Saying No by Keerawa, Teen

[julia-here.livejournal.com]

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Stella Kowalski/Ray Kowalski
Length: short short story
Author on LJ:keerawa
Author Website: List of all Keerawa's Due South Stories
Why this must be read: Because the history of Stella and Ray's marriage is, at the beginning of s3, the most important thing in Ray's life, and because everything that happens to Ray Kowalski in canon is colored by Stella's gaze. Because this story unpacks that fact with a humane and enlightened eye, and makes sense of it without assigning blame or making anyone the bad guy, and vividly shows the moment when Ray starts to grow past his history with Stella.



It was so hard, sometimes, saying no to him. But that was her job. Ray was the eternal yes. Someone had to be sane, be safe, set boundaries. It was all about self-control.

No, I can't ride bikes today. No, this paper's due tomorrow. No, we might get caught. No, my pants stay on. No, not without protection.

No, not until I graduate. No, we can't afford that ring. No, you look exhausted. No, we're due at the Patterson's in 40 minutes. No, we'd be terrible parents. No, I don't want to be married to you anymore.

No, you can't come in.

Why did she always have to be the adult?




Saying No

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