Elizabeth leans on the bar casually, a drink cradled in one hand, the other holding a napkin out to me. I take it and wipe up the small streams of alcohol that trailed down my neck after she did her little pop-in trick.

"Where have you been, Elizabeth?" I ask quietly, "It's been nearly four months since I last saw you."

She lays her hand on top of mine with a sad frown on her lips. "I'm sorry, Saul, but there was something I had to take care of. It took longer than I thought it would."

I squeeze her hand gently. "Well, what are you doing now? We can catch up."

Elizabeth smiles softly. "I'd like that, but I think someone is coming to speak to you."

Looking over my shoulder, I see the cobalt head of hair belonging to only one person heading my way. "I'm going to go grab a table; come talk to me, okay?" She releases my hand and wanders off and Shepard takes her place, watching Elizabeth walk away before turning to me.

"Isn't that your partner?" She asks, looking to the bartender and pointing at her glass.

"Not exactly," I reply, taking a sip of my drink. "Just my partner for that particular case. I've only seen her a couple of times since then. You wanted to talk to me about something?"

"Uhm," Zaira confirms around the drink in her mouth, setting the glass down and licking her lips. "Right. So, while we we're running around, I noticed how easily you got around with that jetpack. I was wondering, since we're going against a former Spectre we'll need every advantage…"

I chuckle and swig my G'n'T. "Zaira, I will say this once: Don't beat around the bush with me. Just say what you want to. I won't judge you for it; I do it all the damn time. Why talk in circles when we could get right to the situation?"

She smiles a bit and taps her fingers on the counter, and I get the feeling she already knew that. "Alright. Do you have more of those jetpacks and can I get some for the squad?"

"Sure," I reply with small grin. "I was going to ask you, actually. I've got a dozen or so stashed here, but I'll need to modify them before anyone uses one."

Zaira lifts a questioning eyebrow. "Why?"

I jerk my thumb at my back. "The one I have right now is modified. The original pack consumed energy pretty quickly and couldn't really fly all that well with armor. I had to up the power while negating an increased power draw and fit a dedicated power source into my armor."

Not now, though. With the Biotic Scrubber responsible for that and my shields it's no longer a problem, as I generate a shit-ton of energy subconsciously. "I'll need to get some batteries or the packs will have to draw on the shield generators; which would allow short jaunts into the air, but leave them with only armor as protection."

Shepard hums and glances back at the squad. "I don't think that would be a problem with Wrex or Nihlus, but the others have armor only slightly better than the standard-issue stuff." She narrows her eyes and looks off to the side in thought. "Although…I am the First Human Spectre…I think if I can swing it, I could req some better gear for a discount. 'The First Human Spectre and her squad wear Liberator Armor, and you could be just as awesome as them if you bought a suit! Buy now, only 243,000 credits!'"

I snort and chuckle. "How devious! Commander Shepard, THE FIRST HUMAN SPECTRE, trying to use her new status and title to get discounts? What a Renegade you are."

Zaira grins and waggles her eyebrows. "Well, I might as well make the most of it. I mean, besides the autonomy, using it to get free stuff is probably the best part of the whole deal!"

We share a laugh and I check my chrono. "It's getting late now, but do you want to go down to the Gear Master and get some new stuff tomorrow? You might not get a discount, but you'll have access to Spectre gear."

"Sounds like a plan." She says with an easy smile. "Nihlus is giving me a look, so I'm going to go see what's up. Meet you at C-Sec at…eight?"

"Alright," I agree with a nod. "It's a date."

Zaira grins and begins to walk away. "Ooh, some date, looking at weapons and armor! How lucky am I?" She replies sarcastically.

I shrug. "Well, I'll just have to take you on a real date then."

She pauses mid-stride and looks back at me over her shoulder, her face schooled and her yellow eyes searching. After a few seconds (even though it seems like hours) a soft, warm smile curves her lips, her entire face lighting up and her eyes glittering. My stomach does an extremely awkward back-flip when she nods and continues walking away.

Guess that's a 'yes' then. Stop flipping, stupid stomach, it's just alcohol.

There's a strange heat in my cheeks, and I'm kind of worried. Maybe I'm getting a fever? That wouldn't be a good thing.

I get my drink refilled and wander to the table Garrus and Chloe are sitting at, with the blue-painted Turian with a naked look of surprise on his face, matching the one the red-head is sporting. "What's up?" I ask, sliding into the chair opposite of them.

Garrus doesn't really respond, only making a strangled gurgling noise. I look to Chloe, who manages to shake whatever the fuck is affecting them off and answers my question. "That Spectre, Nihlus, came over here and read Garrus' record to us, the full thing. After he was done, he asked if Garrus would like to be under him as a Spectre Trainee."

Bitchin'. Subtle manipulation for the win. "And…?" I trail off, "Shouldn't he be happy?"

"He is," She clarifies quickly, "But…" She looks away awkwardly, grabbing his hand tightly.

"Ah." I get it. "Garrus wants to go and fulfill his dream of being a Spectre…but he also wants to stay and fulfill his dream of being with you."

Chloe nods and Garrus gurgles again. "Well, there is a Krogan, a Quarian and another Turian on the squad and the doctor is only familiar with human and Turian anatomy. I think if you could swing it-"

The Turian beside her drops her hand and stands up quickly, dropping her hand and pointing at me with wide eyes and choked words before practically sprinting for the distant Nihlus.

Chloe frowns a bit, looking kind of hurt at his sudden departure. I reach over and take her hand. "What I was saying that, if he could swing it with Nihlus and Shepard, he could get you to come along with us."

She gasps and looks over at Garrus speaking rapidly with Nihlus. "Really? But what about my clinic?" She slumps a little before perking right the fuck back up. "I can get Nelon to take over!"

I was just about to suggest that, dammit. Apparently that thought is all over my face, because Chloe narrows her aqua eyes on me, both humorous and suspicious at the same time.

"You had something to do with this, didn't you?" She asks quietly, leaning close. "I saw you talking to Nihlus earlier and didn't really think about it…until he walked over here and offered to be Garrus' mentor. And then when we were torn about how to decided, you sidle over here and solve that problem in a second, presenting it as half an idea. And then, just now, you were about to say what I did about Nelon…like you planned for it."

My jaw snaps shut, teeth clicking together audibly over the music. And that's enough to confirm Chloe's theory, as she nods and leans forward even more until we're practically nose-to-nose.

"Why would you do all of this, Saul?" She whispers, staring into my eyes.

I sigh and sit back, rubbing my forehead. "Because you're my friends," I say tiredly. "Nelon was my first friend, but you and Garrus are some of the people I care about the most, okay? Yeah, I planned it out so you could come with me and I know it's selfish to put your guys' life in danger just so I can spend more time with you, but…"

I slump back in my chair and close my eyes. "Saren is a danger to everyone and I couldn't take it if you died when I could've done something about it."

I think that's the most honest I've ever been with anyone, not including Tevos or Jade. A pair of slim, warm arms wrap around my neck and soft kiss is pressed to my cheek.

Opening my eyes, I find a mass of red hair covering part of my vision. Chloe is hugging me. I'm surprised by this. I know she's a logical woman who would be able to see my reasoning, but I hadn't exactly expected a hug.

She draws back, a warm smile on her lips and a bit of wetness in her eyes. "You're a sweet man, Saul Dewitt," She murmurs softly before reaching down to kiss my cheek again. "If a little selfish. But then, who isn't?"

Chloe takes her seat across from me, holding my hand. I smile at her and rub my thumb over her knuckles. "Thanks."

I shift in my seat and stare at her seriously. "I said you guys were my friends…but I'll have to change that, won't I?" My tone is low and going the way of furious.

"W-what?" She stutters, taken aback by the sudden change.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" I mutter angrily. "When the signs are so obvious anyone can see them?"

Chloe's eyes go wide, flickering between me and Garrus as her face goes pale. Slowly, I hold my our hands up, bringing my other out to point at her left ring finger…and the smooth gold band around it. "Why the fuck didn't you tell me you guys got engaged!" I yell, flinging my arms up comically. "I would've thrown a party!"

She blinks in shock before the color rushes back to her face and she sputters. Finally managing to get her words in order, the first thing out of her mouth is: "Wait, that's what you were talking about?"

I quirk an eyebrow at her over my drink. "Yeah. What else would I be talking about?"

And now Chloe's flushing in embarrassment. Why? Before I can ask, Garrus strides up to the table with a triumphant air about him that disappears as I jump up from my seat and thrust a finger in his face. "You asshole! Why would you keep this from me, man? I thought we we're friends!"

I hope I'm not coming off as angry; I'm going for more humorously whiny than anything. And there it is again, he shoots a panicked look at his fiancé. What the fuck?

"You're supposed to tell your friends you're getting married." I clarify. Seriously, what the hell?

"Oh!" He says, trying to hide a sigh of relief. Why is he relieved? "Sorry, but I kind of forgot with the case going on. And Shepard and Nihlus agreed to let Chloe come with!"

I let out a whoop. "Alright!"

Chloe throws herself at Garrus excitedly, though she seems to be whispering in his ear about something.

"Well, I'll leave you to your making out," I say dryly, stepping away.

Good for them, but if they're going to be Secret Susies right in front of me, Imma go. I need to talk to Elizabeth anyway.

I find her where I'd expect to: In the darkest corner of the bar in the smallest both, nursing a drink and a cigarette, the red light from the burning tip only illuminating her chin, cheeks and eyes, leaving the rest in darkness.

I slide in the seat in front of her and pull my own burnable from the pack in my pocket. "Gotta light?" I ask sticking it between my lips.

Her eyes twinkle and she reaches up with one delicate pale hand and snaps her fingers, an orange flame flaring to life on her thumb, though it doesn't burn her.

I lean forward and light the tip of my cigarette, taking a short draw before gently grasping her wrist and blowing the flame out with the smoke. I slide my hand up and entwine our fingers together and set them on the table, stroking the side of her hand.

We sit in silence, the cigarettes getting lower and lower as we just look at each other in the darkness, simply enjoying the other's presence. I think…I think I like this the most about women. More specifically, the women in my life.

Sex is nice. It can be wild and fiery, an intimate combat or slow and intense word-less love letter. It can even be cold and clinical, but I've avoided that, thank gods. I'd hate to feel cold during the purest form of living expression.

Kissing is just as good or even better sometimes. There's something entirely different to the intimacy of kissing. Part teasing, part want, part need, part love and part lust.

But what I like the most is touching. Just touching. Gay as it sounds, but I enjoy the cuddling after sex to the sex itself. Enfolded in the warmth of a woman's arms, skin touching skin, hearts beating in synch, the regular puffs of warm breath…And every woman is soft, too. No matter how scarred or scary they look, or how corded with steel muscles they are, there's always a softness to their skin that you can't find anywhere else.

And this, this holding of hands, my large, rough fingers intertwined with her slim, smooth and pale digits is more intimate than I could ever articulate.

Next thing you know, I'll be drinking appletinis.

The dark glitter in Elizabeth's eyes probably mirror my own. "We won't see each other very much when I leave," I say softly to her. "Do you want to spend the night with me?"

She nods and slides around the small curved seat of the booth, pressing her body to mine, trapping our hands between us and reaches up with her other as I lean down and press my lips to hers, my fingers tangling in her raven locks.

The seat underneath us changes, creaking leather replaced with rustling cloth and the noise of music, chatting and drinking disappears and it's just us.

Our lips are still connected as she pushes my jacket open and off, the thick garment being shuffled off to the floor and I reach behind her and grasp the zipper of her dress, pulling it down slowly. Once it reaches her waist, Elizabeth rolls her shoulders and pushes it off to join my jacket on the floor, leaving her in a simple bra and underwear.

As she goes to undo her bra I pull my shirt over my head and discard that before pushing my pants and undergarments off as well.

Elizabeth tosses her bra away and straddles my waist, pressing her naked chest against mine as we kiss again, her slim, warm tongue dancing with my own as one hand slides down to her hip and the other cups the back of her neck.

As we part, breathing heavily, I peck her chin and turn us around, laying a trail of kisses down her throat as I lay her down on the bed. The light of the Citadel splays over her pale skin as I lay a kiss on each of her breasts, the pale pink nipples bouncing slightly with every heaving breath.

I reach the junction of her legs, and like every time before, Elizabeth clasps her knees together in embarrassment, but this doesn't bother me. I press my lips to her legs and grasp the sides of her panties, pulling them up and down her legs to discard them away, then laying my hands on her thighs and gently massaging.

She relaxes and I gently push her legs down, exposing her most sacred place. There's a small patch of raven hair just over her lips that I kiss before placing another, longer kiss directly on her core.

Elizabeth gasps, her fingers curling in my hair. I dive in with my tongue, gently licking and sucking her lips. And though she wears the clothes and make-up of a seductress, she's far more innocent than she appears, her business of saving little girls from horrible fates notwithstanding. And it's reflected in her taste.

Vaguely fruity, but with a very fresh element, which I can only really compare to a fresh spring of water in a desert.

Her legs tighten around my neck and shoulders as she whimpers my name between clenched teeth as I stroke her walls with my tongue and lap up her juices. The sudden tightness around my tongue is my only warning before she orgasms, a rush of fluid spilling into my mouth that I drink down as fast as I can, kissing her lips to prolong it.

When it fades, her legs release my neck and her fingers tug insistently at my hair. I follow her gentle grip back up to her face, her cheeks flushed, eyes half-lidded and slightly glazed, lush red lips parted with soft, harsh pants.

I press my lips to hers and her arms lock around my back as passion and love is passed through our mouths. We part and Elizabeth stops me as I go to move off. "Tonight…" She whispers with need in her voice. "I want all of you tonight…and I want you to have all of me."

"You do?" I ask gently, brushing our noses together.

She bites her lip and nods decisively. I adjust myself and press the tip of my arousal against her wet opening, gently prodding her lips before slowly, so slowly, sinking in.

Elizabeth gasps in discomfort and a bit of pain and close my mouth around hers. Her teeth fasten on my lower lip and her nails dig into my back as I reach into her depths.

When I finally bottom out inside of her, she releases my lip and clenches her eyes shut, panting with a thin stream of tears trickling down her cheeks. I softly lick her tears away and bringing my hand up, massaging the back of her neck while my other does the same to her arched spine and I kiss her gently.

Minutes pass before she relaxes and opens her eyes and nods once. I pull myself out and slowly push back in and she gasps again, this time in pleasure. I shut my eyes and marvel at the slick tightness of her core squeezing my length with such strength that were I a lesser man, I would've came immediately.

As it is, I concentrate on her breathing and the feeling of our hearts pounding together in synch, and the way she whimpers my name until her lips land on my neck.

The pace never gets any faster and it's far more erotic than I'd imagined. I can feel the familiar spring coiling in my stomach and from the way her walls are fluttering, she must be near as well.

I open my eyes and look down at the woman, her raven hair spread over the pillow, sweat dripping down her forehead. "I'm nearly there, Elizabeth."

"Please," She whispers, "I'm yours…only yours…become mine…"

"I am."

She tilts her head back, her mouth wide but no sound issuing forth as the coil snaps, my seed flooding inside of her while her juices wash over our connection and heat covers both of us.

As it dies, I roll off of her body and she cuddles into my side, fingers splayed over my chest. "I'm yours…" Elizabeth whispers, tiredly and happily. "Always…always yours. No matter where you go…or who you go with…just remember…I'm yours."

"I will." I murmur into her hair, "And I'm yours as well. Anytime…any place."

She smiles softly, closing her eyes and laying her head on my chest. Within minutes, she's asleep, and I follow soon after.

…

…

…

A/N: Kind of short, but I don't think I could go any farther without having to cut it off somewhere strange. To that one person who said there was too much sex:

The last story, at this chapter, was in the middle of an orgy. And as I said before, I don't do 'Teen' Rated M-stories. Blood, sex and violence. A story rated M for salty language can suck it. What is 'it', exactly?

I'm not telling.

So, announcements. I'm going to be looking for a job while also starting on my original story. I've held off on starting because I get the feeling I won't be able to stop when I do and I wanted to finish this chapter.

Also, JotWE is at 3,700 words and Shadow of the Remnants is at 7,000, though updates will be sporadic.

Wish me luck.

Stay Awesome.

~Soleneus

P.S.: What the fuck is up with people not using a pairing they like because 'it's over used'? So? I'm all for trying new styles, but that is a weak fucking excuse.

"Oh, I really like [Character Name] with [Character Name] but it's so over used, so I won't."

Bitches! If you like the fucking pairing, use the fucking pairing, don't let the amount of fans for it be some how discouraging! It just means you'll have a fan-base there, ready and waiting to read your shit!

And on the flip-side, if you're going to change shit up, fucking change shit up! I can't say how many fucking times I've stopped reading a story because the world they're building isn't any different than the one before, including pairings.

For example : In Naruto stories, I fucking hate Kurenai and Asuma, not because I dislike Asuma, but because it's so. Fucking. BORING! Been there, saw that, it's fucking boring so fucking stop it!

*Sigh* I love seeing creativity and intelligence in stories, and to follow a path that's been tread by thousands of others is boring, tried and staid.

So, all I really have to say is this:

Unleash Your Fuckin' Imagination.

Stay Awesome Some More.

~still Soleneus