Love in the Army By Mikkiwriter
This story is copyrighted to myself its writer and cannot be copied or posted elsewhere without my express written permission. This story is fiction and any resemblance to persons or events are purely coincidental. If you are underage or don't like stories of a homosexual nature please leave now otherwise please enjoy the story.
I welcome comments please send them to Mikkiwriter@gmail.com
Thanks to Nifty for hosting my stories and here's to another 20 years of our favourite story site. It's a big year for me as well as I hit 40 next month.
Now on with the story......
Love in the Army
Twenty-one years old Thomas Rees was born in the valleys of South Wales and as soon as he hit 16 he signed up with his dads' permission to join the army. At first he struggled with his discipline but soon changed his attitude when a new commanding officer was appointed. At the age of 18 his unit was sent out to Afghanistan. Tom was a rising star in his unit and soon got promoted to corporal. One of Tom's colleagues Matthew Taylor was also his best mate he had followed Tom into the army. Matthew kept himself to himself and apart from a few select unit members he mainly bothered with Tom. Matthew had no ambition to rise up the ladder and remained a private.
Tom loved his job and looked after his unit as best as he could. Recently one of his unit 21 year old Ben Andrews was injured while out on patrol. Ben's injury hit home the danger and Tom was more determined to make it home safe. Ben was another quiet member of the unit but Ben had recently been selected as a possible lance corporal.
Tom's commanding officer announced that the unit was due to return to the UK just before Christmas
It was a normal day in camp and Tom and two others had just gone out on patrol. Matthew and another private Charlie had gone out just after them.
Tom was happy to be going home but soon after he returned to camp worst news came through that two members of his unit had been injured. Tom had returned to his tent and was starting to pack his stuff when the new young private James ran into Tom's tent to tell him the news that Major Evans wanted to see him straight away.
Tom smiled and said "ok thank you James"
Tom headed over to Major Evans tent.
"Come in Tom and sit down young man" Brad said
"There is no easy way to tell you this Tom I'm sorry but Private Matthew Taylor died earlier today after an ied exploded" Brad said
Tom just looked at brad and stood up and left the tent and went back to his tent and dropped onto his bed and sobbed.
Bradley knew that James and Matt had grown up together and knew that this loss would hit him badly. Bradley left Tom for a little while then headed over to his tent. Since taking over this unit Bradley had taken a liking to Tom and spotted his potential straight away.. Bradley went in to see Tom sat on his bed holding a photo of Matt and himself when they were young.
Tom stood up and saluted as the major walked in but Bradley dismissed him and said "how are you young man?"
"I'll be ok sir" Tom said wiping the tears away from his face.
"Come on Tom I know you well enough to know that Matt meant a lot to you and you can drop the bullshit and tell me the truth" Bradley said
"Yeah we have been best mates since we were six and I can't believe he has gone sir" Tom said
"it is difficult but sadly shit like this happens in the god forsaken place and we are supposed to just get on with it but I am glad to be saying goodbye to this shithole tomorrow for sure" Bradley said
"Yeah but what about Matt when will his body go back sir?" Tom replied
"Well you got to remember that we lost two guys today Matt and Charlie and hopefully their bodies were go back tomorrow on a different flight to Brize Norton" Bradley replied
"Oh hell I didn't know Charlie died I thought he was injured?" Tom said
"He didn't make it sadly" Bradley replied
"Oh his poor wife and that little one that is really sad he was a good lad" Tom said
"And so was Matthew in the three years he has been in the unit never had any problem "Bradley said
"Yeah he tried his best I will say that it's his family I really feel for his mum is a lovely women like a second mum to me" Tom said
"Now we need to pack Matt's equipment and stuff up I think it might be better if you did it while I go and pack up Charlie's stuff.
Meanwhile
Night was falling in the South Wales valley village where Tom had grown up. Mrs Taylor was sat in her back room watching TV with her youngest son Rhys when there was a knock at the door.
Mrs Taylor looked at the clock and said "who the hell could that be this time of night"
Rhys just shrugged his shoulders.
Mrs Taylor went to the door and immediately knew it was bad news when she saw two men dressed in army uniform standing there.
"What's happened?" Mrs Taylor shouted
Sgt Paul Dempster and Private Alex Mills hated this part of their job as family liaison officers for the army.
"Mrs Taylor I'm private Alex Mills and this is Sgt Paul Dempster can we come in please? "Alex asked
Rhys heard his mum shout and ran to her and knew by the look on the faces of two guys that this was bad news
Rhys took his mums hand and led her into the living room.
Paul then said "Mrs Taylor I am really sorry to meet you in these sad circumstances myself and Alex are family liaison officers assigned to your sons unit. I'm sorry to have to tell you this news but your son Matthew was out on patrol this morning in Afghanistan and came under attack I m sorry but Matthew was badly injured and sadly later died of his injuries". Mrs Taylor screamed and started to sob and call out Matthew's name.
Rhys was hugging her and crying.
"What about Tom is he ok?" Mrs Taylor asked
"Tom?" Paul asked
"Tom is Matt's best mate he is a corporal in the same unit as Matt" Rhys replied
"Well there were two fatalities this morning but as far as I know the other person is from north Wales so he must be ok" Paul replied
Mrs Rees was putting out the milk bottles when she saw the army car parked outside the Taylors. She went back into her house and said to her husband "I hope everything is ok but there is a car with army number plate outside Julies next door.
"This time of night that can't be good I think you better go round and see if everything is ok" Mr Rees said
Mrs Rees went round just as the two army men were leaving Paul said "I will be back tomorrow to see you Mrs Taylor"
Mrs Rees could see that Julie had been crying and "Is everything ok?"
"No it's not its Matthew he is dead" Julie said breaking down in Mrs Rees's arms
Mrs Rees saw Rhys sat on the settee sobbing and put her arm round him and said "I am so sorry"
"I don't know what to say Matt was such a nice lad he was like another son to me" Mrs Rees said
"We were so looking forward to seeing him" Julie said sobbing
"Our boys shouldn't be out in that god forsaken place" Mrs. Rees said
Rhys started to cry and said "why Matthew why?"
Mrs Rees said "that's a question no one can answer Rhys" putting her arms round the young lad
Julie looked at Rhys and said "you better ring your sister and tell her to come round"
Rhys pulled out his phone and tapped the number in
Katherine was getting ready for bed when he mobile rang. She looked at the number and saw "RHYS" showing.
"Hi Rhys what's happening?" Katherine said
"Hi Kath" Rhys replied
"Is everything ok you sound upset?" Kath said
"Umm no mum and I need you Matt's been killed we need you here please Kath" Rhys said with tears rolling down his face.
Kath said "what oh hell I'll be there as soon as I can get Jon ready"
Mrs Rees said "I will stay with you until Kath gets here"
"Thank you Lucy I appreciate that" Julie replied
Lucy goes into the kitchen and put the kettle on. She made three cups of tea and goes back into the room and sits down next to Julie. The two women started to talk about the first time they met and how Tom and Matt soon became best mates. Lucy then said "you remember when Matt fell out of that tree down the park and Tom had to help him home"
"yeah and the time that Jones boy pushed him down the steps behind number 8 and Tom pushed him down them behind him and we had hell off Mrs Jones" Julie said smiling
"I d forgot that one who the hell she thought she was I don't know her and her butter wouldn't melt in mouth son" Lucy said
"Yeah but he is in prison now" Rhys said
"What how do you know that?" Julie asked
"well his younger brother was in my school until they moved away to Cardiff to be nearer to his brother who was in prison that's what he told the boys at the school" Rhys replied
"well well well she told me he had got a job in London and was working away and all the time he was in Cardiff nick he was always a horrible boy" Lucy said
"Yes he was nasty piece of work" Julie said
"Who was a nasty piece of work" Kath asked as she walked through the door
"That Jones boy the one who pushed Matt down the steps behind number 8" Julie said
"Oh him Mr I'm so special Daniel Jones" Kath said
"Daniel that was his name I couldn't remember" Lucy said
Lucy said "well Julie I'm going to make a move you know where I am if you need anything and i mean anything"
"Yeah thank you Lucy for coming" Julie replied
Kath walked Lucy to the door and said "Thanks for coming over"
"It's no problem at all I am so sorry Matt was well liked and he will be so missed i feel like I've lost a son as well he spent so much time round ours" Lucy replied
Lucy waved as she walked into her house.
Daniel Lucy's husband was sat on the settee watching the news when a report came on 2 British soldiers have died while out on patrol in Afghanistan their families have now been informed. Lucy saw the report and burst into tears. Dan saw her and jumped up and pulled into a hug and said "it Matt isn't it?"
"Yes Darling it is and we got to prepare ourselves for a very upset son when he comes home on Sunday and you know this place won't be the same without Matt sat there " Lucy said wiping the tears away
"No it won't he was part of the furniture here" Dan said
"How are Julie and Rhys doing?" Dan asked
"Well they are holding up but I think they need to let it out" Lucy said
"I m sure that will come once the news settles in" Dan said
"Yeah I am sure it will" Lucy said
"They said on the report that two soldiers died I wonder who the other one was?" Dan said
"Well Julie said the army officers said that the other one was from North Wales" Lucy replied
Tom walked out of his tent as saw his fellow unit members all sat looking upset. He walked over and said "come on lads this is not what Matt and Charlie would want us mopping like this so come let's get this kit packed up so we can get the hell out of his hellhole"
The lads smiled and shout "yes sir" and headed off to the tents to start packing up.
Sunday
Tom had arrived back at RAF Brize Norton on Friday and after a two day debrief they were finally allowed to visit their families. Tom loaded his prize bmw he had bought before he was shipped to Afghanistan and headed down the M4 and headed home to Wales.
Tom had been in a daze since Tuesday when he best friend Matt died and was glad to be out of uniform and to be in civvies. He pulled into the cull de sac where his parents lived and spotted the floral tributes left outside the Taylor family home next door.
Dan and Lucy spotted the car and ran out and hugged their son and said "oh welcome home"
"How's Julie mum?" Tom asked
"Not good son she hasn't slept since Tuesday and Rhys and Kath are really worried about her" Lucy said
"How are Rhys and Kath are they coping?" Tom asked
"well Kath is busying herself with stuff and well Rhys I think is bottling it all up the army family liaison have been fantastic though and the community well you have seen the tributes" Lucy
"Do you think I should go and see them or not?" Tom asked
"Well it might not be a very good idea just yet son" Dan said
Just then there was a knock at the door. Dan opened the door to see a tired looking Julie standing there.
"Oh hi Julie you ok?" Dan asked
Tom spotted her and ran past his dad into Julies arms and said "I'm so sorry"
"Tom there was nothing you could have done so please don't blame yourself you and Matthew were best friends and I hope you will never forget him and promise me one thing you will still come round and see us when you are home on leave" Julie said
Tom looked at Julie and said "I will never forget Matt he will always be there" pointing to his heart with tears rolling down his eyes
"i promised Matt that I would always look out for you if this happened just like he did for me so I will always visit you I promise after all your my second mum and don't ever forget that" Tom said
"I'm sorry I disrupted your reunion but I had to come round and see you I've been looking out for your car all day" Julie said
"Hey don't worry about that" Lucy said
Julie then said "I have another reason to come round I want you to try and get Rhys out of the house all he has done since has been moping in his bedroom and crying when he thinks I don't hear him"
"Ok I call round a little later" Tom replied
Lucy said "and you Julie need to get some rest"
Lucy walked back to Julies with her and saw Kath and her 3 year old son Jon playing with some toys and said "why don't you go up and have a nap oh at least try and get some rest"
"Ok I will try" Julie said
Kath smiled and said "I have been telling her that all day but she wouldn't listen to me"
"I think she needed to see Tom was home safely before letting herself sleep" Lucy replied
"Let's hope that is it we have the repatriation ceremony tomorrow and I don't know if she will be up for it" Kath said
"Oh that's tomorrow that won't be very nice thing to see" Lucy said
"I was wondering if Tom would go with us." Kath said
"I'll ask him when I go back and I'll tell him to tell you when he comes round to see Rhys later" Lucy replied
Tom later went round to the Taylors and Kath smiled and said "hi welcome home"
Tom "hi Kath how are you?"
"Devastated to tell you the truth Matt was my rock" Kath said
"I know what you mean I keep thinking it is a nightmare and I am going to wake up" Tom said
"Yeah it feels like that" Kath said
"Where's Rhys i came over to see him?" Tom said
"Upstairs in his room moping where he has been since Tuesday" Kath replied
Tom walked over and ruffled Jon's hair and said "god you've grown since I last saw you Matt really loved this one you know that"
"i know and he asked yesterday where is uncle was it broke my heart" Kath said
"Is it ok if I go up?" Tom asked
"Yeah go on hopefully you can get him out of his pit I have tried but he just tells me to go away but not as polite" Kath replied
"I bet" Tom said smiling
Tom walked upstairs towards Rhys bedroom and saw that Matt's room door was open he could see Julie sitting on the chair sleeping holding a photo of Matt. Tom felt a tear rolling down his face he wiped it away and went over the landing and knocked on Rhys's door. Rhys shouted "fuck off Kath"
Tom opened the door and said "hey that's not nice is it"
Rhys saw Tom standing there and jumped off his bed and hugged him Rhys has always thought of Tom as his other older brother as he was always around when he was growing up.
Rhys smiled said "when did you get back?"
"This morning but I have to go back later this week for more debriefing but Major Evans let me come home because he knew how close I was to Matt"
"Come let's get out of this place for a bit fancy a ride in my new car?" Tom asked
"Cool let me have a quick shower and change" Rhys said
"Ok I'll go down and chat to Kath while you get ready ok" Tom said
Tom went downstairs and said "we going out for a run in the car once he has showered and changed"
Kath said "wow you are a miracle worker"
"Nah I just think he needed some male company" Tom said
Tom sat downstairs talking to Kath and playing with Jon until he spotted Rhys now dressed in a black t shirt and black trousers coming downstairs.
"Ok I have to pop next door and get my keys and then we can get out of here for a little while" Tom said
"Cool" Rhys said
Rhys noticed that more floral tributes had been left and looked at the cards he spotted one from his unit and said "tom that's nice of the lads in his unit"
"Yeah we clubbed together and i had it sent here" Tom said
"Thanks tom you were a true friend to matt" Rhys said
"Yeah and he was my best friend and will always remember him" Tom said
"Yeah his cheeky smile "Rhys said
"wow that one is from Daniel Jones" pointing to a bouquet on the floor" Tom said
"He was in the nick must have been released or more likely his mum sent it" Rhys said
"Well whoever sent it it was nice to see they have Matt in their thoughts" Tom said
"Yeah" Rhys said
Tom smiled and said "come on lets go"
Rhys walked next door with Tom and smiled when he saw Tom's BMW parked on the drive and said "wow that's a nice motor"
"Yeah it is I bought it just before we went to the hellhole" Tom said
While Rhys stood outside one of the other neighbours came over and said "you ok lad?"
"Yeah thank you Mr Thomas I'm sure I'll be fine I will just be glad when the funeral is over" Rhys replied
"How's your mum?" Mr Thomas asked
"Well she is ok but just wish she would sleep" Rhys replied
"Well if there is anything we can do you know where we are" Mr. Thomas said
"Yeah thank you Mr Thomas"
Tom came out of his house just as Mr Thomas was going he spotted Tom and said "hello young man nice to see you"
"Thank you Mr. Thomas it is good to be home" Tom replied
Tom opened the door to his car and Rhys jumped in Tom spotted the tears running down Rhys's face.
Tom said "well id better be off I promised Rhys to take him for a McDonalds"
"Ok Tom I'll catch you again" Mr Thomas replied
Tom jumped into the car and backed it out of drive and drove down the road out of the village heading towards the nearest town and McDonalds. He pulled into the car park and said "come on lets have some fun for a change"
Rhys smiled and said "you really do know how to cheer me up"
Tom laughed and said "well what 16 year old doesn't like a McD's"
Tom ordered their meal and they sat down in a window seat and Tom said "I hope me being home doesn't upset you Rhys"
Rhys smiled and "no I just miss him that's all he was the only person I could really talk too"
"Yeah Matthew was a great listener" Tom said
Rhys smiled and said "some of his advice was a bit crap though"
Both boys laughed.
Tom said "well if you need to talk or anything and I mean anything I'm here for you I promise. Matt and I made that promise to each other when we went out to that hellhole that if anything happened to either of us we would look out for each other's families"
"What if you have to go back out there and you get injured or worse who would look out for me then" Rhys said sobbing
"Rhys come on listen to me when I go back on Friday I am going to find out if I can leave the army has my original 5 years is over and I don't want to renew for a further 5 years now Matt isn't there with me" Tom said
Rhys smiled and started to eat one of the staff came over and said "is everything ok here you seem upset young man?"
"Umm he is ok his older brother has recently been killed and I m trying to keep help him" Tom said
"Of course I knew I knew you from somewhere you are Julie Taylor's son aren't you" the woman asked
"Yeah guilty as charged" Rhys replied smiling
"Please pass my condolences onto her and tell her Alice said I am so sorry I used to work with your mum in the coop before they closed it" Alice replied
Tom said "well you must have known my mum she worked at the coop as well Lucy Rees"
"Yes i can tell you are Lucy's son how is she" Alice replied
"Yeah she is ok bit upset over Matthew we used to spend a lot of time in each other's houses when we were younger but I m sure she will be ok" Tom replied
"Well such a small world if I remember you were in the army as well young man?" Alice replied
"Yeah just come home on leave I was in the same unit as Matt and was in the camp when Matt and a comrade died it has left the unit devastated as we were due home the next day" Tom replied
"That is so sad well remember me to your mum wont you" Alice said
"I will do" Tom said
"Well I'd better get back to work" Alice said
"Ok nice to meet you lads" Alice said as she left
Shortly after the manager came over and said "excuse me I would like to give you this" handing Tom the money he had paid for the meal
"Umm I don't understand" Tom replied
"Well if you don't mind I would like to pay for your meal as a token to you and your family" the manager replied
"Rhys smiled and said "thanks"
Tom and Rhys headed back to the car and Rhys said "wow never get a free meal out of McD's.
Tom laughed and said "yeah that was a bit unusual" Tom pulled out of the car park and headed back home Rhys and Tom were smiling and laughing remembering some of the crap Matt had said over the years.
Tom reversed his car into his drive and said "well Rhys I'll see you Tomorrow ok"
Rhys smiled and said "we not here tomorrow we got the body repatriation thing which I'm not looking forward to"
"Yeah I know I'm going the unit has to be there to pay tribute it's not the best thing in the world to be at but I will be there" Tom replied
"Oh ok well I'll see you tomorrow then" Rhys said waving as he headed back to his house.
Monday
The Taylor family and Tom stood at the side of the runway at Raf Brize Norton has the plane landed and six members of Toms unit carried the first of two coffins draped with the union flag out. Tom had worn his dress uniform and saluted as the two coffins of his comrades were placed into the hearses. Tom also spotted the family of Private Charlie James standing there with Charlie's wife and 6 month old baby. Tom remembered on how proud Charlie was when the baby was born and a tear rolled down his cheek.
Tom went over and passed on his condolences and told them that he was proud to have met their son and how proud he was of his parents and his beautiful wife and son. Charlie's father thanked Tom for talking to them and said "we are so proud of him he died doing a job he loved"
Tom was driving back from Brize Norton listening to the radio when the news came on "M.O.D release the names of two young army soldiers killed in Afghanistan. "23 year old Charlie James a father of one from Anglesey north Wales and 21 year Matthew Taylor from South Wales were both killed while out on patrol in Helmand province last Tuesday their bodies were returned to the Uk earlier today.
Tom had to return to barracks on the Friday and the drive back was difficult leaving his parents and Matt's family behind in South Wales. Tom arrived at the barracks and parked his car up locked it and headed into his room. The atmosphere was very subdued when the unit arrived and the lads asked Tom if he was ok. Tom smiled and said "I' m ok lads but if hasn't been the best week in my life seeing Matt's family in pieces been very difficult"
Tom went to Major Evans's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in" Major Evans shouted
Tom opened the door and Major Evans smiled and said "hi Tom how are you?"
"Well to be honest sir I am in pieces but I am trying to keep myself strong for the family" Tom replied
"It is to be understandable you and Matthew were best friends for a long time but we need to move on and rebuild as a unit" Major Evans replied
"Well that's another reason I have come in to see you sir I have decided not to renew and leave the army as soon as I can" Tom replied
"Oh now that's bad news Tom you are a rock in the unit and don't think we will be able to rebuild it without you as well" Major Evans replied
"I understand that you might feel like I'm letting you down sir but I just don't want to go on and I don't want my family going through the hell that the Taylors and the James are going through" Tom said
"well I can understand that young man and I will put the wheels in motion for you but I for one will miss you as you are one of the best corporals I have had the pleasure to work with for a good few years" Major Evans replied
"Thank you for that sir I have only done my best for the unit sir" Tom said smiling
"well young man you need to get into uniform and start to kick those lads out there into shape ready for the full military honours funerals we have to do in the next few days I believe Charlie's is on Wednesday and Matthews has been arranged for Saturday" Major Evans said
"Yeah Mrs Taylor told me that before I left this morning but I didn't know it was a military funeral though" Tom replied
"Yeah at the request of both families there will be full military honours and Mrs Taylor has requested that you are to do a reading at the service" Major Evans said
"Yeah she did mention that to me and I said it would be an honour to do that" Tom replied
Wednesday
The small rural community on Anglesey where Charlie had grown up ground to halt as friends and family gathered at his funeral. The hearse pulled into the local parish church and six members of his unit including Tom gently lifted the young private's coffin into the church.
The remaining members of the unit including Major Evans stood in a line as a guard of honour as the coffin made its way into St Paul's church.
Major Evans read a poem that Charlie had wrote and several of his family were crying as the Major read it out.
The service was finally over and the family and friends followed as the unit flawlessly carried the coffin to the graveside a full gun salute was made and the last post sounded as the coffin was lowered into the grave draped in a welsh flag.
Tom planned to straight home to South Wales after the funeral. Tom walked with his unit to the car park where the people carrier for the unit and tom's car were parked when a young man walked up and said "excuse me"
Tom turned round to see someone who looked just like Charlie but dressed in police uniform standing there.
"Hi can I help you" Tom replied
"Yeah I am Darren Charlie's twin brother I was wondering if you and your unit can join us at the house for some food" Darren said
"We wouldn't want to intrude" Tom replied
"No you won't be intruding we would like you too" Darren replied
"Ok then we will follow you" Tom said
Tom and his comrades were enjoying the hospitality of the James family. At around 2 Tom walked over to Darren and said "hi mate we going to make a move the lads have to return to base and I have to get down south to my family"
Darren smiled and said "ok and thank you for everything you and your colleagues have done today and have a safe journey home"
Charlie's mum came over and said "thank you young man I know Charlie liked you he was always mentioning the corporal being a good guy"
"well I was only doing my job Mrs James but Charlie was a well liked member of the unit and I think he would have been the next corporal in the unit" Tom replied
"Well thank you for being there for my son Tom and promise me you will look after yourself if you go back to that hellhole" Mrs James said
"Well I doubt I will ever go back to that place I will be leaving the army shortly my 5 year service is up" Tom replied
"Oh that's sad but whatever you decide to do good luck" Mrs James said
Major Evans walked over and said "Mrs. James I have this to give to you we found it in Charlie's kit" handing Mrs James a letter addressed to mum and dad.
Mrs James handed it over to Tom and asked him to read it. Tom said "are you sure?" Mrs James nodded and called for quiet Tom slowly opened it and started to read the letter.
Hi Mum and Dad Darren and Hailey
If you are reading this letter I have died. Please don't be upset I loved my job here in the army. I knew the dangers when I joined up and like Darren in the police we have a dangerous job to do. Promise me you will look after Hailey and Ben for me.
Darren you are the best brother in the world and I love you so much
Hailey my darling wife
I am so sorry but i haven't been a great husband being away all the time. Please believe me I love you so much and you made me the proudest man alive when Ben was born please don't let him forget me.
I will never forget you and please never forget me
Love your son brother dad and husband
Charlie
Mrs James was in tears and she walked over to Darren who was in tears and hugged him and said to Tom "thank you Tom"
Tom smiled and wiped the tears that were rolling down his face and he walked over to Major Evans and asked "did Matthew leave one?"
"Yeah he left two one addressed to you and the other to his mum brother and sister but I don't have them with me they are back at the base" Bradley replied
"Ok will you bring them on Saturday?" Tom replied
"Yeah I will now we really need to get back to base and you need to get home we will see you Saturday" Bradley replied
"Ok sirs see you Saturday" Tom said
Tom drove down the A470 towards south Wales when a news report came on the funeral took place today of Private Charlie James who was one of two welsh soldiers killed in Afghanistan recently. The full military funeral took place on Anglesey earlier. The other solider killed private Matthew Taylor will be buried on Saturday.
Saturday morning
Tom got up early and sat looking out of the window looking across the valley remembering the great times he and matt had had when they were growing up. Tom got up and went for a walk and headed to the old children's play area at the bottom of the street and sat them looking at a tree suddenly he remembered the day matt fell out of the tree smiling to himself remembering struggling getting Matt up the street and the roasting he got from Julie afterward.
Matt walked up the lane and headed up the steps heading up the foot path to the nearby woodland. He suddenly remembered the day that local idiot Daniel Jones pushed Matt down the steps and how he screamed when Tom pushed him down behind Matt he also remember the shit he had afterward.
Tom walked up the mountain and sat down looking over the village and felt really at peace. He had been sat there for about 15 minutes when he noticed a figure heading his way he looked up to see a young man dressed in army uniform walking closer. Tom smiled at the man and realised that it was one of the family liaison officers helping the Taylors.
Hi Tom I'm Private Alex Mills I m one of the family liaison officers helping the Taylors I saw you coming up here and thought I'd come and see if you ok?"
"Well I will be glad to see today over but I am ok is Rhys ok by the way?" Tom said
"He seems ok but I can tell he is trying to be brave for his mum to be honest" Alex replied
"Yeah I thought that also" tom said
Tom then said "Matt and I used to come up here all the time when we were kids"
Alex smiled and said "I bet you two were nightmares for your parents if you were anything like me and my mates"
"We were model kids I let you know and if you believe that you believe anything" Tom said smiling
"Well we need to get back you need to get into uniform sir and I need to make sure the Taylors are ok" Alex said
"Yeah and don't call me sir I'm Tom out of uniform and I will soon be getting out and will be plain old Tom Rees again" Tom said
"Well that's a shame you would be a good family liaison officer" Alex said
"I don't think I could do that job would be crying all the time" Tom replied
"believe me all family liaison officers cry sometimes even Paul he lost it when we told the Taylors on the way back from their house we just don't show it" Alex said
"So how come you are not on active service Alex" Tom asked
"Well you noticed my limp?" Alex asked
"Yeah it's not too noticeable" Tom replied
"well I was injured during training and my ankle is shot so I was supposed to leave the army but I was offered the chance to join the Family Liaison section or a desk job so I chose this one I will never see active service sadly but I trained with Ben from your unit I visited him in hospital and by the way he asked me to pass his condolences on to the Taylors and you oh and he wants a visit he told me to tell you" Alex said smiling
"Oh shit yeah I promised him I would visit let's get this out of the way first" Tom said
Later
Tom walked downstairs dressed in his full dress uniform and met up with his parents and the Taylor family. Julie spotted Tom and said "god don't you look good in that uniform"
Tom smiled and spotted that his unit had arrived he marched over and reported to Major Evans
"Corporal Rees nice of you to join us" Major Evans said smiling
"Sorry sir I was talking to the family" tom replied
"It was a joke Tom I saw you talking to the family" brad replied
"Right men listen up we need today to go as flawlessly as you did on Wednesday let's get this started" Major Evans said
The unit followed the funeral cortege as it made its way down to the small parish church in the village centre. The whole village was out and threw flowers and clapped as the hearse made its way down the hill towards the centre. The coffin was draped in the welsh flag and Matt's hat was on top.
The village store had closed as a mark of respect and the owner was standing outside as the cortege passed.
Tom was sat in the following black car with the Taylors and had his arm round Rhys who was crying.
They pulled into the churchyard and Tom joined his unit as they lifted the coffin and Tom led the unit into the church just like Wednesday Major Evans and the remaining unit members formed a guard of honour outside the church.
The service began with Major Evans saying a few words and the vicar then called Tom to do his reading. Tom read the reading out with tears rolling down his face and afterward said "Matthew and I have been best friends since we were 6 when Julie moved next door to us. We were inseparable I still can't believe he has gone but he has I will always remember him as a cheeky scamp who I had to keep in line sometimes but also as the best friend anyone could possibly ask for I will miss him but most of all I will never forget him. Sleep tight Matthew god bless.
The vicar then said "we will now listen to a song that Matthew loved "you'll never walk alone"
Tom stood next to the coffin as the song played
The service was over and Tom's comrades lifted the coffin up and Tom led them out of the church to the graveyard nearby followed by the family the unit members were already in place and the family and friends filled around the grave Major called the unit to arms and a full gun salute was fired the coffin was then lowered as the last post played. Tom crashed to the ground and started to scream and cry as all the emotion and bottled up frustration came out.
Mrs Rees ran to her son and picked him up and hugged him and said "come on son let it out"
Tom looked over and saw Rhys was sat on the graveside staring into the grave. Tom walked over to him and held out his hand Rhys took hold and Tom and Rhys walked away together
Rhys and Tom sat with Julie and Kath when Major Evans came over and said "Mrs. Taylor I need to give you this handing Julie the letter he then handed Tom the one addressed to him. Julie looked over at Tom and asked him to read it but Tom said "No I can't it would be too hard maybe Alex could"
Julie said "yeah ok you are right it would be too hard for you to read it" and handed it to Alex
Alex called for quiet and slowly opened the first letter and started to read it
Mum Rhys and Kath
This is the most difficult letter I have ever written and if you are reading I take it I have died. I am sorry for the shit I have put you through over the years and want you to remember me as you doting son and brother. I will never forget you.
Mum
I will love you always and I knew when my unit was sent out in combat that I may not return but still I will never forget you and please don't ever forget me. Look out for tom for me as well.
Kath and Jon
Kath I promised you when Jon came along that I would be there for you and Jon always I am sorry I can't live up to that promise but please forgive me. Give Jon a hug from his uncle love you forever
Rhys
You are the man of the house now and you have to look after mum and Kath and Jon for me as you promised me. You are the best brother anyone could ask for even if sometimes we didn't see eye to eye I want you to live your life to the full mate love you always and be true to yourself mate.
Love from your loving son and brother
Matthew
Julie was sobbing and Lucy was trying to console her
Alex then opened the second letter and started to read it
Tom
Writing this is even more difficult as you know what we have to go through daily in this awful place but I want to say that without you at my side from the age of six I don't think I would have got through the shit that was put my way. You were like a brother more than a mate some people called us the terrible twosome when we were younger but we were just two boys having fun.
I love you Tom from the bottom of my heart but please don't give up your career because I have gone you are army through and through and remember as it says in our favourite song
"YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE"
One thing I want to ask is that you please look out for Mum Rhys and Kath for me I know you will also Lucy and Dan my surrogate parents I love you too thanks for being there for me even when I got Tom into shit you always supported us.
Love form your soul mate and best friend
Matthew
Tom was sobbing and Rhys walked over and hugged him and said "that was nice"
Tom said "yeah sad but nice"
Tom was sat looking round the room when he spotted a young lad sat not far away he looked at Rhys and said "who is that?"
Rhys looked over and said "that's our cousin Simon he is trainee doctor works at the heath in Cardiff"
"I think I remember him from when we were young" Tom said
Rhys said "Matt used to call him porky because he used to be fat but he has lost all the weight now"
"That's right I remember Porky Matt used to rib him terribly" Tom said
"Yeah but look at him now he is no bigger than any of us" Rhys said
Simon looked over and saw Rhys and Tom laughing.
Simon walked over and said "hi guys"
Rhys smiled and said "hi Simon how's it going?"
"Yeah I'm not bad mate how are you holding up?" Simon asked
"Well I am trying hard not to break down in tears but Tom is helping" Rhys said
"Yeah I remember you from when we were kids you and Matt were the terrible twosome" Simon said laughing
"Yeah Matt was the worst one though" Tom replied
"Yeah he ribbed me for years but in those days we just laughed it off these days they would call it abuse the saddos" Simon said
The more Tom spoke to Simon the more he liked him. Tom noticed that he had the same cheeky smile that Matthew had.
A few weeks later
Tom had finally completed his formal training to join the family liaison unit. He was assigned as the FLO for his old unit replacing Paul who has been promoted and was now heading the Family liaison unit in his new role. Tom was also shocked when he was given a promotion and in front of his extended family and Julie and Rhys he was promoted formally to Sergeant.
Julie walked over to Tom and said "do you know I am so proud of you and I know Matt would have been as well"
"Thanks Mum" Tom said smiling. Tom has always called Julie mum and matt always called Lucy the same
Another change that took place the same day was that Alex was also promoted to lance corporal.
Tom went over to his old commanding officer Major Evans and said "nice to see you sir"
Bradley smiled "nice to see you as well Tom I want you to meet your replacement Corporal Andrew Thompson"
Tom smiled and said "pleased to meet you"
Andrew smiled and shook Toms hand and said "yes to meet you as well sir"
"You have a good team of lads just have to keep them in order" Tom said
"Yeah they speak highly of you and I hope I can rebuild the unit before we have to go back out to Afghanistan" Andrew said
"I'm sure you will I was going to leave the army but I decided to listen to my late best friend's advice and stay in but I don't think I could go back out to Afghanistan" Tom said
"It's not the best place and I can understand that I heard for some of the lads about Matthew and how you were best mates" Andrew replied
"It's nice to meet you Andrew and good luck" Tom replied
"Yes nice to meet you too sir" Andrew said smiling
A few days had passed since Sgt Tom Rees has started his new job as a family liaison officer. He was going through some files and pulled out a file and spotted the name on it. Private Ben Andrews
Tom opened the file and started to read the file. He noticed that his predecessor had written in there that Ben was depressed and very unhappy. It also said that Ben felt that his unit had forgotten him as no one had visited him. This upset Tom and he picked up the phone and tapped in a number. Major Evan's office the person answered. "Hi can I speak to Major Evans please its corporal I mean Sergeant Tom Rees Family liaison.
"Yes one moment" the voice replied
"Hi Tom what can I do for you?" Bradley replied
"I know this is a bit of unusual request but if there any chance that you and a few of the lads can spare some time later today?" Tom replied
"Well I'm sure we can what for?" Bradley replied
"Well I have just been catching up on the clients list and one young private isn't very happy that the unit hasn't visited him since they got home" Tom replied
"You mean Ben" Bradley said
"yeah that's the one very depressed and unhappy Paul has written in his file and I thought that if I can get a few of the lads together and go and see if we can cheer him up" Tom said
"Ok well Andrew is putting the lads through their paces at the moment but I will go and sort it out and get some transport organised so shall we say meet outside at around 13:00 hours" Bradley said
"Ok that's fine see you then sir" Tom replied
Tom filled in Alex what was happening and Alex smiled and said "he will be really happy to see the guys with what has happened and he doesn't know that you have left the unit"
"yeah well I will be talking to him about that as well and I hope Andrew will come as well so he can meet Ben as well" Tom replied
13:00
Tom walked over to Major Evans and notice the group of lads and said "right guys listen to me the object of today is operation cheer up. Ben has been depressed and also he is really pissed off that none of us in this unit has been to visit him so today he is getting a flash mob visit" laughing
Tom noticed Andrew wasn't there and went over to Major Evans and said "where's Andrew?"
"He didn't think he should come as he doesn't know Ben" Bradley replied
"Well I disagree he should come and meet Ben after all said and done Ben his still a member of this unit"
Tom looked over and called "Private Lewis come over here"
John walked over and said "yes sir?"
"I want you to find Corporal Thompson and tell I want him in uniform and down here in 5 minutes" Tom said
"Yes sir" Jon said running into the barracks building
3 minutes later a pissed off looking Andrew appeared
Tom walked over and said "Andrew you are part of this unit and so is Ben he needs to know that the unit is still a tight unit and that included you that's why I needed you to join us"
Tom Bradley Andrew and the unit arrived at the hospital. Tom had already forewarned them to expect the visit and they had moved Ben into a private room out of the ward earlier. Tom has also spoken to Bens mum to inform her of the visit.
Tom said as they walked towards the building "Andrew I want you assemble the lads around the back in the garden myself and Major Evans will go and fetch him ok"
Andrew said "yes sir"
Tom stood and watched as the unit matched around the back.
Tom and Bradley arrived at the ward and the nurse smiled and said "he has been restless all day wants to know what's going on"
Tom smiled and said "well the unit is waiting in the garden around back as you said so myself and Major Evans will take him downstairs with us"
Ben was sat watching some crap on the TV wondering why the hell he had been taken out of the ward. Suddenly the door open and Ben looked up to see corporal Rees and Major Evans from his unit standing there.
Ben smiled and said "hi nice to see you"
Tom smiled and said "Ben please accept my apologies for not coming to see you sooner with everything that has happened we neglected out duty to you"
Bradley said "yes we have I can't believe that no one from the unit has been here to see you since we got back"
Ben smiled and said "well I was always the outcast in the unit so it's not surprising really"
Tom said "umm I don't know about that Ben you have always been part of the unit and it's just been a lot of things to sort out including some personnel changes"
"Well yeah with Matt Charlie and me out of the unit it must be a few new faces" Ben said
"well yeah we have a new corporal Andrew and two new privates James and Tim but you have not been replaced as you are still an active member" Bradley replied
"New Corporal why do we need a new Corporal?" Ben asked looking confused
"Well that's because I have left the unit and I have joined the family liaison unit as their new sergeant" Tom replied
"That's great your deserted us too" Ben said
"Not really I am assigned to the unit so I have a lot of things to sort through as the flo" Tom replied
Tom went over and handed Ben an uniform and said "now Private or should I say lance corporal myself and Major Evans will wait outside while you dress in that then we will go a ride downstairs ok"
Ben said "yes sir"
Ben changed into his new uniform and was still in shock that he had got his stripe at last he always thought that Andy would have it before him.
Tom came in with the wheelchair and Ben said "I can walk you know"
"Yeah I know but hospital policy says you have to use this so just put up with it" Tom said
Bradley had already headed down to the garden and had the unit lined up ready as Tom wheeled Ben out of the garden.
Andrew called out "attention" as Ben was wheeled over grinning as he saw his mates standing there. Tom said "ok you can walk now if you like". Ben stood up and took his place alongside his comrades for the first time in a few months.
Andrew walked over and shook his hand and said "Nice to meet you finally Lance Corporal Andrews"
"Thank you corporal" Ben replied
The lads were soon all talking to Ben and he finally felt like he has never been away.
Ben was on top of the world when Tom wheeled him back to the room and said "thanks Tom I know you organised this"
"Hey don't worry I always liked you and you are a worthy wearer of that uniform and that stripe don't you forget it" Tom said
"Now you get some rest and I will be back to see you tomorrow. I'm going to find out when we can get you out of this place back home to your mum and eventually the unit if you want to return that is" Tom said
The next day
Tom arrived at the hospital and saw chaos Tom managed to catch a nurse and said "is it ok if I see Ben Andrews"
"Yes of course he is in room 3" the nurse said as she ran down the corridor towards the ICU
Tom walked up to room 3 and knocked on the door
Ben replied "come in"
Tom walked in and Ben went to get up but Tom gestured for him to stay. Tom walked over and sat down on the bed next to Ben and said "I spoke to the doctor on the phone earlier he is going and come and see you later and he thinks you should be ok to get out of here by Friday"
Ben smiled and said "wow"
"Well he said he saw you yesterday evening and said your spirits were up and you seemed to see a future for yourself" Tom said
Ben had tears in his eyes and said "yeah I do I feel I'm the lucky one Matt and Charlie don't have a chance to carry on with their lives"
Tom started to hug Ben and then pulled back and looked into Ben's blue eyes and slowly moved forward and started to kiss Ben. Ben returned the kiss and said "wow I have always wanted to kiss you but was scared in case the lads found out I was gay"
Tom laughed and said "you know I think everyone in the unit suspected that you were but they accepted you for who you are Ben it is no one but your own business who you sleep with"
"Yeah but in the army it is different and you know as well as I do it might be acceptable to be gay now in the forces but the men don't like gay men in the barracks" Ben said
"Well I have never had any problems and I have never hidden the fact that I was gay" tom said
"Yeah but everyone knew you and Matt were partners so I guess they left you alone" Ben said
Tom laughed and said "god Matt would have kicked your arse for saying that Matt was as straight as a day mate he had lots of girl swooning over him whenever he went home"
"Wow I always thought you two were you know partners" Ben said
"Matt and I were best friends but that's all he was the best friend anyone could ask for but we never messed around like that" Tom said
"i remember once we were home and we went into Cardiff and we were in a bar and there was this hot blonde girl sat not far from us and she saw us and she must have thought we were a gay couple because she came over and started to talk to us she was a bit surprised to say the least when Matt came on to her but she ended up leaving with matt and I was left to console the girls boyfriend who she abandoned for matt. I got lucky that night ended up taking the boyfriend to a nearby hotel and turned him" Tom said laughing
"I bet that went down well with the blonde" Ben said laughing
"I don't know about that but I saw him a few months later in a gay bar snogging a cute black haired hunk so I know he never went back to her" Tom said
Ben smiled and said "the first time I did it was after we got back from Cyprus and I went home I was waiting at the local station for my train when this cute guy dressed in a suit came and sat down we smiled and then he looked me up and down and before I know it we were in some nearby bushes going at it. After we finished he told me he was a married father of one."
"Wow you pulled a dad" Tom said smiling
"Yeah but that's not the end of it we met up the next day and spent all day in bed" Ben said
"He must have been a gay dad then" Tom said
"Yeah he had left his wife and now lives with a hunky mechanic and his son" Ben said
"What he got custody?" Tom said
"yeah she met some bloke not long after they divorced and decided she didn't want the baby so she dumped him on Will and ran off" Ben said
"Oh nice woman then" Tom said
"Yeah a right bitch from what Will said" Ben replied
Tom leaned over and kissed Ben and said "right I'd better be off I will be back tomorrow alright gorgeous"
Ben smiled and "ok babes"
Tom left the room leaving Ben with a big smile on his face he couldn't believe he had pulled the hottest member of his unit.
Tom was just leaving the hospital when he noticed Alex headed towards the entrance. Tom walked over and said "hey mateys what you doing here?"
"Just had some news two lads were injured yesterday out in Afghanistan so we have work to do sir" Alex replied
"Ok what's detail do we have so far?" Tom asked
"Well we have Corporal John Harris and private Wayne Rees what I have heard Wayne is in a pretty bad way and John has lost a few limbs so this is a bad one" Alex said
"Where's John Harris from?" Tom asked
"Let's have a look Umm Carmarthenshire not far from your neck of the woods why?" Alex replied
"I know him we trained together he was a friend of Matt's as well but he was out in Afghanistan when the funeral was held so he missed it" Tom said
"Do you want me to handle his case and you do Wayne's" Alex asked
"Yeah might be an idea but I will come and see him anyway" Tom replied
Tom and Alex walked back into the hospital and headed to the ward. Tom was very apprehensive but despite him dealing with a few cases similar to this since he joined the unit he never gets easier.
Tom walked in and saw his friend lying there and walked over. John looked up and spotted Tom and Alex walking his way.
"Hi John" Tom said
"Hey Tom what you doing here? "I not allowed visitors yet" John said
"Well I `m here in my official capacity as a Family Liaison Officer but I won't be dealing directly with your case that is Alex's responsibility" Tom said
"Oh you on family liaison now i didn't know that" John said
"Yeah I have been for a little while now it's not an easy job but i enjoy it apart from when we have to break bad news" Tom said
"Yeah I can imagine how hard that can be" John said
"Alex here was one of the FLO's who broke the news to Matthews's mother so he has a lot more experience than me but i am getting better at it" Tom said
"Anyway I leave you in Alex's very capable hands when i visit my client and start to get his family informed" Tom said
"How come you not in uniform Tom?" John asked
"well i was actually visiting a old comrade of mine who is upstairs i was officially off today until this case came up anyway i better go and see about my case" Tom said
"Could it be Wayne Rees you are dealing with?" john asked
"Yeah that's the one you know him I take it" Tom said
"Yeah he is a good guy he is in a pretty bad way I know he had the crash team called to his room earlier" John said
"ok well I will find out what I can and get thing sorted nice seeing you again john and I will be back to see you soon ok" Tom said
"Yeah nice seeing you too Tom" John replied
Tom walked over to the desk and enquired about Wayne.
"Right well he is in surgery at the moment he has internal bleed which we are sorting out" the nurse replied
"I need to speak to his family so would it be ok for them to come and see him?" Tom asked
"Yeah I think it might be a good idea there is a fifty fifty chance he is going to survive" the nurse replied
"Ok well that what I will do I will head straight over to his parents' house now and inform them what has happened and where he is" Tom said
Two days later
Tom walked into Ben's room and saw a pissed off looking Ben sat there. Tom walked over and said "Sorry about yesterday but duty called we had a horrible case young private badly injured he nearly died on operating table but he seems to making progress now"
"Yeah i heard two more wounded soldiers have come in" Ben said
"You might know one of them John Harris he trained with me and Matt but was assigned to our unit for a while but then moved on to a different unit to us" Tom said
"Yeah I remember John we used to call him John Taff because of his strong welsh accent" Ben said
Yeah that's the one well he has lost his leg and half his left arm I'm sure he would like to see you again he is in ward 2" tom said
Tom smiled and said "damn I forgot something"
Ben went to ask what when Tom leant over and kissed Ben and said "that's better" when he saw the smile on Ben's face
"Yeah I will go and see him later he is a nice guy" Ben said
"Yeah he is" Tom said smiling
"anyway good news babes the doc has said he is happy to release you tomorrow so start packing lance corporal because you have to report to Doc Jameson at the barracks Monday for your medical then you are back on active service sexy boy" Tom said smiling
"Oh great you think they would at least give a week with my family before I have to report back" Ben said
"Well it is only the medical babes" Tom said
"Yeah but you know as much as I do once you passed fit its back to training straight away" Ben said
"I'll speak to Major Evan see if I can get it rearranged I will play on the fact that you haven't seen much of your family as the hospital is so far away from your home" Tom said
Ben smiled and leant in and kissed Tom again and said "I want to spend some time with you as well"
"That can be arranged if I can get this medical rearranged" Tom said smiling
"I will go a ring the major now see what I can do babes I will be straight back.
Tom spoke to Bradley who agreed that the medical was too soon after his hospital discharge and agreed to give him two weeks with his family. Tom thanked Bradley and walked back into the room to see Ben's bed empty.
Tom heard someone in the bathroom and smiled and opened the door to see Ben standing taking a leak. Bens cute arse was on view and Tom smiled and snook over and slapped it Ben yelped and said "idiot"
Tom spotted Ben's 8 inch uncut cock and said "wow nice dick babes"
Ben laughed and said "shut up"
Tom started to neck Ben as smiled as he saw Ben's cock start to harden. Tom reached round and grabbed hold of it and said "wow this is one nice dick and what a sexy arse i am the luckiest gay man alive to get to play with this"
Ben laughed and said "who said you going to be playing with it?"
Tom laughed and then turned Ben round and dropped to his knees and slowly put his mouth over Ben's rock hard cock. Ben was moaning quietly as he felt Tom expertly sucked his dick for all it was worth.
Ben shouted "shit babes Fuck i .m going to cum" smiling as his cock exploded inside Tom's mouth filling it with a huge load of his hot sticky cum. Tom smiled and swallowed the load and said "wow you were a boy with a need" laughing
Ben laughed and said "yeah it's been a while"
Tom laughed and stood up and kissed Ben. Ben reached down and felt Tom's now rock hard 7 inch uncut dick through his army combat trousers and said "can't wait to get mouth and arse round that babes"
"Maybe if play your cards right and I might let you have some of that tomorrow when I take you home to your family for 2 weeks leave" Tom said smiling
"Wow you got me two weeks" Ben said
"yes but you have to be at the barracks at 07:00 two weeks Monday and report to the docs office for your medical otherwise you are classed as awol and the military police will be after you" Tom said
I'll be there but why 07:00 that's really early for a medical" Ben said
"Yeah I did say that to Major Evans but he said that was the only time the doc could see you that day" Tom said
The next day
Ben was packed and ready to go home by 9am and was waiting on Tom. Tom was in the ICU with the family of Wayne Rees who has started to recover well enough to be moved into a side room later that day.
Tom looked at his watch and said "Mrs Rees I need to pop out for a couple of hours I have a young lance corporal who is getting discharged today who I need to drive home to his family. Anything you need urgently give Alex a ring on this number he is my number two and is always around this place as we have a few cases ongoing I'm not sure if I will be back today if I do get back I will pop in later if not I will see you tomorrow"
"That's fine tom but don't forget he is moving into room 3 later" Mrs Rees replied
"Yeah and the present patient in that room is the young man I am taking home and I bet he is climbing the walls waiting as he has been here for a few months recovering" Tom said
"Yeah I met him yesterday he was talking to John in the wards a very nice young man and he said he was going home today and couldn't wait he also popped in and saw Wayne as well" Mrs Rees said
"Ben was lucky really he got out with a few superficial burns two other members of his and my unit at the time died a few months later and one of those was my best friend and the other I knew well" Tom said
"So you were on active service then I always thought Family Liaison were not active soldiers" Mrs Rees said
"I was on active service and I had actually decided to quit after Matt died but Matt left a letter to me and said not to give up so I decided if I was to remain it was going to be in a non active role. Alex my number two was injured in training so he has never seen active service but as you can imagine the cases we deal with have really opened his and my eyes to the dangers our boys and girls face daily" Tom said
"Hold on you talking about Alex Mills?" Wayne said
"Yeah that the one why?" Tom said
"I remember him getting injured I thought they pensioned him off he was a good guy would like to see him again" Wayne said
"Ok I will ring him now and I will get him to pop in and see you ok?" Tom said
Tom pulled out his phone and said "I'll just pop outside" but as he was just about to go out Alex walked in.
Alex said "Ben's going crazy he is eager to get out of this place"
"Ok before I do come in here someone who you might know wants o speak to you
Alex walked in and immediately recognised Wayne and said "shit I didn't realise it was you"
"That's ok I was Wayne Dexter when I knew you but mam remarried I changed my name to Rees
Alex said "Wayne was the guy who saved my leg when I got shot if it wasn't for his quick thinking I would have lost it"
Tom said "oh right "
Wayne then said "yeah and if it wasn't for Jonno being an asshole you wouldn't have got shot"
"Well he paid for his stupidity got sent down for a year and dishonourable discharged" Alex said
"Wow I didn't know what happened to him" Wayne said
"Well he deserved that" Alex said
"He is was a complete and utter idiot" Wayne said
"Alex can I have a word outside a moment" Tom said
"Sure boss" Alex replied
Alex followed Tom outside
"I am going to make a move otherwise Ben will kill me I won't be back tonight I'm planning to spend some time with Ben" Tom said
"Ok Sir" Alex replied
"By the way you sure you didn't know this was the lad who saved you?" Tom asked smiling
"Honestly I hadn't seen his photo and the name change threw me off I knew him as Private Wayne Dexter" Alex
"Ok I believe you" Tom said
"See you tomorrow for a debrief in the office at 10:00" Tom said
"Yes Sir" Alex said saluting Tom
Tom laughed and walked away into Room 3
Ben saw Tom and said "nice of you to join us"
"Don't be cheeky or I leave you here for another few days" Tom said laughing
"Like to see you try" Ben said laughing as he picked up his bag.
"Come on get me out of this place" Ben said laughing
Ben and Tom walked down the corridor and Ben stopped at the nurse station and said "thank you for all your help and care for the last few months I know I haven't been the easiest patient and please accept these chocolates as a thank you from me"
Ben then headed toward a ward and Tom stopped him and said "I thought you wanted to get out?"
"I do but I want to say bye to John first" Ben said
A couple of hours later
Tom drove his car down the road into the housing estate where Ben's mum and dad lived. They slowly pulled up outside and saw a huge banner saying WELCOME HOME BEN AT LAST! Ben smiled as his two younger brothers and his older sister ran to the car. Ben's brothers held him tight as he walked towards his mum and dad who stood on the door step. Tom followed behind carrying Ben's kit bag.
Ben's mum smiled at tom and said "nice to see you again Sergeant Rees"
"You too Mrs Andrews" Tom replied smiling
"Sorry we are a bit later than I planned I got held up with another client" Tom replied
"You have a difficult job to do Sergeant Rees" Mr Andrews said
"Well it can be sometimes yes and by the way only the unit call me Sergeant Rees please call me Tom" Tom said smiling
"Ben was saying you used to be in his unit Tom" Mr Andrew said
"Yes i was a corporal in the unit until recently when I left to take up this position" Tom replied
"Oh you are that corporal the one Ben really likes" Mr Andrews said smiling
"Shut up Dad" Ben said blushing
"I'm ex army myself but I made corporal unlike this one who seems intent on staying a private" Mr. Andrews said smiling
Tom looked at Ben funny and said "I take it he hasn't told you then?" Tom said
"Told us what?" Mr Andrew said
Ben walked over to his kit bag and pulled out his uniform complete with his newly fitted lance corporal stripe and said "Lance Corporal Andrews reporting for duty Sir" saluting
"You sod" Mr Andrew said
"Yeah it was decided a little while ago that he was the only choice as the new lance corporal just before I moved to the family liaison unit" Tom said
Tom smiled and "ok well I'd better be going I have to get to base for a debrief tomorrow am"
Ben gave him a sad look and said "ok sir I will walk you to your car"
Ben said "i thought you weren't going back until tomorrow?"
"I wasn't but I think you need to be your family tonight babes" tom said
"Ok but when will I see you again?" Ben said
"I will be back next weekend take you up north to spend some time with me" Tom said smiling
Ben embraced Tom but really wanted to kiss him but noticed his brothers had arrived at his side. Ben said "thank you Tom for all your help see you next week"
"Yes be ready Saturday morning I'll be here for you by 10" Tom said smiling
Ben waved to Tom as tom pulled around the corner and led his two chaperones into the house.
Saturday
Ben had really enjoyed being home with his family but was glad that finally he was going to spend some time with Tom alone.
Ben had packed his kit and was sitting downstairs when his parents sat down and his dad said "you ready son"
"All packed dad just waiting on tom now knowing him he will be late" Ben said smiling
"Toms a great guy" Mr. Andrews said
"Yeah he is been really good to me" Ben replied
Just then there was a horn blowing outside Ben walked over to the window to see Tom's car parked outside.
Ben walked over to his mum and dad and hugged them and said "see you soon"
Ben shouted upstairs "Boys I'm off"
Within two minutes two young boys were running downstairs into bens arms. Ben ruffled their hair and said "now you two scamps be good for mum and dad and I'll see you soon ok"
Both boys nodded.
The boys helped Ben carry his kit out to Tom's car.
Tom laughed and said "I see you have your shadows with you"
Ben laughed and said "yeah"
"Now boys be good and remember I love you" Ben said
Ben got into the car and waved as he went round the corner and said "it's been great to be home but I have missed seeing you babes"
Tom smiled and said "yeah I have missed you too"
Tom pulled the car over and leant over and kissed Ben and said I wanted to do that all week"
A few hours later and Tom was reversing his car into his drive at his off barracks home. Ben smiled and said "wow you live here".
"Yeah I bought it recently got fed up with barrack living" Tom smiled
Ben followed Tom into the house. Tom grabbed Ben and led him straight upstairs into the bedroom.
Ben smiled and said "wow you are quick worker"
Tom laughed and said "I'm man with a need"
Tom started to kiss Ben and slowly lifted Ben's t-shirt over his shaved black hair.
Tom smiled and slowly went down and started to suck on Ben's nipples. Ben moaned as he felt Tom suck his nipples more and more. Ben's cock was throbbing in his tight combat trousers. Tom noticed the growing bulge and smiled and went down and slowly unzipped Ben's trousers
Ben's hard cock popped out and Tom smiled up at Ben as he took Ben's cock in his mouth. Ben was moaning louder and louder as Tom expertly sucked his cock. Ben pulled Tom up and kissed him and soon started to strip tom out of his clothes. Ben kissed Tom passionately and then went down and took hold of Tom's hard cock and lined his arse up. Tom went to say something but Ben just smiled. Ben moaned loudly as he felt Tom's cock push his tight arse apart. Ben was soon bouncing up and down on Tom's cock as Tom moaned loudly. Ben was wanking his cock as he rode Tom and soon Ben screamed "oh shit" as his cock throbbed sending a huge load of his hot sticky cum all over his hot sweaty smooth body. Tom shouted "shit babes" as Ben carried on riding Tom's cock faster and faster and soon Tom was groaning "oh Fuck" as his cock throbbed sending huge load of his hot sticky cum into Ben's well fucked arse. Ben lent down and kissed Tom and Tom said "god I love you"
Ben smiled and said "I love you too babes"
The two lads fell asleep in each other arms
Five years later
Tom has been on tender hooks ever since Ben's unit returned to Afghanistan three months ago and today they received news that two members of the unit have been badly injured. Alex came in and said "you can breathe again it's not Ben but its Corporal Andrew Thompson and Private James Harris.
"Well I suppose that's is good news of a kind" Tom said
"James was the young private who replaced Ben when he was injured and was really scared and upset when Matt and Charlie died such a nice lad and i know he married his childhood sweetheart recently" Tom said
"Yeah I remember that" Alex said
"Let's get this show on the road we have two families to inform" Tom said
A few weeks later
Tom was happy to see a smiling Ben walking up the path to his house
Tom ran to the door and grabbed his partner and hugged him and said "I'm so glad you are home babes I've missed you"
"Yeah I'm glad to get my last service down and dusted" Ben said
How are Andrew and James babes they were in a bad way?" Ben asked
"Well James is more superficial injuries like yours but Andrew is in a bad way babes" Tom said
"i will have to visit them" Ben said
"Yeah you and the unit will" Tom said
"Babes would you mind if we go down to south wales tomorrow would you believe it is five years Monday that Matt died" Tom said
"thats gone quick babes and it would be lovely to see your mum and dad and Julie and Rhys again" Ben said
"Oh and you will get to meet my soon to be godson Matthew Thomas Thompson Rhys's little one" Tom said
That will be nice" Ben said
Tom pulled outside his parent's home and saw Julie headed down the street carry a bouquet of flowers. Julie spotted Tom and said "hi Tom how lovely to see you" and then spotted Ben and said "nice to see you home safe Ben" Thank you Julie" Ben replied
I'm just on my way to see baby Matthew" Julie said
"Tell Rhys we will pop down later ok" Tom said
"I will he will like that" Julie said
Ben was soon sat down in the lounge with Lucy and Dan and Tom and Lucy said "you know i cant believe he has gone five years looking up at a photo she had of Matt in his army uniform.
"I know seems like yesterday to me i will never forget the face of Major Evans when he told me he had gone for as long as i live" Tom said
"i remember being told in hospital by Alex and I immediately said hope Tom was ok" Ben said smiling
"Even then he fancied me" Tom said laughing
Ben slapped Tom and said "shut up"
"You know something Tom you have grown up a lot since then and you and Ben are rock solid and the love between the two of you in unstoppable" Lucy said
"Yeah I know I feel like I am whole when Ben is at my side and while he was out there recently i felt all alone again" Tom said
Monday
Tom and Ben walked down the main street towards the churchyard. Tom looked at Ben and said "come on we can do this"
Tom walked around the church and stopped at the graveside and looked at the stone which he hasn't seen as he has always found it too hard to come here since that day.
Private Matthew Darren Thompson
Rest in peace my angel
Taken from us too young
Much missed Son Brother Uncle and Best Friend
Ben saw the tears in Tom's eyes and hugged him tight
Tom lent forward and said "I will always love you Matthew Taylor" and put the flowers down on the grave.
Ben led Tom away when Tom noticed someone walking towards him carry some flowers.
The guy looked up and said "my god Tom Rees never thought I see you again"
Tom smiled and said "what brings you here Daniel?"
"My mum is buried over there she died last year" Dan said
"I hadn't heard sorry" Tom said
"What brings you here?" Dan asked
"My partner Ben and I have been to Matthews's grave it is 5 years ago today that he died" tom said
Dan said" crikey that's gone quick I remember reading that in the echo I had just got out of prison"
"Yeah I remember Rhys telling me he thought you was in nick when he saw the flowers you sent" Tom said
"Yeah I know Matthew you and me didn't get on very well but reading that he had died upset me but made me determined to turn my life around that and an unforgiving mother" Dan said
"This is Ben my partner and this is Daniel Jones I think I might have mentioned Dan to you before" Tom said
"Yes i think you may have please to meet you Dan" Ben said
"Likewise Ben" Dan said smiling
"Wow so you are gay then I wasn't sure about you i knew Matt wasn't" Dan said
""I always knew I was but I didn't let it stop my ambitions" Tom said
"So what you up to these days then Dan it must be 10 years since I last saw you?" Tom said
"I work full time in a office in Cardiff they know my history but still decided to take a chance on me and i have been there 4 years now I am living with my boyfriend in Cardiff my brother lives in Pontypridd with his wife and kids" Dan said
"So you still in the army or are you a civilian?" Dan asked
"Yeah I am a sergeant in the family liaison unit and Ben is an acting corporal in my old combat unit"
"It must be hard being in a relationship with an army guy" Dan said
"Yeah it can be but I know what Ben is going through when he is out on operations as I have been to Afghanistan three times Tom said
"You are two brave guys I doubt I would be able to go out there once let alone three times" Dan said
"You never get used to it but at the end of the day it's your job so you have to just do it to the best of your abilities" Ben said
"Anyway Dan we better make a move I need to go and do something" Tom said
"Yeah it has been nice seeing you again take care the two of you won't you" Dan said
Ben smiled and said "nice to meet you Dan"
"You too Ben" Dan said
Ben was walking with Tom towards his family home but instead of going home Tom went up the steps and led his partner up to the hill overlooking his village. Ben looked over the view and smiled.
Tom looked at Ben and said "you know babes I love you"
Tom then shouted "I Love you Matthew Taylor"
Ben had tears in his eyes and walked over and hugged Tom tight knowing that Matthew will always be part of tom's life but it is Ben he loves
Tom then dropped to his knees and said "Acting Corporal Ben Andrews would you do me the honour of becoming my husband"
Ben looked shock and shouted "yes yes yes"
Tom grabbed Ben and kissed him as the sun went down over the hill....
The End