I wake up in the dark, a bit disoriented, with the whole room swaying gently around me; flat on my tummy on something not-quite-a-mattress but still very comfortable. For a moment, I freeze, feeling a solid body beside me and a heavy arm stretched over my lower back with fingers possessively curled on the back of my thigh. I hear a deep, completely relaxed, almost-snoring male breathing just over my shoulder. A salty, warm, fresh curl of morning air moves through the round window right beside my head.
Round window?? Where am I? I hear a soft watery slapping sound, and the memory rushes back. ohhhh... :)))
I smile in the dark and look out at the moonlight glinting on the water ripples just past the anchor rope on the bow. I remember, ohhhh, I remember now.... I turn my head a little and run my nose into the softness of your hair just behind your ear, so very short from your last haircut on the base, kissing too lightly to break the pattern of your sleep.
I'd met you as you got off the plane, your eyes searching the crowd of other people's family and friends massed at the arrival gate, looking for anyone you might recognize.
I'd seen soldiers come off planes before with no one there to greet them. Their brief sadness and sharp disappointment quickly covered up by a steel resolve to keep going. I couldn't bear to have you feel that way. I stood quietly by the square cement pillar, waving our country's flag, my soul shining in my eyes as you hopefully searched through the noise and confusion.
Your eyes found me, waiting for you, and I saw that wonderful, slow grin again, just as I saw it in Germany those long months ago. Your uniform was a bit crumpled from the flight, but you took a deep breath and straightened proudly, moving between joyous reunions like a great lean lion.
My mind and body pressed tightly to yours, lost in the getting reacquainted touches and breathless kisses and murmured love words; my knees almost collapsed underneath me as a hot wave of need made me so weak against you. You chuckled, knowing the effect you have on me, almost scooping me up and hurrying along to the baggage claim for your duffle bag.
"Do you have the tickets, pet?" I nodded, "Yes... our plane leaves in two hours. Just time to get a snack if you're hungry."
I glanced up to catch a wicked, intense grin on your face and bit my lower lip at the thought of what you're hungry for, and laughed back up into your eyes... whispering... "I can't wait!"