Shepard pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out a sigh as she dropped the datapad in her other hand. It clattered roughly to the table in front of her and she stood up. She stretched, lifting her arms over her head and shifting from side to side with a pleased groan. When her back offered a couple little pops, she let out a more contented sigh and stepped away from the couch. Up the steps, past the fish and her desk.
Stepping into the small bathroom, she leaned over the sink to splash water over her face. She leaned her closer to the mirror, staring at her weary expression. She closed her eyes, head tipping forward and resting against the cool glass.
"This is crazy," she muttered to herself.
Leaning up, she grabbed a towel to dry her face off before stepping back out into her cabin. Taking the elevator down to the CIC, she turned the corner before her yeoman could catch her and stepped through the doors to the lab. The second door slid open at her command and she stood there, staring across the room where Mordin worked diligently. Inhaling a deep breath for confidence, she strode across the room and up beside the working salarian. He paused only long enough to flash her a pleasant smile before resuming his work.
To hell with it, Shepard thought to herself. I'll hate myself if we go on this suicide mission and I don't try.
Without preamble, she slid herself between Mordin and his work. He stopped immediately, a curious tip to his head as his hands hovered now on either side of her. He blinked slowly, watching her with great interest.
Shepard cupped either side of his face, working to swallow her sudden nerves. A quick breath more and she pulled him in close, an awkward - but no less passionate - kiss being planted firmly over his lips. Mordin remained still for but a moment before allowing Shepard this small moment. This one last chance for her to face the mission to come feeling satisfied.