AN: This second part is just a transition scene, but I felt that I couldn't leave it out for some reason. Enjoy!
The receptionist looked suspicious. Shepard knew Thane couldn't leave the hospital ward, but she needed time with him before she left. Their dispute had gone on for some time. Shepard grew impatient with the woman.
"I would be grateful to share some of my time with my previous officer," Thane argued. "I know I do not have long. Please understand that-"
Shepard couldn't hold back as she interrupted Thane; irritation filled had filled her entirety. "I'm Commander Shepard, and this man aided me in the destruction of the Collector base, putting a stop to the abductions." Shepard's voice was strong and absolute. She smirked. "I think he deserves a little 'shore leave' from the hospital, don't you?" Her stare was solid and intimidating.
The receptionist's couldn't match Shepard, turning away, feeling both anxious and embarrassed. "Comman- I… I had no idea!" She quickly looked around the lobby, and faced both of them, staring for a moment. "Do NOT leave the Presidium, you understand?"
"The farthest we'll go is the Commons, alright? I'll bring him back immediately if there are any issues." The two women stared at each other for a few moments.
"A-alright. I'll drop your name if any of his doctors ask." The receptionist looked reluctant as she faced her console and began typing something. "2 hours. And drell, be sure to take your medications." She handed him some capsules. He quickly took hold of them and swallowed. The woman started to settle down.
Thane nodded his head ever so slightly. "My deepest thanks."
They steadily walked towards the elevator, sharing a glance. They were both grinning. Shepard reached the elevator first and activated its console.
"Siha, why are going to docking bay D24?" She looked up at him. His face was quizzical and filled confusion. Thane had rarely looked 'cute' but when he did all Shepard could do was laugh. "Siha? Shepard?" She gave him a small kiss on the lips.
"A little lie now and then hasn't hurt anybody, has it?" She smirked. Thane returned with a smile, looked down, and chuckled.
"Hmm. I suppose not." He met her gaze once again. The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in. The doors closed. They were alone. She let herself become vulnerable as she leaned towards him, and rest her head on his shoulder. His crisp scent filled her mind as she closed her eyes. He turned to hold her.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Shepard wanted to question him, but she knew why. His body was fragile and did not have long. She sighed. "Time for me is short, siha, but any I have is yours to take."
"And any of mine is yours as well." The doors started to open. They quickly separated themselves and kept a formal and professional attitude as they paced their way to the Normandy.
He quietly asked, "The crew?"
"Everyone's doing alright. Most of them have left the ship to relax. I've told them I'm meeting the council for a conference, which is partly true."
"Yes, I had heard you saved the Primarch from Menae."
"Something like that, yeah."
Thane kept quiet for a minute. "Palaven… The damage done… Is it as bad as Earth?"
"Yeah…" Shepard looked down at her feet as they walked. "Garrus told me he had a father and sister back home." She couldn't think of much else to say. She knew Garrus' pain; she had left her mother back on Earth, as well as Anderson. Anderson was one of her best comrades and closest friends. She had hated to leave him there.
"If I don't see Garrus, tell him my prayers are with him and his family." He let out a small cough. "I… understand the pain of leaving something so precious behind."