"Wow," Shepard breathed as she keyed into Anderson's apartment. The lights came up gently as she entered, shooing back the shadows that had been the only tenants for some time. It wasn't like any apartment she'd ever seen: it was too big to be an apartment. Apartments were small rented spaces not…this palatial residence.

She was glad it was already furnished: the place looked big when it was full of stuff. She didn't think she'd have been able to handle looking at it if it were truly empty. She would have headed straight back to her Spectre apartment. She still could, she thought, and Anderson would never know.

But her apartment was barely furnished, she'd spent so little time there. Previously, most of her time on-Citadel had been spent at Alenko's apartment.

…maybe it was time to return the favor? She didn't think she could handle staying here alone.

She folded back the cover protecting the actual keys on the piano and poked out the left-handed side of the only song she knew. The sound was rich, disrupting her muddle of thoughts, probably would have been impressive if she'd had more skill than just a few left-handed notes. She folded the cover back down, wondering if Anderson had it for show or because he played…or was learning.

There was an imitation fireplace, which sprang to life when she brushed the control panel with her fingers sending out jets of hot air, dispelling the chill of 'untenanted domicile.' The leather-covered furniture had the firm cushioning a career soldier would prefer, and was something easy to get in and out of, supportive of one's back and kind to one's knees.

The kitchen was strategically located in the center of the house…which was when she noticed the datapads lying about everywhere. She began picking them up as she made her way through the residence. It just seemed so big.

She liked the neutral tones of the décor, though some of the art made her squint. Clearly she and Anderson had different opinions about art…and she wasn't sure what his art preferences said about him. Maybe she just didn't want to consider it too much; art was personal.

Her hand brushed the leather bag at her belt, containing her Tuchanka juju and Legion's 'heart.'

The fact that the apartment had two living rooms puzzled her—or why there seemed to be two bar counters (one of which was fully stocked; she shuddered at the death in a glass represented back there). Maybe he hadn't known what to do with all the space either, and had just drawn lots for what to do with which extra space.

The thought made her smile, albeit the smile felt rusty. And she thoroughly approved, among the vids assembled near the television, a copy of the Talons and Tomahawks retool. It looked like it might have been the last thing he watched before heading to Earth.

She found the integrated sound system and turned it on, relieved when something sedate and instrumental, just enough to break up the silence, began to trickle out of the speakers. She approved. The music wasn't distracting but it killed the silence.

She made her way upstairs—finding yet another living room-like space. At first she simply stood by the door of the master suite, feeling oddly like she might have felt if she had to go into her own parents' room to fetch something. She knew, in her heart of hearts, she could never sleep in there. She appreciated being allowed to house-sit, but that was all it was.

She opened the door and shook her head. It showed how long Anderson had spent in cramped quarters aboard active warships: a couple of krogan could have nestled comfortably in the bed. That probably explained the size of the apartment: plenty of space, and just right to allow him to walk a patrol if he woke up in the dead of night (so to speak).

She could see herself making use of the hot tub in the adjacent bathroom, though.

But first she'd need to do some cleaning. She didn't think she could handle the dust everywhere. And some shopping. She would trust nothing that had been in a fridge for…more than six months? Seven? The thought made her shift uneasily.

Seven months under siege by Reapers, trapped on Earth, and she was here? There was something else about the timeframe, but she couldn't quite bring it into focus. Therefore, it must not be important.

That was always the hardest part of any war, any conflict: the hurry up and wait. The mind had too much time to think about what other people were going through while she was stuck waiting.

She wished she knew how far along Crucible was. Turians, krogan, geth, quarians, the bulk of the salarians, volus and batarian assets…hell, she had Omega's gangs pointed in useful directions. The only people missing were the asari. Surely that meant the only thing needed, now, was the Crucible.

She shook herself, withdrawing respectfully from Anderson's room. She sighed as she walked around the rest of the upper story. She didn't know how the ornamental plants were still alive…unless they were artificial somehow. They certainly weren't those weird silk ones craft-oriented people used.

Shepard leaned on the overlook, regarding the massive windows—set to opaque—that would look out onto the bustling, vibrant Silversun Strip.

She felt strangely out of place. Part of her wanted to retreat to the comfort of familiarity that was visiting quarters. She wouldn't though; Anderson might not know, but she would. She knew if their positions were reversed, she'd be hurt to find out the gift hadn't been accepted in the spirit with which it was given.

She opened her omnitool and beat out a quick message to Alenko. She had to rewrite it several times before she was satisfied with it. It felt strange asking him to spend his shore leave with her. She hoped Anderson wouldn't mind.

-J-

Author's Note: Okay, so we've arrived at the Citadel DLC… but for those of you excited about Shepard's clone… Jane will not be making an appearance. I did try to write the arc as it appears in-game, but Jalissa… didn't handle a couple things well. At all. Like 'it might kill the story before it's over' handled it badly. Also, while the in-game content played well and was fun, it didn't write fluidly, and there were a couple huge logic gaps I had trouble closing. So the Citadel Arc will be somewhat AU, but will hopefully hit the highlights. For those looking forward to the party, the party will happen, just not soon. I'm moving it back in the timeline, a little closer to the run on Cronos Station. I hope this news won't be too disappointing, and wont totally ruin anyone's reading experience.