Chapter 6: Don't Ask – Don't Tell

The phone was ringing somewhere in the distance but I was too far gone to care. Eventually it stopped and I heard Jake's voice say hello. The next thing I knew there were lips on my right nipple. Mmmm. Now I remember where I'm at. I slowly opened my eyes and looked down. I could see a fuzzy head moving around on my chest. I reached up with my hand and started rubbing my fingers through the fuzz. I heard a soft moan and the head popped up and I was looking into the eyes of my man.

He looked at me and smiled. "Good morning, Mikey."

"It is now... Good morning, sexy boy."

I stretched a little and he took the opportunity to lay his leg over mine and bring his head up to my neck. He started licking my neck, laying little kisses on it, then nibbling on my ear. I moaned again. I reached around and started running my hand slowly over a warm ass cheek.

"How'd you sleep, baby?"

He whispered in my ear. "Hard..." Then I felt his lips evolve into a big grin.

I smiled. "You seem to have woken up the same way."

He giggled. "I can't help it, I'm just a horny boy; what's your excuse?"

"I have a horny boy laying on me licking my neck. Do we get to do this all day?"

He kissed my neck one last time and popped his head back up. "I wish, but I think we might have to get up."

"We are up." I smiled then lifted my head up to kiss him. I broke the kiss and lightly swatted the ass cheek I'd been rubbing. "I gotta pee but you made it kind of difficult for me; what're you gonna do about it?"

"It's not my fault, I haven't touched him; you're on your own." He leered down at me.

"Gee thanks."

I gave him a quick kiss then extricated myself from under him and sat up on the edge of my side of the bed. Behind me I heard, "Ahhhhh..." I smiled to myself then stood up and turned around. He looked so good lying there in the bed I just wanted to attack him, but we really did have to get moving.

"Get up! Let's take this to the shower."

He got a huge grin on his face and jumped out of bed and started walking to the bathroom, wiggling his ass at me on the way.

When I walked into the bathroom he already had his underwear off and was adjusting the water. He wasn't lying; he is just a horny boy. I walked up behind him and pushed my crotch into the crack of his ass. He yelped.

"Hey, watch where you point that thing!"

"I was watching where I was pointing it."

He giggled then stepped into the shower. I dropped my/his underwear and followed him in. We played and washed and pissed through half hard dicks while we were in there, finally getting rinsed off and ready to start the day. We were back in the bedroom, dry and both standing naked looking at each other. I winked at him and he smiled. Then he walked over to my suitcase and started rummaging around. I just looked at him going through my stuff. I really didn't care, but it had taken me a little by surprise. He finally stood up holding a black jock strap and a pair of white boxer-briefs. He grinned at me then tossed me the boxer-briefs. I laughed and then watched him slip the jock onto his body. I just kind of stood there transfixed while he pulled it up his legs and then tucked his balls and dick into the pouch. Then he reached behind himself and adjusted the straps on his ass. He looked up and noticed me watching him.

"See something you like?"

"Everything."

He smiled at me and pointed at my growing cock and the underwear I was holding.

"Get dressed you perv. I'm hungry and there's food downstairs."

"Yes Sir!"

I pulled the underwear on and then put the jeans on that I'd worn yesterday. I did put a clean shirt on, but I had a limited number of clothes with me and I didn't think it would kill me to wear the same jeans two days in a row. While I was getting dressed I was also watching him put his cammo's back on. It was almost as much fun watching him dress as it was to watch him undress. I had finished dressing and had my shoes on while he was lacing and tying his boots. I was watching him again and when he stood up and smoothed everything out I just let out a low, `Fuck me...'

He looked over at me grinning. "I already did; last night."

"Smart ass. Your turn is coming, baby."

He grinned even more. "Promises, promises. Let's go eat!"

We headed out the door and took the elevator downstairs. Either I wasn't as paranoid or it was because of the different uniform he was wearing, but it didn't seem like as many people were watching us. We ate like starving men again, had a couple cups of coffee each and just talked quietly. We finished breakfast and made it back up to the room to get ready to leave. He saw my new phone sitting on the desk charging and starting touching the screen and running through menus and stuff. I figured out he was looking for the phone number. He managed to get both of our numbers programmed into the other's phone and handed me mine. Then he kind of sheepishly took my old phone out of his pocket and handed it to me.

"I forgot I had it; sorry."

"No worries. I'm gonna carry both until you program all the numbers into my new one and teach me how to use it."

"OK. Do you know how to answer the new one for when I call you?"

"No."

He stood right next to me and then used his phone to call mine. It started ringing and he pointed to the screen and told me to just push on the button and say hello.

I pushed the button and lifted the phone to my ear. "Horny boy hotel, how can I help you?"

He just started laughing, bumped his hip into me and called me a perv again.

We finished fucking around with the phones and got ready to take him back to the base. We got down to the parking garage and got in the car. Before I had a chance to put my seatbelt on he reached over, grabbed my head and pulled me into a really hot kiss. We kissed and licked and moaned into each other's mouth for about five minutes, and then he just sat back and put his seatbelt on. I was breathless trying to understand what had just happened.

"Wow!" I said breathlessly.

He looked at me and grinned. "It has to last me all day so I wanted to make it a good one."

"Mission accomplished. Damn..."

I put my seatbelt on and started the car and we headed out to the base. When we got there we didn't pull off on the side of the road this time, we just went up to the gate; but as I was getting ready to turn in, he squeezed my right hand.

"I love you." He let go of my hand and started to take his seatbelt off.

"I love you too." I managed to get out before he was opening the door.

He turned to look at me, smiled and then got out of the car. He closed the door and walked over to the guard shack to show his ID. There was yet another little hottie working it. Jake turned away from the guard shack, looked at me and gave me an evil grin, then mouthed the word "perv" at me. I just laughed and made my turn around the shack to get back to the road.

I didn't have quite as much to do today, but I still needed to get started. I drove back to the hotel and started making phone calls. I did some work on the computer and got a few more business things setup to transfer to Germany. When I finally noticed the time it was only about nine thirty. My day wasn't going to badly so far; Jake's, on the other hand, had turned to shit really quickly.

Jake's office that he shared with a PFC:

A tall, muscular Sergeant walked into the office and bellowed. "Harrison! Come with me!"

"Yes Sergeant!" Jake barked out and jumped up from his chair.

He followed the Sergeant out of the office and down the hall. They walked through a door and were outside. The Sergeant just kept walking, maintaining a pretty quick pace, Jake right behind him. They got to another door and went inside; they were in a gym. The Sergeant walked across the room to the other side and then stopped when they reached an empty office. He opened the door to the office and let Jake in ahead of him. He followed Jake into the office, slammed the door shut, then grabbed Jake by the shirt and slammed him up against the wall.

"Faggot! What the fuck are you doing in the Marine Corps!? The Corps isn't for sissy, fucking faggots!"

Jake was trembling, but managed to maintain a standing position and a little bravado.

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about, Sergeant!"

The Sergeant slammed him up against the wall again. "I'm talking about you, cocksucker! You're a fucking faggot! I saw you last night in town. You were walking with your daddy, holding fucking hands! Sissy faggot!"

Jake was trembling even more now, and really didn't know what to say. He was busted, there was no way he could deny what the Sergeant had seen.

"Yeah! Cat got your tongue, cocksucker!? You can't deny it, can you, fucking faggot!?"

"I... I..." Jake tried.

"Shut the fuck up, cocksucker! There's nowhere to run, sissy boy! You have any idea what we do with faggot cocksuckers where I come from? We take `em out to the lake and fucking beat the fag right out of `em!"

Jake was scared shitless but he was also feeling the rage building up inside of him. He'd been dreading this moment since the day he'd joined the Marines, but he wasn't going to let anyone treat him like a bitch; even this big ass Sergeant. He was breathing heavily and the rage was building. He reached his hands up between him and the Sergeant and shoved the other man off.

"Get the fuck off me!!! I don't know what your fucking problem is but keep your fucking hands off me, motherfucker!!"

The Sergeant was surprised for a second, but then he just started laughing at Jake.

 "Ooooo, the little bitch boy has some balls! Come on little bitch boy, show me what you got! I like a faggot that has some fight in him; it makes it more fun to kick his fucking ass!"

Jake, shaking with rage, screamed at him, "Fuck You!! I might get my fucking ass kicked, but I sure the fuck ain't goin' down without a fight, you sorry motherfucker!"

"Well come on! Come on, bitch! Show me what the faggot boy has! You don't want to fucking fight me, you just want to suck my fucking dick! Bitch!"

"Fuck you, asswipe! Suck your own fucking dick! You ain't man enough for me! Stupid motherfucker!"

Jake wasn't screaming anymore, but he was still yelling pretty loudly. Unknown to either of them a Sergeant Major had walked into the gym and heard the last few comments they'd both made. He made his way over to the office, trying to stay hidden from them.

"Fuck you, bitch boy! I don't want no fuckin' faggot anywhere near my dick. That liberal pussy in the White House might like you queer boys hangin' on his dick, but I'm a real man. The Corps is going to shit letting all you queer faggot boys join up. You all need to be taken out and fucking shot!"

The Sergeant wasn't laughing anymore; he was starting to move closer to where Jake was standing.

"Stay the fuck away from me you sorry motherfucker! You're the one that needs to be taken out and fucking shot! Back the fuck away from me, asshole!"

The Sergeant reached out and slapped Jake hard across the face. Just then the Sergeant Major yanked the door open.

"What the fuck is going on in here!?"

The Sergeant snapped to attention. Jake was still stunned from the slap and was leaning back against the wall.

The Sergeant barked out. "Sergeant Major! Nothing, Sergeant Major! Just having a chat with Lance Corporal Harrison, Sergeant Major!"

"Bullshit! Don't even try it, Sergeant! I heard what you were saying to the Lance Corporal, and I also saw you strike him. What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

"Sergeant Major! I was teaching the Lance Corporal how to be a Marine, Sergeant Major!"

The Sergeant Major snorted. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me! You really expect me to buy that line of horse shit, Sergeant? What the fuck is your problem? The Lance Corporal was right, you are a stupid motherfucker!"

"Sergeant Major! The Lance Corporal is a fucking queer and I was letting him know what the Corps thought about queers in its ranks, Sergeant Major!"

"Sergeant, I think now would be a good time for you to shut the fuck up. Stand aside!" The Sergeant snapped back to attention and stood aside. The Sergeant Major looked over at Jake. "You OK, Lance Corporal?"

"Yes, Sergeant Major. Face stings like a motherfucker, but I'm OK."

The Sergeant Major smiled at Jake's comment and nodded at him. He turned to the desk and grabbed the phone, dialed a three digit number and spoke to the Corporal on the other end.

"Corporal Jackson, this is Sergeant Major Mitchell. I want two MP's sent to the gym, double time!" He hung up the phone and turned back to the Sergeant. "Sergeant, you fucked up. You have been a pain in my ass for the last eight months, and I knew one day you'd hang yourself. I'm just glad I was the one that busted you. I sure hope you enjoyed your stay in the Corps, because as of right now your career is over."

"But Sergeant Major, he's the one that's a fucking queer. He's the one that should be kicked out. I didn't do anything wrong; I was just protecting the Corps, Sergeant Major!" He was glaring at Jake the whole time he was talking.

"God save the Corps from men like you, Sergeant! I don't give a fuck what you thought you were doing; but to intimidate and strike a fellow Marine? Are you out of your fucking mind? That is not acceptable behavior under any circumstances!"

Jake could hear the two MPs crash the door open and come running across the gym. When they got to the office the Sergeant Major pointed to the Sergeant.

"Arrest that man and take him to the brig."

The two MP's walked over to the Sergeant, turned him around, brought his hands behind him and put the cuffs on. As they were walking with him out of the office, the Sergeant turned to Jake and started yelling again.

"Fucking faggot! I should've killed you when I had the chance! You fucking cock sucking faggot!"

The two MP's looked over at Jake and then jerked the Sergeant out of the office and walked him out of the gym.

Jake was still leaning up against the wall, trying to absorb all that had happened, trying to understand the hatred he'd seen in the other man's eyes. He just looked over at the Sergeant Major with a questioning gaze.

The Sergeant Major smiled at Jake. "I don't know, son, I guess it takes all kinds. The Sergeant has some serious issues he needs to deal with. Are you sure you're OK? You look like you're still a bit shaken. Take a seat in that chair, son, before you fall over."

Jake nodded at the Sergeant Major and sat down in the chair. The Sergeant Major took the chair across from Jake and exhaled loudly. Jake looked over at him.

"Hell of a thing, Lance Corporal. Are you ready to tell me what exactly went on here?"

Jake nodded and started speaking. "I was sitting at my desk and the Sergeant walked in and told me to follow him. I got up and followed him outside, and then we walked across the quad to the gym. We got in here and walked over here to the office. He opened the door and let me come in first, then slammed the door behind us and grabbed my shirt and slammed me against the wall. Then he started yelling at me and calling me a fag. Said he'd seen me last night in town. Said I didn't belong in the Corps. Then he shoved me against the wall again and I just started getting really pissed so I shoved him off of me and told him not to touch me. He started laughing at me, saying that he liked `em to fight back, that it made it more fun. I just started screaming at him to shut the fuck up and stay away from me. Then I guess you pretty much heard and saw the rest of it." Jake exhaled when he finished.

"Well, Lance Corporal... What's your name anyway, son?"

"Jake Harrison, Sergeant Major."

"Well Jake, the Sergeant apparently has a serious weed up his ass about gay people and decided you'd be a good target to take his anger out on. I wasn't allowed to ask this a few months ago, but I am now; are you gay, Jake?"

"Yes Sir..."

The Sergeant Major nodded. "So when he said he'd seen you in town, can I assume he saw you with someone?"

"Yes Sir..."

"Don't call me sir, Jake."

"Sorry Sir. Uh, Sergeant Major."

"Well there will be a court marshal for the Sergeant and you will be required to testify since you're the primary witness, and the victim. The good news is that since the repeal nothing will happen to you or your career, officially. The bad news, maybe, is that it will become common knowledge that you're gay; word spreads fast around a military base. You gonna be able to handle that, son?"

"Now that I know what to expect I can handle most anything they can dish out. They can't all be as crazy as the Sergeant." Jake smiled a little.

"I wouldn't count too highly on that, Jake; there's some in every crowd. I will do whatever I can to keep you safe, but in the end you're gonna have to face it. Like I said, the Marines has no comment about your being gay, it's just the other men that might."

Jake shuddered a little. "I guess I'll just have to deal with it when it happens. Off the record, I'm a scrappy little fucker and I won't just stand by and be treated with disrespect."

The Sergeant Major smiled at Jake. "Good to hear it, Jake. Now get yourself squared away and get back to your duty station."

"Yes, Sergeant Major." They both stood and walked out of the office leading to the outside door. Jake was following behind.

"Sergeant Major?"

He stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"What about you? What're your feelings about it?"

The Sergeant Major looked at Jake for a few seconds before he spoke, appraising him.

"My oldest son came out to me four years ago. I've had time to get used to the whole thing. I have no problems with it. My son is still my son, and I love him no matter what; and you're still your parent's son, no matter what."

Jake nodded and they continue out of the gym. When Jake got back to his office, his office-mate was dying with curiosity about what the hell had been going on. He'd heard that a Sergeant had been arrested, and Jake had been missing for about fifteen minutes. He jumped out of his chair when Jake walked into the room.

"Jake! What the fuck is going on around here? Where've you been?" Then he got a better look at the look on Jake's face. "Hey bud, are you alright?"

"I'm OK, Kevin. I just had a little run-in with a certain Sergeant."

"Well what the fuck happened? I saw the Sergeant take you out of here, but I figured he was just being his usual dick self."

Jake sighed. Here we go, he thought. "He took me over the gym to beat the crap outta me."

"What!? What the fuck for, man? What're you talking about?" Kevin was getting excited.

Jake paused a few seconds, trying to figure out how to say it. "To `beat the queer outta me' he told me." He looked straight into Kevin's eyes when he said it.

"What the fuck are you talking about, to beat the queer outta you?"

"He said he saw me in town last night, and apparently he didn't like who I was with." Jake was still looking at Kevin.

Kevin was starting to clue in to what Jake had just said. "You were with a guy?"

"Yes, I was."

"So, is he ugly or something? Why would the Sergeant not like who you were with?" Kevin asked, kind of dim-witted.

Jake laughed. "No, fuck stick. He didn't like that I was with a guy at all. He just started screaming in my face, calling me a cocksucker and queer and faggot, over and over again. Then he told me he was going to kick my ass, and that I should be taken out and shot."

Kevin sat on the edge of his desk, beginning to digest what Jake had just told him. "Fuck, man... That's really fucked up; what'd you do?"

"I shoved him away from me and told him I wasn't going down without a fight. Then I started screaming at him telling him what a stupid motherfucker he is. We were just yelling back and forth at each other. We hadn't noticed that the Sergeant Major had walked into the gym and was listening to the whole thing. Then the stupid bitch took a cheap shot at me and slapped me. That's when the Sergeant Major yanked the door open."

"Fuck, dude! All kinds of drama and I missed it; figures. Are you OK?"

"My face still stings, but yeah, I'm OK." Jake looked over at Kevin with a lopsided grin, still wondering about the fallout that might come next.

"That is just too fucked up, dude! So I guess that must've been the Sergeant that I'd heard had been arrested."

"Yep. The S.M. called the MPs and had them take dipshit off to jail. The stupid motherfucker was still yelling and threatening me as they took him out of there. The S.M. told me there was going to be a court marshal and I would have to testify. Things are going to get interesting around here very soon." Jake sighed.

"Whadda you mean?"

Jake sighed again. "I would guess that by the end of the day everybody on this base is going to know that I'm queer."

Kevin smiled at Jake. "Fuck `em! If they don't like it they can go to another base. And not queer, dude; just a little bent."

Jake laughed. "Gee thanks. So I guess you don't have a problem working with a fag?"

"Just don't try to kiss me and we'll get along fine." Kevin saw the look on Jake's face and laughed. "Well... Maybe on the cheek, but that's it; any tongue would make my girlfriend jealous." He laughed some more.

"Shut up, fucker... Thanks, man, I appreciate the support." Jake smiled and Kevin smiled back at him.

"I got your back, dude! You're my bud; anyone fucks with you, they fuck with me." Jake smiled at him again. "So... Jakey has a boyfriend, huh?"

Jake just groaned. "Shut up... Oh man... You're gonna give me shit about this, huh?"

"Oh, HELL yeah... I gotta hear this. Besides, when I tell my girl about it, she's gonna want details and if I don't have any she gets all pouty. Don't worry, man, I'm your friend and I love ya, so just spit it out."

Jake groaned again. "Fuck... What do you want to know?"

"Everything, dude; spill it! Besides, I already know his name, it's Mike." Jake looked at him incredulously and he just grinned at him. "The phone call you got yesterday, on his cell phone even. I hadn't seen you light up like that since I've know you. So spill it."

"And you weren't even gonna tell me you knew?"

"I can't do that, man; it's up to you to tell anyone. Keep talkin'."

"Fine. I met him on the train coming back from my R & R in Berlin. I'd lost my return ticket and he bought me a new one, first class even, and had me put in his compartment. We talked the entire way back and just really hit it off. By the time we reached Sindelfingen I was falling in love with him and him with me. We've spent the last four days together from the time I leave here until I get back."

"That's it!? No dirty details?"

Jake laughed, "Fuck you! I'm not giving out dirty details about my sex life."

"I tell you all of mine!"

"Yeah, about that..." Jake started laughing.

"Laugh it up, fucker; I know where you live."

"Maybe so, but I'm never there anymore, so now what?"

"You have a good point there, dude. Well then you and I are having lunch together and you're going to spill your heart out. Besides, we gotta do some damage control before anything gets outta hand." Kevin looked at Jake and grinned knowing he had him by the short hairs.

"OK. Lunch it is." Jake sighed again.

"What's wrong, dude? I'm not gonna take your lunch from ya. Cheer up!"

"You're not fast enough to take my lunch from me. It's not that, I'm wondering if I should tell Mike about this. He's gonna freak. Maybe I'll just keep it my little secret."

"Not a good plan, dude. I learned a long time ago, keeping shit from your other half will come back and bite you hard in the ass every time. And even though you probably like your ass being bitten, I'd warn against it."

"Fuck you. Leave my ass outta this. But you might have a good point about telling Mike. I'll think it over."

"Oooo, someone a little sensitive down there?" Kevin started laughing again.

"Fuck off, dude! It's not funny. And no, it's not."

"Yeah, whatever... Hey dude, we should get back to work before someone important walks in here. We'll talk more at lunch, OK?"

"OK."

They both sat back at their desks and started working. Jake was having a little trouble concentrating but the time managed to move forward. It was now 1140 and there was only twenty more minutes until lunch. Kevin had just walked back in from the copy room and sat at his desk when a full Major walked into their office. They jumped up out of their chairs, came to attention and saluted.

The Major returned the salute. "At ease, gentlemen." He looked at Kevin. "Private, make yourself scares for a few minutes. And close the door on your way out."

Kevin saluted smartly and left the office, closing the door behind him. Jake was still ramrod straight and nervous as hell.

"I said `at ease', Lance Corporal." Jake assumed an `at ease' but still very straight stance. "Take a seat." Jake sat immediately and the Major walked around to Kevin's chair and sat down. He looked over at Jake. "Relax, Jake. I'm just here to get your version of the events at the gym; no judgment on my part, I just want to hear your story."

"Yes Sir."

Jake started talking and relayed the entire story to the Major, leaving absolutely nothing out. When he was finished he exhaled and then sighed.

"Relax, Jake. Sergeant Major Mitchell relayed to me the exact same story, and also your conversation afterwards. I've served with the Sergeant Major for almost twenty years and I've watched that boy of his grow up; and I love him as if he were mine own." Jake looked up at him. "Yeah, I know about him, of course. A court martial has been scheduled for one week from today; you will need to be there as a witness. Sergeant McCafferty went way over the line; I will not tolerate that kind of behavior in my command. He's nothing but a homophobe and a bigot and the Corps will be much better off without him. Do you have any questions?"

Jake looked at the Major nervously. "What kind of fall-out can I expect once word gets out?"

"Absolutely none! Officially. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, son, but word's out already. McCafferty was still spouting off as they took him across the quad; a lot of people heard him. You might think about finding out who your true comrades are and run a little damage control. I'm also going to pass the word along that I have an absolute zero tolerance policy regarding this issue; not using your name of course, but I think we both know everyone will know who I'm talking about. You will get through this, son. There's always some kind of new scuttlebutt about once a week; pretty soon you'll be old news."

"Thank you, Sir."

The Major stood up and Jake popped up like he had springs on his ass.

"When you walk out of this office today, son, you damn well better hold your head up high. You are a United States Marine; don't ever let anyone tell you differently."

He held his hand out to Jake and they shook hands. Jake was beaming. The Major let go of Jake's hand and saluted him; Jake returning the salute immediately. The Major turned, opened the door and walked out of the office.

Less than thirty seconds later Kevin was back in his chair, pumping Jake with more questions. They talked until lunch time and left for the chow hall. Jake made sure to look everybody in the eye as they walked down the corridor and out across the parade grounds. When they got in line at the chow hall several people turned and looked in their direction. Jake just started talking to Kevin, ignoring them. They got their food and sat down at the table they always sat at, with their other buddies, and started eating lunch. To a man, all of Jakes companions said they had his back. Apparently Kevin had been busy while Jake was talking to the Major. About five minutes into the meal Jake saw a shadow getting closer to him and tensed up. Jake looked up at the man standing there. It was a Corporal by the name of Hutchin's. Jake had seen him around, but didn't really know him.

"Harrison... Glad to see you found a way to finally get rid of that son of a bitch, McCafferty." He nodded and walked away.

Jake just let out the breath he'd been holding and his buddies all started laughing. The guys all relaxed a little and enjoyed the rest of their lunch, all of them giving Jake shit about having a new boyfriend.

When they'd finished their lunch and put their trays back, Jake was the last one out of the door. When he opened it and walked outside there was a cute, Mexican PFC standing just beside the railing. He nodded at Jake.

"I don't know any gay guys, and I really got no particular use for one, but you're a Marine brother and I'd fight beside you any day."

The PFC nodded again, Jake nodding back, and he walked off. Jake stood there a little dumbfounded.

Kevin walked up to him. "You OK? What'd he do, ask you out?"

Jake looked at Kevin and grinned. "No, fuck stick, he didn't ask me out. He told me he'd fight beside me any day." Kevin just grinned at Jake.

"See, it's going to be OK. We got your back, brother."

He clapped Jake on the back and pulled him with him to join the others. When they got to the other side of the parade ground, the other guys all went one way and Jake and Kevin went another. They were headed towards a picnic table under a big oak tree that they always hung out at after lunch. Just as they sat down, the blond hottie from the front guard shack, Sean, walked up to them.

"Hey guys! How's it goin'?"

Jake looked at him. "Been better, but OK; how `bout you?"

"Doin' OK. Why `been better'? What's goin' on?"

"It's a long story, dude. I'm surprised you haven't heard it already."

Sean smiled. "Oh, you mean you and Sergeant Fuckface? Don't sweat it, dude. I think everyone around here is so thrilled he's finally leaving you just might become company hero."

Jake just looked at Sean, "Yeah, whatever... The company fag maybe..."

Sean looked a little offended. "Don't say shit like that, dude! That's fucked up. Who gives a fuck if you like dick instead of pussy? It's no big deal. Hell, I let a couple of guys go down on me when I was in high school; and to be honest they were the two best blow jobs I've ever had." He grinned at Jake.

Jake and Kevin started laughing. Kevin looked at Sean. "Dude!! Do you really want to go around admitting that kinda shit? Damn! You're gonna have guys lining up around the quad waitin' for poor Jakey here." Then he busted up laughing.

Jake turned to Kevin. "Shut the fuck up, fuck stick! Jesus! Can't even get respect from my friends around here." Sean and Kevin were still laughing. Jake was grinning.

Kevin finally calmed down. "Ah, don't get your jock in a knot; you know we love ya."

Sean chimed in. "Yeah, brother, we love ya, don't sweat the small stuff. It's the really big cocks you have to sweat over."

He and Kevin started laughing even harder. After a few moments they noticed that Jake was smiling, but not really laughing with them.

Sean touched Jake's shoulder. "Hey man, we're just jokin' around a little. We're sorry if we went too far. Dead serious though; you're our brother and we love you."

Jake nodded at him, then looked at both of them, "I love you guys too. Semper Fi!" They all touched knuckles and yelled out at the same time, "Semper Fi!"

Sean touched Jake's shoulder again. "Hey Jake? So is the guy that picks you up in the Benz your boyfriend?"

Jake turned his head to Sean. "Yeah... His name is Mike."

"Cool. Well I'll probably see him this afternoon; I've got the duty again."

Kevin chimed in. "First class train tickets and cruisin' a Benz. So what, is this guy a trust fund baby or something?"

"No, Kev, he's not a trust fund baby. He's forty years old and owns his own business."

"Damn, I heard about finding an older woman to teach you the things you needed to know, but didn't know it worked for guys too."

Jake looked sharply at Kevin. "Kevin... Don't. Age has nothing to do with it."

"Sorry... I didn't mean anything by it."

"I know. Just... It's OK, dude, I'm just stressed."

Sean patted Jake's shoulder again. "Don't stress out, dude. It's gonna be OK. And stop givin' our boy shit, Kev. I've seen Mike, and not that I notice guys or nothin' but he's actually kind of a stud. And don't ever tell anyone I used those words, fucker."

Jake got a huge smile on his face and Kevin started laughing again. Sean turned a little red.

Jake looked at Sean. "It'll never leave this group." He looked directly at Kevin, "WILL IT, Kevin?"

"Never man. Never. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

Sean nodded at both of them. "Well dudes, we've only got five minutes left so I'm gonna blaze. Keep it loose. Jake, I'll see you tonight at the gate; stay tuff, bud. And Kev? What can I say?" Sean shook his head slowly from side to side. Jake smirked, then they all tapped knuckles and Sean walked off.

Kevin and Jake got up and started walking back to their office. Kevin touched Jake's shoulder when they got to the door of the building. Jake turned and looked at him.

"Hey, you know I was just joking, right? I'd never do or say anything to intentionally hurt you, man."

"I know, Kev. Don't worry about it. Like I said, I'm just stressed. It's been one fucked up day so far and I'm a little on edge."

He held his hand up and bumped knuckles with Kevin and smiled at him, then held the door for him to walk in. They got back to their office and just tried to get through the rest of the day without any more drama. The day managed to continue to drag along; they both were pretty busy and that helped a lot. Jake laid his pen down, stretched and then looked at the new watch on his wrist to see what time it was. 1653.  Phew! Thank God this day was almost over he thought to himself.

To his left he heard Kevin whistle softly. "Fuck, man, that's a kick ass watch! When did you get that? I didn't see it yesterday."

Jake looked over at him and blushed just a little. "Mike gave it to me last night."

"He has damn good taste, man... What is it, a Rolex?"

"No, it's not a fucking Rolex, jeez. It's an Omega."

Kevin whistled again. "Fuck, dude, that's just as good. Fuck, James Bond wears one of those."

Jake just started laughing at the reference to James Bond. "Damn, dude, chill. It's just some watch he bought at a department store. James Bond... Jeez."

Kevin asked Jake what it said on the front of his watch. Jake told him `Seamaster Professional' and Kevin started typing quickly on his computer. He got the results, picked a page and put it up on the screen.

"Look at this, fuck stick, and then tell me it's just a watch from a department store."

Jake got up and walked over to Kevin's desk to look at the monitor. He saw the price and was speechless.

"He didn't buy that watch at no fuckin' department store, dude; they're only available at jewelry stores." Kevin looked up to see the look on Jake's face. Jake looked down at Kevin, his eyes tearing up.

"Holy crap... Who the fuck spends five grand on a watch?"

Kevin smack's Jake on the back of the head lightly. "Somebody who loves you does. Duh!"

"Oh man..."

Meanwhile, at the front gate...

I was just turning into the base and pulled up behind another big, green deuce and a half. This one had soldiers in the back. They just glanced at me and went back to their conversation. Damn, I thought to myself, a whole truck load of prime beef. Driving Jake back and forth to work was turning into pretty good duty. I looked at the clock on the dash; it read four fifty-five. The truck pulled forward and I pulled up to the gate. The blond hottie was working here again today. I rolled my window down as the blond was walking up to the car. He spoke.

"Hey Mike! Jake'll be out in about seven or eight minutes I'd guess. You can go ahead and park in your usual space."

He looked down at me and smiled. I smiled back at him and said thanks, wondering what the hell was going on, and why this guy knew me now. I pulled the car around and backed into `my usual space' and shut the car off. The blond was back in his shack doing some paperwork, but then he looked over at me and smiled again. I smiled back. Wow! Something's up.

I turned the key back on and listened to the radio while I was waiting for Jake to come out. I just kept glancing at the clock and then I'd glance up at the blond and back at the clock. About every third time I glanced at the blond he'd catch me and smile. I'd smile back and go back to watching the clock. About seven minutes after five I was looking up and spotted Jake sort of jogging/running up to the gate. He looked great as usual, but he didn't look great. The stress and worry on his face was just palpable. He stopped at the guard shack, signed something, bumped knuckles with the blond and walked over to the car. But he was walking over to the driver's side. I smiled up at him. He wasn't smiling back. He got to the door, dropped his backpack on the ground and opened my door.

"Get out. Please..."

 I could tell he was close to the edge. I un-buckled my seatbelt and got out of the car. He slammed the door shut and threw his arms around me and started crying. I just wrapped him in a hug and held on as tight as I could.

"What's wrong, baby? What's wrong? It's gonna be okay, just hold on to me; it'll be alright."

I had no idea what had made him distraught enough to not care that he was hugging me and crying at the front gate to his Marine base, but I knew it had to be really bad. He took my advice and just held on. I mean I loved having this guy wrapped around me, but it only seemed to happen when he was terribly upset. We just stood there next to the car for about five or six minutes with him wrapped around me, crying and sniffling. He finally got himself under control and released some of the tension of the hug. I ran my hand up and down his back. After another minute I slid my hands down along his arms to his elbows and held him while I stood back from him to look at his face. It was wet, but he gave me a little smile.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Michael. I just...  I needed to hold you. I needed to touch you and I needed to get that out of my system. I'm sorry. I just had the worst day of my life and all I could think of all day was I needed to be held by you." He sniffled.

"Baby, don't ever apologize for a hug; or a melt-down for that matter. That's what I'm here for; to hold you when you need to be held. To wipe away your tears, tell you I love you with all my heart and to try to make you feel better." He just nodded his head. "Feeling a little better?"

He nodded again and gave me a small smile. We stood there at arm's length for a couple of more minutes while he brought himself completely under control.

"You ready to tell me what happened here today?"

"No, not really... I'll tell you when we get to the hotel; if that's alright with you."

"Whenever you're ready baby; we're on your time, you do what you need to do. OK?"

"Yeah, I'm OK. Well, at least a lot better now." He smiled at me again and reached up and wiped his face. Then he leaned forward and gave me a small kiss. "Thank you for being here."

I smiled back at him. "Anytime Jake. Always." I heard someone walk up behind me.

"Jake! Hey man, are you OK?" It was the blond hottie.

"Yeah, Sean, I'm OK; just having a small melt-down, there's nothing to see here." Sean giggled.

"You scared me, dude; I was worried about you. I've never seen you lose your grip before; it was kinda intense. Are you sure you're OK?"

"Sorry, dude, I really hadn't planned on doing that, it just came out. Yeah, I'm OK. Thanks for checking on me, man; it means a lot to see you care that much."

"Dude, please... I told ya, we're your brothers and we love you. Whenever, wherever, anytime, anyplace; I got your back."

Jake smiled at him. "Me too, brother, me too." Jake sniffled again. Then I heard Sean sniffle once. Oh man... Two choked up Marines, and I'd just been kind of standing there as a bystander. Jake looked at me and grinned a little. I winked at him and he grinned more.

"Well Jake, I just needed to check on ya; I'll leave you two guys alone."

Jake jumped. "Wait! Sean! Don't leave yet. I'd like to introduce you to Mike. Sean, this is Mike, Mike this is Sean." Sean and I smiled at each other. Sean reached out to shake my hand. I gave him my hand and we shook firmly and warmly.

"Yeah, we've met a couple of times already. Well sort of... It's great to meet you officially, Sean. I'm honored. And it's nice to have your real name."

"My real name...?" I turned crimson immediately. Jake started laughing and Sean just got a huge grin on his face.

Jake sort of came to my rescue. "Dude, he refers to you as the `blond hottie'. You should be flattered; I don't even get that."

Sean turned a little pink but recovered nicely. "Probably because you're not a blond hottie, I am." We all laughed. I was still kind of red, but neither of them seemed to mind.

Sean got quiet and then looked at me. "Mike, I mean no disrespect whatsoever, but this boy is my brother and I have to say it. Be good to him. If you ever hurt him know that there are about twenty Marines that will torture and kill you without mercy. I don't mean that as a threat; just the opposite; it's to show you what he means to us. He loves you, so we love you, but don't hurt him."

I was a bit taken aback, but I was also very proud of this young man for being so loyal. Jake jumped in before I could speak.

"Sean!! Don't say shit like that to him. Jeez, dude."

"I meant every word of it, Jake."

I jumped in. "Jake, he's right. He had every right to say what he did. Sean, I'm not the least bit offended. I have the greatest respect for you right now. You're just looking out for one of your own, and that's what it's about. I promise you right here, right now that I would never hurt this man. I love him with all my heart. If the day ever comes that I could cause him pain I will turn myself over to you."

Sean nodded. I turned to Jake. "You're a lucky man. These guys love you, care about you and would die for you or fighting next to you. How many people can say they have brothers like that? As much as I love you I think these guys just might love you even more." I turned back to Sean. "Sean, I would be incredibly honored to be able to call you friend."

Sean reached up with his hand to shake mine. I clasped his hand in mine. "Like I said Mike, he loves you, so we love you. But yeah, I would like us to be friends too."

We heard someone clear his throat behind us. We turned and my two Marines snapped to attention, saluted and barked out "Sir!"

"At ease, gentlemen." The man standing there stuck his hand out to me and introduced himself. "Major Andrew Benton."

I shook his hand. "Michael Adler. It's a pleasure to meet you, Major."

"Likewise." He looked over at Jake. "I heard what Mr. Adler was telling you about your friends, Jake, and he's right. I told you earlier that your comrades were your greatest allies right now; trust in them. I watched you leave your office for lunch today, and goddamn if you didn't have your head held high. You looked everyone in the eye. I was damn proud of you, Marine. Trust your brothers, Jake; they will always be there for you. Hell, I have Marine brothers from twenty years ago that would leave their kids' birthday party if I called and needed them. The brotherhood lasts forever, Jake." He then turned to Sean.

"PFC Andersen! Why are you away from your post, Marine?"

Without missing a beat Sean replied. "Sir! I thought my brother was in distress. I came to offer assistance, Sir!"

"Good `nuff." The Major turned to me. I almost stood at attention. I think he noticed; I saw the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile. "At ease, Mr. Adler..." The two young Marines let a laugh slip out, then the Major looked at them and they snapped back to attention. He looked back at me. "Mr. Adler, I don't know if he's told you yet, but there's been a lot of drama around here today involving the Lance Corporal. I've arranged a 24-hour pass for him. I expect you to bring me back a happy fuckin' Marine. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes Sir!" He smiled.

"Good `nuff. Mr. Andersen!"

"Sir, yes Sir!"

"You've got exactly five minutes to return to your post, Marine. That should leave enough time for hugs and kisses, and then get your ass back to work. Understood?"

"Yes Sir! Thank you Sir!"

"Good evening, gentlemen."

He turned and walked back the way he'd snuck up on us. The two young Marines finally relaxed. This was all a little too much for me; I needed to find out soon what went down here today. When they were sure the Major was out of earshot, both Sean and Jake looked at me and grinned. Sean was quicker.

"You almost stood at attention; it was fuckin' classic!" The two young men started laughing. I turned a little red.

"Well, fuck, he's kind of imposing..." I tried to defend myself.

"Kind of!?" They both chimed.

"Go to work, Mr. Andersen. I want outta this loony bin." I laughed.

Sean turned to Jake. "Lucky fucker. A 24-hour pass direct from the Major. What'd you do to him in that office?"

"Shut up, fuck stick. I didn't do anything to him. Why, are you jealous?"

I chimed in. "Maybe not him, but I might be..." I smiled to let him know I was joking.

Jake turned crimson. Sean started laughing. I just smiled at both of them.

"Hugs and kisses guys. I mean no offense, Sean, but I just got 24-hours with my own blond hottie, and I'm not wasting a minute of it." Sean turned a little pink, but nodded and smiled at me.

Sean looked at Jake. "I'd say don't do anything I wouldn't do, but it doesn't apply here. Take care of yourself, brother; see you in 24 hours." Then he pulled Jake into a quick, fierce hug. He let Jake go and then looked at me. "Take care of our boy." Then realizing what that had sounded like, turned red again. I just winked at him.

"I will, Sean; in every way!" Sean then walked up to me and hugged me. I hugged him back. It was a quick hug, and he looked at Jake again.

"Later, fuck stick."

Later, tard." They bumped each other's knuckles and Sean went back to work.

Jake picked up his backpack and walked around the car and got in. I shrugged my shoulders and got in too. We both strapped in, I started the car and pulled out of `my space' and went around the guard shack. Jake and I both gave Sean a half-salute; he laughed and waved us off.

Thanks for reading. Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed to: 

Jeff

raudiv8q@aim.com