Hey everyone… Let me first apologize for this chapter taking so long to post. Things here have been… rough to say the least. I have tried a little of everything to get my mind off of things, and back into the story, but nothing has really worked. I can only get a paragraph or two and even then my mind is all over the place and I lose my train of thought. Also, I would like to apologize to ManLion for not having your prompt up yet. I still plan on finishing it, I just don't want to deliver something sub par.

Anyway… I won't share my sob story, but one nice little happening is that I now get to hand-raise a kangaroo joey. We name them according to the same first letter of the mom's name, so hers had to start with an 'S'. Of course I was first thinking "Shepard" but my bosses wanted a "pretty" name to post about her. So, her name is Solana!

Also, I have been doing my Mass Effect lore research (trying to get back in the mood of writing) and found out that I fucked up the storyline a bit. Apparently Shepard was on shore leave on Elysium when the Blitz happened… oops. Well, you know what? I am not going to try to fix this 'mistake'. How I have this set up is how it is going to be because frankly it is too much effort right now to change it and it works better for my story. So, instead, we are going to say that the Blitz happened earlier than when it did. Oh yeah, and since we are on the topic of changing things, I am changing Leng's background a bit as well. Why? Because I can.

Thank you for sticking with me and I hope I can get back to my normal swing of things soon. Sorry if there are any mistakes; tried to proofread... but yeah... Again, thank you to everyone reading/following/favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 32

Garrus paced in his room. After seeing the aftermath of whatever happened down in the gym, he didn't feel focused enough to work out. He wanted to speak to Jane but she had already been very reluctant and had shut him down. It was clear that it had not been a simple spar. There was history between them, dark history… whatever that could entail. His C-Sec days were coming back to him, it was as if Garrus had a personal investigation on his hands. I shouldn't have to snoop around and analyze everything. I should be able to just ask Jane what happened and she should tell me. I guess that is what I get for being an asshole.

But that man had strangled her. Just like when Saren had. It was clear that there was malicious intent but if Jane was in that much danger why wouldn't EDI have notified someone for help? And why would he just let Jane go? It doesn't seem like Jane would just let him walk out either but she didn't try to stop him. Who was he? Garrus headed over to his console and tried to contact John. As he suspected, he wasn't able to reach his friend. How could John be friends with that man? Did John know the relationship the man had with Jane? Or what he was capable of? Either way, he needed to find out what John knew about this guy.

Then again, there are other people who might know. He looked around the room and stepped out into the hallway to look up at one of EDI's cameras. He walked back into the main battery and waited for the doors to shut, "EDI?"

"Yes, Mr. Vakarian."

"Can you tell me who was down in the gym with Shepard?"

"I am not at liberty to say."

"EDI, I understand that you are bound to your protocols but I know that you saw what happened between that man and Shepard. Is there at least a way for me to contact John Shepard?"

"I do not have any contact information on record at this time, indicating that Mr. Shepard is out of contact due to extenuating circumstances on mission."

Garrus shook his head, Of course that would be the case. He scratched his fringe and sighed.

"However," EDI said after a short pause, causing Garrus to stop, "there are others , closely linked to Cerberus, with the clearance to know the individual in question."

Garrus grinned, he still wasn't a fan of AIs but EDI was starting to change his mind. EDI seemed to manipulate her protocols and work around her restrictions for the best interest of the crew when called for; he wasn't sure if that was a good or bad adaptation. "Thanks, EDI."

Exiting the room, he headed straight towards Miranda's office. It was still strange, two years since he had been on the original Normandy and it still felt like he was heading into Jane's quarters.

"Archangel," Miranda said hardly looking up from her work, "what can I do for you?"

"Don't call me that, it's just Garrus."

"Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry, after seeing that name on the dossier for so long it is still habit to say it. You were on our list from the beginning. Under one name or the other."

"I'm flattered," Garrus said, keeping it short. Right now he had another topic on mind, "I assume there is no way of contacting John while he is on mission?"

"Unfortunately, no. He must be the one to make contact. We can send messages but he will only get them when he opens communication with us. Why? Was there a reason you needed to speak with him? We did just see him on Omega."

"I was hoping to get some information on an individual that recently came through the ship."

"No one was scheduled to come on board and EDI didn't notify me," she glanced up at Garrus, "Asking about John and a person who wasn't recorded to be on board. It sounds like you are revisting your C-Sec days and investigating something."

"Maybe I am. But it is with good reason."

Miranda sighed in a bored way and looked back down at her paperwork, "And what reason would that be?"

"Whoever was here 'sparred' with Shepard, but it didn't look like a friendly match to me. It looked to me like he had strangled her. Maybe even tried to kill her."

Lawson dropped everything and looked up at the turian, "Who was it?"

"That's what I am trying to find out."

"When was he here?"

"About thirty minutes ago."

"Have you asked Shepard?"

"She didn't even want to tell me about the marks or that he did them. Besides," he sighed, "I doubt she will be too keen on talking to me right now."

Miranda wondered what would make him and Shepard grow so distant. From all of Cerberus's intel about the original Normandy, there were hints that the human and turian could have been in a relationship. If there is history between them, things must have ended badly if they aren't speaking now. It might not be a good idea to have them on mission together. Without addressing the issue, Miranda folded her hands on the desk and said, "EDI, please bring up the ID of our guest that Shepard encountered in the gym."

"I am sorry, Operative Lawson. I have no record of an uninvited guest on board."

Miranda looked at Garrus as EDI spoke. "Did the doors to the Normandy open anytime in the last hour?"

"Yes. There is an opening and a closing of the doors right around the time period that Mr. Vakarian stated."

"Bring up all video leading from the bridge to the gym." Miranda waited but only a black screen was in front of her. "EDI, what the hell is going on? I asked for that footage."

"Unfortunately, I am unable to accommodate your request. My cameras were not recording at that time."

"What the hell do you mean they were not recording? Why would you disable your cameras?"

"I was only following orders."

Garrus stared at Miranda, "Who would have control over EDI's programming to get her to erase evidence of their visit?" he asked.

"The only one who could block that would be the Illusive Man and I know he wouldn't be here. The only other person I could think of is…" realization dawned on Miranda and her eyes grew wide then narrowed. "What did he look like?" she demanded.

"Black fringe, longer than how most human males keep it, gray eyes-"

Miranda held her hand up, stopping Garrus. "That son of a bitch."

"You know him?"

"What do you plan on doing if I give you a name?"

"Simply put," Garrus leaned on the table, his talons threatening to cut through his gloves and into the table, "kill him."

She ran her fingers over her tender flesh. Leng had done some damage and it was already beginning to bruise. He had left the Normandy with about as much evidence as there had been when he arrived, but at least he had left by this point. Her skin still crawled from where he had touched her and even where he had breathed on her. Jumping up, she headed for the shower. She had to wash Leng from her.

She sighed as the hot water poured over her. As her mind started to clear, her memories began to flood back to her, despite her internal protests.

She was about halfway through basic training and they were just beginning to get their more focused training in different classes. Jane had proven her worth with a rifle yet she knew that it wouldn't have gotten her out of a biotic program; of course. At least it was looking like she would be placed as a vanguard. After signing up, the biotic instructors came to speak with her about her 'gift', they made it sound like she was some miracle in biotic human advancement; not that she believed it. Jane never pushed herself and the few times she did, she wasn't as strong as everyone had hoped. That incident with John must have just been a fluke. It had just been an accident; one caused by extreme stress and a non-implanted biotic. The longer her initial testing had gone on, the less hopeful everyone became to place her as an adept.

Still, she didn't want to be a biotic.

She continued to ram her fists into the punching bag at an uneven, almost frantic pace; her mind too focused on other things. Her fingers were beginning to go raw despite the gloves.

Fucking biotics. Fucking Alliance. God Damn. Fucking. Fuck!

She never even heard the doors open, "Well, isn't this a piss poor showing of skill," a voice said behind her.

"Who the fuck asked you?" she said without turning around.

"You did."

"Excuse me?" she stopped to look around at him.

"You're all over the god damn place. You're a mess. And you'll just be hurting later."

"Mind your own fucking business, dick weed."

He chuckled at her and came a little closer, "I'll make you a bet. Spar with me. You win, I leave you alone. I win, you listen for more than five seconds."

"And why would I want to listen to you?"

"Because I might actually say something that will sink into that thick skull of yours," he came even closer to her as he talked and reached around to lightly push her head to the side, accenting his words. He laughed as she twisted her face in agitation and shoved his hand away.

She narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms before taking a step back to ready her fighting stance, "You're on."

Jane shook her head to snap out of her memory. Leng had handed her ass to her that first fight. Looking back on it now, she didn't have a chance against him. She only had a little more than basic hand to hand combat and she was still livid about her biotics. She had been unfocused and all over the place.

He slammed her into the ground, the air leaving her chest as he pinned her. "Do you concede now?" he gave her a crooked grin, "Third time must be the charm, right?"

Taking in a few breaths, Jane huffed out, "Fuck you."

"Well, sweetie, aren't you forward," he laughed as he released her and kneeled at her side. He outstretched a hand to her, "Come on." When she didn't move he rolled his eyes, "Seriously?"

Jane took another few breaths and propped herself up on her elbow. She eyed him and grumbled before taking his hand. He helped her up. "Interesting fighting style you have," she said.

"Yeah, I've picked up a few things."

Jane looked him up and down, "Interested in teaching?"

"Looking to prove something? Or just want a rematch later?"

She smiled, "Why not both?"

The corner of his mouth twitched. "Let's get to know each other a little bit then."

Jane shut off the water along with the memory. She had to get him out of her head. As she moved around her cabin and dressed, she thought about all that she had to do. There was a lot more to do on the Citadel but Jane couldn't focus. Maybe if she could just fight some more she could clear her head. Their mission was to recruit a team to fight the Collectors; that is what she would do.

"Joker," Jane said calmly at her desk, knowing that EDI was already patching her through, "set a course for the planet Korlus, Imir system, Eagle Nebula. I miss the pounding of krogan feet."

"Oooh," he responded, "heading to a planet run by the Blue Suns who we just wiped out on Omega. And we are going to be recruiting a krogan hell-bent on curing the genophage and we just happen to have a turian and salarian on board. Sounds like a good start. What could possibly go wrong?"

"Just do it, Joker."

There was silence on the other end for a while before he responded in a defeated tone, "Yes, Commander. Our supplies was just unloaded so we can leave immediately. And I do have your tea up here. I had them unload a few boxes here first."

Jane sighed, "Thank you, Joker. And… I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't worry about it."

She covered her face with her hands. All she had managed to do so far was hurt those she loved. She hated herself for how close she allowed Leng to get today. He still seemed to have some sort of power over her. She had to admit that they did have a close-knit history. It is hard to break ties with someone when they were the only have one you bond with at such a low point in your life.

"So, you're a biotic, military brat, huh?" Leng shook his head while pouring her another drink. He had made a deal with another recruit to sneak them some alcohol. He rarely spoke to others but he felt like reaching out to this woman, and drinks seemed like the best way to loosen both of them up. "Yeah, sounds like you really had it rough," he said mockingly.

"Look, I know all in all, it's not that bad compared to some… or most. But come on, everything that I have to go through now is from a stupid genetic anomaly." She drank half of her glass and coughed, "Now, the rest of my life is set. Fucking blows."

"Not necessarily," he smiled as she quirked an eyebrow at him, "You could always go rogue. Take the mercenary route if you feel like it."

"Yeah," Jane rolled her eyes, "because they have a long life expectancy."

"If you're good you do," he laughed, "So, have any idea where they might put you after basic?"

"See?" she pointed a finger at him, "If it were me asking that question, I would ask what specialty you were planning on going into. But since it is you asking me, you just ask what I am assigned. I don't have a choice."

"Just answer."

She shrugged, "I tried everything I could to not get placed as a biotic: gun mastery, encryption, electronics, nothing impressed them but my biotics. I am not even that good. From what I have been told, I'll be shipped off to some planetside base for another training program focused for biotics. The most likely one is some facility on Terra Nova in the middle of nowhere. You know, so in case we have a biotic meltdown we don't destroy half a city."

"Like anyone is that powerful."

"I know, right? Anyway, it's the Seidhr branch or something. You know how they like to base things off mythology when naming everything. Norse for magic or some shit." She sighed, "You know what you'll be doing?"

Leng shrugged, "Was planning on going into infiltration. Stealth and close range combat has always been my liking. I prefer to be up close and personal when killing," he winked. "I have gotten a few offers but haven't decided."

"Have fun deciding."

She squeezed her eyes shut and slammed her fists down on the desk. She didn't want to think about him right now. Or ever. Why did he keep coming into her mind?

Taking a deep breath, she headed to her bathroom and pulled her hair back in a professional looking bun. The length still disappointed her, but maybe with time it would start feeling more normal to her. To keep herself busy, she decided to focus on her crew. Rounds were more important than her moping.

Before heading out, Jane paused, "EDI?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Is there any way to access some of my backed up files?"

"Unfortunately, no. Due to the killed in action status, all of your personal files and folders were deleted, according to Citadel regulations."

"Then I need you to find some music for me," Jane began to type on her console. "Start with this list of artists and feel free to branch out to similar genres."

"This is all very old, Commander."

"I know, but I figure you can acquire them a lot faster and easier than I could."

"Of course, Commander. I am compiling the list now."

"Thank you, EDI."

To begin her rounds, she decided to go to the cockpit to apologize to Joker in person and pick up the boxes of tea he had set aside for her. After that, she was going to change up her normal route again and go to the Crew's Quarters first. Kasumi had set up in Port Observation, so Jane figured she would head there first. Walking down the hallway, she looked at the door, she hadn't been in there yet but 'observation' probably meant a window. It slid open and she struggled to keep herself in check. The vastness of space seemed to be closing in around her and swallowing her whole.

"Shepard," Kasumi said in greeting; it was enough to snap Jane out of her frozen state. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Jane swallowed hard and entered the room so she could position her back to the window; hoping that if it was out of sight then it would be out of mind. She took a moment to glance at the shutter control but decided against it because it would obviously draw attention. "I like to check on my crew and keep them updated. If you would like your space, I understand but I still want you to know that I am here." She started to fiddle with the two boxes of tea in her hands.

"Do you drink, Shepard?"

"Occasionally."

"Not from what I hear," she peeked up at the commander from beneath her hood. "If you ever need a moment to de-stress, let me know. We'll invite a few others to join in. But somehow I doubt Miranda would approve."

"I'll keep that in mind. How do you like the Normandy so far?"

"I usually travel hidden away in cargo bays. It's nice to be able to look out a window for a change," she glanced out at the stars before looking back at Shepard who was obviously averting her eyes from the window. "Don't you agree?"

Jane smiled, "Of course."

She moved away from the window towards the corner where Kasumi had set up a lot of her items. Without any prompting, Kasumi told Jane about each one, their history and what each meant to her. Every item meant so much to her, and if truth be told, Jane was a little jealous that she didn't have that. Items to tell her own story.

"You'll be on the ground team to recruit Dr. Okeer. And let me know if you need anything," Jane said while exiting.

"Of course, Shepard." Kasumi watched the woman leave before activating her cloak.

Jane took a deep breath to settle her pounding heart. She would have to get over the fear of looking into space; she lived on the Normandy for Christ's sake. Her feet began to move her away and before she was even aware of where she wanted to go next, she was already standing outside of the main battery. She looked down at the tea.

The door opened, "Hey, Garrus."

He didn't turn around to face her. "Shepard, need me for something?"

"Have you got a minute?"

"Can it wait for a bit? I am in the middle of some calibrations."

Jane thought about explaining what had happened down in the gym with Leng, but it was obvious that Garrus wasn't in the mood to talk. "Sure, no problem. Just wanted to let you know that we'll be going to get Dr. Okeer, a krogan scientist, next. You'll be staying on board."

"What?" Garrus spun around to look at her. "Shepard, I should be on that team."

She quirked an eyebrow up, "And why is that?"

"I just need to be," he stammered looking for a good excuse. "I haven't gotten to see any action yet and you know what stress can do to a turian. I need to be on the team."

"Oh yeah, let me just pencil you in," Jane said sarcastically. "That's right, I can't! We are going to get a krogan scientist determined to fix the genophage. I haven't taken Mordin out yet but you don't see him complaining to me! I wish that I could take one or both of you, but it wouldn't be a good idea. A turian and a salarian are not the best posse to have when trying to convince a krogan to team up."

"Spirits, Shepard! You can't keep treating me like I am damaged!"

"I am not! You are the only one who seems to think that. And the fact that you are so determined to prove yourself could get someone hurt!"

"You took me on almost every single mission last time I was on your crew. What is so different this time?"

Jane stood there and thought for a moment before answering him. She lowered her gaze and hardened herself, "You want to know when things changed? When everyone started looking at me like I was something wrong or special or whatever word you want to use. Maybe it's best that I don't have more people from the old crew. That way I don't have to face that pain and rejection everyday."

Garrus lost some of his steam, "What do you mean by that?"

"First Tali, then John, now you," Jane shook her head. "Things aren't like they were before because they just can't be. No one treats me like I am Jane Shepard. I am just some pawn to do a job. Tali could barely stand the sight of me. John only treated me like I was something fragile or broken. I thought that of all people, you would be the one to stand by me. And I thought you might just fit that role when you signed on so readily. But now you hardly even look at me unless it is to argue with me." She bit back her emotions and raised a hand when he began to speak. "If you need something, contact me through EDI. You have shit to do, apparently." She started to walk away then stopped and walked right up to him and slammed a box of the tea into his chest. "Oh yeah, I got you this in case you needed it to calm down. They were all out of the kind that stopped you from being an asshole."

Garrus caught the box and his hand grazed her fingers, "Jane, wait…" the door shut. He turned it over in his hand to see the label and grumbled at himself. "Spirits… I just keep ruining everything."

Kasumi followed Shepard through the rest of her rounds but most of the conversations exchanged didn't contain much importance. The exchange between the commander and the turian however was quite intriguing. There was obviously something deeper between the two of them but it wasn't clear if there was a falling out or just something never brought to light. She would have to do some more snooping later on the topic.

The Japanese thief stood quietly in the corner of the elevator as they continued on what she thought was the continuation of Shepard's rounds. The doors opened and Kasumi stood, a little confused why they were already back up at the captain's cabin. She thought about staying in the elevator and sneaking back down to Port Observation. Still, something told her to go in. She stayed right on Shepard's heels and slipped into the room.

"Commander Shepard," EDI said as they entered. "I have acquired the files you requested along with several others pending your approval."

"Thank you, EDI."

Kasumi stayed near the door as Shepard sat down at her desk. Jane turned in her chair with her back to the door and began to work on the model ship in pieces at her desk. Hmm, interesting hobby for her. And a turian cruiser… even more interesting, Kasumi thought with a smile.

"EDI, could you play one of the songs?"

"Any one in particular?"

"Eh, how about something along the lines of Chevelle? Or Finger Eleven."

"Very well."

What the hell is this? Kasumi wondered as the music began to play.

"Don't mistake the silences, There's so much I haven't said, It's not that quiet in my head, But I can't even tell you that. Whatever doesn't kill me, Doesn't make me stronger, But I'm not gonna give up yet, And if these walls should weaken, I'm still strong enough to know, I'm gonna build them up again."

"Good choice, EDI."

I wonder how they're doing right now, Tali thought to herself. It hurt her to leave Shepard back on Freedom's Progress, but how could she join up with her when she worked for Cerberus? But it was still the same Shepard. She wouldn't work for Cerberus unless it was absolutely necessary. Did she owe them? Were they coercing her in some way? She stopped typing on the console, placed her elbow on the desk and leaned into her hand. Does John know she is back? Is he with her now? What if she found everyone else from the Normandy and they joined her? Am I the only one who didn't join her? What does that say about me as a friend?

She stood up and started to walk down the hall, hoping that she may be able to clear her head.

"Tali? You alright?" Kal'Reegar said as she walked by him. "You seem like you've been off ever since Freedom's Progress."

"Yeah," she sighed, "sometimes I just don't feel like I have my helmet on straight."

"It's because you saw your old commander, right? Shepard was her name?"

"I just feel guilty about everything. The entire time I was with her I kept doubting her. It was like I was looking for a reason for her to not be her."

"No one can blame you though. She was missing for two years. Presumed dead. And if she is the real Shepard I don't think she would blame you for that either."

"I guess."

"Come on, let's go over the final planning for Haestrom. It's pretty far into geth space, we need to be prepared."

"Don't worry, I'll be focused for that. Just a moment of weakness."

"I know. You can do this."

"I was not under the impression that our business would be conducted this way. The Illusive Man informed me that I would be dealing with him personally," she eyed the dark haired human.

He smirked at the asari, "And we were under the impression that we would be dealing with the Shadow Broker himself. Seems that both parties are to be disappointed."

"How do you know I am not the Shadow Broker?"

"Don't make me laugh."

She twisted her mouth in frustration, "Very well. The Shadow Broker would like to extend and invitation to the Illusive Man. You have Commander Shepard. We would like her turned over to us."

"And in turn, the Collectors?" Leng spat.

She laughed mockingly, "And where did you get information like that?"

"You have your sources. We have ours."

"If you hand her over, we are willing to share technology. Even Collector technology that we have managed to get a hold of."

"Hmm…" Leng smiled, "Collector technology? How did you acquire it?"

"The other colonies that were attacked. As well as near some of the wreckage at the Normandy."

"Very interesting. Perhaps, we could make a deal," Leng moved a little closer to her and lightly touched her shoulder. "Cerberus has its own agenda, and maybe I can have my own."

"Really? Just as easy as that?" she smiled back and touched his chest with her finger as she arched her back. Human men are so easy, she thought.

"Why, yes," he gripped her shoulder and quickly grabbed the sword on his back before shoving it through her chest, "Just that easy." He lightly pushed her away and she fell onto the ground and blood pooled around her. "You see… we don't make deals with the Shadow Broker, especially not when he is working for the Collectors. And, I don't make deals for giving Jane to an enemy." He watched as the light faded from the asari's eyes before he planted his foot on her chest and yanked the sword out. He leaned down and cleaned it on her clothes before sheathing it. "Most pathetic attempt yet."

Leng began to whistle as he exited the hotel. He looked around at all the aliens and curled his lip in disgust. After putting some distance between him and his kill, he called a rapid transport back to the docks. Illium was never his choice of locations. The asari always thought so highly of themselves; it disgusted him. Now that an asari justicar was in the area, he didn't want to draw too much attention. The justicar was on the list of dossiers and it might be problematic if he were to kill her.

Reaching the Cerberus ship waiting for him, he motioned for the pilot to begin their exit and he headed back to his cabin. He cleaned his weapon before putting his gear away. He felt the gentle rock of the ship as they began to leave the planet. "About damn time," Leng muttered as he took his shirt off and threw it into a corner. Next, he kicked off his boots and lounged out on the bed. Crossing his arms behind his head, he looked around the room.

He had never really wanted anything with his life. All that he had really focused on since he was little was getting off Earth and making a name for himself. In any way possible. Taking out aliens was just a perk. Reaching over to a nearby shelf, he pulled down a picture, one he had kept hidden for many years.

She was looking up at him, her eyes the softest they had been since he had met her, the corner of her mouth slightly turned up in a smile, and long blond hair down and swept over one shoulder. He remembered when he had taken the first and last picture he had ever taken.

"Here's to us!" another man from basic training (Leng never knew him and had never bothered to try) raised a glass.

Leng raised his in good humor and eyed Jane who sat next to him. She knew a few of the people in the group but not that well either. He leaned a little closer to her and whispered, "Why did you talk me into coming out here?"

"To show that you are not a robot to all these people," she smirked.

"So, Shepard," a girl smiled over at her. "What are your orders? Adept?"

Leng looked over at Jane and saw that she was hiding her distaste well. The other girl was just a little too excited.

Jane smiled, "Terra Nova. Vanguard. You?"

"Eden Prime, for now. Engineer. What about you? Um… Leng, right?"

Jane caught his eyes with a look that said 'be nice'. "Classified. Not even Shepard knows," Leng said with a smirk.

"It's true," Jane said, "He won't tell me a thing."

"So… are you two… I mean," the woman tried to get her words out, "Aren't you guys going to miss each other?"

"I think we'll manage," Jane laughed.

Leng kept his eyes on Jane, he really wasn't interested in conversing with anyone else. Of course, he was still aware of everyone's eyes occasionally finding their way to him and Jane. He knew the rumors, he had overheard several people talking and wondering if they were in a relationship. They had never been outwardly asked about it so they liked to mess with people concerning it. They were only training partners; that was it.

He put an arm on the back of Jane's chair and felt eyes on them again; he had to suppress a laugh. Sliding his arm down a bit, he jabbed her in her spine, causing her to jump and look at him. Raising an eyebrow, he knew that she understand his question, 'How much longer?'

She waved her hand at him from under the table and rolled her eyes saying, 'Just suck it up'.

They hadn't stayed much longer before going back to her quarters. Everyone else was still out celebrating so they had the place to themselves.

"Think you'll survive on Terra Nova in the biotic program?"

Jane rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I'll figure out a way to deal."

Leng leaned against the wall, "You won't have our sparring sessions anymore."

"I think I'll survive. Besides, I'm sure I can find someone else to spar with. Though it might be an easy take down by this point," she chuckled.

"Well, you need someone to keep you on your toes," he looked down at her and she was fidgeting with a knife he had given her a few days before. "The biotic training will be bad enough for you to deal with… think you'll be able to handle the stress?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine." She looked up at him, "What's with all of the sudden concern?"

"What if I were to be there?"

"It's a biotic program. You can't be."

"True… but they do have an infiltration program there too."

She stared at him, "Why would you do that? There are a lot of locations that would be better for you."

"Yes, but none of them have you there."

She looked away from him, her jaw dropping slightly. "What prompted this?"

"We are just friends, but… you're the only one who I have felt any connection to. Ever." They were both quiet for a moment.

"So, you're saying that we should just stick together a little longer?"

"If you want that too."

Running her fingers through her hair, she brushed it over to one side. She looked up at him, and nodded, the corner of her mouth curving up in a smile.

Leng smiled back at her and was hardly aware of bringing his omni-tool up and snapping a picture.

Jane rolled her eyes and put a hand up, "What did you do that for?"

"I don't really know," he looked away, shaking his head. He heard Jane stand up but ignored her movements, still trying to work out what his head was trying to tell him. He felt her hand on his cheek and lifted his eyes to see hers smiling back. Her eyes slowly closed as he leaned in and their lips touched. Leng wrapped his arms around her, digging his fingers into her skin as he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him.

Leng smiled at the picture again, snapping back to reality. He shook his head and frowned before tossing it back up on the shelf and trying to push the thought out of his mind.

The song that begins to play is by Finger Eleven "Whatever Doesn't Kill Me"

P.S. Sorry this chapter isn't super long to make up for the absence either.