Jim knocked on a semi-open classroom door. He stepped into the otherwise empty room and gave Sy a little smile. "Hey. Still need help reviewing for that exam?"

"Yes please." Sy glanced up at him. His cheeks were faintly pink. Jim had noticed that they were frequently colored now when they were alone together. His stomach twisted as his mind flashed back to their practice mission. Surely he hadn't been imagining it, had he? Was Sy shy around him now because he'd wanted it too, or was it because he didn't but knew Jim did?

And what about Friday night? Jim had wanted to kiss him then. Had Sy noticed? Had he figured out Jim was trying to ask him out? What if he played ignorant to avoid saying no?

Trying to set the thoughts aside, Jim crossed the room. "What class is it for?"

Sy shuffled some of his notes around as he answered, "Military Code of Conduct. We're covering planetary expectations when encountering a world without space presence."

Jim laughed. "You'll ace the test, Sy. It's an easy one. Blend in, don't stick out, don't mention anything 'spacy' and if you slip up or someone asks too many questions, point and shout 'look a distraction' then run." He pulled out a chair from a nearby desk and spun it towards his friend.

Sy giggled. He handed Jim his notes. "Just test me, okay?"

Jim laughed. "Sure, sure." He took a moment to scan over the well organized cards. "Man, your handwriting is almost as fancy as your pajamas."

"I don't think that's a question I'll be expecting on the test," Sy's blush was harder now, deflecting the comment.

"Sorry," Jim settled into his seat. "Alright. You've made an emergency docking at a port on a planet without space travel. What's the first thing you do?"

"Observe the natives and determine how best to blend in."

"Good. What should crew members that can not pass as local inhabitants do?"

"Stay below deck and out of sight. Assist with on-ship tasks so the local passing crew members can handle off ship tasks." Sy recited his lessons flawlessly.

Jim went through every practice question and received a correct answer in reply. He set aside the papers as they finished up. "Told you that you'd do great. Easiest required class I took first year. Gets harder second year, but it's a breeze first year."

Sy nodded. "Thank you, Jim. Let me review my other notes a few times, then could you test me for my weapon's course? I need to know all the parts of a blaster as well as the most common weapon assignments."

Jim nodded. "Yeah, I got you. Shout when you're ready, I'll just be going over some stuff for my classes."

"Let me know if you need me to test you." Sy flashed him a quick smile before bowing his head to focus on his work. Jim scanned his hand on his tablet so he could study as well.

The boys sat in silence for a while. Occasionally Sy would flip over a paper or move some things around to reference something new, but other than the sounds of studying it was silent. The room was comfortable, gently warmed by the afternoon sun streaming in through the windows. Someone had pulled the blinds all the way open to let in as much light as possible.

Jim glanced up at his quiet companion. Sy chewed on his lower lip as he focused on the paper he was holding. Jim's stomach did a small flip. His concentration broken, the older cadet set his tablet to the side. He wasn't going to be able to pay attention any more. Not when the only thing he could think about was how the sunlight made Sy's hair gleam and how cute he looked while he was absorbed in his work.

Sy was oblivious. He turned over another paper and mumbled the name of a small hand weapon. His eyes scanned the paper, searching for whatever related to the stun gun. A shadow fell across his notes, drawing him out of his trance. He looked up.

Jim stood beside his desk, blocking the sun filtering in through the window. Sy offered him a smile. Jim reached over to touch Sy's cheek. He moved slowly, giving Sy the opportunity to stop him any time he liked. Sy didn't protest, instead leaning gently into his hand.

Jim's thumb brushed across his soft skin once, twice. Sy closed his eyes and relaxed. Jim guided him lightly, tilting his face up towards him. Sy's eyes opened again, flashing up to meet his.

Jim leaned down towards him. Sy didn't move, but the hitch in his breath was all Jim needed to know he wanted this too. Lightly he brushed his lips against Sy's. He drew back, hesitating just inches away.

Sy's breath escaped in a soft sigh. His eyelids fluttered shut. His hand found the back of Jim's head, fingers lacing into his hair. He pulled him closer, meeting him once more for a proper kiss.

Jim drew back reluctantly as they finally broke apart. Sy was watching him, his eyes wide and hopeful. Jim wanted to say something, but he couldn't figure out the right words. For several heartbeats the two just stared at each other. Jim couldn't think of a thing to say. Instead he hooked a finger under Sy's chin, tipped his face up, and kissed him yet again.

Sy melted into him. A small pleased sound escaped him as they finally acknowledged everything they felt. When they pulled apart this time, both boys were smiling. Jim sank into the closest chair he could find. "Wow."

Sy giggled softly. "'Wow' seems about right." He folded his hands in his lap and looked down at them, though his smile hadn't left his face. "I...I really liked that."

Jim reached over and covered his hands with one of his own. "So did I." He gently nudged Sy's face towards him again with his other hand. "And I know I'll like this one as well."

"Jim," despite the protesting tone of voice, Sy leaned in to meet him all the same. This one he kept short, pulling away quickly so they could talk. "Don't make me lose my focus, please. I have something important to say."

Jim nodded. "I'll be good," he promised. He hoped he could keep it.

Sy unclasped his hands and gently wrapped them around Jim's. Lightly he played with Jim's fingers, seemingly trying to reassure himself. "I really like you, Jim. I've liked you for a while now. But, I," he drew in a deep breath to steady himself. "My family won't. Not because of who you are, but what you are."

Jim raised an eyebrow. "We're both human, Sy."

Sy nodded. "We are. And we're both men."

Jim let it sink in a moment. He pulled a face. "Seriously? That's their issue?"

Sy shrugged, unable to look at him. "They're old fashioned. I want to be with you, but they can't know. Not yet. Please? Let me get through training, then we can tell them. I need a stable job first, just...just in case."

Jim pulled Sy to him and folded him into his chest. "You can stay with my mother and I. I'll take care of you." He tipped Sy's face up towards him so he could meet his eyes. "We'll keep it quiet for now, I promise. We don't have to tell anyone you don't want to. And when you're ready to take that step, I'll be right there beside you."

This time Sy was the one to kiss him.

AN: First kiss! Finally! On exactly page 300, after over 100k words, our first kiss! For my beloved readers, I hope that you enjoy it like I do. This has been a long time coming and I am absolutely thrilled I get to share it with you. Love you all!