Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:50:28 -0400
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: Caution_and_Courage_Part_4_of_8

CAUTION AND COURAGE

 PART FOUR

 "Security sent us here," Will told the receptionist in headquarters.

 "Yes," the young woman replied. "They phoned to say you'd be
 checking in. Which one of you is Benson?"

 "I am, Ma'am."

 "You're to go to the infirmary to have your wound examined. Take
 the elevator to the basement and follow the signs." She looked at
 Sean and Billy and asked, "Wilcox?"

 "That's me, Ma'am.'

 "You're to go to the infirmary also. You're to see Doctor O'Grady.
 He will let me know when he's ready for you."

 "But I'm not sick or wounded!" Sean exclaimed. "Why do I have to
 see a doctor?"

 "I don't know," the woman said officiously. "I'm just relaying a
 message I got from Security. You can wait here in the lobby until
 he's ready to see you."

 Will and Billy were curious about Sean's having to see a doctor but
 Sean was perplexed and angry at what he thought was "another
 God damned Navy fuckup."

 In the Infirmary, Will was ushered immediately into an examining
 room. A doctor in a crisp, white lab coat and the obligatory
 stethoscope handing loosely around his neck soon appeared.
 "Good morning," he said cheerfully. "I'm Doctor Klein and I'd like to
 look at your wound."

 Will raised his pants leg to reveal the bandage that had been
 applied in Honiara. The doctor removed it and spent what Will
 thought was a very long time scrutinizing the ugly gash. "When did
 this happen?" asked the doctor.

 "Five days ago, Sir. I was on a launch that hit a mine near a small
 island northeast of Guadalcanal. The bandage was put on at the
 Guadalcanal hospital after we were rescued the day before
 yesterday."

 "Five days?" the doctor exclaimed. "Are you sure about the timing,
 young man?"

 "Yes, Sir."

 "The healing is remarkable. There will be a scar but I don't think
 you'll have any problem. You're very lucky."

 "I had good care, Sir. We had no antiseptic but a team-mate -- a
 country boy -- knew how to treat it. He put Aloe Vera leaves on it
 until I could see a doctor."

 "I've heard about things like that," the doctor remarked. "But I've
 never seen such convincing evidence of its effectiveness."

 Emboldened by the doctor's ready acceptance of alternative
 medicine, Will said, "I suppose it wasn't only the Aloe Vera. I
 remembered something from a class I took in college. We had no
 sterile water -- in fact, no water at all -- and no alcohol so I asked
 him urinate on it to flush out any infectious bacteria. He didn't want
 to but I insisted. Maybe that did some good."

 "No doubt," the doctor said with a grin. "I'll just put on a new
 bandage ... as a precaution. If there's any swelling, redness, or
 pain, come back to see me. Otherwise, keep the bandage on for
 about three days. Oh, one more thing. No showers or baths until
 the bandage comes off." Will immediately thought of the highly
 erotic shower and orgasms he had enjoyed with Billy the night
 before but, of course, couldn't say anything about it to the doctor.

 Will returned to the lobby and was not surprised to find Sean and
 Billy. Nor was he surprised that they seemed to be ignoring each
 other. Billy jumped up and asked, "Ya okay, Will?"

 "Fit as a fiddle," Will grinned. Turning to Sean, he asked, "How
 about you?"

 "I'm all right. Except I'm pissed off. I'm not sick or wounded so why
 do I have to see a doctor? I'll tell you why. It's the fuckin' Navy,
 screwing up paperwork and orders ... making me plant my ass
 here and wait to see a doctor I don't need. Fuckin' Navy!"

 Will and Billy forced themselves to ignore Sean's grumbling and his
 inconsiderate profanity within earshot of the receptionist. They
 settled into chairs where Billy inquired about what the doctor said.

 "He said I'm fine. And he was astonished at how quickly I'm
 healing. There's no doubt your makeshift first aid -- the Aloe Vera
 leaves -- and ... ah ... flushing out the wound was what made it
 possible."

 Sean was unwilling to concede that an ignorant hick and a sick-
 minded snob deserved any credit. He grumbled, "Or maybe it was
 nothing but luck!"

 Fifteen minutes later, the receptionist said, "The doctor can see you
 now, Wilcox." Sean rose from his chair, marched across to the
 receptionist's desk, and demanded, "So where's Doctor O'Reilly?"

 The receptionist was taken aback by the aggressive tone but said
 professionally, "His name is O'Grady and he said he would come
 out to get you momentarily."

 It wasn't much longer before a middle-age man in uniform
 appeared and asked, "Wilcox?"

 "'Bout damn time," Sean grumbled. His irritation has metastasized
 to something between anger and rage, which would soon be his
 downfall.

 Doctor O'Grady turned toward Will and Billy and said, "This may
 take a while, gentlemen. You're free to wait here or leave. If you
 leave, report to the Duty Officer just down the hall to your right.
 Wilcox, would you come with me, please?"

 Will and Billy discussed their options briefly. Billy was completely
 willing to accept Will's suggestion: "Let's leave. I've had my fill of
 Sean's bitching."

 "Come in," the Duty Officer said when Will knocked on his door.
 "Have a seat." He reviewed a note pad briefly before continuing,
 "I'm told that you're both assigned to the Brighton. She's due back
 in port on Saturday. I think I have some good news for you. It's
 the middle of the week and I really don't have anything to keep you
 busy for three days. What that means is that you have three days
 of leave. But be back on base at 0700 hours on Saturday. You
 can join your shipmates then."

 The broad smiles on both young seamen didn't surprise the Duty
 Officer. What sailor wouldn't welcome an unexpected leave? What
 he didn't know, however, was the full reason for those smiles. Both
 Billy and Will were elated that they had three days to make love.

 <><><><><>

 Unlike the secret lovers, Sean was dealing with what he felt was an
 intolerable situation and he didn't handle it well. Doctor O'Grady
 was cordial and pleasant but Sean's frustration, anger, and
 impatience was barely contained. He was more assertive than
 would be appropriate when addressing a senior officer when he
 asked, "What's this all about, Doc? I'm not sick and not hurt so why
 was I sent to see you?"

 "I just need to get some information from you, Sean. May I call you
 Sean?"

 "That's my name, isn't it?" he replied with obvious sarcasm.

 "First of all, I'd like you to tell me what happened. Start with being
 assigned to the search team and then about your time on the island
 and rescue."

 "I've already told Security! Can I go now?"

 "The information I got from Security was not very detailed. I'd like
 to know more about your mission."

 "Anything to get this over with!" Sean sighed. "The Captain told me
 to go with Benson and Simpson to look for a downed pilot on an
 island."

 "And how did you feel about that?"

 "Confused!" If Sean had been calmer and more rational, he would
 not have vented his bruised feelings so freely. Nor would he have
 stretched the truth so much to punish those who abused his
 outsized ego. "Why was Benson put in charge? He's a greenhorn
 with no sea experience. Worse, he's responsible for botching the
 mission because being leader went to his head and he acted like
 he was God Almighty." Sean continued his rant as he embellished
 his fictional account of Will's autocratic domination and Billy's
 misguided loyalty. He concluded his unbelievable tirade with, "So
 that's what happened. Can I leave now? Or do you want to look at
 my tonsils or something?"

 Doctor O'Grady chuckled and said, "No. I'm not a medical doctor."

 Sean was only temporarily confused but recognized the situation
 for what it was and blurted out, "You mean you're a shrink? I'm not
 crazy! You should be talking to the other two: Hitler and Mortimer
 Snerd!"

 "I didn't say you're crazy, Sean. It's just that your story is quite
 unlike the account given by your shipmates. More significantly, you
 contradicted yourself several times ... almost as if you were
 making it up as you went along. And a few of the things you said
 are highly improbable. I'm guessing that the stress of being
 stranded and facing possible death has distorted your memory and
 your thinking. As a consequence, you've focused your frustration
 and anger on the other members of the team. It's a relatively
 common reaction. It doesn't mean you're mentally ill. It does,
 however, mean that you need counseling. I'm going to recommend
 that you be removed from the ship's roster both to prevent any
 violence or other trouble and, more importantly, to see that you get
 the counseling you need."

 Sean was livid. He stood and shouted angrily, "You're punishing
 me when it's those two bastards that should be kicked out of the
 Navy?"

 Doctor O'Grady spoke calmly. "It's not punishment, Sean. It's
 therapy. It's to HELP you. When you've proven your readiness,
 you'll be returned to active duty."

 The doctor had said Sean was not crazy but what happened next
 proved him wrong. Sean screamed, "God damn sonofabitch! You
 think you're so fucking smart? You think you can tell the difference
 between the truth and the lies they told? You don't know shit from
 Shinola! I'm outta here! Think you can stop me? Try it! You'll
 never know what hit you!"

 The doctor maintained his calm and said, "Sit down, Sean." His
 request was ignored so the doctor continued, "If you leave now
 without my permission, you'll never get off the Base. Security will
 find you and lock you up. Is that what you want?"

 In spite of his hyper agitated state, Sean recognized the futility of
 leaving. He would surely be thrown in the brig and face the
 possibility of discharge from the Navy. He fell into a chair. His
 strategy for getting revenge on Will and Billy was unsuccessful. He
 had failed. The muscular, macho sailor began to cry.

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 INTERNAL MEMORANDUM
 CONFIDENTIAL

 TO: Base Commander Washburn
 FROM: Dr. T. O'Grady
 SUBJ: Sean Wilcox

 I have interviewed Seaman Sean Wilcox extensively
 about his experiences as a member of a special
 team dispatched from the USS Brighton to search
 for a downed Air Force pilot in the South Pacific
 near Guadalcanal.

 Based on obvious fabrications in his account of
 the mission, upon clearly evident symptoms of
 stress, and upon a particularly aggressive
 outburst at the end of the interview, it is my
 professional opinion that he is currently
 mentally unstable and unfit for sea duty.

 He is now in custody by Base Security pending
 your decision on appropriate action. I strongly
 recommend psychiatric evaluation and therapy. I
 do not make this recommendation lightly. Without
 treatment, he is a potential threat to others and
 possibly to himself.

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 As Will and Billy exited the main gate of the Base with three-day
 passes tucked into their pockets, Billy asked, "Whatcha wanna do
 now, Will?"

 Will flashed a wicked grin and said, "I'm sure something is bound to
 come up."

 Billy laughed and replied, "YEAH! On both of us!"

 <><><><><>

 It was well past noon when Will and Billy left the Naval Base and,
 because both were hungry, they decided to grab a bite to eat
 before seeking an inexpensive hotel where they could satisfy their
 more important need: constant lovemaking. They avoided a few
 elegant and certainly pricey restaurants but found a small café
 that was quaint but clean and affordable. Whatever lunch crowd it
 had served was all back to work and they had their choice of
 tables. Settling into a corner booth, they scanned the menu and
 were pleased to find several items that were appealing but made
 their decision more difficult. Before they could decide what to
 order, a waiter brought silverware, napkins, and a friendly
 "Welcome, guys. What can I get for you?"

 Both young men glanced at the waiter, ready to say, "We haven't
 decided yet. Can we have a few minutes?" But before they could
 speak, their glance became a stare. The waiter was strikingly
 handsome: just over six feet tall, an engaging smile, moderately
 long but well groomed jet-black hair, prominent biceps, sparkling
 eyes crowned by gracefully arched brows, and an impressive
 chest that tapered down to a flat abdomen under a tight tee shirt.
 Equally tight jeans accentuated an impressive package but the
 diners wisely limited inspection of that area to a momentary
 glance.

 Will was the first to regain his senses and asked, "What do you
 recommend?"

 "Anything we have is sure to please you," the waiter said, possibly
 unaware of the double entendre. "The steak is good if you like
 sizzling hot meat. Or if you don't want a full meal, our hot dogs
 are to die for -- not your ball park variety -- these have a fat,
 juicy sausage on a toasted bun. Comes with ... oops ... served
 with French fries."

 The waiter's description, emphasized by his grin and lip-licking,
 strengthened his patrons' suspicion that it was a carefully coded
 message. Indeed it was. He had used similar language as bait
 for more than a few patrons whom he thought might be interested
 in more than a meal. The subtle reactions of his two current
 targets -- slight, self-conscious grins and widening of the eyes --
 confirmed his initial, tentative judgment. But, he acknowledged to
 himself, there would be no chance of bedding either or both
 because they were most likely partners. Still, he clung to the
 hope that he might engineer a threesome.

 Both Will and Billy opted for the hot dog because it was less
 expensive but also influenced by the suggestive description.

 "Good choice," the waiter replied. "By the way, my name is Rod
 Peters. No jokes about the name; I've heard them all." He
 grinned and left to place the order.

 Will and Billy looked at each other and grinned. Both recognized
 the increasingly obvious signals that Rod was sending. Both
 were attracted to his personality and, of course, his remarkable
 good looks. "Am I wrong or is he one of us?" Billy asked quietly.

 "Very little doubt about it," Will replied in a whisper. "But he can't
 hold a candle to you. He's personable but more than a little bold
 in the way he seemed to come on to us. That took courage. Or
 perhaps foolhardiness because he used no caution."

 A few minutes later, Rod brought the orders and said, "Here you
 are guys. I think you'll find they're much better than the little
 wienies you get at other places."

 "Yeah," said Billy. "Can't wait to get my mouth around `it."

 Will was shocked at his lover's uncharacteristic impishness but
 Rod laughed and said, "I've got one more if that one isn't enough
 to satisfy your appetite."

 Billy noticed Will's scowl, regretted his comment, and said
 contritely, "No thanks. This'll be plenty."

 After Rod left to attend to an elderly woman who had come in and
 sat at the counter, Billy said, "Sorry, Will. I didn't mean nothin'. I
 was jus' joshin' with `im. Yur not mad are ya?"

 "No. I'm surprised ... at your audacity and his obvious attempt to
 come on to us. More than that, however, I'm worried."

 "'Bout what? Ya don't think I'd do anythin' with him, do ya? Or
 anybody else!"

 "No. What worries me is that he seemed to have sized us up as
 gay right from the start. Why else would he say what he did?
 And in the way he said it. I'm afraid that he saw something that
 others might see ... something that would arouse suspicion,
 investigation, and persecution."

 "Drat! Never thought o' that!" Billy exclaimed, suddenly fearful. "I
 reckon my comment `bout getting' my mouth around the sausage
 didn't help none."

 "Probably not," Will mused. "But it's something we'll have to keep
 in mind when we get back on board ship. A slip of the tongue
 there might trip us up."

 They ate wordlessly for a short while before Billy said, "Would that
 be so bad? They'd kick us out of the Navy. But then we'd be
 together and not pinin' for each other without no chance t'love
 each other."

 "We'll be together one day, Billy. For a very long time. But think
 of this. How would we get a decent job after the Navy with a
 Dishonorable Discharge on our record?"

 Abandoning his normal aversion to profanity, Billy said, "SHIT!
 Ain't it plain awful that two fellas who love the Navy would be
 flushed down the crapper jus' `cause we love each other? It ain't
 right! We's no harm or danger to the Navy. It's their twisted
 bigotry that's the problem."

 "I've got to agree with you, Billy. But it's the way it is. We'll have
 to be patient until our hitch is up."

 Rod returned with the check and asked, "How was it, guys?"

 "Delicious," Will said but Billy said nothing for fear of making
 another mistake.

 "How about yours?" Rod asked Billy.

 "Great food. Thanks," Billy mumbled. It was almost curt but he
 hoped it was innocent.

 Rod smiled weakly and asked as he laid his hand on his thigh
 close to his crotch, "Anything else you'd like, guys?"

 "Yes. There's one thing," Will said. Rod's hopes soared. Billy
 was confused. "We're on a three-day leave from the Naval Base
 until our ship returns to port. That's not enough time to go
 anywhere ... certainly not to the other side of the country to visit
 family. So we'd like to find an inexpensive hotel here in San
 Diego. Can you recommend one?"

 "I'll do you one better," Rod said. "I've got a big, empty house not
 far from here. Inherited it from my parents. You're more than
 welcome to stay in the guest room ... it used to be my bedroom
 before my parents passed away about four years ago."

 "That's very kind of you," Will said. "But we wouldn't want to
 impose on you. We'd be happy to find an affordable hotel."

 "No imposition," Rod was quick to reply. "Fact of the matter is ...
 I've had several guests over the years ... all sailors between duty
 assignments. I'm a former Navy man myself so I understand the
 predicament of finding temporary lodging. I couldn't serve my
 country as long as I wanted to so this is my way of helping the
 military. Do me a favor and accept my hospitality."

 "You're very kind," Will said. "Can you give me a few minutes to
 discuss your offer with my friend?"

 "Sure," Rod answered. "But I can tell you now that there are no
 inexpensive hotels in San Diego. Not even if you travel thirty
 miles away from downtown. And be assured that I would be
 honored to have you as guests."

 Rod left and Will said, "He's hoping for sex, you know."

 "Prob'ly right," Billy replied. "But we can say `no' can't we?"

 "We can," Will agreed. "But I think we ought to make that clear
 before we accept his offer."

 Rod returned and asked, "Well, guys, have you decided to accept
 my offer and enjoy my ... ah ... hospitality?"

 "Before we accept," Will said, "we need to clear up some details.
 Have you got a few minutes to talk?"

 Rod looked around the café, sat down at the table, and said,
 "Sure. As you can see, there's not much to do with only you and
 Mrs. Flannery in the place."

 "First of all," Will began, "What do you expect from us in exchange
 for three nights lodging?"

 "Not a thing. As I said, it's my way of supporting our troops. And
 having company. It gets pretty lonely in a big house by myself,
 you know."

 Will hesitated to think of the best phrasing for what he wanted to
 say. "Let me be very honest, Rod. Solely on the basis of what
 you've said to us ... and the manner in which you said it ... I
 suspect that you're gay and are looking for a bit of bedroom
 recreation. If I'm wrong, I apologize. If I'm right, you should know
 in advance that there's no way either of us will consent to any
 sexual activity with you."

 Rod glanced around the café once more and said almost in a
 whisper. "Okay. I guess I came on to you too strongly. If I
 offended you, it's me that owes an apology. The fact is, I AM gay.
 And horny. And both of you turn me on. Yes, I was hoping to
 score with you guys. But if you're not into gay sex ... or if you're
 gay but committed to each other ... I understand. I'm
 disappointed but I understand. So here's the deal. You're
 welcome to stay at my place for a few days. I promise not to
 make any demands ... or requests for that matter."

 "Thanks for the honesty," Will said. "We'd be grateful for your
 hospitality. But there's one more question. You said you weren't
 in the Navy as long as you would have liked. Is it because they
 caught you with another guy?"

 Rod dropped his eyes as if in shame. Or regret. "Yeah. I had a
 once-in-a-while affair with an officer." He looked at Will and Billy,
 saw the questions in their eyes, and elaborated. "The officer got
 caught propositioning somebody else who reported it up the chain
 of command. The Navy came down on him hard. During the
 investigation, he must have told them about me because the next
 thing I knew I was being investigated also. When it was all over,
 me and six other men were booted out of the service with an
 undesirable discharge. That's what they call it. Damned shame if
 you ask me. The officer and all the enlisted men -- all good men
 -- were discarded like spoiled meat."

 "So they gave you a Dishonorable Discharge?" Billy asked.

 "No," Rod replied. "A Dishonorable Discharge is given only after
 you're convicted in a court martial for criminal behavior like rape
 or murder -- what civilians would call a felony. Another kind is an
 Administrative Discharge. The one I got was an `Undesirablel
 Discharge Under Other Than Honorable Conditions'. But the
 effect is similar. I've got no veteran benefits and a smudge on my
 record that employers don't like. So now I'm working as a waiter
 in a café, about the only job I could get. I'm not asking for
 sympathy. It's not my fault for being gay. But it was my mistake
 to violate the military's idiotic code of conduct.

 "Seems t' me they punished ya for no good reason," Billy said.

 "I knew the rules," Rod replied. "I don't like some of the rules but
 they have to be followed. I broke a rule. One careless mistake!
 And I was toast. But that was not my only mistake. During the
 interrogation I denied being homosexual and denied having any
 `immoral contact' with the officer. I found out later that another
 seaman -- a guy I had also had sex with -- didn't lie about being
 gay. He was truthful and cooperative from the git-go. As a
 consequence, he was discharged but `under honorable
 conditions'. Had I been truthful, I might have gotten off as easy
 as he did. I can't say for sure but I think he also told the
 investigators about my affair with the officer since we swapped
 stories about having sex with him. So it was either him or the
 officer who outed me and that's what labeled me as
 `dishonorable'."

 "That's sad," Will said.

 "Yeah! But in spite of what the Navy did to me, I still try to help
 out sailors from the Base. How about it? Will you accept my
 offer?"

 Will looked at Billy who nodded his agreement. "Yes. And we
 thank you."

 Rod's face burst into a smile. "GREAT! I get off work in..." (He
 checked his watch.) "...twenty minutes. Hang around until then
 and I'll take you to your home away from home."

 <><><><><>

 After a pizza and Pepsi for an early supper that night, the three
 young men sat in the spacious living room swapping stories about
 their experiences in the Navy. Rod was particularly interested in
 the accident and rescue on the way to Nam. Rod had been
 amused at Billy's Southern accent but became totally charmed by
 it.

 After a long conversation, Rod's curiosity surfaced. "I've been
 completely up front with you guys. I hope you will be with me.
 Are you gay? Was my impression of you when you came into the
 cafe correct?"

 Will didn't lie but evaded the question out of caution and
 redirected the conversation. "We're friends. We met in basic
 training and got assigned to the same ship. Funny, isn't it? I was
 a privileged, spoiled brat from the East Coast and Billy grew up
 poor in rural Mississippi. My mom and dad are arrogant snobs
 but Billy's are loving parents. I guess sometimes opposites do
 attract."

 "There's a `nother difference," Billy interjected. "Yur smart and I
 ain't"

 "Not so!" Will exclaimed. There's a big difference between formal
 schooling and wise common sense. I had the schooling but
 you've got wisdom."

 "You didn't answer my question," Rod said. "But I'll let it go. I
 know from experience that a guy has to be careful about his
 sexual orientation while he's in the military. Now, if you'll excuse
 me, I really should get to bed. I have to get up at five to be at
 work at six. I'll be quiet so you can sleep in. Feel free to come
 and go as you please. Lock up if you leave. I'll give you a spare
 key to get back in if necessary before I get home at three
 tomorrow."

 "You're very trusting," Will said. "Aren't you afraid we'll steal
 something?"

 Rod laughed. "First of all, guys, I DO trust you because you're
 Navy. Secondly, I've got nothing worth stealing. And finally, all
 I'd have to do is file a complaint with the Navy. You know what
 that would mean. Make yourself at home, guys."

 Rod climbed the stairs, leaving Billy and Will in the living room.
 Along with amazement at Rod's hospitality, they both anticipated
 spending their second night together in bed.

 <><><><><>

 Will and Billy went upstairs to Rod's guest bedroom and were
 pleased to see that it had a double bed. As soon as Will closed
 the door, he embraced Billy in a hug and kissed him passionately.
 It had the predictable effect on them both. Their crotches tingled
 and their cocks stirred.

 "I `membered whatcha said `bout caution, Will. And I know Rod's
 just across the hall. But the bedroom doors are closed. Do ya
 s'pose we could do somethin' in bed? I'm hankerin' for ya in the
 worst way."

 "I've been thinking about that, Billy. I'd like to make love to you all
 night just like we did in the hotel. But I'm not sure it's a good idea.
 We haven't told Rod we're lovers; he only suspects it. It might be
 better to leave him in doubt."

 "We can be quiet, can't we? How's he gonna know? `Sides, even
 if'n he does know, it ain't likely he'd tattle to the Navy. Ya heard
 what he said `bout bein' in the Navy and regrettin' bein' kicked
 out. I'm sure he wouldn't want that to happen to us, now would
 he?"

 "One more thing to consider," Will said. "We agreed that he
 invited us into his home because he was hoping for sex. I
 wouldn't be surprised if he's had sex with the other guys he's
 brought home. If he knows for sure that we're gay, he'll try to
 have sex with one or both of us. Is that what you want? Do you
 think you can tell him `no' after he's been kind enough to let us
 stay here a few days?"

 Billy caught himself before he voiced the first thought that came to
 his mind -- that sex with Rod might be fun. After all, Rod was
 strikingly handsome and it wouldn't damage the loving bond with
 Will. Or would it? More importantly, discussing sex with Rod
 would delay achieving what he wanted more at the moment:
 making love to Will. That still required a little more persuasion.
 "So how `bout it?" Billy asked in a way that sounded very much
 like a plea. "Don'tcha think we could make love if'n we's quiet-
 like?" To improve his chances of gaining agreement, Billy gently
 massaged the hardening cock under Will's trousers. It was a
 potent combination -- the man he loved was begging for sex and
 the not-so-subtle stimulation of his cock was extremely arousing.

 Will's need for sex gained dominance in his mind. His caution
 was crushed and he answered by flashing a broad smile,
 unbuckling Billy's belt, and whispering, "You know I can't resist.
 I've waited too long to be with you. But we've got to be VERY
 quiet."

 It wasn't long before they were naked and admiring each other's
 body. Their cocks were standing tall. Their love-fueled lust was
 peaking. Will guided his lover to sit down on the bed. And froze.
 "Did you hear that, Billy?" he asked in a whisper.

 "No."

 "The bed! It squeaked when you sat down! We can't risk the
 noise. Rod is sure to hear it and know what we're doing."

 Billy stood and as he did so he heard the squeak. "Shucks and
 darn," he murmured. "Ain't that a kick in the butt? I was ready for
 some lovin'!"

 Will seized his lover in an embrace, not accidentally pressing their
 erect cocks together. "Time to Improvise!" He whispered. "The
 floor doesn't squeak. Let's lie down on the floor, Billy. It might
 not be as comfortable as the bed but at least it's a soft carpet."

 Billy giggled.

 "What's so funny?" Will asked. "It's better than making noise in
 the bed."

 "I was just thinkin' o' my cousin, Lucy. She got a wicked rash on
 her backside. Her momma wanted to know what done it to her
 so's to treat it with the right stuff. She finally admitted she had ...
 ah ... entertained a fella out in the barn. It was the hay on her
 bare bottom what done it. `Course I ain't s'posed to know that but
 I heard my momma and daddy laughin' `bout it."

 Will chuckled but not for long because he was just as eager for
 sensual pleasure as Billy was. "I don't think we have to worry
 about that," he said. "Carpet is a lot safer than hay.'

 An hour later, having satisfied their carnal urges, expressed their
 love with erotic sex, and reconfirmed their love for each other,
 they got into bed and eventually fell asleep with their arms and
 legs intertwined in a literal and figurative bonding of naked flesh.

 <><><><><>

 They awoke at seven, kissed, and yielded to the urgent need to
 empty their bladders. On the way to the bathroom they noticed
 with delight that Rod had gone to work. They had all day by
 themselves and, without discussing their options (There was but
 one that interested them.), they returned to bed to offer each
 other their bodies and their love. After particularly gratifying
 orgasms, they lay snuggled together.

 "You want to hear something strange?" Will asked.

 "Sure."

 "I don't know how to explain it but lying here with you is as
 satisfying as having sex. Different, to be sure, but I've never
 experienced anything as nice. Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly
 enjoy the sex but this is a new sensation, one that I've never felt
 before. You know that I've had sex with guys in school but it was
 always just that -- physical gratification. With you, Billy, it's
 much, much more. It's like satisfying an emotional need. In fact,
 my love for you is especially intense just relaxing here with you.
 Does that make any sense?"

 "Yeah. Whatcha said was sweet. I ain't never had sex with
 nobody but you so I got nothin' to compare but I know one thing.
 Bein' with y'all always makes me happy ... `specially now `cause
 we can enjoy each other's company and not fret over bein' gay or
 worryin' that t'other guy ain't gay. Ya s'pose that's proof that we
 loves each other?"

 "Probably so," Will replied and gave his lover a long kiss.

 Much later, they got out of bed and showered. Together, of
 course. And took advantage of the opportunity to explore in detail
 each other's bodies with special attention to regions normally
 hidden from view. Billy's uncut manhood was longer and thicker
 than Will's cut, average-sized cock but both enlarged and
 stiffened. The result was inevitable and they relished the offering
 of hot cream that rewarded their efforts at oral stimulation.

 <><><><><>

 They spent most of the day wandering around San Diego and
 most of the time in Balboa Park with its varied tourist attractions
 and expanses of nature's peaceful beauty. As they sat on a
 grassy hillside munching hot dogs, Billy had a lot on his mind.
 There was the enjoyment of a mini-vacation and, of course,
 spending intimate time with his new lover. But something else
 had been recurring in his thoughts since they first met Rod in the
 café. He was attracted to the handsome man and had even
 mentally undressed him. The attraction, however, was not at all
 like his feelings for Will. At first, it was just curiosity but the
 curiosity triggered a few fantasies about actually seeing Rod
 naked ... and hard. He worried about that for a time because it
 seemed disloyal to Will. But he slowly accepted it as harmless
 because there was no doubt at all about the intense feelings he
 had for his partner. When Rod admitted that he was gay, Billy's
 fantasies turned almost imperceptibly into desire, a wish that was
 strengthened by the speculation that Rod's hospitality might come
 with strings attached. The result of all those thoughts was hope
 ... hope that some harmless recreational sex might be possible
 with their host. But would it be harmless? What might Will think
 of the idea if it was presented poorly?

 A strategy hatched while he and Will finished the last bite of their
 hot dogs. Casually, Billy said, "It was nice o' Rod to let us stay in
 his house."

 "I agree," Will replied. "His generosity and hospitality have been
 marvelous."

 "Thought ya might think so. I was just wonderin'. We oughta do
 somethin' nice for him. He don't want no money but seems t' me
 that we gotta do somethin' just to show our `preciation."

 "I've had the same idea," Will replied. "We could take him out to
 dinner ... a nice place. Of course he'd have to recommend one
 because we don't know San Diego like he does."

 "That'd be okay, I s'pose," Billy mused. "I'm just not sure it's
 enough. I wish we knew what he'd really like."

 "We both know what he would like!" Will said with a laugh.

 Billy knew full well what Will referred to but asked, "What's that?"

 "Sex, dummy!" Will replied, wondering why his lover didn't
 remember their discussion and agreement to decline any
 suggestion of sex.

 Billy was deliberately quiet for a few moments. Hoping his timing
 was right and cleverly crediting Will with the idea, he said, "That's
 a good thought. Won't do no harm, would it? We'd still love each
 other and we'd be making Rod very happy."

 "WHOA!" Will exclaimed. "You're not really thinking of having sex
 with him, are you? You're just joking with me, right?"

 "I ain't jokin'," Billy said earnestly. "Seems t' me it's `bout the best
 thing we can do to return the favor he done for us. Wouldn't hurt
 my love for ya, Will. `Sides, we's gonna be back on the Brighton
 in a couple o' days and he won't be `round to cause no trouble
 between us. And it ain't like we's cheating on each other neither.
 `Cause we'd know it was just doin' a favor for a guy that done one
 for us."

 "Listen to yourself!" Will said indignantly. "I can't believe you're
 actually thinking of having sex with him."

 "What harm would it do, Will? I love you. You love me. We's
 gonna be together for a long time. `Course I'd never go behind
 yur back and do anything with anybody. That'd be cheatin'. But
 if'n we do it together it ain't cheatin' a bit. We's doin' it together to
 make somebody happy ... somebody we's never gonna see
 again."

 Will couldn't refute Billy's argument. That was a reason to
 approve the plan. But neither could he ignore the possibility that
 his lover wanted to have sex with another man more than he
 wanted to return Rod's favor. That was a troubling reason to
 doubt Billy's fidelity and to adamantly reject the plan.

 Without acknowledging the logic in Billy's reasoning, Will said, "I
 just don't think it's a good idea."

 Billy felt defeated but consoled himself with having lost a battle,
 not a war. After a moment of thought, he tried another approach.
 "I `member whatcha told me about caution and courage. I'm a-
 wonderin' now if'n maybe yur bein' too cautious. Caution's a
 good thing, for sure. When there's a big risk. But the way I sees
 it, there ain't no risk. The only risk worth stewin' over is what it
 might do to us, whether it would split us up. That ain't gonna
 happen. Why? `Cause we love each other. At least I love you.
 Do you love me?"

 "Of course I do!"

 "And ya still want me to be yur partner? Forever?"

 "Absolutely."

 "So we's gonna be t'gether ... and do things t'gether?

 "I see where you're going with this, Billy. In your mind it's okay to
 have sex with somebody else if we do it together. And you want
 me to go along with the plan. How much of your plan is to return
 a favor and how much is wanting sex with another guy?

 Billy took a while to respond because Will had raised an issue that
 had been a source of guilt over being unfaithful. He quickly
 weighed his options and chose a middle ground. "I won't lie to ya,
 Will. Never have. Never will. I'd enjoy it. But not near as much
 as I enjoy sex with y'all. It'd be just sex. For pleasure. When I'm
 with ya, Will, it's more emotional and worlds better. Yur love is
 the most important thing to me. So if'n ya don't wanna do it, I'll
 forget `bout it. But if ya would enjoy it too, then I think we oughta."

 The sincerity in Billy's facial expression was impossible not to
 notice. It expunged all doubts Will may have had about his lover's
 fidelity. "I'm not ready to agree, Billy. And I'm not refusing. Give
 me some time to think about it."

 To be continued

 NOTE: Thanks to Iatia for support, suggestions, and editing