Sometimes, Jim still has to stop and wonder how he's ever deserved having Hunter in his life. Someone who apparently loves him enough to give up his universe and sign up with an organization that's brought them both a ridiculous amount of misery in only two short years, with no guarantee whatsoever that this'll end well. It's gutsy as hell, and Hunter doesn't even have the excuse of spiting a dead hero to motivate him to do it.

"If that's what you want," he says, and leans in to kiss his boyfriend, gratitude and worry both urging him to hold Hunter close. They might not have this, once Starfleet demands both their attentions. Not for a little while, at least.