"What?" Vinny got up from the floor. "What assignment?"

"He was placed with a group designated for shore duty."

"What?" Jim looked up. Shocked.

"Yes it was just decided." Killion explained. "Since David just graduated his last term they gave him an assignment. It came as a surprise to him too." He sat on his bed and became thoughtful. "Hopefully he'll be able to continue looking for a job here at the academy. But he leaves quite soon."

"How soon?" Jim got up off his feet. "When did you hear about this?"

"Just today. I-"

"Today? When do they leave?" Vinny cut off his friend.

"Within the next few days, I believe."

"Does he know what he'll be doing? Where he'll be? Is it nearby? You said he could continue schoolwork?" Vinny grilled Killion.

"Three years of shore leave is usually the standard. He'll get a lot of experience out there." Killion looked a bit sad. He was going to miss David too.

Jim's heart dropped. Three years was a long time. "He's- he's signed up for three years?"

Killion was interrupted by the door opening. It was David.

"Day." Jim took a step toward him. "Day- what did they tell you?"

"Yeah man," Vinny went right up to him. "What's this about assignment for three years? Where are you going?"

"First of all," David looked at his roommate with a small smile. "It's only a couple of months. Not three years."

Jim felt the tension leave his body. Thank the gods it wasn't three years. "Where are you going?" Jim caught David's eye. David met Jim in the middle of the room.

"Felwen. There's a military foothold there and that's where they want us to do our training."

"Will you be allowed to visit?"

"Probably not." He smiled sadly.

"Why now?" Killion asked. "Why you? You just finished the academy this year. Why the rush?"

"They thought it was time I guess." David put a hand on Jim's neck. "It's not forever. I'll be back before you know it."

"When are you leaving?" Jim swallowed.

"Day after tomorrow."

"Oh."

They all stood quietly waiting for the next person to speak. There was a knock on the door. Vinny opened it and let Warven and Heffren inside.

"Guys- I got put on assignment." Heffren smiled at the group. When he saw their disappointed faces he stopped. "Well, don't congratulate me all at once."

Vinny smiled and put a hand on Heffren's shoulder. "No man- that's great! We know you've been hoping to get picked." He looked back at the group. They all gave Heffren gentle smiles.

"Congrats." Jim offered.

"You'll do splendidly!" Killion nodded in approval.

"Why the long faces?" Warven sat on Jim's bunk. He watched David stroke his thumb over Jim's cheek. "You got picked." He frowned.

"Yeah, I did." David kissed Jim's forehead. Jim said to hell with his pride and embraced David.

"Aw Jim- it won't be too long." Warven offered.

"It'll be fine. Hell, David and Heffren will kick ass during assignment and have fun stories to tell us when they get back." Vinny tried looking at the positive.

"Yeah, I know." Jim and David looked at each other. "It's just a surprise."

"I know." David stroked Jim's hair out of his face.

"What if you guys have a date?" Warven smiled. "One big date night before David has to leave."

"Yeah you could have the dorm to yourselves and you could order some food and say it's for a birthday or something." Vinny chimed in.

"That's not a bad idea." David smiled gently and kissed Jim's forehead. "What do you think babe? Would that help?"

"I don't need all that. I just wanna be around you."

"Well you have me for the rest of the day today. And some of tomorrow." David kissed Jim before they both went to sit on Jim's bunk. "So Heffren-" David smiled at his friend. "Tell us about how you got asked on assignment."

--

When Jim was settling into bed next to David he thought about what Vinny said. He laid his head on the pillow and watched David's chest as he breathed. Maybe right now wasn't a good time. He was leaving, he had other things to think about. He put his hand to David's cheek and kissed him.

David's eyes opened. "Hey handsome."

"Day," Jim whispered. "I wish you didn't have to go."

"Me too."

"I'm just worried."

"You don't need to be. I'll be with other officers the whole time."

Jim scratched David's beard and cuddled close. "It'll be weird not sleeping with you."

"Something to look forward to when I come back."

"Yeah." Jim rested his head next to David's.

"I'll miss you." David whispered.

"I'll miss you too." Jim and David kissed each other gently. "Let's try to sleep."

"No matter what, I'll come back for you."

"I know." Jim smiled. "But if you don't- I'll come find you."

David smiled and rested his head against Jim's. "Goodnight love."

--

David shouldered his bag and sighed. His friends had walked him to the transport that would take him to his assignment. The leading Captain called that there were less than five minutes until take off.

"Well, this is it." David appeared confident and ready to go.

"You've got this." Vinny grinned.

"Let's go kick some ass!" Heffren slapped his shoulder.

David grinned and thanked them before looking at Jim. They couldn't kiss or even hug out in the open. But the look they shared was intimate enough. "I'll be seein' ya."

"You'll be hearing from us." Jim smiled gently. "Good luck."

David took a deep breath and turned to go. Jim watched him walk away. There was a knot in his chest. Warven put a hand on Jim's shoulder.

"He'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah." Jim watched David and Heffren disappear in to the transport. He and his friends turned to go back to the academy.

At first it was difficult. David's absence was felt by everyone. Jim couldn't sleep until he heard from David, and when he didn't he wouldn't sleep at all. He spent his free time doing extra curriculars.

He felt more isolated without David there. He'd smile and talk with his friends but he was quiet most of the time. He did his best not to act different at all. Just claiming that he was busy or thinking about his work.

David had made it to Felwen safely after two weeks of travel. He wasn't using his communicator as much since he said he'd arrived. Jim just focused on getting work done and staying out of trouble.

But Almrez had certainly heard the news. Sebna had also caught on to David's absence. But with the protection order in place he couldn't do anything. Almrez was, of course, the one to watch for. But Jim refused to take the harassment lying down. He would talk back, tell Almrez off and even have screaming matches with the alien. They were always pulled apart by other officers. Jim usually worse for wear.

"You pathetic freak." Almrez swung a fist at Jim. Jim backed away. "Stop avoiding me."

Jim blocked Almrez's punches and avoided being cornered. He hit Almrez's elbow and jumped onto his left side where he could hit his ribs.

"Oh no you don't!" Almrez grabbed Jim by the collar and slammed him to the ground. Jim hit his head hard against the concrete. His ears started ringing. Almrez put a knee on Jim's chest and punched him in the face.

Jim slammed his fist into Almrez's ankle and kneed him in the abdomen. Almrez's leg lifted slightly which gave Jim the access to grab his calf. He used his body to twist out from under Almrez. He gave the aliens calf a hard twist and rolled away into safety. On his feet he stumbled. That hit to the head was harder than he'd thought.

Almrez came at him with fists clenched. But someone called out to them as Jim blocked the punches with his arms.

"Hawkins! Uriratha!" The voice was stern. "What the hell are you two doing?"

"It's over, Almrez." Jim flinched as the alien landed another punch.

"Get my name out of your filthy mouth you fag!"

Jim backed away with his arms still raised in defense.

"Uriratha! Back up now!" The Lieutenant stopped at a safe distance.

The alien obeyed this time, but spat at the ground where Jim stood. The two of them had to file a report before they could be on their way.

--

Two months had passed since David left. There wasn't much news. A "hello" or an "I miss you" every once in a while. Jim just waited for David to message him- he didn't want to distract his partner from his work.

Warven tried talking about the fighting. "Jim- what the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Just leave it, War."

"David wouldn't leave it."

Jim sucked on his teeth. "Maybe not but get off my ass. I'm doing what I can."

"But you're in ankle deep with the disciplinary office now. You were completely in the clear when David was here." Warven looked to their friends for someone to agree. "I mean you've even stopped talking to us-"

"What?" Jim scoffed.

Warven backtracked. "I mean- you've been talking but you never say anything when this shit goes down. How are we supposed to help?"

"David was kinda the ringleader on keeping Almrez in line." Vinny admitted. "Which is no excuse. We should all-"

"Should what, Vin?" Jim snapped. "I'm doing fine."

"Look, Jim-"

"Do you all think you gotta babysit me?"

There was a collective sigh passed around the group.

"Jim for fuck's sake." Vinny leaned his head back. "Would you just stuff your pride for one damn second and think like us?"

Killion spoke up. "We do not enjoy watching you come back to the dorm with bruises. You are a dear friend and we are sickened by the way Almrez treats you."

"Wouldn't you want to help if it was one of us?"

Jim shook his head.

"Look, man. You've got a huge problem with Almrez. We just want to stand with you." Vinny leaned on the table.

"You let us help with Sebna. Let us help with -"

"Sebna?" A voice interrupted. "That's Jim's little boyfriend, right?" Almrez sneered.

Vinny got to his feet. "Get lost."

"Oh Vinny." Almrez crooned. "Don't you ever give up?"

"Just go away." Killion put his clawed hands on his hips and stood on his seat. "You've got no business here!"

Warven glared at the four eyed creature. "I'm getting Lieutenant Assure." He got up and walked to the entrance of the library.

"Warven's your errand boy now?" Almrez and Jim glared at one another. "Isn't that sweet? You spoiled fuck."

"Fuck off, Uriratha." Jim clenched his teeth.

"But this is so fun!" Almrez pouted. "Just knowing I get the opportunity to fight you gets my heart pumping. There's nothing I enjoy more than putting you in your place."

"I'm not fighting you today." Jim turned away. "You might as well just go."

Almrez approached Jim's side of the table and grinned. "You all trying to tell me off is so cute. I don't mind going through your friends to get to you, Hawkins. It'll make kicking your ass that much sweeter."

"You wait until David gets back-" Killion started.

"Mogtrevo? He's never even thrown a punch."

"He doesn't have to." Jim smiled. "You're scared of him."

Almrez frowned. "He knows I'm not."

"Well you're scared of his father at least." Killion pointed out. "He'll set you strait and that's for certain."

"And he'll put a stop to all this bullshit if he finds out you're hindering David's experience. You'll be banished from here. And no amount of string pulling will ever get you back in." Vinny smiled wickedly.

"Well I bet the same will happen to Jim. Once David's father finds out his son's best friend is a faggot. How could he ever live it down? A nice country boy like Davey, friends with a pathetic bitch."

"I'm not afraid of you either." Jim stared without blinking.

"I'll make you wish you were never born, twink." Almrez had a grin filled with dirty, sharp teeth. "You expose me to his dad? You'll get the brunt of it too."

"Officer Uriratha." A voice interrupted. The tall alien backed up from Jim. "Aren't you aware you have an order to stay away from Officer Hawkins?"

"Yes, Lieutenant." Almrez walked out of the library.

"Officer! I'm not finished with you." The Lieutenant followed the scoundrel out into the hall.

"When do we graduate again?" Jim rubbed his temple.

"Not for a few more years, I'm afraid." Killion sat back down.

Jim felt his pocket vibrate. It was his communicator! Maybe it was David! Finally. He pulled it out and looked at the message. It was David alright. Jim started smiling until he read the message.

David: Hey babe. Don't panic..

"Oh no." Jim opened the message. His heart started racing which made his head pound even more. After reading the message he got to his feet. "Guys we gotta go."

"What's the matter?" Killion looked up. Vinny and Warven got to their feet.

"Day's in the hospital." Jim picked up his things and headed for the door.

"Oh gods!" Vinny followed close behind. "Here or at Felwen?"

"They just transferred him here." The group of friends hussled to their commander's office. When they arrived they all crowded around the door. Jim knocked.

"Come in." A voice called.

They all filed in and stood before the desk. Jim explained the situation and asked if they could have permission to visit David. It was granted and soon they were on their way to the hospital.

--

David laid in his hospital bed, going in and out of consciousness. He way propped up at an angle with pillows supporting his right arm. The medicine he was on helped with the pain but it made it impossible to stay awake. He tried forcing his eyes open to stare at the ceiling. His eyes were too droopy to commit.

He heard someone come in. The nurse probably. They were wheeling a cart. David peered at the person and saw his nurse adding something to the IV bag.

"No more." He lifted his hand. "I need to- to stay awake."

"Oh no you don't." The nurse said gently. "You need to sleep a lot so your body can rest."

"But I'm waiting- for someone." He groaned from pain as he breathed in.

"I'm sure they won't mind waiting til you're up." He heard her cart start wheeling away. "Oh, hello." David heard her say. "He's in and out of consciousness right now. If he falls asleep leave him be and you can come back later."

"Wait-" David whispered. He was suddenly very thirsty. "Whoisit?" He grumbled. He thought he heard Jim's voice. He smiled. "Jim?"

"Day!" The voice got closer. And he could hear people shuffling into the room. He squinted to try and see. "Day." Someone grabbed his left hand. He could make out Jim's outline. After forcing his eyes open as far as they could, he saw Jim.

"Jim." He smiled and laid his head back. "I knew- you'd come."

"Of course. We're all here."

"Hey buddy." Vinny's voice.

"What happened? You look like you're gonna vomit."

"Killion, don't say that!" Jim scolded. "What happened Day?"

"Don' worry 'bout it." David smiled. "And Kil- I'm so drugged right now I couldn't vomit- if I wanted to." He laughed which caused pain to shoot through his back.

"Day? Where does it hurt? What happened?"

"It's fine honey," David yawned.

"Looks like it banged up your shoulder." Vinny observed after looking at his right arm.

David took a deep breath. He winced from pain.

"I'm getting the nurse." Jim walked out into the hallway.

"Jim? No-" David groggily reached for him.

"So what happened? How'd you get hit?" Vinny asked.

"I tol' you. Don' worry 'bout it." David rested against his pillow. Finding it impossible to keep his eyes open. "What're you doin here anyhow?" He mumbled.

Jim came back with the nurse. "All right gentlemen. He needs to rest now. You can come back later when he's more awake."

Jim walked to David's side and took his hand. "I love you." He whispered. David smiled. "We'll be back."

David got some heavy sleep thanks to the meds he was on. It was about 5 hours before Jim and the others returned. They were sitting in various chairs around David's bed. Killion had a magazine to read and Vinny was messing around with a medicine ball doing squats. Warven was looking between the friends and occasionally checking on Jim. Who was sitting dutifully by David's side. He was looking at David's face and almost jumped when his partner started stirring.

David's eyes were squinting at the light in the hospital room. Fluorescents that he could see behind his eyelids. He blinked and saw Jim. David smiled and took a breath to speak. But the pain caused him to wince and take short shallow breaths.

"Day, relax. Relax like you're going to sleep. You're making your muscles tense up." He watched David take slower deeper breaths. "There." Jim smiled gently. "Need me to get the nurse?" David nodded slightly. "I'll be right back."

"No, Jim. I got it." Warven offered and got to his feet.

"Thank you." Jim nodded. He turned back to David. "When are you allowed to come home?"

"His chart says a few weeks." Killion observed the chart at the foot of the bed.

"Well then, I'll try to come every day and bring your school work how's that?" Jim took David's hand.

David opened his mouth to speak. He squeezed Jim's hand. "Jim I've been here for a bit already. They might let me go sooner than you think."

"How long have you been here?" Jim's brow creased.

The nurse came in with a small cart. "All right David what's your pain from one to ten? Ten being the worst."

"It's an eight." David leaned against his pillow. He used the machine on the side of his bed to prop him sitting up. "And I'm really just sore."

"All right lemme take a look. Excuse me gentlemen." The nurse came around to David's right side and helped him turn his back to her. "Hmm..where is the soreness mostly?" She put her hand gently around the wound.

"At the top and the bottom of the cut." David explained. "It's just pulling the skin and the wound itself is just throbbing gently."

"Hmm. All right I'll get you some salve and I'm gonna give you some meds. We're taking you off the IV today isn't that exciting? Doc said your out of the red zone!" She took something off her cart.

David squeezed Jim's hand in warning. He was about to squeeze it very hard.

"I'm gonna be super gentle but you tell me if it hurts okay?" The nurse warned David before she started lathering his cut in a salve. David grit his teeth and squeezed Jim's hand. The salve did miracles but it stung like crazy on his raw flesh. The cut when down past his first layer of back muscles, making movement nearly impossible for him. His whole back was affected but mostly his right side. David took shallow breaths and tried not to tense up. When it was over the nurse put a fresh clean linen strip over the wound. She let him lay back against the bed again and pulled out some pills for him to take. "And just so you boys know, it's dinner time. You can get something from the cafeteria if you'd like to share dinner with David." She left with a smile.

With the IV gone the boys didn't have to worry about any wires they could trip on. And Jim didn't worry about getting out of his seat all the time for someone needing Day's arm for something. Within two weeks he was in physical therapy. Jim visited every day. And they caught up about how Jim's time at the academy was wrapping up.

"It doesn't feel like I've only got a year left."

"Less than that."

Jim leaned back in his chair. "Well, at least we might get paired on the same assignments. Since you're injured they won't let you back on big missions til you're fully healed."

"Just means I get to bug you longer." David smiled.

"Yeah."

"I do wish I was allowed to stay in the dorm, though." David stretched his shoulder. "More fun there than here all alone." He pouted.

"I know." Jim smirked. "The dorm feels lonely without you."

"I'm sorry babe." David whispered.

The two of them enjoyed each other's company for a few hours. By the time David's PT session was starting Jim had to go home. He went back to the dorm and climbed into bed. He hugged David's pillow in his bunk and fell asleep.