Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Gypsy camp had burned, a load of wood and material making the flammable camp go up in smoke within minutes. There had been causalities, in a camp of 50 there had been 30 dead on scene and a lot of them children.

Detective Simon Banks and Detective William Ellison, had dubbed it the worst case of their career. They had helped to pull the bodies out the burning tents, as the night drew in they had finished. The survivors had been taken to a private clinic, where they were treated and given accommodation for however long they needed. 

The Gypsies had stayed a week and then one night all left, disappearing again into Cascade’s forested outskirts of the town. When William had come to visit one the boys he rescued, he looked round disappointed. He had wanted to adopt that boy, he felt like he needed a good home and now they were gone. He had turned to go, when he had heard a rustle and stopped. Kneeling down he looked under one of the beds, to see the boy there and smiled.

"Hello again, where are your people?"

The boy looked at the door and gestured to the bandages, shrugging.

"They wouldn’t take you because you were injured" 

The boy nodded and held the bag of crisps, eating again.

"Want to come home with me?"

The boy frowned and then shrugged, as William held out his hand.

William had got home and ordered the nanny to bath and cut his hair. The bath had gone down a treat but the screams that followed, had caused William to come running. He saw the boy crouched naked in the corner, snarling and swiping his hand at the scissors.

"Mr Ellison, i don’t believe I can cut his hair like this"

"Hey it’s ok, don’t you want a hair cut?"

The boy shook his head quickly, as he flinched at his injuries.

"Then we won’t cut it, I am not going to force you.”

The boy watched the scissors being put back in a drawer and climbed back in the bath.

"Ok that seems to have done it but stay there Mr Ellison, not sure if his hair has ever been washed."

The hair wash had been difficult, as he didn’t like water in his eyes. She put in loads of conditioner in, it was really knotted. After a couple of hours the nanny plaited it back tidily, as he was dressed in some clothes. 

William had the file on the boy, Blair Sandburg and his Mum had died in the fire. The boy was 12, though he was small for his age. His own sons Jim who was 14 and Steven who was 16 towered over him.

The first time they had met, Steven had scoffed in disgust and left but Jim had stuck round. He liked the mute boy instantly and had began teaching him how to fish and play football. He was clever and caught on quick, though was closed off.

William had tried Blair in school but in the first week, Jim had been suspended for beating up three boys who had began picking on Blair.

William had been called to school, finding the three boys with bloodied noses and split lips and Jim looking pleased with himself.

When asked if he thought that was acceptable by the head teacher, Jim had answered yes as they had taunted Blair on his mother’s death, heritage and the scars that still marked his body.

"I agree with my son, these boys are cowards three on one boy a lot smaller then themselves."

"Jim is suspended for a month but Blair is expelled, we don’t want his kind here” said the  head teacher.

”Good thing Steven is finished and I shall be home schooling my sons from now on, do the paperwork. I won’t have Blair discriminated against like this, expect to be hearing from my lawyer" William snarled. "Let’s go boys" 

As Jim passed the boys with Blair, he stepped forward and they flinched away from him.

"Let this be a lesson to you" snapped Jim, "bullying will never go unpunished."

Blair eyes glinted, what a perfect idea.

Blair had a good mind, especially for numbers and the months that followed was successful home schooling. 

The court case was not going anywhere, William said the whole system was corrupt and Blair looked on sharing his anger.

It was a few days after the case was thrown out, that the the head teacher died. There had  been a fire in her house late one night, faulty wiring. Jim had called it karma and he smirked at Blair, who grinned back.

"Karma" Blair repeated, as they all looked his way.

"You can talk” grinned Jim

"I…I can."

Jim spun him round, as he giggled loudly and Steven came in.

"What is happening?" he demanded

"Blair talked" William grinned

"About time, he is nearly a teenager after all"

The door slammed shut and Blair sighed.

"Why doesn’t Steven like me?"

"He does, he just doesn’t show it” murmured William. "After his mother died, he had closed himself off a lot and is always out with friends.

Blair had been living with William for 6 months now and he had gone into town with Jim, to get a birthday cake. They rounded the corner, to be surrounded by 6 men or more correctly gypsies.

”Blair, time to come home?" said one man

"No Baro, I have a new home now"

"You are talking"

"Yes Sir"

"Did they ever find who burned our camp?"

"They are in custody, ready for trial this afternoon. In the holding cells, they should be locked away for life after all their crimes.”

"We shall see" muttered the man.

Jim took Blair’s arm and went to go, when two blocked his way.

"You really going to stop us" smirked Jim, as Blair hid behind Jim and the Baro sighed.

"Not today, we have things to do but you will come home one day Blair."

"Maybe Sir"

They left and Jim hugged Blair, as he buried his face against Jim’s chest shaking. 

"Thanks for protecting me"

"Always"

Chapter Text

Jim and Blair sat in the court room, next to William. The key piece of evidence had gone missing between the station and the court room, in a seemingly unrelated car crash. Though the jury said due to this update, the 4 men statements and alibi’s it was an open and shut case. 

Though they put in that the community had done nothing but support the travellers and that they hoped that in the future, that more information would come to light. 

The case was thrown out  at lunch time due to lack of evidence, as Blair got up and stormed out the room before anyone was dismissed.

"This is not fair” muttered Jim, watching the four men celebrate and glare sideways at his Dad and Simon.

"Good case Ellison, Banks but now we will counter sue for the emotional damage you caused us" smirked the one they suspected was the leader.

"How can you sue for damages, when you have none?" snapped William. "We all know you were guilty, a convenient crash for you and the destruction of vital evidence."

"Heard you and your family were Gypsy supporters, even took one into your home. When he goes feral and needs putting down, give me a call."

Jim snarled angrily and stepped forward, slamming the man into the wall.

"You threaten him again and I will end you, murderer."

"Your kid needs to learn to respect his elders, little brat” as Jim slammed him back against the wall harder this time.

“Jimmy let’s go, he is not worth it.”

Jim turned and left, as there was low whispers that followed them out. Jim looked round, he could not find Blair anywhere.

Jim stopped, closing his eyes and taking some slow breaths in the car park opposite. He heard a loud explosion, as he saw smoke coming from a van parked in front of the court.

They raced over, seeing the four men and a fifth, probably their driver thrashing round on the floor covered in flames. It was a ball of fire, no one would survive that and he could smell the accelerants so strong it stung his nose. 

Jim got back to the car, looking over to see someone sat on the roof of the building and laughing. He extended his sight but the glare of the flames was too bright and he sat on the floor by the car, trying to calm his senses. Someone knelt by him minutes later, as he looked up to see Blair. He felt a hand on his arm, the warmth and control buzzing all round him.

"Where did you go?"

"Just had to get out of there, my Baro is right I should go home to the camp.”

A pain shot through his chest and he grimaced, shaking his head.

"I would miss you though."

"So would I you"

"Then don’t go Blair, please. This is me begging, I can’t live without you near."

"Jim I…I don’t understand what you are saying to me"

"You do, you are just in denial."

"I need to hear the words Jim, from your mouth.”

Jim wanted to say the words, though they wouldn’t form and he shook his head. It was selfish to keep Blair from his family and he nodded.

"I can visit you right”

”Course Jim” his eyes full of unshed tears, as he turned and walked away knowing it would be forever because they would leave once he came home.

Jim’s senses knew this wasn’t a see you later parting, it was a goodbye and he couldn’t handle it. Every one of his five senses overloaded all at once and it all went black, as he hoped he’d never awaken.

William had got to the car, to find Jim unconscious and Blair no where in sight. The hospital has said it was a coma, though were unsure what had caused it. 

Blair and the gypsies had fled Cascade, he wondered if the recent fires had been revenge. He didn’t believe Blair had it in him, though the group would have. He wondered if Blair had been purposely left behind, so they knew what was happening?
It was funny, Jim had said they had shown up that morning when they had got the cake for Blair’s birthday party this afternoon. They hoped to celebrate the win of the case too but everything had gone to shit.

William picked up the cake and hurled it across the room, as it hit the wall of the kitchen. He looked round the bedroom that Jim and Blair had shared, to see the unmade beds. The boys pyjamas on the floor and sighed, closing the door and locking it.

He needed a drink, as he got a bottle of whisky and sat on the balcony. He drank one after another, till he passed out and wondered how life could get so shit so quick.

Chapter Text

"Happy 16th Birthday Jimmy" murmured William, as he sat at his side and sighed inwardly. 

It had been 18 months since that day in court and Blair had never returned, as he looked down at his watch. 

"We are running out of time Jimmy, where is Blair gone?" he muttered pleadingly.

William had tried to trace the Gypsy group but they had disappeared into thin air.

There was a knock at the door and a man stood there, as William frowned. 

"Andrew, you disappeared with my money" he muttered.

"No William, I have been on Blair’s trail and I have him."

”Have him, what did you do?" he frowned

"I took him from the group, by force."

”You kidnapped him, I said to find him not to…to…"

"You will understand when you see him, can you spare an hour.”

"I guess, it’s not like Jimmy is waking up anytime soon."

They got to a manor, high gates and security at every entrance. 

"I thought you worked alone."

"I do this is my team and we all work and live  here. We worked together for 20 years and then the government chucked us away, like we were rubbish. I used the money to set up my own security business, we are 12 retired veterans with more experience then the whole of the police force put together, no offense."

"None taken, if you have got Blair back that is all I need."

"Fair enough” as they went in and to a door, as he unlocked it and William frowned.

"You keep him locked away."

"You will see why in a minute" as he stepped in and saw a figure cowering in the corner. 

"Blair, it is William."

The next second he was knocked to the floor, hands wrapping round his neck. Andrew strode over and grabbed him by the hair, yanking his head back firmly.

"Let him go Blair or there will be trouble" as he loosened his grip and Andrew threw him backwards. "Get up William, behind me.”

Andrew took out a truncheon and Blair backed away, snarling at William. 

"What has happened to him?"

"Brain washing, torture, a gypsy curse I don't know. He is like a wild animal, when I found him he was chained up. A leather collar padlocked round his neck, joined to a short chain. He was dressed in rags, filthy dirty and starving."

"Why though, as far as I know from witness statements, he left with his group on his own free will. People saw him go and the last few postcards Jim got, it suggested he was doing well."

"When was the last postcard" inquired Andrew

"Over 12 months ago, he said he was getting back into the group and that he had been forgiven for leaving them for so long. That he missed Jim but it was better this way and he loved him too, my son loved Blair and they still did what they thought was right. Knowing Jim, he didn't want to keep Blair from his family but my boy is special."

"You have told me about his senses before, you think Blair was maybe his Guide"

"Yes and maybe by threatening Blair, Jimmy may awaken to protect him."

"It could awaken Jim but is the damage that's been done to Blair permanent."

"Do you think we should try to get through to Blair first, before waking Jim?" asked William.

"It is worth a shot William but be careful he is like a wild animal."

"Give me a week, for two years i looked after Blair and I think I could get through to him. If not, we may have to resort to a more violent way because they are switching Jim's machines off at the end of the month."

"Ok deal"

Andrew watched William's efforts to communicate and try and get close to Blair but it was not successful. He was aggressive and even though bound and gagged he was too much for William, to overcome. One evening William came in with a bag of Jim's washing and he stopped by Blair, as he sighed. 

"I am sorry Blair, I failed you and Jim."

Blair was ignoring him, sniffing towards the bag of washing and he gasped. He had been stupid, as he pulled out one of Jim's warm jumpers they dressed him in because he got cold now. He held it out, as Blair reached out with his bound hands and snatched it from William. He rubbed his nose against the material and whimpered under his breath, the gypsies had locked him up and kept him like an animal like they were doing now. What if they hadn't abused him, what if they thought he was cursed or something similar they were very superstitious."

They left the room and William called a number, as there was a low hello at the end.

"Is this Blair's baro?"

"You have him?"

"I had someone kidnap him and bring him back to Cascade, I know what is wrong with him."

"He is cursed."

"No he is not cursed, my son is a Sentinel."

"A Sentinel, I know of them and...and you think Blair is his Guide."

"Yes the madness that has consumed him is because he and my son are apart, Jimmy is in a coma and we have been trying to get through to Blair but it has been unsuccessful so far."

"I know what must be done, though the hospital won’t approve. Is there any way to get Jim and Blair in the same room?"

"I can get him brought back to my place, would that help."

"Ok then do that and i will travel with my group back to Cascade, i will see you in three days."

"Ok, thank you"

"No Mr Ellison, thank you"

Chapter Text

The hospital had refused at first, though William said he’d take them to court if needed. He said if Jim’s machine was being switched off at the end of the month, it would be at home and not in a hospital room. 

They ended up on an agreement with two unnegotiable conditions, one that a nurse came twice a day to administer meds and they had to monitor his heart rate hourly. 
William agreed immediately, as the next afternoon Jim was transported by ambulance to a large room on the ground floor. It had a hospital bed in place and the machines ready, to switch over onto. It all ran smoothly, hopefully this worked or William would be bringing Jim home to die.

Darkness fell and Andrew arrived, Blair being half dragged along and half carried in by two huge men. William wanted to go and hug him, he looked so scared but he knew he would be met with a feral fight or flight reaction.

"Blair come on boy, stop this fight every step of the way or we’ll have no option but to hurt you” said Andrew, as he was growled at.

Blair was carried into the room a few hours later still drowsy, sat in a bed the opposite side of the room. The leather cuffs locked round his wrists securely, as he tugged on them. They were connected onto a short chain in the wall, he wasn’t going anywhere. Blair had been sedated, bathed and now was dressed in a pair of hospital scrubs by a couple of male orderlies under Andrew's watchful eye.

They had used the bathroom upstairs and he shivered, as William saw the jumper was placed by him. Blair grabbed it, then turned his back on them and lay down ignoring them all. His eyes were focused on the bed across the room, as they all headed out and watched the camera's.

William saw Blair settle and sleep, as Jim slept easier too. The Baro arrived a little before midnight and joined them at the camera's, as he frowned.

"Maybe you should just release Blair, if Jim is his sentinel he won't hurt him."

"Maybe we are not as sure as we make out Baro" murmured William.

"The name is Marco, I am sure and tomorrow we need to make some progress before it's too late."

"Take the bull by the horn's" murmured William.

"Yes, exactly."

"I agree, we start tomorrow."

"I doubt you need me anymore, i wish you both the best of luck"

"Thank you Andrew, I have the two hospital orderlies staying in case of security issues."

"Ok, let me know how you get on."

William nodded and Andrew was escorted out, as they looked back into the room.

"All looks quiet, want a whisky Marco?"

"I would love one.

Jim felt fear all round him, as he inhaled deeply and then began choking. Arms held him down and he was so weak, he couldn't move without severe pain and discomfort. A loud cry that pierced his soul and tore his heart in two, he had to help the person in trouble  and he knew straight away who it was.

"Blair" he yelled, as he was suddenly free and he fell onto something hard. Someone barrelled into him, as he tightened his grip round them sniffing and his eyes flew open.   

"Jimmy relax" said a familiar voice

"Get everyone out"

Everyone headed out, as Jim looked down at the figure in his arms and saw Blair. Though he was different, wild and snarling and he took his face in his hands frowning.

"Blair, what has happened?"

Jim lay down, feeling tired and weak pulling Blair into his arms.

"Hush Blair, let's just sleep."

William and Marco watched the two boys asleep on the floor, curled into each other and they grinned.

"Maybe not a very graceful reunion, with Jim falling out the bed and Blair tackling him to the floor" smirked William

"Blair has always been clumsy, never quick enough to duck."

"What happened to him in those 18 months?"

"He settled into the camp, he tried to be ok too quickly. The smiles masked his pain but he should have never left Cascade, he was scared to feel too much. His mum died in the fire, he saw her burn and I found him clutching her charred sleeve covered in blood. Blair has never talked much, very bright but trapped inside himself and well different. Some of the other kids older then him couldn't even read, he was special."

"Where is his Father?"

"I don't know who his Father is but i took him under my wing, tried to protect him from harm but he didn't trust me."

"Did you kill that teacher and the four men, accused of burning the camp?"

"I don't know who it was, someone on the camp probably but...well they got what they deserved."

"The only thing that connects them is Blair, I think he killed them."

"That is daft"

"It is true but i wouldn't report Blair, I have learnt that family comes before a case and he is like a son to me."

"Maybe one day he will be a son by marriage, it is clear they are very much in love and I will no longer stand in their way of being together."

"Nor will I"

Jim looked at the two way mirror snarling, as William grinned.

"I think we are being too loud."

The two men had both held their breaths and then the boys were sniffing and nuzzling each other, as they left the small room.

Blair awoke the next morning, where was he as he looked round in confusion and then he saw Jim. He pinched his arm, was he dreaming and he reached out his hand. He ran a finger along his cheekbone and felt the tears escape, as Jim's eyes opened and he looked up at him.

"There you are Blair, back to your normal self again."

"I went mad without you Jim, don't ever do that again?"

"Never darling, we are in one of the room's of my Dad's house, has a two way mirror over there and..."

The door opened and William came in, followed by another man. Blair scrambled back, as Jim sat up slowly and he hid behind him. Jim looked threateningly at the approaching man, letting out a low snarl.

"Jim, this is Baro Marco Higgins"

"Blair is staying here with me?"

"Yes of course, he is after all your Guide and you his Sentinel."

"You are a Sentinel?" murmured Blair, as Jim nodded. "I knew you were special, I just didn’t realize how much.”

"We belong together Blair, you are never leaving my side again."

"Sounds a bit possessive Jim but I like it.”

William and Marco laughed, as they said they would go get some breakfast and call the Doctor.

When the Doctor came in to see Jim eating breakfast on the couch, he nearly collapsed. He did the checks and looked at the boy huddled against his side. 

"That is Blair right"

"Yes the Baro arrived with him last night, he is not been very well for a while but they seemed to both be fine now"

"Maybe they just missed each other, that they share a special bond that affects them when they are apart. It has been what 18 months and James fell into a coma, the day that Blair left."

"I am sorry I didn't...that I couldn't..." began Blair

"It is in the past darling" as he wrapped an arm round his shoulders and kissed the top of his head.

"Yeah it is."

Everyone left and Blair looked up, fidgeting nervously.

"I uh...well at the courthouse...the uh head teacher too...I...I killed them."

"I know you did, so does my Dad but a clean slate from now on and no more punishing anyone. That is what the law does, understand me?"

"Yeah ok, I am sorry."

The door opened and Steven came in, as he gaped at Jim and he rushed over.

"Jim you are awake"

"One big happy family" he nodded, as he looked down at Blair and nodded.

"Yeah, anyone up for fishing at the lake."

They both nodded and William came in, to see them getting dressed a little while later into normal clothes and out the scrubs.

"Where is everyone going?" asked William

"Fishing at the lake" grinned Jim.

"Ok, let's take a picnic and the cars too"

Life was back to normal again, as William looked over at Jim, Blair and Steven playing in the water. The rods had been abandoned on shore and they splashed each other.

"This all worked out well but i must go back to the group, keep me updated on his progress you have my number."

"I will Marco and thank you" as they reached for their drinks.

THE END