Archive of Our Own ^beta

Mismatched Lovers

Chapter 1

The Mismatchmaker

“Regretfully: My apologies. We do not currently have any GXT-supporting systems adapted for Human ears. With great enthusiasm: May I suggest this new Salarian made Audioblast headset with modular earplugs instead?”

Tom did what he could not to roll his eyes. The line he had been standing in had reached outside the crammed kiosk and all the way to the sushi bar. If he could have just asked up front, he wouldn’t have had to waste 30 minutes of his life on this pointless endeavor.

“No, it’s fine. Thanks anyway,” he told the Elcor cashier before the robust alien had had the time to point out the offered item on the shelf. He felt it impolite to leave while the lumbering attendant had his back to him, so he stepped back from the counter and waited until the pachydermal, quadrupedal behemoth turned back around. He met his beady eyes on a nearly featureless face before bidding farewell and winding his way towards the entrance.

“Sincerely: I hope you will come again soon,” the cashier’s monotonous voice droned behind him.

The Elcor were native to the high-gravity planet Dekuuna, which made them big, impressively strong and even more impressively slow. Among themselves, they communicated by subtle gestures and scents imperceptible to anyone else, which aided their inflexible vocalizations. That meant that when speaking to other species, announcing their intended emotion was the only way to color their speech. Tom wondered how often they used this fact to lie. Standing behind the counter the whole day certainly seemed like a joyless existence.

His omnitool pinged as he was dodging a passing Hanar’s tentacles and so Tom leaned against a wall, activated the orange-glowing holographic interface on his wrist and brought up the chat window:

Steph > [Hey are u coming at all or not?]

Steph > [Kevin’s gonna be under the table before you get here]

Tom sighed, wiping his hand across his eye. In truth, he wasn’t exactly looking forward to joining his friends in the Purgatory Club for the evening. It’s not that he didn’t like the folks; in contrary, their company was one of the few positive things about his working days. They just suffered from the unfortunate condition of being extroverts, meaning they favored the most obnoxious pastimes imaginable. He had only accepted their invite for the sake of not breaking the group up. Which he seemed to have made a habit of.

“Hey,” a voice piped up, tearing him from his musings, “were you looking for the new GXT-compatible series?”

Tom looked around for the source of the flanging voice and found it belonged to a casually dressed Turian woman. The alien figure was standing to the side of him, a small black package in her hands, as if she was just exiting the store whose entrance he was leaning against. She was nearly a head taller than him; her powerful build and bone-white, armor-plated face cutting an imposing image. The soft, blue eyes that peered at him though made him feel at ease.

“What? Oh, yeah,” he stammered, straightening himself. “Not that they had anything for Humans. I knew they would have likely sold out before noon but my shift just ended an hour ago. And the store doesn’t update their e-shop stock until the next day which means you can’t order a delivery either, though why that is I cannot grasp.”

“Business strategy,” the alien woman answered. “Everyone wants the new gadgets before they’re gone, so they come in person. And if you’re already here and they don’t have what you want, they’ll more easily convince you to buy something else instead. Plus, the lines are pretty much free advertising.”

“Huh,” Tom processed the information, equally impressed and infuriated at the practice. “That’s insightful! You work in marketing or something?”

The Turian chuckled – or at least made a sound that Tom thought was a chuckle – the mandibles framing her face exposing the needle-like teeth at the sides of her mouth as they quivered. “No, not at all! I’ve just been shopping here for a while now. You know, you could always order from the distributor if you’d like. You seem like someone who knows what they want.”

“Yeeeah,” Tom glanced at the ground, rubbing his neck. “That’s a little outside my price range.” It was true. The reason people flocked to this store was their massive discounts on new stock.

The Turian nodded, tapping the box in her hands. “I understand that. Listen, in between us connoisseurs,” she leaned in conspiratorially, bringing her mandibles level with his eyes, “the store actually receives their inventory the evening before. They don’t advertise it, but if you come in late and ask about a specific ware, they’ll bring it in for you.”

That got Tom’s attention. “Really?”

The woman nodded, miming a shushing gesture. “If I wasn’t working a late shift, I would have come yesterday. It’s how I usually do it.”

“Wow. Thanks! I’ll, uh… I’ll write that down for next month.”

“Don’t mention it!” the woman called as she went on her way, shooting him what he hoped was a friendly grin. “Literally.”

Tom was left standing there, mildly stunned by the turn of events. As he processed this piece of intel, he was beginning to feel less bummed by his situation. Not that it made him pleased about what was to follow. It was late and he was tired and the last thing he needed in his life right now was loud thumping, flashing lights and half-drunk people shouting and flailing around.

Not that there was really a day or a night on the Citadel, just a routine you learned to follow. Built by a long extinct race, the massive alien construct was the biggest space station to ever exist and the de-facto hub of the galaxy. It consisted of five enormous blade-like arms called the wards, arranged into a cylinder, the inside of each housing an entire metropolis. On one side, they were connected to a central ring known as the presidium: a luxurious district, home the council chambers (the seat of the galactic political leadership), as well as embassies of each individual species.

The whole thing reminded Tom of a ceiling fan with its blades folded downward, creating artificial gravity as it slowly spun around its axis. If needed, the Citadel could close completely and become virtually impregnable to any known weaponry; but for all the time Tom had lived there, the wards had remained open, offering a stunning view of the violet clouds of the Serpent Nebula that surrounded it. A view he had once gladly sacrificed his circadian rhythm for.

But as much as he enjoyed gawking out of a skyscraper window, Tom unfortunately had friends. And he’s kept them waiting long enough by now.

o  o
\ˇ/

The Purgatory Club was probably the most accurately named joint on the Citadel. To sum it up, it was a club. Not exactly a prestige one, but not a place one went to every night. And it was one of the best ones on the ward, filled with great bars, comfortable seating, booming beats and dance floors’ worth of writhing bodies. Which is to say, it matched Tom’s vision of a purgatory.

“Come on, brighten up a little! You look like you’re at a funeral!” Ed shouted from across the table. They were sitting in a booth, which Tom had to admit dampened the ruckus of the club somewhat, but not enough that his tipsy friend wouldn’t think to raise his voice.

“Told you you were wasting time waiting in those lines,” Stephen chimed in. “This wouldn’t have happened if you’d come with us from the get go, you know.” He took a swig from his glass and grabbed a bottle to refill it, Tom waving him away when he offered it to him. “Or is this about the date?”

“Riiight!” Ed roused himself and leaned over the table, dragging Marrissa with him as she clutched onto his shoulder. “How did it go? Spill the beans!”

Tom sighed and fell back into the cushioned seat. “It went…” he started, conjuring a sufficiently diplomatic response, “fine. But also, nowhere.”

Ed scowled. “That’s it? Really? You have nothing more to add? Don’t leave us hanging!”

Tom had plenty more to add, but it wouldn’t have been fair; neither to his date nor to his friend, who had so enthusiastically set the two of them up. The date went exactly as Tom had predicted, but as he’d already established, he had certain issues with the word ‘no’. Namely, he used it so often, he felt like it had lost all its meaning.

He shrugged and said nothing further on the matter, gazing instead out of the booth, which offered a clear view of one of the dance floors. The menagerie of different species all moving to the rhythm in ways their anatomy best allowed them was an interesting sight, even to someone from the Citadel. But the diverse crowd of Turians, Humans and the occasional Salarian was, as usual, dominated by the Asari. The alluring aliens were probably the most common sight in the galaxy, and that went for both prestigious or political positions as well as social hotspots.

Appearing for all intents and purposes as attractive, blue-skinned women with rigid crests instead of hair, the single-gendered species had no trouble fitting in wherever they went. They were the first ones to discover the Citadel, abandoned for ages in the far reaches of space, and it was they who founded the galactic council. It was practically unheard of an unsuccessful Asari. Their thousand-year lifespans and innate telekinetic abilities didn’t hurt their opportunities either. Still, Tom sometimes had trouble reconciling the image of the elegant social butterflies with the richest and most technologically advanced species in the galaxy.

“Where is Kevin, anyway?” he asked all of a sudden, realizing he hadn’t noticed him since he arrived.

“Last I’ve seen him, he was trying to woo some Asari he accidentally trampled on the dance floor,” said Marrissa, her tone conveying an eyeroll without looking up from her glass.

“Someone should remind him he’s not a teenager anymore,” said Tom. “We’re too old to let loose like he does. He could use some responsibility in his life that isn’t third party.”

“I think if that lesson hadn’t sunk in yet, there’s no hope anymore,” Stephen commented. “Of course, a teenager with an Asari is a whole ’nother thing to unpack!”

That elicited a table-wide chuckle. Of course, there was the other reason Asari fit in anywhere they went. Their strange biology allowed them to reproduce by mentally linking with their partner and copying their genetic code which they then mixed with their own. Meaning that in practice they could procreate with any species and any gender. The child would always be Asari, of course, but if you didn’t mind that fact (or that your partner would outlive you by hundreds of years), Asari/Human couples were actually quite common. Or Asari/Anything for that matter. Their culture or religion or whatsit essentially encouraged them to seek out alien partners, putting a social stigma on intraspecies relationships. A curious contrast against most cultures.

“How about you, Tom?” asked Ed. “Ever had eyes for an Asari?”

Right, thought Tom. It’s THAT time of the evening. “Can’t say I have,” he answered honestly.

“Why? Don’t like them blue? Or is it the lack of hair that turn you off?” Ed continued, Marrissa giving him a smack on the shoulder, eying him in revulsion.

“No, I just never had,” Tom answered and closed the subject. He wasn’t about to give a detailed analysis of his taste in women. It’s not that he didn’t find them attractive, and the whole mental link thing sounded intriguing at the very least, but looks alone weren’t enough to spark his interest in someone. Besides, the thing about Asari was that somehow, they appeared like attractive blue women to every species. Once you figured that out, it was hard to look at them the same.

“What was that about Asari?” asked Tellana as she laid down the tray of drinks and took her seat behind the table.

“Finally! Please, save me from these creeps!” Tom begged, reaching for his coke glass. The cold liquid filling his stomach instantly woke him from his stupor and he straightened in his seat.

“Oh, please!” Ed waved a hand as if physically deflecting the accusation. “We were just querying Tom on relationships, that’s all!”

“You were being disgusting!” Marrissa retorted.

“I just asked him if he was into Asari!” Ed turned to Tellana defensively. “Not you, specifically, just in general. What’s wrong with that?”

“You were practically drooling as you said it.” his girlfriend countered. There seemed to be tension building between the two. At the very least, Tom hoped that would cool the guy off.

“And are you?” Tellana turned to him as the couple bickered.

Tom sighed in exasperation. “Not you too! Why is everybody up in my business today? We’ll make a deal, okay? If I’m ever that desperate for dating advice, I’ll come and ask!”

“That’s precisely the problem here, Tom!” Stephen chimed in. “We seem to care more about your happiness than you do! If we won’t step up and step in, who will?” As if coming to a resolution, he set down his glass and stood from the seat. “Come on! You’re hitting the dance floor! We’re partying!”

“Like hell I am!” Tom rebuked.

“Why not? Easiest way to pick up girls. Even Kevin understands that! You’ll walk in there, bust some moves and you’ll be leaving here with a chick in tow within an hour!”

Tom settled back firmly in his seat, arms crossed, shooting Stephen the coldest gaze he could muster. “I. Don’t. Dance.”

The man deflated, falling back into the seat opposite. “You know, for someone who’s that into music, you’re quite the bore.”

Tom looked to the Asari in plea, shooting her the ‘can you believe this crap?’ look. But to his horror, Tellana seemed to be taking the others’ side, the orange markings on her dark blue face scrunched in consideration. “So, I’m taking it the date didn’t go well?”

“No and I’m not elaborating.”

“You don’t sound surprised,” Ed observed.

Tellana shrugged. “I had my suspicions.”

“How?” Ed perked up, leaning towards the Asari. “Do you know something we don’t?”

“Just a century of experience,” she replied, shifting her attention to her drink.

The others seemed to consult this voicelessly as they looked among each other. “Well, whatever insight you have, we sure could use it,” Stephen declared. “Since he isn’t putting in any work, it falls to us, otherwise Tom’s gonna end up alone till the end of his days.”

“What’s so wrong with that?” Tom asked.

“Really?” Marrissa piped up. “You’d rather be single forever?”

“Better than the alternatives,” was all he could answer. “I have a life and all. Friends, family, hobbies. I don’t need someone holding me by the hand to enjoy it.”

“Hobbies such as: waiting in a line at an audio store while your friends are out clubbing!” Ed commented. “Was that worth it to you? Standing around there the whole time?”

“It would have if they had the earphones,” Tom retorted. But as he considered it, his mind wandered back to the Turian and what she had said about the inventory. If it turned out true, that random act of kindness might become the highlight of his month. “Actually, it might have been. Yeah, I think it was perfectly worth it!”

“Whatever,” Stephen conceded, standing up again. “I’ll leave this to you guys. Tellana, you’ve become our last hope. I’m done with this killjoy. I’m going dancing while I’m still young!”

“Who’s gonna tell him?” Ed whispered to Marrissa as their friend shambled off the table, stretching his back.

Tom relaxed and poured himself more coke, enjoying the sweet beverage and sweeter silence. The worst part of these meetups was when he inevitably became the topic of conversation. He could only hope the talk wouldn’t be steered in that direction again. “Now that that’s out of the way, does anyone have anything actually exciting they wish to discuss?”

“Don’t think you’re off the hook yet!” Ed eyed him.

“Anything. Literally anything!” Tom looked between the women at the table. “Movies? Music? Literature? What you ate for breakfast?”

“Tom!”

“…sports?” he tried, glancing at Ed, the word sour on his tongue.

“I think Stephen has a point,” Tellana spoke up, the sentence sinking in like a knife into Tom’s back.

“What?” he asked in dejection. Tom turned to face the Asari, the wheels visibly spinning in her head. “No!” he declared, panic rising. “Tellana, don’t!”

“I didn’t do anything yet!” she defended herself, palms raised.

“I know what you’re going to say and the answer is no. I’m done with blind dates and matchmakers and any of you all’s antics!”

“You didn’t even give me a chance!” she accused. “I was arranging dates before any of you were born! Don’t discount my judgement like that!”

“You know, if a Human said that, it would make them sound very untrustworthy,” Marrissa pointed out, surprising Tom with her support.

“Well, maybe what you need is an outside perspective.” the alien woman countered.

Tom rubbed his eyes, tying to sink into the padding of his seat, when he heard a new voice pipe up, recognizing the high pitched, fast paced chattering of a Salarian. “Greetings again! Tellana, thank you for the drink, owe you much! Dancing exhausting! Air too hot! Other species body heat too high – disperses around the room.”

“Kadash! So good to see you!” Tom exclaimed. If there ever was a time when he needed to talk to someone whose species didn’t know the concept of romance, it was now.

“Tom! Great to see you, made it fine I see. The atmosphere not the same without you! Others were doubting, saying you would ‘ditch’ us! Glad they were wrong!” the slim, amphibian humanoid proclaimed, his large eyes focusing on Tom. Everyone at the table suddenly felt the urge to take a sip while staring at nothing in particular. “How’s the new audiosystem? Sold out I see – would have it with you if not! You would never leave behind new gadget. Such shame! Wanted to ask your opinion. Considering buying myself! Better luck next time!”

“Say, where did you leave Kevin?” Marrissa asked, scanning the dance floor behind them.

“Last I’ve seen with Stephen. Trying to talk out of pursuing the Asari. Lad seemed stricken! Never seen so sad! Or perhaps drunk. Sometimes hard to tell with Humans!” Kadash explained, but he too took a nervous look around.

As if on cue, a commotion at the bar got their attention, a small crowd of various species arranged around a Human man holding a slender vial in his hands. A suspiciously familiar Human. He raised the vial up and downed it in one go. A cheer rose up from the crowd as he set the empty glass down at the bar, then fell back straight to the ground.

“Oh no! Warned him not to drink ryncol! Not meant for Humans! Need to get him fluids! Or perhaps coffin…” the alien stammered, rushing off to aid the downed man.

 “We should make sure he’s fine.” Marrissa said and got up from her seat, dragging a confused Ed along like a comet’s tail. The whole crowd seemed to be trying to help, passing around a glass of water and a towel. Between the three friends, concerned strangers and a barman who didn’t seem worried at all, Tom elected to not get in the way, watching from the booth as Kevin was dragged aside, raising a weak hand to show thumbs up. A new cheer erupted among the onlookers.

“The guy really is immortal,” he remarked when Tellana turned back to him, the worry in her face melting away to show grudging respect.

When things cooled off and they remained alone in the booth, Tellana shuffled closer, a speech ready on her tongue. Tom braced himself for the inevitable, but the Asari simply asked: “Were you serious before? When you said you didn’t mind staying alone?”

Tom was taken aback by this; all the responses he had ready dying away. “Yes. Of course I was serious. Why?”

“I just wanted to know,” she said. “If that’s actually what you think, or if you’ve just convinced yourself that you don’t want a partner to cope.”

Tom exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Of course I’m open to a relationship,” he explained when he got his thoughts in order. “Potentially. I wouldn’t be dating if I wasn’t. I’m just starting to doubt there’s anyone out there for me and I’m realizing I’m okay with it.” He took a sip from his drink, looking into nowhere as he searched for words. “You can only go through so many disappointments before wondering if the problem is you, you know? I can’t even tell you what it is that I’d want from a relationship. All the dates I’ve been on just felt like a chore.”

Tellana considered this in silence, the bright patterns on her forehead shifting as she scrutinized him. “Maybe you’ve just been looking in the wrong places.” Tom sighed but she jumped in to elaborate: “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying everyone needs a life partner no matter the cost. There is nothing wrong with living for yourself,” she affirmed. “I just don’t want a few bad experiences to give you a limited picture of what life has to offer.”

“And what are you suggesting exactly?” Tom asked, growing unsure where this was going.

“If you’re burned out on the familiar it’s time to change environment. You’ve been moving in the same circles for a long time. Most of your friends are your colleagues! You can’t keep hanging out with engineers. Why not give my friends a go?”

“You’re not an engineer,” he pointed out. “Neither is Marrissa.”

“That makes two of us. Hurray!” Tellana retorted. “Look, I’m old enough to know what most people are like and too old to think that I know them all. I’ve been where you are before. Many times. And there was always something new out there,” she explained, Tom simply listening in silence. “Just… give it a shot. What do you know? Maybe I’m onto something!” she smiled. “Or maybe it won’t work and you were right all along. But where’s the fun in not finding out?”

Tom chuckled, at first mirthlessly, then genuinely. Damn, does she have a way with words. “I guess I don’t have a choice, huh?”

“Of course you do!” the Asari exclaimed. “Life’s not life when you feel like you’re out of options.”

Tom mulled this over, considering potential excuses, but finally resigned himself to his fate. “All right, you win. Whatever makes you happy,” he said, feigning annoyance. In a way, he felt relieved. If nothing else, at least this would get her off his back. Or perhaps something might actually come off it. “I’m assuming you have someone in mind?”

Tellana’s face twisted in consideration, but her eyes suggested she did. “Let me probe around a bit first. Promise I’ll get back to you!”

“Don’t push yourself too hard,” Tom nagged, but smiled all the same. As exciting as the evening had been, one thing felt certain: things were only going to get more interesting from here.

o  o
\ˇ/

Sinet slipped into the hospital break room, hot drink steaming in one hand while she fiddled with her earphones with the other. She sat down near the window, straightening her white robe. The view outside was easily her favorite part of her job, seeing the full beauty of the Presidium commons laid out before her eyes. The verdant parks stood in sharp contrast to the resplendent, white architecture; the artificial lakes rising impossibly upwards, following the curve of the inner ring.

She rested her drink on the small table, figuring out the earphones’ settings, when she heard the door slide open behind her. Sinet glanced up from her omnitool to see an Asari stroll in, her white coat flowing behind her as she homed in on her. She shot the alien woman a smile, but her excitement quickly faded, mandibles freezing in place once the visitor opened her mouth, her voice and expression making her stomach drop.

“Sinet!” the Asari exclaimed, smile and arms wide. “How’s my favorite ER doctor doing?”

“What is it this time Tellana?” the Turian asked, waving away her omnitool. She picked her drink back up, steeling herself for whatever was to come.

“What, can’t a girl stop for a chat?” Tellana feigned ignorance but quickly moved on, taking a seat opposite. “Just wanted to gossip a bit. You free?”

“Who about?” Sinet pried, avoiding a committal answer.

“You!” the Asari chirped, observing her like a museum exhibit. “Are you still single?”

Sinet almost choked on her drink, the hot liquid spilling down the sides of her jaw as her mandibles widened in shock. She reached for a tissue to wipe her face, coughing a little as she processed the query. “Skipping the small talk and flatteries?”

The Asari didn’t budge. “Are you?”

“Depends.” Sinet said cautiously. “Why are you asking?”

“Come on! Oblige an old friend!” Tellana pressed, putting on varren eyes.

“Sorry. You’re not my type.”

“Argh…” she sighed. “Why can’t you make it simple for me, just this once? Indulge my curiosity?” Tellana sulked, changing her tactics, but was met with a thoroughly unimpressed look as Sinet continued to empty the steaming mug. “Alright. Here’s the short of it. I have this friend – he’s very nice, you’d get along greatly – and I’ve been thinking…”

“Oh,” Sinet sighed, “I see where this is going.”

“…that you two might be interested in meeting? Maybe over some drinks? Perhaps your next day off so you have no duties to think about?” The Asari was on the edge of her seat waiting for an answer, grinning with child-like excitement. “His schedule aligns if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Right,” that was definitely what she was worried about. “And this friend of yours knows that you’ve taken it upon yourself to plan this ‘meetup’?”

“Well, he doesn’t know the details, but neither do I yet. I’ve been waiting for your enthusiastic agreement.”

“Ah so,” Sinet spoke, surprised by how much she’d thought this through. “Well in that case, I’m afraid I’m taken.” she proclaimed, earning an unamused look from Tellana. “Taken away by these amazing earphones I’d just bought!” She hit a button on her omnitool and all sounds suddenly ceased. She could see her friend’s mouth move, but remained blissfully unaware of what came out of it. “See? Complete muting! I can’t hear a thing!” she gloated to the exasperated Asari. Or at least she thought that’s what she’d said; in truth she couldn’t hear her own words.

She took pity on her after a while and deactivated the earphones, all sounds resuming again as if she wasn’t even wearing them. “Look, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not interested!” Sinet explained, hoping that was the end of it.

“Why?” Tellana asked tiredly, tossing her hand in a vague gesture while she leaned back in her chair. “You don’t even know what you’re saying ‘no’ to!”

“I’m saying no to a date you arranged, that’s all I need to know. I’m not interested in you meddling in my love life. If I was, I’d ask for your input.”

The woman rolled her eyes, rubbing her forehead as she sunk into the cushioned chair. “I swear, you two really were made for each other! Why is it always so difficult for you to accept opportunities when they come knocking?”

“Oh? So, he was against this too?” Sinet burst out.

“Well, he saw the light eventually! And by Athame, so will you!” She crossed her legs, eying the Turian tiredly. “Look, what do you have to lose by going?”

“Time, personal space, a sense of privacy, my dignity…”

“Turians and your pride!” It was evident the Asari was losing her patience, which Sinet thought made them even. “You don’t have to appear all independent in front of me. Aren’t you all about giving to the community? Consider this my contribution.”

“It seems we haven’t met yet,” the Turian said, extending her hand in a greeting. “Hi! I’m Sinet Morphelis. I’m a doctor, I come from Palaven and I’ve moved all the way from the Hierarchy to the beating heart of the galactic culture because I just love people looking over my shoulder. And no,” she added, correcting her friend, “Turians don’t pry into each other’s personal lives. So long as you do your job right, you’re welcome to do whatever you wish, free of judgment.”

“Well then you will love him!” Tellana cheered, clasping her hands. “Trust me, there’s no one less interested in your position in the meritocracy! Or anything else concerning the Hierarchy. Imagine: you’ll be able to finally power down and have some unrestrained, fun conversation!”

Sinet scowled suspiciously. “Why? What is he, some kind of rebel?”

“No. Just a nice and kind man who understands your problems on a personal level and who you’ll be able to connect with,” The Asari said this with a smile, but her demeanor then shifted from sickeningly cheerful to serious. “If you won’t do it for yourself then do it for me. It would really mean a lot if you trusted me on this one, Sinet.”

Sinet tried to appear distant, but in truth her annoyance was giving way to curiosity. “Why?” she asked. “What is your angle? Why be so adamant about this?”

The Asari leaned back casually, resting her arms on the armrests. “I just think I’m onto something here. And I’d like to see it through.”

As much as she wanted to deny it, Tellana’s confident vagueness had sparked Sinet’s interest. She wouldn’t get her suggestion out of her head now and the Asari knew it. She had found a wedge and wouldn’t stop hammering on it until she got through. “I’ll think about it,” Sinet answered diplomatically, not giving a solid affirmative.

“No! You’ll just pretend to forget.” Tellana accused. Sinet had been considering doing exactly that and she wasn’t going to deny it, so she kept quiet instead. But the Asari was persistent. “I’m not leaving ’till I get an answer out of you,” she assured her. “Or I’ll regale you with what I had been up to these past few nights!”

“Nope! I’m out of here!” Sinet blurted before she had the time to hear anything further, activating her earphones again and putting on a tune. She relaxed in her chair and closed her eyes, relishing the familiar melody in perfect clarity like she never had before. She didn’t just hear the music, she felt it through her whole body as if the sound was coming from within rather than without, rising from her chest and resonating inside her head. A mass accelerator could fire right beside her and she would have no idea.

Still, as she let her thoughts drift freely through her mind, Tellana’s scheme kept floating to the forefront. On one hand, she found the very idea of her offering up dates with her behind her back to be offensive; on the other, she couldn’t help but wonder if the Asari had a point. Could she truly know her so well she had found her someone actually compatible? Was she about to pass up the opportunity of a lifetime? Just what was so special about this guy that she was so insistent? Sinet’s instincts were telling her that the whole thing was suspect. But there was a small, treacherous part of her that wanted them to be wrong.

She’s been drifting off for a while, finally enjoying her break. The hospital work was tiring; even on a space station filled with all species imaginable there was enough injured Turians to keep her preoccupied for most of the day. It was because of that that she valued quiet time so much. A reprieve from the intense and social nature of her occupation.

She couldn’t tell how long had passed, except that the song had changed when she felt a hand shake her by the shoulder. But Sinet’s annoyance quickly dissolved when she saw Tellana’s expression. “They called you through the intercom! To the ER center!”

“Oh crap…” Sinet spat and rushed out of the room, almost knocking over the mug she’d left on the table. And just like that, the moment was gone. Lesson learned, she thought, no muting during work.

“And don’t forget to dress nicely!” the Asari shouted behind her.

“Don’t count on it!” she responded, eliciting some turned heads as she sprinted down the hallway.

o  o
\ˇ/

“How did I let her talk me into this?” Sinet grumbled, staring into the mirror. The dark blue suit with red embroidery she’d put on was way too fancy and looked altogether ridiculous on her. She felt like she was attending her bootcamp maturation ceremony all over again, expecting drummers to come marching and celebratory salvoes being fired any second.

“Stop complaining! This is good for you,” Sarryn interjected as she rummaged through the hangers full of finely woven tunics. “You haven’t been out in ages. If I ever meet that Asari friend of yours, I’ll buy her a drink. Here, try this!” she said, handing her another piece to put on.

“I was talking about you,” Sinet shot back, grabbing the garment and scanning it uncertainly. It was a lie, she did mean Tellana, but her ire was rapidly finding a new target so she had deemed it excusable. “This is horrendous!” she yelled, waving the tunic at her.

“Don’t pretend you’re not enjoying this. Your wardrobe is depressing. You haven’t had a date in so long you don’t even remember how to dress properly,” Sarryn said, examining the dress she’d been handed back. “What’s wrong with this?”

“It looks like I’m attending an interview.”

“You are,” the other Turian answered, putting the cloth back reluctantly. “What is a date if not a relationship interview? You need to present yourself. Wear something actually matching your citizenship tier. Your clothes need to announce: ‘an accomplished doctor approaches!’ Not: ‘I’m here to impress you with my personality because I have nothing else to show!’”

“That just feels so pretentious,” Sinet admitted, eying Sarryn’s newest picks. “Shouldn’t dates be fun? I still don’t get why you can’t just let me wear something I already own.”

“It’s not pretentious if it’s true. And I would be a bad sister if I let that happen,” Sarryn said, producing another garment. “Here, something more in your style.”

Sinet took the offered piece and considered it. She had accidentally let it slip that she already had a meetup planned when her sister asked to spend her free day together and couldn’t deny what it was about when she pressed her for details. At least Sarryn had taken her rejection well. Too well for Sinet’s tastes. She had immediately taken it upon herself to ‘make her presentable’ and when she wasn’t satisfied with what she’d dug up in Sinet’s closet, she dragged her to the nearest all-species fashion store.

“I think you’re taking it way too seriously. It’s just a random meetup. And anyway, I should be presenting the real me!”

“This is about showing the real you,” Sarryn assured her. “And I don’t think I do. I’d say it’s about time little sister had found someone to be serious about. If nothing else, at least it will give you the kick you need to start looking around.”

“Like you’re one to talk!” Sinet whirled on her as she closed the door of the changing booth. “I don’t see you anywhere closer to settling down.”

“Oh please! I spend most of my days aboard a battleship and still get more action than you!”

Sinet enjoyed the fact she was out of sight and made a mocking face into the mirror, mandibles moving asymmetrically as she wordlessly repeated her sister’s teasing. “Anyone in particular aboard that you have in mind?” she asked instead, using the chance to pry back.

“Not one specific guy per se. You know how it is…”

She most certainly didn’t and tried not to imagine it. The robe Sarryn had picked out for her was horribly restricting, fighting with her even as she was attempting to put it on. It was gray, with dark areas on her shoulders and the inside of her collar. A much tamer pick compared to the formal attires she had conjured up previously, but it still felt wrong on her.

“All done? Can I see?” Sarryn urged her and Sinet slid aside the cabin door. She examined her quietly, making her feel like a tourist attraction. “Can you spin around a bit? Strike a pose so you don’t look like you’re waiting for a firing squad?” she asked, Sinet making a rude gesture at her. “It looks a little somber,” she admitted finally. “More like a mourning garb than a fancy dress. Neutral colors don’t suit you.”

“I like neutral colors,” Sinet argued, opting to browse the garments herself. There was everything, from formal robes to office clothing, ball gowns, everyday casual, even some rather revealing pieces that were definitely Asari-made. She couldn’t imagine a Turian actually wearing those in the cold of the Citadel.

She circled back to the other end of the Turian section and shuffled through the simple looking tunics and jackets. There was one that resembled her style, a short white jacket with black features on the sleeves and collar. It was thick and soft to the touch and without any unnecessary decorative elements.

She took it to the booth, weathering an uncertain look from Sarryn and pulled the constricting robe off herself. The air inside the changing cabin was heated, but still a little chilly against her exposed hide, prompting her to hastily put the garment on. It was much simpler than the straitjacket Sarryn had picked. Its concealed zipper went all the way down, meaning she didn’t have to pull it over her head and endure getting the fabric stuck on her mandibles. The inside was soft and comfortable and the whole thing was flexible enough for her to slide her arms in and maneuver the rigid top onto the raised collar of her carapace without issues.

“So?” her sister called when she wasn’t coming out, prompting her to turn away from the mirror and open the door. “A little too casual,” she commented as Sinet turned around for show.

“I like it,” she responded and closed the door again to dress back into her old clothes. Sarryn was waiting with a judgmental air about her when she strolled out, returned the impractical robe and took the jacket to the cashier.

“I still think you should have used this opportunity to buy something more formal,” Sarryn repeated, giving her the stink eye.

“I’d like to get something I’ll actually wear after all this is over. I haven’t even given Tellana my official agreement, you know?” Sinet pointed out. No, you just act like you have, she thought to herself, which is basically just stalling.

“Well, now I will make you go even if I have to drag you there and chaperone you.” Sarryn assured her. “Who knows, maybe I would take a fancy to him myself. Picture: a tall, handsome man with shiny, silver carapace and a long crest, in an elegant, embroidered tunic; and then there will be you, in your plain clothes and looking like a convict facing her judgement,” she teased, Sinet glowering back. “Yes, exactly like that. I think I would have a decent shot, no?”

“You can’t convince me by making it a competition,” Sinet responded.

But in truth, Sarryn’s vivid description was making her feel nervous. She began to imagine what kind of man would be waiting for her when she showed up. What did he do for work, what colony was he from, what color his carapace would be? What would it be like to talk to him? Why was Tellana so giddy about this?

Slowly, it began to sink in that she was actually going to go through with this and a question was running through her mind on repeat, getting louder and louder with each step: what have I done?

o  o
\ˇ/

“What am I doing?” Tom mumbled as he dialed his destination into the console. The door of the skycar closed with a hissing thud, the belt strapping him in as the pressurized vehicle prepared to take off, exiting the artificial atmosphere of the ward and blending into the lines of traffic which flowed above and between the skyscrapers like arteries. The Citadel’s lifegiving bloodstream.

"What do you have to worry about?” Stephen’s voice buzzed in his ear. “You’ve been on dates before! It’s nothing new.”

Tom shook his head, staring out the window. The accelerating craft tilted around as it gained altitude but he couldn’t feel a thing due to the artificial gravity within. The skycar has left the Citadel’s spin-induced pull already, relying instead on the mass effect fields in the floor. “I just have a weird feeling about this,” he said.

“What, think Tell’s hooking you up with an Asari?” Ed’s voice chimed in. “Consider yourself blessed in that case, buddy!”

“What is your obsession with Asari anyway?” Tom groaned, exasperated.

“Don’t tell me you don’t find them appealing,” Stephen said. “There’s something beautifully exotic about them. They’re like women, but different. New. Alien!”

“They don’t look that different to me,” Tom commented.

“Yeah, that. And…” Ed interjected, “they practically don’t age! Imagine that! No matter how old you get, your girl stays just as beautiful as when you met!”

That mindset just didn’t sit well with Tom. “What’s the point if you can’t grow old together?”

“Ah, the hopeless romantic strikes again,” Stephen piped up. “You can’t be so hung up on details like that, or you’ll never find anyone. Just show up and be yourself, and it will all go smoothly. You’ll see.”

I did that till now and none of that’s worked out, Tom thought. But he didn’t voice any of that. “Look, you worry about those quad-links I lent you and leave my personal life to me. I want to see them in my toolbox the next shift!”

“Roger, roger!” Stephen answered. “And have fun!”

“Take pictures!” Ed shouted before his voice cut off.

Tom left the call and relaxed into the seat. The view outside was a blur of myriad vehicles flying by, the skyline of the Zakera ward, and the ever-stretching infinity beyond. It was different than looking at the night sky back on Earth. On a planet surface, space is merely up. Out here, ‘up’ only reached a couple hundred meters high, then ceased to matter altogether as you would eventually just come back ‘down’ into another ward. Space was all around you. From up close, even Earth seems endless. Nothing really highlights the vastness of the universe like looking out the window and seeing the entirety of your tiny little world in a single frame.

Eventually, Tom’s skycar broke off from the traffic flow and began to descend between the sheltered buildings. He quickly brought up Tellana’s messages again:

Tell >     [Morani Café, Falera district, table 9, 15:20]

Tell >     [Don’t keep her waiting!]

The clock on Tom’s omnitool read 14:54. He’d be fine. He quickly checked his looks again in the window’s reflection. Nothing too fancy, just an elegant buttoned shirt and a jacket to go with it; no way to go wrong with those. He still smoothed the shirt out self-consciously.

Once he disembarked, finding the café was no challenge, just a matter of walking up to the nearest Avina terminal and asking. The holographic Asari guide materialized as he approached and quickly pointed the way for him. A five-minute walk from the transit terminal and Tom had the place in sight. It was located on the same level he had arrived on, near the edge of the complex. A small, but cozy looking place with clean spaces, sparsely-placed round tables and a full-wall window offering a view of the skyline. The sign advertised a menu friendly to all species and a quick look around confirmed this as the present customers included Asari, Humans, Salarians and even one or two Turians, whose diet was especially hard to accommodate.

Tom rounded the place looking for his table and realized there was a problem. Table 9 was currently occupied. Nevermind, he still had about ten minutes left, so he opted to just wait outside till they concluded their business. But the clock was ticking and even after waiting a while the occupant wasn’t getting up. His date was due to arrive at any moment so, as non-confrontational as Tom was, he decided this was no time to remain passive.

“Excuse me,” he said politely as he approached the table. “I don’t mean to disturb, but I have a reservation here and I was hoping you could perhaps free the table for me? I know there are no other empty spots left, but I will really need this table, real soon.”

The lone Turian looked up at him curiously. He thought she might be measuring him up skeptically, but he sucked at reading Turian facial expressions, what with their faces consisting of rigid, armored plates. Hers were chalk-white with gray, scaly hide wherever they gave way. At first, Tom thought she had no colony markings, something he understood was a social stigma among her people, but then he noticed the flowing, black lines which ran back from her eyes and along the sides of her head. It went together neatly with her white and black jacket; a much simpler clothing than what most Turians tended to wear.

“I’m sorry, but you have to be mistaken,” she said, her flanging voice sounding as sincere as the translator could make it. “I have this spot reserved and I’m waiting for someone. Are you sure you have the right table?”

“Yes,” Tom answered, starting to feel nervous. “I am sure this is the one, I checked about a dozen times on my way here.”

“The right time?” she tried.

“Yes, three twenty,” he said.

“The right day?”

“Yes…”

“Right café…?”

Tom pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation, debating whether this was a management mistake or if the Turian was playing him. But then he had a different thought. Suddenly, a very bad premonition crept across his mind, the woman’s increasingly desperate remarks clicking into place. He locked eyes with her awkwardly and for a moment, he felt they were both having the same exact thought. “You don’t happen to be acquainted with Tellana D’Koniss, do you?”

_________________________

Chapter 2

The Blindsided Date

And here’s the catch, Sinet thought, staring open-mouthily at the very obviously Human man. Neither of them knew what to say. The shock of their mutual realization written plainly on their faces transcended all cultural and anatomical boundaries. Simply getting up and walking away didn’t feel appropriate to her so she endured the silence, letting the Human make the first move.

She wondered if he would turn around and leave and whether she would feel offended if he did, but to the man’s credit, he took the chair opposite her and sat down. More uneasy silence followed, the two of them shifting between staring down at the table and examining each other.

It’s not like Sinet had any way of judging Human looks. She didn’t know what to think about him; his soft, smooth skin, the mane of thin hair on his head, or the shorter, rougher looking one on his face. To her, these things were always the designators of his species, nothing more. Yet for some reason, Tellana thought it might make an impression on her?

Going by his demeanor, he was probably thinking the same thoughts. How could he possibly feel about her facial plates, the color of her carapace, the shape of her mandibles? What would they invoke in him other than: ‘Turian’? And why was she feeling self-conscious about it?

“So,” he spoke finally, sparing her the burden of breaking the silence, “I take it we were both spared the finer details of this arrangement?”

“One or two,” Sinet agreed, turning to look out the window. Suddenly, the void beyond seemed inexplicably inviting.

A brief pause followed, the silence stretching once again. Sinet glanced at her omnitool’s clock, calculating how long they needed to sit there before the reservation ran out, when the Human squared his shoulders, something resolute flashing across his face.

“Alright. Since we were both led here under false pretenses, do you want to just call it quits and go about our days?” he asked, searching for hints of answer in her face. “Or are we going to power through this?”

Sinet had been considering that for a while by then. She had to admire his straight-forwardness. “Tellana will never stop pestering us if we ditch,” she said at last. That, and she didn’t feel like explaining this to Sarryn either. “Why not make use of her hospitality while we’re here?” she asked, gesturing towards the counter. She’s already hauled herself here, she might as well go through with it.

“Good call,” the Human said. A low rumble emanated from his direction as he looked at the food on display, leaving Sinet slightly startled. He turned away ashamedly and slid his wrist over the chip at his side of the table, a holographic menu projecting from his omnitool. Sinet followed suit, the menu automatically opening in the dextro section and translating into her preset language.

They seemed to be intentionally stalling, scrolling through the offered drinks and entrées without committing to any choice. Sinet tired of it first and clicked to make an order then waved the screen away. She watched as the Human shuffled through the unfamiliar offers then hastily chose one, the hologram vanishing swiftly.

“I’m Tom,” he said as they waited, attempting to open a conversation. “Thomas is my full name but I don’t really go by it with anyone.”

“Sinet. Morphelis,” she answered. He fell silent again, not knowing how to respond, as if he hadn’t thought this far ahead. They both turned to the window again. “Nice weather we’re having,” Sinet said, just to keep the talk alive.

A choked sound escaped him that seemed to her like a stifled chuckle. She joined him, the laughter diffusing the tension somewhat.

“So… I take it you haven’t been on a date with an alien before?” he followed up eventually.

“No, can’t say I have,” she answered. “What gave it away? I’m the embodiment of Human beauty standards, no?” Another chuckle, or what she hoped was a chuckle, followed. “Have you?”

“Nope,” the Human… Tom shook his head. “First time for everything, isn’t it?” he joked and Sinet began to wonder whether he came expecting a Human or an Asari.

“Hope I don’t leave too bad an impression,” Sinet said earnestly. “I would hate to ruin your future experiences.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” he assured her, smiling. For some reason, that made her feel a lot better about the situation. “Besides, it’s not really you who’d be at fault for that.” That she had to agree with. “How do you know Tellana, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“We’re colleagues, sort of. I work at Huerta Memorial Hospital.”

“You’re a doctor then?” he asked, sounding impressed.

“ER,” Sinet specified. “What do you do?”

“Engineering. Mostly building-related work. Small scale,” he answered. “You must be familiar with Humans in awkward situations by now then. I mean, recalling the antics my colleagues get into, I’d imagine we’d make up half the Citadel’s trauma patients.”

“I don’t get to work with aliens, actually,” she clarified. “I’m a Turian doctor. I’m not qualified for that kind of work. Just thinking about the years I’ve spent studying for this, all the anatomy, physiology, internships… I can’t imagine going through that separately for every species.”

“I thought doctors at Huerta had regular training for dealing with aliens,” Tom admitted. “I’ve definitely been to an all-species clinic before.”

“That’s just for the full-time doctors,” Sinet clarified. “Most of us are support staff. There are plenty of specialists who treat multiple species, but from my experience, most of them are Asari. They can certainly afford spending a few decades studying! Not alluding to anyone specific, of course.”

Tom picked up on the jab and smirked, but seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. It made her feel oddly pleased.

“That makes a lot of sense,” he conceded. “I had a friend who studied to be a doctor but I’ve left him back on Earth, so we didn’t get to follow up on our experiences much. Still sounded enough for one lifetime. Turians live about as long as Humans, right?”

“Yes, I think. A century is all we get, maybe a half another at most, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine. That’s about the same as you if I’m not misremembering,” Sinet said, Tom nodding in confirmation. “How old are you? If it’s not rude to ask in Human culture I mean,” she added quickly.

“It isn’t. Well, it is but only towards women…” he explained, shrugging. “I’m twenty-seven.”

“That’s an odd custom,” she commented. “Not to disrespect Earth’s ways or anything! I’m twenty-nine, by the way.”

“Don’t look at me, I didn’t make the rules,” Tom answered, holding his many-fingered palms up in surrender. Luckily, he sounded more amused by her fumbles than anything. “Where are you from? Humans don’t have that many colonies established still so Earth is a safe guess, but with other species…”

“Yes, I am from Palaven,” Sinet admitted, foreseeing the inquiry.

“What’s it like there?”

She shrugged. “Similar to here, I guess. Except there’s a sky. The cities aren’t much different, save for the peculiarities that the Protheans left here. Otherwise, most of the planet is deserts, steppes and mountains. Not nearly as verdant or diverse as your home world; less water, smaller oceans and all.”

“I suppose you don’t really question the place you grew up in, huh? I wouldn’t have described Earth much more elaborately either. What drove you here then?”

“That’s…” Sinet trailed off, struggling to express her feelings on the matter, “complicated. I shouldn’t get sentimental right now.” The problem was, she’d never really seen it as coming to the Citadel rather than leaving Palaven. Leaving ‘home’. “And you? Why did you leave?”

Tom made a soft sound, twisting his flexible lips into a shape she couldn’t identify. “Touché,” he said, the translator failing to convey what it meant. “Also complicated.”

A small silence followed; this one due to introspection rather than awkwardness. All of a sudden, Sinet felt odd. Maybe it was the resignation on the success of this ‘date’, but she found the conversation to come unexpectedly easily. Like she could say anything without having to worry about keeping up appearances. It felt almost freeing.

At least I can tune out for a little and get some new thoughts in my head, she concluded. “You know what? Let’s just forget why we came here and treat this like a normal meetup. We can talk for a bit, have some drinks and snacks on Tellana’s tab with no awkwardness attached. I think it’ll make it easier on the both of us.”

Tom seemed to favor the idea, nodding to himself slowly, which Sinet knew as the Human sign of approval. “Sounds like a plan,” he agreed.

They smiled in mutual relief, or perhaps mutual understanding. The air itself seemed lighter. Tom opened his mouth but whatever he was about to say was interrupted by the arrival of their drinks.

o  o
\ˇ/

This day has certainly taken a turn for the unexpected, Tom mused as he observed the Turian woman before him. He still had no idea what Tellana was pursuing with this and it was hard to suppress the feelings of being backstabbed. Not that he had anything against Turians (or this one – Sinet – for that matter) but he’d been starting to get his hopes up, thinking that this might actually lead somewhere, only to get absolutely blindsided.

Did Tellana really think he’d be into her? Or she into him? How did she expect them to… get it on, potentially? Was that even possible? Tom had no knowledge of what Turian love life was like and no real plans of finding out. Not that she was ugly or anything. He didn’t have a clue of her people’s beauty standards, but was sure she wouldn’t have a hard time finding a partner – not with those eyes! She was just, well, a Turian! That kind of automatically disqualified her as a candidate. Right?

At least Tom’s counterpart seemed to share the sentiment. Not that he could really read her very well. The arrangement of hard plates that made up her face looked more like a mask to him, as if they covered her face instead of composing it.

Sinet’s eyes scanned the drink that the Salarian waiter set before her, scaly lids peering from inside the skull-like openings in her plates. She had striking, aquamarine irises and black sclera; the slit pupils and her flat, cat-like nose giving her an oddly feline appearance. The two mandibles which framed her face moved about every now and then, uncovering an assortment of pointy teeth. That, coupled with the slight movement of the two large plates above her eyes, seemed to make up all there was of her facial expressions.

Not that there wasn’t a lot to unpack. It all seemed subtler than with Humans, though Tom might’ve been biased about that. So far, he’d gathered that widening her mandibles equated to a smile, whereas closing them tight made her seem stern or irritated. They also quivered when she laughed and fell downward when he’d asked her about leaving her planet. Perhaps the latter conveyed sadness.

“What are you drinking?” she asked, tearing him from his musings.

“Oh, just coffee,” he said, pulling the cup closer. It didn’t seem to ring a bell. “A kind of caffein drink made from roasted seeds, though there are about a million ways to brew it. And you? What did you get?”

“A Turian equivalent,” Sinet answered. “Though this one is made from a root of a sort.”

The liquid in question looked dark and steaming, much like coffee, but had a more purplish hue to it rather than brown. Sinet took the oddly shaped glass in her three-fingered hand, raising it to her face. Her mandibles snapped shut as she took a sip. She had no lips and couldn’t close her mouth around the glass as a Human might, pouring the drink in instead. Tom could barely touch his mug yet, but the apparent heat of Sinet’s drink didn’t seem to bother her at all.

“Can I ask you something?” she said once she set the glass down, Tom giving her the go ahead. “Why do you keep staring at me?”

“Eh, what?” he blurted out, taken off-guard by the query.

“You’ve been doing it since you arrived, even before the whole ‘date’ debacle.”

“It’s just, uh...” he stammered, struggling to explain himself, especially since he hadn’t realized he’s been doing it. At first, he was going to say he’d been studying her expressions, but that wasn’t really it. There was something else about her that was bothering him. “Have we met before?” he asked.

“No, I don’t think so,” she answered, equally puzzled. “What makes you ask?”

“You just seemed a little familiar,” he said, shrugging. “At first, I though it must have been at the hospital, but that doesn’t seem that likely now.”

It wasn’t a lie. There was a stereotype of aliens mixing up Turians with the same colony markings (and carapace color), but Tom wasn’t as dull as that. There were her eyes for one; their particular shade, the way her black markings highlighted them, almost leading the eye towards them. Then there was the top of her face plates. Turian women didn’t have the long crests their men were known by, the scaly skin on their heads remaining exposed, but there seemed to be one or two extra protrusions where Sinet’s forehead plates ended. Tom knew there was a variance between individuals, but this looked too specific to him, not like something he’d seen often. And her voice, too. He just couldn’t shake the feeling he’s heard it before.

“It’s more likely you just have me confused with somebody,” she said eventually and left it at that. It was hard to argue since Tom had no leads, so he didn’t.

Their food arrived soon after. They’ve both kept it simple, ordering things that wouldn’t hinder the conversation much, though he couldn’t tell why since they hardly knew what to say to one another. Probably out of politeness.

Tom was practically starving and dug into his pumpkin pie as soon as the waiter placed it before him. On Sinet’s side, he laid a tray of what looked like pastry sticks, accompanied by a turquoise sauce dip. She also didn’t waste any time before sampling them.

“Mmm. I have to commend them on this! Not many all-species places make dextro food this good.” she said as she bit in. “Is your food alright? It looks sweet.”

“It is,” Tom answered. “Both, I mean.”

Normally, he would have offered her a taste, but for all he knew it might kill her. With most species, sharing food was not that big of a deal, save for some specific allergens. But not with Turians. Their bodily chemistry was based on dextro-amino acids, rather than the more common levo-amino acids that most species possessed. The reaction to consuming wrong-chirality food could be anything from it merely passing through the system without providing nutrition to life threatening. Unlike Tom, she couldn’t simply go and order an Asari taiso skewer when she felt like it. It didn’t help that ever since the Quarians got kicked out of Citadel space, Turians were the only dextro-based species around.

“So, what do you do for fun?” Tom asked in between bites.

Sinet raised a single ‘eyebrow plate’ at him. “Why? You planning another date already?”

“I just want to know what Tellana’s thought process was,” he answered.

She leaned back in her seat as she mused. “I guess you could say I’m a bit of a loner. Being a doctor is a tiring job, in all honesty. It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s my calling; but it hardly leaves me with enough social batteries for meetups or going out clubbing or something. I guess that’s not a surprise at my age,” she said, taking another bite of her pastry stick. “I used to hit the gym a lot, but nowadays that’s about once a week. I found that I prefer to laze around, do some self-care, have a quiet evening with a vid or a book or something. I like to visit the Presidium or hang around my place with a friend or another whenever I can; but I prefer one-on-one conversations over group hangouts. Other than that, I like music, photography, exotic wildlife and collect antique weaponry. Replicas, that is…” she added with a shrug. “There. Anything else you’d like to know?”

“That feels rather relatable, to be honest,” Tom couldn’t help but answer. “Maybe except that bit about antique weapons. Do say more!”

“Oh, it’s just something I picked up from my father. He had a large-ish collection at home when I was a kid and would tell me so much about them I practically became an expert by proxy. I guess, in a way it makes me feel connected with him,” she explained.

Tom found that rather fascinating. He couldn’t help but wish he had had something like that with his father. If the man saw him now…

“I take it you’re not the social type either then?” Sinet asked.

“It’s not that I don’t like company. Just not as much as most people I know,” he answered. “I love going out, actually! Depending on where to. I love concerts, the Castle Arcade, I play bowling, pool, have been to the Armax Arsenal Arena… well, once – it’s one of those things that I’d always love to try but never find the time. As for how many people come along, that’s secondary.”

“So, you value the activity over the company?”

Tom shrugged. “I like company, but company for the sake of it is just no fun. I’m not good at small talk and all that. I need to be doing something. Sharing the joy.”

“And what are you good at?” Sinet queried.

“You mean besides fixing things?” he considered. “Well, I quite like repairing things, to be honest; even outside of work. I sometimes build clocks as a hobby too; I just don’t know where to put them afterwards.”

“Clocks? Like, made specifically for measuring time?” Sinet barked in incomprehension.

“Oh, don’t you make fun of it too. It is a niche but timeless Human practice. There are so many types you wouldn’t believe! Some get pretty expensive too, so I sell my collection every now and then. Aside from a few special pieces.”

To her credit, Sinet listened intently. “I wasn’t teasing, I’ve just never heard of something like that. I can’t even remember the last time I’ve seen a real, physical clock somewhere,” she said mirthfully. She seemed to have forgotten her food momentarily, leaning on her elbows over the table. “Anything else that interests you?”

“Let’s see: I am a moderately accomplished cook and I love music.”

“Music? So, you dance?” Sinet asked, sipping her drink.

“Uh, no!” Tom declared. “I play. Been practicing guitar since I was a child. Acoustic and electric.”

“What is that?”

“A kind of string instrument. Flat body, long neck…” he explained, drawing an outline of it in the air.

“Sounds like a Turian aykir,” Sinet added. “I love music too, but I couldn’t play anything if my life depended on it. I stick with listening. Went to see The Atom Splitters at the Dilinaga Concert Hall a month ago.”

“Really?” Tom exclaimed, thrilled. “I wanted to go, but the tickets were sold out in seconds! How was it?”

“Worth every credit! They really know how to put up a show. The new drummer didn’t disappoint either. I was skeptical when they publicized bringing a Krogan into the band, but the guy is a force of nature.”

“I remember reading they had reinforced drums custom made for him. No drum set I know of could withstand what I’ve seen in those video clips floating around the extranet. I guess hitting things very hard is in his blood. Looked rather cathartic.”

“And so is hearing it!” Sinet assured him.

“Wish I could,” Tom remarked. “Unfortunately, none of my current sound systems have that level of accuracy.”

“I empathize. After the concert, I went and researched GXT sound emulation systems just to hear it again. It Is wonderful! I’ve just bought one like a week ago,” Sinet said, positively glowing.

And that’s when something clicked in Tom’s head. “That’s it!” he yelped. “The audio store! We spoke outside the entrance then. You gave me a tip about their wares!”

“Oh,” Sinet said, falling quiet. “That was you?” she asked, Tom nodding in confirmation. Her face went blank, eyes widened; mandibles shut, but jaw slightly ajar. If she’d been a Human, Tom would have said she looked dumbfounded. “You mean you… recognized me?”

“Of course! Well, eventually,” Tom said, rubbing his neck.

“But… we met for like a minute,” Sinet argued in an edgeless voice. “How could you pick me out from all other Turians?”

“You’re not that forgettable!” he reassured her. “Your, uh, plates for example. They sort of stand out. They’re not common, are they?” Tom asked, gesturing roughly to where his hairline began.

“Ah,” Sinet’s head slumped, hand wandering subconsciously to the extra points above her forehead plates. “No, they aren’t.”

“You don’t sound happy about it,” Tom observed, hoping he didn’t insult her. He didn’t know what Turian protocol said about commenting appearances.

“They’re not exactly considered a desirable trait,” Sinet summed up, looking away.

“Well, I like them!” Tom stated, trying to lighten her up. “They kind of look like a crown.”

“A what?” she asked.

“It’s a type of head gear some Human monarchs used to wear,” he explained, earning a doubtful look. Her bright eyes, so confident before, looked very different now when she was self-conscious. “There’s your voice too. Right away I knew it rang a bell from somewhere. I have a good auditory memory,” he added in response to her questioning gaze.

“You haven’t even heard my real voice,” she pointed out.

“Well, I think your translated voice sounds nice,” Tom stated, unfazed.

Sinet’s mandibles quivered slightly as she appraised his words, but her mouth remained closed. It felt different from when she laughed, somehow. “Thanks,” she said, not meeting his eyes, mandibles refusing to close.

As the quiet spread between them, Tom lifted his mug again only to find it empty. He considered whether it was worth ordering a new one, since he couldn’t tell how long they could keep the talk going. In fact, this could be used as an opportunity to excuse himself and end the meeting…

Their eyes met again and he smiled at her, earning a flustered eyeroll as she took a sip to hide her grin. He squashed those thoughts and brough up the menu again.

o  o
\ˇ/

“Wait, wait, wait!” Sinet interrupted, her glass freezing halfway to her mouth. “Bowling is a Human sport?”

“Yes,” Tom confirmed, leaning back in his seat. “You didn’t know that?”

“No!” she exclaimed, eliciting a chuckle. “The balls have three finger-holes! You are the last species I would have guessed!” she defended herself, pointing at his five-fingered hands with her perfectly normal three-fingered one. “What’s the point of that?”

Tom threw out his arms in a clueless gesture. “The more fingers you use, the harder it is to release?” he guessed.

“So, you don’t know,” she concluded.

“Of course I don’t! I just play the game, I don’t question the balls!” he yelled, prompting another bout of laughter from the both of them.

“You play often then?” Sinet asked once she quieted, finally managing to take a sip of her Quadim wine.

“Nope,” Tom answered, regret audible in his voice. “I used to, but none of my friends want to play anymore.”

“Why is that?” she pried, tilting her head.

“I always win,” he grinned.

Sinet narrowed her eyes, putting the glass down. “Oh, is that so?” she said, meeting his unwavering smirk. “I’d like to see how you fare against someone with the proper number of fingers.”

“Game’s on,” he answered.

Tom picked up his drink, relaxing in her chair. Sinet had to admit, given the circumstances that brought them here, he was handling the situation exceptionally. After the initial shock wore off, the conversation came naturally. He knew how to entertain, react to her anecdotes, share his own thoughts and experiences. He listened to her and never once seemed bored.

A greater shocker still was how he remembered her from their previous, brief encounter. It wasn’t common that aliens could tell apart Turians from the same colony; from Sinet’s experience they typically relied on colony markings to identify them. Of course, what made so many Turians overlook her, might have been to her advantage here. Not that she would have expected to feel good about it, even though the Human complimented her quirks. She knew it was just empty flattery; how could it not? Still, it made her feel good.

She could safely say she was glad they decided to stay and go through with this. Even knowing this wasn’t going to go anywhere, just shutting down for a while and finding herself in a new environment was proving surprisingly enjoyable. She wasn’t sure they could keep it going for the full three hours they had booked here, but since that was courtesy of Tellana, she didn’t mind if they cut their stay short.

Her wine ran out and she was moving to order another when she noticed the waiter approaching their table. “Apologies for disruption,” said the fast-talking alien, “but your reservation was up twenty minutes ago. We will need the table soon.”

“Oh,” they said in unison, inspecting their omnitool clocks. Sure enough, Sinet gawked at the numbers the orange hologram displayed.

“We were just finishing,” Tom said as he offered his cup which the waiter collected. Sinet was still a little struck at where all the time had gone when he stood up and began to put on his jacket.

“Right,” she said and stood too. She was fully dressed since Turian clothing standards seemed to differ widely from Human ones; removing anything would make her cold and would be considered indecent. “I guess that fulfills our obligation to Tellana.”

“Right,” Tom answered. They both stared at the ground, unsure what to say.

“Regardless, thank you. Uhm, for not running away as soon as you saw me,” Sinet continued as they stalked towards the exit. Tom chuckled again. She was getting used to the sound…

“Uh, thank you too. For enduring it here with me.”

“Hardly an unpleasant ordeal,” she assured him, giving him her sincerest smile.

They found themselves outside and uncertain what to do next. Neither of them seemed familiar with farewells in each other’s cultures. Did Humans butt heads as a greeting? Or was that the Krogan?

“It was nice to meet you?” Tom said finally and turned to go. He seemed to waver for a few steps before setting out in earnest.

“You too,” Sinet responded and went, slowly, on her way.

Now that that was over with, she headed straight towards her apartment. What she needed the most right now was a hot shower and a well-deserved rest. The only thing left was to figure out how to best deflect Sarryn’s advanced interrogation techniques; she had one more free day ahead and still owed her a lunch so she doubted she would get a break. Hopefully she could get this evening out of her head before her next shift.

Then, she had an Asari to throttle.

_________________________

Chapter 3

Reflections

Tom had just received his takeout when his comms rang. He had spent his entire work day dodging all of his friends’ invasive questions about yesterday’s ‘date’, so when he saw the name his omnitool displayed, his heart sank. He took a bite out of his burger and reluctantly picked up.

“Hiiiii!” the voice rang in his ears.

“How are you, Tell?” he asked through a mouthful.

“Me? Fantastic! Why?” the Asari jabbered. “I think the question everyone’s curious about is how you are, Tommy!”

“Fine, I guess,” Tom replied sullenly. He had no energy to argue. It was late and he’d already wasted all his ire away. All he’d wanted right now was to fill up his stomach with something then crash out for at least ever.

“Aw, come on! Don’t be holding out on me! Do tell me everything!”

“There’s nothing much to say,” he answered, taking another bite.

“Now, I’m certain that’s not true!” Tellana giggled with an audible eyeroll. “I bet you’ve had a lot on your mind since yesterday. You never even gave me a call!”

“You bet, huh?” Tom grumbled. That was an understatement of the century. “You knew what you were doing, Tellana. Don’t pretend you didn’t know exactly how this was gonna go.”

“I didn’t. But I’d love to find out!” she chimed and Tom suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and was met with a blue face grinning ear to ear. He sighed and ended the call.

“Can’t a guy eat in peace?” Tom lamented, continuing on his way.

“I’ll wait if you want!” the Asari offered falling into step with him. She toned her smile down a little when he shot her a glare since that was clearly not what he wanted to hear.

“I’ve just got Ed and Stephen off my back and now here you are. Do you have the faintest idea of what I had to suffer at work today? They’ve even roped Kadash into trying to interrogate me.”

“And you held out on all of ’em,” she complained. Tom stared her down suspiciously. “So what? I was hoping to hear something through the grapevine as you Humans say. To give you a bit of space. But it seems I had to come to the source after all.”

“And what do you hope to hear exactly? Have you come for a laugh? A punchline? Or were you actually serious about this?” Tom demanded. “How could you possibly have thought this would end?”

“With a happily ever after, ideally,” she suggested. “Okay, maybe not, but please Tommy, don’t tell me you just gave up the moment you saw her! At least give her a shot!”

“So, you are serious,” he said incredulously.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

He wheezed, finding the words. “Why, because she’s a Turian perhaps? When were you planning to tell me that? You can’t just bust this out on someone out of nowhere, Tell! Do you think either of us came there looking to match with an alien?”

“As if that’s a dealbreaker,” she scoffed. “Do you think Asari have a monopoly on interspecies romance? I’ve seen stranger pairings than this work out.”

Tom rolled his eyes. “Like, sure. I know there are couples like this out there. Purely statistically – not that I’ve seen one. But you can’t expect just anybody to be into this! What do you reckon went through her head when she saw me? You think she’d be attracted to my hair or my stubble or my smooth, soft skin?”

Tellana narrowed her eyes, a smirk creeping back onto her face. “Curious how you only seem worried about what she thought of you.”

Tom raised his eyebrows, then shook his head, laughing. “I think that’s a pretty valid concern, don’t you agree? Don’t go digging for any hidden meanings now. Plus, it’s not just her opinion that concerns me. What about other people in my life? Or in hers? Tell, my father fought in the First Contact War, for crying out loud!”

“That was years ago!” Tellana argued. “The whole thing was just a misunderstanding and it lasted for a few months only. There has been peace between Humans and Turians for ages. From your point of view anyway,” she added reluctantly. “Look, I don’t know what your father might think of you if he saw you yesterday, but if someone still has a problem with aliens does their opinion really matter to you? You can’t worry what everyone who’s views you do not share thinks of you.”

That was easier said than done. What he thought seemed immaterial when he still lived in an environment with people who held their own opinions… But that was why he’d left, wasn’t it?

He still remembered sneaking glances at the news his mom watched late at night; the first time they unveiled a body of what the media called ‘monstrous bird men’. He stared at the alien figure in dread, knowing that was what his dad was out there fighting… And not a year later, he watched those same figures shaking hands with politicians on air.

“I don’t know, Tellana. Some people will stay a part of my life even if we disagree on everything. Sometimes it’s not worth kicking the hornets’ nest. It just seems like too big a divide to breach, no matter what I may think of her.”

“And what did you think of her?”

“What did I…?” Tom threw the burger wrapper into a bin he was passing and shrugged. “I don’t know. She was nice and all, but mostly, I kept thinking about how she is a Turian. Well, I guess I wasn’t thinking about it much after we’ve gotten to talk for a while; I was just thinking about her then,” he admitted. “Her thoughts, her stories, her likes…” her expressions, her gestures, her eyes, the way her voice sounded when she laughed… He shook the images away, remembering what he was saying. “But it’s not like I was thinking about a possible future with her or anything. We were just treating it like a friendly conversation.”

“And is her species the only reason you think there is no future there?”

“What other reason do I need?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Why did all your previous dates fail?” Tellana queried, striking a nerve. “What about that girl Ed hooked you up with?”

Tom would have preferred to steer clear of this subject. It’s not that the date was that terrible. It wasn’t, not at all. Many other men would no doubt be very happy to trade places with him. But he just… “I don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with her. We just didn’t click, that’s all.”

“Maybe if you were a bit more specific, I would have a better idea of who to throw your way the next time,” Tellana quipped.

That made Tom boil over. He stopped when he reached the Citadel Transit Station where only a wall of invisible energy was separating the atmosphere from open space. He knew exactly where the problem with his dates lied, but that only made it more apparent that the issue was him, not them.

She was boring! he wanted to shout. That was it, nothing more. I was bored. I came here, to the Citadel, all these years ago because I was sick of the mundane, repetitive life that I and every other Human I had ever met on Earth were living. I wanted to discover something new, see new sights, meet new people; people whose lives were actually interesting, who it was fun to get to know. To live a life that others back home could only dream of. Not sit around eating Earth food, talking about Earth problems, how people on Earth were doing, how much she missed living on Earth: the day and night cycle, the familiar cities, familiar people, familiar routine! How weird everything I had come to love about this place is! We chatted for hours and no matter how much I tried to change the subject, all I ever learned about her was how much she missed the life I tried so desperately to escape!

But Tom said none of that. Though it must have been apparent on him that he had so much more racing through his mind, all he confessed was: “I never fit in back on Earth. Is it so much to ask for someone who understands? Who is living the life that I want, not yearning for the life that I resent?”

He leaned against the railing, gazing at the shimmering clouds beyond. Tellana wasn’t saying anything. When he turned to meet her eyes, she offered him a soft smile. “And if you found such a person?”

“I guess I would want to be with them,” Tom answered. “Around them. Not necessarily as partners, even just to spend time together.”

“So did I not succeed then?” Tellana asked cautiously. “Did you have fun yesterday?”

“We made the most out of it,” he said. He couldn’t speak for Sinet, but he really did enjoy himself. In earnest, he couldn’t remember the last time he had met someone so genuinely interesting. He was curious to hear about her life: about Palaven, her coming to the Citadel, everything that interested her, fascinated her, that she loved about this place. How she made all the ordinary Human things sound so new and exciting, and how her own norm was so completely alien to him. Hell, they even shared interests he couldn’t discuss with anyone else.

“You’d be up for a second meeting then,” she half-asked half-declared. “I could give you her contact information. You don’t have to push things; if you’ve found common footing you could meet on your own terms. If it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have a friend to share hobbies with!”

Tom considered her suggestion, then cracked a smile. “You know what? Congratulations! You were right that broadening my horizons would be enriching.” He pushed away from the railing and finally hit the transit terminal, calling in a skycar. “But if you want to build a romantic relationship, you can’t just disregard everything else. Like attraction. It doesn’t matter how alike I am with someone if I’m not into her.”

Tellana stepped in and put a hand on his shoulder, leaning uncomfortably close to his ear. “I know exactly what kind of women you’re into. Or did you forget about Kevin’s birthday party at the Dark Star?” she whispered, Tom’s stomach clenching at the memory. “If I got as chatty as you when I’m tipsy, I wouldn’t drink that often either. The things you learn about people sometimes… Did she ever call you back?”

Tom stepped away from the Asari, cheeks burning up. “That’s not… What? But she was Human! You can’t compare that to a…”

“Why not? I’ll keep holding the torch for you two. I think Sinet might fit your type more than you want to admit,” Tellana teased, her smile that of a supervillain who had just unveiled the hero’s weakness.

The skycar landed at the platform, the doors opening automatically for its passenger. “I’ll, uh, be going now,” Tom said, seizing the opportunity to escape. He quickly took a seat and input the coordinates for his home district.

“I’ll send you her comm info through text then!” Tellana shouted, relishing her victory. Tom just hoped that whatever he would end up doing wouldn’t come back to bite him in the ass.

o  o
\ˇ/

Sinet stalked through the hospital hallways with a singular goal in mind. Her break had barely begun when she beelined it for the inpatient wing, searching for a familiar face among the crowd of white-clad specialists. She found her target at the vending machine, no doubt looking to enjoy her bit of downtime. She had her own opinions on that.

“Oh, Sinet! How are you? Ow, ow, wait!” the Asari exclaimed while being grabbed by her forearm and dragged away towards the nearest breakroom. Luckily it was empty.

“I hope you have an explanation for me, Tellana,” Sinet unloaded as soon as the door slid closed.

The blue woman recovered herself swiftly, straightening the fabric of her sleeves as if she’d been expecting something like this. “Me? I’m good, thanks for asking,” she smiled, unbothered. “I’m assuming you’re talking about two days ago?”

“What else would I be talking about?” Sinet demanded, undeterred. “Spirits, Tellana! I let you talk me into this, thinking you might be right after all. I prepared for this, let my sister drag me through fashion stores, tried to get presentable. I actually started to look forward to it! Why didn’t you tell me he was a Human?”

“Because you wouldn’t have gone,” the Asari answered, matter-of-factly.

“Damn right I wouldn’t!” Sinet growled. She let her irritation subside, sinking into the nearest chair. “What’s the point of wasting each other’s time like this?”

“Who said it was a waste of time? The way I heard it you were enjoying yourselves.”

“In spite of your best efforts,” Sinet shot back, Tellana gracing her with an offended glare. “Look, if you seriously expected that the two of us might work out then you’ve put very little thought into this.”

“And you’re putting very little faith into me,” she argued, taking the seat opposite her. “What did you think of him? Spill it!”

Sinet sighed, scratching behind her plates. “I don’t know. He was nice and all, easy to talk to, attentive, kind… But, Tellana! You can’t think we’ll both fall for each other just because we share a few common interests.”

“You share a lot more than that,” Tellana assured her.

“Yeah? Well, how about species? We don’t seem to share that, do we?”

“I think you’re a little too hung up on that.”

“Hung up? ‘Hung up’ she says,” Sinet grumbled, shaking her head. “You can’t force attraction, Tellana. I mean, look at the two of us? Better yet, look at what Human women look like: all soft and smooth and petite, with flowing hair and those weird mounds on their chests; no offense. And now compare that to me! I’m hulking compared to them. All hard edges and tough plates, even my skin is all scaly. What reason does he have to be attracted to me?”

Tellana listened to her rant in silence, a smile growing on her lips. “You two are just adorable!”

“What?”

“Nothing,” she said, waving the thought away. “If it makes you feel better, I think he liked you.”

Sinet narrowed her eyes at her. “Did he say that?”

“It’s what he didn’t say that convinced me,” she replied.

“Right,” Sinet sighed. “I can’t choose to pursue this based on your imagination, Tell. Even if I didn’t think that it is a ridiculous idea. I can’t keep a Turian man; what makes you think I can keep a Human one?”

“Maybe that’s the issue,” Tellana suggested.

“So, I am too ugly or too pathetic for men of my own species. Thanks.” Sinet stood from her chair and started pacing around the room.

The Asari scowled at her. “That’s not what I said! Did I say that?” she admonished her. “All I meant is that I’ve been in this game long enough to see when someone is looking for what they want in the wrong places. Do you have any idea how many people could find their soulmate if they just stopped limiting themselves to a single species? there’s a galaxy worth of people out there but most are too set in their ways to see it! Isn’t that why you came here?”

It was. Just not this literally. “That is a dainty sentiment, Tellana,” Sinet said with all the gentleness she could muster. “But most of us aren’t Asari. I know siarism teaches you that all life in the universe is one, but the rest of us aren’t compatible with virtually any lifeform. Turians and Humans can’t have children! Our cultures are a lot different from yours too. I don’t even know what his morals are like or what he expects from the future!”

“That’s no issue,” Tellana waved a hand. “You share the same morals, your future plans align and neither of you wants children!”

That left Sinet momentarily stunned. She stopped in her tracks, turning to face her friend. “You mean you’ve actually taken that into account?”

“Of course!” she answered jovially. “You wound me, Sinet. What kind of matchmaker would I be if I hadn’t?” Sinet wasn’t answering for a spell. “Unless you’ve changed your mind and forgotten to tell me?”

“No,” she said quietly. “I haven’t. But, Tell…” Sinet struggled, searching for words. “That doesn’t mean you should lump me in with the first biologically incompatible man you find.”

“My matchmaking process was a bit more involved…”

“What I mean is,” Sinet interrupted her, “that this should be my choice. I don’t want you to start arranging my life around the fact that I’ve decided not to have children. There is more to my wants and needs than that. This is exactly the bigoted stereotype I was trying to combat: ‘Oh, if she doesn’t want to contribute to the Hierarchy, why waste good men on her? Let the aliens have her!’” she simmered. “And what if I end up changing my mind one day?”

“Then you will face exactly the same problem you would if you were with a likeminded Turian. You can’t change the fundamentals of the relationship and expect your partner to conform,” Tellana quickly pointed out. She stood as well, reaching out to calm her friend. “Look, I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable. And definitely not like I’m taking your happiness lightly. It’s just that – I’ve known the two of you for a while and I always thought you two would be a perfect fit if you allowed yourselves to see it. I know that for most, the species divide might be insurmountable, but I really believe that – deep down – you are one of the few people who wouldn’t allow that to stop you. And maybe I am wrong, maybe this isn’t gonna work for you; but I don’t want you to give up without taking the chance to find out.”

Sinet relaxed, taking a calming breath. Tellana was right. About some things, anyway. A part of her was looking for reasons to not go along with this out of worry. Worry that she would end up heartbroken if she grew too close to him. She’s only met the man for a few hours, but so far, he was as pleasant to be around as could be. And that made her nervous. Assuming everything Tellana said about him was true, there might be a universe where they were a perfect match. But there were a number of genuine fears that she couldn’t ignore.

“Thank you, Tell. I appreciate everything you’re doing here,” Sinet said and meant it. “But there are certain things that can’t be just glossed over. Like chemistry.”

“I think you’re just fine in that department.”

“I mean literal chemistry! Like amino acids,” she clarified. “For all I know, just getting physical – and I’m not saying I want to get physical with him – could kill one of us.”

“That’s just the worst-case scenario,” Tellana argued. “Most people are completely fine upon exposure to opposite amino acids. Are you allergic to levo?”

“I don’t know,” Sinet shrugged.

“You’re a doctor, aren’t you? The tester is right down the hallway. We could find out right now,” she said, grabbing Sinet by the wrist.

She didn’t follow. “That’s misuse of hospital equipment.”

“Come on, it is an unlimited resource. It’s not like you can use the machine up!” Sinet wasn’t budging a bit. Tellana sighed in exasperation. “Argh. Turians! Okay then, get tested in your own time if you must. But it’s simple business.”

“And how do you know he isn’t allergic?” she asked, aptly.

“I know, because,” Tellana giggled mid-sentence. “Listen to this! We were at this celebration once and there were snacks in two separate bowls – by chirality, obviously. And so, Tom of course…”

“Alright, I get it, he isn’t,” Sinet held up her hand, interrupting her. “Look Tell, I’m just… I’ve never done this before. Of course I have a lot to worry about. I don’t even know if I could do it, you know. With an alien. This is all… weird.”

“Well, that’s what I’m here for,” Tellana smiled. “I think through the complicated stuff and you try to enjoy yourself. Explore your limits. Have fun. At the very least, you might gain a friend out of this.”

Sinet was only grateful she could hide her embarrassed relief from the Asari. She smiled when her friend put her hands on her arms, inviting her into a hug. She reluctantly accepted it, still unsure of her thoughts on things.

“Alright, then. If you insist,” she said. “So, what do I do now? Assuming he wants to see me ever again.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that much,” Tellana said, shuffling out of the break room. “I gave him your contact information. I’d wager you’ll get a message soon enough!”

True to her word, she did.

The rest of Sinet’s day went as unexcitingly as a hospital shift could. When she eventually shambled to her apartment ready to collapse, she was pleasantly surprised that Sarryn had left her some of her dinner, the meal as filling, unhealthy and comforting as she could possibly wish. She was just loitering around the kitchen looking for something more to snack on when a message pinged.

Seeing the sender was listed as unknown, slight panic overtook her. She quickly scanned the room but Sarryn was currently sleeping off a food coma on her sofa, so she leaned against the counter and hesitantly brought up the chat log:

??? >     [Hi this is Tom]

??? >     [Tellana gave me your comm info]

??? >     [I just wanted to say, I know the meeting didn’t go how either of us expected but I don’t care anymore. Despite everything, I had fun and I hope you did too. And I think it would be a shame to just forget about it because of how it began]

??? >     [I was hoping you might want to meet again sometime, just as friends]

??? >     [If you’re still up to it, we could hit up the bowling alley in the Silversun Strip when we’re both free]

??? >     [Let me know if you’re in the mood]

Sinet stared at the lines of holographic text far longer than she would like to admit. For some reason, her stomach felt like it was tying itself into knots. The idea of a friendly bowling match to clear her mind of responsibilities for a while would normally be deeply alluring. But given who was inviting her and her earlier conversation with Tellana, she felt nervous.

Still, she already let her convince her to give it a shot. She could use someone who she shared interests with in her life. And he did invite her as a friend, didn’t he? Unless there was a mistranslation somewhere in the text, which was a possibility she quickly decided to forget and never think of again. She took a deep breath and responded:

[Hi]      < You

[Yes, Tell mentioned you might text]      < You

[That sounds like a pleasant idea]      < You

[I’m free in three days, let me know if that works for you]      < You

??? >     [Hey, thanks for answering]

??? >     [Yes that should work]

??? >     [Is 16:00 fine?]

[Yes that works for me]      < You

[Meet you there?]      < You

??? >     [Deal, looking forward to meeting again!]

That last message left a shivering feeling in Sinet’s stomach. She couldn’t rationalize it. there was no reason any of this should have made her this nervous. But here she was. Deciding she wasn’t hungry anymore, she sauntered off to the bathroom and called it a day.

_________________________

Chapter 4

Cultural Exchange

The door slid open and the sounds of crashing pins and lively murmur filled the air. The first time Tom had come to the alley he was surprised to see how many aliens were here. The dozens of lanes were occupied by Asari, Salarians, Turians, Volus, Drell, he even saw a Quarian for the first time right here. Basically, anyone with two hands and feet could be found enjoying a bowling match at all hours of the day.

The more he thought about it afterwards, the less strange it seemed. There were countless attractions and sports venues on the Citadel, originating from many different cultures, that Humans visited on daily basis. So, when they constructed the first bowling hall here, it only made sense aliens from all over would want to try their hands at it too.

“So, you’ve played before?” Tom asked to open up a talk.

“A bit,” Sinet answered fiddling with her rented bowling shoes. “A few times as an outing with colleagues, then once with my sister and some of her crewmates.”

Tom couldn’t help but stare as she changed her footwear. Firstly, due to the strange shape of the shoe, but also because he just learned that Turians apparently didn’t wear socks. The two taloned fingers that made up her digitigrade foot were something he’d expect to see on a dinosaur. Suddenly the likening of Turians to raptors didn’t seem that outlandish anymore.

“It used to be my work group’s favorite activity,” he responded when he closed the locker and moved to the counter.

“Until you started beating everyone?” Sinet asked.

Tom chuckled. “That was just boasting. I don’t think my skills really have anything to do with it.”

“Ah. So, when I kick your buttocks, I’ll know you didn’t just let me win, then,” she teased.

“I wouldn’t disrespect you like that.”

He swiped his omnitool over the payment terminal and a lane off to the side lit up with their names. Approaching it, he picked a ball and weighed it in his hands. The finger holes were slightly larger than usual, so that most balls can fit most species’ hands, but it was fine.

“I don’t suppose you need a refresher of the rules?” he asked as he hurled the ball down the foul line, knocking down all but two of the pins. He quickly corrected that with the second roll, earning a spare.

Sinet assumed her place at the approach, picking up a ball of her own. The widened finger holes came in use to her. Tom had never really noticed how much larger her three digits were compared to his own. With perfect form, she ran up to the foul line and rolled her ball straight at the center of the triangle of pins, knocking down all. He mandibles widened in a grin as she cracked her knuckles and gave Tom a sideways wink.

His stomach suddenly felt alive with movement. He swallowed emptily. “I’ll take that as a no,” he said. The game was on.

o  o
\ˇ/

Three games later, it was still even. The first one was won by Sinet by only two points, while Tom clutched the second one by an equal amount. The third one was a draw.

Frame seven of game four rolled by and the leaderboard was changing with each roll of the ball. Tom picked up a new one and stood at the approach. Unsurprisingly, his next throw was a strike, which put him above Sinet again.

“So, these games are a big deal on earth?” she asked in between play.

“Yes. Well, no. Olympics are, but tenpin bowling has only been added to the sports in 2164.  For most people it’s just a pastime.”

“I like the idea: all the countries of the world sending their champions to compete in all sports imaginable,” Sinet remarked, charmed by the concept. “How did it become a thing?”

“Oh, the first games are older than our calendar!” Tom informed. “They were founded by an ancient civilization in the city of Olympia. But they were a lot different back then. The modern games were revived much later.”

“Different how?” she queried.

“Well, for starters, the only ones allowed to compete were men. Naked men.”

“So, it was a show?” Sinet joked as it came to her turn again. “People coming to observe nude athletes trying to outperform each other?”

“I imagine! A stadium filled with chiseled abbs and rippling biceps! What woman wouldn’t want to see that?” Tom chuckled. “Thing is, the only ones allowed to spectate were also men.”

Sinet laughed with him. She would have questioned that if she didn’t choose to inquire about something else instead. “So, Humans consider toned muscles a masculine trait?”

“Yup,” Tom answered absently.

“Oh,” Sinet frowned.

“Not that it makes any sense to me. It’s not like men are naturally chiseled; it takes work. Trust me, I tried. Apparently, someone at some point decided the beauty standards should dictate for men to be jacked while women should remain thin and small and generally mellow,” Tom elaborated. “Someone pretty damn stupid,” he added under his breath.

“I see,” Sinet perked up, exhaling deeply.

It was the final frame of the game and she had just taken the lead by a few points. If Tom landed at least a spare, he’d win.

“Turians are more naturally toned,” she explained. “Not that everyone is muscular by default, but it’s not that difficult to get a good figure. I mean, you should see my abbs, and I don’t even exercise as much as I used to!”

“I should?” Tom squealed. Sinet held his wide-eyed gaze as Tom’s face did something she didn’t know it could. Until he remembered he was holding a heavy, spherical object in his hands. “Right. I, uh, didn’t know that about Turians…"

“That’s okay,” she answered as he forced his body to face towards the pins, focused. “I didn’t know that Humans changed color.”

As Tom went for his wining roll, he stepped onto the greased-up foul line and slipped, falling onto his side with a thud.

“Are you alright?” Sinet asked as they both watched the ball roll right into the gutter.

“What? Uh, yeah, uh… It just means I’m a little exerted,” the Human stammered, touching his reddened cheek.

“I meant the fall.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I’m fine. I really fumbled that one, huh? I guess the game goes to you,” he said, accepting her outstretched hand and pulling himself upright.

His skin felt incredibly soft and unexpectedly warm against her scales. She held it, locking eyes with the embarrassed Human until his lips twisted into a now recognizable smile. They seemed to forget what they were saying or doing for a beat.

The spell was broken when the sound of thundering footsteps came from the side and two hulking Krogan appeared, occupying the lane besides them. One shuffled through the selection of balls, none quite fitting his massive hand, and resorting to cupping it in his palm.

“Another game?” Sinet asked eventually, letting go of Tom’s hand.

“Sure, why not,” the Human answered.

Sinet watched as behind him, the leading Krogan approached the foul line and hurled the ball through the air like a projectile, scattering the pins across neighboring lanes. A loud bang resonated from the machinery in the back wall. The entire bowling alley went quiet.

“I told you you have to roll it! You’re holding it wrong,” his companion thundered.

“Damn thing is too small. How am I supposed to hold it correctly?” the other argued, getting in his friend’s face. Tension spread across the hall.

“On second thought,” Tom said, not letting his eyes off the pair, “I’m getting rather hungry. Do you wanna go grab some food instead?”

“Coward,” Sinet teased, gladly taking him up on the offer.

o  o
\ˇ/

“So, you mentioned you have a sister?” Tom said, finishing his sandwich. The alley cafeteria was right next to the bowling lanes, but he didn’t have a view of the turmoil further back which made him forget all about it, safe for the occasional loud bang.

“Two,” Sinet replied, sipping her ‘coffee’. “I’m the middle of three sisters. The older one is a shield technician on a Hierarchy warship and the younger just enrolled in a bootcamp. And you? Any siblings?”

“None. Only child,” Tom responded, pointing at his chest.

“Must have been rather lonely growing up.”

“Didn’t feel like it, really,” he said, thinking back to the times. “Sounds rough. This whole mandatory military service, I mean,” he remarked eventually.

Sinet shrugged. “It’s manageable. I never really thought about it as much as everyone seems to assume. You enroll, get taught a few basics, spend a few boring months on a ship somewhere and then you move on. Unless you actually like the environment and decide to make a career out of it.”

“But what if your ship gets attacked? What if they send you on a mission somewhere and you have to face things you never wanted to face? Do things you never wanted to do?”

“That’s a risk everyone has to undertake,” Sinet answered. She eyed him, judgingly. “Is that why Humans are so hesitant about military service? Fear of risks?”

“It’s not that simple,” Tom said, looking off to the side. “It’s… What if they have you fight battles you don’t agree with? For causes you don’t support? Weren’t you afraid of being on the wrong side?”

Sinet seemed surprised. “You think the Systems Alliance are the bad guys?”

Tom exhaled. “They aren’t. For now. But they’ve done questionable things too. Do you think every war the Hierarchy has fought was justified?”

He regretted it as soon as he said it. Tom recalled all too well how Humanity’s first encounter with an extra-terrestrial civilization went. There were still some unhealed wounds on both sides.

Sinet, to his relief, looked away but didn’t seem offended. “No,” she responded after a while. “I don’t. That’s why I became a medic. No matter what I did, I helped.”

“Is that why you left home too?” Tom asked.

Old feelings flashed across her face. “Its… not that simple,” she echoed. “It’s not that I dislike the Hierarchy. It is a good system; the best one we had. But it has its downsides too. The culture it creates can be… cold. It’s an unintended side effect and not universally truthful about everyone, but sometimes it feels like you’re being treated as an underling or a superior no matter who you talk to. It makes personal life quite awkward sometimes.”

“So, you craved connection?” he ventured.

“That’s not quite it,” Sinet answered. “Not all of it, anyway. I always wanted to be a doctor. I romanticized going out into the galaxy, meeting other people, helping them. Making a difference; to everybody, not just people back home. ‘Sinet Morphelis, the galactic medic,’” she giggled. “Of course, I got hit with a healthy dose of reality once I actually had to study medicine. But I also realized I was being silly by wanting to do everything myself. I don’t have to help everybody. Even if I stick with treating Turians, there will always be enough people in need. The way you truly make a difference is one person at a time.”

Tom couldn’t help but smile. There was something about the way she described her life that made him connect with her.

“And you?” she added. “What made you choose the path that you did?”

“Discovery, I suppose,” Tom confessed. “Growing up, I got introduced to this whole new world out here, and yet, most people back on Earth would rather not talk about it, or when they do they argue. I wanted to see it for myself. Be a part of it. Not remain deliberately blind to the universe.” Sinet smiled as he explained, her expression mirroring his thoughts. “As for why I became an engineer, I just like fixing things.”

“I guess we have that in common,” she replied, an understanding flashing between the two.

They said nothing for a long while, merely looking into each other’s eyes. Their arms were laid out on the table, Tom’s fingers shuffling unconsciously towards hers.

Then the whole table shook, the spoon rattling in Sinet’s glass.

They both turned as the two Krogan marched by, parting the crowd of people like the Red sea. If Asari were space elves – as some Humans secretly called them – the Krogan were space orcs. Hulking, nigh invulnerable and prone towards violence, they commanded as much respect as they did fear. They were a reptilian race with big humps on their backs and armor-plated faces that reminded Tom of turtles. And, due to an extensive and bloody history, a rare and often unwelcome sight on the Citadel.

“I’m tired of your playing. This is not a firing range!” boomed one. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” echoed his companion. “I could go for a fish right about now.”

“I hear they have fish on the Presidium! Lakes full of them, just waiting to be snatched!”

“How do you expect they’d let us onto the Presidium, huh?” argued the other.

As their voiced died away, the hall began moving again, a chorus of unconsciously held breaths being released accompanying their departure.

The pair were thrown for a loop as they looked at each other again, Tom carefully withdrawing his hand. Sinet glanced at her omnitool absently then sighed. “Spirits, when did it get so late?” She finished the rest of her drink and stood, prompting Tom to follow suit. “I should get moving. I have an early shift tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Tom said politely. He too had a workday to look forward to. “So, how do you rate Human sports? Has today given you a new perspective?”

“On bowling? Not much, I have already favored it,” she said as they stood from the table, empty glasses in wake. “But maybe I’ve gained some appreciable insight into Humans themselves.” She winked.

“Is that so? Maybe we should do another meetup then, this time under your direction.”

“A bit of cultural exchange, huh?” she mused, walking out the alley. “Why not? I might even have something in mind in fact. I’ll let you know when I’m free.”

Tom approved. “Sounds like a plan. Want to cut it through the plaza? You know, since we’re here already,” he suggested.  “Just to make the most of the time we have.”

Sinet thought about it and smiled, mandibles twisting in approval. “I’d be delighted to.”

o  o
\ˇ/

It took a bit longer than Sinet would have liked, but the two of them eventually managed to sync up their schedules. Well, it only took a few working days, but it was still a delay. She could hardly stomach the exhausting shifts these days, especially with Tellana lurking around the building. The way the Asari scavenged for gossip made her nervous.

When they reached their destination, Tom’s eyes bulged. She hoped that was normal for Humans. “Armax Arena?” he exclaimed. If Sinet had gotten any read on Human emotions, he seemed both excited and intimidated.

“You mentioned you always wanted to come,” she reminded him, “so I booked us a few matches. It is Turian and you said you’ve been here once before, so at least it will be fair. It’s not like bowling was new for me.”

“Emphasis on ‘once’. You’re… you know, trained. I’m a complete rookie.”

“Relax! It’s not a competition! Well, not between us. Who cares if you make it onto the leaderboard?” she assured him. “And, for your information: I’m as bad at handling weaponry as a Turian gets.”

“A reminder these matches are broadcasted across the whole galaxy,” he deadpanned.

“Didn’t stop you the first time!” she said.

They stepped inside the busy building, holographic adverts shining all around. Sinet got them ringed up and, after a minor waiting period, they were ushered downstairs into the prep room.

“There you can enter your names, customize your simulation and select your gear,” a Turian-shaped VI told them. “Once the match is ready, take the elevator down into the arena. Good luck, competitors!”

They were both familiar with how this worked. The Armax Arsenal Arena, run by a major Turian weapons supplier, was a holographic combat simulator that let you experience various combat scenarios with complete authenticity and safety. Understandably, the arena was popular with the more militaristic species like Krogan, Turians, Vorcha and, not the least, Humans. Asari, who were stereotyped as indulging every experience there was, were also present in some numbers, as they were everywhere.

Many of them were professional fighters and have even earned themselves some dedicated fans, but plenty of casual civilians came to feel the experience as well. Usually, crowds only gathered when big names were listed to attend, so hopefully no one will see the two of them bumbling about.

“In a way, it is the perfect follow-up to our last meeting,” Sinet said as they descended into the antechamber. “First, we did something we were both good at, now something we both suck at. Brilliant, really!”

It got a laugh out of Tom as they studied the leaderboard. Someone called Nihlus was currently at the top, followed closely by a Human-sounding Bailey, truly outrageous numbers attached to the names. Sinet tapped a terminal and the display changed to the match customization screen. She scrolled through the combat scenarios, setting the difficulty to the lowest. A fight against a squad of Turians popped up.

Nope! Sinet thought, scrolling further and finding sims of Human soldiers instead. Absolutely not! She glanced at Tom, but he seemed to not be paying attention. Picking either of those would probably be in a terribly poor taste.

She finally settled for a match against some Geth. A mechanical opponent seemed about ideal; no controversy attached. “Pick a terrain,” she said, switching to a selection of available maps.

She left Tom to fiddle with the settings for a bit, then they proceeded to gear up. The adjacent room was supplied with suits and weapon replicas of all kinds and for all species. They picked some up then retreated to change into their armors. Tom emerged clad in a pretty standard looking Human exosuit, carrying his helmet under his arm. Sinet couldn’t help but think he made the attire look rather dashing.

“Damn,” he said, stopping in his tracks. “I mean, uh, you look… imposing!”

His face was turning red again. Sinet wasn’t sure why she was noticing it so much or what its significance was, but it stuck in her mind. “Shal we?” she asked, motioning to the elevator.

They picked up their guns and descended down into the seamlessly set up simulation. Sinet glanced down at the nervous Human beside her, nudging his arm with an elbow. He smiled through the helmet and bumped her back. They refocused as the lift door opened and the rumble of upbeat music thundered over them. An artificial voice heralded their entry, blaring: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s combat night in the Armax Arsenal Arena!”

o  o
\ˇ/

The cacophony of their laughter echoed madly within the ascending elevator as the two returned from their final match. “That makes, what, six headshots?” Sinet marveled. “How?”

Tom shrugged, removing his helmet. “What can I say? I guess my head is an attractive target.” He himself didn’t have an explanation. He’d been ducking behind a cover as much as he could, almost not shooting at all.

“Certainly,” Sinet said, grinning down at him. “It seems to attract trouble alright.”

They returned the equipment, changing back to their casual clothes, adrenaline slowly leaving their systems. They did terribly, as predicted. Somehow, that only made it more fun. Or maybe just more funny.

“Alright, I’m going to say it: this beats bowling.” Tom admitted. “But only because of your laughable aim.” That earned him an elbow to the ribs.

“We should definitely do this again sometime,” she declared. “Maybe in bigger numbers, too. What say you invite your friends?”

Tom revulsed. “Ugh. I don’t think I could handle embarrassment on that level, thanks. What about your sister the marine? She sounds better suited for this.”

“Not unless you want to get absolutely schooled!” Sinet protested. “The last time we went here, she spent an hour afterwards lecturing me on every way in which I fall short as a Turian. Trust me on this, she’s funny and sociable, but when it gets to military stuff, she is a menace!” she concluded. “She’d also kill me if she found out I went without her…”

“I won’t snitch if you won’t,” Tom promised. Sinet accepted with overacted gratitude.

They stood before each other, eyes locked, smiles bright. Neither said anything. Tom’s hand gravitated forward on its own, pulled towards hers like a magnet, but he stopped it before she could notice. His pulse escalated. She didn’t seem to know what to do either. She didn’t speak, didn’t move, almost didn’t blink. Her eyes were way too enthralling…

The sound of footsteps from above reminded them where they were and what they’d been doing. Tom made an awkward half-step away, hoping she didn’t notice anything off.

“Right,” she said afterwards, recovering quickly. “I need to use the restroom, if you could just wait for a bit.”

“No issue,” Tom assured her, Sinet striding off.

He was left to stand alone at the console in the prep room as a group of three men descended down the stairs. They were Human, all burly with crew cut hair; military types by the look of it. “Man, what was that? That performance was ass!” one of the hollered.

It took Tom a second to realize he was talking to him. “What?”

“Is that how you want to represent us on the extranet?” the newcomer continued.

“Represent who?” Tom inquired, confusedly. “We’re amateurs, just having fun. What’s the issue?”

“Yeah, that’s right. The Turian too!” one in the back interceded. “What’s up with that? I thought them bird people were all supposed to be top of the line.”

“That wasn’t what I’ve seen,” the third sounded.

Tom stared indignantly. “That’s vaguely xenophobic, but okay. Just give her a break, man! what’s your angle?”

The first guy whirled on him. “Why? What is ‘she’ to you?” he demanded. Something seemed to occur to him. “What are you two doing out here anyway? Weird duo if you ask me.”

“I didn’t.”

“A Human hanging alone with one of theirs? Looks a bit suspicious, don’t you think? Our people usually go here to shoot a few of them,” he said, one of his cronies booting up the console and selecting Turian soldiers as opponents. “Maybe you just got a little confused: you’re supposed to point the barrel at the enemy.”

“That’s… less than vaguely xenophobic,” Tom said, stunned beyond measure. “It seems whatever bonehead rhetoric you subscribe to doesn’t include basic manners.”

The lead guy shoved him straight against the railing. “Man, fuck you!” he shouted, getting in Tom’s face. “I had folks up at Shanxi! Those walking fossils killed a lot of ours in the First Contact War, or did you forget? You might want to think of that next time you get a hardon for one!”

Tom fell silent. This was precisely the line of thought he was trying not to follow. He might be friends with aliens, work with aliens, talk to aliens on daily basis, but the truth was that he was living in a bubble. No matter how civil and casual the atmosphere on the Citadel may seem, out there in the universe, things were not so calm. Many on Earth would brand him a race traitor if they knew the feelings that had been taking root in his head for the past week. His own father would probably disown him.

He didn’t agree with a single thing this clown had said. He didn’t agree with his own family. He knew what he believed and believed it firmly; knew what he felt was right and would stand up for it. But that didn’t stop the thoughts from creeping. Asking what people would think of him, what bridges he might be burning, what future he was consigning himself into.

Then he thought of Sinet and all his doubt turned to fury.

Tom didn’t say a word to the man. He didn’t move, didn’t react, didn’t back away. He simply stared him down.

“What is going on here?” Sinet’s voice pierced the haze like a beacon of light.

The man turned to eye her disdainfully, the others taking a few steps back. They were all capable and much more dangerous than her, by the feel of them. But the presence of a tall, sharp-clawed, naturally armored figure was bound to command respect.

The lead meathead turned to Tom again. “If you want to mingle with these freaks, be my guest,” he practically spat in his face. Tom’ didn’t flinch. “Who knows. Maybe you’ll end up at the end of our barrels one day.”

He turned and stalked away, the group following him. He didn’t miss the chance to deliberately ram Sinet’s shoulder on his way, rebounding when she failed to move an inch.

“What was that about?” she queried when they left.

Tom shook his head and tried to smile. “Don’t mind them. Just your regular, run-of-the-mill racists.”

“Ah,” she said dispassionately. “That happens. Some people still get their gizzard twisted about aliens making friends.”

“Yeah,” Tom said, massaging his neck. Friends.

 Sinet looked bummed out. Tom felt guilty things took this turn: what a horrible end to a near-perfect day. Evidently, she decided to take matters into her own hands. “Well, I didn’t think I had anything else in me today, but I’m starving,” she proclaimed. “Want to go for a quick snack? There’s a good spot nearby I know that serves both dextro an levo stuff.”

Tom looked up at her cheerful face, eyes shining. He couldn’t help but marvel at her kindness, his sour mood quickly evaporating. “Yeah,” he said, lips twisting into a smile. “I’d like that a lot.”

_________________________

Chapter 5

Allure of the Unknown

‘Humans are a sapient spacefaring species native to the planet Earth in the…’ Blah blah.

‘They are upright-walking, mammalian and possess a…’ No, not that.

‘Humans reproduce sexually and have a highly dimorphous anatomy. Their lifespan…’ Urgh!

Sinet grunted in frustration, clicking away from the article. She was alone in her room, her desktop screen the only light illuminating the darkness. She kept glancing at the door as she scrolled through the extranet search results, possibly because the notion of anyone seeing what she’d been reading was making her carapace shiver.

So far, she hadn’t really found what she wanted to know, most articles only reiterating the same basic overview she’d already been told a thousand times. She tried altering her search phrases already, but nothing seemed to be helping much. And if she got even more specific, the results tended to be… well, not something she wanted in her browser history.

Finally, she came across an article titled: ‘Human mating habits: a biological and sociological perspective’. A bit out there, maybe, but it couldn’t hurt to look.

Skipping past the Salarian professor’s introductory paragraphs, Sinet dove right into the meat of the article. It was describing how Humans experienced attraction, the relationship between romance and sexuality, various courting methods, all the way to cultural norms.

‘Most Humans are monogamous and strive for lifelong partnerships. Their success rate, however, remains only moderately high, as they are confrontational and often prone to infidelity,’ Sinet read and frowned. This had left her strangely dispirited.

That doesn’t mean anything, she calmed herself. You could say the same about Turians.

She ploughed on, the words starting to blend together as her thoughts wandered. Something about casual sexuality flashed before her eyes, then transitioned onto marriage rituals before ending at common causes of separation. She was just about ready to click off the article again when suddenly an image appeared and she was met with a full-frontal photo of a naked Human man.

Sinet let out a sound like a wheezing kettle and slapped a hand on the screen, covering the bottom part of the image. She had recoiled from the monitor on reflex. Then, she coyly peeked back at it, slowly parting her fingers.

“Hmm,” she said, as she considered the display. At some point her heart had picked up its pace.

Once she caught herself staring, she scrolled further, revealing detailed maps of erogenous zones, internal diagrams and pictures of the male in various, uh, states. That made her raise an eyeplate. The more she saw, the less uncomfortable she grew with the subject. Some not-as-deep-as-she’d-like-to-admit part of her might have even felt intrigued.

Until she scrolled lower and arrived at an image of a Human woman. That killed her spirit almost instantly. The alien pictured looked nothing at all like herself. She was smaller than the male, all soft curves and smooth, plateless skin. Two unmistakable mounds, who’s function Sinet only ever heard of and that she’s never seen uncovered, hung from her chest. Her round face with a tiny mouth and a mane of long hair looked so alien to her she found it incomprehensible that one of her species would ever look at a Turian in such a way, no matter how much said Human criticized their beauty standards.

Then again, a Turian falling for a Human should also have been unlikely. And yet, here we were.

She continued on, skipping past the female anatomy charts until she saw a section about signs of attraction. Sinet subconsciously leaned closer to the monitor as she read along. It described things like eye contact, expressions, changes in speech patterns and such, accompanied where applicable with visual materials. What piqued her interest the most though was a subsection detailing physiological changes that might occur. One portrait of a Human’s face caught her attention in particular.

“Ooh,” she mumbled to herself as she read the description. “Very interesting.”

“Sinet?” came a shout, the Turian quickly closing the browser and shutting down the monitor. “Would you mind if I borrowed your claw filer?”

“Suit yourself!” she yelled back, her premature embarrassment subsiding.

“Would you mind showing me where it is?”

Sighing, Sinet hauled herself from her chair and fetched the filer from a bathroom drawer. She found Sarryn lounging on the couch watching a vid, a towel around her shoulders and a can at her mouth.

“Is that my shern cider?” she asked, handing her the filer.

“Found it in a fridge. Figured you wouldn’t mind.”

Sinet sauntered over to the kitchen and inspected the fridge contents. There were two cans left and nothing much else. She shrugged and picked up the cider, taking a deep gulp of the chilled beverage.

“Good choice,” Sarryn called. “You could really use to kick back a bit.”

“I needed it after seeing what you did to my pantry.”

“Anyone ever tell you you are starting to sound like mom?” her sister teased. “I thought the oldest sibling is supposed to be the uptight one. I’m beggining to see why that blind date went nowhere.”

Sinet observed the scenery in the living room: Sarryn sat on her couch – a dirty plate on the table next to her cider – while she watched her vid using her filer with her towel from her shower around herself. “Remind me why I let you stay here whenever you’re on shore leave?” she said coldly.

“Because you love me!” Sarryn answered without missing a beat, gracing her with her broadest smile.

Sinet shook her head, then chuckled despite herself. She sat down next to her, cradling her can in her hands. She considered taking her advice and just relaxing for a bit, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She had too much on her mind.

“Sarryn?” she asked timidly, trying to avoid her sister’s gaze by pretending to watch the vid. “Have you ever been with an alien?”

Sarryn, for her part, managed to keep her nonchalant demeanor. “Why? You considering broadening your horizons? Was the last date so abysmal you’ve given up on Turians?”

“Just curious. Since you’re boasting about your escapades all the time,” Sinet deflected.

Her sister leaned back against the armrest and stretched her legs on the couch, mandibles twisted in a devilish smile. “Oh, you know, just here and there. Was with an Asari once.”

Sinet glared in suspicion. “Really? An Asari? You never said you were into women.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” Sarryn said casually. “And you know they aren’t really women, right?”

“If it looks like a varren and walks like a varren…” Sinet waved a hand.

“Personally, their crests had always reminded me of men. Anyway, that Melding of theirs is truly something, the way your nervous systems sync up!” Sarryn went on, unperturbed. “And then there was the Drell. Did you know their dermal toxin is a hallucinogen? Now that’s an experience you wouldn’t forget.”

Sinet smirked, eying her sister. “Now I know you’re full of it!”

“Why? You don’t think I’m daring enough?” Sarryn feigned offense.

“Because Drell are levo. Even if that stuff didn’t harm you, it would have no effect on you.”

The elder sister rolled her eyes and gave up. “Alright, alright. I’m pulling your mandible. What can I say, not many aliens aboard a Hierarchy vessel. I think it’s a pretty normal thing to not sleep with aliens.” She was laughing it off, but then Sarryn’s tone grew a little serious. “You aren’t actually considering it, are you?”

“Why?” asked Sinet, frowning. “You have something against aliens?”

“No, no,” Sarryn answered slowly, for once thinking her words through. “But there is a world’s difference between being friendly an being ‘friendly’.”

“What does that mean?” Sinet inquired further.

“It’s… these types of things are complicated. Just because you can like someone’s company, doesn’t mean getting in bed with them is a good idea, you get me? Aliens are like that. There are so many things you cannot even fathom to consider. I just don’t want you to get hurt,” she finished, giving her a meaningful look. “Besides, unless you withheld being into women, you can’t have children with an alien. There is no future to build there.”

Whatever budding sense of understanding Sinet was beginning to feel was snuffed out again. “You know how I feel about that,” she said, looking away from her.

“Right,” Sarryn mumbled, rolling her eyes. “Look, the only piece of advice I have is, if you really feel the need to do this, just don’t try dating a Krogan, okay? Or a Human.”

“Sure, Sarr… Wait, why?” Sinet snapped back to attention. “What’s up with Humans?”

“Oh, you know what they say about them,” Sarryn waved a hand.

“Refresh my memory.”

The Turian returned to filing her claws as she fired away: “They’re unreliable, dishonest, unfaithful, they think only of themselves… the classics.”

Sinet’s mandibles went rigid with uncertainty. “That sounds a little xenophobic, don’t you think?” she objected. This didn’t sit well with her. “Since when do you put so much weight onto generic gossip and hearsay?”

“Prejudice is one thing; a healthy dose of realism is another. There are no ‘acceptable risks’ in relationships. How can you be with someone if you can’t be certain they aren’t putting up a façade for you the whole time?” Sarryn countered without looking up from her claws. “Father always says, if you want to get to know a species, look no further than their politics.”

Sinet didn’t have it in her to comment. That description sounded nothing like Tom. Yet it was exactly the kind of things you kept hearing about Humans behind their backs.

Maybe he was different. Or maybe this entire stereotype was biased and shortsighted. Or maybe she just didn’t get to know him well enough yet.

Oh well, she thought, smiling to herself a conspiratorial smile. That just means I have to meet him some more.

o  o
\ˇ/

Tom sighed as he took apart the circuitry box, rearranging the cables one by one until a little green light signaled that the systems were operational. It was grunt work, simple but time consuming. Which is to say it left him a lot of time to think. And throughout it all, there was only one thought racing across his mind: Am I really considering this?

Ever since their first meeting at the café, he couldn’t get Sinet out of his mind. At first, he thought it was just the lingering embarrassment, but the truth was, he liked her. She was fun. Different. He’d enjoyed her company more then he’d let himself believe. For the first time in who-knows-how-long, he’s met someone whose presence filled him with energy instead of draining him of it. And their last meeting only made things more confusing, scattering his feelings like bowling pins hit by a Krogan. Which he was probably going to work into his vocabulary.

He’d been rethinking his entire life. Everything he assumed about himself and what his future might hold was being put to question. His values, though unchanged, had been tested in practice. If he followed down this path, there was a non-negligible chance that he might do something that would forever cut him off of a significant chunk of his past. And what truly unnerved him was that he didn’t care.

“So, are we gonna address the Elcor in the room or are we gonna pretend there’s nothing wrong with Tom?” Ed’s voice piped up behind him.

“Again with this?” Tom whirled on his colleagues, the lot all glancing his way as they tinkered away at their posts.

“Just sayin’, you haven’t been yourself lately,” he continued.

“It’s ever since that blind date Tellana arranged,” Stephen chimed in. “Something happened that he ain’t telling us.”

Tom shook his head in dismay. Why did engineers have to gossip like old hags? “There’s nothing wrong with me and there’s nothing you need to know.”

“Difference in behavior noted. You’re silent. More silent than usual,” Kadash agreed. “Avoiding conversation. Unfocused. Withholding information. Need to be addressed twice before reacting. Conclusion: nervous! Or perhaps constipated. Hmm, no! That is Volus physiology.”

“We’re speaking out of care, you know?” Ed assured him. “You’re acting weird, like something’s bothering you. You need to tell us if something went wrong.”

“Or went right!” Stephen suggested, wiggling his eyebrows. Tom rolled his eyes. “What? Am I on the right track? Struck a nerve, have I?”

“Wouldn’t that have made him happy, though?” asked Ed. “Happy people don’t look like this, not unless there’s something else.”

“Solipsistic memory loop! No, Tom’s not Drell…” Kadash mumbled.

“Can’t you just let him be? He’ll tell us when he wants to,” Kevin piped up, earning a beer later from Tom.

“No, we most certainly can’t! We’re his friends! It’s our duty to be nosy and annoying. It means we care!” Stephen proclaimed.

“All I’m saying,” Ed fought for attention, “is that we shouldn’t ignore the facts. And fact is, Tom isn’t being himself.”

“Maybe we should arrange another date then. Dude needs a lady’s attention!”

“Are you volunteering, Stephen?” Ed teased his friend. Moments later, the sound of a wrench hitting the wall echoed across the Presidium plaza.

“You guys are aware we’re in public, right?” Kevin once again spoke sense.

“Furthermore, we’re the only ones who appear to be working,” Tom added.

“Molting season! No, Humans don’t do that!”

“You know, you could put a stop to this if you just told us what’s bothering you!” Stephen promised.

Tom sighed, pausing to appreciate the air. It seemed to be fresher here than in the wards, possibly due to the greenery around the place. He’d been hoping that getting to do work on the Presidium would prove a welcome distraction, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“And you, Kevin, have no right to be lecturing anyone about being in public! Not after that display at Afterlife!” Ed added, making the engineer turn pale.

“I bet I know what happened,” Stephen continued. “Tell brought in an Asari! Think about it, he shows up expecting a Human woman, finds an alien and panics.”

“Why would he panic because of an Asari?” Kevin questioned.

“I mean, who could blame him. Have you seen them?” Ed said, salivating.

“Careful not to trip over your jaw, Ed,” Tom commented.

“Nah, Tom never seemed to be that into Asari,” Stephen argued. “Or maybe… Maybe that’s precisely it. He’s caught feelings for an alien and now he doesn’t know how to deal with that.” Tom shivered thinking how close to the truth he’d gotten.

“Oh, come on! Not even Tom’s that resistant to pure, feminine charm,” Ed disagreed.

“Well, do you have a more likely explanation?”

“Midlife crisis!” Kadash exclaimed triumphantly.

The silence that followed as the whole group turned to glare at the Salarian was deafening. “Too early?” he asked, sheepishly.

“Way too early,” said everyone in unison. Several had targeted doubtful glances at Stephen.

Tom, meanwhile, had used the distraction and skulked aside for a moment. The Presidium ring looked distinctly different from the wards. It was small enough that you could see its curvature. The artificial lake that occupied its center followed it, creating an impossible landscape as it rose in the distance. The holographic sky, whitewashed architecture and the occasional tree completed the luxurious scenery. Even gravity here was lower, making Tom feel light and carefree.

A message pinged on his omnitool. He looked around to make sure he wasn’t seen before opening the chatlog. It read:

Sinet >  [Is that you down there?]

Tom looked up at the Huerta Memorial Hospital, smiling. Not that he could make out anyone from that distance, given the hospital was housed high up in one of the connecting spokes, but presumably there was a Turian looking down at him from one of the windows. He waved all the same.

He’d texted Sinet earlier that he’d be working near Huerta today, suggesting they could chat for a moment when they’re free. They’ve been texting a lot lately. Another message soon followed:

Sinet >  [Got a short break]

Sinet >  [Meet you down there in ten minutes?]

[Please]     < You

[It’s getting unbearable here]     < You

He answered, already feeling uplifted. He inconspicuously wandered back into the group, finishing the panel he’d been maintaining.

“Who wouldn’t date an alien, anyway?” Ed was asking as Tom returned.

“I believe you meant to say: ‘who wouldn’t date an Asari’,” Stephen corrected. “Can’t see people dating a Salarian, for example. Uh, no offense, Kadash!”

“None taken. My species does not form romantic attachments,” he assured him.

“My point is,” he continued, “there isn’t much else to pick from. Imagine dating a Volus for example. They can’t even live in the same atmosphere as us, always in those exosuits. And they’re so spherical.”

“Quarians look neat, though! Wouldn’t mind finding out what they look like under their suits!” Ed commented.

“They’d die,” Tom pointed out. “And you too, given your dextro allergy.”

“Seen a few gals who were into Hanar,” Ed added, earning sniggers all around. “And I promise it wasn’t in Fornax!”

“Still better than something like a Turian, though,” Stephen said. Tom stopped his tinkering. “Now, they look proper freakish! Like an armor-plated dinosaur! And those bug pincer things…”

“Mandibles?” Tom suggested.

“Yeah, that! The way they move when they speak. Or even when they don’t speak! Sometimes they just move on their own! Talked to a Turian clerk the other day and they just opened up wide when she looked at me, showing those needle teeth!”

“That was a smile. She smiled at you, you doofus,” Tom simmered.

Stephen shot him a confused look. “Well, I’d prefer if she hadn’t. Gives me goosebumps.”

“Everything about Turians gives me goosebumps,” Ed chimed in. “They’re so tall! And have claws! And they all have military training. Whenever I talk to one, all I can think of is they could just snap me in half if they wanted to! It’s a scary feeling, man.”

“Now you know what women feel like talking to you,” Tom enlightened him.

Ed looked taken aback, falling silent for a blessed moment. “Well, I’d rather prefer being the man in the relationship, thank you!” he retorted eventually.

A screw Tom had been tightening snapped.

“Can we all just agree nobody in their sound mind would date a Turian?” Stephen implored, trying to end the discussion.

“Why?” spoke Tom. All the eyes turned to him. “Just because you are cowards, doesn’t mean somebody else wouldn’t.”

“But… they’re hideous!” Ed declared.

“No, they aren’t!” Tom objected, eyebrows rising all around. “I mean, hideous is a little far, no?”

“So, you’re saying you would date one?” Stephen asked, disbelieving.

“Ye—I mean, No. I mean, I’m, not—” Tom stammered, reddening. “I’m not saying I would! I’m just not saying I wouldn’t…” he finished weakly.

“Ew!” Ed shouted. Stephen made a grimace. Kadash looked like he desperately wanted to write something down.

“Look, I get that some people are into weird stuff – and I try not to be judgmental – but what do Turians of all people have to offer?” Stephen questioned. “They’re so rigid. And stern. And overall bores. They all rave about responsibility and duty and never give any leeway… Actually, never mind. That sound perfect for you! Hey guys, I figured it out: we need to hook Tom up with a Turian! How come nobody’s thought of that yet?”

As much as Tom was ready to argue back, he now wanted to remove himself from the conversation more than ever. He closed the panel back up and checked the time. “That’s it, I’m taking my fifteen,” he announced and scurried away, leaving behind a chorus of ‘look what you’ve done’s and ‘we were just joking’s. He practically jogged towards Huerta, trying to appear like he wasn’t in a hurry.

It took a while for Sinet to appear, strolling out of the elevator at a hastened pace. “Sorry, got delayed. The trauma wing is in chaos this time of the day,” she apologized.

“Don’t be. I pretty much caused my entire shift to go into chaos,” he confessed.

Sinet laughed, Tom’ s heart fluttering at the familiar flanging sound. “Should I ask?”

“Not worth it,” he answered, waving the thought away.

“I brought you this,” she said, handing him a nondescript cup with a plastic lid. “I got it from the breakroom wending machine. You mentioned you drink it with sugar?”

“I did?” Tom said, taking a sip. His eyebrows rose. It was quite good for hospital coffee; which wasn’t a high bar, but it was the thought that counted. “Yes, I do. Uhm, thank you.”

“My pleasure,” Sinet answered, taking a sip from her own, oddly-shaped cup. She massaged her neck when she lowered it. Tom’s eyes followed the movement, lingering at the exposed scales where her hand pulled back the cloth of her collar. The white hospital gown suited her well, too.

They chatted for a while about everything but work, bringing each other onto lighter thoughts. It was rejuvenating after the whole day of toiling. Eventually, Sinet changed the subject, starting a discussion Tom was looking forward to. “So, what was the surprise you couldn’t stop raving about yesterday?”

“Ah, yes! Are you still free tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Sinet began, stirring her drink as she eyed him, “but I kind of had my own idea for an outing, which I’d rather like to make real.”

“What? But you got to pick last time. I already made plans!” Tom lamented with mock dismay.

Sinet smiled, mandibles quivering. “Alright, let’s make it a day and an evening then. We’ll meet after lunch at your destination, then we can grab some food afterwards. And the evening is mine. Deal?”

“Sure, sounds like a plan.” Tom agreed excitedly. “Anything I should prepare for?”

“Just wear some light clothes,” she answered mysteriously.

“Hmm, ominous. Can’t wait already.”

“Good. It’s a date then,” Sinet concluded, eying him over the rim of her cup.

“It is?” Tom looked up at her, freezing. “Right! It is! I’ll mark that down in my calendar.”

Sinet finished her drink and looked at the time. “I should be on my way soon. Don’t want to get delayed in the elevators again,” she explained meekly.

“Of course! My break is running out too,” Tom agreed, already despairing at the prospect.

“Excited for another round of cultural exchange.” Sinet announced. “I feel like I’ve familiarized myself with Humans more than any other species over the last few weeks.”

“Really?”

“Indeed. You are quite fascinating people. More than many give you credit for,” she let him know, throwing the empty cup in a bin behind them.

“I’m finding myself quite fond of Turians as well,” Tom answered, turning to go about his way.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Sinet said, winking. “Oh,” she added as she passed him, leaning down so that her mandible almost brushed his ear, “and I know what blushing is now.”

She left without further comment, Tom’s face practically melting off. Not having the courage to turn around, he walked slowly back to the maintenance site, leaving Huerta safely behind, one thought stark in his mind: Yep, I’m in deep shit.

o  o
\ˇ/

Sinet stared at the odd creature, feeling equal part fascination and confusion. Its white plumage looked softer than a pillow; the dark, hooked beak sharp enough to pierce plates. At least its feet looked somewhat familiar, covered as they were in grey scales, fingers topped off with long talons.

“Is this really what Humans think we look like?” she asked, never taking her eyes off the bird.

“Not really,” Tom explained. “They mostly classified your people as avian because there is nothing else that resembles your anatomy more closely. If anything, I’ve heard more Humans compare you to cats than to birds.”

“And what exactly is a cat?” she pried, curiosity surging.

Tom spoke a request and another hologram appeared next to the ‘cockatoo’, the creature looked about the same size but even more alien. It was quadrupedal and covered in short fur – even finer than Tom’s hair – with the oddest, most innocent looking face imaginable.

“No way,” she exclaimed after getting a good look at it, play-punching Tom on the shoulder. “How does that look anything like me?”

“It’s the cute little nose, definitely!” he answered, smiling to himself. “With that W mouth too. And your eyes kinda look similar as well.”

Sinet considered the creature again, frowning. “Alright, the eyes maybe. But I can’t see the rest at all. And did you just call my nose cute?”

“It is! Look!” he said as he reached towards the creature’s face, the projection leaning forward inquisitively and bumping its squishy nose against his extended finger.

“But it’s so soft,” she argued. “Mine’s all rigid and dry!”

“Does it move, though?” Tom teased. “It looks like it should, given how the plates are segmented.”

“Try and see, if you’re brave enough!” Sinet dared him.

They shared a laugh, dragging some attention from the other visitors. The HoloGardens were a popular tourist spot on the Citadel. They had extensive, life-like simulations for just about every environment from all the homeworlds and many major colony worlds of all the Citadel species, complete with weather and common animal and plant life.

It was not among Sinet’s guesses for what Tom had planned, but she had to admit it was the perfect pick for a date. It allowed them to get acquainted with each other’s cultures and experiences better than words or extranet could hope. Earth had proven much more interesting than she would have expected too; at least as far as its representation here was considered. The vibrant forests, colorful meadows and white, snowy landscapes were nothing at all like her own home planet. Even the more familiar deserts and mountains looked somehow alien, not to mention all the amazingly odd critters she had seen. And Tom seemed fascinated by Palaven as well, in all its accuracy. She was happy about that.

“On Earth, they are among the most popular pets,” Tom continued, turning back to the ‘cat’.

“They look quite pleasant,” Sinet admitted, examining the relaxed puddle of fur.

“Oh, they can be quite the temperamental little devils, trust me,” Tom assured her. “It can sometimes be a coin toss between getting clawed or not if you try to pet one.”

“Is that really worth it then?” Sinet asked, remembering how soft Tom’s hand had felt. His skin was so delicate…

“It absolutely is. Listen!” he said and laid a hand on the creature. His fingers sunk slightly into the hologram but the projection quickly adjusted, reacting as if it was truly being stroked. A soft sound, a little like an exposed engine, resonated trough the room.

“Don’t tell me they vibrate when you do that!” Sinet grinned, incredulous.

“Why?” Tom smirked. “Do Turians do that too?”

“Play your cards right and you may find out,” she said, stepping closer to him.

Tom backed away subconsciously, almost hitting the wall behind him. He looked up at her, wide eyed; his face doing the blushing thing again. Sinet couldn’t help but find it adorable. She was certain she noticed a couple of people shuffling out of the room awkwardly in her peripheral vision, but Tom remained oblivious to it all.

Inside, she was feeling torn. She was growing more and more at ease around him and that made her uneasy. She tried not to think about it and focus on the moment, but the truth was she was really starting to view him in a light she never would have expected and that scared her. Even though she really liked him, she wasn’t sure how far she was willing to go with this. How far would she be able to. She didn’t want to get hurt because of it. Or worse, hurt him.

She stepped away and tried to shake the feeling off, both of them returning to their previous states and picking up where they left off. All the other visitors had emptied out of the room by now.

“Uhm, are you hungry yet? We’ve pretty much crawled through the whole place,” Sinet broke the silence.

Tom welcomed her suggestion, whether out of hunger or just an opportunity to change the subject, she couldn’t tell. “I’d love to go for a meal just about now.”

“Okay, I know a place. It’s close by; and not too far from my destination of choice! If you’re still feeling up for it.”

“As if I’d let myself miss what you have in store!” he answered, excitedly. “Lead the way!”

As they shuffled away, the cat was dismissed and the scenery around returned to a general depiction of an Earthly forest. Before leaving, Sinet turned and gave the cockatoo projection a stroke on its feathered chest. A crest of yellow feathers rose on the bird’s head, reacting to her touch.

“Ah,” she exclaimed, finally seeing it. “Now he looks like uncle Harros!”

o  o
\ˇ/

The longer Tom spent in Sinet’s presence, the lighter he felt. It wasn’t just the ease of their conversation or the kickback from the monotony of work life. It was as if her very company was an antidote to all of life’s problems. And after both the HoloGardens and the dinner afterwards, he felt positively intoxicated.

Which unnerved him. What would he do if things went too far? Would he even be able to go along with this? Somewhere deep inside him there was an alarm going off saying that he shouldn’t be feeling this way; not towards her. It made him think. It made him doubt. It implored him to start using rational sense again. And he never wanted anything in his life more than to shut it up.

“Are you listening?” Sinet asked, making him snap back.

“Oh, sorry. Yes?”

“I was asking if you’re feeling tired yet?” she repeated.

“What, me? Pfff! I feel like I could stay the whole night like this,” he said and really meant it.

“Good,” Sinet smiled. “I was afraid I’d be going too hard on you. But I needn’t worry, it seems.”

She turned a corner and Tom realized he hadn’t really been paying attention to where she was leading him. It didn’t seem important then, so long as he followed. But now, as he looked around, the surrounding corridors became more familiar and, slowly, recognition dawned on him with terrifying clarity. Before he knew it, the entrance to the Dark Star Lounge was looming ahead of him.

“No,” he said.

Sinet turned around at the threshold, beckoning him to join her. “Come on. You said you weren’t tired. Let’s let loose a little!”

“Look, Sinet, I’m all for some unrestrained fun here and there, but I have my limits,” he raised his hands defensively.

She crossed her arms and stared him down, mandibles quivering mischievously. “As if I’ve dragged you all the way here for you to leave me hanging. Surely, you wouldn’t do that to me, would you?”

He wouldn’t. That was the problem. One look into her eyes – narrowed, as if daring him to let her down – and he knew he couldn’t refuse. He wondered if she was aware of the power she had over him.

“Fine,” he exhaled, corner of his mouth twitching upwards as his shoulders slumped. She grinned in satisfaction, then in a flash she held him by the wrist and was dragging him inside.

The place was as loud and crowded as he remembered. All around the rectangular room people walked, talked and danced around to their hearts’ content, the bar standing in the middle of the room like an eye of the storm. That was their first stop, the Turian bartender turning to face them. He measured them up, giving them the standard speech before his eyes locked onto Tom.

“Welcome to the Lounge, what can I get you? Ah, it’s you,” he said, peering at him. “Taking it easier this time I hope.”

“You know him?” asked Sinet, raising her eyeplates at Tom.

“The staff isn’t going to forget this one anytime soon,” the bartender responded, cleaning something behind the bar.

Sinet looked between the two, scrutinizing Tom whose face probably went through more colors than a chameleon. “Is there something you want to share?” she pried, voice laced with intrigue.

“Nope,” he answered resolutely.

“As if!” she said, leaning in. “I’ve got to hear this one!”

“Oh, no no no!” Tom turned, raising a finger. “One concession at a time! I already agreed to a dance. So, choose: I make a fool of myself by telling you the story or on the dancefloor.”

Sinet turned to the barkeep despairingly, but he shook his head. “Don’t look at me. I serve drinks, not information. So, what will it be?”

She seemed to weigh her options for a bit then relented. “Fine. Give me Parthian spice liquor. And get this one something to liven him up a little. He needs it.”

The bartender shuffled around then produced a flute of clear liquid for Sinet and a shot glass of an opaque green spirit for Tom. “Cheers!” she declared as she downed her drink.

“Is it supposed to be that color?” Tom asked suspiciously. Sinet elbowed him so he took the glass and followed suit. “Alright. What now?”

Sinet answered by putting her hands on his shoulders and pushing him towards the crowded dance floor. “Now you entertain me!”

“Hold on, wait!” he shouted. “I don’t even know how! I can’t dance!”

“It’s easy! Just do what I do. I’ll start with something simple,” she said and showed off her moves.

Tom wasn’t sure how universal dancing really was between species, but whatever Turian choreography she was using on him, it was relatively manageable. And effective.

Tom almost forgot to move, that’s how surprised he was by what he was seeing. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew he’d seen a Turian dance before, but he never really saw it. It was always background noise. Just something in his periphery to be filtered out. Seeing Sinet on a dance floor moving to the rhythm of the beat was different. It recontextualized his image of her once again. Made her less of a Turian and more of a woman.

“See? It’s not that hard!” she encouraged him as he clumsily copied her moves.

“Easy for you to say!” he shouted back. “I look like a flailing chicken!”

“Well, I don’t know what a chicken is so you’re fine.” she smiled. “Here, try this!”

She tested a new move on him and he did his best to mimic her, slowly getting the hang of it. She escalated the complexity bit after bit, easing Tom into the practice of dancing like a frog slowly boiling in a cookpot. Before he knew it, he was thrashing around without care for how ridiculous he must look. The more he let go, the wider her smile grew, the brighter her eyes shone. And her eyes were the only ones that mattered at the moment.

She shuffled closer to him, the two of them nearly touching. Tom had to look up to face her as she whirled and twirled in front of him. They brushed hands here, bumped elbows there and before he knew it, she had her hand on his shoulder. Her touch was as he remembered: solid and smooth. He felt her digits through his thin jacket clearly, her claws gently poking him as they moved. His fingers found their way to her side, feeling the fabric of her clothes, the scales of her hand, the briefest contacts whenever she let him lay a hand on her.

These had long ceased to be two dances but a single one, a game with two participants. Sinet was moving him around with her own touch as much as with her rhythm, Tom guiding her in turn, steadying her pace. He was becoming more confident by the minute. And at some point, he grew too much so.

Thinking himself smooth, he tried to do the classic thing and let Sinet lean back while he held her steady by the waist and quickly learned two things: that Turians were heavier than they looked and that Sinet’s jacket was comfortably soft against his face.

He hastily rose, mortified, and offered her his hand but Sinet only laughed, her voice almost drowning out the beat of the music while she laid on the ground. Tom laughed too. He laughed harder than he could recall, the absurdity of the situation simply too much to do anything else. He laughed until his eyes teared up.

He was aware that the whole dance floor must be staring at them, the two weirdos rolling on the ground. He would have been embarrassed to death had he remembered to.

“Well, I’d say the evening is shaping up nicely!” Sinet declared when she gathered herself up. “Is that a normal Human dance technique, dropping your partner on the ground?”

“A bit. Usually, you hope to avoid the dropping part,” he answered.

“Ah. A revenge for the bowling then.”

“You know it! I couldn’t resist embarrassing you back!” he joked and was gratified with the sound of her laugh.

“Do you need a break? Or shall we continue?” she asked at last.

Tom though about it for a moment, pretending the answer didn’t present itself within a nanosecond. “Just when the things are getting fun?” he said. Sinet was pleased with this decision.

o  o
\ˇ/

“No, no, no. Sorry, but that is objectively false!” Tom declared. “The original singer was way superior!”

“Well, I like the new one better,” Sinet stood her ground.

“Just when I was beginning to like you!” he feigned outrage.

Sinet chuckled. “Alright, The Skyllian Stars then.”

“Love ’em!” Tom said. “Their newest albums especially.”

Beside him, Sinet made a face. “Really? Over the first three?”

“So? The current drummer is amazing! Nobody can memorize sequences that complex. Now I want Drell memory too!”

“Fair enough,” she admitted.

They’d been walking across the hallways towards the transit station for a while now and had met remarkably few people. Tom had rarely seen the place this deserted. The Citadel may never sleep but even the wards had something close to a rhythm when the majority rested and stores swapped shifts or closed down for maintenance. It wouldn’t last long, perhaps a few hours, but it was still a rare and precious state to behold.

“I still maintain that the Asari have the best music,” Sinet continued eventually. “Not that Turian music is far behind, mind you. The Far age Frontiers for example are leading the bunch right now.”

“Human music isn’t bad either, you know? I mean, nothing against Asari musicians, but I know quite a few artists who could put them to shame,” Tom replied.

“Eh…” Sinet made a sound like a creaking door. “I don’t know about that. No offense, but from what I’ve heard, Human songs leave a lot to be desired.”

“That just tell me you only heard what they play on the radio,” he commented. “there’s two hundred years of backlog there that would make today’s artists sound like high school bands!” Sinet tried to appear impressed (or so Tom assumed) but failed. “The Star Charters?” he tried. “Morris J McClain? Black Sabbath? Mozart?”

“Sorry, doesn’t ring a bell,” she said apologetically. “But I’m sure they’re great.”

“Oh no, we can’t have that! I’ll have to introduce you to them at some point,” he decided.

“If it’s Human musicians you want to show me, I’m more interested in hearing you,” Sinet claimed. “Didn’t you mention you play an instrument?”

“Oh, I’m hardly a musician, Tom protested. “I just practice from time to time. Nothing to admire, really.”

“I’ll be the judge of that!” she declared, fixing him with an intense stare. He tried not to gulp. “Maybe you’ll change my mind about your music after all.”

Tom didn’t like the weight of such responsibility. “Maybe we should change the topic, before we decide to end this acquaintance over it.”

“That may be for the best,” Sinet agreed. They walked in silence for a few beats. “How about you tell me what happened at the Dark Star Lounge, then? We have plenty of time.”

Tom paled. Or he felt like all blood had left his face, at any rate. “We may, but I would prefer not to. I was rather hoping you’ve forgotten about it, actually.”

“Tough luck. Well then?” she demanded, grinning.

Tom sighed. He’d rather forget this incident himself. “Okay. We were at the Lounge, celebrating a friend’s birthday. Uh, do Turians have birthdays?”

“I know what a birthday is. Don’t worry,” she chuckled.

“Fine, so, as you can imagine, it involved a lot of drinking. I don’t usually get drunk, but there come situations when you get bullied into it; so there I was, going off the rails. Everything was fine at first, nobody was overdoing it, but then came the trouble.

“There was a squad of Alliance soldiers on shore leave at the Lounge, uniforms and all, just enjoying their downtime. And, uh, there was this officer among them…” Tom stopped, feeling uncertain. He wasn’t facing her, but he felt Sinet give him an expecting stare all the same. “And, in my inebriated state, I decided it would be a great idea to ask her out. I think a friend pushed me into it, really.”

“I assume that didn’t go as planned, then?” Sinet said, trying not to smirk.

“If I’m being honest, I don’t actually remember much of the conversation. There I was, reciting my speech, the soldiers all giggling while the officer loomed disapprovingly. Then I recall losing balance and stumbling towards her – maybe out of pure shame or drunkenness or perhaps one of the guys had tripped me – and next thing I know I’m being pinned face-first against the wall by her, the whole squad laughing hysterically,” he concluded lamely. “Except her. She didn’t find it funny.”

“Ugh,” Sinet grimaced, surging second-hand embarrassment. “I admit, that’s almost too bad to be funny. Almost.” She tried to hide her face by massaging her neck. “She must have been quite the looker to be worth all that, huh?”

“Depending on who you ask,” Tom answered, refusing to elaborate.

“And what about you?” Sinet spoke after a while. “Are you considered a catch among Humans?”

 “I get mixed opinions,” he shrugged. “Sometimes it’s compliments, sometimes sour grimaces. All part of the deal.”

“Well, I think you look pretty dashing,” she said winking. “For a Human.”

“Uhm, thanks,” Tom said, unable to meet her eyes. “And you? Are you an attractive Turian by your standards? I mean, not that I doubt that! I struggle to imagine otherwise… Just out of curiosity?”

Sinet slowed down just for a step, looking glum. “Depending on who you ask,” she echoed. “You have noticed my unusual appearance earlier, yes? The extra points on my plates?”

“Right,” he answered, feeling a fool. “I thought they looked rather unique. They aren’t common, are they?”

“Not exactly, no. Well, they’re not generally helping my chances with men most of the time. I pretty much have to be someone’s type, if you know what I mean. Think of it like hair: Humans consider shorter hair to be boyish, right? It is something like that. Doesn’t help that I’ve been getting on the heavier side lately,” she concluded, slapping her thigh.

“I see. The general term among Humans is ‘tomboy’ I believe,” Tom answered. Except she didn’t get to choose that look, did she?

And the bit about her weight left him dumbfounded too. By human standards, she was still thin as a stick, her legs perfectly proportional to her body. But given how lanky Turians generally were, he supposed he could see some added mass, all of it in the right places.

“You are quite knowledgeable about our cultural norms then?” he asked.

“I learned a thing or two about Human bodies in my downtime,” Sinet said, side eying him mischievously.

“Ah,” Tom said, mind reeling. “Well, I am no Turian, but as I said already, I think you look stunning.”

“Thank you,” she said in a tone he hadn’t heard her use before. She looked to the ground, mandibles quivering slightly. “You aren’t really a typical man among your peers, are you?”

Tom scowled. “How do you mean?”

“With your opinions, interests… tastes,” she explained.

“What can I say, I’m allowed to have a type,” he snickered. “And maybe I have different expectations from relationships than most. What others pursue had always seemed a bit boring to me. In all aspects of life, really.”

“How so?” she pried.

“If you’re not satisfied with your life experience, why would you want someone who shares it?” he reasoned. “I never liked the idea of settling down and playing house; falling for the usual routine. I’d rather find someone who can show me something new. Someone understanding, but assertive. Who likes me for me, but knows when to push back, drag me out of my comfort zone. Someone who wants to discover the world instead of carving out their own piece of it, you know?” Tom glanced her way. “Someone rather like you.”

With each word he said, Sinet’s eyes seemed to brighten a bit, her smile widening. He wasn’t even ashamed anymore; nothing he said was untrue.

“And your type?” she asked, practically purring. “What is the key to your heart?”

They had almost stopped walking, their feet only moving so that they had an excuse to face forward instead of towards each other. Tom sighed. “Do I have to?”

“Yes,” she said. “You didn’t seem too keen towards the general looks Human women pursue. There had to be something about that officer that got to you.”

“Alright, alright,” he gave in. “I prefer powerful women! The exact opposite of the majority. Tall, strong, commanding. Someone who looks like she could grab me and press me against a wall! Just, uh, preferably with my back to it next time.”

The admission left him feeling exposed, almost uncomfortable. And Sinet had the look of a raptor about her. She hesitated for but the slightest moment, then whirled on Tom, cornering him with her hand at the wall, leaning over him until his back hit cold metal. “Like this?”

He was unable to respond, breath catching in his throat. He couldn’t process that she would really do this, that what was happening was truly real. They were alone in a dark alley, the only light that of the nebula outside the window – but even if they hadn’t, Tom wouldn’t know or care. In that moment, only she existed for him.

“You have such beautiful eyes,” was all he could say. Could think.

Sinet was so close he could feel her breath on his face. He had to fight the desire to lean in. “Your hands were so soft,” she breathed so gently the translator almost didn’t pick it up. “Your touch felt so nice… I want to feel more of it.”

They were almost at the transit station. The solution was offering itself. “We can take this to your place,” he said simply.

“No!” Sinet shouted so fast she startled both of them. “Not mine,” she added quickly. “Yours. In two hours.”

Tom didn’t question it, merely nodding. Even long after they saw each other off and he was sat alone in a skycar headed for his apartment.

_________________________

Chapter 6

First Contact

Sinet couldn’t believe she was really doing this. Everything they had done until now – every meeting, every word, every look – had been building up to this moment. She tried to deny it, to ignore it, but a part of her felt like it had known for a long time. And yet, even now, it felt a little like fiction.

She marched towards her apartment on autopilot, no more controlling her body than she did the skycar that brough her there. The whole evening felt surreal. She replayed the events in her head: the dance, the conversation, the contact. As long as she was thinking about the moment, about Tom, it all felt good. Felt right. It was when she stopped that the worry flooded in.

She was fueled by pure curiosity now. She needed to know how far she was willing to go. Before her feelings got out of hand.

“Hi sis!” Sarryn shouted as the door shut behind her. “Is that you, Sinet?”

“Yes,” she forced herself to respond. She didn’t pay her much mind, heading straight to her bedroom without bothering to meet her. She shuffled through her clean clothes, grabbing the most elegant ones she could find and retreated to the shower.

“You know, you could have at least greeted me,” Sarryn taunted her once she emerged. “It is pretty late. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show.”

“I’m not staying. I just came to get something,” Sinet answered. She grabbed a few basic hygiene products then opened her medicinal cabinet above the bathroom sink and fished out a small package labeled ‘immunosuppressants’. She stared at it for a bit as if rethinking her decision. Then she pocketed it, closing the mirror cabinet and saw her sister’s figure standing behind her, looking concerned.

“Is everything alright?” she asked. “You don’t seem yourself. You look intense.”

“Yes, everything’s fine,” Sinet answered. Maybe more than fine.

She headed for the door again, leaving Sarryn standing there looking dumbfounded. “Should I be waiting for you?” she tried asking, a note of conspiratorial excitement creeping into her worried voice.

Sinet stopped in the doorway, thinking things over again. “No,” she said at last and left.

o  o
\ˇ/

Am I really doing this? Tom kept asking himself. He was pacing around his apartment like a caged lion, all the while questioning what was about to go down. He hadn’t been this nervous about a woman since he was a teenager. The feeling wasn’t familiar anymore. Was this truly happening?

He had given Sinet his address when they parted ways and his eyes were now oscillating between the door and the clock periodically. It had occurred to him to text her to cancel but the thought itself felt wrong, insulting even. He wanted her to come, oh how much he wanted it! He just wasn’t sure what he’d do once she was here.

He had speed-cleaned his apartment already and taken a shower to boot, changed into fresh clothes, combed his hair, brushed his teeth, the works. He still had plenty of time before she was due to arrive. There just wasn’t much to do to keep his mind occupied.

Then he had the bright idea to look up stuff about Turians he might need to know. Sinet had gone out of her way to read up on Humans after all; it was only fair that he showed the same level of dedication.

Sitting down behind his desktop, he realized he didn’t know what keywords to search for. He tried ‘Turian anatomy’ but that only showed him basic diagrams he had already seen. Scanning through an article called ‘Frequently asked questions about Turians’ told him they are adapted to warmer temperatures than most, which explained their bulky clothing. Remembering how hot and dry the simulation of Palaven was, he opted to raise the thermostat a notch.

Not finding any other useful tips, he tried something daring and searched for ‘Turian reproductive anatomy’ instead. What he learned from the first article that popped up was… perhaps too educating. Let’s just say that when Humans compared them to birds, it wasn’t exactly ducks that he thought of.

But it also offered him insights into female Turian’s bodies that he never had before. Erogenous zones for example. Most of them were in text form only, but the few images that were included were a bit more detailed than the basic diagrams. But not enough.

Returning to the search engine, he tried another combination of keywords that might lend him more practical knowledge on the matter. And he was immediately assaulted with X-rated results. That was not at all what Tom had in mind and he immediately went to alter his keywords when he thought: Actually… that might not be such a bad idea. It may even be more educating than whatever the articles could teach him.

He timidly clicked on one of the tamer looking vids and waited. The actors involved (both Turian) were sat on the edge of a bed, yet clothed. The foreplay itself already looked unfamiliar. Had this been a Human vid they would have been kissing but that didn’t seem to be something Turians did, which, upon further consideration, made sense. Both from anatomical and evolutionary perspectives. Instead, it involved a lot of touching of foreheads and caressing of necks. That was in line with what he had previously read.

Tom sped things up a bit, skipping ahead until he found both of them stripped of clothes. He was immediately captivated by the sight of the woman’s body; almost too much to be paying attention to what they were doing. The way her armored form blended in with the soft bits, sand-colored plates giving way to brown scales. The way her partner caressed her skin, held her by her wasp-thin waist. Tom found himself wishing to be in that position. He became privy to a lot more than he wanted to, but he couldn’t – wouldn’t – look away. His image of what was coming solidified considerably. It felt exciting, seeing the actress like this; even though there was nothing familiar or Human about her body. He started imagining what Sinet might look like undressed.

Tom almost jumped out of his chair when the apartment doorbell rang. He looked at the clock and panicked. “Shit!” he yelped and exited the vid, making sure he closed the window properly.

He opened the door and found her standing outside. She looked coy, rubbing her wrist and looking at the ground, as if surprised that he really opened. Foggily, he noticed she had changed, wearing a dark tunic more contrasting with her white face. “Hi,” she said.

“Hi,” he echoed, meeting her timid eyes. Suddenly he didn’t feel that nervous anymore. “Come in,” he said, stepping aside.

She made a few steps straight ahead then stopped, looking around the sparse room to delay the inevitable awkwardness. “Nice apartment,” she commented.

“Thank you,” Tom replied. “Do you want some water? I would offer you something more sophisticated, but I’m afraid I don’t have any dextro stuff on hand.”

“I’m good, thanks,” Sinet smiled at him. She seemed so bold just hours earlier, Tom wandered if she was having doubts. The shelf at the far wall caught her eye. “Are those clocks?” she asked, coming to inspect the devices.

“Yes. A few of the ones that I built and kept,” he explained.

She picked up a small one and turned it over in her hand. “Seems quite complex,” she said, examining the unfamiliar mechanism. “And you do this for fun?”

Tom chuckled, rubbing his neck. “Yeah. I guess it’s not really a common hobby for a reason.”

She laughed with him, merriment returning to them. The atmosphere was beginning to feel less choking. They were being themselves again. “Admirable, honestly. I wouldn’t want to be the one doing it but I’m impressed,” she said genuinely. They made small talk for a bit when Sinet graced him with a sly look and asked: “Would you care to show me around?”

“Gonna be a pretty short tour,” Tom joked, which she seemed to appreciate. “This here’s my living room, there is the kitchen and dining table, over here’s the bathroom, the restroom, and this door leads to the…”

“Bedroom?” Sinet interrupted, waltzing right in.

I see. Smooth. “Yes. Make yourself at home.”

“Quite cozy. The bed’s a little small perhaps,” she remarked, making Tom gulp. She was enjoying his nervousness. “Is that the instrument you play?” Sinet pointed to the neck with strings poking out of its bag in the corner by his desk.

“Yes. And electric guitar,” he informed as he unpacked it. “I also play acoustic – that’s a more classic version that doesn’t need electricity, shocking I know – but I don’t have one at the moment. You can emulate its sound on this one well enough if need be.”

“It has six strings?” Sinet looked on in astonishment. “Our aykir only has three! What’re six string for if you only have five fingers?”

“It’s not that hard. I’m not sure how you play an aykir, but you’re not going to be needing all of these at once anyway. There are ones with seven or even more strings but those are mostly custom.”

“Well, now I have to hear you play!” Sinet demanded.

“Really?” he asked, unsure. “Should I play something romantic to set the mood?”

“Do that and I’m walking out. Give me something that gets your blood pumping. Like one of those Frontiers songs about historical battles and stuff.”

“Well in that case,” he said as he plugged the guitar in and set everything up, “I know one. It is about a battle alright, an old timey one. The band’s named after a torture device too if you’d believe it. Mind you, it is older than the discovery of mass effect. I don’t think it even has translator compatibility.”

“Are you planning to sing it too?” she teased.

“Nope. I’ll just put the file through a VI that removes the sound of the lead guitar and play it in sync with it. Wouldn’t want to deprive you of the full experience,” Tom said as he sat on his desk chair and readied the program. “Make yourself comfortable while I tune it.”

Sinet sat down on his bed and raised her eyeplates at the sound it produced as Tom plucked the strings experimentally. It sounded rougher than it looked. She tinkered with her omnitool for a bit and set it to generate holographic subtitles in real time. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said excitedly.

Tom smiled and played the track. He counted down the seconds then his fingers launched into a frenzy as the song’s intro kicked off at a rocket pace. He risked a glance at Sinet while he played and saw her stare in quiet amazement. The music stopped for a bit as the lyrics kicked in and the voice of the singer shouted out, making Sinet go wide-eyed. He played on and she alternated between watching his fingers dance on the strings and glancing at the subtitles, the text reciting the throes of an ancient battle.

It had been a while since Tom got to play for an audience. He was starting to feel a rush he barely remembered as Sinet looked on in adoration while he performed the riff he had practiced so often. But it was the solo that really got her. Tom haven’t heard any real solos in alien songs and not many Human ones anymore either. It was something unique to a particular batch of music and he felt honored to be the one to show it to her. He played his own version of course, no two solos ever being truly the same, but it was a well-practiced one that he could play by heart.

The song ended as abruptly as it began, Sinet’s open-mouthed expression not leaving her face even after Tom shut the program down and exhaled the breath he had held in concentration.

“Wow. I admit, that was pretty amazing. Never should have doubted you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone’s hands move that fast,” she said, shutting down her omnitool.

“I told you: five fingers! They have their advantages,” Tom said as he stood and stashed the instrument away.

“My word,” Sinet agreed standing up as well, her voice gaining a sultry quality. “I wonder what else you can do with them.”

Tom turned in surprise and found himself face to face with her. She had him cornered again, trapped between his bed and desk and the wall behind him. He went quiet, his light-hearted demeanor evaporating. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears.

He leaned back as Sinet touched his hand, fingers clumsily intertwining with his own. They figured it out eventually, her digits slipping between his like two incorrect puzzle pieces that still managed to fit together. Her hand felt somewhat how he imagined bird claws to feel. It was thick-skinned and rough-textured but comfortable nonetheless.

Tom’s free hand snuck up to her waist, disproportionately thin compared to her armored form. Sinet mimicked the gesture, making him shudder under her touch. She hovered over him, their faces nearly meeting. He couldn’t resist. He had to feel her.

Tom leaned in until his lips pressed against the plates of her face, his lower lip touching her jaw plate. Her mandibles quivered against his stubble. Her face felt warmer than he expected; not like a lifeless shell but rather had the firmness of hardened leather. She smelled odd, like a heated rock or hot desert air. Tom couldn’t taste anything on his lips once he separated but for a slight metallic aftertaste.

“I read about this,” Sinet said after a moment. “That’s the Human show of affection.”

“What do Turians do?” Tom asked.

Sinet answered by leaning in again and pressing her forehead against his. She took the hand she held in hers and placed it on the back of her neck, then did the same with her own. They closed their eyes, feeling one another’s presence, their movements, their breaths. Tom’s nose pressed against Sinet’s and he chuckled when he felt it twitch.

“I enjoy this too,” Tom said, feeling an excited shudder run through Sinet’s body.

“Tell me you want this,” she whispered, the translation so soft it overlaid with her real voice. “I need you to say it. I need to hear a yes.”

“Yes,” he said, nodding faintly.

Sinet didn’t waste a beat. She hugged Tom close, wrapping her arms around him. He felt her clawing gently at his back and returned the gesture, pulling her towards him. He nuzzled the side of her face, mandible pressing against his cheek as she exhaled close to his ear. Tom’s hands descended lower, feeling the strong curve of her waist flare out into her hips. Her leg touched his inner thigh as she pressed him into the wall.

They separated, pulling at each other’s clothes, desperate to feel the other properly, before they both realized neither knew what they were doing. They giggled and let go, Tom unbuttoning his shirt while Sinet stripped off her tunic. They soon stood topless before each other, discarded clothes heaped on the floor, both examining the other’s body like a forbidden treasure.

“Do you… like what you see?” Sinet asked nervously, looking like she was resisting the urge to cover up.

She looked exactly as Tom had pictured. Only somehow more real, more detailed. He reached out to her, hand trembling with anticipation, but not quite touching her, as if awaiting her permission. She nodded and his hand connected with her chest. Overlaying, white plates covered her upper torso, stark against the gray-scaled hide where they lacked and shifting slightly against each other with her every breath. They felt much like her face did, only firmer in places. Tom traced his fingers along the segments, searing their structure into his mind. He wanted to map them out completely, to get to know all of her – every line, every crevasse and every scale – like the back of his hand.

He stepped closer, pushing away from the wall. His hands slipped lower to her abdomen where the plates gave way to smooth, tiny scales; chiseled muscles rippling underneath. Tom caressed them with one hand while slipping the other to her back, hugging her waist. He was at awe at her build. Her abs, her biceps, her legs; she was so thin without her bulky clothes but not a part of her looked fragile.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Sinet breathed, smiling.

“And you?” Tom asked. “Are you… satisfied?”

She responded by putting her arms around his shoulders, hugging him close to her body. Tom’s face was cradled at her neck, Sinet burying hers in his hair, mandibles twitching as she caressed his back. “You’re so soft,” she remarked, entranced. “Your skin is so smooth.”

Her hand trailed up toward and over his shoulders, stopping at his neck. Tom felt a chill down his spine as her claw tips poked his sensitive skin. He returned the touches, feeling her breath in his hair while her hand continued down to his chest. Then, abruptly, Sinet pulled away, hand darting back. “What the…” she yelped.

“What’s wrong?” Tom asked, petrified.

“I felt something… move!” she stammered, “What was that?”

“Where?” he looked down, confused. “You mean my heartbeat?”

If Sinet appeared shocked before, now she looked stupefied. “That was you heart?” she asked, creeping closer again. “You mean you can just feel it?”

“Of course. You’re saying Turians can’t?”

“No,” she answered. “You can take someone’s pulse but not feel their heart directly.”

In his sluggish brain, Tom thought it over and realized he hadn’t felt Sinet’s heart through the thick plates on her chest. He hadn’t paid it much mind before. He could feel the plates move with her breathing but the beat of her heart didn’t get through them. “Does it make you uncomfortable?” he asked.

“No,” she recovered quickly. “I was just surprised.”

Tom took her hand and guided it to his chest. Her initial reluctance had worn off and she followed his lead without resistance. She closed her eyes, feeling his heart hammer against her palm. Her mandible twitched in astonishment. “It’s so fast.”

“That’s your fault,” Tom shot back.

“They didn’t mention this in the articles I’ve read,” she complained. “Do they just expect aliens to know?”

“I don’t think those articles had what we’re doing here in mind.”

The two of them resumed where they left of, showering each other’s bodies with caresses. Sinet’s touch felt fascinating against his bare skin. The texture of her fine scales made for a degree of roughness, but at the same time she was as gentle as silk. As for Tom, he didn’t fall behind. He eased forward, feeling her face against his once more. His lips found their way to her twitching mandible, leaving a trail of kisses across its length.

“You enjoy doing that a lot,” Sinet remarked. “I have read that lips are the most sensitive part of your body.”

“They are?” Tom marveled. “All I know is I want to feel you with more than just my hands.”

“Then we should get about,” she replied, breath heavy.

Skipping further ceremonies, she snaked her hand to his waist and under the hem of his shorts. There was nothing to get wrong there; all it took was to slide them down. Safe for perhaps one obstruction.

“Seems I’ve had an effect on you,” she teased as she let the garment drop. She sounded pleased with herself. As for what she saw, her expression was unreadable. Tom though that surely, she must have known what to expect; she did do her research after all. On the other hand, what he’d seen of Turian anatomy was so different from himself, he wandered if this would work at all.

“Are we even… compatible?” he asked, nerves taut.

Sinet was contemplative for a moment. “Yeah. We will do just fine,” she nodded without looking up.

“Are you certain? We’re so…”

She put a finger to his lips, the intimacy of the gesture silencing him more effectively than the force of it. “Yes, I’m sure,” she replied, smiling softly. “Trust me.”

That was all the encouragement he needed. He held her again, hands roving the surface of her body, heading down towards her underwear. The synthetic material was unknown to him, but otherwise it appeared familiar, the V shaped garment anchored above the wayward plates framing the sides of her pelvis. Sinet cooperated, one of her hands aiding him with their removal while the other slithered to his groin. She was being delicate with him, handling what she found there with care and tenderness. Tom wasn’t sure if it was out of her own desire or fear that she might hurt him, only that she was good at it, her touch getting his blood pumping. He could feel himself hardening in her grasp still.

Tom wanted to reciprocate. He decided to try something he’s read about and snuck a hand inside the raised collar of her armored torso, caressing the bare skin of her neck. Her reaction was instantaneous, Sinet’s breath catching in her throat. She threw her head back, eyes closed and mouth open.

“Oh. I see you did your homework as well,” she breathed, Tom smirking in satisfaction.

She tilted her head to the side, allowing his face to reach inside the collar, attending her neck from the other side. He nuzzled her vulnerable skin, a moan escaping her mouth as he kissed and nibbled it, feeling the fine scales with his mouth.

“Yes, do more of that!” she cried, claws poking into Tom’s back. “Spirits! Do you know how hard it is for Turians to reach in there?”

He didn’t but he could imagine. Turian mouths were a lot broader and inflexible. A lot less dexterous. Attending the place where Sinet’s neck joined with her body inside the armored collar would be much harder for them than for Tom. This only made him more confident.

His other hand slipped down her back, stopping at her buttocks. The soft cheeks felt surprisingly familiar if he ignored the texture of her skin; which, truth be told, he was finding more and more pleasant by the minute. Everything about her, once demystified, was proving to attract him. How could he ever have looked at her and seen anything other than a beautiful, fun and intelligent woman?

He doubled down, stimulating the sensitive skin of her neck with his lips, his teeth, his tongue. Sinet moaned and writhed. Her free hand wandered to the back of his head, burying in Tom’s hair. She pulled and raked through it, fully embracing the unfamiliar elements of his body and relishing in them. She let go of his member and clutched at his back. Tom felt her claws digging into his skin, her breath hot at his ear; the sound of her flanging voice a music to him.

He retreated away and their faces met once more as Sinet pulled him into the Turian gesture of intimacy. They both breathed heavily, hearts racing to catch up to the passion in their minds. Tom kissed her again. His lips met the hard surface of her mouth, doing nothing but feeling its shape and yet the act made him feel more connected with her than anything.

“Shouldn’t it normally involve tongues?” Sinet asked sultrily.

“I thought that wouldn’t be a good idea,” Tom responded, entering cautious mode. “Given our amino acids and all. I’m technically immune, but you…?”

“Just mild intolerance. Low chance of anything serious happening,” Sinet reassured him, smiling. “I’ve taken immunosuppressants in any case. I want the full experience.”

Choosing not to argue with a doctor, Tom nodded and complied. He took a deep breath and leaned in as Sinet’s mouth opened slowly, the tip of her tongue peeking out. It was blue and very long, and tapered at the end.

They both hesitated for a moment, some part of their minds warning them of the possible dangers. In the end, Sinet pulled Tom in, his mouth finding hers again. But this time it was open. Tom felt the pointy end of her tongue probe at his lips and met it, allowing his own tongue to entwine with hers. She tasted like nothing in particular, which was just as well. He wasn’t sure why that surprised him. He expected the kiss to feel more alien than it did, but all in all, it felt just like a kiss should, even despite the lack of lips.

For her part, Sinet seemed to know what to do and did it enthusiastically, albeit a little inexpertly. Her overlong tongue toyed with his like a snake constricting its prey. Tom felt the sharp teeth lining her mouth, her mandibles pressing against his cheeks, the hard plates of her mouth grasping and tugging at his lips. Alright, maybe it felt a little alien.

The moment stretched on forever, though in hindsight is seemed all too fleeting. Tom panted as they broke off, the touch of her tongue lingering on. He felt lightheaded.

Sinet appeared contemplative. “Weird. But I’m not complaining,” she said, gracing him with her sincere smile. “Though I still think there are better uses for those lips of yours.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Tom declared, his tone a promise.

And he didn’t waste any time in following through. Grabbing hold of her waist, Tom traced a line of kisses down from her neck and towards her abdomen. Judging by her reactions, the thick plates of her chest must have been more sensitive than they looked, Sinet droning a pleased sound while she stroked his hair in approval. Tom relished feeling more of her this way. Despite the rough texture and unyielding solidity of her armor it didn’t feel like kissing lifeless stone or such, her warmth and subtle movements of her breathing making him shiver.

He almost stopped altogether when he reached her abbs. Once again, he marveled at her figure. So thin and exaggeratedly feminine in places yet so powerful and so much firmer compared to himself. He couldn’t help but admire her muscles, his lips lingering at her abdomen longer than they should as he felt them flexing underneath her skin.

His hands followed down her body as well, moving from her waist to her hips, to her ass, to her toned thighs, plated on the outside but delightfully pliable on the inside. The lower he moved, the rougher Sinet’s breathing grew, the more her body quivered. Her grip on his hair got firmer, her claws pinpricks against his scalp. When Tom’s mouth reached down to her mound, she had to steady herself against his desk. He motioned her to sit on its edge then shuffled over to kneel in front of her.

That’s when he first fully witnessed her sex. It didn’t look Human, that was for sure. The vertical slit in her grey-scaled skin was familiar enough, but the overlapping folds of glistening blue flesh within were as alien as could be. It rather reminded Tom of a flower, like a dark blue orchid; the comparison much more apt then with Humans. But though he might not be expert at Turian anatomy, there was still one spot he wagered would be as sensitive as with anyone.

“Wait,” Sinet pleaded, thinking things over at the last moment. “I don’t think we should risk this. The ‘kiss’ was one thing, but let’s not overdo it. You might not be prone to allergic reactions, but this is different than accidentally eating dextro food. You don’t know what could happen.”

Tom gazed up at her face, looking down at him with equal parts worry and excitement, then down at the inviting blue folds before him. “Okay,” he said. He took the panties still hanging on the pointy ‘spurs’ protruding from her calves and pulled them back into place. Before Sinet could ask what he was doing, he dove forward and dragged his tongue across her sex.

She yelped and fell back, Tom’s desk supplies tumbling down before she steadied herself. He was glad his idea bore the desired reaction. Encouraged, Tom pressed on, Sinet crying out as he buried his face in the black material of her underwear. It felt closer to latex than fabric, though it was less elastic and didn’t stick together. The important thing was that it was thin enough to let her feel what he was doing while not soaking up with her juices. He could work with that.

He let his tongue wander her folds, testing where it had the most impact. It was hard to tell, Sinet’s reactions being equally intense wherever he decided to apply pressure. He could have simply stuck to what he was doing. But he could do better.

After some searching, the process of which seemed no less pleasurable for his partner, Tom managed to locate what he needed. As soon as his tongue flicked over the hard nub near the top of her slit, Sinet exploded. Her whole body quivered like a string as she cried out at the ceiling, her thighs squeezing Tom’s head like a vise. He had to wait for her to let go before continuing, her grip so hard he almost didn’t enjoy it.

Once she processed the issue, Sinet lifted up one leg and rested it on Tom’s desk chair. With unhampered access, he gladly resumed his work. First, he gave her thigh its due attention, kissing and caressing its toned yet soft underside, before returning to her awaiting center. Her reaction was a little less extreme once she was expecting it. Tom held onto her raised leg with one hand, using his other to help navigate her folds through the barrier of her underwear. When he found her clitoris again, he brought his mouth to it, giving it a few probing licks. Once she got accustomed to his stimulation, he moved onto the other part of his plan: letting his lips encircle the oversized nub and giving it a gentle suck.

She wasn’t prepared for that. Sinet fell backwards onto his desk, catching herself on her elbow. Her cries now sounded nothing like Human moans, resembling something more primal, more intense. Her free hand caressed his head and pulled on his hair. Tom redoubled his efforts, licking circles around the clit while his mouth did the brunt of the work.

As his fingers stroked her lips, he felt a drop of moisture drip down her thigh. He should have been wary of it, but instead all he felt was a proud tinge of satisfaction. He let his hand trace it back to its source, fingers slipping underneath the garment that was separating his mouth from her, and touched her sex in earnest. It was a strange sensation. It felt much like a Human one, but the shape was alien. He almost got lost it its many folds before he found his way around, locating the opening in their center. Sinet tensed up when she knew what he was planning. Never letting his mouth off her clit, he snuck one finger inside her, making her throw her head back in bliss.

She truly didn’t feel like a Human inside. Her tunnel was structured somewhat like a spiral, tight and twisting. It was far hotter too and textured like nothing he’s ever felt. The walls seemed intent on pulling Tom’s finger deeper as they flexed, his touch making her spasm. He had the sudden urge to feel her properly. He could hardly wait.

He never stopped giving her his attention though, his every movement making her squirm. Sinet seemed strained, like she herself couldn’t wait. Her legs were trembling as Tom worked his magic, using his finger to stimulate her from the inside while he attended her nub with his lips, his tongue, his teeth.

Until she bid him stop. After some time, Sinet pushed his head free, motioning him to give her a break. Her breath was labored and waves of shudders still ran through her body.

“Is everything alright?” Tom asked hastily. “Was it not good?”

Sinet waved him to calm down. “Too good,” she moaned while she straightened. Her composure returned gradually. “I owe you an apology. I admit I’d been doubting how you would fare with that tiny tongue of yours but this was something indescribable!” she panted. “You were right: I had no idea what those lips could do. But let’s save some energy for the main course.”

Tom smirked while he caught his breath. “I’m flattered to hear that,” he said as he reached for a fallen tissue box and wiped his hand clean just in case. “I may not have the reach,” he said, rising to meet her, “but Humans do have flexibility.”

“Indeed,” Sinet said, her arctic eyes intense as she met his gaze. “Let’s see if you’re lacking reach in other areas as well then.”

Before he could conjure a reply, Sinet placed her hand on Tom’s chest and shoved him backwards onto the bed. He landed with a thud and went to sit up but stopped. Tom watched as Sinet removed her underwear properly this time, pulling them over the protrusions on her calves and sliding them off her two-fingered feet. She approached the bed, looming over him as she knelt astride his legs.

Tom reached to his nightstand and fished a square package out of the drawer. Sinet looked at the condom with vague uncertainty. “I think that might be an overkill,” she said.

Tom shrugged and threw the package aside. “You’re the expert.”

“Not really my area of expertise,” she disagreed, climbing over him on all fours. “But I think we’re both about to gain some practical experience.”

She put a clawed finger against his chin and slowly traced it down to his chest. Her eyes never left his as she teased him, making him squirm under her touch. Tom held her face behind her mandible and pulled her in. She followed, the two of them touching faces again. He caressed her neck with both hands making her sigh in pleasure, her breath hot in his face.

Their making out grew more intense, pawing and clawing against each other. Tom went to kiss her neck again and she returned the gesture, her tongue tracing a path across his own, leaving a trail of cold wetness in its wake. She didn’t stop there, licking and nibbling as he did. He felt her beak-like mouth pressing against his neck, her claws digging into his skin, her needle teeth closing around his clavicle.

Tom held onto the rim of her collar, clawed against the back of her head. She must have interpreted his struggles as pain, for she paused and retreated.

“Sorry,” she said through her haze. “I got carried away.”

“Don’t,” Tom replied. “Don’t hold back. I want it. I want to feel all you’ve got.”

Sinet looked conflicted. “No offense Tom,” she said apologetically, “but you’re not really as sturdy as me. I wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

It was his turn to glare self-assuredly. He wasn’t about to let her pamper him. “If I don’t need patching up when you’re done with me, we did it wrong!”

She eyed him incredulously, but he glimpsed visible excitement flashing in her eyes. He liked where this was going. They both did.

“Alright then,” she said, mouth grazing his ear. “Let’s see how you handle me.”

She gave him a final nip on the neck and straightened, kneeling directly over his hips. Tom gulped. Sinet reached down with her hand and aligned his member with her opening, making him groan as his tip bumped against the alien orifice. Her lips felt hotter than they had any right to. He could feel her body heat radiating off them even from a distance.

Sinet took a deep breath and steadied herself. Tom reached out and grasped the hand resting on his chest. She locked eyes with him as she made the final step and lowered herself onto him. She cried out as his tip breached her entrance and hunched over, panting; her fingers curled, claws raking across Tom’s skin.

“Spirits!” she exclaimed, breathless.

Tom tried to speak but her hand darted forth to clasp his mouth. She mostly missed, but he got the message. She refocused and continued her descent, allowing more of him inside her.

Tom was left speechless, the sensation like nothing he’d ever felt before. Their bodies were never meant for each other. Turian members were much different from his own: long, thin and shaped more like a corkscrew than a rod. Tom’s shaft couldn’t wind through the spiral grooves of her passage; it pushed right through them, stretching them beyond their usual limit. The result was a stimulation like no other, too intense to describe. Her textured walls pulled him in with every spasm that ran through her body, robbing Tom of his breath. He could only hope it felt as good for her too.

Sinet needed both her hands to hold herself up, slouching over him. He used his elbow to lean closer, bringing his hand to her cheek, caressing her mandible. “Are you alright?” he asked in whisper.

“Spirits, yes!” she groaned. “Just give me a moment to adjust.”

Tom leaned back down, pulling her with him. His hands roamed her body, feeling her abbs, her waist, her butt, her thighs; ever wandering, never able to settle for any given part of her. She returned the touches, caressing his face, arms and chest, her claws drawing patterns in his skin. He looked up at her, losing himself in her eyes. The sky-blue irises shone from within the black sclera like jewels. He could look at them the whole day, and the next, and the one after for the rest of his life if she’d let him.

She leaned in close, their bodies nearly flat against each other, and ever so slowly Sinet began to move. She groaned as she tried rocking back and forth. The movement was miniscule, but it was still enough to make her squeeze Tom’s shoulder in strain. He never stopped attending her, his touch spurring her on. She moaned softly into his ear as he kissed all the plates of her face his mouth could reach, caressed every bit of exposed skin his fingers could find.

Tom groaned as she grinded against him, his hips jolting involuntarily. Her movements were more a side effect of their making out than a deliberate effort, yet it was more than enough to drive him mad. He nuzzled his head into her collar, biting at the scales of her neck.

She returned the gesture. He could feel Sinet’s mandible by his ear, her breath making all his hair stand on end. Her tongue made a return and her mouth soon joined. She barraged him with small nibbles on his skin, teasing him using only her mouth-plates. He grabbed her by the collar and pulled her closer. She was practically sinking him into the bedding, that’s how fiercely she needed him.

She had him pinned. All Tom could do was try and keep up, making sure she was receiving as much love as she gave him. He was starting to realize just how tough she really was. He’d been practically pampering her until now, his passionate love bites mere gentle caresses to her scaly hide. There was no need for him to hold back.

Sinet slipped and almost scratched his ear off as he bit down hard at her neck. Tom let all restraint evaporate, clawing at the inside of her collar, his fingers trying to find purchase. He held her close, his hips thrusting upwards. She cried into his shoulder, their bodies rocking to a common rhythm as if it was just a different kind of dance. He squeezed her forearm as she dug her claws into his bicep. Her mouth opened to its full impressive width, her teeth poking the delicate skin of his neck like pinpricks. She could bite right through it if she wanted to. But she knew his limits. For all her rough play, she would never allow herself to truly hurt him.

His shoulder was another matter. As Tom let loose, making love to her with his whole body – his hands, his hips, his lips, his teeth – Sinet moaned aloud, her mouth slipping down from his neck before closing right around his clavicle. It was Tom’s turn to cry out. Sharp pain flared out in the spot before fading into a sense of relief reminiscent of a twisted sort of pleasure. She didn’t bite down hard, but the mere sharpness of her teeth was enough to puncture his skin, sinking in slightly, leaving a mark not unlike cat scratches.

Tom had had enough of passivity. In the throes of their passion they had disconnected, too lost in the moment to notice. He wasn’t about to awkwardly fumble around to enter her again. Tom hooked one leg around hers, pulled on her arm pushing on the opposing shoulder and – once Sinet caught up to what he was doing and cooperated – rolled her over.

Finding himself on top, Tom felt momentarily stunned. Sinet laid before him, for the first time since he met her not the one looking down from above. She seemed strangely vulnerable this way, almost unsure what to do now that she wasn’t in control. Just waiting for him.

To encourage him, she took his hand and cradled it to her chest. She shifted while he knelt above her, moving her legs to allow him in. “Please,” she whispered, nodding.

Tom didn’t keep her waiting. He aligned himself with her, meeting the burning, velvety folds of her opening. Then he thrust in.

They yelped in unison as their very centers met once more. Tom could feel Sinet’s abbs shift and flex underneath his fingers as she shuddered. She had gotten accustomed to him, her moans echoing satisfaction more than shock now that she knew what to expect.

Tom himself was as breathless as the first time. He had no words to describe how otherworldly she really felt. Her spiral walls flexed and pulled, the texture driving him mad. The only thing that could make it even better was the knowledge that she was equally enthralled by him.

It really was a wonder. This was never meant to work. The two of them were from as far across the galaxy as they could. At no point were they ever meant to meet, let alone embrace. Time, space, anatomy, their backgrounds, their cultures, even their bodily chemistry were all stacked against them. Yet they defied them all.

The time of clumsy exploration and hasty bumbling about was over. This was familiar territory now. They both moaned in unison as Tom put in the work, rocking their minds as well as their bodies. He moved faster than they would have dared minutes ago. The sensation was overwhelming for both of them, Sinet’s head slumped sideways, eyes closed and mouth open. She pulled on his sheets, tearing holes in the thin fabric.

He used the opening and leaned down to kiss her exposed neck once more, the gratified sound she made sending his heart aflutter. She wrapped her hands around his back, pulling him down against her. The hard plates of her chest bumped and scraped his own but he didn’t care, merely put a hand between them to brace himself. His free one travelled down to her leg, grabbing a handful of her thigh.

Sinet was lost in bliss. Her arm flew back as he nibbled her skin again, grabbing the pillow underneath her as her back arched, head fallen back. Her other hand raked and pulled his hair as she moaned his name quietly. He did his best to maintain his deep, rhythmic thrusts; his own pleasure mounting up beyond what he could bear. They were both dancing on the razor’s edge. It would only take a push till they lost balance and plummeted…

Tom cradled his face underneath hers, fingers dancing around her shoulder and neck. She swallowed emptily, her breath growing ragged. He knew what must follow and he wouldn’t allow himself to ruin it. He must hold out a little longer.

He couldn’t tell how much time had passed when Sinet moaned out, her body beginning to convulse. Her voice died in her throat as she cried into his neck. She held onto him with her whole body, arms around his back, legs around his own, pulling him deeper as Tom himself hit his limit. Her claws dug into his back and he cried out with her. Tom’s vision swam. All the sounds ceased except for her shuddering breaths in his ear and the deafening drumming of his own heartbeat. Stars danced before his eyes, resolving into two bright blue points dreamily staring back.

The two lovers gazed into each other’s eyes as time slowly resumed flowing. Their foreheads met, Tom slumped against hers, panting. She had to lean forward to meet his due to their height difference but they didn’t let that spoil the moment.

Neither could tell how long they had laid like that. It hardly seemed to matter. There was little else to do; no words seemed appropriate, no gestures necessary.

In the end, it was Sinet who broke the silence. “Wow,” she exhaled, still winded. “I haven’t felt like this in a long time.” Her voice had the content lightness of someone who had managed to temporarily forget about the rest of the world. “Actually, scratch that! I don’t think I’ve felt like this ever.”

“Me neither,” Tom could only agree. He rolled off of her, laying down on his back beside her. “I hope I didn’t disappoint.”

“Not by a long shot,” she ensured him. “Seems you don’t lack reach after all.”

That drew a chuckle out of him. His hand wandered toward hers, fingers awkwardly entwining, trying to recall how they did it the first time. “That’s good. I mean, I wasn’t really sure we could… given our… you know.”

“I told you to trust me,” she reminded him. “In between the two of us: it’s not that different from certain toys that I have seen. Or owned.”

“Turians make toys that look nothing like your bits?” he questioned.

“Humans don’t?” she asked, forcing Tom to concede. “Sometimes it’s about what feels good not what looks real. Helps that you know how to use it.”

“Uhm, thanks,” he said, blushing. “You were great, too. It was… indescribable.”

He turned his head to the side, looking at her blissful face. Sinet returned the glance, her hand gently squeezing his, scaly fingers caressing his knuckle. She smiled at him. The expression was so familiar to him by now, it stirred emotions in him with a mere look. Just a slight movement of a mandible and he felt like he was melting.

She rolled over facing the window, pulling him inevitably along. She stared at their reflections – Tom’s face peering over her collar as he nuzzled her shoulder – and burst into a weary fit of laughter. “Look at us!” she exclaimed at the surreal sight: a Human and a Turian huddled together under sheets.

“I like what I’m seeing,” Tom remarked, meeting the reflection of her eyes.

She seemed to struggle holding his gaze, looking off to the side. Then, her face darkened all of a sudden. “Are you alright?” she asked, reaching over to him. “Spirits! Did I do that?”

Tom followed her gaze to the reddened skin of his shoulder, tiny puncture marks tracing an outline of a wide pair of jaws. There were feint red smears on the sheets as well, new wet dots slowly forming in the wound. “It is nothing,” he reassured her. “I promise, it felt quite thrilling in the moment.”

“I’m sorry, I really should have been more careful. I got carried away. You should put some MediGel on it.”

“Alright ma’am,” he gave in, rising out of the bed. “Are you gonna write me a prescription, too?”

“I just might. It could save us trouble in the future,” she said, following him into the bathroom.

Those words made Tom’s heart skip a beat. In the future. He’d wanted to ask her about that exact subject so very much. But maybe now wasn’t the right time.

“Alright. That should prevent any unwanted reactions,” Sinet said as she helped him apply the medicinal salve. Tom hardly saw what the fuss was about. He turned around in front of the mirror examining himself, the wounds vanishing slowly right before his eyes.

“You might want to get cleaned up as well,” she added afterwards. That would be a good idea. “Can I use your restroom in the meantime?”

“Of course,” tom said readily. “I’m assuming you’re staying over then?”

Sinet chuckled as she left him to shower. “That would be very kind of you, yes. It’s so late it’s early. And I have a shift in the morning…”

After washing up, Tom had had just enough time to hastily change the sheets before Sinet returned to the bedroom. She looked ready to collapse and he could relate. The night, though unforgettable, had taken a toll on them both. And the pillows looked all too welcoming.

They shuffled into the bed in silence, their lust-induced boldness now evaporated. Tom slept in shorts while she opted to stay naked, the room hot enough even for a Turian to settle for sheets alone. He tried snuggling up to her, resting his arm across her waist. Sinet shot him a tired smile. She squeezed his palm, glancing at it then back at him unsurely, as if a thousand thoughts raced through her sluggish mind. 

He was just now realizing how easily he could get used to this reality. He’s accepted it so readily. He couldn’t know if it would lead anywhere, not yet. But he was really hoping it might.

Tom reached out to turn off the nightlamp, leaving only the faint violet light of the Serpent nebula creeping in through the window. The gentle cover of darkness embraced them both. Sinet turned over, Tom laying on his back while she sidled up to him, reversing their positions. Her hand wandered all around his chest, gently caressing his skin.

“Your touch feels so nice,” she mumbled sleepily as he slowly stroked her face. He moved to scratch the top of her head, fingers tracing the grooves behind her plates. “Oh. You have no idea how pleasant that is,” she groaned, nuzzling his arm. Tom felt glad hearing that, but as he caressed her, he kept watching her expectantly. She noticed. “What? You didn’t actually expect me to start purring, did you?” she asked.

“No,” Tom said, disappointed. She snickered and gave him a playful smack, shaking her head.

They laid like that for a while, relishing each other’s touch as they slowly grew closer and closer towards sleep. Sinet’s palm stopped roving some time ago, settling over Tom’s heart. She seemed to enjoy its beat, peering at his chest with curious fascination. “This is going to sound daft…”

“It isn’t,” Tom answered, predicting her question. “It is quite normal among Humans.”

“So, can I…?” she asked hesitantly. Tom nodded.

Sinet shuffled around and brought her head to rest on his chest. Her mandible quivered as she smiled. She closed her eyes, listening to the thumping beat in unrestrained wonder as it slowly lulled her to sleep. Tom looked down at her with adoration. A final thought flashed in his mind just before he joined her in dreaming: Wait, where do Turians even have ears?

o  o
\ˇ/

Sinet awoke, finding the face of a sleepy Human lying before her. Her momentary confusion unraveled as the memories of the previous night slowly flooded back. She relaxed when Tom’s eyes fluttered open and he greeted her with a sincere smile.

“Hi,” he said still half asleep.

“Good morning,” she whispered back.

“How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” she forced herself to answer. “Good. Little sore. But good. You haven’t freaked out finding an alien in your bed I hope?”

“Realizing last night wasn’t a dream was like waking up on a Christmas morning!” he replied.

Sinet smiled in relief. “I have no idea what that means but I’ll take it as a compliment.” She still felt dead tired; the night not having afforded them much sleep. Tom was more than happy to let her lay there some more. He slipped his hand into her own, his slender fingers intertwining with hers with practiced elegance now. Their foreheads touched and she closed her eyes in bliss. Something about how easily he’d adopted the gesture was sending Sinet’s heart aflutter. She let the sound of his breathing lull her back to sleep like ocean waves.

The next thing Sinet felt was a gentle hand rocking her shoulder. “Hey,” a familiar voice sounded. She opened her eyes again to find a fully clothed Tom kneeling by her on the bed.

“…yesh?” she mumbled.

“Hate to rouse you like this…” Tom said, his words melting upon her sleepy brain. Such a silly thing to apologize for. His voice was like silk. He could be saying anything he wanted and she wouldn’t care; all that mattered was that he kept talking…

“Can you hear me?” he asked more urgently. “You mentioned you have an early shift?”

Sinet’s eyes sprang open, mind shifting into overdrive. “What time is it?”

“Six twenty.”

“Crap!” she swore, calculating how far Tom’s flat was from the hospital while she crawled her way from beneath the sheets. There went her breakfast. She might still have the time to get a protein bar from the breakroom if she hurried. “Can I use your shower real quick?”

“Be my guest,” Tom said sincerely.

As the hot water washed over her scales, Sinet’s mind wandered back to the previous night’s events. She could still feel Tom’s hands on her plates, his soft lips on her neck. It was remarkable. She didn’t know what to expect from their encounter, but she would never have imagined how caring, how thoughtful, how devoted he would be. Not only did he keep up effortlessly with her, he enjoyed every minute of it. The two of them meshed brilliantly. She couldn’t even pretend to be put off by his body, not after she felt if for herself, if she even could before. Spirits, what did that say about her?

Still, she thought as she got dressed. I shouldn’t be making such hasty conclusions. It was just one night! There is more to relationships than going out and having sex. Who knows how things might turn out in the long run?

She exited the bathroom and headed for the door, passing Tom in the kitchen. “Hey,” he smiled. “I ordered you takeout while you rested; figured you might be hungry. From the dextro restaurant on Kaailini street? You said you liked it there.”

Sinet froze in her step, staring at the paper package sitting on the counter. She opened it curiously and gaped at the familiar meal inside, the smell alone making her mouth water as it hit her nostrils. “That’s… thoughtful of you. Thank you. This is my favorite! How did you know what to get?”

“You mentioned it,” he shrugged.

She was stunned. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had thought about her like this. Just a random act of kindness. And yet it meant so much more.

Tom was leaning on the counter, smiling casually. “I assumed you would want to eat it in the skycar so I kept it packed for you. But if you have the time, I’d happily share a breakfast with you! Figuratively speaking.”

She wanted to. There was nothing she’d like more in the moment, if only she could. And just like that, her mind was centered back on him again.

“Or we could go for a dinner instead? I’ll be free tomorrow evening if you are?” he added.

There was an unsaid question in the air. They were both thinking about it, but neither dared voice the words aloud. Sinet had to stop her tongue from blurting out an agreement on autopilot. This would be a more definite answer than it might seem. Her first instinct was to say ‘yes’. But did she really want to pursue this? Would she be willing to potentially spend the rest of her life with an alien?

She looked down at the bright, expectant face of who was genuinely the most wonderful man she knew.

Yes. Yes, she would.

“Tomorrow then,” she said, smiling.

Tom’s entire face lit up, the Human’s excitement filling Sinet’s heart with warmth. She stepped closer and embraced him, their faces meeting again, this time more hopefully than before. His hands wound around her waist as hers did around his shoulders. Tom’s lips met her mouth plates again, planting another of the Human kisses on it.

“I could get used to this,” she remarked.

Tom seemed pleased to hear that. “Does that mean we’re dating then?”

“We weren’t until now?” she asked.

“I didn’t want to assume.”

Sinet giggled aloud, Tom heartily joining her. “Yes,” she confirmed, earning another kiss. “But we’re not telling Tellana.”

“No way in hell!” he agreed.

She really did have to go, unfortunately. If letting go of him would be this hard every time, she might need to rearrange her calendar. She looked back longingly as the door of his apartment closed, cutting him from view. No matter. At least, from now on, she had something very substantial to look forward to in her life. They both did.

End