A/N: I stayed away from Mass Effect because I just knew there would be one character who would inspire me to write. I tried to resist, I really did, but then I injured my back and couldn't do much for a week. I bought the ME games and they sucked me right in. I thought Kaidan was going to be my Shepard's savior, and he was for a time, but then Thane emerged, his deep convictions and calm disposition blowing the socks off her. I had to write him. This story starts shortly after Shepard helped Thane find his son in ME2.

Thanks and hugs to my friends and fellow writers, namely Biff McLaughlin and Zute for always being there, to Hot Elf for cheering me on, and to Shakespira for giving me a little nudge and suggesting I jostle the muse by writing something new.

Disclaimer: All Mass Effect characters, settings, etc. belong to EA/Bioware. Onward!

Whispers into the Tide

Strange Days

"Hey, Mordin." Shepard came into the lab, her usual brisk pace now weary, her shoulders slumped a bit. "Just wanted to let you know we're heading for Tuchanka. We should be there by tomorrow afternoon."

"Good. Celebration to begin after successful extraction of my student. Party in tech lab afterward, hosted by Mordin, if Commander agrees."

"Definitely. I'm ready for a party." She moved toward a lab table off to the side, frowning slightly, her eyes following the floor lines instead of piercing him with their usual questioning gaze.

The crew members had noted how she seemed withdrawn, worried, and preoccupied beyond reason the last day or so. Taken alone, any one of those moods would have been normal. But now she was a ball of tension, quiet and distracted. Even Kelly's psychological skills were of no use, not that Shepard would tell Kelly any secrets. She was more likely to unload her burdens on Mordin, knowing he would never gossip, never betray her trust. But more importantly, he would set her straight, give her the facts, all emotionality removed from the equation. Mordin wondered if it was something so simple it seemed complex, just like Shepard: gentle yet volatile, smooth, yet rough. Her eyes were guarded, but she often wore her heart on her sleeve. She was a most confusing and intriguing specimen.

Playing with the dials on a microscope, Shepard's hands shook slightly as she fumbled with a knob and tried to focus the dancing cells trapped on the slide. Mordin watched her operations on the screen at his table, silently berating her inexperience with lab equipment. Commander should know better. Alliance lacking in scientific education of soldiers. Mental note to address topic next time on Citadel. Hardly matters now though. Cerberus in control.

"Shepard." She ignored him, her eyes never leaving the microscope. Or maybe she didn't hear him, so lost in thought.

She had been out of touch for a few days while on the Citadel with Thane and Jack, only contacting the Normandy when necessary. Anything could be brewing in her head, and Mordin was determined to discover the reason for her distraction. Although the rumor mill was probably right this time.

"Shepard," he said firmly.

"Hm?"

"You are unfocused and agitated. Spending time on Citadel with Jack the cause, no doubt."

"Nah, I've got her number. She's all right. Besides, she disappeared for a while after we found Thane's son."

"The drell assassin made you uncomfortable then. Wouldn't want to get on his bad side. Deadly."

"He's not very assassin-like, you know. If you had seen him with his son, even you would have felt compassion."

"What? I feel compassion, Shepard. But Salarians' emotions pass quickly, not like humans who dwell on what ifs. Feel, analyze, accept, move on. Little time wasted." Now he was getting somewhere with her, and he pressed on. "Thane is a devoted father now. But guilt burdens him. You could help with his guilt."

"Me? What do I know about having a kid?"

"Didn't say help with kid. Said help with guilt. You know the drill. 'Been there, done that' as you say. Your experiences can help him." Mordin noted her body tense at his words. The microscope's sensors started to beep when her thumb jerked along the pads on the side, and Mordin took the opportunity to launch his calculated attack. "Leave equipment alone, Shepard. Not for unskilled hands."

"Ah, okay." Shepard's eyes searched the lab and fell upon a large piece of covered test equipment across the room.

Looking for another instrument to break, Mordin thought. Will get straight to the point now. "Speaking of hands, Thane has exceptional hands, strong and capable. Textured, but rather soft. Have you felt them?"

She peeked under the wrapping and squinted. "Why would I feel his hands?"

"Because they are there. Curiosity factor. And he wants to feel yours."

Peering over her shoulder, she grimaced. "How do you know that?"

"Accidently spied a moment. Saw him reach out this morning after breakfast, but he retracted before you noticed. Chickened out. In any case, reciprocation in order."

"Are you sure about that, Mordin?" She straightened and headed for him. "I mean we just spent three days together, and I didn't notice any kind of interest for me on his part."

"What did you do there? Sit around and argue who has better aim? Trade insults? Wrestle for authority?"

"Those aren't fun things to do, Mordin. No, we hung out, talked, even danced a little. Well, I danced. He watched."

"Hm. Interesting."

Her eyes narrowed. "It was all purely platonic."

"Negative. You are in denial, afraid to love again. Understandable, but imprudent. Humans need physical contact. Even a small amount of unconditional support from significant other changes brainwaves, makes humans more… productive. Although in your case, it seems to have made you less productive. Well, don't have significant other… yet."

"I'm perfectly fine without a significant other, Dr. Solus. I like Thane as a friend. Nothing more."

"More denial, or possibly ignorance. Humans have names for your condition, you know. Crush, lust, desire, infatuation. Do you find him attractive? Enjoy his company above all others? Tell him facts no one else knows? Yes, yes, and yes."

"All right, I admit sometimes it can be lonely here on the ship, but why would I get involved with anyone I work so closely with?"

"Can't answer for you. Typically a human's brain and heart battle until one wins out. Just trying to speed things along."

"You know I wouldn't lie to you, Mordin. I really did enjoy last week. I was more relaxed on the Citadel than I've been since the old Normandy days. But I'm sure he doesn't feel the way I… the way you think."

His eyes darted to her as she picked at a hangnail. "Wrong. All symptoms add up correctly. Sexual attraction. I'd bet my career on it." She pinned him with a glare, not that he would ever back off. "Besides, ship gossip suggests Elizabeth Shepard and Thane Krios 'get a room.'"

"Shit." Color bloomed on her cheeks as she blew out a long breath. "I've lost some respect points then. Shit!"

"Crew wants you happy, Shepard. No worries. They respect you." He found it amusing to watch her stare back at him, to imagine the gears in her head grinding.

"I'm still not convinced he has any interest in me beyond the mission."

"Clearly you were not listening to me. When Thane is near you, intense staring follows. Breathing grows erratic. Slight swelling visible under his armor. "

"Swelling?" she said, in a high-pitched squeak.

"Salarians not lewd like humans," he scoffed. "Muscles tense and fill armor due to apprehension. Rapid eye blinking. Anxiety becomes palpable. Arousal imminent."

"Really? You noticed all that?"

"Of course. What kind of scientist would not see details? May be a good distraction for you both. Tension release is critical for superior leadership and mission success. Kepral's has not advanced to the point of crippling him. On or off the Normandy."

Her eyes blinked and her tone changed to one that was troubled. "His health is still pretty good at the moment then?"

"Concern logical, but no need to worry. Cardiovascular exercise is helping lung capacity to remain stable. Physical stimulation also beneficial in keeping tissues flexible."

She breathed out a sigh of relief and rested her hands on the table. "Mordin, you've examined drells who have Kepral's, seen the data. Is a cure really that far from being discovered?"

"Hard to say. Some want cure. Others, not so much."

"Right. Getting rid of an entire species seems to be a more and more popular point of view," she said. "Have you looked into the cure lately? Do you have any ideas or ways to speed up the research? I can't believe a cure, or at least an inhibitor, is impossible to find."

"Did some extrapolation in the past, but Genophage took precedence. Had to stop Kepral's research. Retirement, then Omega, the plague, Collector mission, blah, blah, blah. Never ends."

"Could you start up the Kepral's research again? As a favor to me?"

"I see, Shepard. Thane is important to you." He stared at her for a moment, noted the desperate pleading in her gaze. "Can run some tests on his intake data, but samples are too few for real study. Need more. But will cross-check Normandy's genetic and biological data with hanar's scientists' data. Cerberus research often light-years ahead of others."

"I don't think Thane will agree to any testing or biopsies. Is there a way do it without him? Like getting DNA from a drinking glass or something?"

"Detective Shepard's idea not bad. But need more than lip cells. Other layers necessary, like dermis or subcutis. Bodily fluids would be even more valuable. Will search life support and bathroom."

"Better you than me," she said, looking mildly revolted. "But he hardly ever leaves life support."

"Then keep Thane preoccupied in your cabin tonight. Humidity levels can be brought down in your cabin easily."

An eyebrow rose. "Is that an order?"

"Apologies, Shepard. Not overstepping bounds, just suggesting a course of action to facilitate sample gathering."

"I'm only kidding with you, Mordin. You're very endearing when you want to help out." She stepped closer to him. "I could hug you right now."

He jumped back. "Soon to be in a monogamous relationship with the drell! No more flirting," he said matter-of-factly. "Not fair to any parties involved. Also, have some suggestions for personal time spent with him, if you want them."

"If you think it's important, then yes, tell me. I know what he's going through, and I'd like to help him," she said softly.

Was Thane as broken as she, Mordin wondered, and did she recognize it? Was it possible for each of them to become whole again? Too many questions and no reliable way to determine the answers just yet. "Drell/Human liaison complex. Thane complex too. Emotionally vulnerable. Heart fragile and in need of restoration."

"I won't push him, if that's what you mean." Again, she stared at Mordin, comfortable enough with the nature of the conversation, yet visibly worrying about a relationship with the drell. "What else?"

"Sexual activity normal as stress release. Still recommend caution with Thane. No prolonged skin contact… unless rash and itching excite you."

She rolled her eyes and her cheeks flared crimson. "I can't believe I'm considering this. Anything else?"

"Oral contact may cause mild hallucinations. Prophylactics available in medical lab if needed."

"Not sure I'd mind being out of touch with reality for a while."

"Your choice. Also forwarding booklet to your quarters. Valuable diagrams, positions comfortable for both species, erogenous zone overview."

"Now you're messing with me, Mordin."

"Would never dream of mockery! Doctor-patient confidentiality a sacred trust, Shepard." The conversation was oddly gratifying for Mordin, and he realized that a few of the annoying nuances of human behavior were actually quite entertaining. "Giving EDI demonstration vids to use as needed. Also have oils and ointments to reduce discomfort if interested."

"You know, Mordin, you just gave me the ultimate birds and bees talk."

"Assuming parental guidance, but merely offering expert advice. Friendly advice too. Friends are rare. Must cultivate friendship for life to help through good times and bad."

"Mordin, you surprise me every single day." She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave a little squeeze. "Thanks for helping me out."

"Enjoy yourself while possible, Shepard. Will be here studying current cell reproduction data of drells until date with Thane begins. Manuals and vids will keep subject occupied long enough for DNA search, and then some. Make most of time."

"I'll try to. Not sure the vids and manuals will come into play just yet." She stopped and turned to him, a curious look on her face. "I never see him eating. He does eat most foods, doesn't he?"

Bingo! "Will need to obtain freeze-dried flies and other insects for snacking." Her jaw dropped, shocked into silence, and it was all Mordin could do to keep from laughing out loud. "Joke!"

"Right." She shook her head, but didn't look particularly upset. "You know what they say about payback, Dr. Solus."

"I do. Not afraid though. More where that came from."

"I think Joker's been rubbing off on you." A laugh bubbled out of Shepard at Mordins's clever tease. "I approve."

"Knew you would. Anyway, drell are omnivorous. Eat much the same as humans. Bon Appétit!"

"Thanks, Mordin."

He nodded as she left, a spring in her step, her shoulders squared, and her chin held high. When the lab doors slid shut, Mordin allowed himself a moment to gloat. "Brilliant work, Doctor. Simply brilliant." Then his eyes focused on the screen as his fingers tapped, all recent information about Kepral's Syndrome filling his field of vision.

Shepard made her way to life support. Her nerves twitched, her senses ruffled, and her skin tingled in ways unlike the adrenaline rush before a fight. Her hand pressed against the wall as the doors opened, and she tried hard not to panic. One heavy step, then another, led her inside the room. She found Thane sitting at a table, quiet and reflective, as usual.

She cleared her throat. "Got a minute, Thane?"

He looked up at her and saw the fatigue in her eyes, but her face was strangely aglow, as if lit from within by a powerful sweet fire. His soul was caught up in wonder. "For you, I have many minutes. Join me." She sat down in front of him, her expression wistful. He hoped he hadn't inadvertently put her off with his sincere approach. "You look tired, Shepard. Are you all right?"

"I am tired, but I'm used to it. What are you up to?"

"I was just composing a message to Kolyat. Maybe you can give me your opinion, tell me if it sounds too… aggressively paternal."

"Is that even possible? Fathers are supposed to be serious about their kids, or so I assumed."

She cracked her knuckles, still avoiding his gaze. "As an orphan, you did not experience familial love, and yet you seek to help others feel a sense of family. That's why you also set Mouse up with a job in C-Sec. I saw the kind heart you have, the heart hidden beneath the ruthless soldier's armor."

Her eyes came to rest on his face, and her smile lingered for an introspective moment before fading. "He seemed like..." Her voice was raspy, so she cleared her throat and tried again. "Mouse seemed like an okay kid. Everyone deserves a second chance, don't you think?"

"Yes. When you told me of your childhood, I shouldn't have been surprised that you understood how surviving in the dark depths at an early age affected Mouse. We have a lot in common in that regard."

"I guess we do." She smoothed away some stray hairs and twirled a lock around her finger, an appealing albeit nervous habit he noted during their time on the Citadel. "Anyway, I got an email from Bailey. Sounds like Kolyat is doing well. Bailey said he's helping to get kids out from under the mercs' thumbs in the Wards."

He nodded. "He's even infiltrating various gangs and pulling out the kids who don't seem lost yet, finding them jobs and homes."

"You should be proud, Thane, of him and of yourself."

"I am proud of him. I always told him to use the gifts he'd been given to make a difference." He looked away for a moment. His pride went only so far, not quite reaching himself, not yet anyway. "I only wish there was a way to repay Bailey's kindness, and yours as well."

She shrugged. "Bailey's happy to help. Don't worry about repaying him."

"And you?"

"All part of the job," she said glibly. "These individual successes keep morale up too. I need everyone's loyalty once we start the Omega 4 mission."

"I think you'll have their loyalty with or without any side trips. But you're using loyalty as an excuse," he said. "You want to help your crew, see them happy, if only for a moment. That's admirable."

"Oh, you're just throwing compliments at me to stay on my good side," she said, with a sheepish little smile. "I'm sure you're still riding the high from seeing your son."

"I am, but I'm not wrong about you, am I?"

She sighed, clearly uncomfortable with his ability to read her so well."No." She knew his powers of deduction were a force to be reckoned with, and there would be no escape from it. But would that really be so bad? "You've got me pegged, Krios. A point for you."

"Don't worry, I won't tell the crew, Commander Shepard. Better to think you'd slit their throats for an infraction than cuddle up with them, right?"

She laughed, the tension now broken. "Yeah, there will be no cuddling on my ship." In a brazen moment, she winked at him.

"Perhaps you haven't listened carefully enough around the kitchen. I think 'cuddling' is putting it mildly."

"Things can get pretty tense around here. As long as they're around when I need them, the crew can spend their free time with whomever they want, doing whatever they want."

He wanted to ask her if she ever took any time for herself, to relax in the arms of another, to enjoy the moments of bliss that came with sharing your body with a lover, but sensed she wasn't ready to answer a question so intimate. "There are rewards to be had here, but it's a hard life, no question."

"You know how it is, Thane. This life, this… jaded crew. They can't see their families or friends, if they even have any. They could all be going to their deaths, with me taking point. It's ridiculous on so many levels," she blathered on. "Even the Illusive Man gave me some grief for the side trips, but then he must have had a moment of compassion when he agreed that it helped keep the crew optimistic."

"Your crew is optimistic, never doubt it. And from what I've seen, they all seem contented, determined to help you stop the Collectors. You can't ask for more than that."

"Well, most of them have exorcised their demons already," she said. "To be honest, I was worried you'd spend all your time brooding if things didn't go well with Kolyat. It is good to see you happy now."

"It's been a long time since I've had any peace of mind. If we are ever near the Citadel again, I would be grateful to stop and visit him, to see him before I am unable."

"Of course," she said in a low voice, tensing, and he knew then that mentioning his illness was a mistake, given that she would need everyone's help in the near future, no room for the infirm.

Still, he didn't want her to be under any illusions as to his fate. "I'm sorry if I upset you by mentioning my condition."

"It's okay." She waved off his apology, then proceeded to ramble on again. "You know, Mordin has worked with patients who have Kepral's. Maybe he can come up with a cure, or at least something to slow it down. He cured the plague on Omega and designed a new genophage, and God, so much more. I'm sure he could do something, even if it's only to slow the disease."

"I've been a research project several times before, a subject of experiments. No more."

"I promise he won't be invasive," she said calmly, but there was an edge in her tone, a hint of deeper worry.

His heart skipped, the concern in her voice as distressing as it was inspiring. "Genetic engineers have researched Kepral's for several years. If the finest scientists in the galaxy haven't come up with a cure yet, Mordin won't either."

"You don't know that. You don't know how brilliant he is, what he can accomplish in a short time."

"The disease is more advanced than you realize. I still have eight, maybe twelve months before I am incapacitated though. Our mission will be done by then, and I will not trouble you with my illness afterwards."

With brows knitted, her palms flattened on the table. "I'm not asking because of the damn mission, Thane. Why are you refusing help? Just let him-"

"You are being selfish, Shepard. I am prepared for death. Perhaps you are not as ready for certain losses as you think."

"I'm ready for my death, just not the death of those I… those under my watch."

He took in a sharp breath, her stutter not lost on him. "It is not your job to watch over my condition. If I die from a bullet to the head while you are covering me, then perhaps you have failed in your responsibilities, but this disease is beyond your control. You must accept that."

"Why should I?" she said, her chair screeching as it slid backward. "If I accepted failure for things that seemed impossible, I wouldn't be standing here right now."

"But this is personal, not business. I am only one person out of the many to cross your path in life. Surely you can make an exception and accept my inevitable death."

"No, I can't. It's not that simple."

The soft expression in her eyes gave him hope. She did care for him, he was sure of it. "Nothing is ever simple, but it need not be made more complicated by wishing for the unattainable."

"Christ, you argue like a lawyer."

"No I don't." He laughed, experiencing the lightheartedness he only felt while spending time with her. "I argue because I care, not for recompense, because you are a friend."

"Sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to sound callous. I'm just tired, tired of being tired." Her hands went to her head, fingers pressing her temples, seeking to reduce the tension. This was shaky ground. Deep down she wanted to encourage him to share his feelings, but didn't want to offend him. "Thane, I've been thinking about you, a lot, and… I've never met anyone like you. I can't help but think…."

"What? That our meeting was preordained somehow?"

"Yeah."

"I believe it was an intervention by the gods, Siha."

"You're calling me that again. Tell me what 'Siha' means."

"First, will you hear my confession?"

"Another confession? Lately, our conversations have been nothing but confessions." She sighed, exasperated by her own inability to be completely forthright. "Go ahead, lay it on me."

"After hunting down Irikah's killers, I took the Dantius job because I had nothing else to do, no goal. But I would have died in that penthouse after killing Dantius if not for you."

"I don't understand," she said. "I came after you to join the Omega 4 mission, but how is that related to a contract you took out of boredom?"

"It was to be my last mission. My soul was already dead, and I was no longer whole. I'd resigned myself to death. If her guards or the police had come, they would have killed me, and it would have been a good death. I was ready. But you came instead, pushing me, rushing me, always on my heels, and I had to reach the mark first."

"And you were too proud to falter?"

"Yes. But that is not my point. You called Omega 4 a 'suicide mission'. That offered me another chance to go out with a bang and not a fizzle. So I accepted," he paused, tentatively reaching for her hand. He wasn't sure she would let him take it, but she seemed to welcome the touch, to accept what he was sure was a remarkably different sensation than touching a human's hand. "Siha, I realize now that you were a revelation to me that day, and I am rarely shaken by anything, but you awoke me. You altered the course of my life."

"I'm still a bit confused, Thane." She held fast to hand, squeezing it tighter, but not seeming to notice she was doing so. "Tell me what 'siha' means."

"Siha is one of the warrior angels of the goddess Arashu. A tenacious protector. Fierce in wrath. You are here to protect everything from the lowest form of life to the most formidable. And I reside somewhere in between."

"Wow, that's… that's quite a compliment." Her lashes fluttered over her eyes, a faint flush rising from her neck upward.

"I was surprised you were human though."

"Oh really?" She laughed, then turned serious and fixed him with a keen look. "I haven't been totally honest with you, Thane. I want to be there for you, to… I don't what. Share things with you, be a confidante, a close friend."

"And here I thought there would be no one to mourn me when I die." He smiled at his attempt at humor.

"I'm serious," she said, her red face and narrowed eyes indicating she had not appreciated his attempt at wit. "Please don't tease me right now."

"I apologize. I thought it might lighten the mood, but my sense of humor is still quite rusty." He went to her and laid his hands on her shoulders, kneading until she lifted her head and met his eyes. "You are the only friend I've made in ten years, and you already have a place in my heart, Siha. Strange that I should only reawaken now when there is so little time left."

"Please stop saying that, counting down the minutes. I know it must be on your mind all the time, but I can't have it on my mind."

"I'm a distraction then," he said, stepping back. "I don't wish to be, unless I am a good distraction and it helps you in some way."

Now was the time to lay it on the line. She leaned closer to him. "I've enjoyed every minute spent with you these last couple weeks. You've helped me more than you know, Thane. And there are no rules about fraternizing with the crew here, like there are in the Alliance. I'd like to see if we are… compatible. I mean that is if you want to try to... get together and maybe... Shit, I'm sorry. I'm never this tongue-tied."

And this was his chance, maybe his last chance. "I confess I have feelings for you, Siha, affection I have never felt for another species. But it may be unwise as we are very different. Hearts are fragile things, and even a little confusion can cause permanent damage, to you or… me." Her face fell, and he quickly responded. "But I'm willing to try if you are. Tell me if you want to explore this."

"I do. I know this emotion, Thane. I know what love feels like in the beginning. This is the closest thing to it. We're not there yet, but I feel something more than just friendship."

"As do I." He took her hands in his again and was relieved to find her relaxed. "I'm not sure what to say, what do now, Siha."

"Kiss me, then. We'll figure out the rest along the way."

He smiled in response, a response so rare he could count the number of times he'd done it, most of which were in her presence. His cool lips started to warm as he placed soft kisses along the side of her neck, then on her face, brushing against her cheek as his hand slid across the back of her neck and around her shoulder, drawing her forward. His tongue touched her teeth and circled her mouth slowly, joining and playing with her tongue, strong and absolutely masculine, patient and insistent all at once. She pulled away, blinking up at him with a new shyness. His eyes were fixed on her, his body rigid, but it was brief, the memory imprinted to last forever.

He tilted his head, wondering why she didn't speak. Then he saw it. "I see something in your eyes, Siha. Hesitation. Fear maybe. You're wondering how this dying man will change you, change your future. I don't want you to regret this. You've lost so many people in your lifetime already."

"No, don't say that," she said forcefully. "I learned what regret can do to you a long time ago. And I know I can't walk away from you now. I'm just a little nervous. You have an effect on me, I feel… passions I haven't felt since-" She stopped, and he watched her eyes dart around the room as she backed away from him.

"Kelly told me about Major Alenko, how he turned his back on you on Horizon." Shepard's eyes widened, her sharp intake of breath disquieting. He moved closer to her, taking her hand in his, bestowing a soft kiss on the back of it. Their bodies were almost touching now, and he felt the bitterness pulse off her, resentment she couldn't hide. "Kelly did not disclose the nature of your relationship with the Major outside your positions in the Alliance, so do not be angry with her. I asked about your old ship and crew, and she simply answered."

"She was supposed to be adding to your psych profile, not delving into mine." Shepard couldn't revisit that moment on Horizon, couldn't even imagine the disgust written all over Kaidan's face when he realized she was working with Cerberus. He had made her feel small and disturbingly defenseless that day, and for many days afterward the memory haunted her. Damn him!

"Siha, I would tell you if she said anything inappropriate. And you don't have to tell me about him."

She tensed, wanting to run from the room, to take an ice-cold shower while berating herself for being stupid enough to believe a man like him could ever love her in the midst of all the chaos and Cerberus bullshit. But he held her tightly, imploring with his gaze. Resistance was futile. She found strength in his eyes, eyes so dark and piercing, eyes she could drown in.

"You deserve the truth, Thane. What others think of my past or current relationships is of no concern to me. But I don't want any secrets between us."

"You owe me no explanations, Siha."

"Yes, I do." She took a deep breath, emboldened by his gentle and gracious demeanor, and his admission of affection. "Kaidan and I were romantically involved. Then I was dead, and two years went by and he moved on, as he should have. But it still hurt, you know? Apparently I was thinking with my heart and not my head at the time."

"I am sorry, Siha, sorry for the pain he caused you. He was foolish, but that led us here, to this moment, and I will be grateful for his foolishness for the rest of my days." Silence descended and he looked at her with eyes unblinking.

"What is it, Thane?"

"So Kaidan was your love. And you, his."

She nodded slowly. "It was a beautiful dream while it lasted. But what I felt for him is gone now, lost, right along with those two years Cerberus spent keeping me alive. And I'm okay with that."

He put a finger under her chin, raising her face to his gentle smile. "Your poker face hasn't won you much money, has it?"

She shook her head. "I should know better than to put it on in the presence of an assassin. In truth, I'm almost okay with it. Ninety-nine percent okay with it. But I am ready for new dreams, Thane, new memories. Better ones… with you."

"Love is endless, Siha. Do not feel as though you must ignore the past for my sake. I still love Irikah, still cherish our time, even though she is no longer my lover. Allow the same for yourself."

"How can you be so selfless? It's not something most men are capable of. But then I suspect you are not like most men."

"Time is short for me. I have no need to play coy or flirt constantly to snare you in my trap. I can only be honest and hope that you will accept my ramblings."

"I will, Thane. Absolutely." Her hand came up to his face, fingers tracing along his cheek. "I've got get back to CIC, but I haven't read your message to Kolyat yet. Can I do it later?"

"Yes, and I understand. You have a ship to run."

"Come up to my cabin for dinner in about an hour. I'll have the humidity levels set as low as possible. We'll talk more then, okay?" It was so hard to walk away from him — just leave him there. But there would be time for more questions later, more intimacy and maybe laughter. She smiled at him, her eyes distant and blurred with desire.

Faster than she could react, Thane moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her upper chest and shoulders, pulling her to him. He continued to hold her, to feel the steady beat of her heart, whispering sweetly. "You're skin is so soft, so… pleasant and warm. It feels…." The words, the sentiment flew from his head as he savored this new and exquisite sensation.

"So strange." A purr came from her lips as she ran her hand along his arm, her fingertips feeling every subtle ridge and dip in their differences. "And yet so damn good."

"Yes," he whispered in her ear. "Exactly what I was thinking."

She twisted to face him, twining her arms around his neck. "I don't want to leave you right now, so do me a favor and tell me to go do my job."

He growled, and she felt a disagreeable rumble come from his throat. "Go do your job, Siha. I'll be at your side before long."

"Say it again. Call me 'Siha' again."

"Siha, is this your demanding side?"

"You may not be aware, but I have a 'no teasing' policy on this ship." With a restrained laugh, she poked his shoulder. "But I suppose I can make an allowance, at least for tonight."

He captured her face in his hands, his thumbs gliding over her cheekbones, his gaze intense, and then he proceeded to kiss her breathless, leaving her gasping when he pulled away. He pressed a comforting kiss to the corner of her mouth, her cheek, her jaw and neck. When he finally stepped back, a curious grin spread across his face, as if he had a secret tactical move he wanted to use. "Do you have specific plans for us tonight? Should I bring anything special?"

"Just… just be on time. You're special enough."

His heart thumped in his chest. The scent of her hair, the feel of her skin as his fingers trailed across the velvety softness of her wrists had weakened him. He brushed a lingering kiss against her cheek.

"All right, Siha. I'm never late for a date."