He could not believe it. WHY DID HE KISS SHEPARD?

James was visiting the docks where refugees from the war were sent to in the Citadel. He couldn't help but watch the cars fly by.

"So, make a move on Shepard, huh?"

James turned to see Cortez standing next to him.

"Did ya haveta be so blunt?"

Esteban laughed.

"Ah love..."

"Didn't you have a husband, Esteban?"

"... yeah, I did. Feels like so long ago since he died..."

"Sorry bout that, bro..."

"Naw, it's no big deal. Anyway, why do you ask?"

"Well..."

"You like Shepard."

"Again with the blunt remarks..."

"Yeah, Mr. Vega, but it breaks the awkwardness. Anyway, you wanna know what exactly you feel, right?"

"Don't get me wrong, she's smoking hot, strong, and can do the impossible, but... she seems so different when she's not on a mission."

"Well, she DOES have a lot of responsibility resting on her shoulders. I mean, she just has to save the universe... AGAIN... from the Reapers."

"I know, but... Lola's amazing out on a mission, but alone... it's like I can't take my eyes off of her. She has an amazing personality, she's fun, smart, and beautiful. Lola also can be hilarious sometimes as well..."

"Wow, you really like her, don't you?"

"Maybe it's because of this war, but man, any man would love to have a woman like her."

"Well, since I can't exactly tell you myself, I'll believe you. She's truly an amazing person."

"But man... was she pissed when Vakarian and I went at it sparing."

"I know, man, I was there! She cares greatly about not only her crew, but her friends. You should have known that a Turian was gonna beat the snot out of you!"

"Oh, but it was SO worth it when we got to the infirmary!"

"I can only imagine... Oh, not to go off topic, but what exactly are we still on the Citadel after the Cerberus attack?"

"Shepard said she was gonna check out the rest of the Citadel to see how it's doing, and to weed out any Cerberus lackeys. Surprised she hasn't heard about the preachy Cerberus recruiter down here yet. What was his name...?"

"Conrad Verner. He was trying to but me about it. I'm surprised the little bug hasn't been shot yet..."

"Well, the Commander will handle it, I'm sure."

"Hey Esteban?"

"Yeah, Vega?"

"You can be ok sometimes, ya know?"

Cortez was full of laughs today. At least someone was.

"Ok, Mr. Vega, I'm going over to the Memorial Wall. Don't get so down; it doesn't suit you."

"Likewise, Esteban. Don't beat yourself up so much, 'kay?"

"Thanks for the concern, Mr. Vega."

Steve left, and James looked back up to the flying cars.

Maybe Esteban was right, he shouldn't get too down about it.

Vega went to find some sorry souls to play poker with.