[Tali's still pacing, trying to think of how to continue, and doesn't even notice Shepard's deadpan look until she speaks again - at which point she stops in her tracks and turns to face the commander properly.]
I.... I don't know. [She hurries on, and the only reason she's not fidgeting is because her arms are folded tightly. And talking about it, she's suddenly embarrassed as hell and it shows.] I didn't mean to say it - I mean, I wasn't going to say it.... Keelah, I went in there to talk about a shotgun. [And yes, there is a brand new geth shotgun sitting on the table over there - now get to the point.] He just said he had think about it. I've never seen him look so confused. [She manages a small, wry smile at that.]
I know there's nothing I can expect you to say, Shepard, I just.... [Anybody's company is better than her own right now.]
[ Shepard's eyes make a beeline for that shotgun the instant Tali mentions it and the position of her shoulders drop and slouch. That lucky- no, no. That isn't the reason why she's here.
Back to the point. ]
You were confused. [ It might not be expected but when has that ever stopped the Commander from keeping her mouth closed. ] Now he's confused. Notice how he didn't outright deny the same sentiment?
If you ask nicely, I might let you borrow it. [It's a welcome break into teasing, but it lasts only a few seconds; her voice turns into a black dryness.]
It seemed more like he was confused because the thought never occurred to him before then.
[ Shepard flashes a wry grin as her retaliation instead of actually saying anything. There's a time and a place for it. ]
So what if it hasn't? [ She shrugs her drooping shoulders before crossing her arms. ] He might not be aware of his own feelings. These things have the tendency to unexpectedly creep up on you when you start to think about it.
[She gives a short huff of laughter.] I definitely understand that.
[After all, she's known for a long while she cares about Nihlus - but she cares about the whole Normandy crew to a certain extent. Then it gradually became something far more present, almost intrusive, and then suddenly it was right there in her face like it had been there all the while.] To be honest, I just hate the uncertainty.
The uncertainty is temporary. Nihlus doesn't seem like the type to leave someone hanging. [ And then she form a knowing smirk after raising her eyebrows at Tali. ] I doubt you'd let him, if he tried.
[ She walks to the table. If anything, she's going to examine the beauty that is the quarian's new toy, lifting the shotgun and balancing the barrel on top of the palm of her hand. Holding an exceptional weapon after living months without seeing one is a wonderful feeling. ] Good things take time. It'll work out.
[She smiles back this time, genuinely.] No, I wouldn't. [And he isn't the type - but that doesn't make it any better while the uncertainty lingers on.
And then she's outright laughing as Shepard makes her way over to the shotgun - following her over, Tali leans against the table, watching Shepard handle the gun in a manner nothing less than lovingly.] Geth plasma shotgun. Abax still likes irony. [It's not so ironic, though, not anymore.
She keeps her eyes on the gun and not on Shepard's face, and the words come with more difficulty.] It's not just that.... It's.... I don't even know what I'll do if it does work out.
You don't have to know. [ Shepard's eyes are focused on the shotgun. She raises its position and points it to the wall, feeling the weight of it. ] Because you cannot plan when it comes to relationships. You take it as you go and live for the moments you get with them.
[ Her gaze moves to peer at Tali's mask, finally. Her smile, much like the tone of her voice, is sincere and heartfelt. ] All we have are moments. Wouldn't you rather be surprised than anticipate them?
[It's easier to watch Shepard handle the shotgun than it is to actually watch Shepard for the moment.] This isn't exactly normal - and when it comes to winging it.... I'm going to have to work on that.
[She meets Shepard's eye, then, and it's impossible not to smile back at her.] You're far too good at giving pep talks.
[ Shepard's smiling mouth curves into a knowing grin. ]
I think so. [ It was painfully tempting to ask Tali for a test run with the weapon, but every round of ammo is precious and shouldn't be used for practice. She lowers the shotgun to its previous position on the table. ] But I'm much better at shooting, if you ask me.
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I.... I don't know. [She hurries on, and the only reason she's not fidgeting is because her arms are folded tightly. And talking about it, she's suddenly embarrassed as hell and it shows.] I didn't mean to say it - I mean, I wasn't going to say it.... Keelah, I went in there to talk about a shotgun. [And yes, there is a brand new geth shotgun sitting on the table over there - now get to the point.] He just said he had think about it. I've never seen him look so confused. [She manages a small, wry smile at that.]
I know there's nothing I can expect you to say, Shepard, I just.... [Anybody's company is better than her own right now.]
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Back to the point. ]
You were confused. [ It might not be expected but when has that ever stopped the Commander from keeping her mouth closed. ] Now he's confused. Notice how he didn't outright deny the same sentiment?
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It seemed more like he was confused because the thought never occurred to him before then.
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So what if it hasn't? [ She shrugs her drooping shoulders before crossing her arms. ] He might not be aware of his own feelings. These things have the tendency to unexpectedly creep up on you when you start to think about it.
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[After all, she's known for a long while she cares about Nihlus - but she cares about the whole Normandy crew to a certain extent. Then it gradually became something far more present, almost intrusive, and then suddenly it was right there in her face like it had been there all the while.] To be honest, I just hate the uncertainty.
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[ She walks to the table. If anything, she's going to examine the beauty that is the quarian's new toy, lifting the shotgun and balancing the barrel on top of the palm of her hand. Holding an exceptional weapon after living months without seeing one is a wonderful feeling. ] Good things take time. It'll work out.
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And then she's outright laughing as Shepard makes her way over to the shotgun - following her over, Tali leans against the table, watching Shepard handle the gun in a manner nothing less than lovingly.] Geth plasma shotgun. Abax still likes irony. [It's not so ironic, though, not anymore.
She keeps her eyes on the gun and not on Shepard's face, and the words come with more difficulty.] It's not just that.... It's.... I don't even know what I'll do if it does work out.
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[ Her gaze moves to peer at Tali's mask, finally. Her smile, much like the tone of her voice, is sincere and heartfelt. ] All we have are moments. Wouldn't you rather be surprised than anticipate them?
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[She meets Shepard's eye, then, and it's impossible not to smile back at her.] You're far too good at giving pep talks.
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I think so. [ It was painfully tempting to ask Tali for a test run with the weapon, but every round of ammo is precious and shouldn't be used for practice. She lowers the shotgun to its previous position on the table. ] But I'm much better at shooting, if you ask me.
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