Thanks to all who reviewed! It made me write through a particularly bad patch of writer's block. Wow! Over 1,000 views! This is cause for a celebration. CHEESE FOR EVERYONE! Hmm...well...virtual cheese...

Disclaimer: I don't own ME!

The pub's loud music echoed through the hall I was in, even with its door shut. I sighed, holding my purse up. I had wanted to do this, but now, I wasn't so sure. I was supposed to be resting form my ordeal with bright lights, loud noises, and distant memories, and I was just diving into another version of pretty much the same thing. The door opened, and the noise level doubled. The turian who walked out gave my a polite nod as he passed by, and I knew I looked stupid just standing smack in the middle of the walkway. Now's as good a time as ever. I stepped in, smiling at the guard and making my way to the table in the back. It was Mez's favorite table. I liked it because it was the quietest, and I didn't get as many hungry stares. That was the hardest thing to get used to in this body, the looks men, and some woman, gave me. I suppose that's why I didn't really like dressing up. I had a small feeling that Teleya hadn't liked it either, and Jane never really got that sort of attention. A thing I liked about this bar was the fact that it didn't have asari dancers, which I always thought was awkward. I remembered facing the camera to its extreme down position whenever I was in Afterlife when my parents were inside. I spotted Mez chatting with a turian waiter, and she waved me over when she caught sight of me. I sat down at the table, facing the entrance. It was a habit Mez had pointed out to me, that I hadn't realized. Jane had done it too. I supposed I just wanted to see who came in, but I always studied every newcomer, to see if they posed any kind of threat...wow, I feel like Javik...anyway... "Hey! I was beginning to think you would never show up. I already ordered your usual for you." I smiled at her, and then the turian next to her. I didn't need to look at him for more than a second to recognize the look he gave her. I gave him one of my own.

He gathered the menus quickly after that. "I'll be right back with your drinks."

Mez just shook her head. "You do that to every guy who's interested in me."

I laughed. "Well, you yourself said that you don't want to be in a relationship while you're on your pilgrimage. How's that going, by the way?"

She just smiled; I was beginning to read her emotions through the way she moved or talked. "Ah, normal. Still saving up credits, but I haven't found anything really good yet." She shrugged. "It's nice to have someone look after me." She gave me a concentrated look. "But who looks after you?" I sighed, and almost said 'Kolyat', but knew she would get all girly after that...so I just shrugged. "She crossed her arms. "What about this 'partner' of yours? Is he cute?"

I just gave her tiny glare. "He's my co-worker, okay?" It wasn't really an answer, but it was the only one I could think to voice. Besides, I didn't really know what drell classified as attractive. I suppose he sort of was...handsome.

She shrugged. "Whatever you say." It was then that the waiter came back with our drinks, not saying a word in the exchange. I smirked when I realized that he probably thought that we were together. Mez had gotten a mild turian ale. She didn't like to get intoxicated heavily; she said it could be dangerous for a quarian to be caught unawares in an environment that wanted to kill them. I couldn't argue with that. I always ordered a kind of asari tea. In this world, I was way old enough to drink, but in mine, I would still be about 18 counting the years I spent here, and some part of my morality told me I shouldn't drink. Mez bothered me about it, but I just told her I didn't like to be compromised. That, coupled with the fact that I was overprotective of the quarian and liked to sit in the position where I could view the door probably made Mez think I was too uptight. I was just careful here. I may not be on Omega, but after the Geth attack, I wasn't going to be caught unawares again.

She continued her train of thought, unfazed by my aloofness. "So, what happened to you guys tonight? You fight? And also, why didn't you respond for the past few days? Were you busy?" She sipped her drink through a straw, much like Tali did when she got drunk in one of the games. I held my cup in my hand. The handle wasn't big enough for me to slip my palm into and wrap around the cup like I liked to do, which saddened me slightly whenever I ordered it here, but it was still comfortingly warm against my other hand. I blew on it and took a small drink. It was the only asari thing I ever regularly ingested, I noted wryly, even though I was one here. It tasted like Earl Gray, probably why I liked it so.

"I was in the hospital for four days." I said like I was commenting on the weather. I decided to get this one over with first.

She gasped. "Keelah! What happened?"

I smiled. I always liked it when Tali exclaimed 'Keelah', and I suppose that's why I adopted the saying in the first place. "Nothing much, to me anyway. My partner was attacked, and his brainwave patterns were damaged. I melded with him to fix the damage and woke up four days later—today."

"Oh." She was silent for a moment, and I knew she was thinking to herself, deciding what she was going to say next. She was a very inward person like that. I liked that about her. You always got the feeling that whatever she said was carefully chosen for the circumstance. I suppose that's why I wanted her company tonight. "I'm glad you're okay...but, don't asari meld to...you know..."

My eyes widened and I spluttered on my drink. "Goddess, Mez! Yes we meld to reproduce, but we can also use it to pass on information and such. It was not like that, I swear."

She held up her hands. "Okay, okay!" She narrowed her eyes. "But you did get very defensive when I mentioned it..."

I sighed. I was defensive, but people get that way when they're embarrassed, and that last comment did leave me very flustered. "Well the question you asked was slightly embarrassing. Plus, I can's see us like that." I shook my head. Truly, I could never see Kolyat being like that towards me...

"Uh-huh." She didn't look convinced.

I rolled my eyes. "Anyway, he walked me home and made me a sandwich..." I religiously ignored the cooing noises my companion was making. "Then we talked about my dead mother. Very romantic, huh?" I chuckled darkly. "Anyway, he's a drell, and they have vivid memories. They can't forget anything. They can have memory flashes that are as real as, well, reality. He remembered the time when he saw his dead mother and he sort of left after that and I felt horrible. Anyway...after Kolyat left you messaged me, I messaged back, and here we are. No romance."

She put her half finished drink down. "Keelah, he walked you home and make you a sandwich. Not only is he a gentleman, but he must like you." Before I had time to refute her statement my brain thought about what she said. Well, I wouldn't say he was a 'gentleman' from what I saw in the games, and Thane had told Shepard that he was temperamental. He wasn't around me...and he was occasionally a gentleman. Hmmm...I wonder if I made him act differently or something...? But why? "So you said he's a Drell?"

Her soft voice cut through my musings. "What? Oh, Yeah. Why?"

She chuckled. "Because one just walked in the door."

I suspect all color drained from my face. How had I missed that? I peeked over at him. Yup it was Kolyat. "Keelah se'lai..." I pressed a palm to my forehead.

"So it is him?!" She asked excitedly.

"Yeah..." I muttered. "That's Kolyat..."

She clapped her hands happily. "Oh, that's so cute! He went to look for you!"

I bit my lip. "Maybe he just randomly showed up here."

She shook her head gleefully. "Nope, he's coming over here."

I looked her straight in the mask. "Mez'Ralah, we are not like that okay, so don't say anything. Oh! Talk to me!" I whispered the last part. Why was I acting like a giddy schoolgirl? It was just Kolyat. But Mez seemed to be under the impression that we had a future together, which was undeniably awkward.

"But...we are talking..." I wanted to facepalm. Before I had a chance to whisper something else to her urgently, Kolyat's voice came deeply and softly over my shoulder.

"I'm sorry if I am interrupting, but I owe an apology to Teleya." It was mostly to Mez.

She stood up, and I fought the urge to grab her arm and yank her back down. "Oh, it's okay. I was just leaving. I have to get some sleep for work tomorrow. I'm Mez'Ralah, by the way. Nice to meet you!" I stared at her wide eyed as she smiled at me and left. I was going to kill her. Kolyat sat down in the chair across from me. We were silent for awhile, him staring at me, and me twiddling my thumbs. The thick silence was starting to choke me.

"I'm sorry." I stated, to get the conversation going.

He chuckled, causing me to frown at him. "You're sorry? I'm the one who should be sorry. I just walked out. And I made it awkward."

I shook my head. "It's not like you wanted to. Just...don't apologize for something that's not your fault."

He smirked his little Kolyat smirk. "That's rich, coming from you."

I sighed, and then decided to smile. "No more apologies, okay?"

He laughed. "I'll remember that one." I laughed at that too, our mirth dispelling the awkward air. I glanced around the club, taking note of all the other happy people. Happy couples. My cheeks turned a tad darker at that thought, along with a small stab of loneliness that I tried to dispel. "You look nice." I froze at the compliment, some part of my feminine soul jumping in elation that a guy had said that, and some part of my practical one burning in embarrassment.

"Oh, ah, thanks..." I squeezed out, breathless.

He studied me closer, whether trying to read me or studying the growing purple on my cheeks, I didn't know. "Thank you." His voice murmured softly. I tipped my head to the side in a quiet question. "For saving my life." He supplied. I didn't say anything, feeling that a 'you're welcome' would be a little cheap.

I smiled, deciding to change the subject. "You talk with your father lately?"

He shrugged. "I haven't had time, but I know I should." I nodded approvingly. He glanced to the glass beside his hand. "So...where did you meet your friend?"

I furrowed my brow. "Oh, Mez? Grys was giving her a hard time in an investigation because she was a quarian, so I told him to bug off. Turns out she was innocent. Turian bosh'tet...anyway, she's on her pilgrimage." When Kolyat became confused, I decided to explain further. "Since the quarians live on ships together they are constantly in need of new materials. So, in a coming of age ceremony, they go on a pilgrimage to look for something of value to take back to the flotilla. They can't go back until they have something that could help the ships or the race as a whole." He nodded, a considerate look coming over his face. "What is it?" I asked, curious.

He shrugged. "Bailey confiscated some out of date heating unit stabilizers from a volus engineer. They were too old for the Citadel, but...well, your friend might want them. There are quite a lot of them, and they are heavy duty."

I was suddenly alight with excitement. "I have to go talk to Bailey!"

He chuckled. "I believe he wanted to see you anyway."

I stood up, energized. "I'm going to talk to him right away, and you sir need to talk with your father."

He leaned back and gave me a one finger salute. "Yes ma'am." I smiled and hurried out of the pub, unaware of the drell's soft eyes following my departure.


"Hi Bailey!" I chirped, startling the Captian. He looked up to me, first confused, and then relieved.

"Teleya. How ya' doin' kid."

I smiled. "Just fine, Captain. I'm actually here about some heating unit stabilizers..."

He furrowed his brow. "Those old things? They're practically garbage. What do you need with 'em?"

I shrugged. "Well, if you aren't going to be using them, I know someone who might need them. Not for use on the Citadel."

He studied me briefly. "Consider them yours."

I bit my lip. I couldn't just give them to Mez. She would never accept them. She needed to earn this. "Um...actually, Captain, I was wondering if there was any tech help you needed, you know in exchange. The person who needs them will want to work for it."

He thought for a moment. I hoped there was something Mez could do. I suppose if there wasn't I could just sell them to her, but I thought she would like to use her expertise to get something. "Well, thinking about it, I was wanting someone to get in here and help find holes in our security programs to see if they can be exploited. If your friend can do that, it's a deal."

I grinned. "Perfect, Captain. I'll talk to her right away." I started to go, but Bailey called after me.

"I'm glad you're alive."

I smirked. "Me too." On my way out of the dock, I messaged Mez.

T-Hey Mez, I need to talk to you.

I knew she might already be asleep, so I wasn't expecting a reply. Just as I was about to call a transport, I felt a hand on my arm. My stomach leaped in surprise, but quieted when I realized it was just Syrran. "Oh, hi Syrran."

"Yeah, um, listen. I want to say sorry for snapping at you and everything. I was really worried about you when you were in the hospital. I just...don't know what I would do if I didn't have you around."

I smiled. That was nice of him to say. "Um, thanks, Syrran. I'm glad that you didn't get hurt in all of this."

He grinned turian style. "Yeah. Well, I was wondering...would you like to maybe go get a d-"

He was abruptly cut off by my partner's voice behind him. "Hello, Lieutenant. How is your evening?"

Syrran turned to him, and I didn't need to be a Prothean to feel the tension in the air. "Better a second ago." I wanted to smack him.

Kolyat blinked. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?" I knew his voice well enough to know that he was being anything but polite.

Syrran put a hand on my shoulder, startling me. "Leave us alone when we're having a private conversation."

Kolyat crossed his arms. Goddess I hated male posturing. "I was not aware that talking as loud as a mating Krogan constituted a private conversation." My eyes widened involuntarily and I would've facepalmed if I wasn't so tense. I glanced around to see if there were any krogan in the vicinity. There weren't, thank the goddess. In fact there wasn't really anyone around, except for the door lady—another blessing. Syrran stepped away from me, standing up taller. In return, Kolyat straightened up and flickered a light blue. I couldn't believe my eyes, were they really going to fight?! Before it could get any worse I jumped between them, pushing both backwards with a pulse of blue.

"What is wrong with you two? Seriously? Why are you acting like...like...children?!" I shook my head and started walking to Mez's apartment, not wanting to wait around for a transport. Neither of them followed me, and I didn't really mind. Syrran was just starting to be nice again, and then he said the first really rude thing in the conversation. Kolyat and I had just had a nice evening, and then he had to go along with Syrran's little bloodlust. Gah. Men.


I knocked on Mez's door a few times, feeling bad for waking her up. When she opened the door she was groggy and slow, but she let me in anyway. "What do you need at this hour? Unless that Kolyat of yours kissed you or something, I don't want to hear it."

Despite myself, I laughed. "No, nothing like that. I do have some news that could help your pilgrimage, though."

She sat down beside me, still tired, but intently listening. "Really? What is it?"

"Well, the precinct confiscated some, and by some I mean a lot, of heating unit stabilizers. They aren't aloud on the Citadel because they're an old model, but I figured the Flotilla might need them."

She sighed. "That's great and all, but I want to do something for my Pilgrimage, not just take from someone."

I smiled. "Of course. The Captain said he would trade some help for them."

She tilted her head. "What kind of help?"

I shrugged. "He needs someone to try to access the security programs and test their firewalls and find weaknesses and stuff. You can do that, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I should be able to do that. I'm pretty good at hacking."

I smiled. "Good. I can take you there in the morning." I paused. "Can I stay here?"

She frowned. "Sure, but, why?"

I sighed. "I want to avoid both Kolyat and a turian named Syrran."

She was all ears. "Why?"

I sighed again. "Well, Syrran was talking to me. I think he wanted to go have a drink. Then, Kolyat comes up and says hi, Syrran says something rude, then Kolyat said something rude back. They would've started a fight if I hadn't broken them up. I just don't get why guys do that..."

That was when Mez did something I hadn't expected her to do; she laughed. She laughed so hard she fell over onto the couch. I just frowned and crossed my arms, waiting for her to have enough air to talk to me. "Wow..." she giggled. "Just...wow...I can't believe you don't see it!"

I growled. "See what?"

She did something with her suit, though I don't know what. Maybe laughing had brought tears to her eyes and she was filtering them out or something. "You are one of the smartest people I know on the Citadel, but you can't see that Kolyat is sooo in love with you."

I flushed blue. "W-what? He is not!"

She chuckled. "Really? Then why did he interrupt someone when they were about to ask you out, and then pick a fight with them. Those guys were fighting over you Teleya!"

I was silent. No, that wasn't right...It really couldn't be right. This was all weird. In the end, I decided I was too tired to think about this any longer. "Well, can I stay here or not?"

The frustrated quarian threw her arms up. She wasn't going to get a confession of love out of me. "Fine, you can, but I'm telling you, Teleya T'Leri, those men are in love with you. You might have to choose between them one day."

She went and got me a blanket, and I camped out on the couch. I didn't speak for the rest of the night, even when Mez'Ralah said goodnight. I though about that question. Who would I choose. I wasn't acknowledging that she was right, but...if I had to choose. I had known Syrran longer. Kolyat...he was my partner. I trusted him. I wrestled with that question for quite awhile. Before sleep finally took my torn consciousness, I realized with slight surprise that in my heart, I did, had, and will always choose...

Kolyat


Kolyat,

I haven't got a message back yet. If you sent one, I didn't receive it. We have not yet gone through the Omega 4 Relay. Shepard wishes the crew to make peace before we do, much like I did. She is taking the ship wherever the crew needs to go, without question. She thinks of the crew before the mission. I have found that she is a remarkable human. I have seen no one like her before. She puts everything before herself without a selfish thought. It is truly an honor to serve under someone like her. I think the chances of my surviving the mission have gone up because of her. I worry about you Kolyat. I hope you are settling in well on the Citadel, and that you are getting along well with Lt. Commander T'Leri. Please reply soon, Kolyat. Even with Shepard on our side, this mission is still going to be a suicidal undertaking.

-Thane


Father,

I am glad we still have time to talk, although this surprised me. I am sorry I haven't replied back. Things have been...hectic...here. I am fine now, but I was in the hospital for a short time. I went undercover to expose a Red Sand ring in the Wards. I made it to the leader, but was attacked. I...can't remember much, but I know that he trapped me in a force field and then...did something to me to mess up my brainwaves. T'Leri killed him. She did something...melded with me to fix the damage. She was in a coma for a few days, but is fine now. She is the one that encouraged me to write. I...recalled a memory in front of her. It was when I found mother. I don't know if I ever told you this, but when she wasn't there to walk with me home from school, I walked by myself. I saw her on the gurney...she was so bloody...I asked her to wake up, but she didn't...I was embarrassed for putting the Lt through that. I left after that, although I searched for T'Leri to apologize. I hope we can talk more, and that your mission is successful. As to the questions in the previous letter, I do have a place on the Citadel, in the Wards, and I am fine. Until we can talk again...

-Kolyat

In case you can't already tell, Thane romances Shepard in this, which is why he is slightly out of character and talking about her a lot in his letter. Anyway, I can't read minds through the computer, even though that would be awesome. I suspect that is why they created this review button located conveniently next to the end of the chapter... ;P Really though, reviews are one of the best things to get as a writer, as I'm sure some of you know. It helps my writing process tons, and I'm not just saying that to make you guys push the button:)

Next Chapter split into two parts for dramatic effect, so don't get mad when the next 'chapter' is really puny. The other half is bigger.