Shepard and Thane sat next to each other in a corner booth with easy access to the rear exit. Their backs protected by a wall. It was habit to find the most defendable position with the best escape route. Habits are tough to break. Thane held Shepard's hand under the table, gently, absently, rubbing his thumb over hers. Councilor Anderson had once been her captain, and as much as Shepard was calm about talking to him about the wedding, Thane was equally nervous. He'd rarely felt nervous about anything, much less talking to someone he could easily kill. Shepard seemed to notice his nervousness.
"How are you holdn' up?" she asked softly.
"I am well." Was all he could think to say. She gave him a look that said 'I know better.' "Very well," He relented. "I am... unsure of how this will go. I know he was your captain and that you are good friends. I want things to go well.'
"You mean you know he's like a father to me and you want him to like you." She smiled at him.
"I... No. Yes, but... I'm not looking for his approval." He was getting flustered. He never got flustered. What had this woman done to him? "I want things to go well." His brow was knitted scowl. He heard Shepard try to stifle a giggle. "Why do you find this amusing?" He asked, annoyed.
"I'm sorry, Mëha. I've never seen you like this and it's sort of funny." She smiled at him, her brow furrowed in a helpless expression. "I'll try to be more serious." She regained her composure.
"Very well. I will try to relax." He said, forcing his features to lax into something more casual. He took a deep breath. The action reminded him of how much she'd done for him. How much he owed her. How much he loved her. He was not normally one for public affection, but he'd escorted her to breakfast. And now he held her hand. True, it was the ship, among people who'd probably heard worse things. And their hands were under the table hidden from view... Thane turned his head to look at his Siha. She was as beautiful to him as ever. She noticed his stare and looked back at him.
"What is it?" She smiled.
Thane cupped her cheek in the hand that was not under the table and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her lips. The surprise was apparent on her face when he moved away. He smiled at her in amusement. Her cheeks were blushed.
"I love you, Siha." he said in a low tone. His voice vibrated the table.
"I love you, too... what was that?" she breathed.
"I do not know." He smiled back at her. "You have ruined me." He teased her. He thought she apparently did not know how to respond, because she sat in silence until Anderson arrived.