Military Emancipation

by David O. Sullivan

  Marc made it home, feeling down. Adam greeted him. “Hey, you’re late.” They hugged, and Marc held it longer than usual.

  “Marc, what’s up? You’re upset. I can tell.”

  Feeling drained, he said, “A late emergency.”

  “Did anyone die?”

  “No, just upsetting.”

  Adam served him chocolate milk and kissed him. “Tell me what you can. I know you can’t give details because of medical confidentiality.”

  Marc’s mind whirled. He was too tired to work at giving miniscule details while not revealing anything about the admiral. He tried to smile as he downed his chocolate milk. He swore again to himself he’d never become an alcoholic like his father and grandfather. He looked at Adam and held his hand.

  “How was your shift?”

  “Pretty normal. One young sailor came in for extremely bad breath—his superior ordered him to come in. His mouth looked like he brushes his teeth about once a month, just terrible.” Marc stayed silent. Adam asked, “You’re not in trouble, are you? Find some sexy eighteen-year-old sailor to take my place?”

  That made Marc smile. “I’m not in trouble and not pregnant. If I did find a sexy sailor-boy, why do you think I’d replace you with him? Maybe I’d wrap him up and give him to you for your birthday so we can have a three-way.”

  Adam kissed him. “Come on, let’s go for a walk. You need to burn up some stress.”

  They did. Marc wanted to hold Adam’s hand, but they were too close to the Navy base and couldn’t risk coming across someone they knew. Besides, seventy-five percent of the occupants of their apartment building were Navy personnel.

  They chatted about miscellaneous stuff before Adam asked, “Were you just joking, or is a three-way a fantasy for you?”

  Marc chortled. “I said that to be silly. I never thought about a three- or four- or ten-way.”

  “Ten-way? Your sense of humor is returning. Feeling better?”

  “Yeah, you always know how to perk me up. For the record, I’m not interested in sharing our bed with anyone. You’re all I want or need.”

  They held hands for a few moments and broke apart, walking close.

  Marc slept fitfully that night and woke early. He did some exercise in the apartment and felt good that he convinced the admiral to be cared for. He wondered if anyone was angry with him for being persistent. He arrived early at work to relieve the night shift.

  Ensign Donna Shevley, a night nurse, greeted him. “Marc, the admiral wants to see you as soon as it’s convenient for you.”

  Marc tensed. “Is he mad at me?”

  She chuckled. “Mad? I think he’s in love with you. He had a poor night but asked a few times if you were on duty today and when could he see you. His wife stayed late and said they’re naming their next child after you. She’s anxious to meet you.”

  Relief flooded through Marc. He took a deep, refreshing breath. “Okay, thanks, Donna. Catch me up on the admiral and other patients.”

  She filled him in, yawned, and left.

  The day doctor, Troy Williams, came up to Marc and patted him on the back. “For the record, Marc, you did great yesterday in the ER, but I will fight any effort by any personnel to reassign you there. You belong to us!” He smiled, winked, and strolled off.

  A few others praised Marc and sent him into a warm recollection of why he entered the medical field: to serve and heal.

  Marc visited each patient placed in his charge for the day. He saved the admiral for last. Marc slowly pushed through the closed door for the admiral’s room.

  The admiral, in bed, pointed to Marc and crowed to a woman, “That’s him.”

  The woman, in her late fifties, with silver, short hair, rushed forward and hugged Marc. “I’m Gabrielle Shapiro, the admiral’s wife. Our family owes a debt to you, Ensign. You saved the admiral’s life. He told me how forceful you were. Thank you!” She pulled away and held his hand.

  The admiral stretched out the hand not poked with an IV line. “Ensign, I’m indebted to you, personally and professionally. For a doctor, I had my head up my ass. I should have recognized I had more than a cold. It’s people like you who make the Naval Medical Center of San Diego the best medical facility in the world.”

  “Thank you, Admiral. I was just doing my job.”

  “Damn right you were and after superior officers tried to get you to shut up. You persisted because it was right, and a life was at stake. If I had a hat on, I’d take it off to you.”

  Marc’s neck and head heated in humility.

  The admiral’s wife stroked Marc’s cheek. “Daniel, you’ve made the ensign blush.”

  The admiral coughed. “That shows he’s humble. I’m feeling better, by the way.”

  “That’s great, Admiral. I need to listen to your heart and lungs, Sir.” After he finished checking, Marc said, “You need more time to heal, but you’re doing better. May I suggest you try to sleep as much as possible?” He hesitated before continuing. “Mrs. Shapiro, you look tired. How long have you been here? Maybe it’s time for you get some rest?”

  The admiral agreed. “Gabby, he’s right again. I’ll rest if you will. When I’m out of here, you can take me for a long ride and nice dinner.”

  Marc excused himself and attended to other duties. The shift progressed quickly, and he had to admit he gave the admiral more attention than an average patient. The admiral had a number of visitors, and Marc got permission from the admiral to tell most of them the admiral needed rest. The admiral’s wife helped. She only stayed away a few hours. At the end of the shift, Marc checked in again.

  “Admiral, I’m off duty, Sir. I hope you get some rest tonight.”

  The admiral nodded to his wife, and she stepped out. “I know you’ve just finished a twelve-hour shift, but can you sit a few minutes to talk?”

  “You really need to rest. You’ve had too many interruptions today. I considered putting a quarantine sign on your room.” He gave a short laugh.

  “I promise I’ll focus on resting after we talk.” The admiral motioned, and Marc sat in a nearby chair. “This is not between ensign and admiral. This is between two sailors, between Marc and Daniel. Okay? I want to know what my reputation in this facility is, what you think of the Navy, and how to make it better, and that goes for this facility, too.”

  Marc’s face tightened with an involuntary smile. “I love the Navy and being a nurse. Being assigned here is a great privilege. I’m not blowing smoke up your butt.” He forced himself not to add ‘Sir.’ “Of course, the Navy and our facility are full of humans and our periodic failings. I consider this facility mine. It belongs to all of us as long as we’re assigned here. I admit I’m an idealist. We could use stress reduction and tactics to stay calm and focused. Rumors run rampant. Maybe reminders to ask is that true instead of believing rumors. Gay rumors hurt. Of course, there are gays and lesbians in the Navy. They’re all over, but rumors hurt, and it injures straights who are accused. The whole policy sucks.” He swallowed.

  “Go on, please, Marc.”

  “Yes, Admiral—”

  “It’s just Daniel for now.”

  He couldn’t bring himself to call the admiral by his name. “There are inefficiencies in the Navy and here. I won’t bore you with them now.”

  “It’s a bureaucracy. Send me an e-mail.” The admiral grabbed a pen and paper and wrote what seemed like a private e-mail address. “What else?”

  “You have a reputation of being a great leader and excellent doctor who knows how to be a human first, and admiral second. You proved it to me twice: first with that doctor’s accusation against me, and second yesterday by letting me care for you when you visited the emergency department. I felt you wouldn’t hurt my career if I was pushy.”

  “You were right and saved my life.”

  “Aw, no, you would have just passed out and been brought in by ambulance.” They looked at each other, glanced away, and their gazes caught again. “What else do you want to ask me? D
aniel. We’re just sailor to sailor, right?” Marc anticipated it.

  “You’re gay, right?”

  Marc wasn’t afraid. “Yes.” He laughed. “Yes, but I didn’t lie to you in your office. I was deeper in denial than when a sub sinks to the ocean floor. My boyfriend”—He laughed—-”it feels good to say that without fear, made me admit it after I told him of our meeting. Well, he didn’t force me, but we talked about it. My father is, well, that’s a long story.”

  “I’ve hated every speck of discrimination all of my life. I’m Jewish, and many relatives were in Europe before the war. Some were killed along with gays. Both groups were forced to wear labels. My name is Daniel for a reason. I don’t allow anyone to call me Dan or Danny. My parents had dreams for me. My name means God is my judge. Daniel was a Hebrew prophet. I predict the end to Don’t Ask very soon, maybe this year. What’s it like being gay in the Navy?”

  Marc didn’t hesitate. “Like sailing a ship without hoisting anchors.”

  Mrs. Shapiro returned. “Okay, enough.” She hugged Marc. “Thank you again. A million thanks wouldn’t be a drop toward the debt we owe you.” She faced the admiral. “Rest, please.”

  He saluted her and blew a kiss. “Thanks for our chat, Marc. You are safe under my command. Just hold on a little longer.”

  Marc’s throat tightened. He wanted to cry with joy and comfort. He waved and left. So many thoughts rushed around his mind, so many horror stories of betrayal, insult, and ejection against gays and lesbians. So many stories of cruel and heartless commanders with few stories of compassionate officers like Admiral Shapiro. Marc’s face tightened at the broad smile that erupted.

  A staff member passed him in the halls. “Marc, you look happy.” A smile grew on her face.

  Chapter 8

  Months passed, and September rolled around. Adam drove Marc, Autumn, and Jeannette at night to the nude beach. A full moon helped the romantic mood. Adam piloted his car with one hand while holding Marc’s hand with his other one. They took turns squeezing with loving holds.

  Jeannette cuddled next to Autumn. “Guys, I’m happy you convinced us to try nudity. I had no idea I loved it.”

  Autumn chimed in. “Neither did I. I want you guys in our wedding.”

  Jeannette teased, “One can be your bridesmaid, and the other can be mine.”

  Marc moaned. “You’ve dated less than a year. How can you know?”

  Autumn said, “I don’t know how, but I know. It’s like some procedure you’re not sure about. One day, it’s clear and obvious, and you say, ‘why didn’t I see it before?’ I feel so good and happy and wonderful with Jeannette. To think, we owe it to Marc.”

  Adam pulled into the deserted parking lot. They all stripped. The boys went north, and the girls chose south. Adam stopped and hugged Marc after a minute of walking.

  “I love you. You’re probably getting tired of hearing it. You’re so good at work, home, and you care for everyone. Because of your bravery to hook Jeannette and Autumn up, you’re giving them years, likely decades, of love, joy, and happiness.”

  Marc didn’t verbalize, but his embrace and gentle sigh spoke for him. They walked holding hands. Adam felt for the car key taped to Marc’s ass. Marc giggled like a girl.

  Adam cooed, “I love that you’ve started doing that.”

  “I used to do it as a kid imitating my sisters, but it was corrected out of me. You know, I don’t hate my parents anymore. I accept they are their way, the earth isn’t flat, and I’m entitled to my life according to my standings.”

  They stopped and kissed. Adam started to turn to resume the walk, and Marc held him at the shoulders. Their gazes locked.

  “Adam, I love you.”

  As though someone pushed a button or flicked a switch, Adam’s eyes leaked tears of love. It was his turn to be speechless at hearing the words he waited so long for.

  Marc gripped Adam’s head. “I love you very, very much.”

  As though on cue, they dropped to their knees, embraced, and kissed for a marathon length. When they needed to breathe, they fell to the sand, laughed, and embraced again. They stroked fingers and hands over the face and chest of the other. They playfully scratched each other’s backs and butts. After a while, they returned to the parking lot in a sideways hug.

  Sitting on the car’s bumper, Autumn said, “Nice of you guys to return.” She stared. “You’re not talking. Did you guys have an argument?”

  Adam whispered. “Nope.”

  Marc smirked.

  Adam retrieved the key from Marc’s ass and opened the trunk. Everyone dressed.

  Autumn asked, “What’s going on? You guys are scaring me with the silence.”

  Adam hugged her. “I love you. You’re a great friend and co-worker.” He embraced Jeannette. “I love you, too. I know I don’t have to say it, but it makes me feel good. Take care of Autumn.”

  Marc tapped Adam’s shoulder. When Adam turned, Marc kissed him with tongue. “I love you, Adam. I’ve loved you for a long time.”

  Autumn gasped. Jeannette held her and smiled.

  No words were needed. Back at the guys’ place, everyone hugged. Marc headed for the bathroom.

  Autumn hugged Adam again and said, “I was pleasantly shocked to hear Marc say he loved you.”

  “The first time was when he and I walked the beach tonight. He’s more comfortable in his skin. The end of Don’t Ask helps.”

  She pecked his cheek. “You’ve been patient with him, waiting for him to come around.”

  “You do that for those you love. When are you two getting married?”

  Jeannette hugged Autumn from behind. “We haven’t decided, no rush. We’ll decide which state to go to and plan from there. Amazingly, our families are okay with it.” She nibbled on Autumn’s neck. “Time to go home, lover.” They waved and drove off.

  Adam ambled inside, wanting the feeling of love and peace to last forever. Marc sat at the table with a glass of chocolate milk and a wine glass at Adam’s place. They held hands, kissed, and toasted.

  Adam clasped his arms around Marc’s neck. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Marc giggled like a girl.

  Adam took him to bed.

  * * * *

  For the second year in a row, Steve threw a birthday party for Carmon. They’d become closer friends and double-dated a lot. Because of work schedules, the party was on September nineteenth. Advanced planning meant a bigger crowd.

  Like the last time, Autumn and Marc did a lot of the cooking, but at Jeannette’s condo with the awesome kitchen. Adam met them at the party and timed it so the foursome arrived simultaneously. About twenty-five people showed up.

  Carm greeted all of them with hugs, sincere hugs. “Hey, I’m really glad you folks came, and I truly appreciate all the food you made. You guys are awesome!” His smile crinkled his eyes. He seemed happier than they’d ever seen him.

  Adam whispered to Marc, “I think Steve’s been a good influence on him.”

  Marc retorted, “So has she.”

  A Japanese woman rode on Carm’s back, drinking beer from a bottle, yelling “Yee-ha.”

  The smile on Carm’s face said he was happy.

  Adam moaned, “Wow, she’s pretty.”

  “Are you turning straight?” Marc pulled him close for a quick kiss. From across the room, Autumn shot him a thumbs-up.

  Adam teased. “Is there such a thing as temporary straight, like twenty-four hours?”

  They hugged sideways, and Marc said, “That woman on Carm’s back is his girlfriend for the last several months. When she introduced him to her strict and conservative parents and grandparents, they yelled in Japanese that she’d defiled Japanese custom and wanted the white guy to leave. It was quite an eye-opening experience for Carm. He found out about prejudice first hand.”

  Adam chuckled. “I actually feel a bit sorry for him, but just a bit.”

  Marc went on. “Steve told me Carm’s gone through a metamorphosis between
what Steve and the girlfriend told him. Carm’s not allowed to make any negative comments about any groups: Jews, Muslims, Mexicans, gays, et cetera and so on.” Marc stifled himself as the panting Carm came over.

  Carm moaned. “Okay, baby, this horse is tired.” She slipped off. “Miyuki, I want to introduce you to Marc and Adam. Marc made a lot of the food and, rumor has it, saved the admiral’s life a while back. He’s a great nurse. Adam’s a dental hygienist. They’re roommates and guys I used to pick on. I accused them of being gay.”

  They all shook hands.

  Miyuki spoke in perfect English. “I’m sorry he did that to you, but now that puberty is over for him, I’ve explained that the earth isn’t flat, and we all have more in common with each other than we have in opposition. I’m a civil rights lawyer.” She faced Carm and smooched his face.

  Carm faced the guys and others watched. “I want to apologize for my past conduct. I had my head up my butt.”

  Marc contained a grin. Normally, Carm would use a number of swear words. Marc figured Miyuki banned them, and Marc pursed his lips. “That means a lot to me, Carm. Happy birthday. You and Miyuki make a great couple.”

  Adam added, “You’re a good guy with a lot of courage. Thanks.”

  It was another greathearted party, and no one got stupid drunk, although there were copious amounts of liquid libations consumed. Marc stuck with low-fat chocolate milk.

  Adam glanced at his watch as the party wound down. “Almost midnight.”

  Autumn and Marc nodded and gathered their empty food bowls and pans.

  “Hey everyone, we have to go.” Adam stood and saluted Carmen. “Happy birthday.” Marc, Autumn, and several others joined in.

  Carm returned the salute and smiled.

  Adam said, “We have to go. There’s a gathering at the flagpole of the medical center at midnight to celebrate the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. As of September twentieth, at 0001 hours, the policy is executed.”

  Carm grinned. “You guys are gay.”

  “Yup, and we can’t be kicked out anymore for it.”

  The foursome jumped into Marc’s SUV, heading for the medical center. They parked and walked to the flagpole where dozens of other sailors headed.