Dangerous Tension (LGBT - Sci-Fi - Romance)

Part 8 - Propositioned

Part 8 - Propositioned

For the next week or so, Matthews was very careful to keep his interactions with the crew and officers brief and formal, he wanted to allow time for the high emotions of the trial to disperse before resuming his normal, more casual, behaviour. Everything was more or less back to normal when Kent found himself alone with the Captain in his quarters for the first time since the trial. He had come to see him to discuss an exercise the ship would be conducting over the next few days and after they had finalised the remaining details, Matthews asked him to stay on for a minute. He hesitated for a moment then cleared his throat, "Uh.. Lieutenant, do you remember saying that if I ever wanted a .. a relationship with one of the men, I could just ask?" 

Kent stared at him like a startled deer. He swallowed. "Yes sir, I think so." 

Matthews began to pace back and forth, not meeting Kent's eyes, working up his courage. 

"Well, I want someone." He stopped. 

"Who sir?" the words were scarcely audible. 

The Captains resolution failed at the last minute, "Um no-one in particular." 

Kent felt excruciatingly uncomfortable. "I'm sorry Captain, but I really don't think I am the best person to discuss this with." 

Matthews took a deep breath and braced himself. "Actually you are. You are the only person I want." 

Kent could only stare helplessly at him and the Captain already regretted his indiscretion. He tried to smile. "I know you meant what you said to Harper but doing anything about it is quite another matter isn't it?" He looked straight at Kent for the first time, and his expression told him he was right. "I wonder how far.... Lieutenant, take off your clothes. That's an order!" 

Kent stared at him, still trying to absorb the initial shock. Then with trembling fingers he started to unfasten his uniform. Having half expected a punch in the face, Matthews went as white as a sheet.  

"Stop! I'm sorry Kent, I didn't think you'd do it." He looked at him more closely. "You're scared," he said in a strained voice, "You're scared, of me." He swung violently away. "God, I wish I'd kept my bloody mouth shut!" 

Kent looked wildly at the door, then sank trembling into a chair. He finally found his voice. "You.. you really want me?" 

"Yes." Matthews had his back to him, bracing himself for what he would say next. 

"Hell! Wouldn't you rather have someone else? Another om maybe?" He was pleading. 

"No." There was a long silence. "I was hoping that perhaps.. you know, some men who act homophobic are actually.. not. Some find they are actually oms themselves." 

Kent had not heard that before but he did not think he was one of them. "I'm not sure if I can do what you want of me," he spoke as if the words were being torn out of him. 

The Captain shut his eyes and asked flatly, "Would you sleep with me tonight?" 

"No sir." 

"I think we'd better try and forget the whole thing, Lieutenant," he said harshly. 

"Sir, I know it's not going to be easy, but maybe.. maybe if you take things very slowly I'll be able to cope." 

"Or you may not." 

"No sir," he agreed. 

"I think perhaps we both need more time to think about this," said Matthews. "Will you come and see me here again tomorrow night? Just to talk," he added hastily. 

Kent nodded. "I can do that." 

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Matthews ushered Kent to the door, then turned to face him. "I need to apologise. I'm sorry for what happened earlier, I hope I haven't upset you too much." 

Kent smiled briefly and went straight to his own cabin, his head in a whirl. Just what had he got himself into? Why on Earth had he not just said "No" and walked out when the Captain propositioned him? What had he been thinking to offer him even the slightest glimmer of encouragement?