"And we are back in hell," Justin mumbled getting off the plane. 
"Now all we need is coconut drinks with the little umbrellas." Someone said behind him. 
"But then we wouldn't be in hell," Justin countered fixing his gear.
"No, but it would make hell a better of a place."
"Christopher, you know as well as I do that nothing can make this place better."
"Maybe some buckets and shovels. Then we can play with all the sand," Chris said trying to lighten the situation.
"The sandbox sure does have lots of sand."
"Too bad there's no water and hot babes in barely there swimsuits." 
"That's all for you dude."
"Ok we can add some dudes in speedos." 
"Mmm...that's more like it," Justin said in appreciation.
"Maybe you'll find a nice dude here. There are plenty of fish in the sand. Not enough babes though."
"Not enough dudes that appreciate other dudes, man. We all know this."
Justin buckled one more strap as Chris did. He looked at the rest of their team. They were all ready. Walking to the Humvee, they all got on and made the long trek out further in the desert. 

"Hey Doc we got another with heat stroke." A medic called helping a marine to a bed. 
"Alright, I'll be right there. Get him set up with an IV."
Jc finished with the marine he was stitching up, then sent him on his way. 
If there was one thing he had learned over his last ten years being a surgeon out here was that these men were anxious to get back out there. None of them liked coming to the aid station. 
"You are all set," he said taking his gloves off. 
"Thanks Doc." The marine said jumping down.
"Stay away from those falling beams."
The marine laughed. "I'll try Doc." 
Jc smiled and pushed him out of the tent. Then headed towards the marine that had been brought in. 

"There's a Battalion Aid Station out here now," Chad said sitting on the bunk across from Justin. 
"About damn time," Justin said unpacking his pack. 
"Oh there ya go, J. Maybe you can get a hot new doc to look at you," Chris grinned. 
"Is your whole new mission in life to get me a man?"
"No. Only to get you laid."
Justin shook his head and Chad laughed. 
"It's glad to have you two back here. I'll let you guys unpack. See you in a bit," Chad said clapping them on their backs. 
Unpacking their packs Justin and Chris grabbed their guns and went out for a meeting with the rest of the team. They went over what they would be doing for the next few months. 
Since the over-throw of Saddam Hussein, for the next few months their new mission was to assist the Iraqi Army in ridding the area of its Al Queda terrorists and building trust and respect between the collation forces and the local people. It was going to be a challenge and Justin and Chris looked at each other, knowing too many of their guys and themselves included could either die or seriously get hurt.
They were apart of the special forces. Justin, was the Gunnery Sergeant and Operations Chief of the team and Chris was their Staff Sergeant and Element leader. They had their jobs and focused diligently on their mission at hand. 

Justin spotted the Battalion Aid Station. It made him shake his head. The tent was nothing. How doctors and nurses took care of the wounded he would never understand. They had a hard job. 
"Lets go check it out," Chris said motioned. 
"Alright." 
Walking over to the tent they entered. 
"You two alright?" Jc asked when that came in. 
"Yea Doc just making sure everything is good here," Chris said smiling at him. 
"All good," Jc said returning the smiling. 
Justin looked around and noticed the tent was pretty full. Not only with marines but locals. 
"You are busy," he said continuing to look around. 
"Yes, there was an IED explosion yesterday." 
Justin's gazed quickly went to the Doctors. Jc blinked and looked into Justin's blues. Justin was taken back by the silver blues that were looking at him. Wow! His heart skipped a beat. 
"You must be the new Gunnery. I'm Lieutenant Doctor Chasez," he said extending his hand to Justin.
He accepted his hand and felt a rush of excitement. "I'm Lieutenant Timberlake, the new Gunnery," he said with a smile. 
"Nice to meet you."
"Staff Sergeant Kirkpatrick," Chris introduced himself shaking his hand.  
"How have things been around here?" Justin asked.
Jc sighed and shook his head. "Not good. There's been multiple IEDs everyday. I hope your team can make a difference. I'm starting to run out of supplies."
"Are they suppose to bring more soon?" Chris asked.
"Hopefully in the next two days. But you know how things work," he said with a small smile.
"We'll make sure of it Lieutenant." Justin said.
"Need some water?" Jc asked motioning them to follow.
"Sure, we'll take some," Chris said said following. 
After getting a drink and talking a little more Chris and Justin made their way out. Jc walked them out of the tent. He stood there looking around. 
"Be safe," he said watching them start to walk away. 
Justin took one last look at Jc. He blushed when he was caught by Jc's blues. But Jc smiled and headed back into the tent. 
"You have the hots for him."
"I do not," Justin shot at Chris. 
"I saw the way you looked at him. It was the same look you gave the guy in the club before we left."
"You, Kirkpatrick are full of it." 
"Oh one of us will be full of something by the end of this tour."
"You're a sick pervert," Justin said pushing him. 
"Just looking out for you man." 
"You're suppose to be watching out for my back, not my ass." 
"Yea, but when the ass is happy, the man is happy."
"Dear god," Justin groaned shaking his head.
Chris just grinned. They headed back to base camp to relocate and meet with the rest of the team. 

As weeks went on things weren't getting easier for either of the teams. Many times, Justin would end up bringing one of his men to the aid station. And every time he saw Jc, something inside of him got excited. Jc would always show his beautiful smile and his heart would go into double time. 
One night him and Chris were doing their rounds around the aid station. Chris noticed Jc sitting outside the tent holding his head. 
"Hey," he said nudging Justin. 
"I should make sure he's alright." 
"You should" Chris said smiling. "Ask him if he needs an ass."
"Chris shut up," Justin spat, but smiling. 
Justin made his way over to the Doctor. "Lieutenant, you ok?" 
Jc looked up and blinked a few times. When he realized it was Justin he smiled big. Sensing it was ok, Justin sat down next to him. 
"Ever think you've had enough?" Jc asked. 
"Yes and no. You?"
"Yes, but then the wounded comes in and my mind set changes." 
Justin nodded his head.
"Some times I just wish there was somewhere to breath. You know, that pure nature, just after it rained air." 
A smile crept to Justin lips. "Yea, I wish that too." 
Jc rubbed his face again. "Do you mind sitting here for a minute with me? I just need a minute." He laid his head on Justin's shoulder and closed his eyes. He was so tired. 
Justin swore in his mind as his heart raced up in his throat. He could deny to Chris all he wanted that he didn't have feelings for this man, but he couldn't deny it to himself. Then a realization hit him.
"Hey, Lieutenant?"
"Yes?"
Justin chuckled. "Mind if I ask what your first name is?"
Jc laughed a little, realizing the same thing Justin had. They didn't even know each others first names.
"It's Josh. But most everyone calls me Jc."
"I like Josh. Why Jc?"
"My initials. As a kid I was in something that there was another Josh and everyone kept getting us confused, so mine just got shortened. It stuck."
"What do you prefer?"
"Either one is fine. I get called both. Mainly Jc around here though. Family mostly calls me Josh."
Justin nodded in understanding. He liked having him rest on his shoulder. 
"Mind if I ask your name?" Jc said smiling.
"Justin."
"Justin," Jc whispered, like he was trying it on for size. "You look like a Justin."
"I hope so since I'm pretty stuck with it," he said with a laugh.
Justin caught Chris's stare from across the road and he ignored it. The look was telling him Chris knew he had been right all along. He felt a small poof of air on his neck singling the older man had fallen asleep. Justin sat still, watching the horizon and keeping a watchful eye. Few short minutes later, Jc jerked awake and sat up straight up. 
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, I don't mind. You should go in and lay down." 
Jc looked at his watch. "I can't. I need to check on my patients. You probably need to get back on your post."
"Yes I should." 
Jc stood up and stretched. "Thank you for the shoulder."
"Not a problem," Justin said standing up. 
"Stay safe," Jc called before walking back in the tent. 
"Always try. You too."
Justin walked back over to where Chris was standing.
"Well hello there Gunnery Sergeant Timberlake," Chris greeted him with a big smile. 
"Oh fuck off Staff Sergeant Kirkpatrick," he replied mockingly. 
Chris snickered. They started walking, continuing the rounds as the day sky turned into the night sky.
"So, what's did you talk about? How fine his ass is and how much you want to stick your...Ouch!" 
Justin punched him in the arm, using all of his force and sending Chris almost all the way over. 
"What was that for?" He exclaimed. 
"You're lucky I used my fist instead of my gun."
"Aww, I'm just picking on you. I do it out of love."
"Yea sure."
"So you think there's something there?"
"Chris we just met."
"A few weeks ago," Chris stated. 
"I just learned his first name." 
"Oh it's started," Chris said giggling. 
"I'm going to kill you."
"No you won't you fucking love me man and if I were gay we would be fucking like jack rabbits." 
Justin only shook his head and continued walking. They finished their rounds and made it back to base camp. 
Their day was done. They would have a few hours to sleep, so they took advantage of every minute they could. Justin laid in his bunk and thought about Jc. He smiled at the how the night had gone. It had been completely innocent, but very comfortable. 
The next few nights were the same. Jc would be sitting outside the tent and Justin would sit by him. Sometimes they would talk some times he was a shoulder. Every night they started learning more about each other. And both men looked forward to nights so they could have this time together. 

A few days passed when Jc was sitting outside a little earlier in the evening than he usually had been. It had been a quiet day. All of the soldiers who had been seriously injured had gotten picked up today to be brought back to the states. They had no more patients as all of the soldiers who had minor injuries were back at camp.
Jc sat looking on as the sun set when his friend and fellow surgeon sat next to him.
"Can I ask you something Jc?" Devon asked. 
"Of course."
"Don't get mad at me or anything. I'm just trying to be a friend."
Jc turned and looked at him. 
"You have feelings for the Gunnery?"
"That's pretty bold," he said glaring at him. 
"Hey I said you couldn't get mad."
Jc took a deep breath. "I don't know Devon." 
"You come out here every night and he comes and sits with you. There's got to be something."
"We are in the desert. We find great company in each other. He's a good listener."
Devon saw Justin starting to walk up. He stood up and looked back down at Jc. "Just be careful Jc. Things we can't control happen here. We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow." He looked at Justin and smiled then headed back into the tent. 
Jc watched Devon leave then watched as Justin came closer. It would have been easy to say that he didn't feel anything for Justin or that he hadn't considered what could happen out here, but the truth was he did feel something towards Justin and he had considered what could happen to either one of them every second of every day. 
"Hey Josh," Justin said sitting down.  He smiled and gave him a nudge on his arm. "You're out here early tonight. You're not normally out until our way back to camp."
"Slow night," Jc whispered. 
"That's always a good thing."
"Very good thing, but shh don't say anymore about it or something will happen." 
Justin traced his fingers across his lips. "Won't say a word," he said laughing. 
"Good," Jc said laying his head on Justin's shoulder. "You probably won't get to stay long will you?"
"Not until I finished our rounds."
"I can ask you something?" Jc said quietly slowly moving his fingers over Justin's. 
"Of course," Justin said grasping Jc's hand into his. 
"Do you think me and you could be together?" 
Justin was surprised by his question, but before he could give Jc the wrong impression, he answered. 
"I think so. I would like to try at least," he added nervously. "What do you think?"
"I would like that too Justin."
Justin's smile matched Jc's.
"Come on J. Gotta get going," Chris called. 
Justin squeezed his hand and sighed. "I'll come back by later."
"Alright.  Stay safe."
"Always try. You too," Justin replied like he did every time. 
With one last squeeze of his hand, Justin stood up and walked over to meet Chris. Jc watched them disappear then walked back into the tent. He couldn't believe he had asked Justin if they could be together. He pounded his forehead with his hand. Are you stupid Chasez?  He did say they would try. God are you mad?! You work in the desert during a war. How could anything happen? Shaking his head again, Jc went back to work. 

Later that evening Jc sat back down in front of the tent. His mind had been going over what he had asked Justin. And he was freaking out about it. He never felt Justin sit down next to him. 
"Josh." 
Jc quickly looked up and before he could stop he blurted out. "I'm so sorry for what I asked earlier. It was dumb and blunt." 
Justin didn't care if anyone saw, he just let his emotions take over. Pushing forward, Justin crushed his lips to Jc's. He explored the older man's lips. They were soft and tasted like peppermint. He felt Jc kiss him back. Gaining confidence, Justin deepened their kiss. 
When they finally pulled away, they both struggled to catch their breath.
"It wasn't dumb or blunt. It was smart and brave. More than I am. I've been wanting to say something for a long time," Justin told him.
He put his hand on Jc's cheek and explored his eyes more. 
Jc smiled and felt his heart beat heavy against his chest. "I've wondered what it would feel like to kiss you."
"And what you think?" Justin said smiling. 
"Wish I could do it all night."
"Me too," Justin replied kissing him again. He looked around and saw Chris. He knew his friend had a giant smile on his face. "I have to go."
"Alright."
"I'll see you tomorrow." 
Justin stood up and walked away, smiling at Jc one more time.
"Stay safe," Jc called.
"Always try. You too."
Jc grinned as he watched Justin leave. He stood up and walked back in the tent and started cleaning up for the night.
"Look at you, bad boy!" Chris exclaimed when Justin was close enough.
All Justin could do was laugh and blush a little. "Shut up Chris."
"So when are you going to get hot and heavy?"
"Is that all you think about?"
"I'm male, aren't I? Don't we think about sex every two seconds of the day? Plus then I can masturbate while I watch you two."
"Oh my god Chris," Justin exclaimed.
"A straight guy has to get off too." 
"If we do get hot and heavy you will not be any where near us."
"Aww how come on, that's not fait I'm your best friend I have to make sure he treats you right."
"I can take care of myself. I don't need you there making sure he puts it in the right way."
"You might."
"You're not going to watch so get it out of your head."
"When are you going to admit that I was right about you two?" Chris asked. 
"Never. I won't give you that satisfaction," Justin said with an evil smile. 
Chris grinned wide knowing Justin just admitted it. They walked back to base camp, ending their shift.
Over the next few weeks Justin and Jc got to know each other more. The fighting had died down slighting, giving them both more down time. It was comforting to both of them when they could sit together. 
Often times when they could get away they would meet behind the tent and kiss softly. Neither of them could ever get enough of each other. 
"I could get use to doing this," Jc said in between kisses. 
"We can do it as much as you want," Justin replied, kissing the side of his mouth.
He let his kisses travel to his cheek, then moved lower until he was kissing Jc's neck slowly. He had his arms wrapped tightly around Jc's waist. Justin sucked lightly at his skin, smiling when he heard the effect he was having on Jc.
"Jus...Justin," Jc slightly moaned. 
"You like that?" Justin asked, breathing his hot breath on his ear. 
"Yes," Jc sighed. 
Justin went back to his neck slowly kissed and biting. 
"God I want you," Jc moaned.
He let his hand slowly move down Justin's body until he landed on the hardening bulge. 
Justin moaned into Jc's neck and pushed his hips into Jc's hand. He felt Jc unbutton his pants and slip his hand down his briefs. His finger tip ran over the slit, making Justin's hip fly forward.
"Shit Josh."
Jc smiled and lowered himself to the ground. Justin looked down at him and felt his air leave his lungs. Holy hell. Pulling the hot member from Justin's pants, Jc licked at the head softly. Then he quickly engulfed it. Justin's head fell back and his mouth opened. 
"Yes," Justin groaned. 
Jc worked the hard shaft slowly. His hand held the base pumping it in the rhythm of his mouth. 
"Don't stop." 
Working his mouth faster Jc savored the feeling of Justin in his mouth. He enjoyed it. He loved hearing the moans that escaped Justin's throat and the look of pure pleasure on his face when he pulled him all the way into his mouth. 
"Ah fuck!" Justin exclaimed, his body jerking in pleasure as he let himself go. 
Jc sucked hard, milking the cum out and swallowing the tastiness. Jc kissed his head, then ran his tongue around the tip until he cleaned him of all his stickiness. 
Kissing his way up his body, Jc met Justin's lips in a deep kiss. He smiled against him when he felt Justin's breathing was shallow and his heart rate was up. 
"God, Josh," Justin mumbled.
"You taste good."
Justin could taste himself on Jc's tongue. 
"Are you hard for me?" Justin whispered.
"So hard," Jc moaned, rubbing his hardness on Justin's thigh.
As he kissed Jc hard, his hands worked on Jc's pants. Pushing them down, Justin wrapped his hand around the base of his cock. He licked his lips at the sight of Jc.
Jc placed his hands on Justin's buzzed head and pushed him onto him. 
Justin took Jc in his mouth, letting him hit the back of his throat. Jc moaned in pleasure. He wasn't concerned if anyone heard him, just only the pleasure Justin was causing to rush through his body and pulse through his cock. 
"Yes, that's it. Right there."
Justin's tongue circled his slit, tasting his precum, then running his tongue on the underside of his shaft. He felt Jc shudder. He held Jc's hips so his legs wouldn't give out on him.
"Justin...not going to last."
"Give it to me baby."
Jc groaned, letting his head fall back. Justin pumped his cock fast, pulling at it as he sucked on his balls.
"Lieutenant, need your help in here. We have a local with burns," Devon called from inside the tent.
"Fuck," Jc cursed. "Harder J. Faster. Got to go."
Justin opened his mouth and took all of Jc in his hot wet mouth and sucked. He pulled off of him slowly, letting his teeth graze the skin softly and he knew that had done it. Jc thrust his hips and let go. Hot streams of cum filled Justin's mouth. He drank it quickly, letting Jc's body come down from his orgasm. 
Pulling off, Justin tucked him back into his pants and fixed his belt before standing up and meet Jc's eyes.
"Shit. Thank you," Jc said kissing Justin's lips. 
"Get to work, fine ass," Justin replied smirking. "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Jc smirked back, kissing him one more time. 
Justin watched him walk back into the tent and go back to work. 
Justin went to the base and laid on cot smiling. 
"You two had sex didn't you?" Chris said walking up. 
"No," Justin replied, not opening his eyes. 
"Oh he gave you a blow job?" Chris said clapping his hands together. 
"Don't you have a job to do?"
"He did! Dish dude?"
Justin eyes opened. "I am not telling you anything."
"So he was good." 
"Seriously I need a new best friend." 
"No you don't I'm the best that there is."
"I'm fucked then," Justin teased. 
"We're both fucked. So in all seriousness you think this relationship will go far?"
Justin shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know Chris. I guess we will have to see. I'm not that good at the long term stuff."
"You just haven't found the right one."
"I guess so." 
"If he's worth it, you should try. He seems to put a smile on your face, which hasn't happened in a long time."
Justin couldn't help but smile a little.
"I know. I do like him a lot."
"I can tell. And I can tell he likes you. You should just go for it, man. You got something good in this sandbox, don't let it go easily."
Justin nodded his head and put his arms behind his head, closing his eyes again. 
The next night though, Justin knew in his heart that Jc might be it for him. Just like every night before, when Chris and Justin finished their rounds they walked the tent. Justin immediately had a smile on his face just at the thought of finally seeing Jc for the first time that day. Chris laughed and pushed him towards the tent, but as he got closer his smile faded. Jc wasn't sitting in his normal spot. It was empty.
"Maybe he's working," Chris said. 
Together they walked into the tent. The tent was almost empty. Devon had watched them come in. He frowned and walked over to them. 
"He's not here Gunnery."
"Where is he?" Justin asked, feeling in his gut that something bad had happened. 
"There were several bombings on the other side of the city. The doctor there needed help. Jc found out the orders this morning and was on a truck within a short amount of time." 
Justin's heart sank, but he kept a professional look on his face. 
"The city is more dangerous. He has enough supplies and armor?"
"He does. He's been in the city many times before you guys came. He knows the danger and he will be alright."
"When is he coming back?" Chris asked, noticing how pale Justin was becoming. 
"Should be a few days."
"Alright, Lieutenant. Let us know if you need anything. Our rounds will go as normal."
"Thank you.  I'll see you around," Devon said. 
Justin and Chris walked out of the tent and started walking. 
"Justin, don't freak out."
"I'm trying not to."
"He'll be fine. You know he's been in service longer then you."
"Do you just call my man old?"
"I did."
"You're old," Justin huffed. Then ignored him for the rest of the way. 
Going back to base they were relieved of their shift. Justin tried sleeping, but he only tossed and turned thinking about Jc. Hoping that he was ok. 

Justin didn't know long he had been knocked out for. When he finally came to, he listened. The world around him was silent. Moving a little he felt the pain in his left side. Gently placing his hand over the spot, he felt the warm liquid of his blood. Shit! Moving some more, his head pounded. He felt blood there too. 
Justin held his gun tight and ready to aim as he moved the ruble from around his body slowly. Once all the boards and ruble were off, he sat up. Everything around him was black. He needed to get back to base. Looking around he saw no one. He prayed that he wasn't the only one left of his squad. Finally being able to get to his feet, his body swayed from the dizzy feeling. Now just to get back to base. Slowly and carefully he made his way back. 

Chad and Chris carried Adam into the aid station. Devon and Jc were working on some locals who had been caught in a fire storm. 
"Set him down there Chris," Jc said pointing to an empty cot. 
Getting him to the cot they sat him down. Adam cried out a little from pain. 
"Chris sit there, you need stitches."
"What, no. I'm fine Jc."
"Your head is saying a different story."
Lifting his hand he left the back of his head and felt the blood. He laughed. Jc walked over with a suitsure kit. 
"Sit down." 
Devon went to Adam and started treating him.  
Suddenly it hit Jc. Where was Justin? Why wasn't he with them?
"Where's Justin?"
Chris gulped the air in his throat. He wasn't sure how he was going to tell Jc that he had left Justin because he couldn't find him. He could feel Jc's hand trembling. 
"Chris." His voice cracked, but he continued cleaning the cut and started stitching it closed. 
Chris couldn't do it, his brain shut down. He held his head down and prayed a silent prayer. 
Just as Jc was going to ask again the flap to the tent opened and Justin stumbled in. 
"Oh my god," Jc exclaimed looking up. 
Chris jumped off the cot and caught Justin into his arms. 
"Fuck Justin."
"You're ok," Justin slurred looking at him. 
"Yes. Shit, I couldn't find you 
  I'm sorry I left you."
"It's ok."
"Chris get him over here," Jc said. 
Chad quickly went over to help. Justin looked at everyone, relieved everyone was accounted for, but then the dizziness came back and before he could say anything, Justin fell.
Chris quickly caught him as he went down. Jc stopped and helped Chris bring him to the cot. Jc worked fast in getting an IV into Justin's arm. 
"He's going to be ok, right?" Chris asked hovering. 
"Yes. You need to go back and sit down, Chris. You're all hurt and dehydrated."
Chris sighed and went back to his cot. He watched Jc work quickly on Justin. Jc's mind was quietly panicking. The one thing he had prayed wouldn't happen, had. Justin was laying on the cot covered in blood. 
"Oh baby," he whispered. "Why did this happen?"
He cleaned the wound on Justin's head then bandaged it. Then stitched then the large cut on his stomach. When he was finished, he put a clean shirt on him and pulled the thin blanket over his body. Bending down he lightly kissed his forehead. 
"I love you." 
After doing his rounds he pulled a chair up and sat down. He stared at his lover until his eyes started slowing closing, but quickly snapped them opened. He had sent the rest of the team back to base a few minutes ago and now it was quiet in the tent. 
"Jc, go lay down. He's going to be asleep for a while," Devon said coming up to him.
"I want to be here if he wakes up."
"I'll stay. If he wakes up, I'll come get you.  You've been awake too long. You made me sleep, now I'm making you go sleep."
Jc grumbled. He knew Devon was right but he hated the idea of leaving Justin.
"Alright," he finally said after yawning again. "Come get me right away."
"I will. Go," he said pushing him. 
Jc stumbled to his cot in the bunk house, collapsing down he slipped into a restless sleep.
A couple hours later, while Devon was sitting next to Justin, he had been watching Justin be in a restless sleep. He could only imagine the bad dreams he was having. 
"Josh!" Justin screamed, sitting straight up.
Devon jumped to his feet.
"You're fine, Justin. Calm down."
"What happened? Where's Josh? And Chris? The rest of the team?" He asked in a panic. He grimaced in pain from his stomach and his head. 
"Your team is fine. They're back on base. Jc is sleeping."
"I need to get up."
Justin tried to get up but it hurt.
"I'll go get Jc. Stay right here. You need to lay down."
Justin groaned but laid back down. Devon left and quickly went to get Jc. Few minutes later a very red eyed Jc came walking into the tent. Justin only slightly sighed with relief. At least part of his nightmare wasn't real. Jc quickly sat down next to the low laying cot. 
"Josh," Justin whispered. 
"Your fine Justin."
"Chris? My men?" He exclaimed quickly. 
"All fine." 
"Holy hell my head hurts," Justin sighed trying to sit up to take Jc's hand. 
"You need to settle down or I'll put you out."
"Josh!"
"I mean it Justin. Calm down. I'm not letting you leave yet."
"Shit.  What happened?" 
"The front door of the house you were going in was wired. It exploded. Chris went to find you, but he couldn't. Then shots were being fired at everyone so they had to leave so nobody got shot. Chris felt horrible and was sick to his stomach not knowing if you were alive. But then you can stumbling in here a little while later," Jc explained. 
"I don't remember a thing."
"I'm not surprised. You took a big hit to your head." 
"But they're all ok, right?"
"Yes. Adam had a small piece of shrapnel in his leg but it was an easy fix. Chris had a small gash on the back of his head. He needed a few stitches."
"Jesus," Justin groaned out. 
He turned to look at his boyfriend. He could see the worried lines running across his forehead. His lips were in a permit frown. He wanted to hold him beg him to say it was going to be alright. He felt for his boyfriend, he could only imagine what he had been feeling when his bloody ass came stumbling into the tent. Because if the roles had been reversed, Justin would have been sick to his stomach. 
Before they could could speak another word they heard screaming outside the tent. Seconds later two marines came rushing into the tent carrying another. His leg was bloody and mangled. Justin quickly placed his hand over his mouth. Jc had jumped into action. 
"Get him over here quick." 
The two marines laid their friend carefully on the cot. 
"Devon, I need my tools now," Jc barked. 
Devon rushed around getting everything for him. The marine screamed in pain when Jc tightened the belt around his thigh. More injured marines and locals cam rushing in. 
"Devon, go to those men."
"I'm on it," Devon said quickly helping the other marines and locals. 
Justin watched Devon take action with the other men in the tent
But then turned his gaze back to Jc and watched him.
"Get out of here," Jc snapped. 
The two marines stared at Jc, they didn't want to leave their friend. 
"We won't..."
"Get out unless you want to watch me take his leg off." 
The coldness in Jc's voice hurt Justin's ears. The two marines slowly walked out of the tent.
"I'm giving you morphine, it will help but it won't take away all the pain." 
"Yes sir," the injured marine groaned out. 
Picking up his small saw he turned and looked at Justin. Justin could have swear he saw a small tear gathering. 
"I love you," Justin mouthed. 
Jc sadly nodded his head and closed the curtain around him. Justin heard the small saw being started. He turned over on his cot and put his hands over his ears, trying to block out the sound, but it only muffled it. He grimaced when he heard the saw cutting into the marines bone. Justin couldn't even imagine the pain he was going through knowing that tomorrow, that marine would be going home and never returning because he had one less leg.
After the saw was turned off, Justin forced himself back asleep. He didn't want to be awake and think about all the bad things that can happen to them out here. 
When he opened his eyes again, the tent was quiet. He stared at the ceiling trying to gain where he was again and what had happened. Turning his gaze to the bed across from him, he frowned seeing it was empty. 
"I couldn't save him." A soft voice said next to him. 
Justin moved his eyes to his boyfriends sad blues. 
"He lost too much blood. His body went into shock. There was nothing I could do to stop it. His heart just stopped."
The pain in his boyfriends voice was almost just too much.
"I told you to be safe. That could have been you Justin. I could have to do that to you," he exclaimed quietly. 
Pulling himself up, Justin sat across his beautiful lover. Reaching out he tried taking his hands into his, but Jc pulled back. 
"Josh," he finally whispered. 
"I don't think I can keep doing this. I've broken my rule. Ten years I've been doing my tours. Never have I fallen so fast for someone. For so long I kept my heart closed. But with you it's different. I can't do this anymore. It needs to stop. I don't want to watch you die I don't want to have to try to patch you up. I..." 
Against his body's protesting, Justin got off his cot and was standing in front of Jc, his hands softly on his waist. 
"No Josh. Don't you dare break up with me. You don't get to do that just because I could get hurt out here. You could get hurt just as easily. When you went into the city, I was worried sick every seconds of the day wondering if you were coming back alive or dead. But I never once thought about ending things with you because of it." Justin's voice broke and he saw tears in Jc's eyes. "I love you Josh. Screw your rules. Because when you find someone to love, it shouldn't matter where it is or who they are."
"Justin. I..."
"Please don't do this to me Josh. Don't leave me alone in this place. You're the one thing that keeps me living in this sandbox. I live everyday so I can be with you."
A few tears dropped from Jc's eyes and landed on his cheeks. He looked back up at Justin with defeat. 
"I'm so sorry Justin. You're right. I don't want to leave you. I'm just scared."
Justin sighed with relief and took Jc in his arms. 
"I've never felt this before. I don't want to lose you Justin. Don't want to lose you." 
"You're not going to lose me. I promise baby." 
"I love you so, so much." 
"I love you too," Justin said kissing his temple. 
"Tomorrow I'll release you to go back to your shift."
Justin nodded. "Back to normal." 
"Yes back to normal." 
Jc leaned his head into Justin's chest and closed his eyes. 
"Go lay down baby. You need sleep you're so tired," he whispered running his fingers through his boyfriends brown hair. 
"Ok," Jc whispered. 
Justin sat back down on the cot. He took Jc's hand into his and kissed his palm. 
"Go lay down."
Nodding his head Jc got up and headed towards his cot. God, Justin wanted to go with him, he wanted to hold him tight. 
Jc managed to get to his cot and collapsed. He gripped the thin blanket and sighed. 
Justin laid back down on the cot and stared at the ceiling. 
"You should go be with him Justin." Devon said walking up. "I've known Josh for awhile. He's a strong solider. He's the best doctor. I wouldn't want any other person taking care of me. He's special Justin and he loves you very much. Now go be with him."
"Thank you," Justin said getting up as quickly as his body would let him. 
He walked to the bunk house and saw Jc laying on his side, gripping the sheet. He went to him and crawled in behind him, wrapping his arm around his waist. 
"I love you Josh," he whispered, kissing his neck.
"I love you too. I'm so tired."
"Close your eyes. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."
Jc turned so they were facing. He looked into Justin's blues and put his hand on his cheek.
"So I get to fall asleep in your arms?"
"Yea, baby. You do."
They softly kissed then closed their eyes. It wasn't long before Jc's breathing evened out and Justin followed shortly. 
Justin woke early the next morning his hand softly gripping a hip. Opening his eyes he smiled. He thought about waking up every morning like this. In a bed, naked. That made him smile bigger.
"What you smiling about?"
"You, me, laying in an actual bed waking up in each other arms."
"Oh that sounds nice." 
"Doesn't it? Then you making me breakfast."
"Me, why me?"
"Because I can't cook."
"And you think I can?"
"I'm guess yes."
"Ok yes I know a little bit," Jc said smiling. 
"I have to go Josh."
"I know."
"You going to be ok?" Justin asked worried. He traced Jc's jaw with his finger. 
"Yea I'll be ok."
Slowly Justin kissed his forehead, cheek, nose, jaw, then his lips. "I love you."
"I love you." 
"Ok baby I don't know if I'll see you tonight, but I will try."
"Ok."
Justin slowly got up, his body still sore, but he ignored it.
"Stay safe," Jc said quietly. 
"I always try, baby." Justin pressed one more kiss to his forehead before walking out of the tent towards base. 
Jc watched Justin walk away then went to the aid tent. Devon was stitching up a wounded local. 
"Feel better?" He asked. 
"Yes. Thanks."

Justin walked into the bunker house. He was admittedly attacked by Chris who began kissing his cheeks. 
"Get off of me." 
"Oh I've missed you." 
"Ok Chris," Justin said pushing him off. 
"Jeez dude. You have no idea how scared shitless I was when I couldn't find you." 
"I was scared shitless." 
"By the way, you came in the tent at the greatest moment. I was about to have to tell Jc that you were dead somewhere." 
Justin cringed. He didn't he even want to know how Jc would react to that. 
"But hey, you're ok and back." 
"Yes I'm all good," Justin said smiling wide. 
Chris gave him a pat on the back. They went about their day as normal.

Chris spotted Justin laying on the ground, not moving. Oh god! He thought. Running faster he quickly got to his friends side. 
"Justin." 
"Chris." His voice wavered. "I'm in trouble." 
"You're going to be ok," Chris said running his fingers through his hair. He looked up to Chad. 
"I'll go get Jc," Chad told him. 
"Be quick." 
Chris looked over Justin's body and tried to stay calm. His friend was in shock. 
"Just keep breathing, ok Justin. Deep breaths. Keep your eyes open man. Stay with me," Chris rambled. 
Justin's eyes darted in all directions, not able to focus on Chris like he wanted to. 
Grabbing his hand, Chris kept talking to him, praying Chad and Jc to get back quickly. 
"Chris, please." 
"It's ok." 
"Tell...tell Josh..." 
Right the Jc and Chad came running up. Jc stopped dead in his tracks seeing Justin. He felt the bile in his throat. His hand shot up to cover his mouth. Chris jumped up and went to Jc. 
"Jc listen to me. You have to save him. He needs you Jc." 
"Do you realize what I have to do?" Jc breathed out.
"Yes I know, but he doesn't. Josh you have to save him." 
Jc turned round so he wasn't looking at anyone and took a few deep breaths. He needed to make sure he didn't freak out in front of Justin and be able to do what he needed to. 
"Jc."
"Go get my bag. Hurry Chris."
Chris bolted the short distance back to base where they were still under fire. 
Jc got to the ground next to Justin. 
"Hey, baby."
"Josh. What...what's..." Justin stammered.
"Shh, it's ok. I'm going to take care of you."
Justin nodded his head and felt Jc grip his hand. 
"Josh," he whispered, getting Jc's attention to look in his eyes. "I love you."
Jc swallowed thickly, holding his tears at bay. He leaned close and kissed his lips softly. "I love you too, babe."
He then took his belt off and wrapped it around Justin's thigh just above his knee. Justin cried out when he tightened it. Chris was back in minutes. 
Jc took the bag and slammed it open. He had a small vile of morphine but that was it. He knew it wasn't enough but it would help. Quickly he filled a syringe he put it into Justin's skin. 
"It's not going to be enough," Jc whispered looking at Chris.
"Do what you need to do." 
Jc nodded and went into his bag pulling the saw out. 
"Hold his hand," Jc told him. 
Chris went to his other side and grabbed Justin's hand. Justin watched Jc and knew what was happening now. But he didn't have time to think about it. Jc was in his zone and he turned the saw on. Justin closed his eyes and bit his lip. 
Jc took a second to breath then placed it just below Justin's left knee. The sound of excruciating pain that came from Justin made Jc want to stop but he couldn't. He kept going. He bit back the tears. 
Shots rang out again around them. They had almost forgotten that they were under attack. Jc felt the bullet hit his shoulder. It threw him forward, making him land across Justin's chest. Chris looked on in shock. The sudden thought Jc had just been killed flashed into his mind, but he sighed with relief when he heard him groan and sit up. 
"Shit Jc." 
"I'm ok, I'm ok," Jc breathed out. He went back to his boyfriend, ignoring the pain in his shoulder.  
"Josh," Justin whimpered. 
Jc looked at him and watched his eyes close. He knew Justin had passed out. It was more comforting to have to do this without hearing him in so much pain. Jc finished as quickly as he could, groaning through the pain in his shoulder. 
"Better hurry doc we have to get back to base." 
Shaking his head in frustration he ignored Chad. As fast as he could he cut the blood vessels and muscles. He was starting to sweat, his vision blurred slightly, but he kept working. After checking his pulse and other vitals Jc looked at Chris. 
"Ok." 
Chris carefully lifted Justin into his arms and carried him quickly to the base. Jc grabbed all his tools, threw them into his bag and stood up on shaky legs. Chad quickly wrapped his arm around his waist and helped him to the base. 
Once inside Jc pushed Chad away giving him a strong glare. He quickly ran to Justin checking him over. There were many men laying on the ground some with sheets over them, some crying out in pain. 
"Jc there's a helicopter coming to take them to a hospital in Italy," Devon called. 
Jc nodded and kissed Justin's forehead. "I love you. You will be home soon. I'm so sorry baby. Be strong ok," he whispered directly into his ear. 
He knew Justin couldn't hear him, but he prayed he could. Giving him another kiss Jc went and started helping the other wounded.  Soon the helicopter came and took the wounded away. Jc finally collapsed with exhaustion and loss of blood. 
Devon immediately went up to Jc and made him lay on a cot. He went right to work on his shoulder. Jc screamed into his arm as Devon searched his shoulder for the bullet. 
"Almost got it Jc, just hold on ok," Devon said cringing. 
"Devon please." 
"I'm so sorry Jc," Devon whispered. 
He got the bullet out and bandaged Jc's shoulder. Jc closed his eyes and let the rest of the night be a blur.