New story! Set in World War 2, so if I get any facts wrong I'm sorry because i don't remember much if what I learned about it! Gonna be a threeshot, hope you like! :)

They didn't have to go to war.

Kendall and James worked as farmers. So did Jett. Logan was a doctor. Carlos was diagnosed with mental problems and wasn't fit to fight for England. They were all openly gay. None of them had to go.

But James was going anyway.

He wanted to honour his family, he said. He said he'd always been a disappointment to them, and he wanted to make them proud. He wanted to make his country proud. And he especially wanted to make Kendall proud. Somehow fighting in a war against the Nazis and possibly getting himself killed was his way of doing that. Well, James had always been a daredevil.

So, there they stood in their little village in the south of England, saying goodbye to the brave young men going to fight in the war. An army truck was parked on the main street, which was really just a dusty road going through the centre of the village, little shops and cottages on ether side. Soldiers were climbing into the back, kitted up in their uniforms already. It all seemed so much more real than it had when James had gone to the hall to enlist a week ago. Right now, James Diamond stood on the dusty ground dressed in his uniform, hair kept back from his face. Pity really, because he knew Kendall loved it when his hair was hanging softly around his face, or when it swayed gently in the wind.

The five of them stood together outside the little doctor's office where Logan worked. Carlos and Logan held hands, seeking comfort from each other as they said goodbye to their close friend who they might never see again. "You know I'll write," James said reassuringly, hugging them both. "Do you really think I'd forget either of you?"

"Well, don't waste too much time scribbling," Logan sniffled, unwilling to let go. "I think you should focus on staying alive."

"I'll keep that in mind," James chuckled, somehow managing to remain cheerful during all of this.

Jett was next, James's best friend since the two began school together. They embraced in a tight hug, trying to appear strong for each other. "I'm kind of wishing I could go with you now," Jett said softly. "We could watch each other's backs. We're good at that."

"You have somebody else to watch over," James warned him softly, glancing over his shoulder at where Kendall stood. "Please make sure nothing happens to him."

"Got it," Jett replied, pulling away with a firm smile.

Kendall and James had already said quite a few goodbyes. It had really began a week ago when Kendall walked to the village with James to watch him enlist in the army, teary-eyed and clutching onto him like he never wanted to let go. The goodbyes continued throughout the week. All those times James had interrupted Kendall sitting somewhere crying his eyes out, only to have his blonde husband deny everything and insist that he was fine. Last night had consisted of them holding each other and making love for a good hour or tow, until it just ended with Kendall holding him tightly and crying quietly into his chest. "Do you really have to go?" he had whispered softly.

But they both knew the answer to that.

James took Kendall in his strong arms now, holding him close and resting his cheek against his soft hair. "I'll come back to you. You know I will."

"But I don't," Kendall choked, clutching his jacket tightly. "I don't know."

"I do," James promised, tilting Kendall's chin up so he could kiss him gently. "You're everything to me, and I'll be damned if I'm not coming back to spend the rest of my life with you."

Kendall sniffled mournfully, trying to smile and failing miserably, before moving to kiss James himself, cupping his cheek with one hand. "Please be careful."

"I'll do my best." Because James really didn't know how careful he could be. It wasn't as if he'd done this before.

"Be safe," Kendall whispered, kissing James one last time. "I love you."

"I love you too," James replied, clasping Kendall's waist tightly. He somehow found he couldn't let go of his husband. Kendall himself had to take James's hands and pry them off.

"Jamie, you have to go," he said softly. "I'll be waiting for you to come back."

When James was seated in the back of the truck, he watched Kendall standing there in the centre of the road, waving to him. As the vehicle moved away, he got smaller and smaller, and soon he and the village were far behind. James rested back, staring up at the sky with a lump in his throat. Then he looked back down, quickly reaching into his pocket and unfolding his photo of Kendall. He looked so beautiful, even in black and white. He and James were outside the farmhouse in their wedding clothes, smiling at the camera while James held Kendall bridal style in his arms. Already, he missed him so much.

"Are you leaving someone behind?"

James looked up to see two soldiers sitting across from him. Unlike the rest of the soldiers sitting in this truck, they looked slightly positive. Maybe it was because they were both wearing wedding rings and holding hands. It was nice to see. James nodded at them slowly. "My husband," he said quietly. He showed them both the picture.

The one slightly to his left smiled. "Well, that's nice. You've got somebody to make it back to. Gives you determination."

The other grinned and added, "But we prefer to be together. I suppose you can write to him."

James nodded. "That's exactly what I'm going to do."

Kendall spent the evening curled up on the sofa, sipping tea and looking at their wedding photos. He knew there were one or two missing, but he wanted James to have them with him. He would never admit it, but he wanted James to remember him, because he was terrified that if—no, when—when James came back, he might not love him anymore.

He cried himself to sleep.

Dear Kendall,

We arrived at our base camp this morning, so I was finally able to write to you. I miss holding you, it's much harder to get to sleep without you in my arms. I bet home is still the same, dull but wonderful. I'd give anything to be there with you, but I know I belong here, fighting for a better life. Please write back o be as soon as you get this. I need to hear from you before I go completely mad, no joke intended.

Love James.

Dear James,

You have no idea how much I miss you. Everybody is thinking about you and the other soldiers. Father Jack says a prayer for you all every Sunday. It's nice to hear. Jett is over almost every day, helping me with the farm work, or just being there. It's nice to have company. I feel alone here, most of the day, but I just think of you and I cheer up. Carlos and Logan have been over a few times, but I can tell they're preoccupied. They are still newly weds, after all. They really are a perfect couple, aren't they?

Write back to me,

Love Kendall.

Dear Kendall,

I have friends here, and they send their love. They wanted to hear all about you and the farm. Anything interesting happening right now? I think about you all the time and what it must be like there. I hope everybody is well. I know you miss me and I miss you too, more than anything. I hope this letter puts a smile back on your face. I love your smile, I miss seeing it every morning and every night. But we'll be together again soon, I promise.

Love James.

Dear James,

The farm is getting a little interesting. I signed up only three days ago to house some children from London. They've been evacuating them from the city, to keep them safe. The children arrived this morning. There are five of them; Tyler is ten and Jennifer is twelve and they're brother and sister, then there are the other sisters; Camille who is eleven and Katie who is seven, and finally Dak, who is fifteen. I pity him a bit, being alone with nobody to talk to. I got him into helping me with the feeding in the evening, and he seemed to enjoy that. All together they can be a little boisterous, but I think that's to be expected. They must miss their families. I've been praying every night that you'll make it back to me.

Please come back to me,

Your Kendall.

My dearest Kendall,

I hope the children are well. I'm sure you're doing a fantastic job with them! Your last letter got me thinking about how wonderful it would be to have a family of our own. Though I suppose in a way we already have one, what with the cows and the pigs and God lows what else lurks around there. How many calves have been born? Are the robins back in their nest in the barn? They were nice to see, except for when the cat tried to get them. I love spring, though this isn't exactly the place to enjoy it. But there's great heat in the sun, and I have that to make the most of.

All my love, James.

Dear James,

Four calves have been born. They're all so cute! One was born a little early, but she's ok. It's times like this when I'm really glad our cattle aren't used for meat. I don't think I could bear that, being honest. The robins are back, but I don't know if there are any eggs yet. I remember last year, when you used to go out and leave bread and water for them so they wouldn't have to go far from the nest. You're such a softie, it was so sweet. The children are well, and they hope you are too. They've been eager to hear all about the brave soldier whose home they're staying in. It's a little funny to see them admire you so, but I can understand why. I think having a family with you would be the most amazing thing in the world. When you get back, we can talk about it more.

I love you and I'll be waiting for your reply,

Lots of love, Kendall.

James sat in the shelter of the trench. The sky was dark and the fighting was over for another day. It was raining heavily, and a drop or two spattered onto the paper he held in his hand. He noticed his hand trembled a little as he read. God, he missed Kendall so much.

But as long as Jett and the others took care of him, he could sleep sound at night.

K, that's chapter one! I know it's short, but it's really just setting the story. Please review, give me your thoughts!