Shepard stepped out of the elevator onto the Crew deck, the aroma of Mess Sergeant Gardner's grilled chicken from last evening still lingered in the air – finding its way into Shepard's nose, causing his stomach to yell out in desire as he looked into the Mess Hall.
The place was in full motion – most of the crew members were discussing their plans with one another as they packed their belongings. The bustle brought a smile to Shepard's face – a feeling of pride swelled in his chest as he saw smiles on his crew's faces once more – reaffirming his belief that this was a break they desperately needed.
Taking a moment to watch them walk around and talk, Shepard leaned against one of the walls – and began observing. His eyes first came to Crewman Hawthorne and Goldstein, the pair who constantly poked fun of Gardner for his cooking.
Goldstein was planning on going to visit Earth, claiming she had some relatives there she hadn't seen in quite some time. Hawthorne, with his arm still in a sling from his injuries sustained when he tried to protect Joker, awkwardly asked if she would like some company. Goldstein nudged him slightly, a smile on her face – accepting his offer. Shepard let out a small laugh as he watched Hawthorne enjoy his small personal victory.
Mess Sergeant Gardner planned on staying on the Citadel – claiming he'd like to find more supplies to make more extravagant meals for the crew, as well as a new set of tools – having somehow misplaced his on the engineering deck. The tech sergeant he was talking with let out a laugh, making a sarcastic comment about how a handyman lost his tools. Gardner, a fan of only his own sarcasm, responded angrily – telling the sergeant that he'd better watch his next meal.
It was Chakwas herself that came up to Shepard personally. She had snuck up behind him, giving him a slight nudge to alert him that she was there. As he turned, a smile came onto his face.
"And where might you be going, Dr.?" He asked, crossing his arms.
Resetting her luggage on her shoulder, she shrugged, "I honestly don't know, Shepard. I suppose I might go visit Eden Prime… and pay tribute to Jenkins."
The smile faded from Shepard's face as he remembered the once lively Corporal. It had been years since the events of Eden Prime, but the memory of Jenkins still held firm in Shepard's mind.
"Give my regards," he said solemnly, embracing Chakwas.
Chakwas pulled away slowly and smiled, a small pool of tears began to flood her eyes. She quickly realized that she had begun to cry, and wiping away at her eye, she smirked, "And yourself, Commander? Where would one such as you be going on this little vacation?"
Shepard turned his head slightly, to look over his shoulder at the door leading to Miranda's office. As he returned his gaze to Chakwas, she held up a hand, knowing what he was about to say.
"Just enjoy yourself, Commander," she said, flashing him another bright smile, "We're not like asari. We don't live for a thousand years. Live life to its fullest, Commander."
He gave her a small nod, and they embraced once more, "You take care, Chakwas. Enjoy your trip."
"Oh I will," she said as she pulled away from Shepard, slowly turning to the elevator, "And you yours."
He gave her a slight wave, smiling as she disappeared around the corner. As he turned to begin walking towards Miranda's office, he spotted Garrus appearing from the forward battery chambers, a small pack over his shoulder.
"Garrus!" He exclaimed, the sight of his best friend lightening his mood. He cocked a brow in curiosity as they neared one another, giving each other a firm handshake as they met, "And where might you be off to?"
Garrus dropped his pack to the ground, unzipping it quickly. He withdrew from it a small data pad and handed it to Shepard, "Remember that turian captain I told you I uh… blew off some steam with?"
Shepard, after reading over the contents of the data pad, let out a laugh, "Oh, yes."
"Well, turns out she's going to be on Palaven for a couple of days and she uh… wants to get together."
Shepard couldn't contain himself, and doubled over with laughter, "Haha… let me guess… going to uh… savor the last shot, eh? Pop a heat sink, maybe? Hahaha!"
Garrus punched Shepard in the shoulder, causing the Commander to laugh harder, "Yeah, yeah. Keep laughing, Shepard." A smirk appeared on the turian's face as he ripped the data pad back from Shepard.
Finally recomposing himself, Shepard tried hard not to laugh – but the straight face that his good friend was giving him caused him to break out laughing again, "Okay, okay… haha… I'm done, I promise."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever – and what are your plans Shepard?" Garrus asked, crossing his arms and raising a brow at the Commander.
Brushing the tears of laughter from his eyes, Shepard shrugged, "I don't know yet."
"You and Miranda aren't doing anything?"
Another shrug.
Garrus nodded slightly, "Well – hope you enjoy these two weeks, Shepard. If anyone needs this break – it's you."
"Thanks Garrus – you have fun, and take care of yourself."
They embraced like brothers, patting each other on the back. Garrus gave Shepard one last nod before picking up his pack and walking for the elevator. As he watched his friend go, Shepard at last turned towards Miranda's office – the smile from his conversation with his friend fading as the realization that he would need to confront-
'No,' he thought, 'Not confront. Talk – like adults.'
Shoving his hands into his pockets, he casually strode over to her door, shutting out everything – and focusing his mind purely on what he was going to say to Miranda. A lot of different approaches rushed to the forefront – should he start pondering why she wasn't at the meeting? Open with an apology? Should he ask how she is? What has she been up to?
He sighed heavily as he reached the door. 'Whatever I ask… I just hope it's enough,' he thought as he knocked on the door.
Her elegant voice sounded out from the inside, "Come in."