Title: The Seven Deadly Sins 6

Author: Birgitt Schuknecht

Fandom: due South

Rating: NC17 (slash)

Pairing: Vecchio/Zuko

Category: drama

Disclaimer: The characters used in the following story are not mine. I do not make any money out of this. It's written for fun and for the fans of the show.

Spoilers: None (takes place before the pilot)

By Birgitt Schuknecht.

Night Six (30th of October)

Superbia (Pride)

Just in time before the doctor entered his room Ray finally managed to keep the shivering under control. He straightened as the short man addressed him rather harshly. "Detective, I still recommend to stay here for some days."

Ray answered the doctor's worried look with a level gaze. "It's just a graze, Doctor Coolidge. You said so yourself. I am fit enough to leave."

"You lost a lot of blood, Detective, and in no state to be on your own."

"Get serious, Doc. You have met my family." Ray chuckled. "Knowing my mother she'll be preparing for battle right now. Heating my bedroom, fetching additional blankets, cooking tons of my favourite food, sending my sister's family on vacation - preferably to the other side of the galaxy - so that I can get my beauty sleep..."

The other man doctor waved a hand in submission. "Okay, I get the picture. I'll send a nurse with the papers you'll have to sign. Then you are free to go."

Ray stretched out his left hand. His right arm was firmly secured in a sling. "Thanks, Doc, for fixing me up. What about that?" He lifted his right arm only a fraction.

The doctor squeezed the offered hand firmly. "We have to check the wound in a few days. Come back here on... yes, on Tuesday. Up till then you should go easy on that arm."

"What? No trick or treating this year? I promised my nephew we'd go together. You can't disappoint a little boy's heart, Doc." Ray stared at the doctor in mock panic. "I was going to ask my sister to make a special costume for the man without one arm."

"Now, which little boy are you talking about right now, Detective? I'll see you on Tuesday. Good evening, Detective Vecchio." He gave Ray a smile, then left.

As soon as the door closed Ray shuddered again. He was still chilled to his bones. Hopefully Frannie will bring with her some warm clothes. He suppressed a yawn and checked the watch. It has been almost an hour. She should have been here by now.

Another shudder. With a sigh he brought the blanket up to his chin. He glanced over to the chair the nurse had placed the bag with his clothes. There was no way he could still wear those. He hadn't changed them for almost two days. And they were full of bloodstains right now. Ray closed his eyes. Yes, Frankie hadn't entirely been able to stop the flow of blood. The memory sent a shiver down Ray's spine. Not because of the cold.

The pain had fast subsided to a throbbing in his shoulder. Or in his upper arm. Ray hadn't been sure about the exact location of his injury. As the pain decreased he'd become aware of his surroundings again. Well, at least some of his surroundings.

Frankie's face. Pale. His eyes staring at him, dark, but somehow burning. Another man's voice. Welsh. "Let me have a look at him."

And Frankie's yell. "No. Get out. All of you. Out." Then his eyes again, blinking away tears now. Ray's cheeks flushed now at the memory. All he had been able to do had been staring. Staring in wonder and amazement. Marvelling at the firm press on the wound while Frankie's other hand had caressed his damp cheek. Stunned by Frankie's voice that had transformed in a second from a yell into a soft whisper. "Ray, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Ray hadn't dared to make a sound, fearing he could awake from that wonderful dream...

He had been with him all the way to the hospital. They wouldn't let him accompany him into ER, blocking his way. "Don't you worry, Ray, I'll be here waiting..." But after the treatment he had been gone. The nurse hadn't been able to answer Ray's questions. She had told him to relax. He had fallen asleep almost immediately.

When he'd awaken the nurse informed him that his family had been there and sent away again. Ray had spoken to the doctor and told him he would go home. Then he had called home. Francesca had nearly screamed when she had heard his voice. She'd promised to be at the hospital in no time.

Ray snorted to himself. Probably his little sister was still wondering what to wear and if she'd see her hairdresser before she would come for him. A hospital wasn't a hospital in his sister's eyes. It was a haven for young, and handsome men just waiting to be conquered by a gorgeous woman.

A short knock brought him out of his musings. "It's about time. Come in, Frannie." The door opened and Welsh stood in the doorway. "Geez, Lieu, I'm sorry. I thought it would be my sister."

Welsh nodded and closed the door behind him. "Thought as much. How are you feeling, Vecchio?"

"Not too bad considering the circumstances, Lieu." Ray shrugged. "I'm leaving any minute now. How are things at the precinct?"

"You mean your case." Without waiting for Ray's confirmation Welsh went on. "Zuko turned up this morning, his lawyer in tow. He made his testimony, giving you an alibi for the night Nico Antonelli was killed. There won't be any charge against you from him. Neither from the priest, Father Behan. He testified just an hour ago."

"Nico Antonelli... did he murder Mark's sister?"

"We have positive evidence of this."

"Any clue who killed him?"

"Nothing. Zuko denies any connection to the crimes. And I think his lawyer is doing his best right now to prove that we have no case against Frank Zuko." Ray couldn't hold Welsh's gaze any longer and cast his eyes down. He knew what would come now.

"Ray, I need to know what really happened. Why did you threaten Frank Zuko?" Welsh moved over to Ray's bed, grabbed an empty chair and sat down on it.

"I thought he set me up. When he told me you were coming for me... I think I just panicked and ran. Then I wanted to force him to tell the truth..." Still, Ray couldn't lift his head.

"And you want me to believe that? Well, it looked like a set up for me, too. Until Zuko gave you an alibi."

"Yes, Lieu, until he gave me the alibi." Ray looked up. He hoped that his face gave nothing away.

Welsh opened his mouth for another question when Frannie stormed into the room, not bothering to knock. "Sorry, Ray, I ran out of gas and took me half an hour... Oh, excuse me, Lieutenant, I didn't want to interrupt." She ran her left hand through her dishevelled dark hair.

"You already did, Frannie," Ray said impatiently. Before he could go on Welsh stood from his chair and silenced him with a gesture of his right hand.

"Don't you worry, Ms. Vecchio. I was leaving anyway. Detective, I need your report..."

"ASAP, yes, Lieu. I'll come to the precinct tomorrow." Ray tried not to show his relief.

"That reminds me. Markus O'Reilly's parents have arranged the funeral for their children. It's scheduled for tomorrow morning. Here are the details. I thought you'd might be interested." Welsh reached into his coat pocket and fished out a note. He handed it to Ray who read over it.

"Will it be okay if I come to the precinct in the afternoon? I would like to... to..." Ray broke off.

His superior officer nodded understanding. "Tomorrow afternoon would be perfect. Detective, Ms. Vecchio."

Ray waited until Welsh had left and closed the door. Then he turned to Francesca. "Frannie, have you brought my clothes?"

"Thank you, Ray, I am fine. And yes, that is a new skirt. A truly nice welcome! I don't know why I am bothering myself with..." Francesca shot him a furious look as he interrupted her.

"Snap out of it Frannie. I have no mind for that now. Just give me my stuff and get out of here."

Francesca grimaced and eyed the bag she held in her right for a few seconds. Ray had the impression that she would have thrown it at his head if he hadn't been injured. So she just came over and handed it to him. "Does it hurt much?"

Ray knew that was meant as an offer of truce and he accepted it gladly. "I think the painkillers they gave me are still effective. Don't worry, Frannie, I'm fine. Ready to go home."

"The sooner we get there the better. Mama is already... You know her, Ray. It was hard enough to make her leave your side. She was so relieved to learn that you will be all right..." Frannie reached over to touch Ray's left hand. Involuntarily Ray let go of the bag he was still holding, took her hand and squeezed it once.

"Thanks, Frannie." He paused for a moment, then grinned at his sister. "And could you leave now. Give this man a little privacy." Frannie pulled her hand out of his grip.

"You sure you won't need any help with that arm of yours?"

"I will take care of this." Startled, Ray stared at the doorway. Frankie. He didn't even hear him enter.

"Frankie Zuko! What are you doing here?" As she got no answer she turned her gaze to Ray.

"Frannie, could you leave us alone?" Ray's voice sounded a little shaky in his own ears.

"With him? No way..." She stemmed her hand on her hips.

Ray coughed once. "Please, Frannie. I will do fine." He locked eyes with his sister. Finally she nodded.

"Whatever you want, Ray Vecchio. At least we're already at the hospital. That will spare you the ambulance." She shot Ray a furious glare and then she almost ran out of room, nearly knocking Frankie over. Ray let out an audible sigh.

"She hasn't changed a bit." Frankie smiled at him.

"I'm glad she hasn't. I wouldn't have her any different." Ray had no intention to return the smile. "She has a talent to ask the right questions at the right time. What are you doing here?"

"I help you dress." He took the bag from the bad and pulled out Ray's clothes. "Come on, Ray, no need to be shy with me." Frankie grinned at him, but Ray shook his head.

"I'd rather do this alone, Frankie. You can leave me alone." What he had intended to become an order turned out like a weak suggestion. Frankie just ignored it, unfolding Ray's underwear. Ray sighed again and gave in. He pushed back the blanket and sat on the edge of the bed. Frankie opened the hospital shirt and helped Ray out of it. He just tossed it to the floor. He gave Ray a hand with the shorts and the pants. Then he knelt in front of Ray pulled the socks on his feet. Ray stood and slipped into his shoes.

"Do you just want it around your shoulders or..." Frankie looked at the silk shirt he was holding.

Ray thought for a moment. "I think it's okay to let go of the sling for a moment. Then I can put it on..." He hesitated and then continued, "if you give me hand with it."

Frankie's head jerked up and the man stared at the detective. Ray could see a glint of amusement flicker in those eyes. Before he could say anything Frankie throw the shirt on the bed and put his hands and Ray's hips, pulling him close. "I will give you anything you want, Ray." Frankie's lips were on Ray's a moment later. Without thinking Ray opened his mouth and he welcomed Frankie's tongue that darted forward with a deep moan of pleasure.

All chilliness left him in the wake of that searing kiss. Ray tried to entwine Frankie's tongue with his own but the other man tried to evade him. It was like a chase, Frankie's tongue exploring the depth of Ray's mouth and Ray's tongue trying to block it's attacks. Finally Ray had to pull back and he sat down breathlessly on the bed.

"How... How was that for a st... start?" Frankie looked at Ray intently, breathing hard.

"W..well, you took me by surprise, Frankie. Expect... expect my revenge." Ray winced at his own words. "What are you doing here, Frankie?" The spell was broken and Ray fought back his way to reality.

"As I said, I help you dress." He pulled the sling over Ray's head, steadying his arm by holding his right hand in a firm grip. With his free hand he grabbed for the shirt. He helped Ray to get his arm through the right sleeve. He held it up so that Ray could slip in his other arm. Frankie knelt down again and closed the buttons. All the time Ray could just sit and stare.

"Stand up, Ray." Ray rose like he was on autopilot and Frankie opened his pants once more, tuck the shirt in and closed them again.

Ray looked up and searched for Frankie's eyes. "Thanks. Frankie, what are you doing here?"

The other man didn't even try to avoid Ray's gaze. "I am here to bring you home."

"Home?" Ray repeated tonelessly. "Frannie's here, you don't have to go all the pains..."

Frankie stopped him with another kiss, this time on his right cheek. "Not your house, stupid. Mine."

Ray had expected this answer. Nonetheless, it hit him like a blow. "No, Frankie. I can't. My mother..."

"You can talk to her later. For now you have to be with me." Another kiss on the other cheek. "I need you, Ray. And I know you want to be with me. Your eyes... When Charlie shot you last night I thought I would die. But then I saw it in your eyes. That you still feel the same. After all those years."

"No, Frankie. I was in pain. I had lost blood. I do not need you. I cannot love you..." This time Frankie kissed his mouth again, but it was just a chaste kiss. Ray could have screamed in frustration as Frankie pulled back only a moment later.

Frankie's expression was serious. "This isn't the place to discuss those matters. You come with me. We have to talk. Give me one night, Ray. You can go after we talked, okay? Just one night, Ray, and I will let you go if you still want to."

Ray feared just that. That he wouldn't want to go.

"Since when are you a coward, Ray Vecchio?" Frankie's voice had taken on a teasing tone.

Ray shook his head. "No need to challenge me, Frankie. I give you one night." And this time there was no frustration in the kiss they shared.

***

Dinner had been spectacular. And to his own astonishment he hadn't been in the least embarrassed that Frankie had insisted on feeding him. They had been alone. Charlie had brought several trays, laden with various delicacies. The two men had settled down on the large bed and Ray had been fed with small bites of antipasti and sweet kisses. They had shared a portion of pasta and when tomato sauce had trickled down Ray's chin Frankie had been there with his adept tongue to lick it away before it could drop down on his shirt.

With an effort they'd returned their attention to the food and the delicious red wine. When they'd been finally sated, Ray had watched Frankie clear away the dishes, placing the trays on a broad sideboard. Frankie had settled himself beside him again.

They lay there in silence for several minutes. Ray tried to move into a more comfortable position, involuntarily trying to use his right arm. As he hissed in sudden pain, Frankie sat up in alarm. "Careful, Ray. Do you want the painkiller now?" The packet, the nurse had supplied them with, lay on the bedside table.

"No, it was nothing, Frankie." Ray waited until Frankie had settled back on the sheets. He then moved over to him, laying his head on Frankie's right shoulder. The other man placed his right arm under Ray's neck, careful not to touch the wounded shoulder. He placed a tender kiss on Ray's head.

Ray let out a contented sigh and closed his eyes. Just for a few moments before he would ask Frankie. He listened to Frankie's heartbeat, beating in a constant and calming rhythm. If he could turn back time. Not much. Say, only twenty years. It was too late now. Too late to make a dream come true.

Frankie had started stroking his head. Suddenly he changed his position, without moving his left arm, until his face was level with Ray's. Ray didn't wait for Frankie to take action. He placed a feather-light kiss on the other man's lips that parted immediately in response. Ray pulled back, teasing, challenging. With his free hand Frankie grabbed his chin tightly and kissed him. Hard. Setting his entire body on fire. Frankie's tongue danced in his mouth and it was like he ignited small fires of passion and desire.

Ray moaned and Frankie let go of his chin. His left hand fumbled for Ray's shirt buttons and deftly opened them. Frankie's hand wandered over Ray's chest, caressing first, then messaging. As he touched Ray's hardening nipples Ray gasped and pulled back from their seemingly endless kiss. Thus freed Frankie's mouth searched and found a new target. When he started sucking Ray's left nipple the detective arched up. Ray felt a hot burning in his groins now and with his left hand he tried to open his pants, to free his growing erection.

Frankie came to help and finally Ray's penis popped out. Frankie took it in his left hand and started stroking it. Ray started pushing into his hand. Frankie was pumping fast now and Ray cried out as he finally came. Semen shot out, splashing over the two men's bodies.

"You... too, Frankie." Ray managed to get out. Frankie let go off Ray's now depleted shaft and opened his own pants. "Get them off." Frankie did as he was ordered. Ray sat up and settled himself between Frankie's legs. With his left hand he caressed Frankie's right thigh. Frankie arched under his touch, moaning in pure delight at the gentle contact. His penis was fully erect now and Ray bent down - only supported by his left hand - in a fluid movement to capture it in his mouth.

"Yes, Ray." Frankie lifted himself into a half-sitting position, taking Ray's head into his hands. Ray sucked Frankie's shaft in a slow rhythm and Frankie started thrusting. It wasn't long before their movements met in perfect harmony. Just a second before he started cumming, Frankie cried out Ray's name and it was like a warning. Ray swallowed Frankie's semen and closed his eyes in satisfaction. Then he let go of Frankie's shaft and settled back on his heels. Frankie sat up fully, breathing hard.

"Give... m...me back so...some," he uttered. Ray cupped Frankie's cheek with his left hand and kissed him thoroughly. The shared delight seemed to intensify his own emotions and a blinding white light filled his mind. Ray broke free as he feared that he could faint. He lay down on his back again and tried to regain some control over his breath. Frankie settled beside him, snuggling against his body. Frankie felt warm and soft and the physical contact gave Ray the feeling of security. He closed his eyes, his breathing becoming calmer with every heartbeat.

Ray couldn't tell how much time had passed when Frankie finally spoke up. "Can't you see that we belong together, Ray? This is heaven. I want you to stay with me." Ray didn't open his eyes. He knew he had come to the point where he couldn't avoid making a decision, but as long as his eyes were closed... He knew it was just an illusion but it was such a sweet dream that he didn't want it to end.

"I need an answer," Frankie continued. Ray wasn't sure, but he thought he could hear his voice tremble a little. This wasn't hard for him alone. He opened his eyes and sat up, supporting himself on his left arm.

"Why, Frankie? Why Mark? Why Nico Antonelli? I was ready to kill you." Ray knew that was the truth as he said it aloud. Only a day ago he had been prepared to send Frankie Zuko - and probably himself - to hell.

"I love you, Ray. I needed you to come back to me."

Ray stared incredulously in Frankie's dark eyes. "By setting me up?"

The other man nodded slowly. "It's your damn pride, Vecchio. I had to break your spirit. You would never have come back on equal terms. All my life you let me know that you felt superior to me. I couldn't threaten you. Your pride kept you from accepting the truth. That you love me. That you need me."

Ray settled on his back again, staring at the ceiling. He started to say something several times and each time he didn't knew how to say it. Finally he sat up, still staring ahead. "You say, you love me, Frankie." The other man only nodded. "You are a liar, Frank Zuko. You cannot possibly love me. Not if you are prepared to destroy me."

"I didn't...." Frankie broke of as Ray let out a loud yell. The detective pulled the sling over his head and tossed it away. Pain seared through his shoulder, but Ray just ignored it. He grabbed Frankie by his shoulders.

"You didn't? You did, Frankie! You humiliated me, you broke my spirit. You took my pride from me. You destroyed the man you pretend to love. What's going to happen next? What are you going to take from me next? My loyalty for my family? My job? Yes, of course... A cop couldn't possibly be a mobster's lover. Don't you see what you're doing, Frankie. You try to strip me bare of all the things that make me. And by that you kill the man you want to conquer."

Frankie stared at Ray open-mouthed. Ray watched as the other took in what he had just said. Yes, Frankie understood now. He had got the answer he wanted. And Ray had got his. He let go off Frankie and buttoned his shirt and pulled up his pants, buttoned and buckled them. Without another word he got out of the bed, slipped into his shoes. He moved over to the chair where he had placed his coat. He hesitated shortly and stared at the stains on his shirt. Shaking his head he pulled on the coat, buttoning it.

As Ray reached the door he turned back once more. "I never felt superior to you, Frankie. Not now, not then. Especially not then." He ignored the pain in his shoulder and in his heart as he opened the door and left. He started to run and only stopped when he was at the front door. He opened it and was out of Frankie's house. Out of his life. He shut the door with a loud thud and went on to the pavement. Ray fished the keys for the Riv out of his coat pocket. It was only two hours ago that Frankie had given them to him. Ray turned and looked up at the windows of Frankie's room. The light that streamed through them was like a promise of warmth and happiness. A promise that would never be fulfilled for him.

End of Night Six