email:  [email protected]

Warnings: Blair disciplines Jim and in this story Jim is a BRAT and he is treated that way!  You've been warned!
 

Possible spoilers for "WARRIORS"

Also for all "The Sentinel Fans" the events in "The Sentinel by Blair Sandburg," didn't happen in my universe, at least not how they unfolded on the show.

Special thanks to my Beta Reader, Joey, who had to have extreme patience in dealing with Fred and me! Also, Thanks to Pepper and Latoya for letting me bounce ideas off of them, to Molly and Meryn for holding my hand and to Cadillac Red, for encouraging me to continue writing.

Any remaining errors are my own and Fred's.

Disclaimer:  The characters belong to UPN, Pet Fly Productions and SciFi I just play with them.

<Denotes thoughts. >

Jim's first taste of discipline
 

Jim Ellison came down the stairs from his upstairs bedroom scratching. His hair standing on end, dressed in his boxers and blue robe.  The robe was open and the belt was hanging from one loop and trailing behind him.

"Sandburg!" Jim yelled, even though Blair was sitting at the dining room table working on his computer.

Blair looked up at his partner and stifled a laugh.  He had never seen Jim so disheveled.

"What's wrong Jim?" Blair asked once he was sure he could keep the amusement out of his voice.

"Did you change laundry detergents?" Jim grumpily asked.

"No, you know I don't make any changes without checking with you first," Blair replied giving Jim the "look" which basically said that the Sentinel was pushing his luck. It was funny everyone thought that Jim was protective of Blair.  But, the truth was Blair was twice as protective of Ellison.  Nothing was brought into the loft until it had passed the "Sandburg Test."  Blair kept file after file of Jim's unusual reactions.

"Well, something's wrong.  I've broken out in spots and they itch."  Jim was scratching as he talked.

Blair noticed that Jim's eyes were red and he looked feverish.  Any amusement generated from Jim looking so discombobulated fled Blair's expression and was replaced with concern.

"Let me see." Blair put on his glasses to look Jim over.   "Take off your robe," Blair ordered.

When Jim didn't comply right away, Blair pulled the robe off of him so he could see the rash, earning a glare from Jim.  The spots were over Jim's back, chest, face and legs.  Blair took a close look at the spots, nodding his head as if he had made a decision.

 He handed Jim his robe. "Put this back on."  Blair helped Jim back into the robe, tying it for him. Once that task was finished, he announced his decision about the rash.  "Jim, you've got chicken pox." Blair was positive about the diagnosis.

"Do not." Jim replied childishly

"Do too," replied Blair, rolling his eyes at Jim's stubbornness.

"Do not!" exclaimed Jim.

"Do too! But, if you don't believe me I'll call the doctor.  I'm sure she'll make a house call under the circumstances."  Blair was matching his actions with his words and picked up the phone.  Getting hold of the doctor's service, he left a message.

"Stop scratching and sit down." Blair ordered.

"You sure get bossy when you think I'm sick."  Jim stated irritably

Blair just gave him the "look" again, saying "Don't push it, Jimmy."

 <Ever since we had that damn shared vision, he's been wanting to discipline me again. >  Jim ruefully thought.

Remembering back to 3 months ago.

Jim, as part as his job as a Detective in the Major Crimes Division of the Cascade Police Department, had been tailing a suspect to the docks. Somehow the suspect realized that he was being tailed and took off in his speedboat.  Jim commandeered a helicopter to chase him down.   When they caught up with the boat, Jim jumped from the helicopter onto the boat.  He landed wrong and sustained injuries.  Luckily for him his partner, Blair Sandburg, had called for backup.  Reinforcements arrived before the suspect could dump his 'guest' into the shark-infested water.  Jim's injuries consisted of a mild concussion, bruised ribs and a broken arm.  The doctor insisted that Jim stay overnight for observation.  Worried that Jim would have some unusual reactions to the medicines he was given, Blair stayed with him. Once the nurse settled Jim for the night they both fell fast asleep, the day had been exhausting for both of them.

The next thing Jim knew he was in the clearing by the Sentinel Temple with Blair by his side.

Incacha approached them both with a disapproving expression, "Guide, why do you let your Sentinel run wild?"

"What do you mean, why do I let him run wild?  He's the senior partner," Blair stated in confusion, turning to Jim who was suddenly looking very uncomfortable.

"No, he is not.  When it comes to his health and safety you have the final say!" The spirit answered.

"WHAT?" Blair shouted.

Jim closed his eyes, hoping that when he opened them he would find that this was a bad dream and he was still in his hospital bed.    When he opened his eyes again he was still in the clearing with both his Guide and Incacha staring at him. <Damn! >

"Explain!" ordered Incacha.

"S-Sandburg, umm Blair, buddy." Jim sighed, and tried to explain, but he just couldn't force the words out. <I'm not going to tell him it's too embarrassing.>  Jim sent a pleading glance to Incacha.  "I can't.  The world we live in is different.  The same rules just can't apply there!"

"Sentinel, the rules do apply.  If you cannot tell your guide and shaman, I will show him."  So saying the world shimmered for a moment and Jim found himself staring at a younger version of himself and Incacha.  Blair was still at his side, gawking as the scene unfolded in front of him.

Although Blair shouldn't have been able to understand the words, because the two people in front of him were speaking Chopec---Incacha's native language, he understood every word.

Incacha was speaking to Jim, "Because you have a fever, you are to stay in the hut and in bed today.  I have to meet with the other elders, but, I will be back to check on you."  He handed Jim a cup filled with herbal medicine.  "Drink this, it will help to bring the fever down."

Jim took a sip and grimaced.  "Yuck.  I'm not going to drink this whatever this is."

He handed the cup back to Incacha.  Incacha took it and then sat down on the bed holding the cup to his student's lips.  "DRINK," he ordered in a tone that Jim knew better than to ignore.  He tried to take the cup from Incacha, but the shaman would not let go.   Feeling like a disobedient child, he let the other man give him the drink.   <Like I got a choice.  He's even more stubborn then I am. >

Giving Jim one last glare, Incacha left for the meeting.   Jim tried to stay in bed, but the day was so beautiful the open window it seemed to beckon to him.

"It won't hurt, if I go out and stretch my legs for a few minutes." Jim said out loud in English.  No one in the tribe could understand what he said in that language.  Jim had been using it as a stress reliever while he tried to complete his mission. Getting dressed, he carefully listened at the door of the hut to make sure that no one was directly outside.   The coast being clear he headed off to the jungle.

Once away from the village Jim opened up his senses.  He spotted a black jaguar and started tracking it, practicing the skills that Incacha had been trying to teach him.   Jim didn't notice that the weather was changing, the skies darkening. His hearing was wide opened and the sudden thunderclaps caused him to fall to his knees in pain.   Because he was concentrating on getting his hearing under control, he suffered a zone out.  (Blair's description of when Jim concentrated on one sense so long and hard that he went into an almost catatonic state.)

Back at the village there was a break in the meeting and Incacha went to check on Jim.  He entered the hut and found Jim's bed empty!  Incacha called out for his student to see if he just wandered outside for a moment to use the facilities.  When he received no answer he grew concerned.  He returned to the meeting hall and explained to the other Elders that he needed to find Jim. Not sure that Jim's fever hadn't made him delirious, causing him to wander off, Incacha asked them to help him find the ill man.  They soon found Jim's trail, luckily it was still fresh and easy for the experience trackers to follow.  They found the Sentinel on his knees, an anaconda coiled around him.   Taking his machete` Incacha was able to cut off the head of the snake, causing it to loosen it's grip around the younger man.  Pulling the body of the snake away from Jim, he started to examine him, trying to ascertain if there where any other injuries.   Although the snake could not have eaten its prey, it still could have damaged Jim's ribs.  Satisfied that there were no further injuries.  Incacha thanked the men and watched them leave before he tried to get Jim's attention and break his "spell."

"Enqueri," calling Jim by his Chopec name, "come back, now it is safe."  Incacha gently spoke to his friend and rubbed his hand up and down Jim's arm.   After a few minutes, Jim snapped out of it.

"Incacha?" Jim asked in confusion

"Yes?"

"What happened?"

"You suffered from a "spell" and were not aware of your surroundings.  It is normal for a Sentinel to have this problem.  That is why you need a guide." Incacha told him his voice still mild.  <Since you are making sense you must have deliberately disobeyed my orders. >  A steely look replaced the concerned expression on his face.

"Oh." Jim accepted Incacha's help in getting up.  Once Jim was standing Incacha gave him a hard smack on his backside.

"Oww, what was that for?" Jim asked rubbing his butt with his hands.

"You disobeyed me.  Once we reach our home I will finish dealing with your defiance." The steely look was still on Incacha's face.  He grabbed the younger man and started pulling him through the jungle.  Jim didn't have a chance to gain his footing so that he could stop the forward march.  The closer they got to home, the more tangible Incacha's anger became.   He marched Jim straight into the hut that they shared.

"Incacha, I'm sorry.  I didn't think." Jim started his apology.

"Get out of your wet clothes." Incacha ordered.   He watched Jim as he undressed but stopped him before he could get into clean dry clothes.

"I did not say you could get dressed again!  Come here!" Incacha indicated his lap.

"Incacha I don't...You can't mean to...but, I'm sick . . ." after several false starts and with the Shaman getting angrier by the minute, Jim reluctantly went to him.  He soon found himself over the knees of the older man.

"Yes, Sentinel I do mean to! With those words Incacha starting smacking Jim's butt.  After the first couple of smacks Jim started squirming and tried to get up.  But, even though Incacha was smaller than Jim's 6' 2" he was incredibly strong.  Incacha just held onto Jim's waist with one arm, landing blows with the other.

"INCACHA, PLEASE STOP!  I'M SORRY!"  Jim shouted.  He knew that his friend was only using his hand to spank him but the hand was callused from work and it felt like a wooden paddle was pounding him.  Finally, giving into the pain Jim started crying and kicking his feet.

Another elder called out to Incacha before entering the hut.  Incacha granted him entrance. Not stopping the spanking that he was giving Jim.   The elder spoke, "I see you have finally decided to take your cub in hand."  The elders of the village had agreed to adopt Jim into the tribe after they found him, the lone survivor of a helicopter crash.  Incacha as the Shaman/Healer of the tribe had taken Jim into his home to take care of him.  As Jim healed they discovered that he was a Sentinel, a person with all five senses heightened.  So now, Incacha was training him how to use them to benefit the tribe.

"Yes, he disobeyed me one time too many.  Now he will learn from his mistake."

Jim could hardly follow the conversation, the pain in his backside was so fierce.

"When you are finished, we are ready to continue our meeting." The elder said with a grin.

"If you would ask you wife to stay with him while I am gone, I would appreciate it."  Incacha replied.

"As you wish." The elder left to find his wife so she could baby-sit Incacha's cub.  Intaka was not one of Jim's favorite people; she tended to treat him as an unruly child.  In fact, she had gone to the elders to request that he be designated as a child until he could learn the ways of the tribe.  But, Incacha had been eloquent in the defense of his student and they had turned down her request, barely.

Returning his attention to his student Incacha asked, "Do you know why you are getting punished?"

Jim's voice was hitching with sobs, but he managed to get these words out, "Yyes, I ddisobeyed yyou."

"If you do so again, I will find a paddle and use it on your backside and I will do it in front of the whole tribe."  He let Jim slide off of his lap onto his own knees. "And no one will stop me!"  Corporal punishment was the norm in this society.  An elder had the right to correct anyone younger.

 Jim laid his head in his teacher's lap, "I'll be good."

Incacha stroked Jim's head and face, "I know you will try.  You are forgiven."   Jim took a shuddering breath.

"Thank you."

"You will go to bed now and stay there.  Intaka will stay with you, to see that you don't run off again." Incacha told him.

"I don't need a babysitter."  Jim retorted, already forgetting his promise not to make trouble.

In answer Incacha helped him up and smacked him on the bottom a couple more times.

"What did you say?" the Shaman inquired.

"Ssorry! Can it be someone besides her?  Last time I got on her bad side she threatened me with a switch!" Jim begged.

"She will stay with you and you will do what she says!" To emphasize his words Incacha landed a few more swats to the back of Jim's thighs.

"Oww, Oww.  That will be fine, sir."  Jim was put to bed naked, his red butt showing for the entire world to see.

The world shimmered again and Jim found himself back at the Sentinel Temple with Blair bouncing at his side.  Incacha was watching the two of them.  Jim knew that his face was red from embarrassment.

Incacha spoke, "Well, young Shaman do you understand your duties now?"

"You mean that if Jim doesn't do what I tell him, I can spank him?" Blair asked excitedly

"Yes."

"Wait a minute, don't I have any say in this matter?"  Jim broke in to the conversation.  < I've got too much at stake to let Blair think I'm going to let him spank me or treat me as a kid! >

Both the Shamans looked at Jim and replied in unison, "NO!"

Jim woke up from his "nightmare" to find that he was in his hospital bed.   Blair was asleep in the chair next to him.

< It was just a dream.  Blair doesn't know about "his duty" to keep me in line.  And I'm not going to bring it up! >  Jim gave a relieved sigh.

Blair on the other hand was awake but kept his eyes shut.  He was processing everything he had learned in the dream.  <I'm going to do some research before I confront Jim with this.  But, if he thinks that I won't follow Incacha's lead he's crazy. >
 

Jim was discharged from the hospital with instructions to rest. His first week convalescing at home was normal, at least until Friday night.

"Jim, we need to talk." Blair had finished his research and was ready to discuss the vision with his Sentinel.

"What about?" Jim asked suddenly apprehensive.

"The vision we shared in the hospital." Blair replied.

"What?  No, Chief.  WE ARE NOT GOING TO DISCUSS ANYTHING!" Jim finished with a shout getting up and moving toward the door.  <I've got to get out of here. >

"James Joseph Ellison come back here." Blair commanded, a note of steel in his voice.

Jim looked at Blair, "NO!" grabbing his keys, he put his good hand on the doorknob, but in his nervousness he forgot to undo the chain.  Blair slammed shut the door, pushing Jim away from it and locking it.  He took the keys from Jim's nerveless fingers and placed them in his pocket.  Jim just stood there nonplused.     He wasn't used to Blair taking charge.  <The kid doesn't usually take command so forcefully. >  Blair steered Jim back to the couch.

"Sit down, Jimmy." Blair instructed.

Jim reluctantly obeyed, "Chief, before you start I'm telling you right now, I'm not going to agree to any type of corporal punishment arrangement.  What Incacha and I did seven years ago I umm put up with it because it was the only way to get their co-operation for my military mission.  I had to hold that area and with my men dead, I had no choice.  But, this is Cascade, Washington and I do have a choice."

Blair had watched him while he was making this speech.  "Are you finished?"

Jim just nodded.

"Well, let me tell you Jimmy, you don't have a choice in this matter.  I've researched it and with the insight that Incacha provided I found references to it in the Burton Manuscript.  When I first read it, I didn't realize what it meant, but now I do.  You can read the passages, if you like?"

"No, I don't want to and don't call me Jimmy." <Why do I feel like I'm five years old again? >

"When we are discussing your punishments, I will call you Jimmy, that way you'll know when you're in trouble.  Now, not only did I find passages that state a Guide punishes his Sentinel, I've researched these types of relationships on the web.   Most people suggest that we set up rules so you'll know what will get you punished." Blair was trying to be reasonable, he didn't want Jim to think he was going to start spanking him because he squeezed the toothpaste in the middle.  This discipline relationship was to keep Jim safe.

Jim bolted from the couch and headed for his room, "I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE PART IN THIS CONVERSATION!"  Surprisingly, he found his way blocked by Blair.

"CHIEF, MOVE!" He tried to bully his partner.  He soon found that Blair was taken his "duty" seriously. Blair grabbed Jim's good arm pulling him away from the stairs to the couch, then pushing him over it in one smooth motion.  Jim's stomach was against the top of the back of the couch, his good hand was braced against the cushion so he would not go head over heel over the top of it.

"I hoped we could talk before you got your first punishment, but if you insist." Blair whispered in his ear while he undid Jim's jeans pulling them and his boxers down and off.

"SANDBURG, NO!" Jim screamed.

"Well, Jimmy," SMACK, "Let me know when your ready to talk." SMACK, SMACK, SMACK

"Blair, stop!" Jim couldn't believe that he was in this undignified position! He tried to get up - he should be able to get away from Blair, he was bigger and stronger, but being up ended over the couch was an awkward position.  As he continued his struggle the room shimmered into the jungles of Peru.  <Damnation!  The last thing I need is another shared vision. >    Blair was still spanking him and even in this place the hits hurt like hell.  Incacha walked into Jim's line of vision.  "Well, young Shaman, I see you've reached your decision!"  "Yes, I've decided to keep him in line!  One thing though, I would think he would struggle more and if he breaks away, well, he does work out more than I do."   Incacha turned wise eyes on him, "Guide, even if he consciously doesn't want this, there is an unconscious need.  This is his duty, to receive correction."  The world shimmered again and they were back in the living room of the loft.  Jim was holding back his tears.  < Maybe my genetic makeup won't let me physically fight him too much but I'm not going to give him any satisfaction.  Maybe I can bluff my way out of this 'arrangement' if he doesn't see any reaction, he'll realize that it won't work.  I hope! >

"Are you ready to talk?" Blair inquired as he rained hits on Jim's backside. It was kind of fascinating to watch the skin on his butt go from white to pink to red.

After the 30th smack he had been unable to whole back his sobs.  But he still stubbornly refused to admit defeat.  Now he just wanted the spanking over, his butt was blazing and the pain was unbearable. Finally, after receiving about 50 hard smacks, Jim finally cried out, "Okay, I'm ready to talk."

"Okay, go back and sit on the couch." Blair let Jim up.

"I'd rather stand." Jim said through his tears.

"SIT" Blair couldn't believe that Jim was still going to be difficult.

"Ccan I have my cclothes back, please?" Jim stuttered, he was still trying to get control.

"No.  This way you won't even consider leaving again!" Blair adamantly refused the request.
 
 

Feeling crushed by the refusal, Jim sat in the corner of the couch furthermost from Blair, his head in his hands, a picture of utter dejection.  <Why is he doing this to me? > He refused to let anymore tears fall.

Blair just watched Jim for a minute <He looks like he lost his best friend!  I guess he has in a way, but I think our relationship will be better or at least he's going to be safer! >  Blair went to the bathroom and got a towel, then stopped at the kitchen getting a bowl of ice water and two bottles of water.  He dropped the towel in the bowl and picking up the bottles went back into the living room.  He sat everything, including himself, on the coffee table directly in front of Jim.

"Jimmy?" Blair tried to get Jim's attention and wasn't really surprised when he tried to move away from him.  Blair put his hand on Jim's arm, stopping his retreat.

"Jimmy, we are going to talk, but first I want you drink this water." Blair gently ordered.

 Jim took the water that was already opened for him, without looking at Blair.  Jim took a long pull on the water, letting it slide down his parched throat.   Blair waited patiently for him to finish his drink.  One final swallow finished the bottle, he stared at it in his hand until Blair took it from him.

"Lean back." Blair ordered he wrung out the towel and wiped Jim's face with it.   Jim had relaxed under Blair's ministrations.

"Better?"

Jim nodded his head.

"Are you ready to talk now?"

Jim nodded his head again.

"Look at me." When Jim complied, Blair started speaking, "Like I started to tell you earlier, I've found the passages where Burton explained the guides "duties" which includes punishing the Sentinel."  Jim shuddered at this pronouncement, but kept his eyes on Blair as he talked.

"With that information and our "vision" I think our relationship is due for a change.   But, I don't want to be unfair so I thought we go over some rules so you would know what behavior I expect from you." Blair paused to see if Jim would say anything.   The silence grew for a few minutes.  Finally realizing that Jim was not going to take part in the conversation Blair sighed, then continued.
  "Well, here our the rules I've thought of:

Communication:  You will no longer hide behind anger if you have a problem you will TALK to me about it.
 

Sickness/Injuries: You will follow the doctors and/or my instructions to the letter no negotiating.
 

Recklessness:  This is going to be a hard one.  On the job you're still in charge. I'm not going to second guess you when you are at a crime scene etc.   Blair could see the relief in Jim's eyes, < Did he think I was going to stop him from doing his job? >  However, I reserve the right to punish you afterwards for anything I consider reckless, unless you can convince me that the 'reckless' action was the only logical choice at the time.   In other words, I don't want you jumping out of a helicopter onto a moving car, boat or another plane unless there is no other possible way to get the perp and/or save the day.
 

Defiance: When I tell you to do something that is in your best interest and you defy me well let's just say that we are really going to have to work on this one.  And Finally,
 

Diet: You will eat healthy.  So that means no more Wonderburger."
 
 

< Come on Jim I put the last part in so you'd have something to negotiate. > Blair kept his face passive after he finished.

"No, Wonderburger?" Jim asked incredulously.

<That a boy> "Nope.  You don't need to be eating those "death" burgers."  Blair replied.

Jim didn't hide his disappointment, "How about I just eat at Wonderburger, 7 times a week?"

"No, how about once every 3 months?"

Shaking his head, Jim tried again, "Five times a week?"

"No, Once a month." Blair was having a hard time keeping the amusement out of his voice.

"Three times a week?" Jim inquired hopefully.

"Okay." This time Blair laughed and after a moment Jim joined him.
 

Present Time

Jim was broken out of his reminiscences by Blair touching him on the shoulder.  He stood in front of Jim shaking down a thermometer.

"Open up." Blair ordered.

Jim clamped his mouth shut, his lower lip jutting out in a pout as he shook his head no. <If he doesn't take my temperature than I'm not sick> he thought illogically.

"Jimmy!" Blair's tone held a warning.

 Jim rolled his eyes but still stubbornly refused to cooperate.

"James Joseph Ellison the doctor's going to want to know your temperature so either open your mouth or I'll place the thermometer where the sun doesn't shine."  Exasperation clearly showed in both Blair's face and voice.

Jim gave the threat due consideration.  Jim would have ignored Blair's threat before, but now he believed that Blair was serious.  In resignation he opened his mouth.

"That's better." Blair inserted the thermometer than patted Jim's shoulder.

There was a knock at the door.  "Don't touch the thermometer." Blair warned his partner as he went to answer it.

Simon was just getting ready to use his key to unlock the door.  He had his new laptop under one arm and a worried expression on his face.

"What's wrong? I never have to knock!" growled Simon.   <They knew I was coming this morning, Sandburg and I are suppose to work on my computer and then Jim and I are suppose to go to the Jag's basketball game this afternoon. >

"Jim's got chicken pox." Blair explained to Simon.

"Do NOT." Jim mumbled just loud enough for them to hear.  He wasn't going to admit for a moment that he was sick.  < I am not going to miss that Jag's game. >

Blair shrugged and went back to Jim.  Taking the thermometer out of his mouth, Blair read the results out loud "101.5 degrees"

"Well, if you got a fever you don't need to be running around in the rain." Simon stated as he divested himself of his coat.

"I'm not going to be running around in the rain, just from the loft to the car and from the car to the stadium." Jim retorted. <Great that's all I need.   Sandburg's bad enough. I don't need Simon going parental on me too! >"And, besides I don't have chicken pox!" he stated emphatically.  He got up from the couch and headed for his room to get some clothes then he was going to take a shower.  <I am going to go ahead with my plans for the day. >  He kept his hearing tuned into the other's conversation though, just in case his two friends were going to "plot" against him, for his own good of course.

Blair answered the phone when it rang, "Sandburg.  Hi Doc.  Yeah he's got spots and running a fever.  It's a 101.5 degrees.  He doesn't believe its chicken pox.  You'll come over?  Thanks Doc.  See you in 15."

As Jim came down the stairs Blair announced, "The doctor will be here in about 15 minutes so you may want to put your shower off until later."

"She's making a house call?" Jim asked incredulously.  <Damn! If she confirms that I've got chicken pox.  Blair is NOT going to let me go out. >

"Well, considering she's Henry's sister and dating our esteemed leader." Blair nodded in Simon's direction, "What do you think?"

"Well, it doesn't matter Chief.  I've got plans and seeing a doctor isn't one of them." Jim stated defiantly.  <He won't do anything in front of Simon and if I get out the door with my ticket, I'll be home free. >

Blair shook his head.  It seems that Jim thought he wouldn't apply the rules in front of witnesses.  <Wrong! >

"Guess what, Jim?" Blair calmly asked.

"What?" Jim warily inquired.

"Rules apply all the time, not just when it’s convenient." Blair stated evenly.

Simon was looking at the two of them with a puzzled expression on his face, "What am I missing?"

"Nothing, Simon, Nothing." Jim replied sullenly

"Come and sit down, Jim." Blair requested.

"Chief, WILL YOU JUST BACK OFF!" The Ellison volcano exploded.

"NO!  YOU'RE SICK AND I'M GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOU!   EVEN IF IT KILLS YOU!"  Blair shouted back.

"Both of you guys shut up, before we're hauled in for disturbing the peace."  Simon commanded.

There was a knock on the door.  Simon glared at his two subordinates and growled,  "If its uniforms to take you in for disturbing the peace.  I'm not bailing you out."

Luckily, when Blair answered the door it was the doctor.

"Hi, Doc." Blair said.

"Hi, Honey," Simon went and kissed her on the check.

Jim sullenly remained silent.

Aware how volatile Jim's temper could be, Dr. Helen Brown approached her patient warily,  "Hi, Jim.  How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry that Sandburg got you over here for nothing."  Jim told her glaring at his partner.

Blair started to speak, but the doctor gave him a look and he subsided.

"Well, since I gave up my Saturday, you don't mind if I take a look do you?"  She asked him, putting her bag down on the coffee table.

"Doc, really I'm fine.  I'll pay for your trouble.  But, I've got plans and I'm running late."  Jim tried to get pass Blair and to the bathroom.

"Enough, Jimmy," Sandburg said, sounding remarkable like Ellison at his sternest.

Simon had to turn away to hide his smile.  <He's going to try to out Ellison, Ellison>

Blair steered Jim over to the couch and the doctor.

"Let's get the robe off of you so I can see the rash."  She helped him off with the robe and starting probing the rash on different areas of his body.   Jim started wriggling, her probing had cause the rash to start itching again.  She handed him back his robe and the got the thermometer and tongue depressor out of he bag.

"Open up and say AHH!"  She ordered looking into his mouth.  Her expression was very unhappy when she announced, "You've got lesions inside your mouth."  Jim was unable to do anything but grunt, since the tongue depressor was still in his mouth.  She removed it and before he could say anything, inserted the thermometer.  She also listened to his chest for a few minutes.

"Well?" Blair asked.

"It's chicken pox." The doctor answered.

While waiting for the thermometer to beep, Blair, Simon and Helen conversed quietly in the kitchen. Blair had turned the radio on so Jim couldn't hear what they were saying without zoning and he was afraid to risk it.  He petulantly settled back on the couch and waited.
 
 

"Jim is being stubborn, he'll try to sneak out of here if I don't get rid of his Jag's ticket.  Helen would like to go to the game with Simon?" Blair asked.

"Sure, I'm managed to get the afternoon off so if it's okay with you I'd like to go to the game?" she addressed Simon.

"Let me see this is a tough choice .  .   . . NOT.  Of course, I'd like to go the game with you.  We'll have dinner afterwards, okay?"

Helen nodded her agreement as she went to Jim, the thermometer had beeped.   She read the temperature and frowned.

"Simon, you've been hanging around Daryl's friends again.  That comment almost sounded hip." Blair teased.

"My son keeps me young." Simon growled.

"Guys?" Helen tried to get their attention.

<This can't be good! > Jim thought, getting ready to bolt from the room.

"Yes?"  They replied together.

"Jim's temperature is 102.3 degrees." She stated unemotionally, her doctor's façade in place. "Blair do you think you can take care of him? He's going to need to be watched closely, the lesions in his mouth could swell and block his breathing.  You're also going to have to watch for signs of pneumonia, too!"

"I thought he had a kid's disease?" Simon quizzed her.

"Well, in a child it's not a problem, usually.  But, in an adult, if proper care isn't taken, it can lead to complications.  Maybe I should admit him." She pondered.

"NO, I AM NOT GOING TO THE HOSPITAL!  Jim shouted emphatically.

"Jimmy, you'll do what we think is best." Blair said under his breath just loud enough for the Sentinel to hear.

"Helen, how dangerous is it?  I think I can take care of him here, but I don't want to take any chances!" Blair inquired anxiously.

"Well, I wouldn't normally worry to much, but Jim has all those strange reactions.  I just don't know," she replied uncertainly.

Blair glanced over to Jim, who was standing silently over by the couch, looking like he was going to burst a blood vessel from frustration.  <If he has a reaction I should be there. >

"If I take care of him at home, what precautions do you think we should take?  Our medicine cabinet is pretty well stocked." Blair was trying to find a safe reasonable alternative other than putting Jim in the hospital.

<How did Blair manage to say that with a straight face? > Both Jim and Simon wondered at the same time snickering at his comment.

"Do you still have the epinephrine injections I gave you for Jim?"

"Yeah, I keep one with me at all times just in case.  The other's are kept at accessible locations, let's see there's one here in the bathroom, one in Simon's office, the nurse's office at the station, and my office.  Oh, yeah there's one in the glove compartment of the truck."  Blair ticked off where he kept this emergency medicine for his partner.

"And, you wouldn't be afraid to use it?" the doctor needed to know that Blair could handle an emergency before she would consider letting Jim stay at home.

"No, ummm actually I've taken an emergency med. tech course and I'm certified." Blair confessed embarrassed that he had to final tell his secret.

Simon looked at him pride evident on his face, <Is there nothing this kid won't do to keep Ellison safe? >

"Well Sandburg, congratulations!  When did you find the time?" Simon was curious, Sandburg's time was at a premium.

Jim was just sitting on the couch his mouth agape.

Blair didn't answer Simon, but turned his attention back to the doctor.  "What complications should I look for?"

"The lesions could effect his breathing, and if he's not careful, he could get pneumonia."

Shooting Jim an undefinable look, at least undefinable by the Dr. & Simon, Blair said, " He'll follow orders doctor."

Jim just sat on the couch a mutinous expression on his face.  <I'll play along for now, but I'm not always going to give in. >

"Here's a prescription for antihistamine's to help with the itching."  She started gathering her medical bag.

"Is there anything else we can use to control the itching?  He could have a bad reaction to the meds." Blair inquired.

"Well he can take a bath in vinegar and baking soda that'll help with the itching.  He's not allergic to calamine lotion so you can dab the spots with that. "

"Thanks, Doc."  Blair went and got an envelope off of the dining room table.

Jim bolted from the couch, but Blair was to fast for him. "Doc, this should help make up for working this morning."  He handed her the envelope with Jim's Jag's ticket in it.

"Sandburg, NOOOO!" Jim yelled to no avail.

"Thanks.  It more than made up for it.  Call me if you have questions." She beat a hasty retreat and left.

Simon took one look at Jim's angry and stony countenance and suggested, "Sandburg, I'm sure there's supplies that you need to get, now that he's sick.  Why don't you do that I'll stay here with him."

"Thanks, Simon.  Let me talk to Jim for a minute." To Simon's utter amazement Blair went to Jim and pulling on his arm dragged him into his downstairs' bedroom

Talking low so Simon couldn't here him, "Jimmy, you are going to behave or there is going to be hell to pay, got me?"

Jim just nodded to angry to speak.  <I don't believe this I really don't believe this. >

"I'm going to get your bath ready!"

"Chief, I draw the line there, you are NOT giving me a bath." Jim stated angrily.

"Listen man, I will if I have to and in front of Simon.  But, I wasn't planning on it.  I'll just get the vinegar and soda ready.  I want you to stay in it until I get back." Blair ordered.

Jim knew it was time to give in, "Okay!"  <But while your gone I'm going to be plotting. >  Jim went into the bathroom and Blair got the stuff from the kitchen and followed him putting 2 Tablespoons of baking soda and an equal amount of vinegar in the bathtub.  He watched it foam before starting the water.

"Are you finished, mom?" Jim asked bitingly

"Yes." Blair replied leaving the room before he lost his patience.

"Simon, I'll be back in say an hour or so.  I'm going to the drug and grocery stores.  You want anything?"

"No."

Blair left, muttering something to himself.

Simon knocked on the bathroom door.  "Jim?"

Jim opened the door, "Yeah, Simon?"

"Sandburg's only trying to look out for you." Simon was trying to defuse what he considered an explosive situation.

Sighing Jim agreed, "I know."  He continued into the living room and grabbed a book.  If he was going to soak for a while, he might as well enjoy it.   "Simon, you don't have to stay."

Simon just replied mildly, "I promised the kid."

Jim shrugged and headed to the bathroom and his bath.

Blair had been making a list in his head of the supplies he would need for Jim.   First stop the pharmacy.  He dropped the prescription off and then wandered around the store waiting for it to be filled.  He picked up some Pedalyte (kid Gatorade) just in case Jim started vomiting, Gatorade was too strong for him and the Pedalyte was the next best thing to keep him from dehydrating. Going back toward the pharmacy to wait for the prescription he happened to glance down and saw rectal thermometers. "Mmm, I can use this as a threat, he'll never know I won't mean it." He dropped it into the basket and picked up a jar a Vaseline, with an  " In for a penny in for a pound," attitude the Vaseline joined the thermometer in the basket.   He grabbed a large bottle of calamine lotion and picking up the prescription went to the check out counter.

Next stop the grocery store.   Blair picked up a whole chicken to cut up and make homemade chicken soup, some beef stew meat and soup bone for homemade vegetable beef soup, vegetables, salad stuff, ice cream, Popsicle's, milk, bread, eggs, cereal, ginger ale, the stuff for vegetable lasagna and for himself some beer.  Satisfied that they would have enough food for a couple of days, Blair went to the check out and headed home.

 Jim tried to concentrate on his book and he hated to admit it the bath was helping his itching, but he still needed to get even with Blair about the Jag's ticket.   <He shouldn't have given my ticket away. > Jim contemplated the ceiling for a few minutes, remembering another time he was sick and was given a bath.   Only that time he wasn't allowed to do it by himself, Jim's faced burned at the memory.  It was right after the spanking from Incacha for leaving the hut with a fever.  He had been put to bed with a very red bottom and Intaka his "babysitter" had checked his forehead for fever.

 Clucking her tongue she had pulled the woven cover over him, "Sleep Enquirei, while I get a cooling bath ready for you."

Jim was exhausted from the fever and his punishment so for once he didn't argue and fell asleep.  Intaka pulled out the wooden tub that was used for baths and making several trips to the river, got enough water to fill it.  Making sure that it was cool to her touch, but not freezing, she woke her charge.  Sleepily, Jim looked at her and when she tugged on his arm got up. Blushing when the cover fell leaving him naked to her eyes.   Intaka didn't even miss a beat, she had been taking care of members of the tribe all of her life and seeing someone naked was not a new experience for her.  Children as a matter of routine didn't wear any type of covering until they past the test for adulthood.      And Intaka considered Jim a child, even though the elder's had voted her proposal to have him declared one down.

"Get in cub," Intaka said pointing to the tub.

Jim thought about rebelling, but the water looked so inviting he climbed in, shivering for a second when his warm skin hit the cool water.  Intaka took a cloth and started wiping him down.   .   .

The knock on the door broke into his reverie, "Jim?" it was Blair.

"Yeah, Chief?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute."  Jim started to get out of the tub and was startled when Blair walked in carrying some of the supplies from the pharmacy.

"CHIEF!" Jim yelled angrily when his privacy was invaded.
 
 

" Come on Jim, would you calm down?  I'm not after your virtue!  I just thought you'd want to use the calamine lotion that I bought to help with the itching.  I also got a couple other things for you." There was a trace of amusement in Blair's voice.

"Simon's right outside!" Jim whispered hoarsely.  He was shaking with anger.  <God, if he finds out about this new aspect of the Sentinel stuff I'll have to leave town. >

"No, he's not.  He didn't like the groceries I brought home, so he offered to buy us Chinese for lunch.   He went to pick it up and I'm sure he's going to use the opportunity to smoke a cigar."  Blair grinned at the thought.  Simon wasn't allowed to smoke in the Loft.
 

"What?" Jim was totally confused.  Of course he hadn't been listening to Blair's explanation either.

"I said Simon's not here right now." Blair went over to Jim and touched his forehead.  He was really worried, Jim was usually quicker on the uptake, not to mention that he should have heard Simon leave.

Jim moved his head away from Blair's touch.

"Chief, I'm fine!  Would you please leave so I can get dressed." The words were civil enough but the anger was clearly heard.   Jim was standing there with the towel clutched around his middle glaring at Blair.

<Time to nip this attitude in the bud! > Blair just returned Jim's glare with one of his own and said, "Jimmy, you've got a couple of choices."  While he was talking Blair had gone back to the bag from the pharmacy and pulled out the large jar of Vaseline opening the medicine cabinet he put it on a shelf, he turned back to Jim who was staring at him warily.  "You can act like a total brat and be treated line one."  Once again Blair pulled something out of the sack, holding the package so Jim could read what it was, 'Baby Rectal Thermometer' Jim flushed, then paled, but didn't say anything.  "Or you can act like the mature man your are.  Either way I'm not going to let you ruin your health!" Blair continued to glower at him waiting for a response.  <Your move>
 

"Whatever!"  Jim started to put on his boxers and sweats.

He froze at the next words he heard.  "Don't bother putting on your sweats, it will just irritate the pox, just put on your robe and boxers.  But, before you even do that let me put some lotion on the places you can't reach." Blair looked at him innocently as he got the bottle and some cotton.

<Thanks for being so helpful Chief! > He turned his back to Blair the resentment could be seen in the set of his shoulders but he didn't protest.   Thankfully Blair limited his applications to Jim's back.   Jim applied the lotion to his front saving what little dignity he had left.

They had just finished and Jim was dressed when they entered the living room.  When Simon opened the door with his key.   Much to Simon's credit he didn't burst out laughing when he saw the pink polka-dotted Ellison.  In fact, he managed to keep a straight face throughout the meal.  They talked about Jim's caseload and how it could be distributed among the other detectives.

"I should be back by Tuesday or Wednesday."  Jim stated optimistically.   Blair just frowned <I'll cross that bridge when I come to it >, for now he said, "I'll clear the table, Simon why don't you get your computer fired up."  Before he could say anything to Jim, the man in question headed for the couch and the remote.  Blair nodded in satisfaction as long as Jim was going to "rest" he didn't have any problems with his behavior.

Jim channeled surfed, for some reason he wasn't interested in sports and finally settled on the "Two Fat Ladies" cooking show on the Food Network.  He watched it for several minutes and started to get a little green around the gills.  Every recipe called for butter or lard in large quantities.  Normally, Jim liked to watch the show and enjoyed the conversations the ladies had while they were working.  But today, for some reason it was just making him nauseous.  He changed the channel and closed his eyes hoping that would solve the problem.  He tuned into his friends' conversation about the computer and listening to their muted conversation he fell asleep.

Simon & Blair were working on the computer at the dining room table when they heard Jim snore. They exchanged grins and Blair silently tip toed over to the couch to make sure that Jim was well covered.   Simon watched Blair's expression change from concern to loving exasperation.  He continued to observe Blair as he tucked a blanket around the sleeping man's shoulders and gently touched Jim's forehead checking for fever. <It's almost paternal the way he takes care of Jim. > Simon mused.

Satisfied that Jim was taken care of, Blair sat back down at the table to continue Simon's computer lessons on the advanced programs.    After two frustrating hours, frustrating for Simon at least, Blair suggested a break, "Simon, why don't you help me make the noodles for the soup.  You can take your frustrations out on that before you drop kick the computer off the balcony."

"Okay, anything to get way from this electronic  . . . ."

Simon vigorously mixed the batter and really enjoyed rolling the noodles out.    When they went back to the computer, Simon was relaxed enough to concentrate on the programs and he got through all of them.  "Thanks, Sandburg.  I really appreciate the help.  I'm going to take off now I need to go home to change for my date."

"Okay, Simon.  Have fun." Blair swallowed a grin.

"Are you and Jim going to be okay?" Simon finally asked the question that had been concerning him all morning.

"Yeah, we'll be fine."  Blair stated confidently, which had Simon wondering a bit.  Ellison on a tear was bad enough, but a sick and grumpy Ellison was definitely something to avoid at all costs.

"Well, if you need me, call." Simon wasn't sure that Blair would be able to handle Ellison by himself.

"Thanks, Simon."  Blair walked him to the door and turned to his sleeping roommate.  <His breathing looks normal, although he's a little flushed.  I think I'll let him sleep until the pregame show at least. >  Blair checked how his dinner was processing and set the timer, then sat down to grade some of the tests from his classes.   Although he had a TA of his own now, he liked to do some grading to make sure that his students were grasping the concept.

The timer went off and Blair stretched before he got up a check the chicken.  Deciding it was done, he took it out of the broth, putting both the chicken and broth in the refrigerator to cool.  He grabbed a water and juice for Jim, putting them on the counter next to the thermometer, he went to his room to get his stethoscope so he could check Jim's lungs.  He gathered the rest of his supplies and went into the living room.  Sitting down on the coffee table, he placed the supplies next to him and gently shook Jim's shoulder to wake him.  Jim's eyes immediately opened.

"What?"  Jim asked grumpily.

"The pregame show is on in 10 minutes.  Don't you want to see it?"  Blair asked cheerfully.

"What I want to do is go to the game, but you fixed it so I can't.  Jim glared at him.

"Keep the attitude up and you won't watch it on T.V. either."  Blair replied.

Jim just huffed angrily and started to get up.

"Where are you going?"

"To the bathroom, if you don't mind.'  Sarcasm dripped from every word.

He finally got vertical and turned toward the bathroom, leaving his butt an unprotected, tempting target.

Blair smacked him hard, "Hey, what did you do that for?"  Jim asked rubbing at the sting.

"That's my attitude adjustment dial.  Did it work or do I need to tweak it some more?" Blair politely inquired.

"It worked, Chief." Jim swallowed his resentment,  "May, I go to the bathroom?"

"Of course." Blair replied, "Bring back the calamine lotion when you return."

Jim shrugged an acknowledgment, then went to the bathroom using the facilities and washing his hands and face, he stared at his reflection in the mirror.  <Okay, he took your ticket and gave it away.  But, there's a game on Monday, maybe he'll forget about the tickets.  He has department meetings at the U so he can't use them.  That's my chance! >

"Jim, are you okay?" Blair asked

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." Jim replied girding his loins he was going to be a well-behaved patient for the rest of the weekend

"Don't forget the calamine lotion and the cotton balls!" Blair ordered from the other room.

Rolling his eyes he picked the requested items and headed back into the living room.  <It's going to be a looooooonnnnng weekend! >

Jim handed the calamine lotion to Blair and sat down on the couch.

"Thanks, I think the first thing I want to do is listen to your chest."  Blair

Jim kept is a stoic expression on his face while Blair listen to his chest to make sure it was not congested.

"Sounds good." Blair told him.

<I could have told him, but would he had listened?  NO! >

Jim watched warily as Blair shook down the thermometer, <It's an oral one, I'm sure he wouldn't use the other one on me. > But, he was ready to jump up just in case.

"Open up" Blair commanded.

Jim relaxed back against the couch with the thermometer in his mouth.

"I'll turn on the pregame show for you."

Blair checked his watch and removed the thermometer, "Well it's still at 102 degrees." Blair read it out loud.  He went to the table and wrote the time and the temperature down, he wanted to keep track of Jim's symptoms.

Jim was laying back on the couch watching the show, "Okay, let's reapply the calamine lotion and then you get to drink the water and juice, I don't want you to get dehydrated."

Jim gave Blair a dirty look and before he could stop himself, replied back angrily, "Chief, I'll do it myself and I'll drink when I am thirsty." He crossed his arms across his chest and went back to watching the television.

Blair moved quickly, "Jimmy, you've had one warning that's it.  Come over here, NOW!" the last words had steel in them.

Jim just looked at him, but didn't move.

Blair controlled his anger as he got up and went to the couch, Jim found himself flipped over and across Blair's knees.  <How does he do that? >  Jim hadn't even been able to put up a struggle, <Damn Instincts! >

Jim felt the Blair pulling his robe up and the boxers being pulled down to his knees.  The cool air against his naked butt caused goose bumps.  Trying to brace himself for the first swat he clinched his cheeks, unfortunately that would only increase the pain, as he would soon find out.

The first swat stung, and Jim let out an involuntary "oww," Blair continued interspersing the smacks with verbal orders, " You will, smack, do what, smack, your told, smack, when you're, smack, sick smack, smack.   Jim was biting his lip to keep from crying out each smack had been delivered on the same spot, he could feel the heat emitting from his own backside.  "That is one of the first rules." Five more smacks were applied to the same spot.  Jim wiggled a little, the pain was starting to get to him.  He tried to dial down his sense of touch and was unable to do so.  It looked like the "instincts" or whatever wouldn't let him lessen the pain of a punishment.  All other options gone, he decided to apologize before his butt was blazing so hot he wouldn't be able to sit comfortably for the entire weekend.

"Blair, I'm ssorry." He stuttered, hoping that he sounded contrite enough.

"Okay, but you've had your warning, any more disobedience and you'll get spanked!" Blair warned as he reached for the calamine lotion and cotton.  <Might as reapply the lotion while I've got him in this position. >  He started applying the cool lotion on the hot butt and Jim sighed in relief.  Blair finished the back and the legs then, "Turnover, Jim."  Now his butt wasn't the only apart of Jim that was red, he blushed from head to toe.

"Umm Chief,   . . . . .I really. . . . .umm, appreciate the offer. ....but, I rather do it myself."  Jim was still over Blair's knees but he would rather take another spanking then to have the other man apply lotion to his front.

Blair grinned to himself, "Okay," he pulled the boxers up and helped Jim slide from Blair's knees to his own.

By the time Jim was able to stand, Blair had an innocent concerned expression on his face.  "You stay here and apply the lotion," "Bl.." "Let me finish," Blair continued, interrupting what Jim was going to say, "I'll go to the kitchen and finish making the soup."

"Thanks," was Jim's heartfelt reply.  He watched Blair pull the broth and chicken from the refrigerator and as soon as he was sure that Blair's attention was on what he was doing and not on him,  Jim hurriedly applied the calamine lotion to his spots in front and then lay on the couch.  Calling out to his partner, "Done, Chief."

"Drink you juice and water.  Turn up the game so I can hear it too."  Relieved that the worse seemed to be over Jim complied.   The rest of the weekend was uneventful.

Monday 10:00 am.  The Loft.

"Jim are you sure you'll be all right for a few hours?" Blair inquired for the fifth time that morning.  His guide radar pinging like crazy for some reason.   He wasn't sure why, after the spanking on Saturday, Jim had been a model patient.

"Sure." Jim replied. < Chief, I wish you would just go. The games at 1:00 p.m. and you should be in the middle of your meeting then.  I hope. >

"Maybe, I should see if Simon can come over to stay with you again." Blair was still dithering in his decision.

"Chief, I'm sure that Simon's got meetings with the Mayor today, and I don't think he can get out of them to 'sentinel sit'!"  Jim was barely keeping the exasperation out of his voice.  Trying to allay Blair's suspicions and keep everything normal was almost beyond his acting abilities.  Although, the thought of putting one over on his guide, after the last couple of months, sent joy courses through his heart.  It was all he could do not to push Blair out the door and break up laughing.

"Well, let me take your temperature one more time."  Blair commanded.  <If it's at 102 I'll stay home and forget the meetings at the U. >

<Anything, Chief if it will get you out of here! >  Jim opened his mouth and accepted the thermometer.

Four minutes later by Blair's watch he removed the thermometer.  Jim's temperature was at 101 degrees.  He wrote it down in the notebook that he was keeping on this illness.  Jim's temperature had been going down since last evening.

"Okay, your temperature is still coming down so I'll leave you for a few hours.   There's soup and juice in the fridge make sure you eat and drink lots of liquids.  I'll check when I come back home." Blair put on his jacket and picked up his backpack.  He continued, "I'll have my cell phone with me, call if you need anything."

"Okay, Chief."  Jim replied < Go already! >

"Take a nap too." Blair ordered his hand on the doorknob. "Don't forget to take your  'medicated bath' either."

"Okay, Chief." Jim said again.  Giving Jim one last worried look Blair left for the U.

Jim stayed on the couch until he couldn't hear the Volvo's engine anymore.  "YES. FREEDOM" Jim shouted in the empty room.  He went up to his room, to get some clean clothes and then headed for a shower.

Jim enjoyed his shower watching the calamine lotion go down the drain. He suddenly felt less like a 5- year old and more like a grown man. He was NOT going out in public pink polka-dotted. . He figured that for a few hours he could manage the itch by lowering his touch dial down a notch or two. He was suppose to be taking baths with the soda and vinegar to help control the itching, he left enough "evidence" so it would look like he had taken the "medicated" bath. He even measured and dumped some soda and vinegar down the john, patting himself on the back as he did so. <I wasn't in covert ops for nothing, > He made himself some lunch, making sure to heat up the soup and dump some water and juice down the sink to cover his tracks. Blair's meetings usually lasted about 4 hours that would mean he'd have to leave the game in the third quarter, so he could get home in time to take up his position on the couch. But at least he would see the Jag's play. By the time he set everything up to look like he had spent the day on the couch, it was time to leave. He picked up a light jacket, it was raining but he didn't expect to be in the rain for long. He started his truck and drove toward the arena.  A little under half way there his engine started to sputter and cough. <NO. This kind of stuff happens to Sandburg, Not to me. > The rain had started coming down in buckets; lightning and thunder included in the display.   He got out of the truck and popped the hood; he checked the carburetor, and hoses, battery any quick fix that he could think of at all.  Everything looked normal. <Damn! > He reached into his pocket for his cell phone to call his mechanic and came up empty.

<Damn! > He remembered that it was in on the charger in kitchen.  "Great! Just Great." Jim muttered to himself, slamming the hood down, "Might as well start walking home, it's closer."  He announced his decision to no one in particular.   He pulled his jacket around him and headed home or to the nearest pay phone which every came first.  He dialed his sense of touch down a little more so he could ignore the shivers coursing through his body because of the cold rain.

At the U, Blair got into his car, a lightning strike had caused the generators to go down, all except the emergency ones for the labs, so he headed home to check on Jim.   <You know he is a grown man, he can be left for a few hours without a disaster happening. >  Blair reminded himself but found his car heading toward the loft.  Because of the lightning strike, traffic lights were out.  So, to be on the safe side, Blair took the longer way home.  On one of the side streets he thought he spotted Jim's truck.   "No way." But he stopped anyway and unlocked it with the key from his ring.  <Damn! Was it stolen? >  Blair tried to start it with no luck and placed a call to their mechanic.  "Fred, don't start laughing it's Jim's truck this time.  It's at Lexington and Fifth.  Will you tow it in and see what's wrong?  Thanks."  Blair tried the loft no answer.

"Hopefully, Jimmy your in the bath or taking a nap," Blair said out loud.   He got in his car and started driving home.  About 15 minutes later he spotted Jim standing in a pay phone booth with a disgusted look on his face, the cord had been cut.   Blair got out of the car controlling his anger, what he wanted to do was take Jim by the ear, pull him to the car, and spank his butt until the other man was reduced to a mass of tears.  However, Jim had an image as the tough street cop to protect, so, Blair got out of the car and knocked on the booth door.  Jim looked angrily around but paled when he saw who it was.  For any audience watching Blair started apologizing, "Jim I'm sorry I forgot that I was suppose to pick you up."  Jim just looked at him for a minute and took his cue, "Chief, I can't believe ...." Blair interrupted, "Come on, let's get you home."  Jim hung up the phone and walked to the Volvo, once in the car though the tuned change,
"Jimmy, when we get home you'll take a hot bath and get warm and then I'm going to re-warm your butt for you.   You are in so much trouble," Jim interrupted the tirade, "Chi..." "Don't even bother JIMMY." The rest of the ride was made in silence.

Blair parked in the parking lot at home. Getting out of the car, he started walking to the door, realizing finally that Jim had not joined him.  He went back and opened the passenger door. "You're only putting off the inevitable." Jim slowly got out of the car and walked toward the apartment house.  Blair walked behind him to make sure he did go "home" and didn't try to disappear around the corner. Jim stumbled once and fell hard onto the pavement, skinning his knee and his hand.  He got up without a word and entered the apartment house, taking the elevator up to their floor and waited while Blair unlocked their door.

"Straight to the bathroom and get out of those wet clothes," Blair ordered.  He stopped long enough to take off his wet shoes and jacket and put some water on to boil for tea. Jim was standing in the bathroom, his hand on the zipper of the jacket, unable to pull it down. Blair gave him an inquiring look, but pushed past him to start the warm water for the bath, adjusting the temperature.  He turned back to Jim who was still playing with the zipper.

Exasperated, Blair went over to him and undid it, "Strip Jimmy, and get into the bath. You'll feel better as soon as you're warm. I'll go make you some tea."

Jim stared at his hands, trying to make them work so he could be in the bath before Blair came back and found out that he had lowered his touch so much he couldn't feel the buttons or zippers on his clothes. Blair came back with the tea to find Jim where he left him, he got angry at the defiance putting the tea down. He slapped Jim hard on his wet jean incased butt. So hard that his hand stung but Jim just stood there like he didn't feel it....."Jim what did you do?"

"Do?" Jim replied innocently wanting to back out the door. But it was closed.

"Did you feel that slight tap I gave you?" Blair gently inquired.

"Tap? Sure I felt it." Jim obfuscated.

"That's one lie shall you try for two?" Blair harshly asked.

Wincing Jim asked, "Lie?"

"You've got to the count of three to tell me what you did to your sense of touch. If I make it to three your punishment will be tripled got me?"

"One"

"Two"

"IturneditdownsoIwoundn'titchatthegameandthengotcoldfromtherainandturneditdownsomemore." Jim rushed the words to his explanation.

"YOU WHAT?" Blair yelled.  Jim started to answer again.

"Never mind." Blair went to Jim and started undressing him.  Jim didn't even blush, whether he wasn't embarrassed or because with his touch dialed down so far he wasn't capable, Blair didn't know.

"Get in."

Jim complied as quickly as he could. "Okay, listen to my voice and move the dial up one notch. Nod when you've done that." Jim nodded, Blair waited for a few minutes, "Okay, another notch." Jim nodded and started flexing his feet and legs, "Oww, oww"

"What's wrong?" Blair looked at Jim

"Pins and needles, my hands and feet feel like pins and needles.  I need to get up and walk it off." Jim stated as he tried to get to his feet.  Blair stood up and pushed down on his shoulders.

"You'll stay in the bath until I tell you to get out. Now is your dial set to normal yet?"

Jim shook his head

"Okay, move it up one more notch.  Is that normal?" Blair was relieved when Jim nodded. But now he had started shivering from the cold and scratching.  "Drink this tea and I'll get the soda and vinegar."

"Thanks, Chief."

"Don't thank me yet. You've got quite a bit of punishment coming." Blair looked at him sternly from the doorway.

In a few minutes, Blair came back into the bathroom with the vinegar and soda and poured equal amounts into a cup then dumped the cup's contents into Jim's bath water. Jim didn't even look up at him.  He was way too embarrassed.

"Jimmy, I want you to soak in the water for at least 15 minutes. Do you want me to get your back for you?" Blair asked

Jim just shook his head.

"Okay, I call you in fifteen minutes." Blair left him and Jim breathed a sigh a relief. He'd been afraid that after his disobedience Blair would really treat him like a child including bathing him.
 

Blair, on the other hand, needed the time to make sure his temper had cooled.  He needed to decide on a punishment for Jim. <First I'll take his temperature and then go from there. > That decided.  Blair got Jim some boxer's from his room as well as the discarded robe and a couple of towels and threw them all in the dryer to warm up. Setting the timer on the dryer for 15 minutes, he stood and waited for the clothes and meditated trying to let his anger go. <I think he'll forfeit the tickets for the next 4 Jag's home games, that's a start anyway. > The dryer went off and Blair got the clothes and headed back toward the bathroom.

"Jimmy, you can get out now."  Blair commanded.

"Umm, Blair I can get out on my own." Jim tentatively tried to get Blair to leave him alone to get dressed.

Blair considered for a minute and then left the room.  The clothes were left behind.

Jim got out and dried himself off, smiling a little, the towels were still warm from the dryer.
<If he took time to warm these up, he can't be too mad. > The knot in Jim's stomach loosened just a little. He put on the boxers and the robe and, figuring he stalled long enough, went into the living room.

Jim came out of the bathroom to find Blair standing right outside waiting for him. He was quickly ushered to a chair and a thermometer was popped into his mouth before he knew what was happening. <At least it's in my mouth not my ass. > Jim knew that he was going to be punished for leaving the loft, but he wasn't sure what to expect. Blair drummed his fingers anxiously against the table while he waited for the 4 minutes to be up. < If Jim's temperature is up I'll have to postpone his punishment otherwise . . .> Blair didn't complete his thought checking his watch <Times up! > Blair removed the thermometer and read the temperature <101 degrees. Well at least he didn't make himself worse. >

"Well Jimmy your little adventure didn't make you any worse. So I think we'll go straight to your punishment." Blair moved one of the dining room chairs away from the table and sat down.

"Come here." Blair commanded.

Jim felt like he was facing a firing squad, but he bravely got to his feet.  He was not going to give Blair any satisfaction in treating him in this manner.

"Loose the robe, Jim." Blair said as Jim stood by him.  Jim glared down at him but took the robe off as he was ordered.

Blair then pulled Jim over his knees, Jim's hands came down and he braced himself against the floor.  Blair positioned Jim so that his butt was an easy target. When he was ready he pulled Jim's boxers down, causing the man on his lap to flush in embarrassment. <This is embarrassing but I'll survive. I'm not going to give him the satisfaction that this will deter me when I want to do something! >

Blair landed the first blow, and following an age-old ritual asked, "Why are you getting this spanking?"

Jim was feeling defiant from his silent pep talk when he answered, "Because you are on some type of power trip!"

"Well that's not the answer I was looking for but if you want to stay over my lap until we have an understanding. So be it." Blair basically started a drumming pattern, three hits on one cheek, two hits on the other, back and forth until Jim's bottom was fire engine red and Jim was biting his lip to keep from crying out. Tears were running down his face but he hadn't uttered a sound."

"Now are you ready to answer my question?" Blair wouldn't admit it but his hand was getting sore.

"IIII..." Jim stumbled over the words <I won't! >

Blair reached over to the table and got the hairbrush he had gotten out of his room while he was waiting for Jim to get done in the bathroom. <This should break through his stubborn pride. I hope! >

Blair repeated the pattern and after 10 hard smacks. "I umm (sob), shouldn't have left the loft." Jim choked out.

"And?" Blair landed another hard smack on both cheeks at the same time.

"I'm sorry for being defiant." Jim was trying to wriggle away from the brush.

"Okay. This part of the punishment is through." Blair helped Jim stand up and pull up his boxers. Standing up himself he gave Jim a hug, "You know I don't like being put in the position we're I have to punish you. It's nothing that I enjoy, but you've got to get over the idea that you're health and safety doesn't matter. YOU MATTER TO ME!"

"I know, Chief."

"Okay, Jimmy." Blair broke the hug.

<Man, I hate it when he calls me Jimmy! > Jim thoughts however weren't showing on his tear-stained face.

"I think you need a 'time out' to do some reflection. So go stand in that corner." Blair pointed to the only accessible corner of the living room.

"Chief, you're kidding? Right?" the defiance was back in Jim's tone and stance.

"No. Don't make me put you there." Blair answered sternly.

"Chief, the spankings are enough punishment. There is no way that's I'm going to stand in the corner like a child." Jim crossed his arms and a stubborn expression was on his face.

Blair sighed <Incacha didn't warn me that there would be a battle over everything. Next time I visit the spirit world I'm going to ask for a "Guide" Book. > Blair smiled a little at his own thoughts.

Jim seeing that quirk of Blair's lips thought he had won that round and went to sit gingerly on the couch and watch some television. <If I'm lucky I can see some clips of the game. >

The television being switched on broke Blair's reverie and fired his banked anger. He took the remote out of Jim's hand, turned off the television and had a hold of Jim's ear before Jim could react.

"Oww, oww, Chief stop it that's attached." Jim couldn't resist a smart assed comment. Which earned him a hard smack on his already throbbing backside.

"YEOWWW! What's wrong now?" Jim was confused.

"I told you to stand in the corner.  That's where you're going to be for the next 60 minutes. Then you're going to eat an early dinner and go to bed."

"But but," Jim sputtered.

"I don't think you realize what kind of danger you put yourself in. The doctor told us on Saturday that we had to watch out for signs of pneumonia. We're lucky you didn't get any sicker walking in the rain today. Not to mention that Stephanie may have been at the game and she's pregnant and you're still contagious. What do you think would have happened to her unborn baby if she wasn't immune?"

Jim was stunned not about him getting sick but the danger he might have put a baby in. "Stephanie?"

"She's got the seats behind us." It didn't surprise Jim that Blair knew who the other season ticket holders around them were.

"Oh," Jim was still stunned by the implications of his actions. <If the motor hadn't died. > Jim started beating himself up. <What kind of protector are you? > He snorted in disgust at himself. <Damn worthless. Selfish. > A litany of self-abused continued in his head.

Blair started dinner between the bath the spanking and the "discussions" it was now close to 4:00 p.m. and he was hungry. Lunch was long forgotten in his hurry to get home and fury of finding Jim.

He started the broth for the rice that would take the longest to get done. "Jim, I'm going to get our mail. Don't move while I'm gone." Blair picked up his keys and went down to the entrance to pick up the mail.
 

Jim heard the door click but was still beating himself up, so he didn't pay any attention to the sound. Blair returned with the mail, flipped through it and divided it into his and his piles. He finished cooking dinner.

"Jim go wash up. Dinner's ready." Blair just set down the last bowl with the chicken stir-fry in it.

Jim left the corner and went to the bathroom, taking the opportunity to wash his face and then peer at his butt in the mirror. <Damn. It's so red! No wonder it hurts. >

"JIMMY." Blair yelled.

"Coming." and suiting his actions to his words he came out and carefully sat on his chair.

"The food smells delicious." Jim complemented, <I'm starving. > He filled his plate and started eating.

"Thanks." Blair starting eating as well for a few minutes the only sound heard was the silverware hitting the plates.

Sated enough, Jim looked at Blair, "Chief, I'm sorry about earlier this morning and afternoon. I didn't think I'd hurt anyone else."

"Apology accepted, but you're not suppose to hurt yourself either." Blair declared. "You know you don't have to perfect or try to be invincible. It's okay to be sick and let someone take care of you."

"Chief, it's an ingrained reaction now, my Dad didn't believe in "coddling" us and the Army. Well let's just say you don't become a Ranger by being what they consider a "wussy."

"Jim, the last thing you are is a "wussy." I mean look at some of the st--things...things <Almost blew it when I'm getting somewhere. > Blair chastened himself. The things that you've done, jumping off of helicopters onto moving boats, going over the side of a skyscraper and crashing in the 30th story floor window. Those things may make me crazy but they sure prove that you're not a wussy." Worry and admiration shown clearly in Blair's eyes.

"Thanks, Chief." Jim ducked his head in embarrassment at the praise.

"Your welcome!" Blair replied.

They'd finished eating and Jim helped clear the table and do the dishes. He had just laid down couch on his side and turned the television on, when he heard Blair clear his throat.

"Jim," Blair considered everything that happened and continued, "you're on parole. Any misbehavior results in another spanking and then straight to bed. Got me?"

Jim's smile lit up the room, "Yes, Sir." he also gave Blair a smart salute. <Maybe he'll start treating me like an adult.>

"And, I'll be checking your temperature during the evening." Blair continued.

______

Blair shook down the oral thermometer so he could check Jim's temperature again.  It
had been gradually rising all evening. If it were at 104 degrees he would have
no choice but to get Jim in the tub with some cold water. "God, I hope his
fever stays the same." Not paying attention to what he was doing he dropped
the thermometer, it shattered on the hard wood floor.  "Damn!"  Blair exclaimed,
<Now I don't have a choice I'm going to have to take it rectally. > He cleaned
the mess up on the floor. It wouldn't do for Jim to walk barefoot and cut
his foot on a piece of glass. When that was job was done, Blair went back
to the bathroom to get the rectal thermometer and the Vaseline.

Thinking all the time, < I never thought I have to actually use this stuff. >

Blair warily approached the couch where Jim was ensconced with several blankets,
he had been chilling because of the fever.

"Jimmy?" calling to him to get his attention. Jim turned fever bright eyes
on him. "I need to take your temperature."

Jim was feeling to bad to argue with his partner he automatically opened his
mouth to accept the thermometer.

"No, Jimmy I need for you to turn over." Blair told him as he started
pulling the blankets away from his Sentinel.

"Huh?" Jim had heard what Blair had said but the words weren't connecting
until he saw the jar of Vaseline and thermometer on the coffee table.
"NNNNNOOOOOOOOO!" he yelled struggling to get up and then finally succeeding. Jim was standing but he was unsteady on his feet, this worked in
Blair's favor. He quickly sat down, tugging on Jim's arm, causing him to tumble down over his knees. He quickly pulled Jim's boxers down. All that Jim was wearing. When Jim started struggling he popped him hard a couple of times. Jim cried out, "Oww, oww" and kicked his feet. It didn't take much to make Jim cry, ever since the beginning of his illness he'd been doing one thing or another to get a spanking. His butt hadn't been anything but crimson red for days. "Lay still." Blair commanded, "if this gets stuck you'll really will be sorry. Opening the jar of Vaseline Blair got a good dollop of it on the thermometer and slowly inserted it in Jim's anus. Jim whimpered, Blair held him in place and rubbed him on the small of the back for comfort. . Finally the 4 minutes were up, he removed the thermometer and looked at the temperature. It was a 104 degrees.

Pulling a Kleenex out of the box sitting next to him, Blair gently wiped the excess Vaseline off of Jim's anus. Jim's whole body was red with embarrassment. "Chief, please, I'm an adult don't do this to me." He pleaded using the puppy dog eyes that he learned from his partner. Although, that look didn't really work in this position. Rubbing his Sentinel's back to calm him, Blair pulled the boxers up. "I need for you to get off of me for a minute. Jim carefully maneuvered himself down to the floor Blair stood up and reached for Jim. He helped him back to the couch.

"Chief, I'll be good. Pleassse don't do that again!" Blair just patted the distraught man on the shoulder, he didn't say anything because he didn't want to be accused later of lying to him.

"Shh! sh! Why don't you close your eyes for just a little bit?" Jim gave
Blair a searching look and then closed his eyes.

Blair let go of the breath he was holding. For just a moment he watched as the Sentinel slid into a troubled sleep, he found his feet dragging as he headed for the bathroom to start drawing the cold bath. Watching as the tub filled with the water, he vented his anger, "If Jim hadn't taken that walk in the rain we wouldn't be in this mess now!"

"No, that's not fair," he told himself," his fever could still have spiked because of the chicken pox.

The tub was half filled with water when he stopped the flow. Checking the
temperature he decided it wasn't cold enough.  He went to the freezer and
pulled out the bag of ice they kept there for soft drinks.  He looked over
at Jim who was still sleeping.  He re-entered the bathroom, pouring the ice
into the water.  He waited a few minutes and then tested the water
temperature again.  It was cold enough.  Before waking Jim, he went upstairs to get him a fresh pair of boxers, placing them in the bathroom he went to get Jim.

 "Jim, wake up and come with me." Blair gently touched Jim's shoulder.

"Huh?" sleepy and dazed with fever, Jim just blindly followed his guide.  He was steered into the bathroom and his boxers were pulled down.   That didn't even phase him.

"Jim you need to climb in the bathtub." Blair held onto Jim as he did what he was told.  When his foot hit the ice cold water he tried to pull away but was unbalanced and Blair was able to get him in the rest of the way.  When Jim's butt made contact with the freezing water his eyes opened wide and he stood up knocking Blair on his butt. Yelling "its ffreezing," Jim struggled to get out of the tub.  Blair had managed to get up in time to grab his flailing arm, with a quick pop on Jim's butt he got the other man's attention.
"Sit down."  He tried to get out again, but Blair just pushed him back down in the cold water.

"BLAIR!" Jim yelled plaintively.

"Hush! Lean back." Blair helped Jim get into the position he wanted and took one of the wash clothes and dipped into the water and laid in on Jim's forehead.   He took another dipped it in the cold water and ran it down Jim's neck and chest and then dribbled some down his back.  Over and over again until he thought Jim's temperature might be down.

"Okay, you can get out now."  Blair helped him out and dried him off then helped him put on his boxers.   He led him back to the couch.

Jim sat down and watched Blair warily, but Blair just went and got some juice from the fridge.

"Here, drink this."  Blair wanted to wait a while before taking Jim's temperature to see if the cold bath worked.
 

Jim took the juice and drank it quickly, it felt good against his parched throat.    He kept throwing glances that were a mixture of wariness and anger at his partner.  He was unsure what Blair would torture him with next.  When Blair reached over from the other couch to get the remote, Jim moved away a little.  But he relaxed when Blair just reached for the remote turning the TV on to an I Love Lucy marathon.   Soon Jim was dozing, Blair looked over realized that Jim was asleep, moved his feet and legs onto the couch and covered him with the blanket, <Does he look less flushed or is that just my imagination? >  He decided to let Jim sleep for an hour,that should give him a chance to recover from the bath and to see if it worked

<I'll jut close my eyes for a minute. >  Blair yawned and was soon dozing off.   The next thing he knew it was morning. "DAMN!  Jim is Jim alright?" He was still half-asleep but reached over to his partner and touched his forehead.  <The fever seems to be down. >

Before waking Jim he opened the jar of Vaseline and got the thermometer ready.   If Jim was feeling better, he was going to protest having his temperature taken rectally pretty vehemently.
 

"Jim, wake up."  Blair touched his shoulder.

"Why?" Jim growled.

"Well I need to take your temperature and I don't think you want me to do it with you asleep."  Blair answered.

Jim opened one eye looked at his partner, then closed it, "Go away."  Now Jim happened to be lying on his side with his butt against the back of the couch.  Blair got up and went behind the couch, pulled the blanket away and pushed Jim down on this stomach.  "Don't move."

"Blair, come on, can't you go to the store and get an oral thermometer?"  Jim pleaded.

"Maybe later, but I need to know what your temperature is now." Blair was determined.

Jim sighed, but stayed where he was, burying his face in the pillow while he felt his boxer's pulled down and the cold, stiff and slimy thermometer slipped into his butt.
 

Jim was relieved when it was removed, "That didn't hurt did it?"  Blair said as he patted Jim on the back and pulled up the boxers.

"Hurt, no!  Embarrassing yes."  Jim stated emphatically.

"Well your temps down to 101 again.  So at least the bath did some good."  Blair replied.
 

A few days later, Blair was leaving the loft again.

"Your going to stay here this time right?"  Blair inquired.

"Yes."  Jim sulked.  Blair had finally told him that he was grounded from going to the next 4 Jags game.

"You'll eat and take your nap?" Blair reminded him.

"Yes!" still sulking, but responded emphatically.

"Okay, I'll check back with you later."  Blair wasn't too worried, Jim wasn't contagious but he was still running a low- grade fever.

As soon as the echoes of the Volvo engines died away, Jim was up and dressed, taking the truck he went to a nearby pharmacy.   Picking up the items that he had ordered he went back to the loft.  It took him several hours to arrange things in Blair's room to his liking.  In fact, if he hadn't been a Sentinel he would have gotten caught.  But, he heard Blair pull up to the parking lot and was able to get to his room for his nap.

Blair opened the door quietly and looked up to see Jim was lying on his bed upstairs.   He decided to go quietly to his room.  When he opened the door, he burst out laughing. There were large boxes marked oral thermometers stacked all over the bed and floor leaving just one little path to the desk where there were a dozen different thermometers.    However, no rectal ones in the whole bunch.   A note was attached, "Chief, we shouldn't run out of thermometers for a long long time.   Jim"

Blair started guffawing and Jim fell asleep with a smile on his face.

The end.