Tutor Me

Players are

CCL, Khayman,

*****

DOM: ::walking up the stairs to the third floor and looking at the card again: Blair Sandburg. 852-prospect place Apt 307: Knocking on the door he shifts nervously from foot to foot and wonders why he decided to go back to college. Oh yeah, Mia said so. But needing a tutor in the first few weeks is a bad sign. At least it was cheap 20 bucks an hour maybe this girl can drill something in his head. He would have felt more comfortable if they had at least spoken before, instead of letting his guidance counselor set it all up. What if she thinks he is a murder or something? ; He takes a step away from the door and waits::

BLAIR: ::jerks his head up at the knock on the door and check the clock. His tutoring appointment. Damn! He'd gotten too caught up in his own work and had completely lost track of time. Slamming his books closed, he stands and hurries to the door, eyes widening when he sees the very large, bulky guy on the other side.:: Shit, I hope this guy is the tutoring appointment. Jim will *kill* me if I get kidnapped again. ::mumbles quietly as he opens the door just a bit:: Yes? Can I help you? ::speaking loud enough to get the guys attention:: Are you Dominic?

DOM: ::tilts head and looks at the blue eye peering out at him through the crack:: Uhh, yeah. I'm Dominic Toretto; I have a appointment with Blair Sandburg. ::rubs a hand across the back of his neck while thinking this must be his tutors boyfriend or husband. His councilor did say the tutor was a professor at the U::

BLAIR: ::sighs audibly and closes the door to release the chain lock before opening it again and waving Dominic inside:: Whew! Well come on in man, we can set up on the table and get started. ::extends his hand:: I'm Blair by the way. Nice to meet you. Oh and sorry about the door. Can't be too careful, ya know? ::flashes a warm smile::

DOM: ::Walks in and looks a bit taken aback when Blair introduces himself but regains footing fast:: Nice to meet you Blair ::extends hand and gives him a warm handshake and a charming smile:: I know what you mean, You can never be to careful, a lot of unsavory types running around. ::drops his book and a spiral notebook on the table, glancing around the loft:: Nice Place. ::slips his jacket off and folds it across the back of the chair, looking at His tutors t-shirt and flannel over shirt he thinks maybe he should have worn something other than just the white wife beater and jeans. At least the other guys jeans are ripped up and well worn too::

BLAIR: ::closes and locks the door before crossing the room back to Dominic, doing his own appraisal of the wide muscled shoulders and well toned body.:: Yeah, tell me about it. Besides, Jim would be pretty pissed off if someone trashed his loft trying to kidnap me. I should know. It's happened. ::gestures to a chair and takes one opposite Dom as he rubs his hands together:: So, you needed some help with some of your classes? You want to tell me what's giving you trouble, that way we know where to start. ::gives the man another brilliant smile::

DOM: : ::takes a seat and scrubs his face with his hand once before looking back up at Blair:: I think I am having trouble with the whole college thing. ::laughs:: Okay machine shop is easy, So it the Physical ed. Class and the math class. But I am having to take social Psychology 101 and it's like, I donno.. kicking my ass. ::tilts head:: Jim was kidnapped or you? Why?

BLAIR: ::smiles: Me. It's always me. I'm starting to think there's a bull’s eye on my back. As for why? Better question would probably be why not? Look at me? Do I look like I'd be an easy target or what? ::lifts up the books and scrutinizes them for a minute:: Sociology, huh? Well how about you tell me what you don't get? Who've you got for a teacher? Might help me a little bit, I know the way most of these guys handle their lectures and stuff. Some of them sound like stereo instructions to me. ::laughs::

DOM: ::furrows his brows so that the crease in-between them becomes very prevalent. Chewing the corner of his bottom lip as he looks Blair over again and stops when he makes eye contact:: You don't look easy to me. But it's the small ones that scare me. Like sticks of dynamite. ::smiles:: I have Professor Dusuterhoff . I wish I could say what the lecture was like, but the monotone usually puts me to sleep in the first five minutes. ::leans back in the chair::

BLAIR: ::laughs and rocks back in his own chair:: Oh YEAH! I know *exactly* what you're talking about! So how about this? What do you say we just basically give you a crash course in the class. You do the reading he assigns and stuff...we'll meet maybe once a week, during the semester and discuss things. Oh...and my suggestion? Go by radio shack or something and pick up some tapes and small pocket recorder...tape his lectures and bring them...that way I can help you bone up for you exams and stuff, okay? Just kinda start over...like...what have you been working on so far? ::stands and moves over to the fridge:: Hey, you want something to drink man? Juice or water? I've got tea and stuff too but something tells me you're not the tea type. ::grins::

DOM: ::grins:: Hey, isn't that stereotyping me? Which is something I am supposed to be learning. Social categorizations, social cognition, stereotypes the reason we stereotype and Uh so on and so forth. Water is good for me. Meeting once a week is good for me. So I get a tape recorder incase I can't sleep at night I play the lecture over again. ::laughs::

BLAIR ::arches a brow and nods:: Very good. Maybe I should tell everyone to sleep through their professors lectures. You seem to be absorbing it okay. ::chuckles and walks back to the table with two bottles of water:: And no, you don't play the tapes when you can't sleep...although it has been proven that subliminal messaging during sleep cycles does work with some people. No, what I meant is that if you tape the lectures...and then we ::gesturing between the two of them:: listen to them together...we can cover his major points and maybe I can help explain them a little easier. But we probably won't have time to go over all your lectures for the whole week. So you'll have to listen to them yourself and bring the tapes that give you trouble. Make notes...stuff like that. Understand?

DOM: ::laughs softly and scratches his head giving him a puzzled look:: So I listen to the tapes and just bring the ones I have trouble with? ::pretending not to understand:: so if they wont play or something you can help me figure it out. Gotcha. ::raises both brows and grins:: Okay what is hindsight bias?

BLAIR: ::smiles and pushes his glasses up on his nose, absently flipping pages in the book as he speaks:: Well a textbook definition would beIt is a common observation that events in the past appear simple, comprehensible, and predictable in comparison to events in the future. Everyone has had the experience of believing that they knew all along the outcome of a football game, The hindsight bias is the tendency for people with outcome knowledge to believe falsely that they would have predicted the reported outcome of an event. After learning of the occurrence of an event. ::looks up at Dominic and raises a brow:: But I'm guessing you already read that, right? ::pushing the book back in front of his student and tapping the paragraph at the bottom where the explanation is printed::

DOM: Yes, I read it. But if it helps it sounds better coming from you than in my head. ::shrugs::

BLAIR: : ::nods:: Of course it does. That's why professors give lectures to accompany their assigned reading. You, unfortunately got a professor that would probably put god himself to sleep. ::laughs:: Now, can you tell me what it means? Sort of put it in your own words? ::glances at the clock and then back at the door, curious about where Jim is but shrugging it off and giving Dominic his undivided attention::

DOM: ::quirks a smile:: So it is like someone saying I knew that guy was trouble from the start? Or I knew that the Jazz was going to win that game. It's the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon. Huh? ::taking out notebook and jotting down some notes he flips a page. Oh here's one. I am supposed to give a few examples of gender stereotypes.


JIM: ::walks in the door smiling at Blair and his pupil. After having monitored the conversation up the stairs he knows he is not interrupting anything important and no one is in danger:: Has anyone ever studied the I-Know-it-all-I-am-always-right phenomenon Chief? ::smirks at Blair and the rather large man sitting at his table::

BLAIR: ::brightens slightly when Jim walks in and then laughs:: Why, Jim? You going to write a paper on me? ::grins at Dominic:: Gender stereotypes, huh? Well what ideas do you have? I mean, like what comes to mind. ::looks up at Jim:: Oh and hey listen, Jim. I uh, got kinda distracted and lost track of time before Dominic showed up. Kinda forgot to start dinner. But if you'll give me a little bit I'm sure I can pull something together...or we could get some take out? ::chewing on his lower lip::

DOM: ::stands up and extends hand to Jim:: Hi, I'm Dom. ::smiles:: Hey should I split? I don't mean to intrude on family time or anything here.

JIM: ::shakes Dom's hand:: I don't mean to interrupt your session here. ::looks at Blair:: Why don't I go pick up some wonder-burgers for dinner? ::grins::

BLAIR: ::gives Jim a stern look and a shake of his head:: You do *not* want me launching into another discussion about those heart attacks on a plate you call meals, do you? No wonderburgers! How about Italian? I might even relent and let you have pizza as long as it's not some weird meat lover's concoction. ::smiles at Dom:: And you're fine. This is Jim Ellison, the roommate I was telling you about. ::looks at Jim:: Okay, now if you're going to handle dinner mind if we finish up in here? Or should we just clear out? I'm sure I can find a clean space in my room on my desk if I look hard enough. ::grins::

JIM: ::smiles at Dom:: Help me out here and tell him meat lovers is a great pizza. ::turns to Blair:: No way you will find a clean space in that room. And why would you want to subject him to your room anyway? ::moves to the phone and picks it up to order:: What do you want Chief?

DOM: Meat lovers pan pizza with extra cheese is a great pizza. ::grins and looks down at his book:: Gender stereotypes. Hmmmm. Men work and women cook dinner for them?

BLAIR: : ::shoots his student a dirty look but grins:: Make it a supreme and be gone with both of you. And yes, Dom, that would work. Except in lofts owned by cops with anthropology professor roommates who seem to always get stuck with the cooking. ::smiles sweetly at Jim:: Isn't that right, big guy? As for my room...maybe Dom here would feel more at home in clutter instead of this sanitized "eat off the floor" environment you've got going around the loft. Besides. My room is more private. ::looking back at the book in front of him innocently::

JIM: suit yourself Chief. ::turns his back to avoid laughing at him and orders one large deep dish meat lovers with extra cheese and one medium supreme::

Dom: ::glances back and forth between the two of them and wisely doesn't comment on anything but picks up his pen and writes in his book:: Okay a gender stereotype would be Men don't cry and women do?

BLAIR: ::nods half heartedly at Dom and watches Jim suspiciously for a moment:: Uh...yeah. Yes. Exactly, Dom. ::shakes his head to clear his thoughts:: See? You're not so bad at this! ::smiles warmly:: Hey, listen, you wanna stay for dinner? Sounds like he's ordering enough food for an army. And I know *he's* not going to eat it all. ::raising his voice to make sure the Sentinel doesn't miss it:: What do you say?

DOM: Nah, don't want to impose man. But thanks for the invite. ::smiles at his teacher::

JIM: No imposition. ::hanging up the phone:: Anyway I ordered your favorite. ::grins and walks to the fridge pulling out a beer:: Plus, he won't rag on me as much if someone is here when I eat. ::pulling out his wallet and handing it to Blair:: I'm gonna take a quick shower Chief. I should be out before they get here but just in case. ::takes a pull off his beer and sets it down before going upstairs and grabbing a pair of sweats and a old worn white t-shirt and heading into the bathroom::

BLAIR: ::frowns and rolls his eyes before chuckling:: Don't let him fool you, I'll still rag on him. ::watches Jim disappear into the bathroom:: So, uh...where were we? Oh yes...gender stereotypes. You'd just told me about the Men don't cry and women do idea. Which is a pretty good one, by the way. What else have you got? ::leans over to peer at Dom's notebook, absently tucking a stray piece of hair behind one ear.::

DOM: Oh hey, Yeah, that reminds me. Should I pay you now too? ::stands up and pulls a couple of twenties out and hands them to Blair:: How long have I been here? Does that balcony look down to the parking lot? ::points at the French doors:: the next thing I need is a example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

BLAIR: ::nods:: Yeah, you should be able to see the parking lot. ::taking the money and staring at it for a moment, feeling the twinge of guilt for getting paid to help out a student. Desperate times and desperate measures, though. With a grateful shrug he stuffs the money in his pocket and walks over to the balcony:: Just have to be careful with the handles. ::stares down into the parking lot:: Afraid someone is gonna steal your car or something? Cuz I gotta tell you, unless it's one of the really stupid criminals that like to kidnap me...most of them stay away from the residence of Cascade's Cop of the Year and all, you know?

DOM: ::smiles at Blair and cocks a brow at cop of the year:: Just checking on my baby. That's her there. The candy apple red one there. ::points:: A 64 ½ Mustang only 385 of them were made. I have her cherry. Pretty little lady isn't she? ::winks :: As for stupid criminals. That's like redundant isn't it. ::laughs:: Most criminals I know either have big shiny brass ones or are dumb as posts, either way, stupid.

BLAIR: ::whistles softly:: Man! That's *yours*? God! Hell yeah she's awesome! ::stares at the car and drools for a few minutes before walking back inside:: Jeez, did you do all the work yourself? She's gorgeous! And yes, the stupid criminals is pretty redundant. ::laughs not missing the comment about knowing a few but letting it slide:: Now, the self-fulfilling prophecy. Got a clue on what it means?

DOM: ::follows Blair back in and sits down at the table:: I think it means. ::growls softly as he searches for the right words:: If you think you cant do something, you kinda end up throwing a monkey wrench in your system and making sure you can't do it. ::shakes head:: Like saying I am too damn dumb to go to college, I have already set up myself to fail, so when I don't make it. I would have fulfilled the prophecy that I made?

BLAIR: ::grins bigger and nods emphatically:: Exactly. And we both know that's not gonna happen because you're actually understanding this stuff! ::pats the bigger man on the shoulder:: That's a *perfect* description and example! ::slides the notebook in Dom's direction and set the pen on top:: Here, right that down and let's keep going. See, I told you this wouldn't be so bad. You *have* been paying attention during the lectures. Ya know you might even be one of those people that can absorb more stuff listening to taped lectures at night while you sleep. I wonder... ::trails off in his own little world::

DOM: ::writes it down in his notebook. I also read the chapters. I just.. ::looks at Blair as he gazes off:: Why am I suddenly afraid by that tone?

JIM: ::steps out of the bathroom clean and shaven:: Be afraid! Be very afraid! ::walking to the door opening before the knock:: Hey, Hold on a second. ::walks over and takes his wallet from Blair and goes back to the door paying for the pizza and setting it on the counter:: I guess since we have a guest we should use the good China. ::taking out paper plates and napkins.::

BLAIR: ::snaps back to attention at Jim's voice and frowns:: HEY! I think I'm offended! I resemble those remarks! ::looks at Dom:: Definitely keep reading the chapters, but when you start taping the lectures maybe we could try and see if the subliminal thing works as well. Ya know, helps it all make sense and stuff...just like...buy a comfortable set of headphones or something. Deal? Now come on...::jerks his head towards the kitchen:: or there might not be anything left after Jim finishes inhaling the pizza. ::watches Jim and raises a brow:: HEY! Put back that extra slice mister! Three is plenty to start out with! ::walks over to retrieve two slices of his own and put them on a plate::

DOM:: ::laughs:: Just like home! We always use the good china there. ::moves his book and note book off the table and follows Blair putting a couple of slices on a plate and moving back to the table to sit down:: Okay I am having a little trouble with the definition of androgyny and how to give a example.

JIM: Yes Mother. ::leaves the extra slice on his plate and sits down next to Dom:: Dom? You want a beer? Androgyny that's like those long haired singers in the 80's that wore all the make up and looked like girls but weren't. Right teach?

BLAIR: ::narrows his eyes at Jim and retrieves said slice and puts it back in the box to stay warm, spouting the definition with ease:: Pretty much, Jim. You won't be stuck staying after class for ignoring my pizza comment. Adrogeny is the combining of masculine and feminine personality traits in a single individual. Can you think of any other examples, Dom? ::settles at the table and begins to munch his own pizza::

DOM: No thanks, I'm good with water. ::bows his head and says a silent grace before picking up his first slice and Nodding to Jim:: Mascara bands, like what was that group. Uhh, uhh, ::snaps fingers:: Poison. Yeah, that's it. Had that pretty lead singer, then someone told me that was a dude. I said No way that guy’s way to pretty. Or sometimes when you're not sure if a woman is guy or not, because there are no obvious clues.

JIM: ::watches Blair take his Pizza and growls a little, then watches Dom say grace and is taken back a bit but bows his head with him shooting his guide a look:: Oh yeah, the blonde guy with the curly hair. I remember that band. ::leans back in his chair and grabs the slice out of the box that Blair had just swiped off his plate and eats it quickly::

BLAIR: ::pauses in his chewing to bow his head and makes a face at Jim when he looks up and sees the man scarfing down the forbidden slice:: It's your arteries man, not mine. ::mumbled quietly as he swallows his bite of food:: Well done, Dom. Basically you could pick just about any of the 80's bands that wore make-up and had long hair as an example. The list is endless. But I didn't think the guy from Poison was that pretty. Was kinda fond of the british guy...what was his name?? wore that really weird hat most of the time and actually dated a guy in his band? But anyways.... ::flushes a bit and cranes his neck to peer at the notebook:: What else did you need to give examples of?

Dom and Jim together: Boy George?

BLAIR: ::jumps, startled by the response in stereo:: Jeezus! Man, I've got three words for you guys. Get. A. Life. ::shakes his head and smiles:: But yeah, that's the guy. Now, moving on? ::darts his eyes back and forth between the two of them:: Next on the list?

DOM: ::laughs and takes a drink of his water:: You know after a week of hearing that song 24/7 I did really want to hurt him. ::shrugs:: What about androcracy? I mean I know it's a social system organized around the principle of male dominance. What about an example of that?

JIM: ::laughs:: It took me two weeks then I was trying to put out a APB and track him down to hurt him. Oh that's easy. The military. Even though women are allowed and officers, it is still an all boys club. Right? ::looks at Blair::

BLAIR:: ::laughs at the joke but stops suddenly and gives Jim a disbelieving look and pauses with his pizza half way to his mouth:: Uh. Yeah. Right. You mean you've actually been listening to me? ::looks at Dom:: Maybe you should let him be your tutor. He seems to know this stuff just as well as I do. ::laughs:: And here I thought he always tuned me out.

DOM: ::laughs and finishes off his first slice looking between the two of them, before picking up the next slice::

JIM: Lord knows I try to tune him out. ::shakes head:: It never works. ::starts to stand up then the phone rings, he walks over and picks it up, turning his back to the two men and talking softly::

BLAIR: ::watches Jim for a moment, straining to hear but gives up, almost wishing HE had Sentinel hearing before looking back at Dom and smiling:: Go ahead, man. I won't yell at you. He's just got this thing for consuming every bad thing in the world for his body. And he's a cop and needs to stay fit, you know? So I give him a hard time about it. So how are you feeling? Better about this stuff now? ::taps the book to emphasize his point before lifting his slice and taking a bite::

JIM: Chief, I got to go to the office for a little bit. They just need me to ID a perp. I will be back soon. ::walking over and extending hand to Dominic again:: Nice meeting you. ::glances up at Blair then back to him:: We should do this again sometimes. ::waves hand gesturing towards the table, before moving to grab his coat and keys:: Is that your 'stang outside? ::when Dom shakes his head yes he gives a low wolf whistle:: she's a beauty. Must have cost you a fortune. ::smiles and heads out the door::

DOM: ::stands up shakes Jim's hand smiles and nods and watches as the big man leaves:: He's a detective huh?

BLAIR: ::nods and smiles:: Yeah. I'm sort of his partner. Ride along observer for my dissertation. Long story though. What about you? I mean, you say you hate the college thing but you're pretty good at it. What made you decide to start taking classes? ::watches the other man carefully as he finishes his pizza and begins consolidating the leftovers into one box::

DOM: ::finishes off his pizza and moves to help Blair clean up:: I got in some trouble back home, decided to make a fresh start. The same old song and dance. ::smiles:: Why do I get the feeling he was going to run my plates. ::laughs:: He's a nice guy though.

BLAIR: ::gives Dom a concerned look:: Fresh start, huh? You um...you mind if ask what kind of trouble? ::smiles:: I do live with a cop so we'll know eventually. ::furrows his brow and finishes off his water:: And why would you think he'd run your plates? I mean, if you want me to work with you, then we should probably like get everything out in the open now. Clear the air so I can field his questions later on. That cool with you?

DOM: ::leans against the counter and crosses his arms over his chest tilting his head and looking at him for a long time before answering:: I was into street racing. I can't do the circuit; I was banned for life for beating the man who ran my father into a wall. In my grief over his death I had myself convinced it was on purpose. I did 2 years in Lompoc. ::looks away and swallows thickly before looking back at him:: Some people I ran with were involved in truck hijacking. I was implicated, but found innocent. I lost a friend in a gang war related shooting about the same time. He died in my arms. ::bites bottom lip for a second and swallows again:: I needed to start all over again.

BLAIR:: ::winces and gives the man a sympathetic look:: Wow. Man, that's gotta be tough. Jeez, hey listen, I'm sorry I made you drag all that up, okay? ::steps closer and places a comforting hand on the large man's shoulder, squeezing it lightly:: And it's cool, I can totally understand needing a fresh start. My mom used to drag me all over when life got to be too much for her. So don't sweat it. Jim won't give you any grief over your past. ::offers a reassuring smile:: Okay? C'mon. Let's go back over here, finish up your session. Maybe I can talk you into letting me get a closer look at a car that actually runs? Namely yours? Huh? ::allows the smile to turn to a grin and gives Dom a hopeful look::

DOM: ::looks away and nods:: If I am going to be totally straight with you. Just because I was found innocent doesn't mean I was. I did what I thought I had to do at the time. But I am clean now. I mean no bending or breaking the law. ::looks back at the smaller man and smiles:: Maybe we should just stop here for now. I mean I know I have been here over two hours. Oh, ::pulls out another twenty and puts it on the counter:: For my share of dinner.

BLAIR: ::shakes his head and picks up the money, forcing it back into Dom's hand:: No way, man. Our treat. ::smiles:: And look we can keep going for awhile. No since in you losing time because my roommate came in and stuck in his two cents worth. ::raises his eyebrows:: I've never been much of a clock watcher any ways. Well, unless Jim is really late. ::starts to urge to bigger man over towards the chairs:: Sit down, take a load off. ::softens his voice:: I mean, hey. If nothing else I'm a really good listener. And you sound like you've been dealing with all this alone. If you want to talk about it...I'm here.

DOM: :: smiles and nods and waits until Blair is pushing him to a chair before putting the bill on the top of the fridge unnoticed before sitting down in the seat:: I have my sister Mia. She is still with me, and Leon moved with us. ::looks away for a moment lost in thought over the people not with him anymore, then looks back at Blair:: You said you have car problems? I am a master mechanic. I have a shop over on Longshore. Named Dom's hard to miss. Bring it around anytime I will take a look at it. If I am not there just tell Leon Dom said that you would look at it.

BLAIR: ::sits down next to Dom and props his elbows on the table, avidly listening:: Mia. That's a pretty name. And I think I've driven by your place once or twice. I'll have to stop in. The car is due to give out on me again at any moment ::laughs:: Of course I'm not as bad on vehicles as Jim is. That man can kill a truck faster than anyone else I know. And it's never something simple...like a dent or ding. No, he totals them. All of them. Why don't you tell me about your friend, Leon. And what about your folks? You said your dad got put in a wall? Racing on the circuit, right? ::gives the other man a quizzical look as if he's not sure he's got his facts straight::

DOM:: ::smiles and nods to assure him his facts are straight:: What about you? How long have you lived here? How long have you and Jim been friends? I am guessing your not married, either of you, are you two dating?

BLAIR: ::blinks:: Married? Dating? ::shakes his head looking at the door and back at Dom:: Me and Jim? No way! Nah, it's not like that! ::laughs:: One, he's got a thing for redheads. ::fingers his own curly brown mop:: Two, I'm obviously not a redhead. And the reason I'm living here is that not long after we met and I started working with him, for my dissertation, well...my apartment got blown up when the drug lab next door went up. I was only supposed to stay a week...but...it's turned out a lot longer than that! ::grins::

DOM: ::eyes widen a bit as Blair starts to explain then he tries not to laugh but fails:: Oh, I meant are you two dating, you know women or other people ::chuckles:: I did not mean to make it sound like each other. ::grins and drops his head to try not to laugh anymore:: Drug lab, kidnapped, you sound like a dangerous guy to be around. ::finally looks back up at him::

BLAIR: ::blushes and drops his head:: Oh MAN! ::laughs:: Of course that's what you meant! ::shakes his head to try and ease his embarrassment:: Well, I mean we date. Some. But loft rule number 27 is "No sex in the loft" unless it's Jim and his date. And I of course am camped out at my office until said date leaves! ::laughs again:: But I swear I'm not dangerous. I told you, I think I've just got this invisible bullseye painted on me somewhere that only bad guys can see it! I'm like a bad guy magnet or something.

DOM: First off, those rules are screwed up. ::laughs:: Hey, we live above the shop you need a place to kick back you come on over. You're always welcome. Second, That bad guy magnet sounds like a self-fulfilling prophecy Teach. ::winks and looks at him seriously:: You know, ::reaching across the table and gently grabbing a lock of hair and showing it to him:: Isn't that auburn streaks in there? ::smiles and tucks the lock of hair behind his ear:: Isn't auburn a shade of red? ::tilts head and looks at him innocently::

BLAIR: ::swallows nervously as Dom brushes the piece of hair behind his ear and shrugs:: Auburn, red, brunette. It's like the colors of the rainbow. ::laughs:: And you can say what you want about my self- fulfilling prophecy but it doesn't matter how hard I try to stay out of trouble, I always end up in the middle of it! ::ducks his head for a minute and looks up:: But thanks for the offer to stop by, next time Jim sends me out while he entertains you may very well end up with me hanging out. As long as I'm not imposing or anything. And hey, what about you? Big, good looking guy like you on a college campus. How's the social scene working out for you? ::arches a brow::

DOM: I wouldn't have said drop by any time your always welcome if I didn't want you to. ::smiles softly and looks away:: Letty left me, she didn't move up here with us. And… Well, I just haven't really been looking since we moved. ::shrugs:: Once bitten, twice shy I guess. ::studies him carefully for a minute:: Did I make you nervous? I didn't mean to.

BLAIR: ::smiles and shakes his head:: Nah, you didn't make me nervous. I'm alway this hyper. Ask anybody. ::chews his lip thoughtfully:: So this Letty, you were with her a long time? I haven't had any real long term relationships. Had a few I thought could have been long term, but they got cut short by unnatural causes. ::shrugs:: Now there's a once bitten twice shy story. And with helping on the force with Jim...well it makes kinda difficult to really explore your dating options. Can't be too careful, you know? ::locks his eyes with Dom's and prays for understanding::

DOM: ::nods and studies his face carefully:: I was with Letty for a really long time. On and off for about 8 years. You have a crush on him. ::states more than asks::

BLAIR: ::looks away and shrugs:: I don't know what it is. I've been living here, working with him, watching his back for like...well forever it seems like. But we had some stuff that happened not too long ago. A woman. Killed me and he brought me back. And then he left to go be with her. We just...haven't been the same. The friendship, you know? ::looks up at Dom and shrugs again:: If you'd asked me before that, well I'd have said yeah definitely in a heart beat. But now, well now things are different and we don't talk about it because we've both got all this guilt and he doesn't even....::looks back at Dom and smiles:: Not a redhead, remember? And not female! Even more important distinction. But hey...we're supposed to be talking about you. Why didn't Letty come with you?

DOM: ::arches brow:: But auburn. ::smiles:: He brought you back? That's … ::makes a hand gesture as he is searching for the right words:: amazing. Then he went with the woman who killed you. That's wild. ::shakes head:: If I were you I would kick his ass, you will feel better. ::nods head knowingly:: Letty, that's a long story. I let her down one to many times, we grew apart, She was too demanding, she thought I fell in love with a cop and couldn't stand it, or maybe the passion died and the love turned too brotherly and sisterly. ::shrugs::

BLAIR: ::raises a brow but keeps the rest of his expression neutral:: Hey, you saw Jim. Like I even stand a chance in hell of being able to kiss his ass? Kneecaps maybe...ass...no way. ::chuckles for a moment and jerks his head towards the sofa:: Let's move over to the couch. These chairs always kill my back. ::smiles and stands, moving to open the balcony doors some before settling down and let the breeze pull in some fresh air:: So, let me guess. You and Letty, you cheated on her a few times? Or maybe she found out about the stuff you'd been doing and couldn't deal? Or was is it the cop thing? I'm guessing she wasn't too far off the mark on that one?

(Did Blair mean Kick his ass or KISS his ass? Freudian slip there?)

DOM:: ::laughs and peeks at his car before settling down on one end of the sofa:: Yeah, I cheated, never lied but I cheated. ::shrugs:: I am sure she did too. I never asked like she did. The cop thing was nothing. I mean nothing happened there. I mean between us, a lot happened there since he was undercover and was involved in the law trouble. ::peruses Blair up and down slowly before locking eyes with him:: What makes you think you don't stand a chance with him?

BLAIR: ::blushes slightly under the scrutiny and shrugs, drawing one leg up under him and shifting so he can see Dom better:: Well I dunno. I guess, because, well look! ::gestures to himself:: He's always kinda thought of me at this neo-hippy. In fact I distinctly remember the words neo-hippy, witchdoctor, and punk used all together in a sentence from him to describe me when we met. And he's a stable kinda guy. Reserved. Settled. Not much of a free-spirit really. Jeezus he hit on my MOM for gods sake! ::laughs:: So call it a hunch be he's not interested in THIS Sandburg. ::studies Dom:: Was this cop a good friend? I mean, if things hadn't gotten so messed up...do you think...well are you maybe having regrets that nothing happened with him?

DOM: I did look at you Blair. I am looking at you now. ::smiles and shakes his head:: I wish you could see what I see. I also looked at your friend. Tall, built well, middle aged, receding hairline. Nice looking, and pretty friendly, but he would be lucky to get a fine looking guy like you. ::laughs then looks away:: I have a lot of regrets. ::smiles sadly:: But my Dad always told me, "What's meant to be will always find a way." I guess I have to believe that.

BLAIR: ::chews on his lower lip and drops his gaze into his lap, fidgeting and toying with some random strings on his jeans:: Yeah, I guess. It's a pretty good philosophy. ::looks up and studies Dom for a moment, dropping his voice a bit lower:: Did you ever think about trying to find him? To like, tell him how you felt maybe? Because you say Jim would be lucky to have me, and I say anyone would be lucky to have you. ::blushes and stares out the open doors:: Me, I never got that lucky. The beautiful people were never attracted to the geeks. And I always feel into the geek catagory.

DOM:: No, and I don't think I ever will. Another long story but Bri was one of those beautiful people that I never seem to attract either. Beautiful ones are not attracted to grease monkeys either. ::smiles:: Plus the fact that he was sleeping with my sister pretty well clued me in it would never happen. ::winks:: Mia is one of the beautiful people too.

BLAIR: ::smiles:: Grease monkey, huh? I happen to like grease monkeys. They always manage to bring my car back from the dead and look pretty great doing it. ::blushes and plays with his jeans some more:: So this Bri, short for Brian I'm guessing? Had a thing for your sister? Man, that's gotta be rough. What about, well, others? Or was it just this guy Brian? ::silently happy that his voice doesn't waver on the last statement::

DOM:: No rougher than Jim going off with a woman who killed you I would think. In fact. ::smiles:: I am sure that was rougher. ::tilts head and chews his bottom lip watching Blair:: You mean other men? The two years I was in I let one guy blow me and had a cellmate for a while that would give me hand jobs for commissary. That's about it. Wasn't till Bri showed up I really thought about it much. What about you?

BLAIR: ::shrugs:: I started college early. Like 16. And at the time, the female population wasn't exactly in to me. But the guys, well okay, some of the guys were. And my mom had always raised me to be really open minded. To care about the person not the package. So I had a few flings with a few guys on and off. And then when I'd be off on expeditions or something, I tended to develop these little relationships with the people I was with. Nothing serious or anything. It kinda tapered off since I've been living with Jim. And even in all my encounters, I kinda, held back. Not taking that last step, ya know? ::rambles quietly and finally meets Dom's eyes after he finishes his confession::

DOM: ::nods and watches him as he talks:: I understand. You know, thinking about it, the whole time in Lompoc I never touched a guy, unless it was in anger. I let them touch me, but I always had the "game face" on. I had to be big and mean, or life would have been a lot tougher than it was. I never let anyone in. I don't think I spoke a sentence to anyone for any reason. I just walked around radiating this negative vibe to keep people away. ::rubs the back of his neck:: I have never kissed a guy before. ::laughs softly:: V use to kiss me on the head all the time, but I think that was a bald head for luck thing. ::smiles and looks away thinking about what Vince is having to go through, and feeling guilty:: So you stopped dating guys when you got a crush on Jim?

BLAIR: ::laughs:: Well... ::chews on his own lower lip and gives Dom a half grin:: I hadn't really thought about it like that. More like, I stopped dating guys and started dating girls to make him feel more comfortable with having me live here. I mean, c'mon. The guys screams straight. And he was already having trouble with me as his partner, tagging along with him at work and catching flak for it. So I figured that if I kept my bisexuality out of the mix it might make things...I dunno...easier for him. ::shrugs:: Kinda like what you were saying. He's got this image to uphold and well...it just...it made sense at the time! Besides, our relationship...it's different. And hard to explain. But for some reason we end up, like, touching each other...on the arm or something...to help each other through difficult cases and crime scenes. Makes people talk. ::raises a brow:: You said V used to kiss you on the head all the time but you never kissed a guy...who's V? And a better question, did you ever, like...*want* to kiss a guy?

DOM:: ::throws his head back and laughs:: Jim knew who Boy George was, and that the lead singer of poison was a blonde. ::shaking his head:: I touch people all the time. Why do you care what people think? Or what they talk about? Someone is always going to find something to talk about. And I don't think your roommate is the type to give a flying flip either. He seemed pretty comfortable with himself. Vince is my best friend. He is serving 2 years right now on all the trouble that went down. ::frowns and looks down before catching his eyes again:: Yes, I have wanted to kiss a guy before. ::softly::

BLAIR: ::smiles:: Yeah, but it's a lot more than that. It goes back to why married cops aren't allowed to partner with each other. You take too many risks when someone you care about is in danger, you know? So if people started to talk at the station, then our captain might believe that something was going on, separate us, and that just...well that just wouldn't work, ya know? ::stares into the deep brown eyes and raises his eyebrows:: So who did you want to kiss? Brian? Your friend Vince?

DOM:: ::nods gazes back into his blue eyes:: I understand. ::smiles:: I thought about kissing Bri. Yeah. V is like my Brother. I never thought about it with him. ::licks the corner of his mouth and looks at Blair’s lips:: I thought about kissing you while ago. ::flushes slightly and looks away::

BLAIR: ::licks his own lips and swallows nervously:: Me? Wow. ::drops his gaze into his lap:: Let me guess, not your type? Or is it because of Jim? See, because, I uh...well I thought about it too. Kissing you, that is. And hugging you, if you can believe it. In the kitchen a while ago. You just...looked so lost and hurt. ::drops his voice to a near whisper:: And handsome. But I didn't want to freak you out or anything. So I didn't. ::tentatively reaches out and turns Dom's face to look at him:: Why didn't you?

DOM:: ::swallows thickly and studies him for a moment then smiles:: Because I didn't know you wanted to hug me? ::slowly leans forward giving Blair a chance to back away, and wraps my arms around him, pulling him close, dropping my face to rest on his shoulder and holding him tightly::

BLAIR: ::slips his hand around to cradle Dom's head while his other arm snakes around and pulls the bigger man closer, hugging him tightly. He buries his face in Dom's neck, inhaling the soap, slight musk and faint aftershave still clinging to the man's skin and reveling in the warmth of the embrace. With a contented purr he turns his head slightly and allows his lips to brush dryly against the carmel skin::

DOM: ::letting one of my hands move through his curls, and sighing as his lips graze my neck. I move my head so I can look into those amazing blue eyes I am suddenly nervous. Do I really want to do this? Yeah, I really do. What if he doesn't like it, or I bump noses. Taking a deep breath and tilting my head slightly I move forward and barely brush my mouth against his before taking his top lip between mine and kissing it softly. Before sucking on his bottom lip alternating from top to bottom letting my tongue caress before sucking and nibbling one then the other for many minutes before slipping my tongue inside his mouth and exploring it before coaxing his back in to my mouth so I could suckle it gently. What seems like hours later I pull away panting watching his face for a reaction:: That okay? ::huskily::

BLAIR: ::gives Dom a confused look when he pulls back, blue eyes scanning his face before shuttering closed and sighing at the delicious soft pressure of lips against his. Unconsciously he melts against the other man, parting his lips and inviting the gentle tasting and sharing to go further, deeper, and allowing his tongue to tangle wetly with Dom's. By the time the two separate, Blair's heart is racing and he's panting and flushed. He hear's Dom's hesitant question and opens his eyes, smiling and nodding before diving back in with his hands and mouth, exploring the firm chest and back as he delicately traces the full lines of Dom's mouth with his tongue teasingly:: Oh yeah, that's perfect. ::whispered::

DOM: ::kissing him back, letting the kiss turn more passionate than before, I run my hands over his shoulders and back, down his hips and thighs, pulling him closer so I can feel his chest against mine. Pulling away and looking at him, I run my hands over his chest rubbing my thumb over his left nipple:: What's that? ::smiling and pulling his shirt up, I see a flash silver of before dropping my head lower and licking the hardened peak before sucking in the small hoop and playing with it with my tongue. Letting my other hand roll is right nipple through my fingertips and pinching and tugging on it gently:: You taste so good. ::rumbled around his nipple::

BLAIR: ::clings to Dom's shoulders as he's pulled closer, arching and rocking against the hard body pressing against him and letting out a moan when Dom's fingers finger the piercing.:: Would you believe...a nipple...ring? AH! Oh god...mmmmm ::slides his hands up to hold Dom's head in place, delighting in the rhythmic sucking and bucking slightly at each tug on the jewelry:: Umm...man...you sure...you haven't...don't this...before....because...oh wow, yeah...you're pretty...ah, right there....good at this. ::closing his eyes and letting his head drop back, tugging at Dom's shoulders to follow him into a more horizontal position::

JIM: ::dials his home number from his desk and waits for Blair to pick up::

DOM: ::moving so he is over Blair he presses his hardness against his thigh, and feels a answering hardness against his stomach, while still teasing his nipples until the ringing of the phone snaps him out of what he is sure is a dream:: Damn! ::growled as he sits up and watches him::

BLAIR: ::moans as the ringing phone invades his blood-drained brain and Dom pulls away from him growling:: Don't move. I'll be right back. ::heaves himself off the couch and somehow manages to stumble to the phone despite the raging erection trapped in too tight jeans.:: Hello?

JIM: Hey Blair, I am stuck here for… ::automatically notes the increase in Blair's heart rate:: What's wrong?

BLAIR: ::panics briefly and scrambles to come up with a good excuse:: Wrong? Nothing, man. The phone scared me. I was distracted and when it rang I wasn't expecting it. What's up at the station? You gonna be stuck long? ::willing his heart rate and breathing to slow down and purposely not looking Dom::

JIM:::extends his hearing past his guides heartbeat to hear Dominic's:: Is Toretto still there? You are still tutoring him? Why is your heart beating so fast? Why is his heart beating fast? What is going on? ::concern and anxiety are heavy in his voice::

BLAIR: ::winces and shakes his head, taking a deep breath and sighing:: What do you think is going on? Listen, I'm sorry. I remember the house rules and if you want us to go somewhere else... ::looks over at Dom and shrugs:: Well, I guess we can, but since you weren't here, well. Stupid I know. You want me to leave I'll leave but can we have this discussion later? ::sounding slightly annoyed and whispering furiously::

DOM:: ::stands up and walks to the bathroom door looking at Blair and pointing so he knows where he is going. Stepping inside he runs the cold water splashing his face and neck adjusting himself into a less painful position he sighs and looks at the man in the mirror for a few minutes.:: He's in love with his roommate, what in the hell do you think your doing?

JIM: ::blinks at the words that are so unlike his Blair:: I know Dom is bad news. He has served hard time. Maybe I should come home right now. Are you in trouble and can't say so because he is there? ::getting up and slipping on his jacket:: I'm on my way home. Just stay calm till I get there. It will be okay. ::Growling in his panic::

BLAIR: ::nods at Dom and then turns away hissing into the phone:: Oh no you don't Ellison! Just stop right there! Dom isn't doing anything wrong and I know all about his past. So you can just stop right now and calm down. I'm fine. Like I said, if you've got a problem with this then we'll discuss it later. As in much later. How long are you going to be at the station? ::tapping his foot impatiently and praying that Jim hasn't managed to screw things up for him again. This living with a Sentinel thing was starting to become a danger to his sex life. His non-existent sex-life.::

JIM:::freezes and lets the words sink in:: You mean? That you and him are? Were? ::shakes head:: A problem with what? ::finally whispers:: I really don't understand. ::sits down heavily in his chair::


DOM: ::not getting anything but a confused look from the guy in the mirror he sighs and goes back out to sit on the sofa and watch Blair talk to Jim::

BLAIR: ::slumps and shakes his head, walking over to the couch and sitting down next to Dom but not as close as they were earlier. He gives the other man a smile and reaches out to squeeze his hand:: Yes, Jim. Were. But the phone rang. And we'll discuss it later. Now you were saying something about being stuck at the station? What's going on?

JIM:::moans softly as he pictures what Blair and the strange man might have been doing:: Blair, you just met him. You couldn't let someone you just met… You aren't even..

DOM:: ::rubs Blair's shoulder and smiles at him softly::

BLAIR: ::gives Dom a smile and a one minute signal with his finger before scowling into the phone and heading for his room, closing the door but peeking out through the curtains to make sure Dom doesn't leave:: Alright, Ellison, listen up. Since you obviously want to discuss this now, we will. But pay attention because I'm not going to say it again, okay? Yes, I was in the middle of something with Dom. Yes, I just met him. Yes, I know about his past. We had a nice discussion about how he ended up in college after you left and he told me all about it. Yes, it has not escaped my attention that he's male. In fact, it's one of the things I really *like* about him. Yes, I am into guys. For your information I'm bisexual. I just have had more female relationships since we partnered up. I did that for you. To make sure *you* were comfortable with me. And while everything seems to have fallen apart now, I'm not really sorry about it. ::sighs:: Now listen, if this makes you that uncomfortable, living with me and knowing all this, well I understand. And I can promise you that I won't make any passes at you or make you feel uncomfortable. But if you really can't deal with it, then I'll leave. However, in my defense I've managed to keep my feelings hidden pretty well so far, and you never had a clue so why should now be any different. ::inhales sharply when his brain catches up to his rambling mouth and he blinks, wincing and wanting to take back the words:: I mean about guys. ::added hastily but knowing that Jim isn't going to buy it:: Now, Jim, I really should go. Dom is still here and well, you and I can talk later, when you get home. What time will you be here? ::closes his eyes and prays that Jim will let it go::

JIM: what about me? ::softly::

BLAIR: ::blinks:: Huh?

JIM: What about me? ::louder:: Was there never a chance for me? Am I not smart enough, too old? Not built like that? ::drops voice:: never mind, I really don't want to know.

BLAIR: ::shakes his head:: Wait wait wait wait WAIT! WHAT? Chance for...? Huh? Too old? Not built? Jim what the hell are you talking about? All this time...not once. Not ONCE did you give any indication that you... Oh shit! ::flops on his bed and stares at the floor in disbelief:: Are you saying that you...? For me? And you're really...? Oh fuck me sideways, I really screwed up huh? ::mumbled softly::

JIM:::stares of into space blankly listening to his words:: In all this time, not once did you give me any indication that you… That you would even think about me that way. ::sighs:: I guess I waited to long.

DOM: ::gets up and walks over opening the door to Blair's room and standing their listening to him for a second before walking in and sitting on the bed::

BLAIR: ::looks up as Dom enters and forces a smile:: No, you didn't wait to long, Jim. I'm still here. And I'll be here when you get home, okay? I think we've got a lot of things we need to get straight. A lot of things we need to tell each other, okay? ::gives Dom an apologetic look but can't resist the tiny little bubble of hope at the idea of Jim actually wanting *him* after all this time.::

JIM: Okay, but what about him? ::swallows thickly::


Dom: ::shakes his head no and smiles warmly at Blair:: It's okay. Really. I knew. You're still gonna tutor me right? ::winks:: Speaks a little louder:: Tell Jim if he breaks your heart I will break his neck. ::hugs Blair tightly and quickly:: I will let my self out. Bring your car to the shop so I can look at it. ::walks to the bedroom door giving him a wink before moving to the front door making sure the bottom lock is locked before shutting it behind him::

BLAIR: ::blinks and smiles at Dom, hugging him back and nodding at Dom's question before watching him leave and listening as he let's himself out the front door. With a sigh, he collapses back on his bed and closes his eyes:: He's already gone, Jim. He knew how I felt about you and it was just...I dunno...a comfort thing, I guess. Lonely and wanting someone we thought we couldn't have. ::pauses for a moment and swallows:: The question is, am I finally going to get the person I thought I couldn't have? Or am I wrong again?

JIM: Did he threaten me? ::smiles then says softly:: You had me at McCoy. The only reason I went to meet Blair Sandburg was to find out about the man who impersonated the doctor. Needless to say between my jealous fit and almost being run over, I never managed to tell you.

BLAIR: ::laughs softly and shakes his head:: Is that a fact, Detective Ellison? Well, did you find out everything you wanted to know? Or are there still some questions that you need answered? ::smiles:: Because I, for one, am dying to know when Jim Ellison found the time to not only watch, but remember one of the lines from Jerry Maguire.

JIM ::chuckles softly:: Okay, it was that or show me the money. I thought that sounded better. I do need one more question answered. I mean if… Well, ::quietly:: I mean you are all I think about. When I am not with you I am counting the minutes until I can be near you again. I can't sleep at night without listening to your heartbeat. And I wake up every morning searching for it. I am always wondering what your doing and thinking. I guess what I am trying to say is I love you Blair. And I hope, you care about me too.

BLAIR: ::smiles in the dim light, trickling in from the living room and kitchen:: Yeah, Jim. I love you, too. So uh...when are you coming home? You called to say you were stuck at the station but you never seemed to get past the Dom thing. I was kinda hoping that you could come home and we could...I dunno...sort of...get to know each other better. In an up close and personal kind of way? ::chews on his bottom lip::

JIM On my way now, Simon can fire me for all I care. ::hangs up the phone and is half way out the bull pen before remembering he forgot to tell Blair something very important. Taking out his cell phone he calls home again::

BLAIR: ::laughs at the quick hang up and hits the disconnect button, grabbing some clean clothes and intent on taking a shower before Jim arrives home when the phone rings again:: Hello?

JIM: I forgot to say bye Chief. ::grinning:: I love you see you in 15, Bye. ::hangs up the phone and sprints to the elevator::

BLAIR: ::laughs louder and shakes his head, pulling the phone away to stare at it for a few minutes:: Bye, Jim. Love you too. ::He puts the phone back on the charger and hurries into the bathroom to shower, stripping and turning up the hot water until the temperature is perfect before finally stepping inside. He smiles as he pictures Jim rushing home and nearly breaking every traffic law in his hurry to get home. Home to him. To *be* with him. The thought makes him shiver and for a moment he start to indulge a Jim fantasy::

*****

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