Carrying On Ch. 01

"Will you unzip me?" She asked.

"Only if you promise not to tell anyone."

"That would make me a bad girl though."

"It's your lucky day then. I happen to be quite fond of bad girls."

"What will your wife think?"

"She'll be mad I didn't invite her to play."

We giggled, our playfulness hadn't been lost to time. I was happy with the way things were now, and I hoped they would last.

"Do you enjoy women as well?" I asked.

"I've been known to on occasion. Do you enjoy having more than one woman?"

"Sometimes. It depends on who the other woman is. Two can be hard to keep up with." I slid the zipper slowly down her back.

"Speaking of hard things, I hope that's you being happy to see me, and not you smuggling a cucumber down there," she said, rubbing my crotch through my pants.

"I can't say for sure what he has planned. He has a mind of his own."

She turned, pressing her sultry lips to mine. She went for my belt, but I grabbed her hands, placing them on my chest. She looked disappointed, but I shook my head and smiled.

"Not yet, you first," I said. I slid the dress from her body, taking in the beauty of her curves, the wonder of her flawless skin. Since the first time we were together, she has taken my breath away, and now was no different. Her lacy black bra was complimented by a matching thong, both destined to be discarded on the floor.

"Now ask me about that dress," I said.

"Do you like my dress now?"

"It's perfect."

Her laughter was cut short by me tossing her on the bed. Her face lit up, her desire taking hold. She reached behind her and unclasped her bra, setting those beautiful tits free. I suddenly became aware that my erection was trying to rip the fabric of my pants. She noticed it too.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," she said.

I almost fell over trying to get my pants off. I had planned to stay in my boxers as long as possible, but I was sticking out the front a bit and decided to lose them as well.

She wiggled her hips as she worked her thong off, throwing it at me when she was done. I held on to them, setting them at the foot of the bed.

"Your so lovely, I'm lucky to have found you," I said.

"Your not so bad yourself, all buffed up from your trip." She said it like it was vacation, not deployment.

"I figured I'd have to beat other guys back with a stick, so I had to get ready."

"Hardly," she laughed. "Only one guy made any attempt at me while you were gone, and he wasn't from town."

"Though his prize had already been claimed, he does have impeccable taste in women."

"Are you gonna stand there and banter all night, or are you gonna eat this pussy?"

"Have you been a bad girl?"

"Very bad."

"How bad?"

"I fucked my husband's best friend while he was deployed."

"Oh," I said, feigning shock. "I guess I'll have to punish you later for that."

"What about right now?"

"Now, I want some dessert."

I grabbed her ankles and pulled her closer to the edge, kneeling before her sex. Her aroma was strong, her lips glistening in the light. I licked her slowly, bottom to top and side to side. Her moans grew louder, more light pitch, until she shook with the rush of her first orgasm.

"That was great, now I think someone should take care of you," she said.

"But where could we find someone willing to do that?" I asked.

She pulled me in for a kiss, tasting her juices on my lips before pulling me down on the bed. She jumped on me before I could do or say anything. She wrapped her lips around my head and flicked her tongue across my flesh. Saying it felt wondrous, would be downplaying it.

She busied herself with my pleasure, sucking and slurping, diving down until she gagged. It was mesmerizing. Her ass was toward my head, letting me tease her wet slit as she worked her magic.

"Eat me again baby, I need your tongue so bad." She swung her leg over my head. I guess she had enough teasing.

I kissed, licked and sucked everywhere I could. She continued her up and down motion, moans escaping our lips. I could feel her stomach begin to tremble and my own climax welling up.

"I'm gonna cum baby," I said as I came up for air.

"Cum in my mouth baby. I need to taste you," she said, diving back down.

We exploded almost simultaneously. She swallowed all I could give her and I lapped up every drop I could. She rolled off me, being careful not to kick me as she did so and turned so our heads were side by side.

"That, was outstanding," she panted.

"Yes it was. Thanks baby."

"Thank you. Now about my punishment later."

"Now isn't the time for that. We have people waiting on us," I reminded her.

There was a knock on the door, followed by a note slid beneath. I got up and grabbed it, reading it out loud for Becky.

"Hope everything is OK. Nobody has come out yet. Be waiting in lobby.

Lauren."

"Well, I guess we weren't the only ones feeling frisky," Becky chuckled.

"No, but I do feel bad for Lauren."

"Why?"

"Her man isn't here and I'm not sure Nick would let them get a moments peace anyway."

"We can arrange that."

I thought for a minute, forming a plan to busy Nick for a few hours. "Hmm, do let's."

-----

We set Nick up that night with a cute little bitch of a woman at one of the local bars, giving Ryan and Lauren the night to themselves. Once Nick left the bar, they were right behind him, headed the opposite direction, back to the hotel.

Carl and I spent much of the night looking after Tyler, who ended up taking home a woman of his own, albeit several years older than him. The four of us returned early, spending the night coupled with our respective partners.

Sunday was our day of rest, though slightly different than the church believes "rest" to be. We mostly laid around fucking and recovering from hangovers. Monday however, held promise for Ryan and I.

Captain Varren called us all to formation, carrying two red folders with him. Ryan and I were told to report, standing before First Sergeant and the CO.

"Forgive me if I don't read both citations in full, we do have work to do today. I'll abbreviate, since the only things different are the names and ranks.

"For bravery above and beyond the call of duty on the night of March 18, 2015. While preparing to return to Battery B, 11th Battalion, 1st Marine Division, after escorting a convoy to Akashat, Syria, Lance Corporal Daniel Ryan and Sergeant Andrew Anderson exposed themselves to enemy fire, allowing Army units from the 15th Infantry Brigade to regroup. Their heroism and steadfast dedication to duty saved many lives, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

"For their actions, each is awarded the Bronze Star with Combat " V" device."

They pinned Ryan, then me. I quietly inquired about Drake as Captain Varren pinned me.

"His family will be mailed his, along with his other medals," he said.

"Thank you sir."

"Now," Varren said, addressing everyone. "There is one more article of business to take care of. Sergeant Anderson, Lance Corporal Ryan, you men did well out there. It hasn't gone unnoticed. Lieutenant Price put in the paperwork and we saw fit to approve it.

"I'm pleased to announce the meritorious promotions of Sergeant Anderson to Staff Sergeant, and Lance Corporal Ryan to Corporal. You are leaders of Marines, do us all proud."

We were pinned with our new chevrons, congratulated, and sent back to formation. Work direction was handed down, and I was told to report to First Sergeant when we were dismissed.

"What can I do ya for First Sergeant?"

"I'd like to talk to you about reenlistment," he began. I held up a hand.

"Hold on there turbo. You know I have the utmost respect for everyone here, even those I find... unpleasant to be around. I have a life I need to start. A life that doesn't involve more tours overseas. I'm sorry, but I won't reenlist."

"I understand, and I hope you make it a good life. Would you be willing to come back from time to time and give classes?"

"That might be possible. What kind of classes are you wanting me to give?"

"Leadership, section chief and maybe combat preparedness classes. Areas you're already quite adept in."

"I'll have to talk this over with my boss, but personally, I wouldn't be opposed. I'd need sufficient notice to take time off work, maybe even official orders."

"I'm sure we can work something out. You have my number, as well as the Captain's. We will call you with details, should you be willing and able."

"Sounds good First Sergeant, anything else I can help you with?"

"No Staff Sergeant, that will be all. Go turn in your gear and pick up any new chevrons you need. Your freedom awaits."

We shook hands and I left. There was a bounce in my step, a lightness, as if I was walking on air. I called Becky as I waited in line to turn in my gear. She was elated to hear of my promotion and was glad I didn't reenlist.

I returned to the barracks, new chevrons for Ryan and I in a bag. I left his with Lieutenant Price, then went to check out with First Sergeant Hayes and Captain Varren for the last time.

"Sir, it was nice to be back, but I'm glad I'm on my way out," I said honestly.

"It was good to see you again. Thank you for your hard work, and congratulations again on your awards."

"Thank you sir." We shook hands and I stepped to Hayes.

"Well, not much to say after earlier. If you need me, call me. I'll be able to give you an answer then."

"Best of luck with your future. I know you'll do amazing things."

We shook hands and I left, going to find Tyler and Ryan before I left for the last time. I had turned in my room key, packed everything in a rental car, and was ready to go. Our goodbye was heartfelt, knowing I wouldn't see them again for a while.

I drove to the hotel to meet the others. I was greeted by a round of applause, not only from our group, but others who just seemed to want to clap. Becky and I shared a kiss, which drew whistles from several bystanders. They had almost everything loaded in the van and were waiting on me.

"How's it feel to be a free man?" Becky asked.

"Great, now we can build the life of our dreams."

"Lauren," I said, stepping away from Becky. "You don't have to come with us. It might be kinda boring for you."

"I know, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't talk to your parents a few times while you guys were gone. I'd love to meet them and thank them in person," she said.

"Very well, lets get going. We have a long way to go."

-----

The drive to Concord, CA from Carlsbad took almost 8 hours and 2 drivers. Jeanna drove for the first half, then I took over. We pulled up outside my parents house late in the evening, hungry and tired but in good spirits. I used my key, still kept on my key ring all these years, and led the way inside.

"I hear the pitter patter of tiny feet," my dad said from the family room. It was a standard saying for him, even though we were all grown and had no children.

"Hey guys, we're home," I called. Mom and dad met us in the dining room, dressed as they always were for the evening.

My mother, Mary, had on her maroon sweats and a T-shirt, while my father, Rob, wore his ripped and faded jeans and an equally ripped and faded shirt, covered with his customary long sleeve flannel. The excessive growth of facial hair spoke volumes about when he had last been to work.

"Hi guys," dad said excitedly. "How was the trip?"

"Long," Carl said. "It's good to see you guys."

"Good to see you too," mom said, hugging Carl.

They hugged Carl and I before being introduced to Jeanna, Lauren and Becky. Dad is a shake hands kinda guy, mom however, loves to hug.

"It's so good to finally meet you guys in person," Becky said.

"Same here. Now we can put a face to the voice," mom said.

Mom, Becky, Lauren and Jeanna talked while dad pulled Carl and I aside.

"How on earth did you get them?" He asked.

"Nice dad, way to have confidence in us," Carl said, nudging him.

"Well, I paid Jeanna a few hundred to stick around for Carl," I joked.

"Damn, y'all are brutal," Carl said. "But honestly, we just keep being ourselves. What they see in us is beyond me."

"Well, you did good," dad said. "Don't screw it up." He looked directly at me when he said it.

"What was that look for?" I asked.

"You know damn well. Don't ever let it happen again."

"I won't. She's here to stay."

"Good, now lets get you settled in."

My parents house was quite nice for being so old. It was a 6 bedroom, 3 bath house in an older development. The original master bedroom was on the second floor, but as my parents had gotten older, they had the house remodeled so they didn't have to climb the stairs. Becky and I took the upstairs master, while Carl and Jeanna shared a room down the hall. Lauren was next to Carl and Jeanna's room.

We showered and dressed, joining my parents downstairs. Now we had a big decision to make, what to eat. In the end, we settled on wingstop, which I went to pick up. We slept well that night, curled in each other's arms.

The next night we went to dinner, the parents taking us to Red Robin. Sure it was nothing fancy, but it was good food just the same. Dad talked with Carl and I about work and about deployment. I've always enjoyed talking shop with my father, even though we have different terms for the same thing. Mom talked with the girls about Carl and Jeanna's upcoming nuptials, our official engagement, and every other topic they could think of.

"You haven't gotten her a ring yet?" My mother asked. She was borderline flabbergasted.

"No, we haven't had time," I said. "We will soon, and I'll do it right."

"Why not do it while your here? We're already at the mall."

"Can we babe?" Becky asked excitedly.

"If you want," I said. The idea of hunting for a ring didn't appeal to me right now, but the change in her demeanor and the smile on her face made it impossible to say no.

"Speaking of here," dad started. "How long are you guys here for?"

"Until we're done eating I suppose," I said.

"OK smartass. I mean here with us."

"Until Thursday morning. Carl has work on Friday."

"What about you Lauren, got any gentleman callers?" Mom asked.

"Actually, there is this young Marine I've been seeing," she said bashfully.

"Tell us about him," dad said.

"His name is Danny Ryan. He served with Andrew on his last trip out."

"Is he a good man?" Mom asked. "Does he treat you right?"

"Yeah, he's as close to a gentleman as Marines get."

"He's a good man and an excellent Marine. He helped me hold off the enemy while the Army brought up reinforcements," I said.

"Wow, did he earn any medals for that?" Dad asked.

"Dad, not everything is about medals."

"I know, but putting yourself out there like that takes guts, and usually earns you a medal."

"Yes. Myself, Ryan, Lt. Price and Drake all received the Bronze Star."

"Is that your first?" Mom asked.

"I'm not sure, and I really don't care. It's not about the medals, its about bringing everyone home alive. Something I wasn't able to do this time."

"Who couldn't you bring home?" Dad asked.

"PFC Sean Drake. He gave his life to save Ryan and I."

"What happened, if you don't mind?" Mom asked.

"He jumped on a grenade."

"I'm sorry son," dad said. "I can't imagine what that must have been like."

"Thanks dad. We nominated him for the Medal of Honor, though it can take almost two years to make it official."

After dinner, Becky, Lauren and I went browsing the myriad of jewelry stores for a ring. Between the two of them they found about three dozen rings they liked, and I could only reasonably afford half of them. I may not have been excited about shopping for a ring, but I'm not dumb. Whenever she went back to a ring more than twice, I had the clerk slip me the code for that ring. There was one in particular that she had come back to at least a dozen times. It was a small ring with nine tiny diamonds arranged in a square. While she was busy looking in another store, I snuck off and bought it for her.

Carl and Jeanna met us back at the house, having gone home with the parents then borrowing dad's car to go take Jeanna around our old hangouts. It was nice to be back home, but the night was still young.

"Where's a good place to get a drink around here?' Becky asked.

"Well, there's the Clayton Club just down the road. It's as close to a country bar as you can find around here. Then there's Farrington's over by the mall, more of an Irish pub/sports bar kinda place. There's Tiki Tom's..."

"Yeah yeah, lets go to Farrington's," Carl said.

"Sounds good. Let's go," Lauren said.

For being a Monday night, the bar was busy. The building itself was divided in half by the double sided bar running down the middle. As you walk in, the right side had tables, a few booths and various bar entertainment items; pool tables, dart boards, things like that. The left side had tables and several TVs for watching sports. The food was what one would expect in an Irish pub, shepherds pie, bangers and mash, etc.

We got a table by the dart boards and Carl bought the first round. We talked, played darts and shot pool, keeping the drinking light. The benefit of being in a small city is that you have more than one bar within ten miles. If you don't like the one you're in, go somewhere else.

After a few hours and several games of pool, Becky gathered us all together.

"Let's go somewhere else. I wanna hear some music," she said.

"OK, the Clayton Club has music, maybe even a live band. Interested?" I asked.

"Sure," Jeanna said. "I'm willing to see what a California honkey tonk looks like."

We piled in dad's car and I drove us back across town. Where Farrington's was busy, the Clayton Club was almost dead. It sits just off the main thoroughfare in Clayton, a small town of maybe 2000 people, though many come from the surrounding areas to have a drink. The bar runs the length of the left hand wall, while tables fill in from and right. The back wall has a stage, dance floor and jukebox. The ceiling has well over 1000 pairs of boots, some signed, hanging from it.

"Now this is more like it," Becky said, grabbing a table. "And we aren't far from home here."

"Not far at all," I commented. "Carl and I used to walk down to Clayton all the time growing up. We would spend hours wandering the creek or getting into trouble."

"Those were good times," Carl said with a laugh.

"How close did you guys live to each other?" Lauren asked.

"Opposite ends of the street."

We had half a dozen rounds before Becky finally went to the jukebox, coins in hand. She picked out a few songs and pulled me out to dance. We moved from one song to the next, singing along to such titles as "If heaven ain't a lot like Dixie", " Seminole Wind", and "Like red on a rose".

Last call came too quickly, and we headed towards home, staying off the main roads as much as possible. Carl, Jeanna and Lauren were definitely too drunk to drive, and while I had stopped drinking an hour ago, Clayton cops can be real dickheads.

"Do we have to go home?" Jeanna asked. "I wanna see the town."

"Not much to see really, but I do know a spot we can go," I said.

I took us through one of the affluent neighborhoods of Clayton, climbing high in the hills the houses had been built on.

"Where are we going?" Becky asked.

"A little overlook just down the road," I said.

We turned down a street, stopping at the cul-de-sac at the end, marked by a small wood barrier that provided access to the ridge. The view below was beautiful, the lights of Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and some of Benicia shining brightly against the night sky. The Shell, Tesoro and Valero refinery lights were unmistakable.

"It's wonderful," Lauren said softly.