Disclaimer: The characters used here, sadly, do not belong to me. They are the property of Pet Fly and UPN. I have received no monetary reward, I do it simply for fun.

Contains m/m sex. If you are under 18, do not read this.

Sacrifice to a Greater Cause - part one
by Mia Athlas

"I just couldn't believe it when he hit on me, man. I was like so blown away. I never even considered that he might be gay. If ever there was a guy I thought would be straight..."

Jim half tuned Blair out as the young man went through all the reasons he assumed the professor at Rainier was straight. If he only knew. Jim sighed. Blair had turned the man down, of course. One more reason never to let his partner know how he felt. Jim touched Blair's arm, ignoring the shock he felt at the light touch, and pointed him in the direction of the truck. It seemed as if an electric charge went through him each time he touched his partner. It was an attraction like he'd never felt before.

Blair grinned, oblivious to Jim's inner turmoil, and after a brief, "oh yeah," changed his direction then continued his monologue.

Jim went to his side of the truck and put the key in the lock. After unlocking the door, he lifted the door handle -- and promptly froze.

"Just goes to show you that you can never tell, man," Blair finished. Realising that Jim hadn't let him in, he stared over the truck at the older man. The sentinel stood, unmoving. Curious. "Sometime today would be nice, Jim," he said nodding toward the still locked door.

"Sandburg," Jim responded sharply. "I think something's wrong here."

Blair came around the truck and looked at his partner, trying to figure out the problem. Jim was standing completely still with the door handle raised. "What's up, man?" Blair asked.

"I think I heard an extra click when I lifted the handle." Jim was so in tune with the quirks and noises of the old truck, it only made sense that he would notice the abnormal noise immediately.

"An extra click? As in?" Blair asked, not quite understanding.

"As in 'I don't know' but the way our luck runs, I don't want to take any chances. How 'bout you take a look and see if you find anything?"

Blair examined the area around Jim and peered into the truck's interior. "Anything like what?"

"Anything that could house an explosive device," Jim answered quietly.

"A bomb!" Blair picked up his pace. Lying down beside Jim's feet, he spotted it just behind the front wheel of the car. "Shit," he swore. Scrabbling out from under the vehicle, he looked at his partner. "God, Jim...there's a bomb," he sputtered.

"Sandburg. Sandburg!" Jim said again to his panicked friend. "Calm down, Chief. Is there a timer?"

Blair shook his head. "I didn't see one."

"Good, this is probably set off by a trigger, maybe the release of this handle."

"Seems like quite an assumption, Jim. Are you sure?" Blair asked nervously.

"No, I'm not sure," Jim responded in irritation. "Go tell Simon...and find Taggart." The sentinel cursed the fact that his cell phone was sitting back at the precinct on his desk where he had forgotten it.

Blair turned away then turned back. "But what if...?" He didn't finish the sentence, too afraid to voice his fear that he could return too late.

Jim knew what he meant. What if it really was by timer and he was dead by the time the young man got help. "Then standing around talking about it isn't going to change anything." 'And I need you away from here,' he added silently.

"Okay, Jim. Listen, man, I..." Blair looked at a loss at how to express himself.

Jim smiled briefly. "Me too, Chief...now get going."

Blair grinned, then the worried expression returned and deepened as he turned away and ran toward the police station.

Starring after him, Jim wondered if he had just lost his last opportunity to tell the young man how he felt.

Within five minutes, Blair was back with Simon by his side.

Nodding to Jim, the captain dropped down for a look at the bomb. After a minute, he stood back up and brushed off his pants, finally speaking. "Taggart's on the way. He should be here in about five minutes--so should the bomb squad. The kid's right, there doesn't seem to be a timer. Looks like it's trigger-activated to me."

Jim nodded, relieved to have his suspicions confirmed. He felt Blair on his other side. "Sandburg, get the hell back!" he growled at the younger man.

"No way, Jim. I want to help." Blair put his hand on his partner's unoccupied arm.

"Listen, Chief, there's nothing you can do to help. The only thing you can possibly accomplish here is go get blown to bits with me if this thing should happen to go off."

"Okay," the young man whispered only for Jim's ears and held his arm harder.

Jim swallowed, his mind fighting to decipher the meaning of that single word. Just what was Blair agreeing to? Getting back...or joining him in getting blown to bits? Fear for the young man made Jim turn to his captain. "Simon?" he asked, nodding toward his partner.

Simon grabbed Blair's arm. "Come on, Sandburg. The bomb squad's here and you'll only get in their way."

"Fine," Blair finally agreed, seeing no choice. "Be careful," he said to Jim and with one last squeeze of the sentinel's arm, he allowed Simon to lead him to the other side of the street.

Once there, Blair could only watch nervously as Taggart and the bomb squad went to work.

After a few tense minutes, the bomb was safely nestled into the squad's containment unit. Blair let out the breath he hadn't realised he was holding and headed back over to Jim.

Taggart was talking animatedly with Jim as Blair approached. "I'd still like to know how you could have heard the bomb arm itself?"

"I just had a feeling, Joel. Lucky for me," Jim responded. Taggart got called away and the sentinel headed for the station, feeling his partner fall into step beside him. The young man immediately started talking.

"You okay, man?" Blair asked, touching Jim's arm briefly as they walked.

"Yeah, Sandburg, I'm fine. I'm just really pissed that someone tried to blow up my truck." Jim spoke through clenched teeth, his posture stiff as he strode into the station house.

"Yeah man, you and me I can understand...but to go after the truck like that...unforgivable!"

After a beat, Jim snorted in what Blair took for amusement at his lame joke and the tension in his body eased a bit.

The moment they entered major crimes they were surrounded by their fellow officers. Making their way to the captain's office was slowed by a flood of shoulder pats, handshakes and declarations of happiness over their safety. By the time they reached Simon's office, Blair was overwhelmed by the support. Though silent, he could tell it had affected Jim as well.

"Wow! That was intense," Blair said with a huge smile.

The sentinel spared a half grin before turning serious again. "No one wants to see a fellow officer taken down."

"I think it's more than that, Jim. These people care about what happens to us...the real us...not just the badge."

"Yeah," Jim did smile then. "Good job it's not just the badge, Sandburg. If it was you'd be out of luck."

Blair chuckled and patted Jim on the back, happy to see his partner shaking off the stress of the last few minutes. They sat and waited for Simon to arrive.

The captain burst into the office a couple of minutes later. Raising his eyebrows slightly at their not-yet-requested presence, he sat down behind his desk and clamped an unlit cigar between his teeth.

"Here we go again," he stated. "What have we got so far?"

Jim began. "Someone obviously want to see either me or Sandburg dead...or both of us. Probably me, considering the placement of the bomb and the fact that it was my truck that was rigged. Reasons unknown. No suspects. That's it, Sir."

Simon sighed. "I knew all that, Jim. I had hoped that someone would spring to mind right away?"

Jim shook his head. "Sorry, Simon. I can't think of anyone at the moment. I'm not working any high profile cases right now. I'm not aware of any of my old collars getting out of jail. I'm at a loss."

Simon paused for a moment then continued. "Get to work on anyone who may be out that you don't know about. Maybe there was a screw-up and we weren't informed. Also, check on all your current cases. Maybe we're missing something here. You've got Megan, Rafe and Brown on this. I can't believe whoever this was, has the nerve to put a bomb in your truck right outside the police station." Simon removed his glasses and rubbed his face. When he looked up he seemed surprised that they were still there. "Well, get to work!"

"Yes, Sir," Jim said as he stood, pulling Blair up with him.

"And Jim," the captain added before they could leave. "Be careful and take Brown and Rafe with you, to escort you home, when you leave. I'll station someone outside the loft tonight."

Jim grimaced but nodded. "Yes, Sir."

Three hours later they were no closer to an answer. It seemed that anyone with enough cause to want to see him dead was in jail, out of the state, dead themselves or had an alibi. Jim sighed in exasperation as he considered and discarded yet another possibility. Between the five of them they had made short work of his last three years of cases. All known possibilities had been eliminated one way or another. Now they were diving into his time in Vice. A time in his life that Jim definitely would rather let lie. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his face tiredly. It was obvious now that whoever was out to get him wouldn't be easy to find. Jim looked over at his partner, working behind the computer. The young man had his glasses on and such an intense look of concentration on his face that it made Jim smile. It was a good feeling to know that his friends cared so much for him, especially Sandburg.

"Coffee, Chief?"

Blair jumped slightly as he spoke. Jim frowned, at how wound up his partner was, but didn't say anything. Blushing at his own nervousness, the young man smiled, then nodded at Jim briefly before returning to his computer search.

When Jim returned with two steaming mugs, he caught Blair in a huge yawn. Setting the coffee down on the desk, he put his hand on his partner's shoulder. "Listen, Chief, why don't you head back to the loft and get some sleep."

"No, Jim. I want to help," Blair protested.

Jim looked down into his friend's blood shot eyes and tired face. "No, Blair. I know you went on that stakeout with me last night, then to class after what...two hours of sleep? It's eleven thirty at night and you have a class in the morning. You need to get some sleep before you fall over. You'll feel more alert in the morning. Maybe you can think of something, after you get some rest, that you would've missed half asleep."

Blair looked ready to continue to protest but Jim squeezed his shoulder and continued. "Do this for me, okay, Chief?"

The young man pulled off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Okay, Jim. I know you're right. I'm no good like this." The sad tone in Blair's voice got Jim's attention.

"Come on, Sandburg. I expect you back here right after your class tomorrow. No one else knows as much about me as you. I'm counting on you to remember all those pesky details about the families of the people I've sent to jail in the last two years. Maybe you can come up with a reason someone would want me dead."

Blair smiled, knowing that Jim was trying to make him feel better, and feeling better despite himself. He hated to leave Jim but he also knew that his partner was right. "Okay, man. Are you coming?"

"No, I think I'll be here most of the night. I slept late after the stakeout, so I'm fine. I'll get Rafe to run you home and let Simon know we'll need that guard now."

Blair nodded and packed up his stuff while Jim made the arrangements. An hour later, he was home in bed, trying to relax enough to sleep.

An hour after he sent Blair home without him, Jim began to feel uneasy. His mind kept returning to Lash and to Alex. Both times Jim had left his partner alone and both times he had been hurt. The sentinel stood and paced in front of his desk. Maybe he should go home, just to be on the safe side.

"Jim!" Simon bellowed from his office, startling the detective out of his thoughts. "Go home."

"But Simon..." he began, not wanting to leave while others stayed and worked.

Simon walked over and grabbed Jim's jacket, handing it to him, and held up his hand to stop the sentinel's words. "You were almost blown up today...go home. We'll figure this out tomorrow. You aren't getting anything accomplished by pacing and worrying about the kid anyway." Simon smiled at Jim's shocked look. "It's obvious, Jim... well to me anyway. Go home," he said quietly. Jim nodded.

"Brown, take Ellison here back to the loft, then go home and get some rest yourself. It's going to be a long day tomorrow ladies and gentlemen. Let's all go home and get some sleep, I'll expect everyone back here at seven a.m. sharp."

The officers filed out, leaving only the regular night shift behind. Now that he was heading back to his partner, Jim relaxed and let his mind return to the case for the duration of the drive.

Once home, he thanked Brown and jogged up the stairs to the loft, alert for danger but his mind still occupied with tracing the last month of his time. Something must have happened to cause his attempted murder. He opened the loft door and automatically walked over to Blair's bedroom to check on the young man. He peered into an empty room. Opening his senses up a bit, he was immediately able to tag his partner...upstairs? Shrugging out of his jacket, Jim crept up the stairs quietly. From Blair's deep breathing, he could tell the young man was fast asleep.

Jim's breath caught in his throat as he reached the top of the stairs. Blair was sleeping in his bed. He was lying on top of the covers with an afghan pulled over him. The blanket had crept down till it covered him only from the waist down. Lying on his back with his hair spread out over Jim's pillow, he looked incredible. The sentinel longed to cross over to the young man, and touch his exposed chest. Instead, he stayed where he was, watching the young man sleep for a time. So peaceful. He was so young and beautiful Jim felt a twinge of remorse. How could he ever expect Blair to want him? The older man was content to take whatever his guide could offer. If it was to be only friendship, Jim could accept that. It was more than he ever had before. It was obvious that the young man cared deeply for him. The thought warmed the sentinel.

"I love you, Blair," he whispered, glad that he could say it out loud and still not have to deal with the consequences. Jim gazed longingly at his partner as he prepared for bed. Once ready, he wasn't sure what he should do. The safe choice was to go downstairs and take over Blair's bed for the night, or to wake the young man and ask him to go.

No. He didn't have the heart to disturb his partner.

Before he could stop and consider what he was doing, Jim was crossing to the bed. He nudged Blair over to the side gently and worked the blankets and sheets down until he could draw them over the young man. Blair moved and said something unintelligible but didn't wake up. After making sure his partner was sleeping soundly, Jim climbed under the covers himself.

The sentinel could feel the heat coming off the body of his guide and closed his eyes, trying to resist the urge to roll over and take him in his arms. He stayed like that for a minute before giving up. He didn't bring Blair to his bed. The young man had come there of his own free will. If in sleep, he just happened to put his arms around Blair, what could he do about it? In the morning he could always pretend he thought that Blair was someone else. That decided, Jim rolled over onto his side and adjusted Blair's position so that the young man was facing away from him and spooned up behind him.

He fitted his body to Blair's and wrapped his arms around him loosely. Nose buried in his partner's hair, Jim felt himself drifting off. Peace. This must be what peace felt like. Jim snuggled Blair closer to him and drifted off.

Blair came awake slowly, a feeling of contentment encompassing him. He tried to stretch but found that he was restrained. Oddly, it didn't worry him. He opened his eyes and stared in surprise at the muscular arms that surrounded him. Turning his head, he identified the source of the arms. Jim?

Blair smiled and brought his own arms up to clasp his partner's lightly. Jim's body pressed against his back, warming him. It felt incredible. He had never been one to cuddle in bed before with the many women he had dated, but this...this felt...perfect. Blair ran his hands along the Jim's muscular arms, not willing to waste a golden opportunity to touch his partner.

Behind him, the older man stirred and Blair immediately stopped the caress.

"Sandburg?" Jim asked sleepily in his ear.

Blair was just about to answer when Jim's body stiffened and he pulled away abruptly. Blair shivered at the sudden loss of body heat. The sentinel jumped from the bed and ran his hand over his short hair nervously.

"Sorry, Sandburg."

Blair stood and looked over at his partner, the bed between them. "Hey, no problem, Jim. Nothing like my own human electric blanket." He shrugged like it was nothing, trying to put the older man at ease.

Inside he was drooling. Jim was standing there in his black silk boxers. His partner had gotten into bed with him the night before in those wonderful black boxers and he had slept through the entire thing. Blair felt like crying, or at least grabbing the older man and taking him right where he stood.

"Okay," Jim smiled thankfully. "What were you doing in my bed anyway, Chief?"

Blair blushed. "I was, well... I was feeling kind of exposed on the ground floor. You know, I kept thinking someone would come through my window when I was sleeping or something. I thought the second floor would be... ummm... safer." Blair winced as the words left his mouth. Sure, Sandburg, let him think you're an idiot... that's so much better than him thinking you missed him or something.

Jim looked at him oddly. "Uh, okay, Sandburg. Whatever you say."

"Okay then," Blair said cheerfully. "How about some breakfast? I'm cooking."

After looking at the clock, Jim shook his head. "No can do, Chief. Rafe and Brown should be her to escort me to the PD in about..." He was interrupted by a loud pounding on the door, "...now."

"Great," Blair groaned, as he headed for the stairs.

After letting in the two officers, Blair went to his room to quickly change and call the University to say he wouldn't be in... again. That done, he met everyone at the front door. Jim had dressed and looked rested and relaxed. A far cry from how Blair felt he appeared. No time to shower meant, untamable hair. He had tied it back but a strand kept escaping the clasp and falling in his face. Blair tucked it once again back behind his ear and looked up to find Jim staring at him. The look on his face was undecipherable.

"What?"

Jim shook his head slightly, as if to clear it. "Nothing. We'll drop you at Rainier on the way to the PD."

Blair grabbed Jim's arm before he could leave. "I'm coming with you, Jim."

"What about your class, Blair?" Secretly Jim was happy that he would have his partner with him. He always seemed to think more clearly with Blair at his side.

"This is more important, man. Someone tried to kill you." Blair's words left no room for argument and since Jim didn't even want to try, he just nodded.

They followed Rafe and Brown to their car and had an uneventful journey to the police station.

After learning that they were no closer to an answer as to who wanted him dead, Jim set Blair to work at his desk while he headed to the coffee room for a jolt of caffeine and, if he was lucky, a stale donut.

Jim heard his phone ring as he was pouring the coffee. Automatically, he tuned in as Blair picked it up.

"Detective Ellison's desk."

"Is Detective Ellison in?" a hesitant voice asked.

"Yeah sure. Hold on a sec."

"Thank God." The voice on the other end of the line shook with emotion. Jim knew the voice well and grabbing the mugs he picked up his pace.

"Mr. Ellison?", Blair asked.

'The kid always did have a good ear for voices', Jim thought. He'd only heard his father's voice a couple of times and yet he recognized it almost immediately. It gave Jim an odd sense of pride.

"Yes. Who is this?" Mr. Ellison's voice quavered.

"I'm Blair Sandburg...your son's partner, Mr. Ellison."

"Oh yes of course...Blair. I remember. Is Jimmy...is Jimmy okay?"

Blair looked up as Jim sat down beside him at the desk, then handed the phone over with a curious look on his face. The sentinel took it and immediately answered.

"Dad? What's wrong?" His father sounded weird...upset.

"Jimmy? God, Jimmy. I'm so glad to hear your voice."

Jim was starting to get alarmed. Was his father crying? He had never seen his father cry. His father never cried.

"Dad, what is it? Talk to me?"

The older man took a shuddering breath. "This is all so wrong, Jimmy. I didn't believe he'd do it. I swear I didn't...I never..." The older man gasped and choked off a sob.

Grasping the phone tightly, Jim stood up, looking into Blair's scared eyes. "Dad, are you hurt?"

"No, Jimmy. It's...it's...Sally. He...he...killed her."

"Stay there. I'm on my way," Jim said quickly. "I'll be right there, dad, I promise."

"Okay, Jimmy." His father spoke in such a soft voice that Jim had to strain to hear it, then the phone went dead.

Jim looked around, surprised to find that he was the focus of attention in the bullpen. Simon stood in front of him and Blair to his side, clutching his arm.

"Jim? Is everything okay?" Simon asked in concern.

"No, Simon. That was my dad. He says that someone killed Sally --our housekeeper. I'm going over there now." Jim couldn't seem to feel what he was saying. The words were meaningless.

"Rafe, Brown...you're with Ellison," Simon barked. The other two men grabbed their coats and headed for the elevator. Jim was already moving in that direction. Simon grabbed Blair's arm on the way past. "Sandburg?"

Blair nodded, not talking his eyes off the back of his partner. "I know, Simon. I'll look after him."

"There was never a doubt, kid," Simon said under his breath as he watched Blair run after Jim.

The drive from head quarters was silent and fast. Blair was reminded of the last trip he had taken with Jim to this particular address. It had been necessity, that had drawn them there, then as well. That time, they were afraid of what they would find but still held out hope that everyone could escape with their lives. This time...?" Well, it seemed that they weren't going to be as lucky.

They pulled up to the house with screeching tires and Blair leapt out of the car and ran up to the house after his partner. The door was unlocked and Jim pushed it in, pulling out his gun. Blair stayed behind the larger man, keeping an eye to the rear, giving Jim as much support as he could.

"Dad!" Jim called out.

Blair put his hand on Jim's back as they moved into the house. He noted that Rafe and Brown's car had pulled up to the curb, as they went inside. "What do you hear, Jim?" Blair whispered.

Jim stopped for a moment and cocked his head a bit to the side, as he was prone to do when attempting to use his sentinel hearing.

"I hear my dad singing," he said in an incredulous voice. "One heartbeat only, upstairs." Jim's face got impossibly whiter as he took in what that meant. He put away his gun.

Rafe and Brown ran into the room, guns drawn. Blair stopped them with one hand held up. "It's okay." Then turned back to his partner. "Go on up, man. We'll wait here till you call for us." Jim nodded, his gratitude evident in his pale face, and slowly walked up the stairs.

Each step Jim took seemed like an a supreme effort. He could hear his Dad singing very quietly, the sound wavered slightly and Jim could picture him in his mind, rocking back and forth. He didn't smell any blood, yet the scent of death was strong. One heart beat. Jim took a deep breath and forced himself to finish ascending the stairs.

Sally had been like a mother to them after their real Mom had left. She had tried to teach them right from wrong. Tried to counter some of the harshness and competitiveness that their father had instilled in both himself and Steven. Now...oh God.

In all the years he had been parted from his father, Jim kept in touch with Sally...secretly. She always brought in the mail, so it was no hardship. That way he was able to ensure his father was all right yet not have to see the old man. It still amazed Jim that, even after all the bad blood between he and his father, he still cared enough about him to keep track of what was going on in his life. Sally had always been a true friend, a confidante when he most needed it and an ally. Jim pushed away his memories, and pushed open the door to the housekeeper's room.

"Dad," he said in a quiet voice, not wanting to startle the older man. William Ellison sat on the floor with Sally's head and shoulders cradled in his lap, rocking and singing softly. Jim finally recognized the song, it had been one of Sally's favorites. She used to sing it to them when they couldn't sleep. He was surprised his father even knew the words. Jim walked over, then put his hand on his father's shoulder when the man didn't respond. Finally, he looked up.

"Jimmy...help me," he whispered in an anguished voice.

Jim knelt next to them and put his finger on Sally's neck to check what his senses already told him. She was dead and had been for at least several hours. "It's too late, Dad, she's gone," he said gently. His own feelings were pushed deep down, set aside until he could find the time to mourn properly. "Let her go, Dad, you've got to let her go." The old man's face was dry as he looked up. No tears --as Jim had expected. Nothing except a face wracked with grief, unable to cry. It was like looking into a mirror.

"I...can't...she needs me," he said in a detached voice.

Jim grabbed his father by the shoulders and forced him to meet his eyes. "She's gone, Dad. As much as I wish it wasn't true...she's gone. You've got to let her go." Jim felt his stomach lurch as he spoke the words, realising how close they were to words spoken to him a few months back, when Blair had almost died in the fountain at Rainier. His father finally seemed to focus on his face and collect himself a bit.

"Yes, of course...yes." He gently laid Sally onto the floor and stood, automatically straightening his gray sweater. He took a step towards the door before his legs buckled. Jim caught him before he hit the floor.

"Blair!" he yelled down to his partner. "Call an ambulance!" He eased his father down and in an odd parody of his dad and Sally, cradling his head in his lap. Moments later Blair appeared at the door, Rafe and Brown close behind. The young man came in quickly and knelt beside him. The other detectives hurried over to the fallen woman.

"He passed out," Jim said in response to the unasked question in Blair's eyes. The young man's gaze traveled over his partner's shoulder and took in the dead body behind them.

"Sally?" he asked.

"She's dead -- strangled," Jim said in a flat voice, his hand stroking his father's forehead. "She'd been with Dad since I was born. Longer than anyone else." Blair sat down next to him and waited with him for the paramedics.

"I'm so sorry, Jim," Blair said, putting on hand on his back. Jim just nodded. There was nothing he could say that would change anything. They sat silently as Rafe and Brown called headquarters and showed the paramedics up.

They were just loading his father into the ambulance when a car pulled up to the curb with a squeal of tires. Steven jumped out and ran over to Jim.

"Jim! What's going on. I got a weird call from Dad," he asked in a rush.

Jim put a hand on Steven shoulder and spoke the only way he could--straight. "Steven...Sally's been killed. Dad's in shock. They're taking him to the hospital now."

"Oh my God, Jim. What happened?" Steven asked in a voice heavy with shock.

"I don't know yet. Can you go to the hospital with Dad? I need to stay here and try to figure things out. I'll meet you there soon, okay?"

Steven nodded and climbed into the back of the ambulance. In a moment it was gone, leaving Jim staring after it. He felt an arm encircle his waist and looked down at his partner.

"Jim? Are you okay, man?"

"I have to be," Jim responded dully. "Help me examine the scene, Blair. I don't know..." Jim stopped. He didn't know how he could face the scene of Sally's death with any sort of control over his senses. One side of him wished he could just go to the hospital and leave this crime to the others, the other side him wanted to catch the person who did this and personally make them pay. He owed it to Sally to do his best here. He owed it to her.

"It's okay, Jim. I'll help you. I'll always help you." Blair said sincerely.

Jim nodded gratefully and with Blair at his side, turned to go back inside.

Jim and Blair arrived at the hospital two hours later. The sentinel was able to find his brother easily. The younger man was talking softly to the doctor when they walked into the elder Ellison's hospital room. Steven looked tired, but very glad to see his brother.

"Jim. I'm glad you're here," he said as he embraced the surprised detective. Steven wasn't normally so demonstrative. It caught Jim off-guard as he awkwardly returned the embrace. Blushing slightly, Steven pulled back and ran his hand through his hair. The younger man was obviously shaken by the events of the day. Jim patted his arm, then moved past him to his father.

William seemed to be resting comfortably. Steven appeared to Jim's right and joined him in looking down at their father. "The doctor sedated him. He came to in the ambulance and started to get irrational. He kept trying to get them to stop the ambulance. He was sure you were dead, Jim. We... I, kept telling him that you were fine but he got increasingly upset and the doctor felt it best to sedate him."

Jim nodded. His father looked so peaceful. He had rarely seen the man at peace. Always there was that barely hidden look of disappointment. Jim realized that wasn't fair. He was judging the man by how he was in the past. The man here seemed to have little in common with the hard father that Jim remembered from his youth. "I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to him. He obviously has some answers about what's been going on," Jim stated.

The sentinel caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and stepped away from the bed to join his partner by the door.

"I just talked to Simon, Jim," Blair whispered. "They just finished a sweep of the loft. They found another bomb man. This one was triggered by the phone." The young man fidgeted nervously.

Jim glanced over at his brother, who was watching them curiously, then back to Blair. "I think we'd better have Steven's apartment checked too. Will you give Simon a call?"

Blair nodded and left the room once again.

"Jim, what's going on here?" Steven asked.

Jim motioned for his younger brother to leave the room with him. He led the other man to a deserted waiting area, gesturing for his "bodyguard" to stay far enough away to afford them some privacy. Once there, he filled his brother in on the events of the past day and the morning.

Steven sat down heavily and rested his head in his hands. "Thank God you were able to find the bomb in time, Jim. I don't even want to think about the alternative. Yes, by all means have them check my apartment." Steven handed his keys over to Jim and the sentinel passed them over to his waiting partner. Blair took the keys without comment and went to give them to the plainclothes officer who was waiting. Jim returned to his brother and sat in the chair next to him.

"Listen, Steven, can you help us understand any of this? Was Dad having any problems that you know about?" Jim asked.

Steven dropped his hands and turned his head toward his brother. "You know Dad is retired?" Jim nodded and he continued. "Well, he still has a lot of influence with the company and still is one of the major shareholders. He's on the board even though he stepped down as Executive Officer. Most of the others still listen to him. Having Dad on your side in the boardroom usually makes the difference between passing a motion and not." Steven paused for a moment then went on. "I only know this because I have a relationship with one of the board members. I shouldn't even be passing on this information, Jim. It's all hearsay."

"Go on, Steven. I'll check out anything you tell me. I won't tell anyone where I got the information if it's possible, if that's what you're worried about?"

Steven looked over at Jim angrily. "What? Of course that's not what I'm concerned about, Jim!" He stood and paced in front of the older man. "I couldn't care less. Do you think I put propriety over Dad's life? Over your life? God, Jim, I thought we were finally getting to know each other, I guess we've got a long way to go."

Jim stood and stepped into his brother's path stopping his motion. "I didn't mean it that way, Steven. I just didn't want to make things more difficult for you. You can understand that can't you?"

Steven did nothing but examine Jim's face for a few moments then sighed and put his hand on his shoulder. "Sorry, Jimmy. I guess old habits die hard." He leaned forward and rested his forehead on his hand and Jim had the urge to hug his brother. To offer what comfort he could. Sally had meant a lot to the younger man. Steven was only a toddler when their mother had taken off. He never really had a chance to know her. In his mind, Sally was the closest thing to a mother that he ever had, even though their father reminded them enough times that she wasn't. Jim settled for patting Steven's back awkwardly.

"It's okay, Stevie. We're both on edge. Just tell me what you can."

Pulling away, Steven sat back down and rubbed his face. "Okay. It might not have anything to do with anything, anyway. Dad's company is in the middle of a takeover battle. Another company wants to merge with Ellison-Byers Inc. Dad's been fighting against the merger, the new Chief Executive Officer has been fighting for it. This is not small potatoes, Jim. We're talking a deal that could give certain parties millions of dollars."

"Enough to kill over," Jim stated quietly.

Steven nodded. "Yeah. That's all I really know, Jim. As you can imagine, I didn't really want to talk about Dad during our dates."

Jim smiled slightly. "No, I guess not. How are you and the old man getting along these days, anyway?"

"Better, Jim. I see him about once a week for dinner or something. It's been hard trying to get past all the crap when we were growing up but there comes a time when you've just got to try to let it go. If not for Dad then for yourself...you know?"

"Maybe someday, Stevie," Jim responded.

"Jim, just look at where we are. There may not be a lot of opportunities left to work things out with Dad. If that's what you want to do?"

"I don't know, Stevie. I honestly don't. Part of me wants to try, another part of me can't forgive what he's done. You don't understand."

"I'd like to, Jimmy. I really would. I know there's stuff between you and Dad that I don't understand. I just wish that you would trust me... just a little," he finished sadly.

Jim didn't know what to say. The urge to explain to Steven about his sentinel abilities and all that had happened was strong. But he couldn't do it. Not yet-- maybe not ever. He was saved by Blair's return.

"Am I interrupting anything?" he asked before coming too close.

"No," Steven said bitterly.

Blair gave the younger Ellison an odd look but came in and sat kiddy-corner to the men anyway. "They've started searching your place, Steven, but so far nothing." Blair looked from man to man, wondering what he had interrupted. Steven was slumped down in his chair, staring angrily ahead and Jim sat straight, looking at Blair, jaw clenched. He suddenly had a vision of the two men as children. All three men looked up as the doctor entered the waiting room.

"You're father is awake gentlemen and I think that seeing Detective Ellison would do him far more good than another sedative."

They quickly made their way to William's hospital room. Jim could hear him arguing with the nurse as they approached.

"I'll be fine as soon as you let me out of this damn bed."

"Mr. Ellison, please? The doctor will be back in a minute," a female voice implored.

Jim entered the room to find his father out of bed and half dressed. The harried nurse stood off to the side, and seemed extremely relieved to see them.

"Dad, what are you doing?" Steven asked, pushing his way past Jim and hurrying to his father's side to support the pale man.

Their father's eyes stayed on Jim. "You're okay then," the older man asked.

Jim stepped forward, feeling Blair pull away and leave the room. He wanted to grab his guide and ask him to stay. Instead he let him retreat, pleased when the young man stayed just outside the door. "I'm fine, Dad. Why would you ask that?"

His father paused then all emotion left his face. It was like he'd closed a door. "I was just worried about you and Steven, Jimmy. That's natural enough, isn't it?" Jim had the sudden urge to blurt out, 'since when,' but didn't have the chance even if he were so inclined.

"Sure it is, dad," Steven answered, cutting Jim off before he could speak. "Why don't you get back in bed?"

Jim glared at Steven. Old feelings bubbled up inside him. "No, that's not good enough, Dad. I need answers. What do you know about all this?"

Steven cut in again before the older Ellison could answer. "Surely this can wait, Jim. Dad's had a shock, he needs to rest."

"Steven!" Jim barked out sharply, startling the younger man into a sullen silence. "Dad?" He asked again.

"I don't know anything that can help you, Jim," William said quietly.

Jim tuned into his heart rate which sped noticeably with the lie. "Come on, Dad. I know you aren't telling me what you know. What are you doing? What are you hiding? I need to know everything if I'm going to catch this guy."

"I can't help you, Jimmy," his father responded emotionlessly.

"Can't? Won't, is more likely. I don't understand you. Sally's dead!" Jim stepped toward his father, unable to reign in his anger even as he saw his father flinch. "She's dead and still you won't help me!" His voice rose. His father blanched and Steven stepped between them.

"He said he didn't know anything, Jim. Back off!"

Jim stepped close to his brother, staring at him angrily. "Stay out of this, Steven. You don't know what you're talking about."

Steven stepped back, intimidated a bit by Jim's anger. Standing beside his father he glared at him. "Just like old times huh, Jimmy?"

Jim spun on his heel and strode out of the room, afraid of what he might do if he stayed. He felt Blair fall into step beside him as he stormed toward the exit. He didn't stop till he reached the truck then his anger left him suddenly, leaving behind exhaustion and sadness. He leaned against the truck, arms crossed and stared back at the hospital, his eyes automatically seeking out the room that belonged to his father. Blair mirrored his pose beside him.

"Well, that went well," Jim said humorlessly.

"Yeah, man, I heard. You guys didn't exactly keep your voices down. I'm sorry, Jim," Blair answered softly.

Jim nodded. "Two minutes together in the same room and we fall right back into the old patterns. How many times have I lived that little scene?" He shook his head sadly. "Even now, after all these years, we can't even come together over the death of someone we all loved. And the old man's still keeping secrets and lying to me."

"Jim, I know you don't want to hear this but maybe you should cut him a bit of slack. He and Sally were close, this has to be hitting him pretty hard."

"Damn it, Chief! All I want from the man is a little honesty. I know he knows something relevant to Sally's death and the attack on me. All I want is for once to have him trust me to get the job done. Is that too much to ask?" Jim spoke agitatedly.

"No, Jim. All I'm saying is that you should give him a little time, then go back and talk to him again, calmly. I'm on your side here, big guy, don't forget that." He put his hand on Jim's arm and squeezed gently to emphasize the point.

"I know, Chief. I don't mean to take it out on you, it's just seeing them again like that. It just brings up a lot of stuff I'd rather not deal with right now."

"Want to talk about it?" Blair asked.

"Not now." He looked down into the worried eyes of his guide. "I can handle it, Sandburg, don't look so concerned."

Blair nodded only half convinced but letting it go for the time being. "There's, Steven," he said, pointing toward the younger Ellison as he jumped into his sports car and sped away.

"I thought he'd stay with Dad longer," Jim responded then turned his attention to his father's window. Blair stayed quiet, realising that Jim was checking on his Dad in his own way. Jim focussed on the window to his father room and saw him on the phone. Piggybacking his hearing onto his line of sight, he tuned into the conversation.

"You think you can strong-arm me, you little shit? Well think again. We Ellison's are made stronger than that. I won't do it!"

A laughing sigh came from the other end of the connection. "Not only are you pig-headed but you're also stupid, old man. I guess killing a servant wasn't enough." The voice got harder. "Don't say I didn't give you a enough chances to save your son's life."

"What?" William asked urgently.

"I thought that the near escape yesterday would have been enough to convince you but I guess something more permanent is in order."

"Don't fuck with me, Andrews!" William yelled.

While focusing intently on his father's conversation Jim missed the squeal of tires off to his right. He was pulled away from the rest of his father's conversation by hands that grabbed him around the waist and forced him to the ground.

"Jim, look out!" Blair yelled as he threw himself toward his partner. They both went down under a spray of bullets. The machine gun was pulled back into the car and their assailants sped away from the returning fire of Jim and Blair's bodyguards.

Blair lay still for a moment, his arms still around his partner. The shock of the sudden attack subsided and he took stock of his body, relieved to find no pain.

It took him a total of five seconds to realize that his sentinel didn't jump up to return fire, or roll over to cover him. Instead his partner lay unmoving in his arms.

"Jim!" Blair shouted, his voice filled with dread.

"Oh God, Jim," Blair moaned as he turned his partner over. The officers stood over them, their guns still drawn--on guard in case the car decided to make a second run. Blair felt something wet and sticky--blood. "Please be alright, Jim, please, please, please," he chanted.

"Help's on the way, kid," one of the police officers said from somewhere above him.

Blair's eyes stayed locked on the still form of his partner. There was blood on his forehead and more soaking through his shirt. He pulled out his handkerchief and pressed it against Jim's head. Through the clothing, he couldn't tell whether the other wound was to Jim's chest or shoulder. "Shoulder, be his shoulder," Blair whispered as he pulled aside the shirt. He breathed in sharply when's Jim's upper chest came into view. "It's his shoulder," he said to the approaching doctor in a shaky voice. "Thank, God," he added quietly. Blair allowed himself to be pushed aside as the medical team went to work, waving away the nurse who headed his way to see if he was injured.

"Jim!"

"Blair's head whipped around at the scream. Mr. Ellison ran over to them.

"Oh my god, what have I done?" he moaned as he watched them loading his son onto the stretcher. Tearing his eyes away from Jim, he spotted Blair off to the side. The young man wrapped his arms around his stomach-shivering-and waited for the man to reach him. "Blair, what happened?" the older man asked urgently as he grabbed Blair's arm in a punishing grip.

Blair tried to get himself under control enough to answer. He looked down at himself. He was covered in blood. Jim's blood. He could feel the wetness on his hands. His eyes locked on his partner and he was afraid to speak... afraid that he would lose it completely if forced to speak.

The doctor finished securing Jim and began wheeling him towards the hospital door. Blair tried to pull away from Jim's father so that he could follow.

"Blair! Tell me what happened?" William grabbed his other arm and shook him. Blair struggled to pull away but the older man's grip was surprisingly strong.

"Let... me... go!" he yelled. Pulling sharply, he jerked free suddenly and found himself on the ground.

"What's going on here?" a stern voice asked.

Blair looked up and met Simon's eyes. He held out his hands so that the captain could see the blood. "Jim's hurt," he said in a small voice.

The captain reached down and helped Blair to his feet. "Are you hurt?" he asked taking in the young man's bloody appearance.

"No," Blair answered, feeling the world snap back into focus. "No," he said more firmly. He turned to William. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ellison. Let's talk inside, I need to be near Jim." With that he ran after the disappearing gurney, leaving the two men to follow at a slower pace.

Simon and William found him again, questioning the nurse. With a frustrated exhale of breath, he turned away from the unhelpful woman and crossed to them, falling heavily into a chair against the wall. Simon and William stood in front of him.

"What happened, Sandburg?" Simon asked finally. He had been on his way to the hospital and heard about the shooting on his police scanner. He had arrived just in time to witness the scene between Sandburg and the elder Ellison in the parking lot. At the time, it looked as if Jim's father had pushed Blair down. He had stormed over to them full of anger. Simon would never admit it but he felt a strange sense of protectiveness toward the observer.

"We were just talking, Simon. I saw a car pull into the lot. It picked up speed when it turned and I just had time to see the gun before I tried to push Jim out of the way. Too late, " Blair finished miserably.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Blair. From the look of Jim's truck, if you hadn't acted so quickly, he'd probably be dead right now," Simon said frankly, ignoring the young man's wince. "What I don't understand is, why the two of you were out there in plain sight, after yesterday?"

Mr. Ellison, who had been standing quietly, whipped his head around to stare at Simon. "What happened yesterday?"

"Jim didn't tell you?" Simon asked. "No, of course he didn't. Someone tried to kill Jim and Blair yesterday. They found a bomb in Jim's truck. It may be connected to Sally's death, it seems rather too coincidental not to be, though we have no real proof either way right now."

Mr. Ellison put out his hand and steadied himself against the wall. Simon looked at him curiously. "If you know anything about this, Sir, now is the time to pass it on."

William was saved from answering as Blair jumped out of his chair and bolted over to the approaching doctor.

"Mr. Sandburg?" The doctor asked, making a guess that the panicked young man in front of him was the person he was looking for. He recognized Captain Banks, and assumed the older gentleman behind Mr. Sandburg was the patient's father.

"Yeah, that's me," the young man said quickly. "How is he?"

The doctor smiled and Blair felt his tension ease. "He's going to be fine, Mr. Sandburg. He has a slight concussion from the bullet that grazed his forehead and he has lost a bit of blood from the gunshot wound to his shoulder, but overall he should recover fully without too much difficulty. Thankfully, the bullet passed straight through his shoulder. Your Mr. Ellison is a very lucky man."

William frowned at the use of the word 'your'. He stepped forward.

"I'm William Ellison-Jim's father. Perhaps you should be directing your questions and comments to me?" He made the question sound like a statement of fact.

The doctor glanced at William, then back to Blair. Obviously there was a bit of tension there. He spoke to the older man. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ellison, but your son's medical files are very precise. Mr. Sandburg is listed as his medical contact. He has full authority over Jim's medical care if he cannot speak for himself."

William reeled with the implications of that and turned and met Blair's equally shocked eyes. He didn't know, William realized. The older man felt the blow deep within himself. His son cared more for his 'partner' than he did for his own family. The extent of his failure hit him hard and he turned away.

Blair grabbed his arm. "Mr. Ellison, please don't go. Jim will want to see you," he implored.

William shook his head and looked back into the earnest eyes of the young man for a moment. "Thank you for saying that, Blair, but unfortunately, I don't think so." He patted the hand of the man who obviously meant so much to his son and refused to think about exactly how close they might be. "I'm going to go back to my room for a bit, I'll come by later," he relented. "Tell Jimmy..." He stopped then started again after a moment. "Tell Jimmy, I'm glad he's okay." With a quick squeeze of Blair's hand he walked away.

Blair turned back to the doctor. "Is Jim awake?"

The doctor smiled again. "Yes, he is and he'd like to see you." He put out his hand to stop Blair from racing to Detective Ellison's room. "We need to keep him overnight for observation. Maybe you can get him to stop trying to get out of the bed to get dressed so that he can go home?" The doctor stepped aside good naturally and gestured for Blair to go in.

"I'm going to check in with the department, Blair. I'll be back later," Simon said.

"Thanks, Simon," Blair responded absently, already heading for his partner's room.

As Blair stepped into the hospital room, Jim's eyes snapped open. The young man came to a stop beside the bed and grabbed Jim's hand, holding it tightly between his own.

"You okay?" Jim asked, his gaze travelling over his partner.

"Oh man, Jim," Blair said shakily. "Here you are looking like you just came through a war zone and you ask if I'm okay?" Jim was naked to the waist, showing off the heavy bandage covering his shoulder. His side and neck were bruised from the fall and his head sported stitches. His appearance was topped off by the sentinel's paleness due to loss of blood. The overall effect forced Blair to face just how easily Jim could have died. One second there, the next gone. He gripped his partner's hand more tightly and sat quickly in the chair beside the bed, afraid that his legs would fail him.

"Well, are you?" Jim asked again.

"Am I what?"

Jim rolled his eyes in such a traditional Jim-like fashion that Blair had to smile. "Are you okay? You're not shot or anything?" the older man asked again, exasperated.

"I'm fine, Jim. No holes. You got the worst of this one." Blair paused, then continued more quietly. "I'm sorry." He felt the need to apologize. If he had of acted quicker...

"For what?" Jim interrupted his self-recrimination. "It was my own damn stupidity. How many times have you told me not to concentrate exclusively on one sense? I was so involved in trying to hear what my old man was saying I didn't even hear the car. If you hadn't pulled me down..." He left the rest unsaid. The speech seemed to exhaust the sentinel.

Blair didn't say anything for a few moments. When he did, Jim's eyelids were already drooping. "Why'd you list me as your next of kin, Jim?"

Jim struggled to concentrate on the question. "You are, Sandburg. Sorry if it bothers you."

"No man, it's the nicest thing you've ever not said to me, Jim."

"Huh?" Jim asked, not able to even attempt to make sense of that response.

"You really trust me that much?" Blair asked, leaning closer as the older man opened his mouth to answer.

"Course, Chief, you're my partner... love you," he murmured, losing the battle with his exhaustion.

Blair sat stunned, as the older man drifted off to sleep.

An hour later, Blair shook his head and realised he was still sitting in the same position, staring at his sleeping partner, no closer to deciphering what Jim's words meant. He wanted to believe that his friend meant that he loved him--that he was in love with him. Unfortunately, the more that he thought about it the more likely it seemed that he was saying he loved him as a friend and partner. In the end, there was no way he could figure it out until he could talk to his partner. When Jim woke up, he would find a way to discover the truth. That decided, Blair went into the bathroom to wash away the blood that had dried on his hands.

He just finished scrubbing what felt like half the skin off his hands, when he heard a man's voice in the other room. Worried for Jim's safety, he quietly opened the door and peered around the corner. He was relieved to see Jim's father sitting beside his son's bed, holding his hand as the sentinel slept. Blair stepped back into the bathroom to dry his hands before going out to greet Mr. Ellison. He was captured by the sorrow and worry in the older man's voice and stopped what he was doing so that he could concentrate on his words.

"Jimmy, I don't know what to do? It wasn't supposed to be like this, you know. When your mom and I got married we had it all mapped out. Get married at 22 straight out of University, start a business at 25, have our first child at 27, retire at 50 and spend the rest of our time travelling and spending time with our children and their families." He paused as if collecting his thoughts.

Blair knew he should step forward but he didn't want to disturb the other man. Somehow he knew that if he interrupted Mr. Ellison now, what he needed to say would never be said. Keeping his silence Blair leaned against the doorjamb and listened.

"I can't pinpoint exactly when it all began to unravel. I guess I was too engrossed in my company to notice Grace slipping away. Before I knew it, your mom was gone and I was left to raise two boys alone. I know you hate me for what I did to you Jimmy... when I think back, I can see how badly I failed you. I can't even recognize that man." His voice got quieter, filled with pain. "All I wanted was for my sons to grow up to be strong and independent men. For you and Stevie to lead normal and happy lives. When you started being able to see and hear things that no one else could, I got scared. Scared that people would find out, and yes, I'm ashamed to admit it now... scared that our family would become a laughing stock. Most of all though Jimmy, I was scared that you would be hurt." He sighed and Blair could clearly hear the regret in the sound. Blair felt an overwhelming urge to go out and comfort the man but he knew his action would not be appreciated so he stayed still.

"I guess you were hurt anyway, weren't you Jimmy... I never dreamed that I would be the cause of your hurt. All I wanted was for you to have a normal life. Age does something for you, I guess. I can see that time so clearly now. It's so long ago, yet sometimes, it feels so close to me. I can almost reach out and touch it... change it... but I know that's not possible. I've driven a wedge between us that no matter how much I want to, I can never fix. Instead of protecting you, I took something from you and from myself. I can see now that I'll never get my boys back. I'll have to accept that. What I don't have to accept is this situation. The person who did this to you will pay, Jimmy. I can't fix what's happened in the past but I can fix this. I won't stand by and see you hurt because of me again." He leaned forward and rested his forehead on his son's hand. "I won't fail you again, Jimmy, I swear I won't." He pulled back and stood to leave but froze when he felt a pressure on his hand.

Jim 's eyes opened slowly and William looked away, afraid to see the loathing he felt in his heart, reflected in his son's eyes.

"Dad," Jim croaked. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Dad... I don't hate you. I'm not sure how to let go of the past but I don't hate you."

Mr. Ellison drew his hand away from Jim. "I meant what I said, Jimmy. I'm going to take care of this." He gestured towards Jim's injuries. "I swear I will."

"No, Dad, don't do anything foolish. If you know something, call Simon Banks. Last thing I need is you getting yourself killed."

William pulled back his jacket to show Jim the handle of a gun. The sentinel's fear for his father grew. He tried to sit up but was overcome by dizziness. His father turned to leave and Jim desperately called out to his partner. He knew the young man was near-by. "Blair!"

Blair took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom and into Mr. Ellison's path. The older man stopped in surprise. Blair held up his hands after a quick glance at the bed to ensure Jim was okay. "Why don't we all sit down and talk about this, Mr. Ellison?"

He seemed to consider the request for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I've said what I came here to say, now I need to protect my family."

"Listen," Blair said urgently, his eyes taking in the exposed gun. "Getting yourself shot is not going to help your family. You have a chance here to have a relationship again with your sons. Do you want to throw that away?"

"You wouldn't understand, Sandburg. I've got to make it up to Jimmy. I've got to prove to him that he's important to me. I can't stand by and do nothing." He fingered his gun.

Surprised, Blair blurted out, "are you going to pull that on me, Mr. Ellison? Will that make it up to Jim?"

"If I have to... I don't want to hurt you, Blair, get out of my way."

Blair shook his head. He didn't believe Jim's father would do it. He would not pull a gun on his son's best friend. They stood in stalemate for a moment until a crash behind them broke the tension.

After looking over William's shoulder at Jim, Blair bolted across the room to his partner. Jim stood on wobbly legs, having already knocked the pitcher of water off the night table. He arrived to his side just as the sentinel began to crumble. Catching him around the waist, he eased the larger man back onto the bed.

"God, Jim, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Jim shook his head a bit to clear it. The loss of blood hit him harder than he had thought. He definitely would have taken a header if Blair hadn't been there. "He would have done it, Chief," he said frankly, still holding onto his partner's shoulders as the room slowed its spinning.

"Your father wouldn't hurt me, Jim."

"Not on purpose, no, I don't think so but once a gun is drawn..."

They both remembered the older man at the same time and looked over to find the room empty, except for themselves.

"Damn it. Stupid son of a bitch," Jim swore. "What in the hell does he think he's doing?" Jim allowed Blair to ease him back onto the bed. To be honest, his head was spinning too much to resist.

"I think he's just trying to protect you, Jim."

Jim sighed and laid back. "Damn, I should have just told him I forgive him."

"Is that the truth?" Blair asked as he reached for the phone.

"No. I really want to, Chief, but I keep coming back to how much he hurt me that day when he forced me to hide my senses. Not just then but it's colored everything I've done since then."

"Lying to him is not the way to go, if you ever hope to rebuild something between you. You can't expect to--and he can't expect you to--get over a lifetime of hurt in a few months. It'll take time to get past this, Jim, but if you both are willing you will get past it."

"Maybe, Chief. Sometimes it really doesn't seem worth all the aggravation and effort. Will you call Simon and let him know what happened?"

"Already underway, my friend," Blair said as he finished dialing and waited for their Captain to answer. Once he had finished and Simon had promised to subtly keep an eye out for Jim's father, he glanced back at his partner in time to see the older man sit up and attempt to swing his legs off the bed. Handing up the phone quickly Blair grabbed his friend.

"Whoa, whoa big fella, what do you think you're doing?"

"Come on, Sandburg... let go," the bigger man said as he looked down at the hand on his thigh... his bare thigh, he realised, since his boxers had ridden up. Jim wasn't surprised to note that it felt good to have his partner touch him. He wished he had the nerve to ask Blair to touch him in an even more intimate place.

Finally Blair seemed to notice where his restraining hand had fallen and pulled it back abruptly. He ran his hand nervously through his hair and Jim bit off a chuckle. He carefully, and slowly this time, stood. His legs were shaky but seemed to hold up alright. He reached out and grabbed Blair's shoulder to steady himself and was happy when the young man didn't pull away.

"You know I can't stay here. I've got to find my father." Jim stated.

Blair pulled away and Jim carefully made his way to the closet and withdrew his clothing.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Jim. You're still too weak."

"I'm fine," Jim lied, dialing down the pain in his head and shoulder. He sat down on the bed and congratulated himself on completing the journey without doing a face-plant on the floor. "I'm going to find my dad with or without your help."

Blair watched him as he leaned over and attempted to pull on his pants. Each time he bent over the room spun uncontrollably and he had to sit back up.

"You were saying?" Blair asked after the forth try.

Jim glanced over at his partner trying for his best pathetic look. "I was saying that I'm going to find my dad and I need your help."

"That's what I thought you said," Blair grinned back at him and stepped over to the bed to assist his partner in dressing. "This definitely isn't a good idea but I know that you'll go anyway, even if it kills you. I think the odds of that happening are slightly less if I'm along to help you and that's the only reason I'm going along with this." Blair talked quickly trying to distract himself as he pulled Jim's pants over the older man's buttocks. He really didn't want to get an erection right then but the act of helping the man he'd lusted after for so long put on his pants was intoxicating. Blair jumped as his partner shifted his weight and the sentinel's leg brushed his groin.

Jim froze and Blair looked down in dismay at the tell-tale hardness... too late.

Continued in part two.