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cousinslavellan-archive · 6 years

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Broken Souls Pt 6

Lily’s interested, but she doesn’t want to push too hard if Tiberius isn’t - a Beach Day seems like a good way to test the waters, so to speak.

This entire fic is officially just dedicated to both @wafflesrock16 for lending me Tiberius, and helping me with plotting shenanigans with thes babes, and to @bethadastra so being freaking awesome and somehow managing to always send motivation when I need it most! You guys rock and ilu and I hope you still like his ridiculous little fic! ♥

Also posted on AO3! And Lily has a pinterest board, where I’ll pin outfits and things cause why not!

I hope I didn’t freak him out to badly - shit, man, he’s strong… fucking awesome.

Lily swirls her pen between her fingers, staring blankly down at the datapad she’s been writing on - Teren and Rose’s voices a steady din in the background, the turians’ tapping an almost comforting beat.

Teren had called them in to discuss the upcoming Military Ball the Primarch would be hosting in their honor - a sort of welcoming party for the Alliance allies of the Hierarchy, a night to schmooze and relax with fellow soldiers.

Lily can’t focus on the party talk, though; her brain’s been stuck on one specific turian ever since their spar three days before, when he’d knocked her flat on her ass and then promptly fled.

I mean, he looked interested - I know I’m not imagining that growl, and his eyes were - aw, fuck, turians have better noses than humans, right? He could probably smell how into it I was. Waita control your hormones, Lily, fuck me-

She’d definitely been amped up from the spar itself, but being pinned by a ridiculously strong opponent tended to do things to her - like light her libido on fire, leaving her hot and bothered when said male had barely even looked at her as he all but ran from the Training Room.

After running into a wall, anyways. Lily snorts, lips curling up in a fond grin at the memory, Which was kind of adorable, really. Maybe he just gets really flustered really easily? He probably did smell me, so… hmm, maybe only when someone’s interested.

Lily can’t remember the last time she was bested in a sparring match - and, if she’s honest, she doesn’t remember the last time she’d been so bloody turned on, either. Something about Tiberius just did it for her, even after only knowing him for a few days.

His height’s part of it - and his eyes, such a gorgeous green. The rumbly voice definitely helps, he’s an awesome gamer, and the strength… mmmm, wonder what those biotics of his would be like in-

“Hey, Lil, you okay? Need your input here, sis.”

“She looks rather dazed - should we be worried?”

“Hmmmm?” Lily blinks out of her stupor, looking up to find both Rose and Teren watching her with amused grins. “Sorry, spaced out a bit there - what’cha need?”

“Teren just needs to know what clothes you want brought in, since we’ll be here awhile.” Rose gives her a look, then taps on her datapad, “Remember that you need a dress for the Military Ball - I sent you a couple I thought you might like, but you need to choose one. Likewise, pick a few more outfits, and any other food items you want.”

“We will, of course, make more orders over the course of your stay.” Teren hums, amused, “This is just to stock you up for your first month or so. Anything after that will depend entirely on how long you intend to remain with us.”

“Well, I have a feeling you’re stuck with this one, now.” Lily grins, jerking a thumb at her twin, “I’m kind of auxiliary staff - but I’ll be here at least a few months, for sure.”

Long enough to try and feel out if there’s a possibility of something with Tibs, at least-

“Very well. Make your selections and you’re free to go; I believe dinner should be served soon, and I imagine Rainer is missing you, Rose.”

“Maybe.” Rose murmurs back, and Lily catches the blush on her twins face before grinning and focussing on her datapad.

Food is easy, since Rose had taken care of the majority, and clothes are a mishmash of Alliance Standard and casual outfits - as colourful as she can manage. She pauses over two dresses, biting her lip and considering - super colourful or sparkly? Hmmm, maybe go - clicking on the second selection and finalizing her choices with a little hum. “All done!”

“Excellent. Both of you are so efficient, I love it.” Teren smiles widely, tapping a few last buttons on her own datapad before sitting back and crossing her arms - almost considering them. “How are you enjoying your stay on Palaven so far, ladies?”

“It’s been great - working with your systems is a new challenge.” Rose says, ever professional.

Lily rolls her eyes and elbows her twin in the side, “Oh, c’mon, you find your freaking Soulmate and you want to talk about programming instead? Cut me some slack, Rosie!”

Rose’s face flushes again, though she only lifts her nose up and gives Lily a side-eyed smirk. “Maybe I’m enjoying myself, it’s true - but I happen to know a certain twin of mine has been out to make friends.”

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Lily shrugs, leaning back in her chair with a grump, “Though I, ah, seem to have chased him off.”

“You speak of Tiberius, correct?” Teren asks, humming at her nod, “He’s a quiet one, likely due to the stigma associated with being biotic. Give him some time - and don’t let up.”

“I don’t plan to.” the brunette frowns a little, thinking. Even though Tiberius had continued being rather shy and flustered, the few times she’s seen him since the spar, in game he’s seemed normal - which is good, right? He’s not ignoring me, at least.

“I’ve heard you like to swim, Lily?” Teren interrupts her thoughts, smiling at her surprised look, “I read your files, darling. You should take a trip down to the beach - Cipritine boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on Palaven, and as the whole city is rather low radiation, you could go without your armor.”

Lily perks up at that, spirits lifting. “For real? I mean, I’m technically here representing the Alliance, but I don’t have any work right now, so I’m kind of just wandering around-”

“Take a day trip to the Beach, with my permission.” Teren says, mandibles flared, “Tiberius grew up in Cipritine, if I recall correctly - I’m sure he could give you a wonderful tour of the city, and the beach.”

Like a date. Lily finds herself nodding enthusiastically, nearly ready to jump from her chair, “That sounds like fun! I’ll see if he’s up to it.”

“You do that, dear. Now then ladies, I believe we’ve accomplished everything I called you in here for - time for dinner.”

“Thank you for everything, Teren.”

“You’re very welcome. I’ll speak with you both later.”

Both twins nod, standing and making their way quietly to the door - slipping out into the hallway and heading off towards the dining hall.

Lily is nearly bouncing, making Rose laugh, “Okay, I get it, I’m going too slowly for you - shoo already! Go ask him!”

“You’re the best, Rosie!” Lily grins, stealing a hug before nearly skipping off towards the dining hall - reigning herself in anytime there are soldiers nearby, since she should be at least trying to seem professional, right?

All that flies out the window the moment she’s stepped into the dining hall and her eyes have locked on one incredibly alluring turian, seated off in a corner with a tray of food before him and Rainer sitting opposite.

Lily all but sprints in their direction, excited and impatient - though she forces herself to slow down once she’s within their sight, noticing the way Tiberius glances up and seems to be immediately flustered by her approach.

Okay, Lily, easy now - don’t jump the poor man. If he’s not interested, you don’t want to force him.

“Evening, Rainer!” she greets his companion pleasantly, kneeling on the bench beside the taller turian and grinning widely at him, “Tibs! Are you free tomorrow?”

“T-tomorrow?” Tiberius stumbles over the word, a quiet chirp to his subvocals, and Lily can’t get over how endearing his fluster is, “What’s, uh, going on tomorrow?”

“Teren mentioned that there’s a beach on the edge of the city! A low radiation beach!” she’s still grinning, batting her eyes a little - do turians even know what that means? Dammit self, do some research! - “I’m kind of useless at the moment, so far as Alliance work goes, and I’d really like to explore the city a bit and go swimming! I thought I’d ask you to go with me?”

Tiberius’ mandibles flap for a moment, and she’d swear she can see him swallowing in response to her words - or the eye batting? Maybe he knows human flirting signs?? - before his browplate lowers a bit, rumbling a quiet “W-why me?”

Lily tilts her head, expression one of open honesty and confusion. “Well, you’re the only person I know here, really, and I like your company - you’re fun to be around. So, y’know, I just thought it’d be fun?”

That has him staring at her again, surprise clear in those gorgeous green eyes, and Lily reaches out to settle a hand on his shoulder - smile softer, now, “Only if you want to, Tibs - as I’ve said, don’t wanna be a pain in the ass.”

Tiberius huffs at that, mandibles flickering out in a small grin, “You’re n-not a pain in the ass, Lily. Sure. W-we can, uh, bring a picnic, if you want - have lunch on the, uh, beach?”

“That sounds perfect.” Lily smiles, being sure to let her enthusiasm show, “Good for tomorrow, then?”

“Y-yeah. There’s a nice cafe, by the beach… I, um, I know the owners.” even through the stuttering, Tiberius is returning her smile, and she feels her heart jump at the expression, “We can grab the food there - they, uh, have levo things, too - then spend some time at the beach.”

“It’s a date!” Lily grins, stepping away before her words can fully sink in, “See you at 09:00 sharp, Tiberius! No gaming till 05:00 tonight; I’ll know if you do!”

Then she spins and saunters away, high fiving Rose on her way out of the hall - heart pounding in hopeful excitement.

Beach date with a hottie turian! This will be fun!

Remember, though, Lily - just because your Mark is faded, doesn’t mean his is.

That makes her stop just short of she and Rose’ rooms, frowning at the realization. Maybe that was why he’d backed off - he had a Soulmate, and it definitely wasn’t her.

Well, shit. Nothing I can do if he does have one. She takes a deep breath, shoves the depression away, and forces a grin. Talk about it tomorrow - for now, just look forwards to your date.

Lily’s up at 07:00 the next morning, ignoring Rose’s sleepy grumble when she flicks on the lights and starts getting ready.

She’s not planning to dress up, per say, but she still wants to look nice - plus, her civies are buried beneath her Alliance dress in her footlocker, so the first twenty minutes are spent digging through tightly rolled clothes until she finds something that suits the occasion.

Brought more than I thought. She grins, eyeing the small pile of colourful casual clothes she’s tossed onto the bed - a pile that includes a couple pairs of sandals and other accessories - taking a moment to repack her Alliance wear in half of the foot locker, Okay, reorganize this mess quick, then get dressed.

She hears Rose get up a few minutes later, but doesn’t pay much attention - shifting around shirts and pants, trying to decide on an outfit. Her bikini sits off to the side, ready to go, along with a pair of sunglasses and gold, strappy sandals - she’s got a pair of aqua patterned shorts picked out, but which top should I be wearing? Can turians even read English? Probably just use their omni’s to translate, so it doesn’t even matter what the shirt says-

“Wear the mermaid one.” Rose mumbles behind her, the scent of fresh coffee hitting her at nearly the same moment, “Suits you, considering you’d live in the water if you could.”

“This one?” Lily pats the shirt in question - a white, scooped neck tank with the words Mermaid Off Duty arranged around an image of a seashell - grinning when her twin nods, “I was leaning towards this one, not gonna lie - thanks, Rosie! And aw, did you make me coffee? Best twin ever.”

“Hey, you helped me.” Rose shrugs, passing her the mug and then crossing back to her own bed to sit down, “When are you meeting up?”

“Tiberius is supposed to pick me up at 09:00, so I’ve got-” Lily pauses to take a sip of her coffee, checking the readout on her omni, “-just over an hour. I’m not getting dressed up, but I wanted to look nice.”

“You do you, sis.” Rose smiles, scooting back on her bed to cross her legs, cradling her tea in one hand while calling up her omni with the other, “I’ll just be here, doing work…”

“Dude, just go back to bed.”

Rose waves her off, gaze locked firmly on the readout of her screen, and Lily just rolls her eyes and goes back to getting ready - downing her coffee in a few long gulps before getting up to get washed.

Teeth brushed and face scrubbed, Lily comes back into the room proper and sheds her pj’s, dumping them in the specified laundry chute and working at getting into her clothes for the day: bikini first, since having it on underneath makes the most sense, then her shorts and tank top. She combs her fingers through her hair and settles her sunglasses on top of her head for the moment, bringing up her omni to type out a quick message while she slips on her sandals.

Lily: Tibs! Ready to go whenever you are! Can’t wait to see the Beach! :D

Tiberius: On my way. Cipritine Beach is beautiful; I think you’ll like it.

Both the near immediate response and the comment of I think you’ll like it make Lily grin ridiculously, heart jumping a little as she plops down beside her sister with a happy hum.

“Okay, I know that look.” Rose pokes her in the side, making her squeak, “Good response?”

“Mhmmm, I’m hoping so, at least.” Lily swats her hand away and grins wider, shrugging, “Gonna give it my all, at least!”

“He seems nice - maybe kind of quiet. Keep me updated, yeah?”

“Pft, of course, Rosie-”

Once more, the chime going off interrupts them, but this time Lily’s jumping up and bounding over to the door with a laugh, wearing a flirty grin as she hits the unlock button, “G’morning! That was quick-”

“Good morning, Lily. Were you expecting someone else?” Commander Maxim smirks at her from beyond the threshold of the door, looking pleased as punch that she’d caught her off guard.

Oh, God dammit!

Lily’s expression goes casually neutral, arms crossing as she watches the other woman. “Maxim. How can I help you?”

“Oh, so cold, little Lily - and here I was thinking I would be nice and offer my company for the day. I’ve heard there’s plenty to see in Cipritine.”

“I have plans.” Lily replies, wishing desperately that Tiberius would show up.

“And what about my other proposal?”

“Still not interested. You’d think you’d remember that fraternization is against the rules, Maxim.”

“I could order you to.” the other woman hums, giving her a look that makes her skin crawl, “And who’s going to tell?”

“Please recall, you are not my Commanding Officer, and technically? I outrank you - somehow, I think you’d rather avoid an official complaint.” Lily growls, nails digging into her arms in frustration, “So, seriously, leave me alone.”

“But-”

“S-sorry for the delay, Lily, I s-stopped to get - is something wrong?”

“Tiberius! Finally!” Lily makes sure the door slides shut and locks behind her before she hurries to the man’s side, purposely looping an arm around his as she shoots a glare back in the other woman’s direction, “No, nothing’s wrong, just anxious to go. Can we go? Are you ready?”

Tiberius flinches briefly at the contact, his attention seemingly locked on Maxim - it’s only because Lily’s paying close attention that she notices the way his mandibles flare and his eyes narrow, an almost aggressive posture that she hasn’t seen him use before.

“Ready. Let’s get out of here.” he agrees, shifting in a way that her arm stays looped with his as they move, that burning glare focused on Maxim until he’s turned fully away.

Whoah, that’s fucking hot. Lily has to nearly double her steps to keep up with the much taller turian, but being able to hold onto him is worth the extra workout, Hell, be real, you don’t mind it at all. He just saved your ass from another fucking awkward exchange, and looked fucking hot doing it. Goddamn, Tibs!

“S-seriously, though,” Tiberius rumbles down at her once they’ve stepped into the elevator, the doors closing seeming to bring his nerves back, “A-are you alright?”

“I’m fine, totally okay.” Lily gives him an honest grin, reluctantly releasing her grip on his arm - don’t freak the poor man out, Lily - “Just… people who can’t take a hint. Or a hammer over the head. You know.”

“Mmm. I’ve d-dealt with a few of those.” he eyes her for another moment, as though trying to see if she’s telling the truth, before his mandibles spread in what she’s slowly beginning to recognize as a sheepish sort of grin, “Well, uh, if y-you ever need an out, again, l-let me know.”

The offer just about makes her heart burst of happiness, a happy grin splitting her face. “Will do - thanks, Tibs. You’re pretty awesome. Now, asshole Commander’s aside - I can’t wait to see the Beach!”

Tiberius had wanted to ask for details once they were clear of The Spire - he didn’t like the way the other woman had been eyeing Lily, and wouldn’t hesitate to go to the Primarch if she’d requested it - but the bright smile on the brunette’s face as they step out into the sunlight has him keeping his mouth shut.

You’ve got the gist of it. If she needs anything else, she’ll tell you. He decides, directing her down the proper path and keeping an easy pace beside her. The Beach is a bit of distance away, but he’d always enjoyed the walk - and going by the bright curiosity he can read in Lily’s expressions, she’s enjoying it, too.

Though it’s a good thing he could walk this path blind, since he’s having a hard time keeping his eyes off of the small human.

He himself had opted for just a pair of the cut-out shorts most people would wear to the beach, paired with a simple, baggy shirt - an expandable picnic basket and beach blanket tucked under one arm.

Lily is showing a lot more skin then he’s seen before, and his gaze had been immediately drawn to the colours adorning both her shoulders and arms - tattoos of flowers interwoven and spiraling over the skin, accentuating the muscle and adding to his attraction to the woman. Her shorts and tank top hug her lithe body perfectly, and he makes a note to ask what her shirt says - since sweeping his omni over her chest would likely be, ah, unwelcome.

He’d expected to be more flustered then he is, walking beside the woman he’s come to realize he wants rather badly, yet Lily’s curiosity and honest appreciation for his birth city seems to negate the nerves somewhat - he answers every question she asks, points out landmarks and shops, chuckles when she waves at random people as they walk.

“We don’t have time to visit the Markets today, b-but, um.” Tiberius clears his throat, letting his mandibles spread in a small grin, “If you w-want… we can go there a-another day.”

“That’d be awesome! Cipritine is beautiful.” Lily breathes, smile splitting her face, “I really, really like it here, already.”

That makes him trill automatically, a sound he only barely manages to squash before asking “How, uh, long are you here, anyways?”

She goes quiet at that, for a moment, and Tiberius feels his gut clench - Spirits, don’t tell me she’s leaving soon - before she sticks her nose in the air, smirks, and declares “As long as I damn well please.”

That earns a startled laugh from him, shaking his head as they make it down the final path to the Beach - the little Cafe he’s always loved coming into view.

“There’s t-the Cafe - see it? T-they have goods for sale, as w-well - lots of Levo snacks, since the b-beach gets more off-world visitors.”

“That’s awesome! It’s so picturesque.” Lily’s grinning again, an expression that always makes his heart jump, “Have you been coming here long?”

“Since I w-was a kid, yeah. The original owner’s son r-runs it now, with his Mate.” Tiberius flashes her a smile, mandibles quirked, “Y-you’ll like them, I think.”

They reach the shop and step inside when the door opens, and Tiberius can’t control a pleased purr at the utter awe that washes over Lily’s face, her eyes wide when she pulls her sunglasses off and sets them atop her head.

“This is so cute!” she all but whispers, looking giddy, “It’s like one of the boardwalk shops back home! Tibs, man, you know how to treat a girl!”

Tiberius chirps and looks away, feeling his neck flushing blue as he steps further in, happy but flustered, “Ah, I, uh… I’m, uh, glad you like it, Lily… c-come on, I’ll introduce you to t-the owners.”

The brunette laughs and follows along, and he forces himself to focus on the figure at the cash register rather then the bright little human at his side lest he make an even bigger fool of himself.

There’s a pair of younger males at the register paying as they approach - no older than twenty, he’d estimate, probably visiting the beach on shore leave - that he stays to the side of, flicking a mandible out when Aultis notices him and waves.

“Enjoy your day,” the older Turian nods to the two boys before turning a brilliant grin on he and Lily, “Tiberius! It’s been ages - Primarch been keeping you busy? Or are you just to into Galaxy of Fantasy these days?”

Tiberius rolls his eyes, ignoring the look the two males shoot his way as he steps up to clasp Aultis’ hand, “Says the second highest ranker member of the Tribe - just been busy, Ault. How’re things here?”

“Tourist seasons over, so thing’s have died down a bit - which is good, since we have the baby to look after.”

“Ah, right, I forgot - when was-?”

He pauses briefly when he catches a mumble of Biotic and Primarch’s Lapdog from the younger males as they leave, mandibles pulled in - giving Aulis a shake of his head at his questioning look, intending to ignore them-

“OI, ASSHOLES! You wanna come back here and say that to his face?!”

Tiberius whips around to find Lily halfway across the shop, glaring daggers at the two soldiers and baring her teeth in what he knows is a human sign of aggression, every muscle in her body tensed for a fight.

The soldiers seem caught off guard and startled, staring at the human that had called them out before making a hasty retreat when she takes another step towards them.

“That’s right, cowards! Run! And keep your bigoted opinions to yourselves!” she shouts after them, huffing, and if Tiberius hadn’t been interested before, that would have sealed the deal.

‘Keep her.’ Aultis hums at him, grinning and typing something in his cash, “Anything you and your lady friend want, Tiberius, on the house. And introductions are in order, I think.”

“You don’t need to do that-”

“That’s impressive, young lady - not many people would stand up for someone like that,” a familiar female voice laughs, “You’re rather blunt, aren’t you?”

“Ah, yeah, sorry, I just can’t stand - what is that?!”

Lily’s excited shriek has him whirling around again, though this time he breaks off into amused chuckles.

“Ah, Lily, s-sorry - this is Juvia Palides, and her husband Aultis, t-the owners of the shop - this is Lily, one of the N7’s from t-the Alliance Squad. Congratulations, Juvia, when was the birth?”

“A couple of months ago.” Juvia smiles pleasantly, flicking a mandible down at her cowl, “A pleasure, Lily - I take it you’ve never seen a baby Turian before?”

“Never.” Lily whispers, looking awestruck, “It’s so cute - I mean, he, she? And tiny and feathers-!”

“She - her name is Tani.” Juvia looks pleased, chirping down at the chick and receiving a tiny chirp in reply, “You can hold her, if you like?”

“Oh, no, no, I’m okay!” Lily looks suddenly terrified - an expression Tiberius hasn’t seen since he’s known her, and one he doesn’t like - waving her hands in front of her, “I mean, I’ve never even held a human baby, and Tani’s so little - I’d be afraid of hurting her!”

“Maybe next time, then.” Juvia smiles, inclining her head, “Now then, inventory calls - I just wanted to see what all the commotion was about - wonderful to meet you, Lily, and good to see you, Tiberius.”

“You, too!” Lily waves at the tiny chick before coming to join him at the counter, looking flushed and happy, “So, uh, sorry about all that. Hi. Beach time?”

“Almost.” Tiberius chuckles, motioning to the expanded picnic basket he’d propped up on the counter, “Food, first.”

“Sweet! Let’s get to it, then!”

Twenty or so minutes later, the basket is full - fuller than it needs to be, really, since Aultis had dumped in another few handfuls of both Levo and Dextro snacks at the end - and they’re on their way down to the Beach proper, ready to relax.

“T-thanks for that, by the way.” Tibs hums at her after several minutes of quiet, flicking a mandible in her direction, “I’m, uh, used to it, but… appreciate it.”

“Ah, sorry - I tend to be a bit blunt when I hear people being bigots.” Lily rubs at the back of her head, cheeks a little flushed, “Can’t help it, really.”

“Oh?”

She chews on her lip for a moment, then says “I grew up with extremely racist, xenophobic parents - I watched them treat Rose like a piece of shit, because her Soulmark was Turian, while I was treated like a perfect princess. I did my best to keep her away from them - and now we’re both free. So I can’t stand bigots - and if that gets me into fights, so be it.”

“That’s impressive.” he hums, surprised, “You’re a g-good person, Lily.”

“Oh, pft, now, I’m just a loudmouth.” the brunette waves him off, and he’s incredibly interested in the bright red now covering her cheeks, a soft trill leaving him at the sight, “So, uh, where should be put the blanket?”

Tourist season being over means they get their pick of lots on the Beach, walking along it until they find what they both deem to be clean, comfortable looking sand.

They get the blanket stretched out and plop the cooler in the middle, the built in weights at each corner keeping it in place.

Lily kicks her sandals off at the edge while Tiberius pulls his shirt off and dumps it beside the basket, too warm to wear it now that they’re in the sun by the water - catching Lily eyeing him appreciatively and feeling his neck flush blue again.

Spirits, stop being a flustered mess! You’re just making a fool of yourself.

He can’t quite keep himself from staring when she unceremoniously yanks her tank top off to reveal a teal bikini top beneath, a matching bottom showing once her shorts are likewise pulled off.

Lily catches him staring and grins, popping one hip out further and lifting an eyebrow at him. “That water looks damn inviting, so I’m gonna swim for a bit - you coming in, or?”

“Ah, n-no, I’ll wait here - Turians and water don’t really mix.” Tiberius does his best to keep his eyes on her face, no matter how tempting it is to look lower - forcing his body to relax, what are you, a cadet that can’t keep himself sheathed in the face of a pretty girl?

“Okay - promise I won’t stay in long!”

Lily’s jogging off to the water then, and the lewd purr that escapes him as he watches her is entirely involuntary - a curse and a grumble leaving him as he settles in to wait, opening his omni to check some game stats.

The brunette returns maybe half an hour later, drenched and grinning widely - stopping at the edge of the blanket to wring her hair out over the sand.

“Have a good swim?” he hums, amused and happy to see her so happy.

“I did!But now I’m starving - let’s see.” Lily kneels beside the basket and pops the lid open, pulling out a couple of bottles of water and some Levo snacks, “You weren’t kidding when you said they had a good variety, Tibs - I assumed I’d have to wait until our next supply run came in to get chocolate!”

He chuckles, kneeling on the opposite side from her to pull out some of his own snacks, “They s-stock a lot, since they k-know they’ll get Levo tourists.”

“Well, hey, I’m definitely not complaining!”

They settle in with their snacks, talking quietly while they eat - small things, like life in The Spire, the best restaurants in Cipritine, new events in Galaxy of Fantasy.

Tiberius has just finished off one of the snack bars he’d brought when her tattoos catch his eyes again, the colours near flashing in the sunlight when she stretches. “Lily, can I, uh, ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“Your tattoos are beautiful. Do they, uh, have a meaning?”

Lily goes still at that, blinking at him in surprise. He worries that he’s said something wrong, or asked something taboo, until she grins and gives a quiet laugh.

“Kind of. The first one does, anyways.” Lily turns a bit so he can see her back - a purple flower in full bloom centred at the base of her neck, the centrepiece of all the other designs, “This is an anemone flower, which means forsaken.”

“Forsaken?” he repeats, confused and curious.

“Mhm. You can’t see it, but it’s tattooed over my Soul Mark.” Lily glances at him over her shoulder, grin a little sad, “My Mark faded when I was 15 - so I decided to have the flower tattooed over it.”

Oh, Spirits. Tiberius stares at the flower for a moment, trying to see the Mark hidden beneath - he remembers past partners griping that normal Soul Marks wouldn’t take Ink, only faded ones could be hidden by a tattoo - feeling an almost guilty burst of hope, Her Mark is Faded, too - she’s not claimed, she might-

“It just became a yearly thing, after that - I love colours, and I love flowers, so I started adding to it, on the anniversary of the first one.” Lily’s still talking, motioning to the designs etched into her skin, “The roses are for my sister, and the rest of the big ones are different varieties of lilies - the tiny blue flowers are forget me nots, meant to kind of just… weave it all together, I guess.”

“They’re beautiful.” he hums, sincerely, beating back the urge to reach out and run a talon along the designs, to confirm that the blooms are merely designs and not living flowers sprouting from her skin.

Lily is definitely blushing, now, turning to face him again. “How about you, Tibs? Any tats?”

“No tats.” he hums back, a sad note to his subvocals as he turns so his right side is facing her - motioning to the unlegible word on his waist, “Just my Mark - Faded, like yours.”

Lily’s eyes lock onto the Mark immediately, mouth opening in surprise. “How long?”

“It Faded when I was ten.” he says, mandibles quivering a bit, “I never met them - just another nail in the coffin, as you humans say.”

“Oh, Tibs - wait, what do you mean?”

“I’m Biotic - having a Soul Mark should have meant I’d have a Mate, someday, but with it being Faded… seems like I’m meant to be alone.” Tiberius tilts his head back to look at the sky, both surprised and relieved to be telling someone about it, “I’ve, ah… had a couple casual flings, never anything serious - a-always left for their Matches, why wouldn’t they? Who’d want a Biotic with a Broken Soul Mark-”

He’s cut off by Lily suddenly throwing her arms around his neck and pressing close, hugging him so tightly it’s like she thinks he’ll disappear.

Tiberius chirps in surprise, arms hovering awkwardly over her back, praying she doesn’t notice how blue his neck has gone - I didn’t even see her move, what-

“You are more than your Biotics, Tiberius.” she whispers, voice so close to his aural canal he feels himself shivering, “You’re strong, and kind, and fun - and anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve you, anyways.”

Tiberius couldn’t have controlled the purr that bursts out of him if he’d wanted to, arms settling firmly around her back as he presses his nose to her hair, inhaling greedily.

He doesn’t know, yet, if he’s reading her right, if she’s interested the way that he is, but he’ll take what he can get, for now.

“Thank you, Lily.” he huffs into her hair, feeling her grip tighten in response, and maybe he holds on a little too long, a little too tight… but Lily doesn’t complain.

#Lily Anne Evans #Tiberius Ramas #Broken Souls #soulmate au #turian/human relationship #turian oc #mass effect ocs #teren fedorian #wafflesrock16 #bethadastra #beach shenanigans #biotic stigma #budding romance

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