“I never knew it could be this way.” - 13th October ‘19 - Fictober
Fanfic - Mass Effect Andromeda (Post Meridian) - SFW (Non-graphic Post-sex) - (Sara x Cora)
Warnings: Implied sex / Intimacy / Non-smut / Fluff
“I never knew it could be this way,” Sara whispered softly as she curled up next to Cora. The other’s arms were soon looping around the Pathfinder’s frame, pulling her even closer until Sara had one leg and one arm hooked over the blonde.
The sheets had never felt so soft before, not just because she was still fuzzy from the bliss they’d shared over the evening, but also because she had someone to help keep it warm.
All of the lights in the Pathfinder’s quarters were out, meaning the only light was coming from the infinite space glowing through the window behind them. It bathed their love in the light of billions of stars and added to the splendour of yet another perfect night.
Sara had been catching up on much-needed sleep since Meridian, and ever since they’d defeated the Archon, Cora had been by her side; holding her in those strong, safe arms. Not a night went by where they weren’t nestled in a tangle of limbs.
No sleep had ever been sweeter.
Ryder let out a soft sigh as she felt Cora’s splayed fingers glide through her loosened brown locks, which the blonde loved doing, as much as Sara adored having it done to her. Whenever they had more than a few minutes of alone time, she always pulled her hair from its usual ponytail and savoured the feeling of Cora’s fingers combing through it.
“It is pretty special, isn’t it?” The blonde replied. Even when she was quiet her voice still had a soft rasp that Sara found adorable. Ever since meeting Sara she’d felt a connection to her, despite having to hide it for quite some time. Questions would no doubt have been raised, and it may have been wrongly assumed that the lieutenant was seeking preferential treatment through a relationship with her Pathfinder.
That, however, was no longer the case. Meridian had gifted the human girls the quiet time they both deserved. The night after the Archon had been defeated, Cora had finally revealed her feelings for Sara, who had previously shown interest. She was overjoyed to learn that the rumours about Sara and Peebee being an item weren’t true.
The rest was history. The whispers, which happened rarely, were easy to ignore. What she shared with Sara was too special to let the opinions of strangers bother her.
Sara let out another sweet sigh as Cora’s fingers left her hair, grazed over her cheek, and then lifted her chin. She closed her eyes in anticipation of the kiss and smiled when she felt the blonde’s lips press softly against her own. A second, third, and fourth followed, each tender and filled with adoration until Sara pulled back slightly.
“I love you...” The Pathfinder whispered. For something neither of them had said so far, those three small words slipped out so easily. Warmth spread throughout her heart when uttered them, almost sub-consciously, yet she felt no regret.
“I love you too, Sara...” Cora replied seconds later, before somehow finding a way to cuddle her beloved even tighter than she already was.
-------------------------------------------------------
Sleep found them both swiftly after that and Sara awoke to find she was in the same position as she had been every night since Meridian; Cora’s little spoon. She nestled back into the ex-Asari Commando and was met with two gentle smooches on her shoulder.
Moving was the hardest part of their mornings. Duties be damned was what they both wished they could say, but Sara had Pathfinding to do, and Cora had to watch her back every step of the way.
“Good morning, Lieutenant Harper. Good morning, Pathfinder. Should I have the crew gather?” SAM’s voice came from the small console on Sara’s desk, drawing a collective groan from the warm, comfortable lovers.
They shared a shower despite the fact their desires needed to be put on hold for later, helped each other get dressed, and Cora completed her usual duty of brushing out Sara’s ever-growing locks just like she always did. The brunette tied it up in her practical ponytail and turned to embrace her lover one more time.
The crew obviously knew about their romance, but they needed to be professional, or at least as professional as Sara could muster.
One final drawn-out kiss.
Foreheads pressed together affectionately.
Eyes closed.
They whispered their adoration for each other one final time, before leaving the comfort of Sara’s quarters behind for another day. They both knew they’d be back, however, with clothes scattered all over the floor, and another night of love to share together waiting for them.
One day, they promised, they’d stay in bed.
