Author's webpage: http://internetdump.com/users/k9
Author's disclaimer: Petfly owns, cuz God hates me and won't let me win Lotto, in spite of the fact that she's a slasher too, and she knows damn good and well what I'd do with the money from my winnings, but oh, no, some dumb bowling team in some corner of California will win, and you know damn good and well that they will then vote down same sex marriages.....(uh, no offense to Bowlers everywhere.....
Author's notes: No 'puter for xmas (I told you God hates me) so who knows how many real parts this will take. And yes, there is Jim angst, Blair owwies, h/c up the gumpstump and just so that you understand, I love Jim and to me, he is my superhero, so that's why I usually hurt poor Blair, cuz I just can't stand to hurt my Jim. Okay? Warning: You really shouldn't push innocent children out of the way just so that you can get to Santa's lap first, even if you know the guy under the red suit and you've wanted to sit on that lap for years. Why shouldn't you push innocent children out of the way? Cuz, they spit farther and faster than you do, that's why.
One is a Lonely Number
4:30pm - Christmas Eve
Okay, time to start counting my blessings.....
So how bad could things really be? Well, now that you've asked.......
They may not be able to get me out before the other half of the house
caves in.....and I could have a broken back, and I hate small confined
spaces, and this definitely fits that description.....and I can't see
a blasted thing, but that could be a blessing, and let's not forget it's
Christmas Eve, but I was going to be alone anyway, so I'm still alone,
stuck in mud, which I can't feel, with half a house on top of me. Of
course, there's no one to talk to, but me, which could also be a good
thing, cuz there's no one to say, "Shut up, Sandburg".........
"shut up, sandburg," he whispered softly into the dark.
A rumbling sound sent more dirt and mud down on the trapped man, who
scrunched his eyes shut, trying to keep the dirt out. He couldn't move
his hands, to shield his face, but he could just barely turn his head,
keeping as much of the dirt out of his nostrils as possible. A moment
later - quiet.
He carefully reopened his eyes, hoping to see light from above him, but
saw - nothing. Just the darkness he was getting used to.
"Well, Stan, this is another fine mess you've gotten me into.....".
~~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~
December 22, 1999
Jim Ellison climbed out of the truck, reached over, grabbed up the brown
bags, shut and locked the door and started for his home. As he
approached the lobby, he glanced up and noted that Sandburg had turned
on all the Christmas lights, and he allowed a small smile. Dusk was rapidly
turning into night, and a sharp, cold wind was coming off the bay, but
as he gazed at the lights adorning the balcony, he could already feel
the welcoming warmth of the loft. He could already smell home, the spicy,
sweet smell, and he knew how it would feel - warm and safe, especially
once a certain pair of arms wrapped around him.......
His steps quickened as he hurried inside, eager to be home....
As he rode up the elevator, he opened his hearing, hoping to listen in
on some Blairtalk. He'd found that he thoroughly enjoyed listening
in on Blair's conversations with himself. He'd never done this Sentinel
Eavesdropping before, but since becoming lovers this last August, while
on a case at Lake Chelan, he'd found out what a trip Blair's little talks
could be....So far he'd found out what Blair thought of Connor's newest
boyfriend, "Yuck!" and about Blair's feelings on the latest news from
Hawaii, "Oh, man, this sucks! But isn't that what you get from fearbased
decisions made by ignorant people?" and of particular
interest, Blair's feelings on the merits of the male form, as
represented by one James Joseph Ellison. It appeared that Blair really
loved his arms and hands and that no one was more surprised than Blair,
who'd always thought he'd be concentrating on an area a bit lower.....
Jim was grinning broadly now as he stepped out of the elevator. But his
grin changed as the sounds that came from behind the door to #307 were most definitely not
Christmas sounds.
Instead of "The Sounds of Christmas" he was hearing "Smooth" by Santana.
And voices. As in more than Blair's.
"....I'm never going to get this. Where does this hand go again?"
Now Jim could hear Blair......
"Down here, right on my hip, that's it....no, lower...."
"Got it! How close?"
"Closer, Joel. That's it, now slide your leg....yes, right in there,
perfect! Now we're in perfect position."
Okay, thought Jim, that's it! He fumbled with his key, dropping the bags
in the process, and finally got key in door, shoulder to door and door
shoved open.....and stumbled in.
The picture that greeted him was almost worse than he'd imagined.....
Joel Taggert, his old and trusted friend, had one arm around the waist
of one Blair Sandburg, Jim's current and forever sextoy. Joel's right
hand was gripping the hip that belonged to Jim, while Joel's left hand
was holding the hand that belonged to Jim, and the two men were standing
so close together, not even Sentinel sight could distinguish between
them!
"Now," Blair said, "Can you feel the beat?" And using his hips, he moved
Joel's body slightly, waiting for the big man to move with the music.
"Yeah, man. That's it, you've got it, just like that.....okay, now you
want to guide my steps backward....."
Shit, and fuck. Blair was teaching Joel how to dance. Blood vessels
dilated, lungs expanded, blood pressure dropped to normal.......
Jim Ellison gave a small sigh of relief, then leaned back to enjoy the
show. After all, it was dancing that had brought them together.....and
even after four months, Jim couldn't get enough of those hips......and
those hips moving to Santana? Oh, yeah, definitely beat hot apple cider
and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"....
Jim relaxed and if the vision before him was somewhat odd, what with
big, gentle Joel Taggert holding the shorter, slender, pale Blair Sandburg
in his arms......At that moment, Joel took Blair's fingers and lightly
twirled the younger man, both of them laughing now, and the movement
brought them both around, facing the front door, and Jim.
"Hey, Jim. Joel's looking pretty good, huh?"
"Oh, yeah, real good, Chief. The hard core criminals are gonna quake
in their boots at this new restraining technique."
"That's what Joel and I thought."
Blair unwound himself from Joel's arms, shut off the stereo, then plopped
down on the couch with a little, "whew".
"Man, a policeman's life is never done, right Joel?"
"Amen. And thanks Blair. I think I can handle it now."
Jim slipped out of his jacket and as he hung it up, he asked, "Okay,
what's really going on behind this Astaire and Rogers act? And yes, Hairboy,
you're Rogers."
"....Astaire, Jim. I'm definitely Astaire."
Joel found himself smiling, as he enjoyed the famous Ellison~Sandburg
patter. It seemed to have been missing for the last couple of months,
but it was certainly in good form today.
"Uh, Blair? Maybe I should put Jim out of his misery?...." Blair
interrupted with an added, "Oh, let's," but Joel ignored him as he finished,
"And tell him what's going on....".
"Dammit, Joel, I wasn't going to tell Jim about the two of us until after
the holidays."
Taggert shot Blair a dirty look, somewhat diluted by obvious affection,
and said, "Like he'd believe us? With that new woman in Accounting
breathing down your neck?" Joel turned to Jim, rolled his eyes and explained,
"See, I've been seeing, well, I'm dating...".
"....Karen Phillips," Blair assisted.
"um, yes, Karen Phillips. And I'm, I've invited her to the party....."
"...your dad is throwing for Major Crimes....," Blair cut in again.
"And I don't know how to, um, er, you know...."
"Dance?" Jim offered, beating out Sandburg by a milisecond.
"Dance. So Blair's been teaching me."
"And Joel, you are so ready. You're gonna sweep her off her feet, trust
me."
Joel grinned happily, then checked his watch.
"Oh, man, I'm late. I'm supposed to pick up Simon, take him shopping
for Kisha's Christmas present." He was still talking, thanking Blair
as he grabbed his jacket, plucked up his keys and said his good-bye's.
As the door closed behind Taggert, Jim shook his head in amusement and
plopped down beside Blair. He picked up Blair's legs, shoved off the
younger man's shoes and began to massage dance tired feet.
"Man, I love Sentinel fingers. You do realize we could make a fortune
if we went into the massage business?" Blair purred.
Jim chuckled, concentrating on working the ball of Blair's right foot.
"Why do I think you could make a fortune ten times over with these senses
of mine?"
He missed the quick frown that crossed Sandburg's features and the sudden
stiffness. Slowly Blair moved his legs away from Jim, who looked up in
surprise. Sandburg stood and made a show of stretching....
"How about some clam chowder and corn bread for dinner? I've got all
the fixin's."
"Oh Shit!" Jim threw himself up and rushed the door, "I forgot our dinner.
I brought Chinese." He threw open the door and retrieved the fallen food.
"Still in one piece, but cold, Chief."
"Hey, no problem, we can heat it up." Blair took the bags into the kitchen
and fifteen minutes later they sat down to warmed up Moo Goo Gai Pan
and Egg Rolls.
As Blair dipped an egg roll, he asked, "Pretty nice of your dad to arrange
the New Year's Eve party for the gang, eh?"
"mmm", was the best Jim could say, what with a mouthfull of food.
"I mean, basically, citizens say thank you when the police save the day,
they don't generally throw parties."
"mmmm."
"I suppose they could throw parties, but they don't."
"mmm."
"So when they do, I would suspect other reasons......"
Jim stopped chewing, swallowed and stared. Blair seemed to be busy swirling
sweet and sour sauce with his eggroll.
"Other reasons? Such as?"
Blair looked up innocently and said, "Oh, like maybe they'd want to send
a message, maybe...to like, a relative, maybe....."
"Like....a son?"
"Like a son."
"And that message would be?"
"Oh, I don't know....I'm just guessing here..."
"Umph," Jim snorted loudly, but Blair went on as if he hadn't heard the
snort of derision, "But maybe a father was trying to say how proud he
was of his son....how sorry he might be, and that he....loved him, maybe."
When Jim didn't respond, Blair shrugged and repeated, "maybe."
Jim shook his head sadly, "You know, Chief, any connection between your
reality and the world's is purely coincidental."
Blair looked at his Sentinel, a certain sadness behind the gaze and shrugged
again, "I'm just saying...maybe. I think you're dad wants to move a bit
faster.....with you. He loves you, Jim. And he's trying to make it better.
That's all I'm saying." He got up and took his plate into the kitchen,
followed by Jim, who'd cleared away the rest of the food and repackaged
it.
"Sandburg, I sometimes wonder about you. Dad is grateful. We saved his
company and he's - well, grateful."
"And proud. Of you. So, the party. Accept it, Jim. Your dad loves you
and wants to move faster at the reconcilliation." Blair emptied the trash
under the sink, as Jim turned on the water and rinsed the dishes before
putting them into the dishwasher. "Maybe. You could be - right. But maybe
he's just indulging in some good PR."
Blair shook his head at the stupidity of his partner. "Man, you are so.....",
but he didn't finish, the ringing phone interrupting his words. Jim wiped
his hands and picked up the phone.
"Ellison."
Blair finished up in the kitchen, but some of Jim's words caught his
attention.
"Look, Dad, yes, I know......but, okay, let me get back to you....he
is? Well, I'll call you back, okay? No, no, I'll, think about it....yes,
I know, just let me - call you back. Right. Bye."
The phone was replaced, but Jim stayed by the small table, gazing down
at the machine as if it were alive.
"Jim?" Blair walked up behind the larger man, but didn't put his arms
around him, the way he wanted to, choosing instead to rest one hand on
Jim's back.
"Jim? Is everything all right?"
"Yes. That was Dad. He wants me to spend Christmas with him and Steven,
at the house."
Jim still hadn't turned, hadn't removed his eyes from the phone.
"But that's great, Jim. Just what you guys need."
Sandburg's words penetrated Jim's haze and he whirled around. "Blair,
it's, I mean...you're not serious?"
Blair knew what Jim wasn't saying. In the four months since becoming
lovers, they'd not confided in anyone.. As it had happened, Simon, Rafe
and Kisha had all missed Jim's little walk and subsequent tongue
dancing with Blair at Karen Phillips resort, and the rest of the weekend
they'd been very discreet. Upon their return to Cascade, Blair had been
subjected to a lengthy speech by Jim on why they needed to keep their
new relationship a secret. And he'd understood. And now, Jim was being
asked by his father to spend Christmas with him. Which would mean no
Blair. You don't bring your work partner to your family for Christmas,
especially when William Ellison had still not forgiven Blair for the
dissertation fiasco.
Now Blair looked up into the worried blue eyes of the man he loved more
than his own life, and nodded, "Yes, Jim, I'm serious. This is important
to you and your dad. It's been slow go rebuilding your
relationship....."
"Chief, you know I haven't told him about us."
Blair took a step back, needing the distance for courage. "Yes, Jim,
I know. And I know how he feels about me, period. Since," his hand waved
aimlessly about, "well, since you know....and that's okay, you wouldn't
bring your partner with you anyway," Blair's words were flying over each
other now, as he tried to make himself understood, "and Naomi will probably
arrive sometime on the 24th, and heck, Jim, we'll have plenty of Christmases
together, but you've got this one chance with your dad, and you need
this...."
Jim smiled and held up his hands in surrender, "Okay, motormouth, I get
it....".
"So, you'll go?" Blair managed to put every ounce of sincerity he owned
into the question.
"If you're sure?"
"Like I said, Naomi will arrive and we'll have," he paused slightly,
then rushed on, "some needed time, so yes, I'm sure."
"You didn't tell me Naomi was coming, Chief."
Blair glanced up innocently, "Didn't I? Must have slipped my mind. But
you tend to have selective hearing when my mother's name comes up....."
Ellison's eyebrow arched quizzically, but Blair just scooted past and
held up the phone.
"Call him back, Jim."
Jim took the phone and with a "umph", dialed his father.
+++++++++++++++++++
5:15pm - Christmas Eve
Water had started to seep in, under the mud, and blessing number one
was now history.
Blair Sandburg was now officially cold and wet.
He'd managed to free one hand, and it was now absently digging into the
squishy mud. Blair had begun to hear noises from above, like machinery,
maybe? And hoped that meant imminient rescue.
As fingers pressed the mud, he thought back through the last four months
and marveled at how difficult it had been for him to not tell anyone
about he and Jim. He'd wanted to....so badly, and not telling anyone
had become like a denial of them, and he'd already dealt with one denial,
at the press conference all those months ago.....now to deny their relationship,
well, it had been a strain. Actions he'd want to take, he'd had to stifle.
Words, touches, all - stifled. Even at home, unless they were upstairs
in bed, he'd had to curtail his natural touchy-feely self.
Blair sighed into the darkness, and thought about all the gentle touches
he'd held back, so afraid that if he gave in at home, he'd crack at work
and embarrass Jim.
But now, he'd come to realize it was for the best. Because in the last
several weeks, he'd realized that Jim was not in love with Blair. In
four months, Jim had not said it. Because Jim had never lied to Blair.
Blair felt the mud sucking him down, getting squishier as the water from
above soaked through. He idly contemplated how much time he had, and
was again grateful that Jim was at his father's.
The noise was getting closer, but the mud was rising, and it would appear
that there was a competition going......rescue or mud?
Blair decided to sing.......
"i'll be home for christmas, you can plan on me......", and Blair wondered
why he could feel moisture on his cheeks.
December 22, 1999
Jim waited for the connection and as it started to ring on the other
end, he gave his partner one of his patented, "Why do I listen to you"
looks. Blair ignored him and went about tidying up.
"Dad? Yeah, it's me. It looks like we're a go....what? On the
twenty-third? At the country club?" Jim caught Blair's look, which clearly
said, "yes, you big doofus", and answered his father with a, "Well, okay,
yeah, that'll work. So I'll meet you and Steven at about five thirty
tomorrow night. No, no problem getting off a bit
early....provided the criminals play fair. Right, dad," and Jim
chuckled. Then at William Ellison's next words, Jim turned away a bit,
so that he wasn't facing Blair and said, "No, dad. Yes, I'm
sure.....Sandburg has - plans...no, I understand.....yes, see you then.
Bye."
Blair continued to wipe down, his hand movement barely stalling at the
words, at their obvious meaning. And he couldn't really blame William
Ellison. Blair rather suspected that Jim hadn't entirely forgiven him
either. It had been a close call, after all. He was so intent on his
thoughts that he didn't realize Jim had come up behind him until the
older man took the cloth from his hand.
"This one spot is clean, Chief. Trust me. And if your goal is China?
There are much easier ways."
"Oh, yeah, sorry. So, want to get the tree tonight? And if you think
about it, Jim, we now get two Christmas', which is really cool."
"Leave it to you to figure out that you get to celebrate twice. And can
the tree wait? I've a killer headache, Sandburg."
"Shit, Jim, why didn't you say something earlier? Is it your senses?
Too many lights on in the loft? The Chinese food?" A hand clamped to
his mouth stopped the flow. "None of the above, Chief. Just a good, old
fashioned headache. Okay?"
The hand dropped down and Blair nodded, "Right. Sorry. Why don't you
go upstairs, lie down, I'll dim the lights, and maybe you can get a
headstart on sleep."
"Sounds good, Sandburg. Come up when you're ready."
Blair watched Jim climb the stairs, his steps heavy. He should have noticed
the headache, that was his job. Damn. He quickly moved about, hitting
lights, locking up, and when he was finished, he stood for a few moments,
listening as Jim crawled into bed, and a moment later, as the light upstairs
went out, Blair walked over to the balcony and stood, gazing out over
their city.
What was that old lyric? Be careful what you wish for, because you might
get it? Well, how long had he wanted Jim? And now that he had
him......he didn't. And how can someone in love, feel so lonely? Love
isn't supposed to feel this way, is it? Aren't you supposed to feel connected?
Bonded? Two halves suddenly whole?
Blair had spent most of his life alone. But rarely lonely. New
neighborhoods, new friends, new schools, new everything. He'd learned
to make friends with himself, because sometimes, he was all that he'd
had. But in the back of his mind, was the thought that he'd someday find
that other half of himself, and he'd no longer be alone. But love didn't
promise anything. And it didn't solve anything either. Blair Sandburg
was still alone. Even when he was sitting right next to the man he loved.
Christmas lights colored the city, and the bay, and while the sight usually
lifted Blair's spirits, tonight they only served to remind. Remind him
that he'd lied to Jim. Naomi wasn't coming, hadn't even called him. Blair
had not heard from his mother since she'd left that Friday after the
press conference. She hadn't returned a single call, letter or email.
Upstairs, Jim tossed and turned. His headache was tightening it's hold,
and the need for Blair's healing hands almost made him cry out. But he
didn't. Something was wrong and Jim was too aware that the something
might be him. Blair was holding back from Jim, holding back words, touches,
gestures and truth. And the possible reason was more than Jim wanted
to face right now.....he closed his eyes tightly, forcing those bright
lights behind his lids, bit back a moan and then sighed as the bed dipped,
and a cold cloth was draped over his eyes. "It's okay, Jim, I'm here.....sssh,
don't say anything, just listen to my voice.....", and fingers smoothed
Jim's temples, lips kissed his brow lightly, and strong arms shifted
his body until he was resting against Sandburg's chest. The beating of
his lover's heart lulled him......and the words warmed him, "Love you,
Jim, just relax, let me help.....love you.....".
Jim slept.
~~~~~^^^^~~~~~^~~^~~^~~
5:30pm - Christmas Eve
He could feel the mud creeping up....which was ridiculous, because of
course, he couldn't feel anything....it was just his imagination.
He should sing some more......
"You're all I want for Christmas......." his voice went on, remembering
all the lyrics, and visualizing his stocking full of Jim....and he smiled
a bit, and wished he'd hugged Jim good-bye, before he'd ushered him off
to his father's.....just so that he'd have the memory of those arms around
him, of that solid strength, and warmth and the safety Blair had always
craved.......
~~~^~~^~^~^~^~~~^~^~^
December 23, 1999
The criminals of Cascade had indeed played fair. Major Crimes had busted
a drug ring, convinced a wife to testify against her rapist husband,
and closed two murder cases.
At three on the dot, Blair pushed Jim out the double doors and into the
elevator, promising that he would complete all the paperwork, like that
was unusual, and that Jim needed to hurry or he'd be late. As the elevator
doors closed, Jim gave a little wave, then disappeared.
Now Blair sat, typing up the promised paperwork and knawing on his bottom
lip. As he puzzled over some piece of useless information, Megan Connor
walked in, gloom and doom written all over her expressive face.
"Connor?"
"Nothing, Sandy, nothing, just ignore my poor humor.....," and she plopped
down in her chair, scowled at her computer and added, "I just drew Christmas
Eve duty, that's all." And she huffed a piece of hair out of her eyes
and glowered at the Christmas decorations on her desk.
Blair joined her, perching on the edge, and quipped, "And that shoots
a hole in your plans to seduce Santa? Or did you have a really hot
date?"
"Date my granny's ass, my big brother comes in at noon tomorrow and flies
out again at noon the day after. 24 hours, that's all we had."
Blair shrugged and announced, "I'll trade you shifts, no worries, mate,"
and he grinned at his near perfect imitation of their down under
exchange officer. For Megan's part, she was thunderstruck and nearly
fell over backward. As she righted herself, she asked, "Are you
bluffing, Sandburg?"
"No. I'll trade. Be happy to do it. I'm the rookie anyway, I should pull
the duty. Kinda looking forward to it, truth be told."
"But surely, you have plans? Didn't I hear that your mother was coming
in?"
"She isn't. Wasn't. Just me and a tree. So, what do you say?"
In answer, she jumped up and began to thump him on the back, laughing
merrily. "Oh, man, I will owe you big time, but I'll gladly pay off.
My answer is YES!"
~~~~~^~~^~^~^~~~^~^~
At five-thirty, Blair closed up shop, said good-night to everyone, got
a hug and a kiss from Megan, to wolf whistles from the rest of the gang,
and headed out.
As he drove home, he passed the Boy Scout Tree House and at the last
minute, pulled in.
Twenty minutes and forty dollars later, he had a nice, green, snow dusted,
seven foot Douglas Fir tied to the roof of his Volvo.
And fifteen minutes after that, he was cursing his stupidity. One five
foot, seven inch man does not easily carry a seven foot tree up three
flights of stairs. Because the elevator was of course, broken.
Sweating in 30 degree weather and cursing the holidays, he finally had
the tree in it's place, in the far corner, and as he stepped back to
admire the view, he felt foolishly proud. He spent the next half hour
rounding up the decorations, unraveling tree lights, which thanks to
an anal sentinel, was an almost delightful task, and sipping his own
version of a tree trimmers hot toddy; Hot chocolate, Bailey's Irish Cream,
and a shot of whiskey. Talk about warming the cockles of one's heart.....
It took him over two hours to decorate, but when he was done, he had
a masterpiece. He quickly gathered up all the presents he'd purchased
for Jim and layed them under the tree, then shut off all the lights in
the loft, and hit the tree lights.
Ah, yes. Nice. Real nice.
"Sandburg, you are good. For a nice jewish boy from everywhere in the
world."
Before going to bed, he actually thought about calling Jim, but
remembered he'd be at the Christmas Party at the Country Club. Oh, well.
He climbed the stairs, stood gazing at the large, empty bed, stripped
down, and crawled in. He turned off the light, took Jim's pillow and
hugged it to his chest, buried his face in the softness, inhaled the
small bit of Jim's scent, and slept.
~~~~~^~~^~^~^~^~^~~~^~~^
5:45pm - Christmas Eve
The noise had ended. So had the flow of mud.
Blair's hand stopped playing with the mudpies, as he cocked his head
and listened.
Nothing.
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to
know.....where the tree tops glisten and children listen, to hear sleigh
bells in the snow......hohohoho.....", his voice trailed off.
~~~~^~~^~^~~~^~~^~^~~^~
December 24th - 2:00pm
"Jeesh, Sandburg, did you see that guy run? I thought he was a goner."
"Nah, Joel, he was an easy mark."
Joel Taggert sat down at his desk and grinned up at his temporary partner,
"Man, who knew you could throw a frisbee like that? You nailed the guy."
"I'm an old frisbee champion from way back....he never had a chance."
Blair sat down and started the inevitable paperwork crusade, but the
swinging of the double doors caught his attention and his face showed
his surprise.
"Simon, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be picking up
Daryl at the airport?"
The large man chomped down on his cigar as he stormed his way to his
office. "Snowed in, no flights. Not coming until later in the week."
His door slammed shut.
"Oooh, Santa is going to pay for that one....me thinks, hey, Hairboy?"
"Man, he was really counting on Daryl this Christmas."
Both men looked at the closed door, then grimaced and went back to their
paperwork.
Inside his office, Simon stewed. Their first Christmas together since
the divorce, and what happens? Snowed in. Damn.
He was just about to light up, rules or no rules, when the light bulb
went on.....Sandburg and Taggert. Sandburg and Taggert. He got up,
opened the door and bellowed, "Sandburg, my office - now!"
Blair shot a "What did I do now" look at Taggert, who just shrugged,
as Bair got up and walked slowly into Simon's office.
"Sir?"
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Working?"
"Sandburg, cut the crap. Connor pulled the duty, not you. And why aren't
you with Ellison?"
"I traded with Connor and Jim and I aren't glued to the hips, you know.
He does have a life, as do I." Blair couldn't help the bit of
defensiveness that crept into his voice.
"Don't shovel that shit on me. I know what happened at Lake Chelan. Now
why aren't you with Ellison at his father's?"
The air whoosed out of Blair like a deflated balloon. He sat down, barely
making the chair.
"Simon.....I don't know....what do you.....shit."
"I'm not blind, Sandburg. I saw you both, the way you were looking at
each other, the way he looked when you were dancing....and I've worked
with you two for almost four year...it was hardly a surprise. Now spill."
Just having the stuffing knocked out of him slowed his response down
a bit, and he couldn't answer right away.....
"Sandburg, why aren't you - with - Jim?"
"Hisfatherdoesn'tknowandhasn'tforgivenmefor
thedissertation."
"I see." Simon templed his fingers and regarded the young man across
from him. "Yes, I do see."
"Ah, sir, may I go now?" Blair stood, suddenly nervous at the way Simon
was looking at him.
"Get out of here, Sandburg." And he waved a hand.
He watched the younger man leave, his face flushed. Something was wrong
in the Ellison-Sandburg home, and he was tempted to call Ellison at his
father's, but good sense prevailed, or was that cowardice? Jim was his
friend, but he had not confided the newest change in his life to his
Captain, so maybe he'd better leave well enough alone.....
^~~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^^~
6:00pm - Christmas Eve
Still no resumption of the noise that Blair had come to associate with
his rescue. His hand continued to make small mud pies, and he continued
to sing......
"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock......".
~~~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^^~^~
3:30pm - Chistmas Eve
"One last interview and we call it a day, hey, Sandburg?"
"Sounds good to me, Joel." As Blair answered, he looked out the car window
and gave a low whistle. "Man, this rain is something else. It hasn't
stopped since twelve noon."
Joel hitched himself a little closer to the wheel, peering out through
the windshield wipers. "Yeah, I know. And that area near Stockton Ave.
is already soaked through. I'm worried about slides."
"Don't we go near that area to interview Wilson?"
"Um, just a couple of blocks west.....".
Joel negotiated the rain slick streets and the heavy traffic like a pro,
but it still took a good ten minutes longer than it should have, even
in this bad weather.
As they crossed Stockton, a low rumbling sound seemed to roll over the
two men....and each glanced at the other....than back out the windows.
On Blair's side, he could see one of the old Victorian houses that were
so popular in this area of Cascade, and as he watched, amazed, the house
seemed to tilt......and the ground to it's right seemed to drop, to shift,
and right in front of Blair's eyes, the ground disappeared, leaving a
huge hole, with half the house seeming to melt in slow
motion.....
"JOEL! SINKHOLE! PULL IN...."
Taggert pulled the car over, and in seconds, he was on the phone, calling
in the emergency as Blair jumped out of the car and began to run to the
corner.......
>From that moment on, everything happened so fast, Joel could not later,
remember everything in any kind of sequential detail. People were running,
toward the house and away from the house, and Blair was yelling and pointing,
the wind whipping through his hair, rain splashing against him, and Joel
ran up next to him, and still could not hear his words, but he followed
his hand and saw the people on the second floor, and the house was sinking,
and Blair was running, Joel right behind him......
Together, they aided six people from the sinking house, and just as the
fire department arrived, they heard a scream. Blair whirled around, and
again pointed, and the two men ran to the corner, where the second story
was now almost immersed in mud, and they could see a woman, trapped,
trying to climb up and out, but she was just too short......so Blair
jumped in, and moments later, he was lifting and Joel was catching, and
the woman was in his arms, but before he set her down, she began
screaming, "LUKE, LUKE!" And Blair turned, saw the dog, shivering, and
shaking, just behind him, and the mud was coming in, so he reached back,
grabbed the small pet, and held it up to Joel.....
A huge, ripping sound surrounded them, and the housed seemed to upend,
and just as the room Blair was in tilted away from Joel, he grabbed the
dog from Blair's hands, turned and set it in the waiting arms of the
woman, then turned back, just in time to see the floor below Sandburg's
feet give way, and the young man disappear from view in a gust of wind,
noise, mud and flying hair.
The house continued it's sideways movement, and settled with a loud groan,
over the very spot, where just moments ago, Blair had stood.
"Dear God, no, " Joel whispered.
He stood there, wet, shivering, the woman behind him crying, the dog
whimpering, and stared at the spot, now filled with house.
Firemen ran up, received the information of a trapped man, and rescue
efforts began. Time was not on their side, everyone knew that, but they
ploughed ahead, moving in carefully, shoring up the sinkhole, cordoning
off the area and bringing in reinforcements.
~~~^~^~^~^^~^~^~^~
4:15pm - Christmas Eve
Jim sat in front of the fireplace, half listening to the news, but mostly
feeling like shit. No matter how convincing Blair's words had been, Jim
was not happy. Blair should be here. Or Jim should be with Blair. This
was not right.
William Ellison watched the news, his mind elsewhere. Something was wrong
with Jim, and he desperately wanted to know what, and if he could do
anything to help. But their relationship was too new and he was afraid
to ask. So he kept silent.
Something on the screen caught his attention and he focused......
".....rescue efforts are ongoing, but it doesn't look good for the detective.
We'll keep you posted, as this story unfolds."
At the word, Detective, Jim turned and joined his father by the television
set.
"Detective, dad? What's going on?"
"I don't know, just caught that reference myself." They both watched
as the camera panned the scene and Jim recognized Taggert.
"Fuck, that's Joel." Jim was up and at the phone in a heartbeat. He
caught Simon in his car, on his way to the scene.
//It's Blair, Jim. He's trapped, the house is sinking and I'm ten minutes
from there now//
"I'll be there in twenty."
6:30pm - Christmas Eve
I'm a big boy....I can accept the facts. I'm not going to make it home
for Christmas.
"Sandburg, no obfuscations."
Right.
"i'm not gonna make it....", he said softly, to no one.
"and it's okay, too. now i'm glad you don't love me, jim. too hard on
you if you did. things work out for the best after all....i guess." Blair
tried to turn his head, but the mud really had his hair, so he just blinked
hard, and felt the saltiness of his tears as they trickled down to his
lips. "remember that guy, elliot warner? the one who killed his clerk
because his clerk was better liked? weird guy, but i remember this conversation
simon and i had.....after you took good old elliot down to be booked,"
Blair took a deep breath, his breathing faltering, hitching, and the
breath wasn't so deep at all, but he needed the sound of his own voice,
so he continued whispering, "and simon and i were stunned by what the
guy said...how no one loved him and that some people just weren't - lovable.
couldn't be loved. i asked simon if he believed that.....if some people
couldn't be loved, and you know, he said he did. i didn't agree at the
time...but now, i'm not so sure...i don't believe i've been loved. okay,
i'm only thirty, but still....."
A low rumbling noise started up and it was different than before, and
more guck came down and the mud around Blair seemed to move, to roll
slightly and Blair held his breath, ready......but everything went still
again.
"where was i? oh, yeah....only thirty. i'm not saying people don't like
me, i'm sure they do...you know? in small doses. but i've never been
in someone's arms and had a voice whisper, "i love you, blair", not even
in the throes of sex. i don't think a person should die, without hearing
those words....do you?"
"i love you, jim. i love you so much, these last four months, i wouldn't
trade for anything, honest. i wouldn't even trade getting out of here,
if it meant i'd have to give up the last four months. it's been hard,
you know? not touching you the way i wanted to.....hiding how i felt,
but now it's definitely for the best. we've been such good
friends....been through so much....i suppose i should make a confession
now....remember that blue vest i was wearing when you came to my office
the first time? no, of course you don't remember....well anyway, that
morning, i was getting ready, and suddenly, what i wore was important.
i wanted to impress you, and gail, another ta, said that vest brought
out the blue in my eyes.....and i wanted you to notice me....yep, i,
blair sandburg, wanted a man to notice me....so i wore that vest. stupid,
huh?"
~~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
"No, Blair, it wasn't stupid. And I did notice. I noticed your hair,
your eyes, your mouth, that stupid little hand gesture, which I now realize
was your way of bonding with the big, tough, cop, I noticed everything
about you. But I especially noticed your touch. When you touched me,
it was like electric shock therapy."
Jim Ellison was crawling through mud, muck and dirt, a lifeline tied
around his waist, working his way toward the voice. He'd arrived
on the scene just before four-forty, and like everyone else, had
immediately begun to work. But he worked with a difference.
He could hear Blair.
Hear him sing. Or talk. So of course, Simon, Joel, Steven and Jim's dad
worked with a difference. They all knew that as long as Jim worked feverishly,
Blair was still alive. They'd see Jim pause every now and then, so they
paused too....and watched as he wiped his face, or as his shoulders slumped
forward, and they watched as he cried, or shook his head violently and
said, "No, Chief, no....", and then he'd go back to work, harder than
ever, and they would do the same, William Ellison standing shoulder to
shoulder with his son, shoring up the side of the house, creating a work area, hammering wood
around the hole, thanking God that it had stopped raining, and remembering his son's face,
as he'd turned from the phone and said Blair's name......and William
Ellison had recognized love when he saw it......
Finally the opening they'd been working toward, was there....and it seemed
only natural that instead of one of the firemen, it would be Detective
Jim Ellison who crawled down after the lost man. They'd tied a lifeline
around him, and given him the vest he'd need when he reached Blair. It
was called a "BuddyVest" and it would allow Jim to carry Blair on his
back, tied securely, as Jim worked his way back to the people who would
bring them out.
So, Jim had started his journey. And had listened, and talked, and above,
everyone prayed that it would stay dry, that the rain wouldn't come again.
()()()()()()()()()()()
"so anyway, i wore that silly vest, and if you only knew how nervous
i was.....how you filled my office, and i'm not going to say that i fell
in love with you right away, it took a while....i don't think i actually
loved you until you were facing veronica, in the bus.....and i heard
the pain in your voice when you tried to convince her that you'd tried
to help her father....god, so much pain.....and i wanted to take it all
away....and i ended up bringing you more pain...always more pain. god,
i'm sorry, jim. but what goes around, comes around, right? so major payback
time."
Blair shifted slightly, not much, but a bit, and it seemed that the mud
was less.....he still couldn't move enough to free himself, but.....
His free hand scraped at the mud, clawing, trying to reach something
that was unreachable, and he closed his eyes again, and thought of all
the cities he'd driven into and out of....with his mother, and they always
seemed to be moving in or out at Christmas, and he could remember staring
out car windows, gazing after the houses as they zipped
by....and peeking into the windows, seeing the decorations, the trees,
the presents, and the families.....and then the Christmas's without Naomi,
in some strange house, with friends he didn't know, or in some strange
country, where Christmas didn't exist........
"i wish i could have talked with you, mom, before tonight. heard your
voice. let you lecture me about my life.....not that you ever
lecture....would have loved hearing your voice one last time.....told
you i loved you. would have liked to hear you say.....you loved - me.
just a little. don't need to know why you always left....i understand.
and i hope you understand what i had here, in cascade, with jim. what
i needed. what i've been reaching for, all my life. a home, someone,
special, just that, nothing more. i know i can never make you understand
what being a cop means to me....how much i love it, how making a
difference is important to me, how being jim's partner is important.
i was forced into the position of observer by the nature of how i was
brought up, and that's good, it makes me a better cop, but you can't
go through life just observing, mom, you gotta stay, you gotta be,
or life passes you by...."
"shut up, sandburg."
Right.
Maybe another song......it was Christmas Eve, and while this song was
not exactly typical Jewish music, it did seem appropriate for Blair Sandburg,
in a mud hole, and not likely to get out.....and the mud was moving again.......
"silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright...."
The mud was on the move again, making disgusting sucking noises, so Blair
tried to sing louder....
".....holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep
in heavenly peace......."
The mud seemed to flow over him, and there was a loud cracking noise,
and he tried to raise his head, but he couldn't, and something had his
legs, his ankles, gripping him hard, and the pressure on his chest gave
way, and he slumped back down, the mud cradling him, and all movement
stopped, and he waited, blinking, wanting to see Jim's face, one last time, and there it was, swimming
above him, smiling, and he reached out with his free hand and touched
the apparition, and smiled back.....
"jim, hi."
"Hi, yourself, Chief."
"wow. you talk."
"Yes, I talk. Not as much as you, and I should talk a lot more, but I
do talk. Can you feel my hand under your back?"
"nope. but then, you're a figment. people don't feel figments. silly."
"Ah, I'm a figment, am I?"
Jim slid the vest belt under Blair's body, brought it around and snapped
it, then checked the large piece of wood that still held Blair down....
"a nice figment, i might add....i've always had a good imagination....."
"Yes, you do. I've got to move this one chunk of plaster and wood, then
we can go home, okay?"
"sure. whatever. i love you."
"I love you too, Chief. And I intend on spending the rest of my life
and yours, telling you, showing you, but right now.....", he grunted,
as his shoulder pushed, and the chunk of wood moved slowly, painfully
through the muck....."right now, I've got to get this off of you, see
if you've any broken bones.....tell me if anything hurts....".
"oh, man, you are a good figment of my imagination.....and i don't
feel a thing so don't worry."
Jim kept pushing, pushing, and finally, he was able to topple the chunk
over and Blair was free. He knelt back down, ran his fingers over the
muddy body, and couldn't believe it.....nothing broken. Absolutely nothing.
Bruised, cut, but nothing broken. He sent a prayer up, then got back
to the business of getting his shocky partner out....
"Okay, I've put a vest around you, Blair, and it's going to allow me
to carry you out, but it won't be very comfortable, you ready?" He placed
both his hands on either side of Blair's face, forcing the young man
to look at him, "Look at me, Chief. Do you understand?"
"sure. we're going away. you and me. love you, man."
Jim shook his head helplessly, and decided this Blair might be easier
to get out after all.
"Okay, buddy, here we go. I'm gonna lift you now, strap you to my back.....that's
it, just go limp, I've got you.....rest your head on my shoulder, you
ready?"
"yep. but i've got to talk to somebody about this....what happened to
wings of a dove? carried up in the arms of an angel? i mean, a
buddyvest? who thought that up? couldn't there at least be a golden
elevator? and where's the bright light everyone always talks about?"
Jim grinned and shook his head again. "Hey, why don't you sing some more?
I could use a good Christmas Carole about now....what do you say?"
"that's not my job. you guys are supposed to serenade me, i'm the one
going up....this is ridiculous. is there a union? someone i can complain
to? a head angel? or maybe.....this isn't going to heaven? oh, sure,
now you tell me......no wonder i get this stupid buddyvest.
no christmas songs for you, no sir."
Then to Jim's surprise, Blair started to do a little hip dance within
the confines of the vest, which definitely did not make Jim's task any
easier....
"man, it's a hot one, like seven inches from the midday sun, i hear your
whisper and the words melt everyone, but you stay so cool....."
Shit, he's singing, "Smooth"......whatever happened to "Jingle Bells"?
Jim kept moving, struggling, pushing, shoving,
lifting one leg out of the mud, then the other, and through it all, Blair
sang......
"and if you said this life ain't good enough, I would give my world to
lift you up, I could change my life to better suit your mood, cause you're
so smooth....."
Up ahead, Jim saw the light, the ropes, and he was only yards away, but
he could also see the rain....it had started to rain again. Fuck. But
he was close, so close. He decided they needed to hear them, to know
they were close, so he started singing with Blair......
"....and it's just like the ocean, under the moon,
well, that's the same as the emotion I get from you, you got the kind
of lovin' that could be so smooth, give me your heart, make it real,
or else - let's forget about it...."
()()()()()()()()()()()
"Do you hear that?" Simon turned to William Ellison, his head
tilted.....
"Yes. Singing?"
The two men moved closer to the hole, and were immediately joined by
several others. It had begun to rain again, and the panic among the rescuers
was almost palpable.
"I hear singing.....we're not crazy, are we?"
"No, that's definitely singing....GET THOSE LIGHTS TRAINED OVER HERE!"
Simon yelled.
Minutes later, to the lyrics of "Smooth", a very muddy Jim Ellison appeared,
carrying an even muddier Blair Sandburg, who appeared to be - dancing
on Jim's back.
Eager hands grasped, ropes were pulled, paramedics were ready, and at
seven pm, Christmas Eve, Blair Sandburg was lifted out of the mudhole.
But he didn't know it. Halfway up, he'd finally blacked out.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Ah, there's the white light. Finally. Jeesh. Blair opened his eyes, and
blinked as the white light burned down on him....
"Mr. Sandburg? Can you hear me?"
Now the white light was moving, back and forth, back and forth.....
"yes. who are you?"
"Dr. Martin, Blair. Remember me? I took care of you a couple of months
ago, when you and Detective Ellison decided to jump from the top of the
Edwardian?"
"jumped hell, he pushed me." Blair cracked open one eye, and sure enough,
no heaven, just another emergency room....well, actually, the same
emergency room....
"Don't listen to him, Doc. I did not push him. He jumped of his own free
will."
"fuck you, ellison. you pushed me."
"Gentlemen, please? Blair, do you remember what happened to you?"
"well, these guys were chasing us, and they had this gun, and....."
"Not then, you doofus. Tonight. The doctor wants to know if you remember
tonight."
"oh. well.....a sinkhole. and a woman, and a dog, there's always a dog,
or a cat, or a baby, and i think i fell in.....is my back broken?"
"No, Blair, you're back is fine, in fact, you have no broken bones at
all....just a few cuts and scratches, we've cleaned you up, you were
shocky when they brought you in, and given your hatred of the cold, I
suspect the worst you'll take home with you are the sniffles."
"can i go home - now?"
"Shortly, Blair. Just rest, and I'll leave you in Detective Ellison's
capable hands."
The doctor left, saying a few words to Jim, who then closed off the curtain.
"Look at me, Chief."
Blair opened his eyes, blinked in the glare, then focused on Jim.
"Now, I'm going to say this just once, well, actually, I plan on saying
it a multitude of times in the coming years, but for the purposes of
this discussion, I'm going to say it just once, and you're going to believe
me. Do you understand?"
"you weren't a figment, were you?"
"No. That was me. I found you, crawled through the mud, risked my life,
got real dirty, all to bring your sorry ass out of that damn hole. And
I expect you to be very appreciative when we get home. Now, listen,
and listen good."
"okay."
"I love you, Blair Sandburg. I love you, I love you, I love you. I love
you inside, I love you outside, I love every quirk, every mood, I love
your algae shakes, your tofu stew, that green fungus you call dessert,
that green thing you call a car, I love your hips, I love your voice,
your touch, your ass, your mouth, I did notice you in that blue vest
and it does bring out your eyes, but I fell in love right after you
climbed down from that tree, and started putting together how the yarn
matched the timing and then you looked up at me and said What? What,
part of your job is walking into a place and trying to figure out what
happened there. Well, so is mine. It's just that my places are usually
a few thousand years vacant....., yes, Sandburg, I remember every word.
Because I - Love - you."
"Now, repeat after me.....I, Blair Sandburg...."
Jim looked warningly at Blair.....who gulped and said, "i, blair
sandburg...."
"Do hereby believe and will always believe that James Joseph Ellison
loves me.....".
"do hereby believe and will always believe that james joseph (the prick)
ellison loves me...."
"The what?"
"the what?"
"You can stop repeating after me, and did you call me a prick?"
"you can stop repeating after me....mmmphnft."
Jim clamped a hand over Blair's mouth and leaned in close and whispered
in his ear, "Blair, I love you, even when you do call me a prick." He
lifted his hand up the moment he felt Blair smile and as that mouth was
free, he kissed him. When he finished, he lifted his head and looked
into Blair's eyes, saw the mirth and chuckled as Blair said, "What? No
tongue?"
"I'm reserving the tongue for later."
They were interrupted by the doctor, who stepped back in, smiling.
"Well, the last of the x-rays tell me no concussion, so you're free to
go home and enjoy Christmas," he announced.
"Goody. Home for the holidays." Blair sat up, a bit shakily, then with
a grand gesture, intoned, "Home, James."
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
9:00pm - Christmas Eve
Hot mulled cider steamed on the stove and pizza, thankfully provided
by Simon, sat, crusts only, on the kitchen table. The Christmas lights
were lit, the fire was crackling, corn was popping and Blair Sandburg
was snoring, softly, into Jim Ellison's arms.
William Ellison sat, cup of cider in hand, legs stretched out in front
of him, watching his son's lover sleep. And he marveled at the fact that
he wasn't bothered one bit by the fact that his son's significant other
was male. And he'd let go of the whole dissertation thing....he had to,
for Jim's sake, for their sake. If he was going to have a
relationship with this strong, incredible man that was his son, he could
do no less. Jim looked happier than he could remember ever seeing his
son and you don't scoff at that. You thank God for it. And if the source
of that happiness was a short, handsome jewish boy, so be it. Bill Ellison
grinned into his cider at that, and caught his son's eyes. They smiled
at each other and Bill lifted his cider in a mock salute, then turned
his attention to Steven.
Steven Ellison was also watching his big brother, and the man sleeping
in his arms. He couldn't stop the small shake of his head in surprise,
because the idea of his big brother, in a loving relationship with a
man was astounding. Not that he minded, it was just so, contrary. Or
maybe not. His brother was nothing if not surprising. And contrary.
"So, you guys decided yet?"
Both Steven and Bill Ellison turned as one to regard Jim, both knowing
to what he referred. They looked back at each other and smiled in agreement.
"Yeah, bro, we've decided. We stay and Christmas happens here. I'll drive
back and get the gifts, and I'll take the couch, dad can have the bed."
"I should hope you'd give the bed to your old man," Bill Ellison huffed.
"Thank God. I'm gonna need you guys....there's no way I can put the runt's
gift together by myself, and it's got to be up and running tomorrow morning."
"I'm not going to ask, surprise me. It's not, " and Steven looked at
Blair, grinned madly and said humorously, "a bicycle, is it? Or should
I say, tricycle?" And he snorted in mirth.
"Are you making fun of my partner in crime? Bro?"
"Yes," and Steven snorted again.
"You'll pay. Big time. But later. Right now, you've got some gifts to
get and I have this dead weight to get to bed." Jim stood, scooped the
man into his arms, and as he happily thought about the embarrassment
he could give his partner, when he told him how he'd carried him upstairs
in front of his father and brother, he took him up, set him down gently,
undressed him, pulled back the covers and tucked him in.
So much still to discuss, but they had the time. All the time in the
world. Jim went back downstairs.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Jim moved through his home, locking up, doing his Sentinel duty. It was
well after midnight, and on the kitchen table, a huge red ribbon around
it, sat Blair's new Compaq. It was everything he would need to go back
to school. Jim stood for a moment, staring down at it, smiling as he
thought about Blair's expression tomorrow....oops, today. Steven shifted
on the couch, reminding Jim that he wasn't alone. He moved upstairs,
after a quick glance at first his brother, than his father.
He quickly and quietly undressed and slipped in beside his sleeping mate.
He shifted and turned, getting comfortable, then he gently pulled Blair
into his arms. The younger man stretched a bit, then snuggled down, one
arm coming out from under the blanket to snake around Jim's waist.
"everyone asleep downstairs?", he mumbled softly.
"Shit, you're awake."
"mm."
"Yes, everyone is asleep. You figured they'd stay?"
"sure. i'm no dope. fourteen years in college had to be worth
something."
Jim chuckled and nuzzled his face in Blairhair.
"Yeah, I think you've been in school longer than Maynard G. Krebs."
"oh, at least. so, you macho guys put my christmas present together?
or will I have to redo it tomorrow?"
"God damn it. You know. What, were you peeking over the rail? Spying
on us? Laughing the whole time, I bet."
Blair laughed into Jim's chest, sending bits of delicious air cascading
over his nipples and bringing forth a small moan of pleasure.
"nah, i don't need to spy. fourteen years in college, remember?"
"Will you? Go back now, I mean, like we talked about? Get your degree
in psychology?"
"is that important to you? that i go back and get a doctor by my name?"
"Only if it's what you want. And that Forensic Psychology thing sounded
good, and you seemed interested in it.....your eyes lit up when you were
listening to Simon."
Blair rolled over, but stayed in Jim's arms, as he looked at his love.
"It was. It did, sound interesting, but I'm not sure if I want to re-enter
academia, just yet. It was a lot of years of my life, and I have a new
life now. One that I would like to enjoy," and his hand slipped down,
under the elastic of Jim's shorts, "especially this new toy I've discovered.....and
the idea of night classes right now, when I could be home....playing.....",
and his hand began to stroke, playfully, as he dropped his head down
and his mouth latched onto one Sentinel nipple...."Oh, yeah, I see.....god,
what you mean....shit, you're good, how did you get so good? A little
faster, ummm, yes,", and Blair lifted his head and scooted down, until
his mouth was even with Jim's very lively cock....and he started to simply
lick.....a bit there, a bit here, teasing, flicking his tongue out, and
back, until his body was perched over Jim, his hands gripping Jim's hips,
and he spread Jim's thighs wider, and settled in, licking in earnest
now, then taking in just the head, and Jim was moaning and thrusting,
and Blair let the tip drop out, as he looked up and caught Jim's eyes
and smiled wickedly....
"I've always wanted to make love to you.....with your father in the same
house. This is even better.....he's in my old bed, right below
us....", and Blair took Jim's cock in his mouth, and swallowed and swallowed,
and Jim took the pillow and shoved it in his mouth, and bit down, hard,
and damn, he could feel Blair smiling. The runt was god damned, fucking
smiling! But a few seconds later, with his head
exploding, Jim really didn't give a flying hoot.
69696969696969696969
"Merry Christmas, Jim."
"mmm. you rat."
69696969696969696969
1200pm - Christmas Day
The loft was just now starting to look normal again. Most of the
wrappings and ribbons had been cleaned up, the breakfast dishes and mugs
were in the dishwasher, and the Christmas music had finally been turned
off in favor of sports on the television.
Blair sat at the kitchen table, playing with his Compaq, Jim and Steven
were slouched down on the couch, watching the game, and the very astute
and successful businessman, William J. Ellison, was playing with one
of Jim's handheld games, Checkers, to be exact.
"King me, you bastard!"
Three men, ages 40, 36 and 30 respectively, turned to look at the man,
aged 63, as he held the game aloft and crowed.
"Gee, dad, did you win?" Steven asked, innocently.
"Damn straight, I did. There isn't a machine built that I can't beat."
Three heads shook in wonder. Three men smiled contentedly.
6969696969696969696969
9:00am - December 31st
"How did you wangle this day off, anyway?"
"Simple. I put in for it." A pillow slammed into Jim Ellison's head.
"Hey, watch it, runt. This is valuable merchandise. Besides, with the
party and all, well, it was easy getting the time."
"Valuable? Merchandise? I'll show you valuable....." and Blair jumped
his bedmate. They wrestled a bit, rolling over, getting tangled in the
blankets, laughing hard. Then Jim got that gleam in his eye, and Blair
went, "Oh, no you don't, don't you even...." but it was too late, Jim
had Blair's wrists, and with his other hand, he began to ruthlessly tickle.
"ah, come.....<gasp, pant>, don't do this...." but he couldn't talk,
couldn't catch his breath, he was laughing so hard....and tears were
streaming down his face as he tried to mumble, "unfair.....".
Suddenly, Jim stopped. And he just stared. The laughter died away as
Blair blinked the tears from bleary eyes.
"What?"
"Be my date tonight?"
Blair went very still. Blinked again. Looked away. Jim let his wrists
go, and sat up. Blair rolled out of bed and stood, looked about him,
looking all the world like a lost puppy.
"Blair, be my date."
"No. You don't need to do that, Jim. Your father and brother know. Simon
knows. Stuart and Ben, they'll be there tonight, they know. It's
enough."
"It's not enough, Chief. It's not enough. These are our friends, tonight
is perfect."
"What about all those sane reasons....what about the partnership
breaking up? Nothing has changed."
"Wrong, Blair, everything has changed. I understand now, I heard you,
last Friday, I listened to you, under that house, I know what being a
cop means to you."
Blair walked back to the bed and frowned down on Jim as he asked, "What
does that have to do with anything?"
"That was the real reason. And the reason, I held back....telling you
that I loved you. Because I felt that someday, and someday soon, you'd
resent what you'd done for me, you'd come to hate this, all of this,
and me. So...I took the easy way out..." his voice trailed off in the
face of the incredulous expression gracing Blair's beautiful features.
"You're kidding? Right?", and when Jim just quietly shook his head, Blair
expelled all the air in his lungs and said, "Whew."
"Man, Jim, you are one messed up jerk. Do you ever figure anything out
right about me? Ever? Do you fucking know me at all?"
"It's not about you. And this from the man who couldn't figure out I
loved him anyway?"
"Oh, right, pardon me all to hell.....Mr. Blair Sandburg, all Sentinel
knowing, reads between the lines, knows just from a look how his fucking
stupid Sentinel feels.....yep, that's me, all right. You asshole."
"Dickhead."
"Prick."
"Bastard."
"Oh, that's a good one....I am a bastard. You can do better than
that.....".
"No, actually, that was my best shot."
"Wuss."
"Always have to get in the last word, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Mutherfucker."
"ooh, one more. Sonofabitch."
"Will you be my date, you little chickenshit?"
"Yes, you big ape."
"Good."
"Perfect."
"Who loves ya, baby?"
"Oh, god. Now he thinks he's Telly Savalas. Hey, wait, in a few years,
you will be.....".
"Shorty."
Blair sat on the edge of the bed, and ruminated, "You know, no matter
how old you get, Jim? I'll always be younger. And cuter. And have more
hair."
"Everywhere. You hairy beast."
The pillow slammed into Jim's face again. Direct hit.
69696969696969696969
8:00pm - New Year's Eve
"You're tie is fine. Stop fussing."
"Hey, I don't want to embarrass my date."
Jim turned Blair around and gazed down lovingly, "You could never do
that, runt."
"May I ask where this "runt" shit came from?"
"If the name fits, wear it."
"So, if I start calling you cocksucker? My sweet little cocksucker....."
"Blair....," Jim said warningly.
Blair just smiled sweetly and held the door open for his date.
69696969696969696969
Jim stood by the buffet table, a glass of champagne in his hand. It was
only a little after 10, and the party was a huge success. But Jim was
starting to get that feeling, and he needed Blair. The music, the noise,
the scents, were all adding up to one hellacious headache.
Ben Webber and Stuart Styles were on the dance floor, and joking around
with Karen Phillips and Joel Taggert, who'd just impressed the hell out
of everyone with his snazzy dance steps. And Jim managed a small smile
as he watched the foursome.
Simon ambled over and patted Jim on the back. "Man, you're father really
knows how to throw a party. Daryl is having a blast."
Jim smiled at his boss, who was beaming at the sight of Daryl and Kisha,
both currently doing a mean tango. "He likes her, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, Jim, he does. Which is very good, because tonight, I'm gonna ask
her to marry me."
"You're kidding! Simon, that's great. Congratulations!" The two men
shook happily, Simon barely containing his huge grin.
"Congratulations on what?" Blair had come up and Jim pulled him into
his side and smiled down at him, "Simon is going to ask Kisha to marry
him tonight."
"Hey, that's great news, Simon. Congratulations are definitely in order.
Kisha could do worse, " he added with a smirk.
"I'll let that remark pass....until next week, when I find a way to pay
you back."
The music ended and a slow dance started up, so Simon excused himself,
to dance with Kisha.
"Jim, you okay? You look a little green around the gills."
"Headache. But I can make it a couple more hours."
"Take him home, Blair. I can see he's miserable."
Jim whirled to face his father, who was looking at him with concern.
"It's the noise, isn't it?" The senior Ellison was looking at his son,
but he addressed the question to Blair.
"That and the scents, the lights, all of it. He can only turn it down
so far."
"Go home, Jim. Please? See the year 2000 come in from the comfort of
your home, with the man you love. Go on. For me."
"Dad...."
"Blair, take him home. I somehow think he will do what you say."
"Always, Bill, always. Come along little Jimmy, lets go home."
Jim gave his dad an unaccostumed hug, they exchanged Happy New Year's,
with Bill promising to explain to everyone, per Blair, that Jim was too
horny to stay. Blair highfived Bill, and to Jim's surprise, they shared
a private laugh.
Blair got Jim into the truck and drove them home.
696969696969696969
1130pm - New Year's Eve
The headache was gone, the lights were out, the fire was lit, and the
two men sat on the couch, watching the activity in Times Square.
"Someday, I think I'd like to spend New Year's in Times Square."
"That would be without me, runt."
"Oh, that's okay, I figure by the time you kick the bucket, I'll still
be young enough to enjoy life....I'll grab me a couple of young things
and jet off to New York."
Jim's sparkling retort was cut off by the ringing of the phone. Neither
man moved.
//Honey? You there?//
Blair jumped up, vaulted over the back of the couch and grabbed the phone
before Naomi could hangup.
"Mom?"
//Sweetie! You're home. I was afraid I'd miss you. I just needed to hear
your voice. Everything okay?//
"Everything's fine, mom. Where are you?"
//Katmandu, honey. I'm using Charles' connections to make this phone
call. I know I should have called sooner, but....//
"But you had a lot of processing to do?"
//And detaching. Lots of detaching, but I just felt the need to hear
you. To tell you that I love you//
"Love you too, mom."
//Is Jim with you?//
"Yes."
//Did you two finally wise up? Take the leap?//
"Jesus, mom...how did you know...."
//Get real, I'm your mother. So you two are finally together?//
"Yes, we're finally together. Happy at last," he added with a chuckle.
//Blair, honey, I do believe you are, at last//
"Yes," he breathed out.
//Tell Jim I love him, and I hope he's forgiven me, and tell him that
I really do love my son, and now I have two//
"I think he heard you, mom. Happy New Year and I love you."
//love you....love you so much, Blair// And the connection was broken.
Slowly, he put down the phone. And wiped his cheeks with the palm of
his hand. And strong arms came around him, and a head nuzzled his ear,
and Jim whispered, "I do forgive her, you know. And I love you too."
He turned in Jim's arms and grinned up impishly, "So, you claim to love
me, huh? So it's about time you danced with me."
"Dance?," Jim croaked out.
"Dance. Now. You. Me."
There was no music, but that didn't stop Blair Sandburg, who began to
move slowly against Jim Ellison. He took one hand, and put it on the
small of Jim's back, and guided him, barely moving, but allowing his
hips to sway lightly, and Jim smiled, because at that moment, on the
television, they started playing "Smooth" and it was obviously now their
song, so he let Blair move him, but they really stayed in place, just
letting their bodies move from side to side, their thighs rubbing, and
Blair slipped his leg between Jim's and let his thigh rub Jim.....
"so, this is dancing?"
"um....like it?"
"oh, yeah. just call me twinkle toes ellison."
"i prefer cocksucker."
"um, me too....as in verb....", and Jim slowly moved down Blair's body,
hands easily pulling Bair's sweats down, and he backed him up, against
the post, and took him into his mouth,
while his fingers teased Blair's ass....darting around his opening, and
Blair gasped, and his head dropped back, as fingers clenched tightly
on Jim's shoulders......and Dick Clark was counting down, and the camera
panned back to Times Square, and the crowds, and the flickering screen
cast an eerie glow on Blair's face, as he came, yelling Jim's name.
Jim let Blair slide happily down, but grinned as the younger man
whispered, "I hope you don't think you're done?"
And as the big, silver ball began it's descent, Jim entered his love,
in one, fluid motion, then pulled him back, and together, in their own
special rythm, they welcomed in the year 2000.
And to prove what excellent timing they both had, as the counter on the
television screen reached 0, and the ball reached the bottom, and pandemonium
hit Times Square, and as fireworks lit up the night sky in Cascade, and
horns blared, and people screamed Happy New Year, and as Steven Ellison
hugged his father, and Simon kissed Kisha and then hugged his son, and
as Joel Taggert kissed Karen Phillips,
and Ben Webber dipped Stuart Styles and kissed him, and as Megan Connor
ignored her weird boyfriend to kiss first Rafe, then Henri Brown, Jim
and Blair yelled each other's names, and collapsed in a tangle of arms
and legs.
And at 12:15 on January 1st, 2000, Blair Sandburg lay in Jim Ellison's
arms, and heard, "I love you."
The End and Happy New Year Everyone!
by alyjude
The Ballroom at the Riverton Inn
The loft