Chapter Text
The few weeks between destroying the Collector base and Erebus turning himself and the Normandy into the Alliance were absolute bliss. Tali hadn’t known that while she was doing her own research for their intimacy, Erebus had recruited Mordin and EDI to help him get his cabin equipped with anything that would reduce the risk of her getting sick. While she still needed to wear her suit most of the time, they were able to have showers together (which Tali had no idea she would enjoy so much) and quite a few kisses and physical contact. The Quarian had only gotten sick twice—once the first time, and once when they had fallen asleep after their love making and Tali hadn’t put her suit back on. Both times, she was able to recover quickly because Mordin had a cocktail of antibiotics ready to go for her.
So when Erebus was under house arrest and could not have visitors, Tali was less than pleased with Alliance and sent Councilor Anderson several long messages detailing her displeasure. While she understood it was because of Erebus working with Cerberus, she still felt it was ridiculous after everything Commander Shepard had done for humanity and the galaxy.
After a month, Anderson sent her a message telling her that while he wasn’t able to clear any visitations, she was allowed to message and call Shepard, but it would be monitored.
While it wasn’t ideal , Tali would accept it.
And that was how the next few months went. Daily messages back and forth with the occasional call when the Flotilla needed supplies. The situation certainly lacked any intimacy they both wanted (very difficult to send saucy messages and have erotic calls when when everthing was read and watched), but it was nice to still talk.
Especially when, during those months, Kasumi started sending Tali saucy fan art she would find of the Commander and asking how accurate the depictions were. (Kasumi had even forwarded her some of Tali and she wasn’t entirely sure if she should be flattered or not. She had decided on flattered.) Most of the depictions were wrong. If Erebus had been that large, they would have had a lot more problems than her having a mild infection from being out of her suit.
Then one day, Kasumi sent a particular piece of work.
Tali,
Congratulations on becoming an Admiral! I’m sure you’ll do great. I was able to steal you some footage of Shepard sleeping. He was talking in his sleep and it was adorable . I also came across this on one of the saucier fan sites. I want you to remember, though, that I think you and Shep are absolutely precious. But you do need to see this.
Lots of love,
Kasumi
First, Tali was a little concerned that she had not told her friend about even being seriously considered for the position, and that she had just been informed of her new position that morning. But Kasumi was a very good thief and was likely keeping an extra close eye on her friends.
Second, Tali was quite enamored with the video of Erebus sleeping. He always looked so serene while he was asleep. Awake, he was always defensive and tense, ready to take a life at a moment's notice. She knew why, of course. One didn’t get the nickname “The Butcher” for being sunshine and roses. But when he was asleep, that often went away. His expression became softer, and he relaxed. Plus, he had cute snores.
Third, Tali was very intrigued by the fan art Kasumi had found. It was of Erebus and...Kaidan. She hadn’t seen Kaidan since the memorial service for Erebus. She hadn’t talked to him since he started therapy after Erebus’ death. And at the moment, she kind of hated the fact she hadn’t tried to keep in touch with him, deciding to give him space and not be a reminder of everything. She had always thought Kaidan was an attractive human and maybe she purposely walked a few steps behind Erebus and Kaidan when they went on missions. But she had had a crush on Erebus and so didn’t think of Kaidan as anything other than a friend.
But this fan art was making her think .
Erebus and Kaidan were kissing, bare chested and hands on biceps and pecs. Erebus didn’t have that tattoo on his arm, but maybe Tali could convince him to get it? And she was fairly certain Kaidan didn’t have that tattoo. Kaidan’s dark hair was a tousled mess, and Erebus’s pale mohawk was perfect. They were both flushed and the artist had captured such passion between the pair that Tali was getting flustered herself.
It was just a kiss, but Tali was in love with it.
xxx
Keelah, Kasumi had given Tali a problem . Every piece of art involving either Erebus or Kaidan or both was sent to her. And she had no idea how to bring it up to Erebus. It felt awkward to write it or say it over a call. So she didn’t, and just suffered .
She knew she was starting to develop a crush on Kaidan and was very pleased to discover she could have the same feelings for the both of them. Polyamorus (and same-sex) relationships were common among her people. Even before population control was a necessary thing. But Tali didn’t know if that was something that applied to her. In fact, she wasn’t sure if any romance applied to her, until she fell for the dashing commander who saved her in a back alley on the Citadel.
But, again, she didn’t know how to ask Erebus how he felt about it.
Though, the Reapers attacking Earth put all of that to the back of her mind. Instead, it was frantic messages to both men wanting to know if they were okay. Messages also went to Joker, but EDI was the one to finally respond.
Tali,
Jeff and I were able to get the Normandy, with both Shepard and Kaidan Alenko on board, off planet. We are currently headed to Mars, and I will inform them to write back to you.
EDI
She sighed with relief and sent a quick message back thanking her.
Soon, messages from Erebus, Kaidan, and Kasumi came through.
Darling,
I’m really sorry it took me this long to get back to you. I know it’s no excuse to say I was busy, but I wanted to let you know, the only thing I thought about while escaping was you. I may or may not be a fugitive right now? Anderson said he was reinstating me, but that may take some time to get through official channels. He’s okay for now. He decided to stay on Earth. I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Erebus
Tali,
It’s great to hear from you! And I’m really touched you were worried about me. I know we haven’t really talked in two years, and I feel like that’s my fault. I’d like to fix that. I’m on the Normandy now with the commander. Only got a few scrapes and bruises from the Reapers.
Kaidan
Tali,
I just saw what happened to Earth. I wanted to let you know I’m safe on the Citadel. Maybe when you get a chance to get away from the admiral business, you can join me. I’d hate to hear the Reapers catch the Flotilla. I really think all of you would be safer here in Citadel space.
Kasumi
Tali quickly responded to their messages, telling Erebus and Kaidan to keep her in the loop and she would meet up with them as soon as she could. She told Kasumi she would bring that up to the rest of the Admiralty Board and hoped they would listen.
Fortunately, they had a meeting in a few hours. Unfortunately, it was about waging war against the Geth.