I can't wait ...” Jeanne stopped in mid sentence. After a moment she said, “I'm sorry Michael, I don't know what to say.” “Just be honest Jean...e.” Several seconds passed and then Jeanne said, “Michael, I love you. That's honest. Yes, I am excited about seeing Jack Mahler tomorrow night. That's honest too, but you're the only man I'll ever love. Please believe me when I tell you that.” “I do believe you Jeanne.” “You're not home yet, that tells me that you still have doubts.” “Jeanne you told me. You watch as my hand starts to move up and down the length. You place the glass of wine on the floor and I watch as your hands disappear into the soapy water, knowing full well where those hands were going. I become even more aroused at the thought of you touching yourself as you watch me and my hand moves faster. You let out a slight whimper and your knees break the surface of the water as you maneuver yourself to a better position to be able to play.You notice that precum has begun to ooze. "Ling you are rare an valuable; I do actually love you and I kind of like treating you like an independent person. It gives me pleasure to show my love for you on St. Valentine's day and this is the traditional way to do it. Please accept that unsigned cards defy explanation, but that I sent you one, shows that I love you." I will do as you say and thank you for loving me." Ling responded but with that fleeting half smile, which was still Rory's only clue that Ling was really pleased about. The Virginia had already been at sea for 10 months, doing important recon off of the cost of China. He was being sent as "alleviation" according to his briefing. He assumed that this meant the 20 other soldiers were having trouble keeping alert for shifts, and one personnel more was being added to keep things running smoothly. Twenty odd minutes later the helicopter slowed and a rope was thrown out the door to land on the deck of a small V17-8 sitting in the water. Soldiers covered in black.