The Depths of His Love

Jasmine grinned when Thane met her and Drali at the door. She didn't think she'd ever get tired of seeing his face, of watching his composure crack just a little whenever she entered a room. "Hey, you. How are you feeling?"

She loved him more than she'd ever loved anyone else. The speed and strength of it once scared her, but after everything they'd gone through together, and in such a short amount of time … some days he was all that kept her anchored. She'd learned to embrace her feelings and bask in the depths of his love. So long as they were together, she knew everything would work itself out, one way or another.

Cupping her face, he brushed his thumb over her cheek, but turned his attention to Drali. "Thank you, Brother."

"Of course." Drali grinned and moved past them, down the hall toward the living room.

Brow furrowing, she studied Thane, something making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. "What's going on?"

"Siha," Thane said, dropping his hand from her face to take her hands in his, "I love you, and I pray you forgive me for this … minor indulgence."

"What minor indulgence?" Despite the soft opening, his words tightened the muscles of her neck and shoulders, instinct telling her it was time to fight or run like hell. "What are you talking about?"

"Relax. I promise you, it isn't as bad as whatever you're thinking." After chuckling, he leaned in and kissed her before saying, "Ah … you taste of my brother's venom …."

"Don't change the subject, mister." She shook his hands. "We drank out of the same bottle of wine, but what's this 'minor indulgence' you're talking about?"

Chuckling again, he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her again. "I know it's early," he whispered against her ear, "but I didn't wish to deny Kolyat the chance to share in the moment. Happy Birthday, Siha."

Ah, fuck.

She let out a noisy sigh and leaned her forehead against his shoulder. "You're lucky I love you."

He laughed and kissed her temple. "Come, he's very excited." Taking her hand, he led her down the hall.

You seem pretty damn excited, too.

Flowered wreaths decorated the walls, bouquet of scents filling the living room air. Softly glowing, hand-painted orbs hung from the ceiling, reminding her of dancing flames. She didn't need to count them to know there'd be twenty-six.

Jesus, they turned the living room into a birthday cake ….

A warm feeling sprouted in her chest, and she turned to take in the hopeful smiles of the drell family gathered around the dining room table. She hated being put on the spot, but how could she possibly refuse any of them a 'minor indulgence' when it made them all so happy? She smiled, acutely aware of a blush creeping up her neck under the limelight.

Kolyat sat at the table, watching her intently, scrutinizing her every move and expression. Rone stood behind the kid with a hand on Kolyat's shoulder, and Kelena stood next to him, an excited smile on her face. Theodus sat, perpendicular to Kolyat, flashing her a mischievous grin she'd grown used to seeing on his face. Drali smirked when she met his gaze, and he tipped his head toward the table itself as he pulled out a chair and took a seat. She looked down, finding a big, metal bowl filled with ….

"Is that …" She took a step closer. "… is that mint chocolate chip ice cream?" Jasmine grinned and giggled despite herself, the warmth spreading.

"Indeed." Thane pressed his hand to the small of her back, urging her closer to the table and pulled out a chair for her. "We weren't able to find a cake recipe manageable with ingredients available on Kahje, but those for your favorite ice cream proved far more attainable."

She stopped halfway to sitting and turned to look up at him. "You made this?"

Smiling, he put his hand on her shoulder, urging her down the rest of the way. "No, Kelena did."

"With help from Theodus." Kelena's grin widened, and she glanced at the albino drell. "Perhaps I should instead say that I helped him. I hope it turned out well."

Tears welled up in her eyes even though she told herself not to cry. The smile on Kelena's face faltered, and she took a hesitant step forward. Sniffling, Jasmine swiped her thumb under her eyes and forced a reassuring smile on her face.

"This is …." She took a deep breath and let it out with a chuckle. "I can't believe you guys did all of this."

Kelena smiled and moved to stand next to Jasmine. "Of course we did." Leaning down, she pressed her cheek to Jasmine's and said, "We only wish we were able to make a cake, too. Cake sounds delicious."

Returning the gesture, Jasmine chuckled and rested a hand on the pregnant woman's shoulder. "It really is, but this is more than I could've hoped for." She looked up to meet Kelena's gaze when the woman straightened. "Thank you so much."

Thane watched as Kolyat presented his gift to Jasmine, holding the wrapped box out to her on outstretched palms. "Happy Birthday, Jasmine."

A warm, affectionate smile graced her lips, and she plucked the gift from his hands. "What's this?"

"You will have to open it and see." Kolyat took a step back and tucked his hands behind his back, watching her with excitement dancing in his eyes.

She hummed and slipped her fingernail beneath a fold in the paper, popping it free and unwrapping the box. Setting it on the table in front of her, she lifted the lid, and a slow, wide smile spread across her face as she took in the shell bracelet nestled down inside; designed much like the blue one she'd bought Kolyat for his birthday. Reaching in, she lifted it from the box, letting it dangle in the air before turning it over, and the light caught on the chips of yellow shell.

Thane noted her response to being presented with the gift was nearly identical to Kolyat's reaction on his birthday, and it tore a soft chuckle from him. Jasmine glanced at him and smiled. He'd told Kolyat not to worry about credits while choosing a gift, Thane would happily cover any cost. However, Kolyat insisted on making the purchase himself, and although he'd chosen something inexpensive, it appeared he'd made the best choice.

"I would be happy to help you put it on, if you like," Kolyat said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"Please." Looking up at the boy, she held the bracelet out to him and then extended her arm, giving him access to her wrist. "This is beautiful, Kolyat. Thank you."

"You are most welcome." Wrapping the bracelet around her wrist, he closed the clasp and stepped back again, holding up his own wrist to show the blue shell bracelet he still wore. "I thought it would be nice to get you one like the one you gave me."

Kolyat confided in Thane while they shopped; he said he wanted to get Jasmine a bracelet like his because he thought it might help her to always remember who gave it to her whenever she looked at it. Because she was a human, he'd said, and humans don't remember things the same as drell. Thane suspected it had much more to do with simply wanting to be remembered. Something Thane attributed to his own past failings as a father and his continued regular absence. Indeed, he still had much to do to reassure Kolyat of his intentions to remain in his son's life.

"What a great idea. I love it!" She stood unexpectedly, and wrapped her arms around the boy, tears in her eyes once more.

Even knowing the tears she shed were of love and gratitude, Thane felt the urge to pull her to him and kiss them away. Alas, the moment was not his to steal, and seeing her embrace his son eased the need … yet it made his heart ache for his Irikah. What he wouldn't give to have the chance to see Irikah holding their son again.

Kolyat froze for only a second before laughing and returning her embrace. "This pleases me to hear."

"Alright, enough with the outpourings of emotion." Drali stood, picking up an unwrapped box at his feet. He carried it down to the end of the table and sat it in front of her chair. "Here, open mine next."

Everyone laughed at Drali's persistence as he pushed the box closer until it bumped against Jasmine's hip. She let go of Kolyat and gave him a smile before returning to her seat. Glancing up at Drali, she lifted an eyebrow, but he only grinned wider and tapped his fingers atop the box.

With a snort, she lifted the lid from the box and glanced inside. Thane's thoughts drifted as she pulled out first a canister of cinuela and then a bottle of Kahje's finest sweet wine before reaching inside once more. His heart still ached for Irikah and Alahana, but their deaths only reminded him of how short life truly was. How short his life would be compared to Jasmine's. He didn't want to waste any time.

He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, and she'd made it clear she wanted to stay with him always. He thought … no, he believed Irikah would want him to be happy, to have love. Some might still consider it too soon, but he knew his heart, and that decided the matter for him.

Kolyat met Thane's gaze, hesitancy and expectation in his eyes slowly shifting to dread. Still, Thane said nothing for a moment longer, gathering his own thoughts. They stood in Kolyat's bedroom, the door closed securely behind them, and the sounds of laughter and conversation barely penetrated their bubble of silence and privacy.

"Kolyat … I wanted—I wanted to ask you something." Thane brought a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, fear of what his son my say, what he might think ate away at his resolve.

"I am listening, Father." Kolyat didn't move, didn't even blink as he studied Thane, and Thane knew if he didn't come out with query soon, Kolyat would pull his battle sleep around himself.

"I …. Perhaps we should sit down." Thane didn't wait for agreement before moving to the foot of the bed and taking a seat.

A few seconds later, Kolyat sat next to him. "You're not coming back again, are you?"

"What? No!" Thane jerked his head around to look at Kolyat, eyes wide, lips parted in his shock. "No, Kolyat, that isn't what this is about. I gave you my word, I will come to Kahje as often as I can."

"Then what is this about, Father?" Kolyat's brow ridge ticked up, the relief in his eyes short-lived.

Thane blew out a heavy breath and glanced away, brushing his thumbnail over his forehead. "It's about Jasmine and I." He turned his gaze back to Kolyat, refusing to pull his battle sleep around himself just to make it through the conversation. "I want to ask her for her hand in marriage."

Kolyat's gaze drifted away from Thane, settling on the artifacts of a life they shared long ago decorating a table in the corner of his bedroom. A life when his mother still lived.

"I'm asking for your blessing, my son." Thane shifted his body more toward Kolyat. "I need to know if this is something you will be happy about and wish us well or if—"

"You said once that Mother and Jasmine both treated you better than you deserve." The words slipped from Kolyat, something cold and filled with pain just below the surface. "You did not treat Mother as she deserved, you have said as much yourself."

Thane swallowed against the knot forming in his throat. "This is true, and I will always regret not being a better husband for your mother."

"Will you be a better husband for Jasmine?" Kolyat met Thane's gaze, the challenge of his question setting his blue eyes ablaze. "Will you do all the things for her you never did for Mother? Will you stay with her, Father? Will you be there when she needs you most?"

"I will do my best, and should my best prove inadequate, then I will find a way to do better. I will never stop trying to do better for her, or for you, Kolyat." Thane took a deep breath and rubbed at the ache in his chest. "In the years since your mother's death, I have come to understand all the many ways I failed the both of you. I can't undo what's already been done, but I love you and I love Jasmine, and I will do everything in my power to keep both of you happy, healthy, and safe. The two of you are all there is left that truly matters to me in this galaxy. You have my word."

"Then you have my blessing." Kolyat leaned in and wrapped his arms around Thane's shoulders before kissing his cheek. "I love you, Father, and I wish the best for you and for Jasmine."

Drali took a seat next to Thane on the couch. "Brother, if I might have a moment of your time to discuss a matter of importance?"

"Certainly." Thane dragged his attention away from the dining area where Kolyat and Theodus worked together to teach Jasmine how to play treala; the new set a gift for her from Theodus. "What can I do for you?"

"I've given consideration to some of the things you said the last time you were here, and I think it is time for me to leave Kahje." Drali flicked his wrist, waving his hand dismissively. "For a time, not forever, of course. I've grown restless here."

"I see." Thane nodded, pondering the hint of nervousness drifting off of his brother. "I think it is a good idea for you to take some time away. Kolyat will be sad, undoubtedly, but he will understand. Where will you go?"

"Ah." A coy smile settled on Drali's face, and he took a deep breath. "I'd hoped to join you when you leave. Of course I understand if it isn't possible, if you must go straight to work or what have you. I thought it might be nice, relaxing, to spend time with you and Jasmine—Theo if he will be around, too—away from … the confines of drell society."

Thane didn't speak for a moment, calculating the odds of Drali's presence not creating problems amidst the group of secretive assassins, former STG, and former Asari Commando while they hunted Cerberus. "I—it's something Jasmine and I will need to discuss in private."

"I know who she is, Brother, what she does," Drali said the words with the softest of whispers, barely loud enough for Thane to pick up despite sitting right next to him. "She told me today. I will hold her secrets as closely as I hold yours, you both have my word. There's no need to worry or hide yourselves from me."

Truth be told, Thane wasn't entirely surprised to learn Jasmine chose to share her profession with Drali—not after he'd told her that his brother knew of his own career choices. Still, things were not so simple. There was more to consider than just his and his siha's comfort. Isaac, Raúl … everyone involved in their war against Cerberus stood to be affected by Drali joining them, even just for a few days on the Citadel.

And … Thane didn't wish to put Drali in any danger.

"Even so," he said, clearing his throat, "there are other aspects we must discuss."

The disappointment in Drali's eyes appeared nearly palpable. "Of course."

Jasmine laughed, setting the smooth stone down on the treala board. "I know, I know. I just lost. Again."

Kolyat grinned, sliding his winning piece into place. "Indeed, but you did much better this time. I would love to play again, but it is past time I go to bed. It surprises me Uncle Rone has not yet come to usher me away."

"Goodnight, Kolyat." She stood when he did, and opened her arms to him in offering. "Thank you again for all of this. It's been a spectacular birthday."

Stepping into her embrace, he wrapped his arms around her and splayed his hands out on her shoulder and back. "I am glad Father gave me the opportunity to celebrate with you, even though you will not still be here on your true birthday." Easing himself free, he smiled and said, "One day, I hope to see you celebrate with your traditions as they are meant to be."

She grinned, letting her hands slide down his arms as she let him go. "I usually try to ignore my birthday, to be honest, but I've really enjoyed this. This was far better than anything I normally do."

"Perhaps … it is time for you to make new traditions, then." Kolyat tipped his head to the side. "Goodnight, Jasmine."

"Goodnight." She watched him make his way over to his father, who stood and offered him a hug.

"Jasmine?" Theodus said as he moved to stand next to her.

"Hmm?" She didn't tear her gaze from Thane and Kolyat, the sight of them made her heart sing. She was so, so happy she'd convinced Thane to reach out to the kid.

"Thank you," Theodus said and paused long enough to draw her full attention, "for encouraging me to return to this place. Having this … glimpse of what family is meant to be …." He let out a soft chuckle and glanced at his feet. "For the first time in my life, I feel like I am accepted. Welcomed by my own people. As if I have a family of my own."

Turning more fully to face him, she leaned in and hugged him, pressing her cheek against his. "I'm glad you decided to come, Theo."

Returning the gesture, he squeezed her a little tighter than before. "Indeed. Kolyat has the right of it. I believe I shall return to the motel and get some sleep."

"I think we'll be heading out soon, too." She glanced over her shoulder at Thane, Rone, Kelena, and Drali, Kolyat having disappeared while she spoke with Theodus. "Do you want to stick around a minute and go together?"

"Sure." He nodded and then turned back to the table, collecting the pieces of the treala game and putting them away in the box.

She made her way over to Thane's side, noting their conversation dwindled to nothing as she approached. Sliding her arm around Thane's waist, she raised her eyebrows. "Did I miss something?"

"Not at all, siha." Thane draped his arm over her shoulder and tugged her in closer.

She narrowed her eyes, just a little at him, and he rubbed his hand up and down her arm. Turning her attention to Rone and Kelena, she gave them a warm smile. "Thank you for tonight. Everything was perfect, and it meant so much to me."

Rone returned her smile and bowed. "It has been our pleasure, Jasmine."

"I think I will be making more mint chocolate chip ice cream in the near future." Kelena moved closer and pressed her cheek against Jasmine's. "It was delicious, I see why you love it so much. Perhaps I will find the chance to try cake, as well."

Chuckling, Jasmine returned the gesture. "I hope you do. Thank you again."

"Of course." Kelena pulled back and smiled at Jasmine, an inexplicable, giddy, almost drunken joy in her eyes.

Glancing up at Thane, Jasmine jerked her thumb back toward Theodus and said, "He's ready to go, and I think I am, too. I thought we might head out together."

"Indeed." Thane dipped his head to her before looking at Rone and Kelena. "Rest well, Brother." He accepted Kelena's affectionate gesture and pressed his cheek to hers as well. "May your dreams be pleasant, Sister."