Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great time over the holidays and will have a great new year! I hope all of you enjoy this chapter and the upcoming events. Thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 42

"Fucking finally!" Joker shouted into the empty cockpit as he watched the surveillance cameras. He chuckled to himself, realizing the unintended double entendre with his words.

EDI spoke up, her holographic orb moving with her words, "Mr. Moreau, it seems to be an invasion of privacy to witness Mr. Vakarian and Commander Shepard – "

"Going at it?" he interrupted.

"I was going to say being seen in a compromising position."

"Oh, whatever, they are the ones practically doing it in a public area."

"Still, I don't think Shepard would appreciate your spying antics."

"PUBLIC AREA." He stared at the visual representation of EDI before rolling his eyes, "Okay, fine… true, but it's you who's enabling me. Besides, I'm just glad they're finally getting their rocks off." He waited for the response but nothing came. "It's an expression."

"I am aware. I just did not have a response."

"What?! I beat a computer? In a game of wits?! Ha! I win!"

"Hardly. One of us just has class."

Garrus took a deep breath, not wanting to wake up just yet. He stretched his fingers and felt human skin under his palm. He grinned and purred. Opening his eyes, he saw Jane asleep, curled up against his chest facing him. Her fringe was tousled, some strands looked to be knotted this way and that but she still looked beautiful. He tightened his hand on her side for a moment then began to slowly run it the length of her back, over her shoulder, down her arm, back to her hip to rest on her thigh. She stirred, lazily opening her eyes to smile up at him.

"This is a good way to wake up," she said softly. He continued to stare at her with hardly a noise. "What?"

"Please tell me this is real."

She laughed, "I know I hope it is."

"Then let's just agree that it is," Garrus said nuzzling into her neck. "I couldn't take the pain of knowing this was my imagination, again."

"Again?" she asked.

"Yeah…" Garrus mumbled, "Damn… I wasn't planning on telling you about that…"

"Please?"

"It's not exactly a fun or happy story. Or a long one." She rocked herself into him, which he took as her insisting. He sighed, "Back on Omega, when we were fighting together and I took the rocket to the face, I'm pretty sure I died." He looked down at her as she rolled back to look up at him, giving him her full attention. Her face was pained, "I remember getting hit and then it was like I woke up from a good night's sleep. Like this one," he smiled at her. "It was kind of how we woke up just now. The covers draped perfectly around us. Granted, we weren't naked in the dream," he smiled when he saw her blush, "You kissed me. Now, during all of that, I didn't remember getting hit. It was almost like I wasn't allowed to remember pain. I was ready to give in. But I was brought back to you. The real you."

Jane touched the scarred side of his face. "I thought I had lost you that day. I didn't want to go on." She looked down, tucking her hand back to her, "Since we are being truthful... Um… you know when I found you later in your base?"

"Yes."

"You know how it was mostly destroyed?"

"Yeah, I assumed that was from the ship exploding."

"Um… yes and no," she glanced up and saw his confusion before looking back down, "That was me."

"I don't understand. What do you mean it was you?" He rubbed her back reassuringly as she looked more and more distraught, "What happened?"

"When you went down, I couldn't help but feel like the first sign of getting back the life that I knew was slipping away. I jumped out firing everything I could at the gunship. I think John was shouting at me. Trying to keep me sane. But I couldn't handle it. I tried to grab my heavy weapon when my biotics went off the charts. I summoned an insane biotic explosion or… implosion then explosion. Everything that it touched just dissolved. When it ended, I felt separated from my body and apparently passed out." She paused, unsure what to say next. "My biotics have been getting more and more out of control. I seem to have these fits that send me into overdrive."

"You seemed to do pretty well yesterday."

"That was the most in control I have been for a while. I have been trying not to use them because, well, frankly, I am scared of them."

"We'll find a way to help you control them."

"Yeah," she tried to smile up at him. "I suppose so."

In the silence that hung between them, Garrus finally decided to break it, "Hey, we still have today off, right?"

"Yes. What are you thinking?"

"I would like to officially ask you out on a date."

Jane bit her lip trying not to smile too much, it wasn't working, "I thought you'd never ask."

John approached the pilot. She was at an overlook, staring out over Illium. "So, do I get to hear where we are going now?" he asked moving to lean on the railing next to her.

"Not yet. We haven't been sent the orders. There has apparently been a delay in the schedule." She heard him grumble as he let out a huff of air. "Good to see that you got your hands fixed up," she said trying to change the subject.

He lifted one of his hands, flexing it despite the bandage and the pain, "Yeah, I didn't need this much medical attention. It was fine." That was a lie. He had a few small fractures and his skin had split open in several spots along his knuckles.

"Yeah, sure."

"I'm sorry for getting out of control back there. I just…"

"You want to be there for your sister. I get it."

"And just how do you know?" he looked at her more surprised than skeptical.

"I lost my family several years ago. They worked for the Citadel. It was when I learned how to fly. But, my parents were killed by Batarian slavers and my sisters were taken. The worst part is that the Citadel wouldn't do anything about it. I was looking for anyone who would help me find them. Finally, Cerberus came to help. Granted… they were killed by the time we got there."

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you," she paused, thinking. "But, you should be wary of us, too. They are trying to keep you away from your sister."

John's mouth dropped open. It was the first time that his suspicions had been truly validated. "Why do you say that?"

"Because she is weaker alone. More willing to follow the rules. You both are," she whispered so quietly that John had a hard time hearing her.

He opened his mouth but no words came out. He didn't know what to say. Their silence was broken by an unfamiliar voice.

"Mr. Shepard?"

John turned to see a young asari quizzically looking at him.

"John Shepard?" she asked again.

"Yeah, that's me. Just a second," he turned to say something else to the pilot but she was already gone. Turning back to the asari, he said, "Nevermind… What can I do for you?"

"My employer requests your presence."

"And just who might that be?"

"She would like to keep anonymity until your meeting. Now would be a preferable meeting time."

"Seems like she is kind of demanding," he studied her. He was tired of people telling him what to do, but he was also tired of constantly fighting it. "Fine. Let's go. Not like I'm doing anything anyway."

She nodded, "This way." She turned on her heel.

He kept quiet, following her through the streets and areas of the city. He didn't know Illium as well so he wasn't sure if he was being led to actually meet someone or be killed in an alley. Either way, he didn't care. If she was trying to kill him, at least he would be able to get some aggression out. "So, I assume this mystery boss is an asari?" John questioned trying to get her to say anything. He was tired of being left in the dark. She didn't answer. "How did she even know I was here? It's not like we came in announcing ourselves." No answer. "Damn, would you just give me something to work with?"

"She told me you would be annoying."

"Ah ha! See now there is something I can work with. An old flame perhaps? No… no… I don't know anyone on Illium, do I? Well, I must. You know if this is something about child support, I swear I know nothing about it."

"May all the gods and spirits have mercy on the woman who produces your offspring, John," a different woman's voice said; a familiar voice.

John looked away from his escort who was already starting to leave. Standing in the doorway was an asari he knew quite well, "Liara!" he went forward and gave her a hug.

"It's good to see you, John," she said in a proper tone.

"Good to see you, too. But, how did you know I was here? Keeping tabs on me?"

"Information is my business," she simply said as she stepped into her office.

John followed, wondering why she was being a little cold. However, when the doors shut behind them she turned and gave him another hug, "Oh… hello."

"Sorry," she said backing away. "I have to keep a certain image up. Things are complicated… on both our ends."

"You can say that again," John sat down in a chair in front of her desk and she followed but stayed on the same side as him. "Things going well for you though, overall?"

"Yeah, I've set up a pretty good life here. I still miss the action though."

"Jane knew you would," he laughed.

Liara joined in with the laugh, "Yeah…" she mused. "How have you been?"

"Oh, you know… bummed around. Now doing some freelance."

"With Cerberus. You can say it."

"Should I even ask how you know? Oh, right, information is your business." He looked down, "It's not permanent."

"I know," she said quietly, "It was for Shepard."

John looked at her, "I still feel like it is my fault."

"I think we all do." When John gave her a questioning look, she continued, "Jane was the one that held us together. We all feel – felt – like something was missing. We all probably wonder what we could have done differently or if there were things we could have changed… I know I feel that way. I can't tell you how long I thought that if I hadn't left you guys… I could have helped get people off that ship and we would all be sitting around reminiscing about the good days. You, me, Tali," she saw him stiffen at her name, "Wrex, Alenko, Joker, Chakwas, and I know Garrus, all feel like we could have prevented it from happening. The fact is, there's nothing any of us could have done to change what was meant to be. We have to learn to forgive ourselves just like Jane would forgive us."

John was quiet for a long moment, "You're right. She does forgive all of us. And maybe, soon, you'll get a chance to hear it for yourself. From her. I'm sure you've already heard that she's alive."

"Yeah…" Liara said quietly, "I'm part of the reason."

"What do you mean?"

"I feel guilty not only for feeling like I failed her but for also bringing her back into this forsaken galaxy of ours. We can't defeat the Reapers without her. I had to help bring her back."

"But… how did you help?"

"I helped find and retrieve her body."

John shook his head, "Wow. I just… I don't know what to say. I feel pretty much the same way… I can't deal with her death but I know it isn't fair to her to throw her back into this. Neither of us were very religious, but I can't help but wonder what if she was in heaven or at least some sort of heaven. I just… I don't know."

"Can I ask something?" as he nodded, she asked, "Why aren't you with her now?"

He wanted to immediately answer and blame Cerberus but he stopped. It was easy to lie to those you didn't know, but to someone you had fought with, it was different. Harder. He thought about his answer, something he didn't think he would need to do, "I want to be. Cerberus is keeping us separate but I also… don't know what I would say to her or even how to act."

Liara nodded, "I understand, John, I do… but… does she have anyone with her? I know she has Joker and Chakwas but anyone to take into a fight with her?"

"Garrus is, actually. He was in pretty rough shape when we found him but hopefully they can each give some comfort to one another."

She sighed in restrained relief. She had always wished they would end up together but she wasn't sure how John would feel about it. From what it was sounding like to her, he still ignored the possible attraction between his best friend and little sister. "They certainly were close," she said, testing John's reaction.

John , for a second, thought that Liara might be hinting at something deeper than friendship between Garrus and Jane. He had thought that himself before, but he wasn't going to defend them when there was nothing to defend. They would tell him if something were going on, he hoped. Changing topics, John looked to her, "Hey, Liara, you seem to be all knowledgeable now. Do you have any idea where Cerberus is sending me next?"

"Sorry, can't say that I do."

"You did well, Staff Commander," Anderson said. "I understand that it was difficult for you to confront Shepard in a situation such as this."

Kaidan lifted his head, "Was it not you, sir, that said not to believe everything I hear?"

"Yes. What Commander Shepard is doing is not pleasant for her either."

"You've spoken with her, sir?" he tried to hide the tone in his voice.

Anderson could understand the boy's frustration over the current situation. Feeling like your own commander betrayed everything you fought for can be rough, "I have. She is doing what needs to be done about the Collector threat."

"With all due respect, sir, how can we be sure she is doing this in the galaxy's best interest? And not for Cerberus."

David looked at the man, "Think about who are you are referring to. Shepard would not take this lightly."

"I don't know if she is entirely within her own sane mind."

"Well, I do. And you would do well to remember what she has done in the past. Remember, she did give up her life for her crew."

"Yes, sir."

"Until a new post is found, you will be stationed here on the Citadel. Dismissed."

"Understood, sir," Kaidan turned on his heel and left the room. Still, none of this sat well with him. How could he ever begin to trust Jane again? And how could Anderson still be so sure that she was on their side still? None of it made sense to him. Now, he would be stationed on the Citadel, probably with some cushiony job. But he was used to action, being out in the field, fighting the enemy head on. Not staying to fight a political battle. Until his first assignment, Kaidan decided to head down to a café to get some lunch. The colony had decent food but nothing compared to the Citadel; in a way, he missed it.

Stationed on the Citadel indefinitely… Kaidan didn't quite know how he would be able to deal with that. It seemed like whatever he would be involved in, it would be politically charged. If he worked with Anderson, that may not be so bad; he just hoped it wouldn't be Udina.

Coming up to the café, he took a seat in the middle of the room. Right now, he didn't want to feel alone. He had lost so many friends in the attack and the rest of them were either reassigned or back on Earth. God, I miss the Normandy. I wish things could be the way they were. Pushing the thought away, he scrolled through the menu terminal at the table. Once he ordered, he looked around himself, people watching the other tables. It was a little rude, but he couldn't take reading anything right now, he had to deal with too much paperwork since Horizon. There were groups of friends, business meetings and several couples of varying species around him. He tried to ignore the couples; that wasn't something he wanted to see right now.

He was about to give up on watching others when he had to do a double take at a woman sitting diagonally from him. She was sitting alone, her head lowered, reading something. Kaidan tried to move slightly to get a peek at her face but she had it tilted to the side, her hair blocking her face. From what he could see, she was beautiful. Her hair was loosely curled cascading around her. She wore a dark blue strapless dress and heels. As she ran her hand through her hair, pushing it out of her face, he smiled, waiting to see the face that was revealed.

His jaw dropped. Jane? What the hell is she doing here? God, she looks amazing. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She lifted her head and looked out over the water with a faint smile. Kaidan was so distracted, he didn't even see the other individual approaching her. The turian came up behind her, placing a bare hand on her shoulder and leaning in to whisper something in her ear. Her face lit up. A smile turning from small into amazingly bright and he could see her move slightly as if she were giggling. The turian kissed her on the cheek and when he pulled away she placed a hand on his face holding him close so she could plant a kiss on him.

Kaidan exhaled sharply, She IS with Garrus?! Why would she lie to me about them? They have been in a secret relationship! He ground his teeth forcing himself to look away. It wasn't long before he had to look back at them. Garrus was now sitting across from her as she continued to beam at him.

Jane laughed, covering her face, "Please tell me I didn't actually do that!" She glanced through her hand and saw Garrus smirking at her. "I really did? I was really up on stage stripping?" He nodded. "Son of a bitch… I never thought I would do that again. No wonder I was so sore."

"And here I thought it was because of me," he laughed as she swatted at him with a smile. She wove her hands in her hair and leaned into her hand, propping herself up. "You know…" he saw her eyes roll up at him with a mischievous glare, "I still have your outfit."

"Oh, you have it? That's a little creepy, Garrus."

"Sorry, that came out wrong," he laughed. "I meant that I haven't thrown it out yet. I almost left it in your room but as you know, I was trying to hide this from happening to you so I took it and was going to get rid of it."

"Hmm… okay, so you undressed me from that?"

"No, Chakwas did. You were still semi-coherent so she helped you while I waited outside."

"Such a gentleman," she winked, "I assume you have ideas about what I should do with that?"

He shrugged. She leaned over the table and motioned for him to come closer. Garrus smiled, it was the same as the night before and he obliged, leaning in.

"Maybe I'll have to surprise you with it sometime," she said in a quiet whisper.

"Looking forward to finishing what you started."

"I'm pretty sure you already finished the topic last night," she smiled.

"Oh, I haven't even begun."

Jane bit her lip before going in for a quick but intense kiss. She had just sat back down when the waitress began approaching with their food. Jane covered her mouth in an attempt to hide her smile.

Kaidan grumbled. They are all over each other! How can they be acting like that? It's like they… like they are a new couple… That's it. They are a new couple... and I was probably the one that pushed them together. He let out a sigh, trying to keep his attention away from the pair. With his head averted, his eyes managed to take a peek at them again and saw Garrus reach across the table to take her hand. He shook his head. Alenko couldn't stand to watch their happiness. Quietly, he changed seats so his back was to Jane and he picked up his datapad.

Jane sighed as she finished her food. "God, that was delicious. I don't remember the last time I had a burger like that."

"I don't know, it looked a little odd. Not sure about good," he chuckled.

"If you could try it, you would change your mind."

Garrus smiled at her, "Maybe one day."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah… okay."

He continued to smile but didn't say anything else. Since coming on board the Normandy, he had started working on his tolerance, hoping one day it could be as strong as Jane's. He wasn't on foods yet, but he was hoping to make that next step soon. Hers seemed to be increasing at an incredible rate, possibly due to her cybernetics and practically undergoing an entire rebuild of her body; at least that is what he would assume.

"So, we heading back to the ship?"

"Well, if you really want to go back," he winked, "we can. But, I did have something else in mind."

"And what might that be?"

Paying on the console at the table, Garrus stood and put his hand out, "You'll find out."

She accepted his help to get out of her chair, taking long strides to match his. "So, why won't you tell me?"

"Because you need patience."

"I am the most patient person ever!"

"Sure, whatever you say," he laughed.

"I had to wait for you, didn't I?"

"You made me wait for you."

"We both made us wait for each other."

She laughed with him, squeezing his hand and holding herself closer to him. He slowed his pace so she didn't have to move her feet so quickly to match his and he felt her rest her head on his shoulder.

"How did I get so lucky with you?" he asked.

She huffed out her chuckle, "I think I'm the lucky one. I was on the losing side of getting you it seemed."

"Why do you think that?" he said a little offended.

"You're the one who said that humans were too soft for you," she poked him in the side where she knew plates weren't protecting him.

Garrus grumbled, "Spirits, I will never live that down."

"Nope," she laughed. Silence fell between them and she could tell that he was thinking of something very intently. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"If it does offend you when I mention that I'll stop. I just thought it was a mutual teasing."

"Oh no, don't worry about that. I'm not upset. I find it funny too."

"Then why did you get quiet?"

"I was just thinking…" he stopped them and looked down at her. "I know we both kind of want to keep this quiet around most of the crew, but I need to tell John."

She nodded, looking at their entwined fingers, "We need to tell John. But, I do think it would be best in person." Taking his other hand she smiled looking up at him, "I could do it if you want. Ease him into it."

"No. Absolutely not. Out of respect for him, I want to speak to him myself. If you want to be there, alright, but I don't want you to speak for me. I just wish that I could have spoken to him about this before things developed between us." He laughed and pulled her with him to start walking again, "I had my chances. I just kept denying everything to him because I didn't think there could ever be anything."

"I did the same thing," she muttered, "He asked me a few times if there was something. I always denied it. I hope he'll take it alright."

"Let's not think about that right now. It's still our day off and we actually get a chance to spend some time together. Let's not worry about the future," he looked down at her, "Come on… just a little further."

They walked in comfortable silence with each other the rest of the way. When Jane realized they were heading towards the C-Sec offices. She looked up at Garrus, stopping them until he looked down at her. Glancing at their entwined fingers and her close stance with him she looked back up, "Are you sure you want to be seen with me like this?" she asked seriously.

"Absolutely. But if you don't want to…"

She smiled, "I absolutely do." Jane took a deep breath as the started to walk again. Before this moment, she hadn't even thought about what their relationship looked like on the outside. She hadn't cared what others would think even though they might recognize them. I'll just have to face this in the same way. It is our business. I don't care what they have to say. As they moved down the halls, she was already noticing a lot of stares.

"Hey! Vak… Vakarian?" another turian greeted them as they entered a room almost at the end of the hall. He was obviously shocked to see a human on Garrus's arm but he regained his composure after the initial sight.

"Tralarr, good to see you again."

"I was wondering if you were going to show up. It was surprising to see your name on the list. No one has heard from you for who knows how long."

"Heh, I know. I haven't really tried to stay in touch recently. I've needed to keep things a little quiet lately. But, we were on the Citadel and thought it would be a good time to try out some new weapons."

"Of course. It's an honor to meet you, Spectre Shepard," he gave her a formal turian military greeting.

Jane gave a reciprocating human version, "A pleasure to meet you, Tralarr."

"We managed to get the weapons you requested. I am still surprised you were able to find that last one."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Entering the range, Jane walked along the rows of guns that were lined up as Garrus locked the door. When he came up to her she looked at him, "A shooting range, huh?"

"Lame, I know, but I figure we could redo the last time we went out, just you and me. I wanted it to be a date but at that point I didn't know where we stood with each other. As well as, I was still confused with how to approach you since you are John's sister."

"Not lame," Jane smiled, sliding her arms around his chest, "I think you just want a rematch."

He pressed his forehead to hers, "Maybe," he whispered with a chuckle. "Make your choice."

Running her hands along the guns, she chose a pistol with modifcations to the barrel. After giving it a few test shots she handed it over to Garrus. He matched her number of shots and when they brought up their holo-targets their shots were almost identical.

"I thought you would give me a challenge, Shepard."

"We're only just getting started. Why don't you pick out the next one?"

"Alright. Let's see how your accuracy is with something like SMGs."

She pouted, those were her least favorite. She always did better with something that allowed her to make her shots count. "Fine. But I'm not happy about this."

"I knew you wouldn't be," he laughed. Firing a few shots, he smiled to himself, sure that his were on point. Handing the gun to Jane he smiled at her grimace. She took a few moments to line up her shot, more than what she would normally. "Don't overthink it."

"Shut up." She fired and hit the button in frustration.

Garrus caught a glimpse of her board. It wasn't bad but it wasn't her best. He cleared the board and stepped behind her. "You need to relax," he put his arms over her, assisting with her aiming.

"This isn't exactly making me relax," she whispered. When he chuckled she could feel it rumble against her back making her shiver.

He ignored her comment, "You know this," he adjusted her stance to be a cross between turian and human. He backed away, "Take a breath."

She followed his instructions. She fired several shots and put the gun down. Garrus reached over her, hitting the button to call the target.

"See? You were just overthinking it."

"Yeah, yeah, I guess so," she turned and smiled up at him. "Or maybe I was just trying to give you a win."

"You're too proud to give me a win like that," he smirked.

"Maybe… but you never know," she kissed him on the cheek.

Garrus smiled at her before turning back to the weapons. "So, want to choose the next one?"

"Just go ahead and pick."

"Well, I was thinking about saving this for last but I can't really wait anymore."

Jane watched him grab an old case and set it in front of her. He nodded for her to open it. She opened the case excitedly and saw the pieces of a twenty-first century rifle. "Where did you find this!?"

"I actually had to deal with some pretty shady people. But, it's something from your history. I wasn't sure if you have ever used one but I figured you might like to try it out."

Jane ran her hand of the rifle before taking it out of the case, inspecting it. "My dad collected old guns. I think one or two may have been in working condition."

"Don't worry, I already checked it out to make sure it wouldn't blow up in your hand. I have a hard time trusting anything that uses compressed powdered explosives."

Jane laughed at him as she brought it over to the booth. Bringing it to her shoulder she paused, "You sure you don't want to fire it first? You did find it."

Garrus only shook his head, "I got it for you to try."

Smiling, she turned back to her target. She fired one shot and found the kickback stronger than she had estimated. She knew it wouldn't be like firing modern weapons since they worked on two completely different technologies but she wasn't going to let it affect her. Readjusting her position, she fired again, this time she was much more in control. After firing a total of eight shots, she lowered it with a big smile on her face. "That was awesome. You need to try it."

He handed her a few more bullets as he reached over to hit the button to call up her target but she blocked him.

"Nope, you fire next so I can see how you do with it."

"Fine," he took the bullets from her and reloaded.

Jane watched as he set up his stance. He was hesitating this time. It was such a strange weapon for him and she could also tell it was harder for him to hold it since it wasn't built for turians. Turians always looked like they were close to statues with their forms, but she could tell he was too loose in his stance, not ready to compensate for when he fired. He fired and it kicked back more than it had on her.

"Spirits! I'll admit, I was not ready for that."

"Yeah, it has a surprising punch for its more primitive technology."

He readjusted. This time, he did better with the kick but he could tell he was holding it too tight now. Adjusting with each trigger pull, he made the same number of shots as Jane before returning it to the case. With his hand hovering over the button he looked at her to see if she was ready; she nodded. "Three, two, one."

She looked between the two targets. Her first shots had been farther on the outside but had grouped in the middle by the end. Garrus hadn't faired as well as she would have thought. It wasn't bad, he hit the target with all shots, and most were on the edges with only two in the center. She never thought of him as being inefficient with a weapon.

"You did really well, Jane. I'm impressed."

Figuring she would give him a break from teasing she smiled, "For a gun that isn't supposed to fit you, you did very well too."

"Nah, you single handedly won this round. I won't take that excuse." He stroked her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. "But," he turned back to the guns, "now we need to settle this." Jane watched him as he backed away to the pistol case. Pulling out two identical M-3 Predators, he handed one to her. "One clip. Best cluster in the fastest time wins."

"You're going down, Vakarian."

"We'll see, Shepard."

Taking their positions, they stared at each other and counted down in unison. The room echoed with gunfire but they each finished their twelve shots at the same time. Jane held her pose as she grinned over at Garrus. Putting their weapons down, their hands hovered over the button.

"You first," she said. He smirked, pressing the button as it appeared. She rolled her eyes, "You can be so cheesy sometimes." She looked back at the image: a heart.

"Just trying to suck up to you. Did it work?"

Bobbing her head from side to side as if she was thinking, she stepped forward and kissed him. "Maybe a little."

"Alright, let's see what you have," he reached over to bring hers up but she blocked him.

"Maybe we should just end on a sweet note with yours."

"Why don't you want me to see it? You know you're about to lose?" he mocked.

"Mine isn't all that charming. Besides, I'm just trying to spare you the pain of losing."

Holding her hand, he reached over with his other to smack the button. He laughed, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter. "Now I get what you were saying."

"I tried telling you," she smirked.

"A dick? Really, Shepard? You're so mature."

She shrugged, "It takes effort." She bit her lip, "So, you wanna take this date back to the ship? More specifically, a certain room?"

"Only have one thing on your mind?"

"Maybe I do."

Placing his hands on her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck, he said, "You know… I've been warned of women who are willing to have sex on the first date."

She lightly smacked his chest, "You jerk."

"Not that I'm complaining," he kissed her, "Let's go."

Thank you MichaelBerretta for your shooting range suggestion!