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Omega was quiet today, as Aria T’Loak, -- its queen -- sat on her leather throne. One leg atop the other with distant eyes as the music pounded through her toned and deadly body. Her posture was looking just as beautiful and misleading as her violet facial markings. Her thoughts were upon the recent happenings with the Reaper invasion, the Crucible and Omega being taken over by Cerberus. She looked around Afterlife showing no emotion on her stern purple face. It had been another year with nothing to do other than to watch pole dancers sway their bodies to the beat, or find more leads on how to control and contain the Blood Pack, Eclipse and Blue Suns.
Aria noticed the chiming of her Omni-Tool as it bleeped, to her annoyance, she opened the message and was slightly happy at the name she read. The well-needed distraction to the forever agonising desire to grab one of the closest dancers into a private room or even onto her beloved couch to make time pass faster.
TO: Aria T’Loak
FROM: Thea Tevos
Aria,
I know that the past year has been a tough one for you and Omega, but I too have suffered deeply from Shepard’s previous actions with activating the Crucible and, not so gracefully, defeating the Reapers. I want you to know that even though we have our differences in our own lives as well as when we are together, I am here to talk to if you need anything or wish to, ‘pass precious hours’ as you would put it.
If you can reply to this soon, I would be most grateful.
Thea
Aria had to blink a couple of times and had to read over it more times than she would have admitted. Why would she care to be so concerned about me? Even after everything she has been through, she still thinks about others. Thought Aria as she eventually came up with a reply.
TO: Thea Tevos
FROM: Aria T’Loak
I am perfectly fine, Tevos. I do not need your assistance.
However, I am free in a couple of weeks if you wish to meet up and have a civil talk with me? Maybe more if we have to opportunity?
Aria
She pressed send and waited until Thea responded with another message.
TO: Aria T'Loak
FROM: Thea Tevos
Come to our apartment in Armali when you can, I'll be waiting.
Thea
Aria was delighted and gladly started to plan for a few weeks of 'vacation' from Omega. Aria could use some time off station and stretch her legs.
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There she was, in her more relaxing choice of clothing, being some black denim jeans and a white jacket with the zip on the right side halfway done. The lack of gloves and leather made her feel more relaxed and less tense than usual. Their apartment wasn't as huge as what Aria would've liked from the outside view of the Luna Complex, but Thea had argued that it was enough.
Aria exited the sky car, casually stretching her arms after the almost stress-free ordeal with travel. As Aria walked calmly through the entrance hall, she had managed to find an empty lift. People were looking at her and whispering amongst themselves, but she chose to ignore them.
They weren't the reasons Aria was here. She came home to relax within the arms of someone she never thought would love her and spend time with that now, one particular person in her life. The elevator ride up to their apartment was quiet but seemed to linger.
The satisfying ping of the lift made her smile as she departed and made her way to the front door. The doors opened when it reacted to the identification codes on Aria's Omni-Tool, and she welcomed the sight of her beloved waiting for her, leaning on the back of the creme coloured couch.
Thea seemed to be in deep thought, but the sound of the doors opening and closing made her empty gaze return to reality. Thea smiled when she saw Aria and straightened her posture along with her clothes. Thea was wearing her casual clothing choice of a beige top with its sleeves rolled up neatly and some loose grey trousers which Aria had bought her.
Aria felt herself smile at her lover and walked over to bring her into an embrace when she noticed the sadness lingering in Thea's eyes. She noted it privately but held Thea closer to her body. Aria felt Thea's arms tighten more around her shoulders and neck, as well as the feeling of Thea gripping the back of her jacket.
“Are you feeling alright, The?” Aria pondered as she went to kiss Thea's head.
Thea walked away after this, towards the open kitchen and lent on the far kitchen side. Aria grew worried but kept her face as neutral as she could, walking up behind Thea. The sounds of Thea trying to muffle her cries made Aria panic.
“Thea? What’s wrong?” Aria gently made Thea turn around and let her lean against the side for stability. “Oh, sweetheart..."
Thea’s face was stained with tears as new ones emerged, the grief and exhaustion plain in her eyes was enough to make Aria pull her close for another hug. She wrapped her arms around her waist as Thea clung to her jacket once again, seemingly never wanting to let go.
“This is about the war, isn’t it?” a slow nod was felt in the crook of Aria's neck.
She let her cry into her shoulder until the sharp breaths settled slightly and came face-to-face with her bandmates weak eyes. They didn’t know how long Thea had been crying and they didn’t care. Thea broke the silence with a small chuckle.
“Heh, sorry about that. I just -- I thought…” Thea’s voice was weak and croaky as she tried to swallow the lump in her throat, which grew with every word. Her head was now hanging low, eyes closed in shame.
Aria slowly raises her right hand and gently levered Thea’s unsettled face, gave her a sweet and caring smile then leaned in to kiss her. Thea accepted the kiss and the grip on Aria’s jacket became stronger. Thea pulled back from the kiss and nuzzled Aria’s neck, Aria’s hand placed itself back onto Thea’s waist as they stood there holding onto each other, never wanting to let go.
“I love you, Aria. I was so scared when a report came in about Omega and Cerberus. I’m so glad you’re alright, I thought I had lost you.” Thea said as she stayed snuggled into Aria’s chest.
“I love you too, Thea. I’m glad you’re ok too.” Aria softly pecked at the top of Thea’s head as a sigh of relief was heard.
Aria leaned her forehead against Thea's and let her eyes close as Thea did the same. They took this time to remember the good times they've had together, even during the war when one needed that desirable distraction from the other. Aria chuckled causing Thea to open her eyes, a smile slowly growing on her navy blue face.
"What?" Thea asked playfully, a slight giggle in her voice.
Aria opened her eyes to the question and pulled Thea in closer, letting her hands glide down to her lover's ass. A wicked smile plastered on Aria's face as she planed her attack wisely. Thea's eyes light up slightly to the touch and let her hand one hand onto Aria's shoulder as the other placed itself onto Aria's cheek, slowly caressing it with her thumb.
"Just thinking of a way for you to apologise for trying to ruin another of my least favourite jackets." Their smiles grew wider with Aria's words.
"Well," began Thea, " whatever shall I do to make it up to you?" Thea was now moving one hand down Aria's chest to the zip of the jacket and slowly pulling it down.
"Oh, don't worry," Aria said dangerously, as she squeezed Thea's ass causing her breath to hitch, "I've got many ideas of how you can make it up to me."
With that, Aria pulled Thea in for a deep kiss. One that Thea gladly reciprocated, wanting nothing more than to forget about everything around both of them and to find each other in the blank spaces of their hearts and minds.