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“I was thinking Apollo’s tonight,” Tali said. She sat on the edge of the bed, stretching her envirosuit up her knees. She’d need a new under-filament layer soon; half the censors were lagging vital sign reports by a full two seconds.
“Uh huh,” Jane said absently, scrolling through reports on her omni-tool. She hadn’t even bothered to sit up.
Tali scowled. Had Jane forgotten?
“I was thinking I’d bang Garrus then bring him home,” Tali said.
Not even a blink. “Hmm, sure.”
She kept scrolling.
Old insecurities sloshed in Tali’s stomach – just for a moment.
No. She sat up taller, angry. Tali’Zorah vas Neema had commanded plenty of high-risk missions all on her own before she’d become Tali’Zorah vas Normandy. She could handle a discussion with her partner.
Tali cleared her throat.
“I was thinking I’d launch myself out the airlock.”
“Whatever you want, dear,” Jane murmured.
“Bosh'tet!” Tali flung a pillow at her and Jane caught it one handed, looked over, grinning widely. Jane’s nova-quick reflexes gave her a distinct advantage.
“No fair.” Tali glared at her. “I’m going to program a drone to smash you with so many pillo—oh!”
Jane pulled Tali back onto the bed and straddled her hips, pillow raised in both hands. “Is that before or after you rail Garrus?”
“You were listening!”
Jane laughed and dropped the pillow to Tali’s stomach, leaning down on her elbows. Her voice deepened and Jane waggled her eyebrows. “I listen to everything you say, Admiral.”
“Ha.” The anger was fading. Without it, fear crept back in.
“Hey,” Jane said gently, offering a hand. Tali took it, held Jane’s warm, soft, human hand against her own clammy cheek.
“Did you think I’d forgotten our anniversary?” Jane asked.
“Heh, silly of me.”
“Not at all.” Jane kissed her other cheek. “I’m sorry I’ve been a shit girlfriend. I promise to pay better attention tonight.”
“Oh, but you’re not a shi—”
“Tali.”
“Okay, not a complete shit girlfriend.”
Jane laughed and plopped down next to her, pulling her into a tight hug. “How about I start paying better attention right now?”
Tali answered with a kiss. “Turn off the damn omni-tool.”
“As you wish, Admiral.”
Tali laughed, tossed her envirosuit aside, and spent the rest of the morning showing Jane that she had her full attention, too.