'Adíshní Mags

Title: April
Series: The Due South Alphabet Series #30
Author: Grey/Grey853
Fandom: Due South
Pairing: Benton Fraser/Ray Kowalski
Rating: Explicit
Tags: Male slash, alternate universe-canon divergent, explicit language, explicit sex
Word Count: 43,301
Summary:Ray and Ben are both under a lot of stress with changes in their jobs. Ray continues to deal with his father's death. Ben has a birthday.
Link:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/88943556

Snippet:

″He says it’s a good deal, Ben, but it’s a lot of money.″

″I would imagine so. It’s prime downtown real estate. Did he tell you the amount?″

Ray gave him the number and watched as Ben processed it. After a few seconds, he gazed back at Ray and asked, ″What do you think about it?″

″I think it’s risky. We’d be draining our reserves.″

″It’s not as risky as you think, Ray.″

″So you think it’s a good idea?″

″I do. That area has done nothing but increase in value and at a very rapid pace. Property is always a good investment, but I’m surprised the owner is selling it at that price. I would’ve expected a much higher number based on comparable values in that part of the city.″

″The owner wants a quick sale. If we buy it outright with cash, we get a ten percent discount.″

″Then I’d say you and Gus should find a way to make that deal happen as soon as possible.″

Ray tilted his head slightly as he saw the enthusiasm in Ben’s eyes. ″I can’t believe a penny pincher like you would tell me to spend that kind of money.″

″Downtown properties always appreciate in a growing city like Whitehorse. The security and legal sides of your business have done nothing but expand since you two became partners. That location has helped with that. It’s within walking distance of the courthouse, bus line and the library. It’s easily accessible to the public. It’s the ideal location.″

Reluctantly, Ray had to agree. ″Plus, we’ve got more customers than we can handle. Business is booming.″

″Buying the building would allow for more expansion or you could keep renting to the other businesses for optimum rates.″

Ray told Ben about Frank and Maury. ″The guys there now are leaving. Gus wants to use the space to expand.″

″It’s a good plan, Ray. There’s little chance of losing. You’d cut your overhead immediately and, even considering the cost of property tax and insurance, you’d quickly turn the savings into profit. Any deficit reserves would be regained completely within four to five years.″

Ray chuckled. ″Look at you, Mr. Real Estate. Of course, I should’ve figured.″

″Why’s that?″

″You handle our properties like a pro and have made us a small fortune.″

″Thank you.″

″You’re welcome.″

Ben blushed and then leaned in and kissed Ray. ″Let’s go to bed, Ray. We’re both tired. And as you pointed out, I have to go back early in the morning.″

″Okay.″

As they stood up, Ray added, ″I’ll get you the figures tomorrow. You think you’ll have time for lunch for a change?″

″I’m sorry, no, but I will look them over as soon as I get home tomorrow night.″

Disappointed, Ray nodded. ″Sure, okay.″

Still holding onto Ben’s hand like a lifeline, Ray let his partner guide him to bed for another night of no sleeping.