Love on the Rocks - 3. Chapter 3

Sasha returned to his ship as I made my rounds to the office, then to eat and classes for today. I had a meeting with two students that I help in Astrogation occasionally that needed assistance. Four hours after Sasha and I parted ways, I received a Link message.

Hi Marc,

I had to explain where I was last night to my parents and tell them about you. They were pissed until I told them your name. Then they showed me a picture, which I confirmed was who it was. After that, my parents calmed down. They would like to meet my new boyfriend. Can you come to dinner tonight aboard our ship? Sorry. I had to tell them you were my boyfriend.

Sasha.

I stepped out of class into the passageway. Tapping in the codes to my Link I pulled up everything about the ship and his family I could. Including our security files on them. They looked fine, but I don’t really want a boyfriend. I ran my hand across my face before I Comm’d him.

“Hi Marc. You’re not mad at me, are you?” Sasha asked worriedly.

“Not really. I just wanted to clarify that I was not looking for and didn’t want a boyfriend right now. I do really like the sex though. Is that going to be OK with you?” He hesitated for a second before he spoke.

“I’m sorry. I thought you wanted a boyfriend after last night. You wouldn’t let me leave. Even asleep, you held me tight.” Sasha took a deep breath. “If you can only give me sex, then that is fine.” He said slowly. I thought about it and sighed.

“So you told them I was your boyfriend not only to get out of trouble but because you actually wanted to be my boyfriend, or rather that I be yours.” I said. I wasn’t mad. Just making sure my assumption was correct.

“Yes. I’m sorry.” I dipped my head at his image before I responded.

“Then I guess I will meet your parents at dinner tonight and you can spend the night with me again. And possibly the next time you are at the station, we can do it again. You can tell your parents we broke up or anything else you think would be appropriate. Just remember. Under all the acting, I am not your boyfriend, Sasha. I am sorry if that upset you. Sorrier still, that I didn’t explain it before we had sex. I had thought that was a given since you came from a ship. My error and I will make sure in the future I don’t forget again. As far as you are concerned. I guess you are my boyfriend until tomorrow. So what time, my dear Sasha, and where am I going?” He was upset, but his smile when I called him dear was magnificent, entire face lit up.

“Is 17:00 hours OK and we are at B-3.” I smiled back.

“Yes, my dear Sasha. 17:00 hours is fine. Will I see you before that?” He looked at me, confused. “Wouldn’t you like to go with the I just had sex glow?” His eyes went wide and when he closed his mouth, he smiled mischievously.

“Could you be here by 15:30?” I smiled.

“I will see you then.”

Thankfully, today was the day the room steward I paid came to take care of my room. I was such a dirty dog last night. I just had time to strip the bed before leaving this morning. I walked in at 1430 to find she had indeed been here, ‘Set the room to rights,’ as she put it. It was probably the best 60 credits a week to have her come every Monday and Thursday I ever spent. I’m never here except to get clean, change clothing, and sleep. With the occasional tryst or two in a month’s time. The last time was three months ago. He wouldn’t stay the night. Tom and I don’t have sex, but he holds me at night when we are on the mining ship. He understands I have needs, and he helps me when I need it most. Even though I have been trying to sleep alone more, it doesn’t always work and I need medication to get a full night’s sleep. I try to hold out for as long as I can before I use them as the next day I am a little off and people notice.

Thinking about the mining again. I worked through some projections and sent everyone a Link message asking if we could go out next weekend. Depart Friday night and come back Sunday. Then again, in three weeks time. I will have enough funds to take out a rented miner the following weekend and that should boost my account enough to be able to get an Ice Miner up at the Joshua ‘77 Station. I also worked out the best place to go for mining with the rented miner and crew. I have a few options, but I want to keep them open for the moment. I turned to my repairs list for the Mining Vessel Bear Claws. She can fly now, but I don’t have the funds for the mining crystals I need. I could run with the old crystals, but they are almost at their end of life. I can only run them at 60% power. Which reduces me to about 40% of my mining ability. If I had new crystals, then I could at least use the old miner in the corporate mining groups. Randy would need to charge me full rate, but that would be fine with the amount of ore I could pull with a set of strip miners or all three if I could swing it. I rubbed the palms of my hands into my eyes as I thought about how to get the equipment I needed. I jumped when my hatch chime sounded. Quickly shutting down my tablet, I turned to get the hatch.

“Hi Marc. I thought maybe I would pick up a bottle of wine for you to bring tonight.” Said Sasha. I smiled.

“If that’s what you think, then yes. Thank you, my dear boyfriend.” He smiled and hugged me.

“I am sorry Marc. If you ever decide I could be your boyfriend, I promise to be the best one you’ve ever had,” Sasha said into my chest. I almost sighed out loud. If he only knew I’ve never had a boyfriend, just close friends with permanent benefits for a few months, nor do I want one yet. Reaching up, I took his head in my hands and kissed him.

An hour later, we were in the fresher and I was washing him slowly as he did the same for me. “Are you sure I’m not your boyfriend, Marc? You treat me like one.”

“Do I. Or do I treat you with the kindness you deserve for allowing me to take you long and hard? Or should I just say it’s time for you to go? I got my fuck, and that’s all I needed.” He stopped and thought about it for a few heartbeats.

“I think I like this better. You are right. We had sex, and we both got off. We both made the other person happy. There is no need to tell me you love me, but you are telling me I am cared about as a person. Not just a piece of ass you can plow.” I smiled as I stepped in and pulled him against me.

“Friends with benefits. Besides. I want you glowing when we arrive at your parents. Just to let them know you are happy.” He gripped me tight.

“I’ve been hurt before and they are afraid I might be again. I will be upset tomorrow, but I will not be hurt. You actually care for me, but not the way I want you to. Someday you are going to find that person, and I hope they are as good to you as you have been to me.” With that said, he kissed me. This was different. He didn’t force his tongue into my mouth. Passion, slow and sensual, was what this kiss was all about. When he separated from me, he smiled up under those thick eyebrows with his beautiful green eyes. “I thank you, Marc, for the way you treat me. I’m not just a roll in the sheets. Take me to my parents, please. Then bring me back here and just take me, over and over again. Then I will hold you until morning. Deal. My, I want you to be mine, boyfriend?” He dropped his head onto my chest as I kissed the top of it.

“Deal. My boyfriend wanna be.” He hugged me tighter.

“Thanks Marc.”

I woke the next morning snuggled up behind Sasha. My cock was hard and seated between his ass cheeks. I rolled back to grab the lube off my table and popped the top. Sasha squirmed as his body looked for mine. I lubed my cock and rolled back, reaching down as I lifted his one leg. He understood as he was waking up and raised it for me. Freeing my hand to guide my hardness into him again. In less than five minutes, he was making all kinds of noises, including calling out my name. I stopped and pushed him over, making my cock pop out of his ass before I climbed over him and pushed myself back in. Then I lowered down onto him.

“This is so you don’t forget I love you. Just not the way you want me to.” And with that, I slammed into him hard. Long dicking him as he tried to grab the bed and pull out from under me. Until his head shot back and he let out another loud animal sound as I felt him tense. Ass spasmed around my cock as I rammed into him repeatedly before I, too, let out a moan of delight. Loading his ass with my cum. His panting grew slower as I lowered myself next to him. He pushed me onto my back and crawled on top of me. Again, the kiss was full of passion and love. When he pulled away, he smiled.

“Thank you, my boyfriend, for loving me back. I should be back through in about 2 months. Can we see each other again?” I smiled.

“Keep in touch. We are still friends, at the very least. If I am here, then yes, you are welcome here. Even if it’s just as friends. I travel a lot too. Keep me updated on where you are going. I might be there too.” He hugged me tight as he lowered himself onto my chest.

“We have one more stop in Seraph Sector. Then we go up into High Sec for over a month before coming back down. I’ll send you our schedule.” I nodded.

“And you will be OK.”

He smiled, “Yeah. I’ll have to explain to them we decided to be just friends and all that. I’m not hurt. I actually feel better about myself. Our relationship and everything.” He stopped speaking, but I could tell that it was just a pause as he tried to work out the best words. “You’ve actually done more to help me than my specialist. I don’t know how to thank you for that, Marc.”

“I know a lot about pain, Sasha. More than I should. A thank you and maybe another kiss would be good enough as long as we remain friends. The benefits are up to you. I’m in if you are.” He rose again and looked into my eyes.

“I’ll always have sex with you if we are both available. Thank you Marc. I wish to always, at least, be your friend.” Then he leaned down, and I raised my lips to meet him halfway for another kiss. This time it was me that reached around to hold his head so he couldn’t pull away until I was ready. And he didn’t. When I finally released him, he had a tear in his eye.

“We should get cleaned up and go to breakfast. You need to get to class and I need to get back to the ship. We leave at 09:00 hours.”

“If I can get down there in time, I’ll wave goodbye to you.” I said, and he stood, holding out a hand to help me up.

“You are going to make someone very happy some day when you find your Bond Mate.” Sasha said as we walked into the fresher together.

It was 0855 hours as I walked into the viewing gallery. I wore my shipsuit with my medals and stars. As I stood, I commanded the viewing screen to lock in and enlarge the Bridge. Several people gave me raised eyebrows until they realized who I was. I also opened the channel so we could hear the Bridge. Sasha was sitting in the Captain’s chair. His mother was standing next to him as he gave instructions. He was Comm’ng for clearance to depart the station when he noticed me. His voice tripped, then he smiled as he continued. His mother smiled too once she realized what had happened. I open a Link to the ship and waited. Sasha smiled as the Comm’s Officer called out my request. He held up a finger and continued his stream of orders before he answered me a few minutes later.

“Hello Marc. I am glad you could make it.”

“I am cutting it close and need to be brief. Safe travels to you and your family, Sasha. Until we meet again, my dear friend.”

“Until we meet again, my dear friend.” I smiled as he closed the channel. The ship moved back away from the dock and I came to attention and saluted by slamming my right fist over my heart. He was shocked for a moment, then jumped from the chair and saluted me back, as did his mother. I returned to my classes for the day. Just after lunch my Link chimed signaling I had a message. I checked. Sasha sent me the updated list of stops and schedule as far as he knows it. It will have to wait until later.

I finished for the day and grabbed a tray of food out of the cafeteria to eat in my cabin. Deciding to check out the list, Sasha sent me. I zeroed in on one stop and my cock responded with just the thought of seeing him again. And immediately tapped back the date. With a note. “I might be at ‘77 the day you leave. I’ll find out if I can get in a few days earlier.” He tapped me back almost immediately. “Dad said we could stay an extra day.” I smiled. “Now I have to make sure I am early. One day, at least two would be better.” It took five minutes before he replied to that with a Comm’s Link.

“Are you sure you’re not my boyfriend?”

I laughed and responded, “If I was your boyfriend, you wouldn’t have left this station. I am possessive. I will try my best to meet you early. My wanna be boyfriend.”

He responded with laughter and said, “Always. Mom and Dad are happy with you, too. They don’t understand how we are not dating, but I am so happy.”

“I don’t need to date you to love you. It’s all about loving Sasha. With me, you are loved. Regardless of our relationship status. Some day Sasha. Some day your mate will find you. And he will love you more than I do and you will love him more than me.”

“Yes Marc. Someday.” I smiled as he looked back at me. There was a little sadness there.

“Yes Sasha. No sadness now. You are loved. Always remember that.” He smiled as he wiped one eye.

“I know Marc. I need to go back on Watch now. Can I Comm you for lunch tomorrow?” I took a second.

“Yes. I should be available from 11:30 hours until 12:20 hours.” He smiled again.

“Thanks Marc. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow then Sasha.” I closed the Link and headed for the fresher. The hot water felt good across my body as the steam surrounded me. I breathed in the water vapors and relaxed. Letting all the stresses of the day wash down the drain, along with the sorrow I feel for not being able to love Sasha the way he deserves and wants. I am not the one Sasha. And you are not the one for me.

Thursday morning I was up early as I needed to meet Shana’s ship and escort her to breakfast. I stifled a laugh as the Bridge crew found me standing in the viewing gallery as they entered the hangar. As I walked her from the ship’s Lock she had her arm in mine. People were probably getting all sorts of ideas as we laughed our way to the O-3 level and one of her favorite restaurants for breakfast, but Shana has a girlfriend. Unfortunately, she was on an opposite watch, but I’m sure I’ll meet her when we use Victory for our tour passage.

“I thought you were only 17 now, but you have the Silver Captain’s Insignia of a full Captain.”

“CONFED Navy’s doing when I finished Officer Candidate School and three months at the War College. It was an interesting 7 months. Then I took one of their new Pirate Interdiction Wings out for two months to help train them in asteroid field Jumping.”

“Ahh. So, the Prince of the Confederation was showing the big boys how to do it.”

“Something like that. I hear you are next in line for an Executive Officer slot.” Which made her smile as it shows I am watching, even if I am not in contact much.

“Yes. I put in for a Destroyer slot. Have you heard anything about that?” One corner of my mouth lifted in a lopsided grin.

“I can neither confirm nor deny any knowledge of your next posting.” I paused before I whispered, “Besides. I need more information first.”

“Oh. First, before you tell me or first, before you decide where I should go.” I grasped my heart in shock.

“I would never pull anyone around to a posting.” I said in my most innocent sounding voice. “That’s the Admiralty’s job. I just own the Admiralty.” She snorted as we both broke into laughter.

“Like you didn’t pull the three of them together for that ship.”

“Maybe. I’ll never tell. And if one of them blabs, I’ll spank them all.” Her laughter disturbed the other customers as her face flushed.

“Still the Prince of the Confederation. Don’t ever change Marc.”

It was fun catching up with her and she looked a little confused when we parted, and I said I’ll see you in a few days. The orders haven’t come down the pipe yet, so they don’t know we are going on tour.

* * *

I woke Friday morning. A message was on my link from earlier this morning from Sasha. “Best of luck on your mining expedition.” I smiled and tapped back. “Thanks. I’ll talk to you in a few days.” Then I got on with my work and preparations. I went down to Mini Borer and made sure all the volatiles and water were full. That the Scrubbers in environmental were good to go, and that we had a good selection and supply of Seiko’s favorite food aboard. And more importantly, that my rack was clean and fresh smelling. I’ll ask Tom to hold me at least for one night, as Sasha’s love is wearing off. I pulled up the latest Navigation data and downloaded it into the system while I pulled the latest probe reports from the mining group. I was looking at the data as the Lock Hatch chimed. I looked at my Link for the time. It was early for everyone. I walked down to the hatch and opened it.

“Figured you might need a nap before we leave.” Said Tom as he walked on with his travel bag for the weekend. I closed the hatch and followed him down to my cabin. He tapped the codes, and the hatch opened. He waved me in.

“Same as always. You get the inside.” I smiled.

“I love you too Tom.” He snorted.

“No. I hear you like that guy off that large freighter. Sasha, I heard his name was.” I raised my eyebrows.

“Really. I’m sorry I missed that. He is a nice guy, though.”

“And now you’re going to tell me you didn’t sleep with him for two nights, right?” He asked as I climbed onto the rack, sliding as far in as I could get and assuming the position so he could spoon me from behind.

“Yeah. But we are just friends.” I said as he slid up behind me, wrapping his arm around me. I could hear the smirk in his voice.

“Yeah. OK. Set your alarm for two hours.” I did, and then he was silent. I fell asleep to the sounds and feeling of Tom’s steady breathing on my neck. He must have fallen asleep too, as he almost fell out of the rack when my alarm tone chimed.

“Better now?” He asked.

“Yes. Thank you. Sasha is wearing off. Last night was not as good as the rest of the week.” He nodded as he held out a hand to help me up.

“You really need to get a bigger bed. Maybe a stuffed animal. Life-sized to cuddle with.” He said with that smirk of his.

“I tried that already. Doesn’t work for me.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll be here tonight and one shift tomorrow night.” He said as he turned to leave.

My voice was small when I said, “Thank you, Tom.”

He was already heading down to Engineering. “What are brothers for besides keeping Engineering going for you?” He called over his shoulder as he descended the ladder. I smiled at that comment.

* * *

We were packing it into the ore holds and getting ready to head for home when I noticed a large freighter pulling out of the mining area. They seemed to be lining up on Low Point Station. I couldn’t be sure, but I pulled up the schedule again that Sasha sent. No, it wasn’t them. I sighed. Which, of course, had gotten Tom’s attention.

“You OK Marc?”

“Yeah. I just thought.” I stopped speaking. Just thought what. I knew the freighter wasn’t Sasha’s. I knew before I checked the schedule. “I had to check on that freighter.” I said absentmindedly. Tom gave me raised eyebrows, then he looked back at Rachel. She shrugged as she looked over at me.

“I just thought maybe I read Sasha’s schedule wrong.”

Tom smiled, “So. You do like him?” My hand came up to waggle in the 50-50 gesture.

“Ahh. I see. Did your mom get back to you yet about ‘77 next month?” He asked as Rachel had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing. I glanced over at Tom and caught the smirk he tried to hide.

“He is not my boyfriend. He’s a playmate. Which works out well for us.”

“Uh huh,” said Tom in a slow drawn-out way. I rolled my eyes as Rachel couldn’t hold in the laugh anymore. I just gave it up as I piloted us into the hanger in reverse so we could unload our last full hold easier. It took another hour to unload and work out the distribution of funds. Tom took a few minutes to order the ship's tankage filled.

“I figure if we do it now. It would be done the next time and offer you an extra amount of time to nap if needed.” Rachel smirked at both of us.

“I would hold you too, Marc, but you sleep better when he does it.”

I grinned, “I thought you said I snored too much.”

“You did that night.”

“That’s because you must spoon him. Hold him tight so he can’t roll. Then he doesn’t snore.” Mentioned Tom.

“Oh. Never thought of that.” Said Rachel as we all exited the Lock together.