Rated G
This is for Silvina, just because I love her.
Alliance legally owns these characters, and I am making no claim to them by this story. This is written for entertainment purposes only, and no profit will be made.
SIESTA
Ben finished drying the last plate and handed it to Ray, who placed it in the cupboard. "Well Benny, what do we do now?"
It was early Sunday afternoon and the men were just finishing after dinner clean-up duties. The rest of the family had scattered to various activities. Rosa had gone to visit with a neighbor, Frannie was out shopping with a friend, and Maria and Tony were out in the yard with their children and several of the neighborhood children; playing a game of hide-and-seek.
"Didn't you have anything in mind?" Ben asked with a suggestive smile.
"Actually, I did." Ray stepped up to Benny, wrapping his arms around Ben's waist. "I think we should... take a nap."
"A nap?"
"Uh huh. A nice lazy Sunday afternoon nap. It's practically an American tradition."
"But surely there must be a more constructive way we can spend our time."
Ray sighed. He knew he could try to explain to Benny, as he had a hundred times before, that not everything in life had to be "constructive" and full of deep meaning and importance. That sometimes it was acceptable- even good- to have a little "do nothing" time.
But Ray knew that if he did, he would get that blank, uncomprehending Mountie stare, as he had a hundred times before. So he decided to try a different tack. "This would be constructive, Benny. Relaxing and re-charging our batteries. We both worked really hard this past week, and we deserve the rest.
"And no offense Benny, but you look like your could use some sleep."
Ben looked offended. "Honestly Ray, I'm no more tired than you are."
"Yeah? I don't know about that, Benny. When we were done chasing down clues and hunting down witnesses this past week, I got to go home and rest. You, on the other hand, had to go back to the Consulate and work on reports for the Dragon Lady until all hours of the night."
Ben didn't object to Ray calling Thatcher "Dragon Lady", which showed Ray just how tired his partner truly was. "That may be true Ray, but I'm not the one who fell asleep in church today."
"I wasn't sleeping, I just had my eyes closed!"
"For ten minutes?"
"I was concentrating on the sermon."
Ben laughed, and Ray reached up and gently massaged his shoulders. "Geez Benny, your muscles are still really tight. Will you at least let me give you a back rub?"
Ben hesitated, and Ray grinned triumphantly and grabbed Ben's hand, leading him into the living room.
Ben sat down on the sofa, and Ray sat down next to him. "Shoes off," Ray ordered, kicking off his own. Ben removed his shoes and socks, then unfastened the top two buttons on his shirt.
"That's it," Ray said approvingly, "we need to relax and be comfortable."
He gave Ben a kiss. "Okay love, lie down now."
Ben complied, lying on his stomach and turning his head to the side. Ray moved into position, his legs straddling Ben's, then sat down on Ben's butt.
"Oh, this is nice," Ray said, wriggling back and forth.
Ben laughed, then sighed in pleasure as Ray began massaging his shoulders.
The next few minutes were nearly silent; the quiet of the living room broken only by Ben's soft, happy sighs.
Ray's expert, loving hands worked their way slowly down Ben's back, rubbing and kneading the tensions of a week away. Gradually the massage slowed, until Ray was running his hands slowly up and down Benny's back.
Ben gave one last contented sigh and then was quiet, his breathing growing slower and deeper.
Ray's hands slowed, rubbing light circles over Benny's back. Ray found that he was nearly as soothed by the massage as Benny was; and he was fighting to keep his eyes open.
"Ray?"
"Yeah Benny?"
Ben rolled onto his side. "Come here."
Ray smiled down at him, then lay down next to him. Shifting their positions, Ray lay on his back and drew Benny down on top of him, snuggling Ben's head against his shoulder.
"Ahhhh," Ben sighed happily, slipping his arms around Ray's waist.
"Hey Benny?"
"Mmmmm?"
"What was that you were saying before about naps?"
"I honestly don't remember," Ben replied in a sleepy mumble.
"Ah," Ray smiled. He gave Benny a kiss on the top of the head, then pressed his cheek into the silky hair.
Silence descended upon the living room.
THE END
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