I haven't read DS in a long time - but for you, I will :-), and this was really well done; amazing how much you convey in so few words. The "what do you tell him" exchange is particularly telling - but I think the most poignant is "I'm probably going to hate you for a while" - the sense of Ray K acting almost despite himself, being driven to Ray V, is so strong. Really wonderful.

(Sorry for the inappropriate icon - but I can only stray so far! *g*)