"Shoo, be gone, get out," Braxton laughed as he chased his friends out of his bedroom. "Before I get in trouble for you lot hanging around after curfew."

"'You lot'?" Matt questioned, trying hard not to laugh. "Gee thanks!"

Jim wrapped his arm around Sy's shoulders as they stepped out of Braxton's room. "Yeah, yeah, we're leaving. Good night Matt, 628. Later Braxton."

As the group separated Jim guided Sy down a hall away from prying ears. The younger boy glanced up at him trustingly. "Jim?"

Jim glanced over his shoulders to be certain no one was around. "Are you staying with me again tonight?"

"Do you mind?"

Jim shook his head. "Your pillow's still in my room, so it works just as well, right? Go get changed. You've got seven minutes, can you be back by then?"

Sy nodded quickly. "Yeah. That'll be enough time. Thank you, Jim."

Jim shrugged and gave him a small smile. "Hey, it's what friends are for, right? You can stay as long as you need. I will always keep you safe."

Sy squeezed him tightly before they parted. "I know you will. I trust you."

Jim couldn't help the grin that covered his face as Sy headed down the hallway. "Just wait for Sunday," he promised his retreating form in a whisper. "I swear to you, after Sunday, I'm going to make you as happy as I possibly can. Everything I do will be for you."

Feeling lighter than he ever had, Jim made his way back to his room. Swiftly he changed into his pajamas before Sy could get back. He grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste from the caddy on his desk. Jim hit the button to step out, then paused. After a second he stepped back from the door and snagged his tablet.

After he had tapped out a quick message for Sy, Jim slid his badge into one of his boots. He set the pair of them just outside of his door and headed for the bathroom. The two minutes it took to brush his teeth, and the extra minute and a half to take care of other needs, had never felt so long before.

More than anything he wanted to sprint back to his bedroom, but that would only draw unwanted attention. The last thing he needed was to make people aware that something unusual was happening. Deep breaths. Just take deep breaths and go slow.

Jim's boots still sat in the hall by his door. He scooped them up and shoved his hand inside. His badge met his fingers exactly where he left it. Jim scanned himself into his room.

Sy looked up and flashed him a heart melting smile.

"Thanks for leaving the badge for me." Sy settled on his knees at the foot of Jim's bed. "I just have to pray, then I'll be ready for bed. You can turn the light off if you want."

Jim smiled and flicked off the lights. He settled comfortably under his covers and readjusted the pillows so Sy's wasn't hanging off so far. A couple minutes later and the bed dipped as Sy laid down beside him. Jim draped his arm over him and pulled him close. Sy tucked his face under Jim's chin and moments later was asleep. Jim followed shortly after.