New Arrivals
Author-Suzie
Titles

Watching Your Back - Redux
by Suzie

Summary: A follow-up to Watching Your Back. This time it's Blair's turn to reflect.

Disclaimer: Some of the characters in this story belong to the UPN Network and Pet Fly Productions as part of the television show The Sentinel. I do not claim these characters as my own. No money has changed hands.

Notes: This is for wnnepooh, who asked, "Maybe next time it'll be a warm, sleepy Jim?" Thanks, Jen, for the Blair puts Jim to bed part. And, of course, being the best Beta Beast around! <G>

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
~~ Elbert Hubbard ~~

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It had been a little more than twenty-four hours with little sleep and no rest. Their prisoner had been safely delivered with no mishaps along the way. Their return flight had been grounded, and by the time the flight had finally taken off, they'd been stuck in the airport for hours.

Jim had guided his groggy partner off the plane in Cascade and led the way to the cab that would drop them off at home. Both men were grateful that they had no luggage to worry about. They'd been told they would be turning the prisoner over to the local authorities, and then catching their return flight and had packed accordingly, only bringing Blair's backpack.

**********

Blair let out a heavy sigh as he leaned back into the seat, glad that they were able to leave the driving to someone else. They were barely out of the airport when he felt Jim's solid weight against him. Looking at his Sentinel, Blair smiled. I know he didn't sleep on the plane, he thought as he carefully shifted to sit straighter to accommodate Jim's taller frame. He must be exhausted.

Jim let out a quiet sigh and rested his head on Blair's shoulder. Blair grinned, closing his eyes and letting his cheek rest against the top of Jim's head.

Don't worry, I'll watch your back, Jim, Blair said to himself. No matter where you go, or what you do ... I'll be there. He thought about some of the things they'd been through over the years since they met. I know you don't mean some of the things you say and do. I know you have trouble expressing your emotions.

"Wait in the truck, Chief. Keep your head down."

How many times had Blair heard those words? He never bothered to count. I know you're trying to protect me. I know I can be a pain in ass at times, especially when I don't do what you tell me. But sometimes I just can't. I have to be there ... watching your back ... making sure you don't zone out.

Blair felt Jim twitch slightly against him, and he gently laid his smaller hand over Jim's. The warmth seeped into Blair's hand, up his arm, and into his heart. I've tested you and treated you like a guinea pig. I've harassed you into telling me things about yourself that you've never told anyone before ... not even Simon. You've always been there for me, taken care of me, watched over me. You *are* my Blessed Protector. You've changed your life for me, Jim. I'm sorry. "Thank you," he whispered Sentinel soft as he let himself doze off.

**********

The cab pulled to a not so gentle stop, jarring Jim and Blair awake in the backseat.

"We're here, gents," the cabby said.

Jim and Blair slid out of the car and shuffled through their money to pay the man behind the wheel and leave a tip. It was dark now, as they watched the cab pull away. Without a word, Jim slipped his arm around Blair's shoulders and steered them towards the door to the building where they shared an apartment. Blair walked beside his tired friend, his arm going around Jim's waist to add his support.

**********

"I think I'll just sleep here on the sofa tonight," Jim yawned as he lowered himself into the cushions. "I don't have the energy to go upstairs."

"No way, big guy," Blair said. "Your back and neck will make you regret it in the morning." He marched over and, grabbing one hand, pulled his Sentinel to his feet.

"Sandburg, please, I'll be fine," Jim protested, even as he stood up.

Blair gently pulled on the hand and headed for the stairs that led up to Jim's loft bedroom. "You'll feel better in the morning if you sleep in your bed tonight."

Jim sighed, but followed without complaint.

Silently, Blair helped Jim undress, then made sure the he was comfortable and tucked in before turning out the light. "Night, Jim."

"G'night, Chief," Jim mumbled as he drifted closer to sleep. "And thank you."

Blair smiled affectionately at his friend and gently brushed a hand over Jim's short hair. "You're welcome," he whispered. Sitting there on the edge of the bed, Blair watched Jim sleep by the light that filtered up from the living room. For those few minutes, Blair was happy just to be near his partner. Finally he rose and headed down the stairs to check the locks, turn out the light, and go to his own bed for some much needed rest.

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end

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