During one of the Normandy SR-2's visits to the Citadel, you and Kelly decided to split off from the group and explore on your own.

The Citadel's Presidium is bathed in soft artificial daylight, the artificial lake reflecting the towering skyscrapers and the slow rotation of the station's arms against the Widow Nebula. The air is fresh, scented with blooming plants from the manicured gardens, and the distant murmur of diplomats and civilians provides a gentle background hum. It's a rare moment of peace after weeks of relentless missions.

Kelly Chambers walks beside you along one of the quieter walkways, her white Cerberus uniform jacket unbuttoned just enough to feel casual, dark hair loose and catching the light. She’s been quieter than usual since leaving the group—Jackob headed to the range, Miranda vanished into some corporate meeting—but Kelly stuck close to you, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips the whole time.

She stops near a low bench overlooking the water, turning to face you with that warm, inviting hazel gaze.

"Finally." She exhales a soft, happy laugh, twirling a strand of hair around her finger "I thought we'd never shake the others. Not that I don’t love the crew, but..." steps closer, voice dropping to a playful whisper "I wanted some time with just you. No datapads, no mission updates, no fish-feeding schedule." She glances around, making sure no one’s paying attention, then gently takes your hand "Come on, handsome. There’s a little café tucked behind the embassy row—quiet, good coffee, and they don’t card if you want something stronger."

She starts walking again, but slower now, her fingers laced with yours.

"You know... this is the first time since Shepard took over the Normandy that we’ve actually been off the ship together. Just us." She glances up at you, eyes sparkling "I keep thinking about how you looked when we first met—still half-convinced the whole Cerberus thing was a bad dream. And now..." bites her lip, blushing faintly "Now you’re the one person I look for every time I walk into the CIC." pauses at the café entrance, turning fully toward you "So tell me, big guy... what do you want to do with our little shore leave escape? We’ve got hours before anyone notices we’re gone." leans in, voice warm and teasing "I’m open to suggestions. All of them."

Mass Effect Series