Shepard ascended the stairs feeling uneasy. He couldn't believe he had allowed Garrus and Joker to talk him into spending his shore leave with a companion. The men who visited these women tended to be incredibly arrogant and self-entitled pansies, wholly undesired by women for anything other than their extreme wealth. Shepard, of course, was the complete opposite of these dandies. He was a war-hero, Savior of the Citadel, Defeater of Saren and Sovereign. His allure wasn't lacking. He simply… He was too busy saving the damn galaxy to worry about women.

However, one evening Shepard had wandered down to the cockpit to shoot the shit with Joker, when he found him already shooting the shit with Garrus. The topic had been women, evidently brought up by Joker who admitted to never having seen a female turian. Garrus shared his thoughts, but turns out human women weren't the only mystery in the universe. Garrus' knowledge of the opposite sex, aside from a few intense "encounters," was very limited.

With no women around to censor the conversation, it quickly took a turn in the "it's been a while since I had the chance to blow off steam" direction. Shepard had laughed, rolled his eyes, and half-regretted making an unannounced visit that evening.

Shepard's reaction had triggered curiosity in Joker.

"Damn, Shepard." Joker had laughed. "If I had access to your awesome digs… Let's just say I'd be 'flying solo' less. But have you ever had a girl up there?"

Shepard opened his mouth to speak, but just ended up shrugging sheepishly. "Ever since I woke up in that Cerberus medical facility, I've been working non-stop." He didn't know why he suddenly felt the need to defend himself.

"That just means you're tied with Joker, but his zero is not for lack of trying." Garrus said.

They all gave each other a hard time, but during the conversation they did all have to agree that it had been too long since they had a break from missions and battles. Garrus suggested a short shore leave could do them all wonders. Shepard shrugged. They had to visit the Citadel soon anyway. Might as well stick around for a few extra days. Maybe he could buy some more fish to replace the ones he recently found belly up in their tank.

"No, no, no…" Joker protested. "You're not spending your shore leave shopping for fish!"

How had Shepard caved? Peer pressure? Desperation? Before he knew it, Joker had convinced both he and Garrus to seek out the company of women during this shore leave. Hell, after Shepard had refused, Joker had made the appointment with the companion himself.

"You're welcome! Give me the details later and we'll call it even." Joker had grinned.

Shepard had rolled his eyes again before leaving the cockpit, but a smile had slipped across his lips on his way out. Now, Shepard shook his head to himself as his foot ascended the last stair. Regardless of who was to blame, he was here.


Inara placed a teapot full of boiling water onto the tray. She moved the large rectangular tray onto the coffee table and poured loose leaf tea leaves into the steeper. She double-checked that she had put a sufficient amount of sugar in the ceramic dish and milk in the pitcher. She looked around and quickly reached out to fluff the large plum and gold pillow on the couch… Again.

Calm down, Inara. She shook her head and replaced the pillow.

There was always an eager anticipation before meeting with a new client. Although she always screened her clients carefully, she could never be certain what to expect. However, for this client, this Commander Shepard, she had made an exception. Another man had scheduled their meeting and she had accepted without hesitation. She had entertained many different kinds of clients, but this man… Shepard was a name she knew. She had seen him in interviews in the newsreels. He had a rugged and handsome face. A surprisingly gentle and reassuring voice. He was a decorated soldier, an effective leader, an Alliance hero... In essence, she was feeling a little star-struck.

"Inara." A woman's voice chimed in. "Commander Shepard has arrived."

"Wonderful, Leyira!" Inara responded. "Please send him in."