Night Traveller (Gay Romantic Sci-Fi)

Chapter Twenty Four

"He won't come," Dane said, speaking with his back to Ryan. "He's too straight, he won't even consider it." 

Callan swallowed, he wasn't entirely certain that he was ready to consider a threesome either. Naturally enough it had been Dane's idea. Dane had been acting oddly all evening, taking every opportunity to get close to him, touching him in a way that was rather more than friendly. When they'd come upstairs to the suite, he'd even tried to kiss him as soon as they shut the door behind them. He had laughed when Callan pushed him away a bit grumpily. He didn't want to play games, he was too worried about what was happening to Oliver. Had he got into some sort of trouble through helping him? 

Dane had backed off cheerfully enough, saying, "Go and have your shower Ryan. It'll make you feel much better. They've got some big fluffy robes here, you can put one on afterwards and I'll give you a shoulder massage if you like." 

He had hesitated a moment but that really sounded a good idea, certainly standing here worrying wasn't helping anyone. He went into the bathroom and took off his uniform, frowning over the dried blood stains. He would put it in the refresher unit when he came out, so it would be clean for tomorrow.  

It was true, he did feel better standing under the hot water, the heat soothed some of his sore muscles. He hoped Oliver was safe. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep until he heard from him. That reminded him, he needed a new wristcom, god only knew what had happened to his old one. When he came out, the fluffy white robe wrapped around him, he found Dane had turned the heat up in the bedroom, making it nice and cosy. 

"I'm just going to have a quick shower myself," Dane said, another robe draped over one arm. "I won't be long. There's some Aurigan Whisky on the table if you'd like to pour us a couple of nightcaps." 

He was out in less than five minutes, still trying to decide whether or not he was going to make a heavy pass, or just continue playing the flirting game. It wasn't like him to feel uncertain, usually he knew exactly what he wanted, or didn't want, and went straight for it without second guessing himself. The fact that Callan wasn't exactly begging him for it wasn't the problem, he considered himself rather an expert at persuading people to do something they hadn't thought they would ever agree to. No, the problem was that he loved Callan, as well as being hot for him at the moment. He didn't want to sabotage their friendship, do something that Callan would bitterly resent when he came to his senses, something that would make him push Dane away for ever. 

Perhaps he should just give Callan the massage he had offered and take it from there. After all once he had Callan face down on the bed, sitting across his thighs, the robe peeled down from his strong shoulders so his hands could get to work, who knew what might happen. 

And here he was a quarter of an hour later, just as he had pictured, sitting astride Callan, his fingers kneading those tight muscles and he knew, despite his wishful thinking that he was the only one getting aroused here. 

"So, you really fancy him huh?" he asked in a low voice, trying to keep the tone light. 

"Oh yes," murmured Callan thickly. 

Dane swallowed. "I don't want to rain on your parade here, but you know he's ... ah, ... interested in me?" He tried to be as delicate as possible. 

"I know," admitted Callan. He paused. "And what about you? Can I ask, are you interested in him?" 

"He's pretty cute," said Dane, striving for detachment. "If he offered, I probably wouldn't say 'no'." He felt Callan twitch beneath him. 

If Dane hadn't felt like crying for some stupid reason he would have laughed. What a classic farce. He wanted Callan, who wanted Oliver, who wanted him. A great storyline for a Holovid, anyone.  

He held his breath as a brilliant idea popped into his mind. He contemplated it from all angles for a minute, before tossing it out for Callan to consider.  

"Let's invite him up here. We're all adults and ... it's a big bed." He grinned, god if only!  

Before Callan could really get his head around the idea, Dane was calling Oliver on his wristcom. 

"Stop!" Callan protested in a panic. What was Dane doing? 

Dane stopped, his finger hovering over the 'com. "It's your call. Shall I ask him or not?" 

"Oh god," Callan didn't know what he wanted. Mike would say no, wouldn't he? But what if he didn't? He could feel himself getting excited just considering the possibility. No, it was a bad idea. He was too old for this sort of thing, how would they look each other in the face in the morning? Oh god, the idea of waking up all warm and naked with Mike on one side and Dane on the other, had his pulse jumping like a wild thing. It was true, they were all consenting adults. Surely they could engage in some hot sex without regrets? 

Maybe they could start slowly and if anyone wanted to stop they would agree there would be no hard feelings ... He couldn't believe he was actually considering the idea. 

"Well?" asked Dane, waiting impatiently. 

"Yes. No! Oh god," Callan pushed Dane off and stood up. He paced up and down. He was only thirty five, he wasn't dead, he could still say 'yes' to some fun couldn't he? He knew full well it would only be a matter of sex. No-one's heart would be involved, no-one would be making any sort of a commitment here. And this was the only way he was going to get Mike in his bed. Maybe. If Mike agreed. Which he wouldn't, he was sure. He paced a bit more. 

"Alright. Do it. Ask him." 

Before Callan could change his mind again, Dane put through the call. Mike picked up. Dane smiled as he spoke, fending off Callan who was having second thoughts, again, with one arm. "Well, are you coming up? We've been waiting for you."