A/N

Hello again! Yay for work picking me up and nay for lack of sleep and time! Anyway here is the next chapter.

Kyson POV

Kyson wasn't a religious person, but he had found heaven. That single kiss held more weight than the universe it's self. It consumed him and then exploded into a fire unknown. If it hadn't been sensory overload, he would have noticed all of her striking features but the heat rising in the moment caused the two to loose track of time in the dark room. Tali separated for a moment for air. The look in her eyes was that of hunger, lust, and something Kyson couldn't place. Then reality hit.

"Tali! What? Y…you're visor!" Tali didn't hear him at first until she was lifted from the bed letting out a yelp. Kyson quickly found her visor and tried to place it on. He got lucky and it clicked right into place.

"Kyson…what…I thought…" Kyson knew from the sound of her voice she was about to cry. But he still had enough wits about him to know that she had nothing to fight off any infections in her system.

"Sorry hot stuff…" Kyson said over his shoulder while turned on the workbench light and began rummaging through his desk drawer. He pulled out what was left over from his high strength anti-biotics from Dr. Chakwas.

"Take these, I'm not gonna have you die for the sake of a kiss." Kyson didn't yell, he wasn't angry, but now he was scared. Tali looked at the bottle and then looked back at him.

"I…I…what was I thinking?" She started to shake her head. Kyson already grabbed another bottle of sterile water and walked back over to her.

"I know this is a bad habit to start, but a few more seconds won't hurt. Take off your visor real quick." Tali moved sluggishly as if dazed, but complied. Kyson put on the kindest smile he could and gave her two pills and held the water out to her.

"Thank...you." She said between gulps of water. Before she could put her visor back on, Kyson snuck in another deep kiss, and put it back on. Kyson took off his shirt feeling hot. He collapsed on the bed. That was close. Tali just sat at the end of the bed stock still.

"Thank you, I…got swept up in the moment." She said.

"It's ok." Kyson sat back up and put his arm around her waist.

"I did for a second there too. I think we need to talk to Mordin. How ya feelin?" Kyson didn't know how fast any reaction would be.

"I'm fine right now. I, thought for a second that…" Tali trailed off and looked away. Kyson didn't understand at first but then it dawned on him.

"Tail…look at me." He pulled her helmet around until she was looking at him.

"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in the universe." Kyson almost lost self control and ripped the visor back off. But from the squirming Tali was doing, he wasn't the only one. They just sat there for a few moments wondering what to do next. Tali broke the silence first.

"Do you mean that…I mean…wouldn't you have said that to Cynthia." Tali asked quietly.

This was not the moment I had dreamed about with her. But she is right.

"I had said similar words to her, yes, and I meant them. But this is here and now. We move on and discover new things…" Kyson took her right hand in his.

"I'm ready to move on and be happy. And I want that to be with you." Tali let go of his hand.

"But you can do that. Move on. I won't be able to do that." Tali stood up not knowing what to do. She was starting to get dizzy but continued to stand.

"If you decided that you didn't like me after all, you can just walk away. And I I…I would be destroyed!" She started to sway a little on her feet after the outburst. Kyson stood himself pulling her close.

"Well, that's where you ask yourself, are you a risk taker?" Kyson put on his most charming smile and looked at her.

"I…I guess I am." Tali had never thought of herself that way, but looking back on the past few years, others would say things contrary to that.

"Ok then. You and me, we still a thing or…" Tali gave into another impulse and shoved Kyson backwards onto the bed and pounced on him.

"Yes…we're dating." Kyson felt something inside him at that moment. Looking at her only intensified it. He couldn't comprehend another in his life at that moment. Wow, that was fast… Kyson smirked slightly and with one deft movement, rolled Tali over and had her pinned.

"Ok. Bed. I'm dead and you need to let that leg rest." Kyson rolled off of her and repositioned himself with his favorite pillow. He pulled Tali close once again.

"Kyson, thank y…" but she didn't complete the sentence due to the fact that Kyson was already snoring lightly. She smiled softly before drifting of to sleep herself. Her last thoughts were of the first kiss she had ever had.

Six hours later

Kyson woke slowly. It was the best sleep in what felt like ages. He normally tossed and turned in his sleep and was surprised to find himself in the same position as when he lay down. All he wanted to do was fall back asleep and let this moment replay on loop. But knew work had to be done. He gently tried to wake Tali, she stirred slightly but went back to sleep.

"Come on, we got work to do. Ken and gabby will have our hides if we don't get to work." Kyson tried shaking her again.

She propped herself up on one elbow, and let out a ragged sounding cough. Oh no.

"I…don't feel so good." Tali said between labored breaths. He could see her arm shaking as she tried to get up. The meds weren't enough!

"EDI!" called out Kyson.

"Yes Kyson?" EDI asked in what sounded like concern to Kyson.

"Get Drs. Chakwas and Solus to the med bay! Tali's sick!" Kyson scooped her up and bolted towards the elevator.

"They are already present. They are waiting for her now" EDI said. Kyson had already made the elevator and bumped the deck three emblem with his elbow.

"Thanks EDI" Kyson looked down at Tali. He could hear the congestion. He knew the anit-biotics must have helped but she needed a doctor. Why is this damn elevator so slow? As soon as he finished his thought, the doors opened and Jack was there.

"Whoa, nice one Sorley." Jack smirked at him but he just plowed past her running past the present crew members and straight into the med bay. He ignored the stares and set Tali down on the closest bed.

"Out of the way you irresponsible child!" shouted Dr. Chakwas. Kyson understood what she meant. What the two of them had done was dangerous. Mordin was more sympathetic.

"I meant to warn you Kyson. The act of mating would be…problematic." Kyson just let out a sigh. He looked over to Dr. Chakwas. Her brow was creased from concern and she just kept shaking her head. What have I let happen? Damn it I've fucked up again! I need to say something!

"Dr. Chakwas, I gave her two of the anti biotics you gave me after I got stabbed." Dr. Chakwas didn't even turn to him.

"Well, at least she has something going in her favor. I should toss you off the ship…" She began.

"I know" Kyson buried his face in his hands and ran them through his hair still not believing what had happened.

"What the hell we're you thinking? That you could just have some fun? She has no way to fight off any infection!" Dr. Chakwas said furiously.

"She kissed me! I kept enough brains to get them in her and get her visor back on! And Mordin, it was only a kiss." Mordin nodded while Dr. Chakwas took a break from her scans to turn on him.

"Well, I'm still disappointed in the both of you. But you did the best you could. You look a mess. Come back in a few…no. I'll tell you when you can come back." Mordin offered to lead him out. Kyson wanted to stay. It hurt to even look away but he gritted his teeth and headed out.

Once outside, the door closed behind them. Mordin put a hand on Kyson's shoulder.

"Come up to the lab a day from now. We can talk then." Kyson nodded still lost in his thoughts as Mordin walked off towards the elevator. Kyson slowly walked over to the kitchen and saw Gardner back behind the counter.

"Can I get a coffee please, black." Gardner raised an eyebrow at him and went about making the coffee. Kyson just stood there. And waited quietly, he couldn't focus on anything. Three minutes later he got his coffee and thanked Gardner and took a seat at the only empty table. He sat at the end of the bench and leaned against the bulkhead. He closed his eyes and began to sip his coffee.

"Kyson…" He cocked and eye open to see Thane sit cati-corner to him.

"Mornin Thane." Kyson said and proceeded to take another sip.

"Good morning. How are you?" Kyson grunted. He had just woken up to his now possibly dying girlfriend. He felt like hell.

"Been better, yourself?" Thane smiled.

"I'm well as I can be. I heard about that rifle you got. I was wondering if I could have a look at it sometime." asked Thane.

"Sure thing, Shepard's still got it though." Kyson wondered if Shepard was back yet. He wanted that rifle back.

"I see. Well, on to the main reason I'm here." Kyson cracked his eye open again to look at Thane.

"Go on" Kyson took another sip.

"Everyone is curious why you're up here only in pants." Thane was smiling slightly. Kyson looked around the room with the partially open eye. He saw those there glancing back at him chuckling.

"Oh…that. I'm here now, might as well finish my coffee." Thane nodded in response and headed of to Gardner himself. Kyson closed his eye again and took another savory sip. He was still exhausted. So much for that restful sleep… No more than a few minutes later another joined him at the table. But he didn't need to open his eyes to know who it was.

"Mornin sunshine! How'd you do not havin to wank yourself last night?" Kyson furrowed his brow.

"Mornin Ken." was all he said.

"Oh shape up man, you're a fellow scott! You and I have done marathon drinking and you never ended up like this." Ken started prattling off about how they met and the amount of alcohol consumed. This only caused more stares. A third member joined causing Kyson to open the one eye which quickly ended up being both.

Shepard laid the Mosin on the table in front of him. Shepard's expression was one of admiration. Everyone in the mess had gone quite. Shepard turned to Kyson.

"Damn good rifle. The Russian's did good, and before you jump up, Dr. Chakwas already filled me in." Kyson took the final swig of his coffee and set the mug aside.

"Dude, this past week has been up and down." Shepard nodded.

"I hear ya. But don't worry. Miranda and Gardner have things for you to do to keep your mind off things." Kyson stood up, all eyes followed his half naked body. He stretched and let out a long yawn. He took his mug back over to Gardner.

"Where do you need me first?" Kyson asked. Gardner smiled.

"You get the fun job of cleaning the facilities." Kyson let a low groan.

"You got it. Be back in twenty." Kyson walked back and slung the rifle over his shoulder. He thanked Shepard and walked back towards the elevator. But before he left he turned and addressed the crew watching him.

"If Garrus asks, tell him I was too epic for a shirt today." He turned while the crew laughed behind him. He walked over to Thane and dropped off the rifle. Thane put down his food and looked at it with amusement.

"I can see why you like it," Thane said

"Yep, ya can't break the thing if you tried. You get to play with her next," Kyson said. Thane smiled slightly and thanked him. Kyson slung the rifle over his shoulder and went back to his room to get ready for work.

The next six hours were spent with Kyson getting to intimately know a toothbrush. Miranda had seen him using the standard cleaning VI's and decided to go old school. He would give her one thing though; it did keep his mind off things. He still couldn't help but think back to the night before.

What was she thinking? She risked a hell of a lot last night. Then again, I wasn't thinking straight after that kiss myself. What the hell was that? I never have felt…so complete? I need to talk to Shepard about this Kal guy.

He knew he couldn't answer all of his own questions. He had finished with the woman's room and only had Shepard's left. With any luck, he would be able to catch him for a quick moment. He gathered the cleaning supplies and another cheap brush from its package. Once up on deck one he paused in front of the door.

"EDI, can you let Shepard know I'm here to clean the bathroom?"

"Of course, Miranda already notified him of you duties." EDI simultaneously notified Shepard. The door opened revealing Shepard.

"Cleaning service…" Kyson mumbled. He wasn't much of an improvement from earlier. He had a worn out grey shirt covered in chemicals, and old sneakers on. Shepard grinned and motioned him inside.

Kyson set about his task and soon realized he didn't have much to do. Shepard kept things in order, he re appeared ten minutes later.

"Well, that's that." He wanted to ask his questions but decided against it. Shepard though, had questions of his own.

"You ok?" Shepard asked concerned. The tone threw off Kyson. It seemed sad almost.

"Um…to be honest, I don't know." Kyson set the bucket down and took a swig from his water bottle.

"Good reaction time with the Broker, and today with Tali." Kyson just stared at Shepard.

"I mean it Kyson. I was pissed at first, but if I was in you're shoes, I would've done the same." Kyson took the compliment this time and nodded.

"Thanks Shepard, how you doin?" It was Shepard's turn to be taken aback.

"I'm…damn, well played." Shepard said. Kyson grimaced at the irony. Everyone went to Shepard with there problems. How many stopped to return the favor?

"Well, Liara is doing better, the Normandy is now spotless thanks to you, and the Reapers are still out there." Kyson knew something was going to drop, and it was the worst topic out there.

"I'm happy for the first, proud of the second, and ready to fight the third." Shepard grinned at his response.

"You sure about that last bit?" Shepard wasn't sure himself about the impending battle of all time.

"I'm set. I got the Cain. And if that don' work, there's us, the whole Normandy. I've read reports and watched vids of what has happened over the years on this ship. It'll work out. Just don't ask for details, still workin on that." Shepard laughed and walked over to his private terminal and reached behind it producing a flask.

"Remember this stuff?" he asked handing it to Kyson. Kyson took a quick whiff and smiled.

"Nice, smells like home." Shepard took the flask and poured two shots into two paper cups.

"To the Normandy?" Shepard asked raising an eyebrow. Kyson nodded and toasted.

"The Normandy!" The two slammed down the shine and both grimaced.

"Damn strong. Good," Kyson said.

"Needed to get you ready for the lashing you're about to receive from Dr. Chakwas, she's ready for you down in the med bay." Kyson bout ran face first into the cabin door after the news. He skidded to a halt, remembering the cleaning bucket, nodded to Shepard and ran off again.

A few minutes later, Kyson dropped off the bucket outside the med bay door and proceeded inside. Dr. Chakwas was at her desk. She turned to look at Kyson who was watching Tali who was still asleep.

"Sit down Kyson" he did as he was told but his eyes never left Tali.

"She has a bad sinus infection and I was able to get her fever down. She woke up long enough to tell me what happened." Kyson nodded his head slowly.

"Furthermore, I'm sorry for my outburst. You did good, you two need to be more carful in the future though." Kyson turned to the doctor.

"It just happened…" Kyson was cut off.

"I know how it happens and its ok, this time. She should be up and running in a day or so. Now, she couldn't hold you back and get you to rest after you're run in with a sharp object, but I do hope you can keep her in bed unlike yourself." Dr. Chakwas had a slight smile.

Kyson did as well thinking about how he was up and about after being stabbed. No way was he going to let Tali try the same, even if it was just a sinus infection.

"I will doctor and thank you once again." Kyson got up and walked over to Tali. Her chest was rising and falling in an easy rhythm. Thank yoooou for modern medicine!

"Does she have to stay here?" he asked.

"It would be best." Kyson thought about it and agreed. Kyson noticed Tali stir slightly and he looked back down. She coughed a few times before noticing her surroundings.

"Thought I heard you" She said in a hoarse voice.

"Sorry bout that. Get some sleep alright?" Tali nodded and rolled over but added one more thing.

"Can you grab my things from…cough… my sleeper pod and put them…cough cough…in your room?" Kyson put a hand on her shoulder.

"No problem. Get better." He walked out to the mess and looked around. Garrus was waiting for him.

"How is she?" he asked.

"She'll be fine in a few days. Just needs rest." Kyson looked at the time and noticed it was a good time for lunch. He walked over to the kitchen again and grabbed one of the pre made sandwiches. They tasted like cardboard but it was fast. Garrus joined him at the table.

"Soooo, too epic for a shirt, care to explain?" Kyson took his time chewing what he swore was cardboard, or hard tack.

"When I noticed Tali was sick, I got her up here as fast as I could." He took another bite.

"Uh huh…that doesn't help my question though. But I'm glad to see that you had some restraint." Kyson stopped chewing and swallowed. He knew that the ship would be talking about this for a week.

"You know me." He took a swig from his water before continuing.

"And she did everything of her own volition. I was just in the right place" Kyson couldn't hide his forming shit grin. Garrus chuckled.

"Well, I'm glad to see you finally getting a chance at the ladies." Garrus was overheard by Jack and Grunt behind him. Jack switched tables and sat next to Garrus.

"I dunno Garrus. Kyson showed up with Tali in his arms half naked with half the crew up for breakfast…" Jack laughed at Garrus's expression. Kyson had never seen a Turians jaw drop like that before.

"Tali was out of her suit, and I missed it?" Garrus asked in shock. Kyson glared at Jack who laughed again and went back to sit with Grunt, who was chuckling in his own deep gravely way.

"No, Garrus. I only had pant's on. I had to react fast. She was sick when I tried to wake her and she could barely breath." Garrus snapped out of it looking embarrassed.

"Sorry about that, all I knew was that Tali wasn't feeling good." Garrus said.

"Yeah well about that, the whole ship is probably going on about how much of an irresponsible dick I am at this point…" Kyson said ire rising.

"No, actually, all the stuff I have been hearing is nothing but best wishes. I think I heard Miranda use the word cute to describe you guys…but you know how things get around." Garrus looked around and decided Kyson need to blow off some steam.

"You want to hit up some simulations?" Kyson just shook his head.

"We can do your favorite…" Kyson looked over at Garrus and shot up out of his seat.

"Oh why good sir! I would love to play! Onward to…wait, follow me. I need to do a quick thing first." Kyson got up and walked over to one of the sleeper pods.

"Kyson, did Tali say you could do that?" Garrus stood to one side. He knew something about angry Quarians and shotguns.

"Huh? Oh yeah. She asked me a few minutes ago to grab her stuff." Kyson opened the small locker attached to the pod. A single pack sat inside and he grabbed it. He was about to shut the locker when he noticed a book. He pulled it out and looked at the cover.

"A Quarian with a book, that's new for me" Garrus said. Kyson on the other hand, froze. This book shouldn't be here. He looked to Garrus to see if he understood the significance, only to find a blank expression.

"Something wrong" asked Garrus.

"No, just surprised like you are." Kyson shut the locker and headed past the med bay.

"Kyson…you just passed her" but Kyson just waved for Garrus to follow. Once the two were in Kyson's room did he set Tali's stuff down next to what he guessed was her side of the bed. Garrus had remained quite until then.

"So, you get her sick, and she wants to move in?" Garrus leaned against the doorway with a questioning look.

"We're dating now." Kyson said looking up from the book with a look of content on his face. Garrus smiled back and walked in.

"Hell yeah!" Garrus gave Kyson a fist bump. Something Shepard had taught him on the first Normandy.

"I know! I mean, dude! Dat ass!" It felt great to finally tell someone else about what was happening to him.

"Don't turn into a whore like me," Garrus said sarcastically.

Kyson set the copy of Atlas Shrugged down on his workbench and joined Garrus to go through some M-920 Cain training simulations.

A/N

Ok, so the next few chapters are going to focus on Kyson learning more about "Bonding" as well as more about Kyson himself. I planed on this story to be long but damn...I don't think twenty chapters is going to cut it anymore so yeah! Have fun!

I am looking for way to improve my writing so all reviews are welcome. Burns and Praise, go for gold...

Keelah Se'lai

~RelayJumper