TITLE: The Strong Sweet Quality
CHAPTER: 1
LOCATION: SR-2 Normandy, Hanger Bay. 0600
The strong sweet quality he has strikes through the cotton and broadcloth
Early in alpha shift, Lieutenant Cortez heard the elevator open and watched Commander Shepard enter the hanger bay. With a welcoming smile, and wiping his hands on a rag, Cortez cleared a space for the commander to sit down.
"Thanks Steve, but I don't have time to sit. Usual rounds," he said, returning the smile.
"Just made a fresh pot, sir. Ground the beans a few minutes ago."
The commander sighed in resignation and sat down. The coffee did smell delicious, certainly better than the swill Gardner cooked up. Taking a sip, he smiled appreciatively. "Thanks."
"Any time, John. You know that."
He did know, and he was grateful for the time, the refuge, and the camaraderie. In the short while they had known each other, the two men formed a bond. Over time, while Steve grieved for the death of his husband and Shepard offered what comfort he could, the possibility of a relationship dwindled. They were no less attracted to each other, but as time passed, they realized what they most needed was a genuine friendship.
After pouring himself a cup, Steve gestured toward the other man in the room. The young lieutenant across the bay was so focused on his workout; he didn't notice he was under scrutiny.
"Was he really your guard?"
"Yeah, they assigned him to me. I think they felt I was so dangerous that I needed a personal guard."
Shepard felt a hand grip his shoulder. "Not pleasant times, I know. On the brighter side, I'd have to admit, he could guard me anytime."
Shepard looked up in surprise. He would not have guessed Vega was Steve's type.
"What? He's gorgeous. Not your type either, huh?"
With a shrug, the commander drained his cup. "Back on earth, I was so involved with my own issues, I hardly noticed him. Besides, who knows what my type is."
"You could have your choice… Geez, Shepard. Sometimes, I just don't get you." The smile took away the harsh tone of his comment.
"My choice is always the mission or the next battle or the rare opportunity for some peace and quiet. I have no idea what my type is. No time for personal relationships."
"Hey, Give yourself some credit, Commander."
He shook his head, "This is the history of my of relationships: Short, superficial and gone before morning."
When Steve handed him a fresh cup, he stepped around to look him in the eye. "Listen to me, I may never experience what I had with Robert again. But I'll never stop believing it's possible. It's out there for you too, John. I know it."
"You're a romantic," he said, grasping the hand that touched his cheek. Don't you know that's out of fashion these days? Besides, where would I ever find blue eyes like yours?"
"A bit early in the morning for flirting, sir. But I think I can keep up."
Shepard took a step back from the hands reaching out for him. "Work calls. I'd better get over there and say hello to my new Weapons Officer. Thanks, Steve."
"Just let me know when you need a ride, Commander." He said, with a wink.
Over the short walk across the hangar bay, the commander managed to wipe the grin off his face. For a few seconds Commander Shepard watched the marine lieutenant counting his pullups. Finally, he acknowledged the presence of the commanding officer.
"Hey, Shepard. You here for the sho..."
"Hey, Shepard? Hey, Lieutenant. How about you drop off that bar and show some respect for your CO."
"Yes, sir."
Giving the lieutenant a few moments to sweat, Commander Shepard made a slow analysis of what he had not noticed about the man. He was decent looking, no argument there. That is if you liked a teenaged, muscle bound, show off.
"A teenager! With all due respect, sir. I'm thirty years old."
Oh, crap, he'd said that aloud. What else had fallen out of his mouth, while he was thinking of how much he liked the look of those shoulders and firm stomach and how was it that he hadn't noticed before…?
"Are you at attention, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did I ask you for an opinion?
"No, sir."
"When I want you to speak, I'll let you know." Commander Shepard walked around behind the lieutenant to continue his analysis, but most of all, to hide his growing unease. It was then, the scent of the man drifted to his nostrils. Strong and sweet, it entered his blood stream, heating his body and leaving a trail of primal need in its wake.
I Sing the Body Electric -Walt Whitman
The love of the body of man or woman balks account, the body itself balks account,
That of the male is perfect, and that of the female is perfect.
The expression of the face balks account,
But the expression of a well-made man appears not only in his face,
It is in his limbs and joints also, it is curiously in the joints of his hips and wrists,
It is in his walk, the carriage of his neck, the flex of his waist and knees, dress does not hide him,
The strong sweet quality/strong he has strikes through the cotton and broadcloth,
To see him pass conveys as much as the best poem, perhaps more,
You linger to see his back, and the back of his neck and shoulder-side.
youtube watch?v=CiVDzTT4CbE Wild as the Wind, Nina Simone