When they woke up to Wesley's alarm clock they were in each other's arms.
Wesley turned and hit the snooze button and just laid there for a while.
"Morning." Josh said and gave him a kiss.
"Morning." he said smiling.
Then they got up and Wesley put his red and black uniform on smiling today and put his combadge on after.
He handed Josh a pair of them to wear.
"Thanks." he said smiling.
"No problem."
Then they had breakfast and stayed in his quarters and Wesley told him what he missed. Then he got to coming back and telling him what he started to do.
"Now after nine years I'm a night shift Lieutenant. But ever since I lost you I've been cutting myself which is where all those cuts and scars came from. So I work at the bridge after lunch. That way Captain can keep an eye on me."
Josh was shocked at what he just heard.
"You cut yourself just because you lost me?"
"I had already lost my dad and after losing you it got me. I was put on the Titan after I graduated and I cut myself even deeper remembering that day. I lost so much blood I missed both my bridge and engineering shift. Captain Riker thought I was getting some sleep so let me slide."
While he listened to what Wesley had done since that day he was shocked.
"Wes, why didn't you talk to someone about it?"
"I didn't want anyone to know about our relationship until Captain Riker and Councilor Troi's wedding. Then I told them, mom and Captain. When I started on the Titan I had nightmares of that day causing me to get no sleep and such. Captain Riker would keep mom and Captain in check on how I'm doing. He decided it would be better if I went back to the Enterprise after being raised there and the accident."
Josh nodded and gave him a kiss.
"Don't worry, you'll always have me. A whole week after your birthday."
Wesley nodded and smiled.
Then he looked at the clock and saw he was on his bridge shift in ten minutes.
"Alright, I have bridge in ten minutes. So I better go. You can come if you want. I'm sure Captain will think of something."
"Sure."
So they stood up and headed to the bridge.
While they did that they were holding hands and smiling.
When they got to the bridge everyone looked at them and were happy to see the old Wesley there.
"Lieutenant Crusher, Mr. Albert." Picard said smiling.
"Sir." Wesley said and headed to his usual place while Josh sat on the side.
Then he set it up.
"Where to Captain?"
"Warp 99." he said and Wesley got it all set. "Engage."
Then Wesley hit the button.
A few hours later Wesley was done and was given the week off so he could spend time with Josh.
They were in his quarters laying with each other now.
Wesley was leaning on his shoulder and Josh was rubbing his side.
Throughout the week they were with enough other full time. Wesley hadn't been cutting himself and promised to try and not do it. Everyone was relieved and happy about that.
Finally it was the day Josh was leaving and was saying good bye to Wesley.
Wesley was in his arms fighting tears.
"I don't want you to go." he said.
"I know you don't but I'll be back on your next birthday. And please try and find someone else. There are plenty of people here. And more to come as the years go on." Josh said. "And you can still talk to me."
Wesley started to calm down and nodded.
"I'll always be there and love you." Josh said then gave him one more kiss and was gone.
Wesley stood there trying not to cry.
Then he headed to his quarters and started crying.
An hour later he was falling asleep and thinking about what Josh said right before he left.
'I'll always be there and love you.'
Then he was fast asleep knowing he was right and looking forward to his next birthday.