'The Council sure spared no expense',
Alec's jaw loosened, his eyes broadened and his brows merged higher. His body hovered forward, almost floating, as he examined the complex.
Straight from the entrance, was an open gathering space, with high ceilings. Canvass of blue, white and purple curves, adorned walls, including, images of beach-like locations, he didn't recognise. To the back of the large space, sprung a large and open kitchen, that overlooked the lush greenery and crystal blue, of the Presidium Lake. Identical rooms with ensuite's, were positioned to both the left and right of the building. His hands clasped behind his back as he stopped before on of the large beach-like images. His shoulders hunched forward as his body followed tilting. His head cocked and brow ridges furrowed in thought. However, his train of thinking, was suddenly interrupted.
Alec's omni-tool chimed.
His pulse increased and brows soared as he read the user.
-Message Received Commander Shepard-
His head tilted. Alec found himself shifting his weight.
He paused briefly, before accessing the message with a flick of his wrist. The glowing orange display read…
-Hey!
I don't generally write these things. Usually, it's some-thin or someone else wanting my attention. Maker, this is weird. The council passed on your address.When you're clear, if you want to meet, give me a buzz-
He moved a few fingers up and down under the lit hologram, saving the message for future use.
Nodding his head in self-confirmation, he deactivated his Omni-tool. He knew that he was going no where until the clearance came through. He supposed that, he should contact his supervisor, however, until he had more solid information to report in on, he saw little to no use to the bother the Illusive Man.
Time had passed and the artificial outside light began to dim. Alec had undergone several thorough investigations, searching for any signs of monitoring devices. He had scanned every square inch, nook and cranny of the complex.
When he was satisfied of the results, he slumped himself onto the white and leather-like material couch.
He made himself comfortable, lifting his legs to the seat, one crossed over the other, and rested his head comfortably on the hands stretched out behind him. He let his mind drift…
His eyes shot open. The doorbell rang. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, he shuffled his feet to the door.
Within seconds, it slid open with a hiss.
He blinked rapidly before his eyes widened and his heart began to thump a little faster.
His head cocked, crossing his arms loosely against his chest, he spoke, "Councillor?"
She briefly peered left to right, before landing her gaze firmly on Alec. "May I?" she gestured inside.
Alec's lips formed a thin line as he nodded. He stepped to the side allowing the Asari Councillor to step passed him.
"The Council has come to a decision, Alec," she informed.
The pair now stood in the kitchen of the complex. He had loosely crossed his arms against his chest as he leant his hip against the white marble top counters.
"I'm going to guess", he stated, "by the lack of armed commandos, we're all good about the Cerberus attack?"
Her blue fingers splayed against the white counter, she rested her weight against her hands. Without looking at Alec, she responded, "Cerberus's attack has us all on edge". Her head tilted upward, "between that and the Reapers". She paused, before she too spun on her feet to face Alec, her features hardened, "we can't afford another incursion by Cerberus!".
He looked away from the Councillor's intense gaze. His stomach felt suddenly heavy, he swallowed the hard lump that formed in his throat. After a brief pause, he stated, "I understand, madam Councillor".
He found himself shuffling uncomfortably on his feet, as her hazel eyes seemed to pierce straight through his core.
"I…", her lips opened then shut, "The Council. We would like to offer you a position in citadel security. The Special Response unit, to be exact". Her eyes left Alec's as she looked past the kitchen and off towards the Presidium lake, "your skills are impressive, to say the least. We need someone like you", she refocused onto him; she shuffled her body around towards him. "With us", she finished.
His eyes gleamed as a playful smile across his lips. Straightening his shoulders, he responded, "I am skilled".
She gave a courteous grin back, "the special response division, Alec, is only for those the council sees as truly exceptional".
"I thought that honour was given to SPECTRES".
She slowly shook her head, "SPECTRES, are a galactic symbol, yes, but are not the only tool the council has to utilise."
His brow perked, "oh", he interjected, closing the space between him and the Councillor, "so I'm just a useful tthe tool now", he teased. He noticed the Councillor's features squirming.
"That's not what I met".
"For a politician, I thought you'd be better with your words".
Her face hardened, "Alec, please". She pinched the bridge of her nose.
He couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Ok ok", he raised his hands in surrender, "I accept the position, Councillor Tevos". Doing a playful bowl he continued, "your will is my command".
She shoved him slightly as she shook her head.
His chest tightened and his stomach fluttered at the contact. It almost had him lost for breath as their eyes connected once again. It was at that moment, he noticed the darkened blue hues to the skin under her eyes, the bloodshot whites and the slight tremble to her bottom lip. She looked exhausted.
He found himself staring, something in the pit of his stomach began to stir as he gazed down towards the smaller Asari.
Her head cocked as she looked back up towards him. His brows were knitted together and his lips formed a thin line. "Alec, what is it?" She asked.
"You", the words fell from his lips, "you look tired, Tevos".
Her lips pursed as she turned her head away, "dealing with the war, takes its toll".
He shook his head as he stepped forward, "No, it's more than that", he hesitantly rested a gentle hand on the crook of her shoulder. He felt her briefly tense under his touch before quickly relaxing. He felt the heavy breath leave her chest as her shoulders slumped inward.
"In truth", she began as her hand met her forehead, "sleep has become more difficult to come by"...
"Since Cerberus," he finished
She nodded, turning to face him, Alec could see her fighting to hold her firm composure.
His eyes lowered as he removed his hand. He loathed the unsettling feeling beginning to rise into his stomach, guilt. He knew, he shouldn't feel such things, after all, Cerberus goals were his goals, however, when he laid eyes on the Asari before him, guilt began to bubble inside him, "Stay here", he offered.
Her eyes widened and her lips parted, "I…"
He raised his palm, stopping her from continuing, he added.
"There are plenty of rooms. You can sleep and I'll ensure nothing gets passed those doors".
She rubbed her hands together, "the offer is sweet but… I can't. I'm sorry". Her gaze fell to her feet.
He nodded, leaving silence between the pair, however, as she went to leave, he found himself instinctively reaching for her hand. He caught it, her soft hands wrapped in calloused fingers. To his surprise, she didn't try to fight it, instead he felt her grip tightening around his own. "You can't keep torturing yourself, Councillor, you need rest. I can understand your apprehension, I do. If you change your mind, I'm here. When you're ready to sleep, I'm here. Ok?"
He found her free hand reaching for his face as her head cocked. Her thumb ran idly, up and down the growing growth of his face.
"You Shepard's", she stated," always trying to save the Council".
He stepped forward, their body's only millimetres apart. Her hand dropped to his shoulder. "No!" He said firmly, "just you". His heart began to pound.
Her eyes widened at the implication, "I…"
"Well", Alec said, "that and I believe Sparatus would snore to much to deal with".
Tevos's gaze turned as she struggled to contain her amusement.
"What I wanted to get across, Tevos. Is the the offer will always stand".
She swallowed as glanced back towards Alec, "thank you". Her hand left his, only to find them snaking around his broad neck, her body flushed against his as she lifted herself onto the top of her toes, she whispered into his ear, "please, call me Messana".
He smiled at the sensation, "Ok Messana, stay!"
He felt the tremble of her body against his. He tightened his grip around her, applying steady pressure until the Councillor was ready to let go.