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Words often become stumbling blocks when one expresses feelings for another. Yet a smile, look, or gesture can express a thought that bares the soul. Silence is truly golden. DMJ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blair slowly made his way out of bed and into the bathroom to freshen up before breakfast. Usually, he used this time to go over his plans for the day: class schedules, office hours, shopping, and getting to the station to help Jim out on some strange case; but today was Sunday. No class schedules, office hours, shopping, or the station, only rest, relaxation, and blessed silence.
As he emerged from the bathroom more alert, he noticed that the shades were open to allow the sun in and fill the lower area of the loft with natural light and warmth. Walking over to the balcony windows, Blair stretched, enjoying the feeling of muscles stretching and the warmth of the sun, magnified by the glass, on his still sluggish and tense body.
Soft jazz played on the stereo. It echoed through the loft, giving the tune a haunting, yet, mellow quality. Blair closed his eyes and took in the sound, allowing himself to relax even more, as tensions of the previous week slowly faded away.
Slowly turning around, he made his way from the large windows in the living room to the kitchen to begin breakfast. It would be something special to show Jim his appreciation for trusting him and believing in him when so few others had.
Jim was never big on words, but Blair knew what was in the older man's heart. The blue eyes were proud when Blair had done a good job, yet cold and scolding when he hadn't listened or obeyed a strict order. A touch of his hand was soothing and told Blair that he was always there, no matter what. The thousand-watt smile lit up a room and warmed Blair's heart and soul with unspoken words of friendship and love.
Blair thought about the trying times they had been through. The many times they had come so close to death, and he marveled at how they had managed to make it through them.....surviving together through thick and thin....always together. Thoughts like this made Sunday mornings special....they were spent "together."
The door to the loft swung open and Jim stepped in, a smile playing on his chiseled features when he saw Blair busy in the kitchen. He was happy to have the young man in his home and in his life. He had once thought of his heightened senses as his own personal hell. ....that is until Blair came along. He couldn't believe what a blessing in disguise his senses had been. After all, without them, he would have never caught the attention of a certain energetic, grad student.
Blair was oblivious to the fact that Jim was standing there watching him. Jim wasn't sure how it happened or why, but he knew that he had received a special gift of friendship the moment he had allowed Blair Sandburg into his heart. The kid had a way of growing on you when you least expected it, but Jim also knew that Blair's life had not been a bed of roses. There were times when Blair would turn haunted eyes to Jim.....eyes filled with so much sorrow that Jim felt he could drown in their depths. Without the use of words, Jim could feel and see the turmoil of Blair's emotions, and even though he was never sure of exactly what he should say, he seemed to make things better with a hug or a pat on the shoulder. One simple gesture would chase the clouds away so that his guide's spirit could soar again without fear of failure. Blair was strong again, knowing that his Sentinel was there to catch him should he fall.
Tossing the morning paper and fresh bagels onto the island, the older man circled around to scope out the contents of the skillet that Sandburg was hovering over. His smile broadened as he spotted a monstrous omelette and two others already waiting on a plate. Fluffy layers of golden egg loaded to the point of overflow with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, ham, and cheese taunted him. The sight was enough to drive a hungry sentinel over the edge, and the aroma was overwhelming.
With a gentle squeeze to Blair's shoulder, Jim silently conveyed how happy he was to have the younger man in his life. Thankful that he was no longer alone.
Blair looked back at the older man, a smile gracing his lips and warm emotion filling his blue eyes. In those eyes Jim saw trust, friendship, and brotherly love.
Breakfast was shared in companionable silence, each man reading the paper and enjoying a carefree day of leisure. Their words were not necessary as their silence spoke volumes. Each man comfortable with what the other felt. Their only regret was that Sunday was but only a day.
~The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There's a look in your eyes saying you'll never leave me. A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall. You say it best....when you say nothing at all.~
End
