RATED PG
“I can’t believe you had to stand guard duty this afternoon,” Ray bitched as he followed Benny up the stairs to apartment 3J.
“It’s part of my job, Ray,” Benny said, with the patient air of one who has explained something a thousand times before.
“Yeah, but it shouldn’t be part of your job on a day like today. Standing out in the freezing cold all afternoon. It was barely ten degrees today, Benny- and that’s without the wind chill factor.”
“I dealt with much colder temperatures in the Territories.”
“Yeah, I know, but at least there you were moving around. You didn’t have to stand still and stiff as a statue in the freezing cold and wind.
“I couldn’t believe it when I pulled up in front of the Consulate and saw you standing there! Thatcher shouldn‘t make you stand guard duty when it‘s this damn cold outside.”
“I don’t mind it, Ray. Not really.”
“Yeah?” Ray wasn’t convinced.
They entered the apartment and hung up their jackets, then Ray pushed Benny gently towards the bedroom. “You go get changed, love; and I’ll make you a cup of tea.”
“All right,” Benny smiled, and headed into the bedroom.
Ray turned on the burner under the tea kettle, then filled Dief’s food and water dishes. When the tea kettle started whistling, he fixed Benny’s cup of tea and headed towards the bedroom. When he entered the bedroom, Ray stopped dead in his tracks.
Benny was standing with one arm braced against the wall, his head resting against his arm; while his other hand was massaging his back. Ray closed his eyes as a wave of guilt and pain and anger washed over him, as strong as ever.
Setting the mug on the floor, he quickly moved over to stand behind Benny and placed a hand on his shoulder. Benny started slightly and Ray squeezed his shoulder and began rubbing Benny’s back.
“Ray,” Benny said, “you don’t have to-”
“Ssssh.” Ray wrapped his arm around Ben’s shoulders and pulled Benny back to rest against him. He continued rubbing Benny’s back until he felt the muscles under his hand loosen, and Benny was relaxing against him.
“Does that feel better?” Ray asked softly.
Benny let his head drop back to rest against Ray’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ray,” he whispered.
Ray didn’t answer, he just stepped away from Benny the slightest bit, then gently turned Benny to face him. He took Benny’s face between his hands and gave him a kiss, then pulled him into his arms.
Benny wrapped his arms tightly around Ray’s waist and buried his face against Ray’s shoulder as Ray continued gently rubbing his back.
THE END
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