I don't own these guys just looking after them for a bit. Thank you Ninete for all your help could not have done this without you. I know how busy you are your are a true friend. :)

Shelter From The Storm

Chapter 1

Ray was awoken like something out of a fairytale, with a kiss from his prince charming. That prince charming came in the form of one Benton Fraser.

Ray smiled and opened his eyes at the brush of lips over his.

Ray sighed dreamily, "If I close my eyes again Ben would you kiss me again"?

Ben eyes sparkled down at Ray, "I might Ray".

Ray closed his eyes to test that theory and it worked. Ben kissed his sleeping beauty again.

Ray opened his eyes again, "Knew that would work Ben".

Ben caressed Ray's face loving the feel of his morning stubble, "Morning Ray, did you sleep well"?

Ray lay enjoying the feel of Ben's hand on his face, "I slept very well thank you. How was your run this morning"?

Ben sat at the side of the bed, "It went very well thank you Ray. I got in eight miles. I also brought you a little something, can you smell"?

Ray sat up and sniffed the air, "Is that what I think it is, Ben"?

Ben brushed his lips to Ray's, "What do you think it is Ray"?

Ray sniffed the air again", Fresh hot scones from Mary's bakery".

Ben loved their little game they often played, "Yes Ray, I got you fresh hot scones from Mary's bakery".

Ray pulled Ben into another kiss, "See I knew I married ya for a reason".

Ben smacked his lips together, "I knew you didn't marry me for my money. It was my connections to bakeries".

Ray playfully smacked Ben's arm as he made his way to the kitchen to eat the fresh scones.

While Ray made the tea and coffee Ben had his shower. He was sweating from his run training for the marathon that was on at the end of the year. Also he had a meeting with his superior officer this morning. Which was strange as today was his day to liaise with the Chicago P.D.?

Ray popped another piece of scone into his mouth, "Ben have you idea what this meeting is about"?

Ben took a long drink of his tea, "Ray I have no idea. I am a little curious though. As today is my day for liaising with you. I will be by after lunch still".

Ray was worried but hid his fears, "Ben you stay strong. Don't you take any crap from her you hear me. You want to take a can of anti freeze in case you have to spray the ice queen"?

Ben chuckled, "RAY".

Ray leaned over and kissed Ben, "Come on I'll drive ya".

Ray started the engine to take Ben to the consulate, "Ben what time is Frannie calling tonight to finalise the plans for Ma Veccico's surprise party"?

Ben fastened his seatbelt, "Francesca is calling at six Ray".

Ray drove carefully, "And Veccico what time is his flight arriving tomorrow. Are we still collecting him? Is he still staying with us, Ben"?

Ben didn't miss the effort it took for Ray to say the name Veccico, "Ray's flight get's in at midday. And yes to both. I think we should wait until after Ma's birthday to tell him about us. What do you think Ray"?

Ray gripped the steering wheel, "I think your right Ben. We don't want to spoil Ma's birthday. As you said he might not take it well".

Ray pulled up outside the consulate, "Ben you ok"?

Ben turned in his seat, "Ray I'm fine. I appreciate your patience in all this. I love you and I'm so happy to be married to you. I want Ray to know that. Then we can tell others when the time is right for both of us".

Ray held Ben's hand in his, "I love you Ben. Soon we'll be able to wear our rings on our fingers rather then around our necks".

Ben patted the ring under his uniform, "Indeed Ray, I can't wait. I best go in and I'll see you at lunch".

Ray smiled and left Ben with one last word before he left for his meeting, "Good luck with the ice queen you got the can of spray".

Ben threw his eyes to heaven and made his way into the consulate.

Turnbull greeted him with his usual enthusiasm, "Welcome sir, Inspector Thatcher is expecting you. One moment and I'll check to see if she is ready, sir".

Ben took off his hat, "Thank you Turnbull".

Turnbull got on the phone to see if Inspector Thatcher was ready, and indeed she was. Turnbull instructed Ben to go in.

Ben knocked on the door and heard the call of, "Come in", from the other side. Ben entered and was not only faced by his superior officer but Brian Waters the new head of the RCMP.

Inspector Thatcher stood, "Constable Fraser, welcome thank you for coming. I know today is your day for working with Detective Kowalski".

Ben stood to attention, "That's quite alright Sir".

Inspector Thatcher smiled, "Very good Fraser. Fraser you know Mr Waters he is our new head of the RCMP".

Ben shook Brian's hand, "Welcome Sir".

Brian smiled shaking his hand, "At ease Constable Will you sit down. I have some things I want to say to you. And I have some news for you".

Ben's heart sped up, "Sir".

Brian motioned to the chair, "Don't worry Fraser it's not bad news. I'm sorry I didn't mean to frighten you".

Ben sat waiting to hear what it was that Brian had to say. A meeting like this was not normally good.

Brian sat in front of Ben, "First off Fraser I'm very sorry about your father. A good man like that should never have been done like that. I want to apologise for the treatment of you by the people before me. I fought your corner very hard to change what they were doing to you, but they wouldn't listen".

Ben was surprised and warmed by Brian's words, "Thank you sir, I appreciate it".

Brian held up his hand, "its ok. I was very happy when I got this job. Now I can right the wrongs that have been done to you. I looked at your case history both here and in Canada. From what I read I was both shocked and appalled that you have not been prompted by now. Do you realise that you should have been at least three times by now, for what you have done in your work".

Ben rubbed his eyebrow, "To be honest sir, I haven't thought about it. I didn't think it was possible given my exile to Chicago".

Brian nodded, "I can see why you would think that, but I'm righting that wrong now".

Ben sounded surprised, "You are"?

Brian handed Ben a leather wallet which contained his new badge, "Fraser you have earned this. You have worked so dam hard and those assholes if you forgive me my language should have done this ages ago".

Ben took the leather wallet and opened it. Ben's mouth dropped open on seeing what his new title was.

Brian and Inspector Thatcher smiled at Ben's reaction.

Brian's voice was soft and caring, "Congratulations Inspector Fraser".

Ben fought to make his voice work, "I don't understand how".

Inspector Thatcher's voice was full of pride, "Fraser as Mr Waters said you earned this. I'm so proud of you".

Ben turned the badge over in his hand, "Thank you sir. Can I ask how dose this effect my position at the consulate"?

Brian cleared his throat, "You can continue to work here. It will allow you to work more with the Chicago PD and just do your daily reports here. Or you can pretty much pick where you go. You are now no longer under Inspector Thatcher's authority you'll work side by side".

Ben's eyes pricked with tears, "I don't know what to say but thank you both.

Brian stood, "Inspector Fraser it's been an honour to meet you. I have wanted to meet you for a long time now. Go now and tell your partner your good news".

Ben shook Brian's hand, "Thank you sir, I promise not to let you down. I think that Ray will be very pleased with the news".

Ben made his way out of the office clutching the badge to his chest.

Ben saw a very anxious looking Turnbull looking at him, "Sir is everything alright"?

Ben smiled widely, "Yes Turnbull everything is fine. I guess you're the first to know. I was promoted to Inspector".

Turnbull jumped up hugging Ben, "Oh sir I'm so pleased. It's about time sir. Oh Ray will be so happy sir. I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving us"?

Ben was so happy, "No Turnbull I'm not leaving. I will be working with the Chicago PD more alright".

Turnbull was still pumping Ben's hand as he spoke, "Very good sir, I'm so happy for you sir".

Ben thanked him as he left to tell Ray. Diefenbaker showed his delight by licking him all over his face. Walking down the street his heart felt lighter. Ben couldn't wait to tell Ray his wonderful news".

Please feel free to read and review they are always welcome :)