Once on board the canoe, Moana grabbed the spare blankets she had used against the cold of Motunui and fashioned herself a makeshift parka by knotting two together at the corners, slipping her head through the gap between. "Aw, I was digging the natural look," Maui groaned, flashing that smirk Moana knew all too well.

Moana rolled her eyes at him, doing her best to conceal the blush and smile that spread across her cheeks but failing miserably. "I'm sure you did, but wouldn't want to distract you from sailing," she replied with innocent sweetness. Maui chuckled as he adjusted the rigging.

"Can't do much sailing without an oar, princess. Want to try it out?"

Moana glanced down nervously at the oar she still clutched in her hands. Despite its newfound markings, it was completely unassuming; nothing about its appearance indicated that it gave her the ability to wield extraordinary power. "How do you think it works?"

Maui took it from her hands, gave it a spin, and plunged the tip into the water, directing the canoe to turn toward the horizon. Nothing happened. "I think you need to be at the helm, Curly. It's like my hook. It's only magical for me."

Moana gingerly took control of the oar from Maui, kneeling in position beside it at the rear of the boat. Still, nothing happened. "How do you get your hook to work?"

Maui shrugged, leaning against the mast. "It's hard to explain. I just sort of think what I want to be while I'm holding it, and then BAM! I transform."

Moana nodded, tightening her grip on the oar. Closing her eyes (and feeling decidedly foolish), she pushed the oar forward slightly, willing the boat forward with all her might. "Forward!" she commanded, popping her eyes open.

"Woah!" Maui grabbed the mast for support as the boat propelled forward, the water around them pushing them along at a considerable speed.

Amazed, Moana changed the oar's position, holding it perpendicular to the water's surface. "Stop!" The boat halted immediately, the force tossing Maui clear off and into the ocean. Moana giggled, both at Maui's misfortune and in sheer wonderment at her new abilities. Lifting the oar, Moana pointed its tip at Maui and with a gentle motion, pushed him back onto the canoe with the water itself. "This is incredible!" she exclaimed, eyes sparkling excitedly as Maui shook the water from his hair. "I can't even believe it!"

Pushing his long black locks from his eyes, Maui smiled at Moana yet again. "Believe it, princess. Now, head toward my island, the one you found me on years ago when you wanted me to restore the heart of Te Fiti."

Puzzled, Moana cocked her head to one side. "Why? There's nothing there."

"Not true, actually." Maui sighed and diverted his gaze. "I've been living there since I said good-bye to you two years ago. It's nicer now, I've made it my home. I want to pick up a few things before we see Poli'ahu, plus I think you should rest and practice your new power before we see her. Pele bought us some time so I don't think we should rush into confronting her just yet."

Moana nodded, returning the oar to the water and steering them onward toward the island she had not stepped foot on since she was sixteen years old.

Hopping down from the canoe as it reached the shore, Maui spread his arms theatrically. "Home sweet home!"

Moana rolled her eyes, grinning as she secured the canoe. "I'm still surprised you chose to come back here. I thought it was just a 'filthy pile of pebbles'."

"It is, but it's my filthy pile of pebbles," Maui took Moana's hand as she hopped down to the sand, oar in hand. "Call me a softy, but something about spending a millennium in the same place made me feel attached."

"You just like it because you trapped me here in a cave and stole my boat."

"Well, that too," Maui laughed, leading Moana to the aforementioned cave. The mouth of the cave was free of the boulder he had used to trap her; instead, a tapestry hung over it as a doorway. He pushed it aside, and Moana walked through. The dim light of sunset shone through the hole in the ceiling, just barely illuminating her surroundings. "Just a sec," Maui said, freshening up the fire pit in the cave's center. He started the fire, and a warm glow flooded the cave.

True to his word, the cave definitely did feel like a home now. Moana took in the tapestries that had been fastened to the cave walls, the artifacts and various knick knacks that were placed about. A very large Maui-sized bed occupied the back corner of the cave, and at the sight of it Moana suddenly felt very nervous and very aware of the towering demigod beside her.

Quickly spotting a jar of coconut oil on a corner table, Moana grabbed it and made her way back toward the entrance. "Hey, if it's okay, I'm going to get myself cleaned up a bit. I still feel ash in my hair from when Pele thawed me out."

"No problem. Hey, I have something for you. Probably better than that very stylish blanket dress you have on right now." Maui pulled the red dress he had purchased years ago from its basket in the corner, tossing it over to Moana unceremoniously.

Puzzled, Moana held it up. "Where did you get this? Doesn't seem to be your size."

"Very funny, Curly," Maui propped his hook against the wall of the cave beside his bed. "It was a gift for you. I bought it years ago, right before you became chief. I never got a chance to give it to you after-"

Moana held up a hand, a smile spreading across her face. "It's beautiful, I love it." Turning toward the entrance once more, she said, "I'll be right back. Don't have much daylight to work with, anyway."

Soft footsteps in the sand announced her return. As Maui turned to greet her, Moana turned slowly in place, smiling warmly as she came to a stop. "What do you think?"

Maui's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of her, the reality before him greater than any fantasy he had ever conjured in his mind. The red fabric hugged her every curve enticingly; the hem of the dress hung just above her feet. She had tied her freshly-washed hair in a bun atop her head, a few loose tendrils hanging free. Stopping her rotation, Moana stood just outside of arm's reach from Maui, her beautiful brown eyes gazing up at him. The moment weighed heavily in the air, as the realization of what was about to transpire settled upon them. The years apart had only strengthened what they had both desperately tried to deny, and in the fire's light it glowed warm between them, reaching a fever pitch of desire.

Gently, slowly, Maui reached forward and loosened her hair from its bun, dark locks cascading down her shoulders. She was gazing up at him with an expression he could not quite place, and for once words seemed to fail him. All that had occurred between the two of them, the years apart, the realization of their shared destinies and the love that could not be broken, all of it boiled over as Maui gently took Moana's face in his hands, stroking her cheeks and bringing his forehead to hers in a tender hongi. The words he dared not say aloud, the truth he had denied himself for so long, came forth at long last. "I love you, Moana."

Moana drew a shuddering breath, tears welling in her eyes. "I love you too, Maui. I always have." The two met in a gentle kiss, a promise that never again would they be apart. Maui's lips travelled to her ear, placing a kiss just below her lobe. Moana sighed into his neck, her whole body was buzzing and trembling with anticipation.

"Is this . . . is this okay?" Maui whispered shakily, tentatively letting his hands trail to her hips. "I don't want to do anything you're not ready for." Moana nodded, her brain seemed to be moving in slow motion, completely overwhelmed with him. His skin, his scent, his hands . . . all finally within reach, and all her's alone.

"I want you," Moana flushed at the bluntness at her words, but honestly she didn't think she could manage much more than that in her current state. And upon seeing Maui's expression, it was all that was needed. Gripping her hips and pulling her flush against him, her toes just brushing the floor at their difference in height, Maui kissed her deeply. Moana responded in kind, throwing her arms around Maui's neck and kissing him back hungrily as her fingers entwined in his hair. Maui lifted Moana into his arms effortlessly without breaking their kiss. Making his way toward his bed in the corner of the cave, he placed her down with uncharacteristic gentleness, laying beside her.

"I don't think I've ever told you how beautiful you are," he said as his lips traced along her jaw, a soft sigh escaping her.

"You're usually too preoccupied with your own beauty," Moana quipped, smiling as she felt Maui chuckle into her neck.

"You're not wrong, Curly. Guess I have to make it up to you," Moana gasped as she felt a small nip on her neck, followed by the sensation of one of Maui's hands squeezing her toned backside. "I can think of a few ways," he growled. Moana couldn't stop the moan that escaped her lips, and while she flushed in embarrassment it merely fueled the fire that was growing in Maui's gut.

Maui resumed his ministrations, peppering kisses along her jaw and down Moana's neck. Sliding a hand up her body, he teased her breast through the thin fabric of her dress. He felt the nipple harden at his touch as he continued his attention on her neck, grazing it with kisses and nips alike as he made his way down to her other breast. He granted it an open-mouthed kiss, the fabric of her dress still blocking the contact, and she cursed every stitch that came between them.

"My dress," Moana managed, her breathing ragged. "Please."

"Please what, princess?" Maui growled lowly, a teasing smirk gracing his features. "You're going to have to be specific."

"You really can't help but be a pain, can you?" Moana giggled, sitting up and bringing herself to her feet beside the bed. "Not sure I appreciate it."

Maui's smirk split into a full-fledged grin. "Would you have it any other way?"

Without warning, Moana reached down and grabbed the hem of her dress, pulling it over her head in one fluid motion. Now it was Moana's turn to smirk at the dumbfounded expression of awe on Maui's face. "No, I wouldn't."

Maui's face darkened, an animalistic need consuming his features. Her body was so perfect, so lithe and strong. Her skin was smooth, her curves so supple. His eyes devoured every inch of her, from the dark nipples of her perky breasts to the dark patch of curls at the apex of her legs. He moved as if to draw her back to the bed, but Moana held up her hand.

"Your turn, oh powerful demigod," she gestured to his lavalava.

Maui too found his feet beside Moana. "I don't remember saying you could boss me around."

"Would you have it any other way?" Moana asked cheekily, her fingers finding the knot of his lavalava. Maui moaned as she peppered kisses down his chest as she brought herself to a kneel before him, working at the knot until his lavalava fell to the floor. Her playfulness fell away at the sight of him, a shot of desire striking through her like a lightning bolt as she took in his considerable size. Would he be too big for her? This was her first time after all. She gazed up his strong tattooed body, expecting to see his signature smirk on his face. Instead, Maui looked just as she felt: nervous and vulnerable. Somehow, it gave her the confidence she needed.

Still kneeling before him, Moana ran her fingertips down the length of his waiting cock, a small moan escaping Maui's lips at her touch. Emboldened, Moana took the tip of him into her mouth, running her tongue over the head and tasting the pre-cum that had bubbled there.

Maui inhaled sharply and jerked back, breaking contact.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Moana sprang to her feet. Great, her first time and already she had messed up.

"No, not at all. The opposite, actually," Maui said, breathing heavily. He settled himself down on the bed. "I'm afraid I'm going to lose control and . . . I don't know, hurt you even without meaning to. I'm so much bigger than you . . ."

Moana sat on the bed opposite Maui, leaning forward and pressing a warm kiss to his lips, her fingers once again making their way to his erection. "Trust me, okay? You can't hurt me. You never could." If any protest remained, they died away as Moana's hands stroked him. He laid back and she settled herself between his legs, gradually increasing the pace. Maui closed his eyes, his breathing becoming more and more shallow. She lowered her mouth once more to his member and lavished its tip with her tongue. Maui's hips jerked as he gasped her name; she was sure it had never sounded more beautiful to her ears. She slid her lips down his length, taking in as much as she could as her hand took care of the rest, finding a rhythm.

"Oh please, don't stop," Maui groaned. Moana glanced up at him as she continued, reveling in how completely undone her demigod was before her. One of his hands came to rest gently on her head, his fingers tangling in her long, dark hair. While Moana did not have much experience in such matters, she could tell he was close to his release. She quickened her pace even more as Maui's breathing became more and more erratic.

"Moana, I'm . . .I'm going to . . ." Moana hummed in acknowledgement, taking in as much of his cock as she could manage. With a jerk of his hips and a guttural moan, Maui came in her mouth. Moana gulped down the cum that shot to the back of her throat, wiping her mouth with the backside of her hand as she sat back on her heels and admired her handiwork.

Maui laid with his eyes shut, arms slack at his side as he caught his breath. Slowly, his eyes opened and regarded her. "Where," he said with a satisfied sigh, "did you learn to do that?"

Moana shrugged, smiling coyly at him. "Guess I'm a natural."

Maui chuckled as he grabbed Moana's hand, yanking her down so that she laid beside him. "Luckily for you, I'm a natural too," he growled, causing excitement and anticipation to bubble deep in Moana's belly.

"We'll see about that," Moana's attempt at teasing was little more than a breathy protest, as Maui was already going to work on her. His kisses trailed down her neck, yet this time there was no fabric to block his passionate assault on her breasts. Fingers stroked and tweaked one nipple as his mouth lavished the other, his tongue flicking her nipple and sending shockwaves down to her core. Moana could do little to stop the moans which escaped her, and at this point she could no longer muster up the energy to care about the noises she was making. At long last, it was just the two of them with only the stars as witness to their love.

Maui could already feel himself growing harder again as he worshipped Moana's beautiful body. He slid his hands down her hips and gripped her thighs as his mouth began to travel lower, kissing down her belly as he made his way toward the thicket of hair at the apex of her legs. He lifted his head for a moment, as he gently parted her legs, taking in the sight of her dripping wet pussy. Lowering himself between her legs once more, he ran his tongue up the length of her slit, causing Moana to cry out in lustful surprise. Emboldened, he parted her lower lips with his fingers as he ran his tongue up and down her clit, basking in Moana's gasps and moans. He slid a finger into her opening, his cock throbbing as her tight walls squeezed around his digit. He palmed his length as he slid yet another finger into her and slowly slid them in and out.

Moana was becoming completely undone. She felt her release building deep within her, the coil winding ever tighter as Maui picked up the pace of his hand as he continued to suck on her clit. She could barely catch her breath, stars exploded beyond her eyelids as she felt the coil snap within her. Moana screamed as her orgasm shot her into the heavens, her back arching sharply as the pleasure rippled through her. Maui removed his fingers and gently stroked her bud, coaxing her back down from her high. He caught her lips in a passionate, slow kiss. To his surprise, Moana shifted herself so that she lay beneath him, a knee on each side of his waist. Panting, she gazed up at him with lustful determination. Maui realized what she wanted.

"Are you sure?" he whispered, all the while certain that she had to be the most beautiful sight he had ever seen in all the milenia he had lived. Her skin glistening with sweat, her hair spread out around like a fan around her head, her skin flushed.

"Yes," she gasped, her chest still heaving from her orgasm. "Please, I need you."

With a kiss, Maui lined up the tip of his member to her opening, gently pushing his way in. He met resistance. Maui paused, knowing that this next part would not be pleasant. "If you want me to stop, I will."

"I'm ready," Moana breathed, holding his gaze. Maui felt her stiffen slightly, bracing herself. Maui pushed forward, breaking through. Moana's back arched, her eyes screwed shut. A small cry of pain escaped her lips. Maui kissed her forehead gently, stroking her hair as he remained still, allowing her time to adjust. After a few moments, Maui felt Moana's body relax slightly. "Okay," she whispered in his ear. Slowly, gently, Maui began to move in and out. The pain that had coursed through Moana began to fade away. She was sure that she had never felt anything quite as amazing as Maui inside her. But she needed more.

"Please," she moaned, wrapping her legs around his strong waist. "Faster . . . please!"

Maui pounded into her, bracing his weight on one arm as he slid his other hand down toward her clit yet again. He rubbed it quickly as he fucked her, Moana moving in sync with his hips. He could feel his release coming closer, and knew that Moana was close too. Her breathing was shallow, her walls tight around his cock.

Moana came undone for the second time, throwing her arms around Maui's neck as her orgasm pulsed through her. That was all it took to send Maui over the edge as well; gripping her bottom tightly, Maui buried his face in Moana's neck as he came, moaning into her skin as he shot his seed into her.

Both gasping for breath, Maui gently flipped them around so that Moana lay on top of him and he was on his back. His head fell back on the blankets as he caught his breath, Moana tracing the tattoos on his chest as she came back down to earth. Maui felt her chuckle softly.

He lifted his head, cocking an eyebrow at her. "What's so funny?"

"It looks like your tattoos had a good time as well," Moana tapped Little Maui and Little Moana, who also lay together in post-coitus bliss. "I didn't know the one of me could move."

"Oh yeah, all the time. I can always get a good sense of what you're feeling based on what she's doing."

Moana considered this for a moment, propping her chin on her hands as she looked up at Maui. "What do you mean?"

"Well, if you're happy she'll be smiling and waving. If you're angry, usually stomping around and looking like she's about to kick Little Maui's butt. Sad, all doom and gloom," a mischievous grin spread across Maui's face. "And if you're relieving some tension, Little Maui tends to come in and help her out . . ."

"Oh my Gods!" Moana smacked Maui's chest, his deep belly laugh jiggling her as she felt her face warm in embarrassment. "You mean you knew every time I would . . . you know . . ." Moana brought her hands up and hid her blushing face for a moment, only to have her hands pulled away.

Maui pulled her in for a kiss, trailing his lips toward her ear. "It only made me want you more."

Moana smiled, feeling her arousal stir within her yet again. "I'll have to have a word with the gods about these magical tattoos. Seems only fair that I get to have one that tells me when my demigod is in the mood."

Sliding Moana off his chest so that she was nestled in the crook of his arm, Maui wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her into a close embrace. "You won't need it, Curly. I'm always going to want you."

Moana snuggled into his chest, the steady rhythm of his heart making her eyelids heavy as the exertion of the day began to catch up with her. "I love you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him in kind.

"I love you too, princess."