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accidental kisses | @mysteriene
Nights this late in the war drag on. Like a cold stillness in the depths of space, between mass effect relays and systems, sailing among stars infiltrated by the reapers. Most nights, Shepard finds comfort in the form of a bottle, though tonight, the good doctor has torn herself away from her multitude of terminals - a rare, self-imposed break in the name of keeping a friend company (lest she be left to her nightmares or subjected to the voices that threaten failure and their demise.)
And, rather than the flavour of that full-bodied whiskey Shepard prefers in excess most nights, distraction comes from Liara’s gentle cadence, speaking to a recent development in the movement of goods from one system to another, or the rumour mill of political advancements in the midst of the chaos. Alice can’t help but smile with her arm behind her head, tucked back onto the pillows. Even away from Liara’s office, the renowned Shadowbroker can’t seem to truly take a break. At least, until she runs out of things to say, and they fall into a comfortable silence, watching the stars pass them by as the Normandy sails on through the night cycle to their next destination.
The thrum of the drive core can still be heard from the decks above; even in the seclusion of the Captain’s Quarters, the consistent sound fills the silence. In it, though, Alice hears Liara’s breathing, sees the rise and fall of her chest from the corner of her eye. Her hand moves along the mattress between them, until it makes contact with Liara’s, acting as just a gentle nudge, a reminder of the present, of its current reality (for herself, mostly).
“You’re not fallin’ asleep on me, are you?” She asks, turning her head to catch a glimpse of her companion. Met with her soft laughter, Liara takes her hand in turn with a squeeze.
“Of course not,” A beat passes. “Though, I would not be opposed if you did. You need rest, Shepard.” More than ever.
“Yeah. Well, I don’t anticipate much of that happening tonight,” Alice sighs, shakes her head. Need and want are two different things, though she can see that concerned knit to Liara’s brow form. “I know,” She adds, then turns herself a little more to rest on her side, elbow propped, chin in her free hand. “I’m just... I’m glad you’re here. Really, I am. It’s... hard, being alone at night lately. I... I appreciate what you’re doing for me, Liara.” More than you’ll ever know.
Pale eyes avert their gaze; the honest truth feels heavy on her tongue, though the release that follows eases Shepard’s shoulders. Her closest confidant deserves to know - though, it is the unexpected touch of a warm caress to her scarred cheek is enough to lift her chin. Liara’s expression, with her sudden closeness is difficult to read; her brow furrows, but the question doesn’t come. Instead, Liara kisses her, a soft, cautious affair but one that Alice doesn’t (can’t) pull herself away from.
In the moment, time stops. The stars above pass them by, but the sensation of Liara’s lips on her own makes her forget about the world and seconds feel like minutes.
When they part, a look of shock comes to Dr. T’Soni, a soft gasp and an “Oh, I’m- I’m sorry.”
A blush - a true, bonafide blush - rises to the Commander’s cheeks, taken aback and yet, not out of embarrassment, but rather, undisclosed desire. Alice’s voice remains low. “N-no, don’t be. I...wouldn’t mind, if you did it again.”
