We were pulling into the Sol System within the hour. Notice had been put ahead. I had decided hiding in the main battery was a better use of my time than being in the CIC. They knew their way. I sat on the crates off to the side as Garrus continued fixing the rest of the damage.

"Just a few more tweaks once we're in port and they'll be back online." He locked the console and leaned his hip against it. "The rest of the algorithms and targeting systems are back."

"Very good, soldier." I leaned against the wall, folding my arms over my chest. I couldn't stop my heart from hammering.

"You'll be fine, Shepard."

I blew out a harsh breath to the ceiling. "Why doesn't it feel like it?"

"Because bureaucratic assholes are in charge of this farce." I heard him let out a sharp breath. "Turian law would reward you as a hero. Then again, we know how the Batarians actually operate."

"They don't want backlash. They still won't admit to the existence of the Reapers, but they also don't want to start a war right now. Not with how new we still are to the Council."

I felt him sit next to me on the crates, but I kept my eyes closed and turned towards the ceiling. "Shepard, you'll be fine. And I'm just a comlink away."

"Alliance military screens everything, outgoing and incoming."

"I'll be sure to keep the pillow talk to a minimum then."

I let out a huff of a laugh to the ceiling. "Shut up, Vakarian."

I felt his hand on my leg. "That's right, I forgot. Wouldn't consider what we say pillow talk, huh?"

I nudged his shoulder, leaning on it. "I'm going to miss you, Garrus."

"If death hasn't torn us apart, I don't think a detention center is going to do it." He shrugged. "Besides, next time you see me the scars will finally be healed up enough that I won't need the bandages." He moved a bit to put his arm over my shoulders. "I know how much they drive you wild."

I let out a hum. "I haven't seen you shy away from mine."

"Excuse me that scars are a huge turn-on for Turians." He pressed his avian lips to my hair. "Everything will work out fine. I mean, do you think they'll keep you locked up once the Reapers actually do hit?"

My blood ran cold. "Don't. If that's the only reason they let me out…"

"Understood."

The comm clicked on. "Commander, we're pulling up to the docks in Vancouver."

"Understood, Joker." I sighed and got up from the crates. "Time to face the inevitable."

He got up as well. He held out his hand and I took it. I wasn't expecting him to cover it with the other. "No matter what, I'll still be out there. It's been an honor serving with you, Commander." He tilted his head. "And under you. And on top of you. And—"

I laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I get it." I nudged his chest with my free hand. "See you around, Garrus."

He let go of my hand. "Do you want me to walk with you?"

I shook my head. "I'd rather not have you see me led away in cuffs."

"I suppose not." He stepped up to me, his head tilted down. "Though I'll keep it in mind to have a set next time we meet."

I heard the engines die down as the gravity shifted, letting me know we had docked. "Stop making me want to stay."

"I can't help it. Blame the military blood in me." He cleared his throat and stepped away. "You might want to leave before I say anything else to keep you."

I took a deep breath. "Right. I mean, court marshalled is bad enough. I don't think they'd appreciate me putting it off any longer." I stepped into the doorway. "Good-bye, Garrus."

He nodded. "Good-bye, Shepard."

The door closed behind me, making me take another breath. "Let's get this over with."