The sound of hammering greeted Thane as he entered the forward batteries. Glancing around the room, he spied Garrus wedged under his console, pieces of machinery scattered around him. "Piece of... stupid converter couplings... Argh!" Thane surveyed the damage. "Problems?" The sound of Thane's voice caused Garrus to jump. Hitting his head against the bottom of the console, Garrus yelled. "Ah! Damn it!" Rubbing his head, Garrus continued to grumble. "Can I be of assistance?" Feeling guilty for causing Garrus' head injury, he crouched down to see what Garrus was repairing.

Sighing, Garrus looked at Thane and shook his head. "The firing calibrations were off. It took the last few hours for me to find the problem. One of the converter couplings is shorting out. I need to go down to the Cargo hold and get another one." Slamming his wrench onto the floor, Garrus grumbled. Standing up, Thane looked at Garrus. "Why don't you let me retrieve the part?" Garrus nodded. "You don't mind?" Thane shook his head. "Give me the part I need to find." Garrus picked up the converter coupling and handed it to Thane. "Tali keeps the Cargo hold well organized. When you exit the elevator, turn left, you should find the couplings in a box on the floor against far the wall." Thane surveyed the part before placing it in his pocket. "I won't be long." Garrus chuckled. "Take your time. I need to get something to eat before reinstalling and recalibrating the coupling." Smiling at Garrus, Thane offered to help him stand. Grabbing the hand offered, Garrus rose to his feet. "Thanks." Smiling, Thane left the room.

Exiting the elevator, Thane noticed Shepard standing in the Cargo hold. Only her upper body was visible, the rest was hidden behind the rooms console. Thane could see that her eyes were closed, head back, her hands clasped above her head. Shepard was breathing deep even breathes. Stepping around the console, he saw that Shepard was in a lunge stance. Her right leg bent before her with her left leg trailing behind. Mystified, Thane stood quietly and watched. Soon, she shifted, standing straight, she turned, spreading her arms wide, lunging with her left leg, her left arm pointed forward with her right arm and leg behind. Her stance brought back memories of his fencing instructor. Smiling broadly, he wondered if Shepard fenced. Thane listened as her breathing remained even. He began to count, after a minute she shifted again. Standing straight, her hands clasped above her head. As she began to bend her head back she opened her eyes. Seeing Thane, she froze. Feeling as if he was intruding, Thane clasped his hands behind his back and stared evenly at her. Folding her arms across her chest, she studied him, a frown crinkling her brow. "Thane."

Giving her a small bow, he smiled at her. "May I inquire into the exercises you are engaged in?" Sighing, Shepard rubbed her neck. "It's called Yoga." Thane stood watching her. "I have read of Yoga. There are different types. Which do you practice?" His answer surprised her. "I tend to do more of the Integral aspect of Yoga, mind, body and spirit connection. I don't use a mantra. I tend to zone out and forget to say it. I do meditate while I flow from one movement into the next." Listening to her speak, Thane slowly approached her. Quietly he examined her, noting her attire. Thane was used to seeing Shepard in a uniform but today she was dressed in a gray t-shirt with black form fitting pants that flared at the ankle. Looking at her feet, he saw that she was barefoot, her toes curled. Cute toes. Although her attire was not provocative, Thane found her alluring. He realized he was seeing a different side to Shepard, one he did not know.

"I had found the practice of Yoga to be interesting but I had not met anyone who actively practiced. I would like to learn more." Shepard frowned then hesitantly smiled. Licking her lips to moisten them, she glanced around the room before looking at Thane. "Early in my military career I used to be an instructor. It's been a few years since I taught anyone." Gazing at her, Thane lowered his chin and widened his eyes. He intentionally made his expression appear vulnerable. "I would like to learn if you will teach me." His body language affected Shepard in the way he had hoped. He could hear her heart begin to pound. A small smile played at his lips, his expression full of hope. Trying not to smile, Shepard relented. "I'll teach you the poses. We can meet here in the cargo hold and practice together." Thane smiled broadly. "You don't usually practice here?"Shepard laughed as she shook her head. "No, I usually practice in my quarters but Rupert needed to service my fish tank and I didn't want to wait so I came here. Unfortunately my cabin may not be large enough for both of to practice so the Cargo hold is a better option."

Thane nodded in agreement as a soft twinge of disappointment settled in his chest. "What will I need?" Shepard bit her lip as she thought. Thane focused on her bottom lip. He wanted to know what her lips felt like. The memory of Shepard's soft skin against his cheek flooded is awareness. Pushing back the memory, Thane focused on her eyes. "You'll need clothes that would allow free range of movement. I have an extra mat, you can use. Usually the time that works best for me is late afternoon, before the evening meal. Would 1700 work for you?" Shepard was always direct and to the point. He admired that trait in her. During the past few weeks, he had spent a lot of time with her. Mainly they spoke about his religion and the training he received as a child but he had not learned much about her. Thane began to feel anticipation about spending more time in her company. "The time will work. Would you like to begin tomorrow?" Thane studied her eyes. They were a deep golden color, like the warmth of a summer day. He enjoyed seeing them glitter in the light. Shepard's eyes were a sharp contrast to her midnight black hair. Smiling, Shepard nodded. "Tomorrow then." Stepping back, Thane turned to find the part he was sent to retrieve. "I will leave you to your poses. Have a good evening, Shepard."

Finding the crate Garrus mentioned, Thane took an identical converter coupling, placing it in his pocket. Turning to the elevator, Thane glanced back at Shepard. Eyes closed, she had resumed her pose. Thane followed the lines of her arms. Her stance conveyed the strength of her being, her face serene. He knew the depth of his feelings for her required him to speak with Garrus. He would not allow any harm to come to her or him. Although he found Shepard attractive he would respect any relationship between her and Garrus and would not interfere.

Thane realized it was her kindness that pulled him to her. From the first moment he met her, she was assertive but very kind. Thoughtful of his illness, she asked if there was anything she could do to help him. Initially he had rebuffed her offer but now he knew he had been rash. I will consult with Dr. Chakwas and Dr. Solus on treatments. Prior to meeting Shepard, Thane was content in allowing his illness to run its course. I would have returned to Irikah. Now that he had awoke from his battle sleep, he wanted more time. Perhaps I'm being foolish. The opening of the elevator doors drew his attention. Entering the interior, Thane turned and watched Shepard as the doors closed.

Entering the forward batteries, Thane found Garrus sitting on a crate. He was the picture of relaxation, his legs crossed; he was leaning back against the wall staring at the ceiling. "Your converter coupling." Thane handed the part to Garrus. Nodding, he took the part. "Thanks. Sorry about earlier. Did you need something?" Thane smiled. "I stopped by to speak with you. I was glad to help." Garrus stood and stretched. "Let me get this part installed and you can tell me what's on your mind." Thane watched as Garrus climbed below the console and quickly snapped the part into place. "The console will need to run a diagnostic before I can begin to recalibrate." Standing quickly, Garrus motioned for Thane to take a seat. Sitting on the crate, Thane rested his elbows on his knees as he watched Garrus enter information into the console.

"What's on your mind Krios?" Garrus continued to enter data. "When we first spoke, you told me you loved Shepard." Garrus stopped typing and looked at Thane. "I also told you that I couldn't keep up with her." Turning toward Thane, Garrus examined him closely. "Are you interested in her?" Thane lowered his head and thought about his response. Transfixed on Thane Garrus wondered if Thane and Shepard were already involved. "I am." Thane's simple response surprised Garrus. "This is out of the blue. What happened?" Thane looked at Garrus and thought about Ilium. "She woke me from my battle sleep." Stepping away from the console, Garrus leaned against the wall. Crossing his arms, he stared at Thane. "What do you mean 'battle sleep'?" Hanging his head, Thane stared at the floor. "I spent the last few years focused solely on my work. I slept, I ate, I hunted and killed. The world held nothing for me. Since coming aboard the Normandy, I have been spending time with Shepard. She brought me back to the world. I can now see beyond my work and I see her." Breathing deeply, Thane met Garrus stare. "Can't say I didn't see it coming. I see how you look at her and how she looks at you. I'm just wondering why you wanted to talk to me. Isn't this something you should be talking to her about?"

Thane nodded. "I respect you. You've aided me many times in battle. I trust you as I trust Shepard. You are becoming my friend. I did not want to intrude in your relationship or your intentions toward Shepard. I respect you too much to allow that to happen." Garrus was stunned. Pushing himself away from the wall, he looked around the room. "I don't know what to say. I am honored, I think?" Pausing, Garrus frowned. "What if I wanted a relationship with Shepard, what would you do?" Thane sat up, his eyes intent. "I would respect your relationship and not interfere. I would keep her in my heart and be a friend to you and her." Garrus' expression was incredulous."You would do that? As a Turian, if my friend and I wanted the same female, we would compete to win her affection." Thane glanced at the floor and chuckled. "Drell are few in numbers. If two Drell are attracted to the same woman, being adversarial would not be in our best interest. One would step aside. If you wanted Shepard, I would step aside." Garrus shook his head and looked at Thane. "You know how I feel about Shepard. I love her. In many ways, she isn't just a friend, she's was my only friend. The problem would have been... Turians and humans are… not compatible." Thane smiled at Garrus. "If two individuals loved and wanted each other, physical incompatibility would only be a slight inconvenience."Garrus laughed. "I know there are human and turian couples. I just… I never thought I would have a chance with her so I never did anything about it."

Thane rose from his position and studied Garrus. "Knowing my preference, what are your intentions toward Shepard?" Garrus turned and stared at the forward battery. "I don't think I have any." Garrus looked back at Thane. "You're dying, you'll hurt her without meaning too." Thane breathed deeply. "I will be speaking with Dr. Chakwas and Dr. Solus. There are treatment options available, there is no cure but I hope I can obtain more time. It will be difficult but anything worth keeping is. I realize we are going to a place where none return but should we come back, I want to be able to spend it with her." Garrus approached Thane. Grabbing his shoulder, he softly patted him. "To tell you the truth, I would be alright. I want her to be happy. Don't hurt her. I think Kaidan hurt her but she never said anything. I wanted to shoot him for how he treated her but I let Shepard handle it. Besides it would have been better if she shot him." Thane laughed. Garrus only shrugged. "What do I need to say, you have my... permission, consent...blessing?" Shaking his head, Thane smiled at Garrus. "So long as it would not harm you or our friendship. That is sufficient." Garrus nodded. "Better you than anyone else on this ship. I'm touched Thane. Thanks." Garrus returned to his console as Thane left the room. Walking toward the life support plant, Thane began to plan.

Sitting at his table, Thane recalled the memory of Shepard. He could see her standing by the window. A friend huh? It's a start. Searching his memories he recalled the last mission to Ilium. Standing at the railing, Thane had come to realize he was awake when he noticed the spectacular view of the horizon. The coincidence of Shepard waking from her sleep at that moment surprised him. Did she find me or did I find her? In his memories, Thane could feel the warmth of her skin on his finger tips and the feel of her body against his as he pulled her to him. The thought of her being ill frightened him into action. He had to get her medical attention. Taking her to Dr. Chakwas was the best solution. It was only then did Thane fully realize that Shepard was experiencing the world anew. The memory of her lips so close to his caused Thane to gasp. Pulling away from her was the hardest thing he had done in ten years. Yet, he had too. The emotions were too great, they threatened to overwhelm him. He had to think of the repercussions if they were found. It would interrupt the crew and possibly cause her harm. Thane forced himself to wait and to ensure that if they should be together, she would be safe.