The strong arm of the black leather couch supports my rib cage. This position isn't the most comfortable, but I have the best distraction. A cool metal wall provides a nice contrast to the warmth on my chest. My thick arms wrap tightly around my girlfriend's waist. Each breath is slow and deep, and oh so calming.

Tali is laying on top of me while she reads her book on her green omnitool holographic screen. The text looks Sanskrit to my eyes. I'm not paying close attention. My entire focus is on the feel of my girlfriend. This body has been through so much pain and abuse, it deserves to feel good, and this is heaven right here. She is the best weighted blanket ever.

"Hard to believe this might actually be happening" Tali said. I open my heavy eyelids.

"What's that? Is this a different novel? The screen is a different color." I asked.

"No. The screen can be programmed to change color depending on the chapter to set the mood. My race lost a lot of information when we were exiled from Rannoch. People on the fleet in their spare time write books. I like to support them. This chapter focuses on a quarian trying to build a home on Rannoch after we won the war on the geth. Do you want me to read it to you?" She offers.

"Nah. I want my focus to me on the feel of your back on my ribs. The pressure feels relaxing, and I can never get enough being close to you." I nuzzle into the back of her neck. The air hose makes it a challenge. Nothing I can't conquer.

"I still can't believe there a quarians living on Rannoch and no one knew." Tali said.

I mention "Samara after I told her said 'asari believed there were quarians living on Rannoch.'"

"We didn't anyone tell us?" She asked.

"Most races with short lives also have short attention spans comparatively. It's scary how easily people can forget. And they thought you were entitled." I said.

"I've been having dreams of being able to build a house on Rannoch like the one in your favorite movie, crops and all" she said.

"Oh. You wouldn't be scared at night that a tall skinny ugly alien is hiding in the corn fields, then I would have to go outside to shoot Garrus?"

"Not if I'm asleep in your arms" she said. I felt something small and thin get pulled in my chest. This sensation has never been felt before.

"God you amazing. I thought I felt every sensation I could. Even ones I invented. You just plucked my heart string" I said.

"Do humans have those?' She asks.

"No, I'm being metaphorical, but it felt just like that. It's a good thing Tali."

Kasumi uncloaks "you two are so cute together."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!' I'm utterly shocked and accidentally screamed in Tali's ear. She gets up and my heart is racing. It's been a long time since I felt fear.

"Don't sneak up on me like that. You almost scared the crap out of me." I said.

"Wait… you didn't know I was here?" She asked.

"I was focusing on Tali. I don't like people watching when I'm being intimate." I don't know why I have a thing with PDA. I'm fine with everyone else doing it but I prefer doing it in private.

Kasumi says "well the rec room is a public space. If you don't want people watching, do it in your room."

Tali says "the couch is better at supporting us than his bed." Oh great Garrus just had to walk in when she said that.

"Is this a bad time? I can go back to doing calibrations." He said.

"Heyyy you're embracing it aren't you?" I said.

"Might as well. Have to give the fans what they want. What naughty business are we talking about?" He snickers.

"It's nothing like that. The arm provides back support to prop us up. If we try in on his bed we fall asleep." Tali said.

"Well, you do" I mention.

"We took a four-hour nap together once. You were awake the whole time?" Tali said.

"I loved holding you in my arms. You're an adorable sleeper. The mask makes her snores so cute!" I lightly tease.

"Garrus, will you be in your room for anytime soon?" Tali asked.

"Just clean up after you're done" he said.

"We are going to have to do it before. ********* I want to show you, my face." She said. Immediately my spine straightens, and I twist towards Tali.

"Really? You want to show me now?" I ask.

"I wanted to show you for a while, but things got in the way. It's time love." She said.

"Kasumi don't you dare follow us!" I warn.

"I know better than to incite your wrath." She said. Garrus steps aside. Tali takes me hand and lead me through the door. The tall turian pats me on the back just before the door slams shut. My heart is racing. I don't think it ever beats this hard even when I'm sprinting. My power generator is firing like crazy, and my action generator has no idea how to channel it. Tali's gloves provide a barrier from my sweaty hands. Oh cosmic consciousness, I feel so nervous.

We are in my room. I inundate the room with ozone to kill any bacteria then offer to convert myself into energy to minimize any reaction. Tali appreciates the offer but wants to build up a tolerance to my foreign proteins. A slight fever and mucus buildup is to be expected. She was warned since her mucus glands are underworked from never being exposed to pathogens, she'll likely have a headache until they stretch out. We both sit at the edge of my bed.

Tali reaches for her mask, then quickly retreats.

"I'm sorry. I'm just so nervous" she said.

I reply with a soothing voice "Hey. Hey.. hey… don't be. If you're not ready, then you don't have to. I love you enough to wait."

"I'm sure" her fingers go up to her mask. I stop her.

"No matter what, my love for you will never change. If you have hideous face tentacles it will just add disgust which I will learn to ignore." I said.

"You don't have to worry about that. Quarians look similar to humans. You're about to see."

Tali removes her mask. I finally get to see my amazing, spectacular, heart of gold woman. I can only see a portion of her face. The voice synthesizer blocks most of the lower face. I can see some of her hairline. Her eyes caught my attention. They are captivating. Wide and large like an owl. The shape and angle make her both cute and sexy, especially when her eyelids close slightly. Her irises are a deep ocean blue with rafts of purple.

"Well, what do you think?" She asks nervously.

I reach for her hand and run to my thumb along her long fingers.

"I'm really happy you trust me enough to show me" I smile.

"Thanks, but that's not what I meant… am I attractive to you?" Better not let her ego get too large.

"It's hard to tell, I'm unable to see everything. Could you remove your helmet?" She does so.

Oh

My

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!

"IWASWRONGMYFEELINGSARESOMUCHSTRONGERYOU'REFUCKINGGORGEOUS!"

Tali has the most beautiful sparkling black hair that I've ever seen. It reaches down just below her chin. Her lips are small and look so soft. She has the cutest little noise that fits with her v-shaped facial features. Her face is a bit flat, probably due to the soft diet.

"Really?" She excitedly asks.

"Tali, you're beautiful!" I yell. She's shocked.

"Honestly?" She asks. I grab both her hands.

"Tali, I have seen nature's beauty before it was touched by man. I've been to ice moons where I witnessed storms that reflected the light to produce colors in every direction. I've seen things in the energy realms that I can't describe, but you. Only you have made me feel like I could stare at you forever and will always need more" Tali closes her eyes and releases a laugh, relieved I'm so enamored by her.

"Oh God never stop smiling" I BEG her.

"I won't. I have to put the mask back on…"

"NOOOOO!"

"I know. I hate it too. I'll build up a tolerance and you can see more of me later" she explains. That's too long damn it! Ah fine.

"Before you do, could I kiss you?"

"Mordin and Doctor Chakwas said it's not a good idea. I'll need to build up a tolerance." Tali said. I have an idea. I kiss the tips of my pointer and middle fingers and hold them up to Tali. She slightly nods. I press them on her high cheekbone. Oh LORD her blushing is driving me crazy. Her smile is the last thing I see before that wall of purple blocks my view of my smoking hot girlfriend. Tali brought her fingers up to the vocal mouthpiece and pressed them on my left cheek. Returning the gesture. I love her.

Tali has captured my heart again, yet the weird thing is, I've seen women more beautiful than her, and I've been with them, but they never made me feel like how I'm with Tali. Not even my energy ex who I loved made me feel anything close to this. What's exactly happening? Don't care I'm going to enjoy it.