Author: Carol
Pairing: Lee/Harri
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters; no infringement intended.
Notes: A year ago I wrote a Valentine challenge called The Ring, then its sequel, The Rings. This is the sequel of that story. At the end of The Rings, Lee and Harri got married aboard SEAVIEW. Lee had been badly injured in an ONI mission and thought he would never walk again. Lee allows everyone to think he's dead but when Lee's Academy ring is left on his tombstone, Harri puts the pieces together and is able to find Lee who is now in a wheel chair. Eventually, Harri convinces Lee that they should be together and they marry. Through therapy Lee is able to regain some of the ability to walk but is unable to return to the SEAVIEW. This story is a little bit about that first year of marriage.
The Rings: The Sequel
By Carol
FEBRUARY 12: PROLOGUE
Lee Crane sat on the couch of his Nelson Institute office. The Captain of the SEAVIEW, Chip Morton sat, holding the slender figure in his arms. It was clear that the beautiful brunet had been crying for quite a while with only the gentle words of the blond to comfort him.
"Oh Chip, I've made such a mistake. I never should have married him." Crane's slender arms curled around the waist of his friend as Morton whispered sweet endearments into Crane's ear.
"Sssshhh, Lee. It's going to be all right; I can't stand seeing you this unhappy."
The beautiful, moist hazel eyes looked into the blue eyes he loved so much. "Oh Chip, I love you so much, why did I ever marry Harri?"
Early Morning, February 13
Four star Admiral Harriman Nelson woke with a start, sitting straight up in bed. That had been the worst nightmare yet. He was trembling all over. Sitting quietly for several minutes, he felt his heart finally stop pounding. Only then did he look over at his bed partner. Lee Crane lay snuggled up in the warmth of the king-sized bed in the master bedroom of the Nelson Institute penthouse. He and Lee had been living there since their marriage one year ago. Nelson had never known such happiness. Just being with Lee had been such a joy. Just 18 months ago, Nelson had been so miserable because he thought he had lost the love of his life, Lee Crane.
Nelson and Crane's happiness had been so complete just a year ago when they had said their vows. It was true that Crane was still unable to walk without canes, but his mobility was so much better that both men knew it was only a matter of time and therapy before even that disability lessened. Crane's inability to be fully mobile had brought them even closer together. Due to Crane's lack of mobility, Nelson developed new ways of helping his partner-in-life fulfill their deepest needs. Nelson had vowed that he would do nothing that would endanger Lee's improving condition but with Harri's loving help, the two had found sex and making love passionate and fulfilling.
Only in the last few weeks had Nelson started having painful nightmares. The basic theme was the same - his beloved husband was in love with Chip Morton and regretted his marriage to the older Harriman Nelson. Nelson had never told Lee about his nightmares because he feared that they would upset the beautiful brunet.
In the past year, Lee Crane had done everything he could to reassure Harriman Nelson of his love for him, but Nelson had spent years and years before their marriage, loving Lee Crane and feeling deeply insecure about Crane's feelings for him. They had just become lovers two years ago when Lee was nearly taken from him. For many months, Nelson had thought Crane was dead, killed in an ONI-sanctioned mission. Although Crane had been seriously wounded, it had taken many more months before Nelson was able to persuade his beloved Lee to come live with him; help him put his life back together when his injuries prohibited his return to the captaincy of the SEAVIEW, and eventually to marry him.
Tomorrow was the Crane-Nelson anniversary. Lee had already announced his gift: a four day stay at one of the premier spa-resorts along the California coastline. Crane had chosen this spot because of its friendly attitude towards same-sex couples as well as its disability-friendly facilities. The two men were looking forward to getting away for a long weekend which would combine their anniversary and Valentine's celebrations. Tonight, Chip Morton, SEAVIEW'S Captain and good friend to both men, had invited them to a special dinner to celebrate their anniversary.
Nelson knew that his beautiful husband was looking forward to tonight since Crane did not get to see his friend very often. Normally, Nelson would also have been looking forward to the evening's dinner since Lee was so happy about it and Nelson liked Morton very much, but the recent streak of nightmares - all involving Chip and Lee - had shaken Nelson. He was too much of a scientist to believe that these nightmares were omens of things to come, but where it came to his beloved Lee, jealousy and suspicion had a tendency to raise their ugly heads rather rapidly.
In the past year, Nelson had made a major effort to curb his jealousy, but each time he looked in the mirror, he didn't see the handsome man that Lee Crane saw. His insecurities became manifest when he saw the two young men together. No matter how many times his sweetheart gave him his love physically or emotionally, Harriman Nelson could not entirely wipe away his fear that one day, he would lose his Lee and, therefore, everything that he held most dear in life.
Nelson sat looking at his sleeping angel. Their lovemaking last night had been ecstatic. Nelson thought back to that glorious day that he had been joined to Lee Crane. Their wedding vows had been simple and honest. The joy of having their best friends together with them to see them say the vows had only added to the day. The best part of the ceremony had been Lee seeking refuge to talk to the SEAVIEW. Nelson knew how much his beautiful brunet loved the gray lady and how it had hurt him to give up the Captaincy. Even now, every time that the SEAVIEW ended a mission and docked, Lee Crane was there to greet the great ship.
Crane had been exhausted at the end of the ceremony. This was only his second time aboard the ship in a year. Due to his confinement in a wheelchair for many months, he had refused to visit the lady of his life. Now, Crane virtually ran the Nelson Institute which permitted Nelson to devote himself to science - both at the Institute and less and less frequently on the SEAVIEW.
Their life was full and Nelson loved his beautiful partner devotedly and then . . . the nightmares had started. Nelson was consumed with the question about the cause of the nightmares. Chip and Lee had never given him a moment to doubt Lee's fidelity, and yet the dreams continued.
Nelson leaned over and placed a light kiss on the lips of his sleeping angel. He loved to wake early in the morning and just look at the slender, gorgeous body that gave itself so willingly to him. He liked to think of Lee in the throes of orgasm - physical pleasure that the stocky, red-haired scientist had helped bring on. At first, Lee had been fearful that he would be unable to please his husband, but the sounds of pure pleasure, coming from his beloved Harri, had rapidly dispelled that fear.
Suddenly, Nelson noticed the beautiful lashes of his husband fluttering against his pale cheeks. Within a few seconds, gorgeous, hazel eyes looked up at him with a devastating look of love.
"Good morning, love. I'm sorry I woke you, but I just couldn't help but kiss you; you looked so angelic."
Lee Crane smiled his special smile that he reserved only for his husband. "No problem. I love waking up each morning with a beautiful, red-haired genius, kissing me." Holding up his arms, Crane murmured, "Come here, love and let me hold you."
For the next several minutes, that's exactly what they did. Nelson would have continued to caress, nuzzle, and kiss the love of his life, but the strong-minded, independent Lee Crane insisted that he had a meeting with Martin Graham that morning, and if they were to take the four days vacation, Director of the NIMR, Lee Crane had to be a good boy and get lots of things done.
Crane's mention of the four day vacation reminded Nelson that he still had to pick up Crane's anniversary/Valentine's gift. It was a miniature SEAVIEW that was a perfect duplicate of the great submarine except that 24 carat diamonds played the part of its many lights and the herculite window. On the bottom was a special inscription that Nelson had asked be engraved.
Since Nelson went into the kitchen of the penthouse to prepare coffee, he failed to notice the difficulty that Crane had in getting out of bed. The beautiful face grimaced in pain as he made his way into the bathroom. The pain was so great that his normal, lengthy shower was curtailed to alleviate some of the pain.
Both men left for the Institute, after several good-bye kisses. Crane, going to the Director's office to meet with financial genius, Martin Graham while Nelson went to his beloved lab. Normally, the two men would have met for lunch, but since they were going out for dinner, they had decided to only snack - besides, SEAVIEW was scheduled to dock around lunchtime and Lee Crane wanted to be there for that.
The gray lady docked exactly on time. Crane was there to meet the lady of his life. Thanks to numerous pain pills, he was able to convince all the crew members who greeted him that he was well - that is, everyone but Chip Morton.
Chip Morton knew Lee Crane better than anyone, except for the dynamic Admiral who was Lee's husband, but Chip Morton had known Crane longer and could tell when he was hurting.
As the two men shook hands, Morton could see the pain in the hazel eyes, "Lee, are you all right?"
Crane gave his usual familiar smile, but quickly moved towards the golf cart that he used to get around. Walking around the vast complex of NIMR was certainly not good for his back.
"I'm fine, Chip; now, stop being such a Mother Hen. I haven't eaten much today so that I can gorge myself tonight. I hope you have enough money."
Morton laughed, "I doubt if I have enough money to fill you up with Mystery Pecan Pie. I told Luigi to make a couple of extra - just in case."
The two men laughed and headed for the NIMR offices where Morton was scheduled to give his usual mission report to Crane. This was one of the many duties that Crane had taken over when he had been forced to give up the Captaincy.
The remainder of the day flew by. Chip Morton was so comfortable to be with that Crane felt much like the old times of shared consultation on board the SEAVIEW. Finally the two men were done so Morton got up to leave. "Do you want me to pick you two up?"
Crane smiled his special Morton smile, "Uh, no - Harri's using the limo. He says that's better for my back than those flimsy sports cars like you drive. For a moment, Crane's face turned sad as he remembered his small, red sports car that was in moth balls due to Crane's inability to shift the manual transmission. Quickly he broke out of his sad thoughts, however, and continued, "You know what a Mother Hen, the Admiral is - sometimes he's even worse than you."
Crane had not noticed that he had fallen back into the pattern of calling his husband, the Admiral, but Morton had. Even after they were married, it had taken months before Lee had become remotely comfortable with calling the four-starred Admiral, anything but by his rank.
Morton smiled, "Well, I can't blame him. He knows that practically every female and male at the Institute would love to give you some TLC, so he has to protect you."
"Chip, you are nuttier than a fruitcake, but since you are going to gorge me on Mystery Pecan Pie, I'll be forgiving and not disassociate myself from you. See you tonight around 19 30 hours."
Chip grinned again and left the office. Once again Crane's face contorted in pain and he had to quickly find some more of the pain pills.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
That evening at Luigi's, the talk was comfortable and the banter was fun. The three men had known each other for a long time. It was true that the closeness had changed now that the three men didn't see each other every day on board the SEAVIEW, but their love of SEAVIEW, the sea, and each other was undiminished.
Chip was telling another story about the many adventures of Midshipmen Crane and Morton when the Maitre D' informed the Admiral that he was wanted on the phone.
"Oh great, I told Angie to only forward any really important messages so I better go see what it is."
Walking away, Nelson headed towards the phone booth area at the front of the restaurant. Chip Morton looked at his friend, "I hope it's nothing he has to do tonight."
Crane looked exhausted, but he tried to perk up at that comment, "Yeah, but you know the Admiral, if he's needed, he goes. I just hope it doesn't interfere with our vacation."
Crane began on another piece of Mystery Pecan as the two men talked. Within a few minutes, however, Nelson returned with an unhappy, and perturbed look on his face, "I'm sorry, Lee but I'm going to have to go. The President wants me in Washington by 04 00 hours tomorrow morning for a security briefing. If I leave now, I can get packed and the Flying Sub can be prepped."
When Crane said nothing, Morton spoke up, "That's too bad, Admiral. It sounds serious; is there anything I can do?"
"Hmm, yes; there is. Could you look after Lee for me? If you could take him home, I could take the limo and get packed and get things rolling?"
Morton was absolutely stunned that Nelson did not consult with Lee about his plans. After all, Nelson didn't like Crane riding around in a sports car. "Well, sure sir, I can do that. . . if it's all right with Lee?"
Both men looked at Crane, who had his head down slightly. A quiet voice said, "That would be great, Chip" Then with a major effort to look normal, Crane continued, "That way I can finish this great piece of Mystery Pecan Pie. We'll be along in a little while."
Nelson smiled at his husband and gave him a gentle caress. "Good, good - well, if you two don't get to the penthouse before I leave, take care and I'll call when I find out more about what's going on."
With those words, Nelson left. The two men sat there for quite a while. Morton noticed that Crane did not eat another bite of the pie, but when he suggested they leave, Crane seemed to be reluctant. Finally, the two did leave. It took Chip's help to get the gorgeous brunet safely installed in the tiny front seat of the sports car. There was very little talk until the two were a few miles from the Institute.
"Chip, would you mind taking me to my apartment?"
"What you don't want to go to the penthouse?"
Crane dropped his head and gave what suspiciously sounded like a sob, "No, I really can't face that big, empty place right now. I . . . I think I'll sleep better at the apartment."
"Do you want me to stay?"
Lee laughed slightly. "Oh, now that would be great. You-know-who would be upset if you didn't warm his form tonight. Besides, how would it look for you to be staying in the same apartment with a married man?"
For a second Morton's face held a look of consternation then he shrugged, "All right, all right. I'll go home, but I will stop by tomorrow morning at 09 00 to check up on you and you can spend the day with us."
"Oh that would be great - talk about three's company and on Valentine's Day. I. . . would appreciate you coming by though. I really hadn't . . . planned to spend the 14th alone."
"No problem; we'll both be there and take you out to breakfast; then we'll talk about our plans."
By that time, the car had arrived at Crane's apartment. Luckily, it was on the first floor so Crane had no real problem getting into it. Morton insisted, however, on accompanying him the whole way.
Now, Crane sat looking at the empty apartment. It smelled slightly musty because he spent very little time there. The last year of his life and been wrapped around the dynamic doings of his beloved husband. Truly, four star Admiral Harriman Nelson had become his world.
Crane continued to sit there for a few more minutes, but then his sense of pride came to the rescue. ***Lee Crane, stop feeling sorry for yourself. So you're going to be alone tonight. You've done that many times. Be grateful for what you've got.***
With that Crane stood up and headed for his lonely double bed.
(2A)
As soon as Admiral Harriman Nelson left Luigi's, his mind was full of the facts and figures that he would need to brief the President in this crisis. He had already notified NIMR that he would need FS2 for the cross-country flight as well as a pilot since he wished to go over his notes to be prepared for the early morning briefing. The next 14 hours flew by with very little thought to the husband that he had left behind.
At approximately 0900 the briefings with the President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military personnel temporarily broke up. Harriman Nelson had had no sleep and his mind was exhausted, but he was still on standby to be called in for more consultations if the President needed his advice.
He had not checked into any Washington hotel or made any plans to stay in the capital, but he was not sure when he would be returning to Santa Barbara so he decided to check for messages. Fortunately, his secretary, Angie knew where to leave messages so there was a stack waiting for him when he asked the government's communications office. None of the many messages interested him except one. It was a message from one of the local Santa Barbara jewelers reminding the Admiral that he had planned to pick up a certain item from them on the 14th. As Nelson read this message, various images became immediately clear in his mind: hardly saying anything to Lee at Luigi's, leaving Lee in Chip's care, and failing to tell Lee about his plans or how much he loved his husband.
Admiral Harriman Nelson's face became deathly pale as he swayed when he realized what he had done or really had failed to do ? he had walked out on Lee, just as he had so many times before when he had been called to Washington, but now Lee was his husband, not just his friend. ***Oh God, what have I done? How could I have just walked out without so much as checking that Lee understood how vital this was.***
Nelson's mind was now clear with the image of the brunet and blond heads bent together in quiet talk as the Admiral had returned to the restaurant table after taking the phone call from the President. At the time, it made no impression whatsoever because he was so wrapped up in his own plans, but that visual image sent shivers down his back. ***Here I've been having nightmares about Lee preferring Chip to me, and then I practically throw the two of them together. I've got to get home, but I better call first. Checking his watch, he knew that it would only be about 06 00 in Santa Barbara so he didn't want to call Angie that early, but he did call the area where the FS2 was berthed, alerting them that he would need the flying sub to return to California as soon as his meetings with the President were over.
No sooner was that accomplished than the four star Admiral was called back in for further information. He would have been even more upset if he had known what was occurring on the West Coast.
Lee Crane's apartment - approximately 06 00 hours
It had not been a good night for Lee Crane. He missed the warmth of the Admiral's body next to him. He missed their lovemaking which filled his soul. He had grown up a lonely child and until he had met Chip Morton had virtually had no close friends. He had poured all his efforts into getting into the Academy and then ranking number one all four years. Loving Harri had been the turning point in his life. His marriage to the dynamic scientist had filled him intensely with everything that he had missed earlier in life: love, companionship, a confidante, and a soul mate. Lee Crane was supremely happy even though he had been forced to give up the Captaincy of his beloved SEAVIEW. Now, he felt a vague unease about his relationship with his beloved husband.
Crane had planned to stay in bed for several more hours, but the pain in his back was excruciating. He felt as if a knife was stabbing deeply into him. Thinking that a nice hot shower would relieve some of that pain along with some more of the ever-present pain killers, he had gotten up and removed his pajamas. Just as he had tried to enter the specially adapted shower, he felt an overwhelming pain shoot through his back. The pain was so bad that he could not continue to stand. He fell to his knees, struggling to hold on to consciousness. Luckily, the Admiral had insisted on putting phones in every room of the penthouse so that Lee would be able to use them in an emergency such as this.
Fighting to block the blackness that was creeping up on him, Crane hit the automatic dial that called Chip Morton's residence. Fortunately, Morton answered immediately. Crane was sliding to the floor and into oblivion as he whispered, "Chip, help."
Chip Morton recognized the voice immediately, but when he shouted into the phone trying to get Crane to respond, he only heard silence.
"What's the matter?"
Chip turned to his lover, "It's Lee; something's wrong. I'm going to his apartment."
"I'll come with you."
Both men quickly got into Chip's car and arrived at Crane's in minutes. Using the key that Lee had given Chip years before, they rushed in and found the beautiful man, unconscious on the bathroom floor. The NIMR ambulance and Will Jamieson were immediately called and within minutes Lee Crane was on a gurney, racing towards NIMR with his two friends in close attendance.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
By 11 00 Admiral Harriman Nelson could stand it no longer. He had to talk to Lee. He used a brief break in the meeting to place a call to the penthouse, but there was no answer. ***Where would Lee be at 08 00 - the Institute?*** Placing a call to the Institute, the Admiral was just getting ready to ask if Lee was in his office, when Angie burst out with the news that he had been taken to the NIMR hospital by ambulance! Unfortunately, Chip had not given her any more information so she really couldn't explain what was the matter.
Nelson immediately called the NIMR hospital where he talked to Jamieson who informed him that Crane had collapsed and was now being examined by a specialist. "Jamie, I'll be there as soon as FS2 can get there. Please keep in contact by radio if you can. I. . . " but he could get no further because a wave of such despair overtook him that he was very near to collapse.
Pulling himself together, he immediately asked to see the President. He had told the President about his marriage to Lee Crane. He had not cared what anyone thought of the marriage. He wanted to shout it to the world, but he also didn't want the President to be embarrassed by being caught uninformed about one of his top scientist's marital status. Fortunately, the President demonstrated real understanding about Nelson's feelings and now, insisted that he leave immediately for California.
As Harriman Nelson sat in the FS 2 hurling at a rapid speed towards his stricken mate, it was all he could do not to break down. He knew he should have been there with Lee. He should never have left. Today was their anniversary as well as Valentine's Day. They should have been on their vacation - not separated by almost 3,000 miles. ***What kind of husband am I to just pick up and leave? Once again, I thought of myself and not Lee. He should be my priority now, not the President, not anyone else. Oh please Lee, don't hate me.***
%%%%%%%%
Chip Morton had been sitting in the waiting room of the NIMR hospital for several hours. Jamie had told him that Nelson had called and given permission if surgery was necessary, since Crane was still unconscious. Now the only thing that could be done was waiting. Looking at his watch for the thousandth time, Morton noted that it was only a little after 11 00 hours but it had seemed like forever.
Suddenly, a commotion began in the hall outside of the waiting room. A human tornado with red hair rushed in and demanded, "How's Lee? What have you heard?"
Seeing the short, stocky man with his demanding demeanor, something broke inside of Chip Morton. The normally, cool, calm, always-controlled Captain could stand it no longer. He took one look at the bantum rooster, demanding to know about his husband of only a year, and spoke up. "Why should you care? Aren't you the one who left him without a word just last night? Didn't you notice that he was in pain? It was your duty to be here with him. He isn't just
your Captain that you can order around any more. You've always used Lee's affection for you to get what you want. Didn't you notice how upset he was when you said you had to leave? After all, today is your anniversary - why can't you just once put Lee first instead of . . . "
At this point Chip ran out of breath and began to realize to whom he was speaking. Fortunately, the friendly arm of the man Morton loved went around his shoulders and led him out of the waiting room area. Harriman Nelson stood there stunned. He closed his eyes as tears began to drip down his face. The pain in his belly was overwhelming, but the pain in his heart was mind-boggling. Chip Morton had dared to say nothing more than the truth. Harriman Nelson had betrayed the love of his life and his marriage vows. He had not put Lee Crane first - in fact, for about 14 hours, he had virtually forgotten about his husband. No wonder Chip looked at him with such contempt.
Nelson was totally lost in his thoughts when a comforting arm went around his shoulders. "Come on Harri, let's sit down. We're waiting for Jamie to come out and tell us how the operation went. He told us that you had called. I guess that gave Chip some time to get all worked up."
The two men sat on the couch that had been provided in the waiting room. For a few minutes, Nelson listened to the droning but comforting voice of his friend without saying anything. Finally, Nelson pulled himself together. In a voice so quiet that he could scarcely be heard, Nelson said, "I can't really blame Chip; he was right in everything he said."
The two men continued to sit there until Nelson pulled himself up out of his exhausted state and looked around. "How long has Lee been in surgery?"
"Well, Jamie told us about 09 00 so I guess something like two hours or a little more."
Nelson merely nodded his head then said, "I should have been here." Then Nelson looked at his friend, his eyes filled with a puzzled look, "It's nice of you to be here, Roy, but did Chip call you or what?"
For a moment, Roy Park looked at his longtime friend as if he was going to take the easy way out and merely agree with Nelson. After all, since Roy Park was now Science Advisor on board the SEAVIEW, it was logical that he might be concerned about Lee Crane, but Roy Park was much like Harriman Nelson, he decided to face his old friend and tell him the truth.
"Chip didn't have to call me, Harri. I was with Chip when Lee called, asking for help. I went with him to Lee's apartment; we found him there unconscious."
Nelson's mind was in such turmoil with worry and so exhausted as well that, for a moment, he didn't comprehend what Park was saying so he said nothing. He heard Park sigh and let his friend continue, "Harri, Chip and I are lovers and have been for almost a year. Chip means the world to me, and I know he loves me as much as I love him."
Harriman Nelson sat quietly for a few seconds, then asked, "Why . . . why didn't you tell me? Does Lee know?"
Park gave a small smile and nodded his head. "Yeah, Chip told him several months ago, but I asked Chip to tell Lee not to tell you. I don't know why. I guess maybe I was afraid that you would think that we couldn't be professional on board the SEAVIEW or that you wouldn't trust me to continue to work on SEAVIEW or something; I just don't know. I guess I was just afraid. In a very short time the SEAVIEW has come to mean a lot to me and Chip even more." Park dropped his eyes for a moment then raised them to face whatever the blue eyed Admiral had to say.
"Roy, I'm glad that you found Chip. He's been a very good friend to both Lee and I . . . and I kind of forgot that. I know he's missed having Lee on board SEAVIEW. I'm glad you two have found companionship and more with each other. I am not proud of what I've been thinking about Lee and Chip. Chip was so right about putting Lee first."
"Harri, you are what you are. When Lee married you, he knew that. That's part of what he loves about you. I don't understand why you are insecure about Lee's love but I guarantee you whatever you've thought about Lee and Chip isn't true. If you could see how Lee Crane looks at you, you would never doubt his love for you. Now, I'm going to go see about a certain blond and see if he's all right. Will you be okay?"
Nelson nodded briefly. Park got up and left the waiting room so Nelson sat back to wait. Finally, after what seemed like several more hours, Jamie and a NIMR neurosurgeon came out. Nelson stood waiting to hear.
"Admiral, I'm glad you got here. I believe you know Dr. Emerson." The two men shook hands.
"How is Lee?"
Emerson spoke up, "Well, he's out of surgery. When working around the spinal cord, it seems like hours sometimes, I know. After taking x-rays, we discovered a small fragment of bone had shifted and was pressing on the spinal column. We believe that that was what caused Mr. Crane to pass out. His body couldn't stand the pain. Upon removing the fragment, it was discovered that it was actually a small metallic fragment which had been partially ossified. Dr. Jamieson told me about Mr. Crane being shot last year so we believe that that fragment was masked by the bone and never removed. Hopefully, Mr. Crane's mobility will be greatly improved by the removal of this object. With some bed rest and further therapy, Mr. Crane should return to almost 100% mobility."
Nelson smiled for the first time in many hours. "That's wonderful; can I see him?"
Will Jamieson smiled and spoke up. "He's in ICU right now; but we'll be bringing him to his room in a few hours. Why don't you go get some rest and in a couple of hours, you can see him."
"Thanks Jamie, but I really would like to stay until I can see him. I'll have someone send over a change of clothing and just clean up here."
Jamie opened his mouth to begin to argue but could see the stubborn temper of Harriman Nelson had settled in and knew nothing could change his mind. "Okay, okay. When the clothes get here; I'll show you where you can shower and change."
With that the two doctors left. Nelson turned around to find Chip Morton and Roy Park to let them know the good news, but discovered that they had returned to the waiting room just in time to hear the news. Roy Park smiled and walked over and hugged his friend. "That's really good news, Harri. Why don't you give me your key; I'm going to take a certain blond home so that he can get some rest and I'll drop by and get your clothes."
Nelson could see Chip Morton, standing behind Roy Park, getting ready to voice a protest when Roy Park quickly turned around and said, "Oh no, my lad; no arguments. You are going home for six hours then you can come back and see that friend of yours, do you hear me?"
Total love showed in the blue eyes as he took Roy Park's hand and squeezed it. "Aye, aye sir."
Nelson took a step towards Morton. He knew that it would take more than a few words to repair the rift between them, but he decided to make a start, "Chip, thanks for being Lee's friend. If you hadn't been home, he might have laid there a lot longer. I . . . I hope one day you can forgive me."
Chip Morton said nothing, but the iciness in his blue eyes thawed slightly. He nodded; then the two men left the hospital.
Now, Admiral Harriman Nelson, the man that Lee Crane always said had a silver tongue for oratory and persuasion, faced perhaps the greatest battle of his life. When he had thought Lee was dead, he had contemplated ending his own life so he could go to be with his beloved Lee, but now he faced losing Lee in an entirely different way - perhaps, an even more tragic way. He had caused this whole thing because of what? - his devotion to duty; his need to feel important by going when and where the President wanted? Nelson closed his eyes and dropped his face into his hands. What was his going to do if that beautiful man with the loving hazel eyes, looked at him with the same contempt that he had seen in Chip Morton's eyes?
*
When Lee Crane saw his husband collapse into unconsciousness, he panicked and began calling for help - both vocally and with the emergency summons. Within seconds, Will Jamieson and several other personnel were in the room, seeing to the collapsed Admiral.
Nevertheless, Crane tried to leave his hospital bed to be with his stricken mate. When the beautiful brunet had told his husband that he wanted to go to Maryland alone, he had not known what to expect. Although the red-haired genius had a temper, he was remarkably able to remain calm in almost every crisis he faced, but clearly this situation with his husband had pushed the Admiral over the brink. Crane's mind was in turmoil and his whole body was filled with fear. Unable to get up due to his recent surgery, Crane's worried voice could be heard calling the Admiral's name until the still figure was lifted onto a gurney and removed to some unseen place in the hospital.
Will Jamieson walked over and looked sternly at Crane. "Lee, stop moving around so much. Remember, you've just had major surgery. I promise; I'll examine the Admiral immediately and then give you a full report. Now, you relax, and I'll see you soon."
Although the fear was still mirrored in his gorgeous hazel eyes, Crane nodded once and slumped back onto the bed. Jamieson gave his favorite patient a brief smile and then left the room. Within seconds after Jamieson's departure, Chip Morton rushed into the room. He walked over to the bed and took hold of the hand that Lee was holding out to him.
"Chip, go see if the Admiral's all right. We just had . . . I said some awful things to him, and he collapsed, go see if he's okay."
Chip Morton smiled at his friend and squeezed his hand gently. "I know, Lee . . . I know, we had just arrived when the whole hospital rushed towards this room. I . . . I thought it was you, but . . .well they told us the Admiral had collapsed. Jamie's in with him now. I'm sure that he'll let you know right away, besides that Roy is waiting nearby and will keep us informed. Now, you relax; we don't want that back injured any more than it already has been."
Chip Morton's calming voice did a great deal to settle the slender figure, but Morton could see how disturbed Crane still was. Morton waited for a few seconds to let his friend try and regain his composure then asked, "What happened, will you tell me?"
For a minute Lee Crane's face shuttered shut, then tears began to flow down the beautiful face. "I told . . . the Admiral that I didn't want him going with me to Maryland when I go to George's for therapy."
Internally, Chip Morton was totally surprised by the words because he knew that Lee Crane loved being with his friend, lover, and husband. Lee Crane would do almost anything to spend time with the red-haired scientist. This alone told Morton that Crane had been more emotionally hurt than anyone had imagined when Nelson had left him at Luigi's. In fact, Morton was so dumbfounded that all he could murmur was, "Go on."
For a moment, Morton thought that his friend wouldn't respond. Morton handed Crane a Kleenex so that he could wipe the tears from his face and waited. Finally, Crane broke the silence. "I . . . I told him that we didn't have an equal-partners marriage and that I didn't want him to use my therapy as an excuse to move closer to the President."
Once again, Morton was stunned, but he squeezed Crane's hand in comfort. "I don't know what to say, Lee. I know that this has been a rough day or so. Sometimes, when we're hurting - either for ourselves or the ones we care about, we say things that we don't really mean. I was so furious with the way that the Admiral treated you that when he arrived at the hospital from Washington, I confronted him. I told him that he manipulated the affection you have for him and that he really didn't put you first in his life." Morton stopped there and dropped his head to his chest. Then quietly he continued, "I was getting ready to tell him more than that when Roy got me out of there."
Lee Crane looked at his friend with a great deal of affection. "I'm sorry that I got you involved in this. You've always been my defender - ever since the Academy."
"Yeah well, somebody's got to protect that skinny frame of yours. Oh, I know you have boxing experience, but sometimes, you get bounced around emotionally as well, and no body is going to hurt you without answering to me."
"I don't know what I would do without you, Chip. I guess when I married the Admiral, I really didn't think about everything that could happen. The Admiral's world famous. I guess I was pretty naïve to think that he would put me first in his life. It's been a wonderful year with both of us working at the Institute together. I guess I should be grateful for the time we do spend together."
Crane could see that Morton was about ready to protest that statement. Crane knew that Chip was his biggest defender, but right now he wanted to know about his husband's condition.
"Chip, could you do me a favor and go see what you can find out about the Admiral?"
Morton squeezed his hand and nodded. "Okay, I'll be right back."
Crane laid there in tense anticipation. Admiral Harriman Nelson was his world. He had loved being the Captain of the SEAVIEW, but he knew his lack of mobility prohibited his further service aboard the great submarine. He had found, however, in the past year, that he was happy taking care of the SEAVIEW by being the chief administrator who oversaw the missions of the gray lady. His husband had readily included him in this world and Crane had begrudged the time that the scientist had spent away from him. Crane was getting ready to push the emergency button again, when Chip Morton walked back in smiling.
"How is he, Chip?"
"Well, the Admiral's awake and demanding to be let loose to come see you. Jamie, on the other hand, is threatening to strap him down to the gurney so that he can give him a thorough exam. Roy had to step in and successfully negotiated a compromise - so now, Jamie's giving the Admiral a thorough exam, Roy gets to stay with them, and then, if it's okay with you - your Admiral will be checked into the hospital and put to bed in here for the night - all on the orders of Dictator Will Jamieson as the genius called him."
Crane laughed. He could see Harriman Nelson, giving in with very little grace to what was inevitable. Crane breathed a sigh of relief, "Of course, it's all right. Who else would put up with him?" The affection in Crane's eyes took all the sting out of the words.
"Okay, I'll tell them then I'll come back and tell you a secret."
Within less than a minute, Morton was back. He stood staring at Crane for a minute or so then began to blush. Crane looked at his friend, "What is it, Chip?"
Shyly Morton finally responded, "I . . . I wanted you to be the first to know. I . . I asked Roy to marry me."
Immediately, Crane's face broke out in a big smile. "That's absolutely wonderful, Chip. What did he say?"
"Well, you ought to know since your Admiral and my Admiral are so much alike - you know things like: he's too old, he's too set in his ways; what if I change my mind. You know all of that."
Crane nodded, fondly remembering the difficulties of persuading Nelson that they should marry. Strangely enough, Nelson eventually asked Crane to marry him before the big event actually occurred. "Does Harri know?"
"Weelllll, I think that's what Roy is telling him right now. I guess I'll have to wait to hear Roy's answer because he said that he wanted to think about it and talk to Harri; then he'd give me his answer."
Crane and Morton shared a look between them; then Crane sighed, "I sure hope you handle your marriage better than I've done. I guess I expected the Admiral to change or something. I love him so much that I just figured everything would work out, but he's important to the world, and I guess I should learn to share."
"Lee Crane, you are a total goof. You mean everything to Harriman Nelson. I know I yelled some pretty harsh things at him, but I am absolutely dead certain that he loves you. You should see the way that he looks at you. When you are in the same room with him, he's always looking around for where you are. His eyes follow you everywhere. Roy wouldn't tell me much, but he did hint that the Admiral was worried about how you felt about me. I'm sorry that I didn't allow you to tell the Admiral about Roy and me. Maybe that would have helped. I don't know."
Crane squeezed Morton's hand. "Don't worry about it, Chip. It wasn't just your secret. Did Jamie say anything at all about what caused Harri to collapse?"
All of a sudden a voice came from the doorway of the man being discussed, "I can tell you why our resident genius collapsed - stress, too many cigarettes, too much coffee, too little food, too little sleep, and stress. It's amazing he was standing on his feet at all. The body is an amazing machine, but push it too hard or deliver a painful message to it and it shuts down to protect itself."
Jamieson walked over to Crane's side and began to take his pulse. Crane looked up at the Doctor and asked, "You mean he's going to be okay?"
Sticking a thermometer in the gorgeous mouth, Jamieson nodded yes. "That is - if he will stop all his bad habits and get some rest. I'm going to prescribe several months of relaxation and time away from science and the pressures of the Institute, but the rest of his vices, he's going to have to work on."
Lee Crane visibly relaxed until he suddenly heard the beloved voice of the man who was his soul mate. Wrinkling his brow, Crane looked at Jamie as if asking what was going on?
"Oh, that's the Admiral - well, really both of them. Admiral Park asked to talk to Admiral Nelson for a little while so I guess I better check and see what's going on. Mr. Morton, would you like to accompany me in case I need a referee?"
Chip patted Crane on the shoulder and then followed Jamieson out of the room. Within a few minutes, however, four star Admiral Roy Park entered the room. Smiling slightly at the slender figure in the bed, Park shook his head and then said, "I had forgotten how stubborn that Harriman Nelson is. He kept wanting to get up and come in here to see you. The first time, he stopped trying to get up was when I told him that Chip had asked me to marry him. That pole axed him for all of 5 seconds then he let out a roar that would have scared away any of those creatures that we keep running into."
Crane smiled, "I think Chip and I heard his reaction all the way down here. It . . . it sounded like he was pleased though."
"Yeah, well, I haven't seen him so emotional since your wedding. That was the topper though. Oh I know, he tried to hide it, but he was brimming over with his love for you. If Chip and I can have half as much going for us, we should be very happy."
Crane seized the stocky Admiral's hand and squeezed it. "Have you decided then to say yes?"
"Well, let's just say that I leaning towards the positive right now, but don't tell Chip that. I want to think about it for a little while before I drop it on him. You know give him a chance to change his mind."
Crane looked affectionately at the older man, "I . . . I don't think that he'll do that. You mean a great deal to him. You know we've been friends since the Academy, and I can read Chip pretty well. I think you two are great together." A look of sadness entered Crane's eyes as he let out a sigh, turning his head away from Park.
Park hesitated for a moment then gently turned Crane's head towards him. "I'm going to tell you something right now, Lee. You can tell me to mind my own business, but I . . . I've known Harriman Nelson for a very long time. It's not easy and won't ever be easy for an older man to explain to a younger lover what he feels. When Chip asked me to marry him, I was bursting with love and pride for that beautiful human being who saw fit to tell me that he loved me, but on the other side, I felt the dread and fear, creeping in that all older men must feel about the future with a younger male lover."
"Go on."
"If we all told the truth, along with our love is a fear that one day, that beloved young one will grow tired of us and seek someone else. I would never want Chip sacrificing himself to stay with me out of duty. Above everything I want him to be happy. I know that I am happy with him, but while I tell this to you, it's difficult to make Chip understand how I feel. I think Harri was and is still like that. I have never seen a man love another person as much as Harri loves you, but he still is Harriman Nelson, world famous scientist, Presidential consultant, and genius. You're going to have to be patient with him because it's not easy for him to slip into the husband mode."
"I think that's why he collapsed. I told him that I didn't want him going with me to Maryland for the therapy. He collapsed right after I told him we had never had a equal-partner marriage and not to use me as an excuse to move out East to be near the President."
Park nodded slightly. "I thought it was something like that. He told me about you wanting to go to Maryland. He said that you must not want him around anymore and that just shattered him. We all think of Harriman Nelson as an extremely tough man who never gives up, but don't forget that he's very vulnerable, especially where you're concerned."
"I just felt that I would be pulling him away from the thing he loves the most. He needs his science and the Institute. I was afraid that he would become bored going out with me to Maryland and then begin looking for ways to occupy his time. You know how he is - he'd never admit he'd made a mistake."
Park smiled, "I sure know that. You know Harri and Jiggs have been friends since the Academy, but let me tell you how they became friends. Harri was always the serious, intense student at the Academy. Jiggs was the athlete, and I was the extrovert. One day, Harri and Jiggs disagreed about something in class. Well, a boxing match was set up to settle their differences. Now you know that Jiggs has several pounds and inches on Harri, but Harri wouldn't back down. Harri held up the first round but by the second round, he was really feeling Jiggs' punches. No matter what though, Harri wouldn't stay down. Finally, Jiggs stopped the fight and told Harri that if he got up one more time that Jiggs was going to pour the drinking water all over him. For a second, Harri just laid there then started laughing. Jiggs started laughing and the whole thing ended. They've been good friends ever since, but normally Harri didn't make friends too easily. He had been hurt rather badly early in his life, and it was hard for him to trust. It took that fight to get Harri to trust Jiggs."
Crane's mind turned to what must have hurt the young Harriman Nelson so much that friendship and trust did not come easily to him. "Thank you for telling me; I never knew."
"Well, I just hope that Harri doesn't keelhaul me for revealing one of his vulnerable moments. I think I hear our beloved colleague coming down the hallway." In the background the Admiral's voice could be heard haranguing Will Jamieson about his dictatorial ways.
"Before Harri gets here, I just want to tell you one other thing. Harri was always closed mouth about his friendships except in one instance. When he met a young Midshipman at the Academy, he had to call me right away and tell me about this future Admiral. From that day until this, I've heard from Harri about everything you've ever done. The name Lee Crane has been repeated and repeated, but at no time more often than when you agreed to marry him. In the face of what's happened, I know it's hard to accept, but you are his world, Lee."
With those words both men looked at the door, where Admiral Harriman Nelson was entering, laying on a gurney being pulled by Will Jamieson and pushed by Chip Morton. The Admiral certainly didn't look sick. In fact, the word petulant more correctly described his demeanor. Mumbling rather loudly, Nelson said, "Jamie, I tell you I'm all right. I don't need to stay in this bed. I want to talk to Lee."
As the gurney actually entered the room, however, Nelson fell silent. Looking at his beloved husband, Nelson's face spoke volumes of apprehension, fear, love, and something else totally undefineable. Jamie pushed the bed so that it would be a few feet away from Crane's. As Jamie started to leave, however, Nelson asked for the head of the bed to be raised, and when he discovered that he could not see Crane, he demanded that the bed be moved to a perpendicular
position so that he could see the man he loved so much.
During all this time, Crane had said nothing, but the hazel eyes and blue eyes followed each other around. Finally, both beds were in exactly the right positions and both occupants could see each other across the room. Jamieson, Morton, and Park discreetly left the two men alone.
For several seconds there was silence, but finally, Crane asked, "Are you all right, Admiral?"
In a quiet voice, the red haired genius responded, "Yes, I'm fine; Jamie's just being his usual self, but . . . but how are you?"
Tears began to roll down the bronzed cheeks, "I . . . I don't really know. I just know that I don't ever want to go through that again, seeing you collapse like that, it scared me so much. I'm sorry for what I said to you."
Harriman Nelson lay, watching his beautiful mate. His blue eyes were filled with love and sadness. "Lee, I know I didn't act like it last night, but all I want for you is your happiness. It hasn't been easy to hear some of the things that you and Chip have told me, but they've all been true. I have been selfish, and I have used your affection and love for me.. . . . If you want to go to Maryland by yourself, then that's the way it will be. If you'll allow me to come and visit you, I would be grateful, but I'm prepared to wait until you are ready for us to take up our lives again - together. I love you with all my heart."
"I guess I was just counting so much on our vacation together. I wanted to show you that I could contribute to our marriage as much as you do. You've taken me into your world. You gave me the Captaincy of SEAVIEW for which I'll never be able to thank you. You made me Director of NIMR. You've given me a home and a family. I just wanted to give you something back, and then you left."
Nelson nodded and looked at the forlorn figure that seemed totally exhausted. Reaching into his pocket, Nelson pulled out the anniversary gift that Roy Park had brought from the penthouse.
Getting up from the bed, he walked over and held it out in front of the brunet. "Lee, it's you who's given me so much. I have given you material things such as the Captaincy and the Directorship, but you have given me something much more important. Except for Jiggs and Roy, I've never had a lot of friends. The day you entered my life was the turning point. Everything that I've done since then has been motivated by you. I built SEAVIEW with you in mind. I created the Institute so that one day you be in my life as its Director. I built the Flying Sub to fill your craving for speed. Sweetheart, you are everything to me. I wish I could give you my heart to show you my love, but since I can't, here's a small gift to tell you how I feel."
Since Crane's left arm was encumbered by IVs, Nelson removed the wrapping paper but let Lee open the package with his right hand. Inside was a replica of the SEAVIEW done in silver mixed with pewter to give the gray appearance of the hull. Each place where lights should have been was a diamond and the entire herculite window area was made up of diamonds.
Crane was speechless. Tears began to flow. Nelson took a Kleenex and gently wiped away the tears. "Read the engraving."
WE HAVE BOTH GIVEN OUR HEARTS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL LADY, NOW I GIVE HER TO YOU, WITH MY LOVE FOR ALWAYS.
---Harri
Crane picked up the replica and looked at it for a long time. Then he looked up at the man he loved, "Oh Harri, I . . ." Without saying another word, Crane held out his arm and wrapped it around the stocky man. He kissed the lips of the man he had adored for a dozen years then broke away. "I love you so much."
The four star Admiral embraced the too slender body again then broke away with a look of apprehension. "Are you sure we should be doing this - I mean you just had surgery."
"Okay, we won't do anymore tonight, but Jamie told you to stay in bed so you better do so. Otherwise, you know Jamie and those cold enemas!"
Nelson laughed, kissed the palm of his husband and started back towards his bed. A tug at his arm stopped him, however. Turning to look at his husband, Nelson's right eyebrow arched when he noticed that Crane was moving slightly and patting the space next to him.
"Lee, I don't think that's a good idea."
The beautiful brunet smiled, "Why not? After all Jamie only said that you had to stay in bed, he didn't say which bed."
Nelson smiled and gave his love a kiss. Gently moving Lee over a few inches, Nelson removed most of his clothing and climbed in. Lee Crane's exhausted eyes looked adoringly at the four star Admiral. Cuddling up next to Crane's stiff form, Nelson whispered, "I love you, Lee Crane. Whatever you decide, please let me share your future."
Just as Crane's eyes were closing in sleep, he mumbled, "You are my future, my beloved. Wherever we go, we go together."
________________________
Short Epilogue to Follow