"It's not every day that you have an armed standoff with someone you love. I can't help feeling that you would have taken me out."
The first part catches her so off her guard that she blinks several times before she comprehends it. She wants to hear him repeat it, but instead she shakes it off.
"That would never happen. I trust you. I knew you'd come around." Come around to what? To this? "Besides, you'd have done the same thing."
He probably wouldn't have hesitated.
He nods slowly. "Shepard," he starts. "Jeryn," he softens. "Hackett made me an offer … it was a good one but … if there is any chance I can come back to serve on board the Normandy, under you. I mean … with." She thinks she sees a bit of embarrassment in his eyes and she represses a smirk.
"Of course. Glad to have you on board."
Her mind is reeling with a thousand things unsaid, and her heart jumps up into her throat. She swallows it down. She doesn't want to ruin the moment. She stays professional, offers a hand to shake.
The clasp feels firm and inviting, and anything but appropriate.
Finally, a smile creeps across her face as his eyes crinkle at the corners. She wonders how she didn't notice the grey at his temples before, or how it has only added to his features.
"Welcome aboard, Major."
"Ma'am." He salutes, always with smart movements and perfect posture. She would never know he'd been half dead in a hospital bed not too long ago.
With all that has happened, all the losses they've all felt keenly in the passing time since leaving Earth, this moment is refreshing and welcome.
He's back.
He spins on his boot and strides off, and Jeryn takes just a moment to watch him before she follows.