#clumsyness

“Hey, I’m trying not to be late!” Lily swears when her foot gets caught in the suit, managing to catch herself on the wall before she can topple over, “And I want more details from you, Rosie - you barely told me anything last night!”

“Nothing to tell.” Rose quips, though her cheeks are distinctly pink, “We just talked. Y’know. Got some basic things out of the way.”

“Talked. Uh huh, sure.” Lily shoots her twin a look - taking a quick moment to brush her teeth, because hygiene is important, gotta make a good impression here - before prodding “Talked and… brushed… foreheads? ...man I need to research Turian customs.”

Rose’s eyes narrow, lips pursing as her cheeks flush brighter. “I knew I heard someone come into the room - little snoop.”

“Hey! As the older sister, I’m allowed to snoop!”

“Older by two minutes!”

Lily just waves her off, skipping back over to the bed and flinging herself at her startled twin - giggling like a maniac at the cursing the action elicits.

“But I was right, wasn’t I?” she beams, hugging the grumpy woman, “You found him.”

“Yeah, yeah, rub it in why don’t you.” Rose huffs, glaring for a moment before laughing and hugging her back, “Found him thanks to you, Lil. Wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.”

“Oh, pft, naw, you’d have found him without me.” Lily waves her off, reaching out to ruffle Rose’s hair, “You’re damn talented, Rosie - you’d have gotten here without me.”

“I doubt it-”

“Hush, you, enough with the self-depreciating talk! We’re here, you found your other half, and everything’s great! What’s the plan for today?”

“Mmm, I need to check on the diag I set running yesterday.” Rose types something on her omni as Lily pulls away to finish dressing, toeing her boots on as she listens to her twin mumble, “After that… well, not entirely sure yet, though Rainer did promise to give me a full tour of the Spire. Or, the parts we’re allowed in, anyways.”

“Ooooo… that include a tour of his private space?”

Lily waits for the denial as she finishes buckling up her boots and securing the various ties of her bodysuit - she doesn’t really need to wear her armor to go play Galaxy of Fantasy, she figures, though the bodysuit is likely more appropriate for time spent inside the Spire then any of her civies - running her fingers through her hair to detangle it a bit.

“Maybe.” Rose says, surprising her, “What about you, Lil? Going to play video games with a new friend? In his personal flat? Something you’re not telling me, sis?”

“Wha-no!” Lily spins around, giving her twin an exaggerated stare of disbelief, “Dude, I’m the one who gets to tease! Who are you and what have you done with Rose?!”

The chime at the door going off interrupts whatever her twin might have said, leaving Rose to shake her head and wink before standing to answer it.

Their first full day on Palaven had been fruitful, and ended better then Lily could have hoped - Rose had not only found, but connected with her Soulmate, Lily had met and spoken with Teren to arrange supplies… and she had, somehow, managed to make a friend.

I think. Hopefully Tiberius isn’t just being friendly because he was asked to be. Lily dwells on that for five seconds before shaking her head vigorously and shooing the thoughts away. Naw, don’t think like that, Lily. I doubt he’d have invited me over to Game if he was just being nice.

She’d been up late again, finishing off another Tribe mission with Tiberius and several other members - a mission she’d had a number of issues with, much as she hated to admit it.

Spell casting just really, really isn’t her forte - she’d rather be up close and personal, dealing big melee damage, then casting from the back.

Tibs - as she’s started calling him mentally, restraining herself out loud - had noticed, sending her a private message once they’d finished the mission and she’d been about to log off.

If you’re not doing anything for the Alliance tomorrow, come try out my Paladin build; give you a taste of proper melee. I’ll ask Rainer to show you the way when he comes to get Rose in the morning.

Lily had agreed - curious, both about the Paladin class, and about Tiberius’ personal space, if she’s honest. He’s an interesting guy - and his reaction to her curiosity about biotics read as someone who was used to being judged for them. A reaction that makes her sad, and even more curious.

Can’t hurt to make friends, can it? Plus he’s hot.

“Lily, you okay over there? We’re leaving.”

“She always zone out like tha’?”

“Sometimes, but - LILY!”

Lily snaps out of her thoughts at the yell, grinning sheepishly at the pair in the doorway - Rose looking affectionately exasperated, and Rainer seeming downright amused.

“Sorry! All’s good - hello, Rainer.” Lily marches over to them, holding her hand out and grinning widely, “Took us a while to track you down, you know - no easy task. Take care of my sister, alright? Or I’ll have to kick your ass.”

“Lily!” Rose hisses, cheeks flushing again - but Rainer only barks out a laugh, gripping the offered hand and giving it a firm shake.

“Ah promise ta look after’er.” he rumbles, giving Rose a fond look, “Now, ya ready ta head out? Tiberius messaged me las’ night, asked ta bring ya up ta his flat.”

“Yup, I’m good. Lead the way.”

Rainer gives her twin a quick look before nodding, stepping back to let the girls out of the room and then heading back to the central elevators - though he summons the one on the right, Lily notices, rather then the middle elevator they’ve taken every other time.

“This one only goes ta th’livin’ quarters fer higher ups.” he explains, seeing her look, “Ya need ta have a code saved ta yer omni - Tiberius should be able ta give ya a guest code, Ah already gave mine ta Rose.”

“Okay.” Lily tucks the information away, resolving to ask later  - she’s not going to pester him for codes right off the bat.

The elevator arrives and they all step in, Lily moving to the back so that Rainer can stand beside her sister. She notes that they’re already comfortable in each other’s personal space, hands not quite touching but brushing against each other now and then, speaking in low voices.

She deserves it; I’m glad finding him was easy, once we were here. She thinks gleefully, following after when the elevator stops and Rainer steps out.

“Here.” he says after several moments of walking, stopping just in front of a door marked T.B., “This is Tiberius’ flat. Should be expectin’ yah.”

“Message me if you need anything.” Rose says, grinning at her nod and turning to follow Rainer away down the hallway.

Lily watches silently for a few moments - long enough to see the pair link hands, once they apparently think they’re far enough away - then snickers and knocks on the door, singing out a silly “House Keeping~!”

She hears a thunk and muttering, followed by quick footsteps coming closer. Then the door opens and Tiberius is peering down at her, mandibles quivering in a very confused way. “What was that?”

“Stupid human joke, don’t worry about it.” Lily shrugs, grinning widely, “Good morning! Thanks for the invite! Hope I’m, uh, not being a pain in the ass.”

Tiberius eyes her for a moment - probably trying to figure out the joke - before stepping back, mandibles flared slightly as he holds the door for her, “I wouldn’t have asked you over if you were being a pain in the ass. Come on in.”

Off to a good start. Lily smiles, heading inside. Now, just don’t screw up and you’ll be good!

 Spirits be damned, Tiberius taps a talon against his chin, trying not to let his mandibles fall too slack, This… was a good idea. She is definitely meant to be a melee fighter.

Despite the visit being his idea, Tiberius had still felt somewhat awkward upon Lily’s arrival at his door. His flat wasn’t messy by any means, but he isn’t used to having guests over - not anyone that isn’t Rainer, at least, since he’s been too busy working for the Primarch to make any other acquaintances.

Lily makes a human joke that he doesn’t quite understand, all smiles and friendliness as she had been the day before, and somehow he’d managed to relax - leading her to his gaming terminal, unable to help puffing up a bit proudly when she’d ooohed over the setup.

“This is epic! I’m seriously jealous right now - whoah, where did you get the new Cinders Core?! I thought those were still experimental!”

“Just depends on who you know - being the Primarch’s Shadow has its benefits.” Tiberius’ mandibles had spread wide at the open awe in her expression, pleased by her knowledge of the gaming tech, “What do you usually play on?”

“Just my omni, nothing nearly as cool as this!”

That had surprised him, mandibles quivering curiously, “Your omni? I assumed you had some sort of stable setup, considering how quickly you react to events in-game.”

Lily had grinned, lifted her arm, and typed out a few quick commands on her omni - Tiberius stepping back with a startled chirp when a holographic vidscreen, keyboard, and dual controllers sprang to life in the air before her.

“Amped omni - Rose tweaked it for me.” Lily had paused, noticed his stare, and grinned widely, “I can ask her to tweak yours like this, if you want?”

He’d maybe been just a little to excited about that amp, but Lily didn’t seem to mind; if anything, his enthusiasm boosted hers. He’d helped her settle into his station - adjusting the keyboard to controls she could use had been a bit tricky, since he had a custom setup, but they’d managed - logging her into his account and then sitting back to let her play.

Lily had spent only a few minutes familiarizing herself with his character’s skills before she was off, joining in on a Tribe mission some of the others had initiated.

Tiberius had sent out a note to the other higher ups the night before that he’d be lending his character to a friend for the day - testing out their prowess with a melee character - so it’s not an issue for her to join missions, do lower quests-

Except Lily takes to the Paladin like a Biotic to dark energy - easily maneuvering obstacles and taking down enemies, healing comrades and blocking attacks at just the right moments.

Tiberius is shocked, and a little speechless. He doesn’t really know how he feels, watching her take to his favorite class so easily, a curious sort of trill leaving him - a little awed, maybe, and definitely curious, now.

Strange, interesting human.

He’s intrigued, despite himself - and when she lets out a sudden crow of success and spins to face him, blue eyes lit up with triumphant excitement, his heart does a strange little leap.

Easy, Tiberius, Spirits-

“Did you see that, Tibs?! I breezed through that mission!” Lily’s nearly bouncing in her seat, looking more like an excited teenager then the elite N7 she is, “Shit, I need to make a Paladin!”

“I did think it would suit you better - wait, what did you call me just now?”

“Huh? What did I - shit.” Lily slaps a hand over her mouth, looking chagrined, “Sorry, it slipped out-”

“It’s ok.” Tiberius cuts her off, surprising himself, “My friends call me Tibs - I, uh, don’t mind if you call me that.”

Lily stares at him for a moment, as if not quite believing him, before that brilliant smile lights up her face again - leaving him fighting back a happy purr.

“Okay, if you’re sure! But damn, I’m glad you let me try your character out! Playing as a Mage was interesting, though - definitely gave me an appreciation for just how in control you Biotics must need to be. I mean, I know it’s not the same, exactly, but still - you’re seriously impressive, Tibs.”

“You haven’t seen me use my Biotics, you realize.” he can’t help retorting, unused to the praise.

Lily just shrugs. “If your Primarch is anything like the leaders I’ve heard of, he wouldn’t have you at his side unless he trusted you - and your abilities - 100%. That says a lot, Tiberius - and hey, you ever feel like showing off that prowess, I’d be an interested audience.”

Tiberius eyes her quietly, heart thumping and mandibles quavering in uncertainty. “You’re serious?” he asks, trying not to sound to hopeful.

Lily nods eagerly. “Definitely! I’d love to see your biotics at work.”

Strange, intriguing human. Tiberius thinks again, then says “Let’s head to the Training Hall - maybe a good spar’ll knock some sense into you.”

“Not likely.” she smirks, and he finds himself staring at her lips just a moment to long.

 This time of day, Tiberius expects only a few other soldiers to be in the Training Hall, and he warns Lily of the fact. “There’ll probably be a couple who’ll be willing to spar you, but it all depends on who’s around.”

“Oh, I’m sure I can convince someone.” Lily grins, a gleam of mischief in her eyes, “You’ll find I’m very persuasive when I need to be.”

He’d been unable to hold back an amused chuckle, hitting the lock for the door and inclining his head, “Ladies first, then.”

Lily all but skips inside, leaving him shaking his head and following after - wondering, again, at the woman’s carefree nature. Not that I don’t like it, but I’d thought N7’s would be serious, stoic soldiers - wait, I like-?

“Hello, fellow soldiers! Who wants to spar?”

Lily’s exclamation shakes him from his thoughts, drawing his attention back to the human - currently standing in the middle of their sparring ring, hands on her hips, grinning at the small group of soldiers currently occupying the room.

There’s only six other turian’s in the space, all eyeing the stranger with curious looks and questioning sub-vocals.

Tiberius steps further in - close enough that they can see him there, at least - and leans casually against the wall, his own arms crossed as he watches the scene before him. Admitting, at least to himself, that he’s curious about her close-combat skills. Friendly or not, she’s an N7; gotta be some skill there.

“You’re a guest of the Primarch,” one of the soldiers calls out, questioning, “Won’t we get in trouble if you get injured sparring?”

It’s a legit question, and yet Tiberius feels his hackles raising at the thought of one of them injuring the smaller woman - a strange reaction that leaves him baffled.

Lily just shrugs, grin not budging. “If I get injured, it’s my own fault - not about to run off to tell the Primarch.”

The group glances his way, and Tiberius gives a reluctant nod. “It’s her choice.”

“Alright, Alliance.” one of the other’s says, stepping forwards, “I’ll spar you. Just don’t go crying when I beat you.”

Marnus, Tiberius thinks, not surprised. He’s a cocky little shit - head of his squad and not a bad soldier, but his heads to big for his rank.

Lily’s grin turns sickly sweet, “My name is Lily, thanks, and we’ll see who’s crying at the end.”

Tiberius squashes down on a loud purr of approval at her words, mandibles pulling in tight as he watches Marnus join her in the ring. What on Palaven is wrong with me? Marnus is an ass, but I shouldn’t be reacting like this-

“Ready.” one of the other voices calls out, “...and, go!”

What happens next can only be described as a blur - as the only biotic in the room used to working with seconds-specific-precision, Tiberius is likely the only one who catches every movement. He doubts even Marnus is fully aware of what happened.

The turian had moved to strike first, which hadn’t surprised him - made sense to try and use his height and reach to his advantage - but then Lily had darted forwards at nearly the same time, dodging under the soldiers grasp to land a punch to his midsection.

It had been almost a one-sided dance - the N7 was clearly in her element, dodging blows while landing her own, using Marnus’ frustration against him - finishing him off with a grab, using his own momentum to flip him onto the ground and plant her foot against his throat.

“I yield! Fuck, I yield!” Marnus’ squawks, coughing and blinking when Lily steps back and offers him a hand up.

“Good spar.” Lily grins, all smiles and friendliness again, “Just gotta watch your punches - you overextend, which leaves smaller enemies room to strike.”

Marnus stares for another moment before accepting the hand up, looking embarrassed, “Thanks… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Tiberius approaches the ring as Marnus climbs out the other side, humming in appreciation. “You specialise in close combat.” he says, impressed, “Nice work; you move faster then most soldiers I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot.”

“Gotta be ready for anything, right?” Lily flashes him that grin again, and again Tiberius wonders at the way his heart flips, “That was a good warm up! Haven’t gotten to spar in ages.”

“Warm up, huh?” he glances at where the other’s had been, trilling in amusement, “I think you may have to settle for a punching bag, Lily - just us in here now.”

“Orrr we could spar?”

Tiberius’ trill cuts off short, gaze shooting to her in surprise. “Say again?” he asks, sure he’d misheard her, “You want to spar me?”

“Why not? Nothing wrong with a friendly little spar, right?”

“But… I’m biotic.”

Lily tilts her head at him, blinking. “Yeah. So?”

Is she for real? Tiberius stares at her another moment, mandibles quivering. “Well… biotics don’t usually spar with non-biotics. Most people are too afraid to.”

She snorts, shaking her head. “I’m not afraid of you, Tiberius, and I’m not afraid of biotics. Like I said before; you’re people, too. I trust you to be able to control your abilities… and to not use them during the spar. Cause that’d be cheating.” Lily smiles again, a bit softer than her earlier grins, “But, only if you’re comfortable with it, cause I’m not a big enough bitch to force you. Okay?”

She trusts me. She’s not afraid of me.

Tiberius stares for another moment before inclining his head, reaching up to grab onto the rings fence and hoisting himself up.

Lily gives a little cheer and backs away to the other edge of the ring, grinning again - and Tiberius finds his mandibles flaring in return, watching the much smaller human as he settles into a stance.

He has the advantage here, more so then she probably realizes - not only does he have probably about two feet height on her, he’s seen her fight, knows some of her tactics, where Lily is going in blind.

Control your biotics and you’ll be fine, he thinks, not giving a countdown but merely inclining his head at her as a signal, standing his ground.

Lily remains where she is for several seconds, returning his stare - and when she darts forwards, he’s ready for her, blocking her attacks and swiping out in return.

They trade blows on and off, Lily dodging under several of his grabs while Tiberius sidesteps most of her punches, landing occasional hits on each other - he comes to realize that, unlike her spar with Marnus, theirs is very much a dance. He’s almost startled by how skilled the smaller woman is - they’re evenly matched, as far as close combat skills go, which is both surprising and amazing. It’s been a long time since he’s sparred with a non-biotic - have I ever? I don’t remember - and it’s refreshing to just be focused on physical combat without worrying about a throw being too hard, or a shield carrying too much energy.

Just simple, close combat sparring - invigorating in its simplicity, in the dance of blows, and he finds himself loving it.

Lily is damn strong, and agile as hell - but he’s got the advantage in reach, and strong or not, he’s stronger - so when he spots an opening he takes it, sweeping her legs out from under her and following her to the ground, landing with her wrists pinned above her head and his knees on either side of her torso, smirking unconsciously.

But where he might have expected annoyance, or frustration, Lily surprises him again.

“Holy shit.” she breathes, blue eyes wide and bright with excitement, panting from exertion, staring up at him in a mix of shock and awe, “That was awesome. You’re fucking strong.”

“You should see my biotics.” Tiberius chuckles, keeping her pinned as he catches his breath, “You’re stronger then I’d have expected, Lily - no wonder you’re an elite.”

“Oh, pft, Tibs, I’m clearly nothing compared to you -  I haven’t had my ass handed to me like that in years.” Lily squirms in his hold, testing his grip, “I can’t even budge your grip, damn!”

“You need to be in top physical shape to handle biotics.” he hums back, swallowing a sudden lewd purr when, in her attempts to wiggle free, Lily arches up against him - catsuit doing absolutely nothing to hide the feel of the supple flesh beneath, mind spiraling down incredibly inappropriate paths, “Shit, uh, let me-”

Tiberius lets her go and sits back on his haunches as she scrambles up onto her knees, mandibles pulled in tight and talons digging into his knees.

What in the Spirit's name is wrong with you?! Pretty girl brushes against you and you almost lose it like a fucking cadet?! Why would-

Because she is pretty. Gorgeous, actually. He pauses, watching her as she brushes herself off, She’s strong, and feisty - not to mention a gamer. But-

“Tiberius? You alright? Palaven to Tibs, helllooooo?”

Tiberius jumps when there’s suddenly a hand waving in his face, head jerking up and a startled chirp escaping him when he realizes Lily is sitting right in front of him, giving him an amused grin.

This close he can see the specks of grey in her blue eyes, the faint dusting of freckles across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose - her scent is what catches him off guard, sweat and something musky and sweet, intoxicating and heady.

He clamps down on a sudden purr of want, clamoring to his feet and nearly tripping himself in the process. Shit. Shit, shit, shit!

“Sorry,” he mumbles, keeping his gaze averted as he hastily climbs back out of the ring - talons briefly getting caught in the fencing before he manages to free himself, “I forgot - Primarch business, have to go meet with him. Do you need directions back?”

“Ah, no, I can find my way.” Lily sounds confused - and a little put-out, but he doesn’t dare read into that - “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry, just need to-”

“Tiberius!”

His name catches him just as he reaches the door - the tone of her voice urging him to turn around no matter how much he currently wants to run.

Lily’s climbed down from the ring as well, and when he turns towards her she smiles - not the big, flashy grins of earlier, but a much softer, hopeful expression. “I’ll see you at dinner?”

Tibs couldn’t help his grin if he tried, mandibles flaring wide. “I’ll see you at dinner.” he says, heart jumping when her face lights up, turning to leave-

-and running right into the door frame, hearing a snort of laughter from Lily as he grumbles and corrects himself, striding quickly out into the hall and away from the Training Hall.

You like her. A little voice crows, triumphant.