Strays

“Shit and damn it all I should have known better than to go to my father’s cabin just before one of the worst storm all winter is about to hit. And why the hell am I going to the cabin just before it hits? I stupidly ask myself. Well why? Because I’m stupid that’s why. Just plain, old stupid. I could be back at the loft enjoying the Jags game on tv. Sitting there with a couple of beers and a *big* old bowl of potato chips.

“But no…where am I instead? On a road in the middle of nowhere heading toward what my father laughingly calls a cabin because Simon says I need a break. That I’ve been working to hard. *So* here I am heading towards dad’s cabin. Ha, more like a rich man’s idea of a cabin. What kind of cabin has a two car garage? I ask you. None that I know of. And why the hell am I talking to myself? Because I’m stupid and I’ve finally hit loonsville head-on and have lost what little marbles I have left.” Yeah, he was complaining up storm to rival the increasing snow flurries, but who the hell was going to hear him?

“Oh, my god what’s that?” He exclaimed as he saw something dark on the side of the road. It didn’t fit with all the growing whiteness. There was just something about it. Uneasy, he pulled over to have a look.

“Shit.”

It wasn’t a bag of trash like he was hoping it was. It was a body rapidly being covered by a growing layer of white snow. And it didn’t seem to be moving.

Carefully he checked the artery in the neck. The pulse was there and beating strongly in the unconscious man’s throat. Jim could easily make out the five o’clock shadow despite the heavy bruising.

“No choice-I’m going to have to take you to the cabin. The roads are already icing over. I can’t take you to back to Cascade.” He told the silent figure. “What the hell happened to you?” He asked pushing a lock of hair off the really pale face.

Suddenly there was a weak bark. It wasn’t loud or menacing enough to scare him, but it was enough to make Jim jump back. He carefully opened the man’s torn, bloodstained jacket to find the sorriest looking creature known to dog kind.

The dog growled at him weakly trying it’s best to protect his owner. Jim smiled. “Oh, yeah-I’m really scared.” He told the tiny, black and white dog. And was rewarded with another weak growl. “Well, growl to you too, buddy.”

Jim was brought out of his fascination with the dog by the increasing snow flurries. “Well, no more of this. We gotta get out of here. Come on doggy-lets get you and your owner out of the cold. Oops, can’t forget your owner’s backpack. He may need it later.”

He carefully picked up the tiny, shivering dog, that’s when he realized the dog was hurt, too. A broken front paw by the look of it. “What the hell happened to the two of you?” Jim asked frowning deeply.

He carefully laid the dog on the floor of the truck wrapping him in an old blanket he had underneath the seat before going for his unconscious owner. Wrapping him in another spare blanket as well as his jacket. Kicking up the heater to high before carefully maneuvering himself back onto the icy road.

Jim looked down at the curly head pillowed against his thigh. “What the hell happened? What are you doing out in the middle of nowhere. What happened?” He repeated softly as he gently stroked the curly hair.

Arriving at his father’s cabin some twenty minutes later and not soon enough for Jim. Never in his life more happy for his father’s weird idea about cabins as he pulled into the garage. Carefully he unloaded his charges. First the curly-haired youngster followed by the dog.

Once he’s laid the injured man on the bed in the main bedroom he quickly began to remove the soggy, filthy clothes. “Damn.” He hissed violently. “Shit. Someone really did a number on you. Didn’t they? Someone not only beat the hell out of you, they beat up your ugly dog, too.”

Ugly dog gave him an offended whine from where Jim had laid him on the end of the bed. Jim smiled at him. “Well, you are. I’ll fix you up next after I take care of your owner here. Okay? By the looks of it he took the worst of the abuse.”

It took Jim half an hour to clean up and bandage the worst of the curly-haired man’s injuries. He was just one huge unconscious black and blue, bleeding mess. Thankfully never waking during what would have been a very uncomfortable cleanup.

“Done. Finally.” Jim sighed, covering the now clean, bandage and warmly clothed man with a heavy quit.

“Okay, ugly dog your up.”

***************

Ugly dog lay on Jim’s lap broken leg splinted with tongue depressors Jim had in his first aid kit for unknown reasons, but in this case came in handy anyway.

“So dog, tell me what were you doing out in the middle of nowhere with a major snowstorm coming?” He asked. The only response he got was the softest brown eyes he’d ever seen begging for more of the ham and cheese sandwich they were sharing.

Jim complied scratching the surprisingly soft fur on top of the dog’s head. “Not talking, huh? Hey, your friend has a backpack. Maybe there’s something in there that’ll be useful. Let’s have a look.”

Jim laid the worn backpack on the coffee table opening it carefully. “Okay, What have we here? Anthropology Today. Dull reading, huh dog? Hmm, a couple of empty snack bar wrappers… Ah, here’s a wallet. No money… that figures. Here we-go a driver’s license. Blair Jacob Sandburg, age twenty four. A citizen of Cascade. Oh, look at this-a student ID for Rainier University. Good, he has a name. Not much else, but he’s got a name now. But what about you, dog? I can’t keep calling you dog. Well, I guess I’ll have to until Blair wakes and tells me your name. Hey, dog…you wanna share some potato chips?”

Jim checked on Blair during the night. Wanting to make sure nothing unforeseen happened when he wasn’t looking. But the curly-haired man seemed to have fallen into a deep, healing sleep.

As for ugly dog Jim took him into the other bedroom with the flimsy excuse of not wanting him to bother Blair.

The next morning found him talking to the dog. “I’m pretty sure you’re going to need to use the bathroom. Your doggie paws have got to be crossing themselves something fierce right about by now.” The dog looked up him at expectantly. Friends almost from the start even more so now that they had become blanket buddies.

“How are we going to do this? There must be five feet of snow out there.” Jim snapped his finger. “I know the garage and newspaper. Lots and lots of newspaper. Who knew a cabin with a two car garage would come in handy, huh?”

Laying out a heavy layer of newspaper he looked down at the dog. “Okay, go to it and it better be on the newspaper or you don’t get breakfast.”

Dog dutifully limped toward the newspaper carefully laid out for him. Once there he looked up at Jim.

Jim looked at him puzzled. “What? Not enough paper? What?” The dog continued to stare at him. Finally because the human was completely dense looked down at the newspaper then back up at Jim. “Oh, you don’t want an audience?” Jim asked finally catching on. “Sorry. I’ll just go and check on your owner, alright? Come back in when you’re done.”

Jim walked into the bedroom to find the most beautiful blue eyes looking at him curiously. No fear in their wide depths just curiosity.

“Hello.” Blair told him hoarsely.

“Hello.” Jim replied giving him the hugest unthreatening smile he possessed. “I’m Jim Ellison.”

“I’m Blair Sandburg. How did I get here?” Blair asked looking around the wide, spacious bedroom.

Jim carefully walked toward the bed not walking to spook the curly-headed man on it. “I found you and your dog on the side of the road. I’d love to hear what you were doing out in the middle of nowhere.”

“Burton? You found Burton? Where is he?” Blair asked excitedly. “Is he okay?” Moaning when he moved to quickly.

“Easy there, chief. You were pretty banged up.” Jim told him helping him to lean against the headboard. “So that’s his name? He’s indisposed at the moment.”

Blair gave him a quizzical look. “He’s using the facilities. I’m pretty sure he’ll be back in pretty soon it’s almost time for breakfast.”

Blair smiled. “I hope he hasn’t been any trouble.”

“No. No trouble at all. Once I fixed his leg we shared some dinner and blankets last night. We’re the best of buddies.”

The smile disappeared. “His leg?”

“It’s broken.”

“Damn those people. I should have known better than to have gotten a ride with them.”

Jim frowned at him. “Were you hitchhiking?”

Blair looked at Jim from under his lashes. “Hmm, ah, would you get mad if I said yes?”

“Damn fool, you should have known better than that.”

“Please, please don’t be mad. I went to see my mom in Seattle before she left for her trip to China and I didn’t have money for the bus. They seemed like nice people. I didn’t realize they were drunk stoned or both until we were in the car. That’s when they turned really hostile.”

“You could have been killed. Or froze to death out in the middle of nowhere.” Jim ranted at him angrily.

Blair fingered the heavy quilt. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I won’t ever do that again.” He said meekly.

Jim glared at him. “Damn straight you won’t. I swear kid you need a keeper.”

Blair gave him a tentatively smile. “I’m taking applications from one to five if you’re interested.”

Jim looked at him a moment. “I might just do that, kid.” He told him returning the smile. “Okay, no more lectures. How about some breakfast?”

“Yes, please.” He replied moving carefully to the edge of the bed. “Ow. Ow. Ow.”

Jim helped him sit up. “I’m not going to say anything about your stupidity, alright?”

Blair looked up at him sheepishly. “Thank you.” He replied, eyeing Jim speculatively. His savior was a very handsome man. Deep piecing blue eyes that held a touch of warmth. He was mad at Blair and even though they didn’t really know one another Blair figured he had every right. Jim had saved him and his dog from certain death. He could put up with a little anger. At least he cared enough to *be* angry. Blair thought to himself sadly.

“You’re welcome. Hey, look the talk about food brought your friend in.” Jim said bringing Blair out of his depressing thoughts.

“Burton!”

Jim watched with an odd queasiness as Blair and Burton reunited. Wishing sadly that someone was that happy to see him. All he had in his life was an empty apartment on Prospect and an ex-wife that hated his guts three times over.

Burton looked like he was about to come apart at the puppy seams as he wiggled happily in Blair’s arms. Jim wonders fleetingly if Burton would wiggle that happily in his arms or even if Blair would at seeing him. *Wow.* Where did that thought come from? Jim asked giving himself a mental shake. He was just lonely. Right? That’ll all it was. He tried to convince himself of that as he went to make breakfast.

Five minutes later Blair slowly walked into the kitchen carrying Burton. “This is a nice place.” He told Jim looking around the spacious kitchen.

“This is my dad’s idea of roughing it.” Jim frowned at Blair. “Hey, should you be walking around?” He asked as he added bacon to the frying pan. “I would have taken breakfast to you.”

“I’m fine. Really, really sore, but I’m fine.”

“When we get out of here you can give the police a statement.”

“Why?” Blair asked stealing a piece of bacon burning his finger in the process.

“What do you mean why? You got hurt. And I want to catch the bastards that did this to you.”

Blair blew on the bacon before popping it into his mouth. “You sound like a cop.”

Jim added eggs. “That’s because that’s what I am.” He replied.

Blair stopped chewing. “Yeah? Cool.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it cool, but I like it.”

Jim put the plates on the table. “Hey, get the forks, please. Second drawer on the left. Do you want coffee or milk?”

“Milk, please.”

“Did you wash your hands?” Jim asked as he placed a tall glass of milk in front of Blair.

“Yes, mom.” Blair replied rolling his eyes.

“Well good ‘cause not only is your dog ugly he has doggie germs.”

Burton decided not to respond to the affront on his character as he began to enjoy his own breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon bits Jim had fixed just for him.

Blair looked down at his dog affectionately. “He’s not ugly. He’s just very, very, visually challenged.”

Jim smiled. “Is that another way of saying he’s damn ugly.”

Blair laughed. “Yup, I’m afraid so.”

They ate in companionable silence for awhile. Jim watching the curly haired man devouring his food with such gusto it could only mean he hadn’t eaten in sometime. He felt something in him shatter as he watched the curly-haired man eat. His eyes filling as he thought of Blair almost dying on a long, lonely road along with his dog. Surviving that, Blair now so hungry Jim was sure the curly-haired man would eat the plate next. He blinked the tears away angrily.

“Here-let me get you some more.” He said gruffly.

“Thank’s.” Blair told him gratefully as he stuffed another piece of toast into his already full mouth.

“More milk?”

Blair nodded. Taking a large swallow. “Thanks, Jim.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

“Two days. Is it that obvious?” Blair asked his cheeks turned an embarrassed rosy hue.

“Just a little.” Jim told him. “Here finish mine I’m full anyway.” He watched sadly as Blair attacked that plate as well. “Why didn’t you ask your mom to lend you money?”

“Well, she was busy getting ready for her trip and everything was so rushed I didn’t get a chance.” Blair told him softly.

“You should have made the time. You could have been killed. You and Burton could have died if I hadn’t come across you.”

Blair looked down at his plate. “I know. I’m grateful. Truly I am.”

“Look at me, Blair.” Wide, sad eyes met his. “I don’t want you to be grateful. I want you to play it safe. No more hitchhiking. *Ever*.”

“O…okay. I will I swear it.” Blair looked at him mischievously. “The position of keeper is still open if you’re interested.”

“Don’t think I won’t apply. I might just take you two little strays home with me.” Jim threatened, smiling.

“I wouldn’t mind.” Blair whispered so softly Jim almost didn’t hear him. “I would kinda, really like that idea of going home with you. You being my handsome, dashing savior and all.”

“Are you flirting with me, Blair?” Jim asked eyeing the curly-haired man curiously.

Blair looked up alarmed. “Hmm, yes?” He questioned hesitantly.

“Don’t look at me like I’m going to hit you. I’m not. I don’t mind. I kind of like it.” Jim told him. He really didn’t mind. It made Jim feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Being flirted at by someone as young and beautiful as Blair. Despite the bruises Blair *was* quite a beauty in the male sense of the word. It did Jim’s heart and ego good.

“Really?” Blair asked hopefully.

“Yeah, really. Now finish your breakfast.” Jim told him affectionately.

“Don’t you mean your breakfast?”

Jim reached over and ruffled the soft curly hair. “No difference, buddy, no difference.” Odd thing for him to say to someone he’d just met, but to Jim no less true.

The day passed quietly as Blair slept most of it away. Burton and Jim got to know each other better. Watching tv together and sharing a lite lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and the ever present potato chips. Giggling softly, something Jim didn’t remember ever doing, as he watched Burton enjoying a pickle with undoggy-like enjoyment. Even begging Jim for another piece.

He realized with a start he was getting attached to the tiny, dog and his beautiful owner. Not a good thing in Jim’s book. Once the storm was over they’d go back to Cascade together and then go their separate ways. Jim sighed heavily as he looked down at Burton who was looking up at him with warm, trusting brown eyes. Feeling the loneliness that had been the bane of his existence weighing heavier on him than ever before.

Blair finally woke near suppertime, walking into the living room curly-hair sticking up at the oddest angles imaginable and still half asleep. “Ow, ow, ow. I hurt.” He complained softly walking very, very, slowly toward Jim and Burton who both were watching him from the sofa.

“Let me get you something for pain. I think we’ve got some Advil. That should help.” Jim told him as he gently placed Burton on the couch. The dog gave a small whine at being taken from his warm, comfortable spot on Jim’s lap.

“Sorry buddy, but your owner needs alittle help.”

“Oh, god, Jim you *are* my knight in shining armor.” Blair told him gratefully as he accepted the glass of water and two Advil.

Jim smiled at him lifting Blair’s face to take a better look at the vivid bruising that covered a goodly part of it. “Your welcome, I’m sure. Well, it’s not any better, but it’s not any worse, I bet you feel like shit.”

Blair sighed softly. “Oh, yeah and then some.” Tired, wide blue eyes looked at him sadly. “I could really use a hug.” He said hopefully.

“Yeah?” Jim asked softly.

Blair nodded. “Yeah, I feel really stupid for accepting a ride from people I didn’t even know. They hurt me, they hurt my dog and now because of it I really, really ache.”

Unhesitantly Jim carefully gathering Blair into his arms pulling him close. “I know you hurt, baby, but it’ll get better, it will.” Rubbing the slender back comfortingly.

Blair buried his face in Jim’s chest. It took Jim a moment to realize that the curly-haired man was crying. “Shh, easy. Your okay. Burton is okay. Everything is going to be just fine.”

“But what if you hadn’t come along? Burton and I would be dead. No one would ever know or care. I’m such a dumb-ass.” Blair sniffed unhappily.

Jim tightened his arms around Blair. “I care. Don’t think about it any more. Your safe. Burton’s safe and who I’m pretty sure wants dinner about now. What do you say? How about some hamburgers and fries?”

Blair nodded against his chest. “Okay, but could you hold me for just a little while more?” Blair asked tightening his arms around Jim.

“Sure chief, anything you want.” Jim held him for a long time gently rocking him, running soothing hands over the trembling man. Finally he pulled away to cup Blair face. He wiped away the tears very, very gently with his thumbs. “Ready for dinner?”

“Y…yes, thank you.”

Jim kissed the tip of Blair’s nose. “No problem. Go over there and sit with Burton. I’ll call you when it’s time to eat.”

“Okay. Jim?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank.”

Jim smiled at him. “No problem. After dinner I’ll help you into the bathtub. Soaking in a warm tub will do wonders to get rid of some of your aches and pains.”

“So does having someone around who cares if you live or die.” Blair said sadly as he watched the broad back of his savior walk into the kitchen.

He picked up his dog mindful of his broken paw. “What is to become of us, Burton? It’d be nice if Jim would adopt us. Wouldn’t it? Take us home with him. I’d love that actually. He looks rough and tumble, but he’s got a heart of pure marshmallow. You can see it in his eyes.” He said as he sat gingerly on the couch.

“Mom couldn’t wait to get rid of us so she could go on her stupid trip. Jim took care of both of us. Brought us in from the snow. Bandaged our wounds and made sure we ate. He even gave me the rest of his breakfast this morning. I did get yelled at, but that only means he cares. It’s nice having someone that care isn’t is, Burton? Do you think if we both gave him big, sad, puppy dog eyes he’d take pity on us and take us home with him? It’s gotta be better than where we live now.” Blair smiled when Burton gave him a comforting lick on the nose licked.

Dinner was an interesting affair. Blair regaining some of his energy and spirit as he told Jim about his life, his studies in school. The curly-haired man came to life when he began talking to Jim about his study on Sentinels and his search to find the one *true* Sentinel. The *one* with all five senses. Blair became so animated so caught up describing Sentinels he didn’t even notice when Jim snuck another hamburger in on him and a handful of extra fries.

Jim listened answered when asked something, but other than that he simple enjoyed being around the curly haired man. Allowing Blair’s calm and soothing voice to ease the ache of loneliness that had been his companion for so long. Healing Jim’s hurting heart and soul.

Until….

Blair started telling him about where he and Burton lived. A warehouse in the worst area of Cascade. Where the rats where so big Blair didn’t dare let Burton roam the warehouse at night for fear his dog would get eaten as a midnight snack. Yet for eight hundred a month Blair thought it was a steal.

As he lisened Jim’s uneasiness grew. Blair never noticing the shadows deepening in the light blue eyes watching him so avidly as he talked.

“Wow, dinner was really good, Jim. I got really full.”

Jim smiled at him innocently. “No problem. How about a bath, now?”

Once Blair was happily soaking in a warm bath with the promise of calling if he needed help, Jim left taking Burton with him.

“Okay Burton, here’s the plan.” Jim told the dog as he gently placed him on the desk in the corner of the living room. Burton tilting his head back and forth as he listened to Jim’s plan as if understanding.

“Well Burton, what do you think? Think he’ll go for it?”

Jim smiled when the little dog gave a tiny bark. “Should *we* go for it?” Jim asked. Earning another bark. “Alright then, let’s do it.” With that Jim took out a piece of paper and began writing.

Half and hour later Blair called asking for help getting out of the tub. That taken care of as well as the worst of Blair’s wounds rebandaged. Jim helped him to the living room to watch tv.

Suddenly Jim’s courage deserted him. He stood in the middle of the living room with two pieces of paper in his hand unsure of what to do next. Moving forward to stand in front of Blair when Burton gave him an encouraging whine.

Blair looked at the two. “What’s up?” He asked curiously.

Jim cleared his throat. “Hmm, Burton and I have something for you.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

Jim gave Blair the pieces of paper so carefully constructed earlier, sighing heavily when he noticed how badly his hand was trembling.

Blair looked at it. “What’s this?”

Jim looked at Blair feeling a curious mix of anxiety, fear and hope. “Adoptions papers for both you and Burton. I’ve got a nice apartment on Prospect with plenty of room for all of us. It’s warm, comfortable and there are no rats. And it will cost you nowhere near eight hundred a month…” Jim trailed off nervously.

“You want us to move in with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Hmm, just ‘cause I do. Do I have to have a reason?” Jim hedged.

Blair smiled up at him. “Well, yeah it would help.” He replied carefully holding the adoption papers.

Jim cleared his throat. “Well, I like you, I like Burton. Your alone, I’m alone. Plus you’re hurt and you need someone to look after you until you feel better.”

“Are you sure about this, Jim?”

“Y…yes. I wouldn’t have drawn up the papers if I wasn’t sure.”

“Taking two strays in out of the cold?” Blair asked softly.

“Yes, please Blair…” Jim asked coming so close to pleading it wasn’t even funny. “This is something I need. Something I want.”

Blair looked silently at Jim for the longest time making Jim’s heart sink. He wasn’t going to get either of them he just knew it. His eyes were just filling with tears of loss when…

“Okay, where’s the pen?”

“Really?”

“Yup, but I need a pen to fill in the paperwork.”

“O…okay, one pen coming up.” Jim told him happily. Things were truly looking up.

Blair took it. “Are you sure about this, Jim?” He asked again.

Jim met the wide blue eyes. “I have never been surer of anything in my life.”

“Okay. Oh, you know what…Hey Burton; do you want to be adopted by Jim?” The little dog sat up barking furiously his tiny little ears flapping wildly.

“The boss has spoken.” Blair told Jim laughing.

Jim gave him a brillant smile. Feeling the bone deep loneliness ease. It felt good. Like a curtain being pulled away to allow the sun and it’s warmth in. Could he possibly, maybe finally have a family to call his very own?

He hoped so. Finally someone to care for-two someones. Found on a long, lonely stretch of road. Two strays in need of a home and lots of love. Both of which Jim would gladly share and give.

Jim picked Burton up into his arms watching as Blair fill out the adoption papers. Two strays had finally found a home. No longer alone. All three finally finding what they needed on a long, lonely road in the middle of nowhere.