays alone, and that was okay with him. He didn't know why so many people made such a big deal out of Christmas; it was just another day to Ray.

        He was startled when his phone rang and he quickly reached for it, wondering who would be calling him this late. "Vecchio?" he greeted, automatically.

        "Raymond?" inquired Mrs. Vecchio's soft voice. She did not this man Raimundo, as she had her real son, but she was still affectionately formal with her pretend son.

         Ray dropped back on the pillows, swallowing a groan. "Yah, Mrs...er..Ma." It still took him awhile to get used to calling the older Italian woman Ma, despite his assignment.

        "Are you sleeping dear? Did I wake you?"

        "No, I wasn't asleep, Ma," he assured quickly. "What can I do fer ya?"

        "My Francesca says you will not be joining us tomorrow and I would like to
know why?"

         Ray sighed. "I already told her...I already explained ta Frannie, Ma, I ain't a church person."

        "That does not mean that you cannot come to dinner, Raymond," Ma admonished. "We will not make you pray for your food, if you do not wish to."

        Ray smiled a little.

        "Bentino will be there," encouraged Ma, "and since my real son is so far away I must have as many of my children around me at this time. I am an old woman and set in my ways, but I wish for all of my loved ones to be around my table at Christmas."

        "I ain't yer real son, Ma," Ray reminded quietly and he heard her tsk at him.

        "You and Bentino!" she exclaimed and let loose a string of Italian that made Ray's ears sting, even if he couldn't understand her. Finally in English she continued.  "I forgive you, Raymond, because you are not Italian, as I forgave Bentino when he did this same thing. You and he are like my own and I want you near me, with the family. They care for you both and it is time to share with your loved ones. If you must believe me to be a crazy old woman than do so, but I wish you to come to dinner tomorrow and I will not take no for an answer."

        "I appreciate yer invitin' me Ma, but I..." Ray began to refuse.

        "Have you other plans?" she demanded?

       Ray had to work for a few hours, but he knew he could make time for dinner if he really wanted to. "No, but..." Ray faltered.

        "Then you will come, " Ma decided. "I mean it, Raymond. You may not be my blood but I will have no trouble putting you over my knee if you refuse any longer. You will come to dinner with Bentino, and perhaps, stay the night, so that in the morning we can exchange gifts.  I will not allow anyone to mention the mass to you. Now you will come, yes?"

        Ray sighed. How did you fight a woman like this? "Okay, Ma," he conceded. "I give. You win. I'll come do my best ta come fer dinner." He heard her gentle chuckle vibrate over the line.

        "I knew you would not hurt an old woman's feelings, Raymond," she almost purred.

         Ray laughed, now he knew where Francesca got her charm. "Yer not old, Ma," he insisted, "yer beautiful and if I thought I had a chance with ya..."

        "Stop such nonsense!" she exclaimed, but he could tell she was smiling at his flirtation. "Save your flattery for the pretty ones your age, Raymond. I will see you tomorrow night. Sweet dreams my pet."

        "Night, Ma," Ray returned and promptly hung up, still smiling. Amazingly he drifted off to sleep rather quickly after that.

         Ray was late picking up Fraser, because of a case he was working on, but the Mountie had waited on him patiently. It was only a few minutes, after all, and soon they were on their way to the Consulate.

         "Are you attending the Christmas dinner at the Vecchio's, Ray?" Fraser inquired, watching his partner maneuver through the crowded streets. Everyone was out doing last minute shopping and traffic was a mess.

         "I was going to," Ray admitted and turned a corner, "but I dunno if I'll get the chance, now. I'm gonna let you get changed  and then I'll drop you at Frannie's, on my way back to the precinct."

        Fraser frowned. "Is it something I can assist with, Ray?" he offered, readily. He wouldn't mind helping Ray and besides, he did not wanting his friend to be working alone through Christmas.

         "No, no. I got it covered, just y'know some loose ends," Ray assured and they pulled up to the Consulate, and Ray's cell phone rang. "Vecchio." He paused for a moment. "Damn! You got radar or what? I only now picked him up from the airport." Ray grinned and came around to the passenger side to hand the phone to Fraser. "Fer you."

        The Mountie accepted the device and released Diefenbaker from the back seat."This is Constable Fraser," he greeted politely as Ray retrieved Fraser's bag from the trunk. They headed up the steps to the Consulate as Fraser continued with the call. "Ah, hello, Francesca."

        Ray smirked at the sudden nervous look in his friend's eyes.

        Fraser unlocked the large doors and they stepped inside. Turnbull and Thatcher had closed the Consulate for the holidays yesterday, so the building was onimously quiet. "Certainly, I will. Indeed. Thank you kindly, Francesca, I will see you then." He pressed the end button and exchanged the phone for the large duffel that Ray was holding.

         "What'd Frannie want?" he asked curiously, sliding the phone back in his pocket and following Fraser to his office.

         "She asked if I would pick up a bottle of wine for dinner," Fraser explained. "Tony apparently forgot, when they asked him earlier." He dropped his bag in the corner and started to remove his uniform, as Ray closed the door and turned toward the wall politely, to examine some parchment of Canada hanging there. "She also asked that I remind you of your promise to Ma, Ray."

         "I didn't promise anything, Fraser," Ray stated, automatically while his partner changed. "I said I would try ta come, but now I gotta get something else outta the way first."

         "Ray," Fraser scolded.

        Ray turned to find Fraser dressed in gray wool dress slacks and a red turtleneck sweater, damn but he could dress fast. "No, really, Fraser, somethin' came up. I'll try to get by later on, but tell them not to wait on me."

         "You'll promise to come by if you can, Ray?" Fraser questioned firmly and the blond nodded. That was good enough for the Mountie, so far the detective had never broken his word to him. "All right, I will explain to Ma, but she will be very upset if you don't show, Ray."

         "I'll do my best," Ray vowed and meant it. He really wasn't trying to get out of dinner. Something in one of his cases had come up and he just needed to take care of it. "Ya ready?"

        Fraser nodded, shrugged into his bomber jacket, and grabbed his Stetson. He picked up a bag that had been placed at the end of the bed, which Ray assumed contained gifts for the Vecchio's. "Could you recommend a good wine, Ray?" he asked, when three were settled in the GTO once more.

        Ray nodded."Yah, I know a place, I'll run in and get it fer you, buddy."

         "Thank you kindly, Ray."

        Ray was driving slower than usual, out of respect for the conditions, although Fraser trusted his friends driving skills, undoubtedly. They stopped to purchase a couple of bottles of wine, and then headed toward the street where the Vecchio's lived.

        Ray reached behind him and pulled out a medium sized, wrapped package from his back seat.  It was square and slightly flat in the middle. He carefully handed it to Fraser.

        "What's this?" the Mountie inquired.

        "Yer Christmas gift ya dope," Ray grinned, never taking his eyes from the road."I wanted ta give it to you here instead of...well, I ain't much fer crowds, Frase."

        The Mountie nodded in understanding; Ray could be a very private person at times."Would you like me to open it now, Ray?"

        "No, Fraser," Ray retorted sarcastically, but with a grin to remove the stingfrom his words. "I want ya to hold on to it and open it next forth of July. Of course I want ya ta open it now, why else would I give it to you?"

        Fraser hid his smile and started to carefully unwrap the package. "If you insist, Ray," he returned calmly, receiving a mild glare from his partner. Fraser pulled the paper away from the center to reveal the framed painting underneath.

         It was of snow-covered plains, that seemed very similar to the Northwest Territories of Canada. A  man in a red Mountie uniform and brown Stetson stood close to a small log cabin. It looked so much like home that for a moment Fraser felt tears form in his eyes as if he were almost transported back. When Fraser looked closer, at the white's blues and gray's of what he believed was a winter sky, he realized that a shape could be seen, it was the distinct face of a wolf; it resembled Diefenbaker exactly. There was a tiny spot of color in one corner that could be mistaken for a large bird in flight and the few trees that spotted the landscape were accented with a silver layer of ice.

        Ray was glancing at Fraser warily, gagging his reaction, but the Canadian remained silent as he continued to stare at the scene in his hands. "I...I know it's not...well a conventional kinda gift, but ya did say ya liked art and...well I thought it would remind ya of home."

        "Ray I...," Fraser began, finally finding his voice. He didn't know what to say how to express how much the gift meant to him. Thevery idea that Ray had gone to so much trouble of finding such a familiar scene and then purchasing such artistry could be very expensive, indeed. Ray had also mentioned an appreciation for paintings and Fraser could see that his friend had excellent taste.

        Ray took his speechlessness for a sign that he didn't like the gift. "You don't have to keep it, Fraser," he quickly insisted. "I mean, it's not even really dat good and I just thought..."

        "No, Ray!" Fraser exclaimed quickly tracing the frame with the fingers of one hand as he reached across and placed the other on Ray's shoulder. "I...I love it! I...I just...it's so...wonderful, I don't know what to say. Thank you very much, Ray. I shall treasure it always."

        Ray gave him a dubious glance, then finally smiled and nodded as he decided the Canadian was speaking the truth. "Good," he commented and pulled into the Vecchio's driveway. "I'm glad ya like it Frase."

        Ray was startled when, the moment he switched off the engine, Francesca and Mrs. Vecchio hurried out the door toward them.

         "You are here!" Ma exclaimed, delighted. "And early, so nice we can all visit."

         "I can't stay, Ma," Ray announced, as Fraser let Dief out of the car and he rolled down his window to hear the older woman. He watched her face fall in despair and was quick to explain. "I'm droppin' Fraser off early, because I have to go back to the precinct. I'm afraid I'll be late fer dinner."

         "Then, you are still spending Christmas with us, Raymond?" she asked hopefully ignoring the glare Francesca was giving the detective.

         "Sure, I'll be back," Ray promised.  "Just, y'know later, so don't hold dinner fer me or anything."

         "Are you sure I cannot assist you, Ray?" Fraser offered again. "Perhaps wecould get through faster if both…"

         "No, you stay, Fraser," Ray refused with a shake of his head, then to Mrs. Vecchio. "I promise, I will come by tonight, okay?"

        She nodded, also sure of his word as Fraser had been,  and then stood back to allow him to back out of the driveway.

        Francesca folded her arms across her chest. "He won't be back," she stated, angrily.

         Ma reached across to smack her arm. "He promised me, Francesca, and Raymond never breaks his promises," she stated as they headed into the house.

        Fraser gently caught Ma's arm to keep her from slipping on the icy path. He would come out and shovel it, to keep anyone from falling, as soon as he dropped his things off inside.

         "He's not our Ray, Ma," Francesca insisted once inside the warmth of thehouse. "Just because my brother never broke a promise to you doesn't mean…"

         "We will speak no more or this, Francesca," her mother decided firmly.  "Raymond has a good heart and he would not intentionally hurt anyone by telling lies."

         "He's a walking lie, Ma," Francesca stated. "His whole life here is a lie, because he is pretending to be Ray, your son. He's only playing a part. Don't you get it? He doesn't care about us, not like our Ray does, he's just doing his job."

         "That will be enough Francesca!" Mrs. Vecchio declared angrily, and even Fraser jumped a little at her tone.

        However, Francesca was too far-gone to stop. "NO!" she cried out. "It isn't enough Ma. His name is Stanley Kowalski, he is not Ray Vecchio, and I don't care that he has to pretend to be my brother, I don't want him to be in our lives! He's a fake and a fraud and I hate him!"

        Fraser flinched in shock as Mrs. Vecchio's hand made contact with her daughter's cheek. The older woman was shaking with rage and Fraser discreetly found the shovel in the hall closet and stepped outside to give privacy to the family argument.

         "You will not speak of hate in this house!" Ma proclaimed. "Your brother made his choice, he did what he felt he had to do and there is nothing we can do about it, but pray he will be safe and come home to us soon. That young man that has taken Raimundo's place has given up everything of his own to protect your brother from harm, a man he does not even know. He has assumed the roll of care giver and head of this family."

         "He's not…" Francesca protested as tears rolled down her cheeks.

         "He will be considered the head of this household as long as he holds yourbrother's name, Francesca," Ma decided. "He signed Raimundo's name on the insurance to get us this new home, when ours burned, he co-sighed the loan for your car, he…"

         "But, he has to do that for his cover, Ma!" Francesca wailed.

        Mrs. Vecchio stared at her daughter for a long moment, when she spoke again her voice was subdued, even a little sad. "That is true, little one," she admitted. "He does sign your brother's papers and take care of legalities for us, but he did not need to assume your brother's responsibilities, as he has done. He did not need to purchase a new water heater for us, when ours wore out."

        Francesca interrupted. "So he's got a conscience, so what? That doesn't mean he cares about us. he's playin' a part, Ma."

        Ma continued as if Francesca had not even spoken. "He did not need to come by and help your brother in law Tony fix his car last week, after working such long hours at his job, and without desired payment for his service. He did not have to find out your niece and nephew's birthdays and sent them each a gift. He did not even need to help Maria put up the Christmas lights, as Raimundo used to do for us, yet that is what he did." She took a deep breath. "This man has accepted that we are Raymond Vecchio's family and as that family we are his responsibility. He asks for nothing in return, Francesca. Nothing, but the knowledge that he is making it easier for us with your brother gone and perhaps, he tries to help us to miss him a little less."

        "But Ma…" Francesca sobbed.

         "Look at all he has done for Bentino, Francesca," Ma Ma interrupted. "He was devastated when he learned Raimundo was gone. He did not have the opportunity to say good bye as we did. Oh, Bentino did not say anything, or show his distress, as is his way,  but I could see he was terribly lost to learn Rainundo was gone. Raymond Kowalski has taken Bentino into his life and his heart. He has become a friend and partner to Bentino and performed the miracle not even your own brother could do. Bentino is more relaxed around us, he smiles and laughs more, he is more confident and happier." She shook her head sadly. "To say that you hate this man is a tragedy, little one, for he has done nothing to deserve your hate, other than not being your brother."

         Francesca bowed her head, ashamed. "I...I miss, Ray, Ma!" she sobbed and was instantly taken into her mother's embrace.

         "I know you do, my darling," she whispered. "We all do, but there is nothing we can do about that now. It is Christmas, time to forgive." She wiped her daughter's tears. "Forgive this man for not being your brother, Francesca, open your heart to him, for he deserves your love and your respect. I believe he is much more aware that he is not Ray Vecchio, than you or I shall ever be. I believe it is what makes him look so sad sometimes."

        Francesca nodded and wiped at her tears. She had noticed Kowalski get that far away look in his eye, especially when he was looking at Fraser. She suspected that the detective was wishing his and the Mountie's partnership wasn't just an assignment, he probably wanted Fraser for his real partner and friend. What Kowalski didn't realize was that he already had Fraser as both, regardless of the circumstances that brought them together.

         She suddenly recalled that Fraser had stepped outside and felt terrible that he had witnessed her shameful behavior, so she quickly got a cup of hot cider, pulled on her coat and went after him.

         Fraser had removed his coat and hat, it was settled against the porch railing, and he continued to clear the path. He had tried hard not to listen to their argument, but his keen hearing could be a curse at
times. At first, he was angry at Francesca's attack on his partner, then he felt guilty for possibly not
missing Ray Vecchio as much as she obviously did. Of course, he missed Ray, he would do anything to
have his friend back with him again, but Ray Kowalski tempered Fraser's loneliness with his warmth and
friendship, and Fraser could not complain. He believed that his life would be lessened if he had not had
this opportunity to know the brash, blond detective.
 

        Ma's words also startled Fraser, somewhat. He had thought he had hidden his despair at Ray's leaving rather well. Apparently not well enough, however, if Mrs. Vecchio had seen through him. That was probably the only thing about Ray Kowalski that scared Fraser. Like Ma, the detective seemed to have the ability to see through any of the Mountie's controlled facades, to the scared, uncertain person beneath. Fraser was a different person with Kowalski than he had been with Ray Vecchio, but he was becoming accustomed to that; he rather liked the person he was around his new Ray.

        The walkway was mostly done and for a moment Francesca just stood and watched Fraser work, for once not having the courage to approach him. Finally. he stopped and turned, heading back to the porch. She watched as he lowered his eyes from the red mark on her cheek, where her mother had slapped her, and settled the shovel against the stoop.

         "I…I brought you some..er cider," she offered. "To..to warm you up."

        Fraser took the cup from her, graciously. "Thank you kindly, Francesca," he replied, quietly, taking a sip as he leaned against the framework.

        Francesca continued to ramble. "I…Ma told Tony to clear the walk, but you know him-it takes and act of God to get him outta that chair."

        Fraser nodded and said nothing. He was surprised to find he was still angry with her.

        "We appreciate you doing it, Frase, Ma will probably give ya a kiss and stuff fer it."

         "Most likely," Fraser agreed, and continued to stare out at the lighted houses on the street. "But then, I would do almost anything for some of your mother's kisses, Francesca."

        Francesca smiled a little. "Me too," she revealed, shyly. "Um..about what I said. I...I hope you don't think…I mean I like Ray okay I just…"

         "I miss Ray too, Francesca," Fraser offered, forgivingly. His gaze finally settled on her and she lifted tear filled eyes to his. She hesitated for perhaps only a second, before moving into his embrace, glad for once that the Mountie didn't stiffen up or push her away.

         "You understand, don't you Benton?" she sniffed.

         Fraser nodded, his free arm coiling around her as the other still held his cider."I do," he agreed, "but please don't take it out on Ray…er this Ray. He is doing his job, but he…he really does care about all of you, like you were his own."

        Francesca nodded. "I know," she sighed and finally pulled away. She did not want to push her luck and have the Mountie grow uncomfortable. "Do you think he'll come back tonight?"

         "I believe he will do his best, Francesca," Fraser stated.

        She nodded and shivered in the cool night air.

         Fraser noticed her sudden chill and turned toward the front door. "Let's go back inside where it is warm."

        She smiled slightly. "Being with you makes me plenty warm, Frase," she teased and bowed her head. She knew she had gone too far again, when she saw the blush rise in his cheeks.

        However, instead of his usual stammering Fraser just gave her an indulgent smile and collected his hat and coat. "The feeling is mutual, Francesca," he assured, surprising her as he opened the front door and waited for her to enter.

         Ray walked up to the house, brightly decorated with Christmas allure, and raised his hand to knock on the door. It was thrown open by Francesca, before his knuckles could make contact, and she threw herself into his arms. She pressed her lips to his in a quick but inviting kiss. Ray almost slipped in the fresh snow on the steps as he struggled to hold on to his bearings and the tiny woman in his arms.

        "Francesca!" Mrs. Vecchio admonished from behind and Frannie finally slipped from Ray's arms. "Let him come inside it is cold. You will chase him away before he has eaten."

        "But Ma!" whined Francesca winking at Fraser, who stood just inside the door behind them. "It's tradition!"

        Ray glanced up at the mistletoe she pointed to, as she stepped back and pulled him inside.

        Fraser seemed to be struggling with a smile at his partner's sudden color and Ray glared at him. The detective looked quite sharp in black dress slacks, a red silk shirt, with black leather tie, and his black leather waist jacket. His hair was still a little on the wild side, but it was what made him unique and Fraser was quite impressed that the blond had gone to such trouble with his appearance.

        "Warn a guy next time, Frannie," Ray muttered as Maria, slyly, handed him a tissue to wipe her sister's lipstick from his lips.

        Francesca giggled. "Where's the fun in that?" she remarked.

        Ray shook his head, puzzled.

        "You'll have to forgive my sister," Maria decided, when Ray handed her the wine he had brought, which Fraser had accidentally left in his car earlier. "She gets like this every Christmas."

        Ray grunted and was suddenly wrapped in a warm hug from Ma as Fraser offered to take his coat and hang it up. Was it his imagination or did the Ray visibly pale at the woman's hearty affection?

        "I am so glad that you have decided to join us," Ma gushed kissing both his cheeks. "Dinner is ready come and sit."

         "I'm sorry I'm late, I got here…" Ray began, but was quickly silenced by the older woman, with a wave of her hand.

         "You are here and that is all that matters," she stated, warmly.

        Everyone drifted into the dining room, where the table was piled high with turkey and all the fixings. Ray greeted Tony, who decided to grace him with their presence from where he had been perched in front of the TV in the living room. Fraser helped Maria settle the kids in their seats, his gaze continuing to slide toward his partner as Ray poured the wine; omitting his and Fraser's glass. He frowned concerned,  since he knew Ray appreciated a good wine, and also noticed Ray's grip on the bottle was not as steady as it should be. Maria gave the kids milk to drink and Francesca fetched water for Ray and Fraser. They all settled at the table and bowed their heads for grace.

        "You just thought you wouldn't have to pray fer yer supper," Francesca teased Ray as she took Tony's hand on one side and Fraser's on the other.

        Fraser offered her a small smile. The woman was trying very hard to make up for her earlier behavior, even though Ray had no clue what had been said about him.

        Ray grinned, when Ma shot her daughter a reproving look, and Francesca immediately bowed her head.

        "Bentino, would you say the blessing please?" Ma requested, quietly.

        Fraser nodded and expressed a soft moving prayer of thanks.

        During the meal, everyone made small talk, except for Ray, who was strangely quiet, answering only questions directed solely at him. He wasn't eating very much and Fraser noticed his partner was using his left hand to eat, which was odd because Ray was right handed. The detective seemed more interested in watching Maria's daughter pick at her vegetables beside him, than his own meal.

        He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "What's wrong?" he whispered and she looked up at him sadly.

        "I don't like these kind," she sighed contritely and Ray held back a smile.

        "You like turkey, right?"

        "Oh yes."

        "And dressing?"

        "Sure."

        "Want me to show you a trick I use when I have'ta eat something I don't like?"he asked, softly, and she nodded her head intrigued.

        Unaware that anyone was now watching, because of the volume of noise at the table, Ray took her fork and took some of her turkey, a few vegetables and some dressing, and offered it to her.

        She gave him a skeptical look and he smiled.

        "Try it," he encouraged. "If you surround what you don't like with foods ya do, you can't taste it as much."

        She opened her mouth and accepted the offering, chewed thoughtfully, then smiled at him delighted.

        He gave her back her fork, watching her duplicated his system, and then take another mouthful.

        "Cool," she decided.

        Ray grinned. He glanced up and was surprised to find everyone's attention on him."What?" he asked startled. He received a warm smile from Maria and Mrs. Vecchio.

        "Would you like some more to eat, Raymond?" Ma asked, also noticing his plate was still mostly full. "Perhaps, something else if you are not enjoying what you have?"

        Ray shook his head. "No, no, " he refused. "I'm good. I'm just not real hungry, but it was delicious."

        She frowned for a moment, then smiled brightly at him. "Perhaps desert then?" she suggested, knowing Ray's weakness for sweets, and was disappointed when he shook his head and rose to his feet.

          "I hate to eat and run but..."

         "You can't leave yet!" protested Francesca. "We all get to open one of our giftstonight and then the rest tomorrow."

        Ray shook his head as he stood. "I ain't stayin' fer dat, but thanks fer the meal, Ma. Merry Christmas to everybody."

        Mrs. Vecchio sent Fraser and imploring look and the Mountie quickly excused himself and followed Ray out. Ray was acting strangely and Fraser could swear that he saw the detective wince a time or two during dinner.

         "Ray. Ray. Ray!" Fraser called and finally Ray turned, as he pulled his jacket from the hall closet. "Why are you rushing off? Ma would like you to stay."

        "I just gotta go, Frase," Ray replied shrugging into his jacket.

         "Where are you going, Ray?" Fraser pressed. " If you are still working on acase then I'll come with you."

         "No! Stay here with the Vecchio's, they want you to stay."

         "They want you to stay as well but you're leaving, so why shouldn't I?"

         "Don't pull yer physiology crap on me Fraser. I'm not in da mood."

         "Ray," Fraser sighed following the Detective outside. "Why are you so determined to be alone at Christmas? I have spent many holidays alone and I know from experience that it is not pleasant."

        Ray regarded his partner, quietly. He had forgotten that Fraser had no family, accept the Vecchio's, who more or less adopted him. But, that was because the Mountie was best friends and partners with the real Ray Vecchio. Ray felt like a fraud, an interloper and Christmas made him feel more the outsider. He couldn't explain it, he just felt that way. He opened his mouth to explain when his cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket to answer it and again Fraser noticed his friend used his left hand instead of his right.

         "Ray?" came Stella's voice on the other end. "Where are you? Are you coming to my dinner party?"

        Ray swore quietly, he had forgotten to call her back and decline. Actually, he just hadn't wanted her pity. If she had invited him to a dinner with just the two of them, trim the tree, eat a little turkey, he'd be there in a heart beat, but the idea of sharing her with a bunch of her stuck up friends just didn't turn his crank.

        "Hey, Stella. No I ain't comin', "he refused quietly. "Sorry, I meant to call ya and fergot."

         "You have other plans then?" Stella asked.

         "Yah, sure."

         "Like what?" she demanded, "and don't lie to me, Ray. I can always tell when
you're lying to me." .

         Ray sighed. "I'm at the Vecchio's havin' dinner, Stella," he confessed, which was true, she didn't have to know he was fixing to leave.

         "Are you really?" she returned, pleased. "Good. I didn't want you to be alone, Ray."

         "Yah... I know," Ray figured she had promised his Mum or something. "Well, I'm not, okay?"

         "Okay," agreed Stella convinced. "Ray?"

         "Yah, Stella?"

         "I…I hope you have a good Christmas, Ray," she finally said.

         "You too, Stella," he offered, quietly. "I lo…Merry Christmas, Stella."

         "Merry Christmas, Ray." Stella returned, disappointed.

        Ray hung up and put his phone back in his pocket.

        Fraser regarded him quietly, wishing he could help ease the pain his friend was going through. Fraser did not care for Stella much, she was always hurting Ray, and everyone could see how much he still loved and adored her.

         "If you could make one wish this Christmas, Ray," Fraser suddenly asked,"what would it be?"

        Ray stared at him a moment, then shrugged. "Peace on earth good will toward men, I suppose," he teased. "Of course then we'd be out of a job."

        Fraser offered him a smile.

        "I bet I know what yer wish would be, Frase."

         "Do you, Ray?" Fraser asked, curiously. "And what would that be?"

         "That Vecchio was back," Ray stated and Fraser stared at him surprised. Ray smirked. "That would probably be everybody's Christmas wish, here anyway." He offered a wry smile. "Except maybe Frannie, she'd wish to get you between the sheets, Frase."

        Fraser blushed, and frowned at the same time. "Although, I do wish that Ray Vecchio could be home with us, safe and sound, Ray," he began seriously, "that is not my Christmas wish. Nor, do I believe it would be absolutely everyone else's either. Ma, perhaps, naturally she misses her son greatly, but we all wish for different things."

        Ray shrugged. "Admit it or not, ya miss Vecchio and I bet ya wish he were here instead of me."
 

         Ma Vecchio's words haunted, Fraser.  I believe he is much more aware that he is not Ray Vecchio, than you or I shall ever be. I believe it is what makes him look so sad sometimes.

        "I do miss Ray Vecchio," Fraser agreed, finally, "however, I do not wish he were here instead of you. You are my friend and my partner, Ray, regardless of the reasons you are here. I would miss you just as much if you were no longer around."

        Ray regarded him, quietly. "You really mean dat, Fraser?"

         "Of course, Ray."

         "I don't understand why. All I do is remind everyone dat Vecchio isn't here."Ray sighed.  "How can anyone even stand ta be around me?"

         "You will no longer use my son as an excuse, Raymond," Mrs. Vecchio suddenly interrupted and both men turned to her startled. She walked up to Ray and he felt heat sting his cheeks. He didn't mean for her to hear that, he didn't want to hurt her.

         "Ma I…" he began, but she silenced him with a raised hand.

         "My Raimundo took that assignment because he felt he should do so. It was noteasy for him to go as he did, and leave behind his loved ones, but he did so because he is a good man and a good policeman." She grasped Ray's hands between hers. "They replaced him with you, although I do not understand why, as you do not even look Italian, but it was done just the same and I am grateful. You protect my son's presence and you take on his identity to keep him from harm, with no thought to your own well being. I will not listen to you berate yourself another moment longer. You have sacrificed just as much as my son, you were both hurt and troubled by this change, but you will not use my Raimundo as an excuse to keep us from caring about you, it is too late for that. We do care for you, as you are, and not who you pretend to be."

        Ray stared at her for a long moment, then averted his eyes. "I'm sorry if I angered you," he replied softly. "I just want to leave."

         "Bentino asked you your Christmas wish, I want to know as well," she insisted. "You will tell me what it is you, Stanley Kowalski wish for this Christmas."

        Ray shook his head. "I can't tell you that, Ma," he refused. "Please, understand I don't want to hurt you."

        Ma frowned."You will tell me, you cannot refuse a old woman."

         "This time I must."

         "Tell me, Raymond," she pressed.

         Ray shook his head. He tried to reign in his temper, which was close to exploding. He just wanted to go home for Christ's' sakes.

        Ma moved to take him into her arms again, as was her way, and was startled when Ray quickly avoided her.

         "I…I just have'ta go home now, okay?" he reasoned, offering her an apologetic smile when he saw the hurt in her eyes from his actions. He started to back down the steps toward his car. "I…I'm sorry fer…" He shook his head and hurried to his car, despite Fraser's calling for him. He slid behind the wheel just as the Mountie reached in before the door closed.

         "Ray, don't," Fraser began and watched Ray's sharp gasp of pain when he grasped the detective's shoulder. "Ray, what is it? Are you hurt?"

         "Jesus, Fraser!" Ray exclaimed. "Can't ya just let me go?"

        Fraser pulled the door open further and leaned down toward his partner's pale face."What has happened, Ray?" he demanded. "Are you injured?"

        Ray bit his lip and nodded, glancing back apprehensively, at the Vecchio women standing concerned in the doorway. "I hurt my shoulder, Frase," Ray admitted, quietly.

        Fraser pulled back Ray's jacket and moved to unbutton Ray's shirt.

        Ray slapped his hand away. "I'm fine."

         "Let me see, Ray," Fraser encouraged, firmly.

         Ray pulled his jacket closer around him. "It's freezin' out here," he stated. "We'll play show and tell later."

         "Ray? Come inside and…"

         "I cannot go back in dere, Fraser," Ray refused. "I…Just move and let me go home, will ya?"

         "No, I will not do that, Ray," Fraser declined.

        Ray growled and glared at him. "I swear I will kick ya in da head if ya don't."

         "What happened to your wish for good will toward men, Ray?" Fraser returned and the detective sighed in defeat.

        Francesca joined them, her teeth chattering as she hugged herself for warmth. "Come back in side, it's cold out here!" she declared to them both.

         "I was just leavin'," Ray insisted. "Fraser, take Frannie inside before shecatches cold."

        Fraser started to rise, knowing the detective was going to be stubborn, but then Francesca leaned down to speak to him.

         "I need you to be here, Ray," she informed, quietly. "Yer the closest thing to a brother I got right now."

         "What about Tony?" Ray demanded, peevishly.

         Francesca huffed. "Tony isn't a brother he's a piece of the furniture."

         "What about Fraser?"

         "I do not think of Fraser as my brother, Ray, everyone knows that," Francesca stated
and Fraser blushed.

         "I ain't yer brother either, Frannie," Ray stated.

         "No, but I want ya to be. Please, please come back inside Ray."

         Ray leaned his forehead against the wheel. He bit his lip as the pain killers he had taken earlier continued to wear off.  It was all he could do to keep from passing out, especially since everyone seemed to be all touchy feely with him this evening. If he didn't leave now, he wouldn't make the drive home, and if he stayed they would find out he was hurt. Besides, when he was in pain he became a bit of an asshole and he didn't want to hurt anyone's feeling by running off at the mouth.

         "Go on inside, Francesca," Fraser suggested firmly. "I will bring Ray along in a moment." The woman hesitated, then finally nodded and moved away. He waited until she and the others had gone back inside then spoke to Ray again. "Is it bad, Ray?"

        Ray swallowed, convulsively. He couldn't hide it now if he wanted to, and nodded. "Hurts, Fraser," he admitted, finally.

         "What happened?"

         "Me and the Duck Boys were takin' down some bad guys and I got a knife in theshoulder, when I was strugglin' with one of 'em," Ray explained and hissed in pain. "I didn't see the one comin' from behind."

        Fraser frowned and shook his head. "Have you been to the hospital, Ray?" he asked, knowing full well that his partner avoided that place like the morgue. He wasn't surprised when the blond shook his head.

         "Christmas Eve, Fraser. Place would be swarmin with people worse off," Ray started to shiver. "I...I didn't wanna miss dinner, I promised."

         "Didn't Leftenant Welsh tell you to go to the hospital?" Fraser accused.

         Ray nodded weakly. "Sure, and I told him I would. Just didn't say when."

        Fraserscowled and straightened. "I'll drive you to the hospital, Ray," he decided. "Just let me get my coat."

        Ray caught his arm, despite the pain the action caused him. "Don't wanna go to the hospital, Frase," he stated. "It's just a scratch, really.Please don't go makin' a fuss?"

         "Ray you…" Fraser started to protest but the blond cut him off.

         "Don't….just take me home, drive me home, Fraser?" he requested, gritting histeeth to bear the pain. "Ya can take the car and come back here after, just…don't tell Ma I'm hurt. Don't ruin it fer her, please?"

        After a moment's hesitation, the Mountie nodded and helped Ray move over to the passenger side, before returning inside to retrieve their things. He didn't want to lie, so he just told the Vecchio's that Ray was over tired from such a long day's work and needed to rest. He promised to return for Christmas Mass, accepted some extra food in a Tupperware container for Ray, then headed out.

         Ray was in terrible pain, when Fraser finally pulled up to his friend's apartment building, and the Mountie was tempted to take him to the emergency room after all. However, the detective had already started to stumble out of the car, preventing Fraser from continuing their drive. He helped Ray get to his apartment, then settled him on the sofa and returned to close the door.

         "Let me look at your shoulder, Ray," Fraser demanded, quietly, as he helped his partner off with his coat.

        Ray's shirt was already darkened with the stain of blood across his right shoulder.

        Fraser carefully pulled off Ray's tie and unbuttoned his shirt. Ray attempted to help but was almost out of it, at this point. Fraser hid his shock as he pulled back the soaked bandage and gauze that Ray had placed over the gaping wound. A deep slash marred the back of the detective's right shoulder just below his collarbone. The wound would surely need stitches and Fraser would definitely take Ray to the hospital tomorrow, but for now he would abide by his friend's wishes.

         "See, just a scratch." Ray joked, weakly, as he witnessed his partner's concern.

        Fraser grunted and rose to collect the first aid kit that he knew Ray kept in hisbathroom. Luckily, because Ray hated hospitals so much, it also inclined him to have a wide assortment of antibiotic creams, bandages and so forth, which he preferred to use himself. Fraser was surprised to even find a suture gun in the cabinet and he wondered where Ray had gotten in.

         "This is going to sting, Ray," he warned. He dabbed the wound with peroxide, watching the detective grab onto the sofa arm and grit his teeth against the pain.

        Fraser quickly cleaned the wound and applied the antibiotic cream. He indicated the instrument he had found and Ray consented, so he quickly stitched the wound, trying not to wince himself at Ray's obvious agony. The slow metal sounding click of the stapler seemed to echo loudly in the quiet apartment.

        Finally, Fraser prepared a dressing and taped a fresh bandage to Ray's shoulder. Ray looked like he was going to pass out at any moment. His face was pale and gleaned with sweat. His eyes had closed wearily. Fraser retrieved a glass of juice and helped Ray swallow the a couple of the prescription  painkillers he had also found in the cabinet.

         "T…thanks Frase," Ray managed to whisper as Fraser helped him to lay back on the sofa and pulled off his boots for him. He fetched a blanket from Ray's bed and placed it over the trembling man. "Y...you can go on….back now."

         "I told the Vecchio's I would meet them for midnight mass later, Ray," Fraserinformed as he re-packed the first aid kit, leaving it on the table in case they should need it. "I have time to stay awhile. Where did you get the suture stapler?"

        Raysmiled weakly and his eyes fluttered open. "L..last time I was in the hospital, one of the nurses took pity on me and told me where I could buy one." He was still hurting badly and it seemed to take a great deal of effort just to think straight. "B…been doin' my own work fer awhile now."

         "That isn't healthy, Ray," Fraser scolded as he settled into the armchair. "You should be seen by professionals."

         "I am a professional," Ray declared, dazed.

         Fraser fought the grin that threatened to form on his lips. "You are a professional police officer, Ray," he reminded, "not a Doctor."

         "Tomato, toh-mah-toh, Benton buddy," Ray returned, sleepily.

        Fraser was glad. It seemed the pills were finally allowing him to relax a little."Go to sleep, Ray," he suggested quietly.

         Ray shifted his head to look at him. "Sorry fer ruinin' yer Christmas, Frase," he whispered, folornly.

         Fraser shook his head ruefully. He moved to settle on the floor next to the sofa so his partner wouldn't have to crane his neck to see him. "You haven't ruined anything, Ray," he assured, kindly.

        Ray was quiet for a long moment. His eyes remained closed, and Fraser thought he had drifted off, but then those steel blue eyes opened again and he spoke once more. "You really wanna know my wish, Fraser?" he asked, his voice slightly slurred, but his eyes were fully alert. What I really want?"

         "Yes, Ray," Fraser accepted, easily.

        "You'll hate me."

         "I will never hate you, Ray."

         "I kinda wish Vecchio would never come back," Ray stated, quietly.

        Fraser swallowed his shock and remained silent.

        "I don't wish him dead or even harmed, but I know when he returns to his life, his family, his sister, his job and his friend and partner I have to leave and I…I don't want to give any of you up. I know I have to, I know the time would come when I accepted dis assignment, I just never expected you all to be so…" Ray shook his head and tried to recapture his thoughts. "I'm sorry. I can't help what I feel. If I don't get attached the break is easier, can't you see? I'm a selfish bastard fer wanting to keep yer friend's life, but somethin' tells me Vecchio hasn't got a clue what all he has here, dat's just the way it is. Dat's why I distance myself and why I had to leave the Vecchio's. I'm sorry."

        Ray's voice broke and he turned away from Fraser, hiding his face in the cushions, and the Mountie felt bad for him.

        It wasn't Ray's fault that he had come to care for all of them, it was just the kind of man he was. Fraser had to admit he was both anxious and uneasy of his old partner's return. Although, he missed his friend terribly, he had formed a special bond with Kowalski that even he did not quite understand. He couldn't imagine the quirky, volatile blond not being a part of his life and so, in a way, he understood why Ray wouldn't want the real Vecchio to come home. Fraser found a part of himself in Stanley Raymond Kowalski that he hadn't known had been missing, and he suspected the detective felt the same way about him.

        He reached up and gently placed a hand on Ray's good shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
"No matter what happens, Ray," he began, quietly, "you are my partner and my friend and we will always have that bond shared between us. I...I do not want to consider a future without you in it. Although, I would like to have Ray Vecchio in it as well, for he is also my friend. I hope that, regardless of what happens when Ray returns, we will still be…together."

        Ray turned around slowly to look at him and Fraser saw that the detective's eyes were shining brightly with unshed tears. "W…was dat hard to say, Fraser?" he whispered.

         Fraser smiled, shaking his head. "Not in the least, Ray," he assured. He was surprised when Ray gently pulled him down for a brief hug.

        "I love ya, Fraser."

        "And I you, Ray," Fraser allowed returning the embrace, careful of Ray's injured shoulder.

        "I mean like a brother or somethin' not…" Ray made a crude gesture with his hands.

         Fraser bit back his laughter. "Understood, Ray," he replied straightening and tucking the blanket more securely around his partner. "Try to sleep now."

        "'Kay," Ray yawned and snuggled against the pillow Fraser had also retrieved from his bed. "Merry Christmas, Fraser."

        "Merry Christmas, Ray," Fraser returned but the blond was already asleep.

        Ray awoke a short time later and Fraser checked his dressing and offered the detective some additional pain killers, which Ray refused.

        "Nah, I'm good," he assured the Mountie as Fraser helped him on with a fresh shirt. Ray buttoned the front of the fleece-lined shirt, which was more of a jacket really. It was easier to get on without hurting his shoulder and loose enough it didn't bother the bandage.

        "Would you like me to heat you up the plate Mrs. Vecchio sent with us, Ray?"Fraser offered.

        Ray shook his head and rose from the sofa. "I'm not hungry, Frase, but thanks," he declined and glanced at his watch as he went over to his kitchen area and pulled a soda from the fridge. He offered one to Fraser whom declined. "Shouldn't you be gettin' back to the Vecchio's?"

        "I told them I would meet them for midnight mass, Ray," Fraser explained andjoined his partner in the kitchen. Ray leaned wearily against the counter and sipped his drink. "Would you…do you feel up to coming? I am sure…"

        "I don't do church, Fraser," Ray refused quickly. "but tell 'em I said hi, and dat I was sorry I had to leave so soon."

        Fraser shuffled his feet, debating whether or not to ask his next question. "You are injured, Ray…" he began.

        "I'll be fine, Fraser," the detective blocked, easily, and returned to sit on thesofa.

        Fraser followed and sat beside him. "I promised to spend the night at the Vecchio's, so we would all be there Christmas morning, Ray."

        Ray nodded."Yah, I know, dat's cool," he glanced at Fraser. "You need me to drive ya over, my shoulder's feelin' better now I can…"

        "No, Ray," Fraser protested, wishing he could make the detective understand he didn't want to leave him alone. "I...I would like you to come with me, Ray. That way, I can keep an eye on your shoulder, in case you start bleeding again and…"

        "I can watch my own shoulder, Frase," Ray decided, firmly. "I been takin' care a myself awhile now."

        "I'm not insinuating that you are incapable to seeing to your own needs, Ray," Fraser assured. "I simply think that with an injury like yours it would bebetter if someone were around, just in case. If you still will not go to the hospital, then I would like…"

        "Fraser I'll be fine," Ray insisted. He finished his soda and set the can on the table beside the first aid kit. "I'm a big boy." He sighed when Fraser gave him a scolding look. How was it the Mountie could make him feel like he was ten years old again and messing up in front of the principle. "Fraser, I…I really prefer to be alone, okay? I mean, I meant what I said earlier, yer my best buddy and I care about ya but…I'm…I'm not real good with family gatherings, especially when they're not my family."

        "Please reconsider, Ray," Fraser requested, quietly, and again those deep, searching eyes seared through Kowalski's soul forcing hin to look away or be lost forever. "Ma will be very upset if I return without you and I…I would like…I would like to.." Fraser lowered his eyes for a moment and caressed his brow thoughtfully. "I care very much about the Vecchio family, but…they are not my family either. I have no family left, and yet…" He raised his gaze to meet Ray's once more.  " I consider you closer…as close as any family I might have and I…I want to spend this time with you; whether it is with the Vecchio's or here just the two of us in your apartment, Ray."

        Ray stared at him for so long, Fraser became uncomfortable and started to think he had made a tragic mistake. How could he have possibly thought he could make the blond understand how important this was to him? His father was right, men don't talk about what they want or their feelings, it leads to uncomfortable situations like this one. He opened his mouth to apologize when Ray's words gave him pause.

        "Okay, Fraser."

        Fraser glanced back at his friend, looking for a sign of anger or edginess in the detective, but found only a warm smile. "Okay, Ray?"

        Ray nodded and rose. "Help me pack some stuff and we'll go have us a sleep over at the Vecchio's."

        Fraser beamed at him and stood eagerly. "Thank you kindly, Ray." He smiled as he also stood. "Are you sure you feel up to it? We can stay here and…"

        "Just let me throw some stuff in a bag and we're outta here, buddy," Ray assured, heading for the bedroom.

        Fraser watched him joyously for a moment, unable to explain the fluttering in his heart that Ray's words had made. He shook his head, it didn't matter why he was feeling so strangely euphoric, all that counted was Ray would spend Christmas with him.
 

        Fraser helped Mrs. Vecchio and Francesca out of the vehicle, then aided their slow assent on the still slippery walk, toward the front door. Once they were on the porch, he returned to the car to help Maria with her slumbering children. The midnight mass had been crowded and inspiring. They were all tired, but in good spirits.

        Ray had dropped Fraser at the church and went on to the Vecchio home, since he had a spare key and could get inside to wait. The children had fallen asleep on the way home. Tony had retrieved the parcels and extra gifts that the ladies had stopped to purchase earlier and left in the car, while they were at mass, as Maria and Fraser each took a bundled child inside.

        Ray met them at the door, accepting a kiss from Ma and a shy smile from Francesca, as he helped them off with their coats. He then stepped outside to give Tony a hand with the packages. They placed the bags and parcels in the living room, where the ladies could sort through them later, as Fraser and Maria came in with the kids.

        Francesca immediately moved to take the girl in the Mountie's arms, but her niece, Tanya, started to wake up at the exchange and pulled closer to the man holding her.

        "It's all right, Francesca," Fraser assured quietly, as Maria headed upstairs. "I'll take her."

        Francesca nodded, smiling.

        Ray came back inside, setting the last of the bags down, and Tanya stretched her arms toward him for a hug.

        "Uncle Ray!" she sighed, sleepily. "You came back!"

        Ray smiled, but didn't move to embrace her. He was concerned she might want him to carry her and with his shoulder he would up dropping her. He had been startled at how accepting the Vecchio childeren had been toward him and his heart beat a little faster each time one of them called him uncle Ray. He knew they were just doing as they had been told to do, but it still made him feel warm inside. His brother had a couple of kids, but Ray never saw them, because they lived so far away. Also, he didn't get along with his brother, so his nephews would never be as accepting or affectionate as Maria's kids were.

        "Hey, Kid," he offered dropping a kiss on her forehead. "Better get upstairs and to sleep or The Easter Bunny won't come."

        Tanya giggled."It's not Easter!" she exclaimed and Fraser smiled at his partner's teasing. "It's Christmas!"

        Ray smacked his head in wonder. "Dat's right! I meant the tooth fairy of course."

        "No, silly! Santa comes on Christmas," She laughed.

         Ray looked delightfully puzzled. "Big guy, red suit, white beard, drive's a sleigh?" he asked her and she nodded. "Nope, never heard of him."

        Tanya giggled and snuggled into Fraser as Maria returned from putting her son to bed.

        "Sleep time, sweetie," Maria stated firmly, but with a small smile.

       Tanya clung to the Mountie holding her. She loved that he always smelled so nice and was so silly with her. "Fraser'll take me," she yawned, repeating the Canadian's earlier promise.

        "Well,  I don't know, you are getting rather heavy," Fraser remarked, as he headed for the stairs, pretending to let her slip from his arms.

        Tanya squealed and tried to wrap her arms tighter around Fraser's neck, but he had her almost upside down by then and she was giggling and crying out, though she knew he would never drop her.

        "Drop her, Fraser," Ray teased, "see if she bounces."

        Tanya exclaimed her horror, through her laughter, and Fraser righted her again, before he started to climb the stairs.

        Francesca and Maria exchanged a knowing glance as the girl smiled shyly, and snuggled back into the Mountie's arms.

        Fraser gave her a tender kiss on the forehead and cuddled her to him.

        "He'd make a wonderful father one day," Maria sighed and Ray glanced back at them.

        "I know it," Francesca agreed, wistfully. "I'm tryin' believe me."

        Ray lowered his eyes and hid a smile, then suddenly walked over and shyly, gave each woman a kiss on the cheek. They stared at him, shocked, and he shrugged."Merry Christmas," he murmured, before heading back into the living room.

        Again the sisters exchanged a glance, until finally Maria commented. "Maybe yer tryin' fer the wrong one, Frannie."

        Francesca stared after Ray and shook her head. Maybe she was at that.

        "Ray. Ray. Ray. Ray!" Fraser's voice finally made it through the fog that had settled over Kowalski's brain and he noticed he and the Mountie were the only ones left in the living room.

        He had been watching the women wrap presents and stuff stockings for the kids, while Fraser had been helping. Ray must have zoned out because now the gifts were all under the tree and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes…Ray shook his head. Oooh brain fart..com'ahn work with me here. He smacked the side of his head to jostle his thought process back to reality and ignored Fraser's sly grin.

        "Hey, Frase," he muttered, embarrassed that he hadn't noticed the others leave."Where'd everyone go?"

        "I believe they've all gone to bed, Ray," the Mountie supplied. "It's rather late, you fell asleep."

        Ray sat up slowly, from his slumped position in the chair. His shoulder was throbbing painfully.

         Fraser noticed his friend wince. The Mountie was beside Ray instantly to help his partner to his feet. "Ma already made up rooms for us to sleep," he informed gently, waiting for the blond to get his bearings. "I'll check your shoulder upstairs."

        Ray nodded and swayed a little, glad for the supportive arm that had sneaked around his waist. "Oooh, check please?" Ray murmured   and Fraser chuckled. "Sorry, room's spinnin' a little.What did you say?" Fraser repeated his offer and Ray nodded. "Yah, 'kay. Frase." He agreed.

        The room finally drew to a halt and Ray moved away from Fraser's steady grasp to switch off the lamp beside them, leaving just the twinkling tree lights to illuminate the room in patterned colors.

        Ray sighed and stared at the tree. It sure was pretty, all decorated and lit up. He couldn't remember the last time his folks had bothered to put a tree up for Christmas and Stella always preferred those white Victorian looking things. This was a real tree that smelled of pine needles, with antique and home made ornaments mixed along its branches. Strings of pearl beads were draped lovingly around it, with a beautiful wide eyed white angel on top. This was a true Christmas tree, a family's Christmas tree.

        Ray lowered his eyes away from the shining vision and remembered it just wasn't his family. He felt guilty to want what wasn't his, but he couldn't help it. He loved his real folks, of course he did, and he liked being there son, but there was never the closeness with the Kowalski's that the Vecchio's seemed to have. Granted there was a lot more bickering and threatened assaults, in this household, and they all talked entirely too much for Ray's tastes, but it still felt more like…a home.

        He felt Fraser's hand on his good shoulder.

        "Are you all right, Ray?" Fraser asked, kindly.

        Ray nodded, moving out of the room and toward the stairs, before his, melancholy mood worsened. "Yah, I'm good, Frase," he assured quietly, not really caring if the Mountie believed him or not. He was suddenly very tired again.

        Fraser stepped inside the room Mrs. Vecchio had made up for them. She had offered to have the twins move in with Francesca, so they could have a room each, but Fraser assured her he and Ray could share a bedroom. Besides, he wanted to keep an eye on his partner anyway, just in case.

        "I'll change your bandage, Ray," he offered as the blond settled on the large, king-sized bed and started to toe off his boots and unbutton his shirt.

        The wound had started to bleed again, despite the sutures, so Fraser changed the dressing and added additional stitches.

        Ray flinched with each painful clip, but managed to keep quiet and not wake the house."Frase?" he croaked, and the Mountie looked at him concerned. "I...I think I'm gonna be sick."

        Fraser nodded and quickly retrieved the nearby wastebasket, knowing his partner would not make it down the long hall to the bathroom.

        Afterwards, he settled Ray back against the pillows, changed the bag in the basket with a fresh one, and retrieved a moist cloth and bowl of water from the bathroom. He even brought Ray some mouthwash to rinse his mouth.

        "I really think you should go to the hospital, Ray," he suggested again, wipingthe perspiration from Ray's forehead and tsking over his friend's sudden pallor and trembling form. "The wound may be getting infected. I cannot…"

        "You'll take care a me, Frase," Ray muttered, weakly, and closed his eyes.

        Fraser moved the cool cloth over his friend's hot face with slow gentle strokes. "I always do," he promised, gently. Fraser shook his head, frustrated, and moistened the cloth again in the bowl.
 

        Fraser awoke early the next morning, after a restless night of watching his partner sleep. He had fallen asleep in the armchair and now, had a terrible crick in his neck. He heard the children running past the room to check the tree down stairs for a sign that Santa had come, then he stretched and moved to wake, Ray. Depending on how the detective was feeling, Fraser would probably let him sleep longer, once he was assured of his friend's continued health.

         Ray didn't stir, not even when Fraser gently tried to shake him awake. His breathing wasn't right. Fraser anxiously pulled back the covers and found them wet with Ray's blood, that had seeped through the bandage during the night. Immediately, Fraser reached for the phone and called an ambulance. It would probably worry everyone downstairs, but he couldn't risk Ray's life just to spare their feelings, not now.

        Francesca had offered to drive Fraser to the hospital, following the ambulance that carried his partner and her pretend brother. "Why didn't he tell us he was hurt?" she demanded of Fraser, as they sped toward the hospital.

        "He didn't wish to spoil your Christmas celebration," Fraser stated. His voice and face was passive as usual, but his body was rigid in his seat. He fidgeted with his Stetson, a sign that he was worried.

        "Well, he'll really spoil it fer us if he dies, Fraser," Francesca retorted, angrily. She regretted her words, when she saw the Mountie's lips compress into a hard line. She reached across and gently touched his arm. "I'm sorry, Frase. I'm worried too."

        Fraser acknowledged her apology with a brief nod, but never took his eyes from the ambulance in front of them. He was already lost in his own agonizing thoughts. I should have forced him to go to the hospital, I should have made him get the proper care. Ray can't die, he can't. He promised to spend Christmas with me. I cannot loose another partner, not Ray, please Dear God don't take him from me, I love him so much.

        Francesca paced the waiting room as they waited to hear how Ray was doing.

        Fraser stood unmoving, by the window and watched the falling snow, his back to her, his posture rigid. There had been a piece of the blade that had broken off in Ray's shoulder. His continued movement buried it further and further into the tender tissue beneath, causing the wound to continue bleeding, despite Fraser's attempts to stitch it. There was no way he could have known it was there, the Doctor had informed Fraser. It couldn't be seen by the naked eye and would have been hard to see even with an x-ray, if they hadn't been looking for the direct cause of the bleeding.

        They had taken Ray into surgery immediately, and set up a transfusion of blood, hoping to keep the detective from bleeding to death, as he had already lost so much over the last twenty-four hours. Finally, the Doctor joined them and said the Ray would be fine, that they had gotten to him in time.

        Frannie cried out in relief and Fraser asked if he could go and see his partner, which the Doctor agreed, but only for a few minutes.

        Ray was laying against the stark white hospital sheets, his face deathly pale and his eyes closed. There was none of the usual energy and flamboyance in this vulnerable, sickly form that was Ray Kowalski.

        Fraser shuddered how close he had come to loosing his friend. He stepped up to the bed, just wanting to see for himself that Ray would be okay, but not to disturb him. The blonde's breathing was good and according to the heart monitor on him his pulse was strong, despite his pallor. Fraser offered up a silent prayer of thanks to whoever might be listening and then impulsively reached to push a stray lock of blond hair from Ray's forehead.

        "Frase?" the cop asked, his eyes opening.

         Fraser snatched his hand back, discreetly. "I'm here, Ray," he assured, quietly.

        Ray offered him a weak smile. "Hey, Buddy."

        Fraser offered him a polite nod.

        "Sorry ta ruin yer holiday."

        "Don't start on that again, Ray," Fraser warned, trying to hide his rising anger that had finally given way to fear. "I've already decided I should have never listened to you. I should have taken you to the hospital and never mind about your protests. You could have died Ray, and then where would you be? Dead is where and I'd have lost another partner and that is totally selfish of you to…"

        Fraser was babbling and Ray raised his hand to catch hold of the Mountie's fingers."I'm sorry fer scarin' ya, Fraser," he offered gently

         Fraser's anger dissipated almost immediately and he gave Ray's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I…I've come to realize that, perhaps you have started to influence me more than I thought, Ray," he confessed.

        Ray gave him a puzzled look and retracted his hand. "Yah? How?" he asked.

         Fraser blushed, taking a sudden interest in the sheets on Ray's bed. "I…ah…I kept thinking that if you didn't make it out of this alive I was going to have to kill you, Ray," he admitted, straight faced.

         Ray laughed, then groaned when the movement caused him pain, but his smile never disappeared."There's hope fer ya yet then, Benton buddy," he chuckled.

         Fraser brightened. "You think?"

        Ray shook his head, still smiling. "Yah, I think. Ya, freak."

        Fraser returned his smile and their palms met once more. "I'm glad, Ray."

        "Me too," Ray vowed, gently.
 
 

         Despite Doctor's orders Ray left the hospital that afternoon. They had managed to remove the piece of metal from his shoulder and patched him up, so Ray wanted to get the hell out. He argued with the Doctors for twenty minutes and with Fraser and Francesca for another ten.

        Finally, knowing the detective would try and go home himself, they agreed to take him out of the hospital. Francesca's stipulation was that he had to stay at the Vecchio household over night again, and Ray countered with staying for dinner and suggested Fraser could stay with him at his place, so he wouldn't be unattended since everyone felt like hovering. Francesca and Fraser agreed.

        Ray's arm was in a sling and the prescription they had given him lessened the pain in his arm to a dull ache, so he was in a better mood by the time they arrived. Mrs. Vecchio ran out, but quickly restrained herself from throwing her arms around him and aggravating his injury.

        Instead, she grabbed his free hand, firmly. "I should be furious with you!" she exclaimed and went off on a string of Italian that Ray couldn't keep up with or hope to understand, but he sensed her disapproval.

         "Ma!" Francesca interrupted. "Yell at him later, let's go inside."

        Her mother nodded, but kept a firm grasp on Ray's hand and tugged him along behind her toward the house, even as he gave Fraser a pleading look.

        The Mountie turned his eyes away and followed them inside. Whatever scolding Ray received from Ma, he deserved, for making them all worry so. Fraser was actually amazed that Ray never once raised his voice to the older woman, or did anything but apologize quietly, as she continued her tirade. Any one else that spoke that way, or invaded the detective's personal space, usually resulted in Ray threatening first and then acting on that threat.

         "Ma," Fraser said gently, finally interceding on his partner's behalf. He decided Ray had suffered enough. "Ray did not mean to cause you distress, he was trying to protect you from having to worry during Christmas."

        The woman gazed at him, expectantly.

        Fraser continued. "I am sure that Ray knows better now and he is here, so perhaps we should all just try and enjoy the rest of the day."

        Mrs. Vecchio considered his words silently for a moment, then turned her attention back to Ray.

         "I really am so sorry," Ray offered once more.

        Ma took his face in her hands and kissed him gently on each cheek. "I forgive you this time, Caro," she accepted and Fraser watched Ray's shoulder's sag with relief. "Do not hurt me so again, no?"

         "No," he agreed, "never, Ma. I am sorry."

        She nodded and moved away offering him a small smile. "It is forgotten then," She headed toward the living room. "Come, we have waited enough for the gifts, we will enjoy Christmas and then we will eat." She disappeared around the corner.

         Ray glared at Fraser, who helped him shrug out of his jacket, which he only had draped over his shoulders because of his sling. "Took ya long enough to say something, Fraser," he muttered.

         Fraser hid a smile. "You deserved it, Ray."

         Ray glanced at him surprised. "That isn't very Mountie-like," he accused. "I'd say dat's even bordering on rude."

         "But, it is accurate, Ray," Fraser continued and, with a firm hand on his partner's back,  guided the detective into the Vecchio's family room. "Shall we?"

        Ray took the recliner that Tony surprisingly offered him and Fraser settled beside him on the floor, as Maria and Francesca passed the gifts out. Maria and Tony had opened theirs with the kids earlier who were busy upstairs playing with their new treasures. Tony made a comment about watching something on television and went on up as well, leaving the five adults.

         "These are yours, Frase," Francesca stated, and offered a small pile to the Mountie.

         "Thank you kindly, Francesca," Fraser accepted and set them beside him, as Marie settled Ma's gifts by the sofa and Frannie's pile by the tree; where her sister liked tp curled up.

         "Here ya are, Ray," Francesca informed, handing the remaining gifts to the detective.

         "Um..thank's Frannie," Ray replied, slightly uncomfortable that they had gotten him anything. Well, of course they did, they had to keep up appearances, right this was all for Vecchio, he just had to keep repeating that to himself. Everyone settled in and started to unwrap their gifts, except Ray, who was enjoying himself watching everyone else's excitement over what they had received.

         "Oh Ray!" Francesca exclaimed as she opened the box that held her tennis bracelet. "It's beautiful! I wanted just this one!" She rushed over to give him a kiss.

        Ray stopped her with a warning hand. "A thank you'd work, fine, Frannie," he assured.

      Francesca paused for a moment, considering his words, and then ignored them by dropping in his lap; narrowly missing a grinning Fraser who moved to get out of her way. She was careful of his shoulder, as she gave him a big hug and a dozen kisses all over his face. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" she inflected each word with a kiss.

         Ray was giggling and squirming under her. "Get offa me!" he declared. "Fraser, help!"

        Francesca laughed and hopped up, with a final ruffle of Ray's hair, then allowed Maria and her mother to admire her bracelet.

        Ray tried to straighten his clothes and his hair with his good hand as Fraser resumed his position beside him. Ray kicked him, gently, with the toe of his boot. "Some buddy you are."

        Fraser leaned back and smiled. "Oh, were you in need of assistance, Ray?" he inquired innocently, and Ray had to struggle not to pop him. "Aren't you going to open your gifts?" He handed his friend one of the parcels with his name on it.

        Ray reluctantly took it. "Sure."
 
 

        Fraser leaned back in the easy chair and glanced at the his partner, dozing on the sofa. Everyone had liked their gifts even Ray, who thanked Ma for the new razor, Maria and Tony for the years subscription to one of his favorite magazines and had laughed at Frannie's gift; a book on how to pick up women. She included a box of his favorite chocolates and a new coffee mug for his real gift. They had returned to Ray's apartment, after supper with the Vecchio's. Fraser had offered to take care of his stubborn partner, so Ma allowed them to go and because she knew Ray would be more comfortable in his own bed.

        Fraser looked back at the television screen which was playing It's a Wonderful Life, then once again at his friend. He picked up the remote and switched the television off, meaning to wake Ray, so he could go to bed.

        However, Ray mustn't have been asleep, because his eyes opened instantly. "What'd you do dat for?' he asked Fraser, startled. "I was watchin' it."

        "I thought you were asleep, Ray," the Mountie informed. "How can you watchthe program with your eyes closed?"

        "I just can," Ray insisted, "it's one of dem things Americans can do."

        Fraser chuckled."Would you like me to turn it back on?" he offered.

        Ray slowly sat up and yawned, proving he was at least tired. "Nah, I've seen it a hundred times," he said, rolling his head around on his shoulders to get the circulation going again.

        Fraser nodded then pulled something from his pocket and handed it to his partner.

        "What's dis?"

        "Your Christmas gift, Ray," Fraser stated as his friend accepted the small wrapped item.

        "Oh," Ray replied, quietly. He'd forgotten that he hadn't opened a gift from Fraser yet. "Thanks buddy."

        Ray carefully pulled off the red twine and unfolded the soft green cloth. It was a hand-sewn badge with a small stitched figure of a man, bent over with a lightening bolt-symbolizing pain, coming from his back. The badge was made of soft blue cloth and black leather. It had Ray's real name in bold letters on top, then different symbols aligned the sides. A small scroll of lettering adorned the small certificate attached to it. 'Presented for beating the odds, facing incredible danger, and sleeping on a hard floor without concern for his own physical well being – Duly noted by: Constable B.  Fraser.'

        Ray laughed in delight and ran his fingers lightly over the precious gift. "Dis is great, buddy," he smiled. "Ya remembered."

        Fraser smiled."I did promise to get you a badge for agreeing to sleep on the floor, Ray," he reminded then handed him another gift, larger than the first.

        "Two?" Ray asked surprised, and carefully placed his new badge back inside the wrapping. He pulled the string off the second gift, curiously. It was a sleek silver pen also with Ray's real initials on it and he immediately plucked it from the box and examined it.

        "Do you like it, Ray?" Fraser asked, anxiously.

         Ray nodded."I love it, Frase," he assured placing the pen back in its box to keep it from getting lost. "It's great. Thank you."

         "I know you can't carry it with you, while working as Ray Vecchio, but I thought you could use it after…well when Ray returns." Fraser supplied.

         Ray collected his gifts in one hand and rose to place them under his small tree."I appreciate it, Frase." he replied, warmly. He turned toward the window and stared out at the falling snow. "Do ya miss Canada very much, Fraser?"

        The Mountie was startled by the question, but answered automatically. "Very much, Ray," he admitted honestly.

         Ray nodded. He pulled the window open, allowing a brisk cold wind to sweep the room, as he held his good hand out to catch the snow. "It's yer home," he commented.

        Fraser was uncertain if Ray was talking directly to him or merely voicing his thoughts aloud, as he had a tendency to do, so he remained silent.

        "I get dat, it's a shame you have ta be away from it, especially on Christmas." Ray played with the flakes of snow for a moment, before continuing. "Christmas is about family and you have none. Christmas is about home and yer stuck here."

        Fraser regarded him curiously, wondering if the medication his partner was taking was affecting him, slightly.  "It isn't as bad as all that, Ray," he insisted off hand. "I enjoy my work here and I am making a difference. I have friends that are as close as family, so I am not as lonely as I would be in Canada."

         "I'm set fer bed, Frase," Ray sighed suddenly, closing the window and dropping the subject. "See ya in the morning, buddy."

         "Good night. Ray," Fraser offered, gently. "Sleep well."

        Ray nodded and went into his room and closed the door.
 
 

         Fraser was too far ahead of him again. Damn that man could run fast when he needed to. Ray scouted for a short cut that would take him into the fleeing suspect's path. He knew this city like the back of his hand and sure enough he found the route he needed. He caught him self on the corner of the building, as he rounded the corner, and jumped the fence he knew would be there. Further down the alley, over another fence, knocking through a few crates that were behind it, and straight through the park.

        He could now see one of the suspects, who was still looking behind for the pursuing Mountie and perhaps his partner in crime. The man was not expecting the detective to blindside him, as he turned back. They tumbled to the ground, unfortunately toward a sharp incline of the park's grassland, and went rolling down the hill together.

        Ray was the first to recover and quickly straddled the criminal, as he still lay on his stomach, and he cuffed him. "Gee, dat was fun, wanna go again?" he sneered at the man amused.

        He had landed on his bad shoulder, when they hit, and it was throbbing incessantly. Maybe Fraser and Welsh were right and he should have waited before going back in the street, giving the shoulder a little more time to heal, but Ray had wanted back in the action again.

        "Ya have the right to keep yer trap shut," he began reading the individual's rights, as always he said them with his own flair. He was just finishing as Fraser walked up with his own suspect, hauled him by the collar.

        "Well done, Ray," Fraser congratulated him, pleased, as their back up finally arrived.

        Ray offered him a small grin, trying not to think about how much his shoulder hurt. If the Mountie had waited for Ray, who would have waited for back up, he probably wouldn't have had to perform the stunts he did, but then that niggling voice inside his head, that sounded suspiciously like Fraser's, claimed they would also have lost the suspects.

        "You too, Buddy," Ray offered instead, rising to hand over his prisoner to the uniformed officers.

         Fraser noticed the cautious way his partner straightened and frowned. "Are you injured, Ray?" he asked concerned and Ray shook his head.
        "Just landed on my shoulder, Frase," he admitted, rubbing the injured area carefully. "It'll be okay."

        Fraser decided not to pursue it for the moment, as they walked slowly back the long distance where Ray had haphazardly parked the GTO when Fraser had seen the muggers and jumped out of the car.

        "I would be happy to help you with the reports, Ray," the Mountie offered as they crossed the street toward the car. "Oh, my hat!" He reached up and found that his hat had been knocked from his head in the run. "I'll be right with you, Ray."

        Fraser started back across the street just as a black Lincoln ran the red light in the intersection behind them and sped toward the Mountie.
 

        "Fraser!" Ray screamed as he started after his friend to warn him, then watched in slow horror as Fraser turned just as the car hit him. It propelled the Canadian up over the top, smashing the windshield and then tossed him back off the right side of the vehicle.

        Someone screamed, and Ray realized it was him, as he ran to his fallen partner's side and whipped his phone out in the same movement. The car had long since disappeared down the street and a crowd started to gather around them, as Ray dialed 911 and demanded an ambulance to their location. He knew better then to move the Mountie, so he tried to console himself with trying to get him awake.

        "Fraser? Buddy?" he questioned softly caressing the man's cheek, then gently slapping him. "Wake up Fraser. Are you okay? Answer me, buddy." Fraser didn't move and although, Ray felt a pulse it was thready at best. There was blood coming from the corer of Fraser's mouth and from his forehead. "Yer gonna be okay, Fraser, you will. You have to be."

        At the hospital Ray was informed that Fraser had three broken ribs, a fractured wrist and a possible concussion. It was the concussion they were worried about, because until the Mountie woke they couldn't be sure of any other damage. Ray thanked them for their prognoses then called Turnbull to see if he could mind Diefenbaker for awhile, since the wolf had been at the consulate and not with them that day. Turnbull agreed readily and inquired of Constable Fraser's condition, which Ray told him what he knew.

        Thatcher and Welsh showed up almost at the same time, with Francesca arriving just a few minutes after. Everyone was demanding to know what had happened and Ray told them what he could. His concern over his partner's health however, made his temper short and after ten minutes of questions he told them all to ask the Doctor for anything else, he was going to check on his friend.

        Ray had already gotten permission from the doctor to stay with Fraser, until he woke, and the slow steady beep beep of the heart monitor only added to the detective's anxiety. He couldn't believe it. It all happened so fast, he'd had no time to warn Fraser, no time to act, but that didn't change the fact that he failed his partner. Fraser was hurt, badly and Ray believed it was his fault. He settled into a chair beside the bed and watched his friend quietly, willing him to wake up soon.

        Ray awoke to a sense of foreboding. Something was wrong and he knew it the instant he turned to find Fraser's bed empty. He bolted from the chair and twirled around just in time to see the Mountie step out onto the ledge of the building.

        "Fraser!" he exclaimed rushing over to his friend, who seemed to be in a dazed state. "Get in here!" He was ignored and Ray started to climb out onto the ledge to get him, just as Fraser stepped off.

        The detective's arms shot out automatically, and he caught Fraser's good hand and wrist, grimacing in pain as his other hand clung to the window frame to brace them. Ray had one foot on the outside ledge and the other on the floor, inside the window, in a precarious position.  His shoulder was on fire and tears sprang to his eyes as he tried to get some leverage to haul the semi-conscious Mountie back through the window. He couldn't release either of his hand holds, to arrange for a better angle, or they'd both fall. He started screaming for help, but his voice was hoarse from his own pain.

        "Oh God!" he croaked. "Please…don't let me drop him!" He'd never forgive himself if he let Fraser fall, the Canadian would never survive the drop from twelve stories up. "Fraser. F...Fraser buddy, please snap out of it." He gritted his teeth and felt his grip loosening. Where the hell were all the nurses that were flapping around earlier for Christ's sake?

         Fraser was almost a dead weight and wasn't returning Ray's grasp on his wrist, even as Ray felt himself being pulled further out the window. He couldn't pull up, all his effort was in maintaining the death grip he had on his friend, and the painful hold he had on the window's frame. He couldn't adjust his position in the window, without trying to pull up, so he continued to slip forward. All he could do was pray someone one would come in, before they both fell to the pavement below. He could, of course, release Fraser and save himself, but that was not an option for Ray. They were partners and it was up to him to watch Fraser's back and keep him safe, regardless of his own safety.

        "I'm sorry, God!" Ray moaned, as his hand on the frame, moist from pesperation, started to slip. Now, it was only this grip that was keeping him balanced, his foot no longer reached the inside floor, because of the way he was positioned. "I never meant all dat about Vecchio. I never mean any harm. Please help me keep Fraser safe. I'll do anything, God, just give me the strength not to drop him."

        Suddenly, Ray noticed a woman sitting on the ledge next to him and he almost lost his grip on the window in shock. She wore a plain white dress, her bare feet swung idly from her perch, and long auburn hair accented a beautiful and kind face. She was glowing and Ray was starting to think he was loosing his mind.

        "Hullo, Ray," she greeted in a soft brogue.

        "W...who…how…?" he stammered and she smiled, softly.

        "I'm an Angel, Ray, sent by God, with a message for you."

        Ray stared at her, dumbfounded. "I don't need a message I need help!" he exclaimed, angrily. He slipped furtherand groaned in pain.  "Gimme a hand if yer just gonna sit there."

        She smiled then suddenly disappeared.

        Ray winced. "Great! I am loosing my…"

        He was startled as he felt warm arms circle his waist and started pulling him backwards through the window. Ray didn't question it, he was just grateful for the assistance as he managed to get both feet inside. However, he still couldn't pull Fraser through with his bad shoulder. He felt a hand on his shoulder and, for a moment, the pain was gone and replaced with a prickling sensation of strength that finally enabled him to pull his partner back inside. They fell backwards onto the floor of the hospital, with Fraser's weight, on top of Ray, and it required extra effort just to get them upright again.

        Fraser was still unconscious as Ray maneuvered him to the bed, just and a nurse finally came in. She gaped at them in shock and demanding to know what had happened. Ray told her and she ran to get the Doctor, as he settled Fraser in the bed. The Doctor rushed in and immediately took over, requesting that the detective wait outside. Ray's shoulder was starting to hurt again, so he agreed and let them do what they needed to with Fraser as he went to the nurse's station and requested some aspirin or something for the pain.

         Moments later, he returned to Fraser's room, after listening to the Doctor say that the Mountie was still in a coma, although how he had managed to get onto the ledge was beyond them. It must have been some sort of sleep walking they had never heard of. Leave it to Fraser to be different.

        Ray settled next to the bed again and watched his friend sleep. He enfolded his long fingers between Fraser's and settled them back on the crisp white sheets of the hospital bed.

        "How is he?" a familiar voice asked.

         Ray looked up to see the woman from the ledge standing on the other side of the bed."I…they don't know yet," he murmured. "Who are you?"

        "I am an Angel," she informed and again a soft unexplainable glow surrounded her. "Sent by God."

        Ray blinked at the brightness suddenly permeating the small room. "A...an Angel?" he questioned doubtfully. His emotional and physical state at the moment was not at it's best, so the idea that he was loosing his mind easily coerced him to go with the flow. "What's yer name?"

        "Monica,"she supplied, sweetly.

        "Why are you here, Monica?" Ray demanded his grip on Fraser's hand tightening. "Ya  can't have him, y'know. I'll fight ya fer him and…"

        "I'm not here to take Benton, Ray," she assured. " That isn't my department. That's not my purpose here."

        Ray scowled."T…then why are ya here?"

        "I've come to deliver a message to you from God," she reminded, kindly.

        Ray's eyes widened. "God wants ta give me a message?" he asked, suspiciously. "Just like dat he decided to drop me a line, hey?"

        Monica smiled."Something like that, yes," she agreed.

        Ray shot her a look of disbelief, then suddenly a thought occurred to him. "Is…is it about the wish…my Christmas wish?" he asked. "Because, I...I changed it. I don't…I want Vecchio to be okay and…"

        "No, Ray, it isn't about your wish," Monica assured still smiling. "God knows that wasn't your real wish, anyway."

        Ray tilted his head, perplexed. "It wasn't?"

        She shook her head. "No, that was simply something you told Benton to keep him at a distance, but it didn't work did it?"

        Ray stared at her shocked, then lowered his eyes and shook his head. "No, it didn't work," he admitted, so quietly she had to strain to hear him. "I'm glad it didn't." He raised his eyes to his partner's face. "I don't know what I'd do without him."

        "God loves you, Ray," she explained softly. "That was the message I have for you. He loves you and you are not alone, even without Benton, you are not alone. You do make a difference here, Ray, a great difference. Never doubt that."

        Ray raised his eyes to hers and blinked back the tears that had risen to the surface."Why are you telling me this?" he whispered, tormented.

        Monica lowered her hand to cover their clasped hands, with her own. "Don't think you can't go on without him, Ray," she said. "It isn't true. You can go on, you must go on."

        "Y...you are here to take him," Ray croaked as a tear slid down his cheek. "Please, don't take him away. "I…I need him. Frannie needs him, so many people need him here. It's my fault he's here. I didn't protect him, I didn't…"

        Monica placed an arm around his trembling shoulders. "It was not your fault," she assured. "Remember that it was never your fault,Ray. God loves you and…"

        "I don't love Him!" Ray exclaimed, angrily. "Not if He takes Fraser away, not if He lets him die!"

        "You don't mean that, do you, Ray?" Monica inquired, gently.

         Ray shook his head. Regardless of his recent lack of devotion, in regards to prayer or Chuch, Ray's faith in God had always been true, just as his Mother had taught him. "No, no, please. I do love Him, I love them both…" he murmured laying his head on their joined hands, his tears flowing freely. "I love them both…love him…"

        "Ray?" a deep voice whispered and the detective raised his head to stare into the beautiful blue eyes of his partner.

        "Frase!" Ray croaked joyfully and he rose to give his partner a quick hug. "Yer back, buddy! Yer back."

        "Had I gone somewhere, Ray?" the Mountie inquired quietly, his eyes were watching Ray, carefully.

        "Let me go get the Doc," Ray offered, starting to release Fraser's hand, but Fraser tightened his grip.

        "Ray, who were you talking to?" he asked, curiously. "It doesn't matter," he rebuffed, noticing that there was no sign of Monica. "Yer awake and…"

        "Who do you love, Ray?" Fraser insisted. "You were saying…"

        "Me? I love God, Fraser," Ray admitted, honestly. "He brought ya back. And I love Monica, she's an Angel and..." He smiled surprised the Mountie by dropping a kiss on Fraser's forehead. "I love you, buddy. Told ya dat, remember?"

        Ray finally moved away and went to find the doctor as Fraser regarded him, thoughtfully.

        Ray settled Fraser on his bed and fussed over him, checking to see if he was comfortable, if he wanted tea or something to eat.

        Finally, Fraser's patience reached an end. "Ray, please!" he exclaimed. "I am fine, stop hovering."

        Ray grinned and dropped into the chair next to the bed, automatically reaching to pet Diefenbaker as the animal settled at his feet. "Just want to make sure yer comfy, Frase," he commented innocently, but the Mountie saw the mischief in his partner's eyes. "After all, you do the same for me, right?"

        "Ah," Fraser remarked knowingly. Ray was getting revenge for all Fraser's fussover his partner's shoulder. "That was different, Ray. You were injured quite badly and…"

        "And you were in the hospital," Ray countered still grinning. "So shut up and take it like a good Mountie."

        Fraser sighed, realizing there was no way he could win the argument, and settled back into the cushions. A part of him glad for the attention, for it wasn't often he was pampered, although he did feel guilty about taking up his partner's bed.

         It was New Year's Eve and he had expected his partner to have plans for the evening, but Ray seemed content to stay at home and attend to him. He was actually feeling fine, just a little sore, from his injured ribs, but Ray insisted he rest. He still couldn't believe it when Ray had told him he had somehow climbed out onto the ledge at the hospital and Ray had to pull him back in. He didn't doubt the detective's strength, but it would have been a difficult maneuver even for Fraser himself to lift someone at almost dead weight with hardly any leverage and a bad shoulder.

        "Are you sure you don't want to go out and celebrate, Ray?" Fraser asked again,regretful that his energetic friend would miss the parties. "I really don't mind and…"

        "We're gonna have us a party right here, Frase," Ray assured, calmly.

         Fraser raised an eyebrow. What was he planning? With Kowalski it was impossible to tell, which only made the Canadian more curious. "Speakin' of which, I'm gonna let you rest and I have some stuff to do."

        "Can I help, Ray?" Fraser offered, automatically.

        Ray shook his head. "Nope, you stay right here." He patted the bed and Diefenbaker climbed up next to Fraser. "Keep him here Dief."

        Fraser sighed and watched his friend leave the bedroom, closing the door behind him securely. He  reached for the tea Ray had brought him as Dief whined at him."I expect he doesn't want you underfoot," Fraser responded calmly.

        The wolf made another noise at him.

        "How can you be hungry you just ate not twenty minutes ago?"

        A woof and a whine as Diefenbaker rested his head between his paws and stared up at Fraser, forlornly.

        "No, I am certainly not going to order you a pizza, you're a wolf for God's sake. You have been terribly spoiled by Ray's generosity."

        Diefenbaker huffed and turned his eyes away.

        "Well, there you are then."

        Fraser settled against the pillows again and thought back over the past week. Christmas at the Vecchio's was eventful to say the least, especially with the entire trauma surrounding Ray, but shortly after they fell back into their regular schedule of working cases and catching criminals. Ray's Doctor had given him the okay to return to duty, although Fraser suspected it was more due to the detective's pestering then whether or not his shoulder was better.

        Francesca had to show everyone her new bracelet, which she was wearing every day now and Welsh and the Duck Boys both seemed to enjoy the gifts he and Ray had given them for Christmas. Fraser had noticed the small gold locket that adorned Assistant State's Attorney Stella Kowalski's throat, one afternoon, upon meeting her at the station. It looked vaguely familiar and he inquired politely about it.  She had smiled, her fingers automatically rising to touch the charm and explained that it had been left at her desk at work, but that she didn't know who had given it to her. Fraser believed she suspected whom it really was from, by the way she seemed to caress the locket, and her shy glance directed at Ray, who was playfully arguing over something with Francesca at her desk. He had been tempted to ask to see the pictures inside, but again he suspected whom they would be of.

         Then came his accident and time spent in the hospital and now he was the injured party instead of Ray. His partner seemed, different somehow, his usual boundless energy seemed to have tripled while Fraser was unconscious and Fraser was finding he became tired just watching Ray sometimes. The Kowalski's had dropped by yesterday, when Fraser and Ray first arrived from the hospital, Barbara Kowalski had made sure they had plenty of food and necessities to get them through the week.

         Fraser learned from a discreet conversation he over heard between Ray and Damien Kowalski that Ray had actually paid for their cruise and insisted his father use it as a Christmas gift to his mother, meanwhile Ray gave her the bread maker to cover his tracks. Fraser was learning a lot about his new partner, what a generous person Ray was, but shy about admitting to that generosity. Ray liked to come across brash, tough, and devil may-care, but Fraser had already started to see through him. Ray's kind heart was apparent to any who took the time to look, just like when the detective took the time to talk with that young boy in the mall awhile back.

        The most surprising event, however, was when Fraser had been looking for a place in his office to
hang the painting that Ray had given him. Turnbull had entered and gushed over it, asking where Fraser
had found it. Fraser told him that it had been a Christmas gift from Ray and that was when Turnbull
requested Fraser to ask if the detective would paint one for him as well. Fraser had been puzzled, until
Turnbull had pointed out the almost invisible signature at the bottom right hand corner. Sure enough, in
pale blue, the letters SRK were scripted, where the artist's name usually went.

        Fraser had been astonished to learn that Ray had painted the beautiful portrait, especially at the way his partner had managed to capture both Fraser and Diefenbaker's likeness so beautifully. When he approached Ray about it, the detective brushed off the comments, reminding Fraser that he had said he liked paintings. Fraser of course, thought Ray meant looking at them, not painting them himself. He asked to see more of Ray's work and the detective claimed there was none to see.

        The portrait he did as Fraser's Christmas gift was the first painting Ray had done, since just before he married Stella. Stella hadn't approved of Ray's hobby, and worried he would try to make a living out of it and become one of those starving artist types. So, Ray gave up painting for her and never attempted it again, until he'd decided to do something special for Fraser.

        Fraser had been touched beyond words, though secretly angry for Stella's callousness,  and mentioned that Turnbull would also enjoy one of Ray's paintings. Fraser even suggested that his partner get back into the hobby, for he was surely good enough to have his own showing. Ray laughed it off and said he would consider doing one for Turnbull, but he would never be able to return to the hobby full time, Stella's disapproval had ruined the feelings he once had for it.

        Fraser rejoined the present as he heard different noises from the front room, and he wondered what Ray was up too. The music was on, as usual, drowning out some of the noise, but it was still enough that Fraser was curious. His intrigue got the better of him and he started to rise from the bed, only to have Diefenbaker climb across his legs and hold him in place effectively.

        "What do you think you're doing?" Fraser demanded, surprised. "I'm sure Ray didn't mean to literally keep me here, Diefenbaker."

        A whine was all the wolf would respond, refusing to move.

        With Fraser's ribs he didn't want to try and lift him. "You're supposed to be my wolf, Diefenbaker, why are you listening to him?"

        A woof.

        "Oh, he promised you something, didn't he? What a doughnut, a candy bar, what?"

        The wolf was silent.

        "Traitor. Show some loyalty and get off of me."

        Diefenbaker still refused to move.

        "I am the one who walks and feeds you, and may I remind you and I can still mail you back to Canada, where there are no free meals and jelly doughnuts?"

        The wolf moved sighed and dropped down off the bed.

         Fraser gave him a curt nod. "Thank you kindly." He tossed back the covers and carefully slid toward the edge, cautious  of both his bandaged ribs and the cast around his wrist. He didn't quite get to the door before it opened and Ray stood there, grinning.

        "Where are you goin'?" he asked leaning against the door frame, blocking Fraser's view of the living room.

        "I heard noise," Fraser replied, easily. "I was going to offer assistance."

        "None needed," Ray supplied taking Fraser's arm. "Close yer eyes."

        "Why?"

        "Just do it," Ray commanded, "and no peekin'."

        Fraser sighed and complied, allowing Ray to guide him into the living room and settle him on, what seemed like the floor, although it was cushioned. The air around them was chilled, but felt comfortable to Fraser.

        "Keep 'em closed," Ray warned as he moved away, and then returned a minute later to settle beside Fraser and gently pushed him to lay on his back. "Okay, you can open then now."

        Fraser opened his eyes and gasped.

        White, sheets surrounded them, perhaps spares from Ray's bed, that he had arranged in a large tent on all three sides of where they lay, Above them was a star lit sky that could match the deepest northern night. Ray had pasted what Fraser assumed were luminescent stars all over his ceiling, in a background of the deepest midnight blue. A forest of pine trees and snow adorned the wall, projected from somewhere behind them, although they looked real enough for Fraser that it took his breath away.

         All the other lights in the apartment were off except for whatever Ray was using to make the ceiling glow. Sounds of the northern forests seemed to be playing in the back ground and it felt so much like home that Fraser felt hot tears spring to his eyes. The stars blocked out all signs of Ray's apartment and the sheets that represented snow and the open windows created a wonderful arctic air around them. Ray had pulled on his jacket and was laying with his arms rested behind his head, watching Fraser carefully, Diefenbaker was curled up between them.

        "Oh, Ray," was all the Mountie could say as he carefully sat up and took it all in. All Ray's hard work to help him feel like he was back home in Canada, all the attention to detail that Ray deliberated over and the extra touches that made it special.

        "I know it ain't really yer home, Frase," Ray offered kindly, still regarding him thoughtfully, "but, I figure a little imagination can't hurt and it might help ya miss it a little less, y'know?" He pushed a small basket toward Fraser and grinned. "Check dat out."

        Fraser raised an eyebrow and opened the basket, staring at the contents in surprise. Deer Pemmican, or jerky as they called it in the states, shipped from Canada. A bag of hard tac, bark tea, and a few other assorted delicacies that Fraser had commented on at one time or another. Ray had managed to ship many of his favored treats from his homeland and the cost must have been dear for such an exchange.

        "Ray I…" Fraser's words were stuck in his throat. He didn't know what to say, how to express his gratitude to his partner. First that beautiful painting and now this.

        "Just don't ask me to eat very much of it with ya," Ray joked.

         Fraser smiled. "Thank you, Ray," he managed, "for everything."

        Ray shrugged and rolled into a sitting position. "I…I hope dat when you do, y'know..get to go home..." Ray paused as though searching for the proper words. "When…when Vecchio comes back and if you…decide to go home dat you…well, you'll keep in touch."

        "Always, Ray," Fraser assured, confidently. "I could never allow our friendship to become a… passing thing. I hope we are together for many years to come." He smiled again. "Perhaps, you could come to Canada with me if I go, Ray?"

        Ray shivered and Fraser tried not to laugh. "You kiddin'? I ain't into frostbite and phenomena, Fraser," he joked.

         Fraser did laugh then as both men lay back and enjoyed their evening under the stars.
 
 

The End

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