“Hey, I've gotten better. Who knew that Kennethwas a neat freak?” he called as he went into his bedroom.
“It's a good thing!” Phillip called back.
When he came back out Phillip was sitting on hiscouch. Ryan still wanted to skip the ball.
“Freckles, you look good enough to eat.” Phillipleered.
Ryan grinned and slipped on his shoes. “Youwon't let us just stay here...so get over it.” He slipped his ownStetson on and grinned up at Phillip. “Come on. We don't wanna belate. Alexander is meeting us there with his wife. Mark and Patricktoo.”
***
They arrived at the hall, meeting Kenneth andSandy outside. They filed in and got their wrist tags. Everyonelooked at the photographer.
“Fuck it. Come on, Freckles.” Phillip grabbedhis arm and led him over.
Ryan was pulled into Phillip's arms and theyboth smiled for the camera.
Sandy declared it was a damn pity they were gay.Women all over the world were crying after that picture wastaken.
Sandy talked Kenneth into taking a picture withher and afterwards they all walked into the hall.
Kenneth and Mark both wore black tuxes. Patrickalso donned his blues. It was the only time they could continuewearing their Stetsons indoors, so none of them took them off.
They had to switch place tags so they could allsit together but they did so with minimal problems. Alexander andhis wife Victoria were already inside.
“Tory, if you ever wanna turn me straight, justlet me know. We can make Alexander disappear,” Phillip said,smiling.
“Phillip, if there were a man I'd leaveAlexander for it would be you, but I see you came with Ryan. Are wegonna make him disappear too?” She laughed.
Phillip looked Ryan up and down hotly. “Can't Ikeep him on the side?”
“Nope.”
He sighed longingly. “Sorry baby. I gotta letyou go,” he said.
Sandy snorted. “He's not good at the hetero sexstuff. It makes him itchy.”
Ryan began to laugh.
Alexander just shrugged. “That's alright. I'lljust hook up with Ryan. I'm down with boy-on-boy sex.”
Everyone started to laugh at that.
Kenneth shook his head at the server and ordereda soda. Everyone looked at him with a smile. “Oh for fucks’ sake,it's not like I just created the cure for cancer.”
“Nah but I'm proud of ya man,” Phillip said.
Sometime after the scene in the park Phillip hadbecame Kenneth's go-to guy. Ryan could see happiness on Kenneth'sface, knowing that Phillip was proud of him.
After drinks were ordered they all sat down. TheCompany commander called everyone to ‘attention’. Chairs squeakedback and everyone rose.
After the ceremonial ‘Carrying of the Colors’they had a moment of silence, then made the ‘Cav’ grog. All fivemen grinned. It was gonna be a good night.
The ceremonies were over and food was placed infront of them. Then a small man was introduced who was an oldtrooper. He spoke about going into battle in Vietnam. He talked ofactions taking place before most of those in attendance were born,but it didn't stop them from leaning forward to hear more aboutit.
After dinner and the speech everyone let loose.Jackets came off. Bow ties loosened. Phillip had his arm overRyan's shoulder while they spoke to just about everyone there.
Ryan looked up and grinned. Kenneth and Sandywere dancing to a slow country tune. He wasn't aware of whatPhillip was doing until they joined the dance floor too.
