(A/N: I am soooo sorry about the long wait. Im right in the middle of a huge shift at work, so things have been thrown off in the mean time. Thanks for bein patient with me!)

Anya stepped out of the armory, rubbing her neck and grumbling in discomfort. Their last mission to help Legion left her trying to escape yet another explosion. Her, Tali and Legion had just barely made it back before the base erupted in a blast that shook the Normandy as she flew away. Her stomach was in knots as she thought over her decision, blindly stopping by her terminal to check messages. Originally, Legion had stated destruction was the only option for dealing with the heretic geth that followed the reapers. During the course of the mission, he had come to the consensus that there was a second option, to rewrite them. Legion had proven that they could work with the geth, that there could be peace. Tali surprised Anya with being somewhat against their destruction. With a heavy heart, Anya had chosen to destroy the heretics, rather than rewrite. Her mind was on what might happen long term had they been rewritten, on the war that the Quarians wanted to start with them to retake their homeworld.

She shook her head and sighed as she pushed the thoughts from her mind. As she focused her attentions on her messages, Edi's voice piped up overhead softly.

"The IFF is nearly ready, Shepard. However it needs to be tested. I recommend you take a shuttle to your next destination."

"Roger that, Edi. Thank you." Anya rubbed her brow a bit, then noticed a message from Admiral Hackett that was marked urgent and required her response on a private channel. She also took note of a message from Cerberus pertaining to the location of the shadow broker. Anya made a mental note to check in with Liara after the collectors were taken care of to inform her of the news. She smiled a bit, knowing Liara would be excited to finally hear news on the shadow brokers location.

After checking with Kelly for anything else that required her attention, she made her way to the comm room. Sealing the doors, she initiated the call to the admiral. His voice rang out over the comm unit sounding tired and stressed. Just like I feel, she mused silently as he began speaking. It turned out he needed her help for a solo mission to rescue one of his friends, a scientist who claims they found a reaper relic. She was currently being held prisoner inside a Batarian prison, awaiting execution for trying to blow up a mass relay in their home system. She assured him that she would head that way as soon as she was able.

As the call clicked off, she dropped her head backwards and sighed loudly. She was tired and wanted to just relax for a day. More so, she wanted to see Thane, and so far it was mission after mission keeping her from just breathing for a day. She could sense him faintly down below on the next deck. Recalling his words as she drunkenly drifted off to sleep before the mission, she supposed since she was nearby she would go have a word with Mordin. She stared at the door to the lab and inhaled deeply, readying herself for the incoming conversation which she had no doubt would embarrass her to the very center of her core. Unsealing the doors, she took a step into the lab. As usual, she found the scientist hard at work at his terminal and didn't look up from his work as he spoke up.

"Hello, Shepard. How can I help you?" He smiled without raising his gaze, his fingers flying furiously over his keyboard. She inhaled and let it out slowly and suppressed a blush.

"Hey, Mordin. Have you got a few minutes to talk?" At that, Mordin raised his gaze to hers, nodding and stepping around the table until he stood before her.

"Actually, wanted to talk. Medical matters." He inhaled a bit, letting it out sharply before continuing. "Aware that mission is dangerous. Different species react differently to stress. Sexual activity normal as a stress release. Still recommend caution with Thane. Drell/human liaisons complex. Thane complex as well." Anya felt herself blush from head to toe. Of course Mordin already knew about her and Thane. It was likely the entire ship did. She sighed, and tried to regain her composure.

"Thane is important to me. I don't want to hurt him, but I'm not just going to walk away." Mordin smiled softly and nodded.

"Of course. Hormones. Regardless, come to me when rash develops." Rash? What rash? Anya thought, arching a brow quizzically. She hadn't developed any kind of rash before from touching Thane. Maybe I am just…oh. She realized he probably meant due to actual intercourse. She felt herself flushing even darker red as a series of lewd images flooded her thoughts. She cleared her throat and did her best to maintain a professional air about her.

"Do you have a recommendation as a doctor?'

"Prolonged human to drell skin contact can cause small rash, itching. Oral contact may cause mild hallucinations." Well that explains why I feel so buzzed when I kiss him, or when I...her mind flickered to when she licked the soft red frills that adorned his cheeks and throat, making her swallow hard. A spiral of desire spiraled down her belly into her core as she nodded to the doctor, putting on a straight face as he punched a few keys on his omni-tool and continued through her inner musings.

"Also forwarding advice booklet to your quarters. Valuable diagrams, positions comfortable for both species, erogenous zone overviews. Can supply oils or ointments to reduce discomfort. Gave Edi electronic relationship demonstration vids to use as necessary." Mordin smiled at her kindly, and Anya cocked a brow. Vids? She pondered if Thane had been sent the same thing, assuming perhaps in her absence he had also spoken to Thane. She smirked, trying to lessen the amount of embarrassment that course through her being.

"Wait a minute, Mordin. You're just yanking me around, aren't you?" She smiled as Mordin faked shock, expressing mock insult and shifting his weight back on one foot.

"Shocking suggestion! Doctor-patient confidentiality a sacred trust. Would never dream...of mockery." He smiled wildly at her as he straightened once more. "Enjoy yourself while possible, Shepard. Will be here, studying cell reproduction. Much simpler. Less alcohol and mood music required." He nodded his head as he stepped back around his desk and resumed working at his terminal.

"Heh. Thanks, Mordin. Any chance you've also sent this stuff to Thane as well?"

"Yes. Spoke with me earlier while you were on mission. Thane much more nervous than you." He smirked as he nodded to Anya's inquiry, his eyes sliding shut momentarily with an amused expression. She chuckled softly, a slight blush flushing her cheeks again as he slid his eyelids back down and met her gaze for moment. Nodding to him, she left the lab and returned to the CIC. She leaned against the wall next to the elevator, pondering Mordin's advice silently as she cast her gaze over the crew before her. She could just barely make out Joker bickering with Edi and she smirked, shaking her head. Her eyes were drawn to the elevator doors as they dinged and slid open. Kasumi stepped out and nodded on her way to the armory. She flashed a devious smile at Anya right before cloaking and entering the armory, no doubt to watch Jacob, who was probably nearing the end of his work out session. Anya chuckled and shook her head.

She recalled her emails and wondered if they had any last minute things to take care of before they went after the collector base, remembering that Edi had informed her the IFF was nearly ready. She rubbed the back of her neck, assuming that once they left on the shuttle, it'd be the last bit of free time before the final showdown with the collectors went down. She wanted a bit more alone time with Thane before then. Everything seemed to be coming to a head too fast. She inhaled deeply, breathing out slowly as she made up her mind, spinning on her heel and stepping into the elevator and pressing the button to go down a level.

( - - - )

Thane smiled as he felt Anya at his door as if on command. He had just been thinking of her as he sensed her presence. He inhaled the usual coconut scent that emanated from her as she stepped next to him.

"Hey, Thane. You free for a bit?" She ask sweetly. He nodded as he looked over his shoulder at the beautiful woman he had come to care so much for, offering her a smile.

"Of course. You needn't ask. Time is short for me, Siha, but any I have is yours to take." He smiled more as she flashed a radiant smile at him, stepping around the table and sliding into her seat. She slid her hands across the table towards him, a slight sigh of what sounded like content escaping her lips as he slid his hands under hers. He rubbed his thumbs over the backs of her hands, and she traced small circles with her pinkie in his palm.

"How are you feeling?" She asked softly.

"No worse than ever, Siha. You needn't worry about me. And you? Are you well?"

"No need to worry about me. How are you holding up?" She assured him with a smile. He nodded with a pleased smile.

"I'm looking forward to the end of the end of the mission. It has been many years since I felt I could relax anywhere." Anya nodded to him, an amused smile twitching at the corners of her lips.

"I spent two years dead. Every moment seems irreplaceable now." Thane nodded in understanding, caressing her skin softly. He smiled as she matched the action, enjoying every second of her warm touch on his flesh.

"I spent ten years 'dead'. I understand the feeling. Strange that I should only reawaken now, when there is so little time left." His expression turned sad for a moment, causing Anya to lift a hand from his, cradling it against the side of his face tenderly. She shook her head.

"We have plenty of time, plenty of memories to make." She smiled reassuringly. He felt his expression soften as he placed a hand against hers, sliding his eyes shut and smiling as he nodded. Releasing her hand, he set his back on the table, and she once again placed hers within his.

"We deserve a vacation when this is over. The ship should have some kind of brochures in the archives that we could look through." She offered, tilting her head that adorable way he admired. He thought for a moment, then smiled at the idea, excitement bubbling into his chest at the prospect.

"I would very much like to see a desert!" Anya smiled and chuckled.

"A desert, huh? Perhaps we can visit Earth then. We have a few deserts there to choose from." She nodded a bit, her expression shifting a bit as she appeared to think over which one they should see. He nodded, lifting one of her hands to his lips. He pressed a gentle kiss against the back of her hand, relishing in the smile she offered in return. When she stood suddenly, he cocked a brow, watching as she walked around the table, a sultry sway in her hips as she took her time. He spun his chair to face her, moving to stand as she placed a firm yet gentle hand against his chest to keep him in his seat.

As she straddled his lap, his thoughts flashed to a vid that the professor had supplied him with. He had spoken with Mordin while Anya had been away on the mission with Legion, learning that oral contact with him essentially made Anya high, as if she was on drugs. The thought of being her personal drug amused him as she settled down, wiggling her bottom against his lap. The action spurred the memory of the video once more, where a female had straddled a male, both nude, and they had engaged in intercourse in that position. The thought made his member stir with desire as she leaned in to kiss him. He gripped her sides, returning her kiss hungrily. After a moment, she broke the kiss, inhaling deeply and smiling as she looked down at him. She cradled his face in her hands, teasing at his fringes with her fingertips as she wiggled again.

"You seem lost in thought, Thane. Care to share with the class?" He took in the glint in her eye as she smiled devilishly at him. As she gyrated softly in his lap against his hardening member, he groaned a bit, nodding.

"Ah...yes. I was thinking about a vid that the good Dr. Solas provided." Thane smirked as an expression of embarrassment colored her face for a split second.

"I see you spoke with him as well." She placed gentle kisses against the crown of his head, sending soothing sensations throughout his body.

"Indeed. His advice answers a fair set of questions. I am pleased you seemed to have spoken with him as well." She nodded a bit as he tilted his head back to gaze up into her eyes. He smiled as he searched their blue depths, feeling the way she felt about him emanating from every section of her being.

"Yes. Before I came down here to see you. You had suggested I should, so I took your advice. I...I think everyone on the ship knows about you and I, Thane." She blushed a bit, watching the path her fingers took as the traced the soft underside of one of his fringes. He shuddered beneath her, gripping her hips firmly and bucking his hips a bit. She gasped in delight and grinned.

"Yes, I suspected as much. I have received a few looks around the ship. And Garrus has already seen fit to tell me to take good care of you." That sparked a surprised look on her face as she looked him in the eye, halting her wandering fingertips and cocking a brow up at the door in the general direction of the Battery.

"Really now? When was this?" She inquired.

"The day of our lunch date on the Citadel." She bit her lip at his matter-of-fact answer and his already swollen member twitched. He reached between them to adjust himself more comfortably as he watched her expression change a few times, no doubt recalling their encounter. With a gentle hand against the back of her head, Thane pulled her close to kiss her deeply. He drank in the taste of her kiss as she sighed into his lips with a smile, tracing his fingertips up her triceps when she draped her arms around his neck.

"Thane..." She murmured softly before sucking his lower lip into her mouth with a soft pop. He mumbled a pleased groan against her lips as her tongue darted out to slowly trace the edge of his lip. After a moment of teasing, she pulled her face away and reached a hand up to trace on of her delicate digits across the split that ran down from the bottom of his nose to his chin, then over the ones that extended past the edges of his mouth. He sighed blissfully and closed his eyes as Anya leaned in to place feather light kisses over his brow and eye lids, tracing a trail back down to his mouth in a soft, sensual manner. Every touch ignited his senses and desire for her as he tried to recall how long it had been since his body had been touched in such a way.

Cradling his hands against her soft cheeks, he gently pushed her back, staring into her eyes again. Anya mirrored his fond gaze as she stared back into his. He brushed a small stray strand of her hair back into the rest as she bit her lip again.

"That is going to be the death of me, Siha." Thane stated softly. She cocked a brow in confusion.

"What do you mean?" She asked. He traced a thumb over her lip softly, his other hand moving down to rest on her hip.

"This. The way you bite it. It is….most enticing." She grinned sheepishly as a knowing look crossed her expression.

"Oh, heh. I didn't realize. Perhaps I shouldn't do it anymore..." She trailed off, a devious glint flashing in her eye before biting her lip deliberately.

"Gods, you are an evil woman, Siha." Thane pulled her close and claimed her mouth, pulling a giggle followed by a squeal of delight out of her as he slid his tongue into her willing mouth to dance against hers. He continued to kiss her relentlessly until she blocked his lips with her hand, pulling away, breathless and grinning. He smirked as she shook her head at him.

"I need to breathe, Thane. Silly drell." She chuckled, teasing him playfully. He knew they likely had little time before they would be required to leave the ship for a short bit, but he was determined and wasn't going to settle for less than at least her getting some sort of release from the seemingly endless teasing. He slid his hands behind her, gripping her bottom firmly. Arching his hips up, he used his hands to grind her down on his throbbing member. She rewarded him with a surprised, yet pleased soft murmur of pleasure.

"But I want you breathless, Siha. Breathless and gasping my name." As a look of surprise at his blatant statement crossed her face, he claimed her mouth again before she could speak, gripping her bottom and standing. He tightened his grip against her bottom as she wrapped her long legs around his waist in response, holding on to him tightly. He relinquished his claim on her mouth long enough to look around his room, pondering what he wanted to do before laying her down on his bed and placing himself between her legs. In a swift, single motion, he deftly removed the shirt she wore, watching as she blushed softly under his intense gaze and biting her lip. He eyed her soft breasts, hidden behind black lace decorated with tendrils of green along the outer edges of the fabric. He smirked, taking note of the fact that it matched the same hue of green of his flesh.

"Thane, I...are you sure? We could get interup-" He silenced her words with a gentle finger placed against her soft lips. He leaned on one elbow as he slid his finger from her lips down the center of her body slowly. She slid her eyes shut, her breath coming in soft, short pants as he trailed his fingers to either breast as he reached her sternum, taking his time to slip his fingers under the delicate material to rub and gently pinch and twist her hardened nipples for a little bit before moving to the other breast. He smiled as he coaxed soft moans from Anya's lips, watching her muscles ripple ever so slightly as she arched into his touch. After a bit, he resumed his slow travel down her center, silencing a disappointed grumble with a deep, sensual kiss. He pulled away for a moment as he watched that familiar haze drift over her expression, knowing his kiss was making her high. Anya squirmed beneath his fingers as he leaned in again, kissing her once more while his fingers traced slow, lazy circles at the waistband of her pants.

One of her hands gripped at his shoulder softly, while her other moved towards his wrist. With a chuckle, he grabbed her wrist gently, dragging it above her head and capturing it within his other hand. She struggled playfully, then let her arm go lax as she giggled into his never ending kisses. He then moved his hand back to her waistband, undoing the button with a small flick of his wrist. He felt her hesitate for a second, causing him to pull his head back from hers. She bit her lip as she looked up at him. His hand hovered at her waist as he searched her face, concern washing over his expression.

"Are you ok, Siha?" She nodded.

"Yes. Just...nervous. We've never actually..." Her words trailed off as a blush slid across her skin.

"I will stop if you wish me to, Anya." Thane said softly, his voice thick with his desire. She thought for a moment, then nodded, her expression looking ashamed. With a nod, he smiled, resting his hand on her warm belly and placing a delicate kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you. Please understand that I want to. Heaven knows I want to. But I just don't want…you know…to be all rushed." Thane smiled again, a deeper feeling of adoration flooding his heart at her words.

"I understand, Siha. We will wait until you are ready." Anya smiled and pulled gently at his head until he leaned down, accepting a deep, sensual kiss from her. After a moment he pulled back, smirking down at her.

"If you keep that up, however, I do not know that I can wait," he said jokingly. A playful glint danced in his dark eyes, and she rewarded him with a giggle. Thane shifted his weight to his other elbow, using his free hand to trace the contours of her face softly as she stared up at him with a soft, loving expression on her face. Her expression didn't falter as the overhead comm chirped, followed by Edi's disembodied voice.

"The IFF is ready for testing, Commander Shepard." It was a moment before Anya responded. She sighed a bit, and Thane observed as she maneuvered her torso upwards to rest on her elbows, placing a soft kiss upon his lips before speaking.

"I suppose we should get that out of the way then. Edi, instruct the team to gather at the shuttle. We will be taking it as suggested while we let you and Joker run the necessary tests."

"As you wish, Shepard."As the comm chirped and turned back off, Thane brushed her black tresses from her brow while she tilted her lips up to meet his once more.

"Back to work" Anya grumbled against his lips.

"Indeed. But it will be over soon." She nodded as he pushed himself off the bed, offering a hand to her. He pulled her up as she grasped it, then pulled her into his embrace, stealing another deep, sensual kiss once she was fully on her feet. She purred into his kiss, tracing his fringes with her fingers. Pulling away, she grinned at him deviously while he shook his head, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. While she pulled on her shirt and fixed her pants, he reached onto one of his shelves for his equipment. As she spoke, he turned back around to face her.

"I'll meet you down at the shuttle, Thane. I need to grab my gear as well." He nodded, stepping forward and tilting her chin up with his fingertips to kiss her gently.

"Indeed. See you down there shortly." She left before him, leaving him to finish grabbing his gear. With a smile, he took a deep breath of her lingering sent, then stepped from his room, meeting Garrus, Samara and Kasumi on their way to the elevator. Kasumi gave him a gentle nudge with her arm, offering a knowing grin as they rode the elevator down. Thane chuckled lightly, shaking his head at Kasumi's wordless teasing as she grinned broadly.

( - - - )

Anya's entire body hummed as she sat next to Thane on the shuttle ride. Her nerves were still fired up from their brief rendezvous in Thane's room. Her body ached for release at this point, and she was sure his did as well. She mentally crossed her fingers, hoping soon they could get the time together they so desperately wanted and needed. She glanced his way, finding Thane already watching her discreetly. She smiled crookedly at him and then turned her gaze out the window, watching as the flash of neon lights grew brighter the closer the got to their docking port.

They had been close to Illium, so they opted to pass the time there while Joker ran the Normandy through her necessary tests. Her entire team barely fit on the shuttle, especially with Grunt's large Krogan frame taking up a considerable amount of space. As they landed, they all but fell out of the shuttle. Kasumi pretended to be dramatic and gasp for air as she jumped out of the shuttle. A slew of obscenities colored Jack's speech as she bickered back and forth with Miranda, who fired her own plethora of insulting retorts back at Jack as they stepped out. Garrus and Tali followed them out, looking at one another after glancing at Miranda and Jack and then shaking their heads.

"Enough you two. I'll make you both stay on the shuttle alone together if you don't zip it!" Anya retorted to the bickering couple. Miranda offered a disgruntled 'hmph' her way as she sauntered off on her own, coupled by a 'screw you' from Jack as she too wandered off. Anya sighed, cradling her face in the palm of her hand and shaking her head at the two as everyone else wandered their separate ways. She felt Thane come to rest at her side and she looked up at him, smiling a bit.

"I will be surprised if we make it through this mission without those two killing each other first. Ridiculous." Thane shook his head at her and chuckled while she shook her own head, hitting a button on her comm device. "Everyone stay in radio contact. We leave the second Joker says the IFF is ready." Her ear pieced chirped with responses from each of the crew. As it went silent again, she leaned her head against Thane's arm, who gently passed a thumb down her cheek and under her chin. His dark eyes glimmered softly in the bright lights as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, then motioned forward as a suggestion to start walking.

"So, what shall we do, Siha? Edi said it would be a bit before the IFF was fully ready," he said quietly. Anya thought for a few seconds as they walked, then smiled broadly.

"We could cash in on our outstanding rain-check." When Thane looked at her with a puzzle expression on her face, her grin widened. "Our lunch date. We took a rain check on that, remember." Realization registered on his handsome features and he smiled, nodding as they turned foot to head towards the small bar in the area, hoping they also served food as well. As they passed by Liara's office, she wondered if she should stop by and deliver the information she received about Liara's target, the shadow broker. Deciding to wait until after lunch, she and Thane continued on, climbing the stairs until the stepped into the small bar. The bartender Aethyta cast her a welcoming smile, which she returned with a small wave.

Finding a small seat in a quiet corner, they were happy to find that food was served there. They both ordered something quick, waiting but a couple minutes for it to be delivered to their table. Anya smiled at Thane in between bites.

"So have you heard from Kolyat?" She inquired, taking another small bite of food. Thane chewed his for a moment, thoughtful, then nodded.

"Indeed. He seems to be doing well. Your friend Captain Bailey seems to be keeping him quite busy. I am happy to see him on a better path." He pushed a bit of food around his plate for a moment before turning his gaze to meet her own.

"I'm glad to hear that. I know it may not seem like it now, but I think in time, you two will be ok." Thanes face was somber.

"Time is not something I have much of unfortunately, Siha. I hope this is all is not too late." He sighed a bit, resting his fork on his plate gently. Anya reached over, placing a hand on his forearm.

"Don't talk like that. It's not too late. And we will figure something out. We will find you a cure. I promise." He shook his head, preparing to argue, but she interrupted him with a gentle finger to his warm, soft lips. "I promise." With a nod, Thane grasped her hand gently, pressing a kiss to the backs of her fingers softly. He didn't look convinced, but didn't argue the subject as he picked up his fork and resumed eating. The ate in silence for a short bit, admiring the view out a small window. After finishing their meal, then wandered back through the market district, checking out the various kiosks around. Anya found a new upgrade for her armor, and Thane was delighted to find a new upgrade for one of his weapons. As the reached a low wall over looking a large portion of Illium, Thane chuckled a bit, drawing Anya's view to him.

"Something amusing, Thane?" She tilted her head quizzically. He shook his head a bit as he responded.

""I spent two years here for the Dantius mission. My time was used watching my targets, studying their habits. In all that time, I never once looked at the Horizon. It is indeed quite...spectacular."

"It is quite beautiful," She agreed quietly, taking in the sight. She smiled softly, then looked surprised as she felt his arms wrap around her waist, twisting her gently to face him. His expression was soft, loving as he stared down at her. In the light, she could see the brilliant dark green of his eyes, and she felt herself melt in them. She always liked seeing him best in the light, so she could see every vibrant green of his skin and eyes.

"Not as beautiful as you, my Siha." Thane winked playfully, and Anya blushed. His statement was corny, but undeniably sweet as she tilted her lips up to meet his in a soft kiss.

"Ever the charming, handsome devil, Krios" She countered playfully, coaxing a rare full grin from his full lips. He kissed her again before releasing her once more. She smiled and sighed, resting her head against his arm. Casting her gaze around the area, she saw Liara's office and remembered she had planned to stop by give Liara the information she needed.

"Let's go talk to Liara, Thane. While we are here, I have some infor-" Just as she turned in the direction of Liara's office, beckoning for Thane to follow, her comm chirped in her ear, followed by a distorted voice that sounded like Edi. Anya's brows furrowed as she tried to make out what was being said, looking at Thane with concern. His own brows furrowed with concern as he nodded quizzically at her comm piece. She shook her head, pressing the button to communicate back.

"Edi? Edi is that you?"

"-ander Shepard, the Normandy has been -tacked. The crew is -ne" Her brows shot up more as she tried once more to contact the ship.

"Joker? Edi? Come in. What the hell is going on?" She demanded, more than concerned at this point. Her comm unit crackled a bit, and Edi's voice finally came through clearly.

"Commander Shepard. I apologize. You are required back on the Normandy. We have been attacked. We have regained control of the ship and are currently safe. The crew has been taken, however. Only Jeff and I remain." Anya's eyes widened in shock, her gaze shifting to Thane, who looked at her with worry in his eyes.

"Alright, be ready for our arrival! We are leaving shortly." Her comm clicked off as Edi acknowledged her command. She looked to Thane, reaching back up to get the rest of the team on the comm. "Everyone, double time back to the shuttle! There's no time to explain, just get your asses here!" Her comm chirped with the responses of the team as she spun on her heel and took off in a sprint towards their shuttle. Thane easily caught up and kept up with her stride.

"Shepard, what is going on?" His own expression mirrored hers, full of concern. She looked at him, her brows knitted close together.

"I'll explain on the shuttle!" He nodded to her briskly. She turned her head forward, racing towards where the shuttle was docked. Behind her she could hear the pounding footsteps of the rest of her crew catching up quickly. One by one they climbed into the shuttle, each clamoring to know what the rush was about. Her next statement left every one of them with a slack jaw and wide eyes.

"The Normandy has been attacked."