Learn with Me

by Kris Jacen

  “Did you skip lunch today?” Siah teased.

  “Hmmmm, maybe? I went for another run. Even if I decide to get out, I’ve still got two more years. Need to improve my run time for the PT test. We’ve got our yearly testing in July and last time my time barely passed me. Just like I don’t want a profile for weight, so don’t want it for failing my run or anything else really.”

  “What’s the distance? How fast? I think it’s only two miles? You’re getting out?” Siah took a bite of the chicken.

  “Yeah, it’s two miles. I have to run them below seventeen thirty. So eight-forty-five mile but I’d really like to get down to an eight-minute mile. I might get out, I might stay in. I haven’t figured out what I want to do really. Might start taking some college classes.”

  “With your legs, that shouldn’t be an issue.”

  “Oh, I might have the legs but my lungs prefer around a nine-and-a-half-minute mile. Distance works for me, fast doesn’t really.” Carter shrugged.

  “We could go for a run this weekend. I normally run an eight-and-a-half-minute mile for three to five miles. Yeah, I move around the classroom but I need to keep up cardio. Is there a course you need to run for the test?”

  “It’s the track over on post but I could run anywhere. This came out fantastic. What did you put on the chicken while I was chopping veggies?”

  “A little Mediterranean spice mixture I found. It’s tasty when you throw the chicken over the salad for lunch with leftovers. How about we meet Saturday for a run and grab lunch after? Say eleven? There’s the trail along the Potomac?”

  “That’s sounds good. So tell me about the hijinks in your classroom today?”

  When they finished up, they worked compatibly cleaning up and Carter was back to singing along with the mix. Just as Siah put the last of the dishes in the washer, one of his favorite Josh Turner songs came on. It never failed to get him moving around the condo and listening to Carter sing it captured his attention especially when he changed “she” to “he”.

  Siah moved over into Carter’s personal space and put his hands on Carter’s hips, starting to move them in a shuffle. He immediately put his arms around Siah and took control of their movements. Siah always enjoyed dancing but didn’t have a lot of opportunities to let go.

  One dance led into another before Carter stopped in the middle of “You” by Chris Young, looked at Siah and then leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his lips. The song kept playing in the background as Carter pulled back slightly before diving in for another kiss. One led to another and soon they were wrapped around each other slowly grinding.

  Siah pulled back with a gasp and asked, “Can we move to the couch before my knees give out?”

  Carter chuckled and dropped to the couch, pulling Siah to straddle him. Siah searched Carter’s face, looking for a clue where to go from here. He gave up after a minute and started kissing him again. Carter’s hands were moving up and down Siah’s back as the kisses became more heated. Lips, tongues and teeth came into play. Each kiss blurring into another as they started to move together in a different dance. Carter’s hands shifted around Siah’s waist to the button on his jeans, popping it and sliding his hand in to mold to his cock.

  Throwing his head back on a moan, Siah couldn’t believe this was happening. Sure, he’d dreamed of doing this and more with Carter, he just never thought it would come to fruition. He’d put Carter in the “strictly friends” box in his mind.

  “Please, don’t stop,” Siah begged as his hips moved in the rhythm Carter set up. Carter kept moving his hand on Siah’s cock as he leaned in and licked up his neck.

  “I have no plans to stop. You feel amazing,” Carter murmured against Siah’s skin.

  “I need to— I can’t reach—”

  “This is for you. Don’t worry about me right now. Take what I’m giving you,” he ordered Siah. Who was Siah to disobey such an order? Siah didn’t have the energy or the conscious thought to do anything except follow.

  “Carter? Please?” Siah didn’t know what he was asking for but Carter didn’t seem to have a problem. He kept up the assault on Siah’s neck and cock; kissing back up to his mouth, laying claim to everything Siah had.

  “Now! Harder!” Siah was done being polite and went right to demanding. Carter had no issue with giving him exactly what he wanted. “I can’t hold back!”

  “Don’t.” And with one word, Siah came in Carter’s hand. Going still before shaking with the intensity of his orgasm. He dropped his head to Carter’s shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. It took him a few minutes but once his heart rate returned to close to normal, he shifted off Carter’s lap. Down to the floor between Carter’s legs, Siah reached for his zipper.

  Carter reached to stop Siah. “You don’t have to—”

  “Oh yes, I do. I’ve dreamed of doing this and more to you more than once. Now I’ve got you where I want you? The only thing that could stop me at this point would be a fire or you saying no. Are you saying no?” Siah asked as he looked up at Carter.

  “Hell no.”

  Siah began to pull back. Carter had said no. He wasn’t going to force himself on Carter. Maybe he’d read him wrong. How could he have—

  With one hand on Siah’s shoulder, Carter stopped him. “Where are you going?” He sounded puzzled.

  “Ummm, you said no. So…”

  “I said hell no. Anything you want to do to me? Bring it on. I might have been—” Carter cut himself off before continuing, “Can we have this discussion later?”

  Siah could feel the smile turn the corner of his lips up. “I think we can do that. So…?” Siah motioned to Carter’s lap. “I can continue?”

  “Please and thank you.” Siah let out a small chuckle at the polite response before reaching once again for Carter’s zipper.

  § § § §

  Lunch or a run? Carter was trying to decide which would be better for him. Maybe run? Food would probably be better. Siah had lectured him last night for not eating enough. Lord, last night was amazing. Siah had blown his mind — pun intended. When he had— Carter stopped his internal rambling; a bad habit to pick up from Siah.

  “Hey May? May?” a voice snapped Carter out of his mind. He had to stop spacing around the unit.

  “Wells, what’s up?”

  “Whatever you were thinking about had you by the balls. I’ve been calling you for a few minutes.”

  Carter looked around the hall, realizing he’d been just standing outside of the sergeant’s office doing nothing. Oh yeah, not the best habit from Siah.

  “Yeah, just…” How do you tell a team mate you were thinking about your boyfriend sucking you off? Better get the conversation turned around. “You heading for lunch?”

  “A few of us are heading over to the food court at the PX. Was trying to ask if you wanted to go,” Wells said.

  “A few?” Lord, he couldn’t stomach eating if Danner or Stephens were there.

  “Randolph, me, Buster and Tank.”

  Carter could handle that group. “Sounds good. I didn’t even think of bringing something today. Walking or driving?” Carter headed down the hall toward the parking lot.

  “Walking.” Wells followed Carter outside and the other three were standing there, obviously waiting. “Let’s go.”

  The walk didn’t take too long and soon they were sitting with their choices for lunch. Carter shook his head as he noticed he had the healthiest lunch. Yeah, he was overthinking next month. He tuned back into the conversation to hear something about a tournament.

  “You guys participating in something?” he asked. Whether he stayed or got out, two years without any friends would suck.

  “Nah, Buster saw a flyer about a jiu-jitsu tournament next weekend and we’re thinking of going to watch. Maybe pick up a move or two. Combatives kicked my ass last month,” Tank said. Carter could understand how it had done that. Tank was built like one so the fast movements were a bit hard for him. Maybe Carter should try and talk to
him about eating better or coming on a run or two with him. Looking at his tray, Tank wasn’t making the best food choices.

  “Want to come with us?” Randolph asked. “It’s only over in Alexandria.”

  “It sounds like fun. What time? Where are you meeting?” Carter could do this. It might not be like what Top and Mooney had but it was a step toward that, right?

  Chapter Seven

  Where the fricking hell had the past ten days gone? Carter wondered as he followed Randolph and Wells into the recreation center. Between the battery getting everything ready for next week’s celebration and the final days of school, Carter hadn’t been able to see Siah since they ran the Potomac and grabbed some lunch. Oh they’d been texting back and forth but getting together had been problematic. Siah was teaching some extra classes for something, so his nights were busy.

  Carter paid the teen sitting there collecting tickets. “Here’s the tentative schedule for the day. No telling who will be in the final matches but the black belt ones will be excellent to watch no matter the competitors,” she said as she handed him a piece of paper. “Refreshments aren’t allowed on the floor but are over in the cafe. Enjoy the matches.”

  “Which ones do you want to catch?” Wells asked, jostling Carter’s arm.

  He took a quick look and saw they were getting there just in time for the first black belt matches. “Let’s go catch the black belt match starting and then go from there?”

  “Sounds good. I don’t need anything to eat right now,” Randolph said. He looked down at the schedule then the board in front of them with different arrows. “Over here for ring four.”

  They walked over to the bleachers and climbed up half way before they could sit. Carter looked down at the mat. That was strange; the black belt down there with his back to the crowd, looked like Siah. Oh yeah, Carter had it bad.

  “Black Belt match number three, ring four,” the announcer’s voice rang out over the PA system. “Second degree Josiah Kent versus second degree Chuck Bridges.”

  H-o-l-y shit! It was Siah. Carter almost fell off the bleacher. How did he not know Siah was a black belt? Siah and the guy he was fighting entered the ring, bowed to each other, bowed to the referee and then it started.

  At first, they circled a bit before Siah must have seen something and moved into the guy’s right side with a kick. Then it was on. They were moving so fast, it was almost hard to follow. Kicks, punches, blocks and throws had them using every inch of the mat. The bell rang, ending the round. Fastest two minutes Carter ever experienced. Of course, he was sure it wasn’t the same for Siah. Back in the center, they bowed again and the second round began.

  Siah was moving in circles around the other guy. He seemed to have figured out the guy’s rhythms since as far as Carter could tell, the guy didn’t land a punch or kick on Siah. The guy shifted to the left and Siah must have seen what he’d been waiting for as he moved in and took the guy to the ground. The referee moved closer and then it was over. Siah and the guy were in the center bowing to the referee after bowing to each other and Siah’s arm was raised.

  Looked like Carter’s boyfriend knew how to kick some ass.

  § § § §

  Siah moved off the mat after shaking hands with Chuck. It was always a challenge to face an opponent, except when it was one you’d faced many times before. Chuck had gotten better but still hadn’t figured out how to hide his tells.

  He thought he heard someone yelling his name. Siah looked around but didn’t see anyone. He got to the bench and pulled off his gear before storing it away. Time to go coach a few before his next match. Letting out a breath, he shouldered his bag and headed toward ring eight. It was going to be a long day.

  § § § §

  Carter had tried to get Siah’s attention to let him know he had someone cheering for him but he mustn’t have heard him. Pulling out his phone, he sent off a text.

  “Who knew my boyfriend could kick some ass? Great match. Can’t wait to see what you do next.”

  No telling when Siah would see the message but he’d see the timestamp. Carter slid his phone back in his pocket and watched the next match.

  About an hour later, they decided to get something to munch on and were walking toward the food when Carter heard from behind him, “Yeah, Dad, it’s him.”

  Carter turned and saw Mooney standing there with his boys. “Cam and Cal, right? Sergeant Major.” He knew he was supposed to use Mooney but with the guys standing next to him, he wasn’t sure.

  “Sergeant May, fancy seeing you here.”

  From behind him, he could hear Randolph and Wells whispering. All he caught was “yeah, I think that was the one.” Chuckling, he motioned them up.

  “Specialists Randolph and Wells, this is Command Sergeant Major Luna and his boys, Cal and Cam.”

  Mooney nodded and said, “Specialists.” Carter could tell they were a bit dumbfounded, not knowing how Carter would know a command sergeant major.

  Carter looked at the boys and asked, “Did you two see your teacher’s match?” They both looked confused.

  “Our teacher?” one asked before the other spoke.

  “We don’t take karate.”

  “Our mom hasn’t said…”

  “we could. She…”

  “said we keep her…”

  “running enough.”

  Carter hadn’t spent enough time around them to know which one was which. He looked to Mooney for guidance.

  “Cal…” he said putting his hand on the twin on the left. “Cam. And they’re right, Debs is already hopping with baseball for Cam and Cal has decided to try soccer this summer.”

  “That’s great they’re into sports. I was referring to Mister Kent though.”

  Wells tapped Carter’s arm and said, “We’re going to go grab something. Catch up when you’re done.”

  “Sounds good. I won’t be long.” Carter knew he was in for the third degree when he did get there.

  “Mister Kent? He’s here?” Cam asked.

  “He is and he’s competing,” Carter answered.

  “Aw, we missed it.” Cal sounded disappointed.

  “You should be still able to catch him. He won his earlier matches. Watch for the championship black belt match.”

  “Dad, can we?” the twins started at the same time. Mooney just laughed, nodding his head.

  “See you for lunch next week?” Mooney asked Carter.

  “I’ll drop by your office after the Fourth. Nice to see you again, Cal, Cam.” Carter stood there as he watch Mooney walk off with the twins.

  § § § §

  Siah was dragging as he walked out to his car. The day was extremely long but the academy was taking home some serious hardware; he’d even added to his own collection. It was great to win but dang, the belts were a bit big sometimes.

  “Siah! Wait up!” a familiar voice called out.

  Siah stopped and turned around. He’d kept thinking all day he’d heard someone calling his name but could never figure out who it was. He was sure of who now; Carter was here. There, jogging across the parking lot was Carter. Damn, those jeans fit him in all the right places.

  “Been trying to catch you all day,” Carter said as he got closer.

  “What are you doing here? You said you were going out with the guys today.”

  “I did. To a jiu-jitsu tournament. The guys decided they needed to come and watch to learn some moves since combatives kicked their asses last month.” Carter reached out and took Siah’s bag from him. “You did amazing today. Did you see my text?”

  “Text?” Siah hadn’t pulled his phone out of his bag all day. Too busy.

  “Yeah, I sent you a text after the first match I saw you in.” Carter paused for a minute. “You look wiped. Let me take care of you?”

  Siah was sure he hadn’t taken a hit to the head today but somehow a dream of his was coming true?

  “Huh?”

  “You fought in how many matches today? Looked like you were coac
hing most of the matches that you weren’t in too.”

  “Double elimination, so… wait, back up. You and your buddies were here to figure out how to not get your asses kicked by combatives?”

  “Modern Army Combatives Program aka combatives. Used to be Close Quarters Combat back in World War II. Kind of a mix up of a bunch of ground fighting techniques.”

  “Okay, but a jiu-jitsu tournament? I can understand wanting extra training but…”

  “Yeah, I think they were just using that as an excuse. Why they thought they had to justify coming? No clue.”

  Siah swayed on his feet. He needed food and his bed probably should have them in that order but his bed was calling his name. Carter reached out and took his arm and started toward Siah’s car.

  “Don’t you have your car here?” Siah asked.

  “Nope, rode with Randolph and he’s left. You won’t force me to call an uber, will you?” Carter teased.

  “Of course not.” Siah knew the extra time in the car was going to tighten him up but he couldn’t strand Carter. “Get in and I’ll drive you home.”

  “How about you get in and I’ll drive you home. Make sure you’ve got some food in you and you’re all relaxed before you crash. You look like you’re about to fall over?”

  Okay, he now knew he took a hit to the head. Maybe this was all a dream and he was in the ER with a concussion. Siah stood there just blinking at Carter.

  “Come on, let’s get you home. Keys please?” Carter held out his hand for Siah’s keys.

  “Sure, here.” Siah just followed along and climbed into the car when Carter opened the passenger’s door. Next thing Siah knew he was hearing cursing coming from the driver’s side. He looked over and saw Carter rubbing his knee as he reached and moved the seat back. “Ooops, sorry?”

  “No worries. I know you need some food. What sounds good? Pick something up on the way or I can whip something up while you soak in the tub.”

  “Both sound good. I don’t have enough energy to be picky. You choose.”

  “Okay, I’ll stop off at a Panera and get us some sandwiches and salads. Quick and easy but not too bad for us. You sit back and rest.”