Chapter Five

Brian got out of the rental car, trying to ignore the scowl from his husband and walked up to the door of the hotel.  He walked up to the counter and rang the bell.  “May I help you, sir?” An elderly woman asked as she came out from a room behind the counter. 

”Yeah, I need a room for about 5 weeks, maybe six.” Brian asked.  “The weekly rooms come with a kitchen right?” Brian knew that Justin wouldn’t be able to live without a kitchen so he had wanted to make sure his lover was happy.  He hated that Justin was upset with him, but Brian also knew that the blond would get over it.  Brian just didn’t see the point in renting an apartment if Justin was going to go back to Maryland in 5 weeks.  He wasn’t going to let his husband sit around and wait for him while he was in training.  He wasn’t going to let Justin be just another ‘Navy wife’ waiting for his husband to come home.  He wouldn’t do that to Justin. 

Of course he knew that one of the first things they would have to do is get Brian’s car out to California.  He could put it in storage for 8 weeks, but he’d be dammed if he would spend the extra money on two rental cars. 

Paying the bill, and grabbing two sets of keys, Brian walked back out to the car to grab his pouting lover.  He pulled open the door and knelt down beside Justin.  “Justin, come on.  This is only temporary.  We talked about this, and we both agreed.  It’s only for 5 weeks, then you’ll be going back to Maryland until my training’s over.”  Not getting a response from his lover, Brian reached over and ran his hand across the side of Justin’s face.  “Let’s not fight about this, please.  Not now.  We have five weeks left, and I want to fucking enjoy it.  God only knows I’ll need it to get through the rest of training.” 

Justin turned his face toward Brian and caught the look in Brian’s eyes.  He could tell that this was important to his husband, and Justin silently cursed himself for making such a big deal out of this.  Brian was right, they would both need happy memories to get them through the 8 weeks Brian wouldn’t be allowed to leave base.  “Okay, but we’re not done yet.  But I promise, I won’t bring it up again until you’re done with basic.” 

Brian leaned in and kissed Justin lightly on the lips.  “Thank-you.  Now can we please get upstairs and get our shit inside.  It’s been a long day, and I want to try and take my husband out for a nice night on the town.” 

“What, no sex?” Justin asked as he undid his seatbelt, and got out of the car, and went to help Brian get the luggage out of the trunk. 

Brian laughed as he led Justin toward the elevator, uniform bag swung over his shoulder, and suitcases in hand.  “Oh, I’m sure we can fit that in.  Of course we do have four more days before I even have to report.  What pray tell will we do with all that time?” 

“I’m sure we can think of something.” Justin replied as he pulled Brian down for a kiss.  “And we might even leave the room once in a while.” 

Brian laughed as he watched his lover walk down the hall toward their temporary home.  “Just so long as we take the time to get you registered on base tomorrow.  You need an ID card, and I need to update my paperwork.” Brian stated.  Throwing the bags on the bed and carefully setting his garment bag down, Brian picked Justin up and tossed him down on the bed.  Laying down on top of his lover, Brian ran his hand through Justin’s hair.  “Then you can be a real Naval Dependant.”  He said with a smirk.  “Privileges and all.” 

Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s waist and leaned back as much as he could so he could look Brian in the face.  Trying to keep a serious expression on his face, Justin let out a sigh.  “And here I thought you didn’t want a Navy Wife.” Justin stated batting his eyelashes to let Brian know that he wasn’t trying to start another argument. 

“Don’t be a brat, you know what I mean.” Brian joked.  “Besides, I wouldn’t have a wife.  I like my husband.  Big cock, ass, and all.” 

“I see where I belong.  You only love me for my body.” 

“I thought that’s why you loved me?  And it’s not your body I love… well not the only thing I love, and you know that.” Brian touched their foreheads together and looked into Justin’s eyes.  “Ready to get a taste of those special privileges?” 

“Show me, big man.  I’m ready.” 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

 Brian leaned down and kissed Justin on the cheek before unbuckling his seatbelt.  “So what are your plans today?” Brian asked his lover.  Today was Brian’s first day of Indoc, and it was back to the real world for the both of them.  The honeymoon was officially over, and Brian already missed it. 

“I don’t know.  I have to get some groceries and stuff.  I might go down to the beach for a little while.  Maybe check out all the hot, young sailors as they work down at the piers…” Justin ended with a small smile.  “You know how hot it makes me to see men in uniform.” 

“I better be the only one in uniform that makes you hot.” Brian looked at Justin with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.  “I own you now, blond boy.  Don’t you forget it.” 

“How could I?” Justin laughed as he once again looked down at the rings on his finger.  “I don’t think anyone could ever look as hot as you in uniform.  It would be a sin.” 

“Good, remember that.”  Brian opened the door and grabbed his small gym bag out of the back seat.  “I’ll call you when I’m done for the day.  It may not be until after dinner though.” 

Justin reached over before Brian could close the door and grabbed his lover’s hand.  “I’ll be waiting.  Good luck, not that you need it.” 

“Piece of cake.” Brian laughed, grateful that Justin was trying to ease his tension.  “Love you.  Later.” 

“Love you, Brian.” Justin said as the door closed behind his lover.  Justin sat there watching Brian walk down the sidewalk, saluting the enlisted men who walked past him.  It brought a small smile to Justin’s face seeing Brian get the respect he deserved.  He knew his lover was worried about the tests, and Justin had tried everything in his arsenal to try and ease Brian’s worries.  He never had a doubt that Brian would succeed in the coming weeks.  He never once thought that Brian would be one of the ones who didn’t make it.  He only wished he could convince Brian of that. 

“I’ll just have to work hard these next five weeks to get him to realize it, since he’ll be all alone for 8 weeks without me.” Justin told himself.  Knowing what he had to do, Justin put the car in drive and headed into town.  He had to find something to do with his time, and Justin knew his first stop would be an art store.  He might as well get a head start on his new career. 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

Brian felt like he was ready to die.  He had just completed the physical test, and leaned against the wall trying to catch his breath.  He knew he would have no problems with any portion of it… it was just that he had never tried it all at once.  He definitely took advantage of the ten minutes in between sections.  He only hoped that the Jacuzzi tub in their room was worth the extra price.  He knew he would be sore for days after this. 

“Good work, Ensign.” Brian heard next to him as he saw a figure lean against the wall.  Brian knew who it was, and for once he was grateful that he wasn’t in full uniform and didn’t have to salute.  Hell he wasn’t even sure he could stand up without falling, let alone raise his arm in the air enough to reach his head. 

“Thank-you, sir.” He breathed, still trying to catch his breath.  “I guess I wasn’t in as good a shape as I thought.” He said as he began to feel like his chest wasn’t on fire. 

“You’re in wonderful shape, you’ve worked hard to get here and it shows.  Most of these men most likely won’t make it past the test today.  They will have other chances, but it’s not easy to pass the test the first time through.  But you did.  That speaks volumes about your physical training.” The Admiral stated with pride.  He was proud of Brian.  He had always known that the young man would make it, today only proved that he was right.  “Now why don’t you hit the showers, and go home.  Tomorrow is another day.” 

Brian glanced up at his mentor, and nodded.  “Thank-you, sir.  But I think I’ll try out the Jacuzzi tub instead.” 

“Ah, the wonders of modern technology.  I wish they had those when I had started my training, many years ago.” The Admiral said with a smile.  “Now go home to your man.” 

“Yes, sir.” Brian replied pulling himself away from the wall and heading toward the locker room.  The first challenge was over.  Now it was time to find out if the coming home was what it was cracked up to be.  With a small smile on his face, Brian picked up the phone and dialed Justin’s cell phone number.  “I’m home honey.” He said into the phone.  “Come get me.  I’m tired, and need a backrub.” 

Justin had a busy and eventful day. He’d picked up some art supplies and made a mental note to have Daphne ship some of his favorite things to him. Luckily she now had a key to the house. He’d also arranged to have the cars shipped out, both of them. He knew that Brian was going to freak when he found out, but he’d worry about that then. There was no way he was going back to Maryland on his own. Brian had better get used to it. 

And now to find a suitable apartment to rent, he’d only had time to look at two of them and neither one was suitable. He needed a studio area and Brian needed a fully equipped gym, hot tub and pool. He’d made a list of what furniture he wanted to have shipped out and what he wanted to put into storage. He made sure that everything in Brian’s study was coming as well as a few of his own favorites including their bed. 

It was only for barely half a year, but Brian had to realize that they needed to be comfortable. When his cell phone rang, Justin was on his way to the base. “Hey Navy Boy” he said into the phone. He knew no one else had the number. It had to be Brian. 

Justin laughed at Brian’s words. “I’m on my way; I’ll be there in five minutes.” 

True to his word Justin pulled up as Brian walked out of the door. “Hey, it was cool showing my ID” he said to Brian. “I can say that being an officer’s spouse has the added privilege of also getting saluted.  I never thought I would be on the receiving end of one of those.” He leaned over and gave his exhausted husband a quick kiss. “Do you want to drive?” 

“I can’t, I’m dead” Brian’s head was back on the seat, his eyes shut. 

“Poor guy” Justin began to head to their motel. “I won’t even make you carry in the parcels in the trunk.” 

“What parcels?” 

“I bought a few things for you and we needed some groceries.” Justin said off hand. 

“I don’t need anything.” Brian kept his eyes shut, he could feel sleep overtaking him in the heat of the rental car. 

“Brian, you’ve been in uniform like for four years with only brief forays in civvies. I bought you some things to wear.” 

“We can’t afford to spend money on whims Justin. I don’t make all that much despite my fancy sounding title. Hell, I’m not even a SEAL yet, so we can’t count on that money yet.” 

“Brian, we’re partners aren’t we?” Justin asked. 

“Of course we are.” 

“So since when do partners only use one of the partner’s money. I mean don’t I count for anything?” 

“Sure you do baby, but you aren’t working right now.” Brian patted Justin’s thigh. 

“Brian, did you even look at the stuff I had you sign at the bank?” 

“I looked at it.” 

“But did you suck it back?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Didn’t you notice that there was rather an excessive amount of paper to sign?” 

“Sure, banks are paper crazy.” 

Justin rolled his eyes. “I guess I’d better give you a little light reading when we get to our humble abode.” 

Brian could hardly let Justin carry in everything in the trunk, so despite his exhaustion he grabbed a handful of bags. The two of them made it inside though it took Justin an extra trip. “Let me make you a bath Brian.” Justin said. Brian was sitting on the side of the bed. Justin ran the water into the large Jacuzzi tub adding some bath salts. He came back to find Brian hadn’t moved. He knelt down and untied his heavy boots, pulling them off of Brian’s feet. And then stood him up and helped take the rest of his clothes off before leading him into the bathroom. “Relax in the tub Brian, I’ll make supper and I promise you an amazing back rub before bed.” 

“Did I tell you I love you today?” Brian asked. “Hey, why don’t you give me the papers you wanted me to read.” 

“Are you sure?” Justin didn’t know whether that would be a good idea. The last thing he wanted was for Brian to drown in the tub.  “I’ve put your new bathrobe on the door.” He tried to change the subject. 

“The papers Justin and what was wrong with my old bathrobe?” 

“Nothing, but this is Ralph Lauren, it’s silk and the color of your eyes when we’re making love. I saw it and I couldn’t resist.” 

Brian wasn’t impressed but how much could a bathrobe cost anyway. He held out his hands for the papers. “Papers Justin, now please.” It was his military voice, Justin scurried to find the papers. 

Justin handed him the copies of what they had signed at the bank and beat a hasty retreat stopping only long enough to give Brian a chaste kiss on top of his head. He began to prepare a simple supper for them both when he heard. “JUSTIN!” 

Justin winced but ran into the bathroom. Brian was sitting up shaking the papers. “Is this some kind of a joke?” 

Standing behind the tub Justin began to massage the knots out of Brian’s neck. “No joke, it’s just the copies of the bank’s paper work. There was lots of stuff to be changed over into both of our names.” He kissed him. “I love you Brian.” 

“Justin, there are a lot of zeros here.” 

“It’s only money.” Justin was trying to be reasonable. 

“Justin it’s one fucking great pile of money. Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“You never asked and my parents always told me it was impolite to discuss money until you were married and then only occasionally.” 

“What is this, the nineteen hundreds?” 

“Nope” Justin continued to massage. “Brian, what’s the big deal; so we have money.” 

“You have money.” 

“Apparently you still are unclear on the concept of marriage and partnerships.” Justin cocked his head to one side. “Didn’t they cover that in the last four years of school?” 

“Don’t be a smart ass. I can’t take your money.” 

“Again I mention the word partnership. As I understand it, it means that we share. You share what you have and I share what I have and we’re both happy.” 

“Justin, I’m not taking your money.” 

“Don’t you love me?” Justin’s voice quivered and he stopped massaging Brian’s neck. “You promised you loved me. You said forever. You said I was your Avalon.” He began to cry and ran out of the bathroom. Justin looked around wildly, he had no where to go. They were stuck in a one room suite with a kitchen nook, the only place he could retreat to was the balcony. He slipped outside and shut the heavy door before sliding down the glass, barely containing his sobs. 

“Fuck Kinney, now what?” Brian shouted. He threw the offending papers on the floor and pulled himself out of the tub. Grabbing a thin hotel towel, he wrapped it around his waist or tried to, it was pathetically small. So he pulled the thick silk bathrobe off of the bathroom door and pulled it on. The six hundred dollar price tag fluttered to the floor. Brian picked it up, looked and looked again. He wanted to rip the robe off and make Justin return it but he remembered the tear-filled and heartbroken blue eyes that had looked at him before Justin ran out of the room. 

“Justin” he said as he stepped out of the bathroom. Justin was nowhere to be found. He couldn’t have gone far Brian thought. He stood for a minute and then he heard a sharp intake of breath before another sob. It came from the balcony. Brian walked over and pulled the door open. “Justin come in here.” He asked. 

“No, you don’t love me anymore.” Justin knew he was being unreasonable, but he couldn’t help it. “You promised me forever and you lied.” 

“I didn’t lie.” Brian sighed. Fuck he hated this drama queen shit. “Justin I was surprised that’s all. I didn’t know that real people had that kind of money. You must have thought I was an idiot trying to save a buck when we were looking for a place to stay.” 

“No, I just thought it was cute. How was I supposed to know you didn’t read what the bank guy gave you to sign?” 

“I was too busy looking at your ass.” Brian said honestly. “I love your blond boy ass.” 

“So you’re not mad ‘cause we have a few million dollars?” Justin asked. He wiped his nose on the back of his hand. Brian handed him some tissues. 

“Christ don’t say it out loud. I don’t want anyone to know.” Brian sighed. “Justin, it’s going to take some getting used to. I was lucky to have twenty bucks in my pocket by the time payday rolled around. Now I find that I’m a fucking millionaire. Again, you might have mentioned it. I mean you were working for fuck sake. I thought you were working to earn money. I thought you just were a real good money manager.” 

“I am a good money manager; I just have a lot to manage.” Justin said. “Now you can help” 

“Christ I’m not even sure Navy SEALs are supposed to have that kind of money.” Brian ran his hand over his shorn head. 

“It’s not like you stole it or anything. I mean some is from my grandparents and some is from my parents and some is from me. It’s all been earned honestly.” 

“And you were working why?” 

“So I could meet a hot Navy Boy?” 

“Wrong answer pretty boy.” Brian’s good humor was returning. “Are there any more surprises you have for me?” 

“Well, not really, except I did send for our cars. You can’t be waiting for me to pick you up every day and I need a car too.” 

“Geeze Justin, you’re only here for six weeks or so and then it’s back to Maryland while I finish my training.” 

“About Maryland” Justin began. 

“Do I want to know?” 

“Probably not.” Justin smiled at him, his tears forgotten. “Hey you look hot in that robe. I knew it was the perfect color for you.” 

“Six hundred fucking dollars worth of perfect color.” Brian’s tone was a tad bitter. 

“I know, wasn’t that a good deal, it was marked down fifty percent.” Justin stood up and let Brian wrap him in his arms. “I love you Brian.” 

“I love you too Justin, but damn you’re hard on my nerves sometimes.  I may not have to worry about ducking for bullets.  You may be the death of me one day.” 

“You’re no walk on the beach either Navy Boy.” Justin said with a sniff. 

Brian pulled Justin tighter against his body, and held his little drama queen.  ‘No, full-blown queen of drama queens,’ Brian thought.  “Now, Justin.  Repeat after me.  I will not spend all my money on Brian.” 

Justin figured that he could repeat that one.  “I will not spend all my money on Brian.”  It wasn’t a lie.  He wouldn’t spend it ALL on Brian.  Just a good portion of it.  They were married, so it only made sense to make Brian happy.  A happy Brian made for a very happy Justin. 

Brian thought that this was going too easy, but he decided to continue.  “I will not go out and buy Brian things without prior consent of Brian.  Not counting holidays of course, in which I will not go overboard.” 

Justin looked at Brian and raised his eyebrow.  “Huh?  You expect me to remember all of that?” 

“Justin,” Brian growled. 

”Well, I mean that’s a lot to remember to repeat back to you.  See I already forgot how it began.” Justin stated deciding that if he didn’t remember it he wouldn’t have to repeat it.  He wouldn’t follow through with that one anyway. 

“I will not go out and buy Brian things without prior consent of Brian.” 

“No.” Justin replied.  “Brian, I can’t promise that.  I think that some surprises are necessary for a marriage.  It keeps things interesting.  Don’t you?  And if I agree to that, then you would have to agree to the same thing, since everything is equal in this partnership.  And I know you… you would be somewhere, and see something. You would have to get it for me… and well I wouldn’t know about it and the whole prior consent thing would be blown out of the water then.  So see, it’s a stupid rule.  Why would we need rules anyway?  We’re married.  What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours.  I just happen to have more right now than you.  But it’s ours.  So it only makes sense that…” 

Brian stopped any further words from coming out of his husband’s mouth by crushing their lips together.  “Will you go make dinner?  I’m tired and sore, and hungry as hell.”  Brian turned and walked away back toward the waiting bath water.  This conversation was officially on the shelf, but Brian swore that he would one day soon revisit it. 

Justin walked back to the kitchen with a smile on his face.  He had won this round.  One day Brian would see the truth.  Everything that Justin had was now Brian’s also.  Justin wanted Brian to have everything he wished for.  And if Justin felt the need to spoil his husband that should be his right.  “Oh yeah… I’ve got his number.” 

“I heard that!” Came the cry from the bathroom. 

Justin laughed knowing that the game had just begun.  Just wait until Brian saw what else Justin had bought.  And let’s not even get into what Justin had planned for them.  No, let Brian have his fun, let him think that he could get Justin to agree.  What would a marriage be without some arguments?  He would make it up to Brian.  One little backrub and Brian would forget all about money, gifts and rules. 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

11 June 2011 

Justin, 

Let me just start off and say that you are one annoying, conniving, little brat.  You’re lucky I love you so much.  Cause I tell you that there are times in the past week that I have wanted to wring your neck! 

Okay, that’s not entirely true, but damn, you irritate me at times.  I wish that you could understand where I’m coming from.  I wish that you could understand why I don’t want you to spend your money on me.  I wish… hell, I wish for a lot of things. 

And to think I was worried about money.  I still haven’t given that up. 

I guess this will just have to be one of those damn compromises that couples have to go through.  I know what it means to you, I know and understand that you feel you must take care of me, but Justin you need to understand that there is a limit.  I don’t want you going out and buying me clothes and stuff like that.  I do have my own money and I can get my own damn underwear. 

I just wish you could see things from my perspective.  I wish you could understand. 

You can’t fully understand, like I can’t fully understand you.  I’m learning that.  We come from totally different backgrounds.  You came from money.  Your parents gave a damn about you, loved you.  I didn’t have that.  I was lucky for the clothes on my back!  I was lucky if they weren’t some damn hand-me-downs from the people at church.  Cause God knew Jack Kinney couldn’t be bothered with spending his money on a kid he didn’t even want. 

But you… you had it all.  At least that’s what I believe.  And maybe I’m wrong.  I don’t know.  As I said.  I don’t know what it’s like to have parents who cared, who had money.  At least who had money and didn’t spend it on the whores down the street or the booze in the cabinet… hell or the damn church.  They always got more than I ever did. 

So I’ll compromise, I will.  Cause as I said… the alternative is unthinkable.  I can’t live without you.  I just hope you don’t kill me in the process of loving me.  Fuck! 

Anyway, let’s see.  Training.  The first day… I swear that I was almost ready to call it quits then.  I felt like I was ready to die.  Luckily the Admiral was there to lift me up.  Things did calm down some though, and the first week wasn’t too bad.  I know it will only get worse.  The way I look at it, if I can make it past hell week in 9 weeks I’ll be alright.  If I can make it past then… I should be able to make it past anything. 

Even an annoying brat of a husband. 

I mean that in a good way. 

I do love you, Justin… even when you annoy me. 

Forever My Avalon, 
Brian 

~~~***~~~***~~~***
Justin sat back in the passenger seat of the Stingray, the wind blowing through his hair. He was going to have to get it cut one of these days. He looked over at Brian who still looked a tad sulky. “Hey Navy Boy, put that bottom lipin, you know you like driving your car better than that rental.” 

“That’s not the point.” 

Justin leaned over in the confined space and snuggled as close as he could to Brian. “Of course it’s the point. It’s all about making my man comfortable. You get enough shit and abuse on the base.” He rubbed his cheek on Brian’s arm. “Besides, I happen to like to spoil you. I think it’s because you look so hot when you pout.” 

“SEALs don’t pout.” 

“Apparently SEALS in training do.” Justin grinned. “We must work on that bottom lip Ensign Kinney.” He giggled. He knew Brian wasn’t really mad. He was actually getting used quite quickly to the comforts that having money could buy. Though he did put up a good fight. 

“Where are we going again?” 

“I want to go to the art supply store, one of the large grocery stores, the Bon and maybe Ethan Allan Furniture Gallery.” 

“That’s too many stops, I’m supposed to be resting and recuperating.” 

“Then why were you up at the crack of dawn running like a bunny.” 

“I don’t run like a bunny.” 

“Hmmmm, I guess you’ve never seen yourself or a bunny run.” 

“Brat” Brian turned into a large strip mall. “Art store first, grocery store last.” 

“Cool, I need a few more pastels and I think I’ll replace my water colors.” They had pulled up in front of the large store. “Are you coming in?” 

“No, I brought one of my text books. I’m going to review some things. Take your time” 

“Yes dear.” Justin said in falsetto. He leaned in to give Brian a kiss before getting out of the car. “But you have to come into the Bon with me.” 

“We’ll see.” 

“I’ll buy you a zillion presents if you don’t.” 

“I’ll come in with you.” Brian said shaking his head. 

Justin grinned and headed inside the store. He was loading up his basket when a striking oriental woman tapped him on the arm. 

“Excuse me.” She said rather shyly. “I want to learn to paint, and I was wondering, I saw that you seemed to know what to buy. Can you recommend which of these water color sets I should get.” 

“Sure.” Justin smiled at her. “I love working in water color, it gives such a surreal look to a sketch. I don’t really do an entire painting, more like color a sketch.” Justin picked up a book of basic sketching techniques. “See, if you sketched this apple for instance, what would make it stand out more is a tiny wash of color, and that’s it.” 

“Oh, that sounds wonderful. I’m Komari Smith by the way.” 

“I’m Justin Taylor-Kinney.” They shook hands. “I trained four years in Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts and I’ve worked in advertising, but right now I’m here while my husband is doing his training at the base.” 

“My husband works at the base too.” She said. “Would you consider giving lessons?” 

“I’ve never really thought about it.” Justin admitted. “I mean I’ve shown some techniques to friends.” 

“Are you working during the day?” she asked. 

“No, I’m not planning on getting a job. Brian will be training here for a few weeks and then I guess I have to do something with our house in Maryland. I’ll probably wait and do that when they have him confined to the base. It’ll be too lonely knowing he’s so close, but that we can’t really see each other.” 

“I know what you mean. Sometimes when my husband is away I could just scream. I hardly know any of the wives. I think they resent me or something.” 

Justin laughed, “Probably because you’re better looking than they are.” 

His new friend smiled at him. “You are too funny.” 

“I’d better go; Brian is waiting in the car for me.” Justin picked up one of the water color sets. “This is the one I’d go with if I was just starting out. And get yourself a good beginning sketch book. The biggest thing about sketching is to practice. It’s like everything, you can’t run before you walk.” 

“Thank you so much Justin. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.” 

Justin laughed, his smile was infectious and Komari smiled back. “See Komari, we could be great friends and best of all I wouldn’t have to worry about you hitting on my handsome husband.” 

“Maybe I will see you on the base some time.” She said shyly. 

“Sure, or if you’re really bored, give me a call, I’m staying at the Starlight Motel until I can find us an apartment to sublet. Brian is being a bit of a grouch about that. He doesn’t want me to spend the money.” 

“If you don’t mind Justin, I would love to call you. We could have lunch or I can take you to some wonderful spots to sketch. I’ve been living here with William for almost four years now.” 

“Cool, call me; I’m free all day while Brian is training.” Justin leaned over and gave her a hug. “See you soon.” 

Justin paid for his purchases and hurried to the car. He was afraid he’d been away too long, but Brian was engrossed in his text book and barely looked up when his husband got into the car. Justin leaned over and put his hand on the page. “Navy Boy, as chauffer today, we should get moving.” 

“Sorry brat. I was at in interesting part.” 

Justin glanced at the book on Naval law. “riiiiiiight.” He said shaking his head. 

Finding a parking place at the Bon wasn’t easy, but Brian finally settled on one. “Come on Brian, you promised.” Justin whined. 

“I didn’t promise, I’ll tell you what. I promise to go to Ethan Allen, by the way what is Ethan Allan again?” 

Justin rolled his eyes. “A furniture store.” 

“Justin we don’t need any furniture.” 

“I like to look” Justin wasn’t going to argue with him, but there wasn’t a chance in hell he was staying for months on end at the Starlight Motel. He was going to find an apartment by the end of the week or die trying. 

“Fine, I don’t know why you need to waste time looking at furniture, but I’ll go in there with you.” 

“You know I’m going to buy you something at the Bon don’t you?” 

“No you aren’t, we discussed that.” Brian looked at Justin closely. “You did listen to me didn’t you?” 

“Can I just buy you one shirt?” 

Brian rolled his eyes. “One shirt that’s it.” 

“And a pair of pants.” 

“Justinnnnnn” 

Not wanting to prolong the agony any longer Justin hopped out of the car. He walked around to Brian’s side and leaned in the open window. Brian had already grabbed his text. Justin stuck his head in and turned Brian to kiss him soundly. “Now study with a hard on.” He whispered. 

“Brat” Brian muttered as he squirmed in his seat. He watched Justin deliberately swish away and he had to laugh at his husband’s sense of humor. 

Justin decided to go to the towel section first. He needed to buy some towels; the motel ones were pathetic. He had almost reached the section when he spotted his new friend. “Hey Komari, are you following me?” He asked with a smile. 

“Justin, no, I thought I would spend some time window shopping. My days are anything but exciting. William is playing golf today with his buddies. You would think that he would get enough of them all week.” She gave a lonely laugh. 

“Well his loss is my gain. I’m looking for some towels. The motel ones are a zillion years old and made for midgets; they don’t go around my husband’s waist.” 

She laughed. “William likes a nice thick towel too. I bought some of these last week.” She led him over to a display. “They washed up wonderfully well and feel them, lovely and thick.” She handed Justin a towel. 

“Hey nice.” He said. “I wonder what color I should buy?” 

“If you don’t have your own place maybe you should stick with white?” 

“I should but white is so boring.” Justin fingered some rich burgundy towels. He held one up. “Doesn’t this one look amazing?” 

Komari had to laugh. Justin was so full of enthusiasm and he wasn’t the least bit intimidated by her or her husband.  “It is a wonderful towel Justin. But the price, it’s thirty five dollars for each bath towel and even more for the bath sheets.” 

“Well just between you and me and the fence post, I’m a trust fund brat and I really don’t care what they cost.” Justin picked up a handful of the towels and then included some face cloths. “I’ll just have to find an apartment with a bathroom to match my towels.” 

“In that case, you should have six bath towels, two bath sheets, four face towels and six face cloths.” Komari and Justin checked the pile of towels finally making their choice. She laughed. “Shopping with you is fun Justin.” 

“As long as we don’t start getting our nails and hair done together, I like it too.” Justin giggled. “Of course I wouldn’t say no to a pedicure.” 

“You are such a brat.” Komari giggled. “Your husband must love you very much to let you out by yourself.” 

“He’s in the car studying. It’s very important to him that he make SEAL.” Justin confided. “Of course he will because he not only looks the part, he is the best they’ll ever have go through that course. Not that I’m bragging or anything, but he really is good.” 

“Have you two been married long?” 

“We’re newly weds. We got married after he graduated and before he came here. He wanted to make sure I could have spousal benefits. It wouldn’t have mattered. I would have followed him any way. I have no shame when it comes to Ensign Kinney.” 

“Congratulations Justin. Being the spouse of a SEAL is a hard life. But if anyone can do it I’m sure you can.” 

“Have you and your husband been married long?” Justin asked as they stood at the checkout counter. 

“We’ve been married five years. I’m Williams’s third wife. His first one died and the second one was a bitch and now he has me.” 

Justin laughed. “Well you know what they say, ‘third times a charm’. I’m sure he appreciates you – you’d be a good contrast after the bitch.” 

“That was my plan.” She giggled. They had wandered into the men’s department. 

“I’m looking for a shirt for Brian. I’m trying to build up his non military wardrobe, so nothing white or blue.” Justin fingered some deep red silk shirts and then his eyes lit on a black and khaki print Egyptian cotton shirt with a many tiny tucks down the front. “Look at this; he’d look awesome in it.” 

Komari held up a pair of deep khaki linen trousers. “These would look great with that shirt.” 

“Not too gay?” Justin asked. 

“I don’t think so.” She replied. 

“Then I’ll get them both.” He declared. He finished paying for his purchases and then said goodbye to Komari. They agreed to get together the next week. She’d call him on Monday. 

The towels were heavy despite the large plastic bag and Justin was struggling by the time he got to the car. Brian saw him coming and got out to help him put the bag in the trunk. 

“Geeze Justin what did you buy?” 

“Just some towels and I bought you a shirt and a pair of pants.” 

“Justin….” 

“Only one shirt, only one pair of pants.” Justin kissed him. “You’ll look hot when you take me to dinner on Sunday.” 

“I’m taking you to dinner?” Brian smirked. “I guess there’s a MacDonald’s here somewhere.” 

“Don’t be a bitch.” 

“It takes one to know one.” 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

Brian fell to his knees and tried to stop the sudden sickness that he knew was coming.  He had heard from the enlisted men about the gas chamber, but damn.  ‘Seeing is believing.’ Brian thought as he once again tried to stop the rise of bile.  Luckily he saw that he wasn’t the only one on his knees.  “This is worse than boot-camp,” one of the seamen stated from beside Brian.  “I don’t know if they use different gas, or we were in there longer, but fuck!” 

Brian wanted to laugh, but he was afraid to open his mouth.  After about five minutes Brian finally felt like he wasn’t ready to die, and carefully stood up.  “Fuck is right.” He stated as he helped the seaman up off the ground.  “You okay?” 

“Yes, sir.  Thanks.” 

”No problem.”  Brian gave the poor man a small smile as they began to walk back toward the small classroom.  One thing that Brian had realized early on was that during SEAL training he was basically the same level as the enlisted men in his group.  They were all working for the same thing; were all striving to become a SEAL… ranks didn’t matter there as much as they did outside of their training grounds.  Brian guessed that it was because they all had to be closer than the men and women serving on the ships.  They had to count on one another more.  Whatever the reasoning, Brian was grateful. 

“So slime, how did you like the chamber.” Stated the chief SEAL in charge of the class.  ‘Nope, no ranks here, we’re all slime.’ Brian mused as he sat down in one of the chairs.  “That’s just a taste of what you will be going through during your training.  If you think that when you get out there in the field that you won’t be exposed to chemical and biological warfare then you are living in a dream world.  And there’s one thing that I hate is delusional people.  This is the real world, boys.  As SEALs you are the elite of the elite.  If you want to be here you have to be better than the Army.  Better than the Marines.  We won’t even go into the Air Force.  If you can’t handle a little tear gas, a little nerve gas, then you know where the door is, slime.  Get the hell out of my SEALs cause I don’t want you here.” 

“You are here for a reason, and that reason is because for some odd reason, you got lucky.  You got lucky enough to pass the tests to make it to the second week of Indoc.  If you think that this will be a walk in the park, you’re wrong.”  Stated a Lieutenant standing next to the chief.  Brian’s instructor.  And he thought that some of the ones at the Academy were tough.  He began to wonder if Michaels was a former SEAL.  “IF you make it through Indoc, and IF you make it through the Basic phase, then you will graduate from being slime.  I might even consider you to guard my back.  If I don’t think you can cut it… if I can’t trust you to watch out for your fellow SEALs then I will make your life a living hell.  You will think that Dante’s version of hell is heaven with what I will do to you.” 

The thing that Brian realized was that these men could actually follow through with what they were saying.  He had no doubt in his mind to anything they were saying was a thousand percent true.  There was a reason why the SEALs were the best, why their training was the hardest of all the armed forces.  Now, Brian was finally starting to realize how that title came to be.  The best of the best, the elite of the elite was earned not given.  Earned by the hard work and dedication that these men had to one another and to their mission. 

And unfortunately for him and the other members of his class… their mission was making men out of slime.  ‘Lucky me.’  Brian realized how lucky he was that Justin gave damn good back-rubs.  For once he actually had a good thought to his husband’s uncanny spoiling of him.  He was for once grateful that his husband wanted to take care of him. 

For some reason, Brian knew he would need it now and in the coming weeks.  Not that he would tell Justin that.  No, let the brat think Brian hated it.  And although he did, Brian knew enough to know that there were certain advantages to it as well. 

“Now slime.  You have the weekend off.  Two days of freedom.  Use it wisely.  Bask in your freedom, cause slime… in another couple of weeks, you’re ours 24-7.  For eight weeks you will be ours to do with what we will.  So enjoy your time off.  Monday come in here fresh and ready to work.”  The Lieutenant stated, as looked around the room at the tired and sick looking sailors.   “By the way, don’t eat too much.  Monday is another physical evaluation test.  Have fun slime.” 

When the Lieutenant and Chief left, Brian could hear the groans of the others in his class.  “Fuck me,” Brian quietly stated as he laid his head down on his table.  “Thank god for Jacuzzi tubs.” 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

Justin went out to pick up the paper after Brian left for the base. Even Brian had to admit having their cars here was a good idea. Justin was really sick of living in one room. Brian wanted to study and Justin was afraid to move once the text books were open. It was driving him nuts and he knew that it was doing the same to his husband despite what he said to the contrary. 

Justin spread the classifieds out in front of him. Maybe there would be something new that would take a short term rental. If worse came to worse he’d sign a year’s lease, pay in advance and who cared if they moved in six months. It was only money. 

The phone rang just as he was about to call a likely place. “Justin here.” He answered. 

“Justin, it’s Komari, would you like to join me for lunch today?” 

“Sounds good Komari, but I really want to find someplace to live. This place is too small and cramped and truthfully, while I love Brian dearly, being in the same room with him constantly is not a good thing.” 

She laughed, “I can help you look. I know the area.” 

“That would be great, should I pick you up or do you want to meet me here?” 

“Why don’t I pick you up?” she offered. “I can be there in an hour. I want to phone someone I know who has a real estate company. She may have some ideas for us. How much room do you want? 

“It ‘s not so much the room we need. I mean two bedrooms would be great; Brian could use one for his study. I can have his stuff shipped from Maryland. But he needs a building with a good gym, hot tub and a pool. He’s a fitness freak.” 

“All SEALs are.” Komari said. “You have no idea how often my William works out at the gym and he really doesn’t need to anymore. But he said he’d never ask any of his men to do something that he couldn’t do himself.” 

“Hey, there should be more guys like him.” 

“Oh I think one William is enough.” She laughed. “I’ll pick you up in an hour.” 

“I’ll be waiting.” Justin hung up the phone. It was great that he’d made a friend. And it was nice that her husband worked on the base. She would understand better what it was like to be married to a Navy man. Her husband sounded like a good guy. 

He tidied up their room finishing up just as Komari pulled into the parking lot. She was driving a mustang convertible. “Hey cool car.” Justin said as he got in. “I found a couple of places to look at.” 

“I’ve got something better I think.” Komari said with a smile. "The girl I was telling you about has a great apartment that will suit you just fine. It’s in a new building and it’s the penthouse. The company that is buying the suite doesn’t want it right now. They are reorganizing and are willing to give you a nine month lease which should be perfect for you. It’s a little longer than you need, but it’s better than a year.” 

“Great.” Justin beamed at her. “Let’s take a look.” 

It didn’t take the two of them long to find the building. The building superintendent was expecting them and took them to the penthouse suite right away. The first thing Justin noticed was that one wall was nothing but windows. Perfect for him to paint. The building had a complete gym and pool on the lower floor and the apartment had it’s own spa tub outside on the roof garden. Justin could picture romantic nights with Brian in the tub. “It’s perfect” Justin couldn’t stop grinning. “I’ll have some of our furniture shipped out from Maryland and I’ll pick up a couple of things here. I saw the most amazing chairs at Ethan Allan’s on the weekend. We won’t really need a lot of furniture until I find out where Brian’s posting is going to be.” 

“It’s wonderful” Komari agreed. “But won’t your Brian be upset at the price? I think you mentioned he hated you spending money.” 

“I know he wouldn’t be too pleased.” That was an understatement. The rent was three thousand a month. “But it’s not like we don’t have the money. He just has to get used to thinking of the money I brought into the marriage as ours and not mine.” He looked a Komari “Besides I’m not going to tell him are you?” 

“Not me” she giggled. “Let’s go sign the lease and then we can have some lunch. Have you been to the Officer’s mess yet?” 

“No,” 

“Well wives are allowed to use the dining room at lunch time. I sometimes meet some of the other wives there. Why don’t I take you and introduce you to any that might be there?” 

“Are you sure it’s okay, I mean Brian might…” Justin began. 

“Brian will be too busy to even notice. The training is brutal during these first weeks.” She giggled. “Us wives have to stick together.” 

Justin laughed with her. “I’m so glad I met you Komari. My stay here is going to be more fun than I thought it would be at first.” 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

“You can’t be serious.  You’re not serious.” Justin stated with wide eyes and hands on hips.  “How can I be grounded?  Don’t you think that I’m a little old to be grounded?” 

Brian had come home that night and flat out told Justin that they were not going out at all that weekend, that in essence Justin was grounded from leaving the new apartment at all.  “I’m deadly serious.” Brian stated as he began to take off his uniform to place them in the dry cleaning bag behind the bedroom door.  “Every time you’re out of my sight you have this little habit of spending money.  Money for the most part on me!  I told you countless times that you are NOT to spend your money on me, and you even agreed!” 

“I did not.” Justin sat down on the edge of the bed to watch his husband change into a pair of black pants and a wife beater.  Justin had to tear his eyes away from the sight of Brian’s body so he wouldn’t reach up and bring his lover down to the bed with him.  He was mad at him, it wouldn’t do to try and forget everything because he loved the way Brian looked in those skin tight black pants that showed off Brian’s lean legs, and articulated his cock.  Nope, wouldn’t do to think about that. 

“You did to,” Brian told Justin as he moved out of the bedroom and headed toward the kitchen.  Once there, Brian pulled a beer out of the refrigerator and looked to see if Justin had followed.  Watching Justin move into the kitchen behind him, Brian tried not to laugh.  He couldn’t believe how much fun it was to argue with Justin at times.  Justin always made a huge play at trying to confuse Brian.  Justin talked and talked trying to get Brian to forget the original item up for discussion, or have Brian just give in and drop it.  Most of the time Brian did drop it, at least temporarily… but he wasn’t giving up this time. 

“When?” Justin asked crossing his arms over his chest in defiance. 

Brian leaned up against the kitchen counter and stared at his lover.  “Let’s see, it was a little over a week ago.  You had repeated word for word what I had said.  Let’s see if you remember this ‘I will not spend all my money on Brian.’ Do you remember that?” 

“I didn’t spend ALL my money on you.” Justin lifted his arms out to his side in exasperation.  “It’s not like I’ll go broke, I mean I have lots of money so it’s not ALL.”  Justin realized what he had said and looked up at Brian.  “Oops.  Busted?” 

Brian shook his head, and then walked out of the kitchen.  He needed to get away from Justin before he said something he would regret.  He ignored Justin calling his name as he sat down at his desk and pulled up his e-mail account.  Setting his bottle down beside his computer Brian turned in the chair to look at his husband.  “Justin, I mean it.  Quit spending your money on me.  We don’t need this damn apartment for one, especially since in two weeks I will be starting basic.  I sure as hell won’t need it, and we agreed that you were going back to Maryland.  We don’t need this place!” 

Justin knelt down in front of Brian and laid his hands on Brian’s knees.  “It’s easier for me.  It will give me a place to paint, work, whatever.  Plus you have your own gym here so you won’t have to go out.”  Justin began to move his hands across the top of Brian’s legs, hoping to calm his lover.  “Besides you won’t be in basic forever.  You still have months here after that.  It only makes sense to have a place.  It’s cheaper in the long run than paying week to week on that small hotel room.” 

Brian ran his hand through his hair, and looked down at Justin.  Grabbing the other man’s hands, Brian put a halt to the movement.  Justin wasn’t going to win this one, no matter what.  “You are not to leave the apartment this weekend, plain and simple.  I will not budge on this.  Hell, if I could stop you from leaving while I’m on base I would.  But from here on out, you are not to go anywhere without me being present.  If I am around and not in training or on a mission – and I’m talking about training like the next 8 weeks, not if I’m coming home at the end of the day – you are not to go anywhere except the grocery store or the art store without me.  You are only to go places for you, and you will not go overboard even then.  Do I make myself clear?” Brian stated using his military voice. 

“But…” Justin tried to argue. 

“Do I make myself clear?  The answer is yes.  Yes, Brian, I will do as you ask.  Since I won’t listen about spending money on you, I will abide by your wishes and not go out without you.” Brian stated as if he was talking to a child.  And in a way he was, or at least he felt like he was.  Justin took everything he said literally.  At least things concerning money.  Brian hadn’t meant the whole ‘spending money on me’ thing the way Justin had turned it around in his mind.  Brian figured he would have to be more specific when it comes to trying to get his husband to do things.  “Justin, it’s not that I’m trying to prevent you from having a life, from spending your money… I just wish you would ask me before you do it.  You talk about everything being OURS, well don’t you think that I might have wanted to be asked about how OUR money is being spent?” Brian asked trying to use Justin’s own words against him.  If scolding didn’t work, then Brian knew he would have to resort to other means. 

Justin thought about what Brian had said, and although he knew that if he felt Brian needed something, or if it would make Brian happy, then Justin would do whatever it took, spend whatever money he had to make it happen.  But he also realized that Brian did have a point, especially since it was his own words.  Deciding that he could still make it out of this with no problems in the future, Justin gave Brian a small smile.  “I will confer with you on how we spend our money, as long as it is not a manner of life and death, and as long as you are around.”  Justin felt pleased with himself that he got out of that mess.  As long as Brian was not in training or on a mission, he would abide by Brian’s rules… but once Brian left, well all bets were off. 

“If I’m around you will not make any major decisions with out my prior approval, right?  And if I am not around, you will ask quickly if the chance presents itself, right?” Brian asked wanting to make sure that Justin understood and agreed.  Brian knew that he couldn’t stop Justin from doing things if he was not around, but he would at least try to lesson things all around. 

Justin nodded as he moved his hands back to Brian’s lap to unbutton Brian’s pants.  “I understand and I promise.  Shall we shake on it?” Justin asked with a small smile playing on his lips. 

“You’re still grounded, and I’m tired.” Brian stated as he turned his chair back around to face the computer.  “Tonight is punishment night.” 

Justin realized then that Brian was planning on holding out on him and he stood shocked.  “You’re not serious?!” 

“I’m deadly serious.  No sex tonight, dear… I have a headache.” Brian laughed as he picked up his empty bottle of beer.  “So now, why don’t you be a good grounded and punished husband and get me another beer.” 

Justin narrowed his eyes, ripped the beer out of Brian’s hand and headed toward the kitchen.  “This is so unfair,” he cursed as he heard Brian’s laughter floating from the office area.  Oh yeah, he’d get even.  What he did to make his man’s life easier and better while Brian was away couldn’t be held against him.  Brian was in for one wild ride.  Justin would get his payback.  It was his duty after all to make sure Brian is happy and comfortable.  Nothing would stand in his way of that job… it’s one that he took very seriously.  Brian would just have to deal with it. 

~~~***~~~***~~~***

“So when does your plane leave?” Brian asked Justin as they were laying together on the deck of the penthouse suite they were renting. 

Justin laid his head on Brian’s chest, trying to soak up whatever contact he could.  He had known that this time was coming, but it didn’t mean he had to like it.  Eight weeks without Brian around, eight LONG weeks without being able to hold, touch, kiss his husband was almost more than Justin could bear.  He knew that he would have to.  He also knew that this was the first of many times in which Brian would be away from him.  He didn’t have to like it, he just had to deal with it.  “Tuesday at 10.” Justin informed Brian. 

“You couldn’t get an earlier flight?” Brian asked wondering why Justin was leaving so late.  He didn’t like the thought of Justin being alone without him there.  He didn’t like to think that the first time that they were going to be separated from each other, Justin wouldn’t have anyone around to help him through it. 

“It was the earliest flight I could get,” Justin stated, tightening his arms around Brian.  They had two days left, and Justin wasn’t going to let Brian out of his sight, out of his reach. 

Brian tightened his own arms around Justin and placed a light kiss on his husband’s head.  “I wish that you could get there sooner.  I’d feel a lot better if you had someone around.” Brian told Justin honestly.  “I don’t want you to have to go through this alone.” Brian whispered against Justin’s hair. 

“I know you don’t, and I won’t be alone.  I’ll have Daphne, and Lindsay.  I’ll have the Admiral and everyone else.  Plus,” Justin began as he lifted his head off of Brian’s chest to look his lover in the eye.  “You will never be far away from me, Brian.  You’ll always be there with me, always.  You are in my heart, you’re my soul.  How can I be alone if you’re with me forever?” 

“Just remember if you need anything there are bases around there.  And make sure Daphne knows that if anything happens, to get to the Red Cross, they’ll get me there.” Brian stated wanting to make sure Justin remembered that part if everything else he said was forgotten. 

“I’ll remember.” 

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” Brian asked running his hand over Justin’s cheek. 

“Something good, I hope.” Justin replied as he leaned down to take Brian’s lips onto his own.  Justin would make the most of what was left of the weekend.  He would pile away the memories of his husband to bring up during the lonely nights a head.  He would make sure that Brian had something to keep him warm and loved while he was trying to survive the next 8 weeks.  It was his duty, and Justin wanted to have a happy, satisfied man leave his presence on Monday morning.  The last look he wanted of Brian is a small smile, and a happy glow radiating from his husband.  Nothing else would be allowed.  Not if Justin had anything to say about it. 

~~~***~~~***~~~ 
End of Chapter Five 

~~~***~~~***~~~***