"So then this could be our. . ." Ray heard Thatcher's voice fade into the background as Dief came up beside him to nuzzle his hand.  He couldn't believe her nerve – so much for Canadians being polite. 

Fraser was managing to be polite, though.  He was sticking out his hand, for a shake, instead of giving Thatcher the kiss she was pining for.  Not that Ray was worried – he knew Fraser wasn't interested in Thatcher.  The Ice Queen could be as clueless as Frannie sometimes. 

No, Ray was worried about Ray.  The Other Ray.  Ray Vecchio.  Fraser's other partner. 

Yeah.  Him.

He wasn't sure when he fell in love with Fraser – it musta been sometime between the time they hugged and the time they exchanged blows – but he was in love with him now, and his future with Fraser was completely out of his hands.  Not that Fraser would dump him completely.  Fraser didn't throw away friends, and he didn't forget people.

And that's why Ray was worried.  Fraser wouldn't, couldn't forget Ray Vecchio either.  And Ray, this Ray, wanted more than just a piece of Fraser.  He wanted everything.

He watched Thatcher turn on her heel and walk back to Turnbull's tent.  Now, there's an interesting couple.  Ray wondered. . . oops, Fraser almost caught him staring.  Can't let that happen, can't show too much, not yet.  He ruffled Dief's thick fur as he watched Fraser walk toward the campfire. 

"Smooth move, Fraser."

"Thank you, Ray."  Fraser sat down beside Ray.  He sat close.  Close was good.  Now Fraser was nudging closer.  Even better.  Yeah, he wanted to talk.  Ray braced himself for the news. 

"Ray?"

Ray nodded.  Would he be happy as Fraser's partner, if he couldn't be Fraser's lover?

"Ray."

"I'm right here, Fraser."

Would he be happy as Fraser's lover or friend, if he had to watch Fraser risk his life every day with another parnter?

"Right.  Right you are.  Well then," said Fraser as he stood up, holding out his hand for Ray.  "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 ignored Fraser's outstretched hand and stood up.  Looked at Fraser, then looked at the ground.  Nothing, then.  Bad news, maybe, bad news he didn't want to share with Ray tonight. 

"Ray."

Everything.  Take *everything* Fraser.  Please.  I'll give you everything. 

"Ray, I. . ."  Fraser stopped again.  Damn him. 

Ray closed his eyes. . . and felt Fraser's arms wrap around him. 

Oh god! 

Shocked at first, Ray relaxed and returned the hug.  He squeezed Fraser – didn't ever want to let go. 

"Ray."  He heard his name whispered in his ear. 

"Fraser."  Fraser hadn't said anything, but Ray knew.  He knew exactly what Fraser meant.  He felt it throught all the layers of wool and down and fur. 

"Yes, Ray."

They pulled apart, each holding the other just closer than arm's length.  Ray tried to look serious, but he was just too fucking happy.  Even happier when he saw Fraser's goofy, crooked smile grinning back at him. 

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

"Right."

Partners.  Partners.  Yeah.  Ain't no ship like a partnership.  No matter what else, he and Fraser were partners, and that. . .  Yeah, that would be enough, if that's all he could have.  But why not try for more?  He slid his hand down Fraser's arm, well, Fraser's coat, until he found Fraser's hand.  .

"And we could be. . . "

"Yes," replied Fraser.  Ok, so maybe Fraser didn't know exactly what he was agreeing to, but he answered damn fast.  They'd work out the details later. 

"That's good, Fraser."  Very, very good. 

Fraser pulled him closer, tilting his head the same way Thatcher tilted her head just a couple minutes earlier.   Oh yeah, a kiss.  With tongue.  Couldn't think of a better place to start working out the details.  Details – like where they were going to spend the night. 

"Are we sharing that little tent?"

"Yes, Ray.  If you'll have me."  Fraser winked.  Winked.  Yeah, he and Fraser were on the same page all right. 

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

The Beginning

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