Military Emancipation Read online

  Military Emancipation

  By David O. Sullivan

  Published by JMS Books LLC

  Visit jms-books.com for more information.

  Copyright 2018 David O. Sullivan

  ISBN 9781634865999

  Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

  Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

  All rights reserved.

  WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

  No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

  This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Published in the United States of America.

  * * * *

  Military Emancipation

  By David O. Sullivan

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 1

  San Diego, California

  September 2010

  Navy Ensign Marc Struthers cuddled with Adam on their couch, enveloped in his masculine scent. “I slept good last night. You’re better than a teddy bear.”

  Adam pecked Marc’s cheek. “You’re better than a warm dog on a cold night, and you don’t dream and kick your legs.”

  “I love being in your arms.”

  “But do you love me?” Adam whispered and stole a kiss as he pushed the issue again. “I love you.”

  Marc sighed. “Don’t screw up this moment.” He kissed Adam long and hard. “No one knows what romantic love is. I love being with you. I value our closeness, friendship, and the fuck sessions, even though I’m not really gay. Let’s not have this conversation now.”

  “When will we have it? How can our relationship advance if we don’t talk about things?”

  “Not now. What are you after, a confession?”

  “I want to be happy.”

  Marc pulled Adam tight. “You are happy. You count your blessings and say you’re happy.”

  “I want to graduate to the next level. We’re medium; I want more. I want superb happiness.”

  “Not now.”

  Adam made a noise between a growl and a sigh. He massaged Marc’s ass, covered by hospital scrubs. “Come to bed. I’ll show you love.”

  “There’s no time. I have to be on duty soon.”

  A rustle of paper from across the room pulled them back to reality. They turned their heads.

  Autumn, fifteen years older, stood with arms crossed, holding a magazine. “Would you two queer bastards quit that? I swear I’m going to out you to the admiral.” She smirked.

  Adam kissed Marc before squinting at Autumn. “And will your dirty dyke lips tell the admiral about your lezzie lovers?” He stuck his tongue out as any proud fifth grader would.

  Marc chuckled.

  Autumn moved forward and hugged them. “Adam, that was a wonderful use of alliteration in your grammar. You’re getting better.” She stuck out her tongue at him.

  Marc held her hand. “You’re such an awesome, tall black beauty. If I were straight, I’d hit on you.”

  Adam slapped his leg. “Treacherous bitch! So, you’re not really gay and not straight. What are you?”

  Marc sighed. “Let’ not have this conversation again, okay?”

  Autumn moaned. “I’m so horny, I’d let a man mount me, as long as he can last more than ninety seconds and knows how to properly service a woman’s plumbing.”

  Adam held her arm. “Autumn, you’re a great person. A sexy hot woman who doesn’t look thirty-nine, perfect weight. You exercise and have just fewer than four million good characteristics. You’ll find another girlfriend soon, one who is worthy of you. I didn’t like the last one.”

  Autumn showed a faint smile. “She was good in bed.”

  Marc cut in. “She played head games with you. I’ll keep an eye out for you.” He grinned.

  She paced. “You guys are happy. I want to be happy. Just gift wrap the UPS driver and deliver her to my bedroom.” She sucked her lips between her teeth and blushed through her medium dark skin.

  Adam teased. “You have a crush on her? I had no idea.”

  Autumn planted her hands on her hips. “Does no good. She’s straight and married, wears a wedding ring. Her name’s Jeannette, that’s with two n’s and two t’s.”

  Adam teased. “Our roomie has it bad for the woman in brown.”

  A knock at the door startled them. Marc and Adam rushed apart.

  Autumn cocked her head. “Expecting anyone?”

  The guys shrugged.

  Marc opened the door and greeted Steve, tall and slender with the beginning of a mustache. “Hey, dude. What’s up?”

  Steve scanned the apartment living room, his gaze on Autumn for an extra two seconds. “Hi, Autumn, Adam.” He and Marc knocked fists. “I’m throwing a last-minute birthday party for Carmen tomorrow night. His B-day is actually September twenty-first, but the twentieth is better because of work schedules.”

  The apartment dwellers moaned.

  Adam chided, “And you’re inviting us because? He hates us and thinks we’re gay or something.”

  Steve kept his eyes on Autumn as she moved across the room to join the men. “I was just reading an article in this mag about the demise of DADT.”

  Adam barked. “I hate that term. Say what it is: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” or how to carry on discrimination and administratively sodomize citizens in the military. It’s the same that was done to blacks, women, and other minorities.”

  Marc burned inside and moaned. “They’ve talked about ending that for a long time. It’ll never happen.”

  They seemed to take a collective sigh.

  Steve asked, “Will you guys come to the party and pitch in?”

  Adam’s groan ended as Marc’s began.

  Steve sat on the edge of the couch. “Carmen’s felt down lately. I don’t know why. He’s secretive. I know he grew up in the middle of a pack of five kids. His best memories are birthday parties. His parents made each kid feel special for the whole week. Carm will be twenty-seven.”

  “And why are you inviting us?” Marc smirked, shaking his head. “Carm is convinced we’re gay. He hates everything that isn’t white, male, and Republican.”

  Steve shifted to salesman mode. “First, you and Autumn are great cooks. Second, we are all Navy family, and one of our own needs friendship and support.” Steve took a deep breath. “I don’t approve of his sometimes-hateful attitudes, but he’s never reported you as possibly gay. He could have, just to be a jerk. That shows something in him. I know he’s a mouthy bastard, but he has good qualities. He loves our country, works hard, is reliable at work, and is my friend. He has a caring side, but he’s afraid to show it.” Steve looked more toward Autumn than the guys.

  Nods of agreement circled the room.

  Autumn perked up. “I’m in. I’ll make it my early celebration. His birthday is the
twenty-first. On September twenty-second, 1862, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.”

  Marc grinned. “How do you remember trivia like that?”

  “A good black woman knows her history, especially when it deals with freedom.” Her voice dipped. “I had relatives who were slaves. It’s not trivia to us. I wrote school reports on slavery since junior high.” The room grew quiet as the guys stared. “Aw, sorry. I didn’t mean to get so serious.”

  Adam snickered and drew Marc into a sideways hug and kissed the side of his head. “Let’s help with the jerk’s party.”

  Marc nodded and gazed into Adam’s sexy hazel eyes.

  Steve shook his head. “Doing things like that contributes to the rumors that you guys are gay.” He shrugged. “I’m just saying, as a friend. If you are, I’m good with it.”

  Marc’s gut roiled, and he fired back. “There’s nothing wrong with showing closeness or friendship. It doesn’t mean you’re sleeping with the person. We’re close friends with Autumn, and we don’t screw around.”

  Autumn draped an arm around Marc and kissed his cheek. “Settle down, or I’ll have to put you in a time-out. Steve was just letting you know about things.”

  Marc settled. “Sorry, Steve. You’re a good friend.”

  Autumn hugged Steve. “I agree. You’re a good human, a credit to your species, and an idealist who wants to save the world.” She kissed his cheek. “Please excuse Marc. He’s on his period.” Everyone except Marc laughed. Autumn went on. “Let’s give the jerk a nice party. We’ll find kids’ birthday wrappings and make it fancy. I’ll make spaghetti, meatballs, and Italian sausage.”

  Marc piped up. “I’ll make a pan of German chocolate cake.”

  Adam added, “I’ll bring booze.”

  Steve beamed and gave another glance to Autumn. “Thanks, guys. I’ll make an awesome salad. That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of you. My place. Six P.M. Just a small group, maybe ten people. I hate big parties. I’ll get others to pitch in with chips and other drinks and stuff.” He looked at Autumn. “Any chance you’d go as my date?”

  Her eyes enlarged. “You’re asking me out?”

  Steve’s Adam’s apple slid up and down. He nodded.

  Adam gripped Marc’s ass so Steve couldn’t see.

  Steve said, “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while, but—” He lowered his gaze and shuffled his feet.

  Autumn held his hand. “Honey, do you know how old I am? I’m thirty-nine. You’re twenty-four.”

  Steve chewed his lip. “I know. You’re pretty, sexy, intelligent, and kind. It’s fun to be with you, and I can get free dental work from you.”

  Marc felt awkward for Steve. It was always hard for Marc to ask someone out. He tried to lighten the moment. “Dude, we’re in the Navy. All our dental care is free.”

  Autumn pulled Steve into a hug. “I don’t think we’re a match romantically, but you’re a good friend, and I want to keep you that way. Okay?”

  He nodded and held her. “Okay. Sorry.”

  Autumn went nose to nose with him and, in a mother’s voice, said, “Never be sorry for your feelings. I’m flattered.”

  Steve stepped back and gave a weak smile. “Thanks, everyone, for helping with the party for Carmen.”

  “It’s the right thing to do.” Autumn smiled. Steve left.

  Marc crowed, “Autumn, you handled that well. I have to be on duty soon.”

  With their privacy restored, Adam pulled Marc close. “Don’t make me go to our room and jack off. I need some relief. You’re so sexy, Marc. I love being with you. I love you. Your soft skin, clean shaved face. Gosh, I hate to kiss a guy with hair.” He pecked Marc’s face, squeezing his ass. “You’re such a hottie.” Being the same size, they locked gazes.

  Autumn squeaked, “You didn’t mention his big cock.”

  Marc pulled tight to Adam, wondering if he loved the brute: muscled, sexy, and hairy. He sure as hell would miss him when eventual transfers came in. He glanced at Autumn. “How do you know I have a big cock?”

  “Duh, when you fuck Adam, he screams like a girl: ‘oh, it’s too big, your cock is so big.’” She slapped her hands to her face, exaggerating an open-mouth scream.

  Marc’s face heated. “You’ve heard all that?”

  Autumn smirked. “When my parents were gone, my sister used to bring her boyfriend over. Don’t be ashamed of the sounds of sex or love.” She nudged the guys. “Go to your room and play but be quick. Marc needs to be on time for work.”

  Adam teased, “Yes, mom.”

  Marc rolled his eyes. “Mr. Macho screeching like a female. She’s right, you do that. Sheesh.” He led Adam by the hand to their room. “Just a quick blow and go.” They kissed. “I had no idea Steve was interested in Autumn, or that she was interested in the UPS driver.”

  Adam smirked. “You didn’t know I had an interest in you until I almost had to tackle you and say it in small words.”

  Happy emotions zipped through Marc as he opened Adam’s pants.

  * * * *

  Marc took advantage of the pleasant weather and bicycled to the base hospital. He made it to his work assignment with a full thirty seconds to spare.

  Dr. Wilson checked her watch and smiled. “Hello, Marc.”

  “Hi, Doc. How are you today?”

  “I still have this tight spot on my neck, otherwise I’m good. It’s been slow on the ward. Mr. Baldardi is back.” She sighed. “He’s terminal.”

  “Does he know?” Marc sat the doctor in a chair and massaged her neck as he often did for staff members.

  Doctor Wilson shrugged. “I’m not sure. The cardiologist’s notes weren’t clear. You know how he is, doesn’t want to talk about things. Mr. Baldardi is moody again.” She gave a crooked smile and stared at Marc. “You get along well with him.”

  “You want me to tell him.”

  “I’m never comfortable talking about death. I think he had an argument with his wife and daughter last night. The night nurse said they stormed out of Mr. Baldardi’s room.”

  Marc took a deep breath. He had trouble saying no. “Let me catch up on the other patients and check in with them. Then I’ll tell Mr. Baldardi. He’s a great guy with fantastic stories. I tease him that I want to adopt him as a grandfather.”

  Doc winked. “You’re a sweetheart. Finish my neck massage first, okay?” She moaned in delight.

  Over the next two hours, Marc caught up on the conditions of the other patients, handled their needs, and loaded up on coffee and chocolate milk. He checked in with Mr. Baldardi.

  The old man joked. “Where the hell have you been, Ensign? I could have died, and no one would notice.” He fiddled with the oxygen tube at his nose.

  “I had to catch up on duties and other patients.” Marc winked and held the man’s hand.

  “What? I’m not important? I’m a patient.” Humor was obvious in his tone.

  “Nick, you’re the most important patient. I saved you for last so I’d have more time with you. How’s it going?” Marc could only muster a weak smile.

  He tried to take a deep breath and coughed. “I’m dying. Didn’t they tell you?”

  Marc sat on the bed. “Did someone tell you that?”

  He shook his head. “No one’s had the balls to, but it’s obvious, right?” He held a hand to his chest. “I sense it, ironically in my heart, which will be the death of me, but also my gut.”

  Marc clenched his jaw and fought the tears that threatened to erupt.

  “You’re the best nurse in this whole damned hospital. Did they make you come in to tell me?”

  With his voice strained, Marc said, “Yes.”

  “How long do I have?” He brought his other hand on top of Marc’s.

  “An hour, a day, a week, a month. God hasn’t sent the memo. Your heart has had it. It’s ready to retire. I’m so sorry, Nick. You’re a neat guy. I like you. I love you.” He chuckled to lighten the moment. “And just when the paperwork was goi
ng through so I could adopt you as a grandfather.”

  His eyes glazed, and he huffed, “You’re the best nurse in this whole damned hospital.” He shook his head again. “I said that already, huh?”

  Marc swallowed at the lump in his throat.

  “Will you lie with me, just for a minute?”

  “It’s against regulations. I’m sure your wife and daughter will be here soon.”

  Mr. Baldardi tugged to adjust his oxygen tube again, touched the IV in his other arm, and straightened his sheet. “They’re mad at me.”

  Marc had other duties, but he knew he couldn’t leave this patient. “I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

  Mr. Baldardi held Marc’s hand in a death grip. “I came out.” Marc tilted his head in wonder. “I told them I’m gay. I don’t want to die without admitting it.” He looked away. “I’ve done some bad things in my life, Marc, some really bad things, and keeping this issue buried deep is one of the worst.”

  “Do you want me to call for the chaplain?”

  As though he didn’t hear Marc, Nick spoke to the room, not looking at Marc. “I’ve known I’m gay since I was a kid. I married because it was expected, and I participated in a great charade. Our parents set it up. My girlfriend and I dated a few months, our parents said we should get married, and we did. I spent thirty years in the Navy because it was a haven. My wife and I didn’t love each other. We played roles assigned to us. I know she had a few affairs, and she caught me twice with a bud who visited.” He gasped. “Maybe I wanted her to, I don’t know.”

  His heart rate and blood pressure increased according to the nearby monitors.

  “Nick, calm down. You’re stressing yourself. Do you want a sedative? The doctor said you may have some.”

  “I’m fucking dying. What does it matter?” He cried. “I killed a lot in Vietnam, and I used drugs for a while. I didn’t always work as hard in the Navy as I should have. Sometimes, I gossiped and even taunted sailors who’d been accused of being gay.” He went on.

  “I haven’t talked to my son in ten years. When he came out, I reacted with denial. I said terrible things to him, said he wasn’t a man. My wife’s religion is against gays. My daughter follows in her footsteps. That’s why they left so fast yesterday. I’ve been a coward up to now.” He sobbed.