It was a beautiful sunny day in the city of L'Renouille. Three army officers walked to the Unicorn Tavern, ordered their lunch and went to one of the tables outside the tavern, just like they did every day. Of course, they would sit outside only if the weather was good, like today.

Those Highland soldiers were Seed, a 23-year-old captain, and Darren, also a captain, Seed's best friend who was two years older than he was. The third one was Fei, a 21-year-old first lieutenant. He was Seed's second-in-command.

"So, Seed, how did it go?" asked Darren. He wiped his dark hair off his face and leaned back in his chair. He had a bet with Seed, and he wanted to know if he won or lost.

The red-haired captain sat down next to him. "Just what do you think, Darren?"

"You got her in bed with you?"

The youngest of the three, the blonde lieutenant, sat down on the third chair and smiled. "But of course. Seed's just too good at it..."

This was something pretty normal for them to bet on - Seed getting a girl in bed with him. The redhead was handsome and knew his way around women. And he had never lost a bet. He could get any woman he wanted - even a married woman if that was what they were betting on.

The fiery-eyed young man smiled. "Ooh, really think so, Fei?"

"No, he's trying to flatter you, idiot. He's your right-hand man, after all... Well, here. 500 potch, wasn't it?" Darren sighed and handed the other captain some money.

"Yep. Well, thank you very much." Seed put the money away.

Darren shook his head. "In the name of King Agares, how do you do it?"

"I'm damn good-looking and damn good with women. Not to mention that I'm great in bed." Seed gave him a self-confident smile.

Fei laughed. "Sure. Oh well. While we wait for our lunch, any army things to discuss?"

"Like what? Nothing interesting in the 4th Royal Highland Company. How's the 3rd?" The redhead glanced at his brown-haired friend, who was one of General Kiba's men.

Darren shrugged. "The general was talking about sending some men to scout the Muse border, that's all. Why?"

"Just asking."

Fei leaned forward. "Back to more interesting things, then. So, Seed. What is Lord Graystone's daughter like? Young, innocent and very inexperienced?"

Seed grinned. "Well, mainly that."

Darren smiled. "Oh, really? By the way, how can I be sure that you did it?"

"I have her ribbon here, if you want..." Seed took out a blue lace ribbon and placed it on the table. "And you can always go ask her, if you've got the courage... Heh. Anyway... Yes, she was inexperienced. Well, she isn't now..."

"How did you do it, anyway? And where?"

"What...? Hey, I just used my charm, and it worked. Okay, I admit, it took me two days - and three letters, one of which I delivered personally - to convince her to see me. Yeah, I know I'm not exactly a poet, but I know how to write a letter to a woman, okay? Well, it worked eventually. She came to meet me at the Gold Dragon Inn... without bodyguards, too. And you should know the rest."

Fei smirked. "You're just horrible, Seed. Bedding innocent noble ladies... She's only, what, 16?"

"Uh, yeah. So what? That's not too young, is it? And besides, to have someone like me as a teacher... Shut up. She just loved sleeping with me. She'd take me as a lover if she could."

Darren laughed. "Damn with you, Seed. Is there a single soul you can't seduce?"

"Hmm, let me think... Oh, nope."

Fei smiled evilly. "Did you say, 'a single soul', Darren?"

The older man turned to look at him. "Yeah, why?"

"In that case, I've got an idea..."

Their discussion was interrupted as the waitress brought their food. They thanked her and began eating.

"So, what do you have in mind, Fei?" Seed asked.

"Eat your lunch, I'll tell you after that."

They ate the food pretty quickly. After that, they just sat there, enjoying the weather. The tavern was pretty close to the castle area, and they could see soldiers, officers and guards come and go, talking and delivering messages. Many high-ranking officers ate their lunches here, just like the officer trio that was sitting there, talking again.

The dark-haired captain folded his arms. "Okay, Fei, start talking."

"Well... Seed says he can bed just about anyone, right? It's not the first time he has said that, either."

"I'm not just saying - you know I can. Trust me."

Fei poked him. "Really? Hear me out then. I'll give you a good one."

Seed poked back. "Ha, I'm on. Let's hear it."

"Your next target, lady-killer, is..." he turned his head and nodded towards a couple of men talking near the castle gate. "...the handsome silver-haired colonel over there."

Seed blinked. "Eh? You got to be kidding..."

The silver-haired colonel in question was 26-year-old Colonel Culgan, one of Seed's superior officers. He was talking to a couple of soldiers.

Darren burst into laughter. "Now that's a good one, Fei!"

Seed looked at his friend in disbelief. "You know, I don't sleep with men."

Fei grinned. "Awww, you're afraid. You realize... I think he has looked at you a couple of times. And I do mean that way."

"Shut up. I don't think so."

"Oh, I just think you're not up to the challenge, pretty boy." Darren slapped his friend's back.

"Hah."

Fei shook his head, laughing. "Oh well, not our Seed. You know, Culgan is older than you... and higher ranking. You'd surely end up under him... You just aren't that type, are you, Seed?"

Seed glared at him, with a clever smile on his face. "You think so? I could get any man, if I wanted. Culgan? Piece of cake."

"How about you try, then?"

Darren tried to keep from laughing. "Oh, and with some really high stakes, okay? Not just money, something better than that."

Seed smiled dryly. "You think I'm gonna do it?"

"Coward."

"Hmmph. You shall regret those words, Fei."

Fei patted his superior's shoulder. "You're not a coward? Then prove it."

Seed smoothed his red hair. "Fine. What are you ready to bet?"

"The question is, are you ready to do this? I'm on it, if you are." Fei thought about it for a second. "Let's see. I win, I get your sword."

"No way in hell. You know that I got this from my father. My uncle would kill me if I lost it..." Seed shook his head slightly. The rapier he had... His late father had given it to him before his death. His uncle, an officer in the 3rd Company, wouldn't be too happy to see anything ever happen to the sword.

"You'd just better win, then. Wait till I finish. If you win... I'll go sleep with Major Davis. We all know he likes men. Has tried to suggest something to each one of us, I think."

Darren shuddered. "Oh, yes he has... Ugh."

Seed raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Hmm... So, Fei... Would you really? Sleep with him?"

"Yep. Hey, I don't sleep with men either. But if you do it with him..." he glanced at Culgan, "I will go and sleep with Davis. As simple as that. It's unfair, really. Yours is much better looking, Seed. Mine is over 40 years old and stuff."

"But hey, I'd still have to do it first..."

"I say you are both not gonna do it," Darren interrupted him. "But if Seed wins, and thus you will have to do it too, I'll pay for your food for the rest of the year. How does that sound?"

"Rest of the year? You mean, you'd pay our meals for almost half a year?"

"Yes. Oh, and the other way around, of course, if you lose."

Seed and Fei glanced at each other. The blonde grinned. "Damn it, I'm on. I don't have much to lose here, anyway... Only have to go sleep with certain major if... Hey, wanna make this even more fun?"

"Yes?"

"You have three days, Seed. Time starts now. Three nights, and the next day when we have lunch, you prove that you slept with him, and you win."

Seed smiled slightly. "You think I can't do it in three days? I've told you, I can get just about any woman to sleep with me. Now, why wouldn't it apply to men? I'll get Colonel Ice-cold, too. Just you wait."

Darren laughed hard. "You really do it, and I'll sleep with Kiba."

Fei's eyes widened. "Kiba...? Eew. You're just joking, right?"

"Of course, stupid!" Darren smirked. "I'm not interested in men... like you two seem to be."

Fei stood up. "Take that back!"

Seed grinned. "Go on, kill each other. I'll just go back to work now..."

"If I were you, I'd go plan how to get under Colonel Culgan..."

"Shut up, Fei."

That evening, Seed changed into civilian clothes and sneaked into the darkness. He knew that Culgan would be reading something in the City library. He had heard that the colonel did that almost every night, so following him would be easy. Either here or the castle library... Most likely, he would be here.

And he was. The handsome colonel was sitting in a peaceful corner of the library, reading. The young captain took a random book from the bookshelf and sat down near the place, pretending to read. He glanced at the other man once in a while.

Hmm. What should I do? I have three nights... Tonight, I'm just gonna watch him. Better that way. I still have to... erh, think of a way how to... Oh god, how on earth am I going to do anything here, anyway? But I can't lose the sword either... So I'm doomed to sleep with him. Damn! Why did I ever agree to do this?

He raised his head a little and looked at the blue-eyed man. To his surprise, Culgan had just put his book down for a while, and was looking in his direction. He flashed a friendly smile and turned away quickly.

Aw hell... Better go now.

He got up, put the book back on the shelf and left the building. There was a pub near the library, across the street. He headed towards it, knowing that he could watch the library from there.

I need to talk to him... but... Damn. How the hell do you get a guy to go with you?

An hour passed, then Culgan left the library. The young captain followed him, trying to stay in the shadows.

The colonel stopped at a guard station to talk with a random soldier for a while, then headed towards the castle. When he got closer, he went to one of the army buildings near the wall.

Ah yes. He has an apartment here. I knew that... Oh well.

Seed watched from his hiding place for a while, then sighed and headed for his own apartment, which wasn't too far away from where he was now.

The next day, the three army officers went to have lunch together again.

"So?" Fei asked.

Seed looked at his second-in-command. "What? I still have two days. I followed him around... Smiled at him, and stuff. You don't do things like this in one night, you know. Have to move slowly..."

Darren smirked. "Sure... Ah, only two days till my victory. You can't do it, Seed. You won't. I've known you almost all my life... You won't sleep with a man, I tell you."

"Right... Forget it for now. Let's just eat and talk about work or something..."

Early in the evening, Seed sat in the pub near the City library. After waiting there a while, he could see the silver-haired man going into the library. Quickly, he got up and followed. Once in the library, he hid behind the bookshelves and watched as the colonel looked up some books and sat down to study them.

The young captain took a book again and went to read it. Or to pretend that he was reading it. A quick glance at the book told him that he actually couldn't understand a word of it. Well, it didn't matter. He was here to stalk Culgan.

Some time passed. Culgan was still reading. Seed pretended that he was, too, while watching the colonel's every move and thinking.

I'll have to... Hmm. Better wait until he leaves this place. Then I'll... He put the book away, left the library and went to the pub to wait for the colonel to come out.

He sat there for some time. Culgan was still in the library.

Nothing to worry about. I'll just... Ah, hell! What am I gonna say to him, anyway? He'll surely recognize me. And stuff. Uh, I really need to think about this...

"...Seed?!"

He turned to see who was talking to him. "Huh? What... Richter?"

It was an old friend of his. The man grinned. "Heh, almost didn't recognize you. How are you doing?"

Seed smiled. "Ah, just fine. Sit down, I'll buy you a drink. Heck, how long has it been... five years? Well anyway. What are you doing here?"

"I sold some horses to the army, and had to bring them here... and then..."

Seed ended up talking with his friend for hours. It was over midnight when he finally remembered what he was here for. It was too late now... The library was closed at this hour, so Culgan had left. And he would have to go home, too, because he had to get up early.

"Darn, it's late. And I have an early meeting tomorrow..."

Richter smiled. "Ah, work, Captain Seed? Well. I'll be staying in L'Renouille for the rest of the week. I'm in the Traveler's inn, so if you have some free time..."

"I'll find some time. And bring Darren to see you, too." Seed got up. "Well, see you later. Good night."

He left the pub and walked towards home, thinking. Tomorrow... Is my last chance.

The next day. It was lunchtime again. The three men were at the Unicorn Tavern, talking about work while waiting for their meals. When they got the food, they started eating, talking about random things. First thing Fei would talk about was...

"Well?" He looked at Seed.

"What?"

Fei smiled evilly. "You're not up to it, are you, my friend?"

"I'm meeting him later tonight. Stop asking." Seed concentrated on his lunch.

Meeting Culgan... That was mostly a lie. Well, he would surely see the colonel tonight, but probably not like that. He cursed himself. He would have to do something, or... he'd lose the bet.

Darren looked at him. "Yeah, sure. Oh well. Who knows, maybe you are. We'll see that tomorrow."

Seed lifted his face a little and glared at him. "You think I'm planning on losing my sword? No. You'll see. Tomorrow."

Yeah... right.

It was getting late. Seed, who was sitting in the library pretending to be reading again, shook his head. He was out of ideas. It was the third night... And he had not even talked to the colonel. But Culgan wasn't one of those men you can disturb just like that. The silver-haired man was reading, as always.

I can't just go talk to him... Not in here.

He put his book away and got up. I have to think of... something.

He left the library and walked to the pub again. He got himself a glass of wine and sat near the open door. He could see the library from here... but what was the point in that?

What the hell is the matter with me? Usually I'm so damn sure about what I'm doing. This is just not gonna work, I guess. I can get any woman I want, but a man... Maybe I'm just not that interested.

He emptied the glass and put it down on the table. It was his last chance. Not that he was interested in men... Sure, Culgan was attractive. He was very handsome and always so calm... but...

Ack. Stupid. That's what I am, betting on a thing like this...

He rested his elbows on the table and stared at the glass. He had practically lost the bet, just because he wasn't up to hitting on another man.

Damn with it...! I can't lose my sword... My uncle will kill me! Then again, he would kill me if he heard that I had slept with a guy. So, I'm dead either way, eh. Great.

His thoughts were interrupted when the waitress filled his glass and put the wine bottle on the table. He raised his head and looked at her. "...I don't recall ordering that."

The girl smiled. "The gentleman over there is buying. Says you are a friend."

Seed glanced to the man the girl had pointed out to him. It was Culgan.

The hell...? He thought, but said, "Oh... Well, thanks."

The waitress left. Seed looked at his glass. Now he was pretty much confused. First of all, Culgan was supposed to be in the library... when did he come here? And why had be paid for the wine? And...

"Mind if I join you?"

The redhead blinked. "Er... Not at all, Sir."

"Please, just call me Culgan."

The silver-haired man sat down on the other side of the table. His light-blue eyes studied the younger man. The young captain looked a bit puzzled, not sure what to say or do. The colonel smiled warmly, taking a sip from his own glass.

"Well. I have noticed you've been following me around for the last three nights. What is it, Captain Seed?"

Darn, he does recognize me. Oh well. Hey, maybe I should just try to... Then again, maybe not. I...

He looked at the colonel and blinked.

Is he... smiling at me?! Yes. Colonel Ice-cold is smiling at me? I don't remember ever seeing him smile. What in the name of...?

Seed gulped, trying to regain his composure. "I... was just..."

"Is it normal for you to follow your superiors like that?"

"Sometimes." The young man smiled innocently.

"Ah." The colonel leaned back in his chair. "So, how's your wine?"

"Oh, the wine?" Seed drank half the glass and grinned. "Very good. Thank you." He took a deep breath. "I... Well. You are one of my commanding officers. So, I..."

That sounds so very convincing. Think of something else.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

"You know, Si... Uh, I mean, Culgan. I think you helped me once... A couple of years ago, back when I was in the Officer's Academy. It was late at night. I was in the library, reading for a strategy test... You scared me by putting your hand on my shoulder and leaning down to look at the book I was holding. Then you said something about... that I might want to read chapter 4 more carefully, because they always ask about the things in there."

The older man smiled again. "Yes, I believe that was me."

"Well, I never had the chance to thank you for that. I read chapter 4. And they did ask something about it. I might have failed the test if I hadn't..."

"You're welcome." Culgan nodded at him, a peaceful look on his face. He knew that the young captain had graduated from the Academy with excellent grades. "Well, how about some more wine?"

"Uh, sure."

Half an hour later, Culgan filled the younger man's glass again, for the third time. Seed smiled a bit nervously. More wine? It didn't matter; he was quite good with alcohol and didn't get drunk too easily, but...

He had been talking with Culgan for over half an hour now, mostly about work. They were both in the same army company and all that.

"I have to admit, I'm still a bit curious," the older man said.

Seed was just about to take his glass from the table. He looked at the other swordsman. "...Huh? What?"

"Why would you waste three evenings just to follow me? I mean, a good-looking young man like you... You must have better things to do. If you wanted to thank me, you could've just come to me and said it."

"Uh... I guess..."

"Yes?"

Seed sighed. "It's actually far more complicated than you would imagine," he confessed. "Long story. Let's just forget it."

The colonel leaned forward. "No, tell me."

"I'd rather not."

"You do owe me that much. For the wine, at least."

The younger man looked down at the table. "I..."

Oh damn, what am I gonna do now? Then again, I have nothing to lose anymore. I've lost everything already.

He raised his head. "Well..."

"Well?"

Seed sighed again. "It's a stupid bet. I have three days to do a certain thing. If I lose, I'll have to give my rapier to my second-in-command, and buy lunch for my best friend the rest of the year... I was such an idiot to agree to do this. I got this sword from my father and stuff, it's really... irreplaceable. Anyway, that's what happens if and when I lose."

"Interesting. But what if you win?"

Seed laughed a bit and shook his head. "Oh, this is the one bet I'll lose. I've never lost before, but this time... Well, in theory, if I'd win, Fei - my right-hand man, that is - would have to go sleep with Major Davis, and my friend would be paying for my food."

Culgan sipped his wine. "So, why exactly are you going to lose?"

"Because I'm not ready to do what I'm required to do to win?"

"Ah, of course." The handsome colonel put his glass back on the table. "You said you have never lost before... What exactly do you and your friends usually bet on?"

Seed looked at the other man. "What, you really wanna know?"

"Yes."

The red-haired captain rested his elbows on the table again. "I... Well, you see... I'm pretty good with women. I... I once told my friends I could get any woman in bed with me. So, that's what we bet on. They give me a target and I seduce her. As simple as that. And I am good at it. Just believe me, I have never lost."

"But...?"

"This time, I will lose."

Culgan studied his face, smiling. "Why? Who is the target?"

The redhead took a deep breath. "It's... It's a..."

"What?"

"It's... a man. If you know what I mean by that." Seed picked up the almost empty wine bottle and studied it, avoiding the other man's eyes.

"Hmm. I think I do know what you mean..."

"You do?"

"Oh, yes." The older man sipped his wine again. "Well. Who would it be, the man you're supposed to...?"

"Erm... uh, a... um... superior officer of mine."

"Ah." Culgan put down the glass and took the bottle from Seed. He touched the redhead's face gently. "That wouldn't be me, by any chance?"

Seed swallowed as his face turned somewhat red. Culgan had probably known it all along. He had just enticed the younger man into admitting it. "I... Well..."

"That would explain these three nights..."

"Well, yes. Uh... I may be good with women, but... I have never been with a man. So, I guess I failed this time. I don't know how to... you know..."

The silver-haired colonel smiled warmly as he wiped some of the red hair off the younger man's face. "Well, you did end up talking to me, after all."

Seed withdrew from the touch. "I... Yeah, seems so. And..."

"What?"

"Nothing. It's pretty late. I'd better..." The young captain got up from his chair. "It was... nice talking to you. Uh, good night, Culgan."

Seed walked out from the pub and headed home. He didn't get too far before he noticed that the colonel was following. He stopped and waited until Culgan caught up with him.

"Why are you...?"

The older man smiled. "You said that sword is... priceless to you?"

"Yes, it is. My uncle will kill me when he finds out that I don't have it. Why?"

"You wish to keep it?"

The young captain looked at him, raising his arms. "But of course!"

"Well, in that case... How about you come with me? I have an apartment near the castle... Of course, you knew that already. You must understand that I had some reason to offer you that wine..."

Seed blinked and swallowed hard. "I..."

Oh good grief, that's why! He's trying to... He wants to sleep with me! And I didn't even... Am I blind or what? I can't... but... I can't lose the bet, either... But dammit, I've never been with a man! What the heck am I supposed to do now?

"Seed?"

The younger man looked down. "Uh, I... don't think it's such a good idea."

"It isn't? You are the one who was supposed to get me in bed with you, after all." The colonel smiled and put his hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"I was, but... I... don't think that... You know, I don't..."

"Who knows, you might actually like it. Come along, Seed. I promise it'll be worth it."

The young captain hesitated for a while, then followed the colonel, unable to think of a way not to accept the invitation.

The colonel opened the door to his apartment and turned the lights on. It was small, but very comfortable.

"Here we are." Culgan smiled at the younger man who glanced around the room. "Make yourself at home. Want some wine?"

"I... think I've had enough already."

"Maybe." The older man took off his coat and put it down on the sofa. He smiled at the younger man, who didn't say anything.

Seed felt a bit nervous. What next...?

He almost jumped when the other man put his hands on his shoulders. He turned around to see Culgan, who was still smiling.

"Nervous?"

"Nah... I just... ...!"

His words were interrupted with a kiss. When the silver-haired man stepped back, all Seed could do was blink a few times and stare at the other man.

"...Huh?"

Culgan smiled again and started to remove the younger man's cloak. "What? Something wrong?"

Seed shook his head slightly. "No... I... think... not. Uh... What are you...?"

The older swordsman dropped the cloak on the floor. He touched the redhead's face very tenderly, looking him in the eyes. Then he took the younger man's hand in his own. "Come."

The captain took a deep breath. He felt more and more unsure about this. Uh... maybe I should just... But if I don't do it... Gods, it seems that I'm out of options here.

The silver-haired colonel led him to the bedroom. He sat on the bed and drew the younger man down to sit next to him. Seed swallowed when the colonel started to undress him. Culgan did know what he was doing... while the red-haired captain had no idea.

He was half-naked now, feeling a bit ashamed. The other man got up from the bed, knelt in front of him and started to remove his boots.

Culgan looked up. "You're trembling... What's the matter?"

Seed gasped. "I... Maybe... we shouldn't..."

"Nonsense." Culgan leaned forward and kissed the redhead's shoulders and chest.

Seed closed his eyes. His entire body was shivering now. He couldn't help it... But he was not scared, just uncertain. And... whatever the colonel was doing, it felt nice.

Culgan pushed him down on the bed and removed the rest of his clothes. The young captain was even more ashamed, but there was nothing he could do. He was lying on the bed naked, and he had the older man on top of him. And... The colonel was still fully dressed. He tried to push him away, but the other man just smiled.

"Relax. I'll be careful. And I'll be doing this very slowly... We have the whole night, after all."

Seed squirmed a little. "I don't... know if... Ah... d-don't..."

Culgan moved down to kiss his hips. Seed blinked and tried to calm himself. He wasn't sure about this... not at all. He had slept with countless women... But this time, he was the receiving partner, and that scared him.

He gritted his teeth, gathered his strength and sat up.

"Just... stop it... will you...?" He grabbed one of the sheets and wrapped it around his naked body, moving away from the other man.

The silver-haired colonel looked as serene as always. He got up and knelt beside the bed. "Seed..."

The redhead swallowed slowly. "Listen... I'll rather lose my rapier than my pride, thank you very much."

"Won't you lose your pride by losing the bet?"

Seed bit his lip. Damn... He's right. Considering that I've never lost before... and besides, I said I could do this. Darren and Fei will think I'm a coward.

"I... Alright. In theory, yes."

The older man patted his knee. "Why are you so afraid? You liked it. I could feel it when I was touching you... and yet, you are afraid."

Seed lowered his face. "I..."

"Or... would it just hurt your pride as a man to sleep with me? You should know that this is not as uncommon as you might imagine."

"Well, I... er..."

Culgan stood up and sat next to him. He slipped the sheet down from the younger man's shoulders. "No need to be ashamed... You have a beautiful body. Now, let me touch you. If you don't like it, just say, and I'll stop."

Seed sighed. "...Fine."

Hey, if I let him do it, I win the bet. Does it matter at this point...? I can't exactly run out from here now, can I...?

He lay down on his back and closed his eyes.

Culgan smiled and leaned down to kiss the young captain's chest. He moved up, kissing Seed's skin along the way, until he reached his lips. He wrapped his right hand around the captain's shoulder, while his other hand caressed the other man's hip and thigh.

After a long, passionate kiss he could feel the younger man trembling from pleasure.

"See now? It's not that bad, is it? Just lie still..."

Seed sighed. He hadn't quite expected this... but he liked it. He wanted it, even though he didn't want to admit it to himself. The silver-haired man kissed his shoulders again, while moving his hand lower to touch the younger man's inner thigh. Very slowly and carefully, he progressed to fondle Seed's half-erect member.

The redhead moaned, unable to prevent himself from enjoying this. He had been touched by a woman before, but... to enjoy it while a man was touching him? Still... The pleasure was unbearable. He clenched the sheets, shivering from the bliss.

Culgan was calm, as usual. He stroked the now hard length, enjoying how the young captain responded to his touch. He kissed the younger man's chest, playing with one small nub.

The red-haired captain gasped and writhed languidly. The colonel moved lower, circling the pink nub with his thumb. He kissed the young man's skin some more while moving his hand down the hard member. He took the tip of the erection to his mouth and suckled gently.

Seed squealed, raising his hands from the sheets. Panting, he grabbed the soft silver hair. He pressed his shoulders down on the bed, arching his back. Unwillingly, he lifted his hips up from the sheets.

Aah... This can't be happening... I can't... believe I would be... enjoying from...

That was the last thought in his mind, as the ice blue-eyed man continued what he was doing. He stroked the base of the organ while skillfully moving his tongue around the tip of the younger man's sex. His other hand kept caressing the flat chest.

The redhead's body tensed. He mewed, then bit his lower lip, trying to hold back the tears. He hated it. He hated feeling weak, controlled by someone. He had never been forced to feel like this, never been forced to submit himself like this. And there was one thing he hated the most - he was actually enjoying this. He wanted to give himself to the older man. Whatever the other man did, it made him want it even more.

Culgan continued, ruthlessly coaxing the younger man towards release. The redhead squirmed, moaned softly and tightened his grip on the short silver hair. His body was burning... The pleasure was driving him insane. The colonel wouldn't give him a second of peace... He knew exactly how to please someone.

Seed blinked. The suckling upon his sex and the fondling upon his crotch... He couldn't take it anymore. He bit his lip again, trying not to scream. He was on the brink of an orgasm, unable to control his own body.

"Aahn... No... please... no...!!" He cried out, shaking his head. He wanted to fight back... But it was impossible. He was getting lost in the ecstasy, incapable of resisting it anymore. He felt the bliss run up and down his body, making him see sparkles in his eyes... and then it was over.

The handsome colonel smiled in his mind as he tasted the first drops of the warm liquid, not stopping what he was doing until he felt the strained body melt down on the sheets. Then he raised his head, looking at Seed and smiling as he swallowed down the milky fluid. He moved his hand down from the redhead's chest, caressing the soft skin along the way, stopping at the waist.

He got up and sat beside the younger man, stroking the bare thighs absent-mindedly, thinking about what he was going to do next.

Several minutes passed. Then the silver-haired colonel got up and undressed himself. He was in no hurry. He glanced at the younger man; Seed was lying on his back on the other side of the bed, half-asleep.

Culgan smiled and took a small bottle of oil from the nightstand. He rubbed some oil to his hands and put the bottle back. He sat down on the bed and wrapped the sheets around his lower body. He ran his hands up from Seed's chest to his shoulders and started massaging softly.

"Mmmh...?"

Culgan smiled again. "Just rest... for now."

The redhead tried to open his eyes, but he was feeling too tired. He decided to lie still and let Culgan continue what he was doing. It felt relaxing... So, he just slackened on the bed. He was feeling a bit sleepy after what Culgan had done to him earlier.

The colonel continued massaging the younger man's shoulders. Then he moved lower, sliding his hands over the smooth chest. Seed took a deep breath and mumbled something.

What is he doing now...? The young captain forced his eyes open, looked at the other man... and blinked. My gods... He's... damn good-looking.

Culgan's body was strong, yet very slender. Seed blinked again. He had seen other men naked before, but never looked at any of them like this. He liked what he saw.

"Hmm...? What are you looking at?"

The redhead gulped when he realized that he had been staring. "Uh, nothing."

"Ah, nothing, eh." The older man smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead.

The young captain sighed. "I'm... tired..."

"That's good. Now, lie still and enjoy my touch..."

Culgan ran his fingers through the disarray of red hair on the pillow. Then he proceeded to massage the younger man's arms, then his side. After a while, he moved a little, sitting down between the captain's feet and started massaging his left leg.

"Mmm..." Seed murmured, half-asleep again. He could smell the scent of the oil on his shoulders. It was soothing... and at the same time, somewhat... stimulating.

The colonel was pleased. The young man was completely relaxed now... Well, that was his goal. He reached for the oil bottle again, rubbed some more oil on his hands and somewhere else, and put the bottle away. He started massaging the right leg, skillfully smoothing the skin as he moved his hands from the ankle to the thigh. He paused, then advanced to the abdomen, 'accidentally' touching the redhead's private parts along the way. Then he moved down to the thighs again.

"Aah...?" Seed lifted his head a little. What was the older man doing to him?

He became a little embarrassed when he realized that he was reacting to the touch. He swallowed hard, not being able to prevent the red flush on his face. He gritted his teeth and let his head fall back down on the pillow.

The silver-haired man didn't seem to pay any attention. He slid his hand under the slender body, caressing the younger man's buttocks. Seed was still very relaxed... Culgan smiled to himself. He knew very well that the other man wouldn't be that for long. But he would do this slowly... And considering how quickly the young captain had come the first time, this time it would take longer. The colonel had all the time he wanted to teach his partner the true meaning of pleasure.

Very carefully, Culgan slid his right hand between the curved buttocks, searching for the small entrance. He moved his finger around, then pushed it inside.

Seed reacted instantly. "Yaah...!!!"

His body tensed in a blink of an eye. Fear and panic in his mind, he tried to escape from the invading finger, tears filling his wine-brown eyes. The digit inside his tract caused him mild pain. He would've pressed his legs together, but the older man was sitting between them. Besides, his left hand was under Seed's thigh, holding it off the sheets. Getting away was impossible. He gathered the last of his clear thoughts and tried to kick the colonel... but he missed.

Culgan stopped. "Seed... please relax. Otherwise, it'll hurt."

The redhead breathed heavily. "No...! Let me go!!"

The colonel sighed. "Well, if you're not relaxing, I'll simply have to..."

Caressing the skin along the way, he moved his left hand from the younger man's thigh to the half-erect member and started fondling it tenderly.

Seed panted, trying to focus his thoughts. The pain inside him... His muscles tightened around the intruder, but he couldn't stop Culgan from pressing his finger deeper. Just when he had banished the fear from his mind and was ready to fight back, he realized that he couldn't. The pain eased a little when his member was touched.

"Aaaah... no..."

The silver-haired man continued caressing the organ, which turned hard under his touch. The young captain's breathing was becoming shallow. He squirmed. He was once again being forced to submit himself, and he hated it.

"Better now," Culgan whispered. "Just try to relax..."

He moved his finger inside the younger man's tract, searching for the sensitive spots. Seed moaned, then bit his lower lip until it started to bleed. He had totally forgotten the fear that had filled his mind earlier, but he didn't want to give in like this.

He got his chance when the older man leaned down to kiss him. He let go of the sheets and raised his hands, wrapped his arms around Culgan's shoulders and sank his fingernails into the colonel's back.

"Mmh... fighting back, my little kitten?" The handsome colonel smiled, then proceeded to kiss the redhead.

Seed's eyes flashed. He bit the tongue that invaded his mouth, but then he was forced to kiss back. When the older man broke the kiss, he glared into the calm ice-blue eyes.

"Stop... this," he demanded, trying to catch his breath. "I... don't... Mmh... Aaah... no...!!"

His lower body was on fire again. Culgan's ministrations were making him crazy.

"Ah, I think you're ready now... Because, my dear... It's not over yet." The colonel smiled again. Carefully, he inserted another finger.

The captain yipped softly, trembling. His fingers strained, then he buried them into the white skin again, leaving red marks on the older man's back. Culgan ignored it, keeping himself focused on pleasuring the redhead. Seed closed his eyes, unable to resist the burning inside him. He gave up for a few seconds, letting the other man do what he wanted.

But the moment his lower body relaxed, his eyes opened wide, moisture filling them. The pain was completely gone, replaced by feelings of pleasure. Involuntarily, he pressed himself against the colonel's hands, moaning and crying silently in ecstasy.

Culgan leaned close for another kiss, and ended up getting his lips bitten. He forced the fiery-eyed man's lips apart, while pushing a third finger into the soft tract. Seed whimpered under the kiss, not even noticing what the colonel had just done. Slowly, his body started to accommodate to the thrusting of the long fingers. The strong hand kept stroking his hard sex, and he was now squirting pearly dew on the older man's palm.

"Good... Just a little more..."

The tall colonel moved his hand in steady rhythm, feeling how the tract enveloped his fingers. The redhead moaned loudly, lost in the bliss. Finally, Culgan moved a little to get a better position, and withdrew his fingers slowly. Seed groaned, a little disappointed. His body tensed for a second when the older man replaced the fingers with his own hard length.

The young captain sank his fingernails into the colonel's shoulders, arching his back. The burning in his lower body... the hardness inside him... and his member rubbing against the other man's abdomen... It was too much for him. He had never in his life felt such pleasure.

Culgan kept thrusting in the same rhythm as before, making sure that the younger man's body was completely adapted to his movements. He wrapped his arms around the redhead, enjoying the tightness around his member.

Seed closed his eyes again. He twined his legs about Culgan's body, pressing himself against the older man. He was beginning to lose his senses. All he could feel was the burning desire inside him. With helpless moans, he finally loosened his fingers from the other's back, holding his hands weakly around the silver-haired man's shoulders. He arched again and again, driven towards orgasm.

He writhed powerlessly, his mind lost somewhere far away. The only thing he was aware of was the bliss that tortured his body... all the way to the end.

"Aahn... Culgan...!!" He cried out the colonel's name as he released, wetting their lower bodies.

Culgan smiled when he heard that. "There... Very good, my little kitten..."

He thrust in a few more times, then closed his eyes as he started to release inside the young captain. Once he had emptied out, he took a deep breath, pulling himself off of the redhead's body. He lay down next to Seed, holding the young man in his arms.

About ten minutes passed. Then the colonel got up from the bed and went to get some water and a soft cloth. He returned to the bedroom and sat down next to the captain. He cleaned himself first, then started cleaning the other man. Seed didn't react; he just yawned and smiled tiredly at the older man, eyes closed.

Culgan finished cleaning the redhead and put the cloth away. He lay down on the other side of the bed, drew the younger man to his arms and wrapped the sheets around both of them. Seed mumbled something, nuzzled a bit and fell asleep.

Seed opened his eyes. He was lying in bed, naked. He looked around and blinked. This was not his own bedroom. His body felt a little sore.

What's this place...? What the hell did I do last night...? Oh, darn, I... actually... Culgan.

He could remember last night very well. Culgan had offered him some wine, and they had ended up talking about... and then, they had come here... and... after he had tried to resist, Culgan had...

I... slept with him. That would explain why my body feels so...

He had slept with another man. And actually liked it. He had to admit it - Culgan was good in bed. No, not just good. Great.

He sighed. The curtains covered the window, but he could see that the sun was up already. It was bright outside, and his sense of time told him that he had slept too late.

"Oh, good morning."

"...What?" The redhead turned to see Culgan, who entered the room.

The colonel smiled. "I hope you slept well. I had to get up early - had some work to do, so I couldn't stay here with you. Too bad, I would have, if I had had the chance."

"Um..."

"Everything alright?"

Seed sat up. "Yeah, everything's just fine... Ugh." He lay down again.

Culgan knelt down next to the bed. "Take it easy. You were inexperienced... So, if anything in your body feels a little strange, it's just that." He touched the fine red hair. "Well. Want something to eat?"

"Maybe... not." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The colonel stroked his hair gently. "I didn't hurt you last night, did I?"

"No... I don't think so."

"That's good to hear." Culgan stood up.

Seed sat up again, very carefully. "Ah, well, I... I think I should be going now... I slept too late. And..."

The silver-haired colonel gave him a friendly smile. "Of course. Your clothes are there." He nodded towards a chair near the bed.

"Sure... thanks."

"If you'll excuse me now, I have paperwork to do." With that, Culgan left the room.

The red-haired captain got dressed quickly. He walked out of the bedroom. He was still missing his cloak... Well, it was on the sofa. He took it and walked to the door.

"Seed?"

He turned around. "...Yeah?"

The silver-haired colonel was standing next to a bookshelf. He smiled at the younger man. "If you ever decide to do it again... I have some good wine here at home..."

Seed blushed slightly. "Uh, I... don't... Well, I could... Maybe... later."

"Later," the older man replied calmly.

The young captain smiled at him and left the apartment. He sighed. He had dozens of things to do... First of all, he had to go home to get his uniform. And he was late for work. And...

Darn. I can't believe what I just said to him. Later? As if I'd do it ever again. Well, then again... he's not that bad... Not at all. I think I enjoyed it more than... Gah, I can't believe most of this, anyway. But I won the bet after all... Now I just have to go prove it to Darren and Fei.

He smiled to himself while walking towards home.

Lunchtime was almost over, when Seed showed up in the tavern. His friends were sitting outside, finishing their meals. He stopped by the table and leaned his back on the tavern wall.

"Seed? Where the heck have you been?" Fei asked.

"Asleep, mostly."

Fei shook his head. "You realize that I had to go to a meeting in your place, since I couldn't find you anywhere..."

"Sorry about that. Thank you for covering me."

Darren's eyed studied him. "Seed?"

"What?"

"You are never late. Tell me you didn't..."

Seed smiled slightly. Fei gave him an inquiring look. "...Seed? Why don't you... sit down and eat something?"

The redhead folded his arms. "Well, I... don't really... feel like sitting down right now."

Fei stared him in disbelief. "Seed...!"

"No way." Darren was staring at the other captain as well. "I don't believe it. Just tell me you didn't do it. You wouldn't do it, would you?"

Seed had no time to answer, when a small group of high-ranking officers walked by. One of them was a certain silver-haired colonel... who gave him a warm smile.

Fei and Darren just stared. "...Is it just me, or did Colonel Ice-cold just smile at you," Darren finally asked.

"He did... why?" Seed gave him a carefree smile.

Fei got up. "If you'll excuse me now, I have to go ask Major Davis out for a date. If he's not free today, tomorrow then..."

Seed grinned. "Remember, you have to prove that you did it with him."

Darren shook his head, laughing. "Knowing Davis, it won't be too hard to see... He'll surely leave a couple of marks on you, Fei."

"Oh, yes," Fei replied dryly.

"Well, for your sake, I hope he's as good at it as Culgan was..."

Fei smirked. "Huh? 'Good at it'? Ooh, seems that Colonel Ice-cold is good in bed. Our lady-killer was impressed by him."

"I didn't say that. But I can't say that I didn't like it..." Seed smiled innocently.

Fei raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Oh, whatever. You know, I wouldn't want to know anything about it. Too bad, I will have to. See you tomorrow." With that, the blonde left.

Darren grinned and leaned back in his chair. "Oh well. Wanna eat something, Seed? I'm buying... for the rest of the year..."

Author's notes:

Finished! Took me only a couple of months. Hey, I had most of the fic ready a month before I finished it, it was just missing the sex scene. See, this is the first porn fic I've written. I have done lemony RPs before, but writing a fic is a whole different thing, for me at least. Whatever. I won't be writing this stuff very often, but anyway. Culgan and Seed... sooo cute together. One of my favorite couples.

Oh, one more thing - thank you for proofreading this, Romy. Not that you didn't enjoy it :D

- Elmina (August, 2001)