James didn’t exactly know what to feel as he watched Martin clench and unclench his hands. This was obviously a topic that distressed him. From the sound of things life had gotten very complicated between the two men before Martin came to the base. James couldn't exactly understand it all, but from the sound of things, Frederick got engaged and Martin didn't take it well. Not that he should have. What kind of person got engaged to an entirely different person then the one they're already dating?

“You made a spectacle of yourself, and me, at my engagement party,” Frederick snapped.

“I merely gave the woman some advice,” Martin shrugged.

“By telling her to invest in a strap on?”

James stifled his laughter at that. It wasn't his place to say anything. Even if that had been rather funny.

“I also told her to get use to anal, seeing as I doubt you'd even know what to do with a vagina,” Martin added.

“You intentionally embarrassed me!” Frederick seethe.

“I embarrassed you?” Martin stood a little straighter and his clenched fists turned white. James was a bit worried about him drawing blood with his fingernails he was pressing so tightly. “How about all those times I caught you sleeping with other men? Or how about when you let someone walk in on us? You don't think any of those moments were embarrassing to me? Or, how about my lover getting engaged to someone else? Didn't you think for a second how that would affect me?”

Frederick stood there looking like he was watching a child throw a fit. James wanted to punch the man. Instead he wrapped his arms around Martin's shoulders and just held him. He smiled when Martin leaned into his frame. James also noticed the tension in Frederick’s stance as he watched them.

“It wasn't like my marriage was going to change anything between us. I wasn't planning to leave you.”

James felt Martin flinch. “You, selfish bastard! You planned to keep seeing me? Now I feel sorry for Lisa. Please, just leave,” Martin sighed, all fight suddenly fleeing him. “We don't have anything else to say to each other. I have a worksite to check on and a schedule to keep.”

James watched as Frederick huffed but still chose to leave instead of continuing the conversation. The second the door slammed behind them Martin sagged against James. Wrapping his arms tighter around him, James just held him close. He couldn't say anything in this situation because, no matter what they were just doing, they weren't in a relationship. Though James was man enough to admit to wanting to be. Of course, he knew dating a soldier wasn't always the easiest thing, and James was a career soldier.

“Thanks,” Martin suddenly said as he stepped away and smiled at him over his shoulder. “I'm sorry you had to see that.”

Shaking his head, James let his arms fall back to his sides. He ignored the empty feeling filling him now that Martin was out of his reach. “No, I'm happy to help.”

“About earlier, can we try again?” Martin's smile turned coy as he walked back over to James and wrapped his arms around James's neck. “We did get interrupted.”

“I thought you said you needed to check on the site?” Despite his words James still wound his arms around Martin's waist and pulled him flush against his body.

The frown that marred Martin's features was answer enough and James knew they weren't going to go any further today. He could leave Martin with something to think about before they left though. Leaning in, James captured Martin's lips, his tongue thrusting into his mouth and mimicking what they both wanted to happen. Slow, deep, rough, and insistent, James showed Martin exactly what it would be like for them to sleep together.

Martin responded with enthusiasm, matching James' every move. When their cocks started getting invested James slowly pulled away, easing Martin out of the kiss. They ended panting, looking in each other's eyes, almost willing the other to continue. It was Martin that moved away again. This time though he collected his tablet and headed for the door.

James took a second to compose himself before following him.

The trip to the worksite was tense. All James wanted to do was reach out and touch the man sitting beside him. Of course, he couldn't do that. Not while in public and on duty.

Upon arriving, Martin was flooded with questions and congratulations on being released. Perhaps it was the surge of support, or just the fact the crew seemed to genuinely care. Either way, James noticed a tear rolling down Martin's cheek.

“Glad to have you back,” Daryl walked up to them, clasping Martin's hand. “Don't go getting blown up on us again, you hear?”

“I'll try,” Martin promised mockingly. James wasn't sure how these men could laugh about this. Martin had almost died. He didn't find any humor in the situation, and yet it was everyone else’s favorite joke.

“Now, I know what the reports say, but I'd like to confirm the progress with my own eyes,” Martin said, pushing through the pleasantries, and moving right back into business as usual.

“As you can see we’re almost back on schedule. That second crew you brought on has helped make up the lost time. Mr. Manning was by yesterday to check on the progress as well. Does that guy usually have a stick up his ass?” Daryl winked teasingly.

Martin chuckled and James felt an unpleasant tightening in his chest. He knew there was nothing between Martin and Daryl and yet he felt the oddest urge to get between them. Martin laughed and smiled with James all the time. Of course, most the time it was with an ulterior motive. It was rare Martin just smiled at him so carefreely.

Shaking his head to rid himself of the negative thoughts, James continued to follow Martin through the worksite. Though the ground was level with new concrete poured, Martin still walked with an unsteady gait. Several times James found himself reaching out for Martin and steadying him. Each time he did so, Martin lingered beside him.

* * *

Martin was having a hard time concentrating with James’ hand resting on his hip. He’d just stumbled over thin air, and had nearly fallen to the foundation. Thankfully, his ever-watchful bodyguard was there to catch him. It was the lingering contact though that was playing havoc on his brain as he tried to focus on the information Daryl was telling him. James tightened his hold on Martin’s hip for a fraction of a second before releasing him to walk on his own.

“Everything all right?” Daryl asked, noticing they’d stopped walking.

“Fine,” Martin snapped back to reality, and forcefully dragged his brain away from thoughts of James naked and above him. “Everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” Daryl frowned. “We can always postpone this. You’ve just been released and should probably rest.”

“I’m good,” Martin insisted. “Thank you for the concern though. Honestly, I’d much rather be working than just sitting in that apartment, waiting for Frederick to come looking for me.”

“What’s the story there?” Daryl asked as they continued walking.

“No story,” Martin said before jotting down a few notes on his tablet. “We were an item, and then he got engaged to someone else. End of story.”

“Damn,” Daryl whispered. “I know the man’s my boss and all, but if you need me to bury him under the foundation, just let me know.”

Martin winked at him. “Promise.”

It was an old joke amongst construction workers, going all the way back to the days of Earth and mafia run unions. If someone got in the way, they found themselves as part of the newest building project. Martin knew Daryl didn’t exactly plan to make Fred part of the new rec-center. Still, it was a nice gesture.

The tour of the site didn’t take too long, but Martin was pleased with their current state of progress. Another week and they’d be back on schedule. Martin was even considering keeping the second crew on board, just to get a head start. He was sure with this latest attack there would be buildings in need of repair. Maybe he could see Captain Jonas about that? Offer up an estimate and his team to get it done. Honestly, he was a bit surprised that he hadn’t heard about it already from Fred. The guy never missed an opportunity to make money.

“Okay, well then, I’ll check in with you guys tomorrow,” Martin said, turning to head back to the Rover. He had physical therapy in ten minutes. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to it either. His therapist was an Amazon of a woman, who didn’t exactly have the best bedside manner.

Just feet away from the Rover Martin felt his legs give out again and lurched sideways. “Martin,” James called before catching him. The man’s strong arms wrapped around him, pulling Martin up and against James’ chest. “You’ve overdone it today. I’ll call ahead to the hospital and have Hilda come to your apartment.”

“No,” Martin shook his head. “I’m fine. Just a little wobbly.”

James looked at him, his mocha brown eyes seemingly seeing right through him. The concern and heat he saw in them had Martin melting. James licked his lips and Martin was instantly drawn to the action. Damn, why did they have to be outside, and with a time limit hanging over their heads? Why hadn’t he just lied to Fred about needing to come to the worksite and stayed in the apartment with James? He could just be coming out of a mind melting orgasm if they’d done that instead.

“Come on,” James whispered straightening Martin completely and allowing him to stand on his own. “You’re going to be late.”

Biting back a whine, Martin got into the Rover and settled into his seat. James, after ensuring Martin was secure, started the Rover up, put it into gear, and headed out across the base toward the hospital. Martin couldn’t help but feel a bit of trepidation as the building loomed in front of him. He’d just escaped this damned place. To think he’d be back so soon. Life wasn’t fair.

Hilda was waiting for him at the check in desk for physical therapy and instantly the woman pinned him with a glare. “You’ve over done it.”

Martin opened his mouth to argue, but James spoke first, “He was inspecting the worksite.”

She didn’t look happy, but no further admonishing happened as Martin got checked in and followed the woman back to a large room filled with different exercise equipment. The only good thing Martin could take away from this whole situation was that he was getting an inside look at what happened during the recovery stages of injury. He’d already made several changes to the initial plans, making the planned new wing of the hospital more comforting and inviting. He’d also used the opportunity to talk with the therapists themselves to see what they most needed in the new space.

All in all, it was proving to be both beneficial to his health, and his work.

“Today we’re just going to do some stretches,” Hilda said. “Tomorrow, I want you to take into account that you’re recovering, and take it easy.”

“Yes ma’am,” Martin agreed. He did feel weak as Hilda had him sit down and stretch out his legs slowly. It ached and burned to feel his muscles stretch. As someone that regularly went to the gym, and with his job, he was in good condition. At least, he thought so. Whatever those doctors did to him had him remembering his first weight lifting class in high school. Miserable.

Thirty minutes of nothing but stretches, Martin was ready to sink into a hot tub by the time Hilda released him back into the care of James. She also gave James a long lecture about not pushing Martin beyond his limits. The tone of her voice made it pretty obvious what she was talking about. Martin’s chances of getting some tonight had just plummeted as James promised to ensure Martin rested.

Back at his apartment, Martin made good on that idea of a hot bath, and was surprised when James accepted his offer to get in with him.

“What about your promise to ensure I don’t overdo it?” Martin teased.

“We won’t be doing anything,” James said firmly. Martin pouted. “Maybe a massage.”

Perked up, Martin hurried to the bathroom, stripping out of his clothes as he went. He heard James chuckle before he joined him, sliding into the tub first and resting back. Martin got in next, cuddling close to the strong man. He sighed as James’ arms wrapped around Martin’s shoulders, pulling him right into the perfect mindset he needed.