Jim, Rafe, Brown and Conner walked into the station and one of the cops said, "Wow, you missed all of the fun, Detectives."

"What are you talking about?" Rafe asked, but not really stopping.

"Detective Sandburg took on four guys in the locker room." The cop beamed with pride on Blair's part.

Jim and the others took off for the stairs. Jim was scared to death of what he would find when he got there. They all stopped when they saw four men standing in Simon's office and Jim could hear Simon yelling at Blair and the men.

"He's not a happy camper but he looks to be all right." Jim went over to his desk hoping to get a better view.

Megan sat on the corner and whispered, "Have you seen his face yet?"

Alarmed, Jim looked at her and asked, "Why? Why wouldn't his face be all right?"

Jim could hear Simon bellowing at all of the men but he was really yelling at Sandburg. Finally, Jim decided to go into Simon's office and help. He knocked on the door and opened it.

"Excuse me, Detective, did you hear me say come in?"

"No, sir, but I was thinking I might be able to help somehow," Jim looked at him hoping that Simon could tell him that Blair was all right.

"Get out, Ellison. Your partner can tell you all about it later. Now..." Simon shoved Jim out and slammed the door shut.

"So how does he look?" Brown asked Jim as he walked by.

"How the fuck would I know? Simon threw me out. Isn't there someone here that saw him?" Jim asked almost desperately.

"Well, how did the other guys look?" Rafe wondered aloud.

"I couldn't see them, either. They turned their heads also. I want to know what the hell happened down there." Jim led his merry band on a trip down to the locker room. They all just stood and watched as Jim looked like he was smelling the air. He turned to them and said, "Sandburg is bleeding and so are the others. But Blair is bleeding more than the other men."

"Let's find someone that can tell us what happened." Rafe led the way and they asked anyone and everyone they came in contact with. Finally, they struck pay dirt.

"Detective Rafe, I saw it, yes. I didn't stop him because he threatened me," the rookie cop said quietly.

Jim said gently, "Can you give me the officer's name?"

Rookie Minter said, "Well, of course I can, Detective Ellison. It was Detective Sandburg."

"Minter, you're telling me that Sandburg threatened you?" Jim asked incredulously. "Tell me exactly what it was he said."

"Yes, it was Sandburg. I know him. I was going to help him get away from them, but he told me that if I touched him, he would make me pay for the rest of my life." The young man stood there not knowing what to do next.

"When Detective Sandburg said this, was he on top of the fight? Was he in control?" Rafe finally asked.

"No, sir, he was being held down," Minter still looked lost and sad.

"So you're telling us that four men, held him down and when he said to get away you took this as a threat?" It was Joel's turn for shock.

"I know now that he was probably trying to save my butt, but at the time, he really screamed at me. I didn't know what to do about it." Minter looked so sad that even Jim felt bad for him.

"We need you upstairs Minter. Captain Banks needs to see you." Jim helped lead the kid up the stairs. "Do you know if anyone else saw it?"

Jim heard the spike in the heartbeat and knew he was onto something. "Who saw it, Minter?"

"There were four guys in the shower when this took place. I can't tell you about that, but they can." The young man hoped that would be enough.

Brown took his notebook out and said, "What are their names? I'll go and start questioning."

Minter gave all of the names of the four men that witnessed whatever it was that made his heart spike.

Joel said, "Jim, you go with them, I'll take Minter here up to see Captain Banks."

"Thanks, Joel," Jim said, catching up with Rafe and Brown.

"How much you want to make a bet that they were after him cause they think he's a fag," Rafe said off handedly.

Brown looked over at Jim nervously and said, "Jim, are you mad?"

"Not at you two. They probably did think he looked like a fag. It's part of life, you know? The long hair and the nice looks. But I hope he put that to rest by fighting back." Jim turned into a squad room of Robbery and said, "Is there a Lt. Harper here?"

"Yeah, I'm Harper, Ellison. What's the problem?" The cop glared at Ellison as he stood up and they all got a look at the huge man. He must be 6' 8" and he didn't think he could help?

"Why don't you come out to the hallway with us and we'll tell you what we need to know." Jim led the way out of the room. Jim didn't know why, but he could tell Harper hated him. This was getting weirder by the moment.

"Harper, we need to ask you some questions about what happened in the locker room earlier," Jim opened up his notebook and pulled out a pen.

"What the fuck do you want to know? They said some shit, your partner defended your so-called honor and that's it." Harper leaned into the wall and dared Jim to even push him.

"Defend my honor?" Jim just stood there in shock.

"What do you expect? Sandburg probably didn't know it was going to be like this, but he has to defend your honor all the time,"

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Jim almost yelled.

"Okay, let me spell it out for you. They were telling him what type of fag you were and he defended your honor." Harper once again dared Jim on with a look.

"Listen, you fucker, don't think your size will scare me." Jim started for him but Rafe and Brown stopped him.

"Why would anyone think that about Ellison?" Rafe asked Harper.

"He hangs out at gay bars, boys. He's not too discreet." Harper started to leave but Brown touched his arm and said, "We still need you to fill out a report. So come up to Major Crime today."

After he walked in Rafe turned to Jim and said, "Ellison, is this true?"

"Fuck... Fuck... Fuck..." Jim started for the stairs.

Brown stopped him and said, "Is it true?"

"Yeah, it's true. But Blair doesn't know. I've never brought it to work. But he'll move out now." Jim pulled away from Brown and started back up stairs.

Walking into Major Crime, Joel grabbed Jim's arm. "Jim, I could use some help on a few things. Follow me." Joel led the way into his office and when Jim sat down Joel shut the door.

"Before you even get started Joel, yes, I'm gay. I was always pretty cautious but I guess not enough. So if you want to yell at me, go ahead, but I'm going to get out there to hear what's happening." Jim never raised his head the whole time he spoke.

"Well, that's all really fascinating but I pulled you in here to set up dates for the training program for self-defense. I'm glad you shared that with me, though." Joel was smiling at his large friend hoping that he would calm down. "Want to tell me what it is you want to listen to?"

Jim filled him in on what was going on and how he was worried about Blair.

"How about I go into Simon's office to see if I can help and that way I can tell you how he is?" Joel stood up to leave without waiting for an answer.

"Thank you, Joel. I'm worried, is all." Jim started to follow him.

"No, you stay here. If Simon catches you in the bullpen, he won't even let me in there. Now sit and have some coffee. I'll be right back." Joel made his way down the hallway, wondering what he could do to help any of this.

Outside Simon's office Joel could hear Blair yelling at someone and it made him smile. The large Detective knocked on Simon's door and opened it, "Simon?"

"Come on in, Joel. I could use some help in writing these papers up. We've got four men here saying that Sandburg started everything and it was all over nothing. Can you imagine that?" Simon was still writing out one of the reports when Joel came over and grabbed it from him.

"Might be a little too soon to fill out reports. We have witnesses and they're filing their reports right now with Brown and Rafe." Joel glared at the four men. He still couldn't see Blair.

"Sir, we don't need any witness reports. I take the blame for everything. So let's drop all of this." Sandburg had finally moved away from the window and stood in front of Simon's desk.

"I still don't have any reason. I need a reason, Sandburg," Simon dared him to even try to lie to him.

"Fine, sir, it's because they didn't like a fag working with them. I took offense to them saying that to me," Blair stood straighter as he said it.

Joel walked over to Simon's desk and turned Blair towards him and saw the bruises, the scrapes, and the two black eyes. Sighing, he finally said, "So you sure showed them, didn't you, Sandburg?"

"Yes, I sure did. They know that even fags fight back," Blair turned back to Simon and finished, "so can I go now, sir?"

Joel looked at Simon and Banks motioned to Joel to follow Sandburg.

"Blair, wait up. Come here." Joel led him into the restroom and he started to clean his face and hands up before he took him to see Jim.

"I can clean my own face, Joel. Geeze." Blair washed all of the blood off of his hands and face and dried them off.

"Blair, Jim knows what happened. He knows that you were defending his honor," Joel tried to warn Blair, so he wouldn't lie to Ellison.

"Oh great. Now he knows that people think he's a fag." Blair rubbed his sweaty palms against his jeans.

Joel pulled Blair aside and said, "Blair, he's gay."

"I know that, Joel. Do I look stupid? He's not gay; he's bi. He plays both sides." Blair brushed his hair back as they made their way to Joel's office.

Joel opened the door and Jim stood up and Blair said, "You should see the other guys, man."

Everyone in Joel's office had their mouth hanging open. Jim moved towards him and pulled him into a loose hug and said, "Chief, all joking aside, I'm going to kill those fuckers."

"You are not going to kill those fuckers. They're going to get suspended, as well as me. Now let it go, Jim. I mean it." Blair pulled away from Jim and saw the hurt look on Jim's face. "Jim, it hurts to be held right now, okay, man?"

"Sure." Jim went and sat down and everyone saw the walls come up. Just as quickly he walked out and stormed off down the hallway.

"Well hell, I'm fine, I'll just go running after him." Blair tried catching up until he realized that Jim was heading to Simon's office.

Jim didn't even knock, he stormed the office and said, "So who wants to see how tough the fag is? I'll take you on."

"Jim, this is a private meeting, it's not about your partner," Simon started, leading Jim towards the door.

"Oh that's rich. They all told you it was about them saying something about Blair? I can't believe it. They were talking about me, Simon. I'll wait and talk to them in the hall." Jim walked out of his office and took up post at the elevator doors.

"Tell me, was it your intention to piss Ellison off? Or were you trying for something else?" Simon glared at the men in front of him.

No one said a word and finally Simon said, "You're all suspended without pay for three days. You have to come and see me before you start back."

They all got up and left the room. And Simon followed them to the elevator and said, "Ellison, there will be no nonsense on this floor. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir." Ellison pushed the button for the idiots.

When it opened they filed on and just as it was about close Jim jumped in. "Fuck!" Simon started running for the stairs, grabbing his men on the way.

When Simon got downstairs, the elevator still wasn't there. Jim was up to no good, Simon just knew it.

"Is this damn thing even moving?" Simon asked Joel.

"I would say he's got it on emergency stop sir," Joel tried not to upset Simon, but it was going to be hard to get around there.

Inside the elevator were four very frightened men. Jim pushed the stop button and called them by name, "Cason, Franklin, Jensen and Nance, do I have your attention?"

All four men shook their heads in the affirmative. "Good, glad to see you're seeing things my way. Now who wants to start? I want to know why Sandburg felt the need to defend my honor." Jim leaned against the wall like this was something he did daily.

"Fine, you want to know?" Cason stepped forward, the largest of the four, "We told him we didn't see how he could work with a bottom boy."

Jim just stayed in the same position and kept his arms folded across his chest.

"Cason's serious, that's what started it." Franklin began to get a little nervous about being here with Ellison.

"I can't believe that he just jumped you four men, for that reason alone, so we'll just stay here until you tell me what else was said," Jim smiled at all four of them evilly.

"Okay, he's going to find out anyway, when Sandburg tells him tonight in bed." Jensen was beginning to sweat. "He said that we had the story wrong."

"He did, did he?" Jim challenged them.

"Yeah, he said that he was the bottom. Well, we didn't even know you were sleeping together. He said you were a fucking good top." Nance stood right up to Ellison when he said this.

"Well, fuck me," Jim said very quietly.

"Ellison, I can't do that," Nance replied.

"Oh get a grip, Nance. No way would I let you fuck me. Remember, I'm a top," Jim smiled and moved towards them and they all moved back.

"Ellison, we did what you wanted. You know now, let us out of here," Cason pleaded.

"I'll let you out of here if you make a promise," Ellison just stood there waiting for them to ask the question.

"What?" Franklin asked.

"You'll never touch Sandburg again or anyone else that you think might be gay. That is their choice. If you do anyone harm, I'll come after you all, one at a time." Ellison reached over and pushed the button and the car began to move once again.

When they got down to the first floor, Jim heard all of them whisper, "Thank god."

As they started out, Jim draped his arm across two men, on either side. "It was great being stuck in there with you guys. Call me soon." Ellison walked towards Simon, Joel, Conner and Blair.

"Hey, what are you all doing down here?" Ellison looked at Simon to see how much trouble he was in.

"Cason, are you and the others all right?" Simon asked.

"We're fine, sir." Cason walked out the front door.

"All right, Ellison, what did you do? Did you threaten them? Please tell me you didn't hit them where we couldn't see it." Simon was pushing Jim back further each time he poked him in the chest.

"Sir, I swear to you I didn't touch them. All I told them was we needed to let people live their lives as they saw fit. And they agreed. But there was no violence at all." Jim leaned into the wall and smiled.

"No way, Ellison. You would never let them get away with hitting Sandy like that," Conner yelled over at him.

"Yes, I would because he started it, didn't you, Blair?"

"I started it, yes. Big deal. Now can I go home, Simon?" Blair walked towards the front door.

"Want to hear why he was defending my honor, Simon?" Jim asked smiling.

"NO, he doesn't want to hear. Simon, it's gay stuff. You don't want to fucking know." Blair was still trying to get out the door.

"So tell us Blair, what did they say that provoked you so?" Joel asked pulling him away from the doorway.

"Well, shit! Ellison, you're in deep trouble, man. They said Jim was a bottom boy and I took offense to that." Blair tried to get out of Joel's arms, but Joel was holding on tight.

"Sandy, I think it's nice that you were defending his honor. Jim, I didn't know you were a bottom boy?" Conner really wanted to know this.

"This is what I'm talking about. He's not a bottom boy, and I take offense to that term. Because someone chooses to be on the bottom, doesn't make him a bottom boy," Blair was getting angry.

"Sandburg, what would he be then, an underneath boy?" Simon asked and they all began to howl.

"An alternate position boy?" Conner had to add it.

"Well, I'm glad you all think this is so funny," Blair growled.

"I'm not laughing, Chief. I agree with you. Why label yourself? It's too fucking fun being top and bottom," Jim began to smile again.

"Sandy, what would happen if a bottom boy decided to ride the man on top?" Conner again asked like it was something she really wanted to know.

"Maybe like a bronco rider or something," Joel really did try to keep a straight face, but it didn't work.

"Jesus, this is more than I want to hear." Simon started walking out the door. "See you all tomorrow."

"Night, sir," Jim called out pulling Blair away from Joel. "We're going to get out of here, too."

"Wait, he didn't answer my question," Conner demanded as she followed them out the door.

"Night, Joel," all three called out.

Joel shook his head as he went back in to see what was going to happen inside.

"Can I come over and talk to you, Sandy?"

"No, you can't, Conner, he's going to be talking to me." Jim pushed Blair into the truck and shut the door behind him. "Talk to you later."

"Fine, I'll talk to him tomorrow then, you big ole grouch. Sandy, call me if you need an ear," Conner called out as Jim started the truck up.

"Like I'd want one of hers, it wouldn't match my other one," Blair tried to make Jim smile and this worked. Jim laughed out loud.

The rest of the ride was very quiet. Blair was afraid to say much and Jim wanted to wait until they were in the comfort of their own home.

They walked through the door and Jim grabbed Blair from behind and turned him around. He brushed Blair's hair out of his face and looked him in the eyes. Jim had to be sure that he was reading the right message from what had transpired. What he saw in Blair's eyes was lust and love. Jim smiled and swooped in for their first kiss. Finally having to have some air, they pulled away from each other.

"Jim?"

"Blair?"

"Well, now that fucking roll call is over, want to tell me what is going on?" Blair pulled Jim down for more kissing.

"You want telling or kissing?" Jim said as he let himself be pulled into another kiss.

"Jim, I couldn't have them think you were a lesser person because you were a bottom. I'm sorry I told them that."

"I'm not sorry, Jesus. Are you missing this? We're fucking kissing. I hope to be fucking soon. And besides I am a top."

"So like I never get to be on top?"

"Oh yeah, Chief, you can be on top a lot. Just not tonight. I have to have you tonight."

"All right, I think I can make that work. You're on top tonight and I'll be top tomorrow. Does this work for you?" Blair kissed him again and took all thought away from Jim.

"What were you saying?" Jim asked totally breathless.

"I was saying, why don't we take this upstairs?" Blair pushed Jim up the stairs while mumbling, "Yeah, he's the top. Then why do I have to do all of the pushing?"

"Very funny, Chief." Jim started to undress Blair slowly. He wanted to take his time and make this special for both of them. Every time he took a piece of clothing off, the skin would be kissed by Jim. Blair was moaning already and they weren't naked yet.

Blair took his turn and started to undress Jim. He followed the same route and every time he took off some clothing, he would kiss Jim's skin.

Finally, they were both standing there naked and very happy to see each other, when Jim said, "Fuck..."

"Already? I thought we would go slower," Blair said grumbling.

"No, Chief. Conner's at the door."

"Well, fuck..." Blair got dressed quickly and said, "Stay up here. I'll get rid of her."

Blair opened the door as Conner was getting ready to knock and she said, "Weird, Sandy. I thought Jim was the only one that could do that. You going to ask me in or what?"

"Oh, sorry, Conner. Come on in," Blair stepped aside for her to enter. She and Blair both looked up as Jim came walking down the stairs in a robe.

"Hey, Jimbo. I was hoping that I could ask you some questions about being gay," Conner went over to the sofa and sat down.

"Conner, why do you care what Jim has to say about being gay?" Blair wondered aloud.

"Jimbo, I really do want to find out about the difference between a top and a bottom,"

"Only if you stop calling me Jimbo. I hate that name," Jim smiled down at her as he moved toward the sofa, too.

Blair knew that Jim was up to something, he just didn't know what.

"First of all, we're more upfront. So if I want to fuck, I'm liable to end up naked and exposing myself," Jim opened up his robe and sure enough he was naked and Conner licked her lips.

"That makes sense to me, Jim. What's next?" Conner was trying to stay calm, but she was getting turned on.

"A top will walk right up to the person and stick it in their face. He's that sure of himself," Jim then walked over to Conner and she had a very erect cock in her face.

Without thinking, she touched Jim. "Jim, I'm sorry, I don't know where that came from."

"You want me?" Jim asked.

"Yes, I think I do," Conner's pulse was going up and her temperature was off the charts.

"Then you'll have to ask Blair,"

A very confused Conner said, "Blair, why do I have to ask you?"

"Because we were in the middle of fucking and you came to the door," Blair laughed at the look on Conner's face.

"It's all right, Conner. Want to join us?" Jim asked.

Megan Conner ran out of the loft. Jim could hear her voice in the elevator, "I hate you, Ellison, and I will get even."

"Where in the hell did you come up with that shit you were telling her?" Blair started undressing as he watched Jim get hard.

"Hey, it worked, who cares?"

"Work some of that magic on me, Ellison," Blair moved his naked body over Jim's on the sofa until Jim said, "I don't fucking believe this."

"What? Someone's here?" Blair shot off the sofa like they could see him through the door.

"Go get your robe on. It's Joel and Simon. I'll get rid of them quickly," Jim put his robe on as he talked to his cock telling it to settle down.

Jim pulled the door open and scared both men. "God, we hate when you do that, Ellison." Simon entered the loft without being asked. Joel, on the other hand, could tell something was different.

"You busy, Jim?" Joel asked and still didn't move into the loft.

"A little, Joel, but come on in. What are you guys doing here?" Jim asked point blank.

Before he could listen to what they were saying Jim heard Blair in his room. "I'm sorry, Jim, but I have to take some of this pressure off. I'll make it up to you later."

"Gentlemen, could you excuse me for just a moment?" Jim flew into Blair's room and shut the door.

Jim pushed Blair back on his bed and asked him if he had any lube. Blair handed it to him smiling and Jim began to stretch him out. They kissed the whole time. He slid into Blair's tight channel and it was a perfect fit. Jim and Blair both were having a hard time keeping quiet. Jim was pounding into him fairly hard and Blair still was making some noise.

Suddenly, Jim stopped and hung his head. "Simon, we'll be out in a second."

"Jim, is everything all right in there?" Simon really did sound concerned.

Then Jim heard the door knob being turned. "Simon, if you don't want to see your two friends fucking, don't open that door. Please..."

"Oh shit..." Simon said and before long Jim heard the front door closing.

"Well, that went well, Jim. What can we do for an encore?"

"I suggest we do something wild and wonderful like come," Jim started pounding into him harder and harder as he stroked Blair's cock. Blair exploded all over he and Jim both and Jim's orgasm was milked out of his by that tight, perfect fit.

Jim cleaned both of them up and then they lay in Blair's bed just holding on to each other.

"Chief, since when have you been bi?" Jim asked as he kissed the younger man's sweet skin.

"Since forever, Jim. I really didn't think you'd want to know," Blair moved his neck so that Jim could get to it easier.

"What were you thinking?" Jim pulled Blair closer and continued, "that goes for everything. Blair what were you thinking by taking on those guys? I don't need to worry about my reputation. Promise me you won't do it again," Jim kissed him softly.

"No can do, hot shot," Blair was busy kissing Jim back, "I can't make promises I can't keep. I'm a big boy, I can fight my own battles, too."

"From now on we try and talk about it first?" Jim finally asked.

"And about that stunt on the elevator, what were you thinking?"

"They hurt you, I had to do something, Chief," Jim sounded almost upset.

"Okay, we'll talk about all this in the morning. Night, Jim," Blair kissed him long and hard.

"Night, Blair. I love you," Jim started to get comfortable.

"Do you go out of your way to make lover's cry the first night?" Blair was sniffing and Jim could smell the saline in the air.

"Blair, what's wrong? Talk to me," Jim looked at his eyes and could see the tears ready to fall. "God, what did I do already?" Jim held on to Blair for dear life.

"You didn't do anything wrong. No one's ever loved me, Jim. And you love me. I love you, too." Blair gave in to a few tears and then kissed Jim until there was some returning interest in both of their cocks.

All Jim could think about was the fact that he had been afraid to ask Blair to love him because he didn't want to lose him. He was afraid Blair would move out and hate him. What in the hell were you thinking?

The next morning both men knew that they would have to deal with more of the bullshit with the creeps. Thus was life.

When they arrived at the bullpen, Rafe slapped Jim on the back and said, "Way to go, man."

"What are you talking about?" Jim asked totally confused.

"We heard you got another notch in your belt last night," Rafe smiled at both men.

"I most certainly did not. And if I did it's no one else's business. Who told you this?" Jim was getting angry just thinking about them being talked about.

"Well all I'm saying is it's nice to hear that you're playing that side of the fence now." Rafe smacked him on the back again and moved on to talk with Brown.

"Chief, do you get the feeling that we're in the Twilight Zone?" Jim sat at his desk, dumbfounded.

"I know what they mean. Megan told them you and she slept together," Blair was quite proud of himself that he figured out Megan's joke.

"But why would she do that? That's not getting even with anyone."

"Because everyone knows you only sleep with guys. Now suddenly this woman tells them that she seduced you and the men will all think she's hot stuff for turning the gay guy on," Blair began to laugh at how smart Megan really was.

"Fuck... I'm never going to live it down, am I?" Jim laid his face into both of his hands and just wished for the day to be over with.

Simon walked by Jim's desk and said, "Ellison, my office."

"Yes sir," Jim answered and walked in and shut the door.

"What's up, sir?"

"Oh don't 'what's up, sir' me. What the fuck is going on around here? Since when are you sleeping with Sandburg? Joel and I were very embarrassed by all of this," Simon lit up one of his smelly cigar's and waited for Jim's answers.

Standing up Jim glared at Simon. "Well it's personal and no one asked you to come over and mess in our business. I'm sorry that you were embarrassed, but I don't really give a fuck." Jim stormed out of the office and went for the elevator.

"Ellison, get your ass back in here," Simon called out and everyone in the office was watching what was going to happen.

Jim leaned into the wall by the elevator and just stood there. He didn't want to go into Simon's office, but he also knew that he had to follow orders. Slowly he walked back and Simon slammed the door.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again. Understood?" Simon glared into Jim's eyes.

"Oh yeah, understood it perfectly. I'm giving my notice Simon. You've got 30 days," Jim got up and walked out of Simon's office for the second time.

"Ellison, get your ass back in here right now," Simon hollered out but Jim came back in quickly this time.

"You seem awfully taken with my ass today Simon. What do you want?" Jim sat down hard on the chair and glared back at Simon.

"I don't want your notice. I won't take it. I'm sorry, Jim. I'm still just shocked about you and Sandburg and I took it out on you. I really am sorry." Simon puffed on his cigar and tried not to blow it in Jim's direction.

"Fine... I'll stay then," Jim got up and walked out of the office. Jim knew that things would probably never be the same again.

Simon opened his door and called Sandburg in. Blair looked at Jim nervously and Jim pushed him in that direction. As Blair walked in, he saw Jim going toward Joel's office. Oh sure, he gets the nice guy.

"What's up, Simon?"

"Well I just wanted to tell you that I got a little crazed with Jim earlier, but we worked it out. And I'm going to try and be more understanding with you two." Simon went to light up his cigar.

"Simon, please don't light that. It makes me and Jim both sick. I'm glad you're going to try and understand, but what did you say that got Jim so riled?"

"Something about Joel and I were embarrassed by what happened at the loft." Simon looked out the window hoping he wouldn't have another Detective slamming out of his office.

"That's it? Why did he get so upset?" Blair looked down the hall and saw Jim coming out of Joel's office. Pulling the door open, Blair said, "Ellison, we need your help here."

"OH yeah, like I fucking believe that," Jim mumbled as he walked into Simon's office.

"Jim, why would you be so upset because Simon was embarrassed?"

"I'm not embarrassed of you, I don't want anyone else to be either," Jim spoke softly with his head lowered.

"We'll have some talking to do when we get home. But everything is okay with Simon, right?" Blair looked into his partners face for a good sign.

"Yeah, everything is fine. Talk to you later, Simon," Jim pulled the door open and walked out.

"Is it just me, or does he seem pissed off?" Simon asked Blair.

"We'll get it worked out, don't worry." Blair walked over to his desk and sat down.

Jim looked up at him and asked, "What?"

"I was just wondering when you're going to forgive Simon."

"Never... He's an asshole and I hate him. Now can we go back to work?" Jim started typing and tried to ignore the looks from Blair.

Blair pulled his chair closer to Jim and whispered, "Want me to beat the shit out of him?"

Jim looked over at the blur eyes and almost smiled. "You've done enough of that for a long while. I'll get over it. Now finish your work."

"Sandburg!" Simon hollered and Blair almost ran into his office.

"Yes sir?"

"I just want to be sure that you do know that you're here without pay, right?"

"Simon, I have two more days of my suspension. I know I don't get paid." Blair started out of the office when Simon said, "Sandburg, what's wrong?"

He shut the door again and said, "Something's going on, Simon. You must have looked at him like he was a piece of shit or something. He's really depressed and he's not talking."

"And you can tell the difference how?"

"I'm not joking sir. I want to know if you hate us for sleeping together." Blair stood up and was ready to take on his Captain.

"If I didn't know better I'd say you were ready to take me on, defending his honor. I don't know how to tell you this Sandburg, but there is nothing to defend. He's gay, he kept it from all of us and what is there to defend?"

Blair took out his badge and his gun and gave them to Simon. "I quit. You're such fucker. And I never thought I would think that about you."

"Sandburg, calm down. That probably came out wrong. I'm sorry." Simon tried to give the badge and gun back to Sandburg.

"Is that how you said you were sorry to Jim? You're an asshole. His heart is broken out there because you're his best friend and you let him down." Blair opened up the door, and made his way to the elevator.

"Chief, what's going on?" Blair was never so happy that Jim hadn't listened in on that conversation.

"I'm just going to go down stairs and work out. I'll talk to you at lunch. Jim, I really want to be alone." Blair got into the elevator and saw his sad partner as the door closed.

Jim marched into Simon's office and asked, "What the fuck happened?"

Simon realized Blair hadn't told him. "Well, first of all, I said something shitty."

"You? I can't believe it," Jim was being a little more sarcastic then was called for.

"Anyhow, he quit. He didn't give notice, he quit," Simon got it all out as fast as he could. Before Simon could continue, the door was flung open and Joel said, "We've got trouble."

"What?" Jim was up and moving as soon as he saw that look on Joel's face.

"Sugar Ray Sandburg is downstairs showing off his stuff again," Joel got into the elevator and was followed by Jim and Simon.

While in the elevator, Joel and Simon could see Jim's hands shaking. They looked at each other with wonder. As in will wonders never cease?

The got off and headed for the workout room and saw a large man holding Sandburg. Jim walked right over to him and said, "Let him go now."

"Detective Ellison, I had to wait for you because he kept going after the idiots," Lt. Mitchell said.

Mitchell let Sandburg go and he stood still and looked at the ground.

"Who was he going after, Mitchell?"

"Cason and Franklin. They came in to work out since they're suspended," Mitchell pointed to the two men in the corner.

"Chief, did they come after you again?"

"Yeah, I was just defending myself. I didn't start the fight, just defending myself," Blair still hadn't looked up from the floor.

Jim took his piece off and handed it to Mitchell and started walking over to the two men. Simon and Joel just stood by and watched. They knew that Jim had to do this. It would be worth the unpaid time off.

"Hey Cason. Hey Franklin. Didn't we agree to leave Sandburg alone? I guess not." Jim grabbed Cason as he tried to get by him. Jim hit him so hard that Cason went down to the floor and didn't even bother to get up. He grabbed Franklin next and hit him, but he wasn't small. He was going to give Jim a run for his money. "What part of don't touch him again do you not understand?"

Jim could hear Blair begging Mitchell to let him go so he could help. Mitchell wasn't budging.

Jim moved into Franklin's space and whispered, "I'm not going to hit you any more today anyway. But if you go near Sandburg again I'll be sure to spread the new rumor."

"What new rumor?" Franklin asked and actually seemed frightened by it.

"That the reason you want Sandburg beat up is because you're in love with me. You and I've been an item for quiet some time," Jim smiled as he pulled away.

"No one would believe you, faggot."

"Good, then I'll start it right now. You seem to want this happening, so we'll do it together." Jim watched the man's face and saw immediately that he was winning.

"Fine. It stops here and now. He won't be touched again." Franklin leaned down to help Cason get up. He was just coming around.

"Oh and don't forget to tell Cason he used to be my candy man," Jim smiled as the two men walked out of the room.

When Jim walked over to Blair he pulled his face up and wanted to go and find those two again. This time Blair most likely had a broken nose. "You all right, Sandburg?"

"Yeah Jim I'm fine. I'm just going to finish my workout and see you later." Blair started over to the punching bag.

"Chief, you need to have that nose reset. Why don't we go to the ER?" Jim led him away from the bag.

"I'll drive you two over," Joel said as he helped both men get into the elevator.

The drive over was pretty quiet and finally Joel said, "Jim, I hope you don't think I don't like you. In fact, I love both of you."

"Wow, that's one of the nicest things we've heard since this whole thing started. Thanks, Joel," Blair was almost bouncing in the seat next to Jim.

"Sandburg calm down, you might have more wrong than the nose," Jim leaned Blair back and checked out the nose again.

Joel watched them and smiled. He had never seen two men more in love and he was glad that he got to witness it.

As the doctor looked Blair over he said, "Wow, you have a tough job Detective,"

"Well this was just fights," Blair said with a sound of pride.

"Well this time you have a broken nose and a cracked cheekbone. So now I want your friends out so I can reset your nose," Doctor Williams started pushing the men out.

"Why can't Jim stay in here? I really need him in the room. Please let him come back in and I'll be good. I promise."

Doctor Williams opened the door and said, "Detective Ellison, he needs you."

Jim practically ran in there. "Hey Chief. This will be over before you know it. Right doc?"

"Hold your partner and I'm going to do it right NOW." Even Jim wasn't expecting it to happen so fast.

He looked down and saw the tears coming from Blair's eyes. "You all right, partner?"

Blair sniffed and said, "I'm fine. No biggy."

Doctor Williams taped Blair's nose and checked his other injuries. He turned towards Jim and asked, "First fight?"

"More or less, so he's trying to be tough."

"Okay, Detective Sandburg the room is yours for about twenty minutes, then it's time for you to go home," Williams smiled as he headed for the door.

Blair jumped down from the examining table and said, "I don't need to stay in here for twenty minutes. I'm not a wuss."

Williams laughed and said, "Why am I not surprised? I hope you feel better soon. Here is the paper for what you're supposed to do and not do."

Blair walked out of the room and saw Joel. "Look at this Big Guy. Now I get more black eyes. And no one's going to say, he's pretty again. I always hated that." Blair slapped Joel on the back and started for the exit.

Jim noticed that he hadn't looked at him once. He could hear him rambling, like mad.

"And then you know what the doctor said? He said it was a wuss room and I could have it for twenty minutes to get my bearings. Oh give me a fucking break. Like I need a wuss room. Because once you're a wuss, they automatically add puss to it and that's like the kiss of death," Blair was talking non-stop but didn't see Joel looking over at Jim.

"I've never heard of a wuss room, Blair. Maybe it was just a recovery room," Joel finally was able to say something.

"Recovery room, wuss puss room, same difference. I'm a friggin cop and I'm tough. I don't need those fucking rooms," Blair wasn't winding down a bit.

When they drove up to the loft, Blair turned to Joel and said, "Feel like a drink?"

"Not a chance, Sandburg. Get out so I can go back to work," Joel touched his hair and and smiled. Jim pulled the young man out of Joel's car.

He pushed him into the building so they could get home. "If you feel like it, we could fuck each other senseless," Jim smiled down at Blair and noticed he got no smile. "Blair? What's wrong?"

"I'm starving all of a sudden. I'm going to make us something to eat, all right?" Blair hung his jacket up and walked into the kitchen. "What are you hungry for?"

"Chief, just make something for yourself, I'm not hungry." Jim went over and sat on the sofa and turned the television on.

Blair came around the sofa and looked at Jim. "Hey Ellison, you all right?"

"I'm fine Blair. Go finish making your food," Jim started flipping through the channels.

"Shit, you wanted sex and you're mad aren't you?"

"Chief, just go eat. I'm going to go out for awhile," Jim got up and put his jacket on.

"No, don't leave me. OK?"

"Chief, you don't need me here. You haven't even looked at me since this happened," Jim tried not to lose his temper with Sandburg, but sometimes he pushed the older man.

Blair stopped what he was doing and looked at Jim. He looked him right in the eyes and the next thing he knew he was in Jim's arms shaking.

Jim could hear the quiet little sobs, but he wasn't ready for the next sound. "Oh God," Blair sounded grief-stricken.

"What's wrong, Sandburg. Tell me what's wrong," Jim pushed Blair away from him so he could see the problem.

"Oh God... Jim take me back up to the fucking ER. I need the wuss puss room. I am a wuss puss," Then Blair started to wail and Jim had a hard time keeping from laughing his butt off.

"Jim, have you ever cried? God, please tell me you have," Blair looked up at him expectantly.

"Yeah Chief, I cried when they told me someone hit you," Jim began to rub Blair's back hoping to relax him.

"No, I mean have you ever cried when you were shot?"

Jim thought a moment and then smiled and said, "Yes. And you were there to help me though it. And not once did you call me a wuss puss. On the top of the building, when the Ice Man got my leg. I couldn't turn it down and you talked me through it."

"Jim, you're so full of shit. There was no crying on the roof. There was whining on the roof, but it's not the same. So you're saying you're not a wuss but I am?"

"Okay, if this gets out, I'll kick your ass. That day when we got home, I went to bed and cried myself to sleep," Jim dared Blair to make fun of that.

"I might be a wuss, Jim, but you're an idiot. I would have held you and made you feel better. Why didn't you call me up there?" Blair just looked at him totally confused.

"For the same reason that you were doing it today. We think we have to be all tough and macho. Go up to bed and I'll take care of my wuss," Jim said smacking Blair on the ass as he headed for the stairs.

"You're on. Let's see, I'll be the wuss tonight and tomorrow night you can be the wuss. All right?" Blair took off really fast up the stairs.

"Chief, do I have to cry when I come?" Jim walked up the stairs laughing.

"Get your ass over to this bed. I'll make you cry and it won't be because you're a wuss," Blair pulled Jim down to the bed and soon forgot all about his nose.

The End.

[ Thank the author! ] [ Back to Index index ]

Acknowledgments: Thank you Mary for the wonderful beta job. Thank you Sam for the fantastic cover. I loved it.