It was like two different symphonies trying to play against each other.

One was the low brass of loss; of sadness like an old sickness too late to cure. Sometimes loud, sometimes soft, it was always there, ringing. They never sounded quite right, and they never will. This was mixed with a wild jam of a guitar, the course riffs of anger, outbursts that were barely contained. This was complete with the guitar solos when his shadow took over… this music had killed hundreds. It was a horrific tune, but one that Liam had played mindlessly in his recent life.

The other tune was touching and delicate. Grand pianos rang out melodies, creating the rosy mood which made you close your eyes to listen better. Liam wondered if Kisa knew – the fact that she was playing this imaginary instrument. Behind the melody was a violin, harmonious with the piano, its rhythm old yet shining. Catherine sat there, playing it like she often would, smiling in her mysterious way. She had not stopped when the piano joined in, but nodded graciously at the newcomer, and also at him. Her eyes twinkled, happy that her lover had kept the promise, then continued her music.

This was the image he had in his head when Liam knocked on Kisa's room.

"Come in." Came the voice. He opened the door. The hotel room shrouded in a veil of darkness. Kisa's figure was hidden by the big sofa out on the balcony, with only her silhouette betraying her presence. She didn't turn her head to greet him. Whatever he had done, it had angered her. He regretted having not brought anything. Girls were, whatever specie they were from, tricky.

Liam made his way silently outside, opening the door and stepping into the crisp coolness. They were looking out into the void, away from the Citadel Tower. Classical music played from a speaker in the corner. Illuminated by the sprinkle of stars; always so near, always so far. He liked the atmosphere very much.

"Sorry that I'm late." Liam said, not yet sitting down. Kisa didn't seem to even notice him, keeping up her grumpy frown. Liam felt his lips slowly curling upwards – even the way she looked angry was beautiful. He picked up the wine bottle from the coffee table and popped it open, pouring her a glass. Liam didn't like to drink much – he was always afraid of drugs that affect his mind.

But he was smart enough to pour himself a little, just to please Kisa.

…

Inside her head, Kisa was fuming. How could he just walk in and act like nothing had happened? Didn't she deserve a bit of explanation?

I'll make him feel sorry.

Liam offered her the wine, but she didn't accept, determinedly ignoring him. She felt the sofa sink as he sat down. She turned to face him.

How could you… oh goddess!

She saw his grinning face and his jewel-like eyes, and felt her anger melt away instantly. She couldn't help but to smile when Liam started his silent laugh.

Oh goddess. How can I ever be angry at him?

Kisa took the wine and moved closer to him.

"Cheers." Cling

They had their first sip of the fine drink. They still didn't speak, letting the silence and the night-time chill settle in. Liam finished his glass and set it down on the table. Although he was biologically immune to alcohol, he seemed rather uncomfortable drinking.

"So… is there something special today?" Liam asked.

Of course! You're with me. Isn't that special enough?

"Yes… I just wanted to say Happy Birthday, Liam."

He seemed taken back, looking solemnly down at his feet. He said "thank you" in a soft voice. Kisa felt guilty, realising that she was right about Liam hating his birthday.

Maybe I should have just… I don't know. I hope he's not all depressed.

She was surprised when Liam put his hands around her shoulders and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

A bit of alcohol can do magic sometimes.

"What do you like about me?" he asked, holding her closer still. Kisa blinked at the sudden question. She had never thought about that before.

Why? The way he looks? To be perfectly honest, he isn't the most handsome human I've seen. Perhaps his manners? He's got good manners, but nope. His taste in music? Not really that either. He is rich, and pretty much invincible… but I didn't know that back in the hospital. His body? Well, he was healthy and fit, but not really sexy. He's terribly thin for a soldier. He isn't particularly good at being normal, either. He is NOT a sweet talker, though he does speak with a confident voice.

There were countless partial reasons as to why she loved him, but they weren't the main cause. Liam seemed content in waiting, fully knowing that it was a hard question to answer. He also seem to know why he loved her, which made her a little annoyed.

Why?

"I don't really know…"

She stole a glance at his face… his eyes. They were shining individually from an inner light. Black, sharp, determined eyes. They were alive on their own, speaking instead of the mouth. They talked about his secrets, emotions and ideas in undecipherable yet beautiful twinkles. Those eyes always moved forwards, ready to face anything.

A knowing smile spread across her face.

There's my first answer.

Then there was his presence. His sense of being, which was like the solid foundation of earth. Providing warmth for the cold, lonely soul that accidently visited it. Bearing its own sorrows deep below. He never demanded attention, never demanded authority, but was just there, strong and encompassing.

That's the answer two.

"Do you really want to know?" Kisa teased.

"I guess not." Liam teased back, having a hard time hiding his grin. "What happens if you say you love my personality? You'll be forever chasing after bipolar murderers with eezo addiction problems!"

Kisa giggled. She never thought of that side of his personality, but; "Now that you mention it, I guess I am."

Liam doubled over in another silent laughter. He was good at that.

"Do me a favour, will you? Don't ever go into a psychology ward."

Kisa took a sip from her drink, her body warming up further. Liam pulled out a small plastic bottle from his pocket and poured its contents into his glass. It was a deep blue-black liquid which seemed to buzz with excitement. This was the first time she saw liquid element zero.

"Is that…?"

She felt her mouth gently shut against her will. It was a familiar feeling, but was much softer than last time. She faked a cough, the same one she had done in Nevos. They both grinned at the memory.

"I should have just told you. How I felt. Then and there."

"Then it wouldn't have been fun, would it?"

Oh you knew that? You know everything about me.

"You're mean."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

They took another sip from their drinks. Kisa looked out to the night again, gazing peacefully into the abyss. After a little while, she realised that she was no longer staring just at the stars, but was actually sitting among them. Tiny sparks of light floated casually around them, fading slowly out of existence. Kisa looked tilted her head to see Liam better. He was forming the shining crystals in his hands, which then floated away…

"Do you like it? I've been practising for you."

Liam… that's very romantic. Really. Thank you.

That's when she remembered the cake and the present.

"Goddess! I nearly forgot. Wait here."

…

I don't know what makes you special. All I know is that you are you. You are the only one alive who can make me feel genuinely happy… and that's pretty special.

Liam closed his hands, letting the air cool from his biotics.

For now… I think I'll allow myself into the bliss. I'll live in this moment.

"Close your eyes!" Kisa said from the room. He grinned, knowing what's coming, but followed nonetheless. He thought that she would know the clichéd surprise… she did live for more than three hundred years. But she didn't have many sweethearts, so maybe this is new for her.

He heard hurried rustles and sensed an omni-tool activating. He chuckled quietly at Kisa's unexpected clumsiness.

"Kisa?"

"Wait!"

Liam reached over and flicked off the music. It was nice, but it served its purpose for tonight. The sudden quietness were filled by a set of eager steps as Kisa inched closer.

"How much longer?"

"Okay… now!"

He opened his eyes and saw a small cheesecake in Kisa's hands. Two candles ('3' and '6') flickered cheerfully at him.

"Happy Birthday Liam! This time, for real!"

Liam laughed, then blew out the candles.

So I'm 36.

"Thanks. This wasn't necessary."

"No, it was. Now, here's your present as well."

Kisa placed the cake on the table and gave him a neatly wrapped box. He wasn't sure what to say. It had been so long since anybody gave him a present in person, he had forgotten how to react. It had been so long since he had been with someone special, he had forgotten how to talk. Forgotten.

"Thank you again! You did the wrapping?" A cute nod from Kisa. "I'm afraid I'll ruin the paper."

"Just open!"

Inside was a fragrance set – a perfume and a diffuser, both in light red haze.

"Thank you… Does this mean I smell?" Liam showered at least twice a day, so he was sure he didn't smell all that bad. Perhaps Asaris could smell something about Humans that he had never known?

"No, no! It helps you to sleep better. I noticed that you have trouble sleeping. You need to sleep well!"

Liam smiled. Kisa didn't quite grasp the extent of his modifications – he was optimised in every way, including sleep: He only needed about two hours per day. But then again, sleeping well was still favourable to the long, tiresome nights.

So in a way, she was right, and the gift was perfect.

"You're right. Thanks. I'll have to listen to the boss."

"Yes you will, Captain!"

Well, I've never really received qualifications for that title. But alright.

"A great gift. I didn't even know I needed this. Thank you again."

"My pleasure."

He folded the torn wrappers neatly and placed them back into the box. He got up and took the seat opposite to Kisa, facing each other.

"So I'm a Captain, and you are ordering me around. Even the Admiral doesn't do that often. What rank are you?"

"Your girlfriend, that's what I am."

So different from Catherine… Yet just as lovable.

"So boyfriends don't get anything?"

"Nope! Well, okay, maybe cakes."

"Hmmm. Fair enough. Then let me eat."

"You're planning to share that, right?"

"Only if you tell me what's attractive about me."

"Ha ha! Alright."

Yes. Just as lovable.

…

Other things that Liam received for his birthday (Thea had sent a message to pretty much everyone on the Horizon, emphasizing his interesting personality as a motivation to send gifts):

High Efficiency Thermal Dispensers from Nekros

Omni-tool & Armour Link from the Hidinours

A Guide to Asari Psychology from Thea

A Guide to Human Psychology from Zenzin

New speakers from John

White armour paint & polisher from Alexander (a long-running joke)

Stylish high-tech water bottle (rebuilt and reprogrammed for eezo) from the Horizon crew

Engine upgrades, a voice message and some credits from the Admiral along with some bad news