Benton Fraser (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dogsled) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thelockbox2014-07-06 10:57 pm
dogsled) wrote in thelockbox2014-07-06 10:57 pm
Benton Fraser | Due South
 BENTON FRASER。 | |
"You know, Fraser, when they offered me this assignment, they made it sound kind of normal. They say, 'Hey, Ray, here's a chance to start over, ditch the past.' 'What's the catch?' I say. 'Oh, your partner's Canadian.' Canadian? I got nothing against Canadians, except for the time when they won the World Series, which I'm willing to overlook. But at no time did they say, 'you'll be working with a Mountie who's got a wolf that's a florist'" |
NEW READ JOURNAL CREDIT |
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[ 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.
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But they had to do this. Had to if they wanted to stop some sicko from continue walking the streets, and had to, above all else, to keep Welsh from firing Ray. This was important and they were already in. They had this. All they needed was to keep up the act just a little longer and then, by tomorrow, it'd all be over and they could go back to their normal lives. Well, mostly, except maybe sharing one another's bed that little bit more.
They paused at the doorway, Fraser pressing in closer like they'd done so many times before, but never quite as intimate until last night, and Ray responds in kind. He leant into Fraser's weight, chin tilted down as he watched that wandering hand against his chest, and listened to what his partner had to say.
Fraser was right, of course he was. The asshole was almost always right. And it's so hard to argue with him when he's being so so supportive and brushing his lips against Ray's with real care. He hums back a light noise of understanding, eyes flickering just over Fraser's right shoulder as he tries to focus himself, huffing out a slow inhale and exhale.]
Okay. I can do this. We got this. C'mon.
[Nerves in check, he pushes the door open, shoulders rolling back as he urges himself into the same blustering confidence he shows in any scumbag interaction. He's the best. He owns this joint.]
Yo.
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On this case, however, his own nerves were being pushed to their absolute limit. This wasn't like walking into a bondage dance club and trying to convince witnesses to do the right thing; that was work, and this was putting a part of himself on display. His feelings for Ray were real, and while he had no problem shouting that from the tallest building, shivering and panting under his partner's affection, hawked at by the eyes of two dozen horny club-goers, was so far from classic Fraser that it would be difficult to negotiate the path back. He didn't let it show, but performing for other people had always made him just a little bit nervous. Outward demonstrations of sexuality at all made him nervous too. The two together was a challenge he was striving to face with all of his own natural verve, just to make sure that Ray didn't end up thrown off by his own uncertainty. Ray needed him to be strong, to know what he was doing, and to always have an insane plan to get them out if things went wrong.
He'd come up with something.
For now, he trailed behind Ray as they entered the store, rather than taking his usual up front approach, all bluster and posture. He was a different man today: he had to make that clear from the start, and sure enough Louise came over, brightening as she saw Fraser, and then shooting a wary look at Ray. ]
Wow. [ She did a double take at Fraser, who lowered his eyes deliberately, playing disinterest, not even saying hello. Surprised, Louise started back upright, where before she'd been leaning around Ray to get a better look at his partner, instead looking him straight in the eyes and breaking into a smile. ] Well hi there. Lady Lou. I run this place. [ She greeted him anyway, perhaps from nerves, perhaps because she was trying to find that common ground: ] Hello Constable. We've missed you around here, we all heard about your place burning down.
[ Fraser smiled warily, but didn't engage, instead stepping away from Ray, moving between the aisles of dildos in mostly flesh colored PVC derivatives and trying not to actively focus his gaze on anything. He'd been in before looking for a leatherwork professional, and Lou had been kind enough to pass along some of her best contacts. As such she had an extensive store of unique clothing as well as the usual sex shop paraphernalia--and Fraser had gotten a discount on the repair of his boots.
God, he hoped Ray could handle this. It felt strange leaving his partner to speak to a woman that Fraser himself already knew on a personal level, and yet with that single gesture he'd made it very clear both who was in charge and that Fraser wanted it that way: that this was a thing he did.
Louise was turning all the charm on Ray now. ] Well, [ She said. ] I am very impressed. I mean--we all thought he was straight. Or maybe we were just deceiving ourselves? Wishful thinking. So...are you a Mountie too?
[ Fraser stayed in earshot, kept his hands to himself, and tried to resist the urge to interfere. Ray could do this. He had to do this. Their cover depended on it. That didn't mean Fraser couldn't be overly concerned--even overprotective. ]
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But so had making out with his friend in public until earlier today. If he could do that, he could do this.
He kept the confidence and the vague sense of apathy towards the whole place, attention on the woman introducing herself while only sparing the briefest of gazes towards Fraser to check he's still there. Ray had to try and keep the act up without coming across as over-bearing. No sense in trying to over act it. He'd already admitted in public that he was new on the scene but was willing to learn it. He could play the dom and still not be a dick to this store owner.
As Fraser quietly drifts away, Kowalski's left with the hard part, even if he could sense his partner lingering close by. This was on him, he needed to do this. Take control. Be the dom.]
Nah, just a good friend hopin' to teach him a thing or two.
[He turned the charm back to her, hands in pockets and all smiles.]
We uh, I'm in the market for somethin' for the both of us. Think he's finally ready for the club scene and I could do with some new digs myself. The good stuff, leather, practical, but nothin' too new and shiny. Mountie gets enough polish in his uniform already. No glitz, no glam. I'm a workin' guy, y'know, not some show queen.
[In all honesty Ray had no clue what he needed or what the hell he was talking about, but surely this can't be all that different from buying anything else in a store. Hell, he'd previously suffered through being that guy in a lingerie store asking advice on bras for his wife, he's sure he can manage this.]
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[ She crooked a finger at him, then led him to the far back corner of the room, where the high end stuff was. Some of it was still very plastic, but there were a variety of pieces that could definitely be called vintage, worn looking leather in all sorts of shades and colors. Fraser detached from his wandering and followed, hovering curiously at the end of the row several feet away from Ray and catching his partner's eye as Louise started going through the rack. It was only for the briefest moment, a reassuring smile, and then he watched her instead, curious in his own right as to what she might pick out from among the outfits. ]
For you, I think, maybe the classic black drainpipes. Pop button fly, of course, half utility belt. That's all really pedestrian I know, but I can tell you have fantastic arms. Those you have to show off, so this--
[ The this she produced was a priest collared leather vest with open sides, broad belts and weathered looking buckles holding the ensemble together. It'd show off Ray's arms alright, and Fraser drew forward a step to show his support and approval, unable to keep himself from licking his lips. Okay, so he liked leather, but was that really a surprise? He just hadn't known until this exact moment how much the thought of it - of this in particular - appealed to him. Only the thought of Ray sufficed. Poor, uncomfortable Ray. He drew toward him like a moth, stopped only when he was sliding one hand up Ray's arm, eyes on his face, and when his hand reached his partner's shoulder he stopped, looking silently at Lou instead.
Concern, touch, comfort. It wasn't so very different to their established working relationship, really. ]
Perhaps for Fraser a kilt? Leather, of course. Discretion without compromising ah--access. [ She'd actually hesitated, blushing shyly under Fraser's stare, and he reached out to take the piece she was speaking about off the rail, raising it for his own inspection. The stitching was good, the pleats would hold, and all in all it wasn't the worst idea in the world. He laid it across the rail, then stepped away from Ray and past Louise, circling the end of it and lifting down from the wall a piece of leather that had caught his eye, a scaled pauldron, ragged and worn, made perhaps from recycled leather and aged brass buttons.
See, this shopping thing wasn't so hard after all. ]
What about underwear? [ She asked, peering at Ray again, and Fraser felt his bravado falter. So much for ready for anything. ] We have a great line of lambskin thongs. Soft stitching, nice flexibility...
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This stuff wasn't so bad. Maybe. There was still a few items that looked like they'd be more fitting on a gimp suit, but the smell of leather and the sight of the dull sheen and some well polished pieces reminded him of his days on a bike. Leather was fine. He could wear leather on a daily basis in the form of jackets and boots. This wasn't such a stretch from the norm as something like PVC or latex, and it was a damn sight more sexy in his eyes. Yeah. He could definitely deal with leather.
His eyes caught Fraser's for a fraction of a second, and then they're both back into their respective roles, his attention locked on Lou as she picks out items. That strappy looking vest thing she picks out isn't so bad. It's not horrific and Ray thinks he could probably get away with not feeling like a total idiot while wearing it. He needed something he could feel confident in, nothing too weird or overly sexual. That might just do it. And judging by Fraser's quiet approach, he's approving too. He let that hand wind it's way up his arm, but only gave the briefest flicker of attention towards Fraser to blink a slow understanding, then back to Lou once more.]
A kilt? I can get with that.
[He reaches out to feel the leather between his fingers, soft and supple and probably wouldn't be too much of a hindrance. Not a bad idea at all. And looks like Fraser's found something that's caught his eye too. Doesn't exactly cover much, but that's fine by Ray. More to touch, to run his fingers across and-- shit, shame they'd be in public for so much of this.]
Uh. Underwear. Right. Need to protect, huh? Yeah, yeah, I'll take one and uh, how's that leather going to be without? Shouldn't wear anythin' under a kilt, right?
[Obviously Ray's a total stickler for tradition.]
I'll take all the other stuff, shoulder thingy and all. Also need somethin' to keep him close. He's got a habit of wanderin', especially when we got out. Like a uh, leash or somethin'.
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Lou is fortunately looking away during the deer in headlights moment, but she looks back at him briefly before acknowledging Ray's request, taking the pauldron out of his arms as she does so. ]
I think we can do something about that. Right this way.
[ She led out of the aisle and across to a big glass fronted cabinet full of piercing jewelery of various purposes. On top of this were several rotating displays of collars and leads and nipple clamps with dangling chains, but Lou was stepping behind the counter and fetching up something special--which naturally drew Fraser's attention immediately. It was wrapped in brown paper, which she lay on the glass countertop and unfolded, revealing the handmade collar inside.
Beautiful. Fine craftsmanship, soft leather, strong fittings. The dark reds and browns seemed almost as though they'd been picked out specifically for him. Maybe they had. It was lovely. Even on a purely aesthetic, appreciative level, as Fraser approached most things in life...
It was almost - but not quite - enough to distract him from the no underwear remark. They were going to get there, but this was a long way to go, and he was only really now coming to terms with the full extent of what that meant. Staying attached to Ray by the hip was something he knew intimately already, but this was a collar, a lead, a certain degree of public exposure, and a million miles out of Fraser's usual comfort zone. He worked his mouth again, licking his lips nervously and making room for Ray to get to the counter.
He did deserve this. He was asking a lot from Ray for him to go along with it, though, pushing him outside of his comfort zones, asking him to share something he'd only just got his hands on. But this wasn't easy for Fraser either, and he was committing himself immensely to it, putting himself up as more competent and more willing than he maybe was. There was trepidation, but he was masquerading it with his usual bluster and self confidence: the man who could look at a no hope situation and still force a smile, because he didn't want his partner to know how bad things really were.
Fraser wasn't good with showing his own emotions. He was restrained in every possible way, and this was no different. But while Ray had been getting better at picking those signs up, this was a whole other level of it. They'd never been down this road before. He'd never expected Ray to see so very far under the surface, and wasn't even sure he wanted him to. It was always easier for him to have his partner believe he was somehow invulnerable. Something infinitely more than human. ]
Try it on him. [ Lou said. ] Go ahead. Then pick out a leash--anything under thirty dollars is free.
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When Lou prompts yet again, Ray follows (yet again), eyes flicking at the nearby displays with a passing interest, but with all the boredom of someone who's seen it all before. He deserves an Oscar for this because right now he'd love nothing more than to gape and stare and poke everything in sight. Maybe another day, after all this is over and done with.
There's a collar brought out that, Ray figures just from the fact it's wrapped away, must be something special, and he's not wrong. Lou presents a fine leather piece, intricate but simple, nice leather and all the tones of browns he's seen in Fraser's uniform every day of their lives. It's hot. Perfect for Fraser and the idea of that with the uniform is close to getting Ray a little too excitable.
Fraser was eyeing it up too, and just by his interest and lip lick alone, Ray knew it was the one. Perfect choice. Good. Great. Greatness.
He reaches for the collar with the sort of carefulness one usually reserves for handling antiques or fragiles, weighing it in his hand for a second before turning towards Fraser and jerking his chin upwards as if asking his partner to do the same.]
Chin up, there's a good boy.
[It fits against his neck snugly, like a perfect fit before he's even done the fastening up. The thickness at the front so much like the stiff wool collar that he can't see it bothering Fraser. he's the one to circle around Benton rather than make him turn, getting in behind to get a better angle on the buckle and tightening it just enough to still fit a finger between the leather and skin to allow for movement. And then he's back around the front, placing both hands on Fraser's shoulders as he stares, nodding slowly while canting his head towards Lou.]
I'll take one of them brown an' chain leashes. What d'you think? Good look, right?
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It was perfect; Red and brown, just his uniform, soft leather, hard leather, it would keep his chin up and his posture correct, just like his uniform. If only it had been embossed with a maple leaf or the badge of the RCMP, he might have even believed that it was made for him alone.
His breath caught. He obeyed the gentle command, raised his chin, and Ray stepped forward and fit the collar snuggly around his neck, then circles around his back to close the buckle tight. All the hairs on the back of his neck raised under Ray's fingers, at the feel of Ray's breath on his skin.
His partner circled again, and Fraser found himself caught in Ray's admiring gaze, hands on his shoulders to keep him still while Lou picked out a chain leash with a solid brown leather handle, and ducked in to clip it on the loop of metal resting against his breastbone.
Since Ray didn't break his gaze, Fraser didn't either, though he did seem to be asking - pleading - for permission to speak. He did after a moment, a soft silky murmur, pouring all the lust and desire he was feeling into his voice so that Lou would hardly recognise it. ]
I belong to you. I did before, but this--God, it's so beautiful. I'll do everything I can to pay you back for your generosity. Everything. [ He tipped his head down toward the hand on his left shoulder. ] Let me start now. Right now. I want to.
[ But there were public venues and public venues, even if Fraser was shivering deliberately, flicking out his tongue, licking his own lips lasciviously. And here was the killer move, the one he had to make to absolutely draw a line between the do-good Mountie Lou knew and the submissive keening in her shop now. He had to be so unlike his everyday self that she couldn't doubt him. So he let the words pour out of him, trying to step forward into Ray's space, to somehow rut against him, despite being held more or less at bay. It was a gesture.
It was going to test Ray as much as it tested Fraser himself. ]
I'm hard for you. Are you hard for me? Let me see. Let me kiss it better.
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The words are filled with such passion that he's almost taken aback by them, his teeth gnawing down against his own bottom lip as his brows crease upwards in curiosity.
Fraser would do everything. And jesus fuck that's hot. Hot enough that Ray would quite happily jump the guy were he not attempting to be someone with a little more self-control. As it is, he has to suffer through the temptation of a keening, desperate Mountie, while he remains with a solid grip on those shoulders, allowing some movement, some shift towards him, without ever letting Fraser quite get his own way.]
Mm, yeah, always love you eager.
[He leans in just long enough to catch Fraser's mouth with his own, a few split seconds of tongue and teeth, full of promise and desire, but withdrawing again before his partner barely has time to respond. Even with the afternoon they'd both had, Ray would quite happily go at it again right here and right now. Pity.]
But Lou has a business to run. She don't need us makin' the place messy. You been good today and you look fuckin' adorable. You deserve to be treated, but save it for tonight, yeah?
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He took what he was given and ducked his head appreciatively, holding onto the kiss, his eyes half closed, then exhales the rest of it away.
So good.
When he does raise his head enough to see Lou out of the corner of his eye, he sees she's grasping both her hands together in front of her, looking absolutely smitten with both of them. Or at least he thinks that's what smitten looks like. It's the way women look at him a lot, only she's quite clearly turning it on Ray just as much. That kiss--apparently nobody in Chicago could resist them snogging each other. It was like catnip for strangers. ]
Tonight. Thank you kindly.
[ Always a good line. There was something about Mountie charm that translated to this forum very well indeed.
Fraser raised his eyes the rest of the way, looking at Lou shyly. She blushed, at least, and stepped away, gathering the things they'd asked for up on the countertop. ]
Is there anything else? [ She asked. ] I'll throw in some of this, and these--
[ She was putting condoms and lube on the pile as she spoke, and then she placed her hands on the edge of the counter and gestured around the place with a tip of her head. ]
Anything?
[ Fraser glanced at Ray expectantly. Was there anything else? In this whole shop full of mysteries? So far all they'd done was fulfil Fraser's shopping list. ]
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It's nice to see strangers look like that towards Fraser now. Now, but not before. Before it only sparked annoyance and outrage from Ray with a constant, self-pitying cry of "why not me?", but he's beginning to realise that it wasn't the women he was desperately seeking attention from. Even if Fraser barely ever took up the offers of women throwing themselves at him, Ray had still been jealous, jealous for Fraser's attention, not for theirs. It makes sense. Just stupid that he hadn't realised sooner, but both he and Benton had always been stubborn individuals.]
Right. Thanks.
[Those free gifts were more than useful considering Ray's barely-there supplies of them back home. Never getting laid kind of made a guy consider condoms a waste of money, and lube was in short supply when his hand was his only source of company. Such thoughtful freebies, but it's not the freebies that he's thinking about now that he's glancing around the store.]
Uh. Y'know what? Give us a sec, ring them things through. I gotta get a proper look.
[He had, after all, been mostly averting his gaze when he'd first arrived, trying to keep himself on the task at hand, but now they'd got what they needed so where was the harm in exploring?
He gently jerks his head towards one of the cramped aisles, signalling for Fraser to follow and, in case that gesture wasn't obvious enough, giving a playful tug on the still attached leash. That collar was going to give him hours of entertainment. Might keep Fraser from running off at work too...
The aisle provides a mostly private little corner where Ray can drop his shoulders and relax for a second, leaning in close to Benton and voice kept low.]
You uh, you want anythin'? My dick's kinda suggestin' we buy out the whole store right now, heh. Pretty sure we didn't budget for that.
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He licked his lips, following Ray quietly through the shop, his eyes on his feet until Ray addressed him. He was paying a lot of attention, of course, to Ray's new confidence, to the shop, to the tug on the leash.
It's good that Ray likes the leash--he likes it too. Likes it a lot. To be fair, the leash is very much a physical representation of what binds them every day with Ray always on Fraser's heel, or Fraser on Ray's, walking elbow to elbow.
This is different, and it's better, and he's thriving on it. The collar, after all, was so beautiful, so him. Well...maybe not better. There's a part of this that isn't work, and work is its own kind of wonderful. Spending any time with Ray is wonderful.
But the question: ]
Given the savings we've made, there's a hundred and fifty seven dollars left in the hat, although come to think of it, you should save at least twenty eight for pizza. [ He bit his bottom lip, sparing a considering glance at the shelves. ] Is there anything in particular that's...sparking your imagination?