A/N: Slightly inspired by prompts I've read at the kink meme - as well as the fact that our loverly Steve Cortez needs more love!

Disclaimer: No bi-/homo/heterosexual people were hurt during making of this fiction, I just decided to play on the notion that maybe, just maybe, Steve has a bisexual streak, as this could be taken as another look at the fanfic "Friendzoned".

Five Times Shepard Lifted Steve's Spirits

One

When he finally met the great Commander Allison Shepard face to face, it had been shortly after the Reapers attacked the Earth. Everyone on the Normandy had been feeling damn down; most of them having families on the planet they were forced to leave in order to get help at the Citadel.

Of course, it wouldn't be Council, if they told them 'sure, you will get the help, we are happy to be of assistance.' Oh no. The Commander was told 'sorry, but we don't give rat's ass about your homeworld, when our homeworlds are in danger.' Well, they didn't say it like that – but the meaning stayed. 'Help us first and we may consider helping you in return.'

That's when Shepard appeared in the armoury, making beeline to where he was trying to repair the Kodiak. She announced her presence with discreet cough.

"Commander," he turned around, saluting. "Lieutenant Steve Cortez, shuttle pilot. I've got news about our supply chains."

"Nice to meet, lieutenant," she smiled at him, shaking hands with him. "What's going on?" she asked, looking slightly confused at the straight-to-business style he started.

It actually made him feel a bit awkward. He slowed down a bit, explaining that since so much need to be done that he tends to get a bit caught up in it… Illustrious Mr Vega made his entrance then, telling him he needs to loosen up a bit. He noticed sparks of laughter in her eyes, as he traded snips with her former bodyguard.

It was sobering, when she asked him about his military career. Something in him compelled him to speak, share this with her, as she carefully listened to everything he had to say, her eyes compassionate, when he mentioned losing his Robert, reaching to squeeze his shoulder, when he turned from her, tapping something on the computer console, so she wouldn't see tears which appeared in his eyes.

She started talking about rest of his responsibilities, asking about Kodiak, comparing it to other shuttles the Normandy ever had at their disposal… It was when James said "you know you enjoy the show, Esteban" to his remark about the only weapon Vega cares about is his body that she actually giggled.

"Mr Cortez, I know your time is precious," she lowered her voice to conspirator murmur, "but what do you think – what about we showed Jim he shouldn't be making fun of us?"

He wanted to excuse himself from whatever she was planning – but seeing the mischief in her eyes he just couldn't say no. "What are you planning, Commander?" he asked.

It was less than twenty minutes when she returned back, hands full with huge bowl of popcorn and bottle of coca-cola, wide grin on her face. Quietly, she moved behind working up James, placed them on the ground and went to help Steve to move one of the benches at proper distance behind James.

Both of them sat down, Steve pouring himself some coke while Allison munched on the popcorn loudly, the sound making James stop and look after its source.

"Commander? Esteban? What are you doing?" he asked incredulously. "Enjoying the show," answered Shepard with her mouth full of popcorn.

There was silence for few seconds, and then all of them started to laugh.