Nigh on three months later the Normandy SR2 floated back into dock at the Citadel. This time Anderson was there to greet them. He waited anxiously at the end of the docking hall with his hands clasped firmly behind his back and clinched into fists. If he had not done so, he was sure he'd be flexing his fingers nervously or doing something as juvenile as playing with the ring. She was the first to exit the hatch, followed closely by Garrus and Tali. Despite her professional expression and poise, he knew she was happy to see him. His own demeanor was one of formality.
The Councillor was not the only one to greet them. Advisor/Ambassador Udina was present, as was Rear Admiral Mikhailovich. Anderson was unaware of the Admiral's evaluation of the ship. Shepard simply hadn't care enough about the intrusion to consider it note worthy. Besides, she tried not to complain too much about work when they were together. Time with each other was rare and brief enough that they didn't spend it on the negative if they could help it.
"Welcome back, Commander."
Councillor Anderson greeted Shepard first. He only called her 'captain' when in informal circumstances. She had not yet been officially given the rank, though it was long passed due. She would have held the tittle if things had not been 'interrupted'. He intended to insure that her achievements were recognized.
"It's good to be back, sir." Shepard replied and nodded to each of the officials present.
Anderson then greeted her companions, "Vakarian, Tali vas Neema."
"Sir." Garrus nodded.
"Always a pleasure, Councillor." Tali replied.
"I'm afraid there is no time for formalities or celebration." Shepard interrupted procedure. "We stopped the Collectors, but Cerberus is not happy. The Illusive Man altered the mission in order to obtain the base in tact. For reasons I can't go into here, I denied the request and destroyed the Collector base as planed. Another Reaper coming, Harbinger, and he won't be alone. We have to do what we can to stop them and prepare for war in case we fail."
"Always the bearer of bad news, Shepard?" Udina verbally prodded her.
"That's enough, Udina." Anderson scolded his advisor, who in turn scowled and shrank back into the Councillor's shadow.
"I'll take this information to the other Admirals. I'll leave the Council to you, Captain." Said Rear Admiral Mikhailovich.
He then promptly turned and left the party. Anderson gave Udina a nod. The Ambassador immediately went off to prepare the information feeding from the Normandy to the Councillor's console for presentation to the Council.
"Accommodations have been reserved in the Presidium hotel if any of you wish to stay some where other than the ship." Anderson addressed the trio. "I'll send the room numbers and access codes to the ship. You can fight over who gets what room yourselves." He jested.
"You're in an awfully good mood, sir." Shepard said, maintaining the premise, "considering the report I just gave you."
"I'm just happy to have you back." David replied.
Having a few moments for themselves wasn't going to end the galaxy.
"We'll see you later, Commander." Garrus told her.
He patted her on the shoulder with mandibles spread in a grin and drug Tali off to the elevator. After they left the two dropped their official roles and became people. Friends. Lovers. Husband and wife.
"Well, that was quite a mouth full. I don't suppose you're hungry after that." David teased.
"Are you seriously making jokes?" Sonya giggled.
"Well we can't be doom and gloom all the time." He smiled.
"No. We can't. There'll be nothing left to save if we loose our sense of humor. Actually, I could use a bite to eat. What's new at the lounge?"
"Oh, nothing much." He said and gestured with one sweeping hand toward the elevator. "Just a few new asari dishes pretty similar to different variations of Paella. I've been waiting to try them."
"Aww, David. That's sweet of you." She teased.
He noticed she didn't call him daddy. In the passed it would have been the funnier thing to say and she would have gone for it, but in light of certain occurrences, he was grateful she elected not to use the old pet name.
"There's one with some kind of strange muscle in it. I'm most curious about that one."
"Are you buying?" She asked with a sly grin.
"Of course! You can pay me back later!" He smiled.
"David!" Sonya exclaimed, her voice echoed off the enclosed walls of the elevator. "Did Garrus teach you this stuff?"
He chuckled and shook his head. He refused to answer her question. He'd promised the turian he wouldn't tell her. Grabbing her up in his arms he kissed her, hoping to distract her from her line of questioning. To be honest, he was hungrier for her than any food. Judging from her eager response, she felt the same way.
"How about I pay you in advance and you can owe me dinner." She breathed.
"I can't turn down a good offer." He replied.
The doors to the elevator opened. He offered his arm to her and she took it with an amused grin. He escorted her to their apartment. The aliens most ignored them. They got a few stars, a few smiles. The human citizens at least glanced. But those in military circles who knew who they were, knew of their marriage. Those few had one of two reactions; a respectful nod and perhaps a polite grin, or a frown and deep scowl. He hadn't really expected their union to stay quiet. He didn't care either. Councillors had just as much right to happiness. He saw no reason to hide it or be ashamed. There was no reason he couldn't hold her hand or walk with her on his arm by Lake Presidium.
Dinner time came and went as the two loved one another in the quiet serenity of their apartment. For convince sake, and to avoid confusion, she kept her name. Officially she was Shepard-Anderson. She hated the - . In private he enjoyed calling her Mrs. Anderson. She often teased back with a 'Yes, Mr. Anderson?'. But tonight there were no names. Only what they felt. Only touch. Only sight and scent. There was only love.