Docking to Citadel went smooth as Anderson send message to Shepard that he opened Corsair's dock's for the Normandy. Corsair's were an initiative where a group of Alliance shipse were to basically commit piracy against any threats to Alliance, while keeping full deniability. Ideas were good but brass quickly got scared of repercussions and pulled the plug on the project. Quiet docking bay however remained at Anderson's disposal.

/.../

After going back and forth with ideas with his brother, John decided to take it easy and not shock Tali more for now. A stride along Wards and casual shopping should introduce Tali to her new status. Specially since many shops doesn't even let quarians in. John was smirking at the thought of expression of any angry shop owner who would try to kick Tali out only to find out that she's under protection of Hero of the Citadel...

"Okay Max, you helped me figure out what to do for Tali. Now, what to do for you and Kasumi.." John shaken happy thoughts and concetrated.

"Oh relax, first one was classy and flimsy? Next one will be opposite, only still nice." Max laughed. "Write this down somwhere Logan - women love being surprised. As long as it's pleasant, doesn't matter the scope. Once it's a dinner with fireworks, next a trip to a damn mall. A personnal dreadnought then a plushy volus yow won at fair. Don't try to understand the women. Decode their kinks and use it to make them happy."

"You're a true sage sometimes...How come that with all that knowledge you weren't swimming in girls?" John shooked his head. Once upon the time he would just call bullshit on this and left but now...Max wasn't wrong about many things when it comes to subjects that John was not accustomed to. Like women, not cheap girls.

"Told ya before you bloke...I got burned. Tried putting this up with nice and sweet girl. It worked but turned into a labour. Dumb slut showed true colors and wanted everything while giving me nothing back. Shallow women just weren't enough. So I got picky. And it payed off like hell." Jester shrugged. "But it's good that you changed too. Went for something worthwhile"

"Yeah...I guess bloke finally got some brains" John chuckled. "Okay, I'll check on the others and get Miranda to schedule some shore leave."

/.../

"Back to your place?" Max smiled seeing his girlfriend lounging on the couch in the bar.

"Yup. Couldn't stand laying there. And being without clothes..." Kasumi trailed off. She noticed that Max was wearing nice grey button-up shirt with rolled up sleeves and dark slacks, casual and slick. Perfect...

"And there we go...Now I don't remember what I wanted to say" Max smirked. Yup, his imagination already started working on this enticing image...

"And here I thought you weren't like other men" Kasumi giggled. She knew that Max wasn't really mentally drooling at this image. And even if...well she's been doing her share of drooling once she saw him shirtless so...

"I'm not, but I appreciate beauty" Jester flashed one of his special smiles that made Kasumi all warm inside.

"Flatterer, always getting out of the dodge..."

"I'm a smooth criminal 'Sumi, a true riot" Max laughed.

"You are Max"

"I heard we're already docked to Citadel...You're free now?" Max acted like casually looking at non-existent watch.

"Depends..."

"On?"

"What you have in mind?" Kasumi grinned trying to hide excitement.

"A little surprise kawaii" Max replied. "Something different..."

"Mmmmm okay...now?"

"Yup."

"Lead on then, handsome" Kasumi jumped off the couch and smiled.

/.../

John walked up to Tali. She was always buried in work at the engineering but now she stood there motionless in front of diagnostic console, only fingers were running along buttons. He gave her light tap in the shoulder.

"Tali?"

She immediately turned around and almost jumped "Shepard!"

"Hey Tals...You have some time today?"

"I would like to John but uh...there so much that needs to be done, maintenance and some upgrades..." Tali stuttered. She would love to spend every possible moment with him buth she was aware to keep it down, and she had duties in engineering.

"Tali..." John changed his mind and looked over to Ken and Gabby. "Hey Gabs! How are the engines? Anything 'life or death' now? Think you can manage with Ken only for some time?"

"Yes sir. We're good with engine. Only routine maintenance. No pressing matters" Gabby replied and got back to her console still trying to eavesdrop on Commander.

"You see Tals? It's okay if I'll steal you for couple of hours..."

"Okay but...for what?" Tali still was wringing her hands.

"Oh there is this nice thing that I'm sure you'll like...It's called "date" " Johnn chuckled.

"A-a date?!" Tali felt light headed

"Yup. Would you like to spend some time with me? Just a stroll through Citadel. Nothing big. To let you get used to me being your boyfriend" Shepard spoke last words in a way that made Tali grin.

"I-Yes, of course...Kheelah I just didn't thought you'd like to"

"Surprise then" John laughed. "I'll see you in an hour outside?"

"Sure"

/.../

Max led Kasumi through Citadel. When they walked, Kasumi mused why there was no skycar this time. Well, answer was revealed quickly. They were riding in elevators and crossing some catwalks. Max at the same time was occupying her with history about turian criminal, his asari mistress and exploding tofu.

"Wait what? Exploding tofu?" Kasumi stopped the moment her brain caught up with the events.

"That tasteless stuff is very similar to certain explosives. Mistress basically fed my target with bomb, all I had to do is set up a remote detonator that initiated the blast."

"Woah, that had to be messy."

"Nah, I set it up in his expensive skycar." Max chuckled. "That was one spicy meat-a-ball... I mean tofu"

"Sometimes I'm scared of you Max..." Kasumi shooked her head. His references were numerous and rarely clear.

"Don't be, we're here by the way. And just in time."

Kasumi glanced around, they were on top of some construction site. Looked like presidium because she could see artificial sky. Max pointed at edge of the construction and sat casually on the bench, very conveniently placed there, wonder who put it here... Kasumi taken her hood off and sat next to him. This was different but...

"I heard this rumor a year ago...They say that you can't see it alone." Max pointed at the sky ring and wrapped arm around Kasumi. "Every day cycle, you can see something magnificent...but only if you sit with beloved person next to you."

Just the moment he spoke that, The artificial sun reached it's peak and briefly changed into sun dusk one only to rise again in different place of the sky ring after few minutes. Kasumi noisly inhaled. She watched setting suns before but this...this was really something new. Fromt dusk till down... She looked at Max. His stare was locked on her.

"I love you, Kasumi Goto" he spoke softly and kissed her.

Kasumi sighed and wrapped her arms around Max. "I love you too William Shepard"

They held like this for some time. Enjoying the moment and reminiscing their previous date.

"I always found ship's kitchen missing one crucial element...don't you think?" Max asked all of a sudden. Kasumi blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"You never craved a bit of..." Max reached under bench and handed her little cold plastic box with spoon, "...some ice-cream?"

Kasumi opened the frosty box and almost squeeled. That guy was a damn riot.

"Chocolate and cherry. No real milk so safe for you, darling. I figured you're not into lactose stupid drama" Max chuckled at still shocked kleptomaniac.

"H-how would you even know?" Kasumi felt psychologically naked. This guy knew all of her secrets...Not really important but very personal...

"Don't be mad 'Sumi" Max ran his hand along her hair. "Enjoy the dessert while I'll tell you few things I learned about you..." Kasumi only nodded and started munching on ice-cream. They were awesome. And lactose free.

"So where to start...milk was easy - your choice of blend with hot chocolate..." Max smiled seeing as little woman's eyes widened.

"Sunsets...Hmmm...we share a lot, including soft spot for romantics...And books you were always reading made for a big clue"

Kasumi made a mental note to check if really all she was reading lately were romance novels. Probably were.

"And greatest secret of all...How little Jester managed to sense his beautiful girlfriend standing behind him..." Kasumi looked at Max. That question was driving her mad.

"I would like to say it's because of our love...but this just made me more acute of something" Max winked. "I must say your perfumes are the nicest and most gentle I've ever smelled. But still they stand out from metal and grease on the ship or anywhere else. And I really love cherry trees..."

Kasumi choked on last spoonful. She really wanted to bang her head against the wall now. Why she never thought about it?

"Don't be mad 'Sumi. Nobody knows. And I really like them." Max leaned and kissed Kasumi in her forehead. She was blushing. She felt she was red on her face. Clearing throat she put the box down.

"I'm not mad. I'm embarrased. Nobody ever even commented on them no to mention connecting it with me."

"And that's where loves comes in my dear. I've told you, I'm attuned to you. I'll always find you and bring back to me" Max smiled.

"True white knight and savior huh?" Kasumi kissed her boyfriend.

"Nope, that's my brother. I'm more of a...handsome devil that traded his soul for charming smile to seduce certain thief..." Max laughed wrapping both arms around Kasumi.

"We'll talk about this 'seducing' part one day..." Kasumi wrinkled her nose and laughed.

"Anytime you want it...Though now there may be something else interesting going on..." Max trailed off with truly mischievious smile.

"Uh-oh, I know that sweet smile, What is it?" Kasumi wasn't sure what to expect. This guy just can't be decoded.

"Oh I don't know...If you are feeling like spying on people we can always eavesdrop on Logan and Tali on their first date" Max laughed. "If some mischief would make you smile again like minute ago, we can pull a prank or two on them"

"How the hell you know where they are?"

"Pre-planning my dear. I'm an evil genius. Ephasis on evil."

"We shouldn't ...I wanna see it" Kasumi giggled. And she was supposedly be the bad stalker here?

Max pulled up his omni-tool and a view of security cameras kicked in. She could see Shep in civies and Tali walking down the Ward. They both looked a little nervous.

"You know you are bad doing something like this?" Kasumi grinned.

"Oh well, as long as they will be fine in the end, anything goes. I've done worse things to him years ago." Max reached again under bench and pulled out another pack of ice-cream.

"Enjoy the stalking show 'Sumi"

"Keep this up and I'll follow you home"

"Is that a promise?"

/.../

John felt tense. He asked her out for a casual stroll through the wards. Not that he wouldn't pull anything bigger for her but she already was so overwhelmed... He never felt tense before when walking with girlfriend. Sure maybe he never been with a quarian. Specially certain quarian machinist with cute accent but...

"Hey, Tals, how bout we look on some tech? You could teach me few things like you used to." John pointed at some shop selling some mods. He hoped Tali would take the bait and relax a bit talking about her world - technology.

Tali wringed her hands. She didn't know what to do. Still not fully believing that this all was not a dream, she never had a boyfriend and even many friends.

"Come on Tals, maybe I'll find some nice gift for Commander Shepard's girlfriend" John replied. It felt nice that he could say it. Like this is what he was missing all that time.

"Kheelah...It's still hard to believe" Tali spoke while John wrapped his arm around her and led to the shop.

"Take it easy Tals. It's our time now."

As they walked to the shop, salarian shop owner immediately recognized Shepard.

"Commander Shepard! What a pleasure to meet you! How can I help? Saronis Applications offer the best software upgrades and mods on the Citadel"

John smiled, no heat for Tali? Let's try something to be sure. "I'm more of a grunt than tech wiz, but I brought an expert with me..." John motioned at Tali to browse the catalog.

"Ask whatever questions you have." salarian only kept smiling.

John spend few minutes hovering above Tali's arm asking her about some upgrades. She quicky jumped into her strong suit and explained to simple grunt all subtleties between armor VI's and other modifications. John only nodded and bought a few of them.

"Don't forget your chit Commander!" clerk motion to a chit at the counter.

"That ain't mine. I'm paying straight from the account."

"Oh... that must've belong to that volus...maybe he'll be back for it." salarian put the chit behind counter.

Walking down the wards Shepard and Tali stumbled upon a commotion. A quarian girl, volus and C-Sec officer arguing.

"That clanless stole my chit!" volus was repeating taking breath with hissing sound after each two words. Joys of atmo-suits.

"I did not!" quarian girl countered

"Arrest her! They're all clanless thieves!"

"Everybody calm down..." Officer replied.

John walked up to them. "What's going on here?"

"That thief stole my credit chit!" volus ranted again.

"Please move along. This is a C-Sec matter..." Officer replied again annoyed.

John felt gears shifting in his head. Credit chit...volus...shop...

"Weren't you at Saronis Applications recently?" John asked volus.

"What? Yes I did, right after that, this clanless robbed me!"

"I did not!" quarian spat

"Clerk from Saronis's told me that few minutes ago volus went there and left his credit chit. Go and take it back." John spoke slightly pissed.

"Well that's settled then..." Officer shrugged and turned to quarian. "I don't care about your customs or other bullshit, stay out of trouble and get permanent resdence address or you'll get run in for vagrancy..."

Shepard felt scars flashing on his face and his bad side rattling chains...

"Oh...well she might have stole it" volus tried again. That did it. John leaned and looked at short alien face to face.

"Scram before I'll play bioti-ball with you" he spoke through clenched teeth and then looked at C-Sec officer. "Are you serious? Girl gets harrassed by this asshole and you try to get your kicks by threatning her with vagrancy?"

"How about I'll run you in for obstruction of justice! You are under arrest! You and both of this suit rats!" Officer yelled. a second later he was pinned to the wall a feet above ground.

"You made three mistakes Officer...Tammert" John felt that his bad side was taking over, but he let it. No one insults his girlfriend... "First. You tried to muscle in an innocent girl instead of kicking pompous asshole back in his place. Two. You just insulted my girlfriend...And Three. You think you can run in a Spectre?"

At this moment C-Sec took a good glance and realized who he just pissed off. "C-Commander Sh-Sh-Shepard?" John let him fall on the ground.

"Yes. Now...You gonna very politely apologise for being racist, or I'll have a talk with my friend, Captain Bailey, and you'll be in the worst patrols for the rest of your life if still employed..."

"I...I'm terribly sorry for my behaviour...Please accept my apology and let this incident not be perceived as common situation with C-Sec relations..." Tammert blurted out and ran away.

"I-Thank you..." quarian girl stuttered in shock. "I wish I could give you anything more than words but..."

"It's okay, I hate idiots like that. No matter the race." John shrugged.

/.../

"He's really bossy" Kasumi smiled. She was amused and yet little disturbed by Shepard's reaction.

"He's easy on him. I wouldn't be so kind." Max replied.

"Yeah...I got the impression" Kasumi placed her head on his lap and continued watching awkward date of her friends. Max capitalized on opportunity and started gently running fingers through Kasumi's hair. The were soft like cat's fur.

/.../

"What's your name?" Spectre asked girl in yellowish suit.

"Lia'Vael, Lia'Vael nar Ulnay" quarian replied still slightly shaken.

"Still nar Ulnay? You're on the Pilgrimage?" John raised eyebrow.

"Y-yes, You know about the Pilgrimage?" Lia was taken aback.

"One Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya had taught me a lot about quarian people" John glanced at Tali who stood equally shocked behind his back but she was also blushing.

"Tali'Zorah?! You've been here at the battle of the Citadel!" Lia made similar bump on her toes like Tali used to.

"I was, ship-sister. So as Shepard" Tali got a hold of herself and walked up.

"It's honor to meet you both. I wish I had adventures like you..." Lia saddened. "I can't even find work here, there should be salvage and repairs but everywhere I go they say 'no quarians' "

"I know that feel..." Tali replied.

"I can think of something, maybe nothing solid for long but should be enough to buy nice gift for your Pilgrimage" John took few steps to the side and opened comm.

"I'm amazed, ship-sister." Lia spoke to Tali. "I never thought I'll meet you or any other hero."

Tali felt awkward, Admiralty was treating her like pawn while lost girl perceived her as a hero?

"It's not like those old tales, It was scary and dangerous...But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Yes...Do you mind if I ask? Commander said to this officer that he insulted his girlfriend..."Lia was shaking slightly saying this.

"He did. We are...together" Tali felt heat on her face but also a sting of pride that she can acknowledge that.

"Kheelah! That's fantastic...And just like some tale! You are a hero yourself and you're with Commander Shepard!" Lia spoke ecstatic but quickly calmed herself, "Sorry, it's just so unreal. You two helping someone like me..."

"You'll never know what's in store for you fate has. Maybe you'll achieve even more?" John spoke appearing next Tali. "Lia, I spoke with Captain Bailey at C-Sec. Go meet him and he'll get you some work. Just say Shepard sent you."

"I-I will, thank you Commander. I won't forget this!" Lia made a little bow then left.

"You are unbelieveable John!" Tali laughed and felt Shepard's arm around her waist.

"Just trying to keep up with you." he chuckled.

"What you got for her?"

"C-Sec has few retrofits and other stuff to be done but short on techs. She'll get a nice discreet pay for it and everybody will be happy. How was the talk?"

"Awkward when she asked that we're together. You're not secretive about it John" Tali rested head on Shepard's arm.

"I'll never be ashamed of woman I love." John smiled. "Come on, maybe I'll find some place that won't be cursed with some trouble."

"I don't think it's the places that bring trouble..." Tali laughed.

Going along the way John felt bad for all this scene. Maybe some nice restaurant... Hold on! Max already got that for him. Shepard only pulled up the Nav Point.

"Care for a little drink with me? No scenes this time? I promise?" John asked Tali.

"Sure John." Tali followed him. Despite whole scene she enjoyed a whole trip so far.

They entered nice bar. Hight stools and tables in earth style and none of the annoying club music. Waiter came up, they both ordered. Tali was surpirsed that she got no stray looks here and her drink was sealed, with clean straw to set.

"I must say this is the nicest place I've visited on the Citadel." John tried to break the ice.

"It's sure not Chora's Den" Tali replied preparing her dextro drink and takin long sip.

"Yeah...No annoying music...no half-naked dancers...I can sit here comfortably with you...definietly my favourite place now" John chuckled and drank a bit.

"You weren't complaining back then" Tali giggled. That drink helped her a bit.

"I was different man back then." John sighed. "A lot things has changed"

"Everything more likely...We work with Cerberus, have no help, fighting new monsters threatining galaxy..."

"And you're still with me" John grabbed Tali's hand "All that time you were..."

"John..."

"Thank you Tali. I couldn't make it without you."

"I-I'm sure you would"

"No, Only you never doubted me"

"What about Garrus?"

"I like the bastard but sorry Tals, you're way cuter and more funny" John smiled hearing his quarian giggle.

"You're such a bosh'tet sometimes John"

"One day you'll have to tell me what that means"

"Maybe one day I will"

After another drink and little talk John felt urge to take Tali for a walk. She always liked open spaces.

"Thinking of another drink or maybe a walk together?"

"The latter"

Walking through Ward John kept one arm around Tali's waist while pointing on numerous things with the other. After a drink they both relaxed a bit and started trading stories. John entertained her with shenanigans he witnessed during boot camp and N7 training while Tali shared her view on hunting Saren and various aspects of quarian life at the Flotilla. One detail made Shepard wince. She mentioned that sharing air with someone is considered highest sign of trust and very intimate among quarians, now Shepard knew why crowd roared at the trial when John yelled that he would give Tali his last breath...

"John?" Shepard heard Tali asking him something

"Yeah?"

"You are smiling. Like Max when he pulled some sick joke." Tali laughed a bit.

"Oh sorry, just realized something..." John caught up with the fact that he was staring at Tali's...assets. And they were a delightful sight.

"Like what?"

"That despite all that time I was aware of it, I never commented about your looks..." John answered still in thought and stopped realizing what he said.

"What about them?" Tali asked unsure.

"Well there's nothing wrong with them, nothing like that...I was so fascinated with the fact that you just have three fingers that I payed less attention on the rest..."

"What do you mean John?" Tali felt sting of fear, was she unattractive?

"I mean that...You have a stunning figure" John blurted praying that Tali won't take it wrong.

"I-Oh...Thank you John" Tali felt relief and heat on her face. He liked her!

"You know...I feel awkward complementing you like that...But since that suit is so fitting, and you always hide face behind a mask...You ever thought of transparent visor?"

"I did actually, but I don't want...I want you to see me for the first time without the mask." Tali sighed.

"I have no problem with that Tali. I'm not gonna hurry you with anything. I already have from you what matters most" John decided on a bold move and kissed her visor above speaker of her mask.

"John!" Tali was confused, "What was that?"

"What? I can't kiss my quarian girlfriend?" John laughed and hugged Tali. "I'm so happy with you Tali."

"I'm happy with you too John"

/.../

Kasumi yawned lightly. She was laying on a bench with her head on Max's lap enjoying the moment. She decided to stop peeking on Shep and Tali very quickly after throwdown with C-Sec. Since she's with Max it didn't felt right and lost it's thrill. Besides, a consolation prize in form of makeout session was quite satisfying. If somebody would told her that she'd be lounging in some remote place on Citadel, with boyfriend playing with her hair while she'd be laying on a bench with her hood along with all walls and barriers down...She would die of laughter probably. Mock laughter.

" 'Sumi..."

"Mhmmm?"

"You were giggling"

"I was? Well...I have my reasons"

"You're weird. And I love it" Max chuckled.

"Remind me why I'm here?" Kasumi wrinkled her nose.

"Because we're in love 'Sumi...And I'm very charming."

"Oh yeah, there is that too..." Kasumi smiled and got up. "But I think we should go."

"Got bored?"

"No, too comfy. I'm gonna fall asleep here" Kasumi grinned.

"Well...We can always continue on the couch in your room 'Sumi"

"Is that a promise?"

/.../

John and Tali got back to the Normandy. Tali quickly decided to go to sleep as she was already yawning and didn't wanted to fall asleep next to Shepard despite all emotions that were flowing through her, dating was really tiring. After parting hug, John sat in his cabin. He thought about another drink but he'd rather not tresspass into Kasumi's place tonight...

"Commander, Garrus would like to see you" EDI made choice for Shepard.

"I'll be in the Battery in a minute."

/.../

John entered Gun Battery with a smile. "Hey Garrus, what do you need?"

"Shepard." Garrus turned to Commander. "I found a lead on Sidonis."

John felt smile dying on his face. Sidonis. Turian that betrayed Garrus's group of vigilantes on Omega and got them all killed and Garrus almost dead.

"What is it?"

"A man on a Citadel. Named Fade, a forger that make people dissappear..."

"Alright, we'll find them first thing in the morning. Captain Bailey in C-Sec should have something"

"Thanks Shepard. I need to do this...Sidonis must answer for what he did"

"You just want to execute him?"

"He doesn't deserve mercy"

"You're not a cold blood killer of unarmed Garrus..."

"I'll make exception for him"

Shepard decided to talk Garrus out of it along the way, walking up to elevator he bumped into Thane.

"Thane, can I help you?"

"I have a delicate matter to discuss Commander. Could you spare me a moment?"

"Yes of course" John motioned Thane to follow and they entered Armory.

"What is it?"

"I didn't mentioned this before but...I had a family once. Lost them years ago...But the matter at hand is that I've just received information that my son is on Citadel. He's using my name to obtain assassination target. He is no killer Shepard."

"I see...Don't want to be a dick here but it's late and only source we have there is Bailey at C-Sec. So one way or the other we have to wait."

"I understand Commander."

"Then get some rest if you'll manage. We're starting early tommorow"