Chapter Eight Present day May 2016 Brian slowly sat-up and leaned against the wall of his small cell. His head was spinning, and his whole body hurt. He couldn’t breathe, and he could barely see. He couldn’t figure out how long it ahs been since he had been brought back into this cell after being questioned, but he knew that it had been at least an hour. Setting his feet flat on the ground, Brian pushed himself up, using the wall as a stabilizer. He had to get out of there before his captors came back. The cell was dark, and Brian could see that it was night outside. What time it was, he couldn’t tell but he knew that he didn’t have much time. With his hand sliding against the wall to keep his balance, Brian made his way over to the door. He glanced out the small window and saw a lonely guard standing beside his door. Brian asked in clear Farsi. He needed to get the guard close enough so that he could grab him. When the guard began to slide a small cup through the door, Brian reached out and grabbed a hold of the man, slamming his head against the rusted bars. Brian was able to hold the guard up as he went limp in Brian’s grasp. Quickly he searched the man’s pockets for a key, and then dropped him flat on the ground. With the door open, Brian reached down to check the man, feeling for a pulse. The man’s neck evidently broke on impact; so Brian reached down to pick up his gun, pulled the man into the cell, and start down the hall. All the pain he had been feeling slipped away as he concentrated on his new mission – getting home. With each cell he passed, Brian checked for others who might be held as well. "Commander?” Brian heard a quiet question coming from his left. Brian quickly made his way over to the cell, and spotted four Navy personnel within the walls. “Commander… oh thank God.” “Let’s get you guys out of here,” Brian stated as he pulled the keys back out of his pocket releasing the other prisoners. “Do you know if there’s a command center here? A map?” “Down this way,” one of the sailors stated as they headed down the hall. Once they reached the room, Brian quickly searched the contents and found one lone map buried beneath a large stack of papers. The five men left their prison in the dead of night with only their stolen guns and a single map. All were injured, hungry, tired, and cold. Brian only hoped that they could find a military convoy or a place to hide before they were discovered missing. The last thing he wanted was to go back to that place. He needed to get home to his family. Nothing else mattered. ~~~***~~~***~~~ Present time 2016 “Justin, I don’t think Brian would want you to go to Baja and leave all this behind.” Daphne waved her hand indicating the large house that Brian and Justin shared. “Daphne, I know you can’t understand this, but Brian and I have talked about something like this happening. I’m not a fool; I know the danger that he’s in. We agreed that if he doesn’t return within a month after being reported missing, then I’m to go and wait for him in Baja.” “Brian agreed, or you told Brian that’s what you’d do.” Daphne shook her head. “Because I can’t see him wanting you to give up your life and everything you’ve accomplished to sit in Baja.” “Oddly enough Daphne, I can conduct my business just as well from Baja as I can from here. We are in the age of technology. I will be here for one more week and then I’m packing up the house and heading for our home down south.” “What about me, what if you still want me to have Brian’s baby?” Daphne was referring to the fact that Brian had his sperm stored two years before. He hadn’t wanted to take a chance on becoming infertile or tainted somehow with chemicals. He and Justin had discussed it and he’d agreed to store it should they decide to have a child. “Daphne, I told you. It has to be one hundred percent your decision – you know that with my DNA combined with Brian’s sperm, the child will be ours – you’d only be the incubator.” He gave her a hug. “A cute and wonderful and marvelous incubator and of course Brian and I would want you to be part of our child’s life. But we would raise her.” “I know, I’ve read all the papers Brian gave me ages ago. I was just hoping to use this argument to persuade you to stay. I miss you when you’re gone.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Well, I know Brian is alive. I know they’ll find him soon. So maybe it’ll happen before I leave.” Justin’s eyes filled with tears and he turned away. He forced himself not to cry. He’d cried so much since he’d been notified that Brian was missing that he just couldn’t start again. He was afraid he’d never stop. ~~~***~~~***~~~ December 2011 Brian laid back letting the sun caress his body, enjoying the view of his husband painting beside the ocean. He was glad they had come to their home in Baja for the holiday. Brian definitely needed the break. He felt like had been going non-stop for months, and this break in the routine was nice. For his gift, Justin had finally broken down and told Brian about the diving lessons, of course after they were already on the boat heading out to sea. And after they had started to get their wet suits on. Brian had enjoyed the gentle dive. It was like nothing he had done thus far. He didn’t have to worry about whether or not a bomb would explode; he didn’t have to have someone depend on him getting the job done so that they could go home alive to their families. Once they had gotten into the dive, Brian had found himself not watching Justin, and not making sure that Justin was okay. He could tell that whomever the Admiral had found to teach Justin how to dive knew what he was doing. Justin was turning into a wonderful diver. Knowing that Justin would be all right, that he needn’t worry about his husband, Brian has finally settled back and enjoyed their underwater adventure. And what an adventure it had been. He could recall every detail of that day, every touch, every feeling. It had been memorable, no doubt in Brian’s mind. Taking a quick look up at his lover, Brian closed his eyes and relived the day He remembered swimming over to an interesting cluster of rocks ringed with bright yellow fish, Brian hadn’t noticed his husband at first and when he did, he burst out laughing and almost choked, *note to self – no laughing while scuba diving* Justin had removed his swim trunks and was slowly stroking his engorged cock while giving Brian a come hither look. Or at least he was trying to look that way, his pink facemask hid most of his face, but it wasn’t his face that Brian’s eyes were focused on. Justin swam close and let his hand stroke the now hard cock of his husband and then turning abruptly he swam away. Immediately the chase was on, Brian’s powerful legs closed the distance between them quickly. He almost caught his blond beauty, when Justin, knowing Brian was close, swam between two rocks that were small enough for his lithe body, but that Brian couldn’t traverse with his heavier scuba gear. Justin looked back and laughed before disappearing into a man made diving barrier. Brian got a glimpse of his bubble butt, pale in the clear sea and then it was gone. The little shit, Brian thought. Swimming with a raging hard on wasn’t part of his training. Following the trail of bubbles Brian traced his lover’s path up and over the barnacle covered obstacles until he broke free of the barrier. Justin was heading toward a large rock formation. Brian caught a glimpse of him as he disappeared into an underwater cave. Didn’t the brat learn that you should never go into those things? Brian felt a trace of fear hit him and he swam harder until he disappeared into the cave himself. A few feet into the cave, the tunnel ended. Brian looked around, there was no sign of Justin and then a stone fell past his face, he looked up and there grinning at him, face mask and breathing gear off was his blond. Brian rose up out of the water ready to chastise Justin when he noticed that the cave they were in had obviously been prepared before hand. Sitting on the rocks was a half bottle of wine, condoms and lube and an air mattress. “You should never dive alone.” He said. “You shouldn’t either.” Justin said with a laugh. “Komari and I came here last week and got this spot ready. Jim at the diving school told me about it. Now Navy Boy, you have a horny blond, condoms and lube, a mattress, a drink of wine. What ever shall you do?” Brian heaved himself up and onto the flat rocky ledge. While he was doing that, Justin lay down on the air mattress. In no time at all Brian had joined him. He stroked Justin’s body with his callused hands, looking at it in awe as if he’d never seen it before. Slowly his lips descended until they captured Justin’s, the passion was hot between them, it always was and Brian knew that it always would be. Before he began to make slow intense love to the man of his dreams. Brian said. “Thank you for this. Now when I think of diving I won’t think of death and destruction. I’ll think of you and love and what things could be like if this was a perfect world.” His voice was husky with emotion. Justin blinked rapidly to clear his eyes of emotional tears at Brian’s words. He pulled his man close to him and let his feelings flow through his kiss. The kiss was deep and full of promises. The intensity of the moment filled the small cave with sparks of electricity that seemed to emanate from their bodies, sending orgasmic jolts directly to both of their groins. Brian felt himself being pulled deeper and deeper into Justin. The moment was surreal but neither one could break the bond between their lips and he knew that this was a special moment in time that defined the love they had for one another. A time that he’d always remember for as long as he lived, the touch of his blond water nymph so eager to please him, so desperate to make his way in life easy, filling his mind with memories that washed away the years before they met. And suddenly, like teenage boys, they both came with wave after orgasmic wave flowing through bodies with an intensity that was unreal until gasping for air they broke apart, only their eyes and their sticky bodies connecting. “What does that kiss tell you Brian?” Justin said with a lazy smile. “To make damn sure it’s only my pretty boy that I follow into an underwater cave.” Brian joked. “Oh and that I love you.” “Good answer.” ~~~***~~~***~~~ ‘Oh yeah,’ Brian thought with a smile. ‘It had been a good day.’ He wasn’t quite sure about the sky-diving yet, but the Admiral had proven once again that he would watch out for Justin, and make sure that he was alright. Brian had to put his faith in Justin and his decisions, even if he didn’t like them. They both had agreed not to get really anything for each other this year. This year it was just mainly about being together. They hadn’t been able to spend much time with each other these past couple of months, and there was no telling what the future would bring, so they both agreed that this year was about them spending time together, and enjoying each other’s company. “So how many master pieces do you think they will want?” Brian asked his lover. Justin shrugged as he stole a quick glance over to Brian before returning back to his painting. “It all depends on who I go with. I think I’m going to check their places out, you know. See if I can get a feel for them; see what they are looking for.” “Maybe you should head out that way one day during a week, while I’m stuck on base. That way you can see what they are like during normal hours and stuff.” Brian sat up a little to watch Justin a little more. He was glad that things with the owners had worked out so well for Justin. Knowing that Justin would have something to do while he was gone made leaving that much easier. That brought Brian back to the discussion he had the day before they left California. Could Brian honestly think about a child? Would that make their relationship stronger or worse? Could he leave Justin alone with the child while he was on a mission? Hell would he even be around to see the child grow up? Vincent was right about one thing… Justin was a natural father. He would be an excellent father. Brian wasn’t too sure about himself, especially considering his own childhood, but Justin would be great. Could he deny Justin that one thing if he asked? Shaking his head in order to clear those thoughts, Brian got up off of his towel to stand behind Justin. “You’re making them work aren’t you? Seeing who has the most money? Brat… I knew there was a reason why I loved you.” Brian laughed as he wrapped his arms around Justin’s neck to plant a small kiss behind his lover’s ear. Justin gave a small smile as he leaned back against Brian. “And here I thought it was my blowjobs, sexy body, and my intellect that you loved.” “Oh those are an added bonus.” Brian stated as he reached around Justin, taking the brushes out of Justin’s hands. “I think your light is fading,” Brian whispered against Justin’s neck. “Maybe you should continue this in the morning.” Justin rolled his lips into his mouth, and tried not to smile. “I think you’re right.” He said standing up and turning around in Brian’s arms. “What shall we do with our time?” “Oh I don’t know. I’m sure even a pretty blond boy like you should come up with something. I would think that it taking care of your husband’s needs would be a priority.” Brian tried to pout but fell flat. Justin reached up and ran his hands over Brian’s cheeks. “What a bad, bad husband. How can you ever forgive me?” he said sweetly, batting his eyelashes for added effect. “I think I might be convinced. It could be a lot of work, though. Think you’re up to it?” Brian challenged with a raised eyebrow. “I’m more than up for it. Let’s go Navy Boy. Let me show you just how happy you’ve made me.” ~~~***~~~***~~~ New Year’s Eve – San Diego 2011 “I don’t think that we’re ever going to be ready in time.” Justin lamented. He took his shirt off and threw it on the bed. He couldn’t decide what to wear. Brian, who had been dressed for the past hour, lounged in the easy chair in the corner watching the show. He grinned widely. “Try the dark blue silk shirt again. I liked that one.” “You shit, you just want to see me strip.” Justin glared at him. “I have to look good. Komari and Susan said there would be some important people at the party tonight. They wouldn’t tell me who. Crap women are irritating.” “Considering that their husbands are the highest ranking officers on the base. I can’t imagine who would be there that was more important.” Brian laughed. “Of course who would have thought my little blond would be buddies with the brass and their wives.” Justin turned to look at him, “there, how do I look?” “Not bad” Brian said in an understated way, but by the tenting of his dress trousers Justin could tell that he thought Justin’s outfit was perfect. Justin ran over and sat astride Brian’s legs. “I love your tan Navy Boy.” He kissed Brian’s nose, something that drove his man wild. Brian, who loved the casual affection Justin was always quick to give him, preened under the assault of blond husband. “Are you ready pretty boy to wow the high pooh bah’s?” “Yep, I have my dancing shoes on and everything.” Justin wiggled his patent leather shod feet. “Then let’s get out of here. The faster we get there the faster we can come home.” “A New Year’s Party means we have to be there on New Year’s.” but seeing the look of disappointment on Brian’s face, Justin took pity on him and said. “I promise you that we’ll spend the last two days of your leave in bed.” “Doing what?” Brian took the bait. “Reading, relaxing, I know how busy you’ll be when your training resumes.” They were out the door and in the elevator now. Brian swatted Justin’s ass as the elevator door closed but took him into his arms for a deep kiss on the way down to the lobby. ~~~***~~~***~~~ February 2012 “Tell me again why we are staying in New York?” Daphne asked. She was stretched out on the other bed of the hotel room that the two friends were sharing. “I have to see what’s up with this show that’s supposed to come off in April and I want Brian to smarten up and realize that my place is with him.” Justin reached over and grabbed a handful of potato chips with one hand while he flicked the channel changer with the other. “He is so damned determined that I have a life other than with him, that he all but threw me out of the house. He insists I do these fucking shows and no matter what I say he figures I’m somehow copping out or to chicken or something.” “Can’t you talk to him. ‘Cause geeze Justin, all these trips to New York are seriously interfering in my social life.” “Stop whining Daphne, and help me out here. We have to somehow let my Navy Boy, who I’m beginning to think is not too bright where it comes to relationships, realize he has to let me be me. And if being me is living with him and being with him and caring for him when he’s home, then he should fucking well let me do it.” He reached for more potato chips. “So I figured, let the Navy Boy survive on his own for a few days rather frequently, maybe he’ll break down and admit I can run my own life. “And if he doesn’t” Daphne asked. She was already planning on tracking Brian down and giving him a severe talking to and lesson in how to treat your spouse. “If he doesn’t I’ll probably just kill him and get it over with.” Justin sighed dramatically. ~~~***~~~***~~~ My pretty blond boy, Why am I starting it off with that? I don’t know… for some reason it just seemed to fit. I am learning about compromise, I am finding out what it has been like for you these past couple of months. I guess there’s a part of me that actually thought that when I was home it would be us, not you, me, and your painting. I know, I’m not complaining. I’m not. I’m thrilled that you have this, have your art and your shows. I don’t want you to think that I’m not thrilled and happy… no ecstatic, I’m just… okay fine, I can be truthful here. I would like some time with my husband. I’m getting blue balls here, Justin. Christ! I guess maybe I should go on to something else, huh? Since I’m trying this whole compromise thing and then I can do this. I mean hell, this is nothing compared to what I’m going to force on you when I go away. Of course this is just making it worse. For me, that is. I’m beginning to understand at least a little of what you will go through. Yeah you will have friends, and your art, whatever, but at least I have you here, I can still talk to you. You won’t have that. So where does that train of thought inevitably lead me? Fuck! Okay, I’m going to say it. There are times when I wish you hadn’t agreed to marry me. You feel things a thousand times more than I do, Justin and to say that this is killing me would be an understatement. What in the hell would it do to you? If you hadn’t married me, then you would be free to have whomever you wanted. You wouldn’t be tied down to some worthless piece of shit like me. You could have everything that someone of your talent… your stature deserves. Not sitting at home doing whatever Navy spouses do, waiting for me. The thing is… I can’t let you go. I know it would be the best thing all around, that letting you go would be the best thing, the right thing to do. But I can’t. I just can’t. And of course that shit brings me right back to the damn thing that has been bugging me to NO end for over a month now. Kids… If I know I can never fully commit to you, the way you should be committed too, how could I do that to a child? I love you, Justin. I only hope that you don’t hate me someday for being selfish and wanting you here with me. My Avalon, my love, Brian ~~~***~~~***~~~ Daphne sent Justin out for some ice cream she knew he couldn’t find without some heavy duty traveling in New York traffic. Taking a chance that Brian was home because it was a Friday night, she quickly dialed. “Hey Kinney” she all but yelled into the phone. “When are you going to get a fucking clue and talk to your husband about what he thinks.” “Daphne, lovely to hear from you. Justin isn’t home right now. Can I take a message.” Brian’s voice was sugary sweet. “No asshole, you can’t take a message. I know where he is, he’s in New York looking for some ice-cream for me.” Now that got Brian’s attention. He sat up straight. “Now tell me all this verrry slowly.” “Justin is only doing this show thing because you forced him to. He was perfectly content to sell his art or paint or whatever locally. He doesn’t like being pressured and he feels forced to produce. It’s become an ordeal for him to paint rather than the fun it used to be. And to top it all off, he is away from you and miserable. He hates it but he says you insisted and went to a lot of trouble for him so he’s stuck with it. So he keeps coming to New York to make you think he’s having fun but he makes me come with him and Brian I’ve got things to do.” Daphne was all but whining at high volume. She had to say everything before Justin got back. “He’s miserable?” Brian asked. “Duh, you stupid Navy guy.” Daphne sighed. “He married you to be with you. He knows he won’t always be able to. But he damn well wants to as long as you are in the same country. This is killing him. And if he makes me eat any more junk food I’m going to explode.” “I didn’t know.” Brian’s voice was soft and confused. “Daphne, I’m coming to New York. I’ll get the next flight, don’t tell Justin.” “Don’t tell him I called, he’ll be pissed with me.” Daphne had calmed down(,) now that Brian was going to rescue her. “Daphne, I assume that you two are sharing a hotel room?” Brian asked. “Yes, he says you check the credit card bills now. He thinks you don’t know that he knows, boy you guys have a strange relationship. Anyway, he only wants one room to show up.” Brian chuckled, so he was found out, was he. “Well call the front desk and get yourself a room but don’t take it until I get there. I’m sure you won’t want to be around while we have some hot hotel make up sex.” “Actually, I wouldn’t mind.” Daphne said. “Get a room.” “Geeze.” She hung up the phone in a much better mood. ~~~***~~~***~~~ Brian grabbed a taxi from the airport, directing them toward the hotel Daphne told them they were staying at. He had grabbed the first flight he could get, for once grateful for all the money Justin had… no ‘they’ had. He had to get Justin to see where he was coming from and be back on base Monday morning at 5 a.m. ‘Christ, he’s going to be the death of me.’ Brian thought. He had been thinking about what Daphne had told him, about how miserable Justin was, and Brian hated that he hadn’t caught on. He should have known, but for some reason he had been blind to his husband’s problem. He had honestly thought that this was what Justin had wanted, he had thought that it would have been good for them. He had hated that Justin had given up everything to be with him, and he wanted Justin to have this. Brian just couldn’t figure out where he had gone so wrong. After paying the driver, he walked into the lobby. He spotted Daphne sitting in one of the chairs and headed over there. “How did you get away?” Brian asked as she handed over the cardkey to the room. “I told him I was going out to get this… since he seems to be addicted to it lately.” She informed him as she thrust a gallon of ice cream at him. “You better fix this mister, cause I’m getting tired of making all these trips. Now you go up there and make this right. I’m going to my room.” She stated, turning to walk away. Brian looked down at his hands at the ice cream and cardkey in his hand. The things he does to try and make Justin happy. He headed toward the elevators, and made his way toward the room. Sliding the card in the slot, he could hear the TV blaring in the background. “Daph, did you find it?” Brian heard Justin call out from the bathroom. “She did.” Brian stated, as he waited for Justin to come out. Hearing his husband’s voice instead of Daphne’s, Justin ran out of the bathroom and stood there staring at Brian standing in the room. “What? What are you doing here? Where’s Daphne?” “A little bird called me and told me to come here to and I quote, fix this.” Brian told Justin as he set the ice cream on the table in the middle of the room and his bag down on the chair. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Brian asked turning to face Justin. “Why didn’t you tell me that you didn’t want to do this? I thought you wanted this… I thought it made you happy. I thought… fuck I don’t know what I thought.” Justin walked over to his lover and wrapped his arms around Brian, laying his head on Brian’s chest. He had missed Brian in the time he had been away. He knew he would always miss Brian. If only Brian would understand that, understand where he wanted, no needed to be. “I am happy. I’m happy being with you. I don’t want to be away from you, don’t you understand that. I married you. I want you. I don’t want to be some famous painter if it’s not with you.” Brian pulled away from Justin and sat down on the edge of the bed, running his hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you were happy, I thought that this was what you wanted. It’s what you told me you wanted when we first met.” “But then we got together, Brian. Really together. Don’t you see, nothing in my life matters besides you. I want to be with you all the time. Nothing will change that; nothing can take its place. I’m not whole unless I’m with you.” Justin tried to explain to his husband. “So in other words, I should just give up trying to do things for you, things that I think you want, but evidently I don’t know for sure. Now I know why I never gave gifts before. Fuck! I’m sorry. I’m sorry for making this harder on you and making you miserable.” Justin knelt down in front of his husband, and lifted Brian’s chin so he could look into his eyes. Justin could see the pain that Brian was in, and he hated that he had helped put it there. “Brian, I loved your gift. Don’t ever think that I don’t. I just wish you would have asked me if I wanted this… wanted to do New York now. But I love that you wanted to do this for me. And maybe in time, I will want to do this, but right now… I want you, I want to be with you. Nothing else in the world matters to me. Nothing.” Brian wrapped his arms around Justin and pulled him tight against his body. “I love you. I just wish I knew how to show you. I never knew what to do, I never had anyone show me what someone does when they are in love. I’m learning, you have to help me. I don’t ever want to make you miserable. I want you to be happy.” “I am.” Justin stated lifting himself up on his elbow so he could look at Brian and run his hand across Brian’s cheek. “You make me happy. Just being with you makes me happy. When we’re apart… I can’t stand it. I deal, and I will deal, but it hurts.” “I’m sorry.” “Brian, you show me every day that you love me. Just let me be where you are. I can do my art, Brian. I can sell my paintings anywhere. But it won’t mean anything to me unless you’re there to share it with me.” Justin told Brian as he ran his hand through Brian’s hair. “I love you, Navy Boy. You just have to accept the fact that I’m going to be around wherever you are for years to come.” Brian reached up and pulled Justin’s lips down to his own. Brian wanted to make things right… he wanted to show Justin how much he meant to him. He lightly ran his tongue over Justin’s beautiful, full lips asking for permission, asking for forgiveness. He got his wish when Justin opened his mouth to Brian’s awaiting tongue. Justin began to move his hands across Brian’s chest, slowly lifting his shirt up over his body. He needed to feel Brian against him. He needed to make sure that Brian understood what he wanted, and he wanted Brian to know that he wasn’t upset. He didn’t blame Brian for wanting to make his Justin happy, for thinking that he had wanted the whole New York scene. He had at one time. But that was before, and this was now. Now all he wanted was his Navy Boy. That’s all there was for him. They broke the kiss long enough to lift Brian’s shirt over his head, then resumed their exploration. The removed each other’s clothes with care, never leaving a newly exposed part of their bodies untouched, and unexplored. With each touch their love would show, slowly bringing them closer together, binding them for eternity. It wasn’t about the physical act that night… it was about the love they had built between them, the love that would continue to grow. Their bodies moved against one another, slowly bringing them toward euphoria and slowing down bringing them back from the brink. Neither one wanting it to end, neither one wanting to be away from the other. When they finally crossed over, they collapsed into each other’s arms content in the knowledge that everything would be okay. That no matter what happened they would get through it. They would survive. Yes, they had a long, hard road ahead, but as long as they were honest with one another they would survive. “I love you, Justin.” Brian whispered planting a light kiss on top of the blond head laying on his chest. “I love you, Brian. Wherever you are, I am.” ”I’m trying to understand, I am. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.” ~~~***~~~***~~~ Brian came into the penthouse, papers in hand. He had finally been given his assignment, and Brian knew that they would have a lot to do in the next two months. Luckily Brian didn’t need to report to the Norfolk area and Little Creek until April 9th so they had time. The only problem was, they had a LOT to do. Packing, arranging, moving… and Brian was beginning to wonder if Justin would even tell him yet about that damn house he had bought. He would need the address for the Supply– Personal Property Office so that they could have their household goods moved. He moved through the house heading straight back toward Justin’s studio, knowing that it was the most likely place for his blond boy to be. When he reached the room, he saw no sign of Justin. “Justin?” He called out, but received no answer. Shaking his head, Brian went through the rest of the house trying to find his lover. Sitting on the counter beside the refrigerator, Brian found a small note. He reached in, grabbed a beer and sat down by the counter to read the note. My darling husband, (haha) I had to go to the store real quick, ran out of some paints and stuff. So if you get home before I do, I will be back shortly. I don’t think it will be long. Loving you forever, Your husband. Brian shook his head, and set the note down on the counter. Justin had been sickenly sweet these past couple of weeks, and frankly it was making Brian nervous. He wondered briefly if Justin knew he had felt a little neglected or not, knowing that the only place he had even brought the subject up was in his journals, but knowing that Justin would never read those. His blond boy was just being himself, and Brian could only sit and wait. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder what Justin was up to. Somehow his husband always had a way of getting knee deep in shit, and bringing Brian right along with him. Since the party at New Years, Justin had been spending a great deal of time with the wives of the ‘bosses’. Brian only hoped that Justin wasn’t trying anything. Hearing Justin’s key in the door, Brian looked up and watched his lover come into the room, arms filled with supplies. “I’m home, honey… you weren’t here.” “Brian! Christ you scared the shit out of me. I didn’t realize you were home yet.” Justin cried out almost dropping his things all over the floor. “Would you mind helping me here?” he asked. Brian shook his head and took a sip of his beer, not moving to assist Justin. “I don’t know… what are you up to?” “What? Christ Brian, can you help me here? Please?” Brian stood up and quickly relieved his husband of everything in his hands, placing them beside the door. Leaning into Justin he pushed the blond against the door, kissing Justin with all the passion he could muster. “You were saying?” Brian breathed against Justin’s lips. “What?” Justin replied trying to catch his breath and calm his raging hard-on. “What are you planning, Justin? You seem to be spending a lot of time with the boss’, and you’ve been extra attentive to my needs lately… so what’s going through that head of yours?” Brian asked as he began to run his hands over Justin’s body, touching his lover in all the right places as he began to plant feather light kisses on Justin’s neck and behind his ear. Knowing that it was driving the blond wild. “Oh God, Brian. Don’t stop.” “What are you planning, Justin. Come on… you can tell me.” “Nothing, just don’t stop.” Justin moaned enjoying the feel of his husband against him, wanting to feel Brian inside him. “Come on, tell me.” Brian whispered in Justin’s ear, blowing hot air lightly over the delicate flesh. “Nothing too bad… they want us over for dinner once we get settled in Virginia.” Justin stated as he began to remove Brian’s shirt ripping it off of his shoulders. “And how did you find out about Virginia? Is this why you bought that house there?” Brian asked hoping to finally get the truth out of his husband. “Yes, now please, Brian…” Justin sighed losing himself in the feeling of his lover. Before he could reach out to unbuckle Brian’s pants, the pressure was gone and cold air began to rush against his flesh. Slowly he opened his eyes the haze of passion slowly dissipating. “What?” Brian stood before Justin and shook his head. “House Justin… Dinner with the CNO and Admiral in Virginia? You knowing this and not telling me? Do we need to have another talk about keeping secrets from one another? You know… good secrets… bad secrets… that sort of thing.” Brian asked as he made his way back over to the counter and picked his beer back up while he tried to calm his own pressure in his pants. He had been turned on as much as Justin, and Brian was amazed that he had been able to stop. “How did… who told you?” Justin stumbled as Brian’s words filtered through his mind. “You bastard.” Justin said. He wanted to be pissed at Brian for his little game, wanted to be angry for him finding out about the house, but he knew he couldn’t. But it didn’t mean he would let his husband off the hook. If Brian thought he would get any that night… quickly shaking his head, Justin knew that that thought would never fly. He wouldn’t be able to be in the same house with Brian without touching the man. It would be torture. “Let’s just say I have my ways, Justin. Were you going to tell me?” “Yes.” “When? When we arrived in Virginia?” Brian asked knowing full well what the answer was. “Well, I thought … I wanted it to be a surprise. And don’t start with me. I had gotten the place before our little agreement, so it wasn’t like I was breaking the rules or anything.” Justin stated the looked up in fear at Brian, realizing what he had just said. “Oops.” “So when you went to Maryland to sell your place there, you just decided to buy another place. It would make sense with you knowing then that we were moving. Christ, Justin… what am I ever going to do with you?” Brian asked shaking his head. “What else?” “Nothing I swear.” Justin stated as he walked over to Brian so he could wrap his arms around Brian’s waist. “Don’t you trust me?” “Only as far as I can throw you, dear.” Brian rested his head against Justin’s, knowing that there were other secrets that the blond was keeping from him. He could tell by the way Justin would look away slightly when he said nothing, or just by the glint in his eyes. Brian only hoped that it wouldn’t be the death of him. “Now can you give me the address so I can fill out the forms for the move?” ~~~***~~~***~~~*** 14 February 2012 Justin, I remember last year at this time, and I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come. At that time, I didn’t ever think I would be married for one… I was still so unsure about us. I worried that you wouldn’t want to stick the training shit out with me, that you would still be there in Maryland while I was here. So many things that I can look back at now and almost laugh. I still don’t think, and never will honestly, that I’m good enough for you, but that’s my problem. I have to try and work that out myself, if I ever can. I’m sitting here, wondering if you have anything planned at home, if I’ll walk into the penthouse and shake my head. You can go a little overboard, blondie when it comes to the holidays, you can’t deny that. Until I met you, none of the holidays had any meaning to me. Yeah, in school I would get those cheap ass cards and stuff from all the ‘girls’, but it didn’t mean a thing to me. The only reason why I even bothered to sneak a box and give some to the other kids in school is so I didn’t appear any different. That the holiday wasn’t just another day to run and hide in my room. To pretend that I wasn’t sore from Jack’s rage the night before, knowing that there would be much more that day. Flowers were only meant to be a pitiful thing… one Jack would give Joannie as some fucked up apology for fucking around on her, then he would turn around most of the time that same day to do it again. Oh yeah, we were the perfect family all right. I often wonder what life for you was like. You never talk about it, never tell me about your family, what you used to do during the holidays… or hell for a normal day. I knew it was NOTHING like mine, but I still wonder. It had to have been wonderful, cause whatever your parents did, and whatever they taught you sure as hell makes my day. I have learned so much about sharing and love, and how to love from you. It shows me how much love you had growing up. So anyway, I may not show it every day… not the way that most people do, or I might do some stupid shit at times, or whatever, but I don’t ever want you to think that I don’t love you, that you aren’t a part of my soul. I want to give you the holidays you deserve, but I just don’t know how. I’m learning from you, and maybe in 20 years or so I will get it right. How does one show their soul mate, their life how much they mean to them only one day out of the year? Why only today? I guess the only thing I can do is let you show me. Show me how. I love you Justin, my Avalon. Happy Valentines Day Brian. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** Justin was nervous. He had the table set with their best china and silver, the candles lit and soft romantic music playing. Brian was out in the field today and he didn’t expect him back until late. He checked the deck outside. The hot tub was steaming, rose petals floating in the water he’d scented with oils. Who cared that he would have to clean it tomorrow? He’d filled the tub with fresh water so that he didn’t have to put any chemicals in it. He figured it would be like a hot bath, used once and down the drain with it. He checked the massage table he’d had placed beside the hot tub. Relaxing oils were ready on a small table together with a frosted pitcher of Sangria. It was a work night and Brian couldn’t have much in the way of alcohol, the stress of his training the next day would be too hard on him. Nervously he tugged at the hem of his short silk robe. It was the color of a Mediterranean sky and made his eyes look wonderful. He checked in the mirror, he’d had his eyelashes tinted with blue-black vegetable dye and added a hit of kohl eyeliner. He wasn’t sure what Brian would think of that. He rubbed his chest gently. When Brian had left on his field trip five days ago, Justin had gone with Komari and had his right nipple pierced and his navel as well. He had a gold chain attaching the two rings together. He chanced a look in the mirror – he had healed fast and now the look was hot or at least he hoped Brian would think so. He was still reeling from their New York weekend. Brian was constantly amazing him. One of these days he was going to have to take a chance and tell him about his childhood and even about Ethan. Maybe it would help Brian’s inferiority complex. Hearing Brian’s boots in the tile hallway, Justin ran to the door. Brian opened up the door, the lights were off and dozens of candles burned everywhere. “Welcome home my Valentine.” Justin purred. He took Brian by the arm and helped him out of his jacket. “What this all about, didn’t you pay the hydro bill?” Brian teased. “It’s Valentines Day and I’m giving you my gift.” Justin began to unbutton Brian’s shirt punctuating each button with a small kiss. “I don’t see any parcels – shit Justin you don’t have a pony on the balcony or anything do you? ‘Cause I was joking about wanting something hung like a horse.” “I’m not going to dignify that with an answer Navy boy.” Justin now had Brian’s shirt off of him. And was going for the pants. Brian put his hands on Justin’s shoulders. “Hold on there pretty boy, I’ve been in the field all week, let me at least wind down.” “Oddly enough, I know where you’ve been.” Justin smiled as he bent down to untie Brian’s heavy boots. “So relax and shut up you Navy SEALs in training talk far too much.” “Justin” Brian tried to protest. He could take his own damn boots off. “A silent Navy Boy is a good Navy Boy.” Justin said as he slipped Brian’s boots off of his feet and then removed his socks. “This is your Valentines Day gift from me. You are my Valentine and I’m giving you my love.” Brian stood naked and tired in front of his blond. He wanted to say something but he couldn’t because of the lump in his throat. Justin led him to the balcony. “Get up on the massage table. You will soon be feeling the nimble fingers of a master masseuse taking the ache out of those hard done by muscles.” Brian could see that Justin had gone to a lot of trouble. He climbed up on the surprisingly comfortable massage table. “You have to lie on your stomach or I’ll never get past the good bits.” Justin said with a grin. “Maybe that was my plan.” Brian replied, but he turned over and lay his head face down. He could hear the music being turned up slightly. It was a CD that Justin had bought in New York. 19 Great Love Songs. Brian had teased him about his choice but he had to admit that the songs were beautiful. Justin took off his robe. Brian heard it slither to the floor; he almost turned his head but didn’t because the blond climbed up on the table and straddled his legs. “I’m not sure that that’s allowed by the college of masseuses.” Brian muttered though it should be he thought, as he felt Justin’s balls resting of the back of his legs. “Oh it’s part of the curriculum at the college I went to Navy Boy.” Justin said. He began to kneed the stiff muscles in Brian’s back, leaning in to let his hard cock slap against the firm ass as he worked his magic. Brian relaxed under Justin’s firm hands. The smell of the oil he was using had a hint of lavender in it and he could feel himself drifting. Justin continued his ministrations working his way further and further down Brian’s back and then on to his tight and well developed ass. Justin poured more oil into his hands and began working it into the firm cheeks. Unable to resist Brian’s relaxation, Justin leaned over and holding the cheeks apart, ran his tongue from Brian’s balls to his hole, stopping there to lick and nibble at the shocked opening. A deep groan filled the air. “Justin what are you doing?” Brian managed to gasp. “If you have to ask Navy Boy, I’m not doing it right.” With that said he plunged his tongue into the now anticipating and quivering hole. Brian’s ass raised up with a will of its own while Justin continued his ‘massage’. Finally, reluctantly he left the sweet spot and continued down Brian’s legs, first one and then the other spending more than fifteen minutes on each foot. From the noises Brian was making, Justin was sure the man had to have cum at least once. “Turn over, it’s time for your front.” Brian moaned, he could barely move he was so relaxed. But he did turn over and that’s when he saw his golden boy with the two gold rings and the golden chain. “Fuck me Justin.” Brian exclaimed, his eyes drawn back and forth along Justin’s body. “Hmmm, just what I had in mind, though I’m glad you asked.” Justin purred. Brian lunged for him, but Justin moved quicker and his man missed. “Come here pretty boy, NOW” Brian all but growled. “No, if you aren’t going to lay still for me to do the front, come and join me in the water.” He grinned, “I’ve got food.” He offered as a temptation. Brian was always hungry when he got back from field maneuvers. Quicker than Brian gave him credit for, Justin got into the hot tub. It was then that Brian noticed the rose petals and the glasses by the frosted pitcher of Sangria. “You are amazing” Brian said and shook his head, climbing into the hot tub. Justin handed him a glass of the cold liquid and then held up his for a toast. “To my favorite Navy Boy on Valentines Day.” They touched glasses and before Brian could take a drink, Justin was in his arms, his back against his chest, nestled in his favorite spot. “I have finger food here.” Justin nodded at the small table beside the water. And I have a great dinner waiting for us inside.” He turned his head so that Brian could kiss him. “Justin, I don’t know what to say. Everything you’ve done tonight is so romantic, it’s ridiculously romantic even. But I didn’t know what to get you. I’m afraid I didn’t get you anything.” Brian was embarrassed. “Yes you did.” Justin said. “You came home after a being away on field maneuvers, you let me undress you. You patiently let me take you out and give you a massage. I remember a rim job there as well. We are in a hot tub together drinking Sangria and later we’ll have a great dinner before I spend the night fucking you into the mattress. I’d say that was a pretty good present.” “Who is going to be fucking who pretty boy?” Brian teased. “You did say you wanted me to have a present.” Justin turned and began an assault on Brian’s lips. Brian could never refuse him anything and Justin knew it. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** “Alright the movers will be here on Tuesday, so whatever you want to pack yourself, we’ll do that this weekend. That way we can leave Monday to check out of the base, and finish any last minute details.” Brian explained as he sat down next to Justin going over what the coming days were going to consist of. This was going to be their first official military move, and Brian wanted to make sure it came off without a hitch. “I guess that means the toy chest.” Justin said with a smile. “Definitely the toy chest. That’s the last thing I need after everyone saw my ass at the art fair.” Brian said with a smirk, letting Justin know he was only partly kidding. “Besides, we’ll need to make sure that your paintings are crated up. I don’t trust military movers to get that right. Then tomorrow night we are having a little get together with the class, sort of a end of training type thing.” Brian continued letting Justin in on the one secret he hoped would make his husband happy and hopefully make up for the last one. He was still smarting over his fuck-up with the galleries. “I thought we were just going to spend time here, getting ready for the move.” Justin stated looking at Brian. “Now who’s up to something? Tell me.” “It’s nothing that major. I wanted to keep it a secret until it’s official… well mostly official. I know you, Justin, and I know you well enough to say that, without a doubt, you would have gone overboard with it.” Brian told Justin. He had kept this a secret cause he knew Justin would have a huge party to celebrate. He didn’t want that, and that’s why he had kept it quiet. Luckily the Admiral hadn’t told his wife, so Brian knew that for once, it was actually kept a secret. Unlike where he was being stationed. “Tell me.” Justin sat back in the kitchen chair and crossed his arms over his chest so he could stare at Brian. “I thought we agreed no more secrets.” “We did… except when it’s good secrets, remember. And this one is a good one. But now, I think I can tell you. Especially since one, it’s too late to change the plans and two, you will be too busy tomorrow to come up with anything.” Brian smiled, feeling proud of himself. “Brian!” “Okay, geez. I’ve been promoted. After tomorrow night I will officially be a Lieutenant Junior Grade.” “What?! Brian that’s great. Why didn’t you tell me?” Justin yelled as he jumped from his chair right into Brian’s lap. “I’m so proud of you.” “Thank-you kind sir,” Brian smiled. “I didn’t tell you cause it’s not that big of a deal. I don’t want a huge shindig, and I knew you would feel you had to do one.” Brian truthfully told Justin. “Don’t say you wouldn’t cause you know you would. I just want a small gathering of the gang here, you… when they pin me.” “I love you. And I’m proud of you.” Justin leaned down and kissed Brian. “How about we start the celebrations early? I’ve never made love to a Lieutenant before.” Brian lifted Justin up off of his lap, and began to walk toward the bedroom. “And you won’t until tomorrow night. But you can fuck an Ensign one last time… that is if you’re up for it.” Justin jumped from the chair and ran after Brian. He would most definitely show Brian how proud he was… starting with the ending of one phase and moving on to the next. ~~~***~~~***~~~*** Brian stood at attention in front of Admiral Smith with his right hand raised. He was surrounded by his fellow classmates, and out of the corner of his eye he could see the beaming smile of his husband. He could tell Justin was crying, and Brian gave his lover a small smile. “I, Brian Andrew Kinney, do swear to uphold the duties of Lieutenant Junior Grade, and all the responsibilities and honor that the title hold. I do solemnly swear to uphold the highest standards of Officers in the United States Navy, and honor the traditions set forth before me. I will obey the officers above me, and the orders of the Commander in Chief. I promise to protect the colors, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.” Admiral Smith reached up and removed the gold bars on Brian’s collar and replaced them with the single silver bar. After handing Brian the certificate of his appointment he returned the salute and stepped back. “May I introduce to you Lieutenant Junior Grade Brian Andrew Kinney.” Admiral Smith stated. Brian gave a small wink toward Justin before bringing his husband into his arms for a quick hug. “See, not much to it.” “I’m proud of you, Brian.” Justin stated through his tears as he fingered the silver bars shining brightly against the blue uniform. “Lieutenant Kinney. I like the sound of that.” Justin laughed. “Better believe it, Pretty boy.” Brian laughed. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.” Petty Officer Peters stated. “I guess all that hard work keeping each other afloat during hell week finally paid off.” He joked. “Better believe it. Of course now that you and South are also going to Virginia, I’d keep an eye out. One day I may be in charge of you sorry saps, so don’t fuck up.” Brian replied with his tongue in his cheek. When Peters walked away, Brian turned to Justin and shrugged. “Peters and South made sure I survived hell week. Fuck all of training. I owe them a lot.” He explained. “Then I owe them my gratitude. I’m glad they were there for you, Brian. They seem like good friends.” Justin said, wishing he could wrap his arms around Brian, but knowing he couldn’t at that moment. There were times he hated Military regulations. “Luckily one of them may end up in my unit. We’re not sure yet, we’ll find out when we get there. Even if we don’t, we’ll still be in the same area, so that’s okay. As for being friends… as much as the regulations will allow us to be. I guess it’s one of those, as long as you don’t get caught type things.” Brian looked at the men who had helped him survive training and shook his head. “Oh well. Life goes on, and now we’re on another chapter of our lives. You ready for that, Mr. Kinney?” “Of course, Lieutenant Kinney. You know I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Justin lightly ran his hand over Brian’s wrist to touch his bracelet, wanting some type of connection with his lover. “Brian?” He asked, fear in his voice when his hand came up empty. Brian looked down to see what had caused his husband to become scared, and then smiled. It seems that Justin had found the second part of his surprise. Brian pulled Justin over to a small table, away from everyone else. This was one discussion that he really didn’t think anyone needed to know. “Don’t worry, Justin. It will go back on in a day or so.” He began. Brian could see the worry in his lover’s eye, and knew he had to calm Justin. “Remember when I told you that I would never take it off, and I meant it. But then I realized that it was a promise I couldn’t keep.” Brian reached over and grabbed a hold of Justin’s hand and held it in his own. Lightly he ran his finger across Justin’s own bracelet, hoping to make his lover understand. “I learned that on missions we can’t have jewelry, so that means every time I went out, I had to take it off. So I decided that I had to do something about that.” Brian lifted up the sleeve of his right arm, and began to remove the small bandage that covered his wrist. “You can’t really tell right now, cause it’s all puffy and scabs are covering it, but you can basically see it.” Brian could feel Justin’s gentle touch on his sore flesh, caressing the image that was represented there. “Our bracelets.” “Our words,” Brian explained. “Since I couldn’t wear the real thing, or the wedding ring, I knew that I had to have something… this, Justin. This is my pledge to you. So you know that no matter where I am, no matter what I’m doing, you’re with me.” Justin felt the tears flow freely down his face, and he didn’t care who saw it. Brian had given him the greatest gift ever. Nothing could tear them apart. Not time, not distance. Brian would now have the bracelet, the words with him longer than any clasp could. “I love you. Thank-you.” Brian reached across the table with his other hand and wiped the tears from Justin’s face. “Forever, remember. That’s my pledge.” They sat letting the light touch on Brian’s wrist talk for them. Justin could make out the words buried beneath the slightly red and puffy skin. go deo mo tearmann … Forever my Avalon ~~~***~~~***~~~ End of Chapter Eight ~~~***~~~***~~~