Author's Note: For a longer and more explicit version of this chapter, see this story on archiveofourown dot org. My username there is "noirangetrois".
An hour later, Relena was much more sober, but she still couldn't fall asleep. She was too aware of the scorchingly hot man she was sharing a bed with.
She could tell from how Duo had danced that he was in good shape. She had not been prepared for the view she got when he took off his shirt, though. The man was /sculpted/, and she couldn't get it out of her mind.
The memory of his mouth on hers, of his body against her own while they danced, had her itching to reach out and touch him.
"Duo?"
"Mmm," he grunted.
"Are you awake?"
"'m now. What's up?" he said groggily.
"I, uh..." Relena was suddenly hesitant. What would he think of her? That she was easy?
"Was I snoring or something?" he asked.
"No, nothing like that. I just..."
He rolled over and propped himself up, giving her another look at his gorgeous body.
"If this is making you uncomfortable, I can still sleep on the couch."
"No! That's not..." She hesitated. "Oh, fuck it."
Before she could think about it any longer, she leaned in and kissed him for all she was worth.
He didn't respond at first, and she started to wonder if she was overstepping when he finally kissed her back, his tongue surging into her mouth.
She moaned, desperate for more, and reached out to run her hands along that glorious chest.
Duo's arms came around her, pulling her close to him as his mouth moved to trace kisses down her throat, licking and nibbling as he went.
As their hips came together, she was immediately aware of his long, hard length pressing against her. She rocked against him, pleased when he groaned in response.
"Relena," he panted, "what...?"
"Shh," she said, then kissed him before he could respond, grinding her hips into him for good measure. "Something tells me you want me, too."
"Oh god yes," he said, grabbing her hips and rocking up against her.
Relena was relieved that Duo wasn't judging her, but reciprocating her attention instead. The kisses became more heated, followed by wandering hands, touches both tender and insistent in turn. When he was finally inside her, she all but moaned in pleasure, and as the tempo increased, so did her desire. He was a generous lover, loving even, and she felt treasured as he held her close, continuing to undulate against her. Finally, they both found their release, and Duo collapsed atop her, nuzzling his face into her neck as they both caught their breath.
Relena wasn't sure how long it had been when he finally rolled off of her. She was dimly aware of him getting up for a moment, and then he was curling up against her, arm over her stomach and leg across hers. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
Relena came awake slowly. At first all she was aware of was warmth and a feeling of snug safety. Then she realized that warmth was coming from Duo, who was draped over her as he'd been when they fell asleep.
Remembering the night before, she flushed scarlet. Had she really been that brazen? What would he think of her now? But then, he had participated too. Surely he wouldn't believe in that double standard that it was okay for guys to be easy but not women? He was more mature than that, surely. And why was she so worried about what he thought anyway? It's not like he was going to be a permanent fixture in her life.
The doubts were still rushing through her mind when Duo stirred. Relena froze, not knowing what to expect.
"Mmm," Duo mumbled, "good morning, sweetheart." He lifted his head and kissed her shoulder, then nuzzled into her neck.
Relena felt herself blushing again at the endearment. What on earth was that about? Not that she minded. Hearing it on his lips gave her all sorts of warm feelings that she didn't want to examine.
Belatedly she realized that she should respond. "Good morning." She was too nervous to say more. What now?
"Sleep well?"
"Umm, yes. You?"
"How could I not, after such a wonderful nightcap?" Duo propped himself up on an elbow and smiled down at her. "You're beautiful when you blush like that, you know."
If the temperature of her skin was any measure, she flushed even deeper, and brought her hands up to cover her face in embarrassment.
"Hey, nothing to be ashamed of. At least… I know I don't regret what happened." He gazed searchingly at her and she sensed his sudden anxiety in the tension of his body.
"No, no, I don't regret it either," she insisted quickly. "I'm just… I'm not usually so… bold."
He grinned. "Well I can't say I mind. In fact, I have to say I'm very grateful. I wasn't going to initiate anything, didn't want to pressure you, but, well, as was probably pretty obvious, I was more than willing."
That was when Relena noticed the feeling of his erection pressed up against her. Deciding to be bold again, she reached down and rubbed along its length. "Would you be willing a second time?"
His grin grew even larger. "I would," he said, and leaned down to kiss her.
