Caution and Courage

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