A/N: Thanks again toLeroyZanzibar for betaing and a kudos to LiegeLord for suggesting the return of Xerxes!

Disclaimer: Mass Effect is copyright of Bioware. Many of the characters contained herein—Shepard included—are property of Bioware. Shepard is partially of my forging, since I am able to choose many of his reactions to events within the parameters of the game. The sequence of events and their outcomes are property of Bioware. The interpretations of and reactions to the events are largely my own. Ci-Ci is mine. Please do not repost this story or any parts of it herein. Always give credit where it is due. I owe the Mass Effect Wiki a great deal for helping me figure out timelines, details, and other such things that I did not pick up during the game.

I welcome constructive and/or encouraging reviews/critiques. Thank you for reading. Enjoy!

26 May 2185—SSV Normandy SR-2, Zakera Ward Docks, the Citadel Serpent Nebula

Corinthia stopped dead the moment she saw the Normandy. "Oh, no…"

Shepard had known that she wouldn't react well to the fact that she was with Cerberus. He'd just hoped that he'd get the opportunity to tell her but, between his joy at having her back, he'd never had the chance to tell her the reason why he was still breathing. "I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how to tell you."

She tried to shake his arm off her shoulders, but he tightened his grip. "You'd better start explaining."

"They found my body. They started the Lazarus Cell to bring me back. Took two years and four billion credits. I wasn't glad that they did until today."

"And you're working for them?"

"I like to think of it that I'm using their resources to do my job."

"And you thought that I'd be okay with this?"

"Of course not. I'll kill every last one of them if they give me a reason to."

"Do they know that?"

"I don't let them forget it."

"I can't do this…"

"Yes, you can. You think I wanted to do this? They cornered me into this."

"You could've left them."

"And gone back to the Alliance to hunt geth? Yeah, right." He wasn't sure if he wanted to tell her about his drive for revenge, but she was going to find out before the end, so, what the hell? "They told me how you… died. I wanted revenge. If they were going to give me a means to hunt the Collectors, I was going to take it."

She shuddered at the darkness in his voice, but turned and embraced him anyway. "I know I'm going to say this seventy thousand times, but I'm sorry. If I had known that you were being… fixed, I never would've… Well, I never would've hunted Cerberus or let myself get cornered on that Reaper."

Shepard blinked. "Reaper?"

"Yeah… Uh… I'll tell you inside."

Shepard almost smiled. "You're coming?"

"I can't leave you to deal with them on your own. I don't want your head exploding."

"I see you haven't changed."

"Don't count on that just yet."

"Please tell me that's in a good way…"

"If you're referring to sex, you've still got aways to go to earn that."

"Fuck…"

She frowned. Though he'd thought that she was being facetious, she hadn't been. She could see the darkness and rage still lurking in him. Though they were both trying desperately to act as they had before, during their time together on the Normandy, but it was still half of an act and they both knew it. Yes, he loved her—probably more than he ever had before—but, as happy as she was to have him back, she wasn't sure where she stood anymore. His fire in their reunion had frightened her more than anything else he'd ever done.

She stepped out of his grasp. "We'll talk inside."

Shepard swallowed hard. He didn't like her tone, like she was going to tell him that she was dying or that they were through (his greatest fears, aside from her dying in front of him or when he couldn't prevent it). Still, she was willingly stepping onto the Normandy. He had a feeling that once she saw Joker, Garrus, and Mordin that she'd choose to stay.

Miranda was waiting right inside the door. She crossed her arms and looked at Corinthia critically. "Are you insane, Shepard? You had orders."

Corinthia looked from Miranda to Shepard. "What's going on?"

"Let me handle this," Shepard growled. "She's a more valuable ally than enemy."

"Ariadne—"

"Ci-Ci."

Miranda blinked. "What?"

"And don't tell me the Illusive Man didn't know, because there's no way in hell that he didn't."

Miranda pursed her lips. "EDI, get the Illusive Man. I think Shepard wants to have some words with him."

"Right away, Ms. Lawson," the AI answered.

Shepard couldn't believe it. For the first time, Miranda was being… cooperative.

Corinthia grinned. "Cool VI."

"I am an AI," EDI answered, "though I am greatly restricted in my capabilities."

"What it means is that it can't pilot the ship by itself, but it will when it gets a chance," Joker said.

Corinthia grinned. "Joker?"

He turned in seat. "Ci-Ci? You know, I'm honestly not surprised."

"I have the Illusive Man, Commander," EDI said. "He'll speak to you in the conference room."

Shepard kissed Corinthia's cheek, murmuring that he'd be back. She looked after him, confused.

"Wow…" Joker murmured. "I forgot what it was like for him to be human."

"I'm not sure how long that's going to last, though."

"What? You aren't staying?"

"You have to stay," Miranda interrupted.

Corinthia raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"Because we need Shepard, even if he doesn't need us," Miranda answered. "I underestimated the impact you had on him, even after seeing his drive for revenge. I know we've wronged you in the past, but this is now. We're fighting for the same cause."

"And what cause is that?"

"Humanity."

"Wrong," Corinthia snapped. "I fight for the preservation of the galaxy and all species within it, not just my own. Unless you believe in that, you aren't getting my loyalty, not anything like that. I'm here because Shepard is."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU UP TO, OLD MAN?" Shepard's shout echoed throughout the Normandy. "You knew she was alive and you sent me to kill her!"

The Illusive Man lit a cigarette. "I never gave you any instructions, Shepard. I just informed you of the threat."

"Threat? THREAT?" Shepard laughed bitterly. "Listen, ass hole, you have one more chance. If you try and make me do anything that isn't related to stopping the Reapers, I'm going to find you and you are going to regret the day you decided to bring me back."

The Illusive Man smirked. "You don't have to worry about that, Shepard. I have a lead on the Collectors. By the time you investigate the dossiers I sent you, I should know for sure."

Shepard gritted his teeth. "Again? I have a good squad."

"You need all the allies you can get."

"I have the only ally I need, no thanks to you. If you had your way, I would've killed her."

If the Illusive Man had his way, Corinthia would have died on the Normandy instead of Shepard. "Are you finished? This is a pointless argument."

"This isn't over."

"But this conversation is." The Illusive Man ended the transmission. He didn't want to deal with Shepard's empty threats, especially when he had to deal with Corinthia. She would try and glean information on Cerberus from the Normandy. She was a good enough hacker to get anything from Cerberus that she wanted. He'd order Miranda and EDI to keep a close eye on her.

Shepard came out of the conference room, feeling less angry than he usually did after confronting the Illusive Man. He noticed the crew hastily scurrying back to their posts, only Corinthia still nearby. She smiled softly. "I'm sorry I doubted you."

"What are you talking about?" he answered.

"For thinking that you'd gone insane for working with Cerberus. That guy's even more of a jerk than I'd imagined."

"Like I said, he's just a means to an end."

"And you know that you're the same to him, right?"

"Which is why I'm going to ditch him first."

"When?"

"Once I get the Collectors for trying to kill you."

She rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"

"What?"

"You're still after revenge?"

"It doesn't just end by having you back. It just… shifted." He ran a hand over his head. "I don't know how to explain it…"

"You can figure it out later."

He took her hands in his. "Are you really okay with… this? Cerberus, I mean."

"No, I'm not, but I'm going to be following you, not him. You don't have enough patience for any kind of politics."

"And I haven't forgotten everything that Cerberus has done to you, either."

She shook her head. "I'm not sure anymore. They brought you back, didn't they?"

"Miranda did. She just had Cerberus funding."

"Oh… I guess I should go thank her, shouldn't I?"

"If you want, but I want to talk to you, first." He led her to the elevator.

"About what?" she asked curiously.

"I want you to tell me what happened over the last two years."

"Oh…"

"And what the hell you were doing on a Reaper."

Corinthia gulped and squeezed his hand tightly.

"That bad?" he murmured.

She nodded. "Yeah…"

He didn't say anything else until they were in his quarters, sitting on one of the sofas.

"What happened to you?" she whispered.

"Hm?"

"You don't feel the same."

"You mean… am I still human?" He groaned and leaned his head against the back of the couch. "Honestly, I don't know. I have all my memories, feel the same, but it's a new body... None of the old aches or pains. I'm stronger, better, faster..."

"And taller."

"Huh?"

"You grew an inch."

"You have no idea..."

"What?"

"Nevermind." He shook his head. "The point is that Miranda was thorough in her upgrades."

"Do you like them?" She reached out and touched the glowing scars.

"I don't know." He closed his eyes with pleasure as she kissed them. "I'm thinking I might start to..."

"Well, I think they suit you. Creepy, but they suit you. And I wouldn't care either way. I mean, you didn't with me..."

He stroked her cheeks, relishing the feel of smooth skin. "You got gorgeous."

She blushed deeply. "I'm glad you think so. I also got more confident..." She leaned in seductively.

He gulped. "Don't push it. I barely have any self-control as it is."

"Ooh, so I can torture you, too?"

"I'm serious, Cassie."

She stopped and returned to her place. "Oh... Sorry..."

He took a few steadying breaths, calming his heart. "Don't be... I... Just don't do it unless you're totally willing..." He stared at the ceiling rather than her, trying to think of anything but what she'd look like out of her clothes (as fantastic as she looked in the tight black pants, form-fitting shirt...). "It's only been a month, for me... Being without you, I mean. Worst weeks of my life."

"Imagine how I feel..."

"I know how you feel. Even though you were gone..."

"I still fell in love with you more every day," she finished for him, drawing up her knees and hugging them. "Worst feeling in the world."

"Tell me about it..." He ran a hand over his head. "But getting revenge was kinda fun."

"Revenge on what?"

He explained about the Collectors and, at her behest, the mission until that point. "...And then Kasumi set up that whole fiasco at the Gallery. I think she knew that you were alive..."

"She did." Corinthia glanced back at the door. "Is she here?"

"I sure as hell hope she isn't in here. She tends to go around cloaked all the time."

Corinthia stood up. "Where is she?"

"What are you planning?"

"I think I'm going to strangle her."

Shepard smirked, taking her hand. "I'll show you, then."

Kasumi was doing her favorite pastime: spying on Jacob. He was in the middle of his jucily gorgeous work-out routine when Corinthia's voice difted in.

"Ooh... An armory? Did you finally get a grenade launcher?"

"Yes," Shepard answered wearily, knowing what was coming.

"Can I-"

"No."

She pouted. "Please?"

"No," Shepard repeated. He poked his head into the room. "Jacob."

"Shepard," the soldier answered, continuing his crunches. "That Ci-Ci?"

Corinthia waved. "Yep. You're... cut."

"Thanks."

"Don't let her near the weapons," Shepard warned. "She tends to make things explode."

Corinthia opened her omni-tool and waved it in front of Shepard's face. "THIS can make things explode now."

Jacob stood up, stretching, and put on his shirt. "Your dossier said you were deceptively dangerous."

Corinthia winked. "Something like that."

Shepard grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door. "No toys."

"But-"

"I said no."

"Okay, fine. Why did we come down here again?"

"Something about killing Kasumi."

"Good luck finding her," Jacob called after there. "I haven't seen her around for a while. She's probably cloaked in sneaking around again."

Corinthia opened her omni-tool. "Yep, she is. Just a sec..."

Kasumi flickered into view. Jacob raised his eyebrows. "How long have you been in here?"

"A while," the thief answered perkily. "You've got quite the routine."

Jacob shrugged. "It's not much. Wait... Are you watching me?"

Kasumi smiled, but turned her attention to Corinthia. "Ci-Ci. I'm glad you finally got the message."

"You know, I wouldn't have done the same to you."

"But you got a romantic meeting. That's a lot better than in the middle of a fight. Though, it would be fun to see you two go at it..." Kasumi shrugged. "But you're here."

"Were you watching that, too?" Shepard asked, his voice taking a dangerous edge.

"I did by accident. I wanted one of Ariadne's paintings. It happened to be in the room..." Kasumi smirked as Corinthia blushed furiously. "I must say, I think you two probably made romance novel writers gape in shock."

"Which painting did you take?" Corinthia asked, trying to NOT talk about the best kiss she'd ever had (mostly because was intent on making Shepard give her an encore).

"Rage and Serenity," Kasumi answered. "The one Shepard liked. It's in my quarters..."

Corinthia put her hands on her hips. "Did you pay for it?"

"Well, since you were coming, I just told Mia that you'd asked for it to be delivered..."

"You're way too sneaky for your own good."

"What can I say? I like my job."

Shepard blinked in shock. He'd never seen Corinthia interact with anyone like that. Ever. It wasn't even like her being her old self, but it was still... unnerving. And endearing.

"I want it," Corinthia said suddenly. "Hand it over."

"But it has a perfect place on my wall..."

"Kasumi..."

"Fine. But you'll understand. C'mon." Kasumi and Corinthia headed to the elevators, leaving Shepard and Jacob to watch them and their swaying hips.

"I don't know what just happened," Jabob said, "but I don't like it. They're up to something."

The girls' giggles echoed out of the elevator. Shepard winced. "What the hell have I just done?"

Corinthia flopped onto Kasumi's sofa. "Okay, I'm staying in here."

Kasumi raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd stay with Shepard."

"We're not like that."

"With his body? You have to be joking."

Corinthia shook her head. "Nope. We agreed not to unless... Actually, I'm not even sure what the terms were, but it involved love, an engagement ring, and no Reapers. I think... Meh. We'll sort it out. Until then, I'm staying here." Corinthia eyed her painting. "No, it's going to Shepard's room."

"But-"

"It's my painting until you buy it, so I'm putting it where I want it." Corinthia snatched it away before Kasumi could. "And he'll shoot you if you go into his room. He's better than any safe."

"I want another one."

"I'll let you take anything else. Your choice."

Kasumi thought for a long moment. "It's a deal."

Corinthia toted the painting out the door and into the elevator, going up to Shepard's cabin. He was sitting at his desk, going through reports of some kind. He looked around. "What's that?"

She showed him. "You liked it, didn't you?"

"Well, yes..."

She leaned it against the fish tank. "So have it."

He stood up, putting his hands on her waist and pulling her to him. "I don't need art..."

She stiffened, not answering his kiss. He stopped and pulled away. "Are you alright?"

Her eyes were focused behind him on the model display, where a scale replica of Sovereign rested on glass pegs.

"Ci-Ci? Cassie? Cassiopeia?" he pressed, shaking her shoulders. "Cassie!"

Right when he was getting ready to slap her, she blinked and wilted in his arms. "I'm... What just happened?"

"You tell me," he breathed, clutching her to his chest.

She didn't answer.

"You know you can tell me anything, don't you?" he murmured gently..

She closed her eyes, like she was remembering a nightmare. "This isn't the first time that's happened. I was trying to find proof of the Reapers. Instead, I found an actual Reaper, and then everything just sort of… came together. I'd been looking into the Collectors and the Shadow Broker agents, too, and they were all there. The Collectors work for the Reapers and the Shadow Broker works for the Collectors… It just got so… muddled." She sighed. "Then everything went wrong. I'd already been on the Reaper for too long and the Shadow Broker thugs and Collectors cornered me. Even if I could've escaped, there was a Cerberus assassin waiting on the other side of the Mass Relay, so I sent it off and hid among the Shadow Broker agents." She rubbed her temples. "After that, everything just goes fuzzy. I'm not even sure how I managed to get off of the Reaper, because I woke up in Liara's apartment without my scars and the worst headache I've ever had."

Shepard put his arms around her shoulders, unsure of what to say. "It's over, now..."

She leaned her head against the crook of his neck, trying to form the words to tell him what Harbinger had told her… had done to her. They didn't come. She could only shake her head helplessly and try and stop herself from crying.

"Want me to go slaughter them for you?"

She giggled. "If it'll make you feel better."

"But will it make you feel better?"

"I'm... I'm not sure."

He thought for a moment. "Wait here."

She blinked, confused, as he extracted himself from her grasp and jogged into the elevator. She sniffed, wiped her nose on the back of her hand, and looked around. His room was certainly more comfortable than the one on the first Normandy. He even had an aquarium for fish (though there weren't any fish in it… A good thing, since he'd have to feed them and he sometimes forgot to feed himself).

Shepard came back two minutes later, hands behind his back. She was leaning over his desk, looking at the holo of her with her salarian friends. "Where did you get this?" she asked.

"Mordin. He's in the science wing."

Her eyes brightened. "Really? Wow… This is going to be fun."

"Just promise me you aren't going to start talking like him."

"No guarantees there. You know what happens…"

"Which is why I know I'm going to regret this." He took his hands out from behind his back.

Her eyes widened. "You can't be serious…"

He held it out to her. "Perfectly."

She accepted it with shaking hands, cradling it in her arms. "Xerxes…"

Shepard hoped that he wasn't going to regret giving her the M-920 Cain (the newer, upgraded version of the mini-nuke she'd found on Elysium). "Just promise me you won't blow us all up."

"Ooh, can we go find someone to kill? I REALLY want to see what changes they've made…" She grinned, set it on his desk, and kissed him giddily. "Thank you!"

Shepard was glad to see that she still had some of her old spark in her. He'd missed it more than he'd realized. He pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss. "We'll go kick something's ass soon enough," he murmured. "But I haven't had my fill of you just yet…"