Quick note:

Hi everyone, and thanks for looking at my work!

This piece takes place between "North" and "Juliet Is Bleeding"

Some parts are humourous, and others are serious. Please read all the way through, as it does come together. Thanks :)

Chapter 1: The Invariable

Detective Ray Vecchio strolled into the police station of District 27 of Chicago. He was decked out in his usual dark brown Armani suit and detective overcoat. The first thing he noticed was the familiarity of the scene laid out in front of him as he scanned the room.

Off to the right, Ray's eyes landed on civilian aide Elaine, who was bent over a file on which she was concentrating.

Farther up, to the left, he noticed Detectives Louis Gardino and Jack Huey were sprawled out in their own office area: Huey seemed to have made a sarcastic comment, and Gardino snickered as he chewed on a toothpick.

Up ahead Ray could see an officer leave Lt. Welsh's office with a look of serious determination on his face. He watched as the officer passed him.

The Detective lingered for a moment before fully stepping into the room. He was met with a sweep of warm air and a hint of old coffee smell as he trudged in, careful to dodge anyone in his incoming path.

The room was actually pretty big, but the spaciousness was immediately lost due to the number of desks cramped together. People rushed past in different directions, having just enough room to get by each other.

Ever since Ray teamed up with his Mountie friend, Constable Benton Fraser, Ray had received a lot of teasing blows. The Mountie had become infamous for his unusual polite demeanour and performance of good deeds. It also didn't help that Fraser was from the middle of Nowheresville, or to be more specific, The Northwest Territories.

Gardino, facing Ray's direction, saw the Italian Detective right away and made a showing of doing so. He picked the toothpick out of his mouth and leaned forward. "Hey Vecchio! Save any kittens from a tree lately!" He mocked in good fashion, cackling at his own joke.

At that point, Gardino's partner Huey had his own smile turned into curiosity as he turned to see Ray's reaction.

Ray strode up to the detectives and gave Gardino a taunting smile. "Not lately, but when I hear something about it, I'll let you know." With that, he went over to his own desk.

Huey was already laughing. It took a second for Gardino to register what Ray had meant. Finally understanding, Gardino's face broke into a scowl.

A few months ago, Ray had informed a lady that Gardino and Huey were in charge of all missing cat enquiries. For a while, they didn't understand what was behind all of the craziness in receiving these ridiculous cases. They eventually found out who was behind it. Or in other words, the 'cat' was let out of the bag.

Ray sighed as he strapped off his jacket, tossed it on the back of his chair, and sat down. Yes, he was at the police station again. Yes, he threw a quick comeback at Gardino as he usually did. Yes, he had his usual breakfast that his ma had prepared him.

Everything was the same today. That is, everything except the way he was feeling.

After rubbing the back of his neck, Ray focused on the files arranged in workable piles in front of him. He grimaced slightly, thinking that Fraser was responsible - actually, knowing that Fraser was responsible.

There was nothing wrong with what the Mountie did, beside the fact that Ray no longer had an excuse for being behind on paperwork. He had even gotten used to Fraser's ways of being consistent and productive - except when Fraser chose to use his own time, or rather chose to use their free time chasing after anyone who had so much as littered.

Ray took a deep breath to clear his head. The Mountie would be here any minute.

Benton Fraser quickly strode down the street of West Racine. His stride could fool people into thinking he was one in the business occupation, if not for his obvious official red uniform.

Diefenbaker, his wolf companion, was right behind but was taking his time to check for any abandoned bits of breakfasts that citizens left behind in their busy mornings.

The Stetson upon Fraser's head felt rather heavy this morning, but he ignored it as he crossed over streets to head to the station. Lifting his wrist to check his watch, he realized that he had forgotten to put it on this morning. Fraser's face almost broke into a frown, but submerged into a neutral stance.

Finally heading into his destination, he took a quick glance around himself to track Diefenbaker. Not only did Diefenbaker catch up, but the wolf rushed ahead of Fraser to the refreshment corner of the station to beg for a bite.

Fraser momentarily forgot about Diefenbaker as he headed toward Ray, pitching greetings to those he knew along the way.

The Detective was slumped over his desk, seemingly trying to focus on what was in front of him. There was not a tiredness, but more of a weariness in his eyes that Fraser spotted right away.

Never that remarkable or comfortable in trying to console another, except in cases with dire needs, Fraser tried a casual approach.

"Good morning Ray."

Ray slowly looked up. "Hi ya, Benny." He looked around. "What, the hankering wolf not around?"

The corner of Fraser's mouth twitched into a slightly amused look. "Actually, he's over there." Fraser slightly turned to point to where Dief was whining at some poor older man for a nibble of his donut.

Ray followed Fraser's gaze. "Ah. Figures."

Fraser re-evaluated what he saw in Ray. He seemed to have brightened up a little. Maybe the detective was just tired.

At that moment Lt. Welsh came out of his office.

"Vecchio. My office. Now," he ordered. Welsh was about to turn when he noticed the Mountie and hesitated. "You too." At that, Welsh went back into his office.

Ray just stood up, shrugged, and went over to Welsh's office.

Fraser looked perplexed, but followed.

Side note: More coming (most likely). This is my very first serious writing piece that I have ever worked on, so I am nervous about it! I appreciate honesty so let me know what you think so far. I have an idea of where it is going, but at the same time, I write spontaneously. In other words, I write and let the story carry me to what happens next.