Straying Into Dreams

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Blair opened the door to the loft, surprised when light spilled out. Jim was on a stake-out, he knew that. So why were the lights on? Caution born of sad experience caused him to push the door wider without stepping through, peering into the dwelling carefully. When nothing happened, he took a single step in.

Looking around, he jumped as he met a pair of dark brown eyes. Their owner stretched luxuriously as she rose, pacing to meet him by the doorway. Blair closed the door, and waited for her. Reaching him, she leaned her body against his, curving it to fit around him, and wagged her tail.

"Hey, girl," Blair said as he stroked her expectantly waiting head. "What are you doing here?"

Not answering, the Great Dane leaned harder, pushing him off balance. He staggered, laughing. "Yes, I'm happy to see you too, Grania! But your mom is going to be worried." Stepping around the dog, he walked into the kitchen. "Maybe Jim left a note?"

"Ah-ha!" he said to the black form that stood beside him, having followed him from the door. He plucked the piece of paper from the counter and read it out loud.

"Hey, Chief. She showed up just as I was headed out the door. No time to take her to the clinic, so I let her in. I'll call the doc from work, let her know you'll bring her over as soon as you get in. Okay?"

"Well," he said, rubbing the nose that had been pushed under his hand. "Guess I'll give them a call and let them know we'll be right down.

"Spirits Animal Clinic. How can I help you?" The voice was polite, but frazzled.

"Blair! Hi. What can I do for you?" Even through the new warmth, the harried tone remained.

"Yes, Jim called a few hours ago. Doc said she'd figured that was where Grania'd gone. Can't keep her away from you two, it seems."

"Even with the new fence," Blair agreed. That fence was high, he knew. But it didn't seem to matter. It was like the dog just walked through it. He didn't mind. He didn't think Jim minded, either. But they all worried about the big dog wandering through traffic. But it sure didn't seem like they could stop it.

The veterinary assistant sighed. "Two emergencies came in. A Doberman with a twisted stomach, and a cat with an intestinal blockage. Not stuff that can wait."

"Huh." Blair considered. While he did, he watched Grania walk in front of the couch, turn around three times, then settle down contentedly.

"Monique?" he said. "How about you guys give me a call when you're done? I can run her over then."

"You sure, Blair?" The relief in the woman's voice was plain. "We've only got the one big cage, and it's already set up for the Dobie."

"She is that," Monique agreed. "Thanks, Blair. I know it'll take a worry off of Doc. I gotta run, though."

Hearing a click, Blair smiled sadly. Busy night there, he thought. Busy night here, too. There was so much he had to get done before the semester ended, and not nearly enough time to do it in. Setting the receiver down, he went to his room, dumping the heavy bag off his shoulder and pulling out a thick sheaf of papers to be graded. Grabbing a red pen, he headed for the couch.

Standing beside it, he gazed enviously at the softly snoring dog. That looks so nice, he thought. Closing his eyes briefly, he shrugged and set his papers down on the table. A couple of hours couldn't hurt, and the phone would wake him up. Stepping over the sleeping Dane, he giggled softly as the notion hit him.

"Hey," he muttered. "It worked for her." Stretching, he relaxed, then turned around three times before settling down on the couch.

Jim opened the loft door silently, aware from the deep, slow breathing that Blair was asleep. Glancing over at the living room as he hung his jacket, he smiled. A head lifted slightly, the dog thumping the tip of her tail once in greeting before settling back down. Blair lay curled on the couch, his arm draped over the edge to lie across the dog, hugging her loosely. The red sleeve looked beautiful against the sleek black, Jim thought, admiring the contrast.

His Guide hadn't stirred since he came in, and although he'd intended to ask what Grania was still doing in the loft, Jim didn't have the heart to wake him. Instead he picked up the phone, muffling the noise as he dialed. Leaning against the wall, he watched the sleeping pair as the phone was answered.

"Hey, Monique, you guys still there?" He looked at his watch and winced. Somehow he'd forgotten that other people worked past one am.

"Hi, Jim. Doc's just finishing up her second emergence surgery. She said thanks to Blair for agreeing to keep Grania, and that she'll run by and pick her up. No need for either of you to go out again tonight."

"Hey, tell doc that if she wants, she can leave Grania here overnight and one of us will drop her off in the morning, okay? She's all settled in, anyway."

Jim waited as the woman checked with the vet, then smiled in satisfaction as he got the answer he wanted. Hanging up the phone, he gently draped a blanket over the oblivious grad student, locked up the loft and went to bed. Pausing on the stairs, he looked over at the pair.

"Thanks," he said softly, smiling as the dog's ears twitched. "It's the first time he's slept in three days."