#26 CloneF!Shep and Brooks
Shepard cleared her throat. “I got you a present.” Maya Brooks looked up from her omni-tool, the orange light casting a warm glow over her exotic features. Her eyes, usually so cool and distance, warmed slightly as they caught sight of Shepard, and she smiled.She’s smiling! For me!Shepard’s heart soared and she moved forward, one hand held awkwardly behind her back as she tried to hide her present. Lately, Maya always seemed to be angry at her; angry that she wasn’t learning combat maneuvers fast enough, angry that she had trouble remembering the names and faces of the real Shepard’s friends, and sometimes she was angry for nothing.
She hoped this present might turn that frown upside down.Maya blinked suddenly, and flicked her omni-tool off. “You didn’t go out did you?”
“I was careful. No one recognised me.”Her smile faded, and a familiar frown creased her forehead. “I hope not. If someone sees you, it would ruin everything.”She was angry again.The rush of joy that her smile had inspired faded, and Shepard tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. “Here.”She thrust out the present, which she’d clumsily wrapped herself, and waited for Maya to take it. The ex-Cerberus agent stared at it for a moment, and after a heartbeat, she reached out and took it. She unwrapped it slowly, carefully, and when she finally revealed what was inside she laughed throatily.“Oh Shepard, you naughty girl!” She caught Shepard’s hand in hers and squeezed suggestively. “I think we’ll put this to use later tonight …”
