A Little White Lie
By Enelya
# 3 in the Sacred Ground Series
Lit candles, of various sizes, were sitting on the coffee table, soft music was being played, and one lone figure sat on the floor in a lotus position, with the table in front of him and the couch behind him. His eyes were closed and he was taking slow deep breaths of the Hibiscus scented candles.
Jim opened the front door quietly. He walked in barely making a sound as he saw Blair going through his normal Thursday ritual. He began to go through the cabinets and fridge hoping to find something to make for dinner.
He remembered the first time he had come home to Blair�s little ritual. Jim had been rather loud and hadn�t known what was going on in his house. When he walked in, Blair�s eyes flew open and he began to hurriedly blow out the candles. The whole time Blair apologized and kept telling him it wasn�t witchcraft.
Jim found out later about an incident that had happened with the Sharp�s that made him even more upset with them. It had taken him over an hour to calm the frightened teen and reassure him that everything was fine.
Blair began to stretch slowly as he got up from his position, and then began to blow out the candles. The smell of oranges and chicken tickled his nose and made his mouth water as he walked over and shut the music off. He turned and smiled as he saw Jim watching him.
� Hey Jim, you�re home. What are you making? It smells good.� Blair asked walking over. He saw a covered pot on the stove and was curious to see what was in it. He reached over to pick up the lid, when his hand was lightly smacked.
�Ah ah ah stay out of there nosey. You�ll find out what�s in there later. Why don�t you set the table, okay Chief?� Jim said going back to the stuff he was frying in the pan.
� �kay Jim,� Blair told him. He went over to the cabinets and started pulling out plates and glasses. Humming softly as he set the plates and glasses down, Blair couldn�t believe that it had only been three weeks that he�d been living with Jim.
Jim smiled when he heard Blair start to hum. He�d been trying to get Blair used to being touched, without the teen flinching and had been successful for the most part. They had set backs every so often and Blair would cower away or raise an arm to block what he thought would be a strike at his face, but Jim always managed to calm and reassure the teen.
*********
�How was school today? � Jim asked as they ate, and immediately heard the increase of Blair�s heart rate and breathing. He looked up and saw the nervous, scared look in Blair�s eyes. �What�s wrong Chief? Did something happen at school today?�
�Uhm, well no not exactly.� Blair said, staring at his food and poking at it with his fork.
Jim raised an eyebrow as he monitored Blair�s breathing and heartbeat. �Okay, then what exactly happened?� He asked, reaching across the table to raise Blair�s head.
Watery dark blue eyes looked up and connected with concerned light blue eyes. �I didn�t exactly go to school today.� Blair whispered knowing Jim would hear him. He had been excited when Jim told him about his abilities and immediately began looking for books on the subject, especially one elusive one by Sir Richard Burton.
�I see. Okay Chief, since you didn�t go to school, what did you do all day?� Jim asked releasing Blair�s chin and leaning back in his chair.
Blair licked his dry lips and stared down at his food for a moment, then looked up and said, � Well you know that book I�ve been looking for? The one by Sir Richard Burton?� Blair asked and waited for Jim to acknowledge that he did, before he continued. � Well I found a copy of it at a bookstore I called, but they would only hold it for me till noon, because there was someone else wanting to buy it, too and my class doesn�t let out till one. I had to get the book Jim. Please understand I wasn�t trying to disobey or anything.� Blair said, his voice beginning to tremble.
�Shh, first of all Chief, you need to settle down. Secondly, I�m not going to punish you for skipping school. It�s your choice on whether you go or not, but doesn�t it affect your financial aid?� Jim asked as he got up went over to Blair and put a comforting hand on Blair�s shoulder.
�No, but if my grades start to suffer and I don�t keep them at least a �B� level, my financial aid will be taken away. I�m doing fine though in my classes, and I�m passing in every one so far.� Blair said darting a nervous glance up at Jim.
�I never said you weren�t Chief.� Jim said a bit confused. He muttered a soft curse as he realized where the nervousness was coming from. �What happened with the Sharp�s Chief?� He asked, drawing a chair over to where Blair was sitting, sat down, and put his arm around Blair�s shoulders.
�They�they asked how I was doing one day after school, like you did. I had gone that day, but I left early to go to a protest I found out about. When I told them that, they�they got really upset and said that I was going to make them look bad if Social Services found out I was skipping classes. I tried to explain to them that this wasn�t like high school, but they wouldn�t listen. I tried to tell them that I was passing but they said they didn�t think I was studying enough or doing enough homework. They sent me to my room, before I could eat and told me I had to study. Jim, I�I didn�t have any�any�anything to study. I w-was caught up with m-my work. I w-was so hungry and I couldn�t con�concentrate on do�doing anything. It� it was the same day as the�the candle thing I told you about. Th-they got angry and�and oh Jim.� Blair said his nerve leaving him at the end. As his voice broke, he turned and sobbed against Jim�s chest.
�Shhh, it�s okay. It�s okay Chief. Shh shh they can�t hurt you anymore Chief.� Jim murmured as he held his sobbing child. He could feel the tremors coursing through Blair�s body, and began to rub the teen�s back and shoulders.
Sobs began to finally subside and became an occasional sniffle. Hitched breathing was heard in between the sniffles. �You�you aren�t�mad at me?� Blair asked tears still streaking down his face.
�No. Look Chief, you said it yourself college is different than high school. That doesn�t mean I want you cuttin� classes or not doing your best. Understand Junior?� Jim asked gently as he stroked the soft, brown, curls of the trembling teen.
Blair nodded against Jim�s chest, and then sniffed loudly. He began to pull away from Jim to look at him. �Jim, you really aren�t angry with me?� Blair asked searching Jim�s eyes for confirmation.
Using his thumb to wipe the last of the tears from Blair�s eyes, Jim smiled and said, �No Chief, I�m not angry, not at you. I am angry at the Sharp�s and what they did to you. No one should get treated the way they treated you. Chief, you don�t have to tell me if you don�t want to, but what happened after they found out you weren�t doing anything in your room?�
Blair immediately ducked his head and sought comfort against Jim�s chest for a few minutes. He felt Jim�s hand stroke his hair and heard him murmuring softly. He tried to calm his breathing but every time he�d get it a little slower, he�d start thinking about what had happened again and would start breathing quickly again.
�Shh, forget about it Chief. I don�t need to know right now. Shh�shh� shh it�s okay. Deep breaths Chief, deep breaths.� Jim said softly rubbing his hand over Blair�s trembling back and shoulders.
Deep breaths were taken but they were shaky as Blair tried to keep the sobs from coming out. His body trembled, but was beginning to relax under Jim�s gentle caresses. He stayed quiet trying to get up the nerve to tell Jim what had happened to him.
�Blair? You okay Chief?� Jim asked moving his hand to Blair�s head and stroked the teen�s curls.
�A little. Jim, he beat me. It was horrible, and I was in so much pain, both inside and out. I knew he really didn�t care about me then, just about the money they would get for fostering me. It wasn�t like it is now, it was�I mean there was� � Blair said softly, not trusting his voice to be any louder. He raised his head from its spot on Jim�s chest to look at Jim with confusion hoping Jim understood.
�You mean there was no love in it. Just confusion, right?� Jim asked wiping the tears from Blair�s face again as the boy nodded. �You don�t have to worry about that anymore, Chief. You know that right?� Jim asked, wondering if Blair was thinking he would do that.
�I know you could never be like that Jim. You�ve proved that to me already. It�s just that those old feelings come back sometimes and it brings back painful memories.� Blair said as the tears filled his eyes again and spilled over his cheeks. He laid against Jim again, this time his heart eased by the comfort and understanding.
�I�m glad you know that Chief. Do you still feel like eating?� Jim asked knowing he wasn�t very hungry anymore. He felt the curly head against his chest shake in the negative. �Okay then, let�s get this stuff put away and have it tomorrow night. You clear off the table and I�ll get the leftovers put away okay Chief?� Jim asked.
Blair nodded but made no attempt to move away from Jim. He snuggled closer, his breathing becoming deeper and his eyes becoming heavy with sleep.
�Oh no you don�t. Up you go Chief. The last time you fell asleep on me, I ended up putting your bed together by myself.� Jim said when he sensed Blair falling asleep. He stood up, bringing Blair with him.
Blair grumbled about having been disturbed from his comfortable spot. He mumbled softly as he moved slowly about the table clearing it, placing the contents of the plates in the sink and putting the plates themselves in the trashcan.
�Going to bed.� Blair mumbled as he headed to his room.
Jim shook his head and chuckled at Blair as the teen stumbled into his room and softly shut the door. He fished the plates out of the trash and put them in the sink.
*Poor kid drained himself with all those emotions. If I ever get my hands on those people, they�ll wish they never became foster parents. *
Once the kitchen was clean, Jim went to check on Blair. He opened one of the curtained, glass, french doors to Blair�s room and peered in. He smiled at Blair stretched across the bed and kicking one of his feet a little like a dog, a large dog, something more like a wolf.
*Yeah, a large teenage wolf that needs to know that he�s loved and that he won�t be abused anymore. Don�t worry pup, I�ll keep you safe. * Jim thought to himself as he rearranged Blair�s blanket to cover the teen and smoothed a few curls away from Blair�s face.
*********
Jim�s eyes flew open as he heard the rapid beating of Blair�s heart, then a moment later a scream pierced the silence of the loft. Jim grabbed his robe and put it on as he raced down the stairs to Blair�s room. He flung one of the doors open and saw Blair sitting straight up in bed, eyes wide with panic, soaked in sweat and shaking. Jim went to Blair�s side. �Shh take it easy Chief I�m here now. I�m here.� He said, sitting next to Blair and pulling the teen into his arms.
Blair clutched at Jim and twisted his fingers against the front of Jim�s robe. Silent tears ran down his face as he buried his head against Jim�s neck. He could feel Jim begin to rub his back and shoulders and tried to relax. He tried to stop shaking but the nightmare kept coming back to him in full force.
�Hey come on Chief. Relax, kiddo, relax. It must�ve been some nightmare huh?� Jim asked, beginning to rock a little as he pushed the damp curls off of Blair�s forehead. He felt Blair nod, but no words were said. � You want to talk about it?� He felt a frantic shaking against his neck, wrapped his arms tightly around Blair and said softly into the boy�s ear, � Okay, okay Chief. Shhh, we won�t talk about it right now. It�s okay, it�s okay settle down.�
His breathing began to slow a few minutes later and he loosened his hold on Jim�s robe, just a little. �Jim? Will� y-you stay here with me for the rest of the night? I don�t think I�ll be able to sleep, anymore tonight.� Blair asked in a whisper as he felt his cheeks heat up. He couldn�t even look at Jim as he made his request.
�Sure Chief, but why don�t we go upstairs to my room. My bed�s bigger and I think we�ll be more comfortable in it.� Jim said, making an attempt to get up and get Blair up as well.
Blair balked and pulled away. �That�s okay Jim. I�ll be fine down here without you. I�ll just read my book some, or do some homework.� Blair told him, sitting down on his bed. He got up a minute later, went over to his dresser and pulled a dry t-shirt out.
�Whoa, hold on there Chief. What�s wrong?� Jim asked confused by Blair�s sudden attitude change. He watched Blair change shirts and sit on the far side of the bed.
�I feel stupid. I shouldn�t need someone to stay with me; I�m acting like a little kid. You go on back to bed Jim, I�ll be okay.� Blair said, making dismissive gestures with his hand as he kept his head down and his curls hid his face.
Jim shook his head, walked over to Blair and sat down next to him. He put his arm around Blair�s shoulders and rubbed Blair�s arm as he spoke. �Hey�hey, look at me. You are not acting like a little kid, nor should you feel stupid. You�ve just woken up from a nightmare and an obviously terrifying one. Anyone would want someone to be with him or her afterwards. I know I would.�
Blair looked at him stunned and asked in a voice that conveyed his surprise, �Really? You would want someone with you?�
�Really Chief. Now are you really fine or �� Jim started and was immediately cut off.
�I�m still shaken by it and I don�t want to be by myself. Stay with me, please?� Blair whispered, burying his head against Jim�s neck.
�I already said I would Chief. Come on, since it doesn�t look like either one of us is going back to bed anytime soon, let�s go watch a movie in the other room.� Jim said standing and bringing Blair with him.
*********
Blair groaned as he stretched out. He sat up and began rubbing the back of his neck as he opened his eyes. When he saw the television in front of him, his eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed a bit. A large hand touched the back of Blair�s neck causing Blair to flinch and scream.
�Shhh, take it easy Chief. It�s just me.� Jim said loosening his grip on Blair�s neck. The moment he did though, Blair bolted off the couch and turned to face Jim. There was panic and fear in the dark blue eyes. Jim rounded the couch and approached Blair slowly as if he were approaching an injured wild animal. �Take it easy Chief, it�s only me.� Jim said again, trying to reach through Blair�s still sleep clouded mind.
Blair blinked for a moment, and sighed. �Geez Jim, you scared me. Sorry I freaked, I�m just not used to waking up in here. What am I doing in here anyway?� Blair asked walking over to Jim.
�You fell asleep watching movies earlier this morning with me. I got up not to long ago. I have to go in to the station today, so you�ll be here by yourself. Remember to leave a note if you go out.� Jim told him.
�Jiiim, come on you don�t have to tell me that every time. I think I�ve shown you I can remember to write a note before I leave.� Blair said, a slight whine creeping into his voice as he rolled his eyes. He quickly sidestepped as Jim tried to swat him.
�Don�t whine Chief, but alright I won�t remind you anymore.� Jim said grabbing his keys out of the dish by the door. He opened the door, turned to leave, turned back, but when he tried to talk, Blair stopped him and said, � Yeah, I know Jim, lock the door.�
*********
A knock on the door had Blair peeking out the peephole and grinning when he saw familiar brown eyes staring back at him. He opened the door and said, �You still crack me up wearing that stuff.�
Dan wore clothes that any normal teenager would cringe at. He wore a charcoal grey waistcoat with dark grey trim, a black vest, a crisp white shirt, and charcoal grey pants. He had ankle high black boots on. His jet-black hair hung a little long on the sides and in the back to his shoulders. He wore a pair of small, gold, wire framed glasses, that circled his dark brown eyes, and caused the freckles that dotted the bridge of his nose and cheeks to stand out more. Dan gave an ungentlemanly snort at Blair�s comment and said, �You�ve seen me dressed like this before, so why do I still amuse you?�
Blair laughed again. �Come on Bear, this is me. Jim isn�t here so quit talking like that.� Blair said once he finally got his laughing under control. He waved his friend in and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder when he passed.
�Oww! Hey what was that for?� Dan yelped rubbing his arm.
�To get you to quit acting all uppity. I told you to quit with all the proper talk. No one�s here, though I don�t know why you act like that when others are around. Well what are we gonna do?� Blair explained to and then asked his friend.
�Well we could go see a movie. I believe there is a new vampire movie out.� Dan said as he sat in Jim�s chair.
�A vampire movie? Come on Bear, you�re not serious are you? Aww man you are. Do we have to go see a vampire movie? Can�t we go see something else?� Blair asked knowing full well he was whining at this point.
�Must you whine? It�s incredibly annoying.� Dan told his friend. He winced as Blair groaned again. He pushed himself out of the chair and went looking for the newspaper. He scanned it quietly then said, �It�s playing at one-thirty. We can make it if we leave now.�
�Alright, let�s go. Wait I have to leave Jim a note. He�ll kick my butt and come searching for me if I don�t.� Blair said as he grabbed the notepad from the kitchen counter. He opened the drawer right below the pad and began rummaging for a pen or pencil. He started grumbling in frustration when pen after pen had ran out of ink, wasn�t writing, or had exploded. Blair was thankful Jim had decided to put the pens in plastic bags.
Dan sat back down as he watched Blair leave the kitchen and go to his room in search of a workable pen. He chuckled as he heard Blair mumble and swear as he dug through his room.
He finally came out of his room triumphant. �Finally. I need to tell Jim he needs to get new pens. Okay let�s go.� Blair said as he scribbled the note and used a magnet to stick it to the fridge.
�Hey Doc, you�d better be careful what you say. I don�t think Jim would be very pleased with you if he had heard the words that I heard coming out of your mouth.� Dan said nudging Blair in the arm.
�Shut up Bear. I�m not that stupid to say those words around Jim. He would toast my butt for it.� Blair said as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door with Dan trailing behind.
Dan shook his head at his friend. *Most likely he�d soap your mouth first. Kid doesn�t know what he�s in for yet. * He thought to himself as he shook his head and smiled.
*********
Blair blinked as they stepped out into the bright sunlight from the dark movie theatre. He looked over at Dan and noticed that he had a pair of shades on. �Hey, where�d you get those from?� Blair asked uneasily, knowing he hadn�t seen Dan with them when they went in.
�Relax Doc. I always carry a pair of sunglasses with me in my pocket. I hate the sunlight when you come out of a dark theatre. That was an excellent movie. Did you like it Doc?� Dan explained then asked as he turned to Blair.
Blair made a face at Dan and said, �I really could�ve done without it Bear. I don�t see why you like those movies. All that blood makes me squeamish.� Blair shuddered at the thought to prove his point.
Dan rolled his eyes, then asked, �Hey Doc, how long did you say we were going to be gone in that note you wrote?� He knew of a place they could hang out for a while if Blair had been vague about the time.
�Uhm I think I said we were going to the movies and then probably going to your place for a few hours. I can�t really remember.� Blair told him, then gave Dan a suspicious look and asked, � Why? What are you wanting to do?�
�Relax Doc, it�s a nice little coffee house. Coffee, milk and bottled water are the only drinks sold there and everyone is very polite. It�s a good place and Jim shouldn�t have a problem with it.� Dan explained when he saw the suspicious look on Blair�s face.
Blair groaned at the thought of a boring coffee house. They might as well just go home. He looked at his watch and said,� I dunno Bear. I wrote Jim that we�d be at your house after the movies. If he gets off early and doesn�t find me there�I think we should just go home.�
�Don�t be such a wet blanket Doc. If, and that�s a big if Doc, Jim gets off work early and comes to my house looking for you, Ben will simply tell him where we are. Ben knows I go there every Friday. Now come on.� Dan said, getting slightly annoyed.
Looking at his watch again, and then back at his friend, Blair swallowed hard. He wanted to go with Dan, but he wanted to be where Jim expected him to be too, home. Sighing reluctantly, Blair got into Dan�s car and said, �Alright let�s go.�
�You won�t regret it Doc. I promise.� Dan said, as he smiled and got into the driver�s seat.
*I might not regret it now, but my butt will later* Blair thought. He slumped down further in his seat and sighed softly. He knew Jim would probably come looking for him and humiliate him by dragging him out of the coffee shop or worse, swat him in front of everyone.
Dan looked over at Blair for a second when he heard him sigh, and shook his head as he watched the road again. He chuckled softly to himself as he thought of referring to Blair as a kid, even though he was the same age as Blair.
*********
They had been at the coffee house for about two hours and Blair was enjoying himself, much to Dan�s delight. Blair was glad to learn they sold tea as well and was on his sixth cup. He had forgotten about the time and was enjoying himself.
Dan smiled as he watched Blair drink another cup of tea. He glanced lazily at the clock and his eyes widened. * Ooops didn�t realize how late it was. I�d better get Doc home and try to smooth things over with Mr. Ellison. * �Doc! Come on kid time to go. Good evening gents I have to be getting my young friend home. I shall see you all next Friday.� Dan said as he gave a nod at the young men he�d been talking to.
* Kid? Did Bear just call me kid? Oh crap look at the time. I�m toast for sure now. Correction, my butt is toast.* Blair thought as he glanced at the clock as they were leaving. He followed Dan out to the car quietly, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fill his eyes and spill down his cheeks.
Dan noticed that his normally talkative friend and become unusually quiet. He happened to glance over at Blair, when they had stopped at a traffic light and asked, � Hey Doc , what�s wrong?�
Blair shook his head and pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the window. He could feel the tears starting and tried to keep them from slipping down, but failed. A sob crept into his throat and Blair choked it quickly down. The thought of actually sobbing in front of his friend was the only thing that kept Blair quiet.
They pulled up to the apartment and Blair quickly got out. He sighed as he stopped and stared up towards the loft. A hand on his shoulder stopped him from walking inside. Blair turned and looked into the warm brown eyes of his friend.
�Blair, don�t be discouraged. I think you�re making a big deal out of all this. I�ve met Jim and I really don�t think he�s going to be all that upset. Come on, I�ll go up with you and explain.� Dan said using his friend�s name to calm him more.
The use of his named shocked Blair more than anything. He looked at Dan, forgetting about being upset and asked, �Hey, you didn�t call me Doc. Why not?�
Dan smiled and just shook his head. He slung an arm around Blair�s neck and they went inside. As they got closer to the loft, Dan could tell his friend was becoming tenser and felt the small tremors in his shoulders. �Hey come on Doc, don�t do this to yourself. Jim isn�t like the Sharp�s. He�s not going to lay into you the minute you walk in.�
�I know he won�t, I�m not scared of that. I just don�t want to disappoint him. That hurts more than anything.� Blair said softly. He couldn�t bare the thought of looking at Jim and seeing the disappointment in his eyes.
�He won�t be Doc, trust me. � Dan said trying to calm his friend. �You haven�t done anything for him to be disappointed about. You�re home a little late, he�ll understand Doc.� Dan continued as he knocked on the door.
When no one answered the door, Blair got his key out and opened the door cautiously. He stood there shocked when there didn�t seem to be anyone home. Blair stepped in with Dan close behind him. �Jim?� He called looking around the loft.
�See Doc, he isn�t home. You had yourself worried over nothing.� Dan said, punching Blair lightly on the arm. He grinned when Blair retaliated and they began to lightly wrestle in the front room.
They were so involved in their play that they didn�t hear the front door open or see Jim walk in. He leaned against the door and quietly watched the two teens as they wrestled like two pups over a bone. Finally Jim cleared his throat and said, �Alright you two quit horsin� around, before you break something.�
Jim grinned when he saw the boys stop and stare at him. His smile slipped when he saw the look of panic on Blair�s face. He walked over to the two and slowly placed his hands on Blair�s shoulders. He was glad to see that Blair didn�t shy away. �Easy kiddo, I�m not angry. I just don�t want anything to get broke, ok Chief?� Jim told him brushing away a few damp curls from Blair�s face.
Blair nodded, then broke into a grin. �Yeah sure Jim. What are you making for dinner?� He asked trying to avoid the playful swat Jim aimed at him, but wasn�t successful. Blair�s face flushed red as he realized that Dan was still there. He ducked away and went to retrieve his pack from near the door.
�Hey Doc, I have to go. Ben�s probably waiting on me. I�ll see you later.� Dan said as he nodded his head and headed for the front door. He looked over his shoulder when his arm was grabbed.
�Why don�t you call Ben and stay for supper Dan.� Jim said smiling as he released Dan�s arm.
�Thanks Mr. Ellison, but I really have to go. Next time maybe.� Dan said, then grinned and left.
Jim turned to look at Blair and frowned when he didn�t see him. �Blair?� He called.
�In my room Jim.� Blair answered.
Jim opened the door and found Blair sitting at his desk writing. He walked over and asked, � What are you writing Chief?�
The book, that Blair was using to write his paper on top of, was quickly slammed shut. Innocent, blue, eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses looked up at Jim. He smiled a little and said, � Just doing a little research is all Jim.�
�What kind of research Chief?� Jim asked trying to open the book.
Blair kept his arm over the book and smirked at Jim. �It�s just some research I�m working on right now Jim. I�ll show you later, just not now.� Blair paused for a moment, and then looked at Jim uncertainly and asked, �Okay?�
He could see a small bead of sweat forming just a Blair�s temple, and heard the teen�s heartbeat speed up. He saw Blair tense up and saw that he was ready to spring from the chair and retreat to the far side of the room. �Sure Chief, no problem. You feel like take out food tonight?� Jim said as he stopped trying to open the book and laid a hand gently on Blair�s shoulder.
�Yeah that would be great Jim.� Blair said and smiled. He relaxed at Jim�s touch and mentally berated himself for not trusting Jim. He raised an eyebrow and asked, � What are you ordering?�
�I was thinking of ordering pizza tonight.� Jim said as he gave Blair�s shoulder an affectionate squeeze and then turned to leave the room. He glanced back at Blair and asked, �That sound good to you Chief?�
�Yeah Jim, I�ll be out when it gets here?� Blair asked instead of just doing. The thought of Jim still asking about how his day went was still bothering him. He hoped that he could give half-truths and stay out of trouble.
�Sure Chief. You can come in the other room though if you want and watch the game with me,� Jim offered and hoped Blair would agree.
�Alright, just let me finish this first,� Blair told him and turned back to the closed book.
Jim noticed that the book remained closed, though. He left the room and when he shut the door he heard the soft sound of the book being opened. He shook his head and wondered what Blair was working on.
A few moments later Blair came out of his room and curled into the corner of the couch. He didn�t notice the look Jim gave him, but he did hear the soft sigh. He looked over and saw him watching the game. He began to think about early that morning when Jim had comforted him after the nightmare he�d had, and how he�d snuggled against Jim during the movie. Blair looked over at Jim again, and gradually sidled his way over till he was against Jim�s side. He laid his head against Jim�s shoulder and sighed contentedly.
�How was you day with Dan? What did you two do?� Jim asked as he slipped his arm out from under Blair, wrapped it around Blair�s shoulders and pulled the teen closer. He felt Blair stiffen at the question for just a moment and then relax.
�Oh it was okay. We went and saw a vampire movie. I didn�t really care for it, but Bear loves them.� Blair told him squirming to get closer. He thought about telling Jim about the coffee house, but decided against it.
�If you don�t like those kind of movies Chief, then why do you go and see them?� Jim asked as he ran his hand over Blair�s curls and chuckled softly.
�I don�t know, I guess because Bear likes them.� Blair said, then looked up at Jim and grinned a little.
*********
�Hey Doc. So how�d it go last night? You don�t look like you�re in any pain so I guess Jim didn�t mind. Did he?� Dan asked as Blair sank down on the couch in Dan and Ben�s living room.
�Didn�t tell him. We talked about us going to see the movie and then we started talking about other things. It never came up what you and me did afterwards. I didn�t see any point in telling him, since he didn�t ask.� Blair said stretching out on the couch.
�I�d be careful if I were you Doc, or this might come back and bite you in the butt, literally. He might not get mad about us going, but he might get mad about you trying to hide it,� Dan said.
�I�m not trying to hide it. He didn�t ask so I didn�t see the need to tell him.� Blair reasoned. He couldn�t understand why his friend was being so obstinate about him telling Jim about the coffee house.
Dan sighed at his friend�s stubborn streak and thought to himself *Doc doesn�t know what he�s getting himself in to.* He looked up at Blair after a minute or so and said, �Okay Doc, I�ll leave it alone. Just remember what I said about it coming back.�
Blair grinned and said, � Ok Bear I�ll remember. Hey do you always go to the coffee house on Fridays? Or do you go other days, too?� Blair asked.
�I do go twice a week, but it�s very rare that I do. I�m usually doing schoolwork the other nights, or spending time with Ben. Why Doc? Would you like to go there again?� Dan asked adjusting his glasses.
� Yeah, but I can wait till Friday again. Unless you�re going to go again before then.� Blair said in excitement as he bolted upright on the couch.
Laughter filled the room, as Dan watched his excitable friend. He was amazed at how one moment Blair could be quietly talking with him one moment, and completely animated the next moment.
�Sorry Doc. I�m not going again till Friday. That gives you plenty of time to ask Jim about going with me.� Dan said.
�What do you mean ask him? He won�t mind. I�ll just tell him I�m going somewhere with you.� Blair said giving a shrug and leaning back against the couch.
Dan shook his head, but didn�t say anything. This was one lesson his friend was gonna have to learn the hard way.
*********
�Hey Jim. Is it okay if I go out with Bear Friday?� Blair asked a couple of days later as they were cleaning up from dinner. He leaned against the island and gave Jim a pleading look.
Jim gave Blair a long look as he tossed the towel on the other counter and leaned against the island next to Blair and asked, � Where are you gonna go Chief?� He asked and immediately noticed the increased heart rate.
�I�m not sure Jim. We haven�t really decided yet. We might go see a movie or something. I�m not sure really.� Blair said giving a small shrug and hoped Jim bought it.
Jim narrowed his eyes as he heard the words but didn�t quite believe them. Something wasn�t right, but he couldn�t put his finger on it at the moment. He scanned Blair�s vitals and didn�t find signs of lying. Finally he smiled at Blair and said, � Sure Junior. I don�t mind. What time are you leaving and when do you think you�ll be home?� Jim asked.
�Uhm I think we�re gonna leave about six and I guess we�ll be home around two or three.� Blair answered calmly with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, as he waited for Jim�s comment on the time.
A smirk crossed the older man�s face as he rested a hand on Blair�s jean-clad backside, and said, �Three you say? Hmm, let�s see that�s four hours past your normal curfew and I figure that�s about five swats for each hour you�re late. Alright Chief, I don�t mind you staying out four hours past curfew if you don�t mind twenty swats when you get home.�
Blair squirmed the minute Jim�s hand touched his backside. He became more nervous at Jim�s words. When he looked up and saw the teasing look in Jim�s eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief and then said, �I was teasing Jim and you know it. We�ll probably be home around eight or nine.�
�That�s fine Junior,� Jim said as he landed a few harmless swats to Blair�s backside, then stood and stretched. He listened as Blair breathed a sigh of relief and watched him rest his head against his arms. � You wanna watch the game with me Chief?� He asked as he headed towards the couch.
�Not tonight Jim. I have some assignments to do.� Blair said as he got up from the island and headed to his room. He could feel Jim watching him and turned to look at him. He gave a small smile at Jim, and then quickly retreated into his room.
He pulled the books and notes he needed out of his pack, and sat down at his desk. While he worked, his conscience began to poke at him . After a few more minutes of trying to pretend to work, Blair closed his book with a sigh. *Why am I trying to hide this from Jim? Bear said he wouldn�t mind or be angry about it. I guess it�s because I didn�t tell him about it the first night we went. If I tell him now though, he�s going to be even angrier and he probably won�t let me go. I�ll wait till Bear and I get home Friday and then I�ll tell Jim about it.*
Blair tried to make himself feel better with his thoughts and rationalizations, but it wasn�t working. He opened his book back up and tried to continue with his assignment.
Jim had looked towards Blair�s doors when he heard the teen becoming quietly distressed, but remained on the couch in hopes that Blair would come and talk to him. When Blair hadn�t appeared after a few minutes, Jim reached his senses out towards his young guide and found his distress gone. That uneasy feeling that had been bothering him earlier, began again and Jim was frustrated that he couldn�t put his finger on what it was yet.
*********
Jim could hear the birds chirping and knew he wasn�t going to be getting anymore sleep. Once he was up and dressed, he headed downstairs and began to make breakfast. He tapped on Blair�s door.
Blair opened one eye sleepily at the intrusion of his sleep. He�d been tossing and turning all night and had finally gotten comfortable enough to sleep when the tap on his door occurred. He threw a pillow at the door and mumbled, �Go �way.� He put the other pillow over his head to drown out the smells and sounds of Jim and breakfast.
While Jim was filling the plates, he heard the sound of the pillow hitting the door and Blair�s muttered words. He sighed, set the plates down, and headed towards Blair�s room. He tapped on the door again, and then went in. He found Blair with the pillow still over his head and the covers tangled around his waist and legs.
�Come on Junior, time to get up.� Jim said as he tried to peel the pillow off of Blair�s head. He managed to dodge the aimless kick and decided that taking the blanket away first would be in his favor. He unwound the blanket and placed over the end of the bed.
�Blair! Get up. Come on Chief, breakfast is ready.� Jim said as he shook Blair�s shoulder gently. He barely avoided the hand that darted out to shove him away. Jim delivered a swift, sharp, swat to Blair�s backside, and then chuckled softly as Blair darted a hand to protect himself a minute too late.
Quickly darting out of bed, after he was sure no more swats were going to rain down, Blair glared at Jim as he tried to rub the sting out. �What the h*ll was that for?� Blair growled not realizing the word he used.
Jim arched an eyebrow at Blair�s choice of words and said, �Excuse me? You�d better curb that tongue of yours real quick Chief, or you�re gonna find out what the soap in the bathroom tastes like.�
Realizing what he said, Blair dropped his gaze and hung his head. �I�m sorry Jim. I didn�t mean to say that. It-it just slipped out, I�m sorry,� Blair whispered softly.
�Come here, Chief.� Jim said beaconing the distressed teen over to him.
The scent of tears assaulted Jim�s nose as Blair made his way over slowly. �Please Jim. I�m sorry.� Blair pleaded as he stood in front of Jim trying hard not to completely dissolve into sobs, while tears streaked down his cheeks.
Jim looked at the teen for a few minutes then turned Blair to the side and delivered four hard swats to the boy�s backside. He immediately turned Blair back towards him and enveloped him into a warm hug. �I�m sorry I had to do that Chief, but I won�t tolerate you saying those kind of things. Next time words like that come out of your mouth, I�m gonna give you a mouth full of soap and more than four swats to your backside. Understand?�
Blair nodded quickly against Jim�s chest. He hadn�t been expecting Jim to swat him and was still a little distraught over it. He began to calm down though and snuggle against Jim. �I�m sorry about what I said. Jim. You just shocked me.� Blair finally said.
�I know kiddo. Don�t worry about it anymore, you�re forgiven. Now let�s go get breakfast before it gets completely cold.� Jim said as he turned Blair to lead him out of the room.
*********
�Hey Doc what�s wrong? You seem a little upset. Did Jim find out about last week?� Dan asked his friend. He could tell something was wrong when he noticed Blair still on his first cup of tea.
�No. That�s the problem Bear. I should�ve told him like you said. I haven�t been sleeping well and I feel horrible.� Blair told him. He took a small sip of his tea and looked up at his friend with watery, dark, blue eyes.
�You�re feeling horrible Doc, because you�re feeling guilty. I still don�t understand why you wouldn�t tell Jim. This isn�t a bad place, you wrote Jim a note telling him we were gonna be gone for a while, and you were back way before curfew. Why didn�t you tell him Doc?� Dan asked trying to figure out the complexity that was his friend.
�I told him we were gonna be at your house and that we were only gonna be gone a couple of hours.� Blair said, as tears began to spill over his cheeks. He hung his head and quickly wiped them away. A strangled sob found it�s way out of Blair�s mouth, as he tried to keep it quiet.
Dan sighed and tried to find the strength to deal with his friend�s stubbornness. He put an arm around Blair�s shoulders and said, �Look Doc, I know you said we were gonna be at my house, but you forget you said probably, that means that maybe we were going there maybe we weren�t. As for being late, we were only ten minutes late.�
One look at Blair�s face and Dan knew it was time to leave early once again and take his friend home. He walked over to the guys he usually sat with and said, � I apologize gents, but my young friend isn�t feeling well. I�ll be in tomorrow night to finish our discussion.�
Three of the young men nodded, but the fourth gave Dan a look and asked, �Are you going to be bringing him again? If you do, I think we�ll have to consider revoking your membership.�
�If I bring him, it�s my decision. Revoking my membership is not your decision Christopher, so keep your opinions to yourself.� Dan answered back.
*********
Jim stretched out on the couch and concentrated on the basketball game before him. He bolted up when the scent of tears assaulted his nose and Blair�s erratic heartbeat registered in his ears. He jumped up off the couch and opened the door to find a miserable looking Blair and a concerned Dan.
The minute Blair saw Jim, he flung himself into Jim�s arms and began to sob harder and louder. He could feel Jim�s arms immediately wrap around him and it was Blair�s undoing. He squirmed out of Jim�s comforting embrace and fled to his room.
When Blair�s door shut loudly, Jim looked at Dan and asked, �What happened? He was fine� no he was agitated about something when he left. He�s been this way since last week. Did something happen to you two?�
Dan could see the confusion mixed with concern in Jim�s eyes and said, � Something did happen, but I think it would be better if Blair were to tell you. I�ll call later and see how he�s doing.� Dan turned and walked down the hallway.
Jim closed the loft door quietly and could hear the sobbing coming from Blair�s room. He headed over to Blair�s room and opened the door. He saw Blair huddled on the bed sobbing as if his heart would break. Jim sat on the bed and began to rub Blair�s back and shoulders. �Shh come on Chief. Settle down kiddo. We can work out whatever�s wrong.� Jim said softly trying to comfort the distraught teen.
The words meant to comfort the teen only made him sob harder. �Stop� please� don�t deserve�was terrible.� Blair mumbled.
�No Chief, I�m not gonna stop. You always deserve comfort no matter what you think. Calm down and tell me what you think you�ve done that�s so terrible.� Jim said stroking Blair�s curls.
The next few minutes Blair just lay sobbing trying to clam himself while Jim sat next to him trying to reassure him. A little while later the loft was quiet, except for an occasional sniffle now and then. Jim had maneuvered them both so that he was sitting against the headboard with Blair against him. Blair had protested at first, but complied when he saw he wasn�t going to win.
�You ready to talk now Chief?� Jim asked as he rubbed Blair�s arm.
�I think so. I feel really horrible about it too. I�m not saying that either to get out of punishment either. I�ve been feeling horrible all weekend and I guess that�s why I haven�t been sleeping well and why I snapped at you this morning.� Blair said, his throat hoarse and raw from sobbing so hard. He pushed away from Jim so he could look him in the eye. �When Dan and I went out last week, we went to a coffee house after the movie. It�s a place Dan knows about and it�s nice. We stayed late though and came home ten minutes late. I know you probably saw the note I left.� Blair said as he looked down at his hands and waited to hear what Jim had to say.
Jim sat for a while after listening to Blair. He cupped Blair�s face in his hands and asked, �Blair what about the terrible thing you did? I didn�t hear you tell me that terrible thing that you did.�
�I-I just told you. I went somewhere other than where I told you I was going and I came home late. I-I also lied when I told you I didn�t know where Dan and I were going tonight.� Blair admitted as tears filled his eyes and began to streak down his cheeks and over Jim�s hands.
Jim shook his head and pulled Blair towards him into a hug. �What am I gonna do with you huh? Look Chief, I don�t mind that you were ten minutes late, or that you went somewhere else. You want to know why?� He asked and waited till Blair nodded before continuing. �I don�t mind because both nights you came back from being with Dan, I didn�t smell anything I shouldn�t on you. Now about you telling me you didn�t know where you�d be going tonight.�
Blair sighed softly and decided to take the initiative and get it over with. He squirmed out of Jim�s arms and gave Jim a sorrowful look. He went and sat on the edge of the bed and sighed. He waited till Jim moved and sat next to him before standing.
When Jim saw the look Blair sent him and then sit on the edge of the bed, he wondered what was going on in Blair�s head. He sat next to him and hoped to find out what he was up to. He was surprised when Blair started fumbling with the button on his jeans. He placed his hand over Blair�s hand and said, �Whoa there Chief, are you wanting to be spanked that badly?� Jim grinned at the look of genuine surprise on Blair�s face at his remark.
�Well I-I thought�but-but aren�t you?� Blair started and then went quiet for a few minutes to gather his thoughts. �I figured that you were going to, since I lied to you. I�m sorry I didn�t say anything about it, I just wanted�I don�t why.� Blair admitted.
� You want to know what I think Chief? I think maybe you didn�t tell me because you wanted a place where you could go that was just for you. Someplace where you could go without having to worry about the temptation of liquor. Yes I know about the place you and Dan went to. Ben called a few minutes after you two drove off. He wanted to ask Dan something. I told him you two had already left and that I wasn�t sure where you were going. He informed me of the place where you were going and said Dan always went there on Friday nights. He told me not to worry about you, because you would be fine and that he had checked it out himself when Dan first started going.� Jim said as he pulled Blair back down next to him.
�So does this mean I�m off the hook?� Blair asked hopefully as he looked up at Jim. His eyes pleaded for a reprieve.
�Not quite Chief. What did I say rule two was around here?� Jim asked as he began to rub Blair�s arm.
Blair�s eye immediately watered as he hung his head. His shoulders sagged as he sighed softly before answering. �Don�t lie.� He stood up next to Jim�s right side and went to unbutton his jeans for the second time that night.
�Wait Chief. You can keep them up tonight.� Jim said and waited for a response.
Blair�s eyes widened and he immediately shook his head and said, �Please Jim, don�t use the brush, I won�t lie again.� Remembering the last time that Jim said he could keep his jeans on but he�d have the brush used on him.
Jim was rather surprised at Blair�s tearful plea. �I have no intention of using the brush Chief. Come on now, over you go.� Jim said as he drew Blair over his lap. He rubbed Blair�s shoulders and asked, � Okay Chief, now why are you about to get spanked?�
�I-I lied about not knowing where me and Dan were going tonight.� Blair answered as his body tensed in knowledge of what was coming next.
�What day was that, when you asked if you could go Chief?� Jim asked as he continued to rub soothing circles along Blair�s back and shoulders and occasionally stroking Blair�s curls.
�M-Monday.� Came the puzzled reply.
�Five days ago okay.� Jim mumbled.
He tucked Blair close to him and delivered five hard swats that left Blair gasping for air at the suddenness of the spanking. Tears quickly sprang to his eyes as he waited for the rest of it. When nothing happened after a few minutes, Blair turned his head and looked back at Jim.
Jim couldn�t help but smile at the bewildered look on Blair�s face. �You think you can remember to tell me the truth from now on Junior?� Jim asked.
�Yeah I�ll remember.� Blair said still unsure of what was going on. His backside was stinging a bit nowhere near what it had a few weeks ago.
�Alright then, we�re done here.� Jim said as he lifted Blair and sat him on his lap.
Blair was quiet for a few minutes and then asked, �Jim, why�d you only give me five swats? I lied to you.� He searched Jim�s face trying to see what was inside him.
�I know you did Chief, but I figured that with the guilt you were feeling those five days, you�d punished yourself a lot already. It won�t always work like this though Chief. I just want to let you know that.� Jim told him.
Blair nodded his acceptance and said, �I know Jim, but thanks for this time.� He laid against Jim for a few minutes then bounced up and said, �Hey isn�t the game on? If we hurry we can watch the rest of it together.� He stood bouncing on the balls of his feet and staring at Jim.
Jim laughed at Blair�s quick mood change and excited nature. �Sure Chief, I left the television on. Why don�t you go get comfortable on the couch and I�ll grab us some popcorn.�
The excited teen bounded out of his room, into the living room and onto the couch. He nabbed the remote and turned the volume up a bit. He looked over and watched as Jim microwaved a bag of popcorn.
He could feel Blair watching him and walked over with the popcorn as soon as the microwave dinged. Jim sat down at one end of the couch and smiled when Blair laid down and put his head in Jim�s lap.
Blair didn�t actually eat any of the popcorn, but he began to fall asleep as Jim ran his fingers through Blair�s curls. By the end of the game Blair was asleep and Jim was staring down at him.
�You have to stop falling asleep on me Chief, you�re not a lap dog.� Jim said softly and chuckled lightly as he stroked the teen�s hair.