Title: The Lies We Tell Ourselves Author: Welmach. Rating: Adult. Genre: Drama. Pairing: Vecchio/MacDonald. Notes: Thanks to Beth, because without her this snippet would never have been written. White sandy beaches, warm humid air, and the spray the smell of salt water. Ian MacDonald thought he could grow to love Florida, especially since the man he loved now called it home. Ian knew he looked out of place, dressed in corduroy pants, heavy leather shoes, a long sleeve t-shirt. A heavy lined jacket laid across his lap. All his possessions were held at his feet in a small compact leather bag... imitation leather...fake...just like him. Just like Ray Vecchio. From the moment he met Ray Vecchio, Ian knew him. A man trying to escape his past, playing dress up and spouting beliefs he wanted to adhere to. He ranted and raved at Ian. He blamed him for ruining his designer suit and leather shoes. The only person he yelled at more than Ian was Constable Fraser. Maybe because they saw the real Ray Vecchio, and Vecchio didn't want anyone to see that. Every time Ian came into contact with Vecchio, the Italian yelled, and every time Ian wished that fury would turn into passion. Eventually it did. Never would he forget his stay in Las Vegas. Ian had thrown himself into the world of high stakes poker and surprised everyone with his naive looks and shrewd playing style. Well, he had to learn something from his father other than how to lose your kid in five easy steps. So, he was taking Vegas by storm. Well, maybe not the whole city, but one or two of the casinos, including the one owned by Armando Langoustini. One night when Ian was just too good at the table, and the dealer too threatened by his talent, a security guard tried to forcibly remove him from the hotel. And then he was there. Ray Vecchio. Stepping off the elevator with two men at his side. Instant recognition, a near slip of Vecchio's name, and Ian found himself in Armando Langoustini's penthouse, and once again he was the recipient of the Italian's fury. An hour later he was in Langoustini's bed, finally on the receiving end of Ray's passion. It left Ian bruised but very happy and in love. There was nowhere else he wanted to be. But, a week later he had been sent on his way with an order to get out of Vegas. Ian left the hotel but knew he could not leave Ray. However, the sudden appearance of two FBI agents at his small motel room, sealed his fate, and he was heading back to Canada. Now though. Now he was sitting on a bench in Florida, watching as Ray Vecchio came down the steps of his house and watched the water. Before Ian could get up the nerve to approach him, a petite blond woman made her way down the steps and towards Ray. Together they strolled the beach, and every now and then Ray would reach out and touch her rounded stomach. Ian realized that Ray had found the lie he wanted to live. He watched the couple disappear down the shore without a glance in his direction. Ian wondered what he would do now. Where would he go? What lie would he live? As he gathered up his belongings and headed to his small rental car, he wondered where the nearest sporting shop was and if they sold bowling balls.