A/N - Penultimate chapter. Yes, we are actually nearing the end!


It still rankled with her that the Citadel was so peaceful compared to the rest of the galaxy. Sure, the wards were now teeming with refugees, but the space station was the last real bastion of safety, except for perhaps space in and around Rannoch, as the Reapers seemed to have little interest in them, focusing on the other organic species of the galaxy first.

But the idea of shore leave had certainly helped morale on the ship, everyone organizing activities. In the back of their minds would have been thoughts about what came afterwards, and the fact that they might never see the Citadel again. But those thoughts were not going to dampen any spirits.

As the ship was being refitted, Shepard had been given use of an apartment by an area known as the Silversun Strip. It was large, two floors, an enormous living room, a separate bar room, another living room and bar, with accompanying fireplace, and at least three bedrooms. The master bedroom came with an ensuite and a hot tub.

She followed Shepard around as it was just the two of them for the time being. "Could make use of the hot tub," he suggested.

"When's this date of yours?"

"Ah, so… To my slight surprise, I have an invitation from Joker to join him for dinner tonight. So how about tomorrow night? Last night here, I'm thinking some sort of get together, really let our hair down before we shoot off."

"Joker is taking you on a date?" she asked, laughing away, "What will EDI think?"

"I'm sure she'll be very jealous." He took her in his arms and kissed her. Those butterflies in her stomach fluttered as always. For the first time she could remember, they were alone without any possibility of interruption. And he seemed to read her mind. "So, hot tub and then…"

"How long do we have?"

He checked his watch and grinned. He didn't need to say anything else as he picked her up, making her squeal, climbing the stairs to the bedroom and into the en-suite. Being undressed by him was always exciting, and once they were both without clothing, she would have admitted that ignoring the hot tub would have been fine with her. But it was incredibly relaxing, sitting together, talking about anything that wasn't about the Reapers, but she knew they avoided talking about the future at the same time. They both knew the score, and despite any hopes they had, they were realistic about their chances.

Of course, dinner with Joker was always bound to go wrong. She really should have known better. Nothing was ever simple in the life of Commander Shepard. Liara kept her informed as news spread quickly about the incident, watching the vidscreen, unable to tear her eyes away as reports filtered in about an unidentified man, being Shepard, being pursued through the Citadel by armed mercenaries.

When he walked through the door, his suit now in ruins, and looking rather frustrated with life once again, the first thing he did was stride towards her and… give her an almighty kiss. In front of everyone. It was the first time he had ever done so openly. Their little signs of affection had always been hidden. She practically melted into him as it lasted long enough for Wrex to clear his throat.

"Bad guys need killing, Shepard," he stated, chuckling away.

"Just reassuring her I'm okay, Wrex."

"Sticking your tongue down her throat is a weird way of doing that, but you do you, Shepard."

"I think it's rather sweet," Liara stated. By now, Karin was blushing rather brightly as she rested her head against his chest. It was nice that they could now be so open in their love and affection for each other, but still, it would take getting used to at the same time.

"While sweet and all, someone has tried to kill him," Garrus stated, "And finding out who would be good as I really don't want our shore leave ruined because yet another person has an axe to grind."

She wasn't normally present during all the planning and briefing, but Shepard took her by the hand and made sure she was involved the entire time. Slowly but surely they figured out a way of figuring out who was after him, and then they could figure out why.

What made her smile was that their investigation resulted in the idea of her date with Shepard being brought forward, before he finally just said, "It's two dates. One involving work, the other hopefully taking place when I can just focus on you and us."

"The gala is tomorrow night," Liara explained, "So we're going shopping tomorrow, Karin."

"Oh, I just love shopping!" Tali added excitedly.

"Think we could all manage to make ourselves presentable," Ashley said, "Guess we'll all be on the job, right?"

"I'm sure Karin and I can still enjoy ourselves despite what's going on."

Going out shopping with all the girls from the ship was an experience in itself. And it wasn't just shopping, as bottles of wine may have been purchased, and bars also visited, while everything she needed was bought. The dress she eventually chose was bound to gain attention. Tight to her frame, low cut that Shepard was going to be goggle eyed, and cut high enough that it would show off her legs, which everyone said was only one of her numerous good features. She went all out, not caring how much she spent. Considering what might lay on the horizon, it would be worth every credit.

They were all giggling away as they returned to his apartment. Shepard was by himself, reading at the kitchen counter. When he glanced their way, a gaggle of slightly intoxicated women, he almost burst into laughter himself. "Enjoy shopping?"

"You're in for a treat, Shepard," Liara stated.

Karin simply looked at him and felt the smile broaden as he was definitely intrigued, though certainly amused at their current state. Thinking a rest would be a good idea, she kissed his cheek and whispered she'd go for a little nap before they started to get ready. And he was more than welcome to join her, though warned him there would be no funny business.

When it was time to get ready, she asked him to do so downstairs as the girls all got ready together. Liara wore a stunning gown, while Ashley proved just how athletic she was, the dress she wore showing her sculptured body, enough that they all joked she would definitely be hit on all night. Tali made sure her suit was bedecked in the latest quarian fashion.

Shepard waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. She smiled seeing him seeing him in his tuxedo, and certainly grinned when his jaw dropped as she walked down the stairs, very slowly, very carefully. She hadn't worn heels in years. Stopping just before him, the look in his eyes was one of undoubted love… and almost carnal lust and desire. She figured, if it wasn't for the fact they needed to be at the casino that evening, they wouldn't make it out the door.

"Shall we go, Shepard?"

"Damn work sometimes," he muttered, before offering his arm, escorting her outside where a car was waiting to take them to the casino.

Being on the arm of perhaps the most eligible bachelor in the galaxy certainly had tongues wagging as he helped her out of the car upon arriving outside the casino. Despite the imminent battle, it seemed that the Citadel wanted to enjoy one last giant party, though it was meant to be some sort of fundraiser at the same time. Karin was left wondering how much ordinary people knew what was happening, what possibly lay on the horizon for everyone, should they fail.

But she put that out of her mind as she took his arm again, walking slowly along the red carpet towards the entrance of the casino. Walking inside, it was full of soldiers, politicians and the wealthy. Though Shepard was meant to be working, he was definitely going to mix some pleasure in at the same time, escorting her straight to the bar, assisting her onto a stool, taking the one next to her, ordering drinks. "I will cover my team," he had told her in the car, "But they're capable of handling this without my continued assistance."

As they sat together, enjoying their drink and conversing, she just couldn't help look him up and down in his tuxedo. He's shaved, wore the aftershave she simply adored, and his face was so well known, every few minutes, someone greeted him, a shake of the hand, a kiss on the cheek. Every time, she was introduced as his partner. She guessed girlfriend didn't quite sound right, while lover would have been correct though a little on the nose.

After a couple of rather strong cocktails, she was feeling… frisky. Kicking off one of her shoes, she definitely gained his attention when she started to rub a foot up his leg. When their eyes met, and she felt the smirk on her lips form, he immediately bought her another drink. "I would ask you to behave, but…"

"Can we dance later?"

"Absolutely."

The foot did eventually climb higher until it reached a part of his body that made him shuffle and clear his throat. And feeling his excitement just made her giggle. He was soon caressing her stockinged leg at the same time. If anyone was watching, she didn't really mind. "Karin, if you don't stop that, I will drag you somewhere for privacy."

"Oh, and whatever would you do to me, Shepard?"

The look he returned sent a wave of desire through her. Removing her foot, she leaned forward and kissed him. Caught him by surprise for a moment before he responded, and when he practically growled into her mouth, she knew that, with patience, it was going to be a good night. Placing her foot back into her heel, she stood up, swayed a little bit, then asked if he wanted to dance.

Moulded into his body a minute later, she could still feel his excitement. "Your fault," he murmured to her giggling. "But… it's good to finally let our hair down."

"Hearing anything from the others?"

"They're doing what they need to do. I'll help if absolutely necessary."

They danced. They ate. They drank. They gambled. And they laughed. My god, did they laugh! Her cheeks were soon sore. And there was no doubt, as they continued to sip at their drinks, making sure they slowed down, there was a building desire between them that definitely needed satisfying, sooner rather than later.

He disappeared only briefly, leaving her with a few acquaintances, returning looking a little angry about something and she thought the mission hadn't exactly gone off without a hitch. As soon as he was with her again, he put whatever it was to the back of his mind, whispering they'd stay another couple of hours.

Returning to his apartment much later, thankful it was only the pair of them, she practically dragged him to the bedroom, hearing his laughter at her eagerness. When they finally slept much later, she had been left utterly exhausted, but she couldn't help cuddle into his side as he finally slept, and for the first time, seemed to sleep soundly, as if finally his mind was free of everything, if only for a few hours.

The next couple of days, she barely saw him but was kept up to date by himself or the squad in regards to what was happening. When she heard he had a clone, it wasn't all that surprising. It made sense in a way, but if it was going to happen to anyone, it was Shepard. Then there was the theft of the ship and the flight across and out of the Citadel. Everything ended as she expected, though hearing his clone killed himself did leave her with slightly mixed feelings, mostly left wondering what exactly he was like. Shepard didn't really want to talk about and she didn't blame him, so left the matter alone.

Shore leave was extended because of what happened, Shepard organising their date for the next night, and then the party for the night after. Thankful she had treated herself when out shopping, all she needed to do was wear a different outfit for date night, Shepard choosing to wear his dress blues on this occasion. He looked fantastic as always, while he certainly approved of her dress and colour. "Anyone would think we wore matching colours on purpose," he joked.

"Guess it was a subconscious decision when buying it."

She didn't expect anything fancy nor fine dining, but the restaurant they ended up in was certainly worth every credit he spent. They were given a private booth, the wine was excellent, the food superb, conversation flowed between the pair as always. She was always amazed at his intelligence, the fact he found interest in so many topics. But his largest interest was her and her life. She found it so easy to talk about her past, her hopes, her regrets, her dreams. He would listen attentively, hanging on her every word.

Walking around the Presidium, arm in arm, she suddenly felt overcome by… everything. He realised immediately, and feeling his arms embrace her, his soft words encouraging as always, she immediately felt better but just needed the release. Like always, he just seemed to know and understand. Waking up next to him the next morning, having spent hours in bed just talking as always, she rested her head against his chest and told him how much she loved him. Words sometimes couldn't express how much.

The party organised that evening was a lot of fun, and it was the first time she saw Shepard really relax and unwind in front of everyone, not just herself. It was a relaxed occasion, though that didn't mean the music didn't get loud, the drinks started to flow, and people started to couple up, perhaps enjoying one final fling before they departed the next morning.

She couldn't remember an evening where she had laughed so much that her stomach started to hurt. Her feet were definitely hurting after dancing the night away. Her throat was dry from singing along to so many old songs. Her eyes watered constantly as they reminisced over those they had lost along the way.

Throughout it all, she watched Shepard, as much as he watched her. They spent most of the evening apart, but any time they passed each other, he would stop and just… kiss her. The sort that left her breathless and just wanting more of him. But he would just smile and wander off.

It was a great night. The perfect way to end their shore leave.

Shepard kicked them all out at the end, though she knew accommodation had been sorted for them all at hotels nearby. Once they were alone, he leapt on her. In fact, to use the phrase 'and then he took her' might have been appropriate. He practically ripped her clothes off and then devoured her, mind, body and soul. On the couch. On the stairs. On the bed. And then finally in the shower, where they held each other under the hot water until they were practically asleep.

She woke before him the next morning and watched him sleep, enjoying those last few minutes of peace before the war called them forth once again. He woke up and smiled, caressing her face as he always did. "I love you, Karin," he whispered.

The tone was so heartfelt, she felt her bottom lip start to tremble. "I love you, Shepard," she managed to whisper back. Then he held her until they heard the door downstairs open, and one or two jokes aimed in their direction broke the spell.

Dressing together, they hugged one final time before walking downstairs to join the rest, breakfast already being cooked. Many looked a little worse for wear, but they'd be ready once the call came. Shepard checked his watch more than once, and when it was time, they all stood, grabbed their things, and made their way out. They took one last look at the apartment together. "Wonder if we'll see it again," he said quietly.

"When, not if," she stated.

He looked at her and there was no grin this time. He was already back in the mode that had got him through it all. Once he had put the uniform back on… his mind was already elsewhere. But he still took her hand in his, escorting her to the docks. The ship looked brand new, everyone gathering around until they were allowed back on. The rest disappeared first, giving them their last moment of privacy.

"What are our chances?" she just had to ask, "Realistically. I'm old enough to…"

"We're going to win, Karin. Then we're going to enjoy a long life together."

He was so adamant, she couldn't help believe. Just like she'd always done. Cuddling into his side, she heard him sigh. "It's been a hell of ride," she whispered.

"The best," he whispered back.

He turned her towards him, caressed her face and kissed her one last time. Taking her hand in his, they turned and headed for the ship. And back into the war.