After the destruction of the Reapers, Admiral Hackett has rescued Commander Jane Shepard from the wreckage.
When she finally wakes up, Hackett and she share a tender moment,
only to realise how much desire they have for each other.

Note: Preview is SFW.

Steven Hackett stood in his study, leaning forward on his desk for support. It faced the large room-wide view pane window. He looked out at the stars that streaked by the ship, trying to ignore the tremble in his hand, then focused on his reflection. He looked haggard and distraught, his facial hair more grey, his scars seemed more pronounced, and the bruises he’d sustained were still a little raw. He didn’t like looking anything but pristine. He supposed after what the entire galaxy had gone through, haggard was to be expected.
        A whirr from the door opening drew his attention away from his musings as Jane walked in. A wave of relief washed over him, as he looked at her from over his shoulder. She still looked a little worse for wear but otherwise healed, and more importantly, she was conscious and walking.
        Steven turned to face her. ‘They said you’d be up and about soon. I’m glad to see you back on your feet.’
        Jane smiled. Oh, she was a sight for sore eyes, Steven noted.
        ‘It’s good to see you too, Admiral.’
        ‘Oh, I think we’re past formalities now. If there is anything left of the Alliance, I can’t raise them.’
        Jane nodded. She joined Steven by the desk. He looked at her, feeling a pang of concern.
        ‘How are your wounds?’ he inquired.
        Jane rolled her shoulders back and moved her arms tentatively. ‘I feel fine, actually. Just a little sore here and there.’
        ‘You were out for days after we found you. I must admit I was worried you wouldn’t pull through. I should have known better.’
        Jane’s smile widened and she let out a small laugh. ‘I didn’t realise you worried about me, Hackett.’
        Steven smiled back, feeling self-conscious. He turned back to look out the view pane window.
        ‘They said you set up a backup system.’ Jane’s expression was one of curiosity as she motioned the room. ‘I thought destroying the reapers had destroyed everything, but this ship is fully operational.’
        ‘Probably the only one too,’ replied Steven. ‘In the eventuality something would disrupt our technology, the Asari and the Rachni established some form of biotic-and-living-force-powered system. That is how we are flying through space right now.’
        Jane’s eyebrows shot up. ‘The Rachni are powering this ship?’
        ‘Basically.’ Steven chuckled.
        ‘You thought of everything, didn’t you?’
        Steven bobbed his head from side to side. ‘You could say that.’ He looked at Jane who beamed at him.
        ‘Well, I’ll be. A Rachni-powered ship. Never thought I’d see the day.’
        ‘Had to be prepared for anything. The Rachni proved more valuable than I had initially anticipated. Everyone pulled their weight in the preparations of this war.’ Steven looked back out. ‘After the…shockwave hit us, emergency systems came online. I sent troops to search the wreckage that was the Citadel. Can’t believe it’s been damaged to such an extent.’
        ‘It’s been repaired before,’ replied Jane.
        ‘True.’ Hacket folded his arms, turning to Jane. ‘I think it’s chance that let me find you.’
        ‘A good thing. I don’t think I would have survived without immediate medical treatment.’
        Steven’s mouth spread into an amused grin. ‘Says the woman who literally crawled her way out of the wreckage, swearing the whole time. You’re as stubborn as they come, Shepard.’
        ‘Damn, Hackett,’ Jane cooed, ‘certainly don’t hold back any punches.’ They shared a chuckle.
        Steven turned back to look out the view pane. ‘It’ll take time to find your crew. The Normandy left Citadel Space before the shockwave could spread outbound of the system. Until we can raise anyone or find a mass relay we can fix, even if temporarily, we’re just flying between systems. I’m hoping the Quantum Entanglement Communicators can help with part of that.’
        ‘I’m surprised the shockwave didn’t propel your ship out of the system,’ said Jane.
        ‘It nearly did. It tore pieces of the hull apart.’ Steven grimaced. ‘Threw me several feet and I nearly broke my back landing on the deck. But we managed.’ He nodded to Jane’s reflection. ‘Got things powered up again, got the crew on fixing the hull, and the Asari and Rachni had the ship flight-ready again in no time.’
        He felt some pride in his ability to manage his crew. But not in his ability to manage his emotions. His hand trembled again and he hid it between his elbow and the side of his body, keeping his arms folded.
        Jane regarded him endearingly. ‘If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re as stubborn as they come, Hackett.’
        He smiled, amused, but then sobered quickly as his hand’s trembling worsened, and he downcast his eyes, feeling embarrassed.
        ‘Everything okay?’ Jane glanced at his trembling hand. So she had noticed.
        ‘Oh, just…’ He sighed. He turned to her, letting his arms fall to his sides. ‘You know, I’ve been with Alliance Command for as long as I can remember. I’ve faced enemies, faced incredible odds, faced death, all of it fearlessly,’ the anger in his voice increased, ‘but then when I came so close to dying in that shockwave, knowing it was either that or the Reapers that were closing in on us, at that moment, for the first time in a long time, I felt true fear.’
        Jane looked deep into his eyes, her gaze intent. ‘Everyone feels fear from time to time, Hackett. Even me.’
        ‘I don’t.’ Steven bowed his head in one brisk motion. ‘I didn’t become Admiral by fearing the outcome of every mission I was on.’ He let out an exasperated sigh, looking at his reflection in the view pane. ‘Look at me, I’m in my fifties and I’m trembling like a cadet freshly recruited in the academy.’ He pressed the palm of his hands down on the desk, trying to stop the trembling.
        Jane placed her hand on his. ‘Hey, it’s okay,’ she soothed. ‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of.’ His hand continued to tremble until she interlaced her fingers through his, her hand still over his, and the trembling stopped.
        Steven felt a sudden tingle in his stomach. He looked at Jane, she merely stared back with tender eyes.
        Acting on impulse, Steven leaned forward and kissed her. She opened her mouth to deepen the kiss and he pressed his lips harder on hers, tasting her warm lips. He pulled away, breathless, and stepped away.
        ‘I’m sorry, that was highly inappropriate,’ he said quickly. ‘I got swept by the moment.’
        Jane took a step closer to him. She removed his cap and set it on the desk. His heart quickened. She took his hands in hers.
        ‘Maybe I want you to be highly inappropriate.’
        He didn’t need telling twice. Pulling her to him, Steven pressed a searing kiss to her lips as Jane wrapped her arms around him.

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