Chapter 57
Gunner
Even after a week of him being on the crew, Gunner still found it surreal to be sitting at the counter watching Meridian pour coffee. Today’s uniform was hot: a push-up bra with no cups, a flowy mini skirt that barely covered his ass, fishnets, and platform boots. All in red.
“What else can I do for you, Stiles?”
“You know,” Stiles said with a wink.
“Yes, sir!”
Meridian disappeared behind the counter. Judging by the sucking sounds, he had his head under Stiles’ apron.
“This is what we’ve needed for a long time.” Stiles braced his hands on the countertop. “Our own sexy boy toy.”
Snake raised his mug. “Indeed.”
Horatio painted Gunner’s lower lip with maple syrup and licked it clean. “I want to be your boy toy, baby.”
Looking into those eyes would never get old. “I think you already are.”
“Damn skippy.” Horatio grinned at Snake. “What’s on the agenda today, Captain?”
“I’m still going through all the mission requests,” Snake grumbled. “Whose idea was it to take a week off?”
Horatio shot him a look. “Yours.”
“And no regrets. Especially since all you boys got such sexy tan lines.” Snake tugged down the back of Horatio’s pants and whistled.
Using the master key, Juno discovered that Anole had banished the royal council to an idyllic dimension called Paradiso. After bringing the council back to Clairidia, Snake insisted the entire crew head right back for a beach vacation.
Like they needed prodding.
Body surfing, nude night swimming, colorful tropical drinks, and plenty of sunshine—the break they all needed. Still, it was nice to get back to a routine, and Gunner couldn’t wait for their next mission.
But first, he had plans for Horatio. Right as he was about to drag him off to their bunk, Dagger, Juno, Iggy, and Seven appeared.
“We finished the new power supply,” Dagger said. “Come see, Snake.”
“I’ve got calls to make—”
Seven leaned against the counter, disheveled and panting. “I tried it, and trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.”
“A bit like gettin’ buggered by a robot.” Iggy peeked over the counter. “Oof, I never get tired of seeing that man on his knees.”
“So it’s true? We can… fuck the ship?” Gunner felt his sanity ebbing away.
“The ship can also fuck, but so much more. There are many settings. We haven’t even figured them all out yet,” Juno said.
“Is it safe?” Snake’s legs jiggled against his bar stool.
Seven’s smirk bordered on evil. “Are you scared, vampire?”
“You’re a right git sometimes, Seven.” Snake hopped off his chair. “Lead on.”
Dagger held Snake’s hand. “Perfectly safe, cap-ee-tan. Promise.”
“Avenge me, Horatio,” Snake shouted over his shoulder as they dragged him off.
“Do you want to check it out?” Horatio grazed his thumb across Gunner’s chin.
“No.” Smiling, Gunner took his hand. “Come with me.”
As soon as the door closed behind them, Gunner undressed. He pointed to the bed. “I need you to sit with your back against the footboard. Naked.”
“Yes, sir.”
He’d practiced this in his head dozens of times, but he was still nervous, even after asking Sugar for a few pointers on how to be more seductive.
“You don’t need to try that hard, Gunner,” he’d said. “You are sexy. Just be yourself.”
After dimming the lights, he sat on the bed, facing Horatio.
“What do you need me to do, Cupcake?”
“Pretend you’re alone and watching me on Lonely Fans.”
Horatio bit his lip and whimpered.
The perfect response.
Legs stretched in front, Gunner rested against the headboard and let himself go. Breathing slowed, limbs relaxed, he held eye contact with Horatio and languidly rubbed his pecs with both hands. Lips parted, he kneaded and pinched his nipples. A rush of erotic sensation hit everywhere at once.
I can’t believe I’m doing this. But I like it.
Gunner loved the way Horatio devoured him with his eyes. He felt desired. Hungered for. Adored. He bent his knees and let his thighs fall open, exposing everything. Body undulating in a natural rhythm, his mind went into a delightfully raunchy direction.
“Do you like watching me?” He grabbed the lube he’d stashed earlier. “Am I your dirty little cam boy?” He drizzled lube down his cock and slowly worked it in. “Feels so good,” he rasped, fucking his hand. “Knowing you’re watching is turning me on.”
“Baby.” Horatio squirmed. He was trying very hard not to touch himself.
How long before I make him crack?
He pulled one leg back and rubbed his asshole with a fingertip. “Do you like when I do that? Is it giving you ideas?”
His cock hardened even more. His balls throbbed. The gold dildo was under the pillows, waiting for the right moment.
But not yet.
He slid his fingertip inside. “So tight. I’ll bet you want to fuck me.” Another finger. Deeper. “Do you like watching me finger myself?”
“Fuuuck,” Horatio hissed through clenched teeth. His skin glistened with sweat. Eyes blazing, he stared with greater ferocity, like a feral beast aching to mate.
He imagined Horatio as a werewolf, sneaking up behind, pushing him down on the grass—mounting him—growling as he drove in deep. The visual sent his libido into overdrive. He lubed the dildo and used it to tease his opening.
“I want you to watch me fuck myself.”
Horatio’s breaths came in ragged puffs. He clenched and unclenched his fists.
Once the dildo was rooted, Gunner pressed the button at the base. Strong vibrations tickled up to his teeth. It was hard to stay in character while feeling such intense pleasure.
“So fucking big, just like I imagine you are.”
He stroked his cock with one hand, toying his nipples with the other. Hips bucking, chest heaving, he watched Horatio’s resolve fall apart. With a groan, he gripped his cock and tugged.
“That’s it. Join me,” Gunner rasped.
Watching Horatio come put him over the edge. Eyes squeezed shut, he let the orgasm take over. Pulse pounding, toes curling, he almost screamed. The release felt amazing, but the best part was knowing he’d cast off the last of his fears and inhibitions.
Panting, he grinned at Horatio. “See how crazy you make me?”
“Cupcake, I swear on Sugar’s smooth, silky balls, you’re the sexiest person I’ve ever met.” He crawled up the bed on hands and knees. “I love you. So much.”
“I’ll love you forever.”
Wrapped in each other’s arms, they kissed softly.
“This is our life now, Gun. Can you believe it?”
“Feels like I’m living inside the best dream ever.” He nuzzled Horatio’s neck. “Everything’s amazing, but the best part? Waking up with you every day.”
“Mmm, same here. And then holding your hand while we walk to the kitchen. Even the normal everyday stuff is more fun with you here.” Horatio rolled on his side and traced Gunner’s sigil tattoo. “Looks so badass on you.”
“I was going to get a tramp stamp that said ‘property of Horatio’, but I guess that would be overkill now.”
“Wait, let’s not give up on this idea. What if you got a flaming skull, like the one Seven has across his neck? Super hot.”
“Molten hot. But I need something original. Like a flaming blue twelve-string.”
“Fuck yeah. You know, I think Slash is a licensed tattoo—”
Saved by the intercom.
“Hey, Horatio, you’re needed in the living room, stat,” Seven said.
“Oh god, what now?” Horatio groaned.
“Guess we’d better find out.”
· · ·
Everyone was gathered in the living room. Seven pointed to a chair.
“Take a seat, Guitar Slayer.”
“Is this an intervention?” Horatio asked as he sat down.
“Juno and I have something for you,” Seven reached behind the chair and pulled out Horatio’s guitar. “Take this.”
A jolt of excitement shot up Gunner’s spine.
“And I’ll put this here.” Juno set the mage heart on the floor next to Horatio and switched it on. The blue glow was brighter now and pulsed steadily. He inserted one end of a coiled cable into the machine and plugged the other end into the guitar.
“Did you guys make me an… amplifier? Are you insane?” Horatio paled.
“For fuck’s sake, dude. We’re super geniuses. The ship isn’t going to blow up,” Seven snarked. “Just play something.”
Horatio looked at Gunner.
“Do it. I trust these guys.”
“Okay.” Horatio cracked his knuckles. “Name the song, Gun.”
“Fighter. Always.”
Sparkles flew from Horatio’s fingers as he plucked the opening notes. The sound was crystal clear. He stopped mid-strum and shook his head.
“Super geniuses? More like superheroes. You gave me my music back.” He covered his eyes. “Give me a second.”
Gunner’s eyes flooded. “As Monotony’s biggest fan, I need to say one thing. Prepare to have your entire world rocked.”
“Can I sing, too?” Horatio’s fingers twitched like they couldn’t wait.
Seven and Juno exchanged glances.
“We didn’t test that yet,” Juno said. “So, maybe not?”
Horatio grinned. “Even if I can’t, this is enough.” He raised his arm. “1-2-3.”
As the room filled with music, Gunner knew one thing for sure.
He was exactly where he wanted to be.