Jim's alarm jolted him awake far too early the next morning. Everything was dark except the soft glow of electronics. He smelled soap. Something soft and warm occupied his bed beside him. Jim blinked as he tried to clear his mind of his sleepy haze and recall what was happening.
Sy curled deeper into Jim's arms.
That was right. Sy was here. Jim couldn't hide his smile. He pulled his friend a little closer to him. "Sy, I have to get the alarm." he whispered softly.
Sy moaned but otherwise ignored Jim's words.
Jim laughed. "Sy, c'mon, the alarm's annoying. You have to let go of my arm."
Reluctantly, Sy released his grip on Jim's limb. Jim pushed himself up far enough to lean over Sy and hit the snooze button. He flopped back down and pulled him close once more. "We've got ten more minutes," he murmured.
Sy sighed happily and nestled in once more. Jim kissed the top of his head lightly and drew him against his chest. He closed his eyes and let himself relish the moment. This was what he wanted. He wanted to hold Sy like this every night, to keep him close and safe.
He wanted more.
He wanted answers to the question that had hit him so hard yesterday. Had he imagined it? Was this what Sy wanted too? What if he was the only one that felt that way? What if Sy had just needed a hug yesterday and he'd pressed too many of his own feelings into the moment?
What if he said something and Sy wanted nothing more to do with him.
It had taken almost a month for him to work up the courage to ask Matt out. Braxton had almost pulverized him when he'd heard. Jim had been interrogated for what felt like hours, even after pointing out that he'd received a rejection. Braxton could be insanely protective of his friends. Jim didn't want to put Sy through that.
Jim sighed and nestled his face into Sy's soft hair. He smelled clean and pure. Jim felt like he could lay there forever. Nothing had ever felt so right before.
When the alarm went off again Sy was more willing to let Jim up to turn it off. Both boys sat up, stretching and adjusting to having spent all night in cramped quarters. Sy couldn't look at Jim. He fidgeted with the hem of his nightshirt and kept his eyes glued to the ground.
Jim slipped past him off the bed. He gathered up a clean undershirt and pair of underwear and dropped them on his shower caddy. He slid out another drawer to see if he still had a clean uniform. He'd been excited enough about the missions that he'd forgotten to get his laundry in that weekend. Thankfully he had one pair of pants left. He could reuse a jacket for the day.
"Thank you." The soft words came as a surprise. Jim glanced over his shoulder. Sy was still seated on the bed, but he had raised his eyes to look at Jim. Quietly Sy continued. "I know I was imposing last night, so thank you. I hadn't thought I'd get any sleep at all."
Jim walked over and pulled Sy against his chest again. "You have nothing to apologize for. Friends help each other out, no matter what it is they need. You're welcome here any time. I promise."
Sy nodded against him. For a moment he wrapped his arms around Jim and squeezed him tightly. Just as quickly he pulled away again. "I should get to my room before anyone realizes."
Jim stepped back. "I'll check if the coast is clear. Leave your pillow here, we'll move it when there's less people in the halls. No one will think twice about you out in your pajamas, just look tired and act like you're on your way back from the bathrooms."
Sy stood up and drew in a deep breath. "Alright. Thank you again."
Jim flashed him a smile. He hit the button to open his door and popped his head out. One of his hallmates gave him a sleepy wave and stepped into his own room. Jim waited until the door was shut before signaling for Sy.
Sy slipped out quickly. "I'll see you at breakfast," he whispered. The next moment he was gone, already up the hall and swiftly out of sight.