The alarm on my omnitool beeps. I shut down my work console and prepare for my date with *********. I have 10 minutes to get ready. Ken and Gabby know today is the day and will be taking over my duties after they help me with light prepations. I walk over to the two while doing so, the faceplate cleansing solution is removed from my pocket. Gabby kindly removes any dust or marks from my mask.
I reach for my cuffs "Ok quick help me get changed."
Gabby asks "here?! In front of us?"
Ken takes the opportunity "yes ma'am" and is rewarded with a slap from Gabby.
"Not like that. The fabrics on our suits are reversible. It's a different style for special occasions. The top layer keeps it clean. All I need for you to hold the fabric in place while I clamp it down."
Ken's quick tongue says "Gabby you will hold the linens while I hold them flat agianst Tali."
Gabby pinches his ear "oh no you don't. You will hold the fabric while I help Tali get ready. I'm kinda envious this is all you have to do to prepare. It would take me at least an hour to dress myself up."
I reply "yes that's the one thing I don't envy about other species woman. I just want ********* to know I'm putting in the effort and that this is a special night."
Gabby helps with left arm piece "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. The way he looks at you is super adorable. You're going to have to take a picture when he sees you. This fabric is beautiful."
"Aye. Sparkles everywhere. He won't be able to look away." Ken says.
"I have a necklace you can borrow. Ken would you grab the white one from my storage area?" Gabby asked.
"I 'm not able to look away." Gabby pushes him out of the room. Ancestors, why haven't these two started bonding yet?
"What does you dad think about this? His only daughter dating a human and one that destroyed his work?" She asked.
"Ugh. I don't even want to think about it. I'm going to have a nice time with ********* and enjoy myself. By the way, any tips for dating a human? Should I hold his hand after we leave the Normandy?"
"I would just go with the flow. hand holding so soon won't spook him, but it's a little fast. Just have fun and what will be will be. Human men are typically the ones to make the first move, but don't be afraid if… what exactly do quarians do? You've seen humans kiss but that is out of the picture."
"It depends from what ship you are from. I would like to do what the turians do with him. Press foreheads together. I would consider that something like a kiss."
"You're definitely going to want to be the one leading. He'll probably be thinking should I kiss her? I can't tell with the mask. Where would I even press my lips."
"Thanks Gabby. I should get going."
"You come back here immediately and give me the full deets." She said, which reminds me.
"Oh I'm such a bos'tet. What should I do after the date? We're both going to be walking through the decontamination area afterwards. I don't want the date to end with EDI spraying his germs away."
"That's life on a human ship. Everyone is going to know, but we keep it to ourselves. You don't want to be late." She said. As I exit the engine room I take the elevator upwards. The walk to the cockpit is awkward. All these eyes staring at me, and someone whistled. Joker turns around and compliments my outfit. Said I "look like a chandelier." I think that is a good thing. I'm so nervous. I'm standing on my toes waiting for *********. I look out the window so when he comes, I'll turn around and wow him.
"Seriously ********* It's been two hours since you asked for help. Isn't your date with Tali in half an hour?" Garrus said.
Zaheed takes a break from his drink "I could have passed a steaming stool in the outhouse by now."
"I know but I'm just so freaked out. I want everything to go perfectly. Do you really think I should wear this cologne? Will Tali even be able to smell it?"
EDI answers "unlikely. Her mask filters large molecules, blocking her sense of smell."
Shepard said "Oh we didn't think of that. Sorry bud."
"It's fine. How's my hair?" I ask.
"It's good and shiny. Did you gel it?" Jacob asked.
I answer "No, it's always shiny."
Thane asks "Where's Professor Solus?"
"He's busy playing with those element species I made him. Besides, salarians don't date. He lacks experience in this area."
Shepard chuckles "not according to Aria."
"What?"
Garrus throws me one of the shirts I already tried on "what about this with those pants?"
Grunt asks "why is this so hard? Why don't you do what you want with her right now? What's the point of going through all this?"
Thane answers "courting is a bonding process which allows possible pairings to judge the success of a potential relationship before lifelong commitments."
"Huh?"
Jacob says "They're testing to see if they have fun together. Plus, what humans feel can be a little intense and uncomfortable, so this is a way to build trust and warm up to doing things you're not old enough to hear."
"What do you mean?" Grunt asks. An awkward silence permeates the room.
I comment "What I've noticed in my life is you tend to learn things when you need to."
Grunt says "But I want to know the things now."
"So do I but it doesn't work that way. Ok guys what about my outfit? This feels too casual. I mean it's futuristic space clothes to me." I'm wearing Thane's modified coat.
Garrus says "it looks good on you, but you want to give her something new to look at."
"Ok what about this?" Blue jeans and a nice collared red shirt.
Jacob shuts it down "you're not wearing that. It's way out of fashion."
I ask "What about black suit and tie?"
"This isn't the 1900s. Do you have any clothes from our time period?" Shepard asked.
"No. What do you wear when you're with Liara?" I ask.
"Black pants and a matching shirt. It won't fit you."
"Please Thane you know alien girls best. You were married. What should I do?"
"I lack the information to render good judgment for quarian tastes." He said.
Zaheed put his drink down and pulls me to the sofa "look spunk, this is a date, you already got the girl to like you. That is half the battle. Stop squirming around like a varren pup and have fun with the gal. Here's some advice."
"Ugggghhhh" should I really be taking advice from a drunk aussie?
"Pay close attention to her movements, especially since she is a quarrian. Where does that egghead look? She'll deliberately do things to be close to you. Make her feel safe and all those other sappy feelings. Relaxed shoulders are key." he said
I am surprised "That actually might be helpful. Where did you learn this?"
"Citadel Encounters" he said.
I'm not responding to that. Moving on.
Grunt asks "quarians can't even change their outfits. Why don't you wear what you like?"
…
That's actually not a bad idea. I try in a pair of gray pants, a nice collared white shirt, and a stylish black fall jacket.
"How is this?"
"I think it looks fine. Little monotone. Nice, casual, but not too casual." Shepard said.
"Just have fun and treat her well. Relax and do those deep breathing techniques you keep nagging us to do." Garrus said.
"Ok ok. Anything about citadel dating customs I should know before I go?" I ask.
"Just go and have fun." Jacob said.
"Ok thanks guys. I owe you one. How is my hair?"
"You already asked us this" Grunt said.
"That was before I changed clothes. Should I restyle it?" I'm pushed out of Shepard's cabin and into the elevator. I press the button to the first floor. My heart is pounding and beating hard. Damn I know it's been a while since I've been on a date in the physical realms, but I haven't been this nervous for a long time. Ok deep breaths. You both like each other and who knows maybe nothing will come out of this and it will be ok. The elevator opens and I walk to the cockpit. Tali has her back turned. See this is ok. She doesn't look different so why should I be-
Oh
My
Gawd.
Tali turns around and the purple swirls have been replaced with glistening pearl whirlpools. The bright lights complement the shine of her helmet and white eyes. She looks like an angel.
Tali giggles "haha I wasn't expecting to get such a reaction out of you. You look very handsome. Are you ready to leave *********?"
###############################
"*********?" She snaps me out of my daze.
"I'm sorry my brain just glitched. What did you say?" I'm drooling internally.
"Hehehe. Let's go. I'm eager to see what you have planned" she said. Marriage, kids, puzzles on the porch in our golden yea– stop, don't get ahead of yourself. Don't freak her out. It's just your body playing tricks on you. Remind myself what's the goal? Make her happy.
We go through the decontamination cycle and I couldn't keep my eyes off her. The gust of air makes her sparkles shine lights in all kinds of directions. I'm enthralled by her. Her laughter lets me know I'm not making her uncomfortable which is good because I rely on reading faces and I can't do that with her. If I wanted to, I could use my soul vision to form a guess but the one color can have two completely different meanings. We exit the ship and proceed to our date.
"The karaoke place I was recommended doesn't have an appointment. It's a bit early for dinner so I thought we could walk around and talk. If we see something that interests us we can check it out."
"That sounds lovely. All I want is to just have a nice time with you. I'm so nervous." She said.
"I'm nervous too." I confessed.
"Why are you nervous? You killed things I can't imagine and can do whatever you want." She said.
"I want to make you smile" I blurt out. Uh oh. That was a little too forward. Tali grabs my hand and her thumb rubs along my knuckles.
"I am smiling. I'm always smiling when I'm next to you. I wish you could see it." Tali said. I'm blushing so hard.
"Are you feeling alright? Your cheeks are turning red. OH! is this the thing humans do when they are excited? This is good right?" She asked.
"Kinda. It's a good thing but something uncomfortable for humans. It's an unconscious sign of attraction." I said.
"I like it. Can you do any other colors?'
"Nope just red. It's blood flowing through my cheeks."
"Oh that can happen to quarians also. It feels warm when I blush. I wonder if my cheeks turn red. Our blood is the same color as humans."
"Really? That's interesting. The science fiction writers of my day had envisioned aliens with different colored blood. To distance them from humans."
"Not hard to imagine since Garrus's is blue and Liara's is a shade of purple. I can't imagine what it's like for you. Growing up never having the technology to meet us. Does it feel weird?"
"Not anymore. I've seen a lot of different races, mostly from magical universe. Elves, gnomes, beast people. All kinds of things. I'm burnt out of the weirdness."
"Oh I see. You must have seen so many things. What's the best thing ever?"
"Besides this date with you? Water parks. Definitely water parks."
"You're too nice. Really a water park? Those slides don't look that much fun.'
"My favorite memories as a child were by the pool. I once went three centuries just RVing and going to different waterworks."
"What's RVing?"
"This was before sky cars were invented, well that place didn't have contact with aliens so skycars probably weren't going to be invented. Think of it as those colony prefab homes but on wheels we drove around. Between parks I would stop and see any attractions I crossed. I really liked doing that."
"Why did you stop?"
"I went to every waterpark the country had and that universe shut them down to conserve water to fight climate change or so those attention seeking activists said. I mean that universe was also having problems but shutting down waterparks was a stupid move that made me mad so I left."
"I'm sorry that happened to you. You know there is one on the citadel. Quarians can't go because it's bad to get our suits wet, but you should go when you have time."
"Oh I definitely will. What did you do for fun growing up?"
"I studied engines and learned how to clean them before I started school."
"That sounds like child labor."
"It's different for quarians. We don't see work the same as other races. We do have fun occasionally but living on ships limits our activities. I love working on engines. It's thought of as the heart of the ship and taking care of it was taking care of my home."
"That is just precious."
"What about your childhood?"
"Erm. I mostly stayed inside, played with my pets, studied for class, played videogames or watch tv."
"We can talk about something else."
"Let's just focus on the present. It's good. I'm on a date with a wonderful woman and having an amazing time with her."
"I'm having a good time too. Can we go in here?" Tali pulls me into a jewelry store. Thank God Shepard made me rich… I think. It's going to take me a while to get used to prices.
"Wait… is that you Bryl-"
"Don't use my soul name please." The hanar store opener said.
Tali asks "you two know each other?"
"Yeah. You were selling weapons. What happened?" I ask.
"New regulations made it difficult to sell weapons and I switched to jewelry. It is proven most fortunate for me as I like the clientele much better. Hello, this one is Gima."
"Hello my name is Tali. ********* How do you know him? And how did you get to know his soul name?"
I hang my head in embarrassment. "I-i… ok so I forgot Hanar existed and I thought this guy was an art statue. The art from my place was getting weird so a pink balloon thing with legs wasn't that unusual. Anyway I touched him and he scared the crap out of me. I fell over from shock, in front of Shepard, Kaiden, and Ashley." Tali laughs hysterically.
"Don't laugh that was embarrassing for me."
"This one found it amusing it as well."
"Please stop."
"I'm sorry. It's the way I'm imagining is probably funnier than what actually happened. Why do you know his soul name?" I turn around in shame.
"Spectre Shepard made a large purchase order and it is customary to celebrate with new friends. We had too many intoxicants and from what I remember it was one of the greatest nights of my life."
"Have you ever seen the hangover? We made that look pg in comparison. Thankfully I don't drink or things would have been alot worse."
"You have the weirdest life." Tali said.
"Let that night be a fond memory in my circulatory pumps. How may I help you quarian woman?" The polite Hanar said.
"I'm just looking. I like these necklaces." Tali leans over and examines silver colored adorations. I could probably makes these.
"If you like these may I suggest these premiu-" I furiously shake my head no. I really like Tali but I'm not getting bankrupted on a first date, especially since I don't know if they'll trade gold for credits. Or where to find someone who will.
"Er-cough excuse this one. These premium storage boxes that come with a purchase of a necklace. This one believes the green one has caught your eyes. Would you like to try it on?"
"It's alright I don't want to take up your time. Besides I don't have the money to afford this." She said. That makes me angry.
"Does Shepard not pay you for your hard work?"
"He does and generously, but I donate most of it to the migrant fleet." She is so awesome.
"There is no harm in trying it on, right?"
I'm handed the necklace and I put it on my date. The silver chain pairs with the white beads of her fabric and the vibrant green is a beautiful stone, close to size and shape of a silver dollar. Tali polishes it with her thumb.
"It matches your eyes. What do you think?" She asked.
"Well I think it's ugly but everything would be compared to the most beautiful woman in the galaxy." Tali looks down and away.
"I appreciate you saying that, but you don't even know what I really look like."
I turn on my soul vision and look at her. She has a deep rich green aura with flickers of bright yellow that could mean Shame or pride. It better be pride. Tali is the most amazing woman I've ever met. She's a ridiculous smart engineer based on the fact I don't understand what she talks about, but he'd passion for ships could be contagious. Wow Tali has this small white spot at the top of her aura. One foot above her crown. That's rare. Even I can't do that. The way her energy flows, the best way to describe it is like those water fountains with a hole on the top and the water runs down in waves. When I am not keeping the energy within my body, it moves in an upwards counterclockwise spiral. The direction means very little, but she is jaw dropping.
"Your soul is beautiful" Tali looks at me and no words have to be said.
"Smooth" the party balloon said.
I glance over to him "thanks. Tali, would you like this necklace? A memento to remember tonight."
"Y-yes."
"SOLD!"
"This one is overcome with joy at a budding romance. I'll give you the friends and family discount and only charge 1700 credits."
"********* That is too much." Tali holds my hand.
"Relax Tali. I have the money and plenty to spare." I didn't turn off my soul vision as I was caught up in the moment. When I looked at our hands, I saw something I've never seen before. Our energies, they're merging. Like two clouds merging into one. Is it because both our aura's are green? I have no idea. Seeing auras is only a cool party trick. You can't tell what people are thinking or really feeling by looks alone. Whatever is going on I like it.
I thank the space jelly who basically made me purchase an expensive (by the sounds of Tali) jewelry on a first fricken date. Normally this would be a dumbass move, but Tali deserves it. Reimbursement for everything she has done for me so far. I can never pay her back. We exit the store and continue walking around. Just out of curiosity I keep my soul vision turned on and people watch. My stupid butt can't believe what I've been missing the whole time. A turian man and what looks to be his asari wife. His aura is blue and the asari is orange. The energies merge into a brown area.
"Hang on Tali I need to bang my head against a wall a million times for being stupid." I do a few lightly. All this time, I thought I was supposed to keep my energy from affecting others, never realizing I was supposed to share it with those next to me. I must have subconsciously allowed my energy to mix with Tali's because I trust her. God I can't believe what I did to myself.
"*********? Why are you banging your head against the wall?" Tali pulls me off my forehead flattener.
"I just realized something important that completely went past me. And it's Thanks to you."
"Me? What did I do?"
"By being the absolute best."
"That's supposed to be my line." I take her three fingers into mine (I'm counting the thumb as a finger in this universe). We hold hands. Her long fingers make it feel very strange, and while I do my best not to squirm, this feels awesome. We got stares during our stroll. Ignoring them is easy enough. Walking to the karaoke place took longer than it should because we kept pulling each other close to us and it messed with our balance. It was worth it though.
The karaoke place looks fantastic. The atmosphere of the room is friendly and relaxing. An asari bartender spots us and flashes a warm smile. I don't know this woman. She stops what she was doing and hops over the bar. I wonder if Tali knows her. There wasn't enough time to ask as the asari woman is right in front of me with her hand out.
"Hi! I'm Melana, owner and Liara's favorite family member" she's peppy. I like her. Melana shakes my hand then Tali's.
Melana assures us "Don't worry about a thing. Liara told me everything and there isn't going to be an issue here"
My heart is racing a mile a minute "SHE WHAT?!"
"Relax. This place is known for interspecies dating. My bond mate is a krogan woman. Any one harassing quarians or any other races are banned for life." oh thank god.
Tali says "you looked like you were going to jump out of your skin."
Melana asks "are you ok? Do you need some water?"
"Yes please. Sorry for a moment I thought you were talking about a sensitive issue of mine. You weren't. I swear this universe likes seeing me sweating."
"HAHA! Chill and have a grand time. I saved you the best booth. Feel free to sing on stage if you want but no pressure. Lot's of people come just to watch my mate sing who will sing in a while. We don't serve food here but we have drinks, sterile ones are available for your girlfriend."
"Thank you" I gulp the ice cold water down to relax my vagus nerve.
"Another please."
"Wow! Someone is thirsty. I'll get you another glass. Anything for you darling?" Tali asks for a drink I never heard off. When we sit at the booth, Tali laughs hysterically. Hitting the table with her fist. "You should have seen your face. I think that's the most panicked look I've seen on you."
"I have plenty of experiences that taught me keeping my abilities a secret is a good idea. I would have never told anyone if Thane didn't ruin my streak."
"Not even me?"
"I'm sorry Tali I didn't mean it that way. Hypothetically, I think I would have trusted you, but I was terrified everyone would treat me like a freak and I couldn't handle that from you."
"You're not a freak. Ancestors Shepard came back from the dead and is working for Cerberus. You overreact."
"Yeah. I accidentally made my emotions a bit too strong but I actually like it. It makes whatever I feel around you even better."
"Maybe you can teach me one day. So I'm your girlfriend now hmm?"
"You know it sweetheart" I earned a chuckle out of her. Tali enjoys her drink that came in a silver capri sun looking pouch and a straw that went into her emergency induction port. We watch some drunk salarians sing and they weren't bad, until one fell over and started throwing up. Ugh. Melana's wife could be an opera singer. So that is what they look like. hmm. I wonder if Grunt knows.
I ask "You want to go up and sing that song from Fleet and Flotiliia?" Tali chokes on her drink.
"What's the matter?"
"Do you know what that is?"
"I think a romance film. In a dlc of the game you and Shepard watch a part where the female quarian and male turrian get all mushy then sing skin on mine song."
"Oh ancestors. Was I dating Shepard in that game?"
"You didn't have to but he can see it either way."
"I believe it's different here…"
"What?"
"That isn't something you watch with friends."
OHHHHHHHH!
"Is it what I think it is?"
"Exactly. Now can we please move on?"
"Thank the cosmic consciousness you told me that. I was thinking of watching it and using something from it for our second date."
"You are already thinking of a second date?"
"If you earn it" I wink at her. Tali adorable squirms in her chair.
The rest of the night went swimmingly. We talked for hours about our interests, family, the reapers, and had an absolute blast. The night is coming to a close. The citadel's artificial light is telling its citizens to go to bed soon. The vibrations are off, it doesn't feel like a real sunset. Too energetic. I'm going to have to file a complaint. The Normandy is in view. My date and I slow down our walking speed to extend what little time is left. Tali and I had an amazing time and while there are many differences between us, I feel something just so right and natural between us. We're at the door of the Normandy. How am I going to play this? Dropping a girl off at her home when you live in the same spaceship. Hmmm. I don't want people to think we're taking this too fast. Going inside her home… on a first date. I mean I really want to… and have to, but what would her father think? Decisions to be made. hmm….
"Tali I had the best time I've had in a long time. Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me. I really enjoy our time together."
"No not that. Thank you for not treating me any differently. When my secret came out, most people were afraid of me, resented me, or stayed away from me for a time, but you didn't. I'm truly grateful for you treating me like a regular person."
"You're welcome *********. I never treated you differently because you trusted me before and I just knew you were a good person despite how you can come across to people. I wanted to return the favor. You deserve it. I just remembered you made several promises to me and I never made one to you so here's one. I promise I will treat you the same as the day I met you. With the same kindness and compassion you showed me."
"Well you already broke that promise. You didn't shoot me this time."
"Hahaha! I forgot about that. Ok scratch that. I promise I won't break your trust."
"I believe you. Thank you Tali. That means everything to me." As I stare into Tali's eyes, my face softens. A small smile slowly curves upwards. My eyes relax with my gaze focused on her. Tali steps closer. Her right hand touches my neck, traveling behind my ear and stopping at the back of my skull. Her other hand wraps around and she pulls my forehead into her strangely warm and somewhat pliable faceplate. I can sense our perception and synchronicities areas interacting. I like it. You don't get this feeling from a kiss. Instinctively I take a slow and releasing inhale and exhale. my arms latch Tali's torso and pull her into my chest. The feeling of her face so close to mine, her ribs against my stomach, our chests rising up then down with each breath, everything separated by cloth or glass. It doesn't matter. All stress, worry, nervousness fades away. This feeling of closeness is all I need now. I could embrace this sensation for hours. This feels right.
I'm very happy.
