#frasers restaurant

[annapolisrose]

Another new restaurant.

[churchoftheconfusedchicken]

tonight i am thinking about birds falling out of the sky and small creatures so full of life that they choke on it. i am thinking about home-cooked meals made by friendly faces and about cartwheels and about how the world does not end all at once, but slowly, ever so slowly. i am thinking about tie-dye and trees that grow with us and landslides that pull us back to hot summer days at 7575. i am thinking about how even children get older and i’m getting older too. i am thinking about mirrors and a dark blue blanket and a medicine cabinet swallowing me whole, about art taken off nails and light blue paint chipping away. i’m thinking about a large table and a small kitche, about popsicles and a scratched wooden floor. summer is here. summer is here. and the world is ending

[rabbitcruiser]

Quesnel, BC (No. 2)

Quesnel's tourism industry is largely based on the city's access to nature, with hunting and guiding outfitters, fishing, hiking, canoeing. The Rocky Mountaineer, a rail-tour train also travels through and stops overnight in Quesnel at the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Station.

Quesnel's history as a gold-rush town is also reflected, as there are over 30 heritage sites around the city. Quesnel is home to the world's largest gold pan, measured at 5.5 m in diameter and weighing 1400 kg, although this is disputed by Nome, Alaska. The gold pan currently resides in its new controversial location near the local Visitor Center and Museum.

Source: Wikipedia

[thefabelmans2022]

thinking about the professor i had in my cold war unit who told us that in the 70s he only ever went to one protest and that's because he had been day drinking and stumbled into their path and just kinda went with it.

[russellsppttemplates]

Could you write something with dad Lando where his kid likes fish and they go to a sushi restaurant and he is trying to not die or throw up?? Please

When Matilda asked Lando if they could have dinner in a sushi restaurant, he couldn't say no to his little girl, even if it meant he wouldn't eat anything there and would have to try his best to not puke his guts out.

"When she asks you for sushi, you immediately say yes, but when I do it, you tell me to eat in whenever you're having a dinner out and I'm not there", you teased your husband as you walked inside the restaurant, bouncing Fraser on your hip as your little boy looked around while you waited for someone to direct you to your table, "I have been here before with you, baby", Lando reasoned, holding Matilda's hand in his, "I know, just teasing - it's actually cute how she has you wrapped around her finger", you kissed his cheek.

Lando excused himself to go to the bathroom just as the waiter came to take your order, discussing with him what the best ones would be for you and Matilda, "so that one for me and her to share, some rice for this little guy", you said as you skimmed over the menu looking for something else, "And for your husband, would you like me to suggest something?", he offered as he looked at the menu too.

"Daddy doesn't like fish, mummy", Matilda whispered as she pulled on your sleeve to get your attention, "That's true, princess", you spoke to her to let her know you heard her, "he doesn't eat fish - do you still have spring rolls?", you asked the waiter who nodded, "then he'll have those! thank you", you smiled.

By the time Lando was back, you could tell the smell was getting to him, "do you want to smell my perfume? I put an extra spritz on my wrist for you", you stretched your arm out, Matilda busy drawing on the small sketch book got for her and Fraser happily fiddling with your necklaces and pendants, "And people still say romance is dead", Lando deadpanned as he took your hand, kissing your knuckles and taking a big whiff of your scent, blowing you a kiss after he winked at you.

When the food was brought to the table, however, it became hard for Lando to control the scent, sitting as far from it as he could, taking deep breaths with his mouth, "it really doesn't smell nice", he muttered before straightening his back and focusing in dipping his spring rolls on the sweet and sour sauce.

"I know you don't like fish, daddy, so thank you for coming with us", Matilda said sweetly, "are you sure you don't want to try this one? You can barely taste the fish", she said, holding her chopsticks with a small piece out for him.

Lando swalled thickly before answering, "Matilda, I love you and mummy and Fraser more than any words can say or any amount of trips to the sushi restaurant, but I'm going to pass on that, okay? Daddy is fine, I'll get something else on the way home", he assured her as the spring rolls onky satisfied him so much, "thank you, though, sweet girl", he kissed her forehead, mindful of the little fingers that hand been touching the fish every now and again.

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

[frudoo]

Random König Headcanons

Hey y'all! This is my first post on here so I hope it's alright <3

These are all pretty SFW (for now >:)), so I don't think there's really any content warnings??? Idk let me know if I'm wrong.

Likes going to Build-a-Bear. Will definitely make your bear and his bear kiss.

This man can COOK. Oh, you want takeout? Nah. He's already pulling out the ingredients for your favorite dish. Buys the two of you matching aprons.

Talks to animals like they're babies. I also feel like the man just... attracts wild animals like birds and squirrels. Undercover Disney princess??? Perhaps.

Speaking of babies... the man is so good with kids. Laughs all giddily when toddlers climb him like a tree. Wants you to have his babies so bad

Actually has a decent singing voice. Get him drunk enough and he's doing karaoke like a pro. Oh, and if you agree to sing a duet with him??? He's GONE. Goes all out.

Likes to hold pinkies when walking around in public. He likes holding hands, too, but when he's feeling a little more anxious he'll intertwine your pinkies. PDA isn't his strong suit but he HAS to be touching you at all times, and it's like a pinky promise that he'll always be there with you :,)

Draws patterns/words on your back with his fingertips when y'all are laying in bed. Mainly a bunch of pet names, "I love you"s, and hearts. And cartoon penises

This big burly BEAST of a man loves being the little spoon, no matter how impractical it is. Honestly loves any cuddling position though.

Pouts when you're not giving him enough attention. His lips get SO puffy when he's jealous. Talking to one of his friends? He's grumbling German insults to them under his breath. Eventually he'll just scoot closer to you on the couch and rest his legs on top of your lap. BAM, now he's got your attention, even if it's just you telling him that he's crushing you. Big ol' lap dog.

Likes to do your hair!! He'll take pictures of what he's done and show them to you like a hairdresser :,) It could be the worst hairstyle you've ever seen but you're wearing it PROUDLY.

On the rare occasion that you two go out to a restaurant, he REFUSES to tell the waiter if his meal is wrong. Oh, it's shrimp and he's allergic to shellfish? He's telling the waiter he loves it and will just stare at the untouched plate sadly. Also will not let you trade plates with him because what if the waiter sees??? Tries to sink under the table when you finally cave and tell the waiter that the order is wrong. Glares at you the entire time he eats his new correct meal but is secretly so thankful. <3

Is absolute trash at video games. One of the best combat soldiers on the planet, but put a controller in his hands??? He's lucky if he gets three shots in.

Bought an engagement ring two weeks after you two started dating. I mean, he literally fell in love with you immediately upon seeing you for the first time, so are you really surprised??

Is a really good gift wrapper. His hands always start cramping around the holidays because he does most of the wrapping. His love language is 100% physical touch/gift giving btw.

Adding onto the singing thing... I just think he would be a really good musician, specifically a drummer.

NOSE NUZZLES. Like the Brendan Fraser type of kiss where you just rub noses after. He just gives off those romantic vibes <3

Unconventional kisses. Eyelids, the tip of your ear, everywhere you have moles, your calves, ankles... the man is obsessed with you, and he's kissing you wherever he can reach.

ADORES taking baths with you. Candles, rose petals, bath bombs: he does it all. Washes your hair for you. Lots of forehead and temple kisses.

I am unwell. I need him so bad.

Please feel free to reblog if you'd like!! I hope y'all enjoyed my little (very self-indulgent) rambles. :)))

[variousqueerthings]

i think a lot about how ray looks out for fraser and does a bunch of caretaking and protecting in s1 especially as fraser is such an oddity to most people around him in a way that, yeah, inspires some kindness, but also a whole lot of hostility, and also habitually gets into situations that could get him killed (and sometimes definitely would have if not for ray)

but fraser also appears to be ray's.... only friend? as of beginning s1? he invites hewey and louis and welsh along for a night in victoria's secret but that's wahaaay down the line and tbh i get the feeling that he was almost on his last leg when we met him in the pilot episode and gained a lot of goodwill after fraser came into the picture and they started solving cases that nobody even knew needed to be solved. and then there's presumably the occasional date + some past longterm, but ultimately failed, romantic relationships. and of course his family, who seem lovely and tight-knit if loud and argumentative in the way families often are (mrs vecchio i would kill for you), but they're all off doing their own things really

so there's "ray invites fraser out and suggests things to do with fraser because he likes spending time with fraser and it's good for fraser," but also like. how long was he on his own on the daily before fraser got there? who was he getting takeaway pizza with? taking out to chinese restaurants? going christmas shopping with? having casual breakfasts in cafés with? he clearly seems so thrilled to be doing all these things with fraser, really get the feeling he was quite lonely before his arrival

described ray as a mangy cat who gets one of those dogs they give to cheetahs to calm them down, like he starts out kind of crooked and angry at the world and without much of any hope for humanity, including himself (which, once we learn some Backstory makes perfect sense) and almost immediately upon meeting fraser he takes him to meet his family??? truly get the feeling fraser arrived like some kind of sip of magical restorative water and ray's just gulping it down

[bcacstuff]

Bonjour ,je viens de voir une fan qui l'aurait rencontrer je pense hier je ne suis pas sûr 😊

Translation: Hello, I just saw a fan who I think met him yesterday, I'm not sure 😊

After a little DM convo I found the video on TikTok, the woman speaks Portuguese (I think), I can't understand a thing. Tinou however told me she could understand he was at a restaurant in Glasgow with 2 men 🤷‍♀️ It could very well be yesterday or this weekend, the video was posted yesterday, 25 August

Perhaps some here speak her language and can tell me what the fan is talking about. (you can DM me or leave it in the comments) TIA

Here's the full video

Update, someone typed out the translation, this is the summary

She's married to a Scott and lives in Glasgow Scotland. She talks about celebs that live(d) there as well, like Hagrid from Harry Potter. People are used to seeing a celeb, Her father in law often takes her and her husband out for dinner, to catch up on things. In this case, today he suggested to go to a smaller restaurant in the neighborhood so it won't be too busy or noisy. As she arrived she looked to the side and saw Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser. He was having a good time with what seems to her family, a father or uncle. He was with 2 men, normal people. She saw how several people were talking about him, recognizing him, but nobody wanted to disturb him. The fans family in law had no idea who he was and she explained to them it is someone she would like to have a picture with, as he plays a role in her favorite tv show, which also triggered her interest in Scotland. When she left, she left the restaurant at the same time Sam left, and she asked if she could have a picture with him, she excused herself for bothering him also because it rained. But he was wearing a hat. She said she always joked about being Brazilian and was saying to her mother in law just last week that if she would met a celeb it would be Jamie Fraser.

So she did meet him Sunday 25 August in Glasgow with 2 (male) friends or family. The pic is taken on Sauchiehall Street in front of the Ox and Finch restaurant

Another update, she posted on IG as well,

Posted 25 + 26 August 2024

[gotham-ruaidh]

Little Bit Better Than I Used To Be

Catch up: Chapter 1 (Starry Eyes) || Chapter 2 (Save Our Souls) || Chapter 3 (Dancing On Glass)|| Chapter 4 (Merry-Go-Round)|| Backstage (1) || Backstage (2) || Chapter 5 (Danger)|| Backstage (3) || Chapter 6A (Love Walked In) || Chapter 6B (Without You) || Backstage (4) || Chapter 7 (Stick To Your Guns) || Chapter 8 (Time For Change) || Backstage (5) || Chapter 9 (Take Me To The Top) || Backstage (6) || Chapter 10 (Home Sweet Home) || Backstage (7) || Chapter 11a (Nightrain) || Chapter 11b (Nothing Else Matters) || Chapter 12a (Handle With Care) || Chapter 12b (I’m So Tired of Being Lonely) || Chapter 13a (Angel) || Chapter 13b (She’s My Addiction) || Chapter 13c (Patience) || Chapter 14a (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 14b (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 14c (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 15a (Dreams) || Chapter 15b (I Sing A Song of Love) || Chapter 15c (You Can Do This If You Try) || Chapter 16 (Let That Feeling Grab You Deep Inside || Chapter 17A: Never Tear Us Apart || Chapter 17B: It’s Tough To Be Somebody, And It’s Hard Not To Fall Apart  || Chapter 17C: I'm Wishing, Lord, That I Was Stoned ||| Also posted at AO3

Chapter 18: Turn The Page

New York City || September 1988

So you walk into this restaurant All strung out from the road And you feel the eyes upon you As you're shakin' off the cold You pretend it doesn't bother you But you just want to explode

-- “Turn The Page,” Bob Seger (1971) [click here to listen]

Claire Fraser took a long drink from the glass of water beside the bathroom sink. Closed her eyes. Counted five deep breaths.

Bob Seger’s voice flowed through the tiny portable radio that she and Jamie took everywhere on the road.

Here I am, on the road again There I am, up on the stage There I go playin' the star again There I go, turn the page

She opened her eyes. Listened to the man sing so passionately, so desperately, about his exhaustion and heartbreak from living in the spotlight. Touring relentlessly. Feeling displaced in his own life.

“Claire?”

Jamie poked his head around the door, humming along with the song.

Not for the first time, Claire was grateful that the tour had wildly exceeded all expectations – the private plane instead of tour buses; limos to and from the gig; and hotel suites that were so large they typically had two bathrooms.

Not that they minded sharing, of course – but living on top of each other could be hard sometimes. On nights like these, she needed her own space.

And now, Jamie met her eyes in the mirror.

Enjoyed his surprise.

“What…you…”

She turned to face him. Took a moment to admire him in all black – the dress shirt that she had ironed for him this morning, black jeans, black belt with silver studs, boots. The leather jacket whose inside pocket she tucked a love note into every morning.

She raised her arms. “What do you think?”

The red dress wasn’t something she had intended to buy, that afternoon in Miami when the band needed a few hours with Colum to discuss the European leg of next year’s tour (“the leg owed to the fans, after the shit Jamie pulled last year before he got clean,” he had reminded them). She had kindly suggested to Charlotte and Molly – Angus’ groupie girlfriends – that rather than spend another afternoon inside, they explore the shopping mall attached to the hotel. Jamie had insisted that one of the roadies go with them, to deal with any photographers or aggressive fans – but Claire had only smiled and said that it would be fine.

She had been correct, of course. It was such a breath of fresh air to walk up and down the long corridors, eat Cuban sandwiches in the food court, browse the selections in the department stores and specialty boutiques. Anonymous. To interact with sales clerks not as the wife/girlfriend of the biggest rock musicians in the world – but simply as three women having a nice afternoon out together.

And, truth be told, it was good to get some time with Charlotte and Molly. They asked – respectfully – about her relationship with Jamie, and she in turn asked – respectfully – about their relationship with Angus. Watched them tear up when Charlotte started talking about the uncertainty before them when the tour ended, and when Molly wondered whether they would ever be enough.

Not quite knowing what to say, Claire absently pulled through a clearance rack – and then…

“Ohmygod Claire!” Molly exclaimed. “You have to try that one on!”

Startled, Claire focused on the sleeveless, ankle-length red dress.

“Jamie will freak when he sees that on you!” Charlotte smiled, shifting an armful of lingerie to look closer.

Claire pursed her lips. Thinking.

“Come on, Claire! You need to look like the rockstar wife you are.” Molly grabbed the dress. “Let’s go try it on. Come on!”

Initially she had only wanted to placate Molly. But when she saw herself in the dressing room mirror, she immediately knew how Jamie would react.

Three weeks later, she was correct.

She swirled slightly, enjoying the feel of the fabric swishing around her calves. The bite of cold air on her bare chest and belly. And the incredulous look on Jamie’s face, eyes dark.

“It’s very…red,” he stammered. “Are you wearing a bra?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s our first event as a couple. And as husband and wife. We need to make a splash.”

He swallowed. Stepped closer to take her elbows, thumbs stroking the soft skin.

“I suppose. Every man will have his eyes on you tonight.”

She shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll only feel yours.”

His eyes darkened. “I like knowing, that at any time tonight, I can just do this…” One hand trailed across the fabric of the dress, over her breast, until it reached the strip of exposed skin spanning her neck to her navel. “And then this…” His thumb edged under the flap, teasing the underside of her breast, in the way he knew would drive her absolutely crazy.

Her lips parted. His eyes locked on hers – taking in the red tones sweeping her eyes and cheeks, and her scarlet lipstick, and the silver hoops hanging in her ears.

“Can we just stay here tonight?” he asked softly, not exactly joking.

She shook her head. “Jamie, Lou fucking Reed came to the show at Madison Square Garden last night and not only insisted on meeting you and complimenting your music, he invited us to his party tonight. He’s had his own addiction issues, he’s not a dummy. And we’ve talked about this, we can’t avoid parties forever. It will be good for all those people to see you.”

He removed his thumb from her breast, and bridged the gap between them to lean his forehead against hers. Without words, their hands found each other, twining and grasping.

As was their habit now, he pressed their thumbs together. The C she had tattooed at the base of his thumb, mingling with the J he had tattooed at the base of her thumb.

“It’s going to be so hard, Claire. Not that I don’t want to see people, or show you off, or help you get to know them.” He swallowed. “I’ve been to these kinds of parties before. Huge open bar. Waitresses in low cut dresses handing around trays of drugs like it was a tray of snacks. People doing lines on the tables. People…fucking in the bathroom.”

She swallowed. “I’ll stay with you the whole time. You can be my excuse to stop talking to someone if it gets too awkward. Or to say no, if something like that is offered to you. You know I don’t care, right?”

He nodded. Hands shaking.

“Do you want to call Raymond?”

He shook his head. “Not right now. Tomorrow, definitely. Let me see how I get through this. Maybe we agree on a few points for tonight?”

“Anything. I love you.”

He smiled. “OK. I’ve got gum in my pocket – that will keep us from getting too thirsty. And if we need something to drink, we’ll ask for club soda, and we’ll watch the drink poured in front of us. I don’t care if it’s awkward. I can’t trust.”

She released one hand from his grip, and slid it into the back pocket of his jeans. “Got it. And you know it’s easier if we touch, right? Hold my hand. Put your hand on my hip. I don’t care. I’ll be right there with you. And you’ll be right there for me.”

He stepped closer, and she parted her legs, and he stood between them. Pressing her hips against the bathroom counter.

“If we get separated, Jamie, I promise I’ll stay true to my sobriety, and to you.”

“I promise the same. I only want you.”

“I’ll touch my letter on you. Will you?”

“Yes,” he swallowed. Kissing the arch of her eyebrow. “That will help. But let’s also agree on a signal, if one of us feels need for love. And the need to go.”

She rubbed the tip of her nose against his. Breath so warm on his lips. “How about…” She tapped the center of his chest. “Touch here. Close to your heart. That’s where I feel need, when I want to love you. Is that where you feel it, too?”

“Yes,” he breathed. “It pools here. Like fire. God, I need to kiss you, Claire. Please let me kiss you.”

She turned her face away, smiling. “I don’t want you to smudge my lipstick. And I want you to hold that thought all night, Jamie. Hold on to that pool of fire. Can you do that for me?”

She felt his smile against her jaw. “Gonna be so, so good when we get back here,” he growled.

“I know, baby. It will keep us strong and true tonight. I love you.”

He pulled back a bit. Raised her hand to his lips. Kissed her wedding ring.

“I love you, Dr. Mrs. Fraser.”

She smiled. “I love you, you idiot. Come on. The limo should be waiting.”

[annapolisrose]

bonjour rose

[rleonard9]

THE MOST RECENT PICTURE OF FRASER THAT HE WAS TAGGED IN OF HIM AT A RESTAURANT OH MY GOD

HOLY HELL

[rabbitcruiser]

Quesnel, BC (No. 1)

Quesnel is a city located in the Cariboo Regional District of British Columbia, Canada. Located nearly evenly between the cities of Prince George and Williams Lake, it is on the main route to northern British Columbia and the Yukon. Quesnel is located at the confluence of the Fraser River and Quesnel River. Quesnel's metropolitan area has a population of 23,146 making it one of the largest urban centers between Prince George and Kamloops.

Quesnel is a sister city to Shiraoi, Japan. Quesnel hosted the 2000 British Columbia Winter Games, a biennial provincial amateur sports competition. To the east of Quesnel is Wells, Barkerville, and Bowron Lake Provincial Park, a popular canoeing destination in the Cariboo Mountains.

Source: Wikipedia

[witchthewriter]

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐭'𝐬 𝐬/𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!    

a/n: I’m on that goddamn Ted Lasso train binches. Please don’t let me be the only one that is in love with ... everyone. Also - this is the ONLY team I will ever care about. 

Warnings: sWEARINGS hehe, mentions of family abuse, childhood trauma

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ      

ESTP

Slytherin

Chaotic Neutral

The Hanged Man

Leo Sun, Pisces Moon, Gemini Rising

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿  

・Was he a prick when you first knew him? Fuck yes. But did he grow and become a better man? HELL FUCKING YES.

・You knew Jamie from your school years, he was always the prick, the jock who would tease anyone just so no one would see the hurt he endured

・You used to stand up to him all the time - putting him in his place

・The funny thing was, that later in your life, your brother was chosen for the Richmond team

・And you were forced to go to every game by your mother, and see your former bully play on the same team as your brother 

・It was such a weird situation, and yet you tried to make the best of it. 

・Somehow you became incredibly close friends with Keeley. She saw you trying to find the locker room, to wish your brother good luck. And you became fast friends. 

・Your relationship with Keeley became really important, and once you found out about her and Jamie (after they split up), you were shocked.

  “But, but you’re so - you!” 

“What are you talkin’ about?” 

   “You’re so ... gorgeous, and funny and open-minded...the complete opposite of Jamie!” 

・She just shook her head with a sad smile, “there’s a lot about him that people don’t see. Or understand.” 

・Keeley actually became one of your biggest shippers

・It was a slowburn romance. A lot of stolen glances, baseless insults and light-hearted complaining about the other. 

・Everyone could see it but the two of you

・And you both denied your feelings over and over and over again

・Even Coach Lasso could see it, and it wasn’t until Roy told Jamie to stop being suck a twat, that Jamie realised his feelings 

・Keeley gave her blessing, because you’d never go breach your friendship over a guy 

・When you started going out, Jamie did everything he could to impress you - take you on the most expensive dates to restaurants; one of his ideas was to take you to Disneyland but Keeley said ... that was overdoing it a bit. (She said maybe after a year of dating you’d be comfortable with that idea)

・You were hesitant with the relationship because you didn’t want an immature partner. But although he can be childish at times, he really developed as a person. 

・He’s accountable for his actions - and actually went and apologised to everyone he bullied at school

・You made him watch the Prince of Egypt and he response throughout was “woahh babe, babe what-” “um...why aren’t more people talking about this?” 

・And he basically cried throughout the movie, especially at the end. And then he asked what happens to them after they escape and you’re like ... “babe c’mon. It’s - they’ve literally written...”

・Calls you “babe,” “sexy,” “sweetcheeks” 

・Actually really likes the show Outlander, like ... a lot. To the point that he binge watched it and wanted to dress up as Jamie Fraser for Halloween

・You go to all his games (I mean...your brother is on the same team, so really two birds one stone, right?)

・He always spots you in the crowd (easily done - you sit where Rebecca, Keeley and Higgins do) and when he does, he blows you a kiss. It’s always good luck when you catch it and place it on your heart 

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔    

”I love you, wholeheartedly.” x “You shouldn’t, I don’t deserve it.”

Tough on the Outside, Soft on the Inside  x The Top 

Malewife x Girl/Guy/Theyboss

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆  

Enemies to Lovers 

Second-Chance At Love

Late Love Realisation

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:    

Supersoaker by Kings of Leon

[flownwrong]

release, revolve, renew (due South fic)

Fraser/Kowalski + Vecchio/Stella, rated G; 3396 words

Summary: "You see someone every day for long enough, you think they never change. And then it's just—glimpses, and when you get a chance to look, they're a different person."

A/N: Written for @feroxargentea as part of @duesouthseekritsanta 2024. Thanks to @gueule for second opinion and support on this one!

read on AO3

About half an hour into their second date, Stella's eyebrows draw together and her eyes narrow for just a moment, but it's enough for Ray to swallow the rest of what he was saying. "I—Sorry. Was it something I said?"

"What?" she asks, distracted despite staring right at him.

"You looked—nevermind." He puts his fork down and reaches for his drink. The restaurant he picked is classy, but not obnoxiously so. He's had enough of lavish rooms used as extra muscle, of reaching for obscene bills to prove you're the one in control. It's easy to tell work stories here, Fraser stories. Like slowly shaking off a shell until he can recognize himself.

She recovers quickly and gracefully, mirrors him and picks up her wine, gives him the kind of smile that makes it clear he's not in on the joke. He wants to see it again and again, a hundred times.

"No, go on," she says, watching him over the rim of her glass, not quite assessing. "You have a good voice."

He preens, unable to hide it. Just two weeks back, he wouldn't have guessed any of it. He feels good, hopeful, for the first time in—too long to remember.

It's only later, unpacking at the new apartment, that he learns what that was all about.

"When are you gonna tell Kowalski?" he asks, carefully fishing out wine glasses from between packing chips.

Stella snorts. "You're good at delegating, aren't you?"

Ray shrugs. "I know squat about him, you've spent a decade married to the guy."

"Exactly. You know, the way you talk about Fraser—put some things into perspective for me," Stella says, gathering her hair up. "You talked about him a lot, back when you took me out the first couple times."

"You don't like him much, do you?" he asks, and she looks surprised. Hey, not like she's the only sharp one here. She hums in a way he's learned means let's get back to this later. "He was—he's my best friend," he says. Now that she's pointed it out, it's suddenly urgent to him that she knows it, the way Fraser gets under your skin, the way he just happens to you until you're changed by it. The way you don't want to let go.

"I know. It wasn't about Fraser. Or you, really," she says, and he doesn't know whether to be offended. She stares thoughtfully into the open cupboard. "I just don't think Ray—Ray Kowalski—anyway, it's not important. Write Fraser a letter." She elbows him out of the way, picks up the glasses and starts carefully arranging them on the shelves. "Bet you a hundred Ray's gonna read it too."

Ray feels like he's missing something here, but he also knows there's no danger in conceding this. She isn't gonna keep whatever she means from him for long. She takes her time taking things apart in her head; Ray likes it about her, that thoughtful focus, the need to get it right. She gets Vegas right, and that's more than he'd thought to ask for.

*

It's a lucky thing, really, that when the call comes at the Vecchio house, Ray is the one to pick up.

"Hello, Ray," Fraser says, so antsy the wire does nothing to hide it, and Ray did not expect this at all.

"Benny! It's good to hear your voice," he says, with a vague sense of déjà vu, hearing the confusion in his own words.

"And yours, Ray. I, well—"

"Raimundo!" Ma calls from the table, so loud he can barely hear Fraser over it. "Who is it?"

"Hang on a minute," to Fraser. "Fraser!" to Ma, covering the phone with his hand.

"Oh! Oh, how is he doing? When does he get back? Ask him—"

"I don't know," he yells, louder, "and I won't know unless you let me talk to him!"

"Well, tell him to come to dinner! Both of them!"

"Jesus! I will! Now let me talk!" He takes his hand off the phone. "Sorry, Fraser. You know how it is."

He hears loud snickering, clearly not Fraser's. Fraser makes a vague shushing noise. "Please tell Mrs Vecchio I'm very grateful for her rather, ah, enthusiastic invitation"—Ray snorts—"and that we'll be looking forward to that dinner."

It takes a few seconds for it to sink in: Fraser is coming back. With Kowalski. He was almost ready to bet on the opposite, on not seeing either of them for at least a few years, and now the presumption feels awkward.

"So," he says, "who did you want to talk to?"

"Well, you, Ray. I did call your house, didn't I?"

Shit, Fraser didn't really keep up to date up there. "You didn't get my letter, did you?"

"Oh—well, I suppose we did have to make some swift changes in our route near the end, and given the short notice, it's only natural that the post offices could not keep up, really—"

"Yeah, yeah," Ray waves him off. "I'll tell you when you get here. When do you get here, anyway?"

"Friday at four." An awkward pause. "I was actually calling to ask if you can pick us up, at the airport."

Ray is confused for a minute. Kowalski can drive—that much he has evidence of, what with his car being pretty successfully driven into a lake—and would probably insist on driving. Then he places the feeling of déjà vu, of talking to Fraser about airports and trains from far away, and feels so relieved he could break into song. "Jesus. Of course. I'll be there."

*

He finds a spot to park, pops his sunglasses on against the May sun glare and heads inside. He's early, and he's nervous. This feels like a do-over, and it's the first time he lets himself consider where he and Fraser stand now. He's not very successful. But hey, after all, he's here because Fraser asked.

It's Kowalski he sees first at the baggage claim, though, and Kowalski spots him right back, his shoulders squared defensively, a sight so oddly familiar it's impossible to miss. Fraser bends his head close to Kowalski's to be heard over the hum of the crowd and the loudspeakers, and he can practically hear the be reasonable tone Fraser uses that only makes you want to become more unreasonable. He shakes his head and gets up to meet them.

Fraser gives him a bear hug, and Kowalski doesn't bite his head off on the spot, actually thanks him for coming.

"Where can I drop you off?" he asks, starting the car.

"My place," Kowalski says, short, and throws a quick sideways glance at Fraser where he's crammed next to him in the backseat.

Ray nods and meets Fraser's eyes in the mirror. "Benny?"

"Oh, well," Fraser says and trails off, playing with the hem of the Stetson.

"I meant both of us," Kowalski says in a tone he probably thinks sounds gruff and holds Ray's gaze, expectant.

Ray shrugs, makes a mental note to tell Stella and pulls out of the parking lot. He feels like a gossiping schoolgirl and finds he doesn't mind. "Cool. Now if you're done shooting lasers outta your eyes, some directions would be nice."

*

"How is he?" Stella calls from the bathroom. Ray puts down the thin stack of house listings she printed out for him and looks at her in the mirror, watches her fingers as she swipes some cream on the tender skin under her eyes.

"Which one?" he asks, partly because he doesn't know, partly to get a rise out of her.

"Well, which one were you so wound up about?"

He gives it a serious thought. "Fine, I guess. Good. Both of them." It's unpleasant to admit he can't quite tell more than that. Fraser has never been too easy to read, but with Kowalski nearby and the whole world rearranging itself since they were actually close, Ray is less than fluent. "Why don't you come with? To Ma's dinner. You can judge for yourself."

Stella snorts and screws the lid back on the jar. "Like I can get out of it. No, I like knowing what you think."

"I think you need to come to bed. Gonna complain about not getting enough sleep tomorrow anyway."

"Shut up," she mumbles, warm and already halfway to asleep as she rests her head in the crook of his elbow.

*

Next time he sees Fraser, Ray's sitting on Welsh's couch, waiting for Stella to get out of whatever fiasco Fraser must've created to warrant her presence at the station in the first place.

"So, uh, does this mean Fraser's back to work?" he asks, when the i's are mostly dotted in his own retirement plans and Welsh gives him a hearty handshake.

Welsh sits back and stares at him like he's an idiot. "I would imagine so. Otherwise I have a vigilante running around with one of my detectives and a demotion coming. Don't you two talk?"

That stings a bit. "We, uh, haven't had a chance to catch up lately."

Welsh gives him a look that clearly says cut the crap and get on it.

He shrugs. "It's been a busy few months."

That's when he sees Fraser and Kowalski walk in, and he can't hear them through the door and the noise of the bullpen, but it's obvious Kowalski's worked up, hands flailing, getting right in Fraser's face. Fraser's playing the long-suffering card, and whatever they're arguing about, Ray definitely gets Kowalski here. But then Kowalski's face is white, not flushed from all the ranting, and he puts his hand on Fraser's shoulder and keeps it there even after he's given him a good shake, so maybe Ray doesn't get all of it.

"What did he do this time?" he asks Welsh, eyes still following them around the room.

"If I had to bet, I'd say our fair Constable either apprehended someone he shouldn't have, or ignored someone he should."

Ray nods. "And he still doesn't carry a gun."

"And he still doesn't carry a gun."

The door opens unceremoniously, and Stella walks in, tired and annoyed. "Lieutenant," she says, "I'd be grateful if next time you try to explain to Ray that not everything Constable Fraser says or does should be immediately followed by an arrest".

Ray chooses the monologue as cover to slip out of the office and find Fraser. Kowalski's wandered off, so he jumps at the opportunity. "Hey Benny," he says, "got any plans for tomorrow evening?"

"Not that I can recall," Fraser says, beaming. "What did you have in mind?"

Ray hesitates. "Whatever you're up for. Can't remember the last time you hung around for more than ten minutes at a time."

Fraser opens his mouth and closes it a couple times before he finds his words. "I'm sorry if I've given you the impression—that is—"

Ray has mercy on him. "Yeah, yeah, Kowalski couldn't spare you, could he? I get it."

Fraser looks genuinely offended, but Ray suspects it's not directed at him. "Well, he can definitely 'spare me' tomorrow. And he'll have Diefenbaker to keep him company."

"What, the wolf too good to hang out with the old gang now?" Ray laughs.

"Well, no, but he and Ray are going to see—a car exhibit."

"A car show? How come you aren't invited?"

"Oh," Fraser says, pursing his lips, "apparently, Diefenbaker appreciates it more."

Ray snickers. "Kowalski said that?"

Fraser actually sighs. "Well, Diefenbaker didn't deem it important to tell me himself, did he now?"

Ray shakes his head. "Never change, Benny."

He sees Stella emerge from the office and raise her eyebrows at him.

"Look, I gotta head out. I'll call you about tomorrow, okay?"

"I'm looking forward to it, Ray," Fraser says with genuine pleasure.

Ray watches him cross the room to Kowalski's desk, place a hand on Kowalski's neck, sees Kowalski close his eyes for a moment and roll his head, working out a kink Ray knows you get after about five minutes of staring at the papers. The gesture is familiar—he does that with Stella all the time.

"Home," Stella demands, "come on, stop gawking," and drags him out by the elbow.

"Home," he agrees.

*

He and Fraser end up stuffing their faces with burgers and shooting some pool. Fraser downs a beer, too, and Ray imagines him and Kowalski doing this up north, in some homey place in a city of several hundred, on their way back from the tundra—how else would he get Fraser to relax this much?

Fraser talks some about going back to work, a lot about Canada, and an uncomfortable amount about Kowalski. Not directly, but the guy is ever-present in the background of every anecdote, every plan Fraser mentions. It finally hits Ray, what Stella was getting at. He makes a mental note to ask if he sounded like this to her—but no, the clue was the fact that he didn't. It wasn't about you, really. Fraser doesn't just mention Kowalski a lot. He talks like he has never not known him, never been alone, which Ray knows couldn't be further from the truth. He talks about Kowalski like that's where he belongs. And he's back in Chicago. Ray guesses that's that and returns the favor.

"So, uh, about that letter."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ray. If it was in my power—"

"Benny, shut up and let me finish." He drains the rest of his second bottle. "So, Stella and I are getting married in August. And, uh, we're looking at houses. In Florida."

Fraser doesn't miss a beat. "Well, Ray, that's wonderful! Congratulations to you and Ms Kowalski—or, ah, I suppose that's not the appropriate address anymore."

Ray narrows his eyes. "You don't like her much, do you?"

Fraser tugs on his ear. "Ms Kowalski is a woman worthy of great respect and admiration, and I'm sure you're well-suited for each other." Which is a very roundabout way of saying I'm happy for you, but I don't get it at all. Ray kind of gets the sentiment. He's always found Stella's coldness towards Fraser curious, but now, when he knows it's returned, the common denominator is obvious.

"Hey, same to you and Kowalski. Jury's still out on admiration, though." Fraser doesn't blush, but his eyes go wide. Ray shrugs. "C'mon, Benny. It's not a state secret," he says, like the pieces didn't fall into place for him two minutes ago.

Fraser clears his throat, twice, but the corners of his mouth curl up. "Are you planning to join the department in Florida, then?" he asks and reaches for the check, clearly for something to do with his hands. Ray relaxes into his seat and lets him get it, figures Fraser owes him for not doing this whole hanging out thing sooner.

"Nah," Ray says, shrugging. "I think I've paid my dues with the force. It's been great. Some parts more than others." He gives Fraser a meaningful look, watches him smile.

"In that case—it's been a pleasure, Ray," he says and reaches his hand out for an actual handshake. Jesus. Ray rolls his eyes.

"Come on, I'm not saying goodbye. You'd better come see us down in Miami. We'll have enough room for two more."

Fraser grins, like he can't help it, then frowns immediately. "Should I, ah, tell Ray, or..." He trails off, awkward as ever when it comes to navigating tempers and touchy subjects. Ray has to admit he isn't feeling any more confident.

"Nah, Benny. Leave it to Stella. It's their business more than yours—or mine, you know?"

Fraser nods solemnly. Ray gives him a wink.

*

"It was good. He's good." Ray says, chopping the carrots. "It's weird, you know. Not that I don't know him anymore, just"— he shrugs—"different."

Stella hums absently and reaches across the kitchen island to pick up a piece of carrot. "You see someone every day for long enough, you think they never change," she says between bites. "And then it's just—glimpses, and when you get a chance to look, they're a different person."

He looks at her, head bent, reading glasses sliding down her nose, papers spread in a wide half-circle in front of her. Bare legs under the hem of her skirt, one crossed over the other, right foot swinging mindlessly. He's only been seeing her every day for a couple of months, and he does kind of think she will never change, not in a way where one day he looks up and doesn't recognize her.

"Not completely different," he says, adding the carrots to the pan.

Stella looks at him sharply over her glasses. "No, not completely."

*

Dinner is dinner. Doesn't matter what they're celebrating, it's always loud, and Ray doesn't know what half of the guests are doing there, and it takes two wine glasses to get the pinched expression off Stella's face.

When it gets too stuffy for him to handle the table anymore, he comes out on the back porch, and there Kowalski is, sitting on the steps, beer in hand, shoulders down and relaxed for once.

Ray sits down next to him. Kowalski gives him a look he can't quite read. Nowhere near hostile, though. "So," he says. "Florida, huh?"

"Chicago, huh?" Ray returns, smiling.

Kowalski looks down and is silent for a long time, long enough for Ray to groan internally and write the conversation off as a failure. But Kowalski says, "It's queer, you know. We didn't—have a whole thing about it. Just got two tickets, and that was that."

Ray nods. He already got how whipped Fraser is, but it still comes as a bit of a surprise that it was that easy, with Kowalski wound tighter than a spring when the Muldoon case went down.

"It's harder being friends with him when you're not running around trying to protect his ass, you know," Ray offers.

Kowalski snickers. "You say it like it's easy when you are."

"Well," Ray says, takes a second to think, "he can't be anything else, can he? At least when you're there all the time, you know. You know each other."

"Yeah," Kowalski says. "Guess so." He's staring into space, chewing on his nail, and Ray guesses it took way longer than it should have for him and Fraser to get where they stood.

"Oh, hey." Kowalski perks up, reaches into his back pocket. He gives Ray a slip of paper with some numbers in wonky block capitals.

"This better not be a shrink," Ray says, unfolding it, and Kowalski snorts, then suddenly looks down and scratches the back of his neck, bashful.

"Nah. At the show the other week, this guy—anyway, since I crashed your ride and all... well, call it. And, uh, call me if you need a hand with it."

Ray blinks in disbelief. At this point, he figured keeping a Riv was more trouble than it's worth. "Well, shit. Never expected you to be this sentimental."

Kowalski starts to smile, slow and delighted. "That's because you're not running around trying to protect my ass all day."

And then there's Fraser's voice calling out from somewhere in the house—"Ray!"—and when Kowalski turns his whole body instinctively at the sound, eyes bright, there can be no mistake whose name it is.

When it's finally dusk, and the air is getting too cold for lingering in the yard, Ray goes back in. The house is mostly empty and it's just Ma and him and a couple of late guests he isn't sure he recognizes passing him by in the hallway with goodbyes. The radio is on in the kitchen, slow notes, quiet strumming, and he can hear Stella hum softly over the quiet clinking of dishes and water splashing.

In the dark, finally empty living room to his left, he catches movement out of the corner of his eye, and when he turns to look, there's Benny, shuffling around slowly in an approximation of a dance, Kowalski's blond head on his shoulder, arms around each other.

He watches them for a moment, barely illuminated by the hallway light, then turns away and goes to help Stella with the dishes. He figures they've all got nothing but time.