Shepard had been in the Tech Lab for more than an hour, being briefed by Mordin on his progress on everything from medi-gel potency to the Krogan genophage. An hour with Mordin was like three hours with anyone else, and Shepard had to shake his head to clear it as he walked out into the CIC.

Can't fault his enthusiasm, though, Shepard thought with a wry grin.

"You have new messages at your private terminal, Commander," said Kelly with her usual smile, and he nodded in acknowledgement.

Wonder what we've got today, he thought, logging into the terminal and accessing his unread messages list.

There were three messages: next month's catalogue from Saronis Applications (which he forwarded to Jacob then archived), a meeting cancellation from Miranda, and a personal message from Tali. He raised an eyebrow at the meeting cancellation, and opened it to read the attached remarks:

Commander,

I hope you don't mind if we postpone the meeting I requested this morning. I'd like some more time to refine the proposal, and hope to discuss it later in the week.

Regards,

Miranda Lawson

[copied to Tali'Zorah vas Normandy]

Shepard shrugged, tapping a panel to acknowledge the message and accept the cancellation, knowing that both Miranda and Tali would automatically receive confirmation that he'd read it. He archived the message, and then after a quick glance around to ensure no-one was nearby, he opened Tali's note.

As he read the words, he could hear her delicate, accented voice in his mind.

John,

I'm still getting used to calling you that. It's so nice to be able to.

I'm sorry I got upset after the meeting. There's a human expression, "walking on air" - I think it means to be very happy. Do you know it? Well, I was walking on air this morning. I still am.

When Miranda was... being Miranda with you, I just worried that she would try to take you away. I still worry about it. But I trust you completely; I want you to know that.

I'm so happy that we feel the same way about each other. I've watched you for so long. I don't have a lot of experience in these matters, but I know that you will teach me, and that I want us to be together.

There are differences between us, but all of the important things are the same. I mean our feelings! Now I am blushing. This is why it's sometimes easier for me to write.

I didn't mean to write such a long message - I know you're very busy. I have to work during my lunch break, but if you're available then perhaps we could meet for dinner?

I hope your day is going well. I miss you. Sometimes I even miss you when you're here.

Tali

Shepard closed the message and smiled. It took every ounce of self-control he possessed to stop himself immediately going to her. He allowed himself a deep sigh.

Yeoman Kelly Chambers glanced up from her console, and saw Shepard staring into the holographic galaxy map without really seeing it, a gentle smile on his face. She had seen men with that expression before, and her mouth fell open slightly.

Savior of the Citadel, the first human Spectre, and the man who's going to save the galaxy, she thought. Whoever she is, Commander, I hope she knows how lucky she is.

Chambers smiled. She loved to see people who were happy; she'd always been like that. She'd also never known when to keep her mouth shut, as her mother had often told her.

"Everything alright, Commander?" she asked, causing Shepard to blink and then glance over at her.

"Hmm?" he replied. "Oh, yes, Kelly. Everything's just great."