jade: a tiny little moment between kaidan and shepard. hope you enjoy!

disclaimer: mass effect and all affiliations are products of bioware.

Capturing a Moment

" Come on Shepard. Just one. " She shook her head, unable to stop the smile from tilting her lips. He'd been asking for a picture since they had their dinner at the Citadel. She knew why he wanted one, but she didn't see the purpose of it. She was right there for him to stare at ( which she knew he did anyway, quite often ). Hell, he could even talk to her. He didn't need a damn picture to capture a moment when he could have a dozen more real ones.

But her resolve was waning as he caught her around corners, as he touched her cheek up in their cabin, when he brushed his lips across her neck in the middle of the hall just waiting for someone to catch them. And right now it was the same.

They were both leaning up against the glass in the Starboard Observation deck, the stars a background of perfection. She never loved space more than when she stared out into the infinite black speckled by the tiny, but bright little lights. They weren't more than gas but it was the picture they painted. She always imagined them as people, shining bright against the darkness that tried to consume them. Much like what was happening now.

His fingers traced a tempting line down her jaw as he stared at her lips. And she couldn't help but be pulled in by him. She leaned forward, eyes closing just the slightest, breath mingling with his. She just barely felt his hand on her lower back, his other hand sliding to her side as she was caught in the feeling.

" Please. "

And that was all it would take. She could never deny him anything anyway. Why start now. He wanted a picture of them, of her. And she understood why. It was almost as if it would make them permanent. As if it would withstand time and space and Reapers, and mark that they belonged only to each other. It would give them something to see even when they were apart, whether it was temporary, or permanent. She didn't like to think about losing Kaidan again. About leaving him behind. But there were no absolutes when the Reapers threatened the entire galaxy. She could hold onto these moments and cherish them for as long as she had them.

She sighed, pursing her lips. She figured a vid would be next so she'd prepare herself now for that conversation, if it ever came. She drew closer to him, until she could feel his chest pressed to hers, closing her eyes, holding this feeling close. She'd lost him enough times and hadn't appreciated what she had more. She wouldn't make that mistake again.

His forehead brushed hers, his breath now impatient in the space between them. She couldn't help the smile.

" Alright. " And that was all it took for him grip her tighter and pull them flush together, lips descending on hers. His hands slid across her back, her own trailing across his chest and up to cup his neck, tugging him closer. Almost as if she wanted to drown in him. Lips move, tongues twine and all she can focus on is how they fit perfectly together. How alive she feels as he grounds her body to his, his mouth capturing hers as if she were the air he breathed. She was breathless when he finally pulled away, resting his forehead to hers. She could still feel the pressure of his lips on hers.

" I knew you'd say yes, " he said in-between breaths. Her eyes found his, caught the sparkle of mischief and she threw her head back in a laugh.

It was quickly silenced by his lips on her neck.