I've extended this chapter as its a very long one and wanted to describe more about Ray trying to cure his stage fright as his nerves slowly kick in. Its more about will things run smoothly for him. Thanks to scribblechacha for beta reading this latest chapter.

Funny Detectives Chapter 10 Part 1

After the team's reaction to the wonderful news of Gene and Alex's upcoming marriage, day to day events soon returned back to normality, unbeknown to the newly engaged couple , everyone had secretly gathered together and prearranged an congratulations on your forthcoming marriage, Chris optimistically wonder whether perhaps this might end up being an bad suggestion and that Gene would kick up an massive fuss about it being an annoying deal. What they hadn't detected was Ray's surprise shyness in the background, he felt this news had somehow sidelined in his own excellent news he wanted to share with everyone. He looked uncomfortable and unsure whether to announce his news, hoping it would be taken well. Terry and Poirot were busy playing cards alongside him as he took a drag of his cigarette, inhaling the toxic ashy smoke, which didn't do too pleasantly for his breathing.

"DI Drake's gonna make the Guv one happy man I reckon, so happy for them been a long time coming, glad they managed to get there in the end, overcome their nerves" Chris cheerfully mumbled as he gathered the team around in a huddle for a few minutes.

"I can't wait for the wedding, oh I love weddings . Obviously the Guv's not going to want to leave the Quattro at home is he, let's face it he loves it so much, he'll even invite his car in the church" Shaz said, looking back over at Ray she expressed a look of deep concern , Turning back she nudged Chris gently in the elbow, attempting to encourage Chris to generously take Ray to one side and ask him why he was suddenly feeling saddened. Chris followed Shaz's advice, grabbing his friend's wrist and walking them to the corner of the room Shaz certainly hoped it wasn't anything to do with the fact of Ray being doubtful over long-lasting relationships. He'd told her a few hours earlier that he thought he was beginning to fall in love with Cheryl.

"You alright Ray, I mean you haven't even drank your cup of coffee not like you, don't me asking but are things going downhill between you and Cheryl...Look I don't wanna upset you mate but I don't like seeing you feeling unhappy if its about your love life" Chris told him, trying his best to reassure his friend, noticing Ray seemed left out, looking awkwardly.

"Look I never wanted anything to spoil the Guv and Drake's news. You see the thing is...I'm leaving Chris, well for part time actually, last night me and Cheryl to see a play in the West End, some big shot television producer spotted me in the audience, even offered me an fantastic job to do a Comedy Roadshow back up in Manchester, I didn't want to say anything so shortly after the Guv and Drake's news , I knew I would have dampened the happy atmosphere" Ray softly spoke sighing sadly, he knew something like this had been his longtime ambition and making a tougher decision made it rather difficult. He glanced up at an overjoyed Gene and an ecstastic Alex both getting pissed on a bottle of Luigi's house rubbish that Gene had defiantly smuggled into his office.

"No Ray don't leave, you're a good, hardworking and dedicated Detective, you know the station wouldn't be the same without you. The Guv, me, Shaz and Alex will be bored without you. Can't you reconsider your answer" Chris said, feeling a little disappointed and downhearted by his best mate's great news.

"Bloody Hell Chris It's only gonna be for three months doesn't mean I'm being pessimistic and buggering off, leaving the Police force for good. Sometimes in life you know you've got to follow your childhood dreams and I know I am, I've known since the age of six years old that I've wanted to learn to tap dance, when I got older, I wanted sing my Raymondo shaped heart out and entertain audiences. Morecambe and Wise are like an huge inspiration for me." Ray happily announced, as he stood up and walked over to Gene's office.

He knocked on Gene's door and walked inside, the happy couple looked demonstratively loved up, Alex sat perched on the edge of Gene's table as he glanced down to cop a look at her curved bum, he gulped appreciatively before acknowledging Ray's presence.

"What can I do for yer Raymondo?" Gene asked courteously, trying hard not to feel distracted by Alex's mischievous smirk etched on the corner of her lips, her long magnificent legs stretched out and crossed.

"I've got some news of my own. I've been offered an stand-up spot on a Comedy Roadshow tour up North in Manchester, which finishes in Alderley Edge" Ray informed them both, their reactions took time to sink in.

"How long for Ray?..have you think this through " Alex asked him.

"I have, something I've constantly sought about doing and its three months which means I need to take some time off from working here in Fenchurch East" Ray replied, he looked nervous and concerned Gene wouldn't allow this to happen. Gene stared eagle-eyed at him, keeping his glance only on him as he swiveled around on his chair.

"I donn't know what to say, I feel flabbergasted, you know you should have gone to the Superintendent with this news. I mean he's not the best person to understand reasons for why detectives such as us choose to take holidays...sometimes he acts bloody outraged at us for announcing news" Gene muttered, reaching for Alex's hand and entiwing them together tenderly.

"Oh sod the complicated Super, Coming into chat to you Gene because I know you can comprehend news more favorably than the likes of some snotty, puffy experienced Superintendent" Ray revealed, he didn't desire to go, walking across the chaotic city and requesting a meeting with the Super, he knew in his heart telling his Detective Chief Inspector was always the right thing to do in the end. He coughed to clear his throat stepping close to Gene's desk as both men continued to exchange mixed stares at one another.

"You sure about this Raymondo, I mean for three months this means I'm gonna have to find some cocky arsed, pesky, temporary younger replacement to fill your desk, someone who will be answering your phone when a call comes in over a lead in an investigation, if this is what you want to do then I'm proud of yer daft joker, all I want you to promise me is knock the socks off everyone's feet with your witty jokes" Gene laughed amusingly as he nudged his thumb into Ray's elbow, Ray yelped a little in pain.

"Do you think maybe one weekend you and the team can come up and visit me see how I'm getting on" Ray asked, hoping they would at least, forget about work for one simple weekend within the next month.

"Why not, Gives me a chance to take Bolly for a romantic stroll through the parks maybe finding time for a picnic at the park bench" Gene considerately suggested, wistfully wanting to show Alex, all of Manchester.

"Is it me or has DI Drake turned yer into a right daft sentimental bastard" Ray joked, not quite believing this newer improved chat from Gene, who he originally thought wasn't a fan of romance, all he knew his friend was best was charming the knickers of an lucky Posh bird. Nontheless seeing how happy she'd made Gene, Ray felt extremely delighted for them and lastly added his own personal congratulations. Using only a pen knife Ray cunningly engraved an love shaped heart into Gene's desk. The Manc Lion luvs his Bolly.

"Ray have you lost your marbles!, what if the likes of the Super or any other flying visitor to my office just so happens to notice this in clear view, I'll be stuttering over my words to explain the reason why its on my desk" Gene said, looking far from impressed by Ray's creative, styled writing on the desk, he embarrassingly tried to hide it.

"Oh Ray ignore him, he's acting like a proper stubborn grumpy man. I think it looks lovely don't you Gene" Alex giggled as she responded taking pleasure in seeing Gene's gruntled expression , she gently ran and traced her fingertips over the love shaped symbol.

"Oh Bolly why do you become so irresistibly beautiful in my eyes, them eyes of your. always enchanting and captivating me, if I look to further in and find myself getting lost in the depths of them it'll only wanna make me shag you right here, right now on my desk" Gene shyly confessed, leaving an stunned Ray to walk backwards out of the office.

xxxx

2 months later- Manchester Palace Theatre - Oxford Street

Ray hesistantly searched for his written lines on a notepad that included his jokes, Cheryl tightened his bow tie for him but suddenly became a little frustrated with him because of his constant nagging. His repeated silent muttered words as he knocked over a microphone off the table without looking. He panicked, his hands becoming jittery and shaky,, glancing down on the floor, he saw his notepad tucked underneath a white shirt.

"Hold still Ray, I'm trying to tie this for you, oh by the way Alex and Gene are waiting you behind the curtain, can't wait to see how you're doing " Angela revealed, she definitely loved Ray, she knew he could be a proper nuisance when he lost some belongings, but she admired him, lovingly, everytime they cuddled and kissed, she secretly grinned when he had a bit of food stuck, in his moustache.

"Do you didn't leave them all did yer, Knowing Gene and Alex, Mr Thomas the organizer of the comedy gig will probably catch them ripping each other's clothes off, if he says something I'll say I don't know them, well I don't want them getting in trouble do I" Ray answered thoughtfully, grateful for Cheryl's support and encouragement to not let his nerves overcloud him while he goes up on stage. Ray had previously battled his stage fright in his teenage years at school plays, he loathed being ridiucled for his scruffy appearance, usually wearing an oversized jumper and a baggy trousers.

"Knock, knock so where can I meet Manchester promising new comedian...the funniest man in Entertainment" A familiar northern voice shouted, to Ray it was instantly recogniizable, foot steps clattered on along the corridor approaching nearer, the disruptive individual seemed to have got the wrong dressing room. Ray glanced over his shoulder, the illuminated room lights shone brightly almost blinding him.

" That sounds like the Guv...I'm hardly famous yet, he must be looking for Lenny Henry or someone else, hope he's not pissed off his head already" Ray seemingly felt baffled, by the continous shouting outside.

"Will you please be quiet Sir or I will have to ask you and your fiancee to leave" One of the assistants requested as Ray soon discovered what the shouting might be about. His excitement kicked in.

"Raymondo, this place is like a bloody crystal maze, walking throughout. Just had some poof barking at me for disrupting a performance practice on the main stage, so I told him to piss off" Gene said, lips pouted in his trademark style as he smiled at Alex.

"Bloody Nora since when did you two suddenly become influenced By Hollywood glamour..Guv I mean you like a Movie star " Ray asked, staring in amazement at Gene's smart casual suit, hair slicked back and Alex wearing a white long overflowing dress.

"This is Bolly's doing, You can't argue with her because she has a good point even though its rather annoying. When she dresses like this for parties I get a bit erm..." Gene faltered, feeling a little self-concious to be discussing in front of Cheryl, Gene leant forward, whispering to Ray, who can't control his laughter responsively.

"What the fuck...the Manc Lion can't control his legendary prowess, wonder what it'll be like when you're both married..." Ray knowingly indicates, quickly retracking when he knows he's saying too much and unsurprisingly changes the subject "You know what It'll be little Gene Genie ruling CID before long, frightening Chris as they stamp on his fingers he disrespects them" Ray chuckles unselfishly, Alex approves too.

"Ray you're on in five minutes betta get ready then love" Cheryl tugs on his hand lovingly, leading him to stand behind the curtains on the stage.

Alex affectionately wrapped her arm around Gene's lower waist, nestling her head against his left shoulder, both enjoying their flirtatious glimpses, Gene's hand responds by squeezing her bottom.

"Ray's come a long way hasn't he? Look at him now at the brink of stardom, his star's soaring higher than before. Won't be long until he'll be headling at variety show on telly and performing Royalty..." Alex muttered happily, running a hand across Gene's shirt and unbuttoning one button.

"Think you're absolutely right Bolly...You when he said about little Gene Genies running riot around CID, that'll be an interesting scenario...Can't wait to become your husband..move your desk towards my office and when no one's looking, charm you into my office and kiss you passionately"

"I have ever told you have one hell of an smutty mind Mr Hunt" Alex contagiously giggled, her eyelashes graciously fluttering, they both stood poised and well-balanced even though, they shared the same suggestive plan in mind.

" Oh I sure do, " Gene smirked noticeably to himself.

"Fancy going to the lobby to get refreshments after Ray's performance or either us having a naughty dangerous situation in the alleyway outside" Gene seductively suggests, feeling his bulge rubbing against his trousers.

"Alright you're on" Alex accepts her Gene's ultimate challenge as they headed back to their seat to rejoin Chris and Shaz.

End of chapter