All the usual disclaimers apply. Male/male loving, sometimes graphic but this is more of a romance than erotic story. Don't read if you're under 18, etc.
August - 1973
We were lying next to each other under the shade of the tree we both used to climb when we were younger. His feet were propped up on one of the large roots protruding out of the dusty ground while mine were in a small patch of sunlight peeking through the branches above us. My head was tucked into the crook of his neck; his was in mine. It was possibly the last moment of pure, unadulterated peace before everything would change.
I turned my head slightly, looking past my nose at his closed eyes and the small smile playing on his lips. I reached up to run my fingers through his slightly messy black hair. They'd probably sheer it within minutes of him reporting for duty. I don't think it had sunk in quite yet that he was really going. We'd been through so much. We had learned so much together. I closed my eyes and let the lump in my throat easy away. He was here with me now and I would cherish every second of it. His eyes opened a bit and he reached up to run a finger along my lips, causing me to smile.
"What's on your mind, Jay Bird?"
"You. Always you."
"I could think of much prettier things to think about, baby." He said. Sitting up, he turned a bit so we were both facing the same direction. He slid a leg in between mine and raised his hand to cup the side of my face.
"Leave the lonely thoughts to me while I'm gone. Can't have both of us putting everything on hold." He whispered as he ran his lips across mine. "Besides, you're gonna be going off to college here at the end of the month. You'll have classes to keep you busy, pain in the ass professors and other college students to have fun with. No need to be lonely."
"I'll have all that, but not what I want." I replied, running my hand from his shoulder down his muscled chest, and stopping when I felt his heartbeat.
He kissed me. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me deeply, with what felt like all the love that had grown between us over the years. Every moment of our innocent youth, every fit of laughter, and every happy moment flashed in front of me as we kissed.
I sat in the passenger seat as he drove me home. He couldn't stay the night tonight seeing as his parents wanted him to themselves. Rightly so, but I was still a little jealous. Maybe I'd be able to sneak away in the early morning before he had to go. He stopped short of the turn that would lead up to my house, turned in his seat and looked at me.
"That will not be the last time we make love. It can't be. I'm leaving for now, but what I feel for you. It will guide me beyond danger and back to you."
I couldn't think of anything to say that would sound appropriate. He said it all. I nodded, squeezing his hand one last time before he kicked the truck in drive and pulled around the corner. My mom was out in the front yard, pulling some laundry off the line as the last bit of sun set over the horizon.
"Hey there, boys!" she called out as Danny pulled into the drive. She walked over to the driver side, shifting the hamper to her hip. "James, you have all sorts of dirt on your clothes. You boys are always finding ways to put your mothers to work." She said, smiling as Daniel and I got out of the truck. I gave my mom a kiss on the cheek and grabbed the hamper from her as Daniel hugged her and also kissed her cheek.
"We're sure going to miss you around here, Danny. James will no doubt be moping around for a while, missing his best friend. You take care of yourself and be sure to get back to us in one piece. We'll be praying for you."
"Yes, ma'am. I already promised Jay Bird. Oh, by the way ma'am, my pop will be coming by tomorrow to drop off the truck. James is taking it while I'm away."
"That's very nice of you, Danny. I'd invite you in, but I know your momma is waiting on you to get home. You two say your goodnights. Dinner's almost ready."
With that, she went inside. I set the hamper down on the ground and walked Danny back to the truck. We checked to make sure no one was within eye sight and exchanged on last quick kiss before he climbed into the cab.
"I love you, Jay Bird." He whispered.
"Love you back, Danny boy."