What EDI found herself witnessing at that moment could easily be called 'The Cigarette Moment.' The time not long after the last sigh, when you would roll over, get out a cigarette, light it up and sigh once more before turning to whoever was laying beside you and ask them something decidedly dumb. And Engineer Donnelly was a master at asking dumb questions.
'What were we fighting about again?' he asked Engineer Daniels, although ship regulations forbade the cigarette.
Engineer Donnelly and Daniels were the prefect couple and they were a terrible couple at the same time. They had known each other for a very long time. They were friends and they fought and argued more than anyone else on the ship. Or, if EDI were to quantify it properly, more than everyone else on the ship put together. They seemed to do nothing but bicker over something or other, but mainly Engineer Donnelly's rather constant sexist remarks. EDI found amusingly ironic, given that that was the reason they had finally realised they were in love and got together. That and some gentle help and encouragement from Commander Shepard.
Now the pair seemed joined at the hips, often literally. And if they weren't finding opportunities to have sex, they were often down in the Engineering sub-deck kissing, or simply finding any excuse to be alone together so they could engage in anything vaguely sexual. Shepard had even found them down in the sub-deck while on shift. She had laughed when she stumbled across them and told them to carry on, despite regulations demanding they be at least reprimanded for minor dereliction of duty. However, EDI surmised that if Shepard did reprimand them, she was being a hypocrite. After all, not only had she encouraged Engineer Donnelly to compliment Daniels on her legs, thus sparking the realisation of attraction between each other, Shepard was also currently engaging in fraternization herself.
What intrigued EDI about this relationship was its basis in friendship. Did it help or hinder it? She wondered if her friendship with Jeff could be the reason that his affections for her were something he didn't openly flaunt. Was that the main reason why Jeff liked her so much, because they had been friends? She wasn't sure. Or had it broken, the friendship they had had, changed it into something else? Engineer Daniels had commented on this the first time they had slept together as well stating for a fact that their friendship was, effectively, over.
'Well, we've crossed the line Kenneth.' She had stated matter-of-factly, 'There's no saving our friendship now.' She had looked deadly serious when she had said it but had dissolved into giggles when she had seen the look on his face. He'd obviously never considered it, saying as much.
'Shit Gabby, you're right.' He sounded shocked and a little scared, right until she'd giggled. 'Guess we better proceed as we mean to go on!' He growled and pounced on her.
EDI had watched them laugh and giggle, wrestling for dominance before Engineer Daniels moaned and writhed upon Engineer Donnelly, riding him for all she was worth.
News of their budding relationship had flashed around the crew of the Normandy like wildfire, partly through their general indiscretion, but mostly because of Engineer Adams telling Doctor Michel about the encounter with Shepard finding them in the sud-deck. This was followed by the change in their general working relationship, the fact they bickered a little less. But the prime factor was when Engineer Adams had found Engineer Donnelly with his pants around his ankles and Engineer Daniels bent over one of the consoles trying not to scream in ecstasy. The pair had laughed over the story, after the Doctor got over the initial shock.
However, the Commander seemed to be allowing the talk too, which Liara had suggested to Garrus and Tali was a ruse to take some of the heat off the clear relationship between herself and Major Alenko. The Commander made no comment on this accusation when Tali had tripped up and mentioned it, but didn't deny it either.
The logical part of EDI often wondered why the organics seems too preoccupied with each other's sexual experiences. It was something of a whispered taboo with them, for the most part. Even the more openly sexualised asari seemed not to openly discuss their practices. EDI had asked Liara herself on a number of occasions and each time Liara had refused to answer. It had hampered EDI's investigations a little, but not much. Although, the implication that Liara thought EDI was a 'blabbermouth' was a little harsh in EDI's mind. After all, EDI had been watching the crew for weeks now, and had never said a word to anyone about what she saw. And she saw EVERYTHING!
However, it was understandable that organics would seek companionship. The strain and pressures they were under warranted a release, often in the physical sense. But that didn't simply mean that companion had to be another organic. Jeff would seek her out when he wanted someone to talk to, even before she had gained a physical platform. Shepard spoke to her often, even when EDI had no questions to ask. She had joined in one a number of conversations with Specialist Traynor too, but thought it best to completely avoid the reporter, Diana Allers.
EDI watched as Engineers Donnelly and Daniels got up. They had been arguing over maintenance details but had ended up having sex. They seemed more relaxed and embraced each other before heading to the mess hall for food. Their friendship isn't broken, EDI thought. It is strengthened by their physical intimacy. Would Jeff response in kind if EDI approached him in a sexual manner? Perhaps. She knew he had asked about it. He had spoken to Mordin, who had suggested a number of things, things she knew Jeff had taken seriously...she had seen him diligently doing his muscle strengthening exercises. Would becoming physical break their friendship? Or would it make it stronger? She would have to find out. More investigation would be needed.