[ Fraser leans in too, as though to offer his ear for Ray to speak to him, and he jerks back abruptly when his friend is done speaking, nodding at him sagely. ]
I understand, Ray. And maybe...well I realise I asked you to stay with me, but perhaps a little breathing room wouldn't be an entirely bad idea, given the circumstances. I'm afraid I've not got much of an appetite, but--I'll join you in a moment.
[ He wasn't disappointed or upset. He'd pressed Ray somewhat further than he meant to, and his partner hadn't punched him in the jaw for it, that was a victory all of its own merit. Of course, he'd only gotten away with it because he was Benton Fraser, and he lived a charmed life. Anyone else and Ray would have hit them.
So he smiled, and gave him the room he needed--and really he ought to go and apologise to Ray and Stella, because his speech hadn't been ideal. He didn't want those to be the last words he ever said to his best friend. And okay, there'd be plenty of time to chat to Ray, it wasn't like he didn't know how to use a telephone, or was leaving for Canada tomorrow. It wasn't that bad. But it was a convenient moment none the less.
Because really it was that or give up on food and dancing right now, and Fraser was running low on the self control scale already. It'd be best if he could show off that he still had at least a little, right? Maybe give Ray the time he needed to acclimatize to the idea. That was all he needed.
He had to learn the steps, and at the end of the day so did Fraser.
So for now he just reached out and took Ray's hand, and squeezed it firmly between his own fingers before letting him go again. ]
Thank you, Ray. For practicing. Don't go anywhere without me.
[ He didn't linger any more, but stepped away, carefully avoiding Francesca who was glowering at him, and heading around the other side of the tables. Welsh was lingering there, and he gave Fraser a hard pat on the shoulder as he stood up and went over toward the buffet table for a refill. ]
I owe you an apology-- [ Began his conversation with Ray.
And over at the buffet table: About damn time Welsh was growling at Stanley, before demanding that he move over to let him get to the canolis.Damn mafia weddings, he growled. What I wouldn't do for a cheese puff. ]
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I understand, Ray. And maybe...well I realise I asked you to stay with me, but perhaps a little breathing room wouldn't be an entirely bad idea, given the circumstances. I'm afraid I've not got much of an appetite, but--I'll join you in a moment.
[ He wasn't disappointed or upset. He'd pressed Ray somewhat further than he meant to, and his partner hadn't punched him in the jaw for it, that was a victory all of its own merit. Of course, he'd only gotten away with it because he was Benton Fraser, and he lived a charmed life. Anyone else and Ray would have hit them.
So he smiled, and gave him the room he needed--and really he ought to go and apologise to Ray and Stella, because his speech hadn't been ideal. He didn't want those to be the last words he ever said to his best friend. And okay, there'd be plenty of time to chat to Ray, it wasn't like he didn't know how to use a telephone, or was leaving for Canada tomorrow. It wasn't that bad. But it was a convenient moment none the less.
Because really it was that or give up on food and dancing right now, and Fraser was running low on the self control scale already. It'd be best if he could show off that he still had at least a little, right? Maybe give Ray the time he needed to acclimatize to the idea. That was all he needed.
He had to learn the steps, and at the end of the day so did Fraser.
So for now he just reached out and took Ray's hand, and squeezed it firmly between his own fingers before letting him go again. ]
Thank you, Ray. For practicing. Don't go anywhere without me.
[ He didn't linger any more, but stepped away, carefully avoiding Francesca who was glowering at him, and heading around the other side of the tables. Welsh was lingering there, and he gave Fraser a hard pat on the shoulder as he stood up and went over toward the buffet table for a refill. ]
I owe you an apology-- [ Began his conversation with Ray.
And over at the buffet table: About damn time Welsh was growling at Stanley, before demanding that he move over to let him get to the canolis.Damn mafia weddings, he growled. What I wouldn't do for a cheese puff. ]