#merweek

“You will let me see my daughter!” The receptionist just smiled plaintively and nodded at Hannah’s outcry, her hand reaching for the phone that kept ringing.

“Ma’am, she’s just come out of surgery. She won’t be ready for—“

“You don’t get to tell me—“ 

Hannah was cut off by an asari slamming both hands into the hospital counter.

“I’m looking for Liara T’Soni. Asari. About as tall as I am. Biggest fucking blue eyes in the galaxy. Should be with that stupid redhead, Commander Shepard.”

The offense that had been stirring within Hannah died as the asari said her daughter’s name. 

“We don’t have any asari in this hospital ma’am,” the receptionist said, clearly stressed as her phone kept ringing. “Now if you’ll give me one moment I need to answer that call.”

“She’s not being treated, puckerfuck. She’s with her girlfriend.”

“Yes, just one moment—“

“You touch that fucking phone and I will remove your fucking hand.”

The receptionist pulled her hand back. 

The asari smiled, but it was more like a baring of teeth.

“Good choice. Liara T’Soni. Commander Shepard.”

“First name?”

“Of who? Me? The Commander? I don’t fucking know. She’s the Savior of the fucking galaxy. How’s that for a first name?”

“It’s Nova.”

The asari turned to Hannah, and Hannah had to say that her attention was really rather startling. The burning of a thousand stars was held within her eyes. “What did you fucking say?”

“Her name is Nova. Nova Shepard.”

“And who are you.” It was not a question so much as a command.

Hannah stuck out a hand in greeting. “Admiral Hannah Shepard. Her mother.”

“Aethyta.” The asari did not shake her hand, just turned back to the receptionist. “Well, you heard her. Now tell me where Liara is.”

“What relation are you to Miss T’Soni?”

“It’s Doctor T’Soni. And I’m her father.” Father? Hannah’s mind hung on the word.

The receptionist nodded though, either knowing something she didn’t, not hearing, or not caring. The latter was most likely, especially as she eyed the ringing phone again.

“Of course. As I was telling Admiral Shepard here though, Commander Shepard is coming out of surgery. She needs to rest. Doctor T’Soni is the only one allowed into her room as of current.”

“Listen here: I’ve had enough of this bull--” The receptionist reached for the phone.

Aethyta’s face twisted into a snarl, body tensing and arms starting to glow blue.

Hannah placed her hand on the receptionist’s, stilling it on the handle. “I think it would be wise for you to tell us where to find our daughters. Otherwise, you’re going to have a pissed-off Admiral and Matriarch in the waiting room. And I don’t think you want that. Now do you?” Hannah squeezed the receptionist’s hand a bit too tight. 

The girl’s eyes widened at the unspoken threat and yanked her hand back. “Room 308.”

“Thank you, dearest.”

Hannah took off from the desk at a brisk pace, knowing that her daughter was behind one of these doors. She didn’t care if Aethyta was following her, though she knew it was likely that the asari was a few steps behind her.

Finally coming to the correct door, her hand rested inches above the door, waiting to knock, but hesitating. What if Nova didn’t want to see her? What if the girl beyond this door was not the girl she had known before? That was a silly question though. Of course, Nova was different. After this war, they all were.

“Are you just going to stare at the door or are you going to open it, hun?”

Hannah glanced up to Aethyta, who stood with both arms crossed, one hip jutting out. Her brown eyes seemed to take all of her in with one long look that stretched from toes to head. Hannah’s face burned.

“Yes, of course,” she mumbled, and gave two polite taps. There was no answer. “Perhaps they’re both sleeping.”

Aethyta scoffed and lightly pushed Hannah out of the way before barging through the door.

Hannah, frowning, followed her through.

“Father?” Another asari, presumably Liara, started out of her chair, where she had been tucked up, likely sleeping.

Hannah could hear the gravel of Aethyta’s voice in return, but the words were drowned out as she saw Nova laying there in the hospital bed. Her face was a mess of scrapes, her hair burned away in some places, and she was covered in bandages, but Nova looked…peaceful. Calm. Content.

Hannah covered her mouth to stifle a sob, using the other to take Nova’s hand in her own. “My baby girl…”

Nova’s eyes fluttered open, revealing the matching set to Hannah’s own. “Momma?”

“I’m here,” Hannah whispered, tears streaming down her face. Momma. She had called her Momma, as she hadn’t since she was a small child. “I’m here, baby girl.”

Nova’s eyes closed again, settling back into that peaceful expression. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She could hardly get the words out. When was the last time she had held her daughter’s hand? Seen her face in something more than a holo-projection? Three years ago, Hannah had thought she would never have the opportunity again. And then by some miracle, she had come back to Hannah. Yet still, they had not seen each other. Just a few short messages between them. A call that had lasted less than a minute before Nova set course to die. Again.

“I love you Momma…” The four little words were sleepy, her tongue thick with whatever medicine that was keeping her out of pain. But Hannah’s heart still squeezed.

“Siha, it appears you are not willing to change your mind,” Thane said as calmly as ever.

“I find it admirable,” Samara nodded her head.

“I think falling on your sword to protect the very people who put you in the situation, the same people who expect you to follow orders blindly and not take responsibility for their own actions, isn’t exactly admirable,” Garrus said darkly, still leaning back in his chair.

Shepard knew he was angry. She didn’t blame him. But she kept a cool mask of command on her face. “I’m not changing my mind.”

“Then we would ask for a few days dry-docked. For repairs,” Miranda said slowly.

“Repairs? I thought we were nearly done with repairs. You all have been working around the clock on the Normandy.”

“Yes, well, there’s a few things we could take a look at on the outer hull. It’d be safer on the ground. We thought perhaps, since we’re close, we could stop here.” Miranda pulled out a map and pointed to a spot on the planet below. “We’ve actually been planning this since we left the Bahak System.”

Shepard blew out a small stream of air.

“The crew needs a break, Shep,” Garrus said.

“And time to say goodbye,” Tali added.

“Fine,” Shepard said. “You have anything to add Joker?”

“Not since you ever so reasonably agreed, no. Setting a landing trajectory now. Ready EDI?”

“Ready, Jeff.”

--------------------------------------------------------------

Shepard was sitting at her desk, finishing the last of the reports she had. She’d always hated filling out reports. Now though, she thought she might end up missing even this. She wasn’t sure what the Alliance had planned for her. A trial? Jail time? A harsher sentence? She didn’t think they’d hand her over to the Batarians, but the thought was still there in the back of her mind. When she had mentioned it to Garrus, he said he’d be there breaking her out before she even reached a Batarian system. And she hadn’t argued.

Just as she thought of him, he walked through her cabin doors. “Done with those reports yet?” he drawled.

“This is the last one,” she said as she signed off and sent it. “Done.” She blew out a breath and stretched her arms above her head. She looked over at Garrus, and saw he was carrying a duffle bag, and was dressed in shorts and a Turian style t-shirt. She couldn’t help but chuckle, “I know you’re not on duty, but that’s a little informal. Aren’t you freezing?”

“I am freezing my ass off Shep, but I won’t be for long. Let’s go.”

“Onto the surface?”

“Yeah, where else? I’m not letting you spend your last shore leave in this cabin.”

“Hmmm,” she said suspiciously.

“Here,” he said as he threw the duffle at her. “Put these on.”

Shepard opened the bag and rose her eyebrows at him, “I can’t tell if this is practical, or if you just want me in a bikini.”

Garrus laughed, throwing his head forward and shaking it slightly. “Maybe it’s both?” He took out the sunscreen from her bag. “And don’t forget this.”

“Do you need some too?” she asked as she started spraying it on.

He shook his head. “The sun and radiation would have to be a hell of a lot stronger for me to need something like that. Palaven’s sun throws a lot more than this one.”

She nodded, “All right, all right Mr. Tough Guy, I got it.” She stripped off her civvies and threw on the bikini and sun dress. She put her hair in a braid that came over her shoulder. “All right, let’s do this.” She wouldn’t have planned a vacation. It wouldn’t have felt right. But her crew planning it, or needing it? That was a different story. And she was grateful.

They walked throughout the empty ship towards the cargo bay doors. “Where is everybody?” she asked.

“Already down there,” he said. “I think they were excited.”

Shepard stepped off the ship and was shocked. It was stunningly beautiful. It reminded her of when her parents had taken her to Jamaica once when she was young. “Wow,” she said softly. There was nothing within many kilometers of them. Not a soul in sight other than their ship and crew. “A private beach?”

Kasumi walked up to her with a small cooler, “Take your pick, Shep,” she said with a smile. There were beer and wine coolers. Shepard took one and thanked Kasumi. “The Dextro beers are all over by Tali,” Kasumi said before she skipped away.

"She’s even in a cloak on beach day,” Garrus rumbled, wiggling his brow plates at her.

Shepard laughed and walked towards Tali, “Go get a beer, big guy.”

“SHEEPPHHEEERRDD,” a loud voice boomed from a ways down the beach. Shepard looked down and saw Grunt splashing through the water with a small pistol, shooting at fish. “This is fun, heheh,” he said to himself as he picked up a fish he had somehow managed to shoot.

“Aww,” Zaeed said sarcastically before rolling his eyes. The man was sitting on a lounging chair with 5 beer cans on the sand around him. He laid back, closing his eyes before saying, “Good day Shepard. Good day.”

Joker was sitting next to the man with his eyes shut as well. “If I get a sunburn, I’m blaming you.”

Shepard threw her sunscreen at him. “If you get sunburned, you’ll worry EDI.”

“Har-har,” he said grumpily as he started spraying the sunscreen.

Thane was down the beach further, on the opposite end of Grunt Shepard noticed, showing Samara something that resembled Tai Chi. Actually, Shepard was pretty sure it was Tai Chi. She could still remember all the moves from when she took classes aboard her mother’s starship as a kid. She joined them silently, and allowed herself to meditate peacefully.

Once she’d had enough, she stopped, unsure of how much time had passed. Samara and Thane gave her small smiles as she walked away. She found Garrus was shooting blanks with a sniper rifle into the trees. Suddenly, Shepard saw the shimmer of failed shields and Kasumi’s cloak came down. “Damn!” the thief swore. “How in the hell did you know where I was that time?”

Garrus shrugged, “A gentlemen never tells.”

Tali swooped in from behind and jumped up to grab at his visor. “I’ll give you two guesses,” she said as she inspected it.  

“Hey!” Garrus said, in a more shocked tone than Shepard would have expected. “Give that back,” he said as he pushed down on the Quarians helmet, reaching up so the visor was far out of her reach.

“Alright Garrus, no visor,” Kasumi said as she disappeared.

Garrus held the visor in one hand and aimed with the other. It took 10 seconds before he placed his next shot, and Kasumi’s shields went down again. Kasumi grumbled and switched on her cloak again.

Garrus’ eyes went wide and he hunched over his weapon slightly. Shepard heard him make a small noise of satisfaction before pulling the trigger.

“Oh, you’re good, Archangel,” Kasumi purred as she sauntered up to him. “I can see why you’re into him, Shep,” Kasumi called over to her.

Shepard just waved back with a grin and kept walking down the beach. There was a slight bend and suddenly she could see Mordin by the water, bent over looking at something. As she approached, she realized he was poking around some kind of sea creature with a stick. She stood next to him quietly as he observed it. “At first, wasn’t looking forward to ‘beach day’,” he said with air quotes. “Looked forward to comradery of course, but can get that on ship, or in lab. Surprising results. Thoroughly enjoying discovering new marine wildlife.” She saw his eyes flick back towards the sand. “Perhaps will try hand at fossils and shells next.”

Shepard smiled. As Mordin continued searching the shallow waters, Shepard started searching for shells on the beach. When she found what she thought must be the most beautiful one on the beach, she walked back over to him and handed it out to him.

“Ah!” he exclaimed, turning towards her and taking the shell. “How interesting! Gastropoda, free of inhabitants. Periostracum still slightly spongy, not old. Whorl, apex, aperture all typical. Extremely symmetrical. Red and orange in color, unsure of internal structuring.”

Shepard waited patiently as he continued his analysis until he stopped suddenly. He looked down at her and took a deep breath. “Beautiful. Thank you, Shepard.” He put the shell in one of his lab coat pockets.

She rose a brow, “That’s rather sentimental for you, isn’t it doctor?”

He shook his head, “Sometimes, sentimentality - appropriate. No point to life without the enjoyment of it.”

Shepard smiled at him. “Some friends make that exceedingly easy to do so.”

Mordin seemed genuinely taken aback, but nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed, they do.”

Legion walked up behind them, “Shepard Commander, are you searching for marine wildlife? This unit believes it can be of assistance.”

“Doctor?” Shepard asked.

“Hmmm, could prove useful in cataloging findings. Legion, please assist in cataloging findings of new marine biology.”

“Nice, thanks Legion,” Shepard said with a smile.

The Geth’s brow plates rose and fell quickly, “This unit enjoys being useful.”

Shepard rose her brows at Mordin. Before their adventures, she doubted Legion would have used the word “enjoys” at all. “I’m glad,” she said back before turning around.

She let them continue their search in the waters as she made her way back to the group. She came around the bend, and saw Jack, Jacob, and Miranda teaching Garrus and Tali how to play Volleyball. “Shepard, we need another player!” Jacob yelled out.

“I’m in,” she said as she ditched the sun dress and dug her toes into the sand to run towards them. “I grew up on a ship, but I managed to learn how to play. They know the rules?” she asked, pointing towards Garrus and Tali.

“I think we’ve got it,” Tali said.

They played for nearly an hour before they tired themselves out. “Forgot you had about a ½ a meter in height on us Vakarian,” Jacob grumbled as he and Miranda walked off towards the drinks.

Garrus shrugged with a grin, “What can I say.”

“Want to cool off in the water?” Shepard asked.

Garrus looked out at the ocean apprehensively, “Uhh… yeaaah, I’m not so sure about that.”

“Look, we don’t have to go in too deep. Mordin found a nice quiet spot around the bend a ways, there are hardly any waves at all. Just go in to your waist and get cooled off with me.”

Garrus sighed heavily. “Fine.”

They walked till they were just past Mordin and Legion. “Alright if we swim here?” She asked him.

Mordin came up from his studies. “Of course, Shepard.” Then he rose his brow at Garrus. “Aware of Turian aversion to submersion in waters. Interesting. Found a cove 20 meters that way. Completely shallow and secluded from waves and wildlife. Should be more comfortable.”

Garrus looked at Shepard and she could tell he was about to say no to the whole thing. “Alright, thanks Mordin, c’mon scaredy cat. Let’s go to the cove.”

“Shepard, I have no idea what a scaredy cat is. Is it some kind of pet?”

She laughed and marched forwards.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cove was beautiful. There were trees above keeping it mostly in the shade, and the water was calm and shallow. Shepard waded in and it only went up to her chest. “C’mon Garrus, look, it’s not deep. It won’t go up to your cowl, for sure.” He looked at her with a look that said he’d rather jump in a varren pit. “I’ll make it worth your while?”

He rose a brow plate, and dipped his feet in. The water was warm at least, so he continued until he stood next to Shepard. She took a step into him so that they were touching and wrapped her arms around him. “Alright, it’s not so bad,” he said reluctantly.

She gazed at him with a look that could melt metal, and took a deep breath in, before slowly sinking below the water. “Shepard,” he said nervously, although he knew she couldn’t hear him.

Shepard held onto his hips to stay below the water with one hand, and started moving his shorts aside with the other. Garrus’ breath hitched. He couldn’t help the rush that went straight to his groin, and he also couldn’t help but still feel nervous in the water. Shepard pushed him back and he took a few steps backwards until his legs hit something when they were nearing the edge. A rock. She pushed him again and he stumbled awkwardly, sitting on the rock. She came up for air and kissed his mandible, sucking on the tips. Garrus groaned, digging his talons into her waist. She submerged again, and he held his breath, partially out of anticipation of what she might do next and partially out of nerves for her being under the water. He knew humans were better with that, but it was ingrained.

He suddenly felt a small tongue lick up the seams of his pelvic plates and he groaned again, digging his talons through her hair. He felt small fingers dig between the plates in his waist. She came up for air again, straddling his lap to kiss him. She ground her hips against his. She was weightless, floating above him, ghosting over his plates, until she pushed herself down into him and began grinding harder into him. “Shepard,” he growled as he nipped at her neck. She suddenly went back under water and nipped at his pubic plate quickly, and licked all the way up and down his seam slowly. He felt his seam part as he groaned loudly, bucking his hips into her as his erection began to grow, emerging from his seam. He felt her lick at it until it came all the way through, and she sucked his cock into her mouth as it grew.

“Fuck,” he said as he threw his head back and bucked his hips. She sucked hard, head bobbing up and down twice before she had to come up for air. She was panting hard and she straddled his lap again, slowly lowering herself onto him, until  his tip was hilted within her.

Shepard moaned loudly and rocked back and forth slightly with her hips. He felt her muscles contract around him a few times and he groaned. Shepard grinned at him before lifting up and moving back down. He could tell it was harder for her in the water, and he placed his hands on her hips and began lifting her up, and slamming her down onto him. It didn’t take long before they were both panting, and it just wasn’t enough. He put her legs around his waist and stood, walking to the back of the cove, he pressed her back against the stony wall and pushed himself into her with a grunt. Shepard squeezed her legs around his waist, one arm holding on around his back, the other wrapped around his neck with her hand massaging under his fringe.

She was so tight, and he hadn’t yet been fully inside her. He took his finger and massaged the nub he knew drove her wild. Shepard began moaning loudly. “God, yes Garrus, fuck,” she groaned. Slowly, with each thrust he pushed further and further inside of her until even the bulge of his base slipped inside of her with a pop. Shepard screamed at that and held on tighter. “Don’t stop,” she screamed, and he didn’t, couldn’t really. He felt her come hard, her walls squeezing him. “Garrus,” she panted. Garrus couldn’t speak, he was too far gone. He merely groaned against her neck as he continued pounding into her, faster and harder.

“Come inside me, Garrus,” she moaned, and he lost control. He came hard with a roar, continuing to pump inside her in erratic thrusts. His body completely enveloped hers against the stone. She was so small, wrapped up in his arms, and he curled around her, willing himself to stay standing. He felt her kiss his mandible lightly. “God, you’re sexy.”

He chuckled, kissing her forehead, “So are you.”

Shepard slipped down and swam in the water to cool off before they headed back. Garrus sat back on the rock and watched, enjoying the view and surprisingly, the cool water around his waist.

--------------------------------------------------

Shepard and Garrus walked back along the beach, hands brushing often. The sun was setting, and it was creating a beautiful glow around them. The whole team was sitting, watching the sunset when the pair joined them.

The group was quiet, reflective. Even Grunt, to Shepard’s surprise. He was growing up, after all. Shepard leaned against Garrus’ shoulder, and they sat there until the sun dipped below the horizon.

“Alright you bunch of pussys,” Zaeed said, elegantly as ever. “Round two.” He started throwing beer bottles at everyone.

“That’s more like it,” Jack huffed.

“Bonfire’s made!” Jacob said as he got the largest bonfire Shepard had ever seen lit using driftwood from the beach.

“So I managed to get most of what was on the list. I couldn’t find asparagus so I’m tweaking tonight’s meal.” Kaidan deposits the brown grocery bag on the counter and pecks Axel on the cheek. It takes only but a moment for him to notice the tension in Axel’s jaw, his temple pulsing as he’s gritting his teeth. Kaidan places a hand over Axel’s and slowly he feels the younger man's tension dissolve away. Axel unclenches his fist, and Kaidan laces his fingers with his. Bringing Axel’s hands against his lips, “I know today is going to be difficult for you. I have your back. But can you promise to try and behave for her?”

Axel glances over his shoulder back at their daughter Ashley. He takes in a deep breath to try and quench the torrent of anger boiling inside him. Looking back at Kaidan, he looks eyes and sighs. “I can’t make promises I know I can’t keep, but I will try as long as she doesn’t mention me returning to the Alliance.”

“Okay, so if she does bring it up,” Kaidan unlaces his fingers and starts putting away the meat and produce in the fridge, “let’s have a ‘safe topic’ plan… like maybe how we need a new countertop?” Kaidan teases as he looks over at Axel.

“We needed a change anyway.” Axel mumbles as he picks up his coffee mug and takes a sip.

“I was thinking about getting a wood countertop.”

“Kaidan…”

“And like Ashley’s soccer. Her academics.”

“Now you’re more on track.”

“Oh, of course! Her track and field too.” Kaidan shuts the fridge door, “see, it’ll be alright.”

“They’re here for two days, Kaidan.”

The sound of the doorbell makes Axel freeze momentarily, his face blanching. There wasn’t a lot that could make the man anxious, but his mother was at the top of the list. He places his mug on the counter before heading out of the kitchen. “I don’t suppose it’s too late to back out of this?”

Kaidan following behind him starts pushing him lightly towards the door, rolls his eyes. He reaches for the door and opens it, one hand still on Axel’s bicep, keeping him in place.

There, standing in front of them, was Axel’s parents. Hannah’s hair was a little more gray than the last time he had seen his mother, but she was still tiny. In her hands was a dish. She hands it over to Axel. “I figured since you’ve been on the mend, you probably haven’t cooked in a while and forgot how to.”

Frustration boils over, and Axel shoves the plate to Kaidan before throwing his hands in the air and walking away.

Kaidan puts on his most pleasant smile, “don’t mind him, he’s having a rough morning. Come inside.”

“I can’t imagine why.” Well, I guess we know where Axel gets his charm from, his father, Kaidan thinks so himself as he steps aside to let the in-laws into the house.

“Kitchen’s down the hall to your left. There’s fresh coffee in the pot.” Kaidan gives them directions as he closes the door behind them and follows the in-laws to the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The outdoors proved to be a temporary relief from the stress of having his parents over. Not even a second inside the house and she was already on him.

It never ceases. To her, he simply can’t do anything right.

Resting his arms on top of the railing, he leans as he watches their dog run back and forth down below the porch.

This is going to be one hell of a weekend. Facing a thresher maw was easier than facing that woman.

The door opens behind him and he hears light footsteps approaching him. The smell of lilacs reaches his nostrils and he groans. “Mother.”

“Axel. Son. I don’t want animosity between us this weekend. I know I haven’t exactly been the easiest to be around.”

Axel groans deeply.

“Please listen.” Hannah rests her arms on the railing and clasps her hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t treat you like a son, but as my little soldier. I am proud of everything you did, despite it all, I know I was wrong. I put my career above family. Your father made that abundantly clear the other night. When we got the invitation to come over from Kaidan, he demanded I deny it. Said you wouldn’t want me to come. I see by your reaction that he wasn’t wrong. I hope one day you can forgive me and we can start fresh. Hopefully, this weekend.”

Inhaling deeply, Axel looks up to the clouds, “It’s going to take some time. But I think I can manage.”

“We have all the time in the world now, thanks to you.” Hannah pulls away and heads inside but not before giving her son a gentle pat on the back.

“Nope,” Shepard bemused as he sat down next her in the booth.  He placed his own drink down on the table.  “I figured it was fair since I'll likely never live down accidentally closing what is now apparently everyone's favorite sushi place.  Even my Mom sent a message telling me, and I quote, 'I'm not mad about my favorite sushi spot being destroyed... I'm just disappointed.'”

“Well,” Tali began to tease.  “You did break their floor before I could fulfill my childhood dream of going there for a nice dinner.”

Shepard raised a single eyebrow at her.  “Did they even have anything you can eat there?”

Tali leaned into him to whisper in his ear.  “Not.  The point.  Dear.”

Shepard sighed.  “If it makes you feel any better, I didn't get the chance to even place an order.”

Tali folded her arms as she quickly shook her head.  She also turned her nose up at him.  “Nope.  That doesn't make me feel better at all. Not even close.”

Shepard took a sip of his champagne before he scooted closer and leaned his head towards her ear.  “I can make it up to you.”

Tali didn't bother to turn to him.  She tried to sound indifferent as she replied, “How?”

Shepard leaned in just a little closer to where his face was just a few inches away from her.  “Well...” he whispered.  “I was going to surprise you with this news much later, but... the master bedroom and bathroom have a full working de-contaminator and sterilizer unit.”

That made Tali's eyes go wide as she turned to look at Shepard.  “Really?” she squeaked.

Shepard grinned as he nodded.  “Really.  It was Anderson's gift to us.  He had a company install it just before he gave me his apartment.”

Tali tilted her head, astonished by Anderson's sweet gesture. “That's... really generous of him.”

Shepard simply nodded, and Tali didn't miss the small frown on his face.  She knew that he was thinking about his mentor, who was fighting the war on Earth as of this moment.  He always felt guilty about leaving Anderson behind despite the Admiral pushing him to leave.

Tali brought his attention back by brushing a single finger along his jawline.  “When this thing with the identity thief is over,” she murmured.  “I'll take my herbal supplements.”

Her words weren't exactly the most flirt-worthy thing she ever said, but it still made him grin nevertheless.  He wrapped one arm around her shoulders before he gently pulled her in closer to him.  “Herbal supplements... just the very words every guy wants to hear.”

That somehow made Tali giggle.  As charming and handsome as Shepard was, he was definitely not the most graceful at flirting.  Still, she found it very endearing because, well... it's Shepard.

“You know what I want to hear more?” Shepard whispered as he leaned closer to his lover, lowering his voice even more at his next words. “I want to hear you shout my name as I take you on the new bed over and over until you are completely satiated.”

Tali's suit suddenly felt too warm... and too snug.  “Oh I bet you do,” she managed to say as she looked directly into his blue eyes – and oh, how he looked at her with such love and adoration, it made her grin so wide it nearly made her cheeks hurt.

“You're smiling,” Shepard suddenly mentioned as he grinned at her.  “And it's a big smile, too.”

Tali tried to act like she didn't know what he was talking about.  “Oh? And how do you know this?”

“The way your eyes curve,” Shepard mentioned.  “It makes your eyes look like a pair of crescent moons.”  The hand that was on Tali's shoulders moved a little down her arm.  “Did I ever tell you that of all your beautiful curves, your smile is my favorite one?”

His words were both sweet and... what was the human word?  Oh, right! Cheesy.  And yet, she was blushing like a young quarian who just earned their new suit and who tried to talk to her crush. Speaking of suits, she really wished it came with an air conditioner right about now.

Tali moved closer to Shepard until her visor gently pressed against his forehead, the closest to a kiss they could manage while she was in her suit.  She was still smiling as she said to him in an alluring voice, “You know people are probably watching us right now.”

“Good, let them,” Shepard replied, his own voice low and husky. “Let them watch and be envy of you.  Let them wish they were as gorgeous as you are right now.”

Those words sent a pleasant shiver down her spine as Shepard's free hand moved to rest around her waist.  One more inch closer and Tali knew she'd be right on top of him.  The thought of sitting on his lap with her long legs around his waist in this booth, in view of the other patrons, sent a thrill through Tali's core.  She was very tempted to do just that.

She was about to respond when suddenly, their comm crackled to life and the sound nearly startling them both.  “Uh... Commander...” the voice of Maya Brooks whispered, her voice hinted with worry.  “I think I tripped a wire... help!”

Tali groaned... she almost forgot about Brooks and why they were at the casino in the first place!  Shepard groaned as well as they pulled away from each other.  “Did I ever tell you how amazing of a hacker you are?  You would've never tripped a wire.”

Tali giggled as she lightly tapped a finger at the tip of his nose.  “You better never forget that, mister.”