During the night, Shia woke up when her back started to ache. Laying on the hard concrete floor next to Leim's bed was nearly unbearable. The apartment was very dark save for some light coming from a small window above the bed. Omega's omnious hue of red infiltrated the apartment creating an eerie glow.

A soft noise startled Shia. Looking over at the kitchen area she spotted Tevak sitting at the table cleaning his new rifle. Quietly she got up and walked over to the kitchen table. "Can't sleep?"

Tevak held up one finger to his visor signaling for her to be quiet. He motioned over to Qin and Lan who were sleeping side by side in front of Leim's bed. Judging by the muffled snoring from their visors they weren't having any trouble sleeping at all.

Shia rolled her eyes then took a seat next to Tevak. In a hushed voice she said, "Good to see they're hitting it off."

"Qin always had a knack for women," Tevak quietly chuckled. "They stayed up after lights out for a hour just talking."

"I'm guessing you don't have a knack for women." Shia leaned back folding her arms. There was something about him she felt drawn to. She admired his unwavering determination and personality. In their time together she had been hoping he would want to start a relationship even if it was casual.

"What makes you say that?"

"You've known me for weeks and we've never just talked."

"What do you mean? We talk all the time."

Shia became angry speaking a little louder, "Keelah, how thick is that skull of yours?"

"Calm down," grinned Tevak surprised by Shia's outburst.

Realizing she would have to spell it out, Shia asked, "Aren't you attracted to me? Or feel anything towards me?"

"Well..." Tevak froze up. Killing those two batarians felt easier than what Shia was suggesting. He wasn't sure why talking to women was so difficult. Perhaps it was because he never truely grew up. While Qin was chasing after girls, Tevak was busy daydreaming about piloting ships or killing geth.

Shia's heart was pounding. She thought he was about to say no and humiliate her. Before he could answer she put it all out on the line, "I think you're a good man and a great leader. Who else would try to pull something like this off on their pilgrimage? I know you'll get us through tomorrow. Tevak, I want to... be with you."

Tevak sat there stunned. For a while he simply stared back into Shia's eyes unsure of what to do or say. He knew what he felt but didn't know how to express it. In the simplest form of affection he knew of, he took her by the hand holding it. Finally, he was able to utter, "I feel the same."

The words fell a little flat but Shia was happy to at least get that out of him. She gently squeezed his hand and held it tight. Slowly she put her faceplate to his making a soft 'clunk' noise. Being this close they were better able to see each other's face although not in full detail. It was also the closest they would get to a kiss.

"I could probably sleep better if you lay down with me," whispered Shia, tugging at his hand.

"Alright," murmured Tevak. He felt nervous and clammy as she led him back to where she had been sleeping.

In the cramped space between the bed and the wall they laid down together. Tevak was on his back while Shia lay partially on top of him. She brought her leg up across his waist while wrapping her arms around him. This caused Tevak to feel flush, not used to being so close to a woman. He managed to put a nervous hand on her hip while holding her head close to his chest with the other. 'This isn't so bad' he thought.

/

In the early hours of the next day cycle, everyone was awake quietly eating paste in the kitchen. Qin, kept making eyes at his friend Tevak and Shia. He woke up first and found the two of them together. When Tevak finally looked at him, he nodded approvingly.

Leim was in his usual agitated mood. All he really cared about was getting back to the Flotilla. Since going on pilgrimage, he had found many things that would qualify him to come back to a ship. However, he felt simple technology or salvage was below him. If he was to come back, it would have to be for something great. These young simple minded quarians would be his ticket. The Admiralty would surely pick him, the eldest, to be captain over a fool like Tevak.

There was a mutual feeling of dread and excitement among them. The coming fight would define the rest of their lives. If they lived through it of course, or even succeeded. Lan seemed to be the most anxious as she couldn't stop tapping her foot. Qin put a comforting hand on her back but wasn't able to dispell her nervousness.

"When are we going to do this?" asked Leim. "Or are we going to hang out in my apartment all day?"

"Soon," said Tevak harshly. The older quarian's attitude was getting under his skin. Considering they were using his apartment and credits, he let it go. "I wanted to give everyone a chance to wake up."

"I'll start passing out weapons and ammo," said Qin walking over to the table containing the assault rifles. He wasn't sure what the coming hours held for him but he was ready to get it over with. "Everyone will get an assault rifle and five thermal clips. Who wants the extra shotgun?"

"I do," said Tevak grabbing the gun without hesitation. "I'm taking point. The shotgun will come in handy inside the ship."

"Just try not to punch any holes in the hull," scoffed Leim.

The rest of them started to load up. In the meantime, Shia took Tevak aside speaking just above a whisper, "Don't get yourself killed out there."

"Same goes for you. You're coming with us, remember?" Tevak grinned then took her by the hand. "We'll be okay. I promise."

Once everyone was set, they left the apartment. Tevak led the way flanked by Shia and Qin. Lan and Leim followed closely behind. The small band of armed quarians drew a lot of stares from the other Omega species. Even some mercs stepped out of their way. Putting on this show-of-force would undoubtedly bring some unwanted attention from one of the major merc groups. Fortunately, they weren't going to be staying on Omega for much longer.

A/N: The action starts next chapter! Writing romance isn't one of my strong points but I feel it's an essential ingredient for any extensive story.