Thank you, everyone! It feels so great to know that people are enjoying my fanfic! Again, thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing! Questions, suggestions, and encouragement are all welcome! Now, just in case I do get comments/corrections about this, I realize that Nihlus wasn't 'from' Palaven. The idea behind it is that each flower represents the individual and is a flower from the home planet of the species, that way, others of the same species would recognize it (if they saw it at all). Collector Zero, I promise there will be some more Shepard (M) and Tali interactions. So far, there just hasn't really been a good spot to add in their interactions and, for the most part, there won't be a whole lot ME1 plot. It is kind of hinted at in the beginning of Chapter 7, but Tali is very wary of any sort of relationship (and isn't too keen on John at the moment!). However, I did put in a little bit of a tease at the end of Chapter 7, because I know that I have been focusing a lot on Garrus and Jane. Oh yeah, I apologize if there are any mistakes in these chapters, I only had time to review once... *crosses fingers*

Chapter 6

"Look, Commander, I really think that you should delay this mission," Chakwas said as she stood in the corner of Jane's room while she put on her armor. "Your wounds need more time."

"Dr. Chakwas, I appreciate your concern, and it is duly noted, but the fact is that they won't wait for us. Intel suggests that Matriarch Benezia is there. If we wait any longer, we might miss our only chance." Jane winced as she reached around to snap the lock of her armor into place, her arm falling short. It probably was too soon to go out, but there wouldn't be another chance, that much she knew.

Karin moved forward and finished locking Jane's armor for her. Jane's face had been hidden from Chakwas, but she was starting to understand the commander more and more. "I wish you could have more people on the ground team… I'm just glad that you'll have Garrus with you."

Jane was quiet for a moment before turning to face the doctor, "Why so specific?"

"For starters, he is a turian and it is drilled into them to keep an eye on their situations and look out for their commanding officers. He is also friends with your brother, more than that, you are his friend. I may be old, but I am not blind. I see the way he looks at you."

"What are you talking about Karin?" Jane said readjusting her glove. "He doesn't look at me any differently."

"Heh, of course," Chakwas said as she headed towards the door, "Good luck on the mission. Just, be careful."

"Thank you," Jane whispered as the doors closed.

Taking a deep breath, Jane groaned at the pain in her side. She didn't have her typical range of motion, and her leg was killing her. Hopefully, there wouldn't be any running from bombs or the risk of a collapsing structure, she hoped. It took a lot of effort, but she was able to hide her limp, she just worried how she would feel afterwards.

Heading out of her room, Jane nodded to those sitting at the table. She acknowledged everyone on her way to the cockpit, every time; a good rapport with the crew was important to her. Moving down the walkway, Jane could see the shoulder of a turian standing in the cockpit. "ETA, Joker?" Jane said entering the small room. Garrus nodded to her as she entered. She could tell he was evaluating her, probably with the assistance of his visor too, but she still had no idea what that thing was capable of doing.

John stood up to come face to face with Jane. He was taller than her and tried to use his stature to his advantage, "Jane, you need more rest."

"I am good, John. Now, back off."

"No. This is something I firmly stand on. You were shot four times. I know that your range of movement is impaired."

Jane narrowed her eyes at her brother, "Would you care to test that theory?"

Garrus and Joker stood (and sat) perfectly still, it was a challenge, but neither of them wanted to interfere, or even acknowledge the sibling spat in the room. Jane wasn't at her best, everyone knew it, but no one wanted to challenge her on that. Liara approached the cockpit and instantly froze in the hallway; she decided to wait next to the airlock, out of sight.

"At least take another person with you. And no, I am not requesting that it be me."

"No. I have my team set."

"Garrus? Joker? Please back me up here."

"I've got to uh… focus on docking us," Joker mumbled.

"Garrus?" John said, turning to his friend. Come on, man. Please back me up here, John thought. He looked over at Jane and found that she was looking straight ahead.

"Shepard would be the best judge of her capabilities. If she believes that she is fine to take on this mission with only us, I trust her."

The air was tense around them and John's eye twitched in agitation.

"Thank you, Garrus. Meet us in the air lock. I'll see you when I get back, John," and with that, she left the cockpit.

"What the fuck, Garrus," John murmured, rubbing his brow. "Just, please, keep an eye on her."

"You know I will," and Garrus moved to the airlock.

As they waited to dock, Garrus leaned in next to Jane, "You and I both know that you probably shouldn't be taking this lightly. I know it isn't likely for us to have another person on the team, what with making those at the station feel uncomfortable, but it really would be best."

Jane looked up at the side of his face, "Why didn't you say anything when John asked your opinion?"

Garrus turned to look at her, their faces mere inches from each other, "Because you are the commander. And I know how stubborn you are. Everyone thinks that you are making a mistake but most just won't speak up to you. Having someone take your side, at least on the outside, would be beneficial and would calm everyone's nerves." After a few moments, he added, "Plus, I know that you wouldn't listen to me anyway," he flared his mandibles in a grin.

She narrowed her eyes at him with a half-smile on her face. "Quite a poker face you have there. So… Everyone, huh?" He nodded. "Well, thanks for supporting me, even if it wasn't genuine," she breathed out a chuckle. "And you never know, I might just listen to you, Vakarian."

Liara stood in the back, watching the exchange between the turian and the human. She was starting to understand what Wrex had implied before. How did more people not see it? How did I not see it earlier? How do they not see it?

"What could I say, mother?" Liara said, hurt. "That you're insane? Evil? Should I explain how to kill you? What could I say!" What happened to her?

Matriarch Benezia ignored her daughter and gave her attention back to Shepard, "Have you faced and asari commando unit before? Few humans have."

Jane shook her head, "I can't believe you'd kill your own daughter."

"I now realize I should have been stricter with her," Benezia sneered. Before anyone could react, she threw her arm out, putting them all in stasis while the commando unit came into the room.

All they could do was watch as the asaris approached and stood beside Benezia. This wasn't a good situation; it was too open and they didn't have the high ground. As soon as the stasis broke, the team opened fire while moving to the side, trying to find cover.

Jane winced as she slid around the corner to hide behind the railing. Her entire left side was screaming, getting here had been harder on her than she thought, but now wasn't the time to focus on it. Repositioning herself on her toes, she twisted around to shoot several shots into the asari commando. The commando got her own shots off, causing Shepard's shield to fail and grazing her shoulder. Groaning as she took cover once again, Jane felt the vibration of biotics against metal at her back, "Time to take out the main target," she said into her comm-unit.

"We've got your back, Shepard," Garrus replied. He took out another asari moving around the side, ending anymore assistance for Benezia. We might actually have this, he thought. He could see Shepard leaning out from cover then quickly ducked back in.

"I don't have a clear shot. I am moving in closer."

"Shepard, you can't!" Liara shouted.

"Shepard, wait for me to get closer and back you up," Garrus offered.

"No time."

Damn it! She had already moved and was now out of his sights. She had no back up and was engaging an asari matriarch. What the hell is this human thinking! Garrus got up, ready to move in and assist her just as the doors opened again and geth came into the room. "Spirits," he whispered. They targeted the new enemies, taking out several, and heard Jane's weapon firing again. Suddenly, the sound was cut short and Garrus chanced a look at the platform to see Shepard thrown down the walkway and slam into the railing. "Shepard!" he shouted as her body seemed to twist awkwardly and she landed face down.

Jumping out from his cover, Garrus placed a shot into the head of the geth. He rounded the corner just as the next geth began to lift slowly off the ground, from Liara's assistance, no doubt. Benezia was charging her biotics again and Garrus was still a few feet away. Jane moaned as she struggled to her hands and knees.

The matriarch released her biotics. At the last moment, Shepard threw up her hand and a shimmering blue field surrounded her body.

A barrier.

The biotic blast hit Jane's shield and seemed to be absorbed in it, the aggressive blue energy, dissipating into the calm pool.

Jane flinched at the strong hit and her biotics flickered. Well fuck. She continued to stare at the metal grate below her as she gasped in a few short breaths. Her hair fell loose around her face and quivered, reminding her of her weakened body. Closing her eyes, she focused on keeping the barrier up.

"Shepard!" Garrus shouted as he reached out to her. She lifted her head and clasped his hand just as her barrier blinked out and he hauled her next to him. "That was a close one, Commander."

"Yeah," she groaned, her breathing labored. "Just got the wind knocked out of me, I'll be alright. Glad you are more than just a pretty face," she laughed. Jane looked over and smiled at him; her face instantly turned stern. She rocked onto her knees and turned to face Garrus. Her left hand rested on his shoulder for support as her right fired three shots into the geth approaching them.

He watched the geth's head shred from the bullets. "Nice shot," he said looking at her and he saw another geth round the corner behind her back. Out of pure reaction, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her to his side as he brought up his sniper rifle and took out the geth with one shot.

"Hmm, no scope?" Shepard said as he turned back to face her. Jane looked up at him with a faint smile. She could feel his arm supporting her back with his three-fingered hand gripping her side. Her breath was hitching for a completely different reason now.

Garrus saw her breathing and heart rate change in the readout on his visor. "Oh, sorry. I must have hit your wound," he said pulling away from her.

"No, I'm fine," Jane cleared her throat. "Let's finish this."

"Patching you through to the council, Commander," Joker announced as everyone filed out of the room.

"Thank you, Joker." Jane tapped Liara on the shoulder as she passed and whispered, "I'll come by after this to talk to you."

"Thank you, Shepard."

Garrus leaned against the wall facing into the room and looked back at Jane. Their eyes met for a moment just before the doors shut. The turian bowed his head, staring at his feet. He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked up to see his best friend standing next to him. "John. What can I do for you?"

"I was going to hang out with Joker for a bit, want to join me?"

Rubbing his neck, Garrus looked at the shut doors and nodded, "Sure."

"Hey guys!" Joker announced as they made their way into the cockpit. "Boy, am I glad to be off of Noveria. I don't know which is worse, the cold or the corporations. One will freeze your balls off, the other will sell them out from under you."

"You got that right!" John said putting his fist out, Joker quirked up an eyebrow, causing his hat to rise. "Oh, right, brittle bones," he chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah. Make fun of the cripple. Gotta love the cripple jokes!" Joker shouted. "One of you want to take a seat?"

"Garrus? You were on the mission."

"Uh, no thanks. I prefer to stand."

"Fine, suit yourself!" John plopped down in the copilot's chair and turned so he could face both of his friends. "So, how did the mission go? Obviously Jane made it out alright. Did you guys have any close calls?"

Garrus could see the worry, and quite possibly anger, on the human's face. He knew that the man wasn't mad at him, or even at Jane, it was probably just the realization that his sister was in a constant state of danger than he ever thought she could be. "All things considered, it was pretty standard. Ran into some geth and some asari commandoes, but they weren't a match for us."

"So, her injuries weren't an issue?"

"Not at all."

Joker stared up at Garrus. His eyes piercing the turian from under the brim of his hat; Joker knew. "See, John? I told you I had seen Shepard bounce back from worse."

"Yeah, I guess you are right. I just… I wish she didn't have to do this."

It was something in John's tone that caught Garrus's attention. Why did he say it like that? "Do you really think that anyone else could do this? Everyone else seems to sweep this issue under the rug."

John smirked up at his turian friend, "Not really what I meant but, you do have a point."

"I am getting sick of you Shepards being so cryptic all the time.

She lay in bed staring at the ceiling with her arm draped over her forehead. Why can't I sleep? How long have I even been laying here? Four in the morning?! What the hell! Damn it… She groaned as she rolled over and stuffed her head into the pillow. She desperately wanted sleep. It was approaching a week and a half since she actually had a decent rest. Tonight was supposed to be the night. She had finally managed to get everything done at a reasonable time and turned in at nine o'clock, only to lie in bed for two hours and then only sleep for just under three and finally have a staring contest with the ceiling for two.

The fight on Noveria hadn't helped her body recover at all. Rolling out of bed she stretched her limbs, ignoring the protests of her muscles; getting caught by Benezia's throw certainly made things a lot worse. She eyed her desk from across the room but decided against it; work was the last thing she wanted to do right now. If her body and mind were going to keep her up, she wasn't about to spend her time filing reports. Stripping down to nothing but her bare skin, she tossed her clothing aside and stepped into the shower. Nothing calmed her like a nice, hot, scalding shower. She stared in the mirror as she tousled her hair; it was the one bit of vanity she regularly indulged. It was harder to keep long hair while being Alliance; it constantly had to be up and out of the way. On several occasions she had been tempted to cut it short, but so few people seemed to keep their hair long, she enjoyed being the exception.

Turning the dial, she tipped her head back, ready to accept the warm embrace of the water. Instead of welcoming the water of hot springs, she got the icy grip of the arctic shelf.

"SON OF A BITCH!" she cursed loudly. She scrambled to find the dial and turned it off as fast as she could. Already shivering, she snatched her towel and wrapped it around herself. Staring at her soaps she mentally weighed her options. There was no way she would be showering in that ice, which only left her the community showers, but she was fine with that; she hadn't always had her own shower.

Stepping out of her bathroom, she eyed her clothes on the floor. She could throw on a shirt and shorts but she didn't really feel like getting dressed only to do it again. Hell, it is four in the morning. Who is going to be up at this hour? Wrapping the towel around herself a little tighter, she tucked her toiletries in between her arm and body and headed out.

Garrus continued to type away on his omni-tool, writing up his most recent report of upgrades to the Mako that he would later send to Shepard. How she had managed to talk the Alliance into letting her have control over that vehicle was beyond him. Every time she takes that damn thing planet-side, I end up having to fix it. If she weren't my best friend's sister and my commanding officer, I would have a few more words for her. Maybe I should make her fix it sometime. Spirits! Why does this elevator take so long?

He paused his typing to check his ascent. He never needed much sleep, being a turian, but tonight he had been especially uncomfortable, his thoughts unable to settle. To pass his time, he decided to put in a little bit of work, even though Shepard would probably forbid him and scold him like a child for working after (rather, before) hours. Taking a few moments between calibrations, he thought he would grab a quick drink or energy bar and wait for others to wake before he would really eat. Though he liked his solitude, John would pester him to death if he didn't stay sociable.

The elevator finally reached its destination. Garrus began typing again and stepped out, rounding the corner into the mess area. He heard a small yelp just as bare, human feet and legs came into view.

They bumped into each other, causing Jane to clutch at her towel tightly and lose her grip on one of her bottles. Time seemed to have frozen as the stood awkwardly facing each other, the bottle echoing its fall between them and rolling between Garrus' feet.

Jane blushed furiously as she clutched tighter on her towel, trying desperately to make it more appropriate. "Oh, Garrus! I'm sorry! I didn't think anyone else would be awake at this time."

"Yeah, uh, I didn't think so either," his words stumbled over each other. He looked down at Shepard nervously holding her towel and struggling to keep hold of her other bottle. It was the first time that he had seen her with her fringe down, and it was much longer than he thought it would be. It was beautiful. He had never seen anything like it, long soft waves of golden silk that cascaded over her shoulders and framed her face, which had darkened into a deep red that even colored her neck. "Uh," he cleared his throat, "what are you doing up this early? I thought humans usually slept longer."

Some of the color finally seemed to subside from her cheeks, "Yeah, usually they do. I haven't really been able to sleep too well, lately. I guess I should have known that I wouldn't be the only insomniac wandering around."

"Well, turians don't really need as much sleep. But this is a little early for me to be up too." He watched as she shuffled her feet and tried to cross her arms over her chest again. She pulled at the towel a little tighter, either out of appropriateness or nerves, but it was accentuating her waist and hips nicely. Garrus in no way had a fetish for humans, but he couldn't help but appreciate her beauty. Clearing his throat again he took a small step back, shaking his head to regain his focus, Come on, Garrus. Change the topic! This is your commanding officer for Spirits' sake! "So, what are you doing out here? I thought you had a shower in your cabin." Oh smooth. You try to talk about anything else and you go right to the reason why she is in just a towel.

"I do, it's just that mine is kind of on the fritz right now. It's colder than the waters of Noveria."

"Heh," Garrus gave an awkward chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck, "yeah I don't think anyone could put up with that. Well, unless you dared Wrex." They shared a small laugh and Shepard visibly relaxed, leaning into one leg like she usually did. Again, Garrus couldn't stop his eyes from drifting over her waist. He cleared his throat again and straightened himself, "Turians for instance, we prefer ours extremely hot. It would probably burn humans, I'm sure I am putting stress on the water system for the ship."

"Hmm, guess I should have been born turian then." She saw him cock his head to the side slightly and decided to elaborate, "John always complained that I used up all the hot water and broke the heaters when we were younger. I have a tendency to set it a little too hot than I should. It actually made him upset enough to get up early."

"That's surprising. Well, um, I guess I'll leave you to your, uh, shower." He smiled back as she grinned up at him, then he noticed her eyes flick downward WHAT?! Did she just…

"Um, do you mind moving a bit? My body wash is in between your feet and if I reach for it now, it will make this moment even more awkward than it already is."

"Oh!" he jumped back and reached down for it just as she did, causing his mandible to brush against her alien fringe. It was much softer than he thought it would be and he could feel it glide across his rough skin. They straightened at the same time, her fringe all swept over one shoulder and the bottle in his hand. He held it out to her; her five-fingered hand brushing against his three.

"Thanks. I'll see ya around, Garrus," she nodded to him and side-stepped around him to head to the showers.

He watched her leave, the towel still clinging to her curves. Just as he was about to turn away he saw a multitude of colors decorating her back but something in particular caught his eye, the red and white flower on her right shoulder that he had only glimpsed before. "Shepard?" she paused and turned to look at him, her face showing just as much confusion as his did. "Is that… a native Palaven flower on your shoulder?"

Jane unconsciously rolled her shoulder where it sat, forgetting that her back was bare enough for him to notice at least three of the flowers. "Um… yeah, it's uh… I have quite a few tattoos actually. I know I kind of blurted out about one of my others."

"Why a turian flower? Is it because they are so pretty?" he teased her.

The corner of her mouth quirked up but quickly fell, "Actually, each flower has a name with it; someone that I lost while serving with. That one in particular is for Nihlus, the turian Spectre, he was evaluating me and was killed by Saren, as you know. Even though I didn't get to spend too much time with him, I still consider him as someone I served with. He is the reason I got my Spectre status, as it is."

Smooth, Vakarian… "I'm sorry. It is good to know that you are willing to honor a turian in the same manner as a human."

She gave a small shrug with a smile. "We are all a part of this galaxy. And as different as we may be, I think we are just as equally the same."

"Oh, and I would still like to talk to you about a few things Shepard. Though, I do appreciate you at least answering that."

"I know, sorry that we haven't had a chance to talk. But you know how things are. How about I make it up to you? During shore leave?"

"Sounds good, Shepard," Garrus nodded to her as she smiled and turned away from him.

His eyes lingered on her until he shook his head and went back to the elevator. He pressed the call button, still trying to clear his head and figure out what had come over him to leer at his CO like that. One thing was for sure though; she was continuously surprising him. Just as the doors opened to the cargo bay he stared ahead then hissed his frustration, realizing that he forgot the entire reason he had gone up in the first place.

"Alright, everyone. We will be docking at the Citadel in fifteen minutes. Don't get too excited, shore leave starts at 1200 Citadel Standard Time but you will have seventy-two hours. Have fun, but please try not to get into too much trouble. Shore team, we do have a few errands to run, so please meet me in the CIC by the time we dock. Thank you."

Several hoots and hollers could be heard throughout the ship. Shore leave had been a long time coming and everyone was itching to get off the ship.

"So, do you have anything in mind for your shore leave, Wrex?" John asked the hulking krogan. He would be lying if he said the krogan didn't intimidate him. Wrex was a true killing force. He had been so quiet and reserved, but that hadn't deterred Jane. She had approached him fearlessly and now Wrex was interacting with other members of the crew, willingly.

"No. Nothing is of interest to me on the Citadel."

"I think it is good to get off the ship though," Liara shared. "Get out, clear your head, go shopping."

"Ooooh! I can't wait to go shopping!" Tali said. "Granted, I wish it could be for clothes, but I would settle for some tech."

"Shopping doesn't quite invigorate me," Wrex grumbled.

"How about alcohol?" John laughed.

"Now that! That will get me moving," Wrex boomed out a laugh.

"Let's share a few drinks then."

"I don't think you could keep up with me, human."

"I may not be," John backed off, but a devious grin spread across his face, "but my sister might."

"Shepard? HA!" Wrex threw his head back, "Shepard is strong, I know that. But she could never keep up with a krogan, let alone me."

"John, why are you telling stories on the commander?" Kaidan said in almost a scolding tone.

"Technically, I haven't told any stories, yet. And damn, lighten up. She is a person just like everyone else. Besides, she is hilarious when she is drunk."

Everyone's omni-tools chimed at the new message that came through; it was from Jane, "Meet at Flux, 2100 Citadel Standard Time." The women got another chime on theirs, "Girls' afternoon – meet at 1400 for shopping in airlock. Get ready together after that?" Liara and Tali looked at each other, gave a nod, and quickly sent back their own messages.

"I am so excited!" Tali announced again. "I am going to live vicariously through you, Shepard, and Ashley for the clothes. Don't be surprised if I push you girls to try on a lot of stuff."

"I don't know, Tali," Liara said sheepishly. "I am very particular about what I wear, and I would assume that Shepard and Ashley are the same."

"Then I guess I will have to adopt some of Shepard's charm," Tali said putting her hands on her hips.

"Push Jane a little. She needs to live and remember what it is like to be outside the Alliance," John winked at Tali. "Just, you know, don't let her slut it up."

Most laughed at his joke but Kaidan took offense, "That is a terrible thing to say, even if it is a joke at your sister. Shepard would never be like that."

John and Wrex looked at each other and they both rolled their eyes.

As their conversation hit a lull, they all paused to listen to the approaching footsteps.

"Thanks for putting up with that, guys," Jane said turning back to Garrus and Ashley. "I know running around the Citadel in full armor is everyone's favorite activity."

"At least this time you took the fast transport," Ashley smiled. "So, Commander, see you at 1400?"

"Yup. And none of that 'commander' talk at that point okay?"

"Yes, Commander," the soldier smiled before stepping in the elevator, "Vakarian, you coming down?"

"Thanks, Williams, but I need to speak with Shepard for a moment."

"Suit yourself. Enjoy the wait for the elevator then," and the doors shut.

"Need to talk with me, huh?" Jane smiled up at him. She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall.

"Yes. You said during shore leave. It's shore leave."

"Actually, shore leave is ten minutes away. And besides, I was going to let you interrogate me one of the other days."

"I need at least a few questions answered. They have been eating at me for a while. But, if you really don't want to tell me, I won't push you."

"Nah, it's fine. Just come by my quarters in a little bit. Sound good?"

"Good," he followed her around the corner, thinking he would sit at the table until she was ready to talk. He also figured staying close would be better, in case she tried to 'chicken out' as John would say. Looking up, he saw the rest of the ground team in their casual clothes, sitting around the table, staring right at him. Garrus chanced a look at Shepard's door, wondering if he could wait in her quarters. He decided against it, "I see everyone is ready to get out of here."

"Just hanging out," John smiled. He waved his hand at the turian, "Come one, pop a squat and join us."

Sitting at the end of the table, Garrus took in the looks of everyone around him; John was the only normal one. Tali and Liara shared a few glances and then would awkwardly look around for something more interesting, Kaidan seemed to be glaring at him, and Wrex seemed to be giving him a smug look, as if the krogan knew something he didn't. "Making plans for leave?"

"Some of us are," John said. "The girls seem pretty excited for their shopping trip. You sure you don't need to pick up something casual? You can't go out in your armor or undersuit."

"I'm sure I can scrounge up something."

"How did the assignments go?" Liara asked, deciding it was best to change the subject.

"Everything went well. No firefights surprisingly."

"That must be a first," Tali giggled.

"Yeah, so it was really just going around and tying up loose ends."

Barely five minutes had passed in their conversation before Kaidan finally broke his silence, "So, Garrus, what do you have to talk to Shepard about?" Every head turned towards the lieutenant. "What? I am just curious."

"Dude, it is none of ours or your business," John said.

"It is something that she and I have spoken about before," Garrus answered simply. He checked the time and figured it would be safe enough enter Shepard's room a little early. "And speaking of which, I need to meet with her." Standing up, he walked as calmly into her quarters as possible, thankful that she hadn't locked her door.

She was nowhere in sight, and Garrus was just about to call out when he heard something. The shower was running but it was something else, a melody. Humming? Is that what humans called it? It was intriguing. Her voice rose into the song and Garrus couldn't move. He feared that he would make a sound and she would stop.

"I'm through with love, I'll never fall again.

Said adieu to love, don't ever call again.

For I must have you, or no one.

And so I'm through with love.

I've locked my heart, I'll keep my feelings there.

I've stopped my heart with icy, frigid air…"

Taking a moment, Garrus turned off his translator, and realized that he was missing a lot of the intonation and beauty of her voice. If he ever had a chance to hear her sing again, he would have to upgrade to a better translator, but there was a part of him that didn't even want to have the translator between him and her voice. He wanted to understand her and the song in the natural sound. Turning it back on, he listened to more.

"Goodbye to Spring, and all it meant to me.

It can never bring, the thing that used to be.

For I must have you or no one.

And so I'm through with love."

As her voice faded back into humming, Garrus almost missed the sound of the shower turning off. Shit, now what? He looked around, as if to find some answers around him, but of course, none were there. Just look casual.

He watched her walk out, her head bowed and her eyes half closed, still lost in her singing, though now she had transitioned into a different melody. Her fringe looked completely different now that it was wet; it was a slightly darker color and was smoothed back. When she turned her back to him, he saw that the towel draped, showing most of her back. Garrus now had a much better view of the tattoos that commemorated those she had lost; the entire design was beautiful. She began to slowly sway and a smile began to show on her lips. Kneeling down, she opened a drawer beneath the bed to decide on what clothes to wear.

She still hasn't noticed you. Now it is getting awkward. Do something! "You know," she froze at his words. Her singing stopped and she leapt up to look at her visitor, her face filled with shock and quickly turning a light red. "If we keep meeting like this, rumors might start to spread."

"Son of a bitch! Garrus! What the fuck? Oh my god…" Jane pulled her towel around herself more securely.

"Shepard, I'm sorry to have startled you," Garrus said, trying to sound as calm as he could.

"No shit you startled me! What the hell are you doing in here? Why didn't you say something sooner?" Oh my god, and I almost removed my towel! How the fuck did I not notice him standing there?

"I'm sorry, I thought you would have been available to talk. Um… I'll just go."

"No, wait." He stopped in his tracks, surprised. "Just, give me a moment to change. I did promise to answer a few things for you." Jane sighed and quickly rummaged through her clothes, looking for what she had in mind. She could feel her heart beating a little faster and her cheeks were flushed, God, I hate blushing. I feel like such a child! Rushing back into the bathroom, she tried to quickly dress and fix her appearance as best she could in the short amount of time.

Garrus felt a little awkward standing in her room by himself, having just walked in on her. Folding his arms behind his back, he turned to face her as she entered. He couldn't help his eyes roaming over her form. She wore a pair of jeans (a favorite of humans to his understanding) and a black tank top, both of which hugged her curves.

"Come on, Garrus, take a seat," Jane smiled while pulling her desk chair to the other side. When he gave her a strange look she shrugged, "I know this place doesn't have the best seating for 'hanging out'. I'll have to get a couch at some point. Granted I could have just sat at the desk but I don't want it to seem so impersonal." She turned the chair to face him and sat down, propping her elbow on the desk and leaning into it.

"I understand," Garrus turned his seat to face her but he didn't quite know how to sit. He sat down and placed his hands on his knees, he felt like he was sitting too straight; it was a little awkward. Jane pulled her feet up onto the chair and rested her chin on her knee. Garrus noticed her feet were bare, they were strange. "So, you gave me something else to ask about." At her quizzical look, he continued, "Your singing was impressive."

"Uh, thanks," she blushed again. "You are now one of a very, very small crowd that knows about it."

"Why? You made me want to update my translator so I could hear it more clearly. Who knows, maybe even learn human common."

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head, "Yeah, right, big guy. The translator would be the easier route. And, I guess I don't sing because I am too self-conscious about it."

"You? Self-conscious? I honestly cannot believe that. Especially with a voice like that. Now, I didn't recognize the song, is it new? Or is it an older one."

"Thanks, Garrus," she smiled at him, "and the song is old… very old. The song is over two hundred years old. But still, one that I can't get out of my head." At his surprised look, she continued, "Music is something that really communicates to me, and there is no expiration date on a great song. John makes fun of me for it, so feel free to join him."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

She flushed and dipped her head, then bit her lip, mulling over a thought. She leaned forward a little, "Um, can I ask you something first?" At his nod, she took a deep breath, her breath catching in her throat as her nerves began to get the best of her. "This is going to sound a little strange, but, we are friends, right? I mean, more than just because you know my brother?"

"You are right, that does sound strange," he smiled as she ducked her head. "But, I do think of you as a good friend. Spirits, I think even if John didn't exist I probably would have sought you out anyway. So, yes, we are friends. I guess you Shepards have some special pull on me."

"Glad to hear it, big guy," she smiled brightly at him. "Okay… first question. Your choice. Shoot."

Garrus mulled over his options. His mind seemed to be going in every direction and he had seemed to lose every thought he had prepared. With his mind still on John and his antics, he figured he would ask something that he knew John was dying to know. He may not tell him, but it would be fun to hold it over him. His mandibles spread in a devious grin, "What's between you and Alenko?"

"Ah, fuck. I should have seen this coming."

"Come on, everyone is wondering it. He seems to follow you around or at least seek you out constantly. The other night, when we were all having dinner together. It was obvious you didn't want to be sitting near him, despite his best efforts. And then, he comes in here and comes out with a ridiculous grin on his face."

"Ugh!" Jane leaned back in the chair and covered her face with her hands. "There is nothing between Kaidan and me. Don't give me that look! Honestly, I have no interest in Kaidan… though, I can't say the same for him."

"No, you don't get off that easily. Something happened. Confess."

"Don't use your C-Sec interrogation skills on me! Alright, so, Joker and I found out that we would be serving together and met several times during the construction of the Normandy. We hit it off pretty well, I guess he kind of reminded me of John and I was pretty much the only person who went out of my way to talk to him. Unfortunately, people still seem to want to bypass those that are different. We were stationed on Earth and had a few days of shore leave. He wanted to go out and convinced me to go too. Yeah, you guessed it, he used the cripple card on me. So, he gets me to go out, and managed to get me really drunk, and trust me, that takes a lot," she laughed. "I swear, he must have planned that evening out a long time ago.

"Anyway, I was drunk, and he kind of was too. We were daring each other to do stupid things and I went out on the dance floor to dance like an idiot with the first person that joined me. It was Kaidan. I returned to Joker and when he went to excuse himself to the bathroom, he ducked out on me. I got a message from him saying that he had left and was leaving me with my admirer, and to 'enjoy the night'. Kaidan bought me a few more drinks, there was some innocent, on my end, intoxicated flirting, and we kissed." Jane watched Garrus's reaction and was surprised to see him tense up at the end. Pushing it aside, she continued, "There may have been some heated making out and groping, but I could tell that Kaidan was looking for more than just one evening. So, I cut the night short and left without giving him a way to contact me. I didn't even give him my whole name, just Jane. We parted ways, and I thought I would never see him again, no harm done.

"Next thing I know, he is getting stationed under my command. Oh, god, it was so awkward seeing him again. We hadn't shared that we were both Alliance so it was a surprise to both of us. He wanted – wants – to 'pick up' where we left off. He just won't take a hint that there wasn't anything past that night."

"Ah, that is why you seem to avoid him." Garrus had never been a huge fan of the lieutenant, and now, he felt a little sorry for him not getting past it. But then again, Shepard is a hard one to forget. Her story made him feel a little better but he had one more question on the topic, "What did he ask you the other night?"

"He wanted to have dinner together during shore leave. I told him no, but he 'wanted me to think about it'."

"Are you going to?"

"I am looking for excuses."

"Well, for future reference, if you ever need an excuse, I'll back you up. I'll try to be there to save you from him."

"Wow, my hero."

"I prefer the term 'vigilante'," they laughed together.

"Alright, next question, go ahead."

"Your tattoos, I'm curious about them."

"Hmm, many are, Garrus," she winked at him. She laughed again as she watched him fidget, "They are kind of my way of expressing myself in an unconventional way. I didn't want 'Commander Shepard' to define everything about me. Even though no one would see them unless I dressed to show them, I know they are there. You saw some of the flowers, actually… here."

She scooted a little closer to him and turned her back to him. Garrus sat back a little confused as to what she was doing. His mouth went a little dry when she folded her shirt up once, her waist now showing and her bottom ribs just peeking out from the edge of her shirt. Jane put an arm across her midsection to hold her shirt down in front and grabbed the back of her shirt with the other, lifting it all the way up to her shoulders.

Garrus could see all of the flowers that decorated her back. There were flowers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and origins; now he was able to see that each had the name of who they represented in small print along a petal. He was mesmerized by the beauty of her markings and couldn't stop himself from leaning in and placing a hand on her back, as if it would help him remember it more clearly.

Jane had felt a little awkward lifting her shirt in front of him, but it was to show off art… she reasoned. When she felt his alien hand on her back she closed her eyes at his touch. His three-fingered touch was so foreign yet seemed so comforting and even though he was wearing gloves, she could almost feel the heat from him spread through her.

His eyes were still roaming over the tattoos, taking in each name and trying to imagine how she knew them and if she still felt the pain from losing them. A few names were blocked by a black strap going across her back. Garrus didn't know the function of that bit of clothing and didn't even think before slipping a gloved talon under it to lift it out of the way to see the names. When she sucked in a breath and tensed, Garrus withdrew, "What did I do?"

"Um…" she cleared her throat, "uh, nothing. Don't worry about it."

She had started to lower her shirt when Garrus's eyes drifted back down to her waist. A detailed feather seemed to peek out at him. "What is that one?"

"Hmm?" Jane asked, freezing.

"This one," and Garrus tapped her side.

"Oh," Jane stood and turned so he could see it. "It's a crow, a bird on Earth."

Garrus was glad that humans couldn't hear sub-harmonics, because his were going crazy. She had her shirt lifted to show him the bird; its wings were out but folded, as if it were landing and was completely black besides its blue eye. But that wasn't what had his attention, her waist was bare and directly in front of him, right at eye level. He felt an urge to grab her waist and pull her closer but clamped his jaw and mandibles down harder to help control himself. "Does it have a special meaning?" he finally got out.

Jane looked down at it, admiring the work from long ago. "It does. On Earth, the bird is actually quite common. It also kind of gets a bad reputation in several cultures as signaling bad omens. Hell, a flock of them is even called a 'murder of crows'. Few saw the crow as anything more. One culture, saw it as a shape-shifter, a trickster. But those birds are amazing. For years, we assumed all birds were dumb, literally, we used the term 'bird brain' to insult people, but they really are smart. Some crows use tools to get their food and some know how to manipulate objects into tools! They also have a sense of fairness among their own kind but will even look out for other not related to themselves. And they are fearless, attacking birds much larger than themselves to protect their nests.

"In some ways, I identify with the bird. Sometimes I wish I were more common, could blend in. I don't want to be seen as just 'Commander Shepard'. There is more to me than that."

He watched as she traced her fingertips along the feathers, remembering a day long ago; the slight pull of her skin mesmerizing him, making him wish it were his talons making her skin do that. Garrus tore his gaze from her side and clamped his mouth and mandibles down again, not realizing that his mouth had dropped open. "It… it really is beautiful. It is nice to know that you have that much thought into the design. How many tattoos do you have?" To his relief, she lowered her shirt and sat back down.

"Not including the flowers, seven."

"Do they all have a meaning behind them?"

"Yeah. But we would need more than one night to go over all of the stories," she chuckled.

"They are amazing, Shepard."

"Please, Garrus. You can start calling me Jane now. At least when we aren't around the rest of the crew."

The door to her room slid open and they both snapped their heads in the direction at the same time of sitting back in their chairs, trying to look casual. Kaidan cleared his throat, "Sorry to interrupt," he started, though it was clear he was feeling pretty bitter towards Garrus, "Shepard, I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch on the Citadel, now that it is officially shore leave."

Shepard and Garrus checked their omni-tools for the time, 1200, right on the dot, Jane thought. "Sorry, Kaidan, the girls and I are going shopping, and so I need to get ready for that."

"Hmm, alright. Tomorrow?"

Garrus watched Shepard's profile as she set her jaw firmly; she was looking for a good enough excuse. "A little too late, Alenko," both humans looked at him, "I already twisted Shepard's arm to join me tomorrow. And you were just saying that Anderson wanted to see you the day after, right?"

"Yeah," Jane picked up flawlessly, "still working on nailing down a time, but it will be good to see him outside of 'work'."

"Oh," Kaidan said, defeated, "well, then I guess I will see you tonight."

"Yup," Jane answered and waited until he was out the door before turning back to Garrus. "My vigilante," she smiled at him.

The turian shrugged, "I do what I can. So… What would you want to do tomorrow?"

"Huh?"

"I think we should keep up appearances so that Alenko doesn't catch us in a lie."

"Very true," she smiled. Drumming her fingers on her chin she stared at the ceiling. "Well, you didn't believe me about my skills with a sniper rifle. Want to go to a range to start with?"

"Sounds good to me." He looked around the room and finally stood up, "I should let you get ready. Wouldn't want to make you late for the girls' outing."

"Those were your only questions?" she sat up, her face turning to surprise.

"No. But if we have tomorrow, I won't bombard you with questions right now."

For those of you wondering, the song was "I'm Through with Love" the version that I was thinking of was the Marilyn Monroe. However, the original composition is by Fud Livingston in 1931.