W.i.t.G

What's up guys! :)

I hope that you're all well ^^

Right! The last chapter was pretty fluff filled...

I loved it ;)

To recap: Tali didn't want to leave Chris' side, but then went on a mission to gain a suitable gift to assert her 'territory' so to speak, over her Human ;) She was given a rose by an old, dying Irish lady to which she went back to give her gift... She mistook the situation posed to her, and ran away in agony. Chris, being the loveable dimwitted idiot that he is, ran after her to stop her from crying, and ended up kissing the floor for his troubles ;)

Just to mention guys, this does not mean that the two are now in a relationship. It sucks that they're not, I know, but I have something special for when that time comes. Chris was simply urged to stop Tali's 'sadness'... I told you! He's a love-blind, loveable idiot, but! We shall see a change in his character.. His feelings shall develop further ;)

Any who! Enough of me analysing my own work... Too much study and analysis is bad for you ;)

Shout-out to my co-author! ;)

If you have any queries or questions, please! Don't hesitate to message me!

Time for Part Two...

"Tali.." Chris said, as he looked downwards at the nestled Quarian.

There was no response, only a contented sigh escaping the Quarian's lips..

"Tali." Chris said, a small smirk splitting his lips..

"... Hmm?.." Tali softly replied.

"You feeling any better? I saw you crying and I just thought something was wrong.." Chris said quietly, as he slowly released his hold on the young woman.

".. Yes.. I.. I feel better now.. Thank you.." Tali replied, as Chris' arms retreated from their grip on Tali..

Tali was about to wrap her arms around Chris once more, just to continue the embrace a little longer..

But Chris had other ideas..

He moved away from Tali, just a little, so there was some modicum of space between the two..

Chris continued to softly smile, as Tali's hands came to rest at her waist, unable to dance with each other due to the rose in one of her hands..

"Tali.. What's that?" Chris said, his voice surprised, as a bigger grin split his lips..

"I.. I. It's ... It's a g... A gift.." Tali stuttered, her cheeks changing colour slightly as a furious blush broke out under her helmet..

'How am I supposed to tell him that I got him a special gift to make sure he stays interested in me, and only me?!'

Tali stood for a moment, unsure of what to do, before Chris made his first move..

"I hope whoever it's for appreciates it.. It's truly beautiful.. You must have gone out of your way for it.."

Tali was about to respond, to explain that it was for him, before Chris began to turn around...

The large man stopped suddenly.

Chris slumped slightly, shifting his weight onto his right leg..

"Ah.. What the.."

Chris placed a bit of weight back onto his left leg..

Big mistake..

PAIN!

"WHAT THE FUCK?! THAT REALLY FUCKING HURTS! SHIT! GODDAMN SON OF A WHORE! FUCK MY LIFE!" Chris screamed, as he immediately took the weight off of his left leg, stumbling with the motion..

Tali sprang straight into action immediately, her worries of explaining her gift completely forgotten for the moment.

"What's the matter?! What did you do?! S.. Should I get a doctor?! ... I'm going to get a doctor!" Tali said hurriedly, as her small hands cupped around Chris' left bicep, her small fingers trying to wrap around the large bulk of muscle present to show she was there to help..

"No!.. Don't... Don't get a doctor.. I... I'll be fine... I... I just need... I just need to get back to the... To the room.." Chris shouted, his voice strained due to the pain that surged through his left leg..

"SON OF A BITCH! THAT BURNS!" Chris cursed again, as he tried to place some weight back into his left leg..

Tali panicked, and without hesitating further, she placed Chris' left arm over her shoulders..

"Let's get you back to the room.. You can rest there.." Tali said, and with a grunt, she began to pull Chris in the direction of the room he had recently escaped from..

Chris said nothing, simply nodding his head in acceptance, as he bit his lower lip, sweat beginning to drip down his face..

The pain was excruciating, like molten lave bolting through every nerve in his entire body..

With a grunt from Chris, the large Human began to hobble forwards, on his right leg, with the acceptance of Tali's help..

They continued like this for a while, the pair of them slowly making their way towards the hospital room..

It was Chris, face pale and deathly white, the light glistening off of the sweat on his face, who suddenly spoke up.. "Thanks again Tali... I don't know how many I owe you now.."

Tali softly chuckled, as she continued to struggle supporting her Human, "You are so... So strange sometimes Chris.."

"Strange?.. W.. What's so strange about.. About thanking you?" Chris said, a small smirk planted on his lips, as he slowly hobbled forward..

"You.." Another grunt of exertion from the woman, before she continued, "You ... You have nothing to ... Nothing to thank me for.."

"Wha?... I.. I'm kinda confused Tali.." Chris replied.

Tali didn't say anything for a moment, as she continued to struggle..

Suddenly, Chris noticed a soldier, clad in standard Alliance uniform, was fast approaching the pair..

"I haven't... I haven't done anything special... You've saved my life... It's only right I help you.." Tali said, as she too looked at the soldier who was running quickly towards them..

The pair said nothing further, before the soldier came within a few yards..

"Who... Who are you? State your rank!" Chris stated, his voice taking on a pained, but authoritative tone, as he tried to get a good look at the soldier.. The pain wasn't exactly helping his vision..

"Sergeant Rohan sir! I'm here to help!" The Devil Jumper said, as he moved closer to the struggling pair.

"Sergeant! I... I don't ... Don't know why you're ... You're here... And... I don't care at ... At this moment in time.." Chris exclaimed in sudden recognition, a grin splitting his lips, as he beckoned for the man to get closer.

The Devil Jumper took the man's right arm on instinct, and placed it around his shoulder, grunting with the effort of helping to support his CO.

"The Lieutenant asked for any personnel available to try and search for you... Apparently, after you're little 'excursion' the Gunny gave anybody who would listen, both verbal barrels.."

"Ha... Thanks Sergeant.. I.. I think Tali... Tali was getting a bit tired.." Chris joked, his body screaming at him to get some immediate rest..

"It's not ... Not my ... fault you're a ... A heavy Bosh'tet.." Tali replied, a smirk planted on her lips, underneath her helmet..

"She's right.. You're one heavy son of a bitch.. sir." Rohan joked, as he continued to help the man..

"Blame me why.. Why don't you... AH! FUCK!" Chris shouted, as his leg spiked in agony once more..

Rohan simply spoke up, towards Tali this time, "We've got to double time it!"

Tali nodded her head in acknowledgement, before doubling her efforts, the rose still in her right hand..

The Commander said nothing as he continued to bite his lower lip..

The trio made their way back to the hospital wing, before hobbling towards the hospital room.

When they were near, the trio could see the ground team members waiting outside, along with some other different faces..

Ashley appeared to be livid, whilst Liara was pacing with worry.. Garrus was sat in a chair, his arms resting on his knees.. Kaidan was stood to the side, speaking to some hospital staff, whilst Wrex stood, leaning against a wall.

It was Wrex that spotted the trio first.

"I told you they would be fine Turian... You worry too much."

Garrus, Kaidan, Liara and Ashley all looked toward the corridor, to see the hobbling trio.

Tali was struggling with the weight she was carrying on her shoulders, whilst Sergeant Rohan had become red in the face with exertion..

And Chris?

The Commander was a deathly pale colour, sweat dripping off of his features as he was hefted towards the hospital room.

"Commander!" Ashley exclaimed in worry, as she rushed forwards to help the man.

Liara ran as well, with Kaidan and Garrus beginning to move.

Wrex simply continued to lean against the wall, as he watched Shepard.

Another Human man ran with Liara as well.. A bald Human, seemingly in his 50's, with a brown beard ran towards the Human Commander.

Ashley took the Sergeant's spot, whilst Liara tried to help Tali.

All that Liara was met with, was a low growl from the Quarian.

Liara backed off, and followed the precession from behind, whilst Tali continued to support the Commander.

The bald Human began to speak up, his voice deep and commanding, "Get him into the room, quickly!"

Nobody said anything else, as the Commander was taken into his own room.

Moments later, Ashley exited the room, her face clearly displaying her worry, as she moved towards Kaidan.

After a few more moments, Tali left as well, her body displaying a primal anger of sorts as well as her immense worry and frustration for not remaining within the room..

Nobody said anything, as the next moment, the bald Human came back out of the room, "Nurse! Get a stretcher team down here! Now!"

A young nurse immediately ran off.

The ground team members began to rush towards the door immediately, before the bald Human stuck his head out of the door once more, "No one is to come in here!"

Ashley began to curse violently, as Liara looked around helplessly.. Kaidan began to swear as well, kicking a hospital chair over in frustration. Garrus remained stoic, as he took his seat once more, this time closer to the hospital room. Wrex simply leaned against the wall, next to the door, his face impassive.. Tali stood next to Wrex, her body itching to get inside the room..

And yet the ground team remained outside, waiting in suspense..

A few minutes later, four other Humans ran back down the corridor along with the young nurse, a hover stretcher being escorted in the middle. The nurse rushed towards the door, squeezing past Tali before she spoke to the bald doctor, "The stretcher's here doctor!"

"Good! Tell them to come in here and move the Commander onto the stretcher! We need to get straight into surgery!" The doctor shouted back.

The nurse nodded her head, before looking towards the stretcher bearers.

They understood immediately, as two of the four squeezed past the anxious Quarian and young nurse, to get into the room.

The two inside the room looked through the window, before signalling for the stretcher to be placed outside.

Once done, the airlock door was immediately opened, with the Commander, lying still as he was lifted onto the hover stretcher.

As soon as the large man was aboard, the hospital staff rushed away, down the same corridor they had appeared from..

The bald doctor came out next, as he headed straight for the surgery staff..

Before he could react, Tali placed a vice-like grip on his arm.

"What's going on?! What's happening to him?!" Tali said hurriedly, her grip not lessening on the doctor's sleeve.

"He needs immediate surgery! The motor nerve damage in his leg is worse than we thought... We thought that it would heal on its own, but now it seems that surgery is the only option. Because he exerted himself too much, his nerves in his left leg are severely damaged.. He's not in life-threatening danger, but if we don't act now, he may lose all function within his leg! Now please! Let me go and help him!" The doctor explained, as he tried to tug away from Tali's grip..

Wrex moved forward at this, before speaking to Tali, "Let him go Little one.. He's going to save him..."

"Thank you... Now.. You'll have to remain here while we operate..." The doctor continued, before being cut off.

"... And we're going with him." Wrex said with finality, staring the Human down.

The doctor looked incredulously at the large Krogan warrior, before Tali let go of him..

She softly spoke up, as her heart began to be stabbed with the poisoned blades of agony itself..

"Please... Please... Y.. You have to help him..."

The doctor looked at the strange pair for a moment, before he replied quietly, "Look. I can't let you in. Unless you're immediate family members, then you can't go with him."

Wrex and Tali shared looks for a moment, before the bald Human spoke once more.

"Are you family members?"

The pair gave no response, as Wrex turned around to address the others.

"The doctor's asking if we're family members!"

The ground team members stopped what they were doing, before everyone looked at each other, everyone weighing up their loyalty for their Commander...

All of a sudden, Ashley stepped towards the doctor, her stance proud, "He's saved my life... That makes him a Williams."

Kaidan saw what was happening, and followed suit, "I've known the man for many years.. I class him as family."

Garrus stepped forwards, "The Commander's given me this opportunity.. What kind of Turian would I be if I didn't stand by his side?"

Liara followed suit, "Shepard saved my life from the Geth, back on Therum.. I stand by his side."

Wrex chuckled deeply, before he added his own comment, "Shepard's finding me good fights. That's good enough for me."

Tali spoke softly to the doctor, her tone passionate as she clutched onto the English Rose, "I swore an oath to the Ancestors that I would stand by his side, and watch over him.. I'd like to see you try and stop me.."

The doctor nodded his head after a moment before replying, "Follow me."

The doctor turned around, and began to walk hastily towards the surgery wing, with the squad members following suit.

"How are you feeling Shepard?" The doctor asked.

"I feel kinda numb to be honest.. I don't remember much.." The Commander replied weakly..

"Don't worry, that's just the medi-gel numbing the pain ... And as for the memory loss? That's probably due to the amount of pain you were in.. Your surgery lasted for 8 hours.. It's been 4 hours since surgery.. I'm surprised at your progress to be honest... How you were able to get out of your bed, and run like you did, I won't ever know.. It's no mean feat, let me tell you... You must have a very high pain threshold to repress that much pain.."

Chris didn't say anything else, as he simply continued to watch the doctor.

"I have to admit though Commander... You have some rather strange family members.." The doctor continued, as he stood at the foot of Chris' hospital bed, holding a Holo-pad with the Commander's medical information.

'Wha?... I.. I don't have any family.. They're all dead..' Chris thought in confusion..

The Commander said nothing, as he continued to look at the doctor, his eyes displaying his confusion..

"I think I better let them in then.. Before they decide to destroy the door and the hospital wing.." The doctor joked, a small smile on his aged face..

Chris continued to look bewildered, as he watched the doctor place the Holo-pad in it's rack, before walking towards the airlock door..

"You can see him now.. Just be careful... He may be one of the toughest patients I've ever had, but the doesn't mean he doesn't need his rest.." The doctor said, before moving to the side of the door.

All of a sudden, the ground team members all spilled into the room, like a swarm of locusts...

Tali was the first in, with Kaidan following close behind.. Liara and Ashley came in next, with Garrus following on their heels. It was only Wrex that slowly lumbered into the room, covering the rear..

Tali rushed to Chris' right hand side, Liara his left.. Ashley and Kaidan stood at the foot of the bed, with Garrus stood off to the side.. Wrex casually leaned against the observation window, smirking at the bewildered Shepard..

Before Chris could react, Tali placed her rose on a table nearby, before lunging forwards, wrapping her arms around her Human.. The other ground team members looked on in disbelief and wonder..

The doctor nodded his head, about ready to leave..

Before he could however, Wrex moved over, and grabbed the man's arm..

The doctor was instantly terrified.. Wrex could smell his fear..

Wrex toothily grinned at the petrified Human, before he slipped a large hand into a pocket in his armor.. The doctor's eyes went wide as Wrex withdrew his hand once more..

The doctor was ready to run in fear, but what came next out of the large Krogan's mouth, caused the doctor to be even more confused than Chris..

Wrex's voice was quiet and subdued, as he placed the object into the Human doctor's hand..

"Here.. Just as a token for our thanks for fixing him up... The little one was getting crazy.."

The Krogan removed his hand, and grinned at the Human, before patting him on the back.

The doctor took this as a sign to leave, and without any further hesitation, the confused Human left the strange band of soldiers..

Once outside, the doctor stopped in his tracks, looking down to see the object placed in his hands..

It was a credit chit.

The doctor cautiously scanned the chit with his omni-tool, before his eyes widened..

On the chit, was 5000 credits..

The doctor stood for a moment longer, before he softly smiled..

Once the chit had been pocketed, the doctor continued on his way to his next patient, a joyful whistle emanating from his lips..

"Chris! Keelah!" Tali softly exclaimed, just loud enough for Chris to hear, as she hugged her Human..

Chris made no attempts to struggle, rather, he moved his arms from out of the covers of the bed, before returning the embrace..

As Tali's head rested on Chris' shoulder, Chris spoke to the other team members present..

"Well.. This is a nice surprise.."

Liara smiled softly, her purple blush not abating.. Ashley simply nodded her head, a smile on her face... Kaidan had a knowing smile on his lips as he grinned at his CO.. Garrus had a Turian smirk on his face, his mandibles slightly parted as he looked towards the Commander..

The powerful, threatening war machine was literally being manhandled by a young Quarian Pilgrim..

Wrex came across after he had spoken with the doctor, a grin on his face..

"Shepard!" Wrex boomed.

"Wrex!" Chris replied, as he began to let go of Tali..

Tali held on a little longer, her body not wanting to release the close contact she was sharing with her Human.. She eventually relented however, and released her hold on Chris..

Tali stood up straight, her eyes meeting Liara's, a wicked grin shining through..

'Blue Bosh'tet bitch..' Tali smirked under her helmet, as she looked at Liara's blushing face..

"I.. I.. I'm kinda confused... The doctor said that I had strange 'family members'.." Chris said, as he looked at Kaidan..

"Well.. I think having two Marines, a Krogan Mercenary, a Turian C-Sec Officer, an Asari Archaeologist, and a Quarian Pilgrim, constitutes as 'strange' sir.." Kaidan said, a smirk on his lips, as he picked up the Holo-pad at the foot of Chris' bed..

"You mean... You guys told the doctor that you're my family?" Chris exclaimed, his voice disbelieving, although a small smile crept onto his face..

"You're a Warrior, Shepard.. Warriors have to look out for one another." Wrex stated, as he crossed his arms across his chest..

"It's true Skipper.. You've been there for us, it's only right that we're there for you." Ashley said, smiling at her Commander.

Nothing was said for a moment after that, as tears welled in Chris' eyes..

A single tear rolled down the Commander's cheek, as he smiled softly..

"Thanks guys.."

Nothing was said after that, as a comfortable silence settled in.. Until Chris sharply gasped, as he moved his leg..

"Son of a.."

Kaidan smirked as he began to read from the Holo-pad..

"Hmm.. Aha.. Hmm... Well.."

"What is it Kaidan?" Chris said, as he bit on his lower lip slightly..

"Do you have any feeling in your left leg?" Kaidan inquired.

Chris slowly moved his left leg, bending his knee at the joint..

"Yeah.. I still have feeling.. It's just kinda numb.." Chris replied.

"Well.. You're pretty lucky to be feeling anything Commander.. This says that due to extensive damage to your left leg ..." A horrific memory of pain surged through Chris' mind as he remembered the acid burn he suffered on Akuze..

Kaidan simply continued, "... As well as your exertion when you woke up and you nearly over clocking your amp on X57; the damage to your nerves increased ten-fold.. There's some medical stuff I'm not too sure about Commander, something to do with correcting some areas of tissue, and repairing some damaged nerves.. But I think I get the gist of it.. You're lucky to have any feeling." Kaidan stated.

Nobody said anything for a moment, as every ground team member looked towards their Commander.

Chris was quiet as well for a few moments, before he softly replied, "Then I'll be sure to thank my lucky stars.. I've still got feeling.. I can still fight.. I'll be up and about in no time."

The ground team members collectively smiled at their Commander's spirit, with Kaidan softly chuckling, "To be honest, I didn't expect anything less Commander."

"Damn straight!" Chris exclaimed, as he began to move in his bed, grunting in pain as he shifted his legs..

Before he could continue, Liara placed a hand on the Commander's shoulder, preventing him from continuing, "You need to rest, Shepard.."

Chris smirked, as he tried to move forwards once more, "I'll rest when I'm dead.. Saren's probably two steps ahead of us now.. I'm not going to let him get any further."

Ashley finally spoke up, "Actually Skipper.. There have been no reports of Saren, or the Matriarch.."

Liara shuddered at the mentioning of her mother, whilst Chris stopped in his motions, "Wait.. What?.. That can't be right! W..We've got Feros! And Noveria to investigate!"

Kaidan was the one who replied, "Alliance Command have said that they don't have any added reports of activity.. In fact, everything seems to have settled down.. There's no point investigating Feros and Noveria unless we know there's some activity.."

"Well! That's just fan-fucking-tastic!.. What the hell are we supposed to do now then?!" Chris shouted in annoyance, as he leant back against his pillows.

"It looks like we just sit and wait Skipper.. You need to heal up first.." Ashley commented.

Kaidan was quick to follow this comment, "The Chief's right sir.. This says that you won't gain full functionality of your leg for the next couple of days at least.."

"Well.. Shit.." Chris sighed.

"If I have to rest, then you guys better go and get some rest as well.. You all look like shit.." Chris joked..

His joke did contain a serious element however... Garrus, Liara, Kaidan and Ashley looked completely dishevelled and wrecked.. Wrex didn't seem fazed at all, and Tali seemed to be fine.. Although.. There was something.. Different.. About her..

The squad members laughed, as they either saluted, or nodded their heads in acknowledgement..

"Go on! I don't need any protection.. And I promise not to run off and hurt myself any more.." Chris said sarcastically, a small smile on his lips..

"You're damn right you're not going to Skipper!" Ashley exclaimed, as she was the first to move towards the hospital room's exit.

"I'll lock the doors if I have to!" Ashley joked, as she stood in the doorway.

"Noted Chief.. Now go and get some rest!" Chris shouted back.

With that, the Gunnery Chief left the room.

"Are you sure you'll be okay Commander?" Garrus inquired..

"I'll be fine Garrus.. Honestly. Go and get some rest.. Heck! Have a drink on me!"

"Okay Commander.. Thank you." Garrus beamed, as he turned towards the exit.

"You're welcome Garrus." Chris stated, as he watched more of his 'family members' leaving..

Liara simply placed her hand on Chris', before giving it a squeeze..

"If you need anything Shepard, don't hesitate to ask.." Liara said softly..

"I'll ask if I need some help, Liara. Thank you." Chris said, as he let go of Liara's hand quickly..

Tali had tensed significantly when she had seen the two holding hands, but her anger subsided somewhat when she saw her Human let go of Liara's hand quickly..

Liara nodded her head, before she too left the room.

Kaidan gave a salute, before he spoke up, "Get better soon, Commander."

"Oh for fucks sake Kaidan.. Drop the formalities would you?.. Just call me Shepard!" Chris said, as he groaned in annoyance..

Kaidan smirked, as he began to move towards the exit, "I'll try Com- Shepard.."

"There you go! Go and have a drink with Garrus or something!" Chris shouted back, as he watched his Lieutenant leave..

"You'll be fine Shepard.. Warriors don't stay down for long.." Wrex grumbled, as he too moved towards the exit..

"Thanks Wrex." Chris replied happily.

It was only Tali and Chris left in the room..

Tali smiled softly down at her Human, before Chris spoke up, "How are you holding up, Tali? Are you feeling better?"

Tali sighed, before she replied, "I thought you were the one who was injured.. I should be asking you that!"

"Yeah well... I've been hurt plenty of times.. I'll get over it ... And you haven't answered my question, your Highness.."

"I've told you! I'm not a Princess! I'm not royalty!" Tali exclaimed, as a grin split her lips..

"Yeah.. Yeah.. I know you're secretly a Princess.. You can't fool me.." Chris replied, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face..

"You're such a Bosh'tet.." Tali said, her face warming due to the bubbly feelings occurring deep within her..

"You love me really.." Chris joked, as he moved his hands underneath his head, whilst closing his eyes, his heart soaring as the feelings from his dream came back at full force.. The dream that his mind tried to make sense of..

Tali's mind simply shut down as she gazed on Chris' relaxed face, his features almost angelic...

'You're right... I do.. I... I think I do love you Chris..'

"Hey! Chris to Princess Tali! Did you hear me?" Chris said, after Tali hadn't replied to his tease..

"Keelah!.. I.. I'm sorry Chris.. I.. I.." Tali stuttered out, her face renewing its blush..

"Come on Tal! I know you're watching another movie under there! What happened? Did it get to a romance scene or something? ... Was it a sex scene?" Chris joked, although his own face reddened with a blush, his eyes opening, as he started to roam over Tali's body unconsciously..

"Bosh'tet!" Tali replied softly, as she shook her head.

"Wait.. D.. Did you just call me Tal?" Tali said, as she tilted her head to the side a little bit, her heart and soul beginning to soar..

"Yeah.. I did.. I.. I mean.. If you don't mind that is.. I ... I mean, I.. If you don't.. Don't want me too... Then... Then that's fine.." Chris stuttered out, as he sat upwards in bed, with his hand rubbing nervously at the back of his neck..

Tali smiled softly, a few tears of happiness welling in the corners of her eyes.. "I.. I don't mind.. I.. I kinda like it.."

Chris stopped his nervous behaviour, as he looked towards Tali.. "Y.. You don't mind?... I mean... It's ... It's just a nickname you know.. Like a pet name..."

For some reason, after Chris had shown a nervous side, Tali seemed to grow in confidence almost..

Tali moved across to the table with the rose on it, before she picked it up..

Chris watched Tali moving, his eyes focusing on specific regions of her body.. Her... 'Assets'... Just the sight of her form brightened Chris' mood instantly.. His face becoming flushed as he began to feel almost giddy and bubbly..

Tali turned back around, rose in hand, before she quietly spoke up, "I got this gift for you Chris.. I was told that's what Humans did for each other when someone's ill or injured.. I might not be Human, but that doesn't mean I can't try and understand your culture.."

Tali gently placed the rose in Chris' lap, before she slowly moved away, "Please get some rest Chris.."

"Tali! Wait!" Chris shouted out, as he held a hand out for her..

Tali stopped immediately, before she moved closer again..

As she got close, Chris picked the rose back up again, before he spoke, "I can't take this Tali..."

Tali was suddenly confused, as her anxiety began to play up..

'He doesn't want the gift! He doesn't like it! I.. I... I've gotten it ... Gotten it wrong..'

"... Something this beautiful?... No.. I don't deserve this.. You should have it." Chris finished, as he offered the rose back to Tali..

Tali's mind shut down once more, her hand unconsciously accepting the rose from Chris'..

"B.. But.. T.. This is for you.." Tali stuttered out softly..

"I know.. But, I think you deserve it more than I do.. I don't know if I've already said it, but thank you.. Honestly.. Thank you Tal.." Chris replied, as he placed his hand on top of Tali's, as it wrapped around the rose gently..

Tali nodded her head gently, as a genuine hopeful smile was placed on her lips, her face not breaking out into a nervous blush, rather, her body warmed completely due to the significance of her Human's words..

"Y.. You're welcome Chris.." Tali mumbled, as she held her gift, her new possession, within her hands..

Chris smiled softly, as he removed his hand from Tali's.

"Anyway.. Enough of that.. I just wanted to let you know, that I can't thank you enough.. You saved my life back on X57.."

"And nearly ruined it when you woke up.. You wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for me.." Tali sighed.

"Ah well! Put it this way, you've now got a beautiful new rose and a new nickname... You can call me Chris, and I can call you Tal! That's something!" Chris joked.

Tali giggled, a sound that was somehow familiar to Chris.. A sound that brought back long dead emotions.. Emotions from Lucy's time.. Loving.. Caring emotions..

His mind was beginning to understand now... Whenever Tali was around.. Chris began to feel.. Normal again..

Chris' stomach fluttered, to which he tried to squash it down, "So! I think I said that you needed to get some rest as well Tal! Go on!"

Tali nodded her head numbly, as she began to move towards the exit..

Chris couldn't help but notice how her shoulders drooped ever so slightly as she was leaving...

Before she could leave, Chris noticed something peculiar, something that had seemed off when he had seen her..

"Tal.. Is there something wrong with your suit?" Chris inquired, as he noticed the different makeshift patches in the Quarian's tight, and snug suit..

Tali stopped once more, at the exit, as she answered her Human's question, "I took some fire when we were on X57... I didn't want to make a scene of it at the time, so when we got back to the Normandy, Doctor Chakwas helped me patch up my suit.."

"I see.." Chris mumbled, as a plan started to form in his head..

'Tali's going to need some armor to cover her suit.. She can't just go out into the field with just shields..'

"I'm fine now though.. I had a pretty bad allergic reaction for a couple of days, but it's died down now." Tali finished.

"I'm sorry Tali.. I.. I didn't mean to.." Chris meekly replied..

'Now I feel like shit..' Chris inwardly sighed, as he realised how much of a fuck-up he truly was..

"Don't apologise Chris.. I'm fine now.. I was just pre-occupied with making sure you were fine is all.."

"Right.. Did I mention that I can't thank you enough?" Chris said, as a long sigh escaped his lips..

Tali giggled once more, lifting Chris' spirits, "Trust me Chris.. I'm the one who can't thank you enough.."

Chris simply nodded his head, as a genuine smile split his lips..

"If you need anything, just call for me.. I'll keep my Omni-tool on, just in case.." Tali said, worry lacing her words, as she continued to stand in the exit to the room.

"I will do Tali, thank you." Chris stated genuinely.

Tali nodded her head in response, before she left the room, leaving Chris on his own..

Whilst Chris sat in his room, mulling over everything that had happened, as well as trying to gain some rest, Tali decided she would stay aboard the Normandy for a while, to do some work in Engineering..

As well as finding a place for her new Rose..

A gift from her Human...

It was a symbol..

A symbol for new beginnings..

Geez.. Part 2 is done! xD

Man.. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know not much happens, but that's just because it's a filler for the next part.

Any who! Part 3 is obviously going to come next, and then part 4 shall be the final part for the Recovery section..

Then, the gang shall finally leave Arcturus xD

Leave a review, or just send me a message! I guarantee that I'll reply! ^^

Thank you to those of you who have been reviewing! You know who you are, and you're awesome for it! :)

Cheers guys! :)