I remember making the choice to be here with him. I knew that his days were numbered but I was willing to stay beside him knowing that whatever relationship we would have wouldn't outlast this war. Maybe that was part of it, part of the draw that made me choose to be with him. I wasn't sure if I would outlive this war, and not having to promise him that I would made it that much easier.
I listened to him breathing, the long labored breaths telling me that he was not getting the oxygen he needed. I suddenly began to feel like I was suffocating, I needed to go.
"Siha… You are awake?" His voice was raspy and deep indicating that I had woken him unexpectedly.
"Thane… I'm sorry I just…" I mumbled under my breath. I placed my feet on the cold floor and shuddered at the sudden chill. I looked in his eyes that were fixed on me, taking every detail of this moment in. I could feel all the emotions welling beneath the surface of my exterior and swallowed hard to keep them from showing.
"Shepard, is there something that you need to tell me?" I looked at my feet and back at him. I couldn't tell him that there was a possibility that I chose him because he was the safer choice.
"No, I just need to get out of this cabin for a bit. I think I might go to the shooting range when we dock at the citadel." I shrugged my shoulders, feeling them stretch and the soreness flow through them.
"Shall I accompany you? I am more than happy to help you with your… target practice." I watched as he pulled himself from my bed, placing his feet on the floor and letting the thin white sheet fall off his skin. He was still exposed from our escapades that occurred the night before.
"No, I think you should spend some time with Kolyat. You have wounds there that still need to be mended." I could not make myself turn and look at him. I didn't know what I would say seeing him there, in all his glory.
"Very well Siha, I shall be thinking of you. I will make contact with Kolyat as soon as we dock." I could feel the tension in his voice and wanted to reach over to him. Thane stood and began to fasten his jacket.
"Maybe afterwards you and I can spend a little more time together. I know that the Zakera Café has the best food on the citadel." I looked at him and smirked, hoping that the idea of more time would settle the eerie quiet in the room.
"That would do nicely Siha." I watched his lips hide a faint smile and instantly felt better about needing some time away. He walked over to me and placed his hand under my chin, lifting my face to look into his eyes. I raised to my feet, smiled and pressed myself against him as our lips met.