Shepard made sure to remember everything in this moment. Every line on her body, every scar on her face. Every loose strand of her hair that delicately landed above her eyes.
Delicate. He near laughed at the thought. Nothing was delicate about this woman, or so she would let the world believe. But he knew different. She was gentle, kind. She was his reason to fight, and to win.
He tried to mask his pain with a casual smile. Though she returned the gesture, he could see it was a lie. Her eyes revealed the pain and the fear. She couldn't fool him, no matter how hard she tried. Her large beautiful eyes would always betray her.
He pulled her in, desperate to feel her warmth one last time. Because, it very well could be the last time. She didn't fight him, like she normally would, for once she let him hold her without struggle. She stared up to him, her brown eyes wattering just the slightest. Another time, he would have pointed out how soft she was becoming, which she would return with a playful punch. But not this day, there was no joy or childplay anymore.
He held her tightly, fearing the moment his arms loosened she would slip away again. Leave his life empty, as it once was. She did not want to leave his grip, instead her arm rose up to cup his muscular neck. Normally the contact would cause him to tense, softness upon his flesh was never a luxury he had. She knew this, she felt it too. Instead, they continued to stare, remembering everything about the other.
Jack's hand reached up, she gently traced the worry lines on his forehead, smoothing them down. Unintentionally, a sigh escaped his lips. She really was gentle, though she would hate to admit it. Her fingers lightly tickled his lips. He closed his eyes, allowing once more to feel the softness he never knew he craved.
He could feel her warm breath reach closer to his lips. He could feel his heart flutter. She leaned closer, and with a heavy sigh, whispered loud enough for only his ears.
"Don't go dying on me, Dumbass..."
He smiled, despite his hearts painful break. Only Jack could make something so humorous, sound so heartfelt. He leaned closer, wanting to feel her soft lips. One last time.
"I won't, because I have something worth living for."
She snorted. Only Jack would find something so loving laughable. But still, he could hear the pain in her snide laugh. She hid it well, but he could still feel it.
No more words needed to be spoken. The silence meant more than anything either had to say. As he once told her, what felt like a lifetime ago;
"It's alright... no more questions..."
Sometimes the silence was all they needed.