Title: Uncle Zac
Fandom: Due South
Rating: NC17
Length:776
Content notes: Written for the Challenge 66 'Z'
Author notes:
Summary: Ray gets a call from his uncle



Ray Kowalski hung up the phone with biggest grin spread all over his face just as his Detective partner, Ray Vecchio, approached their desk carrying the files they had needed.

Sitting opposite the grinning man, Ray Vecchio asked, “What got you looking so happy, did you crack the case while I was getting the files?”

Laughing, Ray Kowalski replied while still grinning like a loon. “Nope, that was my Uncle Zac on the phone. He is coming to Chicago for a visit and he wants to stay with me.”

The blonde detective’s smile was contagious and Ray couldn’t help smiling too as he listened to what his partner was saying. “So, what's your Uncle Zac like?” he asked.

That question made Ray smile even more as he replied, “Oh man, my Uncle Zac is the best. Like me he goes by a different name, his actual name is Zareck Salawaek Kowalski,” laughing more, Ray continued, “So he goes by Zac.”

Ray Vecchio couldn't help but join in laughing as he said, “Boy your family likes to give kids hard names huh.”

Ray Kowalski put on his best deadpanface as he responded, “Didn't you know, it’s a Kowalski family tradition to give a child a name they will change someday.”

They both cracked up laughing at that, Ray couldn't wait to tell Ben all about his Uncle and his visit.

Six o’clock rolled around when Ray parked outside the Canadian Consulate to pick up Ben. Tapping the steering wheel he was disappointed that they’d made no headway on the Barney case today. The guy went around dressed as Barney and robbing whatever he could. Tomorrow was a new day, maybe they would find evidence then.

A flash of red caught the corner of his eye and he saw Ben bounce down the steps of the Consulate chatting with Dief, Ray couldn't help smile at the sight of them.

Ben sat in the passenger seat and his blinding smile made Ray’s frustrations about getting nowhere with the case just melt away.

In public or not they shared a kiss and Ben's voice was soft as he greeted him, “Hi Ray, how was your day?”

Starting the car Ray's huge grin returned, “My day was great, we got nowhere with the case though. I did get a call from my Uncle Zac, he is coming to visit and would like to stay with us.”

Ben was delighted for Ray. “That is wonderful Ray, when will he be arriving?”

Ray practically bounced in his seat as he replied. “About ten days he said, he wanted to give us notice. You know he was the first person I told about us, he is very excited to meet you.”

Ben couldn't help smiling at that, “I hope I don't let you down.”

Glancing at Ben, Ray took his hand in his, giving it a squeeze, “You never do.”

Later, as they pottered around their kitchen making dinner, Ray told Ben more about his Uncle Zac, “I used to hang around with him all the time growing up. He was a fireman, but he broke both legs in a rescue and had to retire, it devastated him.”

Ben turned sad at that, “That must have been terrible for him.”

Nodding, Ray continued, “Ya, it was. It was all he knew and suddenly he couldn't do it anymore.”

While dishing up the food Ben asked, “What did your Uncle Zac do after that?”

Sitting down, Ray told Ben, “He bought some land and started an animal rescue place with a no kill policy. He loves it. Hey, we must visit sometime, I can now that I am done with undercover work for good.”

Smiling, Ben came back with, “I would love that, thank you Ray.”

The next days that followed had the boys preparing the guest-room for Zac's arrival, with Ray Vecchio’s help. They all couldn't wait to meet this man who had Ray bouncing even more than usual.

The man who came through the Arrivals doors on the day they were picking him up was an older version of Ray, right down to the wild hair and blue eyes.

While Zac hugged his nephew tightly he spoke into Ray's ear, “Ray, you look fantastic, the Mountie looking after you well I can see.”

Blushing along with Ben he added, “Ya, Uncle Zac, he is.”

Once the introductions, hugs and handshakes were out of the way, they made their way out of the airport. Ben and Zac bonded immediately over Zac's love of protecting and saving animals.

Ray smiled as he drove. Yes, this is gonna be a good visit, he thought.

The End