A/N: It was going to be this chapter, but I had to delay it a few more. So we're getting closer. And I like the Liara 'big sister' kind of role here. Made me laugh writing it.

N7

"Joker, bring us around to the Citadel," Shepard said as she headed toward her cabin.

"Aye, aye ma'am!" She sat down at her desk, and checked her private terminal. A message from James. With a smile she hit the intercom.

"Hey, James, I've got some free time if you wanted to talk."

"I'll be right up," he replied. He pulled on his shirt as he headed to the elevator.

"Going to get more Cerveza, Mr. Vega?" Cortez asked.

"Nope. I'm headed up to see Lola."

"So… Krogan whiskey?" He suggested. James laughed.

"Nah, that's just her thing Esteban. Don't tell Shepard, but I can't drink even a glass of that without passing out." Cortez laughed.

"I don't think anyone other than Shepard and the Krogan can." Vega got onto the elevator, and got to Shepard's door. The door opened, and James entered. He looked around.

"Pretty nice. So this is what I have to look forward to when I'm too old to actually fight."

"Uh-huh. Just come up here to make fun of me James? Or did you have something you wanted?" Shepard asked with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Sorry Lola. But yeah, I did want to talk. When you were asked to join N7, what did you do?" he asked.

"I thought about it. They expect a lot out of us. But I knew I could do it. I don't have a family either, so it seemed better me than someone who has children, a wife, a husband to take care of. So I joined. Why?"

"I got a message from Alliance brass asking me to join. It was dated the day of the attack. Just not sure if I should accept."

"You're a hell of a soldier James, and all of us know that we have to act quickly or lives are lost. Every N7 has had an extreme loss in their life before being asked to join. I'd say you qualify there. They're all also stronger for it…. Is that what you're looking for James?"

"Yeah. So you think I should accept?"

"Hell yeah. You'd be great," Shepard replied. James smiled.

"Thanks, Lola. I'm gonna go back to the shuttle bay… it's a little too soft up here." Shepard sat down on the bed.

"Actually, the bed's pretty hard." James stopped and turned around.

"You flirting with me Lola?" He asked.

"What do you think James?" He blushed and went out the door.

"Later, Lola…" As he left, Shepard laughed.

A little later, Liara showed up.

"I ran into James in the hallway… he seemed a little… red. Did something happen?" Shepard laughed.

"I think I embarrassed him, he'll be okay."

"He's attractive… does it have anything to do with that?" She asked. Shepard smiled, and nodded.

"Yeah. It does."

"You really like him don't you Jill?" Shepard smiled.

"I do. He's strong, brave. Hot. And a damn marine in every way. He also can keep up with me in combat."

"That is an impressive feat."

"He's cute. I just hope he has the balls to go through with it someday."

"I don't know how many we really have left anyway. If you do like him, you should act now."

"I know. But I think he's afraid of me."

"He's not afraid of a brute, why would he be afraid of you?" she asked.

"He's still a man."

"He'll come around," Liara said laughing.

"I hope so."

James got down to the shuttle bay still a little red and going to his area. Cortez took notice of James' state when he started to do pull ups. He went toward the upset man, and looked up.

"Hey, James, you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine."

"You're lying. I've known you long enough for that." James dropped down next to Cortez.

"Just leave it alone, Steve."

"Yeah, you're upset. Did something happen with Shepard?" James sighed, and sat down.

"It is about Shepard. I… I don't know what to do."

"I'm not so good with women, but I can try to help."

"All right, well you know me; I flirt with girls all the time. It's what I do. But with Shepard, it's like every time I flirt with her, I don't expect her to flirt back, and actually mean it. But I think she does!"

"And what's wrong with that? She's a strong woman. I could see you with her," Cortez said leaning against a stack of crates.

"I don't know man. I've never been with a woman like Shepard." Cortez laughed.

"That's because there aren't many women like Shepard. Just be a man Vega. When she flirts with you, show her you mean it. She's a decisive woman. And I think she's decided James."

"Decided what?"

"I think she's decided that she wants you. Shepard doesn't take interest in just any man."

"So what's so special about me?"

"I don't know. You'd have to ask Shepard. But you are a lot like her."

"What do you mean?" "

You're both marines, crazy, strong. Just to name a few."

"I guess so."

"What are you gonna do?" Cortez asked.

"I have no idea. I'll figure it out."

"Hey, James, we may not survive this war. I wouldn't waste what time you have left. I know I'm not."

"Oh yeah? What about Robert?" Cortez sighed.

"I have to move on. He's gone. I'm alive. I'll remember him, but I have to live for today, and you should too." James sighed.

"You're right."

"So you gonna tell her?"

"Yeah. I am." James started to leave for Shepard's cabin again, but she was rushing into the shuttle bay getting into her armor already.

"Shepard?"

"We gotta move! Now!"


A/N: Adam said I should do an alternate version of this with MShepard. Not happening. I'm gonna write him with Cortez. Way more fun. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the male version, his voice acting is terrible in comparison to FemShep. As always, reveiws are apperciated!