Chapter 10

The door to Lady Une's office opened, and the ten pilots walked in and lined up facing Une, who had her back to them as she gazed out of the window.

"Your next mission will come soon. I want you ready for it." There were curt nods all round. The Gundam pilots had already been in training, adjusting to the new levels of speed and strength in their new suits, and getting used to them all over again. The girls, already used to their suits, had been on reconnaissance work and gathered information that Une was going to use in the upcoming mission. In separate sex training, both girls and boys had worked well, but in joint training it tended to descend into boys vs. girls match, each side pitting their skills against each other. While it was healthy for bettering themselves, Une had other ideas.

"This mission will require you all to work as a team. To this purpose, I am assigning you partners. Yuy." Heero nodded, expecting to be put with Duo. "You're with Darlian. Maxwell, Schbeiker. Barton, Bloom. Winner, Catalonia. Chang, Po." The pilots looked shocked, then recovered and nodded. Mission accepted. "The Gundams have been fitted with Shifting technology. On their own, they cannot use it, but conjoined with a Shifter, you will be able to Shift as fast as they can. There is a port on the left shoulder where the Shifters can join with you. And, as of now, you will eat, drink, train, and live with your partner. No group rooms." She watched for a reaction, but there was none. "You are to clear your things and move to the rooms indicated in the files that have been left in your rooms. Then report to the training arena. Dismissed." The pilots saluted, and then filed out of the room.

Outside, the girls didn't spare a glance at the boys as they strode to their room. Shutting the door behind them, they all flopped onto their beds for the last time. No-one spoke. Then, Hilde began laughing. The others sat up and looked at her in puzzlement, before Dorothy got tired of it and hurled her pillow at her.

"Shut up! What are you laughing for! This is the worst thing that could have happened!" She grimaced.

"No it's not." Hilde said between gasps, rolling over to look at them. Her breathing under control, she grinned at them. "This is the best thing that's happened. How many times have we met them? And how many times have they run away? Now, they can't. They are forced to stay close to us. I know for a fact I can't wait till Duo and I are alone, and I know you think about Quatre, Dorothy!" Dorothy blushed and the others giggled. "So much for Relena's idea of ignoring them as much as possible. Being this close to them for such a long time, we are all guilty of some bad thoughts."

"OK, so maybe giving them the cold shoulder hasn't worked." Relena admitted. "But we can't break down, we've got to show them we mean business."

"Oh I mean business." Sally said with a wicked smile. "Just a different sort of business than you had in mind."

"EEEWWWWWWW!!" The rest laughed and threw their pillows at her.

It didn't take the boys long to pack their things. After finding their files and memorising their rooms, they headed out of the door. The girls emerged from the door opposite, and stood watching them. For a few moments there was a tense silence, and then Hilde huffed.

"For crying out loud, let's forget it." She turned to the boys. "It's too much hassle to pretend to be angry at you." Duo grinned.

"Knew you couldn't keep it up much longer." Hilde shrugged.

"I never could hold a grudge. So, we're living together again, just like at the scrap yard."

"Looks like it." Duo said, holding out his arm. Hilde rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Come on, braid boy." She laughed, walking away. Duo shrugged.

"It was a nice try. Hey Hilde, wait up!" He called as he ran after her, leaving the others smiling. Catherine looked at Trowa.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah." They headed off down the corridor slowly. Quatre and Dorothy weren't far behind, and Wufei and Sally followed, leaving Relena and Heero alone. Relena tried to ignore the butterflies that had miraculously appeared in her stomach when Heero looked at her and swallowed nervously.

"OK, let's go then."

"Hn." Relena barely resisted the temptation to roll her eyes and led the way to their new room. It was sparsely furnished, with two single beds and a basic table and chairs. A door to the left led to an en-suite bathroom. A chest of drawers stood in the corner, and a medium window cast light around the room. Silently, Relena picked a bed and began to unpack. Behind her, Heero did the same.

Hilde smiled as Duo caught up with her. They walked in awkward silence, both of them remembering their kiss from a couple of weeks ago, and neither wanting to say anything. Finally coming to a stop outside their door, Hilde took a deep breath and opened the door. It wasn't so bad, she decided as she stepped into the cool interior. She moved to the first bed, and Duo took the one furthest away. Wanting to put a little space between them, she headed for the bathroom, closed and locked the door, then leaned against it, trying to take deep calming breaths. Mentally she kicked herself for being so stupid, then splashed some cold water on her face and dried off. Taking a second deep breath, she opened the door. Duo leaned nonchalantly against the wall, looking out of the window.

"Feel better?" He asked casually without looking at her. Hilde blushed and shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know what you mean."

"I heard you. Psyching yourself up to come back in here." Hilde blanched – she hadn't realised she had been talking aloud. Damn it! "Do I really scare you that much?" Duo's voice held a twinge of pain. Hilde's mouth dropped open.

"What?" She couldn't help it, she laughed. Duo spun round, confusion written all over his face. She sobered up fast when she saw the pain in his eyes, and tried to adopt a gentler tone. "Duo, I'm not scared of you. I never have been. You've always been such a good friend, what have I to be scared about?"

"Then what is it? Why won't you look directly at me?" Duo asked softly, coming to stand in front of her. Hilde couldn't face him, and turned away.

"I'm not scared-"

"Liar. Tell me the truth."

"I'm not-"

"Hilde." Her name on his lips came out as a plea, and Hilde caught her breath.

"I'm not scared of you." The words came out in a rush, and she decided to plough ahead. "I'm scared of the things you make me feel." Duo stood in shock, then understanding dawned across his face. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, cradling her back against his chest. Hilde stiffened, then melted into his embrace and leant her head back against his shoulder.

"Don't be afraid, Hilde babes. I'm right here with you." He murmured in her ear, gazing down at her long white neck that pulsed slightly with every heartbeat. Bending his head slightly, he pressed a gentle kiss to it, and felt her body shiver against his.

"Duo..." Hilde breathed. Duo's pulse quickened as he heard his name on her lips, and blew softly in her ear, getting an answering shiver in response.

"I intend to finish what we started that morning Hilde, you have no idea what you did to me that day." He growled. Hilde widened her eyes in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Duo expertly spun her round to face him and dragged her arms around his neck. He leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you since the day I left. And now you're here, I'm never gonna let you go babes." Hilde looked at him from under lowered lashes, then gently pressed a kiss to his sweet lips. Duo answered her hungrily, and slid his tongue into her mouth, one hand crushing her to him, the other tangling in her hair. Hilde stroked his back, her fingers seeking his long braid. When she found it, she ran it through her fingers and located the tie at the end of it. Yanking it out, she pushed away from him and stood back and watched as his hair drifted free. It looked just as good as it had in her dreams, and she longed to comb her hands through it. Duo's eyes raked over her, mentally undressing her, and she blushed and looked away. Duo felt the dragon awake and grabbed her roughly, crushing her to him once more. Their tongues plundered each others mouths, exploring every inch, and Hilde arched her back, Duo supporting her as he trailed hot and fiery kisses down her jaw and collarbone. Holding her in one hand and trying to ignore the way her most intimate part was pushing insistently against his sex, he danced his fingers down her chest, forging a trail between her breasts. He wanted this to be slow and gentle for her, and it was a huge effort that stopped him from taking her right there and then. Hilde was leaning back, her eyes closed in rapt pleasure at the flames licking through her body, her mouth slightly parted in passion. Duo pulled her up and covered her mouth again, then moved his hand to the hem of her vest top. Pulling it off, he ran his hands up her ribcage and brushed his fingers over her breasts, feeling her nipples harden under the thin lacy fabric. Hilde gasped into his mouth, and pulled away, and Duo stopped, breathing heavily. Hilde avoided his eyes.

"What's wrong babes?" Duo murmured, his eyes clouding with worry.

"Duo, I..." Hilde blushed profusely and tried to cover herself up. In a flash, Duo realised, and pulled her hands away from her body.

"You've never done this before, have you?" He asked quietly. Hilde shook her head, and the dragon in Duo's belly raised its head. "Don't worry, I'll take it slow. Anytime you want to stop, just tell me." Duo waited patiently, trying to ignore the fact that she was standing half naked in front of him. She looked beautiful in the waning light, her pale skin gleaming in the soft light, and her hair slightly tousled from his hands. Eventually, Hilde spoke.

"Don't stop." She pleaded, her eyes begging him for more. Duo looked at her, and Hilde saw the worry chased away by clouds of passion. He groaned inwardly at the sight of this petite, innocent woman stood in front of him, trusting him with her very soul, and he understood his true feelings for her at long last. Pulling her closer, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently, as if she would break at any moment. Her arms wound around his back, taking comfort from him. Resting his head on hers, he spoke softly.

"I love you Hilde." Hilde sighed contentedly. Finally. She thought, happily.

"I love you too." She answered, and the dragon roared in triumph. Pulling back, Duo scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her down gently. She looked at him in the growing darkness, complete trust in her eyes, and Duo knew he was lost forever. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she sat up and pulled his head towards her tentatively. He let her go at her own pace, letting her begin the kiss. Tenderly, he deepened it, his hands running around her back. With a practiced hand, he unhooked her bra and removed it, throwing it away from them. His hands returned to her ribcage, and his thumbs brushed her hard nipples, causing her to gasp in exquisite pleasure. He filled his hands with her breasts, moulding them in his hands, squeezing them gently. It was every bit as good as his dreams. Leaning gently with his body, he pushed her gently back onto the pillows, never leaving her mouth. His hands moved to her waistband, and he slowly kissed down her body, removing her shorts as he went. Her white lace pants were damp with longing, but he went past them and kissed down her legs as he slowly removed her boots. Looking up briefly, he saw Hilde was watching him intently, her eyes clouded with lust, her chest heaving heavily. Reaching up, he removed her last barrier, and she lay before him, gloriously naked in the darkening room. His body ached in need for her, but he forced himself to go slow. Pulling her up to a sitting position once again, he placed her hands on his waist.

"Help me." He whispered softly. Hilde grasped his shirt and pulled it free, and Duo helped by raising his arms above his head. Pulling it off, Hilde danced her fingers down his naked torso, enjoying the chiselled muscles that she found. Her hands stroked downwards, past his waist band, and undid his boots. Toeing them off Duo kicked them aside as she reached for his fly. Slowly, she took off his pants, admiring his strong legs as she went, and Duo finally stood before her, clad only in his boxers, the strength of his desire for her evident. Pulling him down to the bed again, she ran her fingers up his arms and around his neck, and his mouth claimed hers in a searing kiss. They lay together, kissing and cuddling, exploring each others bodies with their fingers, and dimly Duo realised that she had removed his last shred of clothing.

"You're getting better at this." Duo murmured against her mouth.

"I'm learning from the best." Hilde gasped as his fingers grazed her soft centre. Duo grinned wickedly and stroked her inner thigh, trailing his finger up to the sensitive area at the top. His fingers caressed her warm folds, gently pushing her legs apart. Sliding a single finger down the centre of her, he felt her body quiver in response. Smiling in anticipation, he slowly slid a finger inside her, covering her gasp with his mouth. He waited as she adjusted to the unfamiliar sensation, watching her body relax.

"You ok?" She nodded, letting her head fall back in pleasure as he softly began moving his finger, stroking her inside, pumping into her gently. He gave in to his own needs slightly and pulled his finger out, licking her sweet nectar from it. Moistening his fingers, he slid two fingers inside her and began a faster rhythm, emboldened by Hilde's panting breaths and writhing figure, her head snapping back and forth. Hilde was lost in ecstasy, her mind clouded, but the feeling of Duo's tongue flicking over her pushed her even further. His mischievous mouth nipped her inner lips, and then licked slowly around her centre before delving into her, lapping up the honey that flowed from her. Duo closed his eyes in pleasure as her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer to her, giving him more access. Hilde writhed and bucked above him, her legs wrapped around his shoulders, locking him in place, her hips thrusting towards his questing tongue. She stiffened, and Duo drank deeply as she came in his mouth. She collapsed back onto the bed, and Duo raised his head and came to lie next to her once more.

Trailing his fingers up her body, he bent his head and took her hardened nipple in his mouth Hilde's eyes snapped open as his tongue flicked it gently and white hot flames raced through her body.

"It's not over yet babe." Duo growled as he suckled at her breast. His other hand stroked her free breast, pulling her nipple to a hard nub once more. Transferring his attention, he suckled on the other breast, while his fingers played with the free one. Hilde's hands once more tangled in his hair, then wrenched him up to look into her eyes. Duo saw the unspoken plea and positioned himself above her, his hard manhood straining to be encased in her wet folds.

"This is gonna hurt briefly, OK?" Hilde nodded mutely. "I'm gonna go slow. I don't wanna hurt you Hilde." Hilde smiled at him.

"I'm OK Duo." She said, placing her hands on his shoulders. Duo nodded and kissed her. With one sharp thrust he took her maidenhood, and the dragon roared in pure masculine pride at being her first. Hilde's fingers dug into his shoulders, and her face was creased in pain. Dipping his head onto her shoulder, he nuzzled her, waiting for her and murmuring sweet nothings in her ear, comforting her.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, as he felt her body relax slowly.

"Don't be. I always dreamed you would be the first." Hilde murmured as she got accustomed to his size. She let out the breath she had involuntarily taken in, and stretched her fingers. Stroking the back of his head, he pulled back and looked into her eyes. His hair fell like a curtain, encasing them in their own sweet cocoon, away from the world. Pulling his head down to her, she kissed him softly. "Don't stop."

It was all the encouragement Duo needed. Kissing her passionately, he began a slow rhythm as Hilde got used to him. When she wrapped her legs around him, allowing him deeper access, he increased his pace, his tongue delving deeper into her mouth. Hilde began moving, matching his thrusts and arching her hips, meeting him in the middle. Duo wrapped his hands around the back of her shoulders and supported himself on his elbows, pounding into her, his need for her taking over him.

"Duo, oh god Duo!" Hilde moaned as he pushed her further towards her climax.

"Damn Hilde." Duo grunted as he plunged into her harder and faster. He could feel himself getting closer, and pushed harder, wanting to climax with her.

"Duo, oh god! Duo, Duo! Oh my god!" Hilde panted as she raced towards pure ecstasy.

"Hilde!" Duo moaned as he felt himself about to burst.

"DUO!" Hilde screamed as she came, her juices flowing around him.

"Hilde!" Duo growled as he came at the same time, his seed pumping into her, thrusting hard and prolonging their pleasure. Hilde's walls encased him like a velvet glove, and he knew that he wanted to be the only one who brought this kind of pleasure to her for the rest of her life. Hilde met his movements, thrust for thrust, until they both collapsed, sweaty and exhausted; Duo's head nestled in the crook of her shoulder. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, she stroked his hair, panting. Duo's hot breath warmed her neck, his breaths loud and heavy. Holding her closely, he slid out of her slowly and rolled over, pulling her with him so that she lay across his chest. Hilde snuggled into him, and Duo kissed the top of her head.

"You OK? I didn't hurt you did I?" Duo asked worriedly, a frown of concern creasing his face. Hilde sighed contentedly.

"No more than I expected." She reached up and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Besides, I wanted you to be my first." Duo growled, and hugged her closer.

"I'm going to be your only." He tilted her head up to his, and kissed her softly. Hilde licked her lips.

"Well if it's always as amazing as that, I haven't got a problem with that." She smiled, and Duo chuckled. Hilde lay her head back down and within minutes, her breathing told Duo that she was fast asleep. He smiled gently to himself, then stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm always gonna be here for you, Hilde babes." He whispered. Hilde snuggled closer and smiled in her sleep. He tightened his embrace, and soon he drifted off as well.