This is a work of fan fiction from all Mass Effect games owned by EA and Bioware. I do not claim any ownership of the characters or the Mass Effect universe. My thanks to Bioware and EA for creating an amazing story with characters we have all come to know and love.

Chapter 25: Shells in the Sand

Miranda perched on her rock. It was becoming her newest habit. She watched as Grunt and Vakarian sparred in the field. Shepard was still pacing. Sun up to sun down. Pace. Pace. Pace. She was creating a trench beside the shuttle.

It was their third day in total. Food rations were not too bad. Most appetites, except for the krogan, were dulled with the reality that the Normandy was no longer responding. The days were shorter here than the average Earth time frame. Even so, it was dragging.

She observed as Vakarian and Grunt stepped aside to allow Goto and Taylor an opening. Taylor didn't stand a chance, but Goto appeared to be freely giving him a bit of an edge.

Miranda sighed heavily. Vakarian was checking on Shepard again. Wherever she went, he wasn't far behind. The quarian had mentioned their fraternization when talking to Zero. Outrageous was the first thought that came to her mind. And yet the entire crew seemed comfortable with it.

Although, over the few days of witnessing them first hand she'd come to find it less of a strange sight. In fact, as much as she couldn't see herself in such a relationship, she found they worked quite well together.

Samara, Professor Solus, and Krios all had a level head with the current situation. Shepard put on a good front, but she was showing signs of stress. Though she had more of a reason to be concerned than the rest. It was her fault. Why no one felt the need to question her logic seemed a bit stupid.

Taking in Vakarian's expression as he approached, Miranda knew there was still no feedback.

"Nothing yet."

She set her jaw sternly. Someone needed to say it. Might as well be her. "Honestly, Vakarian. Not to be offensive, but why on earth did she feel the need to leave Joker alone with the goddamn ship?"

"Because your AI felt the need to run scans on the IFF and recommended she take the shuttle."

"You know, I'm beginning to wonder about her choices. Reactivating a geth. Taking all the crew off the Normandy for a planetside vacation. Loosing Massani."

"Lawson, I don't expect you to like every decision she makes, but I do expect you to keep thoughts like that to yourself. Show a little respect. I don't see anyone else coming up with any ideas. You're so smart, tell us what our next move should be."

"I don't know why you think so highly of her. She's not perfect."

Vakarian propped his shoulder against the tree beside her. "Nobody ever said she was. And if I recall correctly, you're not either."

Someone thinks he knows everything. Grating, Miranda lowered her voice. "How much do you really know about her? Did she even tell you what she did?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Before she joined the military."

"She spent her days on the streets. Got sucked into a gang for a bit."

"She didn't... that's quaint. I'm not surprised. I don't think the Alliance even knows. If you ever feel the need to explore more about the person you plan on doting over, I have some very interesting files you may want to see. Cerberus did their research."

"I'd rather not stick my nose where it doesn't belong. That's your specialty." Vakarian shot her an icy stare. "Well, Lawson, this has been fun. But I think it's time I found better company."

Miranda tried to calm the heated blood racing through her veins. She didn't intend to let that all slip. Just the sheer irritation of everyone else's rose-tinted following of Shepard was too much. The Illusive Man had put her in charge, and they all looked at her like some sort of evil witch - except Shepard.

Bloody hell. What was she thinking? The one person on the whole ship who treated her with any decency, and she just lost it. Miranda rested her head in her hands. Bloody goddamn stupid.

Ellure kept scanning the communication channels. There wasn't enough fuel to travel too far. They might make it to a fueling station, but she would rather be stranded here than in space. Where the fuck was he? Why would he just take off?

She slipped off her visor, her skin sticky with the afternoon air. "Miranda! Take over for me. I need to wash up."

Miranda slid off the boulder unhurriedly. The heat must be getting to her too. With a casual nod greeting, she replied, "Duly noted, Commander."

"Thanks." She patted Miranda's shoulder as she gave her the visor and marched away to the water. Luckily, it wasn't salty. Not that she was going to drink it anytime soon.

After glancing around, she walked farther down the shoreline away from the crew and stripped.

The water was warm but anything was better than this right now. She sunk in deeper. Damn that sun was blistering. Should have parked the Kodiak in the shade, she thought.

Resurfacing to find company, she squealed. "Mordin. What are you doing over here?"

"Searching local flora. Fascinating."

"I think that's seaweed."

"No. Earth plant. Unsure what this is..." Mordin put one hand to his chin as the other held up a long strand of some mushy, green plant. "Fascinating."

"Could you search somewhere else, please?"

Mordin glanced at her clothes lying over the sand. He smiled with an all too familiar grin of a devious nature. "Should not leave clothes on beach unattended."

"Don't even think about it." She watched as he stroked his chin once more and stared off as if in deep contemplation. "Mordin! I swear on my space hamster, please, just don't!"

"Wonder how hamster would respond to-"

"I didn't mean you can experiment on him," she yelled, bobbing in the water.

"Joking, Shepard. Will leave your sandy breeches."

"Breeches?"

Mordin's eyes narrowed. "Another joke."

"Ah, yep. Beaches - breeches. I get it." Mordin stood there smiling. She pointed toward their camp to spur him into motion. "Would you please?"

"Can talk later." Mordin waved to her as he continued on his way down the beach obviously proud of his wordplay. When he dropped out of sight, she waded back up to the shore and discovered she had forgotten something to dry off with. No matter. The sea breeze would take care of that.

Wringing out her hair, she began to shake the sand out of her shorts. "Fucking stupid beach. One day is fine. After that I'd rather rent a room on Omega."

"Do you always speak to yourself? Perhaps delusion is finally gaining its hold."

She closed her eyes. "Why didn't I see this moment coming?"

"I'm afraid I do not comprehend."

"Nothing." She slipped on her shorts and shirt with a comical snort. "I don't know why I'm surprised. I shouldn't be. After all, I only dragged eleven people down here with me."

"Do not worry. I was not staring."

"Thanks. That is just - touching. Warms my soul." She clipped back the sopping strands of hair from her face. "So what can I do for you, Mr. Krios?"

"Lawson sent me. EDI has made contact."

He had her full attention. The look in his eyes told her this wasn't going to be good. "What happened?"

"I will let you hear for yourself."

"She's still in contact?"

"Not exactly. It is a brief message."

"Anything is better than nothing." Ellure finished slipping on her boots. "Lead the way then."

Garrus shouted, "Grunt and Legion, finish loading those crates beside the shuttle. The rest of you check to be sure everything is packed and ready. Krios should be back at any moment."

He stood on the embankment and restlessly waited. Lawson sent Krios to retrieve her. He strained to not let it bother him. After all, she might have just been trying to find a moment to sit in the sun or get her feet wet.

At last, they came into view through his visor. Mordin was with them. That should be everyone.

"Vakarian, I wanted to talk to you."

"Not now, Miranda."

"No, I'm sorry about what I said. I didn't mean it."

"Yes, you did."

"No, I just... I meant..."

"You're jealous. Nobody's perfect, Lawson."

"Look, I messed up! I'm... I'm sorry."

Garrus sighed and turned around. Her eyes were pleading. Taking in her solemn expression, he could sense her sincerity. "It's okay, Miranda. Just please don't go talking like that to anyone else on the ship. The last thing we need is a bunch of ridiculous rumors about Shepard right before we jump through the Omega Four Relay and start a war with the Collectors."

"Understood." With an awkward moment of pause, Lawson departed back to the group while he left the air void of further input.

He was thankful. He didn't know what situation she had been talking about with Shepard, but it was unsettling either way. Then again, did he really care? Things were way too complicated right now to worry about some minor fraction during her angst-ridden teenage years... that she never felt the need to tell him about.

"Hey, Grumpy. What's with the scowl?"

"EDI made contact." He fell in stride behind her as she brushed past. "They were ambushed and escaped. The Normandy is close enough for us to make it back. She wouldn't give details, but... Wait a minute!" Garrus sprinted up to catch her. He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. Bracing his hands on either side of her shoulders, he tried to keep himself strong for her. This wouldn't go down well.

"What is it, Garrus?"

"Shepard... Joker is the only one left on the ship."

Garrus landed them up into the shuttle bay. Not a word was uttered during the entire flight. Ellure immediately jumped out flanked by Miranda. "Garrus, I want you to make sure the Normandy's weapons are ready." He gave her a nod and left. "Jacob, I want all guns fully loaded and equipped to go."

"Yes, ma'am."

She turned to Miranda. "Check the ship for any damages."

"Understood."

"Tali, I want you down to engineering as soon as possible." Tali gave a thumbs up and quickly followed the rest. "Everyone else, get things back to their place. Take weapons up to the armory. Any armor repairs go to Mordin. If you see anything damaged or amiss, notify Executive Commander Lawson. Let's move out."

Ellure tried to keep calm as she jogged to the elevator and waited for its return. They still had a pilot. She forced out an exhale.

Still had a pilot.

The doors opened and she hit the button for the CIC. Thumping her head back on the cold wall, Ellure stared at the metal grating overhead. She had made a mistake, but it would be fixed. Kelly, Chakwas, Gabby, Donnelly, Gardner... all of them. She wasn't fucking around anymore. The Collectors would get what's coming to them. They'd pissed off the wrong person.

Jacob stood before her as the doors opened. "Commander, this way."

She followed into the debriefing room. There he was sitting on the edge of the table. "Joker."

"Commander... I..."

"Are you okay?"

Miranda stormed in through the doors. "Everyone? You lost everyone and damn near lost the ship too?"

Joker glanced over. "I know, all right? I was here!"

Jacob stepped toward Miranda. "It's not his fault, Miranda. None of us caught it."

EDI interjected, "Mr. Taylor is correct. The harmful data in the Collector drive was even more sophisticated than the 'black box' Reaper viruses I was given."

Before they dug into all this, Ellure wanted to talk to Joker first. "I heard it was a rough ride up here. How are you holding up?"

"There's a lot of empty chairs in here."

"We did everything we could, Jeff."

Joker sighed and rubbed his temples. "Yeah. Thanks, Mom."

She gently touched his shoulder. "Hang in there for me... Is the ship clean? We can't risk this happening again."

"EDI and I purged the systems. The Reaper IFF is online. We can go through the Omega Four Relay anytime you want."

Miranda crossed her arms and stuck out her hip. "Don't even get me started about unshackling a damned AI."

Joker furrowed his brow. "What could I do against collectors, break my arm at them? EDI cleared the ship. She's all right."

"I assure you I am still bound by protocols in my programming. Even if I were not... you are my crewmates."

Ellure observed the glowing orb beside her. She could see the concern over this issue, but an unshackled AI was the least of their problems right now. "EDI's had plenty of opportunity to kill us, and we need all the help we can get. Jacob, get to the armory. Miranda, make sure everyone is ready. Joker, I need the best damn pilot in the galaxy right now..."

Joker scooted off the table and saluted her. "Aye aye, Commander. Let me know whenever you're ready and I'll set the coordinates."

"We'll get 'em, Joker." She searched the anxious faces around her and nodded decisively. "Let's go."

Garrus hunched over the battery's main console. The first moment of surreal set in when he had passed the medical bay. Without the comfort of a friendly smile and wave from Chakwas, his heart sank. If it was hitting him this hard, Ell wasn't going to be taking it nearly as good. Hopefully, the XO kept herself in check. Now wouldn't be the time for a performance.

He punched the edge of the gun controls. Lawson and her ridiculous song and dance. He wanted to believe everything she said wasn't true. Hell, he didn't even know what she was referring to, but the look in her eyes told him she meant it. Whether she tried to erase it or not, it was there.

Moving down the side of the cannon, he checked every square inch. Whatever it was, he didn't give a damn. He tried to think of the worst possible thing she could do. Maybe she mugged an old lady. Maybe she drowned her best friend on a rainy night. Maybe she tripped over a volus and beat him for getting in her way.

He chuckled to himself. That was just absurd. Whatever she did, he knew there would be a reasonable explanation. At this point, he would take the good and the bad. He'd made his own share of horrid decisions. He'd gotten his entire team killed because of it...

Garrus rubbed the back of his neck. The guns were ready. Calibrations were perfect. Not even a grain of sand could throw this off.

"Listen up. We've set course for the Omega Four Relay. We'll be arriving in a few hours. Last chance to tie up loose ends, contact family, and prepare."

He sat down on his bed. Lawson's words were nothing more than a grain of sand.

"I'll be making my rounds. Shepard out."

He closed his eyes and listened to the alteration in the flow of her words. She was on the edge. Fury was ready and set. Emotions were hidden in its glanced down at his feet covered in muck before grabbing a fresh pair of clothes. He needed a shower before he contacted Solana.

Garrus strode through the kitchen with purpose. No Chakwas. No Gardner. Time was something they didn't have the luxury of anymore.

Ellure entered her cabin, immensely lost by the extreme turn of events. With heavy shoulders, she stopped to feed her fish.

Plucking Vermin from his cage, she kissed the top of his head and stroked his fur while he burrowed against her hand. She cupped him to her chest and watched the fish eating like every other day. Such a simple existence.

She placed Vermin back into his cage and sealed it tight. Everyone was set.

When checking on Legion, she discovered him working with EDI and making their effort for preparations to the Normandy; Mordin had contacted his nephew; Tali was working hard in engineering, and Jack was right there with her. At least she wasn't alone down there. It was too quiet with Gabby and Kenneth gone.

Ellure pinched the bridge of her nose and rubbed her eyes. Joker was faded but holding firm, Grunt was excitedly cleaning his armor by hand in the cargo hold, and Kasumi had stowed away in the port observation alone with her greybox.

She found Thane and Samara, side by side, gazing out at the vast expanse of space.

"I will fight and struggle all my life, that is my fate. When I die, it will not be in bed. I am at peace with that."

"Amonkira, Lord of Hunters, grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet swift. And should the worst come to pass, grant me forgiveness."

Jacob invited her for drinks on the Citadel. Miranda was filing a report to the Illusive Man. Garrus had little to say.

Ellure left a trail of clothes on her way to the shower. The sound of pattering water hit solidly. She swore to herself there would be no more. They would have to drag her down fighting tooth and nail. Her gun would never leave her hand till the last one fell. Every last fucking one.

She balled up her fist and hit the side of the shower. Feeling the need to sit, she watched it all flow down the drain. No more. Not another single innocent person was going to fall at her hands. Regret was always following her, yet it had always pushed her forward.

She rested her back against the cold wall and shivered. Closing her eyes, she let the warmth roll over her.

There was a knock on the door, and she slid her fingers through her tangled mess of hair. Whoever it was, she was afraid to hear what they had to inform her of now.

Another knock.

She finished rinsing and cut off the flow. "Just a minute." She mechanically dried her hair and brushed it. Great. She didn't bring her clothes. There were very few people left to walk in on her anyways. What the hell did it matter anymore? She grasped her towel and wrapped it tightly before she opened the door.

The comfortingly exotic scent hit her like a ton of bricks. She halted with the realization she'd completely forgotten something so significant.

"Hey... I brought wine. Best I could afford on a vigilante's salary."

Her heart fluttered as she noticed his shaky movements. He was nervous. Garrus the forever cool and confident. She stepped in front of him and noticed the way he seemed afraid to look down.

"If you were a turian I'd be complimenting your waist or your fringe. So... your, uh... hair looks good. And your waist is... very supportive."

She would have to remember that one for later.

"Hopefully that's not offensive in human culture. Crap. I knew I should have watched the vids... Throw me a line here, Shepard."

"Whoa... Consider me seduced smooth talker. Stop worrying."

"I just... I've seen so many things go wrong, Shepard. My work at C-Sec, what happened with Sidonis... I want something to go right... Just once. Just..."

Feeling the scars that ran deeply, she stared into his eyes, seeing a reflection of her own fear and uncertainty. He leaned closer and rested his forehead to hers while his fingers traced along her own share of scars.

"How are you holding up?" he said.

"I'm holding the line... Come sit with me for a minute. But the music needs to go." She shut off the distraction and watched him sit on the end of her bed tensely.

After placing the wine bottle on the coffee table, she settled beside him. "Give me your hand." she said, and he did. Failing to interlace their fingers together, she snorted lightheartedly. "Why can't you just grow five fingers and make this easier?"

"Why can't you just have three fingers like the majority of the galactic populace?"

"Touché..."

They had two hours till they would hit the relay. Ellure worried that maybe he had changed his mind about this. Processing her fingers over his, she found herself short of breath. A memory came to the surface. She recalled their first shore leave after he joined the SR-2, how he'd taken the time to teach her to improve her aim. She smiled now at how much everything had changed. She had actually found him to be slightly intimidating then. She didn't want to ruin this.

With one last strong exhale, she tried to drown her anxiety. "If you don't want to do this, we don't have to. I know there's a lot going on right now."

He lowered her hand and stood. Resting his palms over the back of his neck, Garrus began pacing. "That's not going to be a problem. I just... I just need a minute that's all."

"So what kind of wine did you bring? Poisonous or non?" That got him to smile a little.

"It's all yours."

"We haven't been to civilization in... awhile. Where'd you get it? "

"Taylor."

"I'm going to have to have a talk with that man." Staring at her knees, she determined it was worth the risk. There may not be another chance. She swallowed her fear down as she got to her feet. This seemed so much easier to her in the past, although this was so very different than those times. "Thanks for making me look cheap. I didn't get you anything, but you can-"

Garrus stopped beside her armor locker. "You don't have to worry about that."

"Don't interrupt, Garrus. It's rude." She dropped her towel to the floor. The cold air of the room made her skin prickle. She ignored it. "I was going to say you can have this."

His eyes pored over her, and she held her poise as her heartbeat jolted into high gear. She dug her toes into the carpet, feeling like her entire center of gravity was changing.

"Well... I, uh... Hmm."

She struggled to keep from expressing amusement at his stammering habit as he took an awkward, momentary glance around the room. At least she wasn't the only one falling to pieces. "Are you going to accept the gift or wait till I freeze to death?"

Garrus stared at the floor for what felt like forever. As his eyes trailed upward, he took his first stride. "Yeah... Definitely."

Garrus moved one foot and then the other. They'd come so far. This was nothing he would have ever thought possible the first time he'd met her. Yet, here they were.

The waves of her hair slipped between his fingers sinuously. He took in the varied colors of each and every strand and how they worked together into a perfectly melded shade. He wasn't sure where to begin, but this was no time for hesitations.

He leaned in and started with what he knew. He was reminded of that first night he'd held her so close to him. The way she felt in his arms as he carried her back from the Citadel. An uneven breath left her as he ran his hands over her soft exterior. She seemed so much more breakable like this.

Her hands found his as her voice broke through to him. "You plan on doing this dressed?"

He tried to steady himself. The big moment of revelation. Her last chance to find a reason to run. She seemed to have such an effortless time with this part.

"You've been holding out on me, Vakarian."

He smiled at the tone of her voice. The pale and slender creature before him was still his Shepard. "Not sure I can live up to the expectations of your vids, but I'm the only turian on the ship." He watched the sway of her hips as she crossed her arms.

"How did I know that was going to come back to bite me in the ass?"

"Don't think I'll be doing any ass-biting just yet."

"Ha. Ha. That's a good one. Bonus points for that. Well... I say we keep it plain and simple for now. After we kick some Collectors around, we can worry about the fancy stuff."

"Hmm. What kind of fancy stuff?"

She gave him her quirky smile and winked. "I guess you'll just have to hang around a bit to find out."

"Was that supposed to be a pun?"

"No... But now that you pointed it out? Yes."

"Is that another pun?"

"I'm just going to shut up now, cause everything I say keeps going south." Shepard quickly covered her face. "Damn it."

A deep laugh rattled through him as he helped lower her hands. Absorbing the feeling of her skin against his, he moved his hands to wrap around her wrists, brushing his thumbs idly. Continuing up her arms, he realized he'd never paid much attention to all of this until now.

Unsteadily, he trailed shoulders and along her collarbone. He gently felt down over the unique contours of her body. Outlining her sides, he came to a stop on her hips as he chewed his next move.

Delicate fingers slid over the plates of his chest. He watched her eyes graze over him. Never in his life had he felt so frightened and fulfilled in the same moment. This was it.

His hands were insecure with their intended steps. Her face was so alien, but it was the only stable thing in his life. As she looked up, he tried to remain steady.

"Garrus, I…"

Her eyes revealed a level of emotion he rarely saw from her. That was all the inspiration he needed. "Sorry for being rude." His mouth was dry. This was what he wanted, but nothing like what he expected. Fear cut through him. What if this was it? One shot? He had to make it count.

Slight arms slipped around his waist as tender lips stirred his thoughts. If it was him, he wanted to be sure he'd made his mark. If it was her? He couldn't bear it.

Everything came together like shells in the sand. Not once did she move away as he gathered her against him. Every curve. Every scent. Every taste and texture. He was leaving nothing untouched. He wanted all of her.

Crossing cotton sheets, caution led the way. Sweeping her hair aside, he held her gaze. The last memory he wanted to leave her with was one of regret.

Suddenly, he remembered. "Hang on."

"What's wrong?"

Her voice subtle and smooth, he reassured her. "Nothing, just forgot a couple things." He placed his visor on the nightstand and returned better equipped.

Her smile lit him on fire. With a fierce jab to his shoulder, she said, "It's about damn time!"

Hovering nearer, he tasted the trigger zone of her neck; the one she always seemed to unravel with during their flirtations. "Something against it?"

"Not at all... I only wanted to see you better."

Pleased by her rapid breathlessness he felt his self-confidence growing. Gradually descending, he decided the fate of the galaxy could wait. This point in time was theirs. He listened to every varying sound she made. Who needed vids? He'd found her tell. Kissing, caressing, squeezing roughly and softly, he explored it all as he memorized every detail.

Her legs were shaky as they wrapped around him. He'd always considered her hard-edged and impervious to almost everything, but he was seeing her in a new light. He secured her against him. She may spend her entire life trying to save everyone else, but it was time she had someone to protect her. Even if it was from herself.

He entered, careful and unsure. Things weren't a perfect fit, but there was no gap between them anymore. If he had to fight to his last breath, he would make sure it stayed that way.

He focused on the racing of his heart. Or was it hers? Any distinction between them was gone. He tried to hold back. His instincts weren't going to ruin this. He wouldn't let it.

Nuzzling against her, he indulged in the sticky, sweet scent of wildflowers mixed with her sweat. Five fingers gripped and intertwined with the sheets, soft and cool, wrapping tighter and tighter, pushing against him. She was always giving him a challenge.

She drew him firmly against her. "Step it up, soldier."

He respected her orders. Twisting and turning, no stone unturned, he stormed the gates again and again. He hunted after heaven before marching into hell. The way her body encouraged his, it took everything he had left to give. The pressure of her touch against his skin controlled his every move.

She gasped for air. "Breathe in."

He followed her lead. The strong force against him was undeniable.

Feverishly, she whispered, "Shoot."

He stifled his laughter, but complied just the same.

Everything promptly came to fruition. Every teasing glance and touch they'd shared. Every chance he had backed out of. Every moment he should have followed through. Their dance was finally attained.

All of her relaxed underneath him as he tried to steady the blood coursing through him. He savored her laugh as she pressed the side of her face against his.

"Breathe out."

With a rough exhale, he found his heartbeat start again.

He took a moment to regain himself, and she stroked his arm lightly as he moved to the side. Feeling her breathing there beside him, his entire world changed. She wasn't just someone he admired. She wasn't just a friend to confide in. She was everything and more. There would be no one else.

She climbed over the top of his waist and kissed his shoulder before leaving up the stairs. "I'll be right back."

He checked the time. There was still some left. Making adjustments, his mind relived the experience. Breathe in, shoot, breathe out? Where was that coming from?

Garrus sat on the end of the bed and cradled his head in his hands. All his original notions were right. But could he tell her that? Should he? What if she didn't feel the same way?

Her voice broke through the mess of his thoughts. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just... trying to recuperate."

"Ah... Well, it looks like we've still got another hour. I was going to get dressed and go down to the mess-hall for some water. Want anything?"

"Definitely... But you're not going to find it in the mess-hall."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. As a slanted smile made its appearance, he recognized that some sort of wicked scheme was being designed.

Slowly, with hands braced on her knees, she stopped at his eye level. "Reload?"

His mind labored on the word, then it occurred to him. With a spirited laugh, she shoved him back and pressed his shoulders down against the bed. Crafty and pushy. A dangerous combination, he thought. With her knees on either side of his hips, he was pinned in place. He smirked. "What about your wine?"

"The only whine I hear is coming from you. Besides, I was saving it for a rainy day."

He relished the gentle touch on either side of his face while she hunched forward over him. Resting her forehead to his, burgundy hair fell forward around him. He found himself surrounded by her sweetness. She unexpectedly nuzzled her nose against his, and he couldn't help but laugh with this strange, foreign gesture. "What was that?"

She sat up over him and shrugged. "I don't know... but I've always wanted to do that."

"Humans are so strange."

"You know you enjoyed that."

He rubbed the top of his brow and chuckled. "Yeah, you picked up on that did you?"

"Well, it wasn't hard to tell."

Running his hands up her thighs, he said, "Any chafing?"

"Oh, dear god." Shepard's face started to change shades. "He gave me something for that. Therefore leaving me with another problematic Mordin moment... Can we not talk about this right now?" She hastily grasped his hands and arched backward till her hair fell over her shoulders.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to get your heavy ass to sit up."

"You could have just asked."

"I don't ask, I tell."

"So tell with words. This is just... sad."

"Hush."

Done watching her flexibly insufficient bout of harassment, he up righted and tightened his grip on her wrists to lift. "Satisfied?"

"Almost."

After wriggling out of his hold, she wrapped her arms around his neck, knees shuffling against his legs. He laughed to himself at her humorous antics. "What are you-"

"Shhh. You're going to make this silly and if I start laughing things won't cooperate." She settled over him and kissed his neck and shoulder.

Clearing his throat, he interrupted, "Ell... don't you think... I mean... the relay."

A fingertip plastered to his mouth. Apparently he wasn't supposed to be talking. The pounding in his chest told him she would have her way momentarily as her hands trailed downward. "Now, what do you think you're doing?"

"You've had your fun. Now it's my turn."

Finding nothing else to say, he yielded. There was no winning against her games. He made sure not to laugh with the second attempt to weave her fingers through his.

Accepting defeat, Shepard guided his hands, leaving him entranced by the fluidity of her movements. Soft lips sought his, and nothing else consumed his thoughts.

There was only her.