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Blair stood, rope around his ankles, sweating in fear.
I told Jim I could handle this.
Hands checked the rope, and a shudder ran though Blair.
When he said undercover, I said no problem.
Blair's eyes drifted to the abyss in front of him.
It seemed to drop forever.
Jim, get me out of here!
He heard a low voice behind him.
"Ready to fly, kid?"
I am *so* not ready.
He felt a hand on his back.
Help! Jim!
It pushed.
He screamed Jim's name all the way down, then again as the bungee cord snapped him back up.
01-09-01 - Terror
Jim was frozen with terror, a terror not his own.
He could smell the fear that rolled off Blair.
The smell raised an answering terror within him.
I should have known about the bungee jumping initiation before hand and refused him, but he's just so persuasive when he gives me that 'I'm your guide' line.
It took all of Jim's willpower to stay back when he heard the whispered "Ready to fly, kid?"
I knew I shouldn't have let him come.
His heart was ripped out by Blair screaming his name, then replaced with the whispered words, "I'm alright, Jim."
01-10-01 - Leaping
Jim released his breath in a whoosh as Blair was helped onto the bridge.
He stepped forward, trembling slightly with aftereffects.
Blair was trembling too.
He wanted to hug him, but that wouldn't be appropriate behavior for his undercover persona.
My turn.
He was afraid.
All his years in the military, Peru, being a cop.
He'd done countless terrifying things, but he'd never felt this terrified.
Must be residuals of Blair's fear.
He shuddered as evil hands fastened the rope.
He felt a familiar touch on his shoulder for a brief moment.
Blair.
The fear fled.
He leapt into space.
Blair was worried about Jim.
He seemed unduly anxious about the jump.
I could have sworn he was shaking.
Blair grew even more worried as they moved away, because Jim kept 'accidentally' bumping into him, seeking contact.
Jim has always been a contact person.
He uses touch to convey affection, concern, and comfort.
The question now is, is he receiving comfort, or offering it?
Later, we are gonna have a long talk.
For now, I'll take comfort in his nearness.
Whatever his reasons, he makes me feel better with his presence.
With Jim here, I know everything will work out.
01-13-01 - Cover Persona
Jim let himself look relaxed, even though he wasn't.
"So, when does the real fun begin?"
The man in front of him sneered.
"After this morning, I don't think pretty boy can handle it."
Jim felt Blair stiffen and he reached out and fondled his hair, then petting his head.
"I have my own reasons for keeping him."
He felt Blair relax.
That's it, go with the flow, it'll keep us alive.
The man's sneer turned to a leer.
"Of, course."
Jim just smiled and ignored the sharp pinch and sub-vocal, "I'll deal with you, later," that came from Blair.
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