In real life: Initially yes, condoms, always... but after we've decided we're committed to each other (i.e. monogamous bf/gf), we can talk about it.
In my fictional universe: Condoms don't really exist - but neither do STDs or unwanted pregnancies, which I admit is fairly convenient.
Don't believe everything that you read.
I nearly always use a condom especially for a first encounter. On rare occasion passions have taken over. I'll use a condom unless I am in a long term monogamous relationship. I've been tested a few times either because of concern about my partner or after receiving any blood products. This was a big deal when I was younger and AIDS was first becoming known as blood donors were not screened for HIV until it became more prevalent. I also had two pregnancy scares when I was in my late teens and that pretty much taught me a very valuable lesson before any major repercussions occurred. (Both were late periods.)