WARNING: This story has graphic descriptons of sex between MEN who love each other. Maybe an NC-17. At any rate if you're under 18 YOU CAN'T READ THIS!!! If you think that rule stinks, wait until you're old enough to vote and then change it!

Oh, this title is a variation on a song by Annie Lennox, that stuck in my head as I rode the train back home from Virginia.

"So, where's this place again, Chief?" Jim Ellison said, casting a side glance at his Guide and partner, Blair Sandburg.

"It's here, I know it. I'm telling you, it's got the best barbecue on the west coast."

"You know, Chief, the last time we went looking for this place, we ran into a fire. Look, why don't we just go home and order Chinese."

"No, man...believe me, it'll be worth the wait."

Jim continued to drive. "I hope so." They'd been on stakeout since five this afternoon. It was now three in the morning. [With our lousy luck, we'll find the place and it'll be closed at this hour.] "Sandburg, it's three AM. I don't think it'll be..." Suddenly all thoughts in Jim's head disappeared, as two loud buzzes sounded inside his head.

"Jim!" Blair shouted, as his friend's grip on the steering wheel loosened. The truck would have gone off the road, but Blair grabbed the wheel and stepped hard on the brakes.

"Jim, hey man, are you..."

Jim stared at his partner. What the hell was that? That feeling, that loud buzzing feeling, he never felt anything like that...except when... Just then, his hearing picked up the sound of metal against metal, a loud clanging.

Without a word, Jim got out of the truck and ran in the direction of the noise. They were on a deserted road, filled with empty warehouses. Blair followed his partner, if there was danger, Jim could not risk zoning out. Jim crouched down next to what had once been some kind of shed, Blair put a hand on Jim's shoulder. "Are you..." he whispered.

Jim put his hand over his lips. "Wait here," he said. Blair frowned as Jim got back up and ran in the opposite direction. Blair pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket. If Jim wasn't back in five minutes, he was going to call Simon.

Ellison followed the sound of the clanging of metal, until he saw two figures, two men, in a clearing, fighting with swords. Swords. Jim was stunned. In all his years on the force, he'd never seen two people fighting with swords before. One man was tall, dark, his hair in a ponytail, the other was fair, blonde. Both men moved forward, then backward, moving so gracefully it seemed as though they were dancing. Jim was mesmerized, watching the two men move so beautifully. He saw the dark man smile. Maybe this wasn't some kind of cult after all, maybe they were rehersing for some movie, or show. After all, why would two men fight with swords when there were automatic weapons around?

The dark man disarmed the fairer man, who fell to his knees. Obviously, the game was over, Jim waited for them to shake hands or something, but then the dark man raised his sword and in one fluid movement, chopped the other man's head off.

Jim was watching so intently, his head filled with the loud buzzing sounds. He reached to grab for his cell phone, when everything slowed down and he stopped, still as a statue, in that position.

Suddenly there was a multitude of lights and electricity that seemed to come from the dead body. Electric currents shot through the dark man as he shouted then raised his sword, holding onto it for dear life. Lightbulbs nearby shattered, glass broke, car alarms went off. The man then fell to his knees as the demonstration of electricity went on and on. Finally, they subsided.

"Jim!" Blair shouted, seeing his partner on his knees, eyes staring ahead of him, seeing nothing. "Oh man...he's zoned," Blair said to himself. He knelt down next to Jim. "Jim...come on Jim....it's me...Blair....easy Jim....easy...."

Jim felt the low, easy buzz next to him, he heard Blair's gentle voice, coming closer, closer, until he could hear it in his ears. Jim blinked once, twice, then turned around and looked at his Guide.

"Oh, man Jim....man did you see that...did you see those lights..."

Jim stared at Blair. "I....I...saw something....I" . Then he felt it, the buzzing in his head, that sounded like a million hummingbirds at the same time. Jim put his hands over his ears and shut his eyes.

"Jim...man...are you okay? Jim.....Jim!"

A few yards away, Duncan MacLeod felt the buzz of another immortal. He was certain he was done for. There were those immortals who waited for Quickenings, then, when the victor was too weak and exhausted to put up a fight, they took the heads of the former winners. Duncan also felt something else, the low grade buzz of a pre-immortal, the same buzz he'd felt when he first met Richie Ryan.

Duncan, knowing he was in no condition to fight, slowly dragged himself away from the immortals, got into his car and drove away.

Jim blinked, then shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "Oh, man...wow...Chief...did you see...."

"The light show? Yeah man...took the windows off the truck. What was that, man?"

"What? What are you talking about? I didn't see a light show. There were two men...here, fighting with swords...right." He looked in the direction of the fight, but saw nothing. Jim rose and stared out into nothingness. Fearing another zone out, Blair grabbed his arm.

"Jim...what are you talking about man, fighting with swords? No, man what I saw was a light show, and man it was awesome...I mean, glass was breaking, it was crazy," Blair laughed nervously.

Jim walked over to the scene of the crime. He looked down and saw a headless body. Jim rubbed his eyes as the image of the dark man slicing off the other man's head flashed in his brain. Blair was immediately at his side.

"Oh, yuk," he said, turning away.

"I saw it Chief....I saw it right before I....zoned...." Jim tried to remember what it was he'd zoned on.

"Did you see what the guy looked like, Jim?"

"I...I'm not sure....he was tall...dark hair....ponytail....I'd know him if I saw him again."

Blair looked around. "I wonder where the head went, man."

Jim looked up, as he remembered just what he'd zoned on. The loud buzzing noise in his head. It was very much like the noise he heard when he first walked into Blair Sandburg's office. At the time, Jim wasn't certain what it was, but later, he figured it was some kind of weird Sentinel/Guide thing. This was louder, more insistent. Maybe the dark man was another Sentinel and the fair haired man his guide. But that would mean that the Sentinel just killed his Guide, or vice versa. [God, will that happen to Blair and me?]

Ellison sighed and decided that he'd better not tell Blair. If this had been a Sentinel and Guide, he certainly didn't want to tell Blair that he was fated to die at his hands, or the reverse. Besides, if he told Blair about the buzzing sound, he's be pissed that Jim never told him about it in their two year association. [No, better keep this one to myself until I figure out what this is about.]

"We'd better report this, Blair...I might not be able to give a description, but a murder's been committed." He reached for his cell phone and just stared at it, as if unsure of what to do next. Blair took it from him.

"You're still shaky man, I'll call."

Blair called Major Crimes and told them where they were. When he was finished, he closed the phone and gave it back to Jim.

"Thanks buddy," Jim felt embarrassed, but grateful that Blair was there, and he understood without him having to say anything. "We'd better wait here for the police." Jim was still unsteady on his feet. Blair grabbed his arm.

"You're still reeling from the zone out, man. I think the best place for you is home. You won't be making much sense anyway. Come on."

Jim shook his head. "I got to wait for the uniforms to come first..." he rubbed his eyes.

"Okay Jim, but right after they get here, you're going home and I'm driving."

Jim smiled, Blair was always looking out for him. He simply nodded. "Right Chief."

Duncan MacLeod walked into the apartment and leaned heavily against the door. He felt the buzz long before he walked in. Now he gripped his sword, not certain if the buzz was friendly. "Methos!" he called.

"Expecting someone else?" the crisp voice shouted back from upstairs.

"No." Duncan hung his raincoat in the closet and, still holding his sword, walked up the steps. Methos was renting the duplex in Cascade's upscale district, with a choice view of the water. Duncan was visiting him in hopes of rest and relaxation, a foolish hope it seemed.

Duncan walked into the bedroom and saw Methos lying on the king sized bed, propped up by pillows, reading the New York Times. He was clad only in a pair of white boxer shorts, and his pale skin contrasted beautifully with the burgundy quilted bedspread.

Methos looked up from his newspaper and frowned. "My God, you look like hell. I guess the other guy looks worse, huh?"

Dunan nodded, then sank down on the edge of the bed. "His name was Kern, he followed me here."

"I'm sure he did, because like I told you, MacLeod, there are no records of immortals in Cascade."

"Oh, really?" MacLeod raised an eyebrow and looked back at his friend.

"Yes, really. Remember, I have connections with the Watchers."

"Who can forget," Duncan wanted to curl up in bed next to Methos but he was too tired to move.

"Are you saying that you've seen another immortal in Cascade?" Methos had put down the newspaper and was staring into Duncan's dark eyes.

Duncan sighed and threw back his head as he remembered. "When I was fighting Kern, I didn't feel it, but right before the Quickening began I felt it, another immortal. Then, when I looked over at him, he was just staring at me, like he was confused or something."

"You're lucky he didn't take your head."

"He was staring at me like he didn't believe what he'd just seen. But he was immortal...and then something even stranger...I felt a fainter buzz."

"A pre-immortal?" Methos said, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. He ran to the man, but I didn't stick around to see what either of them wanted. Methos, I think the man was truly stunned, like he didn't know what to do."

"Then the better for you then."

"If an immortal doesn't know what he is, he's fair game. He'll be hunted down and won't know how to defend himself..." MacLeod looked down. "like I was before I met Connor..."

Methos rolled his eyes. MacLeod's sense of righteousness could be nauseating at times. "This pre-immortal, what did he look like?"

"I told you, I didn't get..." Duncan looked back up at Methos, who was staring at him, intently. "He. You said he, Methos."

The ancient immortal smiled. "Did I? It was just a generic term, really. Not politically correct though. He." Methos picked up his newspaper. Duncan moved closer to him on the bed and took it from him.

"Do you know you get this glint in your eye when you know more than you're telling?"

"Really? Care to tell me what it looks like?"

"You're doing it now Methos." Duncan looked him in the eye. "You know about another immortal in Cascade."

"Not an immortal, a premie." He snatched the newspaper back from MacLeod and folded it neatly, then placed it next to him on the bed. "I was taking a class at Rainier University...you know, I've always loved universities, especially in this century, so many different types of people. In the Middle Ages, there were only men there, and none of them were very good looking..."

"Where did you see him, Methos?"

"I was in the library, at Rainier, and suddenly, I felt it, a small buzz. So, I look around. There aren't many people in the library at one in the morning."

"One in the morning?"

"When I can't sleep, I read, MacLeod, not so strange. Anyway, I look around, I know whoever it is can't feel that I'm there, so I search the stacks and then....voila! I saw the most beautiful, perfect boy I've seen in a long time. He had long, curly brown hair, a nice, compact body, in tight jeans and a long brown sweater. He must have felt the presence of somebody staring at him, so he looked over at me and takes off his glasses, and I find myself staring into the most beautiful pair of blue eyes, I've seen in centuries. Don't look at me like that MacLeod, your eyes are beautiful too, but he was absolutely stunning."

Duncan rolled his eyes. "So how long did it take you to seduce him?"

The ancient immortal shook his head. "I didn't, I couldn't...he was just...so...perfect...I just said 'excuse me' and walked away. And that was the only time I've ever felt a pre-immortal buzz in Cascade. Happy?"

"Well if he's hanging around with an immortal, I'd like to find both of them."

"For what MacLeod?"

"I want to know who they are, what type of men they are."

"You want to know if you should take their heads. You know Duncan, the reason I've lived for so long is I don't go looking for a fight, and neither should you. The world would be a real shitty place if you lost your head over something silly."

Duncan smiled. "Methos, you care."

"MacLeod, you smell."

Duncan stared at his friend. "I do not!"

"Shower, MacLeod. And you can leave the sword, I'll protect you."

Duncan sighed, rolled his eyes and stood up. He walked through a door on the right, into the adjoining bathroom. Duncan undressed, carefully folding his clothes. He frowned at the tear in his shirt, where Kern jabbed him. Too bad his clothes couldn't be as immortal as his body. Duncan adjusted the temperature of the water to hot, but not scalding. One good thing about America was they gave out far too much of everthing, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with too much heat and hot water. As soon as the Highlander stepped into the shower, he realized Methos was right, he did need a shower. God, his body felt so tense, the way he always did after a fight, but this time he felt more tense. Probably because of the presence of an immortal he didn't know.

Duncan washed his hair and was standing underneath the spray when he felt the presence of someone in the room with him. Shit, his sword was in the bedroom..what the hell...then Duncan saw the unmistakeable shape on the other side of the frosted shower door. The door opened and Methos stood, naked in front of him. The ancient immortal looked Duncan up and down, then smiled a predatory smile.

"I thought you said I smelled."

"Yes...well, you know these days, everybody's trying to conserve everything like water, this is good for the environment." Methos stepped into the shower and closed the door behind him.

"Why do I get the feeling that we won't really be showering?"

"You're a smart man, Duncan MacLeod." Methos wrapped his arms around the Highlander and captured his mouth in a bruising kiss. Duncan opened his mouth to receive him, and for a second, their tongues fought for dominance, until Methos won out by pushing MacLeod against the tile wall, and grinding his erection against the younger man's hardening cock.

The need for air, forced Methos' mouth away from Duncan. "You are so easy."

"Only for you." Duncan smiled. Methos laughed, then Duncan laughed with him. The two men looked at each other as the hot water drenched their naked bodies.

"You are so beautiful," Methos said.

"So are you...take me," Duncan whispered the last part.

"Yes....I'll take you Highlander."

Duncan turned his back on the older man and braced his hands against the tiles. Methos squeezed some soft bath lotion onto his fingers. He moved closer against Duncan, and flicked his tongue against his ear. Duncan jumped and Methos inserted one finger inside the younger man's opening. Duncan moaned, then pushed back against it frantically.

"Wait...wait....now..." Again Methos leaned forward and licked Duncan's ear this time, and inserted two fingers. Duncan pushed himself back onto Methos' fingers with more force this time.

"You....are....killing....me...."

Methos grinned, then whispered seductively in Duncan's ear. "We all know you can't die from this MacLeod...now let's see...." Methos tried three fingers. The Highlander banged on the wall with his fist, his breathing was ragged.

"Please....please....please...." was all Duncan could get out.

Methos removed his fingers. MacLeod groaned at the loss of contact. "I hate to hear you beg..."

"Methos..." Duncan whispered.

"Ready or not, here I come." With that Methos slowly, carefully pushed his hard cock inside Duncan. The younger man grunted, damn, he was no virgin, Methos was just torturing him. He pushed back roughly against Methos, impaling himself on the older man's cock until he felt the ancient immortal's balls against his buttocks. That action caused Methos to groan, he wrapped on arm around Duncan's waist and began thrusting hard and fast inside him, he reached around Duncan with his other hand and pumped the younger man's cock in counter time to his own movements.

MacLeod knew he wasn't going to last much longer, with the hand squeezing his cock, and Methos' own cock thrusting faster and faster inside him. Again Duncan pounded on the wall with both fists this time, as he felt his orgasm approaching.

"Ah....God....Methos....Methos...." then Duncan came spurting into Methos's hand and against the shower wall. The flexing, pulling, pumping of Duncan's muscles against Methos' cock, pushed the older man over the edge and he came, gasping as he exploded inside MacLeod.

They stayed like that, in their own world of steam and heat. Finally Methos withdrew gently, turned Duncan around and kissed the younger man's mouth gently.

"We should leave this place," the older man whispered. "Melbourne is beautiful this time of year."

Duncan smiled then shook his head. "I've got some business here, remember," he said, voice still shaking.

Methos turned off the water, opened the door and walked out of the shower. "You know, you're a real pain in the ass sometimes, MacLeod."

MacLeod smiled brilliantly at Methos. "Yeah, I know."

Methos dried himself with a large, white, fluffy towel. "Hunting for premies, what will you think up next."

Duncan grabbed a larger towel, he wrapped one end around his body, then pulled Methos to him and wrapped the other end around the older man. "First we find the immortal, and then we'll go to Melbourne, or Athens or wherever you want to go. I promise."

Methos knew that when Duncan MacLeod made a promise, he stuck to it. "You drive a hard bargain MacLeod, but...shit....you're worth it."

Blair sighed and knew he didn't have to look far for the reason for his discomfort; just a six foot plus, anal retentive cop. [Good thing I didn't have to be at the station this afternoon.] Then Blair remembered he'd agreed to let Jim pick him up from Rainier today; his new car needed a tune up and wouldn't be ready until tomorrow.

"That means another round of the silent treatment," Blair said to himself.

Last night, when they'd gotten home, Jim said he was tired, Blair was too, so they retired to their respective rooms. This morning, when Blair made breakfast, he noticed that Jim hadn't said anything other than "Good morning." He asked his partner what was wrong, Jim said nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Blair asked if it had anything to do with what they'd seen last night. Jim shook his head.

"You going to look through mug shots or something, see if you recognize that guy?" Blair had asked.

Jim just shrugged. "Yeah, I'll know his face if I see it again."

And that was all Jim said to Blair, until the two of them left for their respective destinations. What the hell had happened between last night and this morning? Why was Jim shutting him out? And more important, why did it make Blair feel so sad and rejected? [Calm down Sandburg, it's not like we're married or something...WHOA, where did that come from! Of course we're not married, Jim's a guy and so am I and both of us are into WOMEN. Get it!]

Blair nodded, but wasn't sure why his mind had to scream that to him. He was straight, Jim was straight, that was that. No problem. Then, Blair sighed and realized it was pointless to try and pick up the book again. He looked at his watch. Jim would be here in about fifteen minutes, he was never late. Blair rose and stretched, then sighed again and left his office. As he walked downstairs, he prepared his mind and his soul for another round of silence.

Duncan and Methos were sitting in the younger immortal's car near the main parking look in front of the library. Methos just shook his head. "This is ridiculous."

"No it isn't."

"I feel like a fool MacLeod, stalking some college student. We've been here all afternoon and we haven't seen him yet."

"Knock it off Methos, I just want to see..." Duncan didn't get a chance to finish his sentence, because he felt the faint buzz of a pre-immortal. he and Methos looked at each other.

"Okay, so I felt it, great," the older immortal said.

Both men looked around until they found the source of the buzz. The handsome young man with long hair and jeans was standing at the corner and looking around, as if he were waiting for someone.

"So what do we do now, MacLeod, wait in the bushes and pound on the fellow? Maybe we offer him candy?" Methos said sarcastically.

"We just wait."

Jim smiled when he saw his partner standing at the corner. He began to slow the truck down, when he felt not one, but two buzzes in his head. The force of those sounds, made Jim put his hands to his ears, forgetting his truck, which if he hadn't slowed down, might have caused a serious accident. As it was, it jumped the curb and stopped just before hitting a street light. A concerned Blair rushed towards him.

"Jim!' He cried. He helped the older man exit the truck.

At that moment, both Methos and Duncan felt the buzz. The immortals exited the car. "It's him," Duncan said, "the man I saw last night."

"Don't tell me you're going to cut off his head in a public place," Methos gestured to the students around, some of them were staring at the truck.

"I just want to talk to him," said Duncan.

Jim was shaking his head and opening and closing his eyes, as Blair gently touched his arm. "Jim...it's okay, it's me...Blair..."

"Oh...man...Chief..." Jim said.

Blair held onto Jim's arm. Jim looked at where he truck landed. "Oh, shit..." he said.

"What happened man, you zoned on something?"

Jim shook his head. "I don't know what happened I heard this..." Then Jim looked up and saw the very man he saw last night, the one who'd killed the fair haired man; with him was a pale skinned man with short hair.

"It's him," Jim said quietly.

"What...who...Jim..."

Jim rushed over to the two immortals, and showed his badge. "Cascade, PD!" He shouted. "I need to ask you some questions," he looked into Duncan's eyes.

Duncan looked at the gold shield. He nodded, a cop, a detective. "I'm Duncan MacLeod. What can I do for you, detective?"

Jim's eyes darkened as he looked at Duncan. "I want to take you downtown for questioning, Mr. MacLeod."

"May I ask why?"

"Suspicion of murder."

Duncan looked into the deep blue eyes of this immortal. The man was serious, which meant he had no idea who he was and what any of them were. "I think we need to talk Sir," Duncan said, holding his hands up in a passive gesture.

Jim took his handcuffs out. "Turn around," he said.

At that moment, Methos, who was growing more impatient by the minute, managed to step behind Blair, who stood watching his partner. He removed his sword from underneath his raincoat, then cleared his throat loudly. Jim turned around and saw the pale-skinned man holding a sword against his partner's back.

"If you don't do what I say, I'll run him through, and I don't give a flying fuck who sees me do it."

Duncan rolled his eyes at Methos, the ancient imortal just shrugged.

Jim looked from Methos to Duncan, then to Blair, who stood frozen, his blue eyes wide with fear. Jim knew one wrong move and his Guide would be dead. He sighed in defeat. "All right."

"Give me the handcuffs," Methos said, "and give your car keys to MacLeod."

Jim handed them over. Methos snapped one end around Blair's wrist, and the other around Jim's. "Now, you're going to walk over to the car with us, no tricks," the older man said.

Duncan sighed. "Oh God." [Methos has seen too many gangster movies for his own good.]

While Duncan parked Jim's truck, Jim and Blair sat in the back seat, Methos sat in the front, keeping an eye on the captives, making sure they saw his sword.

"We don't want to hurt you, we only want to talk to you," Duncan said, when he returned.

"Yeah sure...just like you wanted to talk to that man last night," Jim spat out.

Duncan sighed. He had a feeling this detective would be a tough nut to crack.

Jim looked over at Blair who appeared both scared and curious. The tall man with the ponytail looked sincerely upset about this, and he looked like he *did* have something important to tell them.

"It'll be okay Chief," Jim said.

Blair just nodded.

They walked inside Methos' rented apartment. Duncan directed Jim and Blair to the sofa. He and Methos sat facing them in high backed, dark chairs.

"Nice place," Jim said. "Bet a lot of drug money bought this."

"Absolutely not. I made my money the old fashioned way, I married into it," said Methos.

"So, what is it you want to talk to me about?" Jim was certain this man was going to try to buy his way out of this, which was probably why they didn't kill him and Blair right away.

Duncan sighed. "I know this is going to be hard for you to understand, but it's the truth. My name is Duncan MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod. I was born in the Highlands of Scotland...four hundred years ago."

"What? What kind of shit is this!" Jim shouted.

"Easy Jim," Blair said. Clearly this guy was some kind of psycho, and it was better to humor him than to make him mad, especially since he and Jim were handcuffed. "So, you're four hundred years old, huh?" Blair looked over at Methos. "How about you?"

"Older," said the tall, lithe man, standing against the wall, looking very impatient.

"Methos is immortal too...I'm telling you this because..." Duncan looked into Jim's eyes. "You're immortal as well."

Jim chuckled. "I'm immortal...as in I can't die? Hey, I don't know what your game is, but I'm not buying it...I know how old I am, and I'm certainly not four hundred years old or anything close to that! Man, I know you're crazy now. What kind of drugs are you on?"

Duncan sighed, then began to pace back and forth, while, Methos held back laughter. He loved to see Duncan MacLeod so flustered. Duncan tried to think of a way to communicate with this man. Jim's Sentinel sight scanned the room, searching for an escape. He still had his gun, but he didn't know if these two men had guns. He tried his hearing, and though it seemed like they were alone, Jim could not be too careful, especially with Blair beside him.

Duncan stopped pacing and turned to Jim. "Have you had a near death experience lately, and you thought it was a miracle you survived?"

Jim frowned. Peru. The crash, his entire unit killed...except him. He'd thought then it was a miracle...he'd survived virtually unhurt...he remembered having scars, but they disappeared. The natives told him it had something to do with him being a Sentinel.

"You have, haven't you Detective...."

"Ellison."

"Ellison...before you saw us, did you get this loud buzzing sound in your head?" Duncan asked.

Jim stared at him. "What the hell is this...you slipped me some kind of drugs...I only hear a buzzing sound when Blair's around, and that's 'cause he's my Guide."

Methos just rolled his eyes. "Oh shit."

"No, it's how we find each other."

"Immortal huh?" Blair grinned. "That must be cool...so what is it, you don't age, never die?"

Jim rolled his eyes at the younger man. Why did Blair treat everything like an anthropological study? Didn't he realize the position they were in?

"The only way we can be killed, is to be beheaded, and when you kill another immortal, you take his or her power and it makes you stronger."

"Or crazier, depending on who you kill," Methos said.

Jim looked from Duncan to Methos. "I don't know what your game is, but I think you'd better let us go."

"If you don't know how to fight, you will die," Duncan said.

"Or you could become a monk," Methos volunteered, "as long as you stay on Holy Ground, no other immortal can harm you."

Jim just shook his head. "All I can say is you'd better let us go, now!"

Duncan sighed. He walked close to Jim and before the detective could react, he took his revolver out of his holster. 'I'm going to prove it to you now." He said.

Duncan pointed the revolver at Jim and pulled the trigger.

"NO!" Blair shouted and jumped in front of his partner just as the gun went off. The bullet caught Blair in the chest, piercing him.

"Blair!" Jim shouted. The detective sank to the floor and held the younger man close. "Blair...hang on Blair...it's okay buddy." Jim looked at Duncan and Methos who stood calmly. "Call 911 you bastards, he's dying!"

"Great plan MacLeod," said Methos. "Careate another Immortal who'll try to take your head."

Jim held Blair close to him and rocked the younger man back and forth, Blair's blood covered Jim's sweater but the older man didn't care. He ran his hands through his Guide's hair and sobbed. [God...Blair...what have I done...I'm sorry...I'm sorry Chief.] Images began to fill Jim's mind. He remembered the first time he walked into Blair Sandburg's office; he thought the grad student was some kind of flake, but all he wanted to do was help him...Shit, he'd saved his life...if it wasn't for this long haired neo-hippie kid, he could have been as flat as a pancake from that truck. Other images flooded Jim's brain, rescuing Blair fron Lash, holding Blair in his arms when he'd become dosed with Golden. He remembered that time, because he couldn't see his partner, but he knew he was there, lying in the hospital, helpless. Jim wanted so much to tell him...tell him...What: What did he want to say to him?

Jim listened as Blair's heartbeat got fainter and fainter. The song by Pattie LaBelle sounded in Jim's brain. "If only you knew, how much I do...do love you." [Gods Chief...you'll never know...I could never tell you...how could I ...you would have headed for the hills, sued me for sexual harassment or something...how could I tell you...oh Gods Blair...don't leave me...please don't leave me...]

Then the heartbeat stopped entirely. "BLAIR!" Jim shouted like a wounded animal. He looked up at Duncan. "Shoot me! Go ahead, pull the fucking trigger!"

Duncan ran his hand through his hair as he watched Jim hold Blair, his heart ached, for he knew he'd feel the same way if something happened to Methos. Methos calmly looked at his watch, he knew what was coming.

Jim sobbed loudly, he was so lost in his grief, his hand was over Blair's heart. He then looked down at his Guide and felt it...the young man's heart was beginning to beat. It continued stronger and stronger. "Oh...my...God...oh..."

Blair coughed weakly. "Chief?" Jim said.

The young man groaned as if in pain, then he opened his eyes. "Oh...oh...man...oh...man..." he said.

"What the...what the fuck..." Jim stared at his Guide, not believing what had just happened.

Blair blinked his eyes then looked up at Jim. Jim pulled up the young man's sweater and saw a spark over the wound as the flesh quickly knitted back together.

"Oh...man...what just happened?" Blair said, gingerly sitting up. Jim took his partner's arm and they sat back on the sofa.

"What happened? You were dead, that's what happened," Jim said.

"Dead?"

"Sandburg, I've been around enough dead bodies to know one when I see one. You were dead."

"That's impossible man...I mean, I'm not dead now, right?" Blair frowned, then looked up at Duncan. "Hey man...you mean I'm immortal too?"

"Blair, don't tell me you're buying that shit," Jim said angrily.

Methos rolled his eyes. "I don't fucking believe this. He won't believe it until he's dead again." He grabbed Jim's revolver from Duncan, pointed it at Jim and shot him point blank in the chest. Jim fell backwards, then sank to the floor, taking Blair with him.

"Oh man..." Blair said, looking up at Duncan and Methos.

"He'll be back," Methos said.

Blair grasped Jim's hand. He was afraid, he was angry. [I hope to God they're right Jim...because if they're wrong and you're really dead I'll kill them both...even if I have to do it with my bare hands,] In a few minutes, Jim was coughing and blinking. He shook his head and looked at Blair. "Chief was I..."

Blair nodded. "As a doornail."

Duncan smiled. He took the handcuff keys from his pocket. "I'm going to unlock these now, because there are things you need to know." He unlocked Blair first, then Jim. Duncan was about to stand up straight, when Jim reeled upwards and punched the Highlander square in the jaw, knocking Duncan on his backside.

Methos snickered. Duncan rubbed his sore jaw and pushed down the urge to punch the detective back. He then realized that if this man could catch him by surprise, he probably was more than just a decent fighter.

Jim smiled and folded his arms across his chest. "I'm Jim Ellison, this is my partner, Blair Sandburg. So, talk." He grabbed the handcuffs and key out of Duncan's hands, then Jim gestured to Methos, who handed him back his revolver.

Duncan then told Jim and Blair the rules of the Game: Combat was only one on one, no mortal or immortal could assist in a fight, they were never to reveal their immortality to anyone, Holy Ground was the only place where an immortal could not get killed by other immortals; Watchers were people who watched immortals and recorded what they did, and the only way to die was to lose your head, when you took a head, you got the deceased immortal's power.

"I guess that was what the light show was about," said Blair.

Duncan nodded and continued. Immortals could not have children, but other than that, they were pretty normal human beings, except they were without wounds or scars. "And there's one more thing," Duncan said seriously, "there can be only one."

"At least that's what they say," said Methos.

"Only one what?" Jim said.

"One immortal. When the last one's left, he wins the prize. Immortality, the knowledge of every immortal that's ever lived and absolute power to rule the world."

"If you're really into that stuff," Methos added.

Jim looked at Blair. "That means Blair and I might have to..."

"I wouldn't worry about that," said Methos. "It's an old legend, and who the hell knows if something wasn't lost in the translation."

Duncan glared at Methos, then turned back to Jim and Blair. "I want you both here tomorrow, I'm going to teach both of you how to fight with a sword."

Jim frowned. "Like hell I am. I'm supposed to trust you, after what you did to us?"

The Highlander sighed. "If I fight you, I want it to be a fair match, not a slaughter."

Blair nodded. He looked at Jim. "I'd like to come Jim, to talk with Methos...but, I'll only come if you do."

Jim just shook his head. If Blair wouldn't learn to protect himself, Jim knew he'd have to learn for both of them. The "rules" be damned. He shrugged, maybe fighting with swords could be interesting, it certainly would make crime fighting more interesting. Blair looked over at Methos. "You said you were older than him," he pointed to Duncan. "How old are you?"

Methos shrugged. "A gentleman never reveals his age, but I'll tell you. Five thousand, give or take a few days."

Blair's blue eyes widened. Methos stared at the grad student, and found himself nearly getting lost in those eyes. "Five thousand...man...I'm an anthropologist, could I talk to you about...you know civilizations and stuff...man, the changes you must've seen!"

Methos wasn't used to anything close to hero worship. He smiled. "Of course."

Jim touched Blair's shoulder. "We'd better be getting home, Chief." They rose, the detective looked at Duncan, who put out his hand.

Jim did not shake it. "Tomorrow," he said. Without another word, Jim and Blair left the apartment. Duncan took a deep breath and stared at his lover. Methos smiled.

"So, what did you think of them?"

"Well, the younger one's okay. He's pretty open to all of this, but that Detective Ellison..." Duncan shook his head. "I thought I was going to have to take his head. He's stubborn, hard headed, self righteous..."

"Who does that sound like sometimes?" Methos said softly.

"What did you say?"

Without missing a beat, Methos shrugged. "Nothing, just that the boy is cute, and if anyone touched a hair on his pretty head, Jim Ellison would take their head and any other body part he could find."

Duncan stared at Methos in disbelief. Then he shook his head. "No...not him...I'd take him for a right wing...what do they call them...gay bashers."

Methos chuckled. "Then you obviously didn't see him when he thought his precious Blair was dead...I thought he was going to tear my head off with his teeth. Actually, Ellison's not bad looking, in a butch sort of way."

Duncan glared at the ancient immortal. "Don't get any ideas Methos. I'm going to teach them how to fight, and that's that. Then we go to Melbourne or Athens, or wherever you want to go."

"Oh Highlander, sometimes you're no fun at all." Methos shook his head and walked up the stairs.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to take a shower and then I'm going to go out for dinner. If you want to stay down here and stew over Jim Ellison, fine, knock yourself out, I've got time."

Duncan put his hands on his hips, as Methos disappeard upstairs. He shook his head. He wasn't looking forward to teaching Jim Ellison how to fight. "Bastard will probably take my head someday."

Just then Duncan heard the faint sound of the shower. He smiled. Tomorrow he'd deal with Ellison, but right now, he needed a shower, and then some. Duncan whistled an old Scottish tune and bounded quickly up the stairs.

Blair and Jim walked into the loft, slowly, as if the events of the past few hours were just starting to settle in. They'd taken a cab back to Rainier, where Jim retrieved his truck. He and Blair drove home in silence, not even the white noise of the radio for company. Blair didn't mind this silence, Jim wasn't shutting him out, he needed to process all this information, as did Blair.

Jim walked to the balcony and stared out at Cascade, it looked like he was watching the night sky but Blair knew better.

"Wow," the grad student said, uttering the first word said in hours. "Immortal...man, I...I can't...I mean, it's true..." He looked at his sweater and saw the hole where the bullet had entered his body. "Man...immortal....living forever...but got to keep your head...Oh man...live forever...you know what that means, Jim? It means that I...I'll be able to actually see civilization change right before me...I mean...before, I had to read books about the stuff...but now I'll be able to actually see it happening!" Blair ran his hand through his hair. "And that means....Jim, you've been immortal since Peru...wow man, that's really something...and....and...hey, Jim, you never told me about the buzzing..."

Blair turned around, expecting to see Jim's back, but the detective was standing, staring at him, with a strange look on his face, it looked like he was seeing Blair for the first time. "Jim?" Blair said. "You okay, man?"

Jim nodded and came inside. He stared at Blair, blue eyes on blue eyes. Then, Jim felt something grip him, it was so strong, like some kind of magnet. Before he knew what was happening, he was standing very close to Blair, closer than he normally stood. "Chief...when...when he shot you...I thought...I thought..."

Blair looked up into Jim's eyes, he too felt the pull and found himself breathing heavily, to keep himself from passing out. "I...I...I don't know what I felt...it was like being asleep...except when I woke up....it hurt.." Blair gently touched the spot on his chest, where the bullet had entered.

"I thought you were gone...I thought I'd never see you again...Gods Blair...I saw my whole world crasing around me...I've never felt like that about anybody..."

Blair nodded. "I felt the same way when I thought you were dead."

They stood, staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Then, suddenly, the floodgates opened. Jim slowly put his arms around his Guide and pulled him even closer. Blair responded by putting his arms around Jim. Jim stroked the dark curls and fought back tears, as he thought of what his life would have been like if Blair really had been dead.

Blair looked up and met Jim's eyes, and the older man saw something he'd never seen before, warm sweet love. Slowly, Jim lowered his face and kissed Blair's sensuous lips ever so gently. Blair responded by parting his lips a bit, giving Jim better access. Jim took the hint and opened his mouth, kissing his Guide deeply, earnestly. Blair's grip on Jim grew tighter as he invited Jim's tongue inside. Blair sucked on the older man's tongue, eliciting a loud moan from the detective. Blair's hand moved lower down Jim's back and settled on his backside.

Jim tore his mouth away, Blair hoped he hadn't done anything wrong, but he realized that his partner needed to breathe. Blair was breathing hard too.

"Oh...Blair," Jim said. And he captured his Guide's mouth once again, holding him tighter and pushing him back until Blair's back rested against the wall. The need for air, once again ceased the kiss, and Jim turned his attention to Blair's ears, licking the lobes and moving his tongue in and out the earrings.

"Jim....Jim..." Blair was shivvering, but he had to have more. He began to thrust his hips against Jim's body. Jim groaned and nipped the younger man's neck, thrusting his own hips in response.

Blair moved his hands away from Jim's backside and, with shaking hands, managed to unbuckle and unbutton Jim's jeans; quickly pushing them down, along with his boxers, which came to rest around Jim's ankles. Jim's cock sprang free and the detective moaned in happiness as the cool air caressed his hot member.

Jim pulled off his shoulder holster and tried to undo Blair's pants, but had less success. In frustration, he pulled the offending garment apart, causing buttons to fly in all directions.

"...Get... you... a new... pair..." Jim said, his voice tight with lust.

Jim yanked Blair's boxers down as the younger man's cock was freed. "Yessssss," Blair hissed.

Jim pushed his Guide upwards, so they were face to face, pinning Blair's body to the wall with his own body. Blair pulled Jim's face close to his own, and their mouths found each other. As they kissed, over and over again, they thrust against each other, their movements maddening, frantic. Jim growled from somewhere deep in his throat and was pushing against Blair so hard, he should have gone through the wall, but Blair was pushing against the older man with just as much force, grunting, moaning, his sounds encouraging Jim.

Jim felt a familiar feeling surging upward, higher, higher. He felt himself getting closer, closer, teetering on the edge. Jim tore his mouth away from Blair's once again. "Oh....oh...I...I..."

Blair could not hold back either. His whole body was shaking with need, he wanted to say something, let Jim know what was about to happen, but the most he could do was to bang his head against the wall and shout incoherently, as his seed spurted against Jim.

Feeling Blair's hot warm semen against his aching cock, immediately sent Jim over the edge. He pounded on the wall with his fist and shot hot spurts of cum against his guide.

They held each other, as if letting go would cause certain death. Then, slowly, their bodies relaxed, their breathing returned to normal, and Jim and Blair looked at each other, blue eyes on blue eyes.

Blair blinked, stunned to see the look in Jim's eyes, for it wasn't the lazy, contented look of a man who'd just had a powerful orgasm, it was the look of a man who'd come out of some sort of blackout, and didn't know what had happened.

Jim saw the stunned look in Blair's eyes, and he looked down, he didn't feel shame or guilt or anger, at that moment, Jim Ellison didn't know what he was feeling.

"Oh...man..." Blair said when he remembered how to speak. "Um...um...I...I...I guess that's what happens when you become immortal...yeah...that's probably it..a normal reaction to a stressful situation..like battle heat or something..." Blair was breathing in and out. [Yeah, that's right...probably the same thing happend to Duncan and Methos...it's just an immortal thing.]

Jim nodded, he'd heard plenty about battle heat in the army. Soldiers fell into each other's arms after long, deadly battles. It was the stress of nearly dying that caused that phenomenon. "Yeah, that's sounds about right, Chief."

He slowly moved away from Blair and blushed, seeing his semen on the younger man's body, realizing that he had Blair's seed on him. "I...I'm....sorry..."Jim stepped back and nearly tripped on his jeans and boxers that were around his ankles. He bent down to pick them up and hurried away from Blair, who was pushing himself inside his boxers and trying to button up his jeans, when he realized there were three buttons missing.

Jim came back with a wet washcloth, he'd wiped Blair's sperm off his body. He held the washcloth out for Blair to take, as the young man was searching for buttons.

"I...I'll find them later...Chief," Jim's voice shook.

Blair took the washcloth and cleaned himself up. "Yeah...man...tomorrow."

Jim cleared his throat. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going to bed...I know it's early but...I guess dying takes a lot out of you..." he tried to smile but did not quite make it.

Blair cleared his throat too. "I...got some writing to do...I'll try to be quiet...if you want I'll go in my room."

Jim moved towards the stairs. "No...no, that's okay Chief...you can stay out here...more light...and it is early."

"Okay Jim."

Jim looked at his partner as if he wanted to say something, or was waiting for Blair to say something, finally the younger man just nodded.

"Battle heat Jim...that's all it was...remember, I died today too." Blair ran a hand through his hair and looked off to the side.

"Yeah...right, that's what it is. Um...well, I'll see you in the morning."

Blair pulled his sweater over his ripped jeans and sat down on the sofa. He picked up a pencil and legal note pad from the table. "See you in the morning Jim... goodnight," he said, without looking at the detective.

"Goodnight," Jim said as he headed up the stairs.

Three weeks later.

Duncan and Jim were sparring with swords, in an abandoned warehouse seized in a drug raid. Jim had borrowed keys from a friend of his in Narcotics. "I need it for sparring,"

"Golden gloves, huh?" Frank had asked.

"Something like that."

"Well, as long as you're not fighting that partner of yours. You'd kill him."

Jim had just smiled. "I don't think so."

Duncan was surprised at Jim's progress. In the beginning MacLeod thought Jim would be clumsy when in fact the opposite was true. Jim Ellison was agile, light on his feet and carried a sword like he'd been doing it all his life, which was strange for someone born in the twentieth century. They practiced every day, either in the mornings when he didn't have to be at the station until the afternoon; or at night when Jim was finished work. Duncan decided to stay as long as he was needed. Cascade wasn't a bad city and he was thinking about buying a house here.

One thing Duncan did notice about Jim was that he was a very agressive fighter, almost savage in his attack. The detective's face changed, his eyes seemed darker, his features hardened. Jim became an animal when he fought, out for the kill. Duncan didn't think he had to worry about the man taking on any immortals. He did however, have to worry about himself when they sparred.

Duncan ducked quickly, as Jim sliced the air just above his head.

"Jim! Time out, time out!" MacLeod made the "T" sign.

Ellison put down the sword and stood, breathing heavy and sweating, staring at MacLoed.

"What, are you tired, old man?" Jim said, smiling.

Duncan didn't like it when Jim called him "old man" but he indulged the younger immortal anyway, it was better than fighting over it.

"No." Duncan wiped the sweat out of his eyes. "Jim, we're sparring here. You act like you're trying to take my head."

"Isn't that the object?"

"In combat it is, but we're not in combat now. You do know the difference between sparring and combat, don't you."

Jim's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I do. I was in the army, remember?" "And so was I. More times than I care to remember!"

Jim shook his head. He hated to admit that Duncan was right, but he was. He put down his sword and walked away, then took a swig from his water bottle and leaned heavily against the wall. "I've got to fight hard, MacLeod. It's the only way I can protect...Bl..."

Duncan raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Jim sighed. "Blair. Look around you Duncan, have you seen him these past three weeks? No. Why? Because he's not a fighter. He's a pacifist. He's not into swords."

"Jim, you know the rules, combat is one on one. No one can inter..."

"To hell with the rules! They won't do me any good when Blair looses his head. But no, he won't fight...he doesn't have time for fighting, he wants to spend all his time with Methos. Methos!" Jim spat the name out.

Duncan stared at Jim, then looked away. The detective was right, Blair hadn't picked up a sword in three weeks and he and Methos *had* been spending a lot of time together. Duncan's mind drifted back to what Methos said about when he first saw Blair; he called the young man beautiful. When was the last time Methos ever called *him* beautiful?

MacLeod cleared his throat and took a few deep breaths until he felt level headed enough to speak. "I...I haven't noticed."

Jim looked up and thought he saw sadness in the older immortal's eyes. He wondered if he was right in saying what he'd just said. According to Blair, immortals bonded with each other sexually and it was obvious that Methos and Duncan were bonded in that way. [Great Ellison, put your foot in your mouth again.] He grabbed his sword again and looking into Duncan's brown eyes.

"Come on old man, I want to see if I can kick your ass this time."

MacLeod forced a smile and picked up his katana.

Methos and Blair sat together at a table in the library of Rainier University. They were looking at a rather large book on the Bronze Age and Methos smiled at some inaccuracies.

"The victors always write history and try to make themselves look like saints when they were really sinners. This man for instance, I mean he was a real pig, not that I was a saint either Blair but at least I didn't write the book, and make myself look like some pompus ass."

Blair grinned. "Man, Methos you're a walking history book. Ever thought of writing one?"

Methos shook his head. "We immortals aren't supposed to seek publicity for obvious reasons, like attracting attention. 'So, tell me, how do you know so much about the French Revolution?' Can you imagine Oprah asking that question? I prefer staying in the background. You live longer that way."

They looked at some books on the French Revolution. Methos told Blair some humorous stories about Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. "I got out of Paris before the Bastille was stormed, if I had stayed, I would have lost my head. Truly tragic."

Blair laughed. Methos' eyes widened. "I'm serious."

"I know it's just that..." Blair kept laughing. There was something about Methos' expressions and delivery of sentences that the anthropologist found funny. He continued to laugh, not loudly he thought but aparently too loud for others. A small middle aged woman in a cream colored suit walked up to their table. She frowned when she saw Blair.

"Mr. Sandburg, I don't have to tell you that this is a library and quiet is one of our rules."

"I...I...I'm sorry...." Blair managed to get out between giggles.

Methos put his hand over his mouth. This woman looked a cross between a bird and a mouse. The older immortal stood up. "We're leaving ma'am. No harm done. Come on Blair, before we get sent to the principal's office."

Outside Blair stared at Methos. "I can't believe it man, we got thrown out of the library. Man, that has never happened to me before."

"Someone needs to get out more," Methos said.

"Well I'll have plenty of time to get out now. So, where to?"

Methos looked at his watch. "Well, it's Saturday, which means the boys are playing," by 'the boys' Methos meant Jim and Duncan. "Why don't we head to my place?"

"Sure." Blair wanted nothing more than to spend time with Methos. He was the most interesting person he'd ever met. Blair couldn't remember the last time he'd had so much fun with someone.

They drove back to Methos' apartment in Blair's car, which they'd come in hours earlier. Methos liked Blair's car, it reminded him of an old English taxi cab.

"I like your appreciation for old things," Methos said

. "The problem with modern American society," Blair said, "is that we have no appreciation for our past. In Europe they have reverence for their history. You don't see them tearing down their old buidings. Here, twenty years is too old."

"Gosh, what would they think of me," Methos said.

That remark caused another laughing fit from Blair. He laughed so hard he nearly jumped the lane. Methos laughed as well. "Well, if we get in an accident, we'll live."

"Wow, man, I still can't get over that...immortal...living forever."

"Just as long as you keep your head."

"Oh...Methos, so tell me some more stories...about...Catherine The Great."

Methos noticed that Blair just avoided the subject of head taking for the umpteenth time. Well, it wasn't Methos' place to force the new immortal to learn to fight. So, he smiled and began a story about Catherine and her favorite horse.

They arrived at the apartment and not to Methos' surprise Duncan wasn't there. "Still playing," he said, walking into the living room.

Blair walked into the kitchen. "Want a cup of tea or coffee, Methos?"

"Tea's good," Methos called.

Blair made tea and brought a plate filled with little finger biscuits. "Oh great, I'm starved. Blair, you're just as domestic as Duncan."

The younger man smiled and sat down on the sofa with Methos. "Now Blair," the older immortal said. "you always want to know about me. Why don't you tell me all about you?"

"Me? Well, I haven't lived as long as you..."

"But you have lived." Methos picked up a cup of tea. "You talk, I'll eat."

Blair started to tell Methos about Naomi, who he realized now was not his biological mother. "She never told me who my dad was, in fact she never told me I wasn't really her son..."

Methos put his hand on Blair's shoulder. "It's alright Blair. She was a mother to you, which means she was your mother, even though she didn't biologically give birth to you."

"Do any of us have mothers and fathers?"

Methos shrugged. "One of those many questions even I don't have the answer to. Maybe someday we'll find out. But not today. Go ahead, tell me about your life."

Blair ran his hand through his hair. He realized now that Naomi probably didn't know what he was and that meant she didn't know he'd never grow old and die, never have a family. The young man looked up and saw Methos staring at him. Blair smiled, Methos was so understanding, so interesting and funny. Jim hadn't had time to have a conversation with Blair, since they found out about their immortality. Jim said he was training, but Blair wondered if it had something to do with what happened that night.

"Blair, I'm waiting."

Blair blinked, smiled and cleared his throat. He told Methos about the places he and Naomi had lived, all the things they'd seen. Naomi was a free spirit who believe in free love and peace. Blair told Methos of all the places he'd spent his summers, all the different kinds of people they'd lived with.

"I think that's why I decided to study anthropology. I wanted to find out about all these places I'd been, all those different societies. That's why this immortal stuff is so cool. I'll have a chance to see society change, people change...." Blair took a sip of tea and saw that Methos was looking at him. "What?" he said.

Methos smiled. "You're so animated. When you talk about anthropology your face just lights up; it's very beautiful, you're very beautiful."

Blair felt his face flush. He looked down, then looked back at Methos' perfectly chiseled face. "Thank you."

Methos looked into Blair's eyes and remembered how he felt when he first saw the boy. He was such an exotic beauty, tousled dark curls and blue eyes the color of robin's eggs. A hot flush ran up and down the older immortal's body and he stared at Blair's lips and wondered how those lips would feel wrapped around his lips, his cock. Before Methos realized it he'd moved closer to Blair and his hand was touching his shoudler. Methos could taste the young man's lips, he wanted to run his hands through those curls.

"Oh man," Blair said.

Suddenly Methos blinked and realized what he was about to do, and who he was about to do it with. He let out a sigh. "I'm sorry," the ancient immortal said.

Blair looked down, then shook his head. "It's okay...I...I mean...I don't want to ruin things between you and Duncan...I mean, I know this is an immortal thing...these feelings...I guess I just haven't learned to control them yet."

Methos stared at Blair. "An immortal thing?"

Blair nodded. "Yeah, I mean, isn't that what happens when you become immortal, you kind of want to bond with other immortals..."

Methos stared at Blair, then chuckled. "Um...Blair, being immortal doesn't make you horny nor does it make you want to 'bond', as you say, with other immortals. Many immortals have mortal mates. I've been married...many times."

Blair's eyes widened. He looked down. "Oh."

Methos regarded him curiously. "Did something happen between you and Jim?"

Blair's face turned crimson. He looked everywhere else but at Methos. "That night...the night you told us what we were...um...Jim and I...we didn't really get into anything heavy... but...I mean, I've never...you know...with a guy...ever."

Methos grinned. "You know Blair, the longer you live, the less labels mean. I don't use terms like gay or straight or bi. I've found that life is too precious to worry about what other people may or may not think of you. Duncan and I share a bond and what's between of us has nothing to do with us being immortals, it's because we care about each other. If you feel that way about Jim it's because you care about him, that's all."

"Oh...man...all this immortal stuff is hard to swallow." Blair ran his hand through his hair. If this wasn't an immortal thing, then what was it? He was a man, Jim was a man. So now what, was he attracted to men or just Jim? Blair was confused and desperately needed to clear his head. "I guess relationship stuff is just as hard. I think I better go now Methos, it's getting late."

The older immortal nodded. He looked at his watch. "Duncan should be back soon."

They both stood up. Blair snapped his fingers. "Shit. I was supposed to go grocery shopping today. I forgot all about it."

"Then you better go. I'll see you later."

Blair smiled. "Thanks Methos, for everything."

Blair nearly bumped into Duncan when he was leaving the building. The Highlander was carrying two shopping bags probably filled with groceries. Blair felt guiltier.

"Sorry man. Oh Gods, I bet Jim's starving."

Duncan was stunned to see the young man leaving his apartment. He knew Methos and Blair spent time together but he thought they only went to the library. Duncan wondered how many times Blair had been to the apartment without his knowledge.

"I worked him hard," MacLeod said, smiling politely.

"Then I better go, before Jim takes my head or something." Blair rushed passed Duncan and got into his car.

From his vantage point, about a few blocks away, too far away for the Highlander to feel his buzz. Thomas Dillon watched through binoculars as Duncan MacLeod came home. He smiled, his sources were correct, the Highlander was here. He was talking to someone else now. MacLeod went inside his apartment and a young man walked closer to where Thomas was and opened his car door. Then, Dillon felt a buzz and saw the young man Duncan was just talking to. He was a nice looking young man with long hair and jeans. [What's this, an immortal I don't know?] Thomas watched as the young man got into his car, as Duncan went inside the building. This trip to Cascade might prove more interesting. He'd come over here to take the Higlander's head, but any friend of Duncan MacLeod was a target. Perhaps he could use him as a pawn to draw the Highlander out. Thomas shook his head and patted his sword, which was lying next to him.

Blair felt the buzz as soon as he opened his car door. He looked around, but didn't see anyone. [Shit, I'm just upset about everything...man, I really need to clear my head.]

Thomas Dillon started his car and followed the young man. "First the appetizer, then the main course."

Methos was cleaning up the living room when Duncan walked in. The Highlander looked around the area. The sofa wasn't rumpled, didn't look like anyone had been rolling around on it. Methos smiled when he saw Duncan.

"Your arms are full, let me help." Methos took one of the shopping bags and walked into the kitchen, Duncan followed.

"Blair was up here?" the Highlander asked.

Methos nodded. He took the items out of the bag and put the ones that needed it, in the refrigerator. "We were at the library. We were laughing so much we got kicked out, so we came here."

"What was so funny?"

Methos shrugged. "Nothing in particular."

"I can't imagine you getting kicked out of a library, Methos."

"Well I guess there's a first time for everything." Methos turned around to get something else out of the bag when he caught Duncan's eye. The younger immortal was staring at him intently.

"What's the matter MacLeod?"

Duncan blinked suddenly. "Nothing." He again took groceries out of the bag, keeping an eye on Methos.

They continued putting food away in silence. Methos felt Duncan's eyes on him the entire time as if he were probing, looking for something. Finally the ancient immortal couldn't take it any longer.

Methos rolled his eyes. "What is it MacLeod and don't tell me that nothing bullshit." He folded his arms across his chest and stared at the man.

"There is nothing wrong Methos."

"Then why do you look like you want to take my head?"

MacLeod ran his hand through his hair. He shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about Methos. I mean, you want to spend all your time with Blair, you can. I'm not going to stop you, hell I can't stop you."

"Is that what this is about? Is this about Blair?"

Duncan looked away. "Did I say it was about Blair?"

"You didn't have to. Shit MacLeod, I expected so much more from you. You're acting like a jealous husband!"

MacLeod slammed his fist down on the kitchen counter. "I am not!"

Methos just smiled, which made Duncan angrier. "There's nothing wrong with being jealous, Highlander. Frankly, I'm flattered you care so much." He playfully batted his eye lashes.

"Don't joke with me Methos. You like Blair, don't you? You told me you thought he was beautiful and I know you find him interesting."

Methos remembered what nearly happened on the sofa just about an hour ago. If he revealed that to Duncan it would only exacerbate the situation. At the same time, he could not lie for the Highlander would see right through him. So, Methos sighed, then looked into Duncan's brown eyes.

"I'm going to say this once, Highlander. Blair is a very attractive young man, I am attracted to him. But, that doesn't mean that I'm going to act on how I feel. He's nice to look at MacLeod...but...what you and I have is a bond. I love you Duncan MacLeod."

Duncan smiled and looked down at the floor, feeling a little foolish now. He then looked back up at Methos who still looked at him. "I know that Methos...I guess I was...well, Blair is nice looking and he's young...You know something Methos, you've never told me I was beautiful."

Methos rolled his eyes. "Oh, MacLeod, I just didn't want your vanity to grow any larger than it is now."

The Highlander's eyes narrowed. "I'm not vain," he said sharply.

Methos had more than one example that proved otherwise but knew if he started they could be arguing all night. Right now the ancient immortal didn't want to fight. "Come here, MacLeod."

Duncan stood close to Methos. "I'm not vain," he repeated.

"Yes, I heard you the first time." Methos took his lover's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it gently. 'You're beautiful, all right?"

Duncan just shrugged. "You could say it with more feeling."

Methos pulled the younger immortal closer to him. "Sometimes I want to take your head just to get you to shut up. But I've got a better way." He grabbed the back of Duncan's head and pulled him in for a kiss. Duncan's mouth opened easily and the two men's tongues moved back and forth in a slow, easy dance that gradually grew with intensity.

They broke from the kiss, staring at each other, breathing hard. Duncan smiled. "Um...I think I put everything in the refrigerator that needs to be...kept cold..." Duncan found it hard to speak, he knew deep down that Methos would never do anything behind his back, no matter how beautiful he thought Blair was, he just needed to hear the older man say it.

Methos put his hands on Duncan's waist. "Well, my beautiful Highlander, unless you want to ravish me in the kitchen what are we waiting for?"

Now Duncan pulled Methos closer. "Oh, I'd love to ravish you in the kitchen, but your bed is a lot more comfortable."

Methos gave a predatory grin. "So what are we waiting for, let's go upstairs and see how comfortable it is."

Blair had done his shopping in a hurry. [Jim's gonna have my head if I'm late.] He smiled at the irony of that statement now. Six months ago that statement would have been just a figure of speech, now it could be a reality. He walked outside, arms full with groceries and was putting them in the trunk when he felt the buzz. Blair dropped the bag in the trunk and turned around expecting to see Jim, Duncan or Methos. He saw a tall man with fiery short red hair staring at him. Blair continued to stare and then the man opened the long dark raincoat he was wearing. Blair saw the handle of the sword, his eyes widened with fear.

The man walked over to Blair. "Thomas Dillon, and I've come for you pretty boy."

"Look man...I don't..." Blair put his hands up defensively.

"Well, I do."

Blair turned and ran back inside the store. He knew the immortal wouldn't take his head in a public place.

"Sir...are you all...." began the check out girl who'd rung up Blair's purchases.

Blair ran so fast he nearly knocked over a stock boy carrying a tray filled with bread."Sorry man," he said as he ran to the back of the store. Other shoppers stared at him. One woman pulled her young child close to her and made a remark about what happens when people take drugs.

Blair ran his hands through his hair as his mind raced. He had to do something. Blair's hand grazed his belt and he realized he had his cell phone on him. Blair called the loft, then cancelled the call. [Shit...Jim's at the station.] Blair called the station and prayed to every deity he knew of that Jim was at his desk.

"Ellison," the familiar voice said.

"Jim....Jim..." Blair couldn't find the words. He was just grateful Jim was there.

"What's the matter, Chief?"

"Jim...there's an immortal out here and...and he...he wants to kill me..."

"Where are you?" Jim's voice said quickly.

Blair told him the name of the grocery store and where it was.

"I'll be right there. Don't move, don't go anywhere. He won't fight with you in a public place."

"Okay...okay..." Blair finished the call, found a quiet corner of the store and pretended to be looking for laundry detergent.

Jim jumped up from his desk and raced out, ignoring stares from people in the bullpen and nearly running into Brown.

"Sorry," Jim said as he continued running. He opened his locker and pulled out the rifle case that contained his sword then sighed. Jim had killed men before in the military and on the job but he had never taken someone's head. He wondered if he could do it....no he had to do it; Blair's life was at stake.

Jim was so into his thoughts he didn't hear Simon approach. "Jim," the captain said.

Jim jumped, slammed his locker and turned around to face his boss. "Yes sir."

"Are you alright? Brown said you ran out the bullpen like a bat out of hell."

Jim nodded. "Sir I need to leave...family emergency...I'll come back as soon as it's taken care of."

"Something happen to Steven?"

"No sir...Blair." With that Jim excused himself and rushed to the elevators, then thought better of it and took the stairs.

Simon looked at the detective and shook his head. "That man needs a vacation."

Methos and Duncan lay in the king sized bed, arms and legs wrapped around each other. The Highlander appeared to be dozing but Methos was awake. He liked to watch his lover sleep; when asleep MacLeod looked angelic. One would never know what lurked behind that peaceful exterior.

The older immortal's thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. Methos was about to let the machine take it but Duncan stirred and started to open his eyes. Methos figured that was a sign to answer the phone.

"Hello."

"Methos, this is Jim, is Duncan there?"

"Just a moment." Methos shook the Highlander. "Hey, it's your sparring buddy Jim."

"What's he want?" Duncan said sleepily.

"I don't know, maybe he wants to fight. Better talk to him, he sounds more pissed than usual."

MacLeod pushed hair from his eyes. "Yeah?"

"Duncan, this is Jim. Look, Blair's in trouble...some guy tried to jump him in the parking lot."

"An immortal?"

"Yeah. I'm on my way there now. Blair's still in the store. Shit!" Jim's Sentinel vision caught sight of traffic up ahead, and he put on the siren.

Duncan winced hearing the siren. "Where is he?"

Jim gave him the address.

"I'll be there." Duncan hung up the telephone and jumped out of bed.

"Let me guess," Methos said, "some immortal came for Blair's head."

Duncan nodded as he hurridly dressed. "Jim's heading over there now."

Methos watched Duncan dress quickly and wondered how many time he'd done that. "If Jim's going there, why are you going?"

"Because a lot of this is my fault."

"Your fault? Now how do you work that?"

"Because I shot him, I made him an immortal and I didn't push him to learn how to fight."

"MacLeod, you were aiming for Jim, Blair jumped in the way because he cares about him. It's not your fault."

"Well I feel like it is, and I'm going."

"You'd blame yourself for the black plague!" Methos shouted as Duncan headed for the door.

Duncan didn't respond.

"Wait a minute Highlander, if you're going to be responsible, then let me share the burdan." Methos got out of bed and searched around for his clothes.

Duncan stared at him.

"Well, I didn't teach him how to fight either, so I guess it's my fault too."

Duncan nodded. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, besides Blair's too pretty to loose his head."

When Jim arrived at the store, he didn't hear the buzz. He found Blair's car, the trunk open, a bag of groceries still inside, another bag on the ground.

"Blair," Jim whispered. He rushed inside the store, hoping his Guide had for once done what he'd asked.

Blair felt the buzz and stiffened. His eyes widened and he looked around for an escape.

"Blair!" Jim called.

The younger man sighed. Jim approached and it was all Blair could do not to launch himself into Jim's arms. The detective grabbed Blair's shoulders and looked into his eyes. "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay now man....oh...Gods....oh man...I thought I was a goner..."

"Well he's not out there now Blair. Come on, let's go."

Blair hesitated, Jim took his arm. "It's okay, I'm your Blessed Protector, remember, I won't let anything happen to you."

They went outside, Blair looked left and right and waited for the buzz to hit him.

"See, it's okay..." Jim stopped in mid sentence, when he felt not one but two buzzes. He stared at Blair who looked at him, terrified. Jim then smiled as his Sentinel hearing picked up Duncan's heartbeat. When he turned around the Highlander and Methos were getting out of the younger immortal's car.

"Nice to see you, Duncan," Jim said, "looks like he's gone."

"Well, he saw that Blair wasn't going to fight but he'll be back, if not him then others," Duncan said.

Jim looked at his Guide. "What did he look like?" he said gently.

Blair shuddered at the memory. "Tall with red hair...real red hair man," he shook his head.

"Okay, Chief, tomorrow we'll look through the database, see if you recognize him."

"I don't think he'll be there," Duncan said quietly.

Methos put his hands in his pockets. [I know a database where he might be...it's been a long time, hopefully I'll have at least one friend among the Watchers.]

"Oh man," Blair said as he nervously ran his hand through his hair.

Duncan turned to Blair. "And that's why you have to learn to fight."

The young man shook his head. "I can't...I'm a pacifist man...I am so not into swords...I couldn't just kill someone..."

"It's all right Duncan. I can take care of Blair."

Duncan sighed and fought the urge to punch Jim Ellison in the mouth. "That is not how the game works Ellison! Combat is one on one."

Jim walked over to Duncan. He crossed his arms and looked the man in the eye. "Don't you tell me what I can and can't do. Blair is *my* partner and no one is going to tell me that I can't protect him."

"It's not how it's done Jim!"

"Well that's the way I do it! It's your goddamn fault he's an immortal in the first place! You shot him!" Jim walked away from the Highlander

"Look Jim, I'm sorry about what happened but I can't change the past. I can only tell you and Blair what you need to do now."

"You know, MacLeod, Ellison may have a point," Methos said.

Duncan stared at the ancient immortal as if he'd just grown a second head.

"Look MacLeod, no one knows if the rules are nothing more than suggestions. I mean there are no stone tablets where they're written and you and I both know there are many immortals who break those rules all the time."

"What are you saying Methos?"

"I'm saying that maybe Jim's case is different."

Duncan shook his head. "Well, maybe it is." He looked again at the detective. "But you can't follow Blair everywhere. Look at what happened today. What would he have done if he couldn't have reached you? And what'll happen if you lose your head Jim?"

"That won't happen."

"Oh really? You may by so busy protecting Blair that you can't protect your own head." Duncan looked hard at Jim as if his glare and words would change the detective's mind but the man was stubborn as anything and was not budging. The Highlander just shook his head.

Jim turned to his Guide. "Come on Blair, let's go home."

Methos leaned against the car and observed the situation. Blair had walked away from the two men and was looking at the floor like a child who's lost his best friend. When Jim called him he looked up and smiled then looked at Duncan and Methos almost guiltily.

"Follow me in your car Sandburg," Jim said and he stared at Duncan. "I can take care of him."

Duncan sighed. "See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Jim said as he got into his truck and slammed the door. Blair smiled at Methos. He put the discarded bag of groceries in his trunk, surprised no one had stolen them, slammed the door and got into his car.

Duncan and Methos watched them drive off and the younger immortal shook his head. "Neither of them is going to live a long time."

"Oh I don't know about that MacLeod. Jim Ellison would do anything to protect his mate."

Duncan shook his head as they got into his car. "Don't know where you get your ideas from Methos but it doesn't change the fact that Blair has to learn how to fight."

Methos just sighed. "Oh to be young and in love."

The next morning found Blair making breakfast of eggs, salmon and bagels while Jim sat at the table reading a newspaper. They both had to be in the station early today to catch up on paperwork. After the events of last night Jim and Blair said virtually nothing to each other. They went to their respective bedrooms but did not fall asleep right away. Jim focused his hearing on Blair, he could hear the younger man tossing and turning until he found a comfortable position. Jim listened until his Guide's breathing had become regular, only then did he close his eyes and go to sleep.

As Blair prepared the eggs he noticed that Jim had hardly spoken to him at all this morning.

"Morning Chief, we're due at the staion at ten," Jim said walking into the shower and not looking at Blair.

"Okay Jim I'll make breakfast."

"Fine."

That was all that had been said. Now Blair stood with his back to Jim trying to conentrate on the eggs. He wished he had Sentinel hearing for he was certain his partner was picking up on his elevated heart beat right now. Blair took a deep breath, took the eggs off the stove and turned around.

"Are you ever going to talk to me again?"

Jim looked up from his paper. His eyes narrowed. "I talked to you."

"Yeah, sure." Blair turned back to the now finished eggs and put some on his plate and Jim's, then he got the bagels that had been warming up inside the oven. Blair walked to the table and put the plates down. He went back to the refrigerator and got out orange juice and all natural margarine, zero cholesterol. Blair sat down and looked at Jim.

"Jim," the young man said in a voice so quiet only the Sentinel could hear.

"Uh huh," Jim could hear his Guide's heartbeat speed up, heard him swallow again and again. He knew the clock was ticking.

"Jim please put down the paper we need to talk."

Jim sighed in mock indifference. "About what Sandburg?"

"About what happened last night."

Jim put down the paper and looked at Blair. "Last night? Let's see, last night you almost lost your head and called me. I came but the immortal was gone."

"And you blame me."

"No Blair I don't blame you," Jim still wasn't looking at him.

"You think I should learn how to fight with that," he gestured with his head at the sword Jim bought, with Duncan's help.

Now Jim looked at him and turned the full force of his blue eyes onto the younger man. "Chief as much as I don't like to admit it, maybe Duncan was right. Maybe you need to learn how to defend yourself. I'm your Blessed Protector Chief but I can't be with you all the time. What if someone comes for you one night when you're leaving the university and I'm on stake out or something? I know you don't believe in violence or killing but Blair....I...I don't know what I'd do if I lost you..." Jim looked away and wiped his eyes. He took a deep breath then looked back at Blair and in a surprising move, took the young man's face in his hands.

It was the first time Jim had really touched him since 'that night,' the night they found out what they were. The night of passion so strong it had scared both men.

"This immortal thing is really strong Chief. I mean I thought the Sentinel/Guide connection was something but this..." all Jim could do was stare into Blair's eyes. "The price of immortality."

Blair looked down. "Uh...Jim...what do you mean by immortal thing?" he said in a small voice.

"This connection." Jim sat up straight and grinned. "Let me tell you something Chief. What happened that night was the most powerful sexual experience I've ever had. I mean I've never come that hard in my life, not even with Carolyn..."

[Time to come clean Blair. Time to tell Jim that it's not an immortal thing. Time to tell Jim that he's just hot for another guy.]

Jim heard his Guide's heartbeat accelerate once again. He heard his breathing become more shallow.

"It's not an immortal thing Jim," Blair said in a voice so quiet only a Sentinel could hear.

Jim looked up at Blair. "But you said..."

"That's what I thought...but then I had a talk...with Methos..." It was out before Blair realized it. He couldn't tell Jim what had almost happened with him and Methos.

Jim's eyes narrowed. "With Methos."

"Yeah...um....see...he told me....um...."

Jim folded his arms across his chest. "I don't understand. Tell me what Methos told you," the detective spat out the name of the ancient immortal.

Blair looked at his hands and didn't feel very hungry now. He told Jim of the day at the library and getting kicked out. He told how they went back to Methos' apartment, sat on the sofa and....

"...I thought it was part of some immortal thing, you know....like all immortals are attracted to each other because they're immortal," Blair spat out. "Nothing happened. We both stopped. I said something about it being an immortal thing. I'd been pulled to you that night because we're both immortals, just like Duncan and Methos are together."

"Duncan and Methos?" Though Jim had suspected, he would never have guessed. [Some detective you are, Ellision.]

Blair looked at Jim and frowned. "Yeah Jim. But Methos told me that it doesn't have anything to do with being an immortal. He and Duncan are together for the same reason every other couple gets together. They love each other, man."

Jim looked at Blair for a few seconds as if trying to process what had just been said. "So, you're telling me, Chief that what happened between us that night didn't have anything to do with immortality?"

Blair shook his head. "But it could have been battle heat though."

[If it was just battle heat, how come the sight of you still makes me hot?] Jim thought. He was glad Blair didn't have enhanced senses for if he did he would have heard Jim the nights he masturbated with Blair's name on his lips. That very night they'd found out about their immortality Jim went up to his bedroom and had the most erotic dream he'd ever had. He and Blair were together on a beach kissing as the sun was setting behind them. Then they were in a large, elegant bedroom with high ceilings and antique furniture and they were lying in that bed, naked. Jim was buried to the hilt inside his Guide as they moved together in unison until both of them climaxed together. The dream had been so realistic that Jim was surprised when he'd woken up alone the next morning.

Jim cleared his throat. "This is a lot for me...for us to process now...I mean with what's going on and all."

Blair nodded sadly. [Hey Sandburg, what'd you expect, for him to get down on his knees and profess his undying love? Man, he's probably thinking of fifty ways to throw your butt out right now. Oh well, at least it's out in the open.]

They sat there in silence. Jim wolfed down his food and Blair stared at the back of his newspaper. Then, Blair silently rose and cleared off the table, cleaning the dishes, cups and silverware. When he looked up again, Jim was staring at him.

"Blair, one thing I do know is you have to learn to protect yourself. Would you please do that?"

[For you Jim anything.] The young man nodded.

Outside a few blocks away from Jim and Blair's building, Thomas Dillon sat drinking coffee. He'd followed the pretty young immortal and the much larger man, who to his surprise was also an immortal, back to their home last night.He made sure he was far away enough so they couldn't feel him. Now he smiled. Thomas Dillion was a man who, when he started something had to finish it. He intended on finishing off this friend of Duncan MacLeod. He wouldn't take on the bigger one, that could prove a problem but the younger man was perfect...like taking candy from a baby.

Later that same day, Methos watched in mild amusement as Duncan slammed drawers. He was dressed in warm-ups as he was going to spar with Jim today. Methos sat up on the bed and cleared his throat.

Duncan turned around and took in the vision of his lover dressed only in a pair of boxer shorts. "Yes?" he said.

"I was just wondering when your tantrum is going to end."

"Tantrum?" MacLeod said angrily.

"Yes. You've been banging around drawers and pots and pans all morning."

Duncan shut the drawer and glared at Methos. He began pacing the floor. "There's nothing wrong. I'm not angry."

"Come on MacLeod, after five thousand years I think I know what angry looks like."

"Methos, I'm not..."

Methos was on his feet and in front of MacLeod in seconds. "You're pissed off at me because I disagreed with you and took Jim's side last night."

Duncan shrugged and tried to move away from Methos, but the older immortal kept blocking his path. "Come on Methos, stop playing games. Stop it Methos or maybe you want to go to the library with Jim too!"

Methos smiled and shook his head. "Oh that green eyed monster rears its ugly head."

"I'm not jealous. But you shouldn't have taken his side over mine." MacLeod moved away and walked to the window.

"MacLeod, the rules of the game aren't written in stone. I know you abide by them, and so have I...for the most part at least," Methos said with a small smile. "What I'm saying is that Jim and Blair have a very strong bond. Jim would do anything to protect Blair, like an animal protects its mate. If you try to step in between them, say spouting off the rules of the game, in effect saying that Jim can't protect Blair, Jim will take your head. I don't want to see that happen MacLeod."

"He'd take my head?" Duncan said. He looked at Methos almost amused.

Methos nodded. "Yes. He will take your head MacLeod. You may be the better fighter but he's got a passion that's stronger than all your centuries of training."

Duncan thought of Tessa and what he would have done had he seen that man who shot her that night. He looked down. "I understand."

Methos walked over to him. "I hope you do, because I don't want to lose you MacLeod."

The Highlander looked amused. "You don't want to lose me," he repeated.

"Why?" Methos rolled his eyes. "You know how I feel..."

"No I don't. Say it."

Methos stared at Duncan who gave the older immortal a large smile. "Oh...okay...if I don't you'll swear I'm sleeping with Jim, Blair and the postman." He took a very deep breath. "I love you Duncan MacLeod. Happy?"

MacLeod grinned. "Yeah." He pulled Methos close to him and kissed his lover's mouth. Methos pushed him away. "Don't you have somewhere to go?"

"Maybe I don't want to go just yet," Duncan's eyes were darkened with arousal. Methos would not be so easy, though his body was screaming with need.

"Well..." Methos undid the band that held back Duncan's ponytail. "Maybe I want to hear you say something first."

"You're a damn tease, you know that."

"Say it MacLeod, or I walk away."

Duncan knew Methos would do that, no matter what his body was telling him and judging from the erection pressing against MacLeod's pelvis, Methos' body was speaking in volumes.

"I love you Methos."

"Thank you. Now get your clothes off and give *me* the workout you'll never give Jim."

Duncan MacLeod walked into the warehouse where he and Jim normally sparred. He shook his head, leaned against the door and looked intently at the scene before him.

Blair and Jim were sparring with swords. For the past week and a half, Jim had been attempting to teach the younger man how to fight. That would not have been a problem only Jim had no patience whatsoever when it came to Blair making a mistake. When he'd disarm his younger partner, he'd immediately start shouting.

"Blair, you've got to concentrate! What if we weren't sparring? What if this was for real? Don't you want to keep you head?"

Each time Jim shouted at Blair, Blair calmly picked his sword up again and took his stance. Duncan watched and was amazed to see that Blair Sandburg, mild mannered anthropologist was a natural at fighting. He was certainly built for it. Lithe in build, with strong legs and the quiet agility of a jungle cat. If only he could train with someone who had more patience he would probably surpass Jim Ellison.

"Goddamnit Sanburg!" Jim bellowed as his again disarmed his partner. "I told you to fake right, not left!"

"I'm trying, man, I'm trying!" Blair picked up his sword

"Well you're not trying hard enough!" Jim said through clenched teeth. "Or maybe you want to lose your head."

Blair threw down the sword and shook his head. "I am *so* out of here man!"

"And where do you think you're going?"

"Away from you. I don't need this abuse." Blair paused to look at Duncan then he looked back at Jim. "Is this how *he* trains you, man? I don't think so." With that Blair left the warehouse.

"Sandburg get your ass back here!" Jim started to go after him, but Duncan stopped his hand.

"Let him go," the older immortal said.

"We're not finished yet." Jim turned his steely blue eyes on Duncan.

Duncan shook his head. "It looks like he's pretty finished all right."

"I just want him to learn..."

Duncan held up his hand. He took his sword from underneath his coat then slung the coat neatly over a cardboard box.

"What do you say we work off a little tension, huh, Ellison?" MacLeod smiled at the detective.

"You're on!"

Blair put his hands in the back pockets of his jeans as he walked to nowhere in particular. He hated it when Jim treated him like a child. What the hell was wrong with him anyway? Blair had never seen Jim act so irrational as when they were sparring. It was so bad that when they'd return to the loft Blair would hit the showers and go straight to his room, wanting nothing to do with his partner for the rest of the night. Maybe that's what Jim was intending to do.

Blair ran his hand through his hair, the ponytail was coming undone but he didn't care. He wanted to sit down somewhere and just try to process what was happening for about a few days but he didn't have a few days. Blair sighed as his analytical mind took over. Jim was using the sparring to put a wedge between he and Blair. After Blair told his partner that what they experienced the night the both found out they were immortals, had nothing to do with being an immortal Jim couldn't deal with it. Blair couldn't really blame him. Jim was a man who'd only been with women, and if he'd ever been with a man, he'd never mentioned it. Blair had never been with men either, though he was curious, and he'd let a guy blow him off when he was sixteen and he and Naomi were living in London.

Thinking about Naomi caused Blair's eyes to get misty. He didn't think he would ever have the heart to tell her he knew he wasn't her son. What could he say? "Hey Naomi, where'd I come from? Did the stork really bring me?" No matter what the truth was, Naomi was the only mother Blair had and she would be that until the day she died.

The buzz of another immortal tore Blair out of his thoughts. "Jim?" he said and turned around.

It wasn't Jim, but the tall, trim immortal who had accosted Blair in the supermarket parking lot, weeks ago. Blair's eyes widened as he realized he had no weapon. He held his hands out defensively. "Hey man, I've got no problem with you; I don't even have a sword."

Thomas Dillon smiled and gave a mock bow. Blair thought he was safe, then the man spoke. "Thomas Dillon at your service. "Then this is going to be easy." He raised his sword. "En garde."

Jim took another swing at Duncan, as the older immortal ducked. Duncan raised his head and sword, but Jim had just stopped fighting. His hand tightened around his sword, but his eyes seemed glassy and far away.

"What is it Jim?"

"It's Blair....something's wrong with Blair."

"Come on Jim, he'll be back..."

Jim concentrated on his olfactory senses. He smelled sweat and blood and Blair all mixed into one, then he piggybacked his hearing on his sense of smell and heard the accelerated heartbeat of his Guide.

"Shit, Blair's in trouble." Jim rushed to the door.

"Wait, how do you know he's in trouble. I don't hear anything."

Jim frowned at Duncan. "I KNOW." He rushed out the door. Duncan shook his head, and grabbing his sword rushed after him.

Blair was ducking and blocking and kicking, using the karate moves Jim had taught him. He did not want to die and knew that without a sword he did not have a chance. He figured the only thing to do was to try and grab the sword, which he did again and again and each time Dillon would pull it back, slicing skin from Blair's flesh faster than it could heal. Blair then tried to kick Dillon in the genitals, but the other immortal was faster, grabbing his leg. Blair fell and Dillon smiled. "Too bad dear b...." He didn't finish his sentence because he felt not one but two buzzes. Blair felt them too and looked around. Jim and Duncan stood on their left. Jim's eyes met Blair's and for a second, their gazes held as an unspoken emotions passed between them.

Jim raised his sword. Thomas shook his head. "You can't interfere!"

"Yeah?" Ellison said, "well in my book there's something fucking wrong with killing an unarmed man!"

Thomas looked past the stranger with the buzz haircut and his eyes fell on Duncan MacLeod. He looked down at the young man who still lay on the ground, then back up at Duncan. If he took this kid's head, the immortal with the crew cut certainly would kill him, and he had a feeling that the young man's quickening wouldn't have much power. If he killed Duncan MacLeod though, he could probably take both immortals on.

"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod and I believe you're looking for me."

Dillon smiled broadly. "I've been looking for you for forty years."

Thomas smiled and turned to Blair. "I have no quarrel with him MacLeod."

Duncan nodded and stood in front of the red haired man.

Jim rushed over to Blair and helped him up. The younger man shook him off. "It's okay man, I can do it myself."

"Are you hurt?" Jim said.

Blair looked at his healing hands, then he shrugged. "I'll be okay."

Jim and Blair moved back to give Duncan and Thomas some room. The men eyed each other like two tomcats fighting over territory. Then Thomas lunged at Duncan, who moved back and the fight had begun. Thomas Dillon was a good fighter, but he was clumsy and heavy on his feet, while Duncan was light and angular. It didn't look like MacLeod and Dillon were at the same party. MacLeod danced through his moves, while Dillon lumbered.

There was a moment when Dillon sliced MacLeod in the arm, Duncan flinched and blood flowed. Dillon smiled, thinking he'd gotten the better of the other man. But MacLeod smiled too and fought with a terrifying fury as if the scent of his own blood was driving him to do what had to be done. Then, Dillion turned his body and gave MacLeod a back kick, knocking the other man down. Dillion lunged at MacLeod and Duncan swiftly brought up his sword spearing Thomas Dillon in the chest. Dillon smiled.

"I dare you."

"All right." With that Duncan brought up his sword and removed Thomas Dillon's head.

The Quickening must have taken only a minute, but it seemed an eternity as Blair and Jim watched as electric currents passed through Duncan's body. The older immortal held on to his sword as if it was the only thing anchoring him to the earth. Then the currents slowed and stopped. Duncan fell to his knees. Jim and Blair rushed over to him and helped him up.

"Are you all right?" Jim looked at Duncan.

MacLeod smiled at the detective. "I'll live. Don't feel much like sparring though." Though the Quickening was not that great, Duncan felt incredibly aroused. He thought of Methos and hot showers and cool, crisp sheets.

"I'm going home," Duncan said. He walked away from Jim and Blair, then turned around as if he'd forgotten something. "Tomorrow?" he said, looking at Jim.

Jim Ellison just nodded. He and Blair watched as Duncan moved away from them. When he was out of sight, Jim turned to his partner. "We better get a move on, Chief, just in case someone else saw the light show and wants to check it out."

Blair's eyes were glued to the headless body of Thomas Dillon. "What about him? You going to call it in?"

Jim shook his head. "Chief if I call in another headless body someone might get suspicious. Besdies it looked like self defense to me."

Blair looked away from the body and at Jim. "Yeah, self defense."

When they arrived at the loft, Jim let Blair get in the shower first. The detective sat on the sofa and turned up his hearing. He heard Blair remove his dirty clothes, miss throwing them in the hamper, then try again and make it. He heard the shower spray begin, Blair adjusted the temperature, then the young man entered the shower and Jim could hear the water spash on his body, and as he listened, his cock quickly hardened.

The sensation snapped Jim out of his thoughts. [Shit, what the hell am I doing, getting off on Sandburg showering? Man, what the hell's wrong with me?] But Jim knew that nothing was wrong with him. Today when he'd gone out to find Blair, he *knew* his Guide was in trouble; not just because of his five senses, but he knew from somewhere deep inside of him. Then he saw Blair valiantly trying to fight the red haired immortal without a sword. He'd smelled the blood on his hands, on his body.

In the shower Blair lathered his body up, still surprised to see that the scars and cuts were healed. This was going to take some getting used to. He let the hot water fall over his hair and thought about what happened today. When Thomas Dillon stood before him he was afraid, he knew his life was about to end without him telling Jim Ellison exactly how he felt. Blair smiled as he remembered the night they found out what they were, the passion, the fire. The reason he told Jim that it had to be an immortal thing was because he knew his partner was uncomfortable; he'd just had an incredible sexual experience with another man. Later, Blair himself started to believe it. When Methos told him the truth part of Blair was releived but part of him was terrified for that meant he and Jim *really were* attracted to each other. He told Jim but downplayed the revelation. Blair didn't want to be rejected and/or thrown out into the street.

Blair opened his eyes and looked down. [Damn, talk about having a mind of its own...down boy,] he said to his awakening cock. There was no way he could even masturbate here. Jim was in the next room and would certainly hear him. So Blair took a deep breath and turned on the cold water. The first blast shattering all erotic thoughts from his mind.

On the sofa, Jim was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear the shower spray turn off, nor did he hear Blair dress.

"Jim...Jim...come on man...come back..."

Jim's eyes shot open. Blair stood in front of him wearing a black sweat shirt and a pair of black sweat pants.

"You need the shower, Jim?" Blair stared at him strangely.

Jim nodded. "Yeah."

"Okay, I'm going to have a beer and watch some TV," Blair said matter of factly as if what happned today happened to someone else.

Jim rose and started to go into the bathroom, when he turned around sharply. Blair was standing still and staring out the balcony doors. The shower could wait. Right now there was unfinished business to attend to.

"Blair."

Blair jumped and stared into Jim's blue eyes. "Wow man you scared me. I thought you were going to take a shower."

"It can wait." Jim came closer to the younger man. "Blair, are you alright?" He gently touched his shoulder.

"Jim...I'm fine man...like Duncan said today, I'll live." He looked into Jim's eyes with a look of faux defiance.

"I know you will Blair...I was just..."

"You just wanted to know if I was okay...you always want to know if I'm okay. Well I'm fine Jim you hear me I'm F.I.N.E. "

"Chief..."

"I know Jim, you're just being my Blessed Protector," he spat out those last two words angrily. "Has it ever occured to you that I might be able to protect myself, that I don't need you trying to slay all my fucking dragons for me! Do you know how I felt today seeing both you *and* Duncan there!"

"Blair the man was after Duncan not you. You didn't even have a sword. The man would have taken your head!"

"But it's my head Jim, that's the point. It's my head and I have to start learning how to protect it."

Jim's left eyebrow raised. Was this Blair saying he wanted to learn how to fight? "It thought you were a pacifist and you didn't want to learn how to fight with a sword."

Blair ran his hand through his hair as he realized what he'd just said. "Shit shit shit! Damnit Jim, I didn't ask for this! I'm an anthropologist! I go into the jungle and study culture! I wasn't meant to fight with a sword. I'm not a fighter!" He was biting his lip to keep from crying.

Jim wanted to take the young man in his arms and...[and what Ellison?] Jim walked over to Blair and placed his hands on his shoulders. [This isn't a Sentinel thing or an immortal thing, it's a Jim and Blair thing...he means more to me than life itself. I've got to tell him...I've got to tell him that I don't think he's weak and incapable of defending himself. I've got to tell him the truth and if he laughs at me, I'll challenge Duncn MacLeod to a fight and lose my head.]

"I was worried about you today Blair because....because....I couldn't bear the thought of losing you...Yes, call me selfish but that's true. You mean more to me than anyone, even Carolyn. If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do."

Blair looked up, expecting to see mirth or superficiality in Jim's eyes. What he found there was warmth and pain and something Blair could not explain, but it was a look that Naomi gave him sometimes when she said how proud she was of him.

"I'm scared of this immortal thing too Blair....I....I'm sorry I was so impatient with you...trying to teach you how to fight...I just...I just wanted to keep you safe...I thought...I thought I knew it all and only I was supposed to teach you...and I was jealous of Methos and..." Jim shook his head.

"Let's sit down Big Guy."

They sat on the sofa. Blair took Jim's hand and held it tightly. Jim looked strangely at Blair who smiled and nodded. "You've got such beautiful hands Jim."

"Never heard them called beautiful before."

"Well they are."

They sat in silence for what felt like hours, holding hands. Then Jim turned to his partner.

"You know Blair I never asked for this immortal stuff either, I never asked for my plane to crash in Peru....shit, for five years I didn't know what the hell I was..."

Blair smiled, "Now look at you, Sentinel and immortal. Pretty cool."

Jim chuckled. Blair smiled, then his happiness vanished. "Oh man...what are we going to tell Simon and the other guys? I mean, what's going to happen when they start getting old and we don't? And...oh man...what about my thesis? Methos told me that immortals aren't supposed to be in the spotlight or anything...because it attracts attention....oh...shit Jim..."

Jim started to open his mouth when he realized he didn't know. Instead he put his other arm around his Guide's shoulders. "I guess we'll just have to cross those bridges when we get to them Chief."

Blair nodded, then the smile returned to his face. "There is one good thing about being immortal though."

"What?" Jim looked at the younger man, and knew. "I guess I really am stuck with you, huh?"

"Stuck Jim?"

"And there's no place I'd rather be."

Slowly, Jim and Blair turned and faced each other. Jim's released his Guide's hand and ran his fingers through the younger man's wet curls. Then, Jim leaned forward and kissed what he believed were the most sensuous lips on the planet. His lips brushed Blair's gently, gone was the maddening passion of a night so many weeks ago. Blair's arms wrapped around Jim's neck and the detective's heart nearly weeped with joy as Blair's mouth opened inviting Jim inside. Jim kissed the sweet mouth, as their tongues danced a slow and easy mating dance.

When they finally broke from the kiss, they caught each other's gaze and smiled with a deep understanding. Jim pulled Blair closer to him, seating the smaller man on his lap, wrapping his arms around his waist. Blair rested against Jim's right shoulder. Jim leaned forward and flicked the earrings with his tongue. Blair laughed.

"Tomorrow Blair, we're going back to the warehouse..."

Blair stiffened.

Jim finished the thought. "...and let Duncan teach both of us."

The younger man let out a deep sigh, then turned around in Jim's arms, to face his love. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

They kissed again and kissed some more. They didn't say the words yes, but both of them felt it, and knew they had time, the time to say many more 'I love you's.'

THE END

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