6/23/14: Just swinging by here to ask people to please take note of the date this story was published. It was well before ME3 even came out, so the contents of the third game and how the whole "Reaper" thing was actually resolved, and who actually died, are completely irrelevant here.

On another note, I am also fairly certain this story will not be completed, at least not anytime in the near future. Yeah, sorry. I am writing on a different account for a different fandom (struggle with the muse there, too, heh). I have considered taking this story down, but for now I will leave it up if there are still people interested in coming back to it.

-Disclaimer: BioWare owns Mass Effect stuff-

Hi there! First fanfic... be scared.

This story is about love and happiness. Enough to make you sick of it (hopefully not, though).

Members of the Normandy team will appear occasionally, but the focus is completely on Shepard and Tali.

Finally, there is really no point to this story, at least for now, except Shepard and Tali loving each other silly and I have some fun chapters planned for later when they're running around town.

Warning: In case you didn't get the message from the summary, there will be sex. It's detailed so if that stuff makes you cringe, this story probably isn't for you. My apologies.

The sleek white limousine pulled smoothly up to the entrance of one of the most expensive hotels in Ilium. It hovered briefly before setting down on the landing platform.

A sharply dressed asari stepped out from the driver's seat, approached the door in the back, and opened it vertically.

A tall, handsome human man stepped out, dressed in a black tuxedo with a black bow around his neck and a white collared shirt underneath.

He straightened his jacket before turning and held out his hand.

A feminine three-fingered hand appeared from the depths of the vehicle, gloved as the rest of her body and wrapped in a white and gold cloth. It placed itself in the human's palm.

As soon as their hands touched they wrapped around each other, possessive.

The man assisted his quarian bride out of the limousine and couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face when he looked at her.

The beautiful cloth ran along her arms, connecting to the hood pulled over her head and flowed down her back where it wrapped around her legs. It was similar to her original purple one, but had a bit more flourish to it.

Her glowing eyes took in their surroundings, flickering in every direction, before looking back at the man holding her hand. Only he could see the smile on her face, even through the purple mask.

The man glanced at their driver. "Thank you, Valeesha."

She smiled. "You are most welcome. Call me whenever you need to go somewhere." The asari bowed respectfully, then closed the car door, got in, and drove off.

The quarian was still looking at the human.

"Shepard, let's go inside."

"Okay, Tali- hey wait." She'd started to walk forward but he held tight to her hand, then let go, squared his shoulders, and presented his elbow. Tali tilted her head to the side.

Shepard sighed, "Humor the poor human."

She almost rolled her eyes at him, but obliged and slipped her hand around his arm. "As you wish, Captain."

They walked towards the hotel. "I should correct myself," he said, pulling her close to his side. "I am not a poor human."

Tali's helmet swiveled towards his face, his eyes sparkling as he gazed down at her. "I am the luckiest man alive."

She held his arm tighter.

Inside the lobby a salarian wearing the hotel uniform spotted them and quickly approached the couple.

"Ah, our special guests. You needn't worry. Our staff has been ordered to keep word of your arrival completely nonexistent. Your luggage has already been delivered to your room. We pride ourselves in our customer satis-"

Shepard cut him off. "Thank you... Prelim," he said, glancing at the nametag. "But we're very tired and would like to retire to our room."

"Right this way," said the salarian, completely nonplused. He was like most salarians: fast talking and quick thinking.

He led them across the rather empty lobby.

Shepard had managed to keep a relatively low profile on Rannoch after the Reaper war, as most races were still reluctant to enter what had been geth space for three centuries. So it wasn't common knowledge to non-quarians that he was now married, and his honeymoon destination had been kept strictly on a need-to-know basis.

Liara T'Soni had done a good job of getting them through Ilium without a gaggle of crazed fans waiting around every corner. They knew it wouldn't last long, however, as the savior of the galaxy was a difficult person to hide.

But tonight it would be just the two of them.

They reached the opposite side of the lobby and approached an elevator door.

"This is your private elevator. It will take you directly to the top. Both of you have already been given clearance and the doors will open automatically for you." The salarian nodded to them and left promptly, smart enough to get the hint that the newlyweds wanted to be alone.

Sure enough, the doors opened swiftly for them and they stepped inside. As soon as the doors shut the elevator began its ascent to the one floor it was designed to move to.

Tali snickered.

"What?"

"Did you really say 'retire to our room'?"

Shepard grinned. "I was trying to be professional."

They stared at each other for a moment, smiling.

Suddenly Shepard dropped Tali's hand and, before she could protest, swept her off her feet and into his arms.

"Sh-Shepard," Tali squealed.

"I got you," Shepard whispered, smiling lovingly down at her.

Tali wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her helmet against his chest. "And I got you."

Shepard gently rocked her, lazily twisting his spine from side to side, humming with the elevator music, which was rather pleasant for once.

Tali brought a hand to his face where she cupped his jaw and turned it to her. He stopped humming as he rested his forehead against her mask and they stared into each other's eyes.

"I love you, Tali."

"I love you, too, Shepard."

The human and quarian had been through so much together. On the first Normandy they became close friends, a simple but strong bond of trust. When Shepard came back from the dead and they expressed their true feelings that bond grew even stronger.

In the long fight against the Reapers they had pulled each other through hell multiple times, held each other close when all seemed lost. The things they had gone through left little doubt in their minds that they were inseparable, one could not exist without the other. And they were truly and completely infatuated with one another.

Shepard thought about the surprise he had waiting in their room. I hope Kasumi pulled through for me...

The universally slow elevator speed didn't bother the two, content to simply hold each other. That is, until they reached the top and entered the decontamination chamber. The realization that it was their wedding night was swiftly reinforced.

The two had not been together since before the Omega 4 Relay. Tali slept in Shepard's cabin at his insistence. She would occasionally take off her mask to kiss him, and with a medical plan carefully set up and monitored by Mordin, she had grown more accustomed to Shepard. The sickness that followed was significantly milder than the first time. However, with the Reapers on the attack there was never time for anything more intimate as the risk was too great.

Now the threat was gone and nothing stood in the way. No geth, Collectors, Reapers. Just a man and a woman, their love, and an entire lifetime to spend together.

But tonight felt like the first time.

"You can, um, put me down now, Shepard," Tali said quietly.

Shepard smiled reassuringly at her, picking up on the nervous sound in her voice. "Not yet. Did you take your medication?"

"Of course."

The decontamination cycle finished and the door to their room opened promptly, allowing them to enter the spacious entryway. Large windows in the walls that went from floor to ceiling and door-less openings allowed Shepard to get an idea of what their room had to offer. He could make out a pool, workout room, kitchen, and-other things that he suddenly didn't notice when Tali wiggled in his arms.

He made his way over to one of the rooms that he couldn't see inside of. Had to be the bedroom.

He hugged Tali a little tighter. This needs to be perfect.

"Close your eyes, Tali."

She fixed him with what was probably a very confused glare.

She hesitated a moment longer, but complied and Shepard watched the glowing eyes disappear.

"Keep them closed," he said as he entered their dimly lit bedroom. He took in the sight quickly.

Wow, Kasumi. You outdid yourself.

He remembered the long, awkward discussions he'd had with the thief as they planned this out. At least, it was awkward for Shepard; Kasumi was beside herself with how romantic it was. And it had been a nightmare trying to transport the damn things without Tali catching on, let alone trying to keep them in the same shape as he'd found them.

The items had been delivered and placed in the room by the hotel staff, but it would never be set up in the way Shepard wanted and he needed someone he trusted to take care of the details before he and his bride arrived. Shepard foolishly worried about security. Kasumi was insulted. Really, Shepard, it's a hotel for crying out loud. Don't worry, it will be perfect for her.

It was perfect. Now he just needed to do his part.

Shepard took a deep breath then gently set Tali's feet on the floor, careful to keep her facing away from the inside of the room.

"Are you okay, Shepard?"

"Keep your eyes closed."

She stifled a frustrated groan. Then she felt something nudge her helmet and her eyes flew open. All she saw was Shepard's face, leaning close, then realized he was about to remove her mask.

"Eyes, Tali."

"But, Shepard..." she whined.

"Trust me."

Whenever he used those two words, she could not help but obey.

Shepard gently loosened the helmet; a hiss from the airlocks signaled its release.

Besides trying to surprise her, Shepard had Tali close her eyes because he knew from experience that she would want to leap all over him and he'd lose control of himself. Control he was desperately going to need chained down if this was to go the way he wanted.

Shepard took a moment to gaze at her face, always awestruck by the beauty of it. While she adjusted to the new sensations her nose twitched slightly, obviously catching on to the strong, pleasant aroma coming from behind her.

He reluctantly looked away and quickly searched the room for a specific item, found it, then returned to face Tali.

Shepard cleared his throat, unconsciously shifting his feet. He was new to this whole romantic thing. The soldier in him rarely stepped down. "Okay, open your eyes. But don't turn around," he added quickly.

Tali peeled them open to find Shepard standing in front of her again, a hand hidden behind his back. His body language caught her attention.

He'd been looking at her intently, but when she returned the gaze he swiftly lowered his eyes to stare at his feet, which were shuffling in the carpet floor.

Keelah... he's nervous! Tali had never seen him like this. It tugged at her heartstrings and made her want to wrap her arms around him. She managed to hold back, but her eyebrows rose slightly when he spoke, his tone confirming her suspicions.

"I, uh..." He cleared his throat, unable to meet Tali's eyes, and tried again, "When we were on Rannoch I managed to, err, sneak away from you for a day and I found... something that you might like." No, that doesn't sound right. "What I mean is, there was this meadow and I was reminded of you when... well..."

"John..." Tali whispered. She rarely used his first name, a habit that was surprisingly difficult to break. But when she did there was something incredibly intimate about it, and it sent pleasant chills down Shepard's spine.

He looked so... human, as the case was. He was always set up as the strong, confident hero. An impenetrable rock.

It made him even more handsome, dressed up as he was in his tuxedo, the dim lighting of the room sending shadows to caress his face in ways she could only dream of.

He finally looked up at Tali and didn't say another word as he brought his hand out from behind his back.

Tali gasped.

It was a white flower. A human might call it a rose, but it had a definite alien look to it. Large, bushy petals flared around the top. The base of the petals were stained with a dark purple that led to four thick purple leaves curling out and back down toward the distinct black stem.

"I had Mordin look at it. He mentioned a lot of technical things about quarian reactions to Rannoch's plants but... He ran some tests, cleaned it, said it was perfectly safe. He even designed a special case for it."

Tali took the offered flower in her hands, brought it to her nose and inhaled deeply. A blissful sigh escaped her.

Shepard finally found the words he'd meant to say. "When I first saw it, the leaves were straight up and covering the bud, like a mask. I was merely curious at first, but as I approached I caught little glimpses of what lay beneath and became completely entranced. And then it blossomed right before my eyes." Tali's gaze flicked from the flower to Shepard, hanging on his every word.

"Beautiful, strong, confident." He paused for a moment, letting it sink in. "It reminded me of you."

Shepard saw the look that flashed through her glowing eyes and knew he needed to act fast to stall her a bit longer.

"And that's not the only surprise."

Tali had been ready to leap into his arms and couldn't imagine what would top this special gift. His eyes traveled away from hers to look over her shoulder.

She turned her head to follow Shepard's gaze. What she saw out of the corner of her eye caused her whole body to snap around.

"I think I mentioned something about a meadow."

White and purple flower wreaths were strung across the ceiling and trailed down the walls like a gateway to heaven. She watched a petal fall loose and float down, swaying elegantly from side to side, to land on the large bed below.

The bed.

The top cover and sheet had been stripped away and the pillows were gone. A pile of white and purple petals, stacked an inch high, covered the mattress from head to toe.

All the trouble he'd gone through to get the flowers here, fresh as the day he'd seen them, brought one thought to mind as Tali turned back to him and he saw her face.

It was totally worth it.

A desperate, breathy gasp fell from Tali's parted lips as she flung herself at Shepard. Their lips met, rough and passionate, all the pent up energy they had been holding for so long was released in a moment.

Shepard tightly embraced Tali as her arms went around his neck, still clutching the flower. Their breathing was loud as they inhaled deeply through their nostrils and sighed into each other.

Mouths entwined, lips moist and swollen. Shepard's tongue rasped against hers and she felt a throbbing wetness spread between her legs. She dropped the flower to cling tighter to him.

Shepard's hands roamed over her back to loosen the belts and straps he could reach. Tali stepped back and helped.

Piece by piece her suit fell to the floor, some were thrown across the room, until she was completely naked. She immediately grabbed Shepard and started dragging him to the bed.

He growled and swept her off her feet, hooking his arms under her shoulders and knees.

"Shepard." The press of soft clothes and the hard body underneath sent her senses reeling. She twisted as much as she could to wrap her arms around his neck again and pressed her chest against him. The smooth satin lapels of his jacket tickled her breasts.

Shepard tried to regain control, her skin was so soft and supple in his hands. This is going faster than I intended.

He strode to one side of the bed, almost tripping when Tali pressed her face into his neck and kissed him.

She clung tighter to him when he stopped moving, anticipation building inside her.

Their hearts thudded against each other as the moment sunk in.

Tali pulled away, glancing at Shepard before looking down at the bed just below her. Her fingers curled at the plethora of soft petals below her.

Her eyes closed. This can't be real. When I open my eyes, I'll be back on the Normandy. We'll still be fighting the Reapers. She shut her eyes a little tighter. Hopefully I'll at least be in Shepard's quarters.

She opened her eyes to find Shepard staring back.

"Ever since the first time we were together, I dreamed of making love to you on a bed of flowers. I remember you said something on the Alarei about not being able to kiss someone or touch a flower. You were so angry it tore my heart up."

He lifted Tali over the bed and lowered her, lips hovering over hers.

His breath caressed her as he whispered, "So here, have both."

Ever so gently, he rested her body over the petals as his lips tenderly touched hers.

How do you describe it? When all of your wildest fantasies come true? When your heart and mind reach the epitome of bliss? When you love someone so much your heart could burst and they return it ten-fold?

Soft, silky petals caressed her body as she sunk into them. Shepard's lips pressed warm and firm against her.

Tali's breathing became erratic and tears stung her eyes as she laced her fingers over Shepard's scalp.

"Shh..."

"Shepard... John, I need you."

"I'm here, Tali. Let me get undressed. Stay right there."

Her body shifted restlessly as Shepard pulled back, her hands staying on him until he was out of reach.

She was moaning softly, writhing on the bed. Her eyes never left Shepard. The petals felt like his lips all over her and it aroused her beyond reason.

He watched her, her eyes literally sparkling with unshed tears. He panted softly as he stripped for her. He loosened the bow at his throat, letting it hang limp around his neck. Then he unbuttoned his jacket, sliding it off his shoulders to the floor. The white shirt was next. He pulled it out of the waistband of his pants and unbuttoned from the collar down.

Tali's eyes latched onto his hands as they descended down his torso, sighing as the gap grew wider down the front, teasing her with small glimpses of his powerfully built chest.

He then unbuttoned the cuffs.

"Shepard, please." Tali was hardly aware she'd uttered the words. His slow pace was driving her insane.

In response, Shepard reached behind his back and tore the shirt off his arms. His muscles rippled and flexed as he tossed the shirt casually aside. Tali's answering moan sent goosebumps along his skin.

He bent down to take off his shoes and socks. Standing straight again, he unbuttoned his pants and let them fall to his feet, followed by his briefs.

Tali's back arched slightly, a needy sound coming from her throat. Her hand reached through the petals toward him, eyes hungry with desire and eating up every inch of him.

Shepard's gaze raked over Tali's body. Her nipples were hard and pointed, thrusting towards him, and he wanted nothing more than to lick and suckle them until Tali begged him to stop. Then down her flat abdomen to her luscious hips that led to strong, curvy legs, still bending and sliding restlessly through the petals. He set his eyes to the hidden flower between her legs. The prettiest flower he'd ever had the pleasure of touching.

Soon. Very soon, he told himself, trying to calm the blood boiling in his veins.

He walked to the foot of the bed, Tali's head coming up to follow his every move. He bent over, heard Tali whimper as he did so, and picked up the flower she'd dropped.

Commander Shepard, the first human Spectre, Savior of the Galaxy. He had so many impressive titles attached to his name. But he was more to her than that. He was the man she loved, and now he was her husband.

He turned to her in all his naked, muscular glory and approached the bed. Like a warrior ready to begin his conquest, armed with the white, purple, and black flower that hung limply by his thigh.

She reached for him.

"Don't move."

"You've got to be kidding, Shepard."

"Close your eyes, love."

She looked into Shepard's eyes. She loved those eyes. They sparkled with an intensity brighter than any quarian. On the battlefield they were always cold and set. When he looked at her, though, there was a passionate fire in them, enough to make her heart skip.

I dreamed of making love to you on a bed of flowers.

She closed her eyes. Her body became utterly still and she held her breath, waiting.

Shepard set the stiff, black stem in his teeth and climbed in beside her, careful not to disturb her or the petals too much. Without touching her, he lay on his side, one hand supporting his head. He grabbed the flower from his mouth and hovered the beautiful head above Tali's body.

It took all of her willpower to obey his commands as she felt the bed sink on her right side, tried not to picture the long, naked frame stretch out next her. His warmth enveloped her. He was so close that his erection brushed against her hip and she jumped.

"Relax, Tali." Her nerves were taut as a bow.

"S-Shepard. You cannot expect me to... to just lie here-"

A soft brush on her lips stopped her. It lifted away and touched her forehead, glided down the side of her face, curving in towards her chin, then sliding down her jaw to her ear.

She sighed, turning her head toward the gentle caress. A wanton murmur came from her lips.

Hot breath on the opposite cheek told her Shepard's face was very close.

"Just breathe... and feel..."

The flower trailed along her neck, down her arm, brushed against her fingers, then slid up. Tali's breath was slow and measured, acutely aware of the silky touch on one side and the hot aura coming from the body next to her.

"I want to kiss you everywhere," he whispered, his voice low and sexy. "Kiss you until you're aching for me." She gasped, eyes sealed shut. Already there, Shepard.

He dragged the flower across her collar bone and down the arm that lay inches away from him.

"Do you want me, Tali?"

"Yes..."

When the flower reached her hand she lifted it suddenly, her fingers and the petals brushing against Shepard's erection.

He moaned, almost in pain, and turned his face into his palm as the member twitched. Tali wasn't even aware of what she'd done as her fingertips played with the flower.

Shepard inhaled deeply, teeth clenched, desperately fighting with himself to keep from jumping on her. He won the battle, but it was a close thing. Carefully he shifted his hips away from her hand. Another mishap like that and his control would shatter.

"Shepard?"

"Yes, love?"

"Please don't stop."

He groaned, her words pleasuring him to no end as he brought the flower back up her arm and stopped just above her breasts.

"You're so beautiful, Tali..."

She gasped as he dragged the silky wand of delight between her breasts, then followed the curve of the left mound.

A loud, throaty moan escaped her as she pressed herself against the flower, arching her back. Shepard's eyes glazed over as he watched and heard her reaction. Her nipples were tight buds and he was hardly aware that he was leaning closer while she murmured with pleasure.

Slow down, he thought, catching himself. This is for her.

He brushed the flower around her breast, circling but not touching the nipple. He gave the other breast the same attention. It was like using a brush to paint desire all over her.

"Shepard..." Tali whined, "Shepard, please." The petals on the bed rustled as she continued to writhed beside him.

"Relax, honey," he said again. The flower glided along her abdomen, then steered around her most secret place to follow the curve of her hip. "We're just getting started."

She whimpered, bending her leg as the flower traveled all the way to her toes. It skipped over to her other leg, starting at her foot, and then slid up. And then it dipped low, tickling the soft inner flesh of her thigh.

Tali's breath caught in her throat, then released as the flower rubbed her sensitive skin.

"Ooooh..."

The petals rose higher, so close to her wet core it touched both thighs.

Shepard gently twirled the flower.

"You like this, don't you sweetheart?"

"Oh... ooh yes..." Tali's hips rose slightly from the bed.

"I'm going to taste you here," he whispered into her ear as he pressed the flower gently against her.

"Ah, Shep-...Shepard!" A shudder abruptly racked her body, catching her completely off guard.

She cried out. "John!"

He nudged her with the flower. She seized fistfuls of petals, crushing them in her palms as her hips raised clear off the bed, cradling the flower between her legs.

"Keelah! Aah!"

She shook violently and a shower of petals fell off the edges of the bed.

Shepard watched, awestruck as she climaxed before his eyes. Her gorgeous body shivered with bliss before collapsing onto the petals.

He gently rested the flower on the shelf at the head of the bed. Tali panted heavily and her flesh quivered as Shepard set his lips to her forehead. He continued down the side of her face, following the path drawn out by the flower. His kisses weren't meant to arouse, but soothe.

Down and up on her arms, around the outline of her breasts, down her legs. He kissed inside her thighs but quickly raised his head away before her scent turned him from man to beast.

By the time he'd finished kissing her body, she'd quieted, her breathing returning almost to normal.

Tali ran her tongue along her lips, eyes still shut. "I think I'm..." she took a deep, shaky breath, "I think I'm relaxed now."

Shepard chuckled and she finally opened her eyes to look at him. His head was propped on his hand as he looked down at her. The gentle smile on his face melted her heart.

They stared at each other for lengthless minutes.

Something soft landed on Tali's cheek. She broke eye contact to look at the wreath above her, watching as petals gently rained down on them.

"Tali..."

She looked at him. The smile had disappeared and his eyelids drooped. He leaned closer.

"Tali..." he said again. A petal fell on his head and slid down his face.

She licked her lips. His eyes followed the wet muscle and groaned as he pressed his lips against hers.

"I love you," she said into his mouth.

"I love you."

Tali sighed as she brought her arms around his neck, showering his back with petals as her fingers ran along his scalp.

Soft and slow turned to rough and heady. Their bodies shifted as the need to feel each other's skin flooded through them.

Tali turned her body into Shepard. He grasped her hip, digging his fingers into the soft flesh and pulled her tight against him. With a grunt, he roughly grabbed her thigh, hooked it over his hip and thrust his leg between hers. He rolled her to her back and fully rested his body against her.

Tali purred. An adorable, alien sound. She squirmed as she was pressed deep into the bed of flowers by a wall of hot skin and hard muscle.

Shepard's lips ran feverishly down her neck, leaving a wet trail. She tipped her head back to give him better access and he sucked on her throat.

He scooped a handful of petals in his hands and ran them from Tali's hips to her shoulder blades.

"Mmm... That feels so good, Shepard."

Leaning back slightly, he grabbed another fistful and dropped them across Tali's chest and stomach.

Beautiful.

Tali giggled.

"What?"

She looked at him for a moment, smiling. "You look so... cute."

An eyebrow shot up, his reaction just what she wanted. "Cute, eh? No one has ever dared called me that," he said with feigned insult.

"Hmm, should I be scared?"

"Madam, if you could read my thoughts you would run screaming from this room." He placed one of his thumbs over a white petal at the base of her throat and rubbed it against her skin. "Not that it would matter, since I'd just chase you down and carry you back here."

"I'd never run from you," she whispered, her tone serious, though a chill ran through her at his last words. It's almost worth trying. Then, seductively, she added, "But now I am curious about your thoughts."

His thumb glided the petal down her skin, just above the swell of her breast.

"Are you sure?"

"Oh, yes..."

The petal ran smoothly down her skin and covered her nipple. The thumb applied pressure.

Tali moaned. Her arms tightened around his neck as she pulled her back off the bed, half sitting, and pressed her face into his neck. Petals fell off her body, some clung to her back.

His palm cupped her gently and lifted, feeling the weight in his hand. His thumb circled the petal around her nipple. Then he rubbed the petal up and down.

"More..."

He pressed harder, making little circles. The petal rolled into a small ball before falling away from her breast and it was just Shepard's thumb touching her.

"Mmm..."

He pressed her back onto the bed and brought his free hand up to play with her other breast. He touched her nipple with index and thumb, and very gently tugged.

"Shepard..." she cooed.

He ran his lips down her body to her breast, hovering over her nipple. He tugged again.

Tali writhed under him. Her hands were on his head, trying to push him down against her breast.

He lifted her and popped the nipple into his mouth. His wet lips suckled lightly. He pulled back a little to nibble on the hard tip.

Tali cried out.

He released her, fingers taking his place as he moved to the other nipple and licked it with his tongue.

A throb jolted through Tali's system. A certain part of her was aching for his attention.

I'm going to taste you here.

"Shepard... Shepard, please... ple-ase." The last word came out as a sob, her voice cracking as her nerves were swirling in an inferno of pleasure.

"Tell me what you want."

"Kiss me."

"Where?" He placed his lips below her breast. "Here?"

"Lower."

He kissed the middle of her stomach, tongue dipping into the small hole.

"Shepard," Tali whined, frustrated.

"Say it, Tali."

She whimpered, the words lodged in her throat.

He brought his mouth just above her heat, kissing the top of her pelvis bone.

"There, kiss me there."

Shepard lay partly on top of one of her legs, pinning it down. The other he carefully bent up and pushed out, opening her pelvis. She was flexible enough to lay it completely flat on the bed.

Tali came up on her elbows, breathing heavily, and watched him.

He was staring between her legs with a look of worship in his eyes. He brought one of his hands to his point of focus and she felt him part her folds. She gasped and his eyes suddenly flicked up to her, worshipping gaze never changing.

"Don't worry, Tali. I'll be gentle." He lowered his head, eyes still on her. "So gentle..."

Soft lips and warm breath touched her. Her head was thrown back and she cried out. She tried to lift her hips, but Shepard's heavy weight pinned her leg down.

Tali tried to watch him. Saw his eyes close with an expression of bliss on his face. But her arms gave out and she fell back with a loud moan, eyes rolling to the back of her head. She was completely at his mercy.

This is heaven. Her sensitive flesh quivered at his touch and his own arousal twitched, knowing its mate was nearby. She was very wet. The liquid heat ran almost eagerly into his mouth, touching his tongue and he sighed with satisfaction at the wonderful, foreign taste of her.

His tongue reflexively thrust out and licked her. He heard her sharp intake of breath, felt her strain violently against the weight of his body.

Gentle, he reminded himself, tucking his tongue back inside his mouth.

He nudged her repeatedly with slightly parted lips, heard her gasp with each application of pressure. A muffled moan escaped her and he could imagine her biting on her lip, trying to restrain the sounds of pleasure bottling up inside.

Tali needed something to hold on to. But the petals slipped through her fingers and the bed was too wide to grab the edges. Grabbing his head hadn't worked. She needed something she could wring her fingers around.

"John." She called on the one man who could make it all better.

And somehow he knew what she was asking for.

An arm moved up and his hand lay palm up on her stomach. Her hands immediately latched onto it. One grabbed his forearm and the other his hand, whose five fingers wrapped around her. He squeezed her hand, reassuring.

Such a simple gesture, but combined with a love and tenderness that made her want to weep. She was a tough woman, a strong fighter, not a delicate flower like the ones she lay upon. No one else made her feel this way, like she was special, beautiful. She loved the gentle way he touched her, the softness of his voice when he spoke to her, as he did now.

"Hold tight, love. You won't hurt me."

His mouth opened wider and took the swollen nubbin between his lips. He simply held it as she dug her fingers into him, her body jerked. When the wave subsided he suckled.

Tali cried out, wringing her hands around his arm and fingers. He grabbed her hand tightly.

Shepard moaned against her, opened his mouth wider, sucking hard and slow at the same time. She pulled on his arm and he felt his fingers brush against her breasts.

Her legs were strong as they bucked against him.

"Sheparrrd... let me come!"

He lifted off her leg.

"Put them over my shoulders," he panted.

Their hands never let go as she bent her legs high enough to get her feet above and over his shoulders. His free hand wrapped around one of her legs and rubbed her thigh as it pressed against his head.

She was writhing so much she burrowed deep into the layer of petals. Her fingers grabbed tighter to his arm.

"Is it too much, Tali? I can stop if you-"

"N-no, no, no. Please don't stop, please don't stop."

The desperation in her voice caused him to latch his mouth onto her, hot, open and wet, sucking hard.

Her free hips pressed back "Ooooooh... Ooooooh, kee-... ah!" his tongue flicked against her again and she choked.

Her nerves were wracked with pleasure-no, ecstasy. Pure, exquisite delight ripped through her, her body convulsing beyond all control.

Shepard suddenly thrust his tongue into her, felt her inner walls clamping down eagerly on anything that came through. He almost lost himself when his erection jerked, painfully, angry at being denied once again. He thrust hard and fast with his tongue.

"Oh my... KEELAH! SHEPARD!" She'd risen high in her climax at first, but Shepard's tongue sent her catapulting over the peak.

Tali screamed his name, followed closely by loud cries as his tongue continued its lavishing torment, drawing out her orgasm as much as possible. And the higher she flew, the longer it would take to come down.

She released his arm, finally grabbing his head and bucked with wild abandon. Her legs squeezed his head and he moaned to tell her how much he enjoyed it.

She was blind, though she might have seen stars, as the furious passion shook her very being. She didn't know how long she had been shaking and trembling, how long Shepard's tongue was inside her.

She finally had to beg him to stop.

He withdrew his tongue and planted one last kiss. Then he rose over Tali, wrapped his arms around her, held her tightly as she quaked hard enough to rock him.

She was humming as she came down, reveling in Shepard's warm embrace, though her limbs were heavy and limp at her sides.

The endurance of Commander Shepard was something to be reckoned with, she thought dimly as he positioned himself over her. Tali didn't know how he held himself back for so long, what pills he must have taken to do so.

He propped himself on his elbows, bringing his waist to hers. Another scoop of petals was dropped over her.

He looked into her eyes. She didn't have the strength to move, to speak.

She'd never felt so safe in her life.

"I love you."

She'd never get tired of hearing it.

Using her eyes to repeat the words, she gasped as he brought the tip of his arousal to her wet opening.

He entered her so slow and gentle that none of the petals stirred except from the heavy rise and fall of her chest.

Her fingers curled slowly. Petals were dragged and crushed into her palm. Her legs bent leisurely up as he moved closer, cradling him between them.

He pushed himself all the way in and they gasped in unison when his pelvis met hers. He was in to the hilt and filling every corner of her heart.

"Oh God... you're so tight, Tali."

He groaned as her walls squeezed him.

His breath met her ear. "I'm yours, Tali. All that I am, all that I have to give."

He moved, pulling himself out, then in, gradually building speed. Each thrust was long and deep.

Her arms and legs were still weak and it was a wonder that her nerves weren't numb to the pleasure building in them again.

She had to hold him, somehow. If she didn't she felt she might lose herself completely. Her arms didn't respond so she leaned up and set her teeth against the base of his neck where it met his shoulder.

Her teeth were both painful and exquisite, increasing with his powerful thrusts.

"Ah! Yes, Tali, that's it, honey."

She whimpered into his neck.

"Come for me, love. One more time."

She cried out against his neck, muscles seizing up before releasing gleefully into another flood gratification.

Shepard's body quaked, spilling his seed as she clamped hard around him.

Tali was out before Shepard collapsed on top of her.

...

They made love again later that night with enough passion to the light the petals on fire. Tali attacked Shepard with a ferocity that sent them rolling and tumbling across the bed, sending waves of petals to the floor, their bodies so tight together that nothing could wedge between their skin.

Sounds of pleasure came from the depths of the bedroom as they expressed without words what they meant to each other.