Their mission was to make it onto the Citadel that hung above the earth's atmosphere. Sounded simple, right?
The same Turian who had kicked his ass strided over to him.
"Vega."
"Vakarian."
"Though you and I have never gotten along, know that even though you stole my woman, I still got your back. I'm not gonna let some Reaper take you down before I get another match with you."
"Ha! I've improved since the last fight! And I'm gonna make sure you don't become a Reaper zombie before our match! I know I can win this time!"
Garrus laughed.
"You're on! I also have payback for you damaging my jaw!"
They laughed together.
"Mister Vega?"
Kaidan stood before them.
"I've got things to check out. Later, Vega! See you on the battlefield!"
Garrus left. James turned to Kaidan.
"I know I never really got a chance with her, but please... protect her at all cost. She means a lot to me as well."
Vega placed a hand on his shoulders.
"Relax, Major! I've got it covered! Besides, I think we'd do better to protect her together!"
"Know that if you or Garrus don't make it, and she does, I'm going after her. However, I'm not the kind of guy who can steal a woman from another man, just so you know."
"Major, if either of us don't make it, and she does, please take care of her... for my sake."
Kaidan nodded.
"I'm going to reminisce with some of my old students before we go into battle. Let's work hard to make it through this!"
"You got it, sir!"
Kaidan hurried off, and James could see the woman he loved talking to a friend on the holo-video. He stared at her from where he stood, thinking.
But boy, even if the Earth was kind of looking like a mess, it was still good to be home. James had never had a true desire to visit London for anything special, yet here the last stand was being held. Everyone knew that there was a chance that they wouldn't make it out of this alive, but they had Commander Jane Shepard, who had made it through the impossible many times.
And now there was a chance he was gonna lose her.
"Jane." James called
He had never called her by her first name out in public until now. There was nothing to hide.
She turned to face him.
"You called me by my first name."
"Because... I... I don't know if we'll see each other after this! We've gone through so much, with the Reapers and more! I've had the time of my life, and now there is a chance that I might lose the woman I love. I want to spend the rest of our lives together... but... I... I'm scared."
He felt silly that he was spilling his guts out to her, but he couldn't help it. He loved her too much, and he wanted to make sure he told her everything before it was too late.
Jane touched his face.
"James, I want to spend the rest of my life with you too. I promise, if we both make it out of this, I will find you no matter what!"
"And if one of us doesn't make it, know that I'll never forget you. I'll always love you."
"Then let's try our best to stay alive, huh?"
She smiled, and he couldn't help but grab her and give her a long, passionate kiss.
"Good luck... for both of us."
