“Sorry to interrupt your nap,” Rod joked as he saw Billy and Will emerge from the guest room.

Billy blushed.  There was no reason to because Rod knew what they had been doing and didn’t care.  Will, however, countered by saying, “Some nap!  This sex fiend here was all over me.”  That caused Billy to gasp and sputter.

“It’s your own damn fault,” Rod grinned.  “You’ve got a body and a cock that would tempt a celibate Saint.  And if you didn’t respond and attack your partner, you’re a fool.  I can tell you from experience he’s got a very delicious cock — a real mouthful.  I couldn’t take all of it.”

Billy continued to be embarrassed but that didn’t stop the joking exchange.

“Yeah,” Will laughed.  “But the best part is his balls.  They deliver the sweetest nectar imaginable and don’t seem to ever stop.  I have to swallow three or four times so as not to waste any of it.”

“STOP IT!” Billy exclaimed.  “Yur talkin’ ‘bout private stuff like it was nothin’ more than the weather or somthin’.”

Will detected irritation (Or was it anger?) in his lover’s tone.  He grabbed Billy in a hug and said, “Sorry, buddy.  Maybe we took the joking a little too far.  Forgive me?”

“Okay,” Billy replied hesitantly.  “But only ‘cause you mean so much to me.”

Rod added his apologies.  “I’m sorry, too, Billy.  I have to admit that our joking was inappropriate.  The loving bond you have is precious and shouldn’t be made fun of.  Truth of the matter is I envy your relationship with Will.  It’s not like what I have with my boyfriend, David.  At least not yet.  We’re still in the early stages of building a relationship.  Which reminds me.  If he’s around it’s okay if we talk about being gay but the kind of joking we just did may upset him.  So I’m asking that we not talk about sex when he’s around.  Of course it’ll be obvious what we’re doing in bed but I don’t think he’s ready to talk about with other people.”

“I understand,” Will replied.  “We’ll be good boys ... won’t we, Billy.”

“Sure ‘nuff,” Billy agreed.

“Thanks, guys.  David should be here about six or so.  I’ll get busy fixing supper.”

“If you don’t mind,” Will said, “we’ll take a shower so we’ll be more presentable.”

“ENJOY yourselves!” Rod grinned.  “That is, I assume you’ll be showering together.”

The two lovers took a quick shower — to give the appearance of simply getting washed — but they were both hard and horny when they turned off the water.  They dried themselves off quickly and, not wasting an opportunity, gave each other a blow job before dressing.

<><><><><> 

Both Billy and Will were surprised when they met David.  Since Rod was tall, very muscular, and strikingly handsome, they expected his prospective partner to be similar.  Instead, David was six inches shorter, thin, and had an angular face that could not be described as handsome.  Only a few minutes of conversation, however, revealed that he was perceptive, cordial, and intelligent.  More tellingly, the subtle signs of genuine affection between him and Rod were evidence of a developing, permanent relationship.

Will offered to help with the preparation of dinner but David said, “Don’t bother.  I’ve tried to help in the kitchen before but just seemed to be in the way.  He was kind about it but told me to leave him alone.  He’s a waiter by day but a magnificent chef in the evening.”

The meal proved David’s assessment of Rod’s culinary skill: steak broiled to perfection, baked potato, steamed fresh broccoli, and irresistible Crème Brule for desert.  It was three against one in the argument about cleaning up after dinner and Rod yielded to the pressure but sat in the kitchen to better participate in the lively conversation.

When the task was done, they continued their conversation in the living room, dwelling mostly on their Navy experiences.  David had served on an aircraft carrier for almost three years but now worked in the Motor Pool on base while awaiting his discharge in three months.  Will and Billy found the evening quite enjoyable although thoughts of their quandary occasionally passed through their minds and they hoped there would be an opportunity to seek Rod’s advice on their plan to separate from the Navy.  That opportunity came when Rod changed the subject, “So I’ll bet you’re both disappointed that you’ve got different assignments and will not be together for the rest of your time in the Navy.”

“Yes,” Will replied but was not sure to present his plan with David present.

Billy was not as cautious and said, “Maybe we might be together.  Will’s got a plan.”

“Oh?” Rod said, angling for details.

“Yeah,” Will said quickly.  But still hesitant to talk in front of David, he added, “Maybe we can talk to you about it later and get some advice.”

Neither Will nor Billy suspected Rod’s underlying motive for bringing up the subject.  He wanted his boyfriend David to hear about love and dedication and hoped it would hasten forming a committed relationship that he earnestly wanted.  “Why later?” he asked.  “You’ve got two people here that know what it’s like to be gay in the Navy.”

“Tell ‘im, Will,” Billy urged.  “Ya been thinkin’ it over more than me.”

Somewhat reluctantly but encouraged by Rod’s inclusion of David in the conversation, Will said, “Okay.  I don’t know where to begin.  Maybe I should first explain the reasons for the plan.  Both of us feel that being together is more important than serving in the Navy.  Even when we’re on the same ship, we can’t be TOGETHER as we’d like to be.  What’s just as bad, though, is being on guard all the time, afraid of saying the wrong thing or even looking at each other suspiciously.  Hell!  We can’t even be too friendly or somebody’s going to jump to conclusions.  Finally ... how do I put this? ... we need each other far more than the Navy needs us.  They can replace us without any trouble at all.  So we’re thinking of getting out.  That’s where our plan comes in.  The question is how do we do that?  The answer ... or at least the most likely answer ... is for the Navy to find out we’re gay, that we love each other, and that we ... ah ... do what gay men do.  Okay so far, Billy?”

“Yup!  It’s drivin’ me loco bein’ ‘round the man I love and havin’ to treat ‘im as just another shipmate.”

“So here’s the idea,” Will resumed.  “Somehow — I don’t know how yet — we let the brass know we’re gay lovers.  They’ll investigate.  We admit it.  They kick us out.  Big problem solved.  But there are other problems.  One is the Undesirable Discharge on our records.  Another is explaining to our families why we’re no longer in the Navy.  And maybe having to come out to them.  Still another is how do we make it known that we’re gay?  As you can see, there are big holes in the plan but maybe you have some ideas.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Rod asked.  “I can tell you from experience that an Undesirable Discharge is like wearing a scarlet letter whenever you want a decent job.”

“I know.” Will replied.  “And I AM thinking of the future ... a future with the man I love.  I’ve seen enough of people clawing their way up the career ladder and thinking only of their own status and prestige.  My values are different.  Loving Billy is far more important than a fancy title or competing with my neighbors about who has the biggest house and the newest luxury car.”

“How about you, Billy?” David asked.

“Ain’t never had no fancy clothes or even money to spend on gadgets and stuff.  And I don’t know nobody that does.  ‘Cept maybe Will.  But I know one thing.  Happiness is the most important thing in life.  Bein’ with Will ... well ... that’s more happiness than I ever dreamed o’ havin’.  Just one thing worries me.  Quittin’ the Navy will disappoint my mamma and daddy.  ‘Specially if’n they know why.”

Rod looked earnestly at Will and asked, “How about your parents?  Aren’t you afraid of hurting them?”

“It’s not like I WANT to hurt them.  But there’s only one way NOT to hurt them and that’s to live the kind of life they do ... dishonesty and scheming at work, kissing the asses of anyone whose friendship will enhance your status, having to do whatever it takes to impress neighbors, serving the community not because of any altruistic motives but because it enhances your prestige.  Need I go on?  That’s not the kind of person I want to be.”

Everyone was quiet for a while, each in his own way evaluating what had been said.  Rod broke the silence.  “When we began, you asked for suggestions on your plan.  You didn’t ask for advice but I’ve got some for you.  Take some time to think things through very carefully.  I’d hate to think that you would regret your decision and pay a heavy price for it.”

“We have,” Will replied.  “Maybe we’re being selfish but living with and loving a partner is what we want more than anything.”

Rod was pleased with Will’s answer that was spoken with such conviction and sincerity because it opened the door to pursue his underlying motive.  Speaking directly to Will and Billy but with words he wanted David to hear, he said, “That’s remarkable, guys.  I envy you for the intense love you have for each other and your devotion to each other.  That’s something that can bring unimaginable joy for years to come.”

“So what do you think of our plan?” Will asked.

Before Rod could answer, David spoke.  “Before we talk about your plan, I’d like to ask a question.  Of both of you.  Why are you so sure it’s love and not just the satisfaction of biological needs?”

“Wow!” Will exclaimed.  “That’s something that philosophers have been wondering about for ages.  How can you adequately explain the emotional connection between two people?  There are lots of ways but none of them capture the essence of love.  It’s something you FEEL.  It can’t be dissected for analysis.  But your question deserves an answer so here’s mine.  I’ll admit I was first attracted to Billy because of his looks.  But when I got to know him, I recognized the beauty of his soul.  He persevered through an impoverished childhood ... thanks to a loving family and some innate, magical determination to survive and thrive.  His honesty is not naïveté; it’s an integral part of his character.  His ethics are unpolluted.  His mannerisms are ... there’s no other word better than ‘charming’.  In short, the physical attraction morphed into genuine affection.  He’s a joy to be with.  So what standard must be met to call it love?  All I know is that his happiness means far more to me than my own.  I’d do anything in my power to support him, to give him whatever I could to please him, and to protect him from harm.  That may sound corny but it’s the best way I can describe my feelings for him.”

David grinned and asked, “And you, Billy?  How can you be sure you love Will?”

“Well I ain’t no master of words like Will is but what he said is purdy much how I feel.  I couldn’t figure out for a long time why a rich kid from New York wanted to be friends with me but he done told me ‘bout his summer working in a food kitchen for homeless folks.  What’d he talk about?  Not their raggedy clothes.  Not the way they smelled ‘cause they didn’t have no place to shower.  Not their lack o’ fancy education.  No, siree.  He told me about the good stuff in ‘em.  That they was unlucky to have no schoolin’ or no job or no money but they’s good people.  I reckon that’s why we became friends in Basic Trainin’.  He didn’t care none ‘bout my ignorance but he helped me understand what I was bein’ taught in class.”  Billy turned to Will and asked, “What the word I wanna say?  When ya care for other people and just wanna help ‘em?”

“Compassion?”

“YEAH!  That’s it.  He’s got compassion.  Just like down on the farm in Miss’ippi.  When a neighbor needs help, ya help ‘em.  Not ‘cause ya want something in return but ‘cause they’s a neighbor.  And there’s more to it than that.  Will’s smart.  He’s got no airs ‘bout him.  But the most important reason is that when we’s together, I get warm all over just knowin’ he’s my partner.  When we’s not together, there’s a big ole hole in me.  ‘Less’n I know we’ll be together again soon.  Do I love him?  No doubt ‘bout it.  I’d do anythin’ for him.”

“Anything?” David asked.

“ANYTHIN’!”

“Would you die for him?”

Billy thought about that but not for long.  “If’n the choice was between him or me dying, YES.  If’n he died, the biggest and best part o’ me would die, too.”

David said, “Okay.  I’m convinced it’s love and not just friends with benefits.  As all of you were talking early on, I had an idea.  It won’t help either of you with the other problems you’ll face — with family, getting jobs, facing discrimination and persecution — but I think it will solve your immediate problem of being separated.  Would you like to hear it?

To be continued...

Iatia’s inspiration and editing cannot be ignored.  Thanks, my friend.