When The Cat's Away...
By Enelya
# 5 in the Sacred Ground Series
Dan stood in the darkened room for a moment and then was startled when a lamp was turned on and a soft glow filled the room. �Hey Doc, I thought Jim said you were getting up. You don�t look like you�re getting up to me. What�s wrong?� Dan suddenly asked as he noticed the dried tear stains on Blair�s cheek. He walked over and sat on Blair�s bed to get a better look at his friend.
Blair quickly hid his face and scrubbed his cheeks trying to rid them of the leftover tears. �Oh it�it�s nothin� Bear. I�uh�I�� Blair fumbled with the words as he tried to think of something to say. He could feel his face heating up with embarrassment and wished he could just turn the light back off.
�Doc, come on this is me Bear you�re talking to; you got spanked didn�t you? What happened?� Dan asked concern wrapping around his voice as he saw Blair nod a little and hide his face again. He pushed his glasses up that were sliding down the bridge of his nose and then laid his hand gently on Blair�s shoulder.
A small sigh was heard as Blair turned onto his side and propped his head up with his hand. He proceeded to tell Dan what had happened that day, from when they went to the police station till they got home. Tears had formed in his eyes by the end and he reached up and hastily brushed them away.
�Wow Doc, you got yourself in deep this time didn�t you. Still in pain too, I take it?� Dan asked wincing when he had heard the story. He saw Blair nod and move to lie back on his stomach again.
�Yeah it hurts a lot. I see now why you told me to avoid that hairbrush at all costs. That thing packs a sting, but you know what, I never thought that Jim would test it on himself before using it on me. It�it made me see Jim differently and respect him a little more, too, but man has he got wicked swing. I�m not gonna be able to sit for at least two or three days.� Blair said as he reached back and tried to rub out the returning sting in his butt. He hissed when he made contact and moved his hands back up under his head.
�I�ve got something that�ll soothe it for a while.� Dan said as he brought out a bottle from his duffle bag he had brought into the room. He smiled as he held the bottle close to Blair so the other teen could inspect it.
*********
Jim could hear the conversation from the kitchen as he started to make dinner. He raised an eyebrow as he caught snatches here and there as he tried not to listen but couldn�t help himself. When he heard Blair and Dan lower their voices, he chuckled to himself. *Come on Chief, you know that I can still hear you, so why the whispering?* He had heard Dan mention that he had something to ease the pain for a while and though Jim was tempted to go in and tell them �no�, he mentally allowed Blair the small comfort knowing the teen would take it anyway. He smiled as he heard a soft contented sigh a few minutes later and the mumbled gratitude a moment after that.
Blair could smell the beginning of dinner wafting through the crack under the door and breathed the scent in. �Mmm spaghetti. I hope he�s got garlic bread cooking too. Maybe we ought to go out there and see if he needs help.� He said standing up and looking at Dan. He walked over to his dresser and pulled a pair of black sweats out and began to put them on.
�Doc, I think the aloe�s affected your brain. Won�t Jim be suspicious if you go out there and aren�t in pain?� Dan asked confused by his friend�s words. He slipped the bottle back in his bag hoping he wouldn�t need any while he was here.
�Uhm Dan, first of all I�m still in pain but it�s tolerable now and secondly remember what I told you about Jim being a sentinel and everything? I�m sure he knows what went on in here. Come on let�s go.� Blair said as he finished tugging the sweatpants in place.
They left the room and Blair made a beeline for the bathroom. He turned the sink on and began to scrub his face free of the tears. He leaned on the counter for a minute, then straightened up and turned the water off. He dried his hands and face and walked back out into the kitchen.
Jim smirked at Blair when he came in and asked, �So how�s the aloe working Chief?�
Blair grinned and shot a glance at Dan who had been setting the table and was now staring at Blair with a shocked look on his face. �It�s working pretty good.� A sense of doubt though passed over Blair and it showed on his face as he looked at Jim and asked, �You�re not mad that I used it, are you Jim?�
�No Chief, I�m not mad. It�s okay kiddo, I understand why you did it.� Jim told the teen when he saw the doubtful look on Blair�s face. He turned the burner on low and walked over to Blair. He wrapped the boy in a warm hug and tried to ease his fears. �That brush stings a lot I know so it�s okay, just don�t use it every time alright kiddo.� Jim said as he stroked the teen�s curls trying to reassure his young charge.
Dan watched the scene quietly and finished setting the table. He walked over and checked on the sauce that was simmering in the pot. He stirred it a little then checked the oven to see if there was garlic bread cooking.
�It�s in there kiddo. Blair would have my head if I didn�t make garlic bread with spaghetti. Wouldn�t you Junior?� He asked dancing his fingers across Blair�s ribcage. He was greeted with an ear-piercing squeal and laughed when his hand was swiftly batted away.
�Nooo Jim, don�t please! Stop please!� Blair screeched with laughter. He batted Jim�s hand away from his side again and began to try to get away. He tried to tickle Jim but couldn�t find a spot to get him to laugh.
Neither Jim nor Blair noticed, while they played, the wistful way that Dan stared at them. He took a deep breath and smiled as Jim and Blair stopped playing and turned towards him. � I think the food�s done.� He said and pushed his glasses back up.
�Well then let�s eat.� Jim said as he put an arm around Blair� shoulder and steered the teen towards his seat, which had one of the throw pillows from the couch on it. �I guess you don�t want that now do you?� Jim asked as he gave Blair�s bottom a light pat.
Blair looked at him wide eyed and said, �No I think I still need it.� He grinned and made a face at the pat. �Hey come on that hurt. I�m injured you know.� Blair said though he smiled afterwards. He sat down on the cushioned chair and winced a little. When he looked up and saw the shocked look on Dan�s face he gave Dan a questioning look back.
Jim saw the looks between the two teens, but chose to ignore them and began serving the food. He sat a few minutes later and began eating. He felt something lite wap him on the top of his head. He looked up and saw that Blair and Dan both had their heads bent over their food. �Alright you two. I�ll let that one go, but if something whacks me again, it�s war gentlemen.� Jim said lightly.
Blair grinned as he kept his head bowed over his plate. He glanced slightly at Dan and frowned when he saw his friend�s pale color. He nudged Dan slightly with his foot and the other boy looked up. �What�s wrong?� Blair< mouthed.
Dan shook his head. He wasn�t sure what Jim had meant by war, but he was sure it wasn�t good. He saw that Jim�s head was bent back over his plate and saw Blair wadding up another napkin to throw. Fear was evident on Dan�s face as he tried to nudge Blair again with his foot. His foot though connected with air as Blair moved slightly and tossed the napkin at Jim�s head.
When the wadded up napkin found its mark again, Jim didn�t move at first. He stayed perfectly still as he listened to Blair�s excited heartbeat. He started to move, but stopped when he heard another heartbeat and this one sounded frightened. Jim slowly sat up and watched Blair quickly bolt from his chair. Dan however remained sitting perfectly still with his head still bowed over his food. �Dan? Is something wrong kiddo?� He asked as he got up and headed towards the still teen.
Dan quickly looked up at the mention of his name. He schooled his face quickly and smiled. �No I�m okay. Sorry I was sort of spaced out there. I started thinking about this horse I used to have and how scared I was when he bucked me off the first time I tried to ride him.� Dan told Jim with a strong aire of confidence.
Jim rolled the words around in his head like you would do with a fine wine in your mouth, but found no trace of a lie in the statement. �Dan you know if you need to talk, you can come to me right?� Jim asked as he watched and listened to Dan. He placed a hand slowly and gently on Dan�s shoulder and was relieved that the teen didn�t flinch. He saw a look of gratefulness flicker for a moment in the teen�s eyes, and then quickly extinguish.
Dan nodded a little then quickly finished eating. He looked up and noticed that Blair wasn�t anywhere to be seen. He glance up at Jim with an amused but curious look. He grinned and nodded slightly when he saw Jim motioning him to be quiet.
Blair had taken the opportunity, while Dan and Jim were talking, to hide and try to keep himself from making too much noise. He drew his knees up to his chest, laid his head on top of his knees and stilled his breathing as much as he could.
�Alright Chief, I see we�re playing this again. I thought you learned this morning that I will always find you, you sneaky little pup.� Jim said with a smirk. He began listening for Blair�s elevated heartbeat and grinned. *So you�ve learned some new tricks as well eh pup.* Jim thought to himself as Blair�s heart was a very low thudding making it almost impossible for Jim to pinpoint his location.
Dan watched in amusement as Jim searched for Blair by sound first. He almost laughed when Jim had to switch tactics and find Blair by scent instead. He moved from his spot in the kitchen, to sit on the couch in the living room.
The scent of herbal shampoo assaulted Jim�s nose the minute he got close to Blair�s bedroom. He chuckled softly. *Found you pup.* Jim thought as he stepped into the room and immediately zeroed in on his guide behind the door. He quickly turned around and grabbed the young man up in his arms. �Found you kiddo. Now about these napkins you feel the need to throw at me. I think I�m gonna have to figure out what to do with you about it. Ahh I know.�
Blair yelped as he was found and grinned as he was brought up to his feet. When Jim made his threat, Blair�s eyes widened but the smile never left his face. He followed Jim out into the other room and sat at the other end of the couch when Jim told him to. He watched as Jim walked over to the kitchen and began rummaging for something. Blair craned his neck around trying to see what Jim was doing. He looked at Dan who was looking at him amused.
Dan grinned at Blair, then looked towards the kitchen trying to figure out what Jim was getting as well. His eyes widened when he saw Jim stand up holding a rolled up newspaper. He looked at Blair, leaned close to his friend and whispered, �What do you think he�s gonna do with that?�
The other teen shrugged and whispered back, �I have no clue but I think we�re about to find out.� He looked up as Jim towered over him with a mock stern look on his face. Blair looked up at Jim and tried to look contrite but couldn�t quite keep the smile off his face.
Jim took the paper and tapped it on top of Blair�s head lightly. �Bad pup. No more throwing things at me.� Jim admonished lightly, then ruffled Blair�s hair. �Alright kiddo enough playing let�s get things cleaned up.� Jim said pulling Blair to his feet.
Dan got up and the words as well, but was shocked when Jim halted him. �You don�t want me to help?� He asked confused by Jim�s actions.
�No kiddo you helped set the table so, you don�t need to help clean up too.�
Jim told him and ruffled the teen�s hair.
�Hey!� Dan yelped as he tried to fix his hair. He grinned at Jim then asked, �Are you sure you don�t want me to help? I don�t mind at all.�
�Do I have to use this newspaper on you as well?� Jim threatened and then smiled at the teen.
�Okay, okay. I�m sitting; see this is me sitting.� Dan said as he sat on the couch and laid his head back.
�Good Cub.� Jim said giving a wink at Dan then went into the kitchen and began to wash the dishes. He snagged Blair as he tried to go back into the front room and said, �Hold it pup, you can help me. Grab a towel, you can dry.�
Blair made a face, but grabbed the towel and began to dry the dishes and put them away. He looked over at Dan as he dried the dishes and noticed the almost wishful look on his friend�s face. He looked at Jim to see if he noticed the look, but Jim wasn�t paying attention and when Blair looked back, the look was gone from Dan�s face.
Dan had seen Blair looking at him and schooled his expression while trying to think of something acceptable to tell his friend without actually lying. *I�m betting Jim feels the same way about lying as Ben does. I�ll just keep quiet for now*
*********
Jim smiled as he looked at the two teenagers sleeping on the couch. Blair and Dan were sitting next to each other heads touching as they slept. Jim smoothed a hand over each boy�s head and began to gently wake them both. He began to rub their arms lightly and said softly, � Hey come on kiddos, time to go to bed.� Dan began to stir, so Jim worked on him first. �Come on Bear Cub. There�s a boy up you get.� Jim gently prodded getting Dan to his feet. He wasn�t prepared for what happened next though.
An ear-piercing scream shattered the silence in the loft, and jolted Dan awake, causing him to stumble a little. He grabbed a hold of the armchair to regain his balance before he looked at Blair wide-eyed. Blair had his eyes open but wasn�t really awake, yet.
Jim perched in front of Blair and gently rubbed the frightened teen�s arms. �Hey kiddo come on, wake up. Come on Chief, you�re home and you�re safe. That a boy, come on Chief.� Jim said softly as Blair began to come out of the nightmare. He moved to the couch to be ready to comfort the now shaking teen. He looked up at Dan and said, �Why don�t you go get ready for bed kiddo.�
Dan had been leaning against the chair when Jim spoke to him and just nodded at the words. He pushed himself away from the chair and headed to Blair�s room to get his duffle bag. He entered the room and sat on the bed for a few minutes still trying to digest the scene he had just left. *I never knew Doc had nightmares like that. He must not want me to know otherwise he would�ve told me. That must be why Jim made me leave the room.* Dan thought to himself as he finally grabbed his duffle bag and opened it. He cringed a little as his hand brushed against the item that Ben had insisted that he bring. He quickly retrieved his pajamas and zipped the bag shut.
Jim looked up when he heard the soft gasp and slightly elevated heartbeat come from the other room, but decided to ask about it later when the heartbeat dropped back to normal and Blair began to move closer to him. �Hey pup how are you doing?� He asked as he put an arm around Blair and pulled him closer.
Blair laid his head on Jim�s shoulder and said, �Better. Jim, I know this sounds stupid, but would�would you stay with me till I fall asleep tonight?� He heard a soft thump come from his room and his cheeks quickly flushed red as he remembered they had company. �Uhm never mind Jim, I�uh�I�ll be okay.� Blair said trying to retract his earlier statement.
Jim had heard the thump as well and the even softer curse. He shook his head and said, �Look Chief, I�ll stay with you tonight okay, there�s no need for you to be embarrassed about it. I do have a couple of questions for you though. You�ve told Dan about my sentinel abilities, right?� He waited for the affirmative nod, then asked, � Does he know that I can hear things no matter how soft or light they are?�
�I think so, but I�m not really sure Jim. Why?� Blair asked as he pulled away from Jim and looked at him.
�Don�t worry about it Junior. Come on time for you to go to bed.� Jim said as he stood up and helped Blair to stand as well. They walked to Blair�s room and went in. Dan was sitting on the bed looking like he didn�t know what to do next. �Hey kiddo, why don�t you go out in the other room and I�ll be along in a minute with some pillows and blankets for you.� Jim told him.
Dan nodded and got up. He went out and sat on the couch. He rested his head against the back of the couch and stared up at the ceiling, then his eyes drifted to the loft where Jim slept. He could hear the murmuring of voices coming from Blair�s room, but couldn�t make them out. His eyes closed for a moment and when he opened them, he was startled when he was looking into Jim�s pale blue eyes.
�You falling asleep on me again. Here I brought you some pillows and blankets. I do need to talk to you though Cub. Can you stay awake for fifteen more minutes?� Jim asked as he turned to go back into Blair�s room.
�Yeah, I wasn�t sleeping, I was thinking about things.� Dan said as he started to rearrange the pillows and blankets to his liking. He laid down and waited for Jim, hoping sleep would claim him before Jim came out.
A few moments later Jim came out of Blair�s room and sat on the coffee table in front of Dan. �Sit up kiddo, we have to talk.� Jim said touching Dan lightly on the arm. He watched as Dan sat up and grabbed his glasses from off the top of the couch.
Dan slipped his glasses on and looked at Jim apprehensively. �What did you want to talk about?� Dan asked.
�I know Blair�s explained to you about my sentinel abilities, but I wanted to know if you knew that meant I could hear very softly uttered things.� Jim asked getting straight to the point and watching Dan for his reaction.
Dan looked at Jim confused. �Well I guess so, I know that you can hear Blair�s heartbeat if that�s what you mean. Is-is there something wrong with Blair that I don�t know about?� Dan asked thinking that�s what the conversation was about.
Jim smiled and touched Dan on the knee. �No kiddo, nothing serious like that. I heard what you said in the room while you were getting ready for bed. I don�t like those kind of words Daniel.� Jim told the teen his voice getting a stern edge to it.
Dan�s head dropped immediately at the admonishment. �I-I�m sorry. I didn�t realize you could hear me. I know I shouldn�t have said it anyways, it just sort of popped out. I had hit my toe on Blair�s desk as I was moving my duffle bag. I am sorry, I didn�t mean to do it.� Dan said his voice barely a whisper at the end.
Jim cupped Dan�s chin in his hand and raised his head till the watery chocolate brown eyes met his. �I know you�re sorry, and it�s okay. I am going to give you the same warning I gave Blair though, okay. I need you stand up kiddo.� Jim said as he stood and waited for Dan.
Dan closed his eyes and took a deep breath before standing himself. He wasn�t quite sure what Jim was going to do to him, but he was sure he wasn�t going to like it.
Jim waited for Dan to stand and watched as the teen forced himself up. He turned Dan to the side and landed four swift swats to the teen�s backside. He turned him back to face him and said, �I don�t want to hear any words like that again okay? Otherwise you�ll get a mouth full of soap and more than four swats.� He pulled Dan into a hug and was surprised at the teen�s stiff response. He held him away and looked at him a moment before he said, �I�m sorry kid, I guess I should�ve just talked to you about it and told you what I was going to do.� He was surprised when Dan suddenly leaned against him and he put his arms around the teen. He ran his hand up and down the boy�s back and murmured to him softly, �Shhh it�s alright kiddo, you�ve been forgiven.�
Dan had remained quiet through the swats and wasn�t sure what to do when Jim pulled him into a hug. *I can�t believe that�s all he�s going to do. Ben would�ve done more had he heard the word that came out of my mouth. He�s apologizing for not telling me? Oh I remember when Dad used to hug me like that, maybe if I lean against him, he won�t mind giving me another one. He�s already forgiven me? Oh this is so nice, I don�t think I�ll mind staying here for the next two weeks.* Dan slipped his arms around Jim�s waist and sighed contentedly.
Jim patted Dan�s back a little and reluctantly released his hold on the teen. �Alright Cub, time for bed.� Jim told him as he pulled the blankets back from the couch. Once Dan had settled, Jim tucked the blankets around him and reached to take the teen�s glasses off. He was surprise when Dan didn�t stop him and smiled at him. �G�night Bear Cub,� Jim said as ruffled the teen�s hair eliciting a complaint from him.
�Hey come on not the hair. G�night Jim, uh Jim? Can I ask you something? Why do you keep calling me Cub or Bear Cub?� Dan asked with a half smile on his face as he tried to fix his hair.
�It�s just my personal spin on Blair�s nickname for you. I�ve got a question for you, how did you two think of those names for each other?� Jim asked as he sat back down on the coffee table.
Dan smiled as he remembered the first time he had started calling Blair �Doc� and said, �Well we had been talking about what we were doing in school and Blair told me he was trying to get his doctorate in anthropology, so I decided to call him �Doc� for short. As to why he calls me Bear well, he actually picked the name up from my younger brothers and sister. It was a name my father originally called me, but when he passed away, my brothers and sisters continued it.�
Jim frowned a little and asked, � Does it bother you when I do it? I don�t want to upset you or anything.�
�No I kind of like it. I asked Dad once why he called me that and he said, �Because you�re as mean as an ole mother bear when you�re protecting you brothers and sister.� I miss them and I wish I knew what was going on with them.� Dan said as he sat up and retrieved his glasses again.
He looked so forlorn sitting there, that Jim moved to sit on the couch next to him. He put his arm around Dan and drew the boy close. �Where are they?� Jim asked wondering what horrors lied in Dan�s past.
�They�re with my Mom.� Dan sighed heavily. He looked at Jim and said, �Ben�s my step dad. Mom was always hard on me when I was younger, but Dad was always there to keep her temper from getting to bad, then when he passed, she-she became almost abusive. Ben came a long about a year later and he kept Mom�s temper reigned in. We we�re living near Blair when Ben came along, but I didn�t meet Doc till about another year after Ben came along. Anyways, Mom got worse even with Ben there so Ben told Mom that he was leaving and that I could leave with him if I wanted. I jumped at the chance, but what hurt was that Mom didn�t seem to care.� Dan stopped for a moment and took a long shuddering breath. He felt the arm around him tighten and laid his head on Jim�s shoulder.
�Aw Bear Cub, I�m sure your Mom cared. She moved away from the warehouse didn�t she?� Jim asked and sighed inwardly when he felt the nod against his shoulder. He heard the stifled yawn and said, �Come on Cub, time for bed. We can talk more tomorrow if you want.� He stood and helped Dan to settle under the blankets once more. �G�night Cub.�
�Night Jim and thanks.� Dan said looking up at Jim before rolling on to his side and closing his eyes.
Jim chuckled softly as he reached down and removed the forgotten glasses from the youth�s face and placed them on the coffee table. He then turned and headed for the stairs that led to his own room to go to bed as well.
*********
One dark blue eye opened and Blair poked his head out of the warm blankets. He slipped one foot out from under the blankets, set it on the floor, and then quickly jerked it back under the blankets. *Okay where are my socks? There is no way I�m getting out of this bed without my socks on.* Blair looked around and spotted them just at the foot of the bed. He quickly slipped them on, got out of bed, grabbed his robe and slipped it on while he walked out into the front room.
Dan stirred a little and had the sudden suspicion that he was being watched. He opened his eyes and saw Blair sitting on the coffee table staring at him. �Morning Doc.� Dan said sleepily as he grinned and went reaching for his glasses. He frowned when he didn�t find them on the top of the couch. He looked around and spotted them near Blair. �Hey Doc, hand me my glasses will you?� Dan asked as he pointed towards his glasses. He slipped them on once Blair handed them to him.
�Hey let�s get some hot chocolate before Jim gets up.� Blair said as he grinned and got up to head for the kitchen.
�Okay sounds good.� Dan said as he got up and headed into Blair�s room. He came out a moment later wearing a robe similar to Blair�s. He walked out of the room and stared at the balcony doors. �Hey Doc, look outside.� Dan said softly as he made his way over to the doors and just stared out.
Blair looked up from digging under the counter for marshmallows, and his eyes widened as he said in a slightly hushed voice, �Oh cool, it�s snowing.� He looked up at the loft to see if he had waken Jim and was glad to see nothing stirring upstairs.
*********
The teen�s accelerated heartbeat caused Jim to wake rather abruptly. Well that and the teakettle going off. He could hear quiet talking and Blair�s heartbeat had returned to normal, so he figured his little pup had gotten excited about something. He got dressed and then decided to go find out what had grabbed his pup�s attention. The two teens stood side by side as they stared out the balcony doors at the large feathery snowflakes that had been falling for nearly an hour. Jim noted that they had similar robes on, and as he made his way downstairs he could still smell chocolate, guessing that one or both of them were indulging in an early morning treat. He made it to the small kitchen are without either boy knowing he was there.
Blair was the first to turn and see Jim in the kitchen. �Jim look it�s snowing.� He said as he bounced on the balls of his feet. He looked down at his mug of hot chocolate for a moment, then looked up at Jim and asked, � Hey Jim, could you bring the marshmallows over here? Mine are all melted.�
Jim grinned, popped a marshmallow into his mouth and said, �I know it�s snowing Junior I can see you know. You�re legs don�t look broken, why can�t you come over here and get them yourself?� He watched as Blair turned the puppy eyes on him and stuck his lip out in a large pout. �Hey Chief, remember what I said about that lip? A bird is gonna think it�s a perch and land on it one of these days.�
The lip was immediately sucked into the teen�s mouth, and then released as he broke into a grin, but before he could speak another voice spoke. �Doc�s right, we need more marshmallows and the reason we can�t come over there is because we�re watching the snow. Right Doc?� Dan said, though he didn�t turn to face anyone. He kept watching the snow as he brought his mug of hot chocolate to his lips and sipped at the heavenly liquid.
Jim raised an eyebrow at the teen but noticed that he didn�t turn around to see Jim�s reaction. He became concerned when Blair began to look worried and rushed over to see what was wrong with his silent cub. When he walked over he didn�t realize he was still carrying the bag of marshmallows with him. He was startled when Dan suddenly turned to face him and saw the smirk on the teen�s face.
�See Doc I told you I could get him to bring the marshmallows over.� Dan said breaking into a huge grin. He calmly plucked the bag from Jim�s hand and took out a few more marshmallows, put them into his mug and sipped at the hot chocolate. �Ahh much better. Thank you Jim.� Dan said politely.
Jim finally grinned and shook his head. �You little sneak. I�m not sure if I should give you a pat on the back for a good trick or a smack on the butt for worrying me.� Jim said as he laughed afterwards.
Dan grinned and said, �Well I already know what a smack on the butt feels like from you; I�ve had four of them to be more precise and if it�s my choice I�ll take the pat on the back thank you.� He went back to sipping his drink.
Jim snorted with laughter and pulled Dan into a quick hug careful of the steaming mug, and then landed a light swat to the teen�s backside. �You�re a mouthy little thing aren�t you?� Jim asked trying not to laugh anymore.
Blair stood wide-eyed at the confession that fell from his friend�s lips. He turned to Jim and asked, �You spanked him? Why, he hasn�t even done anything yet.� His voice was taking on a more angry tone.
The angry tone was met with a raised eyebrow, but before Jim could say anything, Dan spoke softly. �I deserved it Doc. I said something I shouldn�t have and Jim heard me. It was nothing more than a warning and nothing to get angry about.� Dan told his friend.
Dark blue eyes and brown eyes stared at each other for a moment, then Blair finally nodded and turned to Jim. �Sorry Jim. I-I didn�t mean to�� He started but stopped when a hand was placed gently over his mouth.
�Shh, I know why you did it. I understand okay Chief.� Jim said as he saw and heard the remorse. He ruffled the wild curls and took his hand away from Blair�s mouth to see the grin that was there. �Alright, I have to leave for the station. Stay out of trouble, I�ll be home about five or six.� Jim said as he grabbed his coat from the coat rack and gave both boys a smile before leaving, shutting the door behind him.
*********
It had been a long hard day and Jim was glad to be going home. He couldn�t wait to find out what his little imps had been up to all day. Snow was lightly falling again and Jim hummed to himself as he drove home. He could hear the arguing as he pulled into his vacant spot on the side of the building. *What in the world?* he thought as he sighed loudly. He headed into the building and into the elevator. When the door opened at the top, Jim winced as he could hear the loud arguing and his sentinel hearing wasn�t needed. Jim hoped none of the neighbors had called the station. He opened the door, walked in and immediately grabbed something that came flying at his head.
The teens were in such a heated argument, that they were oblivious to Jim�s arrival. Jim decided to try something his father did when he and his brother, Stephen, got into arguments like this when they were teenagers.
The arguing lessened considerably after a few minutes as the teens began to realize that someone else was there. Blair was the first to notice Jim sitting quietly in the chair reading the newspaper. He looked at Dan and raised an eyebrow as he gave a quick look over at Jim again and then back at Dan.
Dan looked questioningly at Blair and shrugged. He didn�t know what was going on either. He beaconed to Blair and both boys went, sat on the steps and began to talk softly.
�What�s going on? When did Jim get home and why didn�t he say anything?� Dan asked quietly.
�I have no clue. I never saw or heard him come in. Look I�m sorry I yelled at you for closing my web page document.� Blair said blushing a bit as he turned away.
�Hey, don�t. I should�ve asked if you were done and I�m sorry I threw my keys at you. I felt like throwing something, but I wasn�t willing to break anything.� Dan said as he put his hand on Blair�s shoulder and blushed a little at his own childish act.
�Yeah well I should�ve saved it before going to make a snack. Don�t worry about the keys, where did they land anyways?� Blair asked before chancing a quick glance over at Jim.
Jim still held the paper, though he had stopped reading it when the boys began talking. He had listened to their conversation and smiled inwardly. He hadn�t thought about what to do about them arguing since they seemed to have worked it out between them. �Blair. Dan. Come here you two.� he said calmly putting the paper down.
The two boys looked at each other, both paling a bit. They got up and walked slowly over to where Jim was sitting in the chair. Jim didn�t say another word and pointed at the couch, indicating that the boys should sit. He sat there looking at them for five minutes till the boys began to squirm.
�Now I came home tonight and I could hear you two arguing before�before I even got out of the truck and when I got up here, I could hear you two plain as day as I�m sure the people below us could. When I walked through the door, I had to grab something that came flying at me. I think these belong to you Dan.� Jim said calmly as he tossed the keys to the teen.
Dan grabbed the keys and nodded his thanks not sure if he should say anything at the moment. He pushed his glasses, which had slid down his nose back up and waited to hear what else was going to be said. He knew Jim was far from done.
�I know that you two have worked out what you two were arguing about with each other, but now you two have to work this out with me. I�m glad that you two didn�t end up in a fight over this, though I don�t approve of you throwing your keys Daniel.� Jim said as he gave a pointed look at Dan.
Dan ducked his head and nodded at the reprimand. �I did apologize, and well like I told Blair at least I threw something that wouldn�t break. I am sorry that they flew at you Jim.� Dan apologized softly. He looked up hoping to find forgiveness.
Jim softened his glare for a moment to give Dan the forgiving look he was seeking and then glared at the two again. �I�ll let it go this time you two, but if I ever come home to you two arguing that loudly again, we�re going to have problems and we�re going to have even bigger problems if I ever come home to you to fighting. Understand?� Jim asked as he let his glare settle on each boy for a moment.
Dan and Blair both nodded immediately, they didn�t ask what the bigger problems would be, for both had their own ideas of what would happen. They sat on the couch not sure if they should get up, or if they were allowed for that matter.
�Go on get out of here.� Jim said waving his hand at them. He watched as they both bolted from the couch and into Blair�s room. He chuckled softly and flicked on the television.
Blair eased into the chair at his desk, while Dan settled himself on the bed. �Oh man, I thought Jim was gonna have our butts right there. I can�t believe your keys almost hit him.� Blair said as he leaned back in the chair.
�I can�t either. I never realized how tolerant Jim is. Ben would�ve decided that I needed an attitude adjustment if I had done that to him. Of course the keys probably would�ve hit him instead of him catching them.� Dan said as he lay back on Blair�s bed and rolled to his side to look at Blair.
Silence filled the room for a few moments, then Dan sat up and asked, �Hey Doc, if I tell you something, you�ll keep it between us, won�t you?� His chocolate eyes searching his friend.
�Of course Bear.� Blair responded immediately.
Dan shook his head and said, �Blair I�m dead serious. I want you to promise that what I tell you will stay between us.� The look on the teen�s face was still as serious as it was before no hint of a joke or humor in his voice at all.
Blair�s eyes widened when Dan didn�t use his nickname and said, � I promise Bear you can trust me. I won�t say anything to anyone.� He held hid friend�s gaze wondering what he was about to reveal.
�Not even to Jim?� Dan asked raising an eyebrow.
�No, not even Jim.� Blair admitted reluctantly.
�I�m sorry Doc, I know you don�t like keeping stuff from him, but it�s really important that he doesn�t find out. I�m gonna try to find out where my mom and the kids are. I need to know if they�re okay.� Dan said as he sympathized with his friend.
�Are you out of your mind? When do you plan on doing this?� Blair asked in a hushed voice. He hoped that Jim wasn�t paying attention to them at the moment so that he had at least a chance to talk his friend out of this idea.
�In two or three days. I thought I�d sneak out after Jim went to sleep. I mean I already sleep on the couch, so I would be able to get out quickly. I�m not crazy Doc, I need to find them.� Dan said as he lowered his voice as well.
�I�m not hearing this. Dan how many times do I have to tell you that Jim is a sentinel. He�ll know the minute you leave the loft. He can probably hear us talking right now.� Blair told him and turned towards his desk.
�I don�t think so Doc. I think if he had he would�ve came in here by now.� Dan said, though there was uncertainty in his tone. He watched Blair take a notebook out of a drawer and begin to furiously write in it. �What are you doing Doc?� Dan asked as a cold shiver ran through him.
�It�s personal Bear. I don�t let anyone read this.� Blair said softly. He wrote in the book a few more minutes and then slid the book back in the drawer. He turned and face Dan again and said, �I really hope you know what you�re doing Bear, I really do because you�re gonna have to explain it to Jim when he gets a hold of you.�
Dan sighed softly at Blair�s words. *Doc�s right. Jim is not going to be pleased with me at all, and Ben he�ll� I don�t want to even think about what he�ll do. I have to do this though, I just have to find them.*
Blair watched his friend and saw the slight shudder run through Dan�s body. He wondered what he was thinking about and then saw the determined look. He hoped Dan would come to his senses before he went through with his plan.
*********
Jim had heard the elevated heartbeats and could tell by one of them someone was scared of something. He hadn�t heard any arguing or shouting, so he figured they weren�t fighting. He did hear the sound of someone writing and then the panicked heartbeat again. It evened out again after a moment or two and Jim wasn�t sure what to do.
The door to Blair�s room opened a few minutes later and Blair came out with a small grin on his face. He walked over to the kitchen and rooted through the fridge till he came out with two small containers. He looked at Jim as he shut the fridge door with his hip, held up the two containers and said, � We need a snack.�
Jim raised an eyebrow and asked, �Dan�s actually going to eat that stuff?� He nodded towards the containers.
�Nah, the other one has fruit in it. When I asked him if he wanted some dried locusts, he gave me the same look you always give me.� Blair said and then grinned at Jim before going back into his room.
Jim shook his head at Blair�s retreating back and went back to watching the television. The sound was almost completely muted, but not because Jim was trying to listen to the boys, he just simply didn�t need the sound up that loud unless Blair�s was out there with him.
*********
It had been hours since Jim had heard a sound from Blair�s room. He turned his hearing up a bit and could hear the slow thudding of their hearts. He got up and walked to Blair�s door, knocked and waited a few minutes. When he wasn�t invited in, he opened the door and smiled at the two boys. Dan was sprawled across Blair�s bed, his glasses askew on his face and Blair was sitting in his chair at the desk bent at his chest his head resting on his crossed arms. His head was turned away from the door so that Jim couldn�t see his face.
Jim walked over to Dan first and removed the glasses gently from the teen�s face. He saw Dan�s eyes flutter for a moment, then the teen turned, curled on his side and fell back into a deep sleep. Jim smiled and brushed his hand over Dan�s hair. He looked over towards his sleeping pup and decided he couldn�t leave Dan where he lay for the night. He leaned down and scooped the slumbering teen in his arms like he would a baby. Dan�s head lay on Jim�s shoulder, his breath came out in small puffs and warmed Jim�s neck. He carried the teen out into the living room, laid him on the couch, went back to Blair�s room for the extra pillow and blanket, then walked back out to where Dan lay, lifted the teen�s head and guided the pillow down so that it would support both Dan�s neck and his head. He took Dan�s boots off next, set them on the side of the couch, stood up, tucked the blanket around the teen and set his glasses on the table.
Dan shifted a little as the blanket formed against his body and sighed contentedly as he snuggled deeper under the blanket.
Jim headed back to Blair�s room and stared at the sleeping teenager a moment trying to figure out how to lift him without actually waking him. Finally he got an idea and he was grateful that the chair Blair sat in had rollers on it. He scooted the chair back with his foot making it so just Blair�s arms and head lay on the desk, then he reached under with his right arm and supported Blair�s chest and gently began to lift him. Jim felt the chair begin to move a bit and stopped the motion with his foot. He moved his left arm behind Blair to support the teen�s head in the crook of his arm and then reached down and slid his right arm behind Blair�s knees. He moved his foot and scooted the chair back at the same time to lift Blair and not bump the teen into anything.
The teen�s head lolled gently onto Jim�s shoulder as his guardian moved him slowly upwards to get a better grip on the teen. Once secure and comfortable in Jim�s arms, Blair shifted a little, curled his fingers, lightly grasping Jim�s shirt and sighed contentedly in his sleep.
A smile appeared on Jim�s face at the gesture as he walked over to Blair�s bed. He sat down in the middle of the bed, sat Blair on his lap, peeled back the blankets, then lifted Blair as he got up and settled Blair in bed on his side. He watched as Blair rolled over to sleep on his stomach, before pulling the blankets up. �Goodnight pup.� Jim whispered softly as he ran his hand over Blair�s head and swept the curls away from the boy�s face.
*********
At the station the next afternoon Jim leaned back in his chair and smiled at what had happened earlier that morning. The confused looks on the boy�s faces as Dan sat up on the couch and Blair came sleepily out of his room. The both of them trying to figure out how they had ended up where they woke up brought a low chuckle from Jim. He didn�t notice the others in the bullpen looking up from what they were doing to watch the oblivious detective.
Jim began to frown when he thought about how odd the two boys started acting once they were more awake. They kept giving each other questioning looks and then they would turn to Jim and give him looks over worry or concern. Usually it was his pup giving him those looks. Dan would give Blair angry stares after one of his looks to Jim. He hoped he wouldn�t be going home to another argument tonight.
He looked towards Simon�s office a moment later after having that prickly sensation that he was being watched and sure enough, Simon was standing in his office window watching Jim. He gave a half grin at Simon before leaning his chair back up in the proper position and starting the paperwork for their last case.
*********
�Doc you promised you weren�t going to say anything.� Dan said trying to keep his temper and trying to figure out what his friend was up to. He had seen the worried looks Blair had sent Jim all morning and saw the looks Jim was giving the both of them and hoped he didn�t ask questions when he came home tonight.
�I did and I haven�t said anything to him, but Bear I�m not sure how long I can go without telling him. It-it bothers me to keep stuff from him. You should know, don�t you remember the last time I did?� Blair asked hoping his friend would understand his plight.
�Yeah I remember Doc. You almost made yourself sick with worry. I�m sorry I shouldn�t have told you what I was going to do, that way you wouldn�t know and wouldn�t worry about me. Doc, you can�t tell though. Please, not yet.� Dan pleaded. He had seen what the effect were when Blair attempted to hide something from Jim. His friend would be come rather moody and then completely upset. He hoped to be gone tomorrow night before Blair got any worse.
Blair sighed and nodded. He wouldn�t tell, not yet anyway, but he wondered how mad Jim would be at him when he found out and shuddered. *I�d better not think about that anymore. The less I think about what Jim�s gonna do to me when this whole thing comes out the better.* Blair�s thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly saw Dan getting ready to leave. �Hey where are you going?� He asked getting up from the table.
�I�m going out for a while and no you can�t come this time Doc. I�ve got something to do today.� Dan said as he put on his waistcoat. He left without a backwards glance to Blair.
Blair flopped down on the couch and sighed. The day had just started and he already had a bad feeling. He looked over at the kitchen and saw the dishes in the sink. A moment later Blair got up and walked into the small kitchen. *Might as well do these. How am I gonna keep this from Jim? He always knows when something�s bugging me and this time is no different. I can�t lie to him, last time was awful and�* Blair was silently crying by this time into the sink of dishes he had been washing. He slowly finished the dishes, tears still streaking down his face. Once done, Blair went upstairs and climbed into Jim�s bed. He curled in the large bed and hugged Jim�s pillow close to him as he cried himself to sleep.
*********
Dan sat in his usual spot at the club and watched the door that led to the back. He sipped at the bottle of water he had in his hand and adjusted his glasses on his face though they really didn�t need to be. When the door begin to open Dan stood quickly. He watched as the other members of his group came over to him and sat down. Dan sat once the others were sitting and waited anxiously for the verdict.
The young man to Dan�s right spoke after a minute or so. �Daniel we have discussed your situation fully and we have decided that we will help you in any way that we can. I know that Robert and Christopher both have very good methods of finding out information. I myself will check with the people I know and we should let you know in two days.� He said leaning back against the chair.
�Thank you Michael for all of your help.� Dan said after a sigh of relief. He couldn�t believe it. He was one step closer to finding his siblings. He stayed for a few more hours at the club discussing other things with his close group. Looking at the clock, Dan noticed it was an hour away from Jim arriving home. He wanted to be back in the loft by then so as to not arouse Jim�s suspicion. Giving his goodbyes, Dan left and drove home.
When he entered the darkened loft, Dan was a bit worried at first. He thought that maybe Blair had left in search of him. He flipped on the main light and began to scan the kitchen area for a note of some sort explaining where his friend was. He was startled when he heard someone coming down the stairs a moment later. �Doc, you about gave me a heart attack buddy. I thought you weren�t here. What were you doing upstairs in Jim�s room?� Dan asked as he walked over to his friend.
Blair gave Dan a confused look as he began to rub the sleep from his eyes. Once the sleep finally cleared from his head, Blair sat at the kitchen table and looked at Dan. �Where did you go?� He asked his voice still sounding tired.
�I believe I asked you first Doc.� Dan said as he settled himself in a chair across from his friend and gave Blair a look.
Blair almost answered, then shook his head and said, �I was just up there is all.�
Dan thought a moment then nodded. �You were up there just like I was out somewhere. Let�s just say that I�ll hopefully have a solution to my problem by Thursday.� He knew his logic would make sense to Blair.
The curly haired youth went into his room. He tried to think of a way to talk Dan out of going through with his mission. When Jim found out he was sure that Dan�s butt would be toast. Blair wasn�t sure about his own, but he was hopeful so far. Blair sat down at his desk pulled his private journal from its drawer and began to write.
*********
Ten minutes later the door to the loft opened. Jim was curious about the conversation he had just caught the last little bit of. He wondered where both boys had been and just what problem Dan was having and how he was going to have it solved by Thursday. He sighed and looked around trying to determine where his little imps were. He saw Dan sitting in the kitchen, but didn�t see Blair anywhere. He listened for his pup�s heartbeat and found he was in his room.
Dan looked up startled when the loft door opened suddenly and Jim walked in. He looked at Jim and tried to figure out just how much the man had heard of their conversation. He gave a small smile and was greeted with a warm smile from Jim.
Jim walked over to Dan and patted the boy on the shoulder before speaking. �So how�d your day go Cub? I see the loft is still standing, so I�m assuming you two behaved yourselves.� Jim teased lightly. He was rewarded with a soft chuckle.
�We didn�t really do much of anything. I went to the club and Doc stayed here. We really haven�t done much together today. Doc�s been in his room for the past few minutes.� Dan said. He didn�t lie about where he had been, seeing as he was allowed to go. The reason for going didn�t need to be revealed since Jim hadn�t asked.
Jim nodded and thought about Dan�s statement a moment. �Hey Cub, why didn�t Blair go with you? I know he�s usually begging to go.� He asked as he turned to get stuff out of the fridge to make dinner.
Dan shrugged and said, �I�m not sure. I guess he wasn�t in the mood to go this time.�
There was something going on, Jim was sure of that but he couldn�t quite put his finger on what it was at the moment He looked towards Blair�s room and wondered why his pup hadn�t come to greet him yet. �Did Blair say anything about something being wrong when you came home? He�s usually out here by now.�
Blair had heard Jim come home and had started to get up to go see him, but stopped when he heard him talking to Dan. He knew he shouldn�t but he sat back down and listened to Dan and Jim talk. When he heard Dan tell Jim that he wasn�t sure why Blair didn�t go with him to the club, Blair had to mentally start chanting to keep himself from getting upset. He heard Jim coming towards his room and started writing again.
Jim knocked slightly on Blair�s door, and heard the soft call bidding him to enter. He went in, shut the door behind him and stood there staring at his pup for a moment. �What�s wrong kiddo? And don�t say nothing, cause I know something�s bothering you.� Jim said as he moved closer. He watched as Blair slid the book he�d been writing in back into its drawer and turned to look at him.
�There is but I can�t say.� Blair said as he stared down at his desk. He reached a hand up pushed it along the side of his head and scratched the back of his head lightly. When he guided his hand back forward again he deliberately brought his hair with it shielding the side view of his face with it.
A sigh emitted from the man as he watched the teen�s deliberate movement. He walked over to Blair, swept the hair away from the teen�s face and said, �Chief, look at me.� When he saw the negative head shake and smelled the tears, he cupped his hand under Blair�s chin and turned his head till he was facing Jim. �Blair, Why can�t you tell me what�s bothering you? Talk to me kiddo.�
�I-I can�t Jim. I pro-promised not to s-say anything.� Blair said his voice hitching and breaking. His eyes filled with tears and spilled over down his cheeks and Jim�s hand.
Concern filled the pale blue eyes as he pulled Blair up, wrapped his arms around his trembling pup and did his best to console him. The curly head beneath his chin burrowed itself closer into his neck and he could feel the warm breath coming out in jagged spurts. Jim rubbed his hand soothingly over Blair�s shoulders trying to calm the distressed teen. �Shh, everything�s gonna be fine Chief, shh.� Jim said.
The tears began to finally ebb and the sobs turned to soft-hiccupped gulps. The distressed heartbeat began to slow and became a very low thudding as a soft sigh was heard. Blair snuggled closer to Jim. He moved his head closer to the hand that was gently gliding through his curls. When his cheek made contact with one of Jim�s fingers, he felt Jim�s hand shift and gently glide over his cheek.
�How you doin� Chief? Feelin� any better?� Jim asked a few minutes later and felt a nod against him. He stroked Blair�s cheek a few more times, then gently held Blair away from him. He looked at Blair�s red, tearstained face and smiled. �It�s gonna be okay Chief. Why don�t you head to the bathroom and clean yourself up a bit, and I�ll order us something for dinner. How does Chinese sound?�
Blair sniffed and nodded. �Sounds good Jim.� He said softly then went to walk past Jim to head to the bathroom. He stopped when Jim put a hand on his shoulder.
�Blair, remember if you need to talk to me about anything I�m hear to listen.� Jim said as he moved his hand down and rubbed Blair�s upper arm.
�I know Jim, thanks.� He turned and smiled a little at Jim before shrugging Jim�s hand off and leaving his room. When he walked out into the rest of the loft, he caught the curious look Dan was giving him, before turning and walking down the short hallway to the bathroom.
Dan watched Jim come from Blair�s room a few minutes later. He was surprised when he didn�t get any questioning looks from the man only if Chinese food was okay with him, which of course it was.
*********
The loft was dark, dinner having been done and over with for hours and everyone was asleep. A sharp ringing woke the sentinel�s slumber. He blinked and looked at the digital clock by his bed. It took his eyes a few minutes to adjust, till he finally noticed the time was close to two in the morning. He got up and peered over the railing at the rest of the loft. He didn�t see anything at first and turned to head back to bed when his ears caught a very soft conversation taking place. He couldn�t hear the conversation, but decided to go see which of his little imps were up.
�That�s great Michael. I was a little shocked that you would call so late to tell me. Yes I understand. Thanks, bye.� Dan finished his quiet conversation in a small space under the breakfast bar. When he crawled out from his hiding spot, he saw a pair of bare feet in front of him. He looked up from being on his hands and knees still and into the eyes of one annoyed adult. �H-hi Jim.� He said nervously, hoping the man hadn�t heard any of his conversation.
Jim raised an eyebrow at the teen at his feet. �Hi yourself. What are you doing up and who was that on the phone?� He watched as Dan went from blushing crimson, to pale. He grew concerned and helped the teen up from the floor. �Was it bad news kiddo?�
When Dan was standing he stared at Jim for a few minutes trying to figure out the best way to answer the man�s question. �I�it uhm.� Dan couldn�t think of anything that would remotely keep himself out of trouble.
A large hand was placed over the stammering boy�s mouth. �Shh, I won�t ask anymore, just go back to bed Cub. We�ll talk about it in the morning.� Jim picked up the phone from where it still lay on the floor and set it back on the charger. Next he helped Dan back to the couch and settled him back under the covers. �Night Cub.� Jim said ruffling the teen�s hair and heading back up the steps to bed.
Dan growled a little when his hair was mussed. He didn�t see why Jim insisted on doing that to him all the time. He laid quietly for a long time feigning sleep. He kept his breathing slow and steady and hoped his heartbeat sounded like it did when he was asleep. Finally after about an hour, he got up and slipped quietly into Blair�s room. He grabbed his clothes from his bag and made a quick retreat to the bathroom. He emerged a few moments later dressed properly. Dan wondered if he should grab anything, then decided not to. He left the building and headed to his car, then stopped when he got to it. *I can�t use my car to get to the club, Jim�ll hear me start it for sure. Guess I�m walking.* He thought to himself with a sigh.
*********
Officer Gary Stephens was on duty that night patrolling the area. He sighed as he pulled over to sit and watch an area for a few minutes. He was about to pull away a short while later when he saw a very well dressed young man walking down the street. When he checked the time and saw that it was close to three-thirty, he got out and called to the young gentleman as he strode forward hoping to catch up with him, �Excuse me sir. You really shouldn�t be out here this late. I�you�re a kid! Ok sport come on back to the car with me.� He said tugging on Dan�s arm expecting the teen to follow.
�What? No way, I�ve got to be somewhere in a few minutes.� Dan said quickly removing his arm from the officer�s light grip. He turned and headed in the direction of the club again. He was startled by the hard grip to his shoulder a moment later. He turned and glared angrily at the officer and snapped at him. �Excuse me, I thought I told you I had somewhere to be.�
A little shocked at the temper being thrown at him, Officer Stephens gripped the teen tighter and scrutinized him a little more. �Hey you�re the one Detective Ellison has staying with him aren�t you? Does he let you get away with that kind of talk with him? I�m betting he doesn�t. Let�s go find out.� He steered Dan to the car and put him in the back seat. When he got into the front he turned and said, �Now I was gonna let you ride up here with me, but with that attitude you have now I think I�m better off wit you back there so you can�t go anywhere. Oh boy I can�t wait to hear what Jim thinks of this.�
Dan swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. Jim was going to kill him. Once the whole story came out he was going to kill him. He began to try to figure out where his whole plan went wrong. It hit him a moment later, the glance Blair had given him when he had left his room earlier. His best friend had ratted him out. Jim must�ve called the station after ordering the take out and asked that the area around the club have a watch on it. *I can�t believe Doc did this to me. He ratted me out. I can�t trust him to keep anymore promises or anything else.*
When they arrived at the apartment building, Officer Stephens was a little surprised at the compliant young man now in his grasp. They rode up in the elevator silently and when they got to the loft door, Dan was shaking slightly. Officer Stephens rapped on the door and waited.
Upstairs in the loft, Jim groaned at the knock. He stared bleary eyed at the clock and wished the numbers made sense. He heard the knock a little more insistent this time and wondered why Dan hadn�t come up to get him yet. He looked at the clock again and finally could read the time. �Whoever�s waking me at three-forty-five in the morning is gonna have a lot of explaining to do.� Jim grumbled to himself as he put his robe on and cinched the belt.
Dan trembled as he heard Jim walking down the stairs and heading for the door. Had Officer Stephens� hand not been on his shoulder, he would�ve bolted. When the door opened he saw the sleepy yet annoyed look Jim had on his face, then that look became surprised and finally angry. He would�ve preferred one of the first three looks.
Jim looked at Dan a moment before uttering two words. �Inside. Now!� As Dan slunk past him he got a grip on the teen�s arm before he could go anywhere else. Once Dan was in his grip, he looked at the officer still hovering in his doorway. He looked at him and asked, �Where did you find him?�
�He was down near that little coffee��Officer Stephens stopped when Jim held up his hand.
�Wait I think I know exactly where you found him. He directed his question to Dan next. �You were going to the club, weren�t you?� He looked and saw Dan nod his head. Jim nodded and said, �That�s what I thought. Thanks for bringing him home Gary. Daniel and I are going to have a lengthy little chat about when and when not to leave the loft.� Jim said, and then shut the door as soon as Officer Stephens turned to leave. He turned to Dan, released his arm and said angrily, �You. Upstairs. Now.�
Dan took off the minute the words left Jim�s mouth. He wasn�t sure why Jim was sending him upstairs, but now wasn�t the time to ask questions. He sat on Jim�s bed once he got up the stairs and wiped his palms on his thighs. *Jim is not happy with me at all. How could I have been so stupid? I should�ve waited. I was already pushing my luck with Michael�s call. I should�ve waited till later tonight to try it instead of this morning. I wonder what he�s gonna do to me?* Dan shuddered at this thought. * Probably the same thing Ben would do to me. I wonder what he�s doing downstairs. Not that I care, I mean the longer he stays downstairs the safer I am up here.*
Jim looked down at Blair as he slept and smiled. �I bet this is what you were told to keep from me huh pup. Here let me slip these on you, so you don�t get startled when I have that discussion with Daniel.� Jim said softly as he found Blair�s portable cd player and slipped the headphones on the youngster�s head and left. He headed upstairs next and saw Dan deep in thought on his bed. He laid a hand on Dan�s shoulder letting the boy know he was there. He was startled when Dan jumped and yelped at the touch. �Easy Cub.�
The use of his nickname calmed Dan and made him relax. He looked at Jim apprehensively and waited for the yelling to begin. He knew Blair would wake and hear everything. That thought alone made Dan shudder involuntary.
�Well kiddo, you ready to tell me what�s going on now, or should I just put you over my knee and get the story that way?� Jim asked and noticed Dan wince at the words. �I hope you didn�t think you weren�t getting one.�
�No sir, I figured I was going to get one. I-I guess I should start with the phone call. One of the guys from the club called to give me information that I had asked him for concerning something I was interested in, but said he would only give me the important details in person. That�s why I was headed to the club, where the officer found me. I know I should�ve waited, but the information was important to me and I felt I had to have it right away. I-I�m sorry.� Dan said in his polite calm voice as he hung his head at the end.
Jim sat down on the edge of the bed next to Dan and said, �Cub sit up and look at me.� He waited for Dan to comply, then continued. �What information was so important that you decided a spanking was worth leaving the house after curfew to get?� Jim asked looking into Dan�s watery brown eyes, then as if just noticing it, Jim slid the teen�s glasses back into place and smoothed the hair from his eyes.
�I had asked for help at the club yesterday afternoon when I went and Michael called me telling me he had the information. I wanted to find my brothers and sister. I haven�t s-seen them in over a y-year and I want to k-know if they�re a-alright, that t-they aren�t b-being m-mistreated. I m-miss them J-Jim especially m-my sis-sis-sister.� Dan said his voice breaking at the end into a large sob.
�Shh it�s alright Cub.� Jim said softly as he pulled the sobbing teen onto his lap. He was surprised when Dan suddenly stiffened at being held. He ran his hand over the teen�s back and began to murmur comforting words. Jim was relieved to feel Dan sink against him. He felt Dan begin to bury his face against his neck. He stopped him for only a moment, removed his glasses and then let the teen bury his face back against his neck. �Shh calm down little cub. It�s gonna be alright.� Jim said as he stroked Dan�s hair and rubbed his back.
*Oh God, it�s been so long since I�ve been held like this. Where�s my handkerchief? I must be getting snot all over him. I don�t need him more upset with me.* Dan loosened his hold around Jim�s neck and began to search his front shirt pocket.
Jim was concerned when he felt Dan�s arm leave his neck and then wondered at what the teen was doing when he leaned away and started searching for something. He watched as Dan pulled a pale blue handkerchief out of somewhere and began to wipe at Jim�s neck, and then at his own nose while mumbling an apology.
Dan�s eyes widened in fear as the handkerchief was plucked out of his hand and tossed aside. He stared at Jim and wondered what he had done wrong. �I-I sorry Jim, I didn�t mean to��He was stopped when a large hand covered his mouth.
�Stop apologizing Cub. What are you fussing with that dinky scrap of materiel for when you could use me. Blair seems to think I�m a large kleenex, why shouldn�t you?� Jim asked and was glad to see the small smile from on Dan�s face.
�You don�t mind? I didn�t want you to get upset at me for making a mess out of your shirt.� Dan said as he stared at Jim.
�No kid I don�t mind one bit. You�re gonna be getting it messy again soon enough.� Jim said as he watched Dan.
Catching the meaning to the statement, Dan squirmed a bit. When he realized that he was sitting on Jim�s lap, he quickly tried to bolt off of him.
Jim caught the fleeing youngster and held him tightly, preventing escape of any kind.
�Hey let me up. I�m too old for such a thing!� Dan squawked trying to get up.
�Sit still. You may be but sit still anyways.� Jim told him and silenced further protests with a firm pat to Dan�s thigh. �I know that you think you�re too old Cub, but who�s to know but you and me right?� He said more gently when he still saw the look of horror on the teen�s face.
�You and I, but yes I guess you�re right. It still feels odd. Am I still in trouble?� Dan asked finally.
�Yes you are Cub, big time. We need to talk about why you�re in trouble kiddo. Jim told him rubbing a hand up and down Dan�s arm soothingly. He could feel Dan relaxing against him slowly.
�Didn�t we just do that?� Dan asked as he leaned away and looked at Jim.
�No what we just did is establish why you felt it was necessary for you to break curfew early this morning. Now what you have to do is tell me why it was wrong.� Jim explained.
�Oh, but doesn�t why I did it count?� Dan asked hoping to find some way to get out of what was probably going to be a very painful punishment.
�It counts Bear cub, but you should�ve told me what you wanted to do. I would�ve helped you and I still will, but I won�t tolerate you sneaking around Cub. Do you realize the danger you put yourself in by sneaking out this morning? Someone could have just come by and mugged you, you could�ve gotten shot in a drive by, someone could�ve knocked you out, grabbed you, shoved you in a car or a van and neither Blair, Ben or I would know where you went. Did even stop to think how Ben would�ve felt if I had to call him and tell him that you took upon yourself to leave the house in the middle of the night and now no one knows where you are?� Jim scolded. During the lecture Jim had moved Dan to the bed so they could face each other better.
Dan�s chin was planted firmly against his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around his middle as he sobbed softly at Jim�s words. He suddenly felt himself being gathered into strong arms once more. He unwrapped his arms from around himself and tightly clutched Jim�s waist. He could feel Jim�s strong hands petting his hair and rubbing his back and couldn�t help melting against Jim�s chest. His sobs begin to ebb slowly till he was doing nothing but sniffling a little.
Jim pulled out of the hug first and stared at the miserable teen a moment before he said, �Come on Bear cub, let�s get this over and done with, so we can hopefully get a little more sleep. Does Ben have a certain way of doing it?� Jim asked wanting Dan to have a sense of familiarity around him.
�Yes, I�ll show you.� Dan said softly. He got up, looked around the room for a moment then leaned over the foot of Jim�s bed. He gave Jim a mournful look and said, �The paddle is downstairs in my duffle bag. If you decide you want to use it on me. I�m ready.� Dan whispered softly.
Jim heard the hollowness in Dan�s voice and decided that he and Ben needed to have a talk, especially after watching and listening to Dan. He got up, walked over to Dan and laid a hand on the teen�s quivering back. �Get up Bear cub. We�re not going to do it like this.� Jim said rubbing the teen�s back gently.
Dan rose slowly and looked at Jim suspiciously. �Are-are you sure I can get up?� He asked hesitantly. He stepped back a little trying to have space for a moment. Dan crossed his arms around his middle when Jim reached for him and shook his head at the man. �Please not yet.� Dan whispered softly as he took another step back.
�Hey calm down Cub. No Dan we�re doing this now. � Jim told him as he took Dan�s wrist and brought him over to the bed. Jim sat down and stood the teen at his right.
Dan stood staring at Jim, not quite sure what to do or what was about to happen. His eyes widened at Jim�s command to drop his pants, but did as he was told. He was grateful that his shirt was long enough to cover the white cotton briefs he wore. When he was placed over Jim�s lap, his heartbeat sped up. His upper body was resting comfortably on Jim�s bed, while his feet were planted firmly on the floor.
He heard the small gasp from Dan as he pulled the teen�s briefs down. Jim flipped the back of Dan�s shirt up and rubbed Dan�s back reassuringly. �Easy Cub��He started but stopped when he heard the whispered plea.
�Please just get it over with.� Dan�s voice was muffled by his face being buried in his arms. He tensed when he felt Jim�s hand on his back. The first swat had Dan stuffing his fist in his mouth to keep from screaming. He bit hard on his knuckle as the swats rained down. Tears flowed from his eyes and down his cheeks. He grunted softly, but made no other sound.
Jim was a bit surprised at Dan�s quietness. He stopped mid air when he caught the scent of blood. He lifted Dan�s head with the hand he had on the teen�s back and saw the raw and bleeding knuckle Dan had been biting. �Stop. Get it out of your system Dan. No one is going to think less of you because you cry, especially me. No more of this.� Jim told him and pointed at the wounded knuckle.
Tears were streaming from Dan�s eyes but still he didn�t make any noise. He nodded at Jim though and buried his head back in his arms. Sobs racked Dan�s body as the swats rained down on his backside.
Jim paused for a moment and reached for the object on his nightstand. He laid the back of the brush on Dan�s red bottom and said, �Dan I can�t have you risking your life, you�re too important to Ben, you�re too important to Blair and you are too important too me.� He cracked the brush down and elicited a strangled yelp from the sobbing teen. He landed a dozen swats to the center of Dan�s bottom, then raised his right leg exposing the unspanked skin of Dan�s undercurve and sit spot.
Dan�s eyes flew open at the first swat to the tender area. At the second swat, Dan�s hand flew back to protect the burning flesh. He suddenly drew his hand back in front of him and started muttering something between his sobs.
Jim was surprised for a moment by Dan�s retraction of his hand, but continued with the spanking. He landed eight more swats to Dan�s sit spot four to each side and stopped. �Come on kiddo, take it easy. Shh, come on now deep breaths, Bear cub. There you go come on, take another deep breath Bear cub.� Jim said gently. He lifted the teen, replaced his clothes, held him as he rubbed his back and spoke softly.
Dan laid his head against Jim�s neck for a moment or two, relaxing at the gentle touch and the tender words being whispered. Once he realized where he was and what he was doing. He went to jump up as he said, �I�m sorry. I�ll go downstairs and go to bed.� His cheeks were bright red as he tried to escape from Jim�s lap.
�Shh what are you talking about? I�m not gonna make you go downstairs kiddo, not yet.� Jim asked pulling Dan closer and stroking the boy�s hair.
�Why not? Did I do something else wrong?� Dan asked. He was quiet for a minute, then realization appeared on his face. �Oh, when I reached back. I�m sorry for that.� Dan said as he held out his hand.
Concern filled the pale blue eyes as he saw Dan�s hand go up. �What are you doing Bear cub?� Jim asked as he took the teen�s hand in his.
�It�s so you can use the brush on my hand, for reaching back.� Dan explained.
�I�m not going to do that kiddo. You couldn�t help it. It a natural reaction and you�re not going to be punished further for it.� Jim said as he pushed Dan�s hand back towards the teen. He pulled the teen close, began to stroke his back and said, �As for why I�m not making you go downstairs yet�I want to make sure you�re alright and to let you know you�re forgiven. Doesn�t Ben do this for you?� Jim had a feeling he knew the answer even when he asked the question.
�No, he just tells me we�re done and then he goes back downstairs. Is this how it is with you and Doc?� Dan asked after a few minutes. He leaned against Jim again, moving his head towards Jim�s hand.
�Yeah, and this is over with now. You�re forgiven and you don�t have to apologize to me about it anymore. I�ll stay with you as long as you want me to.� Jim told him as he pulled Dan close and stroked the teen�s soft, straight jet-black hair. He planned on having a long talk with Ben when he came back.
Dan laid against Jim and couldn�t help yawning. He didn�t mind the gentle caresses to his head and closed his eyes in response. He shifted a little and yelped as his bottom came in contact with Jim�s thigh. He quickly moved to take the pressure off his burning bottom. *I definitely need to get the aloe back. There is no way I�m gonna be comfortable without it.* Dan�s thoughts begin to jumble as he fell asleep without knowing it.
Jim swept his hand through the teen�s black hair once more before he gathered the teen in his arms, stood up, picked up Dan�s glasses from the bed, walked carefully downstairs pulled back the covers and expertly laid the boy on the couch on his stomach. He put Dan�s glasses on the coffee table where the teen would be able to see them when he woke up, then slipped Dan�s boot�s off and removed the boy�s slacks. He laid them over the back of the couch, covered the sleeping teen with a light quilt, then finally turned and headed into Blair�s room to check on his sleeping pup once more, before going upstairs to bed. He chuckled softly when he saw how his pup was sleeping. The blankets were twisted around his legs, he was now on his stomach, one arm was under the pillow and his other arm was across his back and his hand was resting on his backside. Jim carefully untwisted the blankets from around Blair�s legs, moved the teen�s arm to a more comfortable angle, draped the blankets over the sleeping boy and then carefully removed the headphones.
Blair grunted a little after the blankets settled over him and snuggled under the blankets a little more, and then opened one eye sleepily when he felt something brush lightly against his face. �Hi Jim,� he said sleepily and smiled a little. �Is it time to get up?�
Jim smiled at Blair and said, �No pup go on back to sleep, we�ve still got a few hours till morning.� He brushed the curls away from Blair�s face and patted the boy�s cheek gently. He watched as Blair smiled again, then burrowed deeper under the covers and went back to sleep.