"We owe you a great debt, Shepard." The Asari Councilor declares. "You not only saved our lives but the lives of billions across our galaxy from Sovereign and the Reapers."

The Citadel had taken heavy damage during the battle. The Council's headquarters were among those sections destroyed, so the small ceremony unfolds in the common grounds of the Presidium where a small crowd has gathered to watch.

"Your heroic and selfless actions stand as a symbol of everything the Alliance and humanity has to offer." The Salarian Councilor chimes in beside her.

Shepard stands, face stoic, as Captain Anderson to her right nods in agreement. Ambassador Udina stands, hands clasped behind his back on her left.

"Humanity has proven that it is ready to stand and defend the entire galaxy, not just human interests." The Turian Councilor adds. "We are pleased to offer humanity a seat on the Council. After discussing the options, the Council would like to ask Captain Anderson to join our ranks and represent humanity."

"Councilor," Udina steps in. "On behalf of humanity, we are honored to accept this great offer, but are you sure you want a career soldier?"

"It's an inspired choice." Shepard says. "We already have too many politicians."

"I humbly accept." Anderson nods.

"Wonderful." The Asari Councilor says. "The defeat of Saren and Sovereign marks the beginning of a new chapter in galactic history. May we stand united as one."

She declares her last statement with an air of finality. The meager crowd claps and cheers as the Council moves to exit.

"This war is not over yet." Shepard interrupts. "The Reapers are coming and I'll be ready for them when they do."

Her statement is all but ignored. The Council dismisses the assembly and exits without a backwards glance. Shepard's brows are knit together as she watches them leave. Anderson pulls her aside.

"How can they still not see that this isn't over?" Shepard vents.

"Forget them." Anderson waves his hand. "They live for pomp and circumstance, not hard facts and harsh realities. Don't worry. When the political BS gets to be too much I'll give them a swift kick in the pants."

"That's what I like to hear." Shepard offers a slight smile. "That's why I suggested your name when they asked for a recommendation for Councilor."

"Ah," Anderson acknowledges with a smile. "I was wondering."

"Well, Sir. I better head back to the Normandy."

"Not so fast, Commander." Anderson says. "I know you are itching to get back in the game immediately, but you need to take a respite from all of this. Clear you mind on shore leave."

Shepard rolls her eyes, arms crossed.

"Don't mistake this for a suggestion." He places a hand onto each of her shoulders and looks her in the eyes. "I care about you, Shepard. You're like a daughter to me. Don't forget to take care of yourself once in a while."

She nods reservedly.

"Now, I've reserved a shuttle for you and accommodations off the Normandy. A change of scenery will do you good. But don't worry. You won't be alone."

Joker recognizes his cue. He rounds the corner, heart suddenly pounding. He hasn't laid eyes on Shepard since the ground team disembarked onto Ilos. He had slicked back his hair for this occasion and left the ball cap behind. The green civilian-styled button up and dark khakis feel foreign to him, but the woman at the clothing store had ensured him he looked dashing. He holds a bouquet of flowers in one hand and an apologetic shrug in the other. He feels rather silly until Shepard grins.

Anderson seems pleased with himself. "I'm not the oblivious old geezer you think. And forget regs. You're on shore leave. I expect you to don your civilian wear and live like one for a short while. If you're right and this thing is just beginning, you need to be ready. That means more than armor and guns. It also means spending quality time with the people you care about. Now get the hell outta here and don't get into too much trouble."

The Captain shoos them away and winks at the pair before turning back around to follow the Council's steps.

Shepard turns to Joker. She cocks her head to one side, surveying him with that grin still plastered on her face. "I… Umm… What a surprise to see you!" She reaches out to hug him around the neck tightly. Joker reaches around and embraces her in return.

"Congratulations." Joker says. "You did it."

The two part and look into each other's eyes a moment. Joker rather awkwardly pushes the bouquet toward Shepard. She takes the flowers with a "thank you" and smells them. Upon closer inspection she notices a few wilted flowers and several stems missing most of their petals. A tiny card attached to a plastic floral trident boasts a generic printed message with a scrawling handwritten note underneath: "Get well soon. Your badass pilot, Joker."

"Get well soon?" She asks and looks from the flowers to him questioningly.

"Yeah…" He offers a crooked smile. "I had originally purchased them to bring to your hospital room, but… You know… You had a lot of visitors and didn't stay long anyway. Then there were the news crews and the journalist from that Citadel magazine, and then this ceremony, and… I had to wait in line a while."

"Oh, Joker." Shepard pulls him into another embrace. "You should have cut in line! Since when do you follow the rules?"

"I…" He cannot think over the sound of his pounding heart and the smell of her vanilla scented hair. He breathes her in and closes his eyes.

"So, shore leave?" Shepard nearly whispers in his ear. "What's this all about?" She pulls back to look at him. "How did Anderson find out about… us?"

Joker shrugs and grins sheepishly while his heart soars at the mention of an "us." "He called me when the Normandy was locked down. I was in your quarters and… I guess the old man can put two and two together, even before I did. He confronted me after the whole Saren thing… Wanted to know why I hadn't visited you yet and… Well… I don't know. Apparently I'm a terrible liar."

Shepard laughs. "Well, at least we have his blessing, it seems."

"Does seem that way." Joker says. He reaches down to take her hand. "Come on. The shuttle's this way."

The pair move together leisurely, Shepard keeping in pace with Joker.

"You know..." Shepard says. "I never got to hear the end of your story. What happened after you were court-martialed for stealing the Normandy during her scheduled test flight?"

"Actually, Captain Anderson happened. He told the Alliance he wouldn't trust anyone else to pilot her after seeing my flying abilities."

"Smart man," Shepard squeezes his hand.

"I'll second that. He's the one who promoted you to her commanding officer."

They reach the shuttle and Joker opens her door. "We have reservations. Do you like sushi?"

Shepard pulls him into a kiss. "I like you. The rest is irrelevant."

Joker grins a mile wide.

The End