"I was hoping I wouldn't see you again, so soon" The first figure watched the second approach the bar, with regret in his battle worn eyes. As the second came closer, the first indicated for the newcomer to sit beside him.
"I was hoping I wouldn't be here, either" The second figure grimaced before carefully taking her seat next to the first.
"You look like you need a drink"
"I feel like I need twenty" Laughter ensued and the first signalled a drink for his friend. Miraculously, a whiskey glass appeared from which the second took a sip. "Mmm... Perfect" She murmured, licking her lips, savouring every drop.
Sighing nostalgically, the first cupped his own glass in his hands and thumbed at the rim. He was exhausted, feeling as though he hadn't relaxed in years. After a moment, he turned to the second and asked "Any regrets?"
The second lowered her glass and looked the first straight in the eye before replying solemnly "Many... But about the war, no. Everything we did had to be done. Even if it meant dying..." The second paused, staring down at her glass, trying to hold back the tears she knew would inevitably come.
"We sacrificed a lot, but if it means our future generations get a shot at life, then it was not in vain" The first downed the last of his drink and signalled another.
"Yeah..." The second's mind was elsewhere.
"You did us proud, kid" The first watched the second, smiling gravely.
"I don't exactly feel proud about it. Everything's still kinda raw" The second shook her head subconsciously, eyes still transfixed on her drink.
"One day you will. One day..."
...
The first figure stood up from his barstool, stretching and yawning. "I'm off" He smiled sympathetically to the second.
"Already?" The second questioned even though she knew the question was ultimately pointless.
"Mm... Yeah... It's been too long since I last had a good nights kip"
"I'm gonna stick around for a bit" The second was physically and emotionally drained, but she couldn't leave in case he arrived. She hoped and prayed that he would not arrive for a long time but she would never forgive herself if he arrived to an empty bar.
Gently, the first patted the second on back. "It's been some journey" He reminisced.
"The best" The second replied wistfully.
"Night, Shepard"
"Night, Anderson"
Thank you very much for reading :)
I intend for this to be a one shot but I may write a short sequel in the future. I can't say for sure as I have GCSEs starting in less than a week, so don't hold your breath.
~Sekai
