VIETNAM - 1967
PART 33
Remember - This story takes place in 1967, when there was no AIDS or HIV; thus unprotected sex was common practice. This story contains consensual sex between Male Adults. If you are not 18 - DO NOT READ THIS STORY. If this type of story is not acceptable where you live, DO NOT READ THIS STORY. Please send a contribution to NIFTY to keep this site up and free.
In 1967, the most dangerous STDs were Syphilis and Gonorrhea, which could be cured by penicillin, or the new antibiotics. Condoms were not needed for gay sex, thus unprotected sex was common practice.
Please send a contribution to NIFTY to keep this site up and free.
Tom was getting close to going home and out of the Army. On the wall next to his bed, he kept a "Short timers Calendar." Each day he crossed off the day as he maintained his "CountDown" calendar. His attitude about going into the field changed. Previously he had enjoyed the challenge; now he was worried about being hurt, and his return delayed.
Finally, the day of his return arrived. He packed up his few belongings and went to the company headquarters for transportation. The Photo Company provided a jeep and driver for the trip into Saigon. He spent the night in the "Repo-Depot" at Tangsonut airport. He went to the PX there, and they had a Nikon FTN in stock, at PX prices. He purchased the camera. (A camera he could not afford back home) The next day he got on a large plane for the flight back to the U.S.A.
The large plane was filled with members of the American Armed Forces whose "Tour of Duty" was done. They were so close to going home that they were all "as nervous as Hell," waiting for something to go wrong! They all held their breath as the plane rolled down the runway. When the plane lifted off the ground, the whole plane erupted into spontaneous applause! It was a long flight, halfway around the world. The plane had to refuel, and landed at Guam to do so. Even though it was night, the airport Canteen was open. The Vietnam Vets got off the plane and went into the airport Canteen as the plane was refueled. They all sat together on one side of the canteen, eating a late meal.
The quiet of their eating was interrupted when a plane came in from the U.S. A few minutes later, into the canteen came a plane full of baby Marines on their way to Vietnam. The two groups did not say anything to each other; they just stared at each other. There was nothing to say! After a while, the Vietnam Vets left the canteen, and reboarded the now refueled plane. There was no demonstration as the plane took off. The memory of the innocent faces on those baby Marines left all of them speechless, lost in their own thoughts.
The plane eventually landed in San Francisco and was met by a bus, which took the personnel to the Repo-Depot. It was still the middle of the night, in San Francisco. That's what you get when you move from East to West. The Repo-Depot was in full operation. New Uniforms (suitable for the climate) were issued. Those soldiers who had less than 30 days left in the service, were mustered out, then and there. Tom was one of those people. The Army would fly him back to New York on a commercial flight the following day. He had "leave" for the night in San Francisco.
Tom, in his brand new uniform, took a cab to the only Five Star Chinese Restaurant outside of China. Unfortunately all of the "Special Dinners" were for two. Tom had to order from the regular menu of Cantonese food. Tom ate a fabulous meal. There is commercial Cantonese, and there is "Gourmet" Cantonese. This was "Gourmet" Cantonese. The dishes had the same name, but the flavor was unbelievable, and far above regular Cantonese food.
When he finished eating, he took a cab to Fisherman's Wharf, even though it was the middle of the night! When he got there, he had a moment of disorientation. For a minute he did not know if he was in Vietnam, dreaming he was home, or he was actually in San Francisco.
The moment of disorientation passed. He enjoyed the sights of San Francisco Bay, and Fisherman's Wharf, even though most of the shops were closed. He next took a cab to the San Francisco International airport and checked in for his flight to New York. He found a comfortable spot in the "Waiting Room," to sleep before his flight. The next morning, he flew back to New York. He arrived in the newly renamed JFK airport, and arranged transportation to the city. When he got to "Grand Central Terminal," he called his parents and told them what train he would be on. His parents picked him up at the train station. His mother's worrying was over. She was relieved that her son was home safe and in one piece, although she thought he was too thin!
Tom rattled around his home for several weeks. He then couldn't stand doing nothing! He sat down and figured how much money he had in the bank. He had been depositing his government check into the bank, and spending a minimum of cash (at the NCO club for beer, and his purchase of the camera.) He began going into the city looking at possible photo studios. He found one, in an acceptable neighborhood, that he could afford, and opened his own studio.The next few months were very tight! He lived in the studio rather than pay for an apartment.
A few months later he received a telegram from Jefferson naming a flight arrival time in New York City. Jefferson would stay overnight, then fly to Rochester the following day! After that, they would see what develops.
On the appointed day, Tom rented a car and drove to the airport. He parked and went into the "Arrival" gate. When Jefferson walked into the terminal in his brand new uniform, he looked very snazie! Tom and Jefferson greeted each other with typical hugs and body slaps. No one would guess there was more to their relationship than being "Old Friends."
They retrieved the luggage and carried it out to the rented car. They put the luggage into the trunk, then they got into the car. Tom looked around and saw no one. He leaned over, and planted a wet kiss on Jeff.
Tom said: "I have missed you!"
Jefferson responded: "I missed you too."
Tom started driving. He drove to a hotel in manhattan. Jefferson got his luggage. They went to the registration desk, and signed themselves in. They took an elevator to the 6th floor. They went into the room and closed the door. The door was no sooner closed when Jeff dropped his bag and tightly embraced Tom and passionately kissed him.
Jeff broke the kiss and asked: "A Hotel?"
Tom answered: "I have been sleeping in my studio and it was not a proper place for a reunion: no bed! Here we have a bed.
In the blink of an eye, they were both naked and on the bed. In rapid succession they frotted, "69'd" and then fucked each other! After the marathon sex, the two lay beside each other, recuperating. They lay on the bed, cuddling. Then Jeff said: "I have to go back to see my parents in Rochester, however there is nothing holding me there. I would like to come back and be with you."
Tom replied: "I am glad you said that because I was going to ask you if you wouldn't mind living in a photo studio until we could find an apartment!"
Jefferson answered: "I will be happy to join you. My time in the supply room has taught me a lot about business. Maybe I can help with the business side of the photo business? You take care of the artistic side, and I will take care of the business side."
Tom replied: "I want you! If I get a business partner in the deal, I will be happy."
The next day, Jeff flew to Rochester to see his parents. Tom was at loose ends. When he had been busy setting up the studio, he did not miss Jeff. He now realized that he missed Jeff. To break the spell of his miasma at being alone, he decided to spend some money, and he got a ticket to the opera. He went and saw "La Boheme" at the Metropolitan opera house in the new Lincoln Center.
During the intermission, he struck up a conversation with a beautiful young lady in a very expensive dress. During the conversation, he mentioned that he was a photographer with his own studio. She asked for his business card which he gave her. He was very surprised when she came to his studio and made an appointment for a portrait. She asked: "How much?" Tom gave her a price. She laughed and said if the portrait was any good, she would pay him double the price quoted. She came to the studio for her sitting. When Tom produced the finished photograph she was very pleased and paid him double. Tom was a very good photographer, and had captured her soul in the portrait.
She did not tell Tom but she recommended him to all her friends. When she entertained at her home, the photo-portrait talked for itself! Tom was soon into a very rich elite New York City group, who had no qualms on spending large sums of money on photo-portraits. Financially, with connections and Jeff's business sense, Tom was well off.
After being in business with a California Photo Supplier for some time, They decided to go and see them. It was to be a Vacation! They would rent a car and drive out (A business trip was tax deductible, and a visit to the Supply Company made it a business trip.) They would see the national parks and stop off to see Daniel, whom they both remembered fondly!