Hey guys! Welcome to the new and improved Guardian! I have officially went through and did the last corrections and edits I felt necessary. I had some good pointers and some good advice from some people and have went through and changed some things for the better. I hope you guys like it!

I will be going through the second half soon, and I am working on a third part in the meantime that I hope you guys will check out and enjoy.

Please feel free to rate, review and PM me if you have anything you wish to say.

Thanks!

Natasha Kryik walked down the long bridge way of the Citadel, looking up at the shuttles that flew by rapidly for a brief moment. She held her package in one arm, her other hand freely dangling by her side. She smiled at the nice weather of the day, waving to one of her friends as she walked by. She made her way to her apartment front, smiling at the asari in the booth as she showed her the ID.

"Nice to see you, as always Mrs. Kryik."

"Thank you Myri." Natasha said, smiling back.

"How has your day been?" Myri asked, handing Natasha her ID.

"It's been alright. I went and bought my fish tank finally. I think I can handle it… I hope."

"I think you'll do just fine with pets." Natasha smiled, laughing with the asari for a moment. "Anyways, I think you'll find that your day might just be better once you go upstairs."

Natasha gave her a questioning look, but the asari put her blue fingers to her lips and pretended to lock them shut. Natasha shook her head with a smile, walking up the stairs now, her feet moving quickly to get to her apartment. She swiped her ID on the door to her house, the door turning green and allowing her access. She opened it slowly, peeking inside. She didn't see anything out of the usual, shutting the door behind her as she walked over to the table in her dining room. She sat the box down, smiling as she looked down at it. She sighed, knowing she'd been putting off this kind of thing for a long time. She had been used to being alone, and it was hard just taking care of herself at times. Sure, she had the money. The credits the council gave her from her husband's job was more than enough to keep her alive and give her anything she wanted. The silence, though, that filled her apartment was hard to handle. It was difficult to live alone, to live everyday not knowing when she'd see or hear from her husband again. She had talked herself up to this, though, committing to a pet that she could care for. It would take her mind off of things, even if it was a small aquatic thing that barely required maintenance.

She peeled the tape back on the box, biting down on her lip before peeking inside to see the glass. She smiled again as she carefully pulled it out, admiring the shape of the bowl. It was just a bowl, no life inside of it yet, but it was a start. She had to keep herself occupied, keep herself busy. She put it down on the table before putting her hands on her hips, wondering where she'd put it. She had to find the perfect spot. She looked up, the large window in her dining room giving her a wonderful view of the presidium. She smiled, walking over to it to look down at the gardens. It was perfect to her. The view was gorgeous. It had taken some time to get used to the new apartment. After her husband had been moved into active missions as a spectre, the council had offered them the best apartments on the Citadel. Natasha loved it, but it was new, and it took some time to get used to, especially when she was alone.

She hung her head, sighing heavily before hearing someone behind her. She knew there was a gun in her room, under her pillow. Her husband had taught her how to protect herself, to fight hand to hand and how to handle a gun. She could protect herself. Before she could even turn, though, hands were on her shoulders gently, kisses on her neck. She smiled as she turned, wrapping her arms around her husband tightly. She tried holding back the tears, but they fell anyways. He let her hold him, taking in the scent of her hair, running his talons down her back lovingly until she loosened her grip on him. Her eyes met his, her lips pressing to his mouth as her hands ran over his mandibles.

"Nihlus." she breathed as she rested her forehead to his. "You're home."

He pulled his head from hers, keeping his arms around her waist.

"I am." he said.

"The mission? Is it over?" she asked.

"No… It's not over."

Something inside of her cut at her heart, though she knew his work would never really be over until he left the council's employment. She ran her fingers over his chest, looking down at them as they did so.

"How long will you be here?"

"A week, maybe a little longer."

She nodded, trying to hold back her tears again, knowing this time they weren't tears of joy. All she could do was hug him again, telling herself everything would be alright. After a few more moments of silence, she let go, backing out of his arms now. She smiled slightly.

"I bought a fishbowl." she said.

His mandibles twitched into a smile.

"I saw that." he replied, turning to the table. He picked up the bowl gingerly.

"You should help me pick up some fish tomorrow. We could pick them out together."

He put his arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him. He kissed her lovingly.

"If it'll make you happy, I'll gladly do it."

She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. She loved him, more than life itself. She remembered what it was like for them when their relationship went public. People were skeptic at first, a turian and a human wanting to promote their coupling. They had no legal ramifications though, and after seeing it around, people didn't care as much. It was new, but it wasn't bad. Others were actually inspired to come around with their own relationships, other species becoming unafraid to look into other species for their intimate lives.

Natasha looked up at him, giving him a small smile. He returned the look, grabbing her hands in his and walking her over to the couch. He sat before her, letting her have access to his mouth as she straddled his hips, her hands on his face, her tongue tasting his. It felt so right, like such a perfect fit, to kiss him, to love him. It felt like nothing would ever be better, like her world would never get as good as this. He ran his talons through her hair slowly, making her deepen the kiss. It was difficult for her to take things slow, to enjoy and savor her time with him. He forced her to take it slow, stopping her whenever she reached to take his shirt off. It grew into a teasing game quickly, and Natasha wouldn't win. She would always give in to him, to his wishes. She was his, and he was hers.

Nothing could break them apart.