by Beth Manz
"Is that what you think?"
"It's the truth."
"Jim, you're always there for me. Always." He scooted closer to his partner. "Whether you had made it to that cemetery or not doesn't matter. I know how you feel. I know more than anything that you wanted me to be safe. That you would have done anything to make sure that I was safe. To protect me." Reaching out, he took Jim's hand in his own and gripped it tightly. "That's what matters."
Jim stared at him, his gaze still uncertain. "You really believe that?"
"Absolutely," Blair said without hesitation. "Knowing you'll always be there for me and I'll always be there for you... knowing that no matter what happens in our lives, that one fact will always remain true... that's what I believe in more than anything else, Jim." He stared up into his partner's eyes, trying to convey all he felt in that one look. "You have never let me down and I know you never will."
"Your blessed protector," the sentinel said quietly.
"My blessed protector... and my brother." Blair reached up and laid his hand gently against the side of Jim's face. "How could you ever think anything bad could happen to me when I've got those two things going for me?"
Jim closed his eyes. "Thank you, Chief."
Blair dropped his hand. "Dinner will be ready soon. After we eat, I think you need to go back to bed, see if you can get some rest. Do you think you'll be able to sleep now?"
Jim smiled and nodded his head. "Yeah," he whispered warmly, "I think I can sleep now."
The End