"See...this isn't so bad, is it?" A blonde man rested his back against the wall of the Angel Bath. The steaming water was hot against his skin, soothing his sore muscles. Clouds of vapor rose up from the still water, providing additional warmth for its two occupants. He smiled across the bath at the brunette, damp tendrils clinging to her pale skin. She looks so beautiful, his azure eyes took in the ethereal vision before him. I knew this was the right decision...

"I...uh...guess so," she stuttered nervously, turning her head. I still can't believe I agreed to this, Murrue sighed, cheeks slightly pink, both from the effects of the steam, and from her own embarrassment. When he asked, he was so like Mwu...in his eyes...in his voice. I guess I couldn't help but accept, she relaxed in the water a bit, her nervousness starting to fade. "You really think the others will be okay going out into the city?"

"Yeah, they'll be fine," he smiled confidently. "There's nothing to worry about. So relax, okay," he laughed, enjoying the warmth the water offered. "We probably won't be able to take it easy 'til after all this is over," he reminded the young captain. "Have you been in here before?"

"No, there really wasn't any time before," she shook her head, her eyes skimming over his chest, several long gashes marring his smooth skin. He got those because of me, her lips curved downward in a small frown. "I'm sorry...," she apologized, voice just above a whisper. "You got those because of me," she looked down at the still water, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"Hey now," he scooted over in the water, just inches away from the brunette. "Don't cry," he reached up, wiping the tiny drop away. "Besides, they're all healed now," he smiled warmly, his fingertip gently caressing her velvety skin.

"You really are a different person now," she sighed into his touch, the simple gesture electrifying.

"Is that so?" He grinned, running his hands through her damp hair. "I'm glad. I owe it all to you, ya know? You've helped me become a better person...the person I should be," he leaned forward, softly brushing his lips against hers.

"I...don't...," she turned away, cheeks stained bright crimson. Her heart was pounding inside her, thumping so hard she felt like it was going to explode inside her chest. Her mind raced, thoughts muddled.

"I'm sorry," Neo's voice was soft and gentle. "I shouldn't have done that," his cerulean eyes apologetic.

"No...there's nothing to apologize for," she looked up at him, fingertip tracing the scar forked across his handsome face.

"I just couldn't help it," the blonde pilot smiled, enjoying the feeling of her gentle caress. "I've been wanting to know what it felt like to kiss you for a while now," he leaned forward, breath hot against her skin. "And you know what? It was every bit as incredible as I thought it would be," he whispered in her ear, voice husky.

"I...uh...," she stammered incoherently, pulse quickening.

"And you know what else?" His lips moved down her neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses. "I think...no...I know that I've fallen in love with you," he smirked at her breathless gasps, his lips tickling the sensitive skin.

"What?" Her tawny eyes widened, shocked by his unexpected words.

"Yep," he continued his attentions, his lips caressing her velvety skin. "You're so beautiful...and kind. How could I not?" His lips claimed hers, a sly smirk on his lips as she melted in his arms.

A soft moan escaped her lips from deep within her throat. She leaned forward, deepening the exchange, the kiss passionate and unrestrained. She supposed she should have seen this coming...it all seemed so inevitable, everything before building to this one moment. Maybe she could've stopped it, the thought of having her heart broken once again too painful to bear. But here she was again, caught up in sensations and feelings that were impossible to resist, her body acting on its own accord.

"You sure about this?" He whispered, hands sliding down her sleek curves, fingers sliding over her wet skin.

"Yes," she breathed, intoxicated by his gentle touch. "I need this...need you," she responded by pressing herself tightly against his perfectly chiseled form, his interest in her impossible to hide. Their bodies soon melded, moving together slowly in the steaming water, the nerve-tingling sensations pulsing throughout their bodies, finally reaching a crescendo. Waves of pleasure washed over them, hitting the lovers like a tidal wave, the two only able to hold onto each other, their voices crying out in the small room.

"Are you okay...with this?" Neo looked down at the auburn haired captain, her head resting on his shoulder, the scent of lavender enveloping him.

"Yes," she whispered contentedly, her head resting on his broad shoulder.

"I'm glad," he smiled, kissing the top of her head. "I really do mean it," he gently stroked her bare arm, her soft skin slick to his touch. "I love you, and it feels like I've loved you for a long time. And I understand if you need time. I'll be here waiting, okay?" He titled her head up, his lips softly grazing hers. "You won't have to be alone anymore. Neither of us will."

"I...," she blushed slightly, the loud beeping of her comlink breaking the silence. "I guess I should get that," she reached over, turning the small device on.

"Please...be careful out there, okay?" Her marigold orbs met his azure ones, the concern in her soft voice unmistakable.

"Sure will," he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I'll be back soon, okay?" They kissed, the exchange gentle, yet brief. He climbed out of the steamy water, quickly pulling on his white and blue uniform.

It's happened again, she stepped out of the Angel Bath, drying herself with the fluffy towel. It's just like last time. Before I knew what was happening, you had taken my heart, she buttoned her uniform jacket, her auburn hair still damp. The heart really is something that can't be controlled, she exited the small room, and without even realizing it, she smiled, making her way down the empty corridor.

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A/N: More of teh citrus. lol Hope you all enjoyed, and please review.