Fraser and Ray stepped carefully around the pools of dried blood from the three victims as they worked their way through the house looking for anything that would solve this case. Fraser stopped at each appliance he found within the home and studied it carefully, his face contorting into a puzzled frown each time he stepped away.
"What's wrong?" Ray called after watching Fraser examine the stove and walking away seemingly disappointed.
"It doesn't make any sense," he replied from behind the kitchen island.
"What doesn't?" Ray asked, studying his partner closely.
"Their electric bill. It was in with the mail that Ray had given you. They have been deceased for a month, so why is their bill so high?"
Ray thought about it and frowned. "No, that doesn't make sense. You think an appliance got left on or is malfunctioning in some way, drawing more electricity?"
"Perhaps, but…" Fraser frowned again. "Is there another building on the property?"
"No, according to records, it's just the house with the attached garage. There's a small garden shed out back but there's no electric run to it." Ray paused and thought about the time he had forgotten to pay his electric bill when he and Stella had first been married. "Hey, shouldn't their electric have been shut off if they didn't pay their bill? I mean, the guy's dead, it's not like he can drop a check in the mail."
The uniformed officer that was guarding the property from trespassers appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. "Sorry, don't mean to disturb you. Just came in to step out of the sun for a moment. It's unusually warm for May already."
Ray raised a startled glance at the middle-aged officer. "Whoa, didn't see you come in," he joked, as he stepped over a broken dish on the floor. "Yeah," he agreed. "Weather's weird this year." Ray noticed the bandaged hand of the officer. "What'd you do man?" Ray swatted at a fly buzzing around his forehead. "Suspect try getting the better of you?" He gave a small chuckle despite the glare coming from Fraser. It was no secret that Officer MacDaniel had a temper and had to be reminded on numerous occasions to keep it in check by his superiors. 'No wonder he's been assigned to protect a month old crime scene. Nobody here but raccoons and squirrels.'
"Funny, Kowalski. I hooked it fishing a few days ago."
Ray made a face. "Yeah, that would hurt." He swatted another fly away from his face. "Damn bugs. God with this weird weather we've been having, the bugs are terrible."
While Ray made small talk with the officer, Fraser stole a quick glance at his watch. Where had the morning gone? They had an appointment to view a house in just over an hour. Fraser was torn, he wanted to continue looking through the house, but he didn't want to have to cancel on the realtor either. "Ray, we should probably get going. We have that appointment with the realtor in an hour." He was disappointed. When they arrived at the house earlier in the morning, he held out hope that they would have discovered something that would break this case wide open.
"You know, Vecchio's not going to continue letting us come out here if we don't come up with something soon."
"I know. Do you want to call the realtor and reschedule?" He really didn't want to cancel their appointment. The first two houses they had looked at didn't appeal to either of them. Then they both got caught up in their respective jobs and had to cancel the viewing of what the realtor assured them was their dream house. Fraser stepped from around the island and was hit with a dizzy spell. He shut his eyes and gripped the edge of the counter tightly, knuckles going white.
"Whoa…" Ray was immediately at his side. "What's going on? You okay?"
Fraser drew in a ragged breath, praying for the room to stop spinning out of control. "I think…" he swallowed the rising bile. "I think I just need to eat something."
"Yeah, we're done for today." Ray fished a piece of candy out of his pocket and unwrapped it with trembling fingers. "Here… suck on this until we get to the car. I brought an apple."
"Do I need to call someone for you?" the officer asked, concerned.
"No," Ray replied as he checked Fraser's pulse. "He'll be okay." The doctor had already warned them of the low blood sugar and dizzy spells and Ray was mostly prepared.
Ray guided his partner out of the house and down the steps of the large front porch. Fraser paused on the last step and breathed deeply.
"You okay?" Ray asked concerned.
"Yes, I just…" Fraser sniffed again turning to face the house, "I thought I smelled something.
Ray sniffed the air. "I don't smell anything," he turned his attention to the trash can and a half eaten pizza from Sandors'. "Well, nothing except maybe the trash."
"Do you hear that? I thought I heard a…" Fraser paused listening intently. "It sounded like a dog barking."
"I don't hear anything Frase." Ray took hold of Fraser's elbow when he felt him lean to the side. "Come on, let's get you home."
The petite, dark-haired realtor greeted Ray and Fraser at the door to the home she was about to show them. "I know this isn't exactly what you asked me to look for, but I thought if you saw it, you may change your mind. It has a minimal front yard but not too terribly close to the road," she pointed out before walking them around the front of the house to the expansive backyard.
"Wow," Ray whistled in appreciation of the large yard. "This is really great." Ray glanced at his partner who had returned to a much better color after getting some solid food in his system. "Dief would have loved it here." Fraser nodded quietly, missing his four legged friend. Ray made his way to an old tire swing hanging from a tree that he was certain was over a hundred years old.
"Go ahead," the realtor encouraged.
Ray slipped a leg through the tire and let go, pumping his legs until he was swinging wildly. He let out a childish laugh as he sliced through the air. The backyard was dotted with various colored perennial flowers in the beginning stages of blooming. Ray felt at home, picturing a hammock tied between two of the trees and Fraser and their baby being rocked fast asleep by a gentle breeze. He hoped the inside of the house held as much charm as the backyard.
"Let me show you the inside." The realtor looked as though she was suppressing a grin as she opened the sliding door. Ray dislodged himself from the swing, falling into step beside Fraser. Leading into the family room from the back porch, the late afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees against the back of the property casting shadows against the empty walls.
'Lots of evening shade,' Ray thought, thinking how it would keep the room cooler in the warm summer months.
"There is a rather large kitchen which opens up into a nice sized dining room, big enough for family gatherings." The petite realtor smiled when the men exchanged a glance. "Do either of you come from a large family?"
"No," Ray supplied as he gave Fraser a wink, "but we have extended family in the area and believe me… they'll be around."
"That's great, this home provides plenty of room for entertaining guests." She walked them through the dining room into a spacious living room, into a small bedroom, then the laundry room, which led straight back into the kitchen. "The one thing I adore about this home is the open design, high ceilings and the fact that you can start in the kitchen and end up back in the kitchen without ever retracing your steps. Kids love it."
Fraser envisioned Ray and their child running laps through the house on early Sunday mornings as he was forced to sidestep their adventures while trying to cook them all breakfast. Ray stepped up beside him as the realtor was explaining the full basement. He snuck his arm around Ray's waist and pulled him close. He liked what he had seen so far and enjoyed the forming visions dancing in his head. The house was perfect and he had only seen half of it.
"Can you tell us about the previous owner?" he questioned as he ran his hand over the smooth countertop. He supposed it didn't really matter who had lived there before, but he wanted a feel for the history of the home. From what he had seen without closer inspection, it had been well cared for.
"An elderly gentleman lived here. This was his home for the past forty-seven years. His wife died several years ago. They had one son who now lives in California. The gentleman passed on a few months ago and left the home to his son. He didn't want to uproot his own family so he has decided to sell it. You are actually my first clients to take a look at it."
Fraser and Ray exchanged a glance. They both loved what the saw but were worried it was well out of their reach. After all, the realtor had already told them it wasn't quite what they were looking for.
"I already know what you are thinking. It's not in the price range we discussed." The two exchanged another glance and Ray nodded. "It's less than what you are thinking and actually falls on the lower end of your price range."
"How can that be?" Ray didn't want to argue about the price but felt compelled to say something. "What the hell's wrong with it?"
"Oh, absolutely nothing," she reassured them. "Like I said, the son lives on the west coast and doesn't want to uproot his own family. Against advice, he has set the price low so it will sell quickly. He doesn't want to be burdened with any financial upkeep himself. Would you like to see the upstairs?"
"Of course," Fraser said, slanting a sideways glance at Ray. Ray smiled back, and reached out, squeezed his hand.
"There is a full bath here on the main level along with a bedroom that could be used as a guest bedroom or an office. Upstairs, there is an additional bedroom along with the master bedroom which has a full bath." She led the way into the master bedroom. "And take a look at this view." She pushed open a double set of patio doors that led out to a small balcony. "Your entire backyard for your viewing pleasure." She stepped to the side making room for the men to look out over the bannister into the expansive yard.
"Can you imagine the sunsets from up here, Ben?"
Fraser stared out over the horizon of the backyard, at the dappled shade of the garden. Yes," he said. "I can."
The realtor shifted in behind them. "I can have the papers ready in a few days and we can close within the week. Oh... I almost forgot to tell you, the man who lived here left a workshop full of tools."
'Tools?' Ray thought of the Goat and the tinkering he could do with his father. "What kind of tools?" he asked voice full of excitement.
"He built furniture. Has a workshop full of woodworking tools."
"We'll take it," Fraser said abruptly.
Ray stared at him, a smile spreading on his face. "You sure? Ben?"
Upon hearing the word 'workshop,' Ben immediately thought of what his father had said and saw the tools as affirmation. "Yes, I'm sure."
"Great, give me a couple of days to get the paperwork around." She opened her folder and scanned through her upcoming schedule. "We can meet the end of next week if that works for the two of you to sign papers."
"Greatness!" Ray beamed, pulling Fraser close. They shared a kiss before looking out over the yard dotted with emerging summer colors and an old tire swing that would soon be brought back to life.
Ray juggled the cardboard boxes under his arm and a batch of muffins in the same hand as he tried to work his key into the lock of the apartment door. Frustrated, he kicked it once, secretly hoping Ben was home to open it for him. 'Frannie and her damn secret mission to fatten Fraser up,' Ray cursed as the muffins began to slip out of his grasp.
The door opened and Fraser quickly rescued the muffins before they hit the floor.
"Thanks," Ray managed as he struggled with the flattened oversized boxes. He dropped them just inside the door and planted a quick kiss to Fraser's lips.
Fraser held up the blueberry lemon muffins in a silent question, his eyebrows raised slightly in confusion. Ray wasn't fond of muffins so Fraser knew they weren't his idea.
"Frannie," Ray replied with annoyance. "You know, she could bake something I like for a change if she's going to keep sending stuff home with me."
"Ahh, well, it's the thought that counts, right?"
"Whatever… I'm about ready to tell her."
Fraser paled and Ray was sure he was about to have a panic attack. "Seriously, Ben. Pecan pie, banana bread, carrot cake, now muffins. That's just this week." Ray relented. "I'm not really going to tell her, but her 'fatten Fraser up' crusade has got to stop."
"What would you like me to do about it?" Fraser set the muffins on the counter and pulled one to his mouth taking a bite. "These are actually quite good."
Ray gave a resigned sigh. "I suppose nothing." He scanned the apartment and saw that Fraser had a productive day of packing boxes. "You've been busy. I would have helped you know, if you would have just waited for me."
"I know," Fraser admitted sheepishly. He had an inkling of an idea how Ray would pack and he wanted to get as many of their belongings into organized containers before Ray just started throwing stuff in boxes randomly. He had a majority of the kitchen packed up before he ran out of boxes and had to stop.
"Hey, how did the doctor visit go today?"
Fraser wrinkled his brow. He snagged the packing tape off the window sill in the living room and concentrated on assembling a box. "It's mortifying lying there with my legs up in the air while I'm being examined." He tossed the box to the side and began on another one, trying to take his mind off the uncomfortable office visit. How many times did his doctor really need to check out his 'opening'?
Ray's hand settled on Fraser's knee. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there. Vecchio needed me on a new case." Ray frowned, "Weren't you supposed to go back to the Consulate after your appointment?"
"Inspector Geyer told me to go home." Fraser avoided eye contact with Ray, focusing on another box. "I imagine losing my breakfast the moment I shut my office door wasn't convincing him that I was okay." Fraser shrugged his shoulders and reached for another box. "It's fine, I managed to get a lot of packing done today."
"So, what did the docs have to say?"
Fraser fiddled with the packing tape. "Doctor Logan said that my blood pressure was still registering on the low side. And…" Fraser didn't want to report his current weight loss but knew Ray would ask eventually. He seemed to be keeping a running tally in his head. "And I've lost another three pounds." Fraser grinned against the news. "I did find some comfort in the fact that it was just Doctor Logan today."
"Yeah? Where was Doctor 'Benton Fraser's going to make me a rich man' Allison?" Ray asked dryly.
"Ray…" Fraser scolded. Ray was right though, the specialist seemed more interested in making a case study out of him than guiding him through a pregnancy. "He was in his own office this week. Doctor Logan said he was working on an article about male pregnancies for a medical journal. I told him I want nothing to do with any such article and that he had better adhere to doctor patient privacy. I don't need my name smeared all over the news. Logan assured me that Doctor Allison would do no such thing without our written consent. He's probably itching to write a damn book."
"We'll just see about that, not without our say anyway. Okay, so what did Logan have to say about the weight loss? God, another three pounds?" Ray gathered a pile of CD's from the shelf beside the stereo and dumped them in an assembled box next to Fraser.
Fraser straightened up the CD's in the box as Ray collected another pile. "He's going to keep a close eye on it, discuss it with Doctor Allison and possibly prescribe something at my next visit if it drops any lower. From his measurements, it…" Fraser paused and thought. His baby wasn't an 'it'. "Our baby is roughly the size of a small lemon this week."
"Oh…" Ray sounded surprised. "Even with all the puking, it's still growing?"
"Yes, apparently, a baby receives the nutrients required to help it grow before my body gets the benefit of anything I eat." No wonder he was losing weight.
Ray dropped another stack of CD's into the box and reached for the granite coasters on the coffee table, dropping them on top of his music collection.
"Ray." Irritated, Fraser removed the coasters and placed them back on the table. "You need a system."
"Shut up, Ben, I've got a system." He tossed a baseball trophy in the box from a nearby shelf. "It's throw everything in a heap and hope it doesn't break. What kind of system do you have that works better than mine? Mine is quick and efficient."
"My system has the virtue of simplicity , and actually working." Fraser wiggled his fingers as he worked the tape through the dispenser, closing another box of his books. "If we use your system, our child will be a toddler by the time we get unpacked and have everything put away. Trust me, you will thank me later."
"I highly doubt it..." Ray growled back playfully as he dropped a hand full of folded socks into the box of CD's. He turned his back and Fraser removed the socks and dropped them into a nearby laundry basket. He added another stack of CDs and a pile of DVDs before sealing the box tightly. On the front of the brown box in bold black marker he wrote, 'Ray's stuff' and smiled affectionately at his partner. "See, Frase, you get my system after all."
"I spoke with the realtor and we won't be able to sign the papers for the house until next Friday." Fraser caught Ray's expression. "There was a clerical error on the documents she had prepared and then there was a delay on the son's end with signing his necessary forms."
"Well, that will give us time to get the rest of this place packed up. I talked with Vecchio today and asked if he would help us move." Ray shrugged when Fraser threw a glance in his direction. "I don't think you should be lifting anything too heavy and besides if we have extra hands, it will go a lot faster."
"What did he say about the house?"
"He was a little confused about the suddenness of it, but I just told him we had been talking about it for a while and the perfect one practically fell in our laps. So, we jumped on it."
Fraser shook out his hand again. "I had an idea I wanted to pass by you." He looked into the empty cardboard box before him on the floor, gathering his thoughts. "I was thinking about what the realtor said about the workshop full of tools and if this gentleman's workshop is as well cared for as his home, I would be able to use it right away." Fraser blushed and lowered his voice. "I'd like to build your parents rocking chairs for their new home."
Ray took the opportunity to sit across from Fraser on the floor. His parents had moved back to Chicago four months ago from Arizona and Ray found himself rebuilding a broken relationship with his father. "Hey that's a great idea. You know, that's one way we can break the news to them. You know how many times I've overheard my mom wishing she had a grandbaby she could rock to sleep and love on."
"I'd have to have some wood delivered when we get the house, but I thought it would prove to be a distraction for me as well. You know, give me something else to concentrate on."
Ray moved to his knees and pulled Fraser in for a kiss. "God, I love you."
The remainder of the evening was spent going through the hall closet, discarding, sorting and packing their belongings into various boxes. After the first three boxes which Fraser had to repack, they came up with a system. Ray sorted. Ben packed and sealed.
They fell onto the couch exhausted after the last available box was filled and taped shut. Ray draped a leg over Fraser's knee and lowered his head onto Ben's shoulder. Taking his left hand, he snuck it under the hem of Fraser's t-shirt. The smooth skin was warm and damp from hours of exertion. "When do you think we'll be able to feel the baby?"
Fraser covered Ray's hand with his own. "I don't know. In the book it mentions that the fluttering feelings begin about sixteen weeks, but to actually see the bump. I'm not sure." He removed his hand form Ray's and slid it under his partners and pressed his palm into his own abdomen. "It doesn't feel any different to me, yet."
"I guess women don't show at twelve weeks either." Ray frowned into Fraser's shoulder. "Damn… I wanted to be able to feel it already." He returned his head to Fraser's shoulder. "So, what's on your agenda for tomorrow? Consulate or the 2-7?" Ray laced their fingers together and turned into Fraser's embrace, letting his eyes fall shut to the beating of his partner's heartbeat.
"My presence is required at the Consulate until about two in the afternoon and then I am all yours at the station. I'd like to go through the evidence on the Well's family once more."
"Mmm hmm," Ray answered through a yawn. "I'll have it ready when you get there."
Fraser dislodged Ray's leg from his own and stood ignoring the protest coming from his sleepy partner.
"Come on, let's go to bed." Fraser pulled Ray to his feet and kissed him. "We both could use a good night's rest."
Doctor Logan studied the notations the nurse had made in Fraser's chart, clearly not pleased. Doctor Allison was readying the ultrasound machine and Fraser felt a soft squeeze to his knee.
"He eats all the time," Ray broke the silence in the room. "Healthy stuff, like peas and asparagus and whatever size fruit the baby is this week. Why is he still puking?"
"Ray…"
"Each individual is different Mr. Kowalski," Doctor Allison stated. "Are you taking the vitamins we prescribed?"
"Yes, not that they always stay down that long after he swallows them," Ray replied dryly.
"How about you lie back and we will see how your baby is doing this week." Doctor Allison rubbed his hands together and Fraser cringed inwardly at his gleeful nature.
Logan had warmed the jelly once again and placed a soothing hand on Fraser's shoulder as Allison ran the probe over his belly trying to locate the fetus. "How are you feeling aside from the nausea, Benton?"
Fraser's head was swirling with too many thoughts. 'How am I feeling?' He wanted to shout to the heavens that he was stressed to the max with the combination of packing, obsessing over the murdered family's missing child, the changes at the Consulate with the new inspector, the purchase of a new home, and a pregnancy he was not prepared for. He was sure he had thrown up more in just the last week than he had his entire life. It didn't register right away that the doctor was taking his pulse while his thoughts spun out of control. The doctor reached for the blood pressure cuff and adjusted it around his arm.
Ray noticed the change in expression on Logan's face as he read the results. "Benton… are you okay?"
Fraser dropped an arm over his face, creating a shield against the onslaught of emotions that were suddenly overwhelming him. He heard the older Allison exclaim excitedly as he studied the ultrasound monitor, "Ahh, there you are, little one. Trying to hide today are we?"
Doctor Logan turned off the ultrasound machine and wiped the jelly off of Fraser's abdomen, pulling the paper gown past his waist. Doctor Allison stood there stunned at his colleague's intrusive behavior. "Let's give these two a few minutes."
"I have a busy schedule to keep," Allison stated as Doctor Logan opened the door and ushered him through it.
"Then you may continue your day and I will conclude the appointment with my patient." Logan folded his arms against his chest. "He needs a moment to compose himself in private with his partner." The door swung shut, blocking out Allison's outraged face, and Logan's solid bulk. Fraser heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, they were alone.
"Ben," Ray asked, placing a reassuring hand on Fraser's chest. "What's going on?"
Fraser snuffled and scrubbed his arm across his face. "I'm sorry," came the muffled reply.
"Hey, shhh," Ray soothed a hand through Fraser's hair. "It'll be okay, whatever it is."
"I'm just… overwhelmed with everything that is changing in our lives right now." Fraser snuffled again and Ray fished a tissue out of the box on the counter.
"Here," he offered, helping Ben into a sitting position. "Your blood pressure and pulse went through the roof."
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "It's been a stressful week and it all just hit me at once." Fraser scrubbed his hands down his face. He should have talked to Ray and not kept everything bottled up inside until it exploded. He was still learning how to open up. "Inspector Geyer has plans to add a few positions at the Consulate. Being his senior officer, the hiring process has fallen to me. He would like to encourage Constable Turnbull to become more actively involved with the more important operations at the Consulate…"
"Meaning Turnbull is going to be in your back pocket all the time," Ray groaned. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I don't know. I thought I was handling it just fine. So far, it hasn't been an issue and Constable Turnbull has proved to be a stellar protégé. Inspector Thatcher never gave him much room for advancement."
"Yeah, well. He is kind of a clutz."
"To be fair, Inspector Thatcher did not bring out the best in me, either. She was rather a… formidable presence." Fraser scrubbed his hands down his face.
"Yeah, okay. She'd have scared the shit out of me too if I'd been working for her. No wonder Turnbull looked like a space cadet." Ray frowned. "Hey, he's not going to be working with us is he? Don't get me wrong. I like the guy, but..."
"I know, Ray. And no, not immediately, but eventually that is the plan. The conference I am to attend, Constable Turnbull is to accompany me." Ray groaned and Fraser gave him a knowing look. "Inspector Geyer has been quite impressed with the relationship the Canadian Consulate has built with the Chicago PD over the past several years and would like to increase our involvement within other precincts."
"Hell, that would stress me out too."
"The packing, the house, the changes at work, the missing girl, this pregnancy… it's starting to take its toll." Fraser's voice dropped off to a whisper. "I didn't realize how much it's been affecting me."
Ray patted Fraser's shoulder, feeling somewhat helpless. "We'll be in our house by the end of the week. That's one less thing to stress over."
"Ray, I'm going to have to tell my employers soon."
"Hold on, Ben, you don't gotta tell them nothing."
"I know legally that is the case, but morally..."
"Morally? Fraser," Ray let out a frustrated sigh. "Fraser, you're a freak. And I love you."
Fraser squeezed his eyes shut, and smiled.
"And I you, Ray," he said, his voice gruff. He paused. "I can't continue with the charade that I have the stomach flu." Fraser fidgeted with the tissue in his hands. "Who has the stomach flu for nine months?"
"Okay, how about we get moved and settled this next week, tell my parents, and then Vecchio, and then you can tell Geyer." Fraser nodded. "It's gonna be okay. Hell, if I can handle the news, the rest of them should be a piece of cake." Ray squeezed Fraser's knee and planted a kiss on his dry lips. "You okay to continue or you want to reschedule?"
"No, I think I'm okay." He pulled Ray's face close and kissed him. "Thank you."
Ray winked and smiled. "Anytime."
Ray opened the door and peered out in the hall, snagging a nurse as she walked by. "Excuse me, do you mind letting Doctor Logan know we are good to go in here?"
Doctor Logan and Doctor Allison both returned within a few minutes. Fraser felt himself tense up when Allison pulled the ultrasound machine away from the wall. He lay back and tried to relax and let the doctors do what they needed. Ray squeezed his shoulder as Allison rubbed the ultrasound probe across his stomach and their baby materialized on the screen again.
"There are a few tests that at this stage in a pregnancy we normally run to rule out certain birth defects," Allison said.
"And if one is detected? Then what?" Ray asked.
Logan placed Fraser's medical chart on the countertop and pulled the swivel chair out from under the counter and sat down. He laced his fingers together and gave the couple a serious look. "Depending on the severity of the defect, that is entirely up to the parents."
"What kind of..." Fraser's voice trailed off, then he found courage to continue. "What kind of defects might there be?"
Allison rubbed his hands. "Well, there is an interesting possibility that your child will share some of your chromosomal abnormalities, and be intersex itself. We could be looking at the next stage of evolution here ..."
"Frank." Doctor Logan interrupted him with a glare. "Don't get too carried away."
"My baby might be... intersex?"
Doctor Allison toned down his enthusiasm, but his eyes were still gleaming. "Drawing conclusions from other individuals born to parents with chromosomal abnormalities, like Down's Syndrome for example, I would posit a fifty-fifty chance that your child will be third gender, yes."
"Oh God." Fraser covered his face.
"We don't know that," Ray's voice cut through the panic in Fraser's head. "And, I mean, you're interthingy, Ben, and you're fine. It doesn't bother me."
'Interthingy.' Of course it bothered Ray. He couldn't even bring himself to say it. "Intersex," Fraser said in muffled tones. "That's the word… you can't say."
"Ben, look at me?" Ben looked. Ray was smiling. "I love you, just the way you are. And we're gonna love our baby, no matter what."
Fraser nodded. He could see the truth of that in his partner's eyes.
"So, what's the point in these tests?" Ray wanted to know. "I mean if the results don't matter to us? We aren't going to terminate it just because it has a defect, regardless of what it is."
Logan smiled reassuringly. Allison nodded, and smacked his palms together, all but clapping. Fraser sighed.
"No tests," he agreed with Ray. "We'll just deal with one problem at a time."
"You sure?" Allison sounded hopeful. "We could just run a Nuchal Translucency Screening, and check the sex at the same time as finding out if the baby is Down's..."
"The patient said 'no tests'," Logan pointed out. "Don't worry, Ben, Ray." He nodded in their direction. "Everything is progressing normally, the heartbeat is strong... I'm sure the baby will be fine."
"There is one other thing I would like to suggest, if I may." Allison stepped to the end of the table and encouraged Fraser to place his feet in the stirrups. "I think with some daily exercises for a few minutes at a time, we may be successful in manipulating the vaginal opening enough for you to deliver naturally."
Logan looked confused and then cross. This was something Allison had not discussed with him and he wasn't entirely certain it was worth the risk. Both Ray and Fraser held the same bewildered expression.
Allison slipped on a pair of latex gloves and retrieved several probes in numerous sizes from the cabinets above the sink. "We will start with the smallest probe, place plenty of lube on the lower inch, insert slowly and then rotate, stretching outwards. This should stretch the vaginal opening enough for you to deliver naturally. Benton, you can do this yourself or have Ray help you."
"Are you sure about this?" Logan asked concerned. Fraser was white knuckling the side of the exam table as Allison inserted the smallest probe and began to rotate the minute instrument.
Fraser gasped at the uncomfortable intrusion and clenched his eyes shut. Ray pressed a reassuring kiss to his forehead, whispering comforting words.
"Of course it will be uncomfortable at first going, but as the opening enlarges it won't seem as painful. Doing okay, are we?"
"Not really," Ben gritted out. "Why exactly is it necessary?"
"Just to make sure all your options are open. If, for example, you end up having to give birth somewhere other than a hospital."
"That's not happening," Ray stated, categorically, staring at the older man.
'Oh dear...' "Ray, maybe we should ..."
"What if we don't do this?" Ray interrupted him.
"Let's just give it a few weeks and see what kind of progress we can make." Allison removed the probe and tossed it in the trash. "Just a few minutes a day is all it should take."
"Benton," Logan began as he released Fraser's feet from the stirrups. "Are you okay? The choice is yours whether or not to do this. There is no shame in scheduling a cesarean when the time gets closer for delivery."
Fraser took a deep breath. "I suppose it is worth trying." He certainly hoped so.
Allison gave Ray a sealed package of probes and explained how to use them again. "Remember, every day for a few minutes." He patted him on the shoulder and grinned widely. "We'll see you at your next appointment."
Both doctors left and Ray turned to Ben and held up the probes. "What the fuck? I'm not doing this to you."
Fraser reached for his clothing and shook his head. "Ray, please… we should at least exhaust all of our options."
"Fine, but I'm not gonna lie… I don't like the idea of hurting you."
Fraser nodded wordlessly as he slipped his shirt over his head. He didn't much like the idea either.
Ray leaned against the wall at the almost empty apartment. He drummed his fingers against the wall and listened as the noise echoed around the empty space. After signing the papers to their new home, they ordered an extra-large pizza and Ray Vecchio helped them load their boxes into the U-Haul so they could have a head start on their move the following morning.
Fraser entered the apartment after depositing the last piece of luggage in the U-Haul. He settled against the wall behind Ray and dangled a set of keys in front of him.
"We own a home, Ray." Fraser kissed the side of Ray's neck tasting the salty residue of hard work.
Ray took the keys from his hand and turned in his embrace. "We do, don't we?"
Fraser stared over Ray's shoulder towards the red glow coming from the red chili pepper lights still hanging above the breakfast bar. "You forgot to pack the lights."
"No, I didn't," Ray whispered. "I thought they would set the mood for one last night in our first place together." Ray dropped a kiss to Fraser's open lips. "You can remind me to grab them in the morning." Ray stole another kiss and pulled Fraser towards the red glow. "I also forgot to pack my favorite CD and this little CD player."
"Ah, I quite like the sound of that," Fraser nuzzled Ray's ear. "Is that why you refused to pack the bed?"
Ray chuckled, "Something like that, I figured we were too old to keep having sex on the hard floor."
"Who are you calling old?" Fraser asked as he pressed play on Ray's CD player. He raised his eyebrows slightly when the soft jazz music of Kenny G filled the empty apartment.
"What?" Ray asked with a crooked grin "You got something against the sax?"
"Hardly..." Fraser pressed in close, imprinting his body upon Ray's. Ray dropped his head back, exposing his neck. Fraser latched on to a pulse point and sucked hard. He released Ray's skin and licked a trail down to his covered collarbone. "I think..." Ben breathed lightly against Ray's damp skin. "I think this shirt is in the way."
Ray raised his arms without question so Fraser could easily remove his shirt. Ben stepped back and took the waistband of Ray's jeans in his hands and popped the button and teasingly slow, lowered the zipper.
"As are these," Ben added, the timbre in his voice dropping to a husky whisper. He slid his hands around Ray's waist into the back of his jeans and cupped his ass, pulling him close.
"God, Ben." Ray's laugh was breathless in his throat as Fraser pushed him against the wall. "What's gotten into you?"
"I don't know," Fraser replied, his hand zeroing in on Ray's cock. He wasn't normally so forthright… but Ray seemed ready and willing in his grasp. Normally, Fraser would engage in more foreplay… today though...
Today he wanted to know that he was a man. That he was desired by his partner. He started to rock his own hard-on up against Ray's thigh, pushing down the thought that soon he wouldn't be able to. Not only would his body change visibly, but the estrogen might interfere with his ability to…
No. He was not thinking about that. He was thinking about…
"Ray," he growled. "Get naked."
Wide-eyed, Ray shuffled off the rest of his clothes.
"Bed," Fraser commanded, pushing Ray towards their bedroom. "Now… or..." He smiled, and licked his lip. "Do you want me to take you on the floor?"
They didn't make it as far as the bedroom.
Fraser turned the U-Haul into the short driveway, following the black GTO to the garage. Ray Vecchio bounced in the passenger seat as the oversized truck left the road and hit the stone driveway.
"Wow, Benny," he whistled in appreciation at the sight of the home before him. "This is your house?"
Fraser smiled from the driver's seat. "Yes, we were given a tremendous deal." Fraser backed the truck up to the front porch and killed the engine. "Thank you for helping us, Ray."
"Hey, no problem, that's what friends are for. You feeling any better?" Ray asked scanning Fraser up and down. Over the course of the last several weeks he could tell his friend had lost some weight, even though he had been to the doctor and assured Ray he was fine.
"I am, yes." Fraser assured him with a wide smile that reached his eyes.
The two men exited the truck and met Ray and his parents at the front porch. "Frannie called," Ray said stepping forward to meet Fraser as he climbed the steps to the porch. "She's on her way and guess what she's bringing, Ben?" Fraser shrugged his shoulders and fished the house key out of his front pocket. "Your favorite... blueberry lemon muffins. I told her I don't like those things."
Fraser's mouth watered, even as he suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. To his side, Ray Vecchio chuckled. "Frannie still on a mission to fatten you up? Don't tell her I said this, but the older she gets, the more she reminds me of Ma." He clapped Fraser on the shoulder. "If Ma was a complete ditz, which she ain't, so don't tell either of them I said that."
"I assure you, Ray, I have no intention of ..."
Fraser was interrupted by a wave of matriarchal concern as Barbara Kowalski swept up and embraced him. "Oh, Benton! Ray said you had been feeling unwell, but you've lost so much weight!" She stepped back, holding him at arms' length and assessing him. Then she turned an accusatory glance on her son. "Stanley. What have you been doing to this poor boy? Don't you feed him?"
Ray hated it when his mother called him Stanley. "Nothing, Mom, he's just ..."
Damien broke into the conversation. "Barbara, leave the boy alone. We're here to help them get moved. Pitter patter." The elder Kowalski stepped off the porch, moving towards the truck to start unloading boxes. Ray gave him a grateful look. "Hey Dad, you want a quick tour before we fill this place up with boxes?"
"Oh, that's a lovely idea, dear. Damien… put that box down, it will be there waiting for you in ten minutes." Barbara slid an arm around her son's waist and Ray pulled her close. "Show us your home, honey."
Fraser unlocked the front door and opened it wide for his family and friends. He and Ray gave a quick tour pointing out the highlights of their new home and explaining a bit of the history along the way. The view from the master bedroom created jealous vibes bouncing around the room. Francesca arrived as everyone was exiting the house.
"Hey, guys, I've got muffins and coffee." She removed her sunglasses and pushed them into her hair like a headband. "Oh my God, this place is amazing," she chirped. "I love the color. It matches your eyes, Frase." She pushed the muffins and carafe of coffee into her brother's hands as she gave both Ray and Fraser a tight hug. "Frase, I brought the muffins you liked so well from last week. Fresh batch. Ma made them this morning."
"That's very kind, Francesca…" Fraser began with a smile.
"Move it along, Frannie," Vecchio shooed her toward the house. "Take your muffins and gourmet coffee into the kitchen and let us men unload the truck."
"Ray," Ben protested, giving his friend a disappointed look. "That's a terribly sexist comment ..."
"Yeah, yeah, Benny. All women are our sisters, I heard that spiel before. But this woman is my sister, and she's driving me nuts."
Francesca stuck her tongue out at her brother. "You see? Benton understands. Don't you, Benton?"
"Well," Fraser felt flustered. Francesca was no longer interested in him, but she still went into default flirt mode at times... primarily to annoy her brother, who was obviously annoyed. Ray looked from Vecchio, to Frannie, to Fraser, then had to duck behind Fraser to hide his growing laughter.
"Come along, Francesca, let them do the heavy work," Barbara beamed, putting an arm through Francesca's. "Us girls will hang out in the kitchen and swap stories until they bring us some boxes to unpack."
Fraser's jaw dropped, and Ray cracked up completely. 'Good old Mom,' he thought. 'Nobody gave her the politically correct memo.' Of course, maybe she was teasing Fraser in her own way. You could never tell with Barbara Kowalski.
Before long, the four men were busy unloading the U-Haul and filling the home with boxes and furniture. Ray had made a conscience effort to keep Fraser away from the heavy boxes. He would scan the contents of a box and then place a lighter box in Fraser's hands turning him back around towards the house, leaving the heavier boxes for himself and Vecchio.
"Hey," Vecchio hollered at Kowalski when Fraser was safely inside the door and out of earshot. "What gives?"
Ray stopped struggling with his end of the bed frame and looked up to meet Vecchio's intense stare. "What?" He adjusted his grip and made a face. "You gonna pick your end up or what?"
"What's with Benny?" Vecchio questioned refusing to lift his end until Kowalski answered him.
"What are you talking about?" Ray played dumb, diverting his eyes to his grip on the solid piece of wood instead of the intense green eyes of his friend. Not dumb enough for Lieutenant Vecchio.
"Don't give me that bullshit, Kowalski. Why are you treating Benny like he's a fragile piece of glass?"
"Language, Son," Damien warned as he stepped up into the back of the U-Haul, placing a hand on Vecchio's shoulder. "Though, I have to agree with your Lieutenant, Ray. Surely, Benton can carry something heavier than a throw pillow."
"Hey, come on. He's been sick and is just starting to feel better. I don't want him overdoing it. What's wrong with that?" Ray replied defensively. "Now, pick up that end of the bed before I kick you in the head, Vecchio."
Vecchio bent to pick up the frame when his phone rang from within his pocket. He held up a finger as he took the call. Damien stepped in and helped Ray into the house with the bed frame. They struggled up the stairs and into the master bedroom, dropping it to the floor beside the rest of the frame.
"You want me to get my tools out of the car and start assembling this for you?" Damien asked as he studied the layout of the room. "You know where you are putting it yet?"
"No, Dad, it's okay. Ben and I can get it later." Ray wiped the sweat from his brow. "How about we take a break and see if mom has anything cold to drink."
"You sure Benton's okay, Raymond?" Damien asked in a low voice as they left the bedroom. "There isn't something you're not telling us... is there? If he's sick, you can tell us. Your mother and I care about him too, you know."
Ray placed a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder as he guided him towards the stairs. "He will be fine, Dad. I promise, he's not sick."
"Here you two," Barbara poured two plastic cups of iced tea for her son and husband. "Take a break. Francesca and I have been busy unpacking the kitchen contents."
"Where's Ben?"
"He went out to bring in more boxes. I can't find your pots and pans." Barbara motioned to the boxes on the floor she and Frannie had already unpacked. "I thought I would wash them all before we found a spot to put them away."
"Mom, they were clean when they went into the box. How the hell would they get dirty?" Ray called over his shoulder as he dashed out of the kitchen in search of Fraser.
"Hey, put that down." Ray hopped into the back of the U-Haul as Fraser lifted the box marked 'Ray's Stuff'.
Fraser spun the box in his hands so Ray could read the contents.
"Oh, okay. Sorry." Fraser accepted a kiss in the form of an apology and hopped out of the moving truck.
"Kowalski," Vecchio called from outside the truck.
"Yeah?"
"I really hate to do this to you, but I need you to give Huey and Dewey a hand on a double murder. I just got the call."
"You've got to be kidding me. Ray scowled. Vecchio had other cops on the payroll. What? Was he trying to get Ray out of the way so he could snoop about Ben's health or something? "We are in the middle of moving here."
Vecchio held his hands up. "I'm sorry," he said, and it sounded like he really meant it. "Listen, you don't have to stay on the case. Just meet them at the dam, help them interview the witnesses so they can work the case and then you are free to come back."
Kowalski stepped into Vecchio's personal space and jabbed him in the chest. "Fine, I'll go. But you promise me, Ben doesn't lift anything heavy. If you and my dad can't get it, save it until I get back. Deal?"
Vecchio narrowed his eyes. "What's really wrong with him?"
"Nothing. Just promise me."
"Deal…" Vecchio agreed. "Now get going."
Ray broke the news to Fraser that he was needed on a case and had to leave for a few hours. Reluctantly, Fraser remained in the house with the two women as they unpacked boxes. He would occasionally direct Ray and Damien as to what rooms the boxes were to be placed in. Fraser spun a box on the kitchen counter that read 'Ben's books'. He remembered Ray tossing the pregnancy book in just before he was about to seal it closed and decided now was not a good time for Ray's mother or Francesca to open this box. He slid the box into his arms and picked it up, adjusting the bulk of the weight against his chest. There was a built in bookcase in their bedroom that he wanted to put his books on so he could read on the balcony outside their bedroom in the evenings as the sun was setting over the wooded landscape.
Fraser was halfway up the stairs when Vecchio entered the house carrying the last of the boxes.
"Hey, where's Benny?" He glanced at the counter where he had put his previous box. "Where'd that box go? I was going to put it by the bookshelf in the living room."
"Oh, Fraser took that one upstairs. Hey, Ray called and said he was on his way back and was bringing pizza. What toppings you want?" Francesca asked as Ray walked quickly to the staircase.
"I don't care, whatever," he called over his shoulder. "Hey, Benny," he called, taking the stairs two at a time. He rounded the landing and his eyes fell on Fraser's back. Fraser took two steps towards his bedroom when his left leg buckled under him, sending both him and the box of books crashing to the floor with a resounding thud. Time froze for Vecchio as he was transported back in time to a train station platform with a smoking gun in his hand. Fraser toppled helplessly from the moving train with Ray's bullet lodged forever in his back.
'Fuck,' Vecchio thought as he raced to Fraser's side to help him. 'It's my damn bullet... that's what's wrong with him. No wonder they won't tell me. It's bringing him down again.' "Benny!" Vecchio shouted from the end of the hallway.
Fraser pulled himself to a sitting position, rubbing the ache out of his knee and side. "I'm okay," he replied, embarrassed over his mishap. "Almost thirty seven years old and my feet forget how they are supposed to work."
"Here," Vecchio offered him a hand, helping him to his feet. Fraser wiggled his fingers and rubbed a hand down his left side again.
"Thank you," Fraser said, embarrassed.
"You okay?" Vecchio's heart was in his throat, threatening to choke him.
"Yes, I uh… I must have lost my footing."
"Lost your footing, huh? That's all it was?" Ray was unconvinced. "God, you scared the shit out of me." He bent over and retrieved the box from the floor. "Kowalski's on his way back with pizza."
Fraser perked up at the mention of food. He realized he was actually craving food for the first time in weeks. Vecchio rolled his eyes at his friend. "Where's this box go?"
Ray opened the door to his home found it empty. "Ben? Mom?" He placed the pizzas on the kitchen counter and followed the voices to the back porch. Fraser, Vecchio and his father were gathered around a gas grill. "Hey, what's this?" he asked as he stepped out into the cool air.
"It's from all of us," Barbara stepped forward and gave her son a kiss on the cheek.
"Yeah," Frannie chimed in. "We wanted to get you two a house warming gift and Ray and I got together with your parents and we agreed on a grill."
"I was going to make it a charcoal grill, Benny, but I know how impatient Kowalski is when it comes to anything."
"Well, in this instance I am glad you went against your first instinct. Charcoal burners can be quite carcinogenic, and that wouldn't be good for the…" Fraser's voice was lost in the blowing wind.
'Fuck,' Kowalski panicked. His head snapped up from the stainless steel spatula in his hand. 'Fraser's gonna spill the beans.'
"The what, Benny?"
"I'm sorry. I lost my train of thought. Thank you, Ray, everyone. It's a lovely gift."
"Make my Stanley cook for you, dear. Put some of that weight back on." Barbara kissed Fraser on the cheek. "We need to get going. You give us a holler if you need anything else."
"Will do, Mrs. Kowalski. Thank you for all your help today." Fraser shook Damien's hand as he stepped up beside his wife. "Sir, thank you. We both appreciate your help."
"When are you going to quit calling me 'Sir' and start calling me 'Dad'?"
Fraser was speechless as Damien gave him a shy smile. "Barbara's right, make Ray cook for you." Damien patted Fraser on the shoulder as he and his wife said their goodbyes to their son and the Vecchios.
"Alright you two." Vecchio spoke up with a tired voice. "Frannie and I are going to eat your pizza and then leave."
"We are?" Francesca asked. "I thought I would help unpack a few more boxes." Ray pulled his sister to her feet ignoring her protests. "Unless you need help with something else. All the furniture and boxes are out of the U-Haul."
"Hey, just take one with you if you want." Ray offered as he shook Vecchio's hand and returned Frannie's hug.
"I think we will do that and leave you two to enjoy your first night in peace."
Fraser walked his friends to the front of the house and thanked them again for their help. Vecchio was returning the U-Haul to the dealer in the morning for them, which Fraser was grateful for. He snatched two pieces of pizza for himself and Ray on his way back through the kitchen. He opened the door to the back porch and found Ray sitting on the steps looking out over the yard. He offered his partner a slice of the pizza and settled in beside him on the top step. He was beyond exhausted and cursed inwardly when he realized they still had to put their bed together unless they wanted to sleep on the floor.
"Hey," Ray said with childlike excitement as he stood suddenly, dropping his pizza to the porch. "Push me." Before Fraser could protest, Ray had one leg through the old tire swing. "This is the best thing out of this deal," he laughed freely as he cut through the air.
"The tire swing, Ray?"
"Hell ya the tire swing," Ray hooped and hollered as he sailed higher.
Fraser stood back smiling fondly at his partner. The next time Ray sailed past him, he stepped in behind him and gave him a solid push, sending Ray higher into the air.
"You want to get on with me?" Ray dragged his foot against the earth, breaking the ground open for the first time in years. "We could you know…" he raised his eyes suggestively. "You think we're too old for sex on a swing?"
"If you think we are too old for sex on the floor," Ben spun Ray on the swing to face him, planting a long kiss to his lips. "I guarantee we are too old for sex on a swing." He twirled the black tire and gave it a swift push.
"Yeah, but you proved last night we weren't. Kinda sounds like a challenge to me." Ray pumped his feet and rode the tire higher into the air.
Fraser hooked one of Ray's legs as he passed pulling him to an abrupt stop. He stepped in between the lanky limbs and leaned over the top of the tire, kissing Ray deeply.
"Thank God we don't have any neighbors," Ray blushed.
"There are still public indecency laws…"
"You planning on getting indecent?"
"Ray…" Ben blushed.
"You do remember that we're the cops? So, if someone's gonna arrest us for indecency, it's gonna be us, right?"
"Well, that would be illogical, Ray."
"Don't make me handcuff you to this swing, Ben."