Canadian Twist "Hell of a day, Fraser," Kowalski sighed. It had seemed like it would never end. At least they'd finally put the lid on that last case - Herman, the exhibitionist. Kowalski shook himself in disgust. "It has been rather grueling, Ray." Fraser ran the edge of his left hand over his brow. The only bit of body language that hinted at his being a little tired. He'd never admit it, of course, let alone look it. Kowalski grinned, shaking his head in disbelief at the Mountie's tidy hair, neat uniform and general perkiness. No one besides Ray would have been able to tell the man had just been through a 14 hour day of interrogations, chases and being hit on by Frannie repeatedly and mercilessly. Fraser noticed Ray looking at him, apparently with amusement. "What is it, Ray?" he asked curiously. Kowalski's grin was even broader now. "You know that Tony Curtis guy in 'The Great Race', Fraser?" Surprised and rather confused, Benton Fraser nodded. "Yes, I do. What about him?" "You're just like that, ya' know. I bet you could stroll through the middle of a pie fight and not get a dollop of cream anywhere on you." Kowalski chuckled, as much at the visual image as at his blushing friend. "Oh, I don't know, Ray..." An embarrassed Fraser stood by his desk, twirling his Stetson in his hand. "I could tell you a story..." Kowalski interrupted, chuckling. "Yeah, I bet you could!" But quietly he continued on his train of thought. 'And he's got the same blue eyes, same perfect face, same silky hair, same athletic...' He cleared his throat. "Wanna go for some Chinese?" he asked roughly. Fraser shook his head, looking a little disappointed. "I'm afraid I can't, Ray. I'm on night watch duty at the Consulate." "What?" Kowalski couldn't believe the Ice Queen would actually make Fraser work overnight as well as during the day. "How the hell can you let Thatch..." But Fraser interrupted eagerly, "No, it's not like that, Ray. I volunteered." Of course, he should have known. Kowalski frowned. "But you knew you were going to be working here all day. *Fraser*!" He poked his friend's chest with an accusatory finger. "Even Mounties need sleep!" Fraser put on his Stetson and straightened out as if to prove how awake and efficient he was. "I'm fine, Ray, really. Besides, I won't be alone, so if I should actually fall asleep, which I won't, someone else will still be on duty." "Hmmm..." Ray imitated his friend's habitual expression of deep thought. He tried to come up with some kind of reasoning as to why Fraser shouldn't be working. But of course, whatever he'd say, it wouldn't stop the ever dutiful Mountie from staying up day and night. "Want some extra company?" he offered instead, not sure why, because he was sufficiently tired to drop to the floor and fall into a coma at that very moment. Fraser frowned, looking at him rather seriously. "Are you sure, Ray? You are clearly tired and I wouldn't want to take advantage of you." Nervously chuckling at the wording and barely suppressing a yawn at the same time, Kowalski tried to sound firm and serious when he said, "I'm okay, Fraser. Besides, whatever a Mountie can do, a cop can do better." "Oh, I'm certain of that," Fraser said, smiling. Ray looked up at him and just for an instant there, he wasn't sure how to take that, confused by the roguish twinkle in his friend's eyes. He frowned, too tired to try and figure out Canadian humor. "Then lets go!" He grabbed his leather jacket off the back of his chair and headed towards the door, holding it open for the Mountie as it was his habit. "Dief!" Fraser called out towards the far corner of the nearly empty office, repeating it half a dozen times before his dozing lupine friend finally took notice and came strolling through the door. Kowalski chuckled. Not enough that he spent the entire day with a crazy Mountie and a deaf wolf, he was actually volunteering to spend the night as well. Too much coffee. Too little sleep. Yeah, couldn't be anything else. *** As soon as the heavy door of the Consulate had closed behind them, a tall, familiar figure in red serge dutifully strode out of the front office to greet them. Constable Turnbull's smile grew immeasurably broader when he realized who Fraser had brought with him. "Constable," he said officiously, before turning towards the cop. "Detective Vecchio, good evening." His eyes met Ray's briefly before raking over his denim and leather clad body, finally coming to rest on that dangerously handsome face again "Evenin', Turnbull," Ray managed politely. He'd have to have a talk to Fraser. What was he thinking not warning him about Turnbull being the other night watchman? He was willing to bet that Fraser had done it on purpose. "Can I get you anything?" Turnbull asked the two of them, even though his eyes were firmly fixed on Ray. "Anything at all?" he added more solemnly, leaving no doubt in Ray's mind that he was making a private offer. "No, thanks." While Ray tried frantically to figure out a way to get out of there, Fraser was no help at all. "I think Detective Vecchio would appreciate a cup of your coffee, Constable." Fraser smiled. A huge grin lit up Turnbull's face. "I'll be right back!" he said, brimming with enthusiasm. He all but ran down the hallway, leaving a dumbfounded Kowalski behind, who turned to face Fraser accusingly. "Why didn't you tell me he was here?" he demanded, his hands on his hips. Fraser grinned. "Don't you like Turnbull? He seems to be quite fond of you." "Yeah, that's the point! Same kind of fond Frannie's of you!" Ray countered, fully aware that Fraser was in a remarkably similar position whenever he was at the station. The Mountie's eyes sparkled with barely suppressed laughter. "He's harmless, Ray." Aware that his friend didn't entirely believe him, he put his hand on his shoulder and whispered close to his ear, "Don't worry, I'll protect you!" Kowalski shook his head. There were times, just like right now, that the straight-laced Mountie amazed him with this trickery. And with the way such an innocent quiet whisper could make the hair at the back of his neck stand up straight. *** Halfway soothed by the sight of the roaring log fire in the front reception room, Kowalski dropped into the most comfortable looking seat, close enough for the flames to light up his face and warm his frosty hands and feet while he waited for Fraser to return from his office and join him. Turnbull stood in the doorway for a moment, checking out the Detective. Sighing deeply, his head cocked to one side, he took in every detail of the tall, graceful figure lounging by the fire, admiring the warm glow the flames threw over his spiky hair, his smooth skin, that appealing ever-present stubble... And they played lovely tricks with that sparkle in his eyes. "Constable!" Fraser passed him on his way into the room, very nearly causing him to spill Ray's drink all over the royal carpet. "Um... Sir, the coffee for the Detective." Turnbull lifted the cup as if to prove he did have a good reason to be standing around like that. When Fraser smiled knowingly, Turnbull blushed and quickly continued into the room to place the cup on the small mahogany table next to Ray's chair. "Is there anything else I can get you?" he asked, wishing desperately for Ray to actually ask him for something. Anything. Just once. "No, but thanks for the coffee, Turnbull." Ray reached for the cup, frowning when he noticed the tiny heart-shaped mint wafer on the edge of the saucer. He really didn't want to, but he felt compelled to look up, only to find the Constable grinning at him happily. The corner of Ray's mouth rose slightly. He was amused, but he certainly didn't want to encourage the lovesick Canadian. As it was, he suspected that with only the tiniest bit of encouragement, Turnbull would be fussing over him for hours, place a woolly rug over his knees and start roasting him marshmallows in the fireplace. Turnbull's heart jumped at the almost-smile. He turned bright red and left hurriedly, not without nearly knocking the metal flame guard into the fire place. "So sorry," he apologized, before stumbling out of the room. As soon as they were alone again, Fraser said, "I had no idea you were such a tease, Ray." "What are you talking about?" Kowalski looked at his friend, taking a careful sip off the steaming hot coffee, which was rather delicious, he had to acknowledge. It made all the difference, obviously, that no one making coffee at the station was in love with him. Fraser moved his head, indicating the direction Turnbull had just disappeared into. "You know... *the smile*." "What smile?" Kowalski wasn't aware that he had smiled at all. And to his endless amazement, the Mountie blushed. What on Earth was that all about? "Fraser?" "Never mind." "Oh no, don't give me that 'Never mind' shit, Frase! You do this all the time. What smile?" Kowalski leant forward in the Mountie's direction to let him know he meant business. Fraser blushed even more, trying to still his hands in his lap. "You smiled at him, the way you smile when... sometimes... it seems to make people... " "Spit it out already, Fraser!" Oh dear, however could he get out of having to explain this? If it had been Fraser's habit to use bad language, he'd be cursing himself. Instead, he was stuck having to say this without saying it. "Your smile seems to have a certain... effect on most people, Ray." There, it was out. Didn't go so badly either. Kowalski laughed out loud, not believing he'd even heard right. Had Fraser just told him his smile was a turn-on? Yeah, right. Pull the other one, Big Red. But he couldn't resist. "What about you, Fraser?" "Me?" The Mountie feigned ignorance, the way he often did when he wanted to get out of having to answer a question. It usually worked, he had that kind of reputation. He knew exactly what his friend meant, of course. "Yeah, how do *you* feel about it?" Ray barely suppressed the smile in question when he saw his Mountie blushing furiously. "Um... I think you have a very... charming smile, Ray." 'Wow!' Ray was taken aback. He tried to come up with something witty to say, anything to cover up his embarrassment. "Thanks." He quickly attached himself to his coffee mug. 'Yeah, that was real good, Kowalski! Snappy, original and way cool.' "You're welcome." Fraser had recovered from his own embarrassment quickly enough. So what if he found Ray's smile charming? For a moment he contemplated telling his friend it was also rather sexy, but he thought better of it. "How's the coffee? Constable Turnbull is quite famous for it." Ray was still deep in thought. "Yeah, sure." "Ray?" "Hmmm?" Kowalski looked at Fraser, realizing he hadn't been listening at all. "What did you say?" "How do you like the Constable's coffee?" "Great. Tasty stuff!" Kowalski turned his head back just in time to find the Constable re-entering the room. With a huge grin and a 5-piece candleholder! "I thought you might like some romantic lighting, Detective." Then, remembering his manners, he quickly added, "And you, Constable Fraser. Uh..." "Thank you kindly," Fraser said politely, shooting a swift glance at Ray who was clearly in trouble. His lips were trembling, his eyes narrowed and his shoulders were twitching. He was on the verge of a laughing fit. 'Oh dear...' "When will you be going off duty, Constable?" Fraser quickly asked, hoping it wasn't too impolite a question. "At 2 a.m., Sir," Turnbull answered cheerfully. He had found a place for the candleholder - a sideboard near the fire-place. And by leaning against the wall next to it, he had a great vantage point... 'That's 3 more hours,' Ray thought. 'If he intends to spend all that time staring at me, I'll punch his lights out!' "We should do something," Kowalski heard himself saying. 'Nice idea. Fraser will suggest sharing some Inuit stories and I dread to think what Turnbull has in mind.' "How about a game?" Fraser suggested, settling into the couch a little more casually. "Ooh, lovely idea!" Turnbull declared enthusiastically. "What shall we play?" 'What the hell possessed me to ask to keep Fraser company?' Kowalski shook his head. "You don't want to play anything, Detective?" Turnbull asked, frowning. Ray looked up at him. "Oh sure, why not. Just can't think of anything, that's all." The three of them silently ran options through their minds until Turnbull suggested, "Truth or Dare?" "No!" Ray said firmly, in complete unison with Fraser. They looked at each other, laughing. "Oh." Turnbull sounded disappointed. "How about Monopoly?" "Boring." Ray set down his cup. "Poker?" The two Mounties gave each other questioning looks, then they looked at the cop, shrugging. "Okay..." Ray thought once again that Canadians needed way more night time entertainment. "I'm out of ideas then." "Twister." Fraser smiled at the looks they were both giving him. "Twister? What, like the kids' game?" Ray couldn't believe the Canadian Consulate would have one of those playing mats. Surely that would be *too* weird, even for them... "Yes, what do you say, Ray?" Fraser seemed enthusiastic enough. Turnbull, on the other hand, looked a little doubtful. "Doesn't one person always have to stay out of the game, giving the instructions?" His mind ticked over for a minute, recalling the rules. Then a big grin appeared on his face. "Yes, Constable Fraser, I think it's a wonderful idea." Ray's eyebrows rose when he saw Turnbull's reaction. The guy was way too happy about this. There had to be something he'd missed... forgotten about... "No, absolutely not!" he shrieked, just in case. Two confused Mounties looked at him. "Oh, why not?" Turnbull looked like a very sad puppy dog. Fraser smiled. "I had a feeling you'd back out, Ray." "I'm not... oh right, lets play the stupid game then! I get to give the instructions." Kowalski rose off the chair, stretching himself. Couldn't have Fraser thinking he was a coward. "We'll have to take turns. But you may start, Ray. Turnbull and I do the twisting." 'Might not be such a bad idea after all,' Ray mused, looking from one towering, muscular Mountie to the other. "Get out that mat!" he demanded. *** Feeling stupidly excited and very ridiculous at the same time, Kowalski sat on a thick floor rug, leaning back against his chair by the fire, a spinning wheel in his hand and a frown on his forehead. "Now what do I do?" he asked the two Mounties who had just finished laying out the playing mat. Fraser smoothed a hand over the mat one last time before unbuttoning his serge jacket. "If I remember correctly, you spin the wheel and it will show a color as well as a limb - right hand, right foot, left hand, left foot." He sat on the couch and removed his boots. "The Constable and I will have to place the appropriate limb on a circle with the corresponding color, until one of us touches the ground with an elbow or knee." "Or until you fall on your butts," Kowalski said, grinning. "That is correct, I believe." Fraser looked at Turnbull, who had also relinquished his heavy boots but was still clad in a tightly buttoned-up jacket. "Will you be comfortable like that, Constable?" "Absolutely, Sir." Turnbull looked at Ray. "At your disposal, Detective." Kowalski said, "Okay, let's start then." He spun the wheel and declared that it came to rest on left foot, red. The two men placed their left feet on red circles close to the edge of the mat. "Left hand, green," Ray called out, watching them crouch by the mat and place their hands on it. "Right foot, green." They came to stand with their legs spread wide. "Right foot, blue," Kowalski instructed, watching Fraser place his second foot on the mat, keeping his balance remarkably in his crouch. "Left hand, red." Turnbull bent down, his hand 2 circles away from his feet. "Is that alright? l won't fall over like that." "Party pooper!" Kowalski declared, grinning. He spun the wheel and instructed them to shift their left feet to yellow. "That'll make you shake a little, Frase." "I don't think so, Ray." To Ray's great astonishment, Fraser somehow aligned 3 of his 4 limbs in an exact line without so much as twitching. "I'm impressed!" he declared, spinning again. "Right hand, blue." "Yes," came Turnbull's reply, a little muffled due to being spoken upside down. "I like this stupid game, " Ray said quietly, forgetting he was yet going to have his turn. "Fraser, Turnbull - left foot, green." Watching his friend negotiate a precarious angle, he added, "If 'ya can!" "Certainly." Fraser was slightly bent backwards now, one hand further back than his foot. Most people would have lost their balance like that. "You'll have to move your right hands to green." Kowalski grinned as Turnbull bent his right knee, crouching in front of Fraser. "Oh dear, Fraser... that other leg will have to move, too. Forward, to yellow." "Right you are, Ray!" Fraser rested all his weight on his left hand, his right hand still had nowhere to go, and moved his other foot forward. "What happens if I make the two of you laugh?" Ray couldn't resist. "One of us will lose his balance and it'll be your turn, Ray." Fraser's face didn't give away anything, but Kowalski quickly reconsidered. "Alrighty, Turnbull, very *very* carefully place your left foot on green." Realizing that was as good as impossible, Ray watched in amazement as the gigantic Mountie somehow placed his limbs in such a way that he formed a perfect pillar, bent by the waist. "You too, Fraser." Just as Fraser was supposed to move his foot forward yet further without the support of his second hand, he fell flat on his backside, causing an excited yelp from Turnbull's hidden head. "Geez, Frase! Coulda been more careful..." Ray accused, realizing to his great dismay that the Mountie's mishap placed him in the game. "Guess I'll be joining you there," he said, standing to remove his boots. Fraser scrambled to his feet. "Actually, Ray, the winner stays on the mat while the loser has to spin the wheel. It is generally regarded as more fun to stay in the game." He grinned broadly at Ray's shocked expression. "You did that on purpose!" Ray hissed as he walked past the Mountie. He stood by the mat, removing his holster, gun and belt, swearing to himself that once this game was over, he'd make his friend pay. Fraser cheerfully spun the wheel, settling back against Ray's chair. "Right foot, red." Ray complied, watching in horror as Turnbull was instructed to move his hand forward on red as well, which enabled him to be looking up at him happily. "Hi, Detective!" "Yeah... " Ray muttered, wishing desperately they'd played Truth or Dare. *** A few moves later, the detective had somehow managed to get himself spread out all over the mat, his hands behind him, his feet in front of him. Turnbull was tiltering along the edge with his feet, his hands precariously close to Ray's head and between his legs. It was rather disconcerting to have the huge Mountie staring at him in extreme close-up. Ray couldn't help but wonder whether there weren't maybe easier to reach circles for Turnbull. "Just be careful where you put that left hand next!" Promptly, Fraser announced, "Left hand, yellow." Turnbull argued weakly, "But it's already on yellow!" "Oh..." Fraser contemplated this for a moment. "I suppose you will have to move it to another yellow circle, Constable." Ray looked down at himself with horror, realizing where a forward move would put Turnbull's huge paw. "Don't even think about it, Turnbull!" The Mountie blushed furiously, "No, Detective." He placed his hand one circle back, which was just a touch more than his excellent sense of balance could handle. He fell, hard, right on top of Kowalski, his left hand after all where it didn't belong. "Ooof!" Ray groaned, unable to move. Turnbull was like a lead weight, a very stubborn one; one that just wouldn't get up and walk away. He stayed right where he was, his head in the crook of Ray's neck. Kowalski couldn't be sure, but he thought he actually heard him inhale deeply. "Uh... Turnbull?" "Sorry, Detective!" The Constable scrambled to his feet, straightening out his uniform and trying unsuccessfully to straighten out his scarlet face as well. He excused himself and left, supposedly to get a glass of water, leaving Ray flat on his back and Fraser barely able to keep a straight face. "Frase..." Ray started, turning his head, desperately trying to avoid too much movement for fear of broken bones. "Please tell me Turnbull carries a gun or somethin'..." "No, Ray. He does not." Fraser couldn't stop himself anymore; he giggled helplessly. "You owe me for this, Buddy! You have no idea how much you owe me!!" Ray grumbled. "No Inuit stories for a year, no tastin' stuff in public, no walking up to heavily armed bad guys, tryin' to talk 'em into submission." "Of course, Ray," Fraser promised, not meaning a word of it. "Don't leave the mat, by the way." Kowalski groaned, "You think I can move after that building collapsed on toppa me?" 'Fuckin' excitable building at that...' *** Recovery or whatever else it was he needed took Turnbull a few minutes. He returned with a tray, 3 glasses and a large jug of lemon water, still looking rather embarrassed. "Sorry it took me so long," he apologized. Ray was still recovering. When Turnbull offered him a glass, he said, "When I'm done here, thanks." Turnbull blushed, unable to look at Kowalski for any length of time. Fraser was quietly bemused even if his face didn't really show it now. "I guess it's my turn again." He set down his glass and stood, finally completely removing his serge jacket. Once he was down to his white T-shirt, riding pants and suspenders, he approached his partner on the playing mat. "Ray?" "Yeah... guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Kowalski raised himself on his hands and feet again, back into that peculiar position that had gotten him in trouble to begin with. "Do somethin' for me, Frase," he groaned, "Don't fall!" The plea in his eyes made the Mountie smile. "I'll try not to, Ray." Turning, Fraser instructed the now rather quiet Turnbull, "We're ready, Constable." "Yes, Sir." Turnbull settled into Ray's chair and picked up the spinning wheel. "Right hand, yellow," he began. *** The mat was reasonably large and there were a few possible places to put a hand or a foot, but somehow, Ray and Fraser never seemed to be moving far enough away from each other to lose physical contact. Ray had eventually managed to get into a fairly silly crouching position while Fraser mastered even the most hilarious and awkward positions with his inherent grace. "This could go on forever, " Ray finally pointed out, having moved one foot forward into an almost sprinting position. A funny look crossed Fraser's face; he was finally beginning to flush slightly. 'No wonder,' Ray thought. 'Anyone else having to do the stuff he's been doing... their heads would have already exploded.' "Yes, it could," Fraser replied, looking down at his friend seriously. "Left hand, red," Turnbull droned in the background. Ray followed instructions, leaning forward to within inches of Fraser's face. "You're pretty good at this, Frase," he complimented, blushing for no apparent reason. "Thank you kindly. So are you." Fraser moved his left foot as he was told, causing his leg to stretch out alongside his friend's. "You possess excellent coordination, Ray, but then you are a very deft dancer." Ray barely heard Fraser's words. He didn't really see him either. The only thing he was very, *very* aware of was the muscular expanse of Fraser's thigh pressed against his own. And he realized that he was beginning to sweat. "Left hand, yellow." Turnbull's voice sounded like it was coming through a supermarket speaker system. Fraser placed his left hand behind his back, which forced him to bend back his upper body. It would have been impossible for him not to look at Ray in that position. And as he did look at him, he couldn't help but notice the slight flush on his friend's face. 'He's hot,' he thought to himself, regretting that train of thought the moment he was done thinking it. "You okay, Ray?" he asked a little hoarsely. Kowalski had just shifted his foot according to Turnbull's instructions. "Yeah," he said with a great deal of effort. It had been bad enough watching Fraser's body contort into the most sensual positions from a distance. But to have to look at his broad chest in that tight T-shirt, his pulse throbbing under the thin skin of his neck and all the beautiful rest of him stretched out right in front of him... His friend's face was so close now, his deep blue eyes fixed on his own, his smooth skin glowing with the effort of holding his place, those perfect lips parted slightly, concentration written all over his features. Ray found himself wishing the game would never end. Or, alternatively, it would have to end soon. Very, very soon. "Just fine," he finally managed, exhaling harshly. "Left hand, red," Turnbull instructed. Kowalski and Fraser stopped breathing at the same instant. It didn't take them more than a split-second to know where Fraser's next move would leave them. Fraser found his voice first. "I don't believe I can do that, Constable." Turnbull got up and came to stand by the side of the mat. "Yes, Sir, I'm sure you can. You'll just have to reach over the Detective and..." The tall Mountie blushed. "I guess it might be a little too... awkward," he said quietly, looking down at Kowalski. His eyes left no doubt that he wished sincerely he was still in the game. Ray heard another voice. One that was saying, "S' okay, Fraser. Don't wanna be givin' up, do 'ya?" Damn, that was his own voice... "Of course not, Ray." Fraser couldn't resist the challenge. He would be okay. He could do it without embarrassing himself and his best friend. Reaching around Ray, he craned his neck to find a suitably positioned red dot on the mat. As soon as his hand touched it, he regretted not having pretended to lose his balance when he'd had the chance. Even pressed hard against his friend as he was now, he could barely reach far enough. And then, he *was* pressed hard against Ray... Turnbull had returned to his seat quietly, spinning the wheel. "Right hand, red." Kowalski had somehow known that would happen. Of course, how could it not? Clearly, this game had been choreographed by a group of exotic dancers. 'Damn you, Turnbull!' That was his last thought before he reached back and his hand wound up right next to Fraser's. Then, he didn't think anymore, because if there had been no ridiculous children's playing mat underneath them, and if Turnbull hadn't been sitting there, watching them like a hawk, and if their hands and feet hadn't been their only contact with the ground, they'd have been in a passionate embrace on the floor. "Great!" Ray had to somehow express his frustration, only he realized too late that his very literal friend might mistake his statement for enthusiasm. "I agree, Ray," Fraser replied softly. 'Thankfully, he got it right this time,' Ray told himself. Then the front doorbell rang. *** "Sir?" Turnbull queried uncomfortably. "You'll have to get that, Constable." Fraser tried hard to control his breathing. This was the perfect excuse to get out of this game, to get away from Ray, to get out of this... embrace, for lack of a more accurate description. Why didn't he take it? "Get yourself back here on the double, Turnbull!" Ray groaned, hoping Fraser would presume that it was caused by the effort of hovering above the ground. "I'll be right back," Turnbull said, leaving the room hurriedly to see who was at the door. *** "Some game, huh, Frase?" Kowalski grinned self-consciously. "Yes, Ray. Maybe we should have played something else..." Fraser admitted, at the same time knowing he didn't actually regret their choice. His choice. "I guess Poker woulda been less... embarrassing. Unless we'd played Strip Poker." 'Jesus, Kowalski, shut the hell up!' He blushed furiously, trying his best not to let his mind go off on that tangent for even an instant. "Strip Poker?" Fraser asked incredulously. "Forget it, Fraser. Just tryin' to be funny here," Kowalski stammered. He knew he must be looking a damn fool. Here he was, pressed against his best buddy, panting like a dog in heat, probably looking like a great big tomato ready to burst, and then he had to go sayin' something stupid like that. 'Another one like that and Frase is gonna transfer the hell away from me.' "I understand." Fraser was fascinated by the variety of shades of red his friend was able to blush. He was equally fascinated by the way Ray's sea blue eyes gleamed. And the Mountie simply couldn't take his eyes off that tiny bead of perspiration that was making it's way from Ray's temple over his flushed cheek. His eyes followed it down past the sensual mouth, open in a strained effort to breathe, that sexy, full lower lip glistening from when Ray had moistened it with his tongue unconsciously. 'He must have done it unconsciously,' Fraser thought. 'It's not as if Ray is trying to... seduce me.' 'Turnbull, where the hell are you?' Ray thought frantically. It didn't help his self-control one bit that Fraser hadn't stopped staring at him for a second since the Constable had left the room. Admittedly, there was nowhere else for him to look, but did he have to be so focused? So... absorbed in looking at him? "You okay, Fraser?" he asked worriedly. Fraser nodded. He tried to think of something to say. Anything to disperse the tension between them. The tension that had begun to fill the entire room. He even tried to think of a suitable Inuit story, but somehow, none really applied. And Ray did hate it when he told them. Kowalski's hands began to go numb. 'Wish the rest of me would,' he thought, realizing that he wouldn't be able to take much more of this before he shared in Turnbull's earlier predicament. "I'm losing circulation in my hands," he pointed out. It wasn't as if Fraser could do anything about that, but he had the need to say something. This silence, interrupted by nothing but unsuccessfully suppressed heavy breathing was really getting to him. "Would you like to stop, Ray?" Fraser offered regretfully. 'Would I?' Kowalski thought. 'Not really.' He smiled. "Can't hold on anymore, Fraser?" Fraser knew he was being teased, but he was grateful for the distraction. "I don't know what you mean, Ray." All innocence. "Gettin' tired of hugging me and staring into my face?" Ray bit his lip. 'Yup, real smart thing to bring up!' The Mountie smiled. "Not at all." Kowalski felt heat rushing to his face. And to a few other places where he could have done without it. Was Fraser being serious? Or was this just another one of those Mountie misunderstandings. Yeah, that must be it. He grinned, unable to resist teasing his friend. "Ya' know, considering how 'close' we are right now, Frase, you don't need to be so polite!" Fraser returned the smile, no less devious than Ray's had been. "I'm just being honest, Ray." Kowalski's heart was pounding like a bongo drum. "Yeah right." He watched his friend who, to all the world, looked like he couldn't lie if his life depended on it. Fraser had a hard time not telling Ray just how much he loved looking at him. How much he admired the bright blue of his eyes, his thin, infinitely appealing face framed by that ever-present stubble and that mouth he would give anything to be allowed to kiss. 'God, don't look at me like that, Frase!' Ray shifted, as much as his position would allow him. With every second, he became more aware of Fraser's flesh against his own, of how their body temperatures were rising from the contact, and of how close he was to scaring his friend to the ends of the Earth. Or at least to the Northwestern Territories. He hoped sincerely Fraser hadn't noticed yet. With no warning whatsoever, Kowalski's arms decided they'd had enough of supporting him and gave in. He fell, but just before the expected painful thump of his back hitting the floor, he stopped. "I've got you, Ray," Fraser said, as calmly as if he was talking about the weather. Ray had stopped breathing. Not that he could have if he'd tried. The Mountie was pressing him against himself so hard, he couldn't have taken a single breath. It didn't matter. Yet. Because it felt too good to worry about such banalities. Fraser's arm, the one he didn't seem to need to support his own weight, was tight around Kowalski's waist, holding him close, preventing him from slamming to the ground. 'Yeah, you've got me alright, Fraser...' Then his lungs demanded attention. "F-r-a-s-e-r!" he coughed. Fraser loosened his grip, allowing his friend to take a deep breath. "Sorry, Ray!" "Okay..." Ray said, gasping. 'Get a hold of yourself,' he thought. 'You can do this on your own. You *have* to do this on your own!' He set his hands firmly back on the mat, testing whether he could support himself. "You can let go now, Fraser." He straightened his arms out, leaning on them heavily. It hurt, they still weren't quite back to normal, but anything was better than to be in Fraser's arms like that. Well, actually... nothing was better, but he'd rather not let his friend find out this way. "Right you are," Fraser said, looking for a moment as if he was going to protest. Ray frowned at him, but chalked it up to Fraser being in pain, having to support the weight of both of them. The Mountie released his grip around his friend, slowly. "Maybe we should..." "Quit?" Ray suggested, half-disappointed, half-relieved. "Hmmm..." "Don't do that, Frase." "Sorry. As I was saying, would you like to quit? We could call it a tie and tell the Constable we'd both lost our balance at the same time." Fraser smiled when he saw the shock on Ray's face. "I thought Mountie's can't lie?" Kowalski was fairly certain he'd heard Fraser wrong. "Besides, I already lost my balance for real and I should admit that I lost. You won, Buddy!" "It really doesn't matter, Ray. As for the lying, we do, but only in emergencies." Fraser chose to ignore the fact that his partner had indeed lost the game. Ray was laughing so hard, he very nearly lost his balance again. "How is this an emergency? It's not as if we'd done this for hours, days even, and were close to starvation or somethin' like that." He knew very well he was babbling nonsense, but that was far better than the quiet tension from before. Fraser remained serious this time, watching Ray's face closely without a word. "Oh..." Ray finally grasped what Fraser was getting at. "I see what you mean." "I have a suggestion, Ray." Kowalski found himself wishing that this suggestion somehow involved a way to stay close to Fraser without having to continue this silly game. "Yeah?" he asked expectantly. "We could actually lose our balance simultaneously. That way, it won't be a lie and we can stop playing." Fraser seemed pleased with the way out he'd found. Ray wasn't entirely sure what Fraser had in mind, but he nodded his agreement. 'Wouldn't want to be responsible for making my Mountie a liar.' Fraser thought about something. "I suggest that in order to save you a very painful experience, Ray, we turn sideways before falling." "Alright, let's get to it!" Ray shifted as far around as he could, with Fraser following suit. "Now?" he asked, ready to let go. "Yes!" Fraser took both hands off the mat simultaneously and, without missing a beat, extended his arms to wrap around his friend's body. "Ouch!" Ray exclaimed, just before realizing that he wasn't actually in pain, due to not having hit the ground. Then he saw Fraser's face right up close and knew why. His friend had cushioned his own fall with his more solid body. Lying on his side, Fraser held Ray close. Very close. Ray looked a little confused, but at least he wouldn't be hurting. "Frase, what are you doin'?" Kowalski inquired finally, his voice strained and shaky. Fraser knew he should let go, but Ray felt so good against him. "I'm making sure you don't hurt yourself, Ray." "Oh." Ray's voice was a mere whisper. "I was afraid you'd hurt yourself. You're so much more fragile than I am and... well, we're friends, and I... don't want you to get hurt." Not his greatest display of linguistic skill by a long shot... Ray smiled up into the Mountie's concerned face. "Fraser?" "Yes, Ray?" "Shut up?" Enjoying the confusion on the Mountie's handsome face, Ray extended his arms to wrap around Fraser's back and moved to lie partly on his chest, brushing his lips along his friend's cheek. Fraser inhaled sharply, closing his eyes. He kept quiet as Ray had asked him to. The touch of his friend's lips on his face was like a flame licking at him. Ray's heart was beating frantically. 'God, I hope I'm not gettin' all this wrong. Fraser will never look at me again...' He needn't have worried, because while he himself hesitated, the Mountie's lips brushed tenderly against his, causing just the slightest whimper. Encouraged, Fraser pressed his mouth on Ray's harder. It didn't take long to make him yield. The cop's enticing lips opened up, allowing Fraser's tongue to enter him, searchingly. Hot and searing, the new sensation coaxed a soft moan from both of them. 'I must have died and gone to heaven,' Ray thought, half-dazed. 'This can't be happenin'. This is *Fraser*, for heaven's sake!' But he wasn't going to argue with perfection, he just gave in, molding himself into his friend's arms, taking in every sensation as if it were the last he'd ever be feeling. 'If it's a dream, I might as well enjoy it while it lasts...' "Ray..." Fraser whispered, his lips parting from Kowalski's for a mere instant before returning for more, hungrily devouring him like a starving man. He crushed the slight frame of his partner in his arms, but there was no protest, no pained whimper, just Kowalski's mouth answering his own with such need that no embrace could have been too tight. Finally, just before running out of breath, their lips parted and they gasped for air, simultaneously. "Geez, Frase!" Ray smiled, blushing like a bride on her wedding day. He didn't remember ever having been kissed like that. Another moment longer, and he would have passed out. He didn't even realize how hard Fraser had held him until the Mountie helped him to stand up. "Ow!" he exclaimed, holding his side. "Ray, I'm so sorry. I hurt you!" Fraser gently touched Ray's hand where it was pressed against his ribcage, but the smile he got in return held no accusation. "Hey, it's just physical pain. Never felt better!" Kowalski joked, watching with relief as his Mountie's face relaxed. "I'm back!" Turnbull declared triumphantly from the door. *** Approaching the two men standing on the Twister mat, he realized that Kowalski was holding his side. It looked as if Constable Fraser had helped him with something. He seemed to be in pain. "Oh dear! What happened, Detective?" he asked, his voice just a notch below panicky. Kowalski grinned reassuringly. "We fell, both of us. Game's over." When Turnbull"s concerned eyes rested on his side, he added, "Constable Fraser came down on me hard." Turnbull blushed furiously. Fraser turned away, fighting down a scream as much as hysterical laughter. "Well, guys... enough twisting for one night." Kowalski still hadn't quite regained his composure, but it showed only in his trembling hands and slightly flushed face. He tried his best to get his mind off Fraser and what might have happened if Turnbull hadn't been around. No, better not think about that. "Is there anything I can do for you, Detective?" Turnbull asked. 'Yeah, leave!' Kowalski wished him miles away at that point, but it wasn't even 1 a.m. yet. A whole hour until the Mountie was due to depart. "I'm fine, Turnbull," Ray said instead, sounding almost his usual self. Fraser stood in the background, watching Ray intently. If only there was a way to get rid of Constable Turnbull... "Who was at the door?" Fraser inquired. Turnbull waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Just someone asking about Inspector Thatcher. I told them to come back tomorrow." "Maybe you should try to call her?" Fraser tried hard not to sound too hopeful. It would get Turnbull out of the room for a few minutes at least... But the Constable shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Sir. She left instructions not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency." "Oh!" Ray and Fraser said almost simultaneously. Turnbull looked from one to the other with suspicion. 'He's kind of cute when he's all confused like that,' Ray thought. 'Not like Fraser, but in his own way, not bad.' He had an idea, a cheeky one at that. "Turnbull, maybe you *can* help me with... this." He raised his hand to his aching side. Fraser's jaw dropped. "I'll be glad to, Detective," Turnbull stammered, turning bright red when Ray approached him and turned his side toward him. The Constable was unaware that Ray was looking at Fraser. He placed a gentle hand against Ray's side. The Detective instantly gave an exaggerated moan. "I'm so sorry!" Turnbull's fingers became even more gentle as he felt for bruises. His voice shaking as much as his hand, he offered, "I think we have some ointment for this kind of injury." Ray rewarded his concern with his most charming smile. "Would you get it for me, Constable?" Gulping, Turnbull offered, "Yes, of course. I'll be right back!" On his way to the door, he turned. "Don't go anywhere, Detective!" Ray smiled again. "Where would I go?" Fraser approached him cautiously the moment Turnbull had left. "Ray?" "Yup, Frase?" Ray knew what was coming. But his friend managed to surprise him again. "I had no idea you were so badly hurt. I am sorry." Feeling a little guilty, Ray said reassuringly, "I'm not, Fraser. Just wanted to be alone with you for a minute." When the Mountie blushed, he added, "Where's that first-aid-cabinet?" Fraser's face lit up. "In the office across the hall. Turnbull will be back any moment, Ray. But I *am* glad you're not hurt." Ray was about to cover the short distance between them. He whispered, "Just hurting for..." "Found it!" Turnbull stumbled into the room. Clearly he'd hurried back as fast as he could. "Oh good," Ray said a little glumly. Then he felt guilty. "Thanks, Turnbull." When he reached for the tube of ointment, Turnbull withdrew his hand. "You won't be able to reach that properly, Detective. May I?" Fraser held his breath to stop himself from offering to apply the medication himself. Ray held his breath trying to figure out how to divert Turnbull. And Turnbull held his breath, waiting to get his hands on Ray. "Yeah, sure." Ray watched Fraser's jaw drop. A nice idea this had turned out to be. Now what? "If you wouldn't mind removing... um, lifting up your shirt, Detective." Turnbull busied himself with the lid of the tube in his hand while desperately and unsuccessfully trying to hide his excitement at the prospect of touching Ray's bare skin. Fraser moved forward in a possessive gesture which coaxed a smile from Ray's face. 'He deserves it,' Kowalski thought. 'After all, he found this whole thing so damn funny before. Before...' A wicked grin spread over Ray's face. "Would you like me to lie down, Turnbull?" he asked innocently. The Constable gasped, which was all that allowed him to refrain from an emphatic 'Yes, oh yes, please!' He nodded silently lest his voice would betray him. Ray headed towards the sofa facing the fire-place and settled himself face-down on the antique rust-colored leather. His chin supported on his forearms, he just lay there, waiting. It was a little disconcerting that Fraser had decided to sit in the next armchair, facing him. On the other hand, it was also rather exciting. Turnbull cleared his throat nervously, his mind working on a way to do this. Finally, he sat down beside Kowalski and very, very hesitantly lifted his T-shirt past the waist. He did very well, all things considered, determined not to repeat his earlier embarrassing display. Pretending that he was just being helpful, he squeezed a small amount of the camphor-scented ointment on his right hand and carefully placed it at Ray's side. "Geez, that's freezing!" Ray exclaimed, shrinking away from the touch. Turnbull, whose entire head was scarlet now, said quietly, "It will warm up in a moment, Detective." And it did. In fact, it began to burn like fire as soon as Turnbull began rubbing it in, cautiously. Ray decided the whole thing wasn't so bad after all and he did enjoy Fraser's expression immensely. His friend was perched on the very edge of his chair, watching every touch of Turnbull's fingers on Ray's skin. And more so, every reaction from Ray. 'Okay, Frase, you can have your show.' "Oh god, that feels good!" he moaned, causing a sucking sound from Turnbull. And a look of horror from Fraser. Turnbull continued rubbing in the ointment, concentrating very hard. "Where did you learn to do that?" Ray asked innocently, but with mock admiration. Turnbull took a deep breath. "First aid is part of the first year training for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Detective Vecchio." This was good, if he stuck to facts and figures, he could do this. "Did you know that 22 native plants can be found in the Saskatchewan province alone that can be used to relieve the pain of bruising?" Kowalski giggled. "I had no idea! This is fascinating." Fraser looked a little pained. "Could you put just a little more of that stuff... there..." Ray reached out for Turnbull's massaging hand and moved it further down his hips, right to the edge of his waistband. He could actually feel the man's hand trembling. Fraser was leaning forward, his eyes wide open as he stared at the intimate contact. So did Turnbull, who couldn't believe this was actually happening. Detective Kowalski had touched him! He had touched his hand! If the ointment wasn't so pungent, he would consider foregoing his bedtime cleansing routine. Rubbing gently, the Constable applied a little more of the salve before regretfully finding that it had all completely been absorbed into the Detective's skin. "Better?" he asked breathlessly. "Oh, much better! You're a great nurse, Turnbull." Ray smiled at him warmly before straightening up on the couch. "Thanks." He stretched a little, like a very comfortable cat, and snuggled up to a large cushion in the corner. Fraser looked at him hungrily, wishing Turnbull hundreds of miles away. Moosejaw was lovely this time of year. "Constable, considering I'm still here and the Detective will be staying for a while longer..." He looked at Ray to make sure he wasn't being presumptuous, but Ray looked very ready to stay indeed. "... I think you can go home now. It's almost the end of your shift anyway." Turnbull looked disappointed. "I couldn't do that, Sir." "Yes, you could!" Fraser was unusually commanding and Ray had to smile. It suited the Mountie. Turnbull considered the situation. Personally, he'd prefer to spend the rest of the night curled up by his favorite detective's feet in front of the fire-place, but he suspected that would not be allowed. Furthermore, he was incredibly on edge and could really do with the privacy of his own apartment. "If you're certain, Constable." Fraser smiled. "I'm quite certain, Turnbull. Good Night." Turnbull nodded, but restrained himself from saluting. He looked longingly at Ray. "Good Night, Detective." "Night, Turnbull." Another smile to keep the Constable warm on his way home. Turnbull hurriedly left the room and made his way to the front door, now desperate to get home. Back in the lounge, two pairs of sparkling blue eyes met. *** "You have to keep guard down here, don't you?" "Yes, I'm afraid so, Ray." "Mind if I go and have a shower? I could really do with one. This stuff of Turnbull's smells." "Sure. You know where the bathroom is?" "Yes. I'll see you... shortly?" "Yes, Ray." Kowalski took great pains to make a large circle around Fraser on his way out of the room, lest they'd fall all over each other. He really did need a shower. Fraser waited until his friend had left before taking a deep breath as he loosened his collar. Then he realized he wasn't wearing his jacket, just the T-shirt. Shaking his head, he went off to find Dief. *** Ray Kowalski was certain he could hear the cold water sizzling as it hit his skin. No wonder. He could have fried an egg on any part of his anatomy. Raising his face to allow the water to cool his burning cheeks, he closed his eyes and let his mind wander back to that delicious embrace of Fraser's strong arms... *** Constable Turnbull hurried up the staircase of his building as if someone was chasing him. He unlocked his door and threw his keys on the sofa, followed by his jacket and suspenders. He peeled off his boots, leaning against the wall, and kicked them away. His trousers, socks and T-shirt were dropped on his way to the bathroom where he hurriedly started the shower. A very cold shower. *** Ray didn't hear the bathroom door open or feel the cool breeze that came in from the hallway. He also didn't hear the soft padding of bare feet on the tiles or the sounds of clothing being removed. When he finally allowed reality to intrude on his fantasy for an instant, he realized he wasn't alone in the room. Turning, he was faced by Fraser, sliding aside the shower screen, dressed - of course - in his longjohns. Under other circumstances, Ray might have chuckled, but humor was not foremost on his mind. God, Fraser could make even those ridiculous red things look good. Teasingly, Ray said, "You're on duty, Constable. You won't hear the doorbell in here." Fraser smiled mischievously. "I told Diefenbaker to inform me if anyone should request entry." "Ah!" Ray moved back, silently inviting Fraser in. Then something occurred to him. "Frase, your wolf is deaf!" "Yes, Ray. He is." Fraser stepped into the tub, still dressed, and pulled the screen shut behind himself. THE END.

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