A/N - Wrote this on a whim. Had an idea and wondered where it would go.
Do quarians frolic?
Sitting back on the beach, watching his wife, Commander John Shepard was of the opinion that quarians did indeed frolic, therefore putting them alongside numerous other species that enjoyed a good frolic every now and then. Maybe it wasn't just frolicking. There was certainly some skipping going on too. He couldn't stop smiling as Tali played by the water, running towards it as the water receded, before turning and running away as the waves broke upon the shore. She'd been doing it for a while now and still had plenty of energy, laughing away when she tripped and ended up on the sand. It was such a simple activity, but he could see it already meant the world to her.
What pleased both of them was the fact she was out of her suit. It had taken a bit of work but she now only wore a breathable mask with a small tank on the back that filtered the oxygen she breathed. The mask remained tinted to hide her face, but her long dark hair was now visible, as was a lot of pale skin, considering she had insisted she wear nothing but a bikini for him. He'd spent quite a few minutes covering her head to toe in sunscreen, as although it was a winter's day, the sun still had heat, and her skin simply wasn't used to the exposure.
She'd then modelled for him, definitely trying to arouse him, before she grabbed a hat and her small bag, sauntering off out the door of their small cabin. He grabbed his sunglasses before stepping out himself, Tali turning and grinning as he growled before chasing after her. Catching wasn't a problem, picking her up was even easier, making her squeal as he carried her toward the ocean, making her beg more than once to please put her down. He feigned throwing her in before gently placing her down.
"Bosh'tet," she'd called him, before handing over her bag and carefully stepping into the water. "Keelah, that's ever so cold! And you enjoy swimming in this?"
"Love it. Never been much of a surfer considering, but always loved a journey to the beach on a summer's day."
She hadn't exactly been able to swim. First, she didn't know how, and secondly, she had to be careful with the small tank and her mask. But that didn't stop her walking in until it was at her midriff, splashing away to her enjoyment. The beach was otherwise empty. Not many would come down with a chill in the air. Tali had insisted on a beach side cabin when they were planning this little trip.
Rising to his feet, he walked towards her as she ran towards him, away from another wave. She didn't stop until she was in his arms again, feeling her head rest against his chest as he hugged her tightly. Closing his eyes, he listened to the breaking waves, the wind on the sand, and her breathing. Couldn't remember many times in his life that had been as peaceful as that moment.
"Shame we can't stay here," she whispered.
"You and me both. But..." He looked around and knew they were watching him, but thankfully, they were not visible. "It's still not over. None of it is."
"At least we have now, John." She looked up and he could see the smile in the eyes behind the mask. "And still a few days to go too."
Taking her hand, they strolled down the beach after grabbing her things, heading away from the cabin. There was a city nearby where he could drive them if they wanted to eat and drink, though the cabin came with all the amenities they needed if they wanted a quiet night. Also had everything Tali required to get out of her suit. Considering this was a belated honeymoon for them, his wife was adamant she was spending most of her time out of her suit, one way or another.
"You're still fit, John," she said, cuddling into his side, "In fact, I think you might even be fitter."
"Well, I can put in some dedicated time at the gym considering I'm not on a ship for now. Thanks to the upgrades, I'm now lifting more than I ever did, can row for far longer, run a marathon, cycle as far as someone doing a Grand Tour, and still have energy to burn." He looked down at her. "That's where you come in helpful," he said in a tone that made her eyes light up.
"I certainly do enjoy running my hands around your body even more."
He smirked. "You didn't before?"
"Now I can really appreciate it, John."
Walking back down the beach later, even she was able to sense they were being monitored, though she never mentioned it to him, or at least not too often. It was something he didn't really discuss with her once they'd arrived back on Earth. The bracelet around his ankle was ignored entirely. Made him feel like a criminal. He'd been arrested but never formally charged, though was under house arrest indefinitely. The caveat was he could live on Earth freely, though would be summoned by the Alliance brass at any moment, whether it would be for interrogation or to be charged. He expected the former at some time, hoped to never see the latter.
The cabin was perfect for the two of them. Completely sealed though with enormous windows to provide a stunning view, they waited for the air to cycle while they were decontaminated, before stepping inside. Tali immediately removed her mask and small tank, leaning up to give him a soft kiss. "Wanting to do that since... we left," she whispered.
He watched her walk to the bedroom, amused that the thin fabric of her bikini was now nestled between those two glorious globes that made up her butt. She turned back and winked before disappearing, heading to the fridge himself to get some water for them both. Hearing her call his name, he smiled to himself as he knew what to expect. Stepping through the doorway, Tali was lying back, the bikini she had been wearing flung in his direction.
"While I would like to experience lovemaking on the beach, I've been told sand..." she said, giggling away.
Placing their water on the table beside the bed, he joined her once his shorts joined her bikini on the floor. "Nothing beats a comfortable bed," he whispered before kissing her.
"Or the floor," she murmured back.
"Couch is always fun."
"Bathroom?"
"Awkward but not a bad place to start."
She started to smirk, and he wondered what she was going to say. "Reckon we'll ever get back on the Normandy?"
"Maybe one day."
"We'll definitely have to re-christen the bed then."
"Tali'Shepard vas Terra, you are incorrigible."
"And that's why you love me."
She wasn't wrong. And he showed her how much he did.
Waking up alone wasn't a surprise for Tali. Shepard had always been an early riser, and that's when he managed to a decent sleep at all. She'd always wondered how he had survived at times, relying on adrenaline, caffeine and one or two supplements that provided energy. It generally meant he crashed after a few days, and that's when she took the opportunity to enjoy a bloody good snuggle with him. The sex they had was phenomenal and got better, but there was still nothing better than a good cuddle. And she knew Shepard loved it too. He was a simple man at heart.
Getting to her feet, she threw on one his shirts, giggling at how much it covered of her, as she crept out towards the living room. She found him standing outside on the balcony, watching through the window as he leaned against one of the uprights, eyes closed, just enjoying the peace. Seeing him in such a manner would have made her cry before. Now she simply smiled as her husband found the joy in simple things.
Throwing on her mask and tank, she stepped out to join him, cuddling into his side, feeling his arm immediately wrap around her. "Thinking?" she asked.
"Trying not to but... yeah..."
"Anything important?"
"Always, Tali. Even now, I can't seem to switch off entirely. It's been a couple of months since it all came to a crashing halt, but I still stand here and wonder. Question everything."
"You always made the moral decision, Shepard. The best decision possible."
"Hmmm. Guess the best one was marrying you, right?"
She chuckled. "Well, I'd be disappointed if I wasn't say... top two."
"What would be the first?"
"Coming to save me on the Citadel then inviting me to join your crew."
He hugged her tightly, and it was at those moments, feeling so connected, that she felt closest to crying. She still felt silly doing it, though whenever she did it without her mask on, he'd simply wipe her cheeks dry and kiss her, reassuring her as always that he wasn't going anywhere again. That was the only fear that preyed on her mind, that someone or something was going to take him from her again.
The honeymoon was blissful for them both. She loved seeing Shepard relax, falling more in love with him every day. He kept abreast of the news, making sure he stayed up to date. But he was otherwise cut-off from everyone. Tali still received news from people and told Shepard anything that she figured would be important. There was very little news about him at all. She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. It seemed he had already been forgotten by everyone again.
"Apparently quarians are disappearing," she told him over breakfast one morning.
He met her eyes as he forked some bacon into his mouth, chewing and swallowing first. "Yeah?"
"I've heard nothing official, but apparently the chiefs have ordered everyone back." He chewed again in silence. "John, just so you know, I..."
He grinned immediately. "Tali, you don't have to reassure me." He took her hand in his. "This is your home now."
She returned his grin. "I am vas Terra, after all," she replied happily. She loved living on Earth, and she knew he was pleased to be home for a while too.
Finishing breakfast in silence, she sat astride his lap, resting her head against his chest. "Today is the day," she muttered.
"All good things, gorgeous. I'm not sure if I'm facing the music, but... it was never going to last forever."
Getting back in her suit after spending so long out of it, quite frankly, sucked. Shepard didn't look particularly happy either, his relaxed demeanour slowly evaporating as the time for their departure approached. By the time there was a knock at the door, she recognised the frustrated sigh, taking his hand for a moment, sharing one last private embrace, before he opened the door, standing at his side to be greeted by three Alliance soldiers.
"Commander Shepard?" the middle one asked. By the insignia at his shoulders, he was a Major.
"I still have that rank?" Shepard retorted, just about holding back the bite.
Thankfully, the Major grinned. "Merely respect, Shepard. Merely respect. These two men alongside me feel the same. We're just following our orders. Are you and your wife ready to depart?"
He looked at her. "Let's go face the music, Shepard."
They ended up in, of all places, Vancouver. Shepard's mind boggled at why they ended up there. He figured they'd end up in London, New York, or if they were lucky, somewhere like Rio de Janeiro. But no, they ended up stuck in Vancouver. And house arrest was in full swing as soon as they arrived. They were provided with an apartment to live in, but while his ankle bracelet was thankfully removed, he was introduced to his new companion.
"Shepard, this is Lieutenant James Vega. You are now his responsibility."
He couldn't help the sigh. "You mean I now have a bodyguard. What's he meant to do, shoot me if I try to escape?"
"That would be a last resort, sir." He paused before adding, "Sorry, I mean Shepard."
He looked at a different officer in charge. "What other conditions are there?" he wondered.
"Apart from venturing for essentials and necessities, you are hereby confined to these quarters." He shrugged, figuring he wasn't going to retain the freedom he'd been enjoying so far. "Are you interested in the progress of your case?"
Tali offered to make them coffee as they gathered around the kitchen counter. The officer took one of the seats opposite, Shepard folding his arms, keeping the frustration at bay. Once Tali had the coffee brewed and a mug in front of each, she introduced herself to Vega, who wandered into the living room alongside her. That raised a smile, at least. His wife could make even his most bitter enemy feel at ease.
"You'll be looking at a number of interviews in the coming weeks, Shepard. I said interviews, not interrogations. Most will take place here, in the comfort of your home. You may be requested to sit in front of one or two panels regarding certain... decisions you have made in the past eighteen months or so. Regarding any sort of trial, to be honest, the Alliance are dead against anything of the sort."
"So I have some support then?"
"Every man and woman in blue knows you only did it for the right reasons, Shepard."
"But I'm stuck here for the meantime?"
"You have supporters out there who want you back in uniform sooner rather than later, Shepard. I'm sure you know who they are. But it's politics. And despite the fact no-one has a bad word to say, there are those out there who want blood. Or your head."
"Don't suppose explaining what happened and why would help?"
"Honestly, that would be the last thing anyone wants. Best you're kept out of the picture for the time being. Once the dust settles, we'll work at getting you back in uniform and back on a ship."
The officer left after coffee and small talk. Shepard held no grudge against the man, nor did he against Vega, heading straight into the living room to introduce himself properly. That immediately put Vega at ease, though he had to ask, "What the hell are you actually going to do, Lieutenant?"
"Beats me. I was only told of this posting forty-eight hours ago." He looked around and shrugged. "Far as I'm concerned, this is your home. I'm in charge of this detail, others will take over while I'm at rest. We'll try and keep ourselves invisible. Just don't do anything stupid, sir." Shepard raised his eyebrows. Vega smirked. "No-one around to tell me off for it now. Might even salute each morning."
"It's your arse they'll chew out if they see you but... thanks..."
Vega was true to his word, making himself scarce as his wife cuddled into his side. "He did tell me something too. I'm going to work on the Normandy. It's here on Earth undergoing retrofits. It's why we're here in Vancouver."
"Retrofits? Ship was in good condition, but I guess they want to tear it apart, see if Cerberus left any surprises."
"Do you mind?"
"Of course not!"
"They're going to bring us a portable decontamination unit within a week so we can live somewhat normally. Place has cycled air too so at least I can get out of my suit."
She cuddled into him tighter as he sighed. "Well, guess we just have to make the most of the situation while we're stuck here."
"I'm sure we'll find ways to pass the time together, Shepard," she said in a tone that didn't just drip with suggestion, it made them both chuckle.
He looked down and met her eyes behind the mask. Even then, he could tell what she was thinking. "I sometimes think you're a mind reader. It's bad enough with the melding the asari do, now my quarian wife seems to have the gift too."
"Are you complaining, dear husband of mine?"
"No, gorgeous. Not at all. Soon as that unit arrives, we'll carry on what we started on our honeymoon."
"Shame there's no beaches around. Could have tried lovemaking on the sand."
"Prefer a comfortable bed myself."
"This couch is comfortable." They looked at each other. "We'll christen the apartment," she whispered seductively, and she definitely loved the look in his eyes at the thoughts that crossed his mind.
Hugging her tightly, they settled back on the couch and relaxed. From day to day, week to week, life continued as normal. Tali got back to work. Shepard was restless but managed to keep himself occupied, and the interview process was more civilised than he imagined. They spent each night together in bed. Not always for that reason, though... usually that happened. But it was still a waiting game for them both. At least the happily married couple still had time to enjoy each other until...
They arrived.
A/N - No plans on ever doing a full story again. Just wondering if I had any of the old dust available regarding these two characters I spent two stories developing.