AN: This is my first fanfic, inspired by the lack of romance in ME3 between FemShep and Thane, and some amazing tribute videos on teh Youtubes. The title is the song Hold Your Color by Pendulum; it was one of the songs I was listening to while writing this- I thought it'd be a good title. Focuses mainly around FemShep. Any concrit is much appreciated!

This first part is directly from the game, with some additions. Enjoy!

Victus had used up Shepard's patience. She understood his concern for Palaven, but convincing the krogan to ally themselves with the turians? Turians and humans have come a long way. Maybe… Her trail of thought was lost as she rubbed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Thane. She had remembered his email. Exasperated and hopeful, she made her way to Huerta Memorial.

Nurses were running back and forth, discussing treatments amongst themselves, and reassuring patients of their issues. The receptionist looked dreary as the line in front of her desk only seemed to lengthen. Patients were laid out on the floor; the hospital must have been overflowing past the lobby Shepard was in. But then she saw him.

He was standing there, gazing upon the Presidium from the hospital. He seemed to glow in the artificial afternoon sun, his green skin seeming so delicate and soft. Hearing her footsteps, he slowly turned around. His calm, apathetic face changed almost instantaneously; a small smile crept across his face.

"Siha."

His hoarse voice struck a chord in her. Shepard has missed the sound, the feel of his voice. Her chest tightened.

"Thane…"

They both took a step towards each other. Thane faltered, leaning back, almost retracting his step.

He looked at the ground for a moment as he talked. "I heard Earth was under attack. I didn't know you'd make it out."

"I was beginning to think I'd never see you again." Shepard looked at his hands. She placed her hands in his, feeling the cool, moist touch of his skin. She felt a pang of joy and a sudden urge to kiss him, but as she turned to look up at his face, he was ready to say something.

"I sent a few messages while you were incarcerated, but I suspect they never got past the guards." She could sense happiness, yet slight heartache in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

Shit. For a second, Shepard considered lying, but looking into his eyes she knew she didn't have the heart to do so. For almost a year now they had been apart, and Shepard did not want her reunion with Thane Krios to start off by bringing up the newly appointed Major Kaiden Alenko. As she chose her words carefully, Shepard briefly thought of Kaiden. He had been good to her, being a support and lover she could not have imagined. However, Horizon had changed that. Traitor. The one word pierced her gut, made her jaw clench and fists tighten. Thane stared at her, concern filling his expression. He stayed silent as he waited for her reply.

"I'm here for a friend, Kaiden. He got hurt protecting me."

"Ah, the human biotic in intensive care… I saw the marks of an implant." Thane faintly coughed as he continued. "We have spoken. He was holding out hope that a woman would visit him…" His voice grew quieter and more cautious as he reached the end of his thought. "Is there something I should know about you two?"

Shepard exhaled and stretched a hand against her temples. She had hidden small feelings for Kaiden since their confrontation on Horizon, but ever since she had met Thane… She uncovered her face to meet his eyes. His hypnotic, endless eyes twinkled in the light, showing a plethora of colors. Thane had accepted and understood her. He needed her more than she knew. He had lived a life of sin and indifference, and this relationship was what made him more… alive. Shepard knew that. She loved that. She loved Thane.

"We were together for a while before the first Normandy was destroyed." She turned around taking a step away from him, thinking of what else to tell him, but was then interrupted by his rough voice.

"And grew apart, I gather." He took steps toward her. He knew that Kaiden was still important to her; he could sense it. "Your enemies may try to finish him off here. I will look out for him."

She turned around, somewhat flustered. "Thane…"

"Siha, I am at the end of my life. It is a good time to be generous."

Shepard felt calm. She knew Kepral's syndrome would take its toll soon. She did her best to smile. He continued. "I have only a few loves left, and you are my last. Let me do what I can for you."

Shepard held back her tears as she moved towards him, unwavering. She placed her hands on his face. They finally touched. His lips were cold and sweet; the contact made her reminisce of one of their last physical encounters together, their night together before the Omega-4 relay, before the Collector base. His hands found her waist and he held her. The kiss was gentle and innocent; Shepard couldn't help but smile as she continued to press her lips against his. As they separated, Thane's expression changed; he seemed at ease as bliss lit his radiant face.

"Well… I see you want to make up for lost time." Shepard blushed. "However, I should warn you that you may not want your final memories of me to be in this hospital. Kepral's syndrome is… not kind." He turned away from her and sat down in a nearby lounge chair. Shepard joined him in one across. They talked. She learned more about his sickness. He had trouble breathing, more so than before. She felt sadness overcome her. Thane could feel it.

"Could we spend some time together?" Shepard was desperate for his touch and did her best not to reveal it. Thane stood up and turned toward the large window. Shepard followed.

"I'd like that. But siha, you should understand that my cardiovascular system is not what it once wa-"

Shepard couldn't control herself. His voice yearned for her as she yearned for him. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling herself up and kissed him with much more intensity than before. He responded immediately, gripping her waist tightly. He opened his mouth. Their tongues danced, as she felt his chilled lips grow warmer by the second. She let out a minute moan. They slowly separated and gazed upon each other. "I've missed you Shepard." His bright complexion brought a memory to her mind. They were discussing how he was keeping up with Kolyat, his son. She remembered and embraced Thane's distant voice in her mind as she had embraced him just a moment earlier: 'it is difficult. All things worth keeping are.'