The Cub and Pup Tear into Each Other
By Enelya
# 6 in the Sacred Ground Series
The aroma of fresh brewed coffee caressed Jim�s sense of smell a few hours later after he�d gone to bed. He groaned as he looked at the numbers on his clock and saw that it read seven thirty. Three and a half hours he�d been asleep, since Dan was brought home and dealt with. Knowing Dan wouldn�t appreciate a morning wake up call from his friend at the moment, Jim got out of bed, put his robe on, cinched the belt and ambled downstairs. The sight of Blair bouncing around the kitchen and humming to himself as he made breakfast put a smile on Jim�s face and made him glad he had slipped the headphones on the teen early this morning. He walked around the couch and sat on the coffee table in front of the sleeping teenager still there and rubbed the boy�s arm gently. �Hey kiddo, time to get up. Come on Bear cub.� Jim said gently as he tried to rouse the teen.
Dan groaned, raised his head and stared sleepily at Jim for a moment before putting his head back down turning it to face away from Jim and promptly went back to sleep. As he drifted back to sleep he heard a low rumbling noise, and dismissed it as sleep completely over took him.
Jim had chuckled lowly at Dan�s actions at being awakened so early. He tried once more to wake the teen from his deep slumber. He ran his hand over Dan�s back and hovered it for a second of the teen�s bottom and could feel the heat still coming off of it. Jim winced a little knowing how sore Dan would be when he was fully awake. He shook Dan gently and said, �Cub get up come on. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. You don�t want it to get cold do you?�
�Go �way!� Dan growled when he was awakened the second time. He didn�t know why Jim was so insistent that he get up now when Blair could get him up well after Jim was gone. He turned his head to face Jim and glared at the man hoping he got the hint this time.
Pale blue eyes stared into the chocolate brown eyes for a few minutes, and then Jim spoke dangerously low so only Dan would hear him. �I would watch my tone, if I were you Bear cub. I don�t think that backside of yours is up to anymore attention is it?� Jim raised his hand slightly over Dan�s bottom and darted a glance towards Blair to make sure his pup wasn�t paying attention. He grinned when he saw Blair�s backside up in the air as he looked in the fridge for something. He turned his attention back to Dan and waited for the teen�s answer.
Dan�s eyes widened at the mild threat. He looked back and saw Jim�s hand hovering over his backside. Not wanting the pain reawakened just yet, Dan carefully rolled to his side his backside facing the couch and away from Jim�s heavy hand. �I-I�m sorry I was grouchy, but I�m tired Jim. Why are you waking me up?� Dan asked confused at Jim�s actions.
Jim lowered his hand at the question. He reached up, smoothed the jet-black hair from the boy�s face and just stared at him for a moment. �I�m sorry cub but if you hadn�t had a late night excursion wouldn�t you be getting up about now?� Jim asked knowing Dan wasn�t going to like where it led.
�Well yeah. I probably would�ve already been up by now. Why?� Dan wasn�t sure where Jim was going with this and began to sit up only to pause when his backside throbbed at being brushed against the couch. He lay back down with a sigh and waited to see what Jim had to say.
�Well that�s why I�m getting you up. I�m not going to let you sleep the day away. Now come on get up.� Jim said standing and reaching out a hand to help the teen up.
Dan shook his head at the offered hand. � I can do it thanks.� He put one leg down on the floor, used his hands to push himself up while putting his other leg down and finally standing up. He hissed softly as the throb in his backside became worse with the movement.
Jim leaned down to pick up one of the small pillows that decorated the couch and noticed one was missing. He shrugged and picked up the remaining pillow and headed to the small area they used as a dining room. He pulled the chair that Dan normally sat in out and stared at the lost pillow on the seat of the chair. He looked up and saw Blair busy putting the last of the pancakes on a platter and dumping the sausage on a separate plate. He could hear the kid�s heart beating a little faster than normal. *D*mn the kid knows, but how�d he find out?* Jim pondered over the thought for a minute then decided to leave it alone for the moment. He�d find out later how his pup knew.
Realizing his state of dress for the first time, Dan went quickly into Blair�s room, took his shirt off in favor of a t-shirt and then slipped his robe on. He sat down on Blair�s bed and immediately stood up, his hands immediately going back to rub his sore bottom. He stopped after the first rub, as he realized he was making the burn more intense then dulling it.
�Blair go see what�s taking Dan so long in your room. I�ll keep an eye on your breakfast.� Jim said as he looked towards Blair�s room and sniffing the air every so often. He took Blair�s place at the oven and watched his pup go towards the bedroom.
�Sure thing Jim.� Blair said as he walked placidly towards his room with a huge grin on his face. When he opened the door to his room though, his smile faded evaporated faster than a drop of water on a hot skillet as he saw the despondent way his friend was standing in his room. � Bear? What�s wrong?� Blair asked as he stepped into the room more.
Dan looked at Blair for a moment, and then walked past his friend without saying anything. He walked out and over to the dining area just as Jim was sitting down. When he pulled the chair out and saw the pillow, he sighed with relief and sat gingerly on the pillow gasping when his bottom came in contact with the material. It hurt and sitting was out of the question till he got a hold of the aloe. He knew he�d have to sit though and eat and desperately hoped no one would mind if he scarfed the food down, and didn�t say anything.
Jim watched as Dan came from the room and sat at the table, then turned his attentions to his pup when he came from his room and saw the confusion and hurt on the teen�s face. He watched as Blair gave Dan another wounded look before going over to the kitchen and began to pick up the plates of food.
Blair balanced the plates in his hands and quickly set them down on the table before he dropped them. He went over to the fridge and took out the juice and syrup, and then sat down. He helped himself to the food and paid no mind to the look he was getting from his guardian. Blair looked up slightly at his friend trying to judge his mood, but Dan�s face was blank and unreadable at the moment except for the winces of pain every now and then.
*********
Breakfast was silent, except for the clattering of silverware as the food was eaten. Jim looked between the two unusually silent teens and wondered what had caused Dan to give Blair the cold shoulder this morning. He was about to say something when he happened to glance at the time, and saw that he had to leave if he wanted to be on time. He got up and put his plate in the sink, then suddenly realized that he was still in his nightclothes. He sighed, went upstairs and changed quickly. He hurried down the stairs and turned to the two teens once more. �Hey guys I have to leave for the station. Clean the table, do the dishes while I�m gone and behave yourselves.� Jim told them. He gave Dan a pointed look when he put his coat on and saw the teen nod slightly conveying that the silent message had been received.
Blair stared at the loft door for a moment, then turned to his friend. �Bear, did I do something wrong? Why are you mad at me? What did I do?� Blair finally asked as he watched his friend finish off his last bite of pancake and stand immediately. Blair had only eaten half his breakfast and then wasn�t able to eat anymore. He picked his plate up and scraped the rest in the trash.
Dan�s head shot up at the questions and he glared at his friend. �You broke your promise to me Blair. I thought a promise meant something to you, but obviously I guess it doesn�t. Don�t call me Bear anymore, either.� Dan said the coldness and bluntness of his voice filling the loft.
�I-I didn�t break my pro��Blair started but was immediately cut off by Dan�s shout.
�LIAR! Why else would Jim have had an officer waiting near the club for me this morning? When Jim came into your room the other day you two were in there a long time. I saw the look you gave me when you finally came out, but Jim didn�t say anything except ask me if Chinese food was ok for dinner. I really thought you�d keep your promise Blair, especially after I kept my promise not to say anything to anybody about the time you stole that microscope. I guess I�m the only one here right now that knows how to keep a promise.� Dan retorted.
Anger flashed in Blair�s dark blue eyes, even as they filled with tears. �I�m not lying. Yeah I was upset when I left the room that night and yeah I thought about telling Jim, but I didn�t. I don�t know why there was an officer there this morning; he was probably just checking the area. They do patrol certain areas, but I did keep my promise.� Blair said tersely through clenched teeth. He brushed away the tears that were spilling down his cheeks.
�You had to have said something, otherwise Jim wouldn�t have had one of his cop friends waiting for me when I WAS ALMOST AT THE CLUB BLAIR!� Dan said not realizing that he had begun to shout.
�OH, SO JUST BECAUSE A CASCADE POLICE OFFICER BROUGHT YOU BACK, YOU AUTOMATICALLY ASSUME THAT I SNITCHED ON YOU! I DIDN�T SAY ANYTHING TO HIM, BUT NOW I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE SINCE YOU DON�T BELIEVE ME!� Blair shouted back.
The teens had moved to the living room at this point. Neither heard the footsteps thundering up the last flight of stairs. Dan advanced on Blair and Blair stood his ground. The teens stood staring at each other for a moment, then Dan brought his hand up and shoved Blair back a bit. Blair lost all rational thought as he brought a fist up and slammed it along the right side of Dan�s face. The next few minutes were a blur until Jim burst through the door, ran over to the wrestling teenagers and dragged them away from each other by the scruffs of their necks. �Knock it off you two!� Jim shouted as he shook both boys to get their attention. A stray punch caught Jim on the left cheek. He shook the teens a second time and bellowed, �I said KNOCK IT OFF!!!�
Blair and Dan froze and looked at Jim. They shrank back at the look they were being given and both tried to squirm out of Jim�s grasp.
Jim began to loosen his hold on Blair first. He began to massage the spot he had been gripping and felt Blair relax. He moved his hand away, only to grip Blair�s shoulder lightly a moment later. � No Chief you stay here.� Jim said calmly as Blair had started to head to his room. When he was sure Blair wouldn�t move, he turned his attention to Dan. He turned the boy to the side and landed five hard swats to the center of Dan�s bottom.
Dan grabbed his glasses as the slipped off his face with the first swat. He tried to blink back the tears as he bit his bottom lip to keep from crying out at the next four swats that followed and burned intensely on his already spanked backside. When the last swat landed he was turned and facing a very angry sentinel. His eyes widened at Jim�s angry face.
�Go upstairs and wait for me.� Jim said as he turned Dan to face the stairs and sent him towards them with another hard swat to his backside. Once Dan had made it to the top and was out of sight, Jim turned to his own little miscreant. His heart softened when he saw he was facing Blair�s stiff back and realized that Blair was waiting for the same treatment.
Blair felt Jim move behind him and waited with closed eyes and clenched fists. His eyes opened wide as he felt himself turned and pulled into a warm embrace. He relaxed against Jim as the large hands rubbed soothingly up and down his back.
�Come on Chief, let�s go in your room.� Jim said as he turned Blair and led him towards his room. He nudged Blair ahead of him into the room and shut the door behind him. He sat down on Blair�s bed and looked up at Blair, who was standing next to him. �Sit down Chief, we have to talk.� Jim said patting the bed next to him.
Blair sat and sighed softly. �Jim, I�m sorry I�� Blair started, but Jim put his hand over Blair�s mouth and stopped him.
�Let me talk first, alright Junior?� Jim said, and then took his hand away when Blair nodded. �Ok kiddo, remember our talk a couple days ago about you two not getting into a fight or we�d have even bigger problems.�
Blair nodded, his heart sinking as he realized that this conversation wasn�t going the way he had hoped it would. �I know Jim. I-I wasn�t thinking. Jim, do you really have to spank me?� Blair asked as his breathing increased.
Jim slid his arm around Blair�s shoulders and said, �Yes Blair I have to. Do you understand why?�
�I think so Jim. It�s because I should�ve walked away from him instead of letting him provoke me. Right?� Blair asked as he turned his teary dark blue eyes towards Jim. *All I can pray for now is that Jim won�t use that horrible hairbrush.*
�Yeah kiddo, that�s right. Come on up you get.� Jim said as he patted Blair on the arm and gave him a little nudge up. He grew concerned when he saw Blair look up at him pleadingly and then look away. �Chief, what�s wrong?� He asked lightly touching Blair�s arm. *I thought we had gotten past this. I thought he�d finally realized I would never beat him.*
�Jim, are you gonna use��Blair paused and swallowed hard before continuing, �Are you gonna use the brush.�
The last two words came out so soft, that Jim had to raise his hearing a notch just to hear the words. �No Blair, I�m not gonna use it. This wasn�t that serious, but I might use it if you two decide to get into another fight.�
Tears filled Blair�s dark blue eyes at the words as he reached for the button of his jeans, then stopped, looked at Jim and asked, �Jim why did you swat Dan and not me?� That little fact had still been bugging him, but wasn�t sure why.
Jim stared at his child a moment and thought about the question. �Well pup, I swatted Dan because he instigated the fight.� Jim finally said.
Blair cocked his head to the side and said, �Jim I started it. I landed the first punch not Dan. Are you sure that�s the real reason?�
A small chuckle escaped Jim�s lips. �Hey who�s the parent here Junior? I guess the real reason is that he hurt you Chief. He hurt your feelings and he had no real cause to treat you the way he did.� Jim finally admitted.
�He thought I broke my promise Jim. I would�ve been just as upset with him. Please don�t be upset with him because of it.� Blair pleaded. He stood a few more minutes not wanting to finish this discussion, then reached for the button on his jeans again. He was stopped this time by Jim�s hand on his.
�You can leave them up Chief.� Jim said as he pulled Blair over his lap. He felt Blair immediately stiffen. He laid his left hand on the small of Blair�s back and rubbed it briefly. He raised his right hand and landed the first swat directly to the center of Blair�s jean covered butt. �I won�t tolerate fighting pup.�
�I�m s-sorry Jim.� Blair said and then yelped loudly as the next was delivered directly below the first one. His jeans weren�t providing the protection that he had hoped they would.
Jim landed a dozen swift, hard, swats to the teen�s backside leaving Blair gasping and sobbing . �Okay pup we�re done.� Jim said using the same hand he had just used to punish his child with began to tenderly rub the teen�s back to calm and comfort him.
Once Blair could breathe properly, he sprang from Jim�s lap and whimpered a bit as he tried to rub the sting from his aching hindquarters.
Jim stood and captured his whimpering pup in a warm embrace. �Shh, settle down pup. All is forgiven. I also went easy on you kiddo.� He said as he tried to comfort his hurting youngster.
Blair sniffed loudly as he soaked in Jim�s comfort for a moment, but then at Jim� words, Blair broke away from the embrace, gave Jim and incredulous look and said, �That was easy? That wasn�t easy, that hurt. Easy would�ve been five swats.�
Jim chuckled and said, �It�s supposed to hurt Junior, that�s why it�s called punishment. I did take it easy on you, I only gave you twelve swats.�
A small smile graced the teen�s face as he finally nodded at Jim�s words. Blair leaned against Jim, laying his head on the older man�s shoulder and sighed as he felt Jim�s arms wrap around him.
He tightened his arms around his young pup and savored the relaxing moment a bit longer before reluctantly releasing Blair. �I�ve still got Dan to deal with kiddo. Why don�t you put some of your music on?� Jim said hoping Blair would so it would drown out the noise a little.
�Sure Jim, I think I have the one I like the best in my cd player. I�ll just put the headphones on and uhm do some stuff in here.� Blair said knowing why Jim wanted him to listen to the music.
Jim smiled, patted Blair on the arm and said, �That sounds good Chief.� He ruffled Blair�s curls and then left Blair�s room, closed the door and headed upstairs to his other little miscreant.
*********
Dan heard Jim�s footsteps as they landed on each step and shivered with each one. He continued to pace the room as Jim got closer then unconsciously reached back to rub his backside and stopped when his hand came in contact with his already sore bottom *God, why did I have to be so stupid. I should�ve never of got into that fight with Doc. I shouldn�t have been mean to Doc either, he�d never turn on me like I said he did. I wonder how bad it�s going to be this time.* His last thought was when Jim reached the top of the steps and towered over Dan by a couple of inches. Dan stood there trembling and waiting for Jim to announce his fate.
Jim saw the fear in the youth�s eyes and pulled him into a reassuring hug for a moment. �Shh it�s not going to be that bad kiddo.� Jim said trying to reassure the trembling teen.
�Yes it is. I�m still sore from this morning Jim. Please don�t, please.� Dan pleaded, his eyes tearing up at the thought of being spanked on top of his already burning bottom. He began to sob softly against Jim�s chest.
�This morning, you thought that your friend had ratted you out, so you decided that instead of talking it out and finding out exactly what happened this morning when he came into the room to get you, you�d make sure he was as miserable as you. You gave him the cold shoulder while I was here, but then when I left, he tried to talk to you and find out what was going on, you tore into him like a rampaging bear stumbling across a wounded wolf. I don�t know how much longer you two would�ve gone at it if I hadn�t got up here when I did. Now I�m sorry you�re still sore cub, but I warned you two that this would happen if you got into a fight with each other. Come on let�s get this over with kiddo.� Jim said as he rubbed Dan�s back, then turned the teen and walked him over to the bed keeping his hands on the teen�s shoulders.
Tears ran down the youth�s face as he stood at the edge of the bed. He watched as Jim sat down and reached for him. Dan instinctively pulled away, but went to Jim a second later and trembled as he was pulled over the strong thighs. He took his glasses off and laid them on the bed, then waited for his robe to be lifted, but when it wasn�t he cast a curious glance back at Jim.
�I�m spanking you the same way Blair was spanked, there will be one difference. In light of you already having received six swats down stairs, I�m only going give you six swats now.� Without another word, Jim raised his hand and landed the first of six swats. He landed the other five directly on top of the first one causing Dan to howl and try to bolt off Jim�s lap. Jim uprighted the sobbing boy and held him close, after he landed the final swat.
Dan sobbed heavily against Jim�s chest thoroughly wetting the man�s shirt. He put his arms around Jim�s neck, clinging to the man, desperate for comfort. �Sorry Jim. �m sorry, sorry.� He whimpered once his sobs had slowed enough for him to speak.
�Easy Bear cub. It�s all right kiddo it�s all right. You�re forgiven, no more apologies. Shh, settle down and just concentrate on breathing. Good, just like that.� Jim uttered the nonsense words as he rubbed a hand soothingly over the trembling teen�s shoulders and back. He knew Dan was still hurting from the earlier ordeal and the six smacks he had just received had probably rekindled the fire in his seat again, but Jim had a feeling there was something else that was keeping the tears flowing as well as the hurt in the young teen�s voice.
Dan slowly withdrew his arms from around Jim�s neck and wrapped them as far as he could around Jim�s chest. He winced as his bottom came in contact with Jim�s thigh, his breathing began to slow and the only other sound that came from him was a soft sniff every so often.
When Jim felt the teen began to slowly calm down, he began to rub the teen�s arm and asked, �You feeling a little better now kiddo?�
�A little. Jim, you�ll help me find them, won�t you?� Dan asked as he pulled away a little and looked up into Jim�s pale blue eyes.
Jim saw the child like trust in Dan�s eyes and the deeper fear at being disappointed by the large man. Jim sighed and ran a hand through his own short cropped hair before returning it to the back of Dan�s neck and rubbing it lightly. � Dan, I will do my best to help you. You said one of your friends had the information?�
Hope and tears filled the chocolate brown eyes as Dan nodded slowly at the question. �Yeah, Michael has information for me. I could leave later and retrieve it. If that�s okay?� Dan asked hope filling his voice.
�Yes you can go, but I doubt you�re going to want to wear you�re normal attire.� Jim said knowing Dan wouldn�t be comfortable in the seemingly tight clothing.
Dan smiled a little. �It�s ok Jim. I�ve worn them afterwards before and it does hurt, but I�ve managed. I�m just not looking forward to sitting in my car and driving there. That�s the part that hurts the most. I�ll manage though.� Dan said softly as he began to extract himself slowly from Jim�s arms.
Jim stopped the teen�s movements and held him close again. �You don�t have to manage Dan. I can take you over there in your car while you stretch out across the backseat if you�d like.� Jim offered to the teen.
A heated blush crept over Dan�s face as he shook his head. �N-no that�s alright. I�ll manage.� He looked sheepishly at Jim and hoped the man didn�t take it the wrong way.
Jim smiled at the embarrassed teen. �I understand Bear cub. You don�t want to be teased, right?� He asked as he began to rub Dan�s back again.
A large sigh followed by a small nod was all Dan did for the moment, then he spoke softly, �It�s more than that Jim. I mean I know they already suspect, because Michael has given me odd looks before when I�ve asked to stand during one of our talks. It�s just that if I were to show up having to slide out of the backseat, facing them to ask for the help would be so hard. Please understand.�
�Sure Dan I understand. I won�t embarrass you, but why don�t you lay down for now and rest. I�m sure you could use it huh kiddo.� Jim said as he pulled Dan to him and gave him a hug.
Dan nodded and sighed with relief. �Yes thank you. I could use some aloe as well, but I guess that�s out of the question?� He looked at Jim questioningly hoping he would be allowed the cooling gel.
Jim stood bringing Dan with him and helped him to lie stomach down on the bed while he moved the teen�s glasses to the nightstand. �I think I could let you have a little now. Come on up Blair.� He said sitting on the bed to rub Dan�s back. He had known the curly headed teen had been waiting at the bottom of the steps wanting to see his friend and make up.
Hearing he was allowed up the steps, Blair raced up, the aloe tucked in his back pocket. He stood hesitantly at the top, not sure if he and Dan still wanted to be friends with him. Blair reached back, pulled the aloe out of his pocket and gave his still slightly sore bottom a quick rub.
Dan saw the way Blair hesitated and felt bad for saying he didn�t want to be friends with him anymore. When he saw how Blair pulled the aloe out and rubbed his backside, he winced and sighed softly. �Doc? I-I�m sorry I was so mean to you today. I guess I was still feeling a little sorry for myself and I took it out on you. I really am sorry. Forgive me?� Dan asked looking down not wanting to see the uncertain look Blair had on his face any longer.
A large smile appeared on Blair�s face as he nodded, then realized Dan wasn�t looking at him, he bounded over giving Jim a small smile before turning his attentions back to his dejected friend. He set the aloe on the nightstand next to Dan�s glasses. �If I didn�t forgive you, would I have brought you this? Blair asked pointing at the aloe till Dan looked up with a small smile on his face.
Jim had remained silent as the teens made up with each other. He had seen the slight rub and the grin Blair gave him. He smiled back and continued to rub Dan�s back. He got up after another minute and said, �Well I assume I can go to the station now and not worry about you two tearing into each other anymore right?�
�We�ll be good Jim. Promise.� Blair said as he turned to keep his backside away from Jim. He grinned and sat on the bed.
Jim shook his head at Blair�s antics, pulled the boy up into a hug, gave his backside a gentle pat, then released him, leaned over, ruffled Dan�s hair, knowing the teen would growl about it, and headed for the stairs.
�Hey!� Came the reply from both teens at each assault to them. Blair gave an exaggerated rub to his backside while Dan gave a mock scowl while he fixed his mussed hair. They saw the slight grin from Jim and broke into grins themselves.
*********
The door to the loft closed a few minutes late and after fifteen more minutes, both boys sighed in unison knowing Jim was truly gone and headed to the station. �Oh Doc, my backside feels like Jim took an inch of skin off of it. I forgot how much that brush really stings.�
�I know. Hey you want some sweatpants? They�ll feel much better than jeans or your other pants.� Blair asked heading towards the stairs looking over his shoulder as he asked.
Dan was quiet a moment then nodded. �Yeah Doc that sounds good. I�ll put the aloe on while your downstairs.� He reached over and grabbed the bottle of aloe as he watched Blair walk downstairs.
Blair went into his room when he got to the bottom of the steps and made sure to take his time. He got a pair of gray sweatpants, which were actually two sizes too big, but he used the drawstring on them to keep them up. He knew they would feel the best on a sore backside. He made his way from his room slowly to the bottom of the stairs.
�You can come up Doc.� Dan called when he heard his friend milling around at the bottom of the steps. He chuckled softly and shook his head when he heard the way Blair thundered up the stairs. �Geez Doc, where�d you get the cows?� Dan asked and snorted with laughter at the look on Blair�s face at the question.
�The wha� cows? What cows? Bear what are you talking about? I think Jim smacked you a little too hard, you�re delusional.� Blair said as he quirked an eyebrow and walked over with the sweatpants.
�The ones that stampeded up the stairs with you, Doc.� Dan said with a grin. He yelped when the sweatpants were suddenly dumped on his head. �Hey! Alright Doc, as soon as I get these on, I�m coming after you.� Dan got up rather slowly off the bed and watched as Blair went darting back down the stairs.
�You gotta catch me first slow poke.� Blair called up the stairs as he quickly looked around, and when he spotted the balcony doors he got an idea. He opened the door and waited for Dan to come down the stairs.
The slight chill in the loft caused Dan to shiver when he went to walk down the stairs. He thought about going back for his robe, but didn�t as he began to walk down the steps. The moment he reached the bottom of the steps he was suddenly pelted with something cold and wet. It took a moment to realize that he�s been hit with a snowball. Dan looked up and saw Blair standing in the balcony doorway with another snowball. �Doc, that was very sneaky. I�m afraid though that a little retaliation is in order.� Dan said as he stalked towards his friend grinning mischievously.
The two boys stood out on the balcony throwing snowballs at each other for a while before they both headed in exhausted. Blair flopped down on the couch wincing slightly as his still slightly sore backside connected with the couch. Dan on the other hand eased himself stomach down on the other couch and sighed.
Dan gave Blair an almost pleading look. �Hey Doc, I�m so tired. If I took a nap, you wouldn�t say anything to Jim would you? He woke me up after only three hours of sleep. I really need a little more sleep.�
Blair nodded and smiled. �I won�t say anything, besides Jim didn�t say you couldn�t take a nap.� He grinned wider at this and watched as Dan shook his head a little and grinned slightly.
He took his glasses off and set them on the coffee table, then stretched out a little more and began to drift off to sleep. Dan never felt the light quilt being draped over him as he drifted deep into sleep.
*********
Blair looked up from the small book he�d been writing in, leaned back and rubbed his eyes. He couldn�t understand why his eyes were always hurting him when he tried to read or write in his notebooks. He could see the boards fine at school. *Maybe I should tell Jim. He would know what to do. Nah, he�d just worry I�ll wait. I�ve probably just been working to hard.* Blair reasoned with himself as he closed the small journal and got up. He walked back into his room and slipped the journal back in the drawer he had gotten it from. He knew they hadn�t been shopping yet this week and decided to make a list of stuff they would need. Blair left his room with his notebook and pen and almost ran into Dan. �Oh sorry Bear. I didn�t know you were up yet.�
�It�s alright Doc. What were you doing?� He asked still a little sleepy.
�I was gonna make a list of stuff Jim and I need from the store. It can wait though, I don�t have to do this right now.� Blair said as he retreated back into his room laid the notebook on his bed and left his room shutting his door behind him.
A spark registered in Dan�s eyes at the mention of the grocery list. �Hey Doc, think you could put an extra bottle of aloe on there for me? I�ll give you the money for it.� Dan said with an almost pleading tone in his voice.
�Sure Bear no need to beg.� Blair answered giving Dan a wink. A large grin suddenly appeared on Blair�s face and he looked at Dan with a hint of mischief in his eyes. �Hey I got a great idea of something we can do when Jim gets home. You want to hear about it?� Blair asked still grinning.
Scowling at first at his friend�s tease, he grinned slightly as Blair talked about getting Jim when he got home. �Sure Doc. Let�s hear what that brain of yours has cooked up. I�m sure it will be interesting.�
*********
Jim pulled into his parking spot in the alleyway and was relieved not to hear any fighting. He wondered what the two boys were up to. As the elevator reached the top floor, he was becoming concerned when he heard the rapid heartbeats of both teens. He began to try to unlock the door as he fumbled with the keys and became increasingly frustrated. Finally he got the door open, and when he ran into the loft apartment, he was immediately pelted with something cold. �What the�snow?� Jim said still puzzled till he looked up at the two teens, who were grinning evilly with their hands behind their backs. �You two throw any more snowballs at me, and I�m gonna have to do something mean to you.� Jim said calmly as he began to walk up to the stairs to his room.
Dan and Blair looked at each other for a moment before grinning and throwing the two snowballs they had behind their backs directly at Jim�s back. Dan�s snowball went lower than he intended hitting Jim squarely in the small of his back. Blair�s snowball went high and landed against Jim�s neck. It stayed for a moment as the victim stood motionless for a second. It�s watery remains slid gracefully down Jim�s shirt thoroughly wetting it.
Jim stood motionless for another moment before speaking. �I warned you both what was going to happen if you went through with it didn�t I?� Jim asked. He looked like he was talking to the wall more than to the two teens. His voice was carefully controlled at the moment. �I want you two to bend over the back of the couch. I�ll be down in a minute.�
The smiles faded from the boys� faces as they looked at each other. �Did we take the joke too far Doc?� Dan asked in a whisper finding his voice first. He waited to see what Blair said first before doing anything else.
�I don�t know. Jim isn�t usually like this. Maybe something happened today and we just caught him at the wrong time.� Blair whispered back as he headed over to the couch. He looked back at Dan and motioned to him to follow. Once Dan was next to him he continued in the hushed voice. �We might as well do as he said. He might be kidding but I don�t want to take that chance.�
Dan followed Blair�s lead and bent over the back of the couch along with his partner in crime. He began to tremble when he heard Jim�s footsteps falling on each step. He could see that Blair had paled considerably and wondered what he could say to reassure his young friend. He suddenly felt Jim�s large hand at the waistband of his pants. He heard Blair whimper slightly and closed his eyes. His eyes immediately flew open when he felt something cold and wet being dumped down his pants. He stood up, spun around and faced Jim, who was trying his hardest not to laugh at the startled expressions on the teens� faces.
�Th-that was mean Jim!� Blair yelled once he found his voice. He pressed his backside against the couch as he said this secretly enjoying the cool relief the snow brought to his slightly aching butt.
�I warned you Junior that I was going to do something mean if you threw the snowballs at me.� Jim said still chuckling, as he crossed his arms and leaned against the center beam of the apartment. He looked over at Dan and wondered what his take was on this.
Dan stood there against the back of the couch silently for a few moments, then burst into laughter. He clutched his sides as he tried to calm down. Soft snorts and small chuckles still escaped the teen�s lips five minutes later though most of the laughter had died. He finally looked up at Jim and Blair, with tears of joy still in his eyes, pushed his glasses up and said, �I agree with Blair that was mean, but it was a good retaliation.� He looked over at Blair and was surprised to see the storm clouds still in his friend�s eyes.
Blair stalked out of the room and into his bedroom. He slammed the door to his room, but surprisingly enough the door didn�t break. The slam echoed in the silence of the loft and both Jim and Dan stared at the closed door surprised by Blair�s show of temper.
Tears flowed freely down Blair�s face as soon as the door was closed. He knew Jim would smell them and be through the door soon, but he wanted those first few precious moments by himself. He knew Jim had meant no harm, but it had still hurt his feelings badly.
Dan had started for the door when a gentle hand on his shoulder stopped him. �Dan let me go to him. I think he needs me more than you at the moment.� Jim was relieved when Dan backed off and let Jim go into the room. When Jim entered he saw Blair still standing near the center of his room with his arms wrapped around himself. There was a look on Blair�s face that had a lump forming in Jim�s throat. There was anger and sorrow in the young man�s eyes but there was something else there, something Jim hadn�t seen in a long time. He saw fear in Blair�s eyes and wondered what had caused it.
Blair watched as Jim stared at him and felt the anger in him flair up. He stormed over to Jim, with tears still streaming down his face and pushed the detective as hard as he could, though he knew it wouldn�t move Jim at all. He was mad and he couldn�t understand why Jim didn�t understand. He began to pound on Jim�s chest next but each hit became softer than the last till Blair�s fist just rested against Jim�s chest and the teen was sobbing hard. He finally wrapped his arms around Jim�s waist and sobbed into the man�s chest.
When Blair pushed him, Jim didn�t know what to think, then when the teen began to pummel his fists against Jim�s chest, Jim waited the teen out. He could feel the raw pain in Blair�s sobs and wondered what he had done to hurt his child this much. �Talk to me Chief. What�s wrong?�
Blair finally pulled away from Jim and stared at him with his teary eyes. His voice was thick from crying but he still managed the angry tone. � I can�t believe you�d ask me that Jim. You should know what�s wrong. You should know what you did. I don�t think you really ever listened to me when I talked about the Sharp�s and what Mr. Sharp used to do to me.�
Jim frowned a little at Blair�s words. *Why�s the kid bringing those two into this conversation? Nothing was said about them at all.* He went back over Blair�s words again and suddenly the connection hit him like waves crashing against the shore. �Oh Blair. I�m sorry. I should�ve realized that making you go over the couch like that would be like him making you lay over your bed.� He reached for Blair as he apologized and was surprised when Blair backed away from him.
�No don�t touch me. When you said you were going to do something mean and then told us to b-bend over the couch, I thought we had gone too far. I didn�t know you were teasing Jim. I can�t tell you how scared I was when I heard you coming back downstairs. When I felt your hand on the back of my sweatpants, I thought we had finally done something to finally make you want to b-b�� He stopped, closed his eyes, took a deep breath and whispered the last part of his sentence. �Beat me.�
Tears filled Jim�s eyes as he walked over to Blair closing the distance between them. �Chief, I am so sorry kiddo. I never meant to make you feel like that. I should�ve made it a little clearer that I was teasing you and Dan. I�m really and truly sorry Chief.� Jim said as he closed the final gap between them and stood in front of Blair.
Blair tilted his head up a bit to look at his guardian and saw the remorse on Jim�s face. He lowered his head and leaned forward to rest his forehead against Jim�s chest. �I forgive you Jim. I know you didn�t mean it. I just�just I don�t know. I know you would never, you know, but my thoughts ran off before my heart could catch up, I guess. Will�will you forgive me for thinking that you would do that to me?� Blair asked as he raised his head up and stared into Jim�s eyes.
�Of course I will Chief, of course I will.� Jim said as he pulled the boy into his arms and just hugged him. He could hear Dan moving around in the rest of the loft but didn�t think anything of it at the moment. He just wanted to hold his pup and sooth the teen�s feelings for a while.
�Jim I�m okay, we should go back out. Dan�s probably�� Blair started and was startled when Jim�s hand covered his mouth.
�Shh, Dan�s fine. You on the other hand are not fine. You�re still shaking and I know you�re still upset by all this. Remember Chief I can hear things like the soft hitch in your breathing still and your slightly elevated heartbeat. You wanna talk about it some more?� Jim asked as he removed his hand from Blair�s mouth and began to massage the teen�s neck.
Blair made a contented noise as Jim rubbed his neck. He began to feel calmer after a few more minutes and gently pushed away from Jim. �I�m okay now Jim. Honest� Blair said as he grinned a little.
Jim raised an eyebrow and began to let his senses drift over the teen and found that Blair was doing better. �Okay Chief. You ready to go back out in the other room?�
The teen was about to nod when something caught his eye. �Uhm in a minute ok Jim. You go ahead. I want to do something first.� He said walking over towards his desk. He reached for his notebook and gave Jim a look.
�Alright Junior I�m going. Just don�t be long.� Jim said giving his child one last suspicious look and then walked out of Blair�s room and shut the door. He looked around and wondered where Dan had snuck off. He could hear both teens� heartbeats and suddenly he was pelted from above with something soft. The minute he looked up to see what happened He heard a creak and then something soft hit him in the stomach. He looked down and found two pillows.
When he looked up again, he saw Dan creeping down the stairs with another pillow and Blair coming out of his room with a pillow as well. �Now come on you two, we are not having a pillow fight.� As soon as the words left his mouth, Jim was immediately pounced on and smacked twice with pillows before he grabbed one of the pillows and smacked one of the teens with it.
Dan yelped as a pillow caught him across the backside. He swung the pillow hard and heard Jim grunt as it connected with the man�s mid section. Blair got in a hit to Jim�s back and yipped as a pillow was knocked into his leg causing him to stumble a bit and land on his backside. They pummeled each other with the pillows till they all lie on the pillows on the floor panting.
Blair caught his breath first, got closer to Jim and laid his head on Jim�s chest. �Hey Jim? Are we gonna go to the store tonight, or are we gonna wait till tomorrow?� Blair asked as he snuggled closer.
�I think we�ll wait till tomorrow Chief. I�m a little worn out and I don�t think Dan�ll want to go out again today. Right Bear cub?� Jim asked as he looked over at the other teen, who�s breathing had calmed as well.
A look of dismay crossed Dan�s face as he said, �Jim I-I never went today. I was having fun with Doc and then took a nap. I don�t think it�s too late though. I could still go.� Dan made an attempt to get up but stopped at the gentle touch to his arm.
�Bear cub it can wait. I know you�re anxious kiddo but�� Jim stopped when he saw the dismayed and distraught look on Dan�s face. �Tell you what Bear cub, I�ll go get it. Alright?� He asked watching Dan.
Dan was about to protest, then stopped and thought about it for a moment. �Okay Jim, but could I go with you? Please.� Dan asked softly. He moved so that his head was lying on Jim�s chest next to Blair�s. He felt one of Jim�s arms go around him and knew the other one had gone around his friend.
�Sure kiddo, you can go with me. We�ll all go and since we�ll be out anyways, I guess we�ll go to the store as well. You got a list ready yet kiddo?� Jim asked rubbing Blair�s arm slightly.
�Not yet Jim. I can go make it now though.� Blair said going to get up. He stopped when Jim tightened his grip on Blair�s arm a little. He looked up a little confused wondering why Jim had stopped him.
Jim saw the look and rubbed Blair�s arm a little then moved to rub Blair�s back gently. �Just stay here for now kiddo. We�ll go later. Let�s just lay here a little longer. Jim said as Blair lie down and put his head back on Jim�s chest. *My back isn�t going to be thanking me later but they�re worth it. I can�t believe I almost blew it today with Blair. I should�ve realized how it would seem to him. At least we were able to talk about it and I know my pup�s hurt feelings have been soothed.* This thought caused Jim to hug Blair a little closer to him.
The loft was filled with silence, only to be broken ten minutes later with soft snored from both boys. Jim sighed gratefully and pulled each teen a little closer to him wondering what trouble his pup and cub were going to get into next.