Shepard's POV

Entering the cargo bay, it took me a minute to find her, she was still in her bed her leg hanging over the side. Walking over to her you could see the tattoo of a razor with names of her crew spiraling around it on her right leg near the ankle. I remember her telling me about it once.

"You wanna know what it means don't you?" She said as she looked over duty rosters.

"I admit, I'm curious, why a razor?" I said as she set her tablet on the table in front of the couch in her cabin. She placed he leg up on the table facing me.

"After this one mission, I was so tired, I fell asleep as soon as I sat on the couch in the lounge. So my crew decided to draw this on my leg because when we were on mission for days, I wouldn't shave my legs. That's why is says "Shave me!" beside it. Then they all signed their names. Of course I was awake by that time and let them finish it. I thought it was so adorable I had it tattooed on and now, now it's a great reminder of some good friends." She said smiling at her own memory.

"They must have meant a lot to you." I said as I went back to the test she had given me.

"You'll know about it one day Shepard. The crew you will never forget." She said smiling at nothing.

"Did they all die?"

"Everyone dies Shepard, it doesn't matter where you are. When it's your time, it's your time. And when it's not you'll have to remember the people you live for and the ones who died for you. The thing you have to remember is not to focus on their death. Remember who they were in life." She said as she went back to her duty roster.

I sat there looking at the woman before me. Her hair pulled back into a mess bun, he lips parting softly as she read, mouthing the words. I have never seen this woman cry, but I can see the pain she carries of her teams memories. How does she know so much about life, with so much death? How can she still smile with all that pain bottled up inside.

"Vi." I said as I stood next to her. She had her face covered by her arm with the blankets wrapped around her. I shook her shoulder lightly. She startled awake her arms going every which way, I managed to avoid them, what I couldn't avoid was her leg. She accidently bagged me and I dropped to the floor instantly.

"Who's there?" She said still half asleep

""ME…!" I said gasping for breath.

"Shit. I bagged you didn't I?" she said sitting up with the blanket wrapped around you. I just nodded still on the ground in pain.

"Well… you should have known better. How many times have you woken me up and I hit you?"

"Oh gosh, now that's a long number." I breathed as I finally stood up.

"Shepard, Violet, we have arrived at the Citadel." EDI announced.

"Thank you EDI. So yeah, that's why I was here."

"This means I get to go shopping?"

"Yeah, do you need money?"

"Pfft, Shepard. I'm a billionaire." She said laughing at the idea of me giving her money.

"Alright then, I'll meet you on the CIC deck." I said as I walked back to the elevator.

Violet's POV

Its morning already, I thought as I slowly got up out of bed. At least I can get some new clothes. I rubbed my eyes, wiping away the sandman's dust. Looking forward to getting off this ship. And to think, I thought as I pulled on my clothes; Shepard thought I needed money. I'd hate to see his face if he knew how I had so much money.

I threw my blanket back on the bed, as I made my way to the mess hall. I was starved. Rupert, was already cooking lunch by the smell of it. I walked over to him. "Good morning, Violet. Missed you at breakfast." He said as he stirred something on the stove.

"I slept in I guess." I said as I pushed my hair back out of my face.

"Yep, things start early around here. Here's breakfast." He said as he handed me a granola bar.

"Thanks Rupert." I said trying to open it as I worked my way back to the elevator. I started ripping at the end with my teeth when I rounded the corner.

"Oof." I said when I accidentally ran into Thane who was getting ready to get into the elevator.

"Oh, sorry!" I said putting my hands up chest high. Before following him into the elevator. We both stood there for a second before he pushed the button for the CIC room.

"Are you going there as well?" He asked in his rough voice. I nodded, slowly taking a bite out of my granola bar. We were both silent as the elevator climbed. It was so quite I could hear myself chewing, and swallowing.

When we arrived at the CIC Shepard was talking to his Yeoman. Tali and Miranda were over by the exit, waiting on Shepard I presumed and Thane went to join them. I guess they're going out shopping as well, I thought as I walked over to Shepard. He dismissed his Yeoman before turning to address me. "Right, here is a list of things you'll need. Since you're going to be staying with us. Anything else is optional." He said as he begain walking over to the others.

"Wait just a minute. Why am I staying again?"

"You're going to be operating on the shuttles. Upgrading them and keeping them in-tact. All that good stuff. I swear its run by a machine sometimes."

"Fine, but why is everyone going?"

"Tali and Thane are going with you. Miranda has her own business to attend to, and I am going to visit Anderson."

"I don't need babysitters Shepard. I can handle myself." I said crossing my arms.

"I didn't say you couldn't. It…just makes me feel better knowing you're safe." He said as he pulled on his jacket.

"Tell Anderson I said hello." I said as we left.

Shepard dropped Tali, Thane and I off at the wards before taking back off in the skycar. I took a look around, the Citadel has changed since the attack even then, I haven't been here in forever; I thought as we walked around the markets. Tali, was looking at a pretty lavender colored tank top, while I settled for a dark blue one. I was looking at the other colors they had, while I watched her linger on it a little more before leaving it to see what I was up to. She stood next to me, watching what I choose. "Why don't you buy it? I mean, you have to wear something under that suit right? And a tank top is perfect, in case you get too hot."

"Oh, yeah. I don't know… I mean it's not like anyone would ever see it." You could hear her blushing as she said it. I turned to her.

"Firstly, I would look at it like wearing sexy underwear. Even though no one can see it, it still makes you feel sexy. And secondly, Shepard likes you for you. Not what you wear."

I turned back to the salesperson telling him I'd take the things I picked out, and asked if he had a dressing room I could change in. I was so over wearing these rags, I thought as he handed me my purchases. I motioned that I was going into the dressing room as Tali, told the salesperson she wanted the lavender tank top. I couldn't help but smile a little.

Thane's POV

I could help myself from watching her go through the racks holding up clothes comparing them to herself. I didn't think any of them looked bad on her. And the way she made Tali feel better about herself. I could feel Tali's smile from over here when she bought that tank top for herself. She's so full of life, I thought as I looked through the racks trying not to think about her in the dressing room alone. What if someone was spying on her, or waiting for her to come out? I thought as I moved closer to Tali, who was happily looking through the racks.

We both turned to look when she walked out of the dressing room. She was wearing a dark blue tank top, bringing out her eyes even more, with black short shorts. The thigh high black boots just completed the look. She had her pulled her hair back into a bun, it was messy, but made her that even more irresistible to look at. And believe me there were people looking. I felt a tug at my heartstrings, as she walked towards us. "Well…What do you guys think?" She asked doing a spin.

"You look wonderful, no offense the doctor outfit isn't your style." Tali said with a laugh. Violets eyes lit up as she replied,

"I know! I don't like those things at all. I respect those who can pull them off though." I was looking at her when she looked back at me.

"Thane…What do you think?"

"Oh, yeah. You look good." I said trying to hide the smile I wanted to show her. She smiled in response. It looked so pretty across her pink rose colored lips.

"What should we do next?" She asked as we walked out in front of the store.

"Hmm, I don't know," Tali said looking at me. "I think I'm going to head back to the ship and figure out a way to wear this shirt."

"Aw, you sure?" Violet said sounding disappointed that she wasn't staying.

"Yeah, and Thane can take care of you without me." She said.

"Okay, well don't let anyone give you trouble on your way." Violet said giving her a brief hug before turning to me.

"Would you like to get a drink?" She asked.

"Like, liquor or coffee?" I said back unsure of her question.

"Which do you prefer?"

"Neither, really." I said too soon feeling like an idiot.

"How about we just sit and watch the ships go by with two bottles of water then?" She suggested.

"That sounds perfect." I said as she bought two water bottles before I could object to let me pay for them. She grabbed my arm pulling me over to a bench away from everyone. She sat down first handing me a bottle. I sat down beside her, our legs barely touching the electricity between the space was making me light headed.

"Are you feeling alright?" She said looking at me, with a look of worry on her face.

"I am well. Why do you ask?" I didn't tell her about my kepral's syndrome. Unless Shepard told her.

"Well…," She said biting her lower lip, "Can you keep a secret?" She asked suddenly brightening up as she scooted closer, closing the gaps between our legs.

"Yes…" I said unsure if I should have said that.

"You know Shepard was my student, but what he doesn't know is that I never really left him alone like he thinks. I was always there. Sending him information about where to search when he was looking for Saren, making sure everyone on his crew was, how should I say it…safe. I guess. I just wanted the best to be looking out for him on this mission."

"So, you did what exactly?" I asked confused.

"I actually edited the Illusive man's list of people he wanted on Shepard's team to make sure some people were on it. And I know a lot about each of you. You were the hardest one to watch. Wow, that sounds creepy. Sorry. I mean yeah I spied on all of you for a short period of time. That's not helping my case." She put her face in her hands and moved away from me.

"You wanted to make sure he had the right people watching his back, and you wanted to know who those people were one personal level. To make sure they could handle the stress of what was going to happen." I said placing a hand on her back. She sight pushing her hair back out of her face.

"I want to know he'll be okay when I'm not around." She said looking me in the eyes. She hugged me, whispering into my ear "Thank you for listening to me." Her breath warm and welcoming on my cold neck. It made me shiver with joy. She went to pull away from me and I literally had to stop myself from reaching out for her hand as she stood up.

I sat there not sure what to do with myself, until she turn back around. Smiling at me, my heart swelled as she reached out and took my hand in hers. "Come on," She said pulling me to my feet. "Let's head back to the Normandy." I smiled softly at her as she tugged me along behind her.

Shepard's POV

I didn't know what to think about having Violet around, I still couldn't believe that she would fake her death. Why, when she had so much going for her? It didn't make sense. I was hoping Anderson could shed some light on the matter as I entered his office. "Shepard, what can I do for you?" He said finishing up a few words on his terminal before giving me his full attention.

"You'll never believe who I met up with, Violet." I said as I sat down in front of him.

"Hmm…" He said as a dark shadow crossed his face. He sighed, "How much has she told you about her past?"

"Not that much, she told me about her husband, and about him dying but never went into much detail. Why?"

"I guess you were bound to find out sooner or later. I'll tell you what I know for a fact, the rest you'll have to ask from her." He said placing his hands together.

"Violet, is a different race of human. She was born in a cycle before ours. Before the Reapers took out her race they had enough knowledge to send ships out into space with the people inside to start a new colony elsewhere and that's where they stayed until the Asari found them. Most of the ships had been damaged by the Reapers or crashed killing everyone inside. The one she was in survived. Everyone made it off the ship but most died of shock a few days later. She and her husband were the only two who survived. And they have been fighting since. Changing names, changing people's lives. She made peace where ever she could, and when she couldn't she'd save who she could. She is a lot like you Shepard. She has been in the Alliance for over eight hundred years, using different names. Of course we knew, but we just let it go. She paid her taxes and never got into any trouble. That's all I know Shepard." I couldn't believe she was that old, that would make her around two hundred thousand years old. But she looks younger than me. It would explain how her botics evolutionized on their own.

"So why doesn't she age like us?" I asked him.

"Your guess is as good as mine. She never let anyone near her long enough to let anyone else no that information. Llike I said you 'll have to ask her if you want to know more."

"Alright, thanks for information Anderson. She told me to tell you hello."

"Did she now? Heh, tell her hello for me too. I'll message her sometime. Take care of yourself out there Shepard and if you ever need to talk again you know where to find me. The door is always open."

"Bye Anderson." I said as I walked out of the door, ready to be out of this place and somewhere where life made sense.

Thane's POV

Walking into the Life support room I couldn't help but smile at the thought of her. She was filling up every waking though I had, the way her body moved when she walked. How she trusted me enough to tell me her secret, even though I haven't even given her any information about me. What does she know about me though, she said she spent time watching each member of Shepard's crew. Why would she pick me to keep an eye out on him? Does she know about Irikah? Doubtful.

I never talked about my wife to anyone, even Shepard. We've touched around the edges of the topic but he hasn't pushed me to talk about her. It's been a long time since I've even let myself think of her. What's strange is when I think of her I think of Violet, the way she smile at me, her rosy lips parting softly, wondering what they feel like or even taste like. If she even felt all the same things I did when I look at her. Or even think of her.

Sitting here I can feel my heart racing, hear every moment outside of my door, longing for her footsteps to be there. Wondering if she is thinking of me. What am I doing..? She could never love a dying man. I sighed as I leaned back in my chair watching the mass effect core vibrate slowly. It was stupid of me to get my hopes up.

Violet's POV

Whoa, Vi. What are you doing? You can't get close to anyone, they'd never understand. Oh, hey I'm actually really ancient. Like older enough to be your twenty times great grandma? Yeah, that'd go over well. He's a freaking assassin for crying out loud. He probably thought you were an idiot for spying on everyone like that. He was probably thinking of a thousand different ways to kill me and not have to listen to me rant. But my god, he made me feel like a teenage girl again. The heat between his leg and mine, there was defiantly a spark there. Or maybe I'm getting mixed signals. Damn other races hard to read faces. Though it could be worse he could be a Turian. I laughed remembering the few I did date. Those were fun times.

Maybe…just maybe it could happen. I thought smiling as I played with my necklace pulling the locket back and forth across the metal. I laid back on my bed cuddling close with my blanket. I don't know how long I was laying there when the doors opened, I sat up, my hear racing at the possibility of it being Thane. And then Shepard entered, his face distraught.

"Come clean Vi. If that is even your real name." He said crossing his arms at me.

"Anderson told you, didn't he?" He nodded at me waiting for me to spill my guts to him. But if I spilt my guts to everyone who wanted to know my story I wouldn't be where I was today.

"How much do you know?"

"That you're from a cycle where humans rose up before the Reapers wiped you out. You got away by getting on a ship in cyro, the Asari found you and fought in wars with your husband until he died. You've been enlisted in the Alliance Navy for over eight hundred years that's all I know."

"Okay, well what you don't know is the Asari made me a Matriarch. I stayed with them and taught them what I knew. David, was the fighter. But when the First Contact war began we couldn't stay with the Asari while our home world was burning. So we fought in it, I'm actually recorded in the Councils data bases and the Turians eleventh platoon. Not under the name Violet though, Black Widow was my code name then. They even named the sniper rifle David and I built after me. Fast forward a few years David and I were gathering data at a Batarian colony and they ambushed us. David gave his life saving our team."

"But I thought you're hard to kill?"

"I am, I can get a cut and as soon as my skin's slicked it's healing. But David only had the slow aging process like me. No, we don't know why we aged this way or why we survived in the beginning but no one else did. All I know is we survived for a reason. And I'm still trying to figure that out." I said remembering memories that took years to lock away.

"Happy now?" I said disgusted with, myself and him for even bringing up this conversation. His mouth was agape. He just shook his head no as he left.

I sat down against the wall, placing my head between my knees trying to forget him, as his voice caressed my ears.

"Vi! You have to go to them. They won't make it without you." He said over our old radio channel as he leaned out to shoot at a batarian. Solider. "They'll be fine," I said as I sniped a guy coming to his right. As I saw a second wave coming front his front.

"Violet! They're coming around the back. We could use your help over here." Leo said as he put up a biotic field around the rest of the crew.

"You know it's the right choice. I love you." He said as I watched him through the scope grab bombs and throw them at them. He was out of ammo. And I was trying to snipe both for him and my team down the road a ways. He grabbed one of the batarians pistols and looked up where I was.

"I'm going to give you some time to get back to them, I'll see you again one day."

"DAVID! Don't!" I screamed at him, tears rolling down my face. He smiled up at me before getting out of cover taking as many down with him as he could. I jumped down from my hiding spot, running back to my crew. Throwing shockwaves all over the place to get them out of my way.

"Let's move! We are getting that data." I said as we pushed our way back to David. I could see his body laying broken and bloodied. I was so angry, I used my biotics to meld with the batarains that remained nervous systems, ripping them apart from the inside out. Then dropped to my knees, crawling to David's lifeless body. I couldn't think I was shaking so much, tears were streaming down my face. My crew stood there in silent vigil.

I was shaking at the memory, tears streaming down my face onto my thighs. I didn't even hear the door open. "Violet…are you alright?" I heard a voice say, it seemed to far into the distance. Then a hand touched my arm, I let them pull me to my feet.

"Violet…" Thane said again this time whipping the tears off my face.

"I'm sorry," I said pulling away to wipe my own eyes. He grabbed my hand pulling me against him and this time I didn't refuse. I wrapped my arms around him, letting him hold me close as she stroked my back trying to comfort me. And it was comforting, I relaxed.

"Thank you, Thane." I said softly, kissing him on the neck.

"Violet…" He began to say pulling back to look me in the eyes. I couldn't help it I kissed him. He froze at first but when I began to pull away he pulled me closer, kissing me back deeply.