[ Bold and direct are what he's good at, really, when it comes down to it. He knows how to get the job done. If he makes it clear to Ray that he knows what he's doing, that he's confident, he'll open up more easily to Fraser's suggestions. Or at least that's the idea. ]

You're tired. You've had a rough day. And you've been up all night drinking--

[ He lifted Ray's coat away, folding it over his arm so that he could bring both hands back to Ray. One settled on his hip now, the other on his shoulder, guiding him away to the left toward the couch, urging him to sit down. ]

Now...

[ He crouched down in front of Ray, looking at him firmly, still holding that devoted attention, sharp blue eyes refining to laser clarity even in the low light of Ray's apartment. ]

This is a negotiation about our relationship. We seem to have squared away our partnership just fine. We work well together, I think. We understand each other a little better. But I need something more from you, Ray. Something the former Ray Vecchio was happy to do for me, but something I think you'll find more difficult. It will require trust, and submission.