[ME3] On Anderson eluding to his weight gain

[hisacrifice]

"Shepudge" huh?

...how many times have you typed that? It shouldn't autocorrect so damn fast.

Comments

[femshep]

[opticshots]

I don't know, I think they might be on to something.

[fightforthelost]

No idea what they're talking about. I kept my ass in shape.

[hisacrifice]

[hisacrifice]

Tali... How can you say that?

[hisacrifice]

I thought I did too.

[opticshots]

I say it with affection, so it's allowed.

[fightforthelost]

Don't listen to them. At least you kept your good looks intact, right?

[hisacrifice]

Oh yeah. There's no doubt about that.

Anderson's jealous. That's all there is to it.

[hisacrifice]

Alright. I'll let it slide.

[fightforthelost]

Old age must be getting to him finally.

[Said with ALL THE FONDNESS because Anderson is a total bro, okay.]

[hisacrifice]

Yeah. Maybe it is.

_[Bawwwww.]

[opticshots]

Besides, Shepard, even if you were to put on a few pounds, I'm sure you'd still be attractive.

[oldsoldiers]

I don't know, he may be on to something.

New workout regime?

[hisacrifice]

You think so?

[hisacrifice]

You too?

I guess I could. You have anything in mind?

[oldsoldiers]

You know me, Shepard — can't resist a good bandwagon.

[ or just good natured teasing ]

A few more free weights, and little less running for our lives sounds like a good start.

[hisacrifice]

You'd think running to the edge of the galaxy would slim my body down, not fatten me up.

[opticshots]

If the human females I know are to be believed.

[hisacrifice]

So you don't think I'm attractive?

[opticshots]

I didn't say that. But I don't think I'm really qualified to say anything, Commander. What if I get your hopes up because quarian ideals are different from human ones?

[That's right, Tali, tease the poor Shep while he's already having self-image doubts. You're nice.]

[oldsoldiers]

I'd say the stress of it all offsets any benefit.

[ and he chuckles ]

You worry too much, Commander.

[hisacrifice]

It takes a lot to get my hopes up, Tali. I won't be hurt if we don't share certain ideals. But from what I can tell, we share a Hell of a lot.

[hisacrifice]

Maybe I do. But you know as well as I do how much is riding on us succeeding this mission.

[He takes a seat and hunches forward with a pained sigh.] We've already lost people. Good people. I can't afford to let anyone else die as long as I'm in command.

[opticshots]

Well... you're more attractive than a krogan, then, I'll give you that.

[hisacrifice]

Don't let Wrex hear you say that.

... Even so. That's pretty bold, given the fact I've never even seen your face.

[oldsoldiers]

You're the only reason the galaxy still has a fighting chance, Commander. No one doubts what you're capable of, but you need to rely on your crew.

You've got a good team at your back — you don't need to shoulder the burden of it all.

[opticshots]

[Her hands go up in innocence.]

We're evaluating you here, not me.

[hisacrifice]

....

[He knows Kaidan is right, but admitting he needs the assistance tears him apart. He will not allow his team and friends to end up like his squad on Akuze.]

I do rely on my crew. I know can't do this alone.

[hisacrifice]

What are you hiding under there?

[You opened a can of worms here, Tali.]

[oldsoldiers]

Maybe, but sometimes I get the feeling you've got a lot more going on than you'll ever let on.

[ like hallucinating dead children, for one ]

[opticshots]

My immune system.

[hisacrifice]

[To which he has no desire to share with anyone right now. Look what happened the last time he brought up anything related to "bad dreams" - Saren, and being condemned a liar.]

It's nothing.

[He tilts his chin.] So, what's been happening for you lately? Taken down any Cerberous assholes?

[hisacrifice]

Of course.

Maybe one day, we'll all live in a galaxy where you don't have to hide that pretty face of yours.

[opticshots]

Maybe, Shepard... That would be nice. [Nope, too depressing, she's not dwelling there.]

Although you don't know for certain I'm not some sort of hideous-faced creature, so you may regret it.

[hisacrifice]

I can't make any promises, but I sure as Hell will die trying to make this galaxy a better place, starting with securing your home world.

[Shepard chuckles.] Between Batarians and the Rachni Queen? I think I could handle whatever's under there, Tali. Not all humans are superficial.

[opticshots]

[She just makes an amused, fond little sound at him.]

You know, for all the trouble I've gotten into, being around you, I'm really glad I know you, Shepard. I'm a lucky quarian.