Jim stepped out of the elevator on the seventh floor of the Cascade Police Headquarters, followed closely by his friend and partner, Blair Sandburg. As usual, Blair was talking nonstop to Jim, whose mind was elsewhere. Blair was ranting about the disaster that was his relationship with Sam, of forensics.

Blair and Sam had been in an on again..., off again..., on again..., WAY off again relationship for the past few months, and Jim was getting sick of it. That woman had no idea of the gift she was toying with. She should realize that there were people in Cascade that would give twenty years of their life in exchange for the love of a certain neo-hippie anthropologist. Jim should know; he was one of them.

"Am I boring you, Jim?"

Jim's head snapped around as the subject of his thoughts addressed him. Ellison studied the long dark curls framing the delicate, sublime features of his Guide. Blair's blue eyes stared intently into his own, as was usual whenever the young man spoke to him. Blair had absolutely no fear of eye contact; his eyes were the window to his soul, wide open to anyone.

"Sorry, Chief," Jim said quietly. He pushed down his feelings once again, trying not to drown in the blue pools who's corners now crinkled in amusement. Jim had decided some time ago that it would do neither he nor Blair any good to reveal his heart. He knew the moment he did, his girl-crazy partner would be packed and on his way to Calcutta. It was hard being so in love with someone you worked closely with everyday, without being able to tell him. But Jim was willing to endure that pain, as long he could be near Blair.

Blair smiled at Jim as they entered the bullpen. He looked up and waved cheerfully to the familiar faces, and was greeted with wide smiles from Ryf, Brown, Taggert and Rhonda. Blair had sort of become the 'darling of Major Crimes' in the short time he'd been working with the department. At first, there had been some mild hostility toward the young man, from the harder-edged officers who felt a grad student's place was in a classroom, not a police precinct.

But in time, even those individuals had fallen victim to Sandburg's sweet, nonjudgemental attitude and enthusiasm. "More infectious than the Black Plague," was how Ryf had described Blair's personality one night at a poker game, while the anthropologist was out teaching a night class. Jim had agreed wholeheartedly.

Jim sat down behind his desk, smiling to himself as Blair took his usual seat in the chair at the corner, half facing Jim. The detective flipped on his computer and began typing up the reports of yesterday's drug bust. He and Blair had successfully nabbed a handful of small-time dealers who were in the process of developing a new, more potent form of speed. At first, Jim had been leery of the assignment, remembering Blair's near-fatal experience with Golden just last year. But in the end, he and the anthropologist had displayed their usual talent, and with the help of Jim's Sentinel skills, solved yet another case.

Jim had only just gotten started on the paperwork when the door to Captain Simon Banks' office opened, and the tall, dark-skinned man called across the bullpen.

"Ellison! My office, please!"

"Oooh... PLEASE!" Blair murmured under his breath, knowing his Sentinel would hear him. "Cap must in a good mood today, huh? Must've gotten a new shipment of hazelnut coffee." The young man smiled as Jim snickered. They were halfway to Simon's office when the Captain held up a hand.

"Uh... ONLY Ellison." Simon said gently. He smiled reassuringly at Blair, hoping his unease wasn't visible in his dark eyes. "Just this once, OK kid?" Banks felt his heart tighten at the baffled look of hurt that fluttered across Blair's innocent face. So very innocent.

"Sir?" Jim asked, cocking an eyebrow and looking back over his shoulder. He watched Blair shrug and move slowly back to Jim's desk. Jim turned back to his Captain. "What's going on, Simon?" The Sentinel asked. He followed as Banks motioned him into the office and closed the door.

"Jim," the Captain began, "We need to talk." The big man sat down behind his desk with a sigh, clearly not looking forward to what had to be said.

Jim Ellison swallowed uneasily, eyeing Simon. "What is it sir?" he asked softly. He could tell by Simon's tone that he wasn't going to like it.

Simon took a deep breath. "Jim, the Chief of police has ordered me to find you a," Simon rolled his eyes, and raised his hands, wiggling his fingers in the classic 'Quote Unquote' gesture. "A REAL partner." He finished quietly.

Jim closed his eyes, and sank down into the chair opposite. He'd had a feeling it would be something like this. There had been talk in the bullpen for some time now about the Chief's displeasure at Sandburg's apparently indefinite position in Major Crimes. It had hung over Jim's head like a dark cloud. Now, it seemed, the storm was about to hit.

"Jim?" Simon called softly.

Ellison looked up at Simon with helplessness etched on his chiseled face. "What do you want me to say, Simon?" he asked softly. "You know how I feel. Sandburg has helped this department with dozens of cases, not to mention saved my ass a few times." Jim huffed and got to his feet to stalk to the window.

"But apparently that's not enough for the Chief, is it?" Jim continued, growling. "He'd rather pair me with some stranger, then let a civilian work with me. Even though said civilian does more to help me than any officer with a badge ever could!" Jim punctuated the phrase by pounding his fist into the wall. Not hard, just enough to let off some steam.

Simon nodded in sympathy. "I'm sorry Jim, I know that. I've already put in an appeal to have Sandburg's status promoted to official observer, instead of...," Simon broke off as Jim turned to stare at him. "What?" The Captain asked.

Jim opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, thinking of what to say. When he spoke, his voice was soft.

"That... surprises me sir," he said, "I mean, I appreciate it, but I always kind of thought...,'

"That I hated the kid?" Simon finished with a grin. He shook his head as he stood to approach Jim. "I know, I've done pretty good playing the role of the hard-assed captain, but I'll admit it; the kid's grown on me." Simon reached out to pat Jim on the shoulder.

"Me too, sir," Jim said in a small voice, turning to gaze out the window again. He closed his eyes as he suddenly pictured what it would be like working without Blair at his side. Without being able to work closely with Jim, Blair would need to find a new thesis subject. Which meant he'd move out. Which meant Jim might never see him again. Which meant.... Jim began to have trouble breathing.

Simon looked up as a crunching sound met his ears. He stared in disbelief as Jim slowly clenched his fist against the wall, fingers actually digging into the plaster.

"Jim!" Simon said sharply, grabbing the detective's shoulders. He carefully pulled the quaking man away from the wall, trying not to notice the faint streaks of blood marring the clean, white surface. He guided Jim into a chair and stood in front of him.

"Easy now buddy, Just relax," Simon said quietly, rubbing Jim's back. Jim buried his face in his hands, rocking back and forth. He was the picture of despair.

"So," Blair addressed Ryf as he moved back toward Jim's desk. "You getting cold feet yet?" Blair forced a smile onto his face, despite being snubbed by Simon. Ryf was getting married next month.

Ryf noticed the hurt in Blair's eyes. "Don't worry, Blair," he said reassuringly. "I'm sure the Captain didn't mean anything personal." He slapped Blair on the back. "And, no," Ryf added. "I'm not getting cold feet. How can I possibly have cold feet when I'm about to marry the most beautiful woman in the state of Washington?" He smiled at Rhonda across the room, who rolled her eyes at him before blowing a kiss and smiling back.

Blair chuckled. "Well, it's gonna be a blast. And in case I didn't mention it before, it means a lot to me that you want Jim and me for your groomsmen, Ryf." Blair lowered his voice to add, "Plus I can't WAIT to see Jim in a tux." Blair bobbed his eyebrows.

The fair-haired young officer chuckled. "When are you gonna tell him how you feel, Sandburg?" he asked. Blair had confided to him a few weeks ago that he had developed feelings for Ellison. "If you wait too long, you may lose him you know," the young detective warned.

Blair shook his head, eyes going wide. "Are you kidding, man? Tell him? He'd have me out of here faster than...," Blair broke off as Brown walked past. When he spoke again, his voice was low, and slightly sad.

"We ARE talking about the same Jim Ellison here, aren't we? You know, Mr. straighter-than-straight, cast-iron cop, right?" Blair sighed, running a hand through his curls. "It's just not worth wrecking our friendship over, Ryf. I'd rather live with loving him in secret, than have to live without him." Blair smiled sadly.

Ryf sighed and shook his head. "I dunno, Blair. Somehow I think you're reading him wrong." He straightened and turned to go back to his desk as he added, "You and Jim are like family to me; I want the two of you to be happy." With a final pat to Blair's back, Ryf walked away.

"I AM happy," Blair said, to himself as much as Ryf. But could I be happier if I told Jim I'm in love with him? his mind added. Before he could think much more about it, a shy-looking man wandered hesitantly into the bullpen. Blair glanced around, but no one seemed to be paying the stranger any heed.

"Hi there!" Blair stood and walked over to the newcomer with a friendly smile. "You look a little lost, buddy. Need any help?"

The large man turned to Blair, and smiled broadly.

"Yes," the stranger said. "Yes, thank you. You'll do nicely...,"

Jim slumped in the chair, trembling. Simon held Jim's head down between his knees. Seemed his detective was having some kind of a minor seizure. Banks was about to call for a medic, when Jim's head lifted.

Simon stepped back as Jim slowly got to his feet, senses apparently trained elsewhere. At about that moment, Simon became aware of a commotion outside. He pushed past the zombie-like Ellison and opened the door to the bullpen.

The first thing he saw was Brown and Taggert struggling to hold onto a large, psychotic-looking figure in a trench coat. The stranger began to scream now, and Simon was alarmed to see a bloody knife clutched in the man's hand. Brown had hold of the guy's wrist, and was keeping the knife away as Taggert struggled to cuff him.

"Kill the pigs!" screamed the wild-eyed man. "Kill them all!"

Taggert turned and saw his Captain, with a very dazed-looking Jim on his heels. Joel bit his lip. If Jim was having a bad day, it was about to get much worse.

"Brown!" Simon bellowed, striding into the group. He noticed a small group of people, including Ryf, kneeling on the floor beside Jim's desk. "What the hell's going on out here?!"

"He came out of nowhere sir!" Ryf called from the floor. "It happened so fast, we didn't...," Ryf was interrupted by a groan.

Simon came closer and leaned over, looking past one of the other officers. "Oh Jesus," he breathed.

Blair lay on the floor, head cradled in Rhonda's lap. The young man's face was pale, and he seemed only partly conscious. This was most likely due to the large knife-wound in his midsection, which was oozing blood despite Ryf's hand pressing a handkerchief over it.

Simon knelt as well, and took Blair's hand in his. The pulse was still strong, he noted thankfully. "Has someone called a medic?" The Captain demanded. Ryf nodded.

"Blair?" Simon called gently, reaching to lightly slap the young man's cheek. "C'mon kid, stay with us here." Simon looked back over his shoulder to call Jim over, and saw it wasn't necessary.

Ellison stood like a granite statue, staring down at his partner. Like a robot, he stalked forward to stand over the small group of people taking care of his Guide. His Guide. His Guide was hurt. His Guide was in danger....

Blair's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile touched the full lips as he saw Jim staring down at him.

"Jim.... hey, man," Blair gasped. "Guess someone thought I was... overdue... for an injury... huh?" Blair tried to laugh, then moaned, squeezing his eyes shut as a wave of agony tore through his belly. He opened his eyes as it passed, and noticed the odd look on Jim's face, almost like he wasn't quite... there.

"Jim?" Blair called louder. "Jim, don't flip out on me, man. It's not as bad as it looks." Blair tried to sit up a little. Ryf protested, as did Blair's body by spouting another gout of blood. Blair was white-faced as he settled back down.

"OK, maybe it IS as bad as it looks...," the anthropologist began. "But I...,"

"EEEEEYYYAAAAAAAAGHHH!"

Everyone in the area jumped as Jim roared. Like a madman, Jim pushed the officers surrounding his Guide away. Simon went sprawling. Jim's desk was flipped over like a toy. Jim knocked Rhonda's hands away from Blair's face as she tried to cradle his head. Then he pushed her by the shoulders, sending her onto her back with a startled cry.

Danger here.... Protect the Guide.... Escape....

"Jim!" Simon shouted from the floor. "Jim, what the hell is wrong with you?!"

Ellison didn't hear. Growling like a feral thing he knelt, swept Blair into his arms and stood. Blair wailed in pain at the sharp, sudden movement. Ryf stepped forward to try and steady him, and was knocked back by Jim's foot against his chest.

Jim charged forward, kicking and shoving his way through Major Crimes to the door. He turned in the doorway and faced the roomful of shocked people, snarling in a threatening challenge to anyone who tried to approach. Blair was trembling in his arms, eyes wide with pain and fear.

"Jim...," Blair said shakily, "Jim.... Calm down, now. Just...," Blair broke off with another short cry of pain as Jim suddenly turned and charged down the hallway with him, bellowing like a wild man. People in his path made way quickly.

Everyone in Major Crimes just stood there in shock, not quite sure what had happened. Simon was the first to snap into action, springing to his feet and slapping the nearest link to the station's intercom.

"Seal the building!" the Captain barked, voice echoing through the room. Everyone moved then, regrouping. Ryf got to his feet, and smiled as he gallantly offered Rhonda a hand up. Brown cuffed the now-silent stabber and handed him off to a pair of waiting uniforms. Taggert was on the phone to the precinct's psychiatrist.

"Captain," Ryf said, wincing as he rubbed the spot on his chest where Jim had kicked him. "What's going on?" He confirmed that Rhonda was unhurt before moving to stand beside his Captain.

Simon shook his head. "I don't know. It looks like Ellison is having some kind of mental breakdown." Simon quickly gathered his troops and instructed them to fan out and find Ellison, but not to hurt him, under any circumstances.

"He's not himself," Simon explained.

"Duh," Brown muttered under his breath as he exited, leading half a dozen uniformed officers in pursuit of Jungle Jim.

"What did you say to him in there, Sir?" Rhonda asked, coming to join Banks and Ryf. She was absently rubbing a sore spot on her elbow, and waved Ryf away as he tried to fuss over her.

"Relax, Lancelot, I'll live." She smiled at her fiancee to take the sting off her words.

Simon shrugged. "I told him the Chief wants him to get a real partner," he said.

Ryf looked confused. "Blair wants Jim to get a new partner? I thought...,"

"No, no, no," Simon said, irritated. "THE Chief." Simon huffed when Ryf still looked puzzled. "Of Police.... the Big Boss.... you know?" Simon elaborated.

"Oh!" Said Ryf and Rhonda in unison.

"Jim's not going to like that much," Ryf added, shaking his head.

"No shit, Sherlock," Simon replied. "Jim had a small... well... seizure, I guess is the word for it, in the office after I told him the news. Then all hell broke loose." Simon moved to look down the hallway where Jim had vanished with Sandburg. He frowned at the trail of blood spatters leading away. The kid was bleeding badly.

"It was so odd, Captain," Rhonda was saying, as Banks turned back to her. "Jim seemed desperate to keep everyone away from Blair, like we were a threat to him or something." She turned to Ryf, who was nodding in agreement with her.

Simon nodded. "I noticed that too, Rhonda." Simon turned again to study the blood dotting the hallway. "Unfortunately, by carrying him off like that, Jim's become more of a threat to Blair than we could be. If we don't get Blair to a hospital soon, he'll bleed to death."

On to Part 2