Two figures stood in the hallway. Two men. They were both silent, waiting. Waiting for their destiny.

After a long period of silence, the younger man turned to face the other. "Culgan?"

"Yes?"

"This is the right thing to do... isn't it?"

The silver-haired general kept his gaze at the other end of the hallway.

"Now is not the time to question that, Seed. You made your choice when you first swore loyalty to this country."

Seed smiled slightly. "I know. And if I had a chance to make the choice again, I'd still be standing here."

He lifted his sword and drew his left hand along the blade slowly. "I'm just wondering what's taking them so long..." He turned to face the older man again and grinned. "Maybe they died on their way here."

Culgan almost smiled. "Seed, Lord Jowy asked us to hold them as long as we can. I think the longer it takes for them to get here, the better."

"So, you think we're not able to hold them long enough?"

"I didn't say that." Culgan lowered his gaze a little. "But Lord Jowy needs every minute he can possibly get..."

"I know." Seed sheathed his sword. "And I'm prepared to buy him all the time he needs. Even if it costs me my life."

The silver-haired man folded his arms.

"Hmm. Even if..."

"What?"

"You're ready to die for Highland, Seed. I know. You've always been. I am too. And..." Culgan moved his hand to the hilt of his sword. "For Highland, we shall die."

Seed turned to look away, at the entrance of the hallway. "Culgan? Do you think we will die here, today?"

"That is a possibility..." Culgan paused for a few seconds, took a deep breath and continued. "Yes. I do think we will die today. This war is going to end. Here, before this day is over."

The red-haired man turned back to his companion. "Then we die. Today. For Highland."

He drew his sword again and lifted it. "For Highland..."

He smiled to his companion, lowering his sword. "So, you think we don't have a chance against them?"

This time, Culgan gave him a warm smile. "Does that matter? They're here. They have our capital. This is the end of Highland, and our victory over them wouldn't change it."

He placed his hand on his companion's shoulder. "It was an honor fighting for Highland, with you."

Seed grinned. "Till the end, Culgan."

Culgan turned his head and checked the entrance again. There was no-one coming.

They both stood there for a while, silent. Finally, Culgan spoke in a low voice.

"Seed... Did I ever... tell you..."

Seed grinned again. "What?"

"Did I ever tell you that I love you?"

The look on the red-haired general's face turned serious. After a brief moment of silence, he smiled.

"No, you didn't. Ha. You've slept with me for years, but you never said anything about love."

"Better that way."

"Okay. How long have you loved me?"

"For a long time. Almost all the time I've known you."

Seed laughed. "You've got to be kidding." He shook his head. "No, I know you too well, Culgan. You're serious."

"I'm always serious."

"Well, you are." Seed lifted his hand slowly and touched the silver-haired general's face softly. "Never actually expected to hear that from you."

Culgan smiled. "That makes two of us. I never expected to hear myself saying such words. But..." He drew the younger man closer. "I mean it. I love you, Seed."

"That's nice. I thought you only loved Highland."

"Highland, and you."

"So did I. The only thing I've ever loved is Highland. But..."

Culgan took the rapier from his hand and sheathed it carefully. "But?"

"But, at some point... to me... there was no Highland without you... I..."

The older man wrapped his arms around his red-haired companion gently. "You don't have to say it just because..."

Seed pressed his head against Culgan's shoulder. "No, Culgan. I want to say it. I love you." He lifted his face. "Culgan?"

"Yes?"

"Kiss me, you idiot. For the last time. 'Cause today, we will die, for Highland. And I'm ready. I just want one, last kiss."

The calm general smiled warmly. "One last kiss..."

He looked his companion deep in the eyes, drawing him closer. Seed closed his eyes as their lips met for a long, passionate kiss.

After a few minutes, they finally parted. Both smiled, turning to face the entrance where they could see a young boy, leading a small group, entering the hallway.

"For Highland, Culgan."

"For Highland."

Author's notes:

Okay, this sucks. But I was depressed. Pretty sad little fic.

- Lady Harken (March, 2001)