The soft early morning light gently arouses me from my slumber. My body is learning to attune itself to the natural cycles of Rannoch. Normally I'd wake up maybe half an hour before sunrise. It just happens. I used to sleep in as much as I can. In those days, I preferred the absence of my senses. It lessened the pain a great deal. Now though, I am going to love waking up in the early morning. My astral travels for the night are finished. The luxurious down comforter overnight formed a cocoon of Tali's and I's body heat. It's like my cells stopped wasting energy to heat themselves and gave me the best night's sleep ever, or was it beautiful wave curling up next to me? Tali is so so so SO cute! My subconscious knows it shouldn't dare send hypnic jerk and disturb my perfect morning routine. Tali's face is nuzzled into my collar bone. Her cute little nose crinkled against my relaxed muscles. Slowly and carefully, I scoot back to get a view of her serene sleeping smiles. My glance is cut short as Tali unconsciously pulls herself closer. I can stay like this for hours, and I do. Tali will wake up when she wants to and that is perfectly fine. We deserve to enjoy this.

As the sun rises higher and higher, the light from the windows gets brighter and brighter. My body remains motionless. My happy wife's scent smells so sweet. It is an addictive cross of a flower or sweet food. Whatever it is, my nostrils want to be filled with it forever. This is heaven right here. I'm definitely going to enjoy waking up every morning like this. I'm at peace. Hours pass by, Tali takes a deep breath in before slowly opening her eyes. She looks so beautiful even now. Bedhead is a new phenomenon for her, yet she makes it work. Tali pulls herself to my lips, giving me my morning smooch.

Tali says "good morning my cherished."

I reply "good morning my beautiful wife."

Tali asks "what time is it?"

I answer "it is nestling time."

Tali rests her head on my chest, my pecs acting as pillows for the side of her face. I brush her hair away from her face. It turns to brushing and gently pulling. Tali likes it when I pinch a few of her hairs and twists them. She says it feels good. We stay like this until her tummy rumbles. Crap. That's my alarm to get up. It's so hard leaving someplace so cozy, especially when there is a beautiful angel with you in heaven. The motivation of seeing Tali so excited to eat breakfast is the only way I can leave. In a flash, I change from sleepwear to the day's clothes. Jeans and a logo less short sleeve green shirt that makes my eyes pops.

Tali asks "you know you don't have to do that right?"

I answer "It's faster."

Tali says "Well yes… but I like watching you change clothes. It's so sexy."

I reply "like watching a present get unwrapped."

Tali says "exactly. What will you be making for me today?"

I say "Let me think." This is the fourth morning waking up in our house. The geth unit loaded the kitchen with all kinds of foods and ingredients along with a cookbook in the language of Tali's people. My reading skills in her language are rusty and it's easier for me to rely on my instincts if the recipe is simple. First morning we had pancakes that were way better than the ones I made with turian ingredients, and we had butter with syrup. The day after I made what resembles bacon but instead of strips, it is a sheet. It was cooked over a rack and underneath were hashbrowns to soak up the tasty fat. The potatoes here look exactly like the ones on Earth. The next morning, we tried the various fruits and veggies to see what we liked. Tali founds some berries which she became addicted to. They look like blueberries but yellow and insanely delicious. There was a fruit that looks like an orange but green like a lime and it has a sweet tasting lemon flavor with hint of lime. It's going to be my favorite. Sadly, there is no orange juice here. I'm going to miss that citrusy taste. I'm sure I'll find something else to replace it or if I get desperate enough, find artificial flavors and make it myself. Speaking of which, Today, Tali found these gallon jugs of some kind of syrup. She thought it was juice until she spat it out right over my countertops. I was distracted cleaning up something when I heard Tali coughing, she was already at the sink washing her mouth out. I asked her what happened, and she pointed to the small what I assume glass of juice. I tried it and the flavor was overwhelmingly strong. My front teeth became a scrapper for the overloading elixir in my mouth.

I explain "This is weird. This must be a syrup or concentrate."

Tali asks "what does that mean?"

I explain "We are supposed to dilute this in the right amount of water. This will last us a very long time. I'll get some glasses." the large drinking glasses will do fine. I didn't read the label, but I think one spoon full of enough water to fill to the top will be enough. We try again and It's good. Both of our taste buds are sensitive to everything we try. I barely used them for quarrian food and my dopamine receptors light up like Vegas and of course Tali is used to the very dull flavors of her nutrient pastes.

After we finish our meal, I watch Tali put away the dishes. Source, Thank the perverts for putting dishwashers on the floor. Tali is slightly creeped out when I watch her put away the dishes. She assumes I'm making sure she does it correctly and to be fair, she needs guidance. The main thing she keeps forgetting plates go on the bottom while cups and bowl on top. All of a sudden, Tali gasps, turning around with her jaw dropped. I've been caught.

Tali says "you're letting me use the dishwasher because I know how much I love working with machines."

…

"Whatever makes you happy."

Tali rushes over to hug me "you are the best husband ever."

A tiny part of me feels guilty for letting her think this, but I'm under no obligation to reveal the full truth. After breakfast, Tali puts on her visor and we take a morning walk around the property. She wants to wait until her immune system is adapted to indoor conditions before going outside for very long. To expedite the process, I hope, I went back in time one day at a time until the trees started to pollinate. I collected a small sample and doubled it, doubled it, and continued until we have enough. I've explained to Tali how the deep roots collect trace minerals from the ground, and this has a lot of things that should be beneficial to quarian bodies like my world's trees. It also contains adaptogens which work with the endocrine system which has a side effect of a light aphrodisiac. I wonder if this is nature's way to tell the animals, time to start bumping uglies. Soon. soon.

As we walk, I ask Tali "what do you want to do today?"

Tali says "I think it's time to get out and explore. I want to go to town and get some real clothes so I can finally be out of this suit."

I tell Tali "you don't have to."

Tali says "I want to. Besides, it can't be that comfortable sleeping next to me in this."

I say "I can learn to ignore it, but you're right. We should get you some clothes. The geth unit gave us a lot of coins which I can always copy."

Tali comments "It's so weird we have to carry these with us and exchange it for stuff."

I reply "that's what it was like for most of human history and in my time."

Tali says "They are neat to look at. All the little details. The larger ones are more valuable right?"

I say "not necessarily. Depends on what they are made off. Dimes are smaller than nickels but worth more."

Tali asks "were they made of a rarer material?"

I explain "dimes used to be until they switched. Tali, I know you want to go shopping, but I worry it might be too soon."

Tali says "I think my immune system can handle a few strangers. It will just be the one store."

I reply "I'm worried about how the people will react to you with your suit. I don't think they'll take kindly to your people so soon."

Tali asks "Why? We're all quarians."

I explain "They are afraid you are moving there will change things and ruin it. It nearly happened to my hometown when a bunch of out of staters moved in. If we are to go, we need to blend in."

Tali remembers "I have that dress Kara gave me. I can wear that, and you can cut your jeans and shirt to fit better when you are a quarian. Speaking of which, I contacted our old friends and invited them over. Isn't it exciting!"

I'm happy Tali is so ecstatic, but worried about the awkwardness that's going to happen. Roan knows about my light body, while he doesn't understand it, he's definitely afraid of it. Did he tell his wife? What would he even tell her? Would she believe him? I'd love to see them again. It would be nice to have a couple who can teach us how to live in their world. How many days is a week or a month here. When are the holidays and what are they celebrating? The local laws and customs. So much we'll have to learn. Guess we take it one day at a time I suppose.

"Alright. My wife needs clothes, so we'll go. I'll get ready now. No one is around so we can change here. I take off my pants and shirt. Tali moans. Love that sound. I transform into my quarian form. Tali helps free me from the suit. Her cheeks burn a bright red as she strips me down.

I joke "I get the feeling you like quarian me better."

Tali says "I like both. It feels like I'm dating two men. A sexy muscular human and a thin dignified quarian."

I ask "about that. It will take years of going to the gym to get this body muscular. Would you mind if I didn't do that?"

Tali says "as long as you take your human form when I'm in the mood. Now turn around and no peeking."

My jaw drops "you can't tell me you don't want your husband to look at his beautiful naked wife in the soft morning light!"

Tali says "It's not about that. But I know once you see what's under here, you won't be able to control yourself and we are waiting for after the wedding. It won't be long. We could have it here."

I say "That sounds perfect. We'll talk to Kara and Roan about what we have to do to make it official and find a schedule that works for everyone."

Tali forces me to turn around "It will be worth it. Now let me unbuckle this, unzip that, keep your eyes off me, ok I'm done." Tali looks so pretty in her dark green dress. Tali starts to shiver. The first time she's ever have. It is a little cold out in the field.

Tali chattering her teeth makes out "what is this? Is this the vibrations you talk about?"

I laugh "no. your muscles are contracting to produce heat to warm you up."

Tali says "I don't like this. What do I do?"

I take pity on her and produce a coat for her to wear. She starts to warm up as we walk to the shuttle. Tali will drive since she has used shuttles more than me. I feel uncomfortable and a little sexist for not liking her driving. I know Tali's a good driver, I'm worried about the accidents that can happen from flying cars. What the hell is the speed limit in the air? Rules of the road or… skylane? I ask Tali to take it slow and to park a way out of town so people won't see us. I bet they'll think we are geth performing maintenance or something.

Tali finds a hill close to town we can park behind. Around the mound of dirt we go and proceed to the sidewalk. Tali wonders where we should go. Her omni tool won't be able to provide directions of the nearest clothes store. I tell Tali to follow me. I lead the way by following the crowd. Don't think about that too hard. Whenever I go somewhere new, I copy whoever is next to me until I learn the way of the land. Tali is fascinated by all the stores. I'm forced to keep a close eye on her. If I wasn't holding her hand, she would have crossed the street and get hit. Huh… when we first arrived, we were in a covered wagon pulled by a geth, but this town has motorized cars that appear electric and streetlights. Did Legion make us believe their technology was less advanced to trick the Reapers into ignoring them? I won't be getting an answer to that question.

Tali is mesmerized by every shop we pass by. The local hardware store, a barber shop, an antique store, we then find a large brown building at 10 O'clock, surrounded by several dozen cars. Tali asks "what do you think that is?"

I said "looks like a mall. They usually have clothing stores there."

Tali is excited and would have run there like a teen with their first credit card. We pass by a park on our way. I suggest we should have lunch there afterwards. I point out a food truck.

Tali asks "is that sanitary?"

I say "yeah and for some reason it's usually always really good. Come on let's stop there first."

Tali says "But I want to get the good clothes before they are taken."

I explain "They will likely have more in the backrooms and besides I don't want us to have to put our bags down to eat."

Tali, skeptical of the sustenance on wheels provider "I don't know."

I pull her away "come on. This is what we fought for." With that Tali follows. We patiently wait in line. Tali reads the menu, she has no idea what any of these dishes are and there are no pictures. When it's time for us to order, I ask "what's the most popular item?"

The truck owner tells us a dish which I can not pronounce is a big hit. I ask for two. He asks for money. Paper money isn't used on Rannoch. I guess and give him 5 of the biggest coins we own. The owner looks down at it with a funny look "that's way too much." YES!

Come up with something technically true "My hand is funny and it was easier for me. Will you please give my wife the remainder?"

He says "Yeah, no sweat. Name?"

I said "Zorah."

The food truck owner shouts to his employee "two of the daily specials for Mr. and Mrs. Zorah."

Tali uncontrollably grins. We find a park bench in the sun and wait. Tali says "Mr. Zorah?"

I explain "I figured it would be better to take your name since it sounds quarian and it's going to be famous."

Tali asks "isn't the wife supposed to take the husband's last name?"

I explain "usually because it lets everyone know who is going to beat you up if you try anything on her, but no one else knows who I am so there is no point."

Tali asks "do you feel insecure about taking my family name?"

I reply "Tali I came from a world where no matter what you do, they will nag you on anything and everything, then keep nagging if you do what they asked. They only cared about guilt-tripping and attacking your sense of worth, so you'll do more and more, and I've become numb to that crap."

Tali says "That sounds terrible. I hope this world isn't like yours."

I said "well after learning how bad things got here, I hope they learned their lesson and won't have to repeat it. Honestly, I feel a little relieved I can start a life here. While I know this world isn't going to be perfect, I just want it to be normal. What it is supposed to be. No people hating each other for irrelevant crap to cause division or fighting over useless nonsense."

Tali says "if this isn't what we want, I'm sure we can talk to the Admirals and form a government to create what we deserve."

I reply "That reminds me, I have to give them the updated constitution."

Tali asks "updated constitution?"

I explain "Yeah. My government had a sacred legal document about what the government was not allowed to do, until they slowly started to ignore it. Anyway, it talked about people should be able to say whatever they want, believe whatever religion, right to defend yourself. My version puts the right to own, build, carry, purchase weapons and any modifications without the government interfering at the top. Second is freedom of speech and religion. Innocent till proven guilty, etc. Then there is other stuff like fiat money is illegal and how the government cannot force citizens to house and feed soldiers, prisoners, or illegal immigrants."

Tali asks "they would never demand you to keep prisoners in your own home."

I said "they will when they refuse to build more prisons but still want the cheap 'community service' and they'll try making us home illegal immigrants, so they'll vote for the politicians who let them in the first place."

Tali says "they tried that?"

I said "they were desperate to remain in power. Let's not talk about it. I want to leave my past in the past."

Tali says "Ok. I'll take to my father and auntie and make sure it doesn't happen here. After we eat, I want to walk around that fountain over there. I love those."

I reply "me too." The food is done and it's some kind of bowl white a white sauce drizzled over it. I rarely switch bodies, but on the occasions when I do, my tastes buds change with it so I have no idea what this body will like. The dish is just alright. Tali is enjoying it. I offer her my remainder. She asks if I'm sure and I am. Now that I notice, Tali seems a little too skinny. Not anorexic, but she needs to gain weight.

When we are finished, Tali is unsure of what to do with the trash. I show her the garbage can and then we proceed to the mall. We're at the transparent glass doors. My funny wife accidentally slams into the door. I know I shouldn't laugh but that was so funny. The crack was so loud, I thought I popped something.

Tali rubs her head, picks herself off the concrete pathway "OW! Why didn't the door open? Is it broken?"

I demonstrate "these are handles you have to pull open."

Tali says "They don't open automatically?"

I said "I bet some do but you'll have to pay close attention. Are you alright?"

Tali says "I will be."

I stand on the tips of my toes and kiss her wound. The gentleman in me opens the door and Tali thanks me. As we enter the mall, I realize how big everything looks. I am tall for a human but I shrunk down quite a bit to be near Tali's height. I think I'm half an inch taller than her, but I am not sure. Maybe I should get clothes too! Alot of design options will open up for me.

Tali immediately fines the clothes store and drags me in. She is like a kid in the candy store. The store greeter welcomes her, and Tali asks where the women's section is. It's in the back right area of the store. We walk together and take in the alien JCPenney. Tali asks me "where am I supposed to try things on?"

I explain "there are changing rooms. You'll take the clothes in with you and try them on. Go find something you like and get multiple of them of different sizes then we'll find out what you are. Tali, please find something that fits and not what is the smallest.

Tali browses the items, grabbing anything that catches her eye, which is a lot for like 10 minutes before she goes in. I sit on a bench and wait while she tries on clothes. Tali has no sense of fashion and tries on the weirdest combinations of clothing. Yellow pants with a brown dress shirt. My facial reactions tell her it is a no go. Next, she comes out with the same yellow pants and a long-sleeved red shirt. Little bit of fast food vibes but it's getting better. This next outfit makes me belly laugh.

Tali ask "what's so funny?" She wears a long indigo dress which reaches her heels. It's short sleeve but Tali makes up for that with long white gloves which extend past the elbow. To top it off, she wears a sunhat.

It's hard to stop laughing "you look like a princess."

Tali excitedly says "Really!? This is coming home with us. Am I forgetting anything?"

I ask "like what?"

Tali asks "isn't there supposed to be something under the clothes?"

Under the clothes? … Oh underwear. Wait, she is free balling it right now?

I tell her "We'll have to get you underwear and their socks that are thigh high. Tali, make sure to get shorts and short sleeve shirts for when it's hot out."

Tali says "It feels so uncomfortable showing so much skin."

I say "I get it, but there is something called hot girl summer I don't want to be taken from me. Wait till you try on a bikini."

Tali responds "umm... maybe a one piece. I would like to try swimming. It's something I've always wanted to do."

That reminds me "I'll build a flow rider in the backyard. It's like an artificial wave that's super fun to ride with a board."

Tali says "I'll have to look that up but I believe you. Go find me a some of those and I'll try it, but make sure no one else is out there when I do. Promise?"

I repeat "Promise."

Tali tries on so many different clothes not sure what to get. At first it was fun seeing in her in all kinds of different outfits. Some I really liked. But it loses its appeal when I've been sitting down for over an hour. I ask her "why don't you get what you like?"

Tali says "I don't know what to pick. I'm trying stuff on and seeing which you like the most. That pile are the ones that make your eyes wider."

I hit the jackpot of a wife "That's so sweet. How about this? For every outfit to make me happy, get one that you like or feels comfortable. You can wear it around the house if we don't plan on going anywhere. Deal?"

Tali tosses a shirt over the privacy doors "Deal. Oh Ancestors, I made a mess. I hope the shopworkers won't be mad at me."

I look around "Based on how much we are buying I don't think they will care. Put what you don't want away. There's a bin right here for that."

Tali exits the changing room wearing the green dress she came in. My beautiful wife bends down to pick up a blue top she's about to discard.

I stop her "Na uh uh. That one's coming home with us."

Tali asks "Really? You like this one? But your eyes squinted."

The beast within says "Because I was imagining ripping it off of you."

Tali coos "Oooo… I like that."

I order Tali "AND MAKE SURE it goes with those white torn jean shorts."

Shopping for me is easy. I'm a dude. I just have to touch everything and it's mine forever. I'll see what my size is later. I want to get back home and enjoy the rest of the day. We should call everyone and let them know how our vacation is going. Life here is normal, but there is a whole galaxy recovering from the onslaught of the Reapers, not to mention the council is breaking up. It sounds like many of the non-citadel races will be joining this new federation, but I suspect the asari and turians will retaliate somehow. My guess is embargos or tariffs as the asari control the mass relays, but that could start another war which (they'll think) the Reapers will come back after they weaken themselves. It sucks it takes a boogeyman for the various to get along, but it's what this galaxy needs. This is all stuff future us will have to worry about. We are going home. My lovely wife twirls around, happy to have her very own wardrobe. Her joy is radiating. It makes up for the soreness these noodle arms are going to feel carrying these shopping bags all the way back to the shuttle. The pain will be worth the pleasure. Once we get home, I'll make Tali put on the blue top and those jean shorts and I am going to rip them to shreds.