A/N: And the smut finally drops, again folks!:) As usual, please skip the first half if you're uncomfortable!

******

Thalia doesn't defy him, instantly looping her arms around his neck as he advances. With their mouths connected, she eagerly crawls backward until her head finds a comfy spot on the pillow. Miguel runs his tongue over her lips and then proceeds to kiss her neck. Tugging on her left earlobe, he gasps, "You're a bad actress."

Rather than a witty response, Thalia releases a soft cry as Miguel slips a hand beneath her cotton top, going straight to the tip of her breast without a warning.

"I really wanted to let you go. But you just have to make it so difficult," he murmurs, peppering her jawline with tender kisses. "You just have to... Do this to me."

"I'm sorry–"

Miguel reclaims her lips, his hands skillfully stripping off the rest of her clothing, leaving her panties on.

Thalia senses herself growing moist, her heartbeat racing within her chest. Panting, she shoves Miguel and states accusingly, "You're still dressed."

One corner of Miguel's mouth curves upward. "Then take it off."

A crimson hue paints her face. "What? Why do I always have to—"

He grabs her hand and guides it to his chest, his gaze turning even more intense. Darker. "If you're ready for this, go ahead."

Thalia isn't the type to obey commands, especially from a man. However, recognizing it as Miguel's way of ensuring her permission (and also finding him so hot right now. Is it because of the alcohol?), she indulges him, peeling his shirt and shorts off. Her fingers shudder when she grazes his hard-on.

"You sure you want to leave that?" Miguel asks, referring to his underwear.

Thalia's blush deepens, and she looks away. "You're so annoying."

"Aren't you the same? So... Thank goodness I'm not marrying you," he repeats the words that have scraped him minutes ago.

She whispers, "I didn't mean it..."

He grins. "Now, how do we do this..."

Miguel hovers closer, cupping her cheek to make her look at him, his gentle exhale making Thalia flinch. "Don't look away," he states languidly, then he pivots downward.

The spark of surprise ignites in Thalia's eyes as she watches Miguel lower himself. "What are you going to do...?"

"Get you ready," he replies, and in one swift motion, he effortlessly removes the only remaining material left to cover her.

Thalia's knees instinctively draw together. She's definitely seen this before. It's supposed to feel amazing, but even if she's cleaned it down there, it's still embarrassing!

"Miguel, that's–"

"What?" he asks, parting her legs. Once successful, he rests his head on one of her thighs, tracing a finger along her skin, savoring its silkiness. "I'm going for it, Thalia. These past few days have been awful, and I think you need to compensate me for a lot of things."

She frowns. "What are you— ah!"

Miguel dives in mid-sentence, his tongue doing a little search first, patiently waiting for her to react.

When she twitches and groans, Miguel recognizes he's discovered what he's been seeking, and he zeroes in on that particular spot.

Parting its lips. Sucking. Licking.

Thalia is losing her mind, unsure if she's still on Earth or somewhere else entirely. Her hands reach out in every direction, seeking support from the pillow, and the bed, before finally grasping onto Miguel's head.

She can feel something coming.

Yet, as she's on the brink of reaching her peak, Miguel suddenly halts, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Well, that was a feast."

She grits her teeth. "Why'd you..."

"I can't let you have all the fun on your own. Remember, you're compensating me," he states, leaning back with his abs on display, his bulge too conspicuous and easy on the eye. Miguel slides off the bed.

"Where are you going?" she asks, pitch rising. She hates how she sounds desperate but he can't leave her hanging!

He chuckles. "Relax. I'm not going anywhere. I'm grabbing the goods."

Miguel rushes to his duffel bag and comes back with a familiar pack of condoms and a bottle of lubricant. Thalia fidgets, covering half her face with her hands.

"Why'd you have those?"

"Because we can use them."

She pauses, a realization dawning upon her. "But why did you bring them? Hah. You were looking forward to this, weren't you?"

Miguel neglects to refute her claims. Truth is, he hadn't even taken them out of his bag. He's secretly glad for that. They are coming in handy.

Miguel smirks, holding her gaze, as he takes off his briefs. Thalia gulps, struggling not to look, but she can't not look. No doubt about it, with the way Miguel is acting, the thing is going inside her!

Disclaimer: She is not complaining.

Miguel pops the bottle open and then places it on the nightstand. "We probably don't need this, but it's your first time, so we'll see. I can just eat you again if I have to."

Thalia's face burns. "Why would you say that?!"

"I don't sugarcoat in bed."

This is the impression she's got. Miguel can be friendly and easygoing, but he's a completely different person when he's a tad tipsy.

And horny!

He tears a condom wrapper with his teeth. "Watch carefully, Thalia. You'll do this next time."

"That's... Um, we're not sure–" she grumbles.

"Don't try to be clever with me," Miguel scoffs. "And don't try talking about fucking another guy when I'm just about to do you."

"I didn't say anything!"

"I know you well enough." Miguel brushes a finger on her entrance, and she twitches involuntarily. She might combust any second!

"Miguel!"

"You are still wet," he utters. "Good. I'll slowly insert my fingers. Tell me if it hurts."

"Why will it—?"

Miguel puts in a finger slowly, and Thalia's back arches as she squirms, caught in a blend of pleasure and pain. "Oh God, what..."

"Be honest with me, Thalia. Have you done this before?"

She huffs, "N-No..."

"You're lying."

"I... I really haven't..." Her toes curl. "Not inside... At least..."

"Oh?" He feels himself harden. Her walls feel so hot and soft he can speculate how much it will feel heavenly inside her. "That's one finger... Here's two..."

Thalia's breathing quickens, eyesight turning hazy. The discomfort gradually gives way to pleasure, but she senses that she needs a little bit more. She moans, "M-Miguel..."

"Yes?"

"I... I need... Please..." she pleads, crumpling the sheets. "Do something. I need to..."

Miguel acquiesces. How can he say no to Thalia's request? He withdraws his fingers and repositions himself between her legs.

"As you wish."

Looking deeply into Thalia's eyes, Miguel fills in the void between them, paying attention to the shifts in her expressions. First, she purses her lips, thighs tensing up, nearly pushing him out.

He halts, "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah, go on..." she says, voice shaking.

Miguel swallows, secretly relieved, because it'll be very difficult for him to stop at this point. He slides in even further, and Thalia whimpers breathily.

"I'm going to move. Tell me if it hurts."

"Okay..."

Each thrust sends an electrifying ripple through Thalia, her once trembling knees giving out. A string of curse words spills from her mouth, any remnant of embarrassment evaporating as she succumbs to unadulterated ecstasy.

Miguel switches up his pace, slowing down, and then promptly asks how she feels.

"Is this good?"

Thalia, lost in the euphoria, can only manage a hum. Still buried inside her, he chuckles into her ear as her arms enclose him.

"Let's try something else..." Miguel recoils and pins Thalia's wrists above her head, and the surprise and anticipation on her face turn him on. He gradually pulls out, leaving just the tip in.

"M-Miguel..."

"I love hearing you say my name," Miguel discloses. In a swift motion, he slams himself harder, and Thalia dissolves into shockwaves of bliss.

*******

Dawn sneaks in before they realize it, and they find themselves wrapped in each other's arms.

Hours later, as Thalia's eyes flutter open, the sound of the shower greets her, and the events of the previous night hit her like a sledgehammer.

She hides under the duvet in alarm, squealing and kicking.

She had sex. With Miguel. It was nothing like what she'd seen in movies and those videos she'd watched for research (how could they last hours?!).

But it was still... Mind blowing. An experience she'll never forget. Was physical intimacy supposed to be that overwhelming? How can anyone do it so casually? She cannot imagine engaging in it with someone she doesn't care about.

However, that's not the real issue here! Where do they go from here? Will anything change? Does she even want anything to change?

"You okay?"

The voice renders her stunned. When she doesn't respond, Miguel yanks the duvet away from her head. Clad only in a towel wrapped around his waist, Thalia's imagination runs amok, taking her down memory lane again.

"Y-Yeah."

"You should get ready," he says, averting his gaze from her naked body before things escalate. Another round is entirely doable, but they're set to leave in an hour.

Flushed and light-headed, Thalia simply ducks her head. "C-Can you toss me a robe?"

Miguel grins to himself, handing her the hotel one. Thalia quickly covers herself, digs through her personal belongings, and storms into the bathroom.

******

Contrary to what Miguel had assumed, the barrier between them has strengthened and become more resilient. He can understand, though, because what they've done has propelled them to the next level. A level that they still haven't discussed because Thalia practically fled after getting dressed.

Fair enough. She's probably even more confused after that amazing night he'd given her. Miguel can't help but smirk to himself; he's pretty darn proud of his performance.

"Why are you smiling like a pervert?"

The question ruins Miguel's train of thought, his grin faltering. "How about you commute on your way home, Joshua?"

Joshua toothily grins, waggling his eyebrows. "I'm just kidding! Lighten up, boss. Did something good happen? You seem happy. Did you and Thalia finally patch things up?"

"Do we look like we made up?" he rebuts, throwing a glance at Thalia's way, happily devouring her breakfast on the opposite side of the long table.

"Not really... But at least you both look a lot more relaxed than yesterday."

Miguel fixes his gaze on Thalia as he munches his bagel, scrutinizing her facial expressions and movements. First and foremost, he's relieved she doesn't seem to be feeling any discomfort. On top of that, she seems less grumpy today.

Well, that's an interesting development. She probably really enjoyed it.

"That creepy smile is coming back."

Distracted, Miguel bares his teeth at Joshua and proceeds to threaten him again.

Meanwhile, Thalia's eyes briefly wander to Miguel, but wary of being caught, she quickly looks away, rosiness blossoming on her cheeks. She really doesn't need to put makeup on.

The first stop of the group for the day is the Banff gondola. The scaffolding and "under construction" signs have disappeared, granting tourists unrestricted access to Sulphur Mountain.

Thalia, the first to snag a ticket, heads to the washroom. Upon her return, Miguel is alone and near the queue entrance, engrossed in whatever is written on the ticket. He raises his head, and she immediately cranes her neck in various directions, seeking their other companions.

Everyone's already way ahead in the line!

Thalia mentally growls at Linda. She can definitely count on her to abandon her with Miguel.

The joke is evidently on her. The urge to recreate the whole thing is overpowering, and that's not very PG-13 for a public setting!

Most importantly! This chaotic state of mind is also leading her decision-making process astray. Again. She's decided to leave this country. But with that fiery, ehem, exchange, she isn't sure where the two of them stand.

Totally understanding that being mature and communicating are the ways to go, she throws a sarcastic remark into the universe. Sometimes, she wishes she could be less self-aware so she could shield herself from her inner critique.

Miguel's head slants sideways, waiting. Quelling a grimace, she bites her tongue and reluctantly takes miniature steps forward.

"Everything seems to be sorted out; I was worried we'd miss it again," Miguel remarks, initiating small talk to dispel the tension.

"Uh, yeah," is all Thalia can muster, and she wants to bash her head against the wall. Every attempt to meet his gaze brings back vivid memories of his intense stare, the way his expressions changed as he moved, rocking his hips to embed himself inside her—

"Thalia, you alright?"

She snaps out of her reverie, the heat lingering in her chest. "Yup, yup, I'm alright, yup," she replies stiffly.

As their turn approaches, Thalia can't conceal her disdain. It's not the heights that bother her; it's the enclosed space. Alone. With the star of her mental fantasies.

"Thalia, people are waiting behind us," Miguel points out, and the warmth of his breath sends jolts through her, almost making her jump.

"Yes, yes! My bad!" she retorts, hastily hopping onto the gondola, secretly wishing for a zipline alternative. Miguel follows suit and expresses his gratitude to the staff, who closes the door. The ride begins, revealing the picturesque scenery of the Rockies, a mix of lush greens and snow-capped peaks.

Thalia looks outside, the low buzz of the machine and the spectacular scenery doing little to soothe her nerves. Miguel, sensing her distress, comments, "Calm down, Thalia. Or is the height freaking you out?"

"N-No, not really," she says, fidgeting. "Don't mind me."

"Okay," he responds, suppressing a smirk, though mischief gleams in his eyes. "So, just replaying last night in your head, huh?"

******

A/N: NGL I enjoyed writing this chapter far more than I thought I would. I did not cringe as much.

Anyhow, did the way they "communicate" help at all? LOL. We are close to the end! My brain is fried.