Masterful yet again. Great insight into Ray and the changes he makes over time.

"Somehow, Benny had known that, beneath the thick crust of cynicism Ray had burrowed under, beat a good heart, a warm heart – a little scarred, a little patched, perhaps, but big for all that. So, with his usual patience – or sheer doggedness, in Ray’s opinion – he had started chipping away at that crust, until he got to the prize. And Ray hadn’t been the same man since."

Wonderful. :-) Their banter made the perfect ending...

Ray V on the way to healing. I like!

You have made me fall in love with Ray--I like everything about him, including that he seems to be a hard nut to crack. This was a great indepth look at how he is changing and doesn't even seem mind. I look forward to the next one(when you get a chance that is)

That was fantastic. A very nice insight into Ray's character, and how having Benny in his life has changed him for the better. Well done.

Utterly wonderful! I love your handling of the characters, and Ray's inner monologue - very IC, but exploratory all the same. :D I like how most of the narrative goes on with Ray by himself, and how it's only necessary that we know he tells Fraser, and the story can end at that point. Of course, I wouldn't say no to a continuation...