Howling winds had the old house bracing itself, groaning and creaking against heavy gusts. Fat dense snowflakes slapped against the window panes with ridiculous force. Kuma retired to his electric blanket covered bed in the far corner of the living room. Only the light of the Christmas tree spread through the room.

Ace had stacked cherry logs in the fireplace and was growing a small fire. The decrepit furnace was working as hard as it could but was no match for the wind forcing its way through the poorly insulated walls. You gathered every blanket and pillow in the house to build a cozy pallet on the living room floor. Both bedrooms were too cold to get comfortable in and the fireplace would help tremendously.

Once Ace was satisfied with the fire he crawled under the thick blankets. Turning to face you he slipped his right arm under your pillow and closed the space between you. He met your gaze with a soft smile and nipped your nose playfully. Maybe you didn't need the fire, it suddenly seemed plenty warm. You combed your fingers through his soft black tresses. He leaned into your touch closing his eyes slowly. You smiled noting how much his hair had grown since he arrived. He mirrored your action letting his fingers drop down to trace your jaw. Goosebumps sprouted up across your arms under his feathery caresses.

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest, "Cold?"

You shook your head unable to find your voice. It had been a long time since you were in such a position. Well, not that you hadn't been cuddling this freckled cutie for the last month, but it never felt this intimate before. You were just lying there gazing at each other and you felt incredibly exposed.

It wasn't that Ace didn't also feel exposed despite his forward attention. He'd actually rarely had attention from women where he was from. He had goals to accomplish and a crew that depended on him. Looking back at the past weeks you had been so obliviously transparent he wasn't sure how he hadn't noticed before, he supposed that probably went both ways.

Ace wasn't one for silliness like love at first sight, but the warmth and comfort you brought him was apparent from the moment he woke up in your spare room. He also knew if he didn't make any of these advances you would never progress. You were a hermity creature of habit. Change and risks were not things you were comfortable with even if your heart felt like it would burst every time you looked at him.

He shifted forcing your legs to hook around the outside of his thighs. His lips were warm and gentle, sending waves of amorous comfort rolling through you. You kissed back eagerly trying to convey your feelings. He'd steadied himself on his elbows resting just above your shoulders, both hands cupping each side of your head while his thumbs rubbed small soothing circles into your hairline. Your hands skimmed his forearms trying to calm yourself and match his slow methodical pace.

After the last twenty-four hours you'd felt he'd be gone in an instant, so he wanted to prove he wouldn't be going anywhere. He placed small sweet smooches all over your face between long deep kisses. Every time his lips made contact with the tip of your nose it drew out a smile that Ace couldn't look away from. His chest swelled knowing he made that happen and only he got to see it. His rubies searched your face intensely, taking in your unknowingly aroused expression.

"Stop staring." You blushed covering his face with both your hands.
"But you're so cute." He murmured before licking your palms.
"Ace!" You squeaked wiping your hands on his shirt.
"It's your own fault." He chuckled lowering himself to capture your lips once more.

You mewled involuntarily when his hips pressed against yours feeling just how excited he was. His lips traced your jaw and down your throat. Pure instinct took over as your brain was forced into a euphoric haze. As much as you wanted to continue you knew you'd have to fight the fuzzy feelings and plop back into reality.

"Ace." Your airy voice only spurred him on.

Hands roamed down your sides stopping occasionally to grope your curves.

"Ace." You whined before he stifled you with a kiss.

Things were getting too heated. You wrestled with giving up and going all the way or forcing yourself to stop him. It really was a hard decision. The more he kissed, groped and pressed the more you wanted him.

Finally, your brain located your hands, which had made their way into his hair, and forced them to cup his cheeks pulling him away from your lips. His burning gaze met yours as you both huffed.

He noted the serious look on your face and smiled charmingly, "Sorry. I got carried away."
You chuckled propping yourself up on your elbows, "It's not that I don't want to. There just aren't any condoms and I haven't been on the pill in a long time."
He looked puzzled, "Condoms?"

You flopped back into the blankets, "We'll save this talk for another time. But the short version is we can't go further without them. And no one is going anywhere in this weather."

He nuzzled into the crook of your neck resting the right side of his body over yours.

"An actual nap then?" His warm breath tickled your sensitive flesh.
"Mhm." You affirmed beginning your hair twisting ritual.

In minutes he was snoring softly against your ear.