I glanced at Thane's profile from under my lashes, studying him as he studied the crowd. I was supposed to be choosing a toothbrush, but I'd long since given up on that. How was I to know the difference between a mass effect field one, and one that had a name I couldn't even pronounce? man,I can't even shop for normal toothbrushes. This is one thing that does not need more options.I bit my lip, before taking a small breath. "Thane," I started, only to break off as he looked at me, his soulful eyes searching.

He raised the scaled ridge of his brow when I fell silent, dithering about asking the question that was bugging the hell out of me. Like an unscratched itch, it festered under my skin, niggling at my brain.

I had to ask him. "Why haven't you questioned this whole 'destiny,' thing?" I asked, my voice pitched so low, I wasn't even sure I'd spoken out loud. "You've been so calm and … accepting about it all. Why?"

Thane paused in the act of searching the crowd again, turning his head to meet my eyes once more. "Because I do not question the gods. I believe they know what is the right path for me to follow." He looked around again, before raising his wrist and activating his omni-tool. After pressing the interface, he took the small bag from the vendor and rested his free hand on my lower back, guiding me once more. "You were brought here for a reason, and I was given a dream, instruction. I cannot ignore the edict."

"Doesn't it bother you, though?" I prodded, conscious of his hand, though I didn't freak out as I normally would; something about the way he touched me didn't feel intrusive. I don't know why, but if felt as if he felt he had the right to touch me. "I was dead … or dying, at least, so someone meddling in my life didn't really matter. But you had a life, stuff you were doing. I'd be pissed if someone just demanded I do something because they think it's the right path for me when I was doing alright on my own."

A soft hum left him, and he led me into a small building, letting me go ever so slightly ahead of him, though we were angled to still be able to talk. "I was once married," he said, looking away when my breath hitched. "She was murdered, and once I had … taken care of the issue, I felt as if I had lost my way. I had no life. No cause. Now I do."

I looked around as he spoke, unable to bare the look in his eyes. Deep inside, hidden by the mask I struggled to hold on my face, vulnerability seethed, snaking it's way into my thoughts. Will he leave me alone here? He's all I have, all I know. They told me he needed me and I need him, but what if he doesn't want me? Clerical errors …. My stomach twisted, acid building, almost choking me when he fell silent.

His face showed nothing, but his eyes … they burned with pain, before turning carefully empty.

The pain I saw made me hesitate again, wondering if he'd think me childish. I took a swift breath of cool air, and the scent of brewing tea soothed me. "I still don't understand how you can drop everything for someone like me. Don't you want to carry on what you were doing?" I asked, noting—somewhat absently now I was so focused on the deep timbre of his voice—that he'd let me into a small cafe. Dingy walls and a spotted carpet were the first thing I noticed, making my brow furrow. I know this place isn't exactly a hotspot, but I thought Thane would be more ….

"I did as I was trained. I killed, and I had no real will of my own, in some ways. I was the arm of those that paid me. There has been no interruption. Now I am doing something the gods wish for me to do. I am saving you, " Thane said, breaking off my thoughts. He turned his head and his lips tilted in a self-deprecating smile. "Do not let appearances deceive you." As he spoke, a small drell woman with deep purple scales walked over, and Thane bowed his head. "Lizvetta, this is Lily, a friend of mine."

The woman looked at me, cocking her head, before looking at Thane. "A pleasure to meet you." Her voice flowed like smooth honey, so different from Thane's rumbling tones. She bowed her head in return. "Table for two?"

There was more than a simple question in her tone, and the female in me perked her head up, sensing competition. Don't be stupid, Liz. He's an alien, for one, so is she, and two, why the hell would you even be thinking of him in that way? Cut it out. My throat felt tight at the thought, and I forced a smile as Thane nodded. Following them, keeping my silence around me like a protective veil, I listened to them exchanging pleasantries, asking about business and mutual friends. They clearly knew one another well, and I felt like an intruder in a private moment. Always on the outside looking in.

"Lizvetta?"

I looked up, realizing Thane was holding a chair out for me, his expression curious. "Thanks," I muttered, sitting down as gracefully as I could manage. The seat squeaked and I winced, feeling clumsy and foolish. My cheeks heated as the drell woman smirked. Next to Lily, I looked like a narwhal flopping around on a beach.

"Tea, please, Lily. The usual," Thane said, not taking his eyes off me as he sat down.

His chair didn't squeak.

When the woman had gone, leaving us in awkward silence, he leaned forward slightly. "What is wrong?"

"I don't get why you want to save me, Thane." I couldn't meet his eyes as I spoke. Under the table, I was pinching my wounded arm hard, needing the sting so I didn't cry. He was so giving, so honest in his words, I felt like a fraud. I had agreed to change, to choose, and yet … here I was, cutting myself.

He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between us and forcing me to meet his dark eyes. "I made a choice as you did. The gods did not demand I find you, it was a choice. I wish to help you." He looked pointedly at my arm. "My sense of smell is very strong, Lizvetta."

"Liz," I mumbled automatically, trying to think of a way to explain the need inside me to cut. "Thane …."

He held up his hand, silencing my excuses before I'd even managed to get them past the knot of panic strangling me. "You do not have to explain yourself to me, but I will ask one thing," he said, voice so soft I had to lean forward too, creating an almost intimate feeling to our little area our little area of the cafe. "I ask that you come to me first. Allow me the chance to help you before you resort to that again."

I hesitated, falling silent once more. I didn't speak as the drell woman returned with a tray loaded with the paraphernalia for tea, from cups to intricate little boxes and utensils. I couldn't even speak when he poured two cups of steaming water, adding scoops of sweet-smelling leaves. My mind was too busy racing, fear, panic, mistrust, and … longing, all warring inside. I wanted to trust him, to let him in, and even though I had no idea why, I nodded my head.

He smiled, handing me a cup. "You chose this, Liz, you chose me and I will do all I can to help you heal." Thane's eyes met mine, and I saw something lingering there, something I couldn't name.

"Why?"

"Because I lost my Siha, the one I had vowed to protect. I did not do so." His voice swelled with pain, before he cleared his throat. "After we have refreshed ourselves, we will buy you some clothing. To find your place, you must look as if you belong." A smile touched his lips, and he raised his cup, sipping his drink.

Where do you belong, Billy Goat?

I don't know .

As I raised my own cup, tasting the sweet, hot liquid, I felt a flash of warmth. It took a moment to realize what it was, the feeling so unfamiliar, I couldn't find the name. I met Thane's eyes, and then I knew.

I felt … hope.


A/N: Hey! So, before I thank all y'all lovely people, I need to say sorry for two things. The first, for not posting for so long. My must has abandoned me. I hope you will all bear with me and see if she comes back.

Second, for the lacklustre chapter. It sucks, I know, but I did my best with everything going on IRL. :(

Hope you enjoyed anyway, and please read and review, I love to have the feedback.

Thanks to my lovely readers, and beta's Pie and Sumi!