Flood!

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Authors Note- This is my first fanfic, which happens to be TS. That’s about all, standard disclaimer, yada yada yada. Ignore the phone, that’s just how I got 'em talkin'.
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'Enough with this rain!' Jim thought as he drove to Rainier University. Passing the sign, he couldn't help but think, how appropriate. He was on his way to pick up his partner Blair Sandburg, who was supposed to be teaching a class this morning. But, fortunately for a lonely detective with paperwork to be done, part of the University was flooding and school would be canceled for a few days. (Heck, half of Cascade was flooded now and weather reports show now sign of relief anytime soon.) Jim parked his loyal truck and ventured inside to fish out his partner. (He grinned, for no pun was intended.) There was about four or five inches of water on the hard floor but there wasn't too much damage done. He spied his partner helping some co-eds rescue some probably valuable artifacts from the lower shelves.

Blair spied him and finished helping the girls before moving to greet Jim. "Ready?" Jim asked, smiling. "Yeah, let's go. All this moving is getting pretty old. And I always did find paperwork sort of relaxing," Blair answered. Jim could see he was still full of his usual energy, despite his comments. Soaking wet after a mad dash to the truck, Jim's cell phone rang.

"This is detective Ellison. Yeah Simon, he's here…call a what?!…how many?!…O.K., we'll see you there."

As Jim hung up, Blair asked what the phone call was all about. Jim handed Blair the phone.

"Here. Call the Animal Shelter and tell them we need to transport twenty miniature horses and two dogs."

"What?!…I…"

Jim saw Blair was unusually stunned and at a loss for words so he helped him out.

"An abandoned miniature horse ranch is in danger of being flooded and me, you, and the rest of Major Crimes gets to baby-sit."

"Wow!" Then, instantly getting his boundless energy back, he said, "You know Jim, I always wanted a pet. Especially a horse, but we were on the move so much, even if we could afford one, we wouldn't have anywhere to keep it. Once in a while Naomi's friends would let us ride but that was only when we were around…"

Jim now knew why he wanted Blair's company on this slow day as he half-listened to his guide ramble on. Blair was also a source of comfort and energy for Jim. Every time he seemed lost, just being with Blair put him at ease. That was probably why they made such a good team, both as cop and observer and sentinel and guide.

"Jim!"

He looked over at Blair who had obviously been trying to get him for some time.

"Where should they meet us?"

"Who? Oh, on Pullman Valley. Simon says you can't miss it."
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The rain was getting deeper as Simon saw Jim's faithful truck pull through the gates of Little Joy's Ranch. The rain was getting lighter as Jim and Blair splashed down out of the truck into water halfway up Blair's calves.

"Jim!"

Jim was already wading though the water deeper than in the city, since it was in a valley. He could see why these occupants would be one of the first to be needing a rescue. He came to a stop in front of Simon with Blair right behind him.

"When is the shelter getting here? Simon asked, raising his voice over the noise from the rain.

"They should be here any minute now Captain…" Jim replied. Just then, he heard the groan of a truck engine pulling a trailer coming through the deep water towards them.

"As a matter of fact…" Jim turned toward the direction of the truck and Blair mimicked the action.

They stood and watched as the bigger than expected truck pulled through with an enormous trailer in tow. They pulled up sideways to Jim, Blair and Simon. A man and woman jumped down from the truck. Jim focused on the names stitched into their uniforms. The man's name was Todd, and the woman's was Julie. Immediately, Blair's eyes fell upon the young woman as Todd stepped forward.

"Hi! I'm Todd and this is Julie. Someone called for us to pick up some miniature horses?"

"Yeah, we need to get them out of here before the building comes down." Simon nodded to the barn that Jim only then realized was standing there. He could hear the old beams starting to creak and groan.

"O.K., let's go!" said Julie, growing uncomfortable with Blair's gaze.

They started towards the building as Blair realized what was happening and loyally followed Jim instead of the blonde in front of him. As they got closer, Jim could hear the frantic whinnies that were blocked out by the rain. He also picked up the ominous creaking that seemed to put urgency on the rescue.

They reached the barn and opened the doors. The smell of fermenting hay and horse caused Jim to stumble backwards. His reaction was only noticed by Blair, as the party proceeded inside. By this time, backup had arrived, and these officers followed inside. Even in the shadows of the dark barn, the rescuers could still make out the shadows of the horses.

"O.K. guys, just lead then out one by one. We don't have enough leads for everybody so just guide them by their halters to the trailer," Julie said as she began to open the stall next to her and lead out a horse no taller than Jim's kitchen table.

"Where's the horses?" Blair asked.

"Right in front of you," said Julie as she walked by with the small black and white.

"That? That's the size of a big dog!"

"They're miniature horses used for pulling and as children's rides," she explained as she led a roan out of the barn leaving Blair, Simon and Jim with the other eighteen heartbeats of panicked horses.

"Come on, let's do this!" said Simon wading forward to get a horse.

Blair's voice broke the slightly confused silence.

"You know Jim, even though they're wet and they smell, they're kind of cute."

"That's good. I'm glad you like them Sandburg," said Simon, smiling on his way out.

"Why?"

"Because you can give them a bath," Simon yelled back with a chuckle.

"Oh great," Blair muttered as he opened a stall bringing out a black colt. Instead of his usual grumbling, he stopped to look at the calm colt.

"Hey Jim, this one's a baby! Jeeze, it's tiny!" Jim looked up from his own horse and saw Todd enter the barn again with Julie at his side. His partner was lost in his own amazement as he led his small possession to the trailer, talking to it the whole way. He came to Simon, going back empty-handed.

"Simon, what do you plan on doing with them?"

"The Animal Shelter could take them," he guessed as Todd came by.

"Nope, sorry guys, we don't have the room with the flood and all. They're yours."

"Ours?!" Simon and Jim said as Blair approached and Todd started for the trailer.

"They'll have to go in the garage, if it's not flooded," said Simon reluctantly.

"I can't believe this! This will make for some great stories when we're old. The Cascade PD with twenty miniature horses!"

"You mean we can keep them?" exclaimed Blair.

"Yes, you can keep them. But only for a few days," replied Simon grumpily.

"Of course this means you really have to bathe them!" said Jim.

"Hey, no problem! I'll get some help from the other guys," said Blair, unfazed by the attempt to dampen his spirit.
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"Man, this is so lame. How do I do this to myself all the time? Why? I should know by now, but nooooooooooo, I have to be so trusting and blind to the obvious…" His voice echoed in the garage. The only other beings were the twenty horses, and the two Jack Russell Terriers they had almost left behind.

Upstairs Jim smiled as he heard his partner complaining. Of course he would go down and help him in a few minutes. Simon came out of his office with an announcement.

"O.K. listen up. I called the weather service and they're predicting five more inches of rain by tomorrow. If we get one more, the garage will seriously be flooded, which means trouble for the four legged occupants. Now, if everyone takes one I figure…" Groans from everyone and some laughter suggest their captain finally lost it!

"O.K. I counted on this, so we're all going to draw sticks." (More groans.)

Simon proceeded around the room as a soaking-from-the-waist-down Blair cam in with a cup of coffee. Simon stopped in front of him holding out several coffee straws.

"Hey, thanks Captain," he said. Then noticing it was cut in half, he started to ask why, only to be interrupted by Jim.

"Come on now Simon, that's not fair. It's my loft! He doesn't even know what he just did!"

"Sorry Jim. You two are partners and what one does, affects the other. You should know that by now."

"I…think I'll go back down to my cold, wet world now. Bye!" said a confused Sandburg.

"Chief, come here. I'll explain." Jim said, motioning. "See, it's supposed to rain five more inches tonight which will flood the garage so Simon was picking who would have to take home a horse when you got us volunteered."

Blair's blue eyes widened with enthusiasm. "Really? We get to take one home? Wow, that is so cool, man!"

"You think so? That's good 'cuz you'll be taking care of it." They started down to the garage, Blair rambling the whole way.

"You know which one I want?" Blair asked as they stepped into the garage. Jim sometimes wondered how his shorter partner talked for so long without passing out. "…I want the colt. He's nice and little and even-tempered. Will you help me name him, Jim?"

"Sure chief. But that’s all. He's yours, remember."
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Using his sentinel abilities, Jim scanned the apartment entrance for signs of other people. Hearing it was clear, he signaled for Blair and his temporary pet. They came trotting up behind him. The three managed to duck inside unnoticed.

Getting the horse up the stairs seemed to take hours. Jim wanted to take the horse that way because the elevator had a higher risk of exposing them.

"Come on little guy, only five more stories to go!" Blair groaned, pulling on the colt's halter.

"Chief, I swear, the things I do for you…"

"Maybe if we name it, it will help it get more comfortable?" Blair's hopeful voice echoed through the empty staircase.

"Fine Sandburg, what do you want to name it?" asked Jim, annoyed at their slow progress. He was ready to leave the dumb animal on the steps.

"Actually, I was thinking of Samson. I had a pet turtle named Samson when I was little. I didn't have him for long, and I always wished his life were longer. Now, I guess, in a way it can."

Jim sensed the sensitivity in Blair's voice and replied, "That sounds good, Chief. Come on, Samson," he said, getting up, "let's go."

Jim began pushing Samson as Blair got up and began pulling. With a much faster pace now, they made it to the loft in another half-hour. Half asleep by that time, Jim barely made it to his room when he sacked out on his bed, still in his clothes.

"Well, I guess it's just you and me buddy." Blair said quietly as he locked the door.

The horse nuzzled Blair's elbow as he went to the kitchen and got some carrots. Blair took the bag over to the couch and sat down. As he turned on the TV. Samson came over. Blair began to give the horse a handful of carrots. He suddenly felt the toll the day had taken on him and was asleep in a few minutes.
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When Jim woke up the morning, he listened for his Guide's heartbeat, a type of instinct he picked up over the years. Instantaneously he heard the slow, familiar beat accompanied by a slightly faster one. He got out of bed and looked down to the living room and saw his partner asleep on the couch, TV on, and empty bag on the floor and the colt laying in between it and the couch. He smiled at the heartwarming scene, wishing he had a camera. Samson's ears twitched, causing Jim to listen too. The only other sound was the rain, still falling but lighter today. The sun was trying to come out. Samson raised his head to sniff Blair's hair, then began to nibble at it. Blair woke with a start.

"Hey, not the hair, man! That's gross! You're lucky I still have to get my shower!" He complained, trying to wipe the slobber from his brown curls.

Upstairs Jim began to laugh. "It's probably all that herbal stuff you use that's making him hungry."

Blair stood up and turned around, startled by Jim's comment. "Yeah, well at least I have hair to put it on," he challenged.

"Watch it kid. I'm going to get a shower now while you take your friend outside for a walk."

"In the rain?"

"Take some shampoo," Jim teased as he turned back to his room.

"Take some shampoo," Blair mocked with annoyance.

Before heading out, Blair put some coffee on then clipped Samson to a leash they found.

Wanting to get this over with, Blair took the elevator down, hoping everyone had slept in. The colt gave out a little whinny at the decent of the elevator. Blair smiled and ran his fingers through the horse's bangs. Luckily, no one else got on the elevator. Blair and Samson stepped out on the ground floor. Blair decided to take Samson out the back door and discovered a small fenced in yard.

"Well, this is perfect for you, isn't it? It would be better if all this water wasn't here." Blair said, looking around in the drizzle. He dropped the leash and let Samson wander around. Five minutes later, a woman with a miniature poodle came out. The dog bounded away into the yard, then saw Samson and stopped dead in its' tracks. The woman's mouth dropped open.

"Don't worry, he won't hurt the dog," Blair said, seeing their bewilderment. 'Not helping!' he thought. "In fact, we were just leaving. Come here Samson." Blair said, reaching for the colt and grabbing the dangling leash.

The woman managed a small grin as Blair walked Samson back inside. 'OK,' Blair thought, 'we survived that incident.' They got back on the elevator and luckily no one else got on. They reached the loft and Blair opened the door to find Jim watching the news and drinking the coffee.

"How'd it go?" he asked.

"Pretty good. We only freaked out one woman and her dog. I did find out that Samson likes elevators more than stairs."

"You took the elevator?" Jim asked, turning to face his partner. "Did anyone see you?"

"No, thank god. I'm gonna get a shower now. Will you watch Samson for a minute?"

"Yeah, go on. You can't need that much time, since you're already wet," Jim smirked.

"Haha, aren't we funny this morning," Blair said as he went to his room.

Jim and Samson were left alone for the first time. The colt came over to where Jim was now sitting on the couch and nuzzled him.

"Hey now, don't look at me, I'm not your mother-" Jim suddenly noticed the colt's emotional blue eyes, identical to Blair's. He was caught in a sort of zone out when the phone rang.

"Hello?… Hello?" 'Must be a wrong number,' he thought as he hung up the phone. He turned back to colt, who was now eating out of the bowl of fruit on the coffee table. "Hey now! Get out of there!" Jim scolded, gently swatting at the colt. Samson backed away, stealing an apple. He trotted to the door and set on the floor, keeping an eye on Jim.

Jim took the bowl and set it by the sink He looked over at Samson, who was standing there with the apple at his feet, looking at Jim and waiting.

"Go ahead, you might as well eat it now, I don’t want it."

The horse then proceeded to eat the apple while Jim took his sea on the couch. After ten minutes of watching TV, Blair emerged from the bathroom in new clothes and damp hair.

"OK, now for breakfast," Blair said as he went into the kitchen.

"Good, I'm hungry," Jim replied.

"Uh, actually Jim, I was talking to Samson. But what would you like?" Blair asked as he grabbed an apple from the bowl and started eating it.

"Oh, well thanks for the concern for your Blessed Protector," Jim said sarcastically. "But Samson won't need to eat. He just helped himself to that bowl of fruit that I was going to wash," Jim said, smiling. Blair dropped the apple and ran to spit it out. "God Jim, that is so not funny! I'll probably get worms or hoof and mouth disease or something now!" He glanced at the colt, who stood watching the scene with great interest.

"Come on Blair, what disease could you possibly get from this sweet little horse?" Jim teased. "Oh sure, take his side," Blair mumbled as he got a pan and some eggs.

Before Jim could answer, the phone rang. Undecided whether or not Blair even heard it over his mumbling, Jim answered it.

"Hello?" Jim hung up slightly harder than necessary. "Who was that?" Blair asked, concerned.

"I don't know, but it's the second time this morning. You didn't tick anyone off lately, did you?"

"No, why would I do anything like that?" Blair asked innocently.

"Uh, Chief, isn't that a little too many eggs for the two of us?" Jim asked, noticing the huge amount off eggs Blair was scrambling.

"Well maybe it's not for the two of us," Blair said. "Samson's gotta eat too."

"You're feeding the horse scrambled eggs?" Jim asked, disbelieving what he was hearing.

"And oatmeal," Blair added, grabbing the container of oatmeal and plates. He walked past Jim, who stood at the corner of the counter, shaking his head. Blair set the 2 plates on the table and prepared Samson's plate of eggs and dry oatmeal. He then took the plate and set it on the floor beside his chair, then sat down. Jim stood smiling as he watched his partner.

"What?"

Jim shook his head then joined his partner. "And what would you feed him, if I put you in charge of him?" Blair asked.

"I don't know-"

"Then don't laugh at me. I bet you'd feed him anything. I at least have some idea what horses eat."

"OK Chief, don't get all upset. You really are doing a great job. Thanks."

"Hey, no problem. I don't mind doing it either," Blair said, his light-heartiness returning. He smiled as he looked down and saw Samson smiling beside him. "He likes it here, I think. He likes you too."

"Why wouldn't he?" Jim asked between bites.

"I don't know, you're just so big compared to him. I kind of thought you'd be too overpowering to him or something."

"Well he does trust you, and I think he knows you would look out for him," Jim said, smiling.

Jim's cell phone rang, breaking up the peaceful moment. Jim groaned as he rose to get it, planning his 'You- better- not- call- this- number- again' speech.

"Ellison."

"Hey Jim. It's me"

"Oh, hey Simon. What's up? Why didn't you call the loft's number?"

"I did but someone hung up on me."

"Oh, that was Sandburg. You know how he gets." Blair looked up, confused. Jim continued, "So what do you need?" as he gave Blair a thumbs up before turning away.

"I just called to you we found a place for the horses. It's about 12 hours away. It's a no-kill animal shelter called Best Friends and it's near the Grand Canyon. We'll be flying the horses there this afternoon. Bet you're relieved, right?"

"I am but I don't know how the kids' going to take it. He got pretty attached to Samson."

"Samson?" Simon questioned. "God, you named it? Now we'll never get it out of there."

"Hey, it wasn't my idea. Blair thought it would help get him up the stairs."

"Stairs?! Why didn't you take the- oh, never mind, I don't want to know. I'll have some people stop by in a couple hours, OK?"

"That's fine, sir. Bye." Jim hung up the phone and walked back to Blair, who was now brushing Samson. He hated to have to break the news to the kid, let's face it; the loft was no place for a horse.

He sat down across from Blair and tried to figure out his wording. "Chief, uh…"

"It's time for Samson to go, isn't it?" Blair interrupted.

"Yeah, Chief, it is. Simon's sending people down in a couple of hours. They're sending the horses to a no-kill animal shelter in the Grand Canyon."

"The Grand Canyon?! Isn't that like, 11 hours away? I'll never see him again."

"I know Chief, but he can't stay here, right? You knew that when we brought him here." Jim felt like he was taking away Blair's best friend as he tried to reason with the smaller man.

"OK," Blair said quietly. 'I knew this time would come,' he thought, 'It's not Jim's fault. It's Simons'.'

Jim checked to see if Blair was really OK and was answered by the familiar, steady beat of Blair's heart. As Blair continued to brush Samson, Jim sensed there was something familiar about the scene, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
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Jim was waiting at the door when the truck driver got off the elevator.

"Well, come on little guy, let's get you ready to go," Blair said as he clipped the leash to Samson's halter. Jim opened the door as the truck driver was about to knock.

"Hi, uh, I'm here for the horse," he said, startled.

"He's coming," Jim said, "You ready Sandburg?"

"We're ready," Blair said as he came up behind Jim. He held the leash in one hand, a bag of oatmeal in the other. "Here you go," Blair said, holding out the leash and oatmeal. "He loves oatmeal."

"OK. I'll pass it along. Well, we'd better get going, we have a plane to catch," the driver said, taking the oatmeal and leash.

"Sure, OK. Well, guess this is it, Samson. Have a good trip," Blair said as he gave Samson a quick hug, his heart rate excellerating a little.

The horse looked at Blair then flashed its eerie blue eyes at Jim, making him shiver.

'Unfortunately that's not the last time I'll see that look, since I live with those eyes,' Jim thought. Jim put a comforting hand on Blair's back, feeling the heart rate excellarate again.

"Bye, guys. I'll have someone call you when we get there." Leash in hand, he led Samson out of the apartment, never to be seen again.

"Cheer up chief. He has a chance at a nice big farm now, where he can run with out drowning," Jim teased as he shut the door.

"I know, I'm not worried about that."

"What then?"

"What you'll do to me when you take a look at your brush," Blair challenged, flying out the door.

FINNIS