UNTITLED:

A/N: This is my first attempt at a Due South fic. I've just rediscovered this wonderful show. Who doesn't love Benton Frasier?

Summary: We all think that Constable Frasier is invincible. But he is only human after all.

Frasier checked his watch. He cursed him self for sleeping past his alarm. He straightened his belt and checked his reflection in the mirror. "Right," he said as he tucked his Mountie hat under his arm.

His faithful companion, a wolf blocked his exit and began whining softly. "Diefenbaker… I don't have time for this," Frasier said sternly. He knew the wolf could be persistent when it wanted to. Frasier looked really annoyed when Diefenbaker almost tripped him up trying to get in between him and the door once again. Finally, Frasier was able to get to the front door.

The wolf let out a growl but allowed Frasier to leave the apartment but not without him telling the Mountie what he thought of the idea. Frasier contemplated the strange behavior of Diefenbaker on the way to the Consulate. It wasn't unusual for the wolf to guilt him into bringing home an extra treat or toy… But Dief seemed adamant about him not leaving the apartment that morning. Frasier shook his head, wolves could be so difficult to understand at times.

All during the shift, Frasier stood dutifully at his post as tourists and locals did their best to distract him from performing his duty. Others just wanted their photographs taken with a real life Mountie. Frasier didn't mind this at all. It was kind of funny to watch as they either dusted his uniform for him or straightened his hat if the wind had blown it askew. He looked a little nervous when someone removed his hat and straightened his hair.

"Does that look perfect?" An elderly woman asked her husband.

"Yes dear," the husband answered as he set up for the shot. Fortunately he had the camera on the tripod and quickly took his position on Frasier's left. As the camera's timer neared its end, Frasier felt a sneeze coming on. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin the odd couple's photo but there was no holding it back.

The woman almost jumped out of her skin when the sneeze came. The camera flash went off when he had his head down. Frasier readjusted his footing and went back to his guard stance. He fought the urge to give an apology. The couple had worked so hard on getting the perfect shot. He let out a couple of coughs as he felt the tickle in his throat. Though he was able to quickly compose him self.

"You don't mind taking a photograph of us two with the Mountie?" The woman asked the man who approached them.

"Sure," Ray answered. He took the camera and waited for them to stand either side of his friend before snapping the picture.

"Was that alright?" The elderly woman asked.

"Yes… Perfect, now go," Ray watched them leave. "Okay, Frasier. My Ma wants me over for dinner tonight and she said to bring you along. I don't know… Guess she thinks you look skinny or something," Ray said as he studied the Mountie's features. He was standing completely still and showed no expression. "Come on, Frasier. Can't you at least nod, wink or even blink to let me know you're listening… Anyway, seven pm on the dot. You got that? Anyway, I gotta run. Have a good day, Frasier," Ray said before leaving the area.

Frasier had listened to Ray who had a habit of coming by the consulate and carrying on with one sided conversations with him. That was a peculiar trait that confused Frasier and left him wondering why Ray just didn't come to his apartment. But then again he couldn't offer any refreshments. Frasier covered his mouth once more as he coughed a couple more times.

"Oh dear," Frasier muttered as he stood straight again. He had suspected that maybe he was coming down with something when he overslept. It should've been obvious and probably should've rung in sick. Surely, he couldn't perform the duties to the best of his ability if he was feeling like this.

Frasier's Apartment

Frasier didn't bother debating which set of clothes to wear. He decided with the black trousers, gray shirt and tie with suspenders. Diefenbaker continued with his constant whining which seemed to be giving him a headache. "You've made your point, Dief. I should be home resting, but Ray's mother was gracious enough to invite me over and it'll be impolite to not turn up," he told his wolf.

This was only met with a serious of growls and a headshake.

"Alright. I'll make sure I have an early night. You're starting to sound like my grandma. Frasier added as he drunk some of his bottled water. "Happy?"

Again Diefenbaker growled and barked.

"Ray didn't say if you were invited, Dief. Okay you can go with me but I can't guarantee that you'll be let inside," Frasier sighed heavily and went to the door. "Well are you coming or not?" Frasier cocked his eyebrow as he was greeted by silence. "Okay. Diefenbaker… Would you like to be my escort?" He asked and was rewarded by the affirmative bark and he followed Diefenbaker out of his apartment.

Vecchio Family Household

There was a part of Ray that both enjoyed and dreaded the family meals. It was good to eat a great home cooked meal and usually received a couple of containers full. Then again the dinners were noisy and often ended up the same way... His Ma pressing him about his love life.

"Where's Benny?" Ray's sister Francesca asked.

Ray checked his watch. His friend was late. That wasn't so unusual at times since Frasier probably stopped to help some lady across the street or even holding the door open for everyone. "He'll be here soon," Ray assured them. He was sure Francesca's question was purely out of disappointment. It was clear that his sister had a thing for Frasier. A sound at the door silenced the conversation.

Francesca opened the door before anybody could move. "Hey there's a white dog at the door!" She yelled out from the door.

"What?!" Ray shouted back. He went to the front door to see what his sister was going on about. "Dief?" He asked. "What are you doing? Where's Frasier? Who am I kidding? I can't understand you," Ray continued on.

"Right here, Ray," Frasier said as he came into sight. "Hope you don't mind... Diefenbaker insisted on coming along," he said while he made his way to the door. What he really wanted to do was sit down. The body felt stiff and he felt a little sick in the stomach. But he'd do the polite thing and enjoy the meal and company before leaving early. And on the selfish side, he enjoyed spending time with a family.

Frasier thanked Mrs. Vecchio for the invite as he entered. Everyone had reacted oddly about Diefenbaker so he waited outside the door but not without some protest. He sat down with a sigh of relief as the dull ache in his legs subsided. There was polite conversation going on just as the dinner around. Occasionally, Frasier nodded and smiled if it seemed as someone was talking to him.

"It's very nice," Frasier commented. He found it difficult to eat the food and any mouthful fought all the way down. He couldn't refuse to eat it... Not a nice cacciatore dinner.

"You want more?" Mrs. Vecchio asked as she held up the plate. Frasier held up his hand and shook his head. "You don't eat enough... You look like a broomstick handle with legs," she observed.

"Ma... Come on if he doesn't wanna eat, don't force it down his throat," Ray answered.

"I am sorry, I really am. It looks delicious... It really does," Frasier commented as he fought hard not to cough. The cold air had made him feel worse.

"Are you alright, Benton?" Mrs. Vecchio asked when the young Mountie cleared his throat again. She reached over and placed a hand on Frasier's forehead. "You're quite warm," she said with some concern.

Frasier didn't attempt to smile. There were just people you couldn't fool. Mothers were in a league of their own. Often females will become overprotective if one of their cubs were sick and on some occasion, it'll extend to people outside their pack.

"You're sick, Benny? Aw, and you've been working all day?" Francesca asked with a sympathetic look.

"Yes," Frasier replied. "I have a duty to perform," he said.

The rest of the dinner was finished. Automatically, Benton went too help clear the table. For probably about the first time, he wished he hadn't. The dinner in his stomach was refusing to settle. "No, you stay, you sit," Mrs. Vecchio ordered and Frasier didn't argue.

"I think it's about time I go home... I promised Diefenbaker I'd have an early night," Frasier said as he loosened his tie.

"You're not going anywhere," Mrs. Vecchio responded. "Ray can go pick up some of your things and you'll stay here until you're feeling better," she said.

"Ma... Mrs. Vecchio," Ray and Frasier went to protest.

"No, no arguments," Mrs. Vecchio ordered. Ray and Frasier looked at each other and knew that it was impossible to argue. Ray grabbed the car keys and left to retrieve some of Frasier's clothing.

A/N: This is my first DS fic. I'm practicing writing Frasier. Anyway, as usual, reviews and critiques are appreciated. Thank you for reading.