Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:48:57 -0400 From: Morris Henderson Subject: Caution_and_Courage_Part_5_of_8 CAUTION AND COURAGE PART FIVE Will and Billy returned to Rod's house to find him in the kitchen preparing supper. "Sorry we're late," Will said. "We hoped to take you out to eat as a token of our appreciation for your hospitality." Billy was discouraged by Will's comment because it seemed to mean that the plan for an evening of sexual pleasure had not won Will's approval. Still, he managed to say, "That's right. We's grateful for all ya done for us and want to return the favor." "Not necessary," Rod beamed as he slipped a casserole in the oven. "I'm glad to have your company. As I said before, it gets pretty lonely here in a big house. You guys have been a very welcome change of pace for me. By the way, I've fixed a casserole for supper. It's one of my favorites. My mother's recipe. I don't have a chance to have it very often because I don't often have guests to share it with. When I'm alone, I have to eat it for three or four days. Kinda takes the pleasure out of it by the third day. It'll be ready in about an hour. I don't drink but if you'd like a glass of wine before supper, I've got several to choose from." "I don't drink either," Will lied, reluctant to open one of Rod's bottles of wine. Billy promptly added, "I'd have one cold beer after a hot day in the fields back on the farm but I never grew a taste for wine. That's somethin' my momma and daddy couldn't afford. Same for hard liquor. Tried some moonshine once. Thought I was gonna die." "You two are real oddities for being in the Navy. Don't you want to uphold the tradition of hard-drinkin' sailors?" Rod's laughter at his joke was contagious. Will and Billy laughed also but Billy make the mistake of saying, "That ain't all that makes us oddballs in the Navy." "Oh?" Rod asked. "There's more?" Billy suddenly realized the implication of what he had said -- an indirect admission of being gay. But he couldn't think of a way to extricate himself from the trap he was in. There was an awkward moment of silence before Will said, "Yeah. We're the only ones that sunk our own ship. I was afraid the Government will send us a bill for the cost of the launch we lost back on the island." After supper, they watched a movie. No sooner than it ended, Rod excused himself as he had done the night before to go to bed early. Will and Billy remained in the living room talking quietly so as not to disturb him. Billy, still eager to give Rod a sexual treat, said, "I reckon ya haven't changed yur mind `bout doin' somethin' with our host." "I haven't rejected the idea, Billy, but I haven't accepted it either. Call me old-fashioned but I think there are two kinds of sex. There's the kind you do just for experimenting, or later on for nothing more than physical gratification. Lots of men do nothing more than that -- with women or other men. The second kind is very different. It's the kind that you and I do. It's an expression of love. It's far more than physical although that's certainly a part of it. It's emotional. It's spiritual. It's infinitely better than merely getting your rocks off. With the first kind, one can bounce between partners as opportunities arise. I suspect Rod does that. With the second kind there's a bond that demands commitment. And fidelity. What it comes down to is two things. I haven't decided whether the two kinds of sex can coexist. Which creates another concern. If we have sex with Rod, what will it do to our relationship? What would it mean for our future? Will we have -- or create -- other opportunities to have sex with somebody? Would it lead to orgies? If so, could our dedication to each other -- our love for each other -- suffer? I'd hate for that to happen." "I reckon I gotta agree with some o' what you said. There bein' two kinds of sex. Ya told me ya had sex with guys in school and it was nothin' more than sex. Ya also told me ya love me and that makes it heaps better than sex without no love. I ain't never had the first kind o' sex so I can't compare the two. But there's one thing I know for damn sure. I love you. I wanna be yur lover forever. Ain't nothing that'd change my mind `bout that. Lessen maybe ya turned mean ... but that ain't gonna happen. Yur too nice to do that. Givin' Rod a thrill ... both of us doin' it for him ... ain't gonna change how I feel `bout ya. Might even make me love ya more. `Though I don't know how I could love ya more than I do now. And that's the gospel truth!" The depth of Billy's sincerity as he professed his love was clearly evident and touched Will who replied, "And I love you back, Billy Ray Simpson ... more than I ever thought possible." Their kiss was long and passionate. Both of their cocks began to stiffen. "One more thing I gotta say, Will. If'n ya don't wanna do nothing with Rod, it won't change how I feel `bout ya. If'n ya do, I'll still love ya as much as before." "Show me!" Will exclaimed. "Right now! In bed! Or, rather, on the floor." They both chuckled and made their way upstairs to their temporary bedroom where they lost no time disrobing, embracing, kissing, fondling each other, and achieving a nearly simultaneous orgasm in a sixty-nine position. Relocating to the bed, they snuggled together with their naked bodies pressed tightly against each other and reveling in the unbounded joy of being more than two loving partners but joined emotionally into a precious bond of oneness. After several minutes of quiet bliss, Will said, "Let's do it." "Again?" a surprised Billy asked. "Don't know if'n I can get it up so soon. But I'd be happy to do it to ya if'n that's whatcha want." Will chuckled and said, "No. What I meant was let's do it tomorrow night with Rod." "Really? Ya sure yur okay with our doin' it with him?" "It took me longer to realize it," Will said almost contritely. "And it took me longer than you to accept it. But it would be a wonderfully nice way to return Rod's kindness. And ... here's the most important part ... I'm as confident as you obviously are that it won't jeopardize what we have with each other." <><><><><> Will and Billy were sure to be home to greet their host when he arrived after his shift at the café. They were as excited as children about the surprise they had planned. When Rod came through the front door he saw his guests in the living room and cheerfully said, "Hi, guys. How was your last day of freedom from the rigors of Navy life?" "Great!" Will replied. "We didn't do much ... just walked around downtown mostly and stumbled on Gaslight Village. VERY interesting. Fact is, we found a restaurant that looks like a great place to eat. We'd like to take you there tonight to express our appreciation for your kind hospitality." "Oh, that's not necessary," Rod said. "As I've told you, it's a pleasure just to have your company." "You may think it's not necessary," Will countered. "but Billy and I think it is. So let's not argue about it. We thought we could have an early dinner before the crowd packs the place and then come back here to ... ah ... relax a bit." Rod continued to resist the offer but soon relented as both of his guests were adamantly persuasive. Upon returning from dinner, the trio settled into the living room to relax and chat. It wasn't long before Will said, "You left your bedroom door open this morning. I noticed you have a queen size bed." "Yeah," Rod said. "It was my parents'. But I must confess that it's more comfortable than the double bed in your room." "I s'pose it is," Billy said. "And big enough for three people." Rod didn't think Billy's comment was any more than a casual observation and said, "Quite easily, I imagine. It's really too big for one person but it was there ... so that's where I sleep." "I think you're wrong, Billy" Will said. "Sure, it's bigger than a double bed but not big enough for three adults." "I AIN'T wrong!" Billy exclaimed. "It's as wide as it is long. That's plenty `nuff space for three people." "You don't know what you're talking about, Billy." "Oh yeah? I s'pose ya think yur smarter `n me just `cause ya got a couple o' years of college!" Rod became concerned that his guests' tempers were getting out of control and he tried to settle them down. "Hey, guys! Chill it! There's no sense arguing about something as trivial as the dimensions of a stupid bed." But Billy and Will continued with the dialogue they had agreed upon. Rod grew more uneasy. After a few more harsh exchanges, Billy said with fake anger, "Ain't no way yur gonna see that I'm right, Mr. Know-It-All!" He paused before adding, "Unless ... nah, that wouldn't help none." "Unless what?" Will asked with fake impatience. "I was just a'thinkin' ... They's three of us, right? If'n we was all to lie down on the bed, it would prove I'm right." "Or wrong!" Will spat out. "And you're forgetting your manners. We're guests in Rod's house. We can't just march into his bedroom and lie down. That would be a gross violation of proper behavior. But then you're not the brightest bulb on the string when it comes to proper behavior." Rod was still clueless about the purpose of the angry dialogue and tried once more to calm things down. "TIME OUT!" he shouted. "Go to neutral corners for a while. I hate to take sides in a trivial argument but I have to tell that you're both right. Billy, you're right because three people would fit in the bed. Will, you're right because it would be quite cozy ... not actually crowded but there wouldn't be enough room to stretch out. Especially for the person in the middle. And if you want to try Billy's experiment, it's okay with me." That was exactly the opening Billy and Will had hoped for. They looked at each other and grinned. Will then asked, "Is that a serious invitation, Rod? You really don't mind if we lie down on your bed?" Exasperated, Rod replied, "If it will settle the argument and make you happy, then the answer is ... no, I don't mind, and yes, I'm agreeable." To his great surprise, Will and Billy began removing their clothes. "What the hell are you guys doing?" the astonished Rod asked. He got no reply and could only watch in utter amazement as his two guests continued shedding clothes until they stood before him utterly naked with their nearly perfectly proportioned bodies and their dangling manhood exposed. Poor Rod was shocked into speechlessness. All he could do was wonder why two attractive men stood before him as if lined up for inspection. And inspect he did! As if on cue, Billy and Will faced each other, wrapped their arms around each other, and kissed. Their kiss was interrupted when Rod blurted out, "YOU'RE GAY! And you've just been pretending to argue to set me up. Right?" "That's right," Will said. "We apologize if we caused you any discomfort by arguing. But the look on your face right now is priceless. Is there anything we can do to make up for deceiving you? Is there anything else we can do ... FOR you to show our appreciation for your hospitality?" Still a little confused, Rod asked, "Are you suggesting....?" "Not suggestin'," Billy said. "More like askin'. If'n yur int'rested and willin' then we'd be happy to pleasure ya in bed for a spell." "Interested? YES! Willing? I don't know. I'm guessing that you two are partners. If that's the case, I don't want to do anything to jeopardize your relationship." "Not to worry," Will said. "We've talked about it and agreed that it won't damage our love and our commitment to each other. As long as we both agree in advance, a little recreational sex with somebody else is okay. And let me add one more thing. We've both admired you from the first time we saw you. We would be honored if you let us give you some pleasure because we would enjoy it as well." "Hallelujah; Praise the Lord; Amen," was heard in a mighty whisper from "hot" Rod after he grabbed hold of both the sailors' cocks and hurriedly led them toward the stairway and his "Master" bedroom. Quickly, he licked his lips that had suddenly gone as dry as the desert sand, and with each step he could feel the lead pumping into his rising pencil. <><><><><> "Are you sure you want to do this?" Rod asked, still stunned by the turn of events. He had had a series of partners over the recent years, one or two for as long as a month, but he had never participated in a threesome. The prospect of sexually frolicking with two very attractive young men inflamed his lust. However, he hesitated. "I'd love to accept your offer, guys, but ... I mean you're partners. That's something to be treasured and protected ... something that I haven't been able to achieve. If there's the slightest chance of jeopardizing your relationship ... well, I just couldn't do that to you." "Yeah," Billy said. "We's partners. `Though I can't figure it out. I'm a country hick and Will's not. But one thing I knows for sure. We love each other and we's gonna be partners for a long time. Ain't nothing that can kill our love for one `nother." "Billy's right," added Will. "except maybe for calling himself a hick. He's got more character and common sense than any of the rich snobs I grew up with. That's why I love him so much. And, of course..." He fondled his lover's cock and flashed a broad grin. "...he's got this beautiful hunk of meat. What he said about `nothing can kill our love' is absolutely true. Now, how about it? Shall we all have a little fun together?" "That's an offer I can't refuse!" Rod exclaimed as he rose from his chair. At the bottom of the stairway, Will and Billy stepped aside to let Rod take the lead. After all, it was his house, he was the host, and it seemed the proper thing to do. However, Rod said, "One of you guys go first so I can admire your butt as we go up." Will looked at Billy and said, "You go first. You've got the cutest ass." "NOT SO!" Billy exclaimed. "Yur bottom is heaps better than mine." "STOP IT!" Rod blared. "No more arguments between you two!" He grabbed Billy's arm since he was closer and eased him up onto the first step. Half way up the stairs he said over his shoulder to Will, "You're right. He's got a wonderfully cute ass." "Yes, he does," laughed Will. "But what's in front is a lot better. Wait until you see how big it is when he's hard." "Stop yur teasing," Billy called back. "My bottom and my penis ain't nothin' to be laughed at." "He's right about that," Rod said. "What he's got shouldn't be laughed at. It deserves to be slobbered over." They reached the top of the stairs and walked a short way to Rod's large bedroom. Once inside, Will and Billy -- without any advanced planning -- began to take off Rod's clothes. The target of the young men's endeavor submitted passively and very willingly to his guests' assistance. As soon as Rod's shirt came off and revealed a muscular, slightly hairy chest with prominent nipples, Will and Billy simultaneously voiced their admiration. They were equally impressed with the solid muscles of their host's legs. But it was the conspicuous bulge in Rod's briefs that stoked the fire of their lust. If Rod were undressing himself, he would probably have removed his briefs slowly and seductively (as he had done with previous men). But neither Billy nor Will had the patience for that. They pulled down the briefs quickly to reveal a cock that was in the early phase of engorgement and was significantly larger than any the two young lovers had ever seen. They almost gasped at the length and girth of it. The ball sac was no less impressive. What surprised them the most, however, was that every trace of pubic hair had been shaved off, which made his cock appear even longer. Rod sat down on the edge of the bed. Without so much as a `may I?' he began fondling the two cocks that were at eye level and inches away from his face. Billy and Will allowed the stimulation to continue, wanting to give Rod as much opportunity as possible to gratify himself. It was not just Rod who derived sensual pleasure. Both Will and Billy found the skilled hands manipulating their cocks to be extremely arousing. It wasn't long before all three men were sporting very stiff erections. "Lie down, Rod," Will said hoarsely. "Billy, you get on one side; I'll take the other." Billy, having less experience, duplicated Will's moves. They kissed Rod's neck. They teased his nipples with their hands but soon began to suckle on them. Rod's hums and moans egged the assailants on. His hands pressed down on their heads and he sensuously rubbed their backs and arms and shoulders, encouraging them ever onward. They gradually moved downward to find an erect cock leaking precum into his naval. They took turns licking it off, a feat that was made difficult because at every touch of a tongue the massive rod would twitch, accompanied by its owner's moans of delight. Rod was rapidly approaching the peak of arousal when he dared to ask for something that had long been only a fantasy and wish. "Hey guys, as long as were doing this, I wonder if you could do me a big favor." "Anything you want," Will replied. "I've always wondered what it would be like to be fucked and sucked at the same time. Would you mind?" "Sure `nuff," Billy immediately replied. "If'n that's whatcha want, we's here to please ya." Rod retrieved a condom and lube from the drawer of his night stand. Will took them immediately, having decided that he should take the back door. Strangely enough, he and Billy had not yet had anal sex and he reasoned that Billy's lack of experience might be an impediment to satisfying Rod as well as a possible cause of nervousness or anxiety for Billy. He said to Billy, "I'll fuck him. You work your magic on his cock. In fact, why don't you get in a 69 position and let him suck you if he wants." "YEAH!" Rod exclaimed. "I'd like that!" Will applied a liberal dose of lube to Rod's hairy asshole and began to open up his Portal to Paradise. It responded more quickly and opened wider than those of the boys he fucked when in school. By the time he had three fingers inside the warm love canal, Rod and Billy were happily slurping away on each other. Will quickly put on the condom and easily entered Rod. As he pumped the husky ex-sailor, he made sure his prick was contacting Rod's prostrate. He had a fleeting thought of regret that he had initially resisted Billy's idea of a threesome. Had he relented from the beginning, there would have been TWO nights of carnal pleasure. However, he and Billy had to report to the Base in the morning so one evening's orgy would have to do. Billy, not having leaned to delay his orgasm, was the first to yell, "GOTTA SHOOT! LET LOOSE O' ME!" Rod was not willing to waste a load of warm cream and clamped his lips around Billy's pistoning cock. Billy screamed and Will increased the pace of plowing into Rod's ass ... but consciously suppressed his urge to cum. Moments later, Billy recovered from his intense orgasm and resumed sucking on Rod's massive cock. "Billy," Will said, "let me know when he's about to cum. I'll fill his ass at the same time he fills your mouth." Billy didn't respond, leaving Will to wonder if his partner was so lost in what he was doing to Rod that he didn't hear. However, a few minutes later, Billy interrupted his sucking long enough to say, "Let `er rip, Will!" Rod stiffened and moaned loudly when he felt Will's cum fill his bowels and he filled Billy's mouth with a series of explosive blasts of his own cum. When they had all recovered, they lay in bed with their naked bodies pressed firmly against each other. "Thanks, guys," Rod said. "That was an experience of a lifetime. And much better than I imagined it would be." Billy and Will both grinned, knowing they had given Rod such pleasure and had thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Although neither would admit it for a long time, they hoped for the opportunity of having similar recreational sex with other men. Soon, Billy propped himself up on an elbow, looked across Rod in the middle of the bed, and said, "Told ya so! There's room for three in this bed." Not willing to concede defeat even though their earlier argument was fake, Will said, "Sure. For sex. But not for sleeping all night." "I think Billy's right," Rod said. "But don't get into another pretend argument. Instead, we can prove it to you. If you'd like to spend the night here with me, I'd be even happier than I am now." "That's kind of you, Rod," Will said. "But Billy and I have to get up early and report to the Base by 0700. It'll be Saturday and you probably want to sleep late." "Nonsense," Rod said. "I get up early even when I don't have to work. I've found it's better to maintain a constant schedule. Besides, I'd want to get up early anyway to say goodbye to you two." "Okay," Will said. "But I'd like to shower now. All that steamy sex made me work up quite a sweat." "I think we all need a shower," Rod grinned. "How about we shower together?" "Good idea," Billy said. "I think there'd be room for three of us. A little cozy but nothin' wrong with that." "It'd be too crowded," Will said, hoping to playfully revive an argument. "No it wouldn't, Will." "Yes it would!" "Hold on, guys!" Rod interrupted. "There's no need for another mock argument. We're friends now. Very good friends. Let's just do it and enjoy ourselves." It was crowded in the shower but, under the circumstances, that was an advantage. They used every opportunity to engage in intimate contact. They were comfortable enough that no fabricated excuses were necessary to fondle each other. Nor to meticulously explore bodies with special emphasis on cocks that started flaccid but responded by coming to full, upright attention. Billy was the only one to ejaculate, however; neither Rod nor Will had the urge. They returned to bed and lay down with Rod sandwiched between Will and Billy, both of whom laid a leg and an arm across the muscular stud who had been amply rewarded for his hospitality. "You guys are amazing," Rod said. "You're partners and I envy you for that. You're willing to have sex with somebody else and confident it won't jeopardize your relationship. I can only hope that when I find a partner he's as loyal and open-minded as you are. There's something else that amazes me. Both of you are fantastic in bed ... as good as any guy I've ever been with. But what's amazing is that two sex buddies MORE than doubles the pleasure. I can't thank you enough." "We're the ones who should be thanking you," Will said. "Opening up your home to us was awfully generous." "There's `nother thing we oughta thank ya for," Billy quickly added. "The sex was fantastic!" They lay contentedly for a short time before Rod said, "I'm worried." "About what?" Will asked. "You've assured me that having sex with you wouldn't hurt your love for each other. But look at us. I've already come between you two." His bedmates chuckled at the joke. "But maybe I can resolve the problem," Rod said. He reached down with both hands and gently cupped the two flaccid cocks that were pressed against his hips. "There," he said. "Now I've sort of connected you again." "I'll go you one better," Will replied. "Billy, let's hold hands ... on top of this stud's cock." They fell asleep in that position, each of them blissfully happy. <><><><><> The alarm clock blared at five in the morning and startled Will and Billy who had to shake the cobwebs out of their brain before realizing where they were and recalling the glorious evening of sex they had enjoyed with Rod. They both had morning woodies and a compelling urge to empty their bladders. They scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Rod was not far behind. The three stood around the toilet with their arms around each other and playfully crisscrossed their steams of piss. "You have to be at the Base at 0700?" Rod asked. "Yes!" came a duet reply. "Does that leave time for a quickie?" Rod asked. Agreement was immediate and eager. They hurried back to bed, arranged themselves in a triangle, and began sucking. Will took Rod's cock since Billy had it to himself the night before. Rod brought Billy back to full erection. Billy worked on his lover's cock. Within fifteen minutes, all three horny men achieved climax amid a chorus of moans. They would have preferred to cuddle for a long, blissful time but regretfully got out of bed. Billy and Will rushed through dressing but Rod only slipped on a robe. By half past six, the two sailors and the former sailor stood at the front door to say goodbye. "It was a delight having you here, guys," Rod said. "Especially last night." "We all enjoyed last night," Will grinned. "And we're grateful for your hospitality." "You know, of course," Rod said, "that you're welcome any time. I know you'll be shipping out soon but maybe if you get back and have some leave we could get together." "That'd be wonderful," Billy gushed. "Between now and then," Will said with a note of sadness in his voice, "Billy and I will have to endure being on the same ship but not together ... if you know what I mean." Rod frowned and said, "It will be tough, I know. But be careful. One mistake and you're doomed. The bigots -- especially the brass -- won't tolerate any infraction ... or even the suspicion of an infraction. Above all, never forget your love for each other. That will make your lives more difficult because you can't express your love but take the long view. Your Navy days will end and you can be together for the rest of your lives." The advice was unnecessary. Both Billy and Will had given a lot of thought to surviving the frustration of not being able to be intimate with the man they loved. Since discovering their mutual love, however, neither of them had dared to bring the subject up; both had chosen to live the current moment to the fullest. Unknown to the other, each had been haunted by the chorus in a song that aptly describes the misery ahead: So close. Yet so far away. We believe in tomorrow and a better day. We lie down to sleep So close. Yet so far away. (Lyrics by Rick Giles, George Green, Daryl David Hall) <><><><><> Will and Billy boarded the Brighton just after ten in the morning. Loading the hold with more supplies and heavy equipment for Vietnam would ordinarily require about ten hours but an additional delay was caused by the need to secure and load a launch to replace the one that had been destroyed while searching for the downed airman on the nameless island near Guadalcanal. Departure was scheduled for midnight. The first thing the two secret lovers did was to go to their lockers and change into regulation uniforms. They hadn't been aboard for an hour when they got a message from the Captain ordering them to report to him immediately. "I s'pose he's wantin' to explain why we lost the launch," Billy said. "No doubt," Will replied. "All we can do is tell him what happened and hope he doesn't hold it against us." "Think he will?" Billy asked anxiously. "Hard to say, Billy. But I have a hunch he'll believe us when we say it was unavoidable." "You wanted to see us, Sir?" Will asked when he and Billy arrived at the Captain's office. "Yes. Come in. Sit down. I have some questions for you." The interview took more than an hour during which the Captain took notes for the paperwork he would have to submit to the Admiral. Two things in the description of the mission seemed to be of particular interest to the Captain. The first was sighting and attempting to avoid the mine. The second seemed less relevant to the report he would have to submit: foraging for food on the island and the treatment of the wound without proper medical supplies. By prior agreement, Will and Billy said nothing about Sean's fatalistic attitude nor about his apparent resentment over being subordinate to a less senior seaman. The only unexpected information came when Will said, "I suppose you'll be talking to Wilcox ... for additional facts and to verify our account." "Unfortunately," the Captain said, "I can't do that. He's been detained on Base for psychological evaluation." Both Billy and Will were surprised at the news but Will managed to ask without thinking, "What's the matter with him? He seemed okay when we last saw him." "I don't know," the Captain said. "And if I did, I wouldn't tell you ... because of patient confidentiality. His duties aboard the Brighton will be taken over by a new member of the crew." There was an air of finality in the Captain's response so Will did not probe any further. But both he and Billy were curious and a little concerned about their shipmate even though he had been a pain in the ass during the mission. "I think I have the information I need," the Captain said. "But there's a personal matter that I need to discuss with you, Benson. Simpson, you're dismissed. And thanks for filling in the blanks for me." Billy rose, did a smart about-face, and left. Will was left to wonder what the personal matter might be. The Captain grew as visibly nervous before saying, "I'm going to do something that I've rarely done during my career and that's to intrude into the personal affairs of those under my command. I try very hard to restrict my dealings with subordinates to things that are clearly relevant to their military duties. But I'm between a rock and a hard place. First of all, let me assure you that what I'm about to say in no way influences my assessment of your abilities or your future in the Navy. Secondly -- as I'm sure you're aware -- the `old boy' network is as important and useful in the Navy as anywhere else. That's a long and maybe confusing introduction to what I want to say so let me get right to the point. I've received a message from Captain Williamson at Great Lakes. I served under him once and he was instrumental in getting my promotion to command a ship of my own. I owe him a favor ... several, in fact ... this is one of them. He's asked me to talk to you about an apparent estrangement with your family. Apparently, your father is worried about you because he hasn't heard from you since you enlisted. I'm guessing this is more than the typical concern of a father for his son. For Captain Williamson to ask that I speak to you, it must be a very serious problem." Having exhausted the excuse for bringing the subject up, the Captain paused. Will said nothing. He was too busy trying to quell the anger that seemed to engulf him and fighting the urge to lash out at his autocratic father. It maddened him that he couldn't escape his father's compulsive need to control every aspect of his son's life. But prudence prevailed. He had made the mistake of voicing his anger to Captain Williamson in Basic Training. It was either that or his father's continuing interference that got him assigned to the engine room of a cargo ship. It was a mistake he vowed not to repeat. "Anything to say, Benson?" the Captain asked. "No, Sir." The Captain was not about to drop the subject and asked, "Is there a reason you haven't been in touch with your parents?" The phrasing of the question did not allow for evasion. "Yes, Sir. But I'd rather not discuss it. Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for the things my parents did for me as a child." "You're not a child anymore but you're still their son and always will be. And ... forgive my meddling into your personal life ... but they are naturally concerned about your welfare. Don't you think it's fair to let them know you're all right?" Will was conflicted. He had to agree with what the Captain said about parents' interest in their children's health and happiness. But he still resisted the temptation to explain why he had consciously distanced himself from his family. Hoping the conversation could be ended, he replied, "Yes, Sir." "Then can I assume you'll contact them?" It was not an order but the situation and the tone of the question left only one conclusion: it was clearly an emphatic request. "Yes, Sir." "Good," the Captain said. "That'll be all. For now." Upon leaving, Will complimented himself for not saying, `I've rejected their lifestyle and values because of their snobbery ... their disapproval of my every action ... their obsessive need to control me and shape me into their distorted image of perfection ... and their constant demeaning of my individuality.' The Captain's assessment of the conversation was quite different. His initial objective was to do a favor for a colleague. That he did. But he also had other motives: to restore family bonds and to mentor an extremely promising young man who -- he hoped -- would become a valuable asset to the Navy. In the meantime, Billy had been worrying over why the Captain wanted to speak with Will in private. Was it a discussion of Will's potential and possible promotion? That would no doubt mean separation from his lover. Was it an assessment of his behavior and competence on the mission? His Southern roots and relative lack of education may condemn him to menial duties for the rest of his time in the Navy. Or was it something else? He just didn't know. So as soon as he saw Will return, he asked, "What'd the Captain wanna talk to ya `bout?" Will replied, "If anybody else asked me that question I wouldn't answer. But you're special to me. I promised you I'd always be honest. That's important. It seems my father is continuing to take advantage of his network to keep tabs on me. He sent word through his connections to the Captain that I haven't contacted my family since enlisting. My father claims to be worried about me, which is pure bullshit. It infuriates me, Billy. The bastard is still trying to control my life. In the process, he's involved people -- like the Captain -- as his henchmen to make me toe the line. You know how I resent my father's dictatorial ways. Now he's poisoning the opinion of people around me, people who have no need and no right to know about my personal family troubles." "Ya said ya would always be honest. I will, too. I haven't said this before but I think ya oughta at least write t'say yur okay. First off, yur dad may really be wonderin' and worried `boutcha. Second, it'd maybe stop him from pesterin' ya by churnin' the waters `round ya." Will took a moment to digest and process what his lover had said. His first conclusion was a reaffirmation of his respect for Billy's character and wisdom. He had to agree with the logic of his argument. Speaking softly so as not to be overheard, he said, "Thanks, Billy. You're right ... as usual. If we weren't aboard the ship I'd give you a hug and a kiss to show you how much I appreciate and love you." "I'll collect later," Billy grinned. "Count on it!" To be continued. Author's Note: I'm grateful to Iatia for his support and editing. I'm honored to have such a good friend.