Chapter 18

"Can we go somewhere quiet?" Howie asked, not wanting to have this particular conversation in the hotel parking lot.
"Sure" Zack said as he started the car and pulled out onto the street, headed to his old apartment, which Hodgins said they could use until the house was ready later in the month.
The ride was silent; both were thinking about what the other was going to say. When they got to the apartment and settled down with coffee in hand, Howie started his story.

Flashback Howie's point of view

the next six weeks are going to be agony. Leaving Zack again was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It feels like I've only just found him, and now I'm back in Iraq, far away from the love of my life. I'm just glad that he will be safe from Tommy; I still can't get over that my Zack went through all that before he left high school.
Suddenly, a violent bounce and the sound of grinding metal snap me out of my thoughts, as another car rams the back of mine. The impact sends me
down the embankment, as I'm tossed around the vehicle like a rag doll. Dazed, it took me several moments to gather my wits about me. I tried to move, but my legs were pinned in the vehicle. I was vaguely aware of another person trying to drag me out of the vehicle, but as he pulled, white hot pain abruptly flooded my senses and I passed out.
I woke up tied to a bed which caused my legs to hurt even more and I passed
out again. When I come to again, I'm in a hospital with my legs encased in plaster and no recollection of how I'd gotten there.

End flashback

"It turns out that Jimmy got hold of Booth, and he and the NCIS got me out, shot Tommy, and rescued me. And now I am on medical leave until my casts are removed, then I have to go and finish my tour" Howie said as he wiped Zack's tears.

"I know you have to go, but it's not fair. I only just got you back." Zack said as he realized that Howie would be leaving again soon.
"I know, Baby. I hate it as well, but I need those six weeks done before I can retire, or they will call me up again" Howie replied; he hated leaving Zack, but there was no way around it.
"How long till you go back after the cast's come off" Zack asked; he didn't want to know the answer, but the question had to be asked.
"Two weeks" Howie whispered. It was such a short time.
"Oh" Zack sighed as he took it all in. He felt the tears fall freely.
Howie did the only thing he could think of and hugged Zack close to him, letting the younger man cry on his shoulder. He shed a few tears as well.
Soon they were both cried out, so they silently went to bed and fell asleep in each others' arms.
The next morning Howie woke first and watched Zack sleep, letting the young
scientists features sink in to his memory so he would never forget them.
"I'm taking you to the airport and I'm planning for someone to pick
you up at the other end" Zack said sleepily, and Howie laughed knowing that they would be all right now Zack had accepted things and was making jokes about it.
"Yes, dear" Howie said as he pulled the younger man on top of him, mindful
of his legs, and started to kiss him. He had missed Zack and was worried that the young man finding out the truth or their relationship would change things, and it had, for the better.