"So then this could be our. . ." Thatcher continued as they walked away from the fire, away from a waiting Ray Kowalski.

Fraser answered, "Possibly."

"Then maybe we should."

Fraser turned and nodded, hoping the Inspector would soon make it clear what they should do.  Her head was tilted, and she looked at Fraser expectantly.

"Fraser."  Oh dear.  The inspector was getting impatient, looking as though she wanted a. . . .

Oh.

Fraser quickly stuck out his hand.  Inspector Thatcher stared at it, looking puzzled. 

"Fraser, I thought. . ."

Fraser knew exactly what his superior officer was thinking.  They'd shared a kiss once before. . . 

"It was a pleasure working for you, sir," said Fraser, mustering as much formality as he could.  He glanced toward his still-outstretched hand.

"Oh.  Yes, Fraser, it was a pleasure," said Thatcher, finally clasping his hand in hers, giving it a single masculine shake before releasing it.

"Sir, if you don't mind," said Fraser, tilting his head toward the campfire.  "Detective Kowalski and I were discussing something."

"Of course, Fraser," she said, composing herself.  "Dismissed."  She turned on her heel and strode toward her own campfire, where Turnbull was waiting.

Fraser glanced over his shoulder and saw Ray quickly turn his head toward Dief, who began nuzzling Ray's hand.  Lowering his head, Fraser walked toward the campfire, trying to organize his thoughts.  Ray had spoken for him when he couldn't express his feelings for Frannie.  This leap, his leap with Ray, he had to make himself.

"Smooth move, Fraser."

"Thank you, Ray."  Fraser sat down beside Ray, nudging a bit closer than he was sitting before they were interrupted.  He looked at Ray, and Ray at him.  Where had they left off?  Oh yes – Fraser was about to tell Ray he was going to stay up north.  That he loved Ray in many different ways, and that they'd always be partners, no matter how far apart they were.

Right.

"Ray?"

Ray nodded.

Fraser hesitated. 

"Ray."

"I'm right here, Fraser."

"Right.  Right you are.  Well then," he said, standing up.  "I think it's about time we turn in, don't you?  It's getting late, and we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Ray's head dropped for a second, then nodded and stood up, not taking the hand Fraser had extended him.  They stood toe to toe, looking each other in the eye, then both broke the gaze and stared at the ground.

"Ray."

Surely there were other words in his vocabulary; he just couldn't think of them right now.

"Ray, I. . ."  Fraser stopped again.  Maybe he should write a note.  Was it possible Ray knew semaphore?  No, highly unlikely.  Instinct.  Perhaps Fraser should just go with his instinct.

He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Ray…

He felt Ray startle, then relax, then melt in his embrace.  He drew Ray closer, and repeated his name, "Ray."

Fraser felt Ray's arms wrap around him, squeeze hard enough to momentarily stop Fraser's breathing, then hold him firmly.  "Fraser."  Fraser felt his name in the hot breath on his ear and the vibration of Ray's mouth on his neck. 

"Yes, Ray."

They pulled apart, each holding the other just closer than arm's length.  Ray smiled first, the corners of his mouth seemingly unable to resist being tugged up by the sparkle in his eyes.  Fraser smiled back, not caring how ridiculous he might have looked. 

"So," said Ray.  "So we're still. . ."

"Right."

Ray nodded, still smiling.  Fraser felt Ray's hand slide down his arm, making it tingle with sensation wherever it touched, until their hands met and their fingers tangled together.

"And we could be. . . "

"Yes," replied Fraser, unsure of exactly what he was agreeing to, but willing to accept any arrangement that would bring him closer to Ray Kowalski.

"That's good, Fraser." 

Fraser pulled Ray closer, tilting his head, making it clear he knew at least part of what Ray was offering. Fraser parted his lips and inhaled; felt Ray's mouth press against his own.  Their tongues brushed against each other, lightly and quickly, before they moved apart.  Fraser let out his breath, grateful he was wearing bulky clothes so Ray couldn't see how that kiss affected him; but that was a ridiculous thought - Ray would soon find out exactly how he felt.

"Are we sharing that little tent?" Ray nodded toward the RCMP shelter.

"Yes, Ray.  If you'll have me."  Fraser winked, turned toward the tent, still not letting go of Ray's hand.

"Oh, I'll have you, Fraser.  I'll have you."
 

The Beginning

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