[ He seemed genuinely puzzled, but only for a moment, following Ray up out of the car and leaning his left arm against the side of it while he locked up.
Even so, he wasn't really confused. He had full understanding that this wasn't their usual fare, that their partnership didn't lead them, generally, to places like this. Apprehension sounded acceptable. Even if they were doing this for themselves - which to some degree they most certainly were, at least so far as Fraser was concerned - it wasn't the kind of place one boldly walked into without hesitation, and without genuinely meaning to do it.
So he let Ray hesitate, and then he tapped the car reassuringly and led the way, picking up the facade that was his usual everyday Mountie self--in Ray's shirt and too-small brown jacket. Yes, they'd made love, and it was tempting to let that change him - heaven only knew he wanted to put his hands on Ray and never take them off - but at least a little bit he had to reassure him that some things would stay the same; the things that had made them interested in each other in the first place, mostly. ]
It's perfectly normal to find visiting a place like this to be a challenge, Ray, particularly with the intention of doing more than browsing, however I'm told Louise does quite a service in discretion regarding the anonymity of her client's purchases.
[ When they'd crossed the road and were closer to the door, he reached across and slid his hand into Ray's, pressing his chest up against his shoulder, inching closer by the moment. It was intimate, personal, a moment pressed just between them, like the moment back in the closet. ]
Remember your role. The community here in Chicago isn't large, and if our true purpose is exposed now, it could only put us in danger at the club tonight. [ His free hand wandered higher across Ray's chest, like he was distracted by his warmth, his head tilting to the left, looking up into his partner's face. ] Just don't pick out anything too shiny, you've been doing this for a while, and remember: everything you need to cover these expenses is in my hat. Spend it as you see fit, ask my permission for nothing.
[ He leaned up, his mouth soft and reassuring against Ray's, exhaling a slow breath into the kiss like a sigh. They were on the street, yes, but nobody was looking: just two guys, one in a hat, one with mad 90s hair, kissing in a dark shop entrance. Could be San Francisco. ]
You can do this, Ray. And don't forget to buy a leash. You've learned your lesson from earlier; you have no intention of allowing me to wander again. Do that for me.
no subject
[ He seemed genuinely puzzled, but only for a moment, following Ray up out of the car and leaning his left arm against the side of it while he locked up.
Even so, he wasn't really confused. He had full understanding that this wasn't their usual fare, that their partnership didn't lead them, generally, to places like this. Apprehension sounded acceptable. Even if they were doing this for themselves - which to some degree they most certainly were, at least so far as Fraser was concerned - it wasn't the kind of place one boldly walked into without hesitation, and without genuinely meaning to do it.
So he let Ray hesitate, and then he tapped the car reassuringly and led the way, picking up the facade that was his usual everyday Mountie self--in Ray's shirt and too-small brown jacket. Yes, they'd made love, and it was tempting to let that change him - heaven only knew he wanted to put his hands on Ray and never take them off - but at least a little bit he had to reassure him that some things would stay the same; the things that had made them interested in each other in the first place, mostly. ]
It's perfectly normal to find visiting a place like this to be a challenge, Ray, particularly with the intention of doing more than browsing, however I'm told Louise does quite a service in discretion regarding the anonymity of her client's purchases.
[ When they'd crossed the road and were closer to the door, he reached across and slid his hand into Ray's, pressing his chest up against his shoulder, inching closer by the moment. It was intimate, personal, a moment pressed just between them, like the moment back in the closet. ]
Remember your role. The community here in Chicago isn't large, and if our true purpose is exposed now, it could only put us in danger at the club tonight. [ His free hand wandered higher across Ray's chest, like he was distracted by his warmth, his head tilting to the left, looking up into his partner's face. ] Just don't pick out anything too shiny, you've been doing this for a while, and remember: everything you need to cover these expenses is in my hat. Spend it as you see fit, ask my permission for nothing.
[ He leaned up, his mouth soft and reassuring against Ray's, exhaling a slow breath into the kiss like a sigh. They were on the street, yes, but nobody was looking: just two guys, one in a hat, one with mad 90s hair, kissing in a dark shop entrance. Could be San Francisco. ]
You can do this, Ray. And don't forget to buy a leash. You've learned your lesson from earlier; you have no intention of allowing me to wander again. Do that for me.