This works as a standalone, but is also part of a series: Observation & Engineering, John, The Sound Of Silence, Oblivious, Solace, Loved & Lost, Belonging and Once More, With Feeling. Yes, it's really that big. Belonging and Oblivious may add more to this piece for you in particular.
To anyone who follows these stories - I apologise for the late update; it was due to (very minor) injury. Since Monday is my other updating day, I thought it might be the best time.
If it helps, this is also a two-parter, with the conclusion being on Friday.
Warning - a tad fluffy - may induce nausea if stated dose is exceeded. Enjoy.
Mutual Respect
1
-Promises-
He looks at her askance, as if he is... nervous? No, that's ridiculous - this man faced down Saren, had Sovereign crash into him and came out of it reasonably unscathed, and yet he is looking... well, shifty, for lack of a better word.
He walks up to her, giving a reassuring grin (though she wonders if it's for herself or him) and, clearing his throat, asks, "Remember when I promised you that I'd get you some real food?"
She nods, beginning, "You have. The mesh'ka was a wonderful thought - "
He shakes his head, his smile growing even wider. "Thing is... Garrus suggested a nice little hybrid place on the Presidium, and I thought it might be good to catch up. Properly. Get some lunch. We'll be stopping at the Citadel in a couple days, after all."
He remembered? She looks at him in surprise, and for a moment, discounting the sound of the drive core, there is an... interesting silence. He shifts his weight onto his other foot, trying to hide it but looking awkward, until she closes her mouth and pulls herself together. "That... that would be nice. Thank you, John."
He raises his eyebrows, giving her a grin. "Good. I better check up on the crew." He moves towards the door at a surprising pace. She's sure he never used to be this jumpy.
What has gotten into him lately?
He's starting to wonder himself. Exhaling as he steps into the elevator, he presses the up button, keeping his expression carefully neutral; inside, he's... anxious is one word for it - gritting his teeth and trying not to panic is another.
He hasn't been on a... he tries not to think of it as a date... in - he thinks - four years: constant ship-hopping and the close threat of death, as well as being screwed up from Akuze, have hardly made it easy to meet women.
He's not a vain man, but he's pretty sure Alliance gear isn't the right thing to wear on a - whatever this is. (Not a date. Just two friendly... friends who mutually respect each other reminiscing about old times. Of course. In the privacy of the elevator, he groans, running a hand down his face.)
It's mutual respect to Tali, of course. To him, it's something else entirely.
Mutual respect, she reminds herself. He is her friend and this is definitely not a date. He's her commanding officer, and he isn't... "into aliens", as Ashley would have put it. She misses the woman - advice might have been nice.
She doesn't need advice; this is not a date, she tells herself again.
So why is she desperately sorting through the few luxury items she's packed in the hope of finding something to wear?
When they eventually do stop at the Citadel, he arranges to meet her outside the Embassy, giving her a time.
She nods, running for the Presidium's best stores as soon as he's out of sight.
Little does she know that he's doing the same.
He can't help but notice the new shawl, a simple pattern but on expensive-looking material. She can't help but notice the new... well, outfit, casual but well-kept. She wonders where he's got it from, why she hasn't seen it before. They both pretend not to stare as they walk to greet each other.
They can both eat the food, though not necessarily the same dishes, and they look at each other's food cautiously, radiating a general air of "what is that?" and laughing at each other's faces. Hers is mush that she has to take through her suit, but edible mush, rather than protein paste.
They ignore the curious and occasionally hostile looks, and talk about the old Normandy, the old crew.
It's only when they're talking about what Ashley is doing, about missing her, that Tali asks, "Why didn't you and her ever... well, you know?"
He appears to choke on his salad, recovering with dignity mostly intact and looking at her in astonishment. "I... what?" He seems to think for a moment, snapping out of his horror. "I won't deny that she's a very attractive woman..." (Tali pretends that her eyes aren't narrowing and her fists aren't clenching under the table) "... But I didn't - there was no chemistry. She was a friend. And then..." He stops, swallows. "... Then there was... someone else."
She knows exactly what he means, her mouth falling open in surprise.
She isn't sure why she doesn't just leave then and there, but of course this isn't a date. Now she knows that for sure.
Of course. Liara.