Flashback. Zack's point of view
I had to leave, they made me. I just didn't fit in there. If it
weren't for Howie, I have no doubt I would have been shipped back weeks before my
actual departure. I couldn't believe that such an important man would want to spend time with
me. I knew he would be coming by in a bit, so I hurriedly started packing. I
didn't want to it with him there.

An hour later, Howie arrived and asked why I was packing, so I told him. He
looked upset that I was leaving, but he looked even more upset that I
berated
myself in front of him.

"Is that what you really think, Zackaroni?" he asked. He had devised the
nickname when he noticed that all I ever ate from the mess hall was macaroni
cheese.

"Howie, look at me. I have no social skills to speak of, I hide in my
tent, the lab or even the mess tent. The only person I classify as a friend is
you, and you have your own life." I said, getting emotional at the thought of
alienating the only friend I had managed to make while in Iraq.



The next thing that Howie did, shocked me; he kissed me. And I don't mean
on the cheek, he kissed me full on the lips. He kept kissing me with a gentle
force that made me weak at the knees. We moved toward the camp bed where I had slept
the last 3 weeks, Howie leaning over me as I lay on my back. He looked deep
into my eyes, penetrating my soul, making me feel loved and special.

When I woke an hour later, I was in Howie's arms; they felt so strong
against my slight frame. I didn't want to leave him but my flight was in an
hour. I dressed quickly, and before I left I whispered in his ear.

"I love you Howie. If you're ever in Washington DC area, come to the
Jeffersonion and look me up." I kissed him and hurried towards the door.
As I exited the tent, I gave one last look towards the form of my sleeping
lover, my heart aching like never before.

I cried all the way back to the United States. Upon landing, instead of going
back to my apartment, I went to work in hopes of getting my mind off the
incredible English man that I had just left. I feared for his safety, in that
war torn country. I just hoped he would be okay and that I would hear from
him soon.