Payment in Blood

Chapter Five: Heat of the Moment

“I may have wasted all those years
They're not worth their time in tears
I may have spent too long in darkness
In the warmth of my fears

Take a look at yourself
And not at anyone else
I know the air is cold
I know the streets are cruel
But I'll enjoy the ride today”
--Dream Theater – Trial of Tears

Adrian lay on the couch in his dorm, a stabbing pain shooting up and down his leg. After pulling a muscle in his calf during physical training, he had been sent back to his dorm to recuperate. Ice packs helped to dull the pain, but not completely. The doctor said he wouldn't be able to walk unassisted for two days, and run for four. His favorite doom metal record played on the stereo, the slow droning guitar riffs filling the room.

The previous day he had pushed himself harder than he had ever before, He had to somehow prove that he had what it takes. When he strained his leg and collapsed during the run, he was six places ahead of last. Considering that his last job, as a starship technician, had him spending a good part of the year not even using his legs at all due to lack of gravity, it wouldn't have been that bad if he had actually finished.

A mouse skittered around in a cage on a table next to his table. Sammy had given it to him to practice telepathy on, as a mouse would be much easier to influence than a Mobian or human mind. After two hours of effort, he had failed to make the mouse do something on command and had given up for the day. The mouse just seemed to get irritated, and it left him with a headache.

He sat up as he heard the door open. Bianca walked into the room, hanging her purse on the coat closet door as she removed her nurse's hat and lab coat. Her jacket had “STUDENT” marked on it in large blue letters, indicating that like Adrian, she was still in medical school. “Hello, Adrian,” she said. “Feeling better?”

“No,” said Adrian. “It still hurts like hell.”

"OK, let me take a look at it. But first, could you turn that music off? That's stuff's going to make you kill yourself one day."

Once the music had stopped, Bianca sat down beside Adrian and took the ice pack off his leg, feeling for the tender area on his calf with her fingers. She knew immediately she had found the injured area when Adrian groaned in pain.

“Geez, Bianca, that hurt!” Adrian shut his eyes tightly for a few seconds before opening them again.

“Sorry, I was just seeing where your injury was.”

“There's one good thing about military med school, at least,” said Adrian. “Everyone is the school nurse, even the students to a degree.”

Bianca laughed. “Would you mind if I gave you a massage? It might help the pain?”
Adrian bit his lower lip. Part of him wanted to turn her down, prevent her from getting too far into his personal space. He often felt awkward even talking to her. But another voice urged him to say yes, filling him with the desire for contact, for companionship, for her. He looked at her again, graceful and elegant curves seeming to appear all over her body. He had had such feelings before, of course, but not like this. His heart began to beat faster. His mouth dried up. He briefly felt lightheaded. The anxiety began to fall away as the other voice grew louder.

All you have to do is say yes.

Taking in a deep breath, Adrian finally acted. “Uhh, sure, he said,” trying to mask his sudden excitement. He felt her hand cup around his calf. He felt like he would burst.

It's not that bad after all, is it? Be a man.

Adrian closed his eyes as Bianca began to knead his pulled muscle. The massage was as first fairly uncomfortable, but the pain began to fade as she continued rubbing his leg. It was soon rather pleasurable, although it didn't compare at all to the raw, visceral thrill that was beginning to overtake him. His eyes snapped open as he realized he was purring.

“What's the matter, Adrian?” said Bianca, a soft smile on her lips. “Feeling nervous?”

“A little,” said Adrian. “I'm not used to this.”

“Used to what? Being touched by a lady? There are many men that would give a great deal to be in your place right now.”

“I know, but I'm so afraid of trying to get close to a woman, it's because, well— ” Adrian's words trailed off.

“The only thing holding you back is your own anxiety, Adrian. I've met a lot of men in my life, and you're not bad at all as far as men go. You may not be a hunk, but you're smart, kind, sweet, and you're kind of cute. And besides,” she said, her voice dropping into a seductive half-whisper, “I have a thing for little guys. I like you, Adrian, and I know that, as afraid as you are to admit it, you like me.”

Adrian was lost for words, as if his mind had shorted out. The room seemed to spin around him. It was exhilarating and frightening all at once. He willed his rational mind to get back in control.

If I play this right, he thought to himself, I might get a little more than a calf massage.

“You know, Bianca,” said Adrian, “you, um, have very beautiful eyes.” Oh God, what a bad line, he thought. Now you've done it, you dumbass. You couldn't chat up a monkey.

Bianca laughed. “Do you really expect me to believe that you suddenly gained the ability to talk smooth? Just be yourself, Adrian. Although it is cute when you sputter and stammer and trip over yourself.”

Adrian's face turned red. He resisted the urge to look away. He couldn't try to run away, not now. He weighed his options briefly and took another deep breath. He gritted his teeth in pan as he sat up. Moving his injured leg sent stabbing cramps through his body, but he managed it. No pain, no gain. “Could you sit a little closer?” he said.

“Certainly.” She moved over so that she was sitting mere inches away from Adrian. There was a palpable tension in the air. Both Adrian and Bianca were still for a few moments, both mulling over what to do next. Adrian acted first.

“Would you mind if I, uh, put my arm around you?” said Adrian.

“No, not at all. Go ahead.”

Adrian moved his arm around her, resting his hand on her arm. His heart started to race again, and he began to feel feverish. He slowly moved his other hand over and took one of her hands in it, gently stroking the warm, soft hand with his thumb. His own hand was rough and callused from his previous job as a starship technician.

“See, Adrian? That's the spirit.” Bianca ran a hand through Adrian's spines. “Don't be afraid to touch me.” Bianca seemed to be holding back, letting him lead, waiting for him to do something bold. After hesitating for a few seconds, he gently pulled her towards him, his heart almost stopping when she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Good boy,” she whispered into his ear. She gently embraced him, giving him time to adjust before going further. “Are you enjoying this?” she said.

“Yes,” said Adrian as he began to breathe heavily.

“Good. Maybe you'll like this as well.” Bianca started massaging Adrian's short, thickly muscled neck, gazing into his bright blue eyes as she did so. His face showed uncertainty, excitement, and a deep longing. She could see that this first taste of intimacy had left him craving more. She could give him more, all right.

Adrian seemed to be getting more confident, brushing her long, flowing spines aside to get a better look at her face. He looked as if he was staring into the face of a goddess. “You're...beautiful,” he muttered.

Bianca smiled. “Do it. You know you want to.”

“Do what?”

“You know what I'm talking about.”

Adrian closed his eyes and leaned in to kiss Bianca. He had never felt so excited in his life. His old girlfriend Nadia had never made him feel this way. He felt her tongue slip into his mouth, tentatively probing him. He deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around Bianca as he did so.

The two held the kiss for almost a minute before Bianca broke off, stroking Adrian's cheek with her fingers. “That was good, Adrian.”

“Thank you.”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Can I take your shirt off?”

Adrian almost fainted in disbelief. Things were going better than he could have ever hoped. He leaned back against the corner of the sofa. “I'm all yours.”

Bianca grinned and untucked the young man's shirt, slowly unbuttoning it. After undoing the last button she pulled it down Adrian's arms and tossed it aside. “Oh, you are cute,” she said as she looked over his bare torso.

Adrian smiled, a blush spreading over his face. He trembled a little as Bianca ran a hand gently down the smooth, soft, pale patch of hairless skin on his chest and belly. “I guess this is serious now?”

“You could say that,” Bianca said, running her fingers along Adrian's ribs. His skin was as smooth and supple on his chest as a baby's, in contrast to his roughened hands. Adrian closed his eyes and purred, forgetting about the pain in his leg. He found being without a shirt to be strangely pleasurable, and not just because Bianca was caressing him.

He opened his eyes and noticed Bianca pulling off the shirt of her scrubs, a tight camisole now the only clothing covering her torso. Now he realized that this was far more than playful flirting. His entire body seemed to tingle. Bianca was absolutely gorgeous, and he almost felt inadequate by comparison, being a small, lanky young man. She was actually taller than he was. He watched her take her shoes and socks off, wanting to take one of her supple feet in his hand. He was long past being anxious and afraid now.

“You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met,” said Adrian. This time, his compliment was entirely earnest. She made Nadia look like a hag.

“Thanks. And maybe now the most beautiful woman you've ever met and the cutest little guy I've ever met can cuddle, hmm?” A devious grin spread across her face.

“My pleasure.” Adrian once again lay down on the couch, soon joined by Bianca, who lay partially on top of him so that her head rested on his chest, her ear pressed over his heart. Adrian wrapped his arms around her, caressing her back and moving one hand around to rub her belly. “So warm,” Adrian mumbled. He nibbled on one of her ears gently, licking the tip of it in between nips.

“Oh, Adrian Spencer is horny? Now that's news to me,” Bianca said with a chuckle. “You're so much more fun like this.”

“You're not the only one having fun,” Adrian said in a low, soft voice, punctuating his statement with a deep purr.

“Naughty boy,” Bianca chuckled. “But not as naughty as me.” She got up on her knees and pulled off her undershirt, exposing her smallish, firm breasts. Adrian gently reached up and felt one of her breasts gingerly.

“That's it. Go on.” She rolled them both over so that Adrian was now on top.

Adrian massaged Bianca's breasts slowly, gently, taking his time. He remembered his stepfather teaching him the so-called “first law of dating”: never rush a woman. He sighed with pleasure as Bianca rubbed his chest and belly in return. “How does it feel?” said Adrian.

“It's wonderful,” said Bianca. “You're really good, if a little unsure of yourself.”

“Hey, Bianca, can I rub your feet?”

“Of course.”

Adrian moved back to a kneeling position, and took one of her feet in his hands. He slowly began to knead the soft flesh of her sole with the fingers of one hand, and playing with her toes with the other hand. He listened to Bianca purring, hearing the purrs intensify as he sped up.

“Thanks, Adrian,” said Bianca, rubbing her other foot against the young man's chest.

“You're welcome,” said Adrian. “This is shaping up to be a great evening.”

“Yes it is.” She tipped her head back and closed her eyes as they continued for several more minutes, and then spoke again. “Adrian, I have a question for you.”

“I'm all ears.”

“Have you ever made love to a woman?”

“Yes, three times, with two different women. The first two were with my old girlfriend Nadia, and only because she kept badgering me to have sex with her. I never really enjoyed being intimate with her. I always felt like it was an obligation, not a pleasure. The third time was a few months ago, just after the war was over. I on Orbital Station 12 at a massage parlor when the Earthers attacked Mobius and security dragged me and the masseuse to a shelter they had set up in the station's bar. I was half-naked, scared, and desperate for someone to talk to, since my best friend was out there fighting. And when I was lying there in the shelter, she asked me to have sex with her later and I accepted. I then practically lost it and ended up sedated, and when I was feeling well enough to go back to my quarters, she was standing by the door waiting for me. She was there maybe 20 minutes, and she got up and left immediately when we were finished. That was sort of enjoyable until the guilt set in the next day.”

“Why would you feel such guilt over such a thing? We all make rash decisions in the heat of the moment. It's nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I don't know. It just didn't feel right. It's hard to explain.”

“I can make number four better,” said Bianca, stroking Adrian's tail.

“Number four? Do you mean—“

“Yes, right now, here on this couch. What do you say? You don't have to if you don't want to.”

“All right, then. Let's do it.”

Bianca pushed Adrian down onto the sofa, straddling him as she stripped off his socks, pants, and underwear. He was naked and vulnerable underneath him, and seeing him like that gave her a thrill. She cast off the remainder of her clothes and reached a hand down between Adrian's thighs. “It's showtime,” she said with a grin.

Adrian moaned with pleasure as he spread his legs wide, letting Bianca massage around the opening to his genital pouch while he caressed her firm buttocks. His sensitive nose was flooded with sex pheromones, strengthening his passion. He sucked gently on his throat as his hands wandered over her lower body, tracing over her curves.

“I just love the way you shiver when I touch you here,” said Bianca, stroking the sole of his foot, “and here,” she said as she gently pinched his nipples, “and here!”With that, she pulled his genitals out of their protective sheath. Adrian gasped as his vision went dim at the edges.

“Wow,” was all Adrian could muster as he caught his breath.

“You're welcome.” She stood up and admired Adrian's slender body and plush rust-colored coat, gently taking hold of his foot to lift his uninjured leg, allowing her to fondle him and rub his foot at the same time. Adrian let out a soft moan, reaching up to stroke her vulva with his fingers. She gently pushed him down as he began to sit up. “Don't get up. You might hurt yourself. Let me handle it, OK?”

Adrian nodded. The feeling of her stroking his shaft made him feel like his heart would explode. But it was only a taste of what was to come. That combined with the foot rub was almost overwhelming. He continued fondling her back, gently sliding a finger into her vagina, taking his time so she would be fully ready for him. The two hedgehogs gazed into each other's eyes, both reading desire in the other.

“I need you,” said Adrian.

“I think I'm about ready.” Bianca climbed back onto Adrian, kissing him deeply as he lowered herself down on his penis. She began to jerk her hips up and down while lying on top of him, sucking on his throat, kissing him, flicking his tongue against Adrian's cool, wet nose, burying her nose in his fur to take in his scent.

Adrian was completely overwhelmed by the rush of pleasure, his body shaking with every thrust. He could hardly think, and he was too busy reveling in the sensations of sex to think anyway. Every part of him seemed to be involved in the act in one sense or another. His mouth and tongue were pressed against hers in the most intense kiss they had had yet, his hands roved over her back, buttocks, tail, and any other sensitive places he could reach, and his feet rubbed against her own. His ecstasy consumed him, swept him away as he neared his climax. He cried out as his entire body spasmed with one final rush of pleasure.

Realizing Adrian was spent, Bianca pulled herself off, allowing the male hedgehog to finish her with his fingers. Adrian probed the tight canal, looking for the right spot. A shudder from Bianca confirmed that he had hit pay dirt. He stroked the spot slowly, reaching up with his other hand to massage her breasts. Bianca climaxed shortly thereafter, her whole body trembling as she braced herself against the sofa. She then collapsed on top of him, nuzzling his cheek. “So how was number four?”

“I've never felt anything like it.” Adrian's eyelids drooped as an incredible exhaustion overtook him. “Thank you so much, Bianca.”

“You're welcome. You were really good, Adrian. I'd definitely like to do it again sometime.”

“Definitely not now, since I think I'm about to pass out.”

“Well, I'll go wash up while you go to sleep. Good night, Adrian.”

“Is it even night yet?”

“No, it's seven in the evening. But you should go to sleep anyway.” Bianca waited for a reply for several seconds before she realized her roommate was already asleep, naked and sticky on the couch. She put a blanket over him and walked into the bathroom.