Ashes of War

Listen to this while reading (Go on I dare you): Elmjuniper Spotify Playlist alt. Ashes of War & Farewell To Earth

”I can do this.”
”I know you can. You can do anything.”
“Then let me come with you.”
Haze smiled, a calm reassuring smile. Her eyes and face determined and resolute. She knew something the rest of them didn't.
“This is all for you, Ash. It’s always been for you so you have to survive this,” Haze said softly as she stepped closer.

The weary commander lifted her hand placing it on Ashley’s cheek. She let her free hand come up to rest on top of Haze’s as the commander studied her, almost as if Haze was memorizing her face. Armour clad fingertips gently caressed her face as Haze brushed the strand of hair that had escaped the knot pulled tight at the back of Ashley’s head.

“Don’t,” she whispered, her bottom lip quivering as she tried to keep the tears from falling. She should be brave, be strong, hardened old Ashley, but this wasn’t Haze saying she would be back after the mission. This was Haze telling her she wouldn't be returning –this was goodbye. She could feel Haze gently cup her cheeks between her hands as she leaned in close, forehead resting against Ashley’s. The hot tears stained her cheeks, burning them where they stood, fear and sorrow coursing through her.
“I would have stayed with you forever, Skipper,” she whispered, her voice breaking before she could finish the sentence completely.
“I know, Ash. I know and the gods they know I would have wanted nothing else,” Haze breathed. “No matter what happens here today, Ash, I will always love you.”
“I love you too.” A pained sobbed tore from her lips her tears falling freely like the pouring rain during storm. They were in the eye of that storm, the epicentre of the war, but the only thing she could hear was her own crying and Haze’s shaking breath. She felt Haze’s warm lips silence her sobs, an adoring, loving kiss before the commander finally broke free.
She wanted to scream in protest, cling on to Haze, beg her to stay, but she knew Haze wouldn’t.
“If you see...”
“I’ll tell him. I promise.”
She felt the warmth of Haze’s palm leave her cheek. The commander’s eyes held hers for a moment longer then they drifted off to the side.
“Tali.” Haze smiled. “It’s been an honour.”
The quarian sighed heavily. “We will see you after you defeat the Reapers.”
“Yeah, sure,” Haze chuckled before gentle features turned cold and stern once more. “I saved your world, Tali.” Haze paused looking away from the quarian and back at Ashley. “Now you save mine.”

Models:
Normandy cabin model

Text is mine and all mine. Do not use without permission.
Models belong to Bioware.
And yes I just broke my own damn heart.