�Bye Jim, we�ll be back before it�s time to go.� Blair called out as he and Dan prepared to walk out the door.

�Alright Junior but remember, if you aren�t back by one, I�m leaving without you. Understood?� Jim said as he peered over the railing from his loft bedroom.

�Yeah yeah Jim, I know.� Blair said, then looked up and saw the expression on Jim�s face. �I mean understood Jim. Come on Bear, let�s go.� Blair said as he tried to hurry his friend out the door.

�You mean let�s get out of here before you say something that�ll earn you a sore butt right?� Dan whispered and chuckled as he allowed himself to be pushed out the door and into the hallway. The horrified look on Blair�s face, had Dan trying to keep from smiling as he apologized. �I�m sorry Doc, I�� Dan stopped when he saw the grin appear on Blair�s face.

�It�s alright, Jim thought it was funny too. I could see him trying not to laugh as I pushed you out the door. Come on. If we have to be back by one I want to spend more than an hour at the mall.� Blair said as he looked back at the closed door and followed Dan towards the stairs.

Once they arrived at the mall and drove around for twenty minutes looking for a suitable parking spot, which unfortunately wasn�t as close as they would�ve liked, they separated. Dan was off to find a couple of books and a pair of sweatpants. Blair was off to get some new candles, incense, herbal teas, and a new cd.

Dan found both books and a pair of sweatpants that would fit him, and then went to look for Blair which he didn�t think would be too hard since Blair said everything he wanted was located in one store in the mall, but when Dan arrived at the store, Blair was nowhere to be seen. He went and found a directory and found a few places that would carry one or two of the things Blair was looking for and decided to check those first. He walked around the corner and found that two tables had been set up. There was a girl that looked to be eighteen and Native American sitting there playing an odd looking instrument. He saw that there were cd�s sitting on the table closest to the girl, while on the table farther away was jewelry made with turquoise, dream catchers and pictures of wolves. He made note of where the set up was and then went to hurriedly look for Blair.

Blair had scoured the one store where he had gotten his candles, incense, and herbal teas from but hadn�t found a cd that had caught his attention. He then checked two different music stores hoping that they would have what he wanted but he came away from the second one frustrated as a sigh escaped his lips.

�There you are Doc. I have been looking all over for you. Have you found everything you wanted?� Dan asked as he looked at Blair.

Blair shook his head and said, �No. I�m trying to find a cd. It�s not a certain one, but I want one that has just music on it or the sounds of nature you know a rainstorm, or a river. The sounds of wolves, birds and other wild animals on it.�

Dan grinned and said, �Doc, buddy have I got something to show you. Come on follow me.� Dan led Blair back to the tables where the girl was, but when they got there the girl had left, but the merchandise was still there. �She probably had to use the bathroom or something. I�m sure she�ll be back in a few minutes Doc.�

�That�s cool, I�ll just look at things till she comes back.� Blair said as he began to look over the jewelry first. None of it held his interest very long so he moved to the dream catchers and pictures. He picked up one of the pictures and said, �Hey Bear look at this one. I�ve never seen something quiet like this.� He held up the picture of a large black panther lying down. Batting at the panther�s tail was a half grown wolf pup, and a little further away was a half grown bear cub watching the scene. The panther seemed to be watching the pup but if one looked closer they would notice that while the panther seemed to only be watching the wolf pup, it was also watching the bear cub.

�Wow. Normally I don�t really like stuff like that but that�that�s just�wow.� Dan stammered a bit not really sure of what to say. He looked at his watch and his eyes widened a bit. �Uh hey Doc, if we�re gonna get back to your place on time we have to leave in like the next ten minutes.�

A loud put upon sigh emitted from Blair as he set the picture down. He noticed the cd�s and decided to look through them real quick. He looked up after a moment and sighed again. �Where is that girl at? Doesn�t she know she�s gonna lose business not being here?� Blair said though a whine had crept into his tone.

�We can come back tomorrow Doc. I�m sure she�ll be here.� Dan stated calmly hoping to draw his friend away from the table so they could leave. He watched Blair sigh and turn from the table. Dan nodded and turned certain that Blair would follow him. He began to walk back towards the direction of where they had come in. Suddenly he heard Blair protest loudly and felt a heavy hand come down on his own shoulder. He turned and found that he had to look up at whomever was stopping him. A large, unhappy and unfriendly looking security guard was looking down at him. Dan took a deep breath and asked in a calm voice, �Is there something wrong officer?�

�When we catch thieves there is.� The guard said. His voice was deep and heavy with anger. The man himself stood at six foot two and looked as if he had played football in high school. His square jaw was set in grim determination and looked like someone had chiseled it out of stone. Stone gray eyes appraised the skinny youth he held in his large paw like hands.

�Thieves? But�but we didn�t�� Dan was cut off before he could get any further.

�Quiet you. I didn�t recall asking you anything.� The guard said as he gave Dan a rough shake. He stared over at the other guard who had Blair and watched as he snapped cuffs on the other youth�s wrists. He looked down at his own thief and decided that since he�d gotten the tamer of the two, he wouldn�t need cuffs, and eased his grip on Dan�s shoulder slightly. When Dan didn�t try to run he eased his grip a bit more.

Dan felt the painful grip on his shoulder begin to ease up, but as desperate as he was to get away and call Jim, he stayed still and waited. *They�ll have to call Jim sooner or later, or they�ll make one of us do it.* Dan thought as he felt the light prod and began to walk where the guard directed him.

Blair was thinking less rationally. He had panicked the moment the guard had grabbed his arm. He tried to pull away and run until the guard had grabbed his other arm. He had still tried to run but ended up being forced to lie on the ground. Blair couldn�t help but calm slightly as he felt the cool tile on his cheek and was reasonable as the guard helped him back up but when the cuffs were being placed on him, he began to struggle again. Once the cuffs were on though he conceded defeat and stopped struggling. *Oh man Jim�s gonna hate�no he won�t hate me, he�s just gonna make sure that sitting won�t be at the top of my list for a few days.* He thought as he was walked to the security office. He could see Dan being moved along with his shoulder being held and his arms free. *I shouldn�t have struggled. I bet I�d have my hands free too.*

The boys were put into two separate rooms and once hearing both stories, the head guard realized that Dan had nothing to do with the theft and he was given permission to use the phone to call Jim and explain the situation. Blair on the other hand, remained handcuffed in the room he was questioned in with the guard that had brought Dan to the security office.

Dan picked up the phone and dialed Jim�s cell phone. His heart pounded as he listened to it ring; then his voice caught in his throat as Jim barked the same thing he always did over the phone. �J-Jim? It�s me Dan.�

�You guys are late Cub. I left and am waiting at the airport for Ben. You two will just have to meet us at gate 12.� Jim teased a little.

Silence filled the air for fifteen seconds, then an audible gulp was heard followed by a nervous voice a second later. �Uhm Jim, it�s�it�s uh gonna be kind of hard for�for me and�I mean Blair and I to uh meet you and Ben. You�ll�you�re�� Dan stopped, took a few deep breaths and gathered his thought before speaking again. �Jim you need to come get us. We won�t be able to make it to the airport in time.�

�Daniel what�s going on? Are you or Blair hurt?� Jim asked as he thought briefly of leaving right then and there to head to the mall.

�No Jim we�re not hurt, but we�re�or rather Blair is in a bit of trouble. I know you have to wait for Ben but once he�s with you, could you please hurry?� Dan said calmly though there was a bit of urgency in his voice.

Jim nodded even though he knew Dan couldn�t see him. �I�ll be there as soon as I can kiddo. Just stay calm and stay where you are�where exactly are you Dan.� Jim asked suddenly realizing that Dan hadn�t offered that piece of information.

A large regret filled sigh came clearly over the phone. �Sorry Jim, I�I thought I had said. We�we�re in the security office at the south entrance of the mall.� Dan said softly hoping that Jim wouldn�t yell over the phone.

The yell never came. Jim closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and slowly counted to ten before speaking in a calm tone. �It�s not your fault kiddo, Ben and I will be there as soon as we can. Just sit tight Cub.�

�I will Jim thanks.� Dan listened as Jim gave his own goodbye and hung up the phone. He got up and spoke to the guard telling him that his and Blair�s guardians would be on the way soon.

Jim had Ben drive to the mall so that they would arrive safely and in one piece. Once there, Jim flashed his badge at a citizen trying to park in a close spot so that he could have the spot and get to Blair. They made their way to the door marked security and Jim knocked.

The head security guard opened the door and Jim had to look down at him. He was an older man with closely cropped salt and pepper hair. Broad shoulders and a stocky build spoke of strength that was there when needed. �Can I help you gentlemen?� He asked.

Dan heard the knock and when the older guard opened the door, he caught a glimpse of Jim and behind him Ben. Dan rose from his seat and all but ran to the door. �Jim. Ben.� He said with relief.

Upon hearing the relieved words, the guard stepped away and allowed the two men to enter. Dan went into Ben�s open arms and wrapped his arms around the man. Ben�s left hand went to the back of Dan�s head and his right began to immediately rub the teen�s back.

The guard and Jim left Dan and Ben where they were and the guard led Jim to one of the rooms where Blair was being kept. When the guard opened the door, Blair looked up and relief flooded his face. �Dad.� The word escaped his mouth before he could think, but the look on Jim�s face let Blair know that it was okay. He stood to walk to Jim, but was immediately shoved back in his seat by the larger guard.

Jim�s eyes darkened at seeing his child being seated so forcefully. �Don�t put your hands on him again, and why is he still in handcuffs?� He asked, his voice coming out in a growl. He motioned for Blair to come over to him, then looked to the head guard and held out his hand.

The larger guard had started for Blair again when Jim motioned the teen to him, but was stopped by the smaller guard, and resumed his position against the wall. He watched as Jim undid the cuffs and handed both the cuffs and the key back to the older guard.

Blair turned, once his hands were free, wrapped his arms around Jim�s waist and buried his face into Jim�s chest. He felt Jim�s arms wrap around him and stroke his hair till he was ready to let go.

�Is he being charged?� Jim asked the older guard.

�The mall manager says he won�t press charges, but he will be banned from the mall for a month and he wants to know if there will be retribution at home.� The guard said as he eyed the boy still clinging to Jim.

Jim nodded as he continued to stroke Blair�s hair and rub his back. �Yes there will be consequences when we get home and I think the manager is being more than fair by banning Blair here for only a month but if that�s what he wishes then we�ll go by it. Can we go?� Jim asked as he gently peeled Blair away from him and wrapped an arm around him tucking him close to his side.

The guard nodded and swept his hand toward the door gesturing for Jim to go ahead.

Jim walked out of the room and met up with Dan and Ben in the sitting area. All four left the security office and the mall. They decided that Ben and Dan would follow Jim and Blair.

Blair sighed as he sat on his bed and the scooted so that he was laying against his headboard. He stared at Dan and asked softly. �Why do you think Jim wanted to talk to Ben? Do you think he�s gonna tell him about what happened while he was gone?� He knew Dan was worrying about that exact thing.

�I don�t know Doc. At least his attention is off of you at the moment. Why�d you do it Doc? I�ve been meaning to ask you that since the guards tackled us What were you taking anyway? One of the cd�s or the picture?� Dan asked his curiosity getting the better of him.

�It was one of the cd�s. I don�t know why I did it really. It�s just that I didn�t�I didn�t think Bear. I just didn�t think. I am so stupid.� Blair said as he leaned forward a bit then knocked his head against the headboard. The minute he did it he heard someone thundering down the steps and heading for the room. He sat up and wished he hadn�t done either of the two things, when Jim appeared in the doorway. �I�m sorry Jim. I didn�t mean it. I�I�m just frustrated with myself right now.� Blair said his voice clearly annoyed and tears finding their way down his cheeks.

Jim nodded and held his arms open to his miserable little pup. �I know kiddo. I know. I�m a little frustrated with you myself at the moment. We�ll fix it though Junior. I need you to stay down here a bit longer though and no more harsh words about your intelligence alright?� Jim asked as pushed Blair away from him a bit and tilted the teen�s face up to him.

Blair nodded and immediately yelped at the swat to his backside. He was pulled back into another brief hug then released and nudged back towards his bed. He went and sat indian style on his bed again and closed his eyes while Jim left the room, then opened them and stretched his legs out.

Dan just watched things happen. When he had heard the remark Blair had made and watched his friend bang his head he knew what would happen and sure enough he had heard Jim thunder down the stairs. He knew Jim didn�t tolerate Blair downing himself and always acted quickly when he heard Blair doing it. Once Jim had left and had gone back upstairs Dan shook his head at Blair and said, �Doc, why do you do that? You know Jim hates it.�

�I know, but I just feel like that sometimes. I know it�s not true but sometimes when I do stuff it makes me wonder.� Blair said softly as he leaned back and head connected with the headboard again only softer this time.

�Jim, why are we up in your bedroom? Why not talk downstairs on the couch?� Ben asked as he sat on one of the chairs Jim had brought up to his room. He had thought that they would get Dan�s things from the house and his own things from Jim�s truck and leave, but Jim had said that he wanted to talk to Ben first before they went home.

�The boys won�t be able to hear us up here as easily as they would if we were to sit downstairs. This is something I don�t need them hearing. I guess the only way to start this is to tell you that yes while you were gone Dan got in a bit of trouble. He can fill you in on the details but I want to talk about how he�s treated.� Jim said getting straight to the point.

�What do you mean how he�s treated? I treat Dan well. I don�t abuse him Jim if that�s what you�re getting at. What has Dan been telling you?� Ben asked outrage filling his tone at the end. He went to rise but a light grip on his forearm had him settling back down in his seat.

�Stop. Dan didn�t say you abused him. I�m not saying you abuse him either. I�m saying that he doesn�t seem to get a lot of affection or attention from you. Let me ask you something. When you spank him, what happens between you two?� Jim said calmly as he released Ben�s arm and sat back.

Ben sighed at the question and closed his eyes a minute to think through the way he did things with Dan. �When he does something that requires me to spank him, I send him to his room to wait for me if I need to calm down first, or I follow him to his room if I have a grip on my anger. He waits for me if he has to and then when I come in the room, I ask him if he knows why he�s in trouble, he nods I get the paddle from the top dresser drawer and have him bend over the end of his bed. I give him a number of swats depending on what he did. Then we�re done. I put the paddle back tell him he�s done and then I leave the room and go back downstairs. It�s always the same except for the one night when I caught Dan trying to drive home while he was three sheets to the wind. I walked him up to his room that night, had him take his pants down and I took my belt to him. He scared me that night Jim. If I hadn�t thought to go looking for him and found him still sitting in his car trying to stick the key in the ignition, I could�ve lost him. I pulled him up when I was done and just stared at him because I was afraid to do anything else. Finally I told him that he should go lie down and I would bring him up something. I brought him up the aloe after an hour and went back downstairs to drink some water and calm my nerves some more.�

�You didn�t hold him or talk to him? You just left him?� Jim asked. He looked at Ben with a mixture of anger and sympathy. �How could you leave him alone and hurting like that? You said he scared you. It must�ve not been too badly though, because if he had I would think you would�ve taken him in your arms, held him and thanked God for watching over him and keeping him from finding the key hole till you got there.�

�Jim I wanted too, but I didn�t think Dan would let me.� Ben said flatly.

�That�s bull Ben. I saw how you opened your arms to him and he immediately went to you when we went to get them from the mall. If you wanted to you should have. I�ve had Dan here for two week and he does like to�no he loves to be touched, held, talked to. Do you two spend time together in the evenings?�

�The incident at the mall was different. Dan was scared and needed reassurance. No. When Dan comes home from school he goes to his room and does his homework, I don�t know what he does after that. He comes down for dinner, offers to do dishes or something downstairs but I usually tell him that I can handle it and he goes back upstairs.� Ben said not understanding what Jim was getting at.

Jim gave a heavy frustrated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. When he opened them again and looked up at Ben he said, �Ben, he needs reassurance after you spank him as well. He needs to know that he�s still loved, that you still care for him and that he�s forgiven. Also when he offers to do something with you or for you, he�s trying to spend time with you and you keep turning him away. I know you aren�t doing it on purpose, but when he offers let him help you. He wants to be with you. It doesn�t have to be cleaning the house either. If you�re gonna watch something go ask him if he wants to watch it with you. Include him in things, don�t make him feel alone and unwanted Ben.�

�Oh God Jim, I was trying to get him away from that and ended up doing the same thing to him.� Ben said softly with his head in his hands.

�You want to know what happens with Blair and I when he needs to be punished? I send him to his room if I need to calm down which I�m glad to hear that you do too. When I go in there I sit on his bed and have him sit with me and we talk about what he�s done, why he did it and what he should�ve done instead. Now depending on what he�s done I might use my brush or I might just use my hand.�

�Wait Jim. How do you decide on which to use?� Ben asked suddenly curious.

�Well until recently I�ve used my hand but Blair ended up putting himself into a life threatening situation and I just couldn�t see to letting that go with just spanking him with my hand so I took my hairbrush, tested it first, started spanking him with my hand first and then switched to the brush about halfway through. I should mention that first I had him take his jeans down, bent him over my lap and the pulled his boxers down.� Jim stopped when he saw the look on Ben�s face. �What�s wrong?� He asked.

�You put him over your lap and spanked him bare?� Ben asked incredulously.

�Yes. One because you can see what your doing. You don�t want to bruise him and second, it�s a comfort to both you and him to have him over your lap.� Jim explained.

�A-a comfort? How would it be a comfort to him being in that position?� Ben asked still uncertain.

�I know it seems odd but I say it�s a comfort because he knows you�re there for him. That you care about him to do this. If you didn�t care; it wouldn�t matter what he did. You�re telling him he matters.� Jim explained wanting Ben to understand everything.

�That makes sense. You�re sure Dan won�t balk at this?� Ben question still doubtful.

Jim couldn�t help laughing at the question. �Of course he�s gonna balk at it Ben. I�d worry about him if he didn�t. No kid wants to be spanked but once you let him know in no uncertain terms what�s gonna happen he�ll relent. The one thing you do have to watch for with him though is if he�s too quiet, stop a moment and check on him. I caught him biting his knuckle till it bled. Don�t let him do that. He might try it the first time but if you let him know that it�s okay for him to cry that it won�t make you think less of him, I don�t think he�ll do it again. Oh I do have a question to ask. Why would he think that reaching back would get him a smack on the hand with whatever he was being punished with?�

�That�s his mother�s doing. I�ve never done that to him Jim honest.� Ben said vehemently.

Jim nodded. �If you have anymore questions don�t hesitate to call me or anything. If you need to talk you can come over here and we can send the boys out somewhere.� He told Ben as both men stood up.

They headed downstairs and Ben called out. �Dan, come on kiddo time to go.�

Dan came out of the room with his duffle bag and turned a small smile on Blair. �Bye Doc see you later.� He turned to Jim, walked over to him and gave him a hug. �Bye Jim, thanks for letting me stay. I�m sorry about the trouble I caused.�

Jim wrapped his arms around the teen, and glanced at Ben, then looked down at Dan. �You were no trouble kiddo. We took care of that remember. It�s over. You can come back anytime and stay as long as you want.� He said as he rubbed Dan�s back a bit. He released him and walked over to his own child and put an arm around Blair�s shoulders and pulled him close.

Ben nodded at Jim and Blair and followed Dan out.

When they were gone, Jim gave Blair�s shoulder a squeeze and said, �Come on kiddo. Time for us to go have a talk.� He rubbed Blair�s arm as he turned them both and they walked into Blair�s room. Jim released Blair and shut the door. He watched as Blair went and sat forlornly on the bed. Jim leaned against the doorway slightly and asked, �Why�d you do it Blair?�

Blair shrugged his shoulders. �I-I don�t know Jim. I was gonna pay for it honest, but the girl who was supposed to be there wasn�t there and I didn�t think that she�d be there if I went back tomorrow. It�s not a good excuse Jim, I know this and I�m sorry I did it.� Blair said as he looked down at the floorboards. He felt the bed dip next to him a little and then felt Jim�s arm wrap around his shoulders. He leaned against his guardian and sighed unhappily.

�It isn�t a good excuse Junior, but I�m glad you realize this. I know that I didn�t state this as a rule Blair but I didn�t think it was necessary.� Jim said as he reached down with his free hand and lifted Blair�s head. He saw the tears shimmering in Blair�s dark blue eyes.

�It�s not. It was just a lapse in judgment Jim. It won�t happen again.� Blair said sniffing softly. He felt the light pat to his cheek and gave a small smile at the gesture.

�I know it won�t Junior. I�m gonna see to that.� Jim said and felt a shudder go through the teen next to him. He stood Blair up and watched as the teen�s hands went to the button on his jeans and unbuttoned them.

Blair slid his jeans down and laid himself over Jim�s lap. He wiggled a little as Jim adjusted him and stiffened a little when he felt his boxers being slid down. He felt Jim�s hand rest lightly on his backside and waited for his hand to leave its intended target.

When Jim felt Blair relax under his touch, he raised his hand and brought it down sharply. He raised his hand again and saw the pink handprint the left behind on Blair�s pale bottom. He continued to bring his hand down hard. He watched the pale skin turn from pink to a bright crimson. He winced at the howls that emitted from Blair and was a little surprised that Blair hadn�t reached back yet.

It hurt. From the very base of his bottom downward hurt and felt like Jim was never gonna stop. Blair knew he deserved it though. Every time he thought of reaching back, he stopped himself and reminded himself of what he did to get in this position in the first place. When he felt his incredibly hot and sore bottom raise in the air, he knew what was coming next.

As he landed the first stroke to the unmarked skin of the undercurve, Jim couldn�t help but wince at the shriek that emitted from Blair. He knew the swats were harder than Blair had expected, but he was going to make sure his little pup learned this lesson so they wouldn�t have to repeat it. As he went to add another swat to the bright red underside, he caught sight of Blair�s hand that had finally come back to protect the vulnerable skin. Jim gently took the hand in his and said with a firm kindness, �It�s almost over with kiddo. Only a few more to go.� He decided to finish it quickly for the sake of both of them. Five, hard, swift swats rained down on each side of the now blazing hot undercurve.

When Blair felt his hand captured by Jim�s larger one, he didn�t bother to kick his feet up as usual, for he knew Jim would only wait and ask him to put them down before resuming. He knew though that it was almost over even before Jim�s words and just buried his face into the crook of his other arm. Deep sobs filled the room as the ending swats seemed to burn more than the rest. He hadn�t realized that he was being turned in Jim�s arms till he felt the coolness of his boxers grace his bottom and then his butt ignite into flames as Jim tried to adjust him into a comfortable position.

Jim felt Blair squirm as he was settled and let him off. He lifted Blair in his arms and settled him on the bed on his side. He whispered assurances to the sobbing teen as he patted his arm while he tugged the jeans off the boy and discarded them on the floor. Jim sat back down on the bed close to Blair�s head and lifted the boy as gently as he could. When he was done, Blair lay on his side his hip in the graceful dip of Jim�s knees. His head nestled on the broad shoulder, his right arm around Jim�s neck, his left arm now laying limply at his side. His sobs had ebbed away and been replaced with quiet tears and small sniffles.

Thoughts flowed through Blair�s mind as he lay on Jim�s shoulder. A large yawn consumed his face for a moment then his mind went back to processing. His mind was back to the moment when Jim had showed up and Blair felt so much relief that he called Jim something else. He wanted to speak to ask Jim about it but suddenly it felt as if his mouth wouldn�t cooperate. He had closed his eyes while he thought, but when he tried to open them, he found that he couldn�t do it. They felt so heavy. His thoughts slowed, his breathing began to even out and finally he surrendered to what had been trying to claim him for a while. Sleep.

The drive home had been quiet for the two in the cream colored Taurus Sedan. Dan locked the car and followed Ben inside. He began to head towards the stairs that led up to his room, when he was stopped by Ben�s hand on his arm. He looked at him questioningly.

�Come on Dan. We need to have a talk.� Ben said as he jerked his head towards the kitchen. He looked behind him slightly as he went and was glad to see Dan following. When they reached the kitchen, Ben motioned for Dan to have a seat. �You hungry? Thirsty?�

Dan shrugged a little then nodded and said, �I�ll drink something.� He looked down at his folded hands on the table then looked up and asked, �Ben am I in trouble?�

Ben had begun to make two cups of hot chocolate when Dan suddenly asked his question. He poured the powder mix in the mugs and then turned to face Dan as he turned the back burner on, where the kettle was sitting. �What makes you think you�re in trouble Dan?� He asked as he propped his hip against the counter.

�Well the fact that you want to talk I guess. Normally you don�t mind when I go off to my room.� Dan said as he lifted his head and looked at Ben with his chocolate brown eyes. Apprehension and nervousness were apparent in the teen�s eyes.

Ben walked over to Dan and placed a hand on the boy�s shoulder. �You�re not in trouble. I just want to talk.� Ben grabbed a chair and brought it close to Dan�s seat then sat down. He folded his hands on the table and was quiet a few minutes then looked at Dan and asked, �Dan, are you happy with me? What I mean is, is living here with me what you expected it to be when you left your mother?�

Dan blinked several times at the question. He hadn�t expected Ben to ask him a question like that and was still a little stunned that he had. Finally when the shock wore off, Dan began to think about the question seriously. �I thought that when I came here, that when I did get into trouble that we would talk like before when we lived with Mom. That we would still hang out and go do stuff. I knew I wouldn�t be screamed at because you�ve never screamed at me, just sighed and told me to wait in my room while you smoothed Mom�s feathers down. I thought that you would still let me know though that we were okay like you used to. I mean you used to mess my hair up, even though I don�t like it, or you�d just put your hand on my shoulder.� Dan said and went quiet a minute. He looked up to speak again only to see Ben cover his folded hand with one of his own and hold up the other to keep him from speaking. Dan nodded and let Ben have his say.

�I�m sorry. I had no idea the you felt that way. Why didn�t you come to me and talk to me about it?� Ben asked his brown eyes searching Dan�s. The teakettle went off at that moment and Ben got up to shut it off. He poured the hot liquid over the chocolate powder then opened a cabinet, touched the back at the edge, then looked at Dan and asked, �Marshmallows?�

Dan couldn�t help the grin that had formed on his face at the word. He nodded and accepted the mug with hand and the marshmallows with the other. He couldn�t help but chuckle as he added a few to his mug.

�What�s so funny?� Ben asked as he sat down.

�It�s just something that happened when I was staying with Blair and Jim. I�ll tell you about it later.� Dan said as he took a small sip and then looked at Ben with seriousness again. �You asked me why I didn�t come an talk to you about it. I had planned on it Ben. I was going to come to you that night I got drunk. When I asked to go to the party, I had fully expected you to question about it and then forbid me to go. You told me to have fun. I went because I was a little stunned that you hadn�t asked anything about it. When I got there I just planned on driving past but then I got angry with you. I thought you didn�t care about what I did or me anymore. I shut the car off and went in. Someone handed me a beer and instead of putting it down I drank it. I guess I�m not very tolerant of liquor because I was already feeling a warm buzz and when the second beer was shoved into my hands I just accepted it. When you found me, there was a part of my mind that leapt with gladness at the look on your face. I knew you were gonna be hard on me, but that part of my mind didn�t care. It knew you cared and that was why you were gonna be so hard on me. I was a little scared when you took your belt off and took my pants down. I hadn�t really expected either one, but I kept rationalizing that you were gonna give me a little more comfort afterwards. I had thought when you stood me up that you were just gonna pull me into your arms, but you left Ben. It�it hurt me so much. It hurt more than the belting I got. When I heard you come back up later, I thought that maybe you had thought about it and were gonna come tell me that you had forgiven me or something, it hurt that all you did was hand me the bottle of aloe. I just felt that you had stopped caring. I even thought of going back to Mom. These two weeks with Jim and Blair had me wishing that we could be that way.�

�Dan I never meant to hurt you or make you feel unwanted and unloved. I�m sorry for that. I am going to try and repair things between us.� Ben said as he reached up and brushed some hair from Dan�s face. �It�ll be like a new beginning for us. From now on we talk to each other and when you get in trouble, I won�t just walk away.�

The gentle touch of Ben�s hand caused tears to spring to Dan�s eyes. He listened quietly and nodded when Ben was done. �I�d like that. A new beginning sounds good, but Ben don�t you mean if I get in trouble?�

Ben chuckled a little. �No I said what I meant and I meant when because we both know that you will end up doing something to earn a sore backside. Now what was this trouble you got into with Jim?�

Dan groaned and had a feeling this was gonna be a long night, but in his heart he couldn�t have been happier.