Grace leaned over the table to reveal her plunging neckline as she took a seductive sip from her straw. It was only whatever juice Charleston had in the pantry (apparently underage drinking laws still applied at the end of the world) and she felt ridiculous drinking it with a straw, but her friend Zoe insisted it would be sexy.

The dress was also Zoe's idea. She helped squeeze Grace into a nice little red number they'd found in the clothing store. It was practically brand new and the nicest thing they could find. Despite it being two sizes too small, Zoe assured her she looked hot in it and drew more attention to her boobs, which were almost popping out by this point.

It was all to entice the affections of the gorgeous man sitting opposite her. Miles, her date – if you could call two people eating potato salad at the back of the kitchen after curfew a 'date' – was making charming conversation and being cute as ever whilst Grace shifted uncomfortably in her tiny dress. However uncomfortable she felt on the outside, it was amplified tenfold on the inside. Every time she looked at his sparkling, blue eyes or watched his perfect, full lips speak, the ache she felt inside her grew even more.

She had thought about it long and hard – pun absolutely intended – and she had finally decided that she was ready. She intended to lose her virginity to Miles tonight. Zoe was thrilled for her and encouraged her to go for it, hence helping her with all the preparations. She even had the awkward 'sex talk' with Doctor Glass who provided her with the condoms. The only problem was that Miles himself wasn't aware. You didn't just say that kind of thing out loud, did you? At least she didn't remember it happening in all the romance movies she'd watched. It just kind of…happened. There were signs. There were feelings. And then there was sex. Simple.

She'd imagined it plenty of times, especially at night when her urges seemed most primal. Hard to satisfy with a roommate sleeping a few metres away. But the lovely Lourdes had agreed to bunk with someone else tonight so they had the whole room to themselves. Now her fantasies were going wild and she couldn't wait for the date to end so she could take him to her room. But Miles was so happily chatting to her, he'd barely touched his food.

"Are you okay?" he asked her in a voice that made her shiver longingly. "You seem distracted."

She watched him scratch at his five o'clock shadow, those thick dark brows pulling together with concern as he leant his elbows on the table. Her eyes were drawn to his biceps, bulging out of his short sleeves. Did he have to put on such a tight shirt? The material clung to his muscles deliciously. All she wanted was for him to sweep everything off the table and wrap her in his powerful arms.

"I'm fine." She forced a smile at him. "I'm just…a little tired, I guess. Long day."

"Tell me about it," he chuckled, cute little laughter lines brightening his face. "Want me to walk you to your room?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yeah, that'd be great."

They cleaned up dinner and they walked through the empty atrium side by side, though Grace's pace was a little faster than Miles'. She had to slow down and her heart beat a little harder when she felt his fingers slide into hers.

"This is nice," he told her. "I like the peacefulness when I'm with you. Time just slows...it's a nice break from the craziness of the day."

Nice. He used the word twice! TWICE. His comment about time slowing didn't fill her with confidence either. Was she boring to him? Just a break from the excitement of the day? Didn't he find her a bit more stimulating than nice?

She laughed fakely. Then her nerves kicked in: what if he didn't want to have sex with her? What if she was just making an idiot of herself? Just a silly, clueless virgin trying to act provocative. Her hands began to sweat and then she felt self-conscious, breaking the link between them.

They talked a bit before they eventually got to her door. This was it, the moment she'd been preparing for. She turned to look up at him, his tall, strong form towering above her, taking her breath away. She inhaled his sweet, musky scent as he gradually leaned towards her, baby blues drinking her in. She smiled at him, pushing out her chest and arching her back. Her body just reacted to him, even to his slightest movement. In a way, it scared her, how he made her lose control. But it also excited her. She rested her back against her door, her lips pouting, expecting him to go in for a kiss and press against her. Then she'd invite him in. The ache between her legs was growing by the second.

"Good night. I'll see you tomorrow" he said cheerfully, planting the quickest peck of a kiss on her cheek before heading off down the corridor.

Her mouth hung open as she watched him disappear around the corner.

What happened?

After a moment of bewilderment, she let herself in and slammed the door shut.

What the hell? Was she not obvious enough? Or was he just not interested? She'd tried so darn hard to be sexy. Maybe she just wasn't. He'd seen right through her lack of experience. She must have looked like a complete fool.

Sighing with agitation, she collapsed on the bed, alone, with only her imagination to satiate her tonight.

She awoke feeling more frustrated than ever. It was torturous being this hormonal and this unsatisfied.

She thought Miles felt the same way about her, but she must have been wrong. Maybe he only saw her as a friend. A 'nice break' from running a resistance and fighting aliens all day. Ugh, how could she be so stupid?

She wiped her eyes as she heard the door open.

"Sorry, just getting some new clothes for my shift," Lourdes apologised, stepping lightly inside.

"It's okay," Grace yawned, leaning up miserably in bed.

Lourdes eyed the red dress hanging up on her chest of drawers. "Did the date go well?"

"Not really."

The girl's expression fell. "Oh." She sat on the edge of Grace's bed. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Grace sighed. "That's the problem." She knew Lourdes was religious, so she didn't want to go into too much detail.

"Oh, so he didn't put out?"

Grace stared at her like she'd set the actual bible on fire.

Lourdes giggled. "Just because I'm religious doesn't mean I don't have sex! Jamil and I were at it like rabbits."

Grace's shock soon morphed into amusement. She knew she liked this girl for a reason.

"Grace, it's okay. The first time is a big deal for any couple. It's bound to be a little awkward."

Grace bit her lip. "The thing is, it's my first time…ever." She looked away, feeling embarrassed. "I thought he'd pick up on my signals. I feel like a total idiot."

"You're not an idiot," Lourdes smiled. "You just need to relax. You've built it up too much in your head." She glanced at the tiny dress again and Grace felt her cheeks redden. "Be yourself, let it happen organically. And talk to him about feeling ready."

Grace took in a breath, nodding. "I know, I know. Thanks."

Lourdes winked at her before getting to her feet. "I've got a shift to go to. I assume you do too?"

"Later." She cringed. "With him."

Lourdes raised her eyebrows. "Good luuuuuck," she sang.

Her perimeter shift with Miles that evening was as awkward as expected. She could hardly look at him. He tried to make polite conversation as they made their rounds, checking the area for enemy activity. All was quiet – too quiet, so the awkwardness amplified. Eventually, he noticed something was wrong. As they finished their sweep of the surrounding areas and started making their way back to base, he gently nudged her shoulder, the sudden contact making her heart leap.

"Is something wrong?"

"Uh, no." She tapped her fingers on her rifle as they walked. "I'm fine."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you sure?" You've been acting off since our date last night. Did I do something wrong?"

Her mouth went dry. "No…you were great. I just…I was kind of expecting the date to lead somewhere."

"Somewhere?"

"Well, to something."

He slowed his pace. "Oh."

She felt her cheeks blush furiously as she avoided his gaze. "I misread things, embarrassed myself. I'm sorry."

"Of course you didn't embarrass yourself." He stopped walking and grabbed her hand so she'd stop and look at him. "Hey. You were amazing. You looked amazing. I really enjoyed the date, I just…didn't think you were that into it."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You barely ate or spoke. Then you said you were tired. You let go of my hand. I thought you wanted to get away from me."

She looked down at the array of orange and brown leaves beneath their feet, instantly feeling bad. She could feel those beautiful blue eyes on her. She was still confused. "I thought you saw me as boring and 'nice.'"

"Boring? Grace, I'd never see you as boring. I'm crazy about you. And you are nice, but you're not just 'nice' to me."

"I'm not?"

"No, you're so many things. You're strong, you're brave, you're beautiful. You're the sexiest woman I've ever met."

"I am?"

"Of course you are," he said like it was obvious. "Look at you."

She wanted to rip off his clothes then and there.

"What are you doing after this shift?" she asked him, pulling him closer. "I swear to god, it better be me."

She'd never felt so nervous as Miles took her hand and led her to his door, swinging it open to reveal dozens of candles around the bed, giving the room a romantic glow like a cheesy valentine's flick.

She covered her mouth as she stepped inside and he closed the door behind her. "When did you…"

"Zoe," he murmured. "I asked for her help back when I thought you weren't that into me. Sorry, it's a bit much."

She giggled. "I love them."

"I feel like she's a bit too invested in this."

"That girl's even hornier than I am," Grace joked, already unzipping her jacket and narrowing her eyes at Miles lustfully.

Miles smiled, approaching her and placing his hands on her hips, feeling her smooth curves as he pressed his lips onto hers.

His touch was electric. Finally. Her hormones were raging and she couldn't get enough. She was the one to pull him against her, her back hitting the wall as their pace increased. Her heart raced as they pulled each other's jackets off in between kisses. His lips felt perfectly soft against hers, and then his tongue slipped in and she felt a shockwave run through her.

She tore at his shirt, ripping it off with ease and revealing his beautifully toned chest, his bulging shoulders. The light from the candles rippled off his muscles. He reciprocated by pulling her top over her head, messing up her hair in the process. He smiled, delicately placing the wild bits of hair behind her ears before kissing her again.

Suddenly, he grabbed her wrists and placed them above her head, holding them there with one hand whilst his other hand explored her body. His free hand sailed down her chest, along her bra and down her bare stomach until it got to her waistband. She gasped as his fingers brushed against her crotch, teasing her. His lips travelled down her neck, placing red hot kisses along her nape, sending pleasurable shivers down her spine. She wanted to touch him too, but his grip was strong and her wrists remained pinned to the wall. It only turned her on more. She had no choice but to move her hips, rubbing against his fingers, desperate for more. She moaned as she felt the excitement building up inside her.

Miles released her wrists and his hands reached for her ass. Her heart leapt as he picked her up with ease and her legs instinctively wrapped around his hips. Now her hands were free, she could run her fingers along his strong shoulders, his stubbly cheeks, his soft hair as he carried her over to the bed and threw her down on the mattress.

Damn. This was hotter than in the movies. Literally. Her temperature was rising, her cheeks hot, her skin was on fire whenever he touched her.

She watched amorously as he slid off her leggings and threw them aside, leaving her in her underwear. She hadn't been prepared today and she was in a mismatched old bra and green undies, but he didn't seem to mind as he undid his belt and wriggled out of his combat trousers. His black boxers clung to his body, showing off his bulge in a tantalising preview.

Suddenly, he was on her. His lips, his hands, his entire body. She could feel his hardness through her panties, rubbing her, stimulating her. She felt something build up inside her. Her vision blurred, her body vibrated. She'd never felt this sensation before, she was losing control and it scared her.

"Wait, wait, wait." Her heart was thumping so hard, she felt dizzy.

He stopped, looking at her worriedly. "What is it?"

"I...I…need to tell you something," she admitted breathlessly.

He slotted in beside her, concerned. "Okay."

She hesitated, trying to form the words on her lips, trying not to be anxious about his reaction. She was sure he was much more experienced than she was. What if he changed his mind about being with her?

"Hey," he said softly, stroking her arm. "You can tell me."

In the end, she decided to just come out with it. "It's…my first time."

He paused. "Oh."

Her heart dropped when he saw the look of surprise on his face. "I'm just…new to this."

He propped himself up, looking at her. "It's okay. We can take it slow."

"I'm sorry."

"What are you apologising for?"

"I should have told you."

"No, no. It's just…a lot of pressure. Your first time should be memorable. It should be special."

She looked at him, his warm, athletic body nestled into hers. His lovely eyes watching her with a beguiling smile. Just his presence beside her made her breathless. "It already is."

His smile grew. "I don't take the responsibility lightly, you know…" He paused, drawing light circles on her arm with his finger. "Is there something in particular you like?"

"Mmmm. I don't know. I think I like anything with you."

He chuckled softly. "Can I try something?"

She nodded.

He caressed her cheek and kissed her softly. "Tell me if you want me to stop." His hand then glided down her body, making her skin tingle, until his fingers slipped under the band of her underwear. She felt butterflies in her stomach and gasped as she felt him tenderly massage her folds.

"Is this okay?" she heard his voice in her ear and she nodded vigorously.

"Uh-huh."

It was more than okay. His light touches made her heart flutter as she relaxed her head onto the pillow, closing her eyes and enjoying his fingers playing her like a delicate instrument. His thumb lightly grazed her sensitive clit, causing her legs to twitch. She giggled in response, unsure how else to react. But he was gentle with her, and she soon felt the heat rising inside her.

As if reading her mind, Miles kissed her neck and whispered: "Want more?"

"Yes!"

She felt his fingers slide into her slick entrance and she gasped again. It was strange at first, but she quickly adjusted to his gentle movements and she found herself arching her back, pushing down on his hand as he massaged her inside and out.

"Is that okay?"

"Mmm-hmm," she hummed contentedly.

She closed her eyes and felt his lips on hers, harder this time. She kissed him back feverishly as the pleasure throbbed through her. She had never been this worked up before, her muscles twitched and she impulsively pulled him on top of her, grinding her body against him. She felt like she could do this for hours, feeling his hardened body against hers, enjoying him playing with her. Maybe she'd gain the courage to play with him too, but he was doing such an amazing job taking the lead, she didn't want to interrupt. Not when it was this good.

Suddenly, he pulled her up, causing her to bump her head on his chin. She rubbed the sore spot through her mane of hair.

"Sorry!" she blurted, annoyed with herself.

He chuckled sweetly. "My fault." He kissed the spot on her head that had made impact. "Better?"

She nodded.

"Mind if I…?"

She realised he was indicating to her bra and she nodded again, giggling slightly as he unhooked her and gently let the material fall to the side. She instinctively covered herself. Even in the low light, she felt exposed.

"Too much?" he asked.

"No, sorry," she sighed. "It just feels…"

"Vulnerable? I get that. We'll take this as slow as you need but," he gently took hold of her forearms and lowered them, revealing her perky breasts, "you should know, you look incredible."

She blushed even more as he took her in. She had spent so much time admiring him, she wasn't used to someone complimenting her, especially her body. Like many girls her age, she had spent an agonising amount of time stressing and obsessing over her body being perfect. She didn't like her small boobs, her body hair, the dimples in her thighs. When the aliens came, all that stuff seemed stupid to worry about. It was so far away from her, until now, when it came to finally showing somebody else these intimate parts of herself. But if there was anybody she wanted to show it to, it was Miles. And she wanted to see every part of him too.

She raised her eyebrows mischievously at him as she pulled the waistband of his boxers, letting it snap back onto his hip. He winced a little bit at the sting and then gave her a look.

"Alright, I guess it's only fair."

Rolling onto his back, he squirmed effortlessly out of the underwear, releasing his firm member into view. Grace felt butterflies in her stomach.

"Oh," she croaked, her mouth hanging open. A bit bigger than his fingers. She swallowed, realising she hadn't said anything. "You also look…incredible."

He really did, lying there completely naked in front of her like a beautifully sculptured piece of art. He was more than she'd dreamed of – and she'd dreamt of this a lot.

"Thanks?" he laughed a little unsurely, sitting up on his elbows. He paused, noticing her hesitance. "Look, if this is as far as you want to go tonight, that's totally fine. Whatever you're comfortable with. We can wait."

She shook her head vigorously. "I can't wait."

She leant back into the mattress and lifted her hips so she could slide off her underwear, revealing all of herself to him.

"Thank god," breathed Miles, sitting up to help untangle her panties from her ankles. He threw them to the floor before retrieving a condom from his drawer.

She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you thought I wasn't interested in you?"

He shrugged as he tore the packet open and rolled it on with ease. "Well, I thought just in case."

She laughed and before he knew it, Grace was on top of him, straddling him, kissing and nibbling his irresistible lips. She began rocking her hips, sliding against him, building her excitement. It was impulsive, like her body just knew exactly what to do, how to respond to him.

They both gasped as he filled her. She held her breath, moving slowly. It wasn't as easy as she thought. What was wrong? He was amazing and touching her in ways that made her want to scream and laugh and cry. Maybe that was it. She was all over the place, her thoughts spinning. Was this okay? Was this sexy? Why didn't it feel like she thought it would? Was the first time always so…uncomfortable?

"Are you alright?" Miles asked her in between breaths. He pushed himself up when he noticed the look on her face.

"I'm…sorry," she sniffed, disappointed with herself. She could feel her cheeks reddening again.

"You really need to stop apologising." He sat up and laid her down gently. "How about we try it like this?"

He positioned himself over her, his strong arms around her, and she instantly felt safe. It was in her instincts to take control, to lead the situation. But this time, it felt better to let go and let him steer things. He knew what he was doing, afterall. That became obvious right away as she felt him gently enter her again, felt his kisses on her neck and his hands all over her, his fingers…it felt like every part of him was pleasuring her in some way. The nervous ball in the pit of her stomach was growing, warning her that she was losing control, that she was in unfamiliar territory and her body was reacting in ways it never had before. But she had to tell herself it was okay. She wanted this.

She rocked against him, squirming under his touch as he buried himself inside her. Her eyes rolled back as his pace increased and she clutched at his secure arms, feeling his muscles tense as they enclosed around her. This was much better. The pain eventually vanished. All her insecurities melted away and all she could think about was how good this felt, how perfectly Miles filled her walls and moved inside her, how amazing his touch and his lips felt on her skin. Apparently, he felt the same way as she heard him grunt and moan in her ear, rousing her even more.

"You're…incredible, Grace." His strangled voice sent shivers down her spine as he pressed against her. "I've wanted you so badly…" His lips brushed against her ear lobe before planting small kisses across her cheek bone, making her giggle.

She loved feeling his firm torso press against her breasts, his hips grinding against her as he plunged deeper inside her. She nibbled at his ear and let her fingers roam his smooth back. Then she let out a noise she'd never heard herself make before as he thrusted in and out of her like his life depended on it.

"Yes," she encouraged him, bucking her own hips against him as she felt something build inside her. There was that sensation again. Losing control of her body, of her mind. She welcomed it this time. She knew she was safe. She knew she wanted it. "Miles…" Her body took over, moving up and down his length, groaning, shuddering, whatever it was inside rising, rising until Miles hit her sweet spot and her whole body throbbed and pulsated and all she could see was fuzz and static on the ceiling above.

"Miles," she whimpered, holding him tightly as her body quivered against him. "I think I…I think…"

Miles' movements slowed as her head dropped back into the pillow and her body gradually untensed. He smiled at her before giving her one last, intoxicating kiss and rolling off to lie beside her.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead as her heart pounded and her body twitched and tingled. She could hardly breathe, let alone move. Her legs felt like jelly. But she had the biggest smile on her face as she turned to face the man who had done this to her.

His features glowed in the candle-light, and he looked at her with an adorable smirk. He was handsome even with dishevelled hair and flushed cheeks. She dreaded to think what she looked like, with her hair sticking to her face and her forehead glistening with sweat.

After a moment of staring at each other and catching their breaths, he chuckled. "I hope I made your first time memorable."

"Memorable? I'll never friggin' forget." She grinned at him. "Especially as I plan to do that many more times."

"Oh really? Many more times?"

"If that's alright with you."

He snuggled into her. He felt warm and comforting as he kissed her in a way that made her want to do this all over again.

"It's a date."