Somewhere inbetween
Oct. 12th, 2004 09:25 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
tyk.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ds_flashfictionNot Chicago, not Canada, but somewhere inbetween. unbeta'd and not real certain about this, but trying again. just a wee bit over the limit (by like, 100%)...
ps. i'm out of computer touch for several days so please don't be offended if i don't respond to comments. thanks! tyk
Fraser looked over at his partner as he slept in the passenger seat of the GTO. How far they had come this past year. After dispatching Muldoon and yet another of the Bolts, he and Ray had gone on “The Adventure.” Ray had relished the challenges presented by their adventure, and Fraser had taken great pleasure in that time alone with Ray. Fraser had surprised many but disappointed few when he chose to return to the Chicago Consulate rather than a Canadian post. It wasn’t until they were both back in Chicago that Ray had actually forced the issue.
“Benton Buddy,” Fraser recalled the conversation with affection, “I’m back because I don’t have much choice. Plus, the turtle was crying out for help. I think the Vecchio kids were a bit rough on him. But you. Why did you come back?”
“Are you disappointed with my decision to return to Chicago?” asked Fraser.
“Fraser, be serious. Of course I’m happy for me. But you were so homesick before all the Muldoon stuff started. You could have stayed up there; you could be back home in those northwest areas. Frobisher told me you could post wherever you chose. So. Why. Are. You. Here?”
Fraser recalled the movements that accompanied the conversation. Each word had brought Ray closer and closer, until Ray was plastered up against him. When he had gone to raise his hand to his eyebrow, Ray had caught his wrist and held it back, and accompanied the move with a low, quiet, “Why?”
In retrospect, Fraser wondered what expression his face exhibited. He had been unable to formulate any kind of verbal reply with Ray’s body crowding his. His senses focused on the feel of Ray and his mind went blank.
And Ray must have read something in his own lack of answer, as Ray was suddenly twining his fingers though the hand of the wrist he held. Ray was leaning forward and something between a kiss and question landed on Fraser’s lips.
At this prompting, Fraser’s body overtook his brain. He changed the question to a clear-cut answer. Ray hadn’t gotten his question about why Fraser had returned answered in words, but it was very clearly answered in actions.
It hadn’t taken Ray long to start a campaign to return Benton Fraser to Canada, with Ray at his side. Fraser finally understood what it meant to be steamrolled. In less than six months from their return to Chicago, they were headed together to Fraser’s new posting in Whitehorse.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Benton Fraser planned the route to Whitehorse carefully. He wanted to provide Ray with sufficient opportunities to rethink this decision. It wasn’t so much the axiom that “Proper preparation prevents poor performance” so much as, if Ray was going to change his mind, Benton wanted it to occur before they crossed into Canada.
Fraser was just not certain that Ray had given true consideration to all the ways his life would change by moving to Whitehorse. Ray was acting like this change in lifestyle was no more than a change of clothing. While Ray had certainly thrived during their adventure across northern Canada, that adventure was very different than living day-to-day in a small city (large for where they would be in Canada, but small compared to Ray’s experiences).
So Fraser had planned a potential escape route for Ray. They had left Chicago yesterday morning, after a hardy breakfast with Ray’s parents and the Vecchio clan. They drove a good twelve hours, making it to North Dakota. Today, Fraser’s plan would go into effect. They would linger in North Dakota prior to crossing into Manitoba. Now, each of the stops had some obscure meaning that Benton could trot out if necessary.
The first stop was Rugby, ND. Identified as the geographic center of North America, the town had erected a stone obelisk to celebrate the designation. Benton understood that there was some controversy as to the claim, but he assumed Ray would not be familiar with the issue. That North Dakota, so near the Canadian border, was the geographic center highlighted how much more north there was to the continent, a not so subtle message about where they were going and how far away it was from what was familiar to Ray.
The next two stops, quite near each other, Benton had labeled the Turtle Stops. For reasons escaping him, northern North Dakota housed two large turtles. These stops commemorated the loss of Ray’s beloved Turtle. Turtle was able to co-exist with its mortal enemy the wolf (that had been proven given the five months Dief and Turtle, as well as Ray and Fraser, had cohabitated), but Turtle wouldn’t withstand the cool cabin temperatures. Turtle was being given to the Vecchio children for good, much to Mama Vecchio’s (and Turtle’s) dismay.
The first turtle stop, Dunseith’s W’eel Turtle, created from wheel rims, was not far from Rugby. Then Bottineau’s Tommy the Turtle, aboard a snowmobile, also indicated not only the loss of Ray’s turtle but the loss of the GTO. They were driving the Goat north, as it was summer time and the roads to Whitehorse were decent. However, Ray’s beloved car would be stored most of the year. Four-wheel drive, dogs and snowmobiles would constitute their primary transportation much of the time, especially given Ray’s plan was for Fraser to be posted further north within another two years.
Once they left Bottineau, it would be less than an hour to the Canadian border. Not that this crossing was final, but it was monumental.
They had started rather early this morning. Ray had grunted when Fraser woke him. “You drive, I’ll sleep,” was ground out at him as Ray turned back into his bed. Indeed, when Fraser had said it was time to leave, Ray had stumbled to the car, tumbled into the passenger seat, and fallen back asleep.
“Ray. Ray. Wake up, Ray, I’ve something I want you to see. Ray.”
Ray mumbled a bit, then blinked slowly awake. “What time is it?” he muttered, “and where’s my coffee?”
“We’ll stop here for coffee and donuts, and to explore the geographical center of North America. You work on awaking and I’ll secure breakfast.” Fraser opened the door, let Dief out to explore, and purchased breakfast at the nearby convenience store.
Ray struggled with “The what? and why?” when Fraser re-entered the car.
“The geographical center of North America. This is the midway point between Canada and the United States, which you see represented by their flags at the obelisk commemorating the designation.”
“Uh-huh. Nice pile of rock. Now, where’s the coffee and”
“Coffee, chocolate for your coffee and donuts are ready for your consumption.”
“Fraser, Benton Buddy, what’s up? You’re volunteering donuts?” There was a suspicious tone to the question.
“Hmm?”
“Benton. What’s up? And I don’t need to hear about any stock exchanges that might be up, or the condition of my hair.”
“Nothing is up Ray. We’re just exploring the wonders of North Dakota as we traverse the state.”
“Uh huh. And why didn’t we explore the wonders of Wisconsin and Minnesota as we went through those states? I don’t remember any detours to odd little spots as we barreled through them.”
“Well, Ray, I though this spot was an interesting place for us to explore, as it seemed symbolic of our own relationship.”
Ray just glared at the Mountie. Fraser could tell that Ray was trying to work out the puzzle and thought that distraction was necessary.
“So, would you like to walk around the monument and see what information is available to us?”
“Hmmph. You walk around and report back. We need to get on the road.”
So Fraser took a few minutes to walk around and read the paucity of information offered. Less than 20 minutes later, all were back in the car and on their way. Ray sunk back down into the seat, turned his head so he could watch Fraser, and was uncharacteristically silent.
Fraser continued to feel the weight of Ray’s observation as they turned off to into Dunseith. Fraser tried to distract Ray. “Look Ray, a turtle.”
“Yeah, that got me once, Mr. Mountie, but it’s not likely to get me again. What’s up?”
“No, really, Ray, look to your right. I believe you will enjoy both the medium as well as the subject of this work of art.”
Ray turned his head to view the W’eel Turtle. This time he did exit the car, to walk toward the structure.
“Hmm. Middle of North America. A big turtle made of wheels. What gives, Fraser? You thinking I need a reminder of things before we enter the Great White Way?”
“You know me too well, for which I will be eternally grateful. Yes, Ray. I have some concerns about how sanguine you will be about your life as a domestic partner of an RCMP Peace Officer stationed in posts far away from the city life you know and love.”
“Hmmph. Did you talk this over with Dief, seeing as you neglected to share your concerns with me?”
Dief barked a comment that seemed quite close to a “told you so” at Fraser.
“Well, yes. Diefenbaker did seem to think I was not giving you sufficient credit to adjust and adapt. I just, want… ah, I mean I don’t want… I mean.”
Ray captured the “eyebrow hand” as he had come to call it, in his own hand. “You just wanted me to be happy?” he asked Fraser softly. “My happiness is so wrapped up in you. The Mounties want you back. You can go home, Ben. You can reconnect with the life you left when they kicked you out. I’ve seen you there. I’ve seen the break-your-face grin. Now, I admit, I’ve seen me, Raymond Stanley Kowalski, actually put that grin on your face and you have no idea how it knocks me out to know I can do that. But to know we could be living here where I could see that grin everyday… Benton Fraser, I want to be there with you. I admit there might be an adjustment – but hey, it couldn’t be much more than adjusting to you as a partner, right?” At the last bit, Ray’s expression changed from earnest to teasing.
Benton Fraser just stared at Ray. “How can you give so much up for me?”
“You’ve got the picture wrong. I’m looking at all I get.”
They just stared at each other, standing so close, Ray holding Fraser’s hand, until they heard some children tumbling out of a mini-van, oohing over the W’eel Turtle.
“Yes, well. I don’t think you’re getting the better part of the bargain – I’m getting you and home. But I’ll trust you feel at peace with your decision and will stop trying to change your mind. Certainly, it’s in my best interest to trust you.”
“Yeah, that’s right. So now that I’ve seen this monstrosity. And Fraser, I’m sure Turtle will be fine with the Vecchios. I’ve got a much better pet now.” Dief barked in disagreement. “Not you, fur ball. Fraser.”
“Shall we continue our trip? I do have one last stop planned before we cross the border –“
“Aha, that’s what this was. You were waiting for me to chicken out before we left the U. S. of A. You were expecting that this hunk of steel would make me get homesick before I barely left home?”
“Not so much homesick, Ray, I wanted to be sure you had really thought through all you are giving up to come with me.”
“Yeah, but look at all I’m getting. So, what’s next on this tour of the odd in North Dakota?”
“Well, I had planned for us to stop and see Tommy the Turtle. Actually, Bottineau is on our way to the border. We won’t stop if you don’t want to, but I do think Tommy will appeal. Tommy’s a thirty-two foot turtle riding a twenty-some foot snowmobile, painted in what has been described as cartoon colors.”
“Oh, now this, this Tommy Turtle, I definitely got to see. A twenty-foot snowmobile. Can we get one like that, Fraser? Get me a snowmobile that big and I won’t feel like I’m giving up anything to come live with you in freezerland.”
“You do realize, Ray, that once you move to Canada, you might be better off to call the land by its formal name, and not these derogatory terms.”
“How much longer to the border? I guess I better get it out of my system soon, huh? Let’s see, what else can I do to make fun of Canada… Fraser, we need to stop so I can buy a big hat.”
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/nd.html can clue you into some of North Dakota’s intriguing roadside stops… i have been to Rugby, but not the others.
ps. i'm out of computer touch for several days so please don't be offended if i don't respond to comments. thanks! tyk
Fraser looked over at his partner as he slept in the passenger seat of the GTO. How far they had come this past year. After dispatching Muldoon and yet another of the Bolts, he and Ray had gone on “The Adventure.” Ray had relished the challenges presented by their adventure, and Fraser had taken great pleasure in that time alone with Ray. Fraser had surprised many but disappointed few when he chose to return to the Chicago Consulate rather than a Canadian post. It wasn’t until they were both back in Chicago that Ray had actually forced the issue.
“Benton Buddy,” Fraser recalled the conversation with affection, “I’m back because I don’t have much choice. Plus, the turtle was crying out for help. I think the Vecchio kids were a bit rough on him. But you. Why did you come back?”
“Are you disappointed with my decision to return to Chicago?” asked Fraser.
“Fraser, be serious. Of course I’m happy for me. But you were so homesick before all the Muldoon stuff started. You could have stayed up there; you could be back home in those northwest areas. Frobisher told me you could post wherever you chose. So. Why. Are. You. Here?”
Fraser recalled the movements that accompanied the conversation. Each word had brought Ray closer and closer, until Ray was plastered up against him. When he had gone to raise his hand to his eyebrow, Ray had caught his wrist and held it back, and accompanied the move with a low, quiet, “Why?”
In retrospect, Fraser wondered what expression his face exhibited. He had been unable to formulate any kind of verbal reply with Ray’s body crowding his. His senses focused on the feel of Ray and his mind went blank.
And Ray must have read something in his own lack of answer, as Ray was suddenly twining his fingers though the hand of the wrist he held. Ray was leaning forward and something between a kiss and question landed on Fraser’s lips.
At this prompting, Fraser’s body overtook his brain. He changed the question to a clear-cut answer. Ray hadn’t gotten his question about why Fraser had returned answered in words, but it was very clearly answered in actions.
It hadn’t taken Ray long to start a campaign to return Benton Fraser to Canada, with Ray at his side. Fraser finally understood what it meant to be steamrolled. In less than six months from their return to Chicago, they were headed together to Fraser’s new posting in Whitehorse.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Benton Fraser planned the route to Whitehorse carefully. He wanted to provide Ray with sufficient opportunities to rethink this decision. It wasn’t so much the axiom that “Proper preparation prevents poor performance” so much as, if Ray was going to change his mind, Benton wanted it to occur before they crossed into Canada.
Fraser was just not certain that Ray had given true consideration to all the ways his life would change by moving to Whitehorse. Ray was acting like this change in lifestyle was no more than a change of clothing. While Ray had certainly thrived during their adventure across northern Canada, that adventure was very different than living day-to-day in a small city (large for where they would be in Canada, but small compared to Ray’s experiences).
So Fraser had planned a potential escape route for Ray. They had left Chicago yesterday morning, after a hardy breakfast with Ray’s parents and the Vecchio clan. They drove a good twelve hours, making it to North Dakota. Today, Fraser’s plan would go into effect. They would linger in North Dakota prior to crossing into Manitoba. Now, each of the stops had some obscure meaning that Benton could trot out if necessary.
The first stop was Rugby, ND. Identified as the geographic center of North America, the town had erected a stone obelisk to celebrate the designation. Benton understood that there was some controversy as to the claim, but he assumed Ray would not be familiar with the issue. That North Dakota, so near the Canadian border, was the geographic center highlighted how much more north there was to the continent, a not so subtle message about where they were going and how far away it was from what was familiar to Ray.
The next two stops, quite near each other, Benton had labeled the Turtle Stops. For reasons escaping him, northern North Dakota housed two large turtles. These stops commemorated the loss of Ray’s beloved Turtle. Turtle was able to co-exist with its mortal enemy the wolf (that had been proven given the five months Dief and Turtle, as well as Ray and Fraser, had cohabitated), but Turtle wouldn’t withstand the cool cabin temperatures. Turtle was being given to the Vecchio children for good, much to Mama Vecchio’s (and Turtle’s) dismay.
The first turtle stop, Dunseith’s W’eel Turtle, created from wheel rims, was not far from Rugby. Then Bottineau’s Tommy the Turtle, aboard a snowmobile, also indicated not only the loss of Ray’s turtle but the loss of the GTO. They were driving the Goat north, as it was summer time and the roads to Whitehorse were decent. However, Ray’s beloved car would be stored most of the year. Four-wheel drive, dogs and snowmobiles would constitute their primary transportation much of the time, especially given Ray’s plan was for Fraser to be posted further north within another two years.
Once they left Bottineau, it would be less than an hour to the Canadian border. Not that this crossing was final, but it was monumental.
They had started rather early this morning. Ray had grunted when Fraser woke him. “You drive, I’ll sleep,” was ground out at him as Ray turned back into his bed. Indeed, when Fraser had said it was time to leave, Ray had stumbled to the car, tumbled into the passenger seat, and fallen back asleep.
“Ray. Ray. Wake up, Ray, I’ve something I want you to see. Ray.”
Ray mumbled a bit, then blinked slowly awake. “What time is it?” he muttered, “and where’s my coffee?”
“We’ll stop here for coffee and donuts, and to explore the geographical center of North America. You work on awaking and I’ll secure breakfast.” Fraser opened the door, let Dief out to explore, and purchased breakfast at the nearby convenience store.
Ray struggled with “The what? and why?” when Fraser re-entered the car.
“The geographical center of North America. This is the midway point between Canada and the United States, which you see represented by their flags at the obelisk commemorating the designation.”
“Uh-huh. Nice pile of rock. Now, where’s the coffee and”
“Coffee, chocolate for your coffee and donuts are ready for your consumption.”
“Fraser, Benton Buddy, what’s up? You’re volunteering donuts?” There was a suspicious tone to the question.
“Hmm?”
“Benton. What’s up? And I don’t need to hear about any stock exchanges that might be up, or the condition of my hair.”
“Nothing is up Ray. We’re just exploring the wonders of North Dakota as we traverse the state.”
“Uh huh. And why didn’t we explore the wonders of Wisconsin and Minnesota as we went through those states? I don’t remember any detours to odd little spots as we barreled through them.”
“Well, Ray, I though this spot was an interesting place for us to explore, as it seemed symbolic of our own relationship.”
Ray just glared at the Mountie. Fraser could tell that Ray was trying to work out the puzzle and thought that distraction was necessary.
“So, would you like to walk around the monument and see what information is available to us?”
“Hmmph. You walk around and report back. We need to get on the road.”
So Fraser took a few minutes to walk around and read the paucity of information offered. Less than 20 minutes later, all were back in the car and on their way. Ray sunk back down into the seat, turned his head so he could watch Fraser, and was uncharacteristically silent.
Fraser continued to feel the weight of Ray’s observation as they turned off to into Dunseith. Fraser tried to distract Ray. “Look Ray, a turtle.”
“Yeah, that got me once, Mr. Mountie, but it’s not likely to get me again. What’s up?”
“No, really, Ray, look to your right. I believe you will enjoy both the medium as well as the subject of this work of art.”
Ray turned his head to view the W’eel Turtle. This time he did exit the car, to walk toward the structure.
“Hmm. Middle of North America. A big turtle made of wheels. What gives, Fraser? You thinking I need a reminder of things before we enter the Great White Way?”
“You know me too well, for which I will be eternally grateful. Yes, Ray. I have some concerns about how sanguine you will be about your life as a domestic partner of an RCMP Peace Officer stationed in posts far away from the city life you know and love.”
“Hmmph. Did you talk this over with Dief, seeing as you neglected to share your concerns with me?”
Dief barked a comment that seemed quite close to a “told you so” at Fraser.
“Well, yes. Diefenbaker did seem to think I was not giving you sufficient credit to adjust and adapt. I just, want… ah, I mean I don’t want… I mean.”
Ray captured the “eyebrow hand” as he had come to call it, in his own hand. “You just wanted me to be happy?” he asked Fraser softly. “My happiness is so wrapped up in you. The Mounties want you back. You can go home, Ben. You can reconnect with the life you left when they kicked you out. I’ve seen you there. I’ve seen the break-your-face grin. Now, I admit, I’ve seen me, Raymond Stanley Kowalski, actually put that grin on your face and you have no idea how it knocks me out to know I can do that. But to know we could be living here where I could see that grin everyday… Benton Fraser, I want to be there with you. I admit there might be an adjustment – but hey, it couldn’t be much more than adjusting to you as a partner, right?” At the last bit, Ray’s expression changed from earnest to teasing.
Benton Fraser just stared at Ray. “How can you give so much up for me?”
“You’ve got the picture wrong. I’m looking at all I get.”
They just stared at each other, standing so close, Ray holding Fraser’s hand, until they heard some children tumbling out of a mini-van, oohing over the W’eel Turtle.
“Yes, well. I don’t think you’re getting the better part of the bargain – I’m getting you and home. But I’ll trust you feel at peace with your decision and will stop trying to change your mind. Certainly, it’s in my best interest to trust you.”
“Yeah, that’s right. So now that I’ve seen this monstrosity. And Fraser, I’m sure Turtle will be fine with the Vecchios. I’ve got a much better pet now.” Dief barked in disagreement. “Not you, fur ball. Fraser.”
“Shall we continue our trip? I do have one last stop planned before we cross the border –“
“Aha, that’s what this was. You were waiting for me to chicken out before we left the U. S. of A. You were expecting that this hunk of steel would make me get homesick before I barely left home?”
“Not so much homesick, Ray, I wanted to be sure you had really thought through all you are giving up to come with me.”
“Yeah, but look at all I’m getting. So, what’s next on this tour of the odd in North Dakota?”
“Well, I had planned for us to stop and see Tommy the Turtle. Actually, Bottineau is on our way to the border. We won’t stop if you don’t want to, but I do think Tommy will appeal. Tommy’s a thirty-two foot turtle riding a twenty-some foot snowmobile, painted in what has been described as cartoon colors.”
“Oh, now this, this Tommy Turtle, I definitely got to see. A twenty-foot snowmobile. Can we get one like that, Fraser? Get me a snowmobile that big and I won’t feel like I’m giving up anything to come live with you in freezerland.”
“You do realize, Ray, that once you move to Canada, you might be better off to call the land by its formal name, and not these derogatory terms.”
“How much longer to the border? I guess I better get it out of my system soon, huh? Let’s see, what else can I do to make fun of Canada… Fraser, we need to stop so I can buy a big hat.”
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/map/nd.html can clue you into some of North Dakota’s intriguing roadside stops… i have been to Rugby, but not the others.
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