[He lets her off the hook so easily as if nothing's happened, rush of words saying that everything seems all right. She pulls her feet out of the stirrups, bringing her legs together as if it would fix the line's she's crossed.

This search and his hands on her had been unneeded. Unneeded, and enjoyed at his expense. If not for how calm he is about it Shepard would feel like shit right about now. Calm... and confusing. He'd turned her down. He can't be offering what she thinks he is, except the speculum is still forming and he's just said he's no longer her doctor.

He's offering.

If desired.

Hell yes it's desired, and Shepard's tongue flicks out to moisten suddenly dry lips. She's never slept with a member of her crew before, but they're Cerberus now. Alliance regs don't apply. All that matters is the brilliant, dexterous scientist in front of her. Shepard takes a breath and meets his eyes.]

I hear redundancies are all the rage in scientific circles.

[There's the shortest beat. He's an adult and knows what he wants to do just as much as she does, but she has to check.]

Are you sure about this? Your answer several days back wasn't anything along these lines. Not that I'm complaining about the change of mind.

[She wants to know he's not feeling pressured or like his CO is expecting this of him. Her body wants her to shut up. Shepard makes a habit of ignoring signs from her body, weariness, minor pain, aches, but this time she doesn't. Her feet go back into the stirrups in blatant and shameless invitation in case he's certain.]