Gideon

Chapter 26

WARNING: Extreme homoerotic scene to follow.

This was the longest journey Gideon had ever undertaken.

He accepted being the weakest kid on the block, and a target for bullies, both at school, on the playground and during his adolescent years. Bullies were a dime a dozen. He took self-defense lessons in Kung Fu and boxing. It wasn't forced upon him. He'd done so willingly.

He fell in love and it was no big surprise to anyone that it was another man. Sexual discrimination was not part of society since the 23rd century. Love was love and religions had changed their doctrines over time to embrace love across all sexual preferences.

He had made bad choices, like being conscripted into the security team of Xenocon for a time. He learnt that hate was a huge part of the Xenocon mission, hate disguised as love for all citizens. But that was a front, and when he opened his eyes, he realized it wasn't too late to change sides.

But this walk to Callum's apartment eight floors below ground was by far the longest journey of all.

He stood at the panel outside and Connie answered. "Good evening, Gideon. Callum is not expecting you. Shall I make him aware that you are here?"

Gideon wanted to turn back. He could wait for another time, but this was important. He needed to get his feelings off his chest.

"If you will, thank you."

A few seconds later the panel slid open.

Gideon welcomed him with a handshake. "Gideon! Welcome to my humble abode, come in and make yourself comfortable," he said, leading him into the lounge. "Cleo and I are enjoying a homemade meal, care to join us?"

Gideon's heart skipped a beat. His intention had been to get this over with and not revisit the journey again.

The lounge and dining room were open plan, and he saw Cleo smiling at him. She called out. "Hi there, sir. How are you?"

Gideon forced a smile. "I'm fine thank you, Cleo," then, turning to Callum he said, "Maybe I should come by another time."

"Please, please join us. You're more than welcome," Callum said.

"No. It's not important. I'll come by again, I promise."

"We'd like you to join us, but it's your choice. If it's important I can leave," Cleo said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin.

"No, no. I insist. See you in the morning, Callum."

The walk back to his apartment was even more unbearable. He seethed and clenched his fists, cursing himself for not contacting Callum first to ask if he could visit. The feeling of overwhelming jealousy was too much to bear and the moment he reached his apartment, he went straight for a bottle of Gin.

***

"What was that all about?" Cleo asked, gulping down the last swig of wine in her glass.

"I have no idea. He's never visited me. This is a first. I'm wondering why he didn't call."

"I think I may have ruined something."

"Not at all. I had no idea he was coming. He'll tell me in the morning I'm sure."

"I can tell he has you frazzled."

"I am not frazzled."

"Of-course you are. By your own admission you have the hots for him. I'll bet he has the hots for you."

"He's not gay."

"On the contrary. He is."

"And you know this how?"