Two ships One Journey

June 1979

The central Arizona sun was oppressive. Jimmy and Bobby had finished their chores. They jumped in Jimmy’s hand me down Mercury Cougar. It was almost 9 years old, but it only clocked 45000 miles, Jimmy inherited it when his grandfather passed away 2 years ago. It needed some cosmetic work, but ran fine, the Arizona summers on the farm took their toll on the black vinyl roof.

Jimmy roared up to the irrigation flumes. This water was always cool as it ran from underground to the nearby farms.

The boys dressed in cutoffs striped their shirts off and jumped in ass first. The current began moving them down stream. After 500 yards the small canal gave way to the larger galvanized pipe then underground again terminating in the Gila River. 100 yards away. The two went under with the current and a short time later were propelled into the warm brown waters of the Gila.

They climbed up on shore and walked the ¼ mile back.

So, what about Lynn Bobby asked?

Told her we better not try to make it work, I leave for great lakes naval station tomorrow

I won’t be back for 9 weeks. Then who knows? Jimmy answered.

Wow I can’t believe it, You two have been together for all of high school. Jimmy shrugged. I know, but she has changed so much. And I guess I have too. She goes to U of A in the fall. I would love to go but I can’t afford it. Mom and Dad do fine but College for four kids, Well its better this way.

So, tell me did you two?

What?

You know! 

Bobby truth is no. Had the opportunity but we never did.

The only one I have been with is well… Jimmy let it hang.

Bobby said yeah. But we were just kids experimenting.

Jimmy just smiled and said yeah.

The two jumped in the canal again but did not ride down they just talked about how Bobby was joining his big brother in the painting business.

December 1985.

Chief Mann, Urgent call for you. The senior boiler tech took the call.

14 hours later Jimmy landed at Sky Harbor Airport. He took a cab to St. Joseph’s hospital.

He stood in the doorway and watched his youngest brother talk to a man in bed he barely recognized.

He stood and watched. Finally, Bo Mann recognized his son in the doorway.

He waved him over, Hi Jimmy. Hi Da, Clark Mann left the room.

The next morning the entire Mann clan gathered at the tiny farmhouse in Cashion. The funeral was prearranged. So, the only thing for the family to do was gather around mother and plan the dates, Jimmy was the outsider. He had been away for the entirety of his father’s battle with cancer. Only returning to visit 3 times.

Clark the youngest just graduated high school last year. He was running the farm with part time help from the older brother Grant. Jimmy’s only sister Ginny was 10 months older than he was and was a nurse, she was married with two kids. Her husband farmed the adjoining property, he helped Clark too.

Jimmy went out to the barn; Clark was working on an old tractor. Can I help. Yeah, I need it. Jimmy looked around. The place was well used. He could tell Clark was struggling. Jimmy spent the day doing farm chores with his brothers. Everyone was quiet. At the end of the day Grant produced a bottle of southern comfort the boys took a pull from the bottle. What else can I do while I’m here? Jimmy asked?

Grant smiled help us get this barn organized and do something with that! Grant pointed to a tarp that was covered with boxes and tools. What’s this Jimmy removed the tarp. It was his car. He teared up.

I thought this thing was long gone. Nope Da wouldn’t let us touch it. Yeah, I’ll get it out of here.

The men discussed how Clark would take over the farm. But needed help. He blushed. Uh well I’m gonna have some in 6 months guys, Katie is pregnant. Jimmy smiled, Did Da know? Clark shook his head. Nope.

You’re marrying her. Jimmy commanded more than asked, yeah, Da knew I proposed. Date? Grant answered yeah February. Who is this Katie girl that has my brothers’ heart?

You know her Dumbass, Clark smiled. Jimmy thought about it, Not Lynn Burns little sister Katie.

How old is she? 12! No, she’s 18. Works at the feed store with Lynn.

 Feed store? Yeah, been there since her parents died didn’t you know?

 No!

Grant jumped in. Ma and Da. Kept a lot from you, said you were too busy defending us not to bother you. Katies parents were killed in a car accident 3 years ago. Lynn dropped out of school and came home to run the store.

 Shit no Idea! Jimmy exclaimed.

 Don’t you talk to Bobby?

 Uh No Jimmy said in shame.

He married her!

Oh, cool Jimmy thought, is he still painting?

 Yeah, and works at the store.

So, what else don’t I know?  Grant said not much only that Da told us not to tell you about the cancer until you came home last time. How long Jimmy asked? 3 years.

 Dammitt boys that hurts. Jimmy knew the old saying was true. Can never really go home, he felt like he was watching through the window.

What else don’t I know? Nothing Clark stated. Jimmy took that. Can I borrow your truck he looked at Grant?

The feed store was located in the nearby town of Avondale, as Jimmy neared, he realized it was no longer a town but a city. It had been built up so much. He pulled into the store it had an Ace Hardware sign now. He sat in the truck and watched. He saw Lynn she was very pregnant too. Finally, he got out and went inside. He walked up to Lynn; she did not recognize him at first. She turned to finish her task, then spun around and said Jimmy? He smiled. She bear hugged him. Hi, he smiled.

 Hi how is your dad?

 Jimmy looked down, we lost him yesterday. She began to cry. He hugged her again. Oh, I haven’t seen Katie since yesterday. She is with Clark, Jimmy informed her. Come here. Lynn demanded. She pulled him into the stock room. Bobby was throwing feed bags on a truck. Jimmy just grabbed one and started throwing. Bobby never looked up he was just grateful for the help, Lynn stood back and smiled.

Finally, Lynn said Robert Pierce Towns! He looked at her.

She pointed to Jimmy. Bobby laughed, and hugged his old friend then realized there would be only one reason for Jimmy to be back. Shit, when? he asked.

Jimmy grimaced, yesterday evening, Katie? Bobby stared at his wife. She’s with Clark.

Bobby looked at Jimmy, do you know? Yes, Jimmy replied. I told that little shit to be careful. He didn’t!

Nope. Jimmy agreed.

Bobby smiled, I gotta get this delivered.

Later tonight?

Yeah, meet in the barn? Jimmy offered.

Bobby agreed.

Jimmy kissed Lynn on the check as he left.

The old cougar rolled on its own and the brakes seemed fine, Jimmy changed the oil and put a battery in it. He tried to start it, but it did not seem to be pumping fuel. Grant came in and said Da Drained the tank, he filled the cylinders with oil. Jimmy smiled, he made a run to town for gas and parts. He had the car started and idling when Bobby pulled up.

Still have that thing. Yep, Da stored it for me,

The two sat in the barn and caught up.

So, married huh? Yeah, when her parents died, she came home to take care of Katie, went to Glendale Community, for a while. I was there running track, one thing led to another.

Jimmy smiled, good on ya.

So, you admiral yet? No finished my degree last year. Just a boiler tech, but I made chief. So, all good.

2 more years and I’m out.

Coming home?

Nah, Grant and Clark have this.

Women? Bobby inquired. Jimmy shrugged; he decided the closet was the place for him.

What have you been doing the past 6 years?

I traveled, I’ve been to the Middle east, Israel, Hawaii I was in Japan for a year.

Just got back from the Mediterranean. I was going to Scotland this spring but looks like I’ll be here for a wedding instead.

The two old friends had beers and caught up. They agreed to stay in touch.

Jimmy spent some time with his mother. Just listened. She was strong but she was lost.

After she went to bed Jimmy made his way upstairs. His old room was still furnished the same way. He noticed Clark took over Ginny’s old room. He heard Clark and Katie talking he quietly stripped to his boxers and laid down in his old twin bed. He stared at the posters he put up all those years ago.

The old dream came back to him, Bobby and him Jumping in the Flumes. Only they took it farther than just experimentation. He could feel Bobby’s dick fill his tight hole., feel Bobby’s arms wrapped around him. Feel his breath on the back of his neck. He could feel his dick pulsate the thick cream in his hole.

Jimmy woke with a start. He realized it was just a dream but the mess in his boxers let him know it was a good one, the knock came again. Yeah, Jimmy whispered, hey big brother could use a hand. Sure, be right out. Jimmy looked at the clock 4am. Farmer’s sunrise!

A quick shower. Then into jeans and a t shirt. Out in the barn Grant and Cole his brother-in-law were loading the tractor. Jimmy shook Cole’s hand. Then got to work Jimmy plowed until noon. He parked the tractor and came in the house for lunch, Mom and Katie Made chicken sandwiches chips and cokes. After lunch, Clark and Grant went to work on Cole’s place. Jimmy went to the barn and started clearing off work benches. He cleaned up the tool room and tack room. He was lost in the fact that he no longer belonged here. A stranger. Mom broke his thoughts. This looks good Jimmy, he smiled at her.

Jimmy picked up the broom. And swept where his car was. Mom asked you to come back for the wedding.

Yeah. if I can, but no has told me exactly when.

She smiled, let’s see how she does with the baby.

 You know!

 Yeah. I suspected a few weeks ago, so did Da. I was sure this morning, she got sick as soon as she ate.

 I just asked her how far along she was. She said 10 weeks.

What did you say?

 I told her 30 more to go.

Jimmy laughed, never could hide anything from you.

 No, you can’t she winked at him. Jimmy blushed.

You know we are proud of you right? Yes maam.

 Ok I’m going to get dinner going, Katie is bringing her sister and Bobby. Please go get some beer.

 Yes Maam.

At dinner Jimmy asked about a date for the wedding. He got confirmation. Then made his way to the hall and the phone, he dialed. And waited for his CO. Jimmy explained, about the funeral, the wedding and asked about bringing his car back to Mayport. They would be in port for 4 more months to finish the refit.

He got permission to take leave for 4 weeks, was told to plan on being back in late February for the wedding, the car was his decision, his CO also informed him that he was up for promotion and would be transferred to Great Lakes Naval station.

The family had gathered on the front porch. Cole asked, any hot women in those exotic ports. Jimmy smiled. Ginny slapped him. Clark chuckled. Katie slapped his shoulder, Grant said come on tell us!

Can’t Jimmy smirked. You’ll all get beat up he chuckled. Mom laughed.

The funeral was excruciating, he stood in full dress. Shook hands and listened to everyone’s stories about his dad, he took his mother on his arm and stood with her as the coffin was lowered in the family plot on the farm. He thought so this is where this end. The family congregated in the house, his aunts asked about foreign lands, his uncles asked about foreign ladies.

At the end of the day Katie came to him and said, you’re a saint.

He smiled and said why?

Did those guys really think you were going to talk about the women you slept with. Jimmy put his arm around her.  Just said some guys do!

I’m glad you’re a man. She went back to Clark.

Jimmy went upstairs. he sat on the bed, and thought Christ, and cried, he felt so alone. He took off his dress uniform and stowed it correctly. He donned Jeans and a t shirt, went back downstairs to the barn, he had another beer. His young cousin joined him. Nice car, thanks he said.

Our grandfather left it to me. Oh, it’s cool. I was like 5 when he died.  Hey, Trevor, it’s okay. Death is a part of life.

 He nodded. How long since it ran?

 Jimmy smiled. This morning? Oh wow.

How old are you now? Trevor answered 16. License? No just a learner’s permit. Cool let’s go Jimmy opened up the passenger door and got in. the two fired up the old car and took off down the road.

When they pulled back in Trevor’s parents were on the back porch. Trevor parked the car. His Dad smiled. Been a long time since I’ve seen that. Where did you keep it when you were away?

Da stored it here. Under a tarp right over there. Jimmy pointed to the clean barn. Jimmy’s uncle said how was it Trev. It’s got some poop da. The elder Trevor smiled, I know it does, I took your mom to prom in it.

Jimmy set us his routine up at 3 am for a run along the canals by 4 am breakfast and chores till sunset then beer on the porch usually alone. This night mom came out, Tuesday huh, yeah, I have the car ready to go. It looks so good honey; amazing what turtle wax and a new vinyl top will do.  she smiled. Your father loved you and so do I. Jimmy teared up; I miss him. Oh, me too Mom cried. He was so quiet he never said. He acted jimmy said, even in his discipline, I might be taking a whipping, but I knew he loved me.

The next day he got up and ran, sat at breakfast, Clark said leave tomorrow morning, yeah need 4 days to make the drive to Florida, then 5 days later drive to Chicago. What’s in Chicago Mom asked. I’ve been promoted to senior chief. I’ll be teaching. Mom smiled so proud of you. Clark smiled, help one last time?

No baby brother, I’m taking Mom out today. You three are on your own he smiled at Katie and Clark.

Clark smiled. The last day Jimmy took his mom out to Phoenix to the Sears at Metro center, they both ate chocolate covered raisins, went walking the mall. Jimmy bought her dress for the wedding, it fit so well. Mom said let’s go get dinner started, Jimmy put his hand on hers, No Mom let Katie do it.  On the way home they stopped at Bill Johnsons Steak House, Jimmy smiled, I’m having deep-dish apple-pie ala mode, Mom smiled me too.  Their desert came.  I won’t pretend to understand, Mom started, but is there a special someone? Jimmy smiled, no mom there can’t be. She nodded. Times will change honey just you watch. Jimmy smiled at his mom.

The sun had set by the time Mom and Jimmy got home. Clark and Katie were on the porch. Jimmy got a beer and joined them. Mom came out with 2 glasses of wine. She gave Katie one, Katie protested. Mom said no it will keep you from getting sick. Oh, Katie sipped. Jimmy smiled. How’s the car? Clark asked, seems good. It’s been tuned and flushed. Clark smiled and nodded, never got to drive it. Jimmy tossed him the keys, he was smiling when Katie and Clark came back. Clark was giggling so was Katie.

At 3am Jimmy got up for one last run, he knew he would never stay here again, he ran to the cemetery,

Hi Da, I’m leaving in a few. Miss you. Hey probably won’t be back to stay just visits. I’m takin the car, hey thanks for storing it. Jimmy stared at the ground.  He was back at the house and showered by 4am.

Breakfast, then jimmy threw his duffle in the trunk of the car. Mom came out with a thermos. And a bag lunch. Jimmy hugged her and said thanks. Clark shook his brother’s hand. Jimmy hugged Katie. The sun was rising as Jimmy drove into Tucson, the old car was steady and strong. At the New Mexico state line, he watched a ford pickup pull back on interstate 10. Jimmy stopped in El Paso at lunch time. He stopped for gas at a truck stop. And ate. A well-built guy with close cropped hair and a baseball cap caught his attention. He smiled at him. The tall guy said Hey there with a southern accent.

Jimmy watched him he got into the truck that had followed him for the morning. At Fort Hancock Jimmy was too tired to continue. He got off the freeway and found one of those old 50’s motel with a diner attached. He checked in and moved the Cougar in front of his room. He parked right next to the ford pickup that had been with him all day.  Opening the room, he carried in his duffle and noticed the door in the room next to him open. It was HIM. The tall good-looking guy laughed and said Hey you following me? Jimmy smiled yep looks like it. Going to dinner want to join? Uh sure. Let me drop this off. He threw his duffle in. and turned let’s go. The two made their way to the Diner, they were seated in the crowded dining room, I’m Jim Mann Jimmy stuck his hand out, I’m Etienne Gil, Nice to meet you. He drawled. Jimmy smiled,

I’m just a desert farmer, did not catch that. Oh, it’s simple it’s the letter A, Then the Letter T Then N.

Jimmy smiled ATN, I see Etienne, Etienne grinned I get that a lot I’m Just a Cajon boy from Mississippi.

Oh, you headed home.

 Yeah, been gone 2 years can’t wait to see my mom and sisters.

How many, Etienne teased oh just one Mom. Jimmy laughed for the first time. Etienne let him off the hook I have 5 sisters. I’m in the middle. I think Dad wanted a few boys but just got me. Jimmy Laughed. I’m second of four, One sister, she’s the oldest by 10 months.

What brings you out on the Road Jim?

Uh just went home to Arizona for a funeral. Oh, sorry man, close relative? Jimmy smirked, wish he lied.

Yeah, my dad. Oh, brother Etienne said, he continued, My Dad died oh 5 years ago. It sucks,

Jim Smiled, it’s weird. My Brothers have a good handle on the farm, so Back to work for me in Florida.

Oh, what do you do? Jimmy lied I work the docks. Oh, cool me too, been In Long Beach for 2 years now.

Jimmy asked, Girlfriend there. Etienne smiled naw not yet. I work too much send some money home.

You? Haven’t met my one yet. The two ate. Jimmy yawned. Etienne said I’m getting a to go coffee want one? Uh yeah good idea. Going to get up early. On the road early Etienne asked. No going to go for a run then hit the road at sunrise, my headlights aint what they used to be. That’s a good plan mind if I join, No could be fun. They slowly walked back to their rooms. Jimmy opened his door. He noticed they had a door between that could make the rooms adjoin. He told Etienne just knock on the adjoining door when you’re up. The cute blond smiled said I’m up early. Me too buddy.

In his room Jimmy wondered, he opened the adjoining door. It squeaked but he left it open and got in the shower. When he got out, he heard the shower running in the other room, Jimmy got lost in thoughts of his well-built neighbor being naked right next door.  His cock got so hard it hurt. Jimmy turned on the Tv, then noticed the door on the other side was open too. He peaked in and Etienne was standing there, naked and hard, no words were said, they slowly approached each other. Jimmy grabbed his new friends 8-inch cock and began stroking it. Etienne grabbed a new 6 inches. Then planted his lips on Jimmy’s lips the two found a bed in a fever pitch tongue against tongue, then mouth on neck. Jimmy made his way down savoring the smell of man and precum, till his lips found the 8” he wanted in his mouth he took him all the way into his throat, began to thrust madly feeding on cock like it was a matter of life and death. Lord he wanted the taste of cum, Etienne slowed him, and turned him over. Dined on Jimmy’s clean tight hole. The moans were just coming Jimmy felt his dick being stroked, his ass being plundered by tongue, it had been so long. He longed to be drilled and filled He felt one finger then two then Etienne flipped him over, Jimmy just gave in. his legs were pushed up to his chest and as the tall well-built blonde, centered his dick on the glory of Jimmy’s hole. Jimmy pushed his hips up to take the head of this wonderful man. all of a sudden his was filled with wonderful, hard cock the precum was lubing him, the fuck was slow at first then faster and faster, Jimmy felt the urge to cum. Etienne’s abs were cradling his dick and teasing it with every thrust, and Jimmy was filed with hard hot cock, then it happened both exploded in orgasm at the same time Jimmy held on tight as Etienne kept going, Etienne quickened the pace. Jimmy gave into the surging feeling mixed with cum his ass was so full, he felt every pulse, Etienne came again and kept going, Jimmy thought oh don’t let this end, Jimmy came again his entire body tingled, the smell of stretched ass cum and man filled the room. Etienne let his cock soften in Jimmy’s ass. It slid out as it did Jimmy let go a whimper of sadness. Damn buddy that was hot, Etienne drawled. Jimmy kissed him. I loved that. Jimmy got up to leave, he was pulled back down, just stay char, who knows might happen again. Jimmy laid back down and kissed his new best friend.

Jimmy woke spooning Etienne. His cock was so hard, it was nestled in the firm crack between perfectly round globes of his butt. He felt Etienne leave his slumber, he teased Etienne’s hole with the head of his cock, Etienne pushed back to take Jimmy’s cock, the hole was super tight, Jimmy pulled out gently, he flipped Etienne on all fours Jimmy spit on his cock. He reentered, Jimmy came quickly, the combination of too much time and a super tight hole sent him over, the cum lubed  Etienne’s ass, Jimmy continued to pound that wonderful oh so tight ass, this time he made sure to reach around Jimmy was hell bent on making Etienne cum  it took a long time but finally felt Etienne’s ass grow tighter and start to pulsate the big blonde let out a quiet cry and filled Jimmy’s hand with cum Jimmy returned the favor lubing Etienne’s ass one more time.

After cuddling Etienne asked do this a lot,

No been a year, You?

I go into Hollywood every once in a while, but too many drugs for me. I love this but don’t want to die.

Me either Jim agreed. Etienne pulled him up. Come on let wipe off and go for that run. Jim agreed they met outside both dressed in navy shirts and issue blue shorts,

Fuck Jimmy cussed, I’m on the enterprise.

Etienne looked down; Stark was all he said.

They went for a run around Fort Hancock. They covered 3 miles or so. Jimmy asked? Breakfast.

Yeah, sounds good Etienne agreed, both went into their room. At the adjoining door Jimmy grabbed Etienne by the arm, come on if we’re going to do this lets at least shower, together.

Hey man Etienne stopped Jimmy, I did not realize you were navy, this could be a problem.

Yeah, but Fuck it Jimmy said. Etienne said you know I loved what we’ve done, but I can mess up, I am all My mom and sisters have. I gotta do this right. If we get found out, we’ll both be out on our ass.

Jimmy listened he knew Chief Gil was right, he had seen the things that were done to sailors that got caught.

Listen Etienne, I am driving back to Mayport now, I leave in 2 weeks for my new assignment to Great Lakes. We’ll probably never see each other again,

Yes, we will! I’m being reassigned, guess where?

Jimmy looked up fuck Great Lakes.

Yessir Etienne drawled.

Etienne flashed a perfect smile, I told Mom I would be home on Friday or Saturday. Let’s travel together,

keep it simple. Agreed Jimmy said.

The two showered but fear had gripped them. They enjoyed their time in the shower but were both anxious for some alone time to think.

A quick breakfast then gassed vehicles, at 9am the pair was on interstate 10 headed east.

Jimmy thought. what the hell, how can this be so wrong when it feels so right. He thought of the three times he and Lynn tried. First time he couldn’t get hard, the second he came before his pants were off.

The third was just wrong and they both knew it. 

God why did he love everything about men, the smell of a man during sex, the feel of strong long arms engulfing him in embrace. It always just felt so right. Jimmy noticed that he was taking the victims role.

He also knew that was the fastest way to fail. He decided as his gauge neared empty that he was attracted to men, he had always been that way. He also decided again that he would fit into this world and succeed. Even if that meant he would never marry or have a relationship for all to see. 

In the green ford pickup Etienne was lost in doubt. Fuck fuck fuck he thought. I can’t mess this up.

How will mom and my sisters survive if I don’t have this thing. God Angelina is only 12, Mariposa just started college, she worked so hard for that. Damn, how could the only guy in the middle of nowhere who wanted to fuck be in the navy! Damn, I let him mount me too, shit what happens the next time I have a physical, will the doc know I’ve been taking it in the ass. 

Etienne began to calm. Ok he coached himself, just because my dad loved the drugs, and booze doesn’t mean I am a fuck up, I do a good job of taking care of Momma, she works hard and makes sure the girls get schooled and discipline, I send what I can and help Mariposa. Mariposa works and goes to school. Damn I was proud of her last month when she wrote to tell me not to send money. That she worked some extra time over thanksgiving. Damn I’m proud of her need to tell her that. Shit I forgot to tell her damn tell her she’s doing good. Oh god this Jim is hot, seems calm, I love the way he smells even after a run, oh man did he make me feel so good last night, just being the big spoon for me. And those calves oh lawd!

Etienne was getting hard. Shit stop that now. Etienne noticed the Jim pull around him and turn on the turn signal meaning he was stopping Etienne looked at his gas gauge, shit they had driven through a tank of gas. Etienne looked at his gauges for the first time in hours, thank God everything was good.

Jimmy smiled as the green ford 4x4 pulled up to the pump behind him, Etienne smiled back, Jim paid the attendant and went inside the Stucky’s their famous pecan logs. they were his downfall he grabbed a roast beef sandwich; Etienne came in and laughed I love those things he pointed at the pecan log, he got pecan logs a coke and a chicken salad sandwich. The attendant was finishing gassing the cars, as they came out. When the cars were pulled to the side of the parking lot the duo dined on the trunk of the car. They agreed San Antonio was the place to stop.

Back on the road, Jimmy was lost in thoughts of what if?

What if he and Etienne were to partner up in Illinois, how could they keep it secret and still have a normal life? Could they “date” do things they liked to do, Jimmy hadn’t been fishing since he was in Japan, Did Etienne even like to fish? Crap. All he knew about this guy was he was gay and in the navy.

 Etienne was lost in fantasy. God this guy is so happy, I want that, I wish we could make a go of it, I wonder if he would go up to that lake in Wisconsin when were on leave, no one would suspect two guys going fishing, lawd I hope Jim likes fishing. 

It was late afternoon when they found a motel 6 near the alamo and river walk. 

They both got a room the guy at the counter gave them a military discount. And assuming they were going to the same place gave them adjoining rooms on the first floor. They moved their vehicles in front of the rooms. They went in their separate doors and immediately opened the adjoining door. Jimmy suggested the Riverwalk for dinner and beers.

The two walked up the Riverwalk, had beer and pizza sitting on the river’s edge. They took a tour boat down the river and back up.

At 8pm they wandered by the Alamo. Ever been in there Etienne asked? No, you?

Nope but I want to.

The two found a bench. Jimbo when do you have to report back?

Monday at mid night. But I need a day to register the car.

So sometime Sunday works?

Yeah.

Its Wednesday night. I can be home Friday. That gets you back to base on Saturday. If we were to push it, I could be home tomorrow. And you back to Mayport on Friday, right?

Yeah, where you going with this Etienne?

Let’s spend tomorrow here. I want to see the Alamo.

Unless you had other plans?

No, the only thing I was thinking was an anonymous stop in New Orleans, but I’d rather spend that time with you, to be honest. let’s go somewhere we can talk.  Jimmy suggested.

Yeah, we, okay? Oh, hell yes. But let’s get out of public. Jimmy waged his eyebrows.

Etienne giggled.

Back at the motel both checked on their vehicles, made sure they were locked. Then said goodnight because the manager was approaching them.

Hi boys,

Hello, sir, they both greeted the middle-aged man. How was the Riverwalk?

Etienne took the lead, had some pizza and beer, nice place. How is the Alamo?

Oh, son if you want to know more about Texas history. It is the place to see. You two got time tomorrow?

Jimmy responded well we don’t have to be back at base till Sunday. So yeah, an extra day wouldn’t hurt.

Then that’s the place. Come see me before 10 am and we’ll reserve your rooms for another night.

Jimmy looked at Etienne, what so you think? Yeah, love to see it the Cajun boy drawled. Yes, sir we’ll stay one more night.

No problem the manager stated. I have some information on the area, I’ll set it out for you boys.

Thank you, sir. The boys entered the separate rooms. The manager said goodnight and continued his rounds of the parking lot before going back to the office.

Inside Etienne smiled a nervous smile. Jimmy laughed

Just two navy buds traveling to the same base together. This works.

Jimmy made a pot of hotel coffee in the new Mr. coffee machine. He left Etienne to go get a bucket of ice. When he came back his travel buddy had changed into gym shorts and no shirt. Jimmy made iced coffee. He went to the bathroom to pee and change. He came out in just gym shorts.

Iced Coffee? Jimmy laughed, yeah, a cook made one for me in Med. Here he handed the paper cup over.

Etienne sipped and said wow. That’s good. Jimmy made another; sometimes sweet coffee fits the bill.

So, what happened today Jimmy asked?

Etienne looked at him like he didn’t understand the question.

Jimmy continued, you were pretty freaked out this morning, what changed.

Listen Jim, my dad was a loser. He drank and did drugs, barely worked when he did, he never brought enough home all he really did was keep mom pregnant, they found him dead on a street in New Orleans. He choked on his own puke.

My youngest sister is only 12, my oldest got married 2 years ago. She was already pregnant.  The sister just older than me ran off just after the I joined the Navy; we haven’t heard from her. I decided then that I would do whatever to make Mariposa whose 19 and Sophia who’s 15 and Angelina successful.

Momma works at the hospital in housekeeping, she takes the 2 youngest to church Sundays and Wednesday nights makes sure schoolwork is done, I made a deal that I would pay her rent so she would just have to cover food and stuff, that way she doesn’t have to work all the time. Mariposa is going to school at Mississippi state, she wrote this essay and got a partial scholarship, then she works at the college bookstore and a local grocery store. I send her a hundred a month to cover the rest.

The point is I can’t fuck this up.

All that time alone in the truck today, made me think though. I’ve fucked women, but it’s not the same, I just do it to look normal. But I like being with men. Not just the sex thing, but like last night, when you just wrapped around me, Lawd he drawled. I felt like that is how I want to sleep every night. At lunch today, just standing there eating, well I like that. Tonight, just wandering, telling you I want to see the alamo. I don’t know.

Jimmy finished his thought, Feels like home.

Yeah.

The two stared at each other for a long moment.

Jimmy spoke, you know I dated the same girl all through high school. Every dance, prom, church dances all the stuff. Everyone thought we would marry right away. My father even talked to me about not getting her pregnant.

But we never even did it.

I’ve known I was homo for my whole life, but going to church hearing about sodomites, then the small town, how everyone thinks we’re mental defectives, the gay plague and now the gay cancer. Most farmers where I’m from think it’s god’s way of punishing gays.

My senior year in high school I met a recruiter. I talked to my dad and decided that I would join up. That way he could pay for college for Grant, the brother just younger than me and Clark the youngest. He was already putting my sis through nursing school.  Now Grant is a shop teacher at the local high school and Ginny is nurse that works at the high school and the local hospital. She married the farmer next door.

This time back I realized I’m the outsider, I have only been back 3 times in the past 6 years, my ex-girlfriend is married to my best friend, my youngest brother is taking over the farm getting married in February to my ex- girlfriend’s little sister, she is already pregnant. Mom is lost right now but she is surrounded by my sister and brothers. Financially I think their fine, but no one says. I feel like I am a guest looking in a window. I am welcome but I don’t fit.

As far as men, well the same as you, but I learned to keep quiet. I had a shipmate get caught getting a blow job from a man in the Emirates. My ship mates pissed in a toilet and damned near drowned him in their piss. That will send you into a closet really quick. I; learned to be really careful. Haven’t really ever been in a, uh what, sexual relationship. The closest I came was swapping blow jobs with my childhood best friend.

Driving today I decided fuck this. I am going to succeed; I won’t screw myself by acting like a victim. But I can’t believe I am a metal defective or damaged goods.  But I love the company of men. Even if it means I can never have a relationship for all the world to see, I won’t damage my life or anyone else’s. By acting like something I’m not.  My mom let me know while I was home that she knew. She told me times would change. I want to believe that.

Listen he continued; I am not one the fairies that dances around in a pink tutu parading down the street in San Fransisco. I am a man, I fish, I love to farm, I love to camp and play with my car. So, I really don’t fit in any world. I am me just a guy. Who likes the company of men.  If the world can’t accept that, okay. But it doesn’t change who I am.

Etienne smiled, me too. But how do we continue to see each other and survive?

Jimmy just shrugged his shoulders. Let’s just and see where it goes. I want this.

I want it too. Etienne smiled, but I’ve been lying about who I am for so long. he let that hang in the air.

Well, I have a knack for letting people believe what they want to believe any way.

Jimmy laughed like extended family believing you have a girl in every port.

Yeah, Etienne smiled.

That ain’t lying, Pal.

Etienne smiled. I think my mom knows; she says things like your princess will come keep kissing frogs.

My mom wants someone for me, but she understands. Jimmy commented. He asked, your sisters.

The two oldest don’t care, Angelina is too young to understand, Sophia might but she is so involved with her school and church friends, I think its best just to let her have her childhood. Mariposa is so busy with work and school she is so focused on her degree; I am not even going to have that talk with her.

She is so responsible, she wants her degree, and to get it quickly, she wants to be teaching by the time Sophia goes to college, so she can help too. I am so proud of her.

So where do we go from here? Etienne asked.

Shower? Jimmy invited as he stripped of his gym shorts and streaked his way to the bathroom.

Hells yeah Etienne stripped and chased him across the room.

They lathered one another dined on hard cock and finally found a bed, Jimmy paid a lot of attention to Etienne’s cock, it seemed to be bigger tonight, he licked the hard hat at the top slid his lips down the front of the shaft and paid special attention to the darkening sack below taking one ball then the other in his mouth, Etienne turned his mate around to straddle his chest in a 69. and dined on tight clean pink hole Jimmy loved Etienne’s tongue at work. Jimmy continued to praise engorged manhood he reached the bedside table and grabbed an ice cube. And began to rub it on Etienne’s shaft. Etienne let out a squeal, Jimmy continued the torture till it started to die, then all of a sudden, he took the whole of the dying cock in his warm mouth.  It hardened instantly and Etienne filled Jimmy’s throat with cum. Jimmy gagged and coughed but continued working the still emptying shaft. Etienne shuddered and fought for breath. Jimmy finally stopped the wonderful punishment and turned over and gave his lover a kiss, Etienne ate it up.

Jimmy just laid on his man’s chest and fell asleep.

Awakening the next Morning Jimmy felt the tips of fingers trace his shoulder blade he was drooling on Etienne’s chest. His dick was rubbing on a very firm thigh. Etienne smiled down on him

Good morning. Char, Hi Jimmy smiled. He looked at the clock it was 9am.

What are we doing today?

Etienne smiled Remember, The Alamo!