Chapter 2 - Fireworks

Williams was waiting for him at the Armax Arena down in the athletes' area of the combat simulator and, by the time he arrived, she was already kitted up and ready to go. And, Dios, she looked good in her armour, all trim and taut and deadly.

"Lieutenant Vega." Her voice was crisp and clear.

James had to resist the urge to snap to attention. "Williams. So, how do we do this?"

She grinned, as if she'd read his mind. "I suggest I go in first and show you how it's done. Then, you can have a go and afterwards we'll compare scores."

"Suits me." He shrugged. "Are we going for Elites?"

"Sure." She raised an eyebrow. "Foot Soldiers are hardly a challenge for N7 personnel, don't you think? What do you fancy? Geth? Or would you like to kick some Cerberus ass?"

James grinned. "Cerberus, of course. Can't hurt to get some practice."

They picked a scenario, nothing too complicated, just the basic Spin Zone.

"I want to see you in action, remember?" She threw him a suggestive glance. "Can't do that if you're hiding behind a rock all the time."

"You can watch me all you want, Williams, when it's my turn." He indicated the doorway to the arena with a tilt of his head. "But, first I want a look."

She departed, her lips set in a firm line. Only minutes later, she showed up in the arena, and the signal announced the first opponents. James looked on with rapt attention as she dispatched wave after wave of attackers. Soon, a small crowd had gathered in the spectator stands. It was rare to see a contestant take on Elite troops all by themselves. All around him there were excited whispers. Ash Williams. - The Spectre. - I think she's going for Gold today. Like everyone else, James kept a close eye on her score but, when the last virtual opponent went down, a collective sigh of disappointment went up. 5920 points. She'd missed winning a Gold Prize by a hair's breadth.

Still, it had been more than impressive. Quickly, he suited up and met her just as she left the changing rooms, but he didn't waste time on more teasing. Once inside the arena, he focussed on the task at hand, facing the incoming enemy troops with grim determination.

It was hard. He'd gone for Elites before, but always with a buddy at his side, never on his own. More than once he had to get creative to escape their crossfire and, at one point, only a strategically placed flash grenade saved his virtual life. Yet, when the signal sounded, he was pretty sure he'd racked up an impressive score. After a brief delay, the number appeared on the screen. 5915 points. He cursed but, at the same time, he felt a grin rise to his face. That's a decent score. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Williams greeted him with a grin of her own. "That was some fine shooting! I've never gotten this close to being beaten."

"Well, I'm honoured." On impulse, he reached for the controls again. "What do you say, Williams? One more together? As a team?"

"By all means." She looked just as flushed and excited as he was. "Give us another scenario, though. The Pain Train."

"Got it." He felt a little tired, but he'd be damned if he was going to pass up this chance to fight at her side.

The Pain Train deserved its name. Phantoms and Nemeses lurked behind every corner, and twice he failed to take out Combat Engineers before they could set up their turrets. They lost valuable time taking out the blasted things. But, then they found a good place to barricade themselves in and Williams pulled out her sniper rifle. At least ten Guardians were coming at them, flanked by Troopers and two Centurions. Dicey.

But, to his surprise, Williams laughed out loud. "Okay, Vega. You get rid of the others and leave the tin men to me."

He hesitated for a second, but he trusted her to know what she was doing. While he dispatched the Troopers, she calmly raised her rifle and took aim. It was unbelievable. One by one the Guardians went down, each taken out by an exact headshot straight through the opening in their shields. James had never seen shooting like this. Of course, he did his share, too and, by the time the wave had passed, the kill streak bonuses had added up to a dizzying number. Williams dropped her rifle and got out her shotgun to help him with the last centurion, and then they were done.

The arena's ranks were packed with spectators by now, waiting with bated breath for their score. They both stared up at the column, willing it to come up with the number. And, there it was. 6375 points. A Gold Score.

Whooping triumphantly, he grabbed Williams by the waist and spun her around once, ignoring her protests. "We did it. Man, that was some fight."

"True." She beamed back at him. "Meet you outside."

They emerged from the changing rooms, freshly showered and flushed with victory.

"Hey, Williams…" James took a deep breath, but she interrupted him.

"Ashley. It's Ashley, or Ash if you want, James." Her hair was still wet, and with her rosy cheeks she looked delectable, as if she'd just-

"Ash." He forced himself to focus. "Let's celebrate. I'd take you out for sushi, but seeing as the restaurant is still being repaired…"

She shook her head. "Not in the mood for sushi anyway. I could do with a nice, juicy steak."

"I'd whip us up a meal in a heartbeat, if I had a proper kitchen." He made a face.

"But, I do." There was a moment's hesitation before she spoke, but then she went on with more assurance. "I have an apartment. Well, technically it's my sister's, but she's gone to stay with our mom." She tilted her head to the side. "What do you say? I provide the kitchen, you make us dinner?"

Oh yes, I can do that. And after dinner… His heart beat faster at the thought. "Sounds like a plan. Let's get going."

Going shopping together turned out to be far more fun than Ashley had anticipated. While James took his time comparing steaks with a critical eye and selecting spices from the rack, she found a bottle of decent red wine and some lettuce and tomatoes. She wasn't much of a cook, but at least she could make sure their meal contained a few vitamins, too. They kept up their banter all the while, teasing each other with the promise of more until the air between them fairly crackled with tension.

A quick taxi ride later, they stood at the door to her apartment. James was loaded with shopping bags and she was fumbling with the door seal, feeling inexplicably clumsy. Finally, it opened, and they stepped inside.

James glanced around the tiny three-room apartment. "Your sister's place, you said?"

She nodded. "Her name's Sarah. She's been living with my mom, ever since her husband… didn't come back."

"I'm sorry. It must be tough." A brief shadow crossed his face. "It's cosy, you know. I like it here."

Ashley snorted. "Not quite as fancy as Shepard's place, but it should do."

He was right, though. Sarah had made a real effort when she and Tom had moved in, and the apartment, while small, was nicely decorated and felt homey.

She motioned for James to follow her into the kitchen, and he did so without another word, setting to work immediately. After a few minutes, he raised his head, tilted it to the side as if he was deep in thought, and then activated his omni-tool.

"All right if I put some music on?" He smiled at her over the sink where she was busy washing the lettuce.

"Sure." She smiled back tentatively and soon they were both swaying in time to a rhythmic Samba beat.

Ashley had never enjoyed housework but, preparing this simple meal, side by side with him, was the most peaceful and relaxing thing she'd done in a long time. While the steaks were sizzling in the pan, she set the table for two, placed salad and bread on the checkered cloth, and uncorked the wine. They sat down together, raising their glasses for a toast and then tucked in.

It was delicious. Maybe she'd simply worked up a good appetite in the arena, but Ashley honestly couldn't remember ever having enjoyed a meal so much. Her steak was juicy and succulent, just as well-cooked as she liked it, the salad was crispy and fresh, and the wine complemented the food perfectly.

And, of course, there was James, who kept his eyes on her all the time, full of warmth and affection and desire. James in his tight shirt, his freshly-scrubbed skin damp from the heat of the stove, his powerful body deceptively relaxed. Heat gathered in her stomach. There was only one way this night could end.

When they'd finished, he got up and carried the dishes over to the sink, rinsing them with care. She leaned back and stretched in her chair with a long yawn, revelling in the pleasant indolence that came after a good fight and a good meal. Just then, he glanced back over his shoulder and caught her movement.

He swallowed. "Ash. You look amazing."

She was about to protest automatically, pointing out that sweatpants and a ratty shirt were hardly the most attractive outfit on her, but then their eyes met and what she could read in his made her swallow in turn. Pushing back her chair, she jumped to her feet. Moments later, she was behind him, moulding her body against his, drawing a deep groan from him.

"James." She trailed a finger up his back, following the curve of his spine.

The moment she touched the bare skin of his neck, she felt it again. Sparks. A rush of feeling, of want, of need. He moaned again, rocking back against her.

She was done waiting. "Damn it, James, get your hands out of the water and on me. Now!"

He spun around and without bothering to dry off, took hold of her, pulling her close as his lips met hers. This time, they were both sober enough to notice details, even though they'd both had a little wine. She could taste it on his tongue, together with the spices he'd used. Her fingers traced the scars on his face, comparing their texture to the surrounding skin, to the stubble on his cheeks, to the softness of his lips. His arms were tight around her, and he was so warm!

When they pulled apart to gasp for air, she nearly whined at the loss of his mouth. Rubbing herself shamelessly against him, she practically begged for more with her whole body. Hitching her leg up on his waist, he ground back into her, just as eager.

"Dios, Ash." He was panting. "Do you want to do this here, in the kitchen?"

"Not really." She kissed him again, clinging to his shoulders. "Bedroom. Next door."

"Aye, ma'am." His cheeky grin couldn't hide the raw need in his voice as he picked her up bodily and carried her over to the door, kicking it open without hesitation.

Seconds later, her back hit the mattress and she wiggled out of her clothes, watching with avid fascination as he chucked off his shirt and pants.

When his briefs came off, she gave a long, slow whistle of appreciation. "Damn it, Vega. You certainly have what it takes to make a girl happy."

"If you say so." He smiled, a little self-consciously. "I swear I'll do my best to please you."

She lay back with a happy sigh as he made good on this promise, slowly and methodically, his hands and lips everywhere on her body until she was ready for him. Not that it took much effort. She'd been wet for him ever since the meal had started, and seeing him naked made her want him even more. It wasn't long before she lost patience and pushed against his shoulder to make him roll over, and then straddled him in a swift move.

"Ash…" There was a tremor in his voice as he took hold of her hips and lifted her carefully. "Okay?" It was the barest whisper, but he waited patiently for her nod before lowering her down on his hard shaft.

He felt good inside her, incredibly good, and it only got better as he pushed deeper and deeper, his hand on her lower back. She closed her eyes and focussed on her other senses, breathing in his scent, listening to his gasps and moans, feeling his skin on hers, the soft glide of his flesh in hers. They started slowly, but they picked up speed soon, both of them too worked up to draw it out.

James let her set the pace for the longest time. Only at the very end, when she was already clenching around him, whining with pleasure, did he take control, holding her tight and thrusting up hard. Through the haze of her own orgasm she heard and felt him come apart, completely and utterly helpless in her arms. It filled her with a heady sense of triumph to see him like this and, at the same time, a warm rush of affection washed all over her. James. So sweet.

He stayed the whole night. In between the bouts of love-making, they talked; about their families, their beliefs, their past. And then they slept, with James' body curled around her like a massive wall, protecting her from the world and its vagaries. She woke before him and she watched him for a few minutes, enjoying the peaceful look his sleeping face. It was far too early to even think about big words like love, but somehow she didn't think this was just a fling.

When he got ready to leave, after a quick breakfast, she glanced up at him, a question in her eyes. "Well?"

James took a moment to answer. "You know where I'm going and what we're about to face. You know I can't stay. But, if I may…" He inhaled deeply. "I would like to give you a call whenever I'm around, check in with you."

She nodded, unable to speak.

"And maybe, once all this is over, when the Reapers are gone-" He broke off. "I want to believe we have a future then, Ash. I very much want to believe it."

"So do I." She watched him go with a sinking heart, until he turned and flashed her a quick smile.

"I'll be back, Ash. A few Reapers won't stop me. Remember, no brakes."

Hugs and thanks to suilven for betaing this for me. This story was written for the Mass Effect Flash Big Bang 2014, and Calypso created a wonderful picture to go with it. Thank you so much!