Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in the chapter. I did have the entire event completely written but then I had changed the guest list in the last chapter so I had to rewrite some sections and then I thought I would make it a little longer so I added some. There will be at least one more chapter but I need to rewrite and add some sections to include everyone. Well, let's get on with the chapter. Thank you all for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 52

Promptly at six, the speeches began, first with Anderson, then each of the Council members ending with Anderson again. They announced and greeted the species in the room, and explained that the room they were in was the main hall but there were five others to accommodate the size of the event. Segments would also be recorded and broadcast live over the Citadel and sent out to other systems. Several shows would also be running through the evening and night in the grand theatres nearby; reserved exclusively for gala guests. Dinner would be served immediately after the introductions with food stations opening later in the evening (for those who did want more) and the bars remaining open throughout the evening.

Applause filled the room when Anderson thanked everyone and announced the commencement of the night. Servers filed into the room from several points handing out the plates with precision. The band was playing a gentle, flowing tune perfect for ambience.

Jane sat with Garrus to her left and Joker to her right. John was next to Garrus, followed by Miranda, Mordin, Karin, Jacob, Kelly, and Thane ending the circle next to Joker. She watched the order that tables received their food, curious if there was any sort of ranking. Only two tables had been served when her attention was pulled away when she heard her name.

"Damn, Jane, how hungry are you that you keep watching them like a hawk?" John teased.

She turned her attention to John and scrunched her face up at him, "That's not what I was doing, John."

"Yeah, yeah, sure," he winked. "And, Mordin, I never complimented you on your bowtie. Salarian and human fashion? What made you pick it?"

Mordin grinned, "Thank you. I do not need a reason. Bowties are cool."

"Well, I like the mixture," Karin said, "It's very unique. Like our friend here."

"Hey, hey, I agree. It looks good. " Joker raised his drink (which was only water – for now) and took a sip. He scoped out the path he would need to take to get his alcohol but turned away, knowing it would be difficult at this time, and probably frowned upon right after the speeches. "When do you think we can get drunk?"

"This is supposed to be a nice event," Karin said, "Try not to get yourself into trouble too soon, Joker."

"I'm with Joker on this one," Miranda added, prompting everyone to look at her. No one knew her to drink, even Jacob. "What? Special events make me uncomfortable. If I will be here all night, I'm going to be drunk."

"Hmm, I think I like this version of Miranda," John joked.

A few moments later, two servers approached their table, their pre-ordered meals already on the trays. After settling who had what meals (Garrus being the only easily identifiable order). One left while the other stayed, "I will be taking your specialty drink orders for dinner. Servers will circulate during dinner and provide all of you with whatever you need. Once dinner ends, the bars will open for you to order your own but we will still be available if you need. Later in the evening, food stations will open for anyone wanting more nourishment. So, what may I get you for your drinks?"

"Well, if that's the case," Joker quirked up an eyebrow, "You might as well bring me two Earth whiskeys. Save yourself an early trip."

"That's not a bad idea," Jane nodded, "I'll have the same."

"Palaven brandy. Two," Garrus ordered.

John weighed his options, "Two beers, human, Earth, if you have any."

Miranda paused, unsure if she should remain professional or go along with everyone, "Asari wine… two," she glanced at Shepard who was smirking.

"Ugh," Karin interrupted, rolling her eyes, "a bunch of alcoholics, all of you." She looked at Mordin, "Sorry, go ahead."

"Good with water."

"Just one glass of champagne," Chakwas shook her head while looking at all the young people around her.

"Sorry, Chakwas," Jacob chuckled, "Two beers, please."

Kelly smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "I guess I'm with Miranda, asari wine, two."

Thane smirked, "Asari whiskey, just one."

"And to me!" Joker laughed, "I'll take… no, I'm kidding. Previous order is good, thank you."

The waiter grinned, "Very well, sir. I'll be back with the table's drink order – and some assistance." At least I managed to get the good table, he thought; everyone else had been very stuffy and reserved, borderline rude.

Jane adjusted in her seat, looking around her to see the perfect movement of the waiters in a dance of their own when paired with the music. She looked around, trying to recognize some faces but there were too many to get clear views of any more than a few tables. Turning back to her meal, she picked up her utensils. She took small bites, focusing on her etiquette just in case her mother was watching her.

Joker leaned closer to her, "Hey, Jane, you realize you're not a squirrel, right?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Relax, you don't have to be so proper. I can smear some sauce on my face if that helps take the attention off of you."

"Somehow I don't think that is the right kind of distraction I need," she chuckled, "But thanks for the offer."

"Anytime."

She could hear Chakwas, Mordin, and Kelly discussing the décor and trying to name every flower they saw. Jane followed along, knowing the names of most of the flowers too, since a lot had once been on her back.

"Oh, this red one," Kelly remarked, "Ugh, I know it… it's turian. Hey, Garrus, what's this flower?"

"Gorash red. Blooms on about half of Palaven."

"Nihlus," Jane whispered to herself.

"I've always liked these," Karin said touching a purple flower, "Astera, found on Eden Prime."

"Jenkins."

At first, Garrus thought he was the only one hearing Jane but saw Joker lean back in his chair, meeting Garrus's gaze. He saw Jane take a small bite, slowly chewing. Another flower was mentioned, and when Jane had swallowed she said the name to herself again.

"Gideon."

"L'Sarna."

"What is this one?" Mordin asked to no one in particular. He touched the petals of a white flower. "Asari?"

Karin angled her head in thought, "No, I don't think so. It doesn't have the look of Asari flowers."

"It's a trillium," Jane answered.

"Oh, Shepard," Kelly remarked, "I didn't know you had an interest in flowers."

"I recognize a few," she feigned a smile. She glanced at John who had pressed his lips into a hard line. Looking back at the flowers, she brightened her smile, picking out another flower, "I've always been a sucker for roses. Cliché, I know."

Kelly smiled, "Nothing wrong with liking roses. There's a reason roses are so popular."

Garrus looked over at John, "Who was the trillium?" he whispered.

John waited until Thane had Jane's attention, "He was the first to start her back piece. The trillium was our dad."

Garrus turned back to Jane and saw her smile was a little more genuine but he still wanted to cheer her up a bit more. He separated parts of his food as he ate, pushing some pieces to the far right of his plate. The drinks had arrived, giving him enough of a distraction to get Jane's attention. He leaned back, lowering his hand to stroke Jane's side, making her jump a little. She looked at him quizzically. Garrus nodded at his plate. Jane shook her head, not understanding. He nodded again, this time tapping his talon next to his plate, then checked to see if anyone else was picking up on what he was telling her. She grinned, slowly moving her fork over to steal the first piece she got. He watched her blissful reaction when she ate it and checked again to make sure no one was looking, only this time, he caught eyes with Karin. She stared at him tilting her head in a critical glare.

"What do you think?" Garrus asked, looking away from the doctor.

"It's good, but I don't have a lot to compare it against. Really, only what you have made me."

"Ooh, ouch, you know, you could just say that theirs is better."

"No!" she laughed, "That's not what I meant! I love your cooking. I prefer yours over this."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Shepard," he smirked, "But, thank you."

John shook his head. He couldn't have seen what he thought he did. Jane couldn't be eating dextro food; it wasn't possible. Looking around the table, he saw Chakwas looking towards Garrus and Jane but her gaze didn't seem to linger on them and the woman was soon engaged in a conversation with Mordin like nothing had happened. What was going on? Was there something he was missing?

"You ok, John?" Miranda whispered as she nudged him.

"Yeah, yeah…" he smiled.

Lawson nodded and when he wasn't looking she looked at the other Shepard, rolling her eyes. This woman needs to get her girly hormones under control. And it would help if Garrus wasn't being a love sick puppy.

The rest of dinner passed with jokes and light conversation among the table, enjoying their own bubble until the next phase of the night picked up. They hardly noticed the table had been cleared, until a gentle ringing sounded in the room, calling their attention back to the Council.

Anderson stood before the room, "Thank you. Thank you all for you attention. As your servers have explained, now that dinner is over, the bars, food and desert stations are now open for the rest of the evening for those who would like more, and the dancefloor is now open. Throughout the night, the music will switch between the band and the sound system so that we keep a variety that will hopefully appeal to every being here. Now, I would like to welcome any of those who are inclined that would like to join myself and Captain Hannah Shepard in the first dance of the evening."

Applause hummed around the room, masking the whispers that were also taking place, as Anderson walked to a table and held a hand out to Hannah. The two walked towards the dance floor and stood near the center, awaiting other couples. The rest of the council members with their partners soon joined them. A few other random couples joined but the dancefloor was fairly empty considering the amount that it could hold. Many seemed to be too shy or unsure of what type of dancing would occur.

"Hey, Shepards," Kelly leaned in to speak over the sound, "I didn't realize your Mom and Anderson were that close."

John nodded, "Anderson was good friends with both our mother and father. We've known him for pretty much our entire lives."

"He doesn't have a partner?"

"He did have a wife but they divorced. From what I understand she couldn't handle the long absences. After that he focused on the Alliance and his career. Anderson might have been who our mom got the idea from to focus on her job when our dad died. Granted, Anderson has always been a tiny bit more relaxed than our mother."

Garrus watched the dancing couples for a moment before looking at Jane. She looked like she was in love yet dejected at the same time. He knew that she loved to dance but he didn't know anything about dancing, let alone formal human dancing. Other species were doing their version of formal dancing, but he didn't even know turian style.

Thane stood and moved to stand near Shepard's chair, attracting more than a few glances from the table, "Shepard," he said, finally getting her attention, "may I have this dance?"

"Oh," she smiled and glanced around the table, most looks smiling and encouraging her to go, one looked hard, pained. She was about to say no to keep from hurting Garrus but he nodded, his mandibles forcing a grin. "Thank you, Thane. I would love to," she placed her hand in his, accepting his help from the table and the escort to the dance floor.

As they walked, Thane decided to confirm what he was pretty sure he knew. "So which formal dances do you know?"

"What makes you think I know any?"

He chuckled, "Anyone who watches dancing like you, knows how to dance."

Jane blushed, "I took lessons for a lot; foxtrot, rumba, tango, a few waltzes. But they were all human styles, I don't know drell."

"Drell don't have much in the form of dancing, not to mention any formal kind. But I learned human, turian, asari, and salarian dances for my work." He heard her chuckle, "Especially human. Your species is very culturally based."

They had made it to the dance floor, finding a spot closer to the center. "I don't know if you mean that as an insult or a compliment to my species," Jane smiled.

Thane raised their touching hands, moving in the small way to request her to spin; she complied. "It's a compliment." When she turned back to him, he held their hands out to the side and placed his hand on her back, "Waltz?" she nodded in confirmation. As they began to move, Thane continued, "With some species, you can see where they come from. Take the Council races for example. The Salarians are scientifically driven. Turians, their military. Although the asari could be seen as coming from science or trade, it is only because they have been space-bound the longest; I see them as more religious. Humans I see as their culture, their history." They had been doing the basic waltz step in the space available. Thane let go of her and stepped to the side which Jane followed and then they turned together, sweeping their arms out as they changed sides. He took her hand, spinning her twice and putting her into a dip then pulling her back out with a spin and went back into their steps. He noticed a few looks from the other dancers but went back to his original thought, "Humans are a complex species which is why I generally say culture because culture is complex. It is knowledge, art, morals, law, customs, technology, language… You had cultures all over your world that brought you together and also drove your kind to wars, yet here you stand, overcoming the odds to now be a race of the Council. You are a unique species."

"I had no idea you were so interested in human ways."

"Overall, I am not. Just individuals." He saw her look down as he spun her to the side and then back along his arm. The spin ended with her back against his chest and his arm around her, they stayed in that position, following one another in the dance steps. He whispered to her, "I am not flirting with you. I know you are taken." He spun her back out and in to return to their dancing form.

Jane shook her head and started to laugh, "How does everyone seem to know?"

"It's the way you two interact; the way you both look at each other. I can also sense a bit of hostility from him from time to time."

"I'm sorry about that."

"You don't have to be and neither does he," Thane laughed, "I know that turians tend to be… territorial with their mates."

Jane's blushed furiously at the thought, "Um, we're not… we're not quite like that. I understand mating is essentially what humans would call married – and then some - but, I mean, we aren't that serious."

Thane smirked, knowing that she was deluding herself, whether she consciously knew or not.

Back at the table, the group watched the pair. Kelly struggled to see while sitting in her chair. "Why did they have to go to the center? I can barely see!"

"Would you like to go watch from the side? There seem to be others watching there," Jacob said, "I'll stand with you."

"Yes! Let's go!" Kelly practically leapt from her seat. She was excited to see the almost professional way her friends were dancing but she was also eager to see the formal dances of the other species on the dancefloor.

"How about you, Miranda?" John smiled, placing a hand on the back of her chair. "You want to go watch?"

She glared at him and picked up her almost empty drink, "No."

"Aww," John frowned, "What about you, Garrus? Want to help me police Jane's dance like she's a middle-schooler?"

Garrus cocked his head, "I don't know what that means. But no."

"Ah, you're no fun either."

"I get that reference," Joker smiled. "I would go with you but I don't think we have to worry about Thane. So, ultimately a waste of time."

"Gahhhh," John groaned, "Fine, how about dancing? Miranda?"

"No, I don't dance."

"You mean you don't know how," John smiled, "It's okay, I'll teach you."

"Do you know how, John?" Karin prodded.

"No fancy moves like Jane but I know enough," he nodded with his words as if it would help convince everyone that he knew what he was talking about. "How about you, Chakwas? Would you like to dance?"

"Personally, I would like dessert first," she chuckled.

Mordin stood, "I would like to accompany you, if I may," he said quickly.

"Thank you, Mordin," Chakwas said standing and walking with him over to some of the food stands.

John watched them leave, "Think there is something going on with those two?" he asked to no one in particular. "They are acting weird."

"They're not the only ones…" Miranda mumbled then clamped her mouth shut as her eyes widened, looking at Joker and Garrus.

"I'm not being weird!" John frowned, "You're the one being weird, you drunk. Isn't she being weird?"

Joker and Garrus nodded along, "Totally." "Absolutely."

The song ended and Thane tipped Jane back into a low dip, holding her there a little longer than normal for a dramatic effect before bringing her back up. The two applauded along with the rest of the room for all participants in the first dance. Shepard and Thane had begun to walk back to the table but were met by Jacob and Kelly.

Kelly spoke, smiling brightly, "That was amazing! I had no idea you were both so graceful! Well, outside the battlefield, I mean."

"Thank you," Thane said, "Would you care to join me in the next dance?" He held his hand out.

"Me?" Kelly asked flustered, "Oh, I wouldn't know the first thing about dancing like you two just did."

"There's no need to be proficient or to even know anything."

"Do you mind, Shepard?" Kelly asked, her look hopeful.

"Not at all! Thane is great! Have fun," she smiled, ready to turn back as she saw them walk away but paused when Jacob caught her attention.

Jacob shuffled his feet, "I know I couldn't measure up to Krios, but, can I have the next dance?"

She smiled, "I would love to."

Garrus's teeth clicked together as he clamped his jaw shut. She was with Jacob now and he knew that he didn't need to worry about his standing but he was once again reminded that he couldn't do something for her that she loved. Their dance wasn't as grand as the previous one with Thane. The style she was dancing with Jacob was more of what he expected when Krios had asked her. When she and the drell were together, he couldn't understand how they knew which step was next, whether it was a memorized routine or being able to read one another's movements. If the latter were the case, he was a little jealous that Thane could do that. Garrus could read Jane on the battlefield but this was something else entirely.

"So, where did you learn to dance like that?" Jacob asked.

"I picked it up when I was younger. When I could, I took lessons before the Alliance and even some after I joined. I almost never get the chance to put it to use though since most people don't bother with it anymore."

"Yeah, I somehow missed that class during my training," he chuckled. He tried to spin her with the same grace as Thane had but messed up the execution; Shepard did try to cover up his fault though. "As you can tell."

"You're doing great," she laughed, "At least you are making an effort. I bet most here won't even try."

With their dance not being as complex as her first, Jane was able to glance at their surroundings. She tried to spot any familiar faces. The first she spotted were the Council members, all, except Anderson, were back at their table. Another rotation and she saw the profile of Udina, blocking her view of the person next to him. Jacob motioned for her to spin. As she did, she glanced back at the table; Udina moved to lean back in his seat, revealing the person next to him. She turned back to her partner, surprise and a little frustration evident on her face.

"It seems that you just saw someone you didn't want to."

She huffed a laugh, "You could definitely say that. I think it would be best to try and avoid him tonight."

"Do we need to check you for guns in case you do bump into him?" he laughed.

"Heh, I don't need guns."

"I'm sure you don't," he laughed while shaking his head. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

She tried to give her attention back to Jacob but her mind was racing. How had Kaidan gotten a seat at Udina's table? Or was he sitting elsewhere and had gotten pulled over there for some reason? Maybe if she avoided him, she could keep the evening with as little drama as possible; as she thought that, they moved past her mother and Anderson. She had been enjoying the calmer dance with Jacob but now she wondered if she would have seen them had she been focused on a more complicated number of steps.

Hannah tapped Jacob on the shoulder to get his attention so he wouldn't move away, "Jane," Hannah smiled, "it is good to see you here." She looked at Jacob, "and who might this be?"

"Mom, this is Jacob Taylor. Jacob, my mother, Captain Hannah Shepard and Councilor Anderson."

"Captain Shepard, Councilor Anderson, it's a pleasure to meet you both," he nodded a greeting, unsure if he should keep him and Jane swaying. He felt a little strange calling someone else Shepard even if it was with a different title. He wished there had been a better first meeting with Shepard's mom than when he was dancing with her daughter; not to mention he was meeting the Councilor of the human race while dancing with the person he probably saw as his own child.

"I would like to meet your crew at some point tonight."

"Absolutely, Mom. We don't have any plans to leave early. Hello, Anderson," Jane finally got to say, "great introduction to tonight."

"Thank you, Shepard. I certainly don't like to drag out my speeches. I never saw why politicians did and I certainly don't want to become that."

"I think it's good that you aren't a career politician. To me you have always been the only choice for the job," Jane said.

Anderson chuckled, "We all know that you're the reason it isn't Udina who has the job. And I would like to come by and meet your crew as well, if it isn't too much trouble."

"Of course not."

"Thank you. Hannah, let's leave these two young people to their dance."

"I will see both of you later," Hannah said with a smile as Anderson began to guide her away.

Jane gave her attention back to Jacob, "Sorry about that."

"It's okay. It's not exactly how I thought I would meet either of them but, things could have been worse," he grinned.

To Jane's relief the rest of their dance seemed to go without any more distractions. She felt a little guilty that they had been interrupted and she hadn't been completely focused but Jacob had been a good sport about everything.

As the song ended, Jacob tipped her back slightly, not having enough confidence of how to hold her if he sent her lower; he didn't want to cross any line either. They moved off the dancefloor together and looked for Kelly and Thane.

"Thank you, Jacob, that was great."

"No, please. Thank you. Tonight is looking to be a great evening."

"You can say that again!" Kelly said, "Oh! I'm loving tonight! Shepard, I saw you mom out there with Anderson, have you seen her yet?"

"Yes, she found us during the dance. She'll be coming by the table later to meet everyone. Anderson said he would come by sometime too."

"Ooh, that's exciting!" she looked between their table, Shepard, and Thane. "You know, before you get yourself trapped at the table, you should dance with Thane again. I would love to watch again. I know others would as well. I mean, just look at the crowd lining the dancefloor."

Thane glanced at Jane who smiled back.

"One more bout, Krios?"

He smirked, recognizing what he had said to her when they had sparred. The memory flashed behind his eyes and he blinked to come back to the present. "I'm up for it if you are." With her nod, he took her hand and went out to an open space on the floor.

Jacob looked after the pair, "I guess they don't look half bad together."

Kelly almost snorted, "What?" she practically laughed. "You think they're a thing?"

"Well, I did until you said that."

"What are we talking about?" John said, sticking his head between theirs.

"Just how Thane and Shepard look on the dancefloor together. They really are amazing. Did you come out to dance?" Kelly answered.

"Nah, I'm not a big dancer. I just came out to see what you were all doing."

Kelly answered him, "We came out here to watch them, then switched partners and danced, now Shepard and Thane are dancing again. I've only ever seen dancing like this in old movies."

"Yeah, leave it to Jane to learn something archaic and practically pointless." He stood with them, deciding to watch with a better view this time. Looking around, he noticed the crowd that had come to watch the dancers, some speaking in whispers and pointing at partners, a few clearly noticing Jane. His sister and Thane were already beginning to dance and, if he wasn't mistaken, the style of dance was called the tango.

Garrus saw a bit of a crowd forming near the dancefloor, John, Kelly, and Jacob among them. There was a part of him that wanted to watch as well but he couldn't convince himself to go over there.

"You should really go see. She's kind of amazing," Joker said leaning in his chair towards Garrus.

"I know she is…"

"Is it just you or do all turians get this jealous?"

Garrus rolled his head to the human and gave him a hard look.

"Do you still think I can read your face? I don't know you that well and I feel like the only way to know you that well is to sleep with you and you're not really my type."

He tapped his talons together, "Let's just say if she were turian, I would know how to handle myself. I would be a lot calmer."

"Ah, so it is jealousy I'm hearing." Joker saw the turian flick his mandibles before clamping them down; it didn't take a genius to realize what that meant. "Look, you don't have to worry about Jane. I know we humans don't have the greatest track record of staying with those we love but there are more good ones than bad, and Jane is a great one."

"I know. I just worry that I'm not enough or what's best for her." He kept his eyes locked on Joker and tilted his head down, "And don't tell anyone about this conversation."

Joker contorted his mouth into a strange grimacing frown, "You know… you're scary enough as it is but you're terrifying with that look." Garrus tilted his head back up with a drop of his mandibles and Joker wondered if that was a turian form of a smirk.

Thane whispered to her as they made the final walk across the floor, "Do you trust me?"

Jane furrowed her eyebrows, "Yes?"

"Good, because I need you to trust me with this last move. When we lean, kick out then… be ready to hold on."

Thane gave her a spin and halted her when her back was to him. He clasped her hands, giving a slight push so they leaned in opposite directions. She did a high, graceful kick and when her leg was down, he kept their hands together and gave her another half turn and dramatically dropped her into a dip to go with the crescendo then cut off of the music. Jane could feel that she was inches from the ground and looked at their gripped hands then back up to Thane, quirking up an eyebrow. She silently laughed, leaning her head back and saw a line of faces clapping and staring at them. As she scanned the crowd her eyes darted back to a face she thought she had seen but was pulled upright by Thane. He had pulled her up with ease using just his arms and gave her a half turn so their arms were not crossed and placed a hand on her back. She staggered, bumping into him as she turned back to him. He tightened his arm around her waist to make it look intentional.

"You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Sorry, yeah… I…" she looked back at the crowd but now didn't see him there, "I feel like I did." She shook it off and smiled, "I must have imagined him."

"Do you want to head back to the table?"

"Yeah, I just… yes," she whispered but as they walked back she glanced over her shoulder, still not seeing the face she thought she had.

"That was fantastic, you two," John smiled as they approached. She nodded, indicating the general direction behind him, towards the table. He turned, feeling Jane's hand slip through his arm to bring him back with her. As they got back to the table, she let go and John looked around the table, "You guys missed out. What they did was amazing! A bunch of people were out to watch them."

Thane pulled out Jane's chair as she sat down. She whispered a 'thank you' and saw Garrus bristle. "Please, John, you're making too big of a deal out of it."

"Where'd you both learn to dance like that?" Miranda asked. Her words came out in a slightly different cadence than her usual refinement.

"I took lessons years ago," Shepard answered simply, unwilling to go into too much detail.

Thane decided to offer more, "I picked it up over the years. More for… professional reasons. Some of my targets would often attend events similar to this and you learn it is when people let their guard down the most because they rely so much on the event's security."

"So, how have you killed someone at something like this? Slip something into their food or drink?" Kelly asked, leaning forward.

"Sometimes," he took his seat, "if it were with food or drink I would disguise myself as a server to have easier access. However, over the years it actually became more difficult to infiltrate the staff – the screening is incredibly intense, for exactly that reason. But, I prefer to go as a guest anyway. Once, I slipped an explosive rigged to a detonator onto my target during a dance. I, of course, waited until they were home before activating it." He realized the connotation of what he had said and smiled, "I wouldn't do that to you, Shepard."

"For your sake, I hope not," Garrus practically growled. He could tell Jane was giving him a look but he refused to acknowledge it. Knowing they were out on the dance floor, twice, had made him upset, yes, but a lot of his frustration was at himself for not being able to dance with her the way (it seemed) everyone else could. He just never knew dancing like this existed.

"I hate these events," Miranda grumbled as she slouched in her chair. "God, I need another drink."

Jane eyed the woman's already finished drink but slid hers over anyway.

Lawson paused, staring at the drink like it had materialized out of thin air, "Thanks," Lawson said with a half grin and a hint of confusion. Maybe making friends isn't so terrible… she thought.

"Why do you hate them?" John asked, lounging back in his chair.

"Everyone is so fake and they all usually want something." She tried sipping it to make it last but after the third, knocked it back. "It's all kissing ass and doling out bribe money." She set the empty glass in front of her, tapping her nails on the edges.

Shepard bit her lip so she wouldn't laugh at Miranda's slow descent into drunkenness, "I'm going to go get a drink. Anybody want anything?"

"I can go get it for you," John offered.

"No, it's okay. I need to keep moving. Mom is here and if I sit it will be an invitation for her to come over or indicate that I'm not socializing or networking or whatever."

"See?" Miranda said loudly, "Kissing ass."

Garrus stood, "I'll come with you. I could use a refill."

"What a gentleman!" Jane smirked and looped her hand under his elbow so he would be escorting her.

Garrus glanced at the table but no one seemed to look at them in a weird way, John hadn't even bothered to look. They walked towards the bar, side by side, not saying a word. One of the bartenders took their order as soon as they arrived but Jane sat at the bar anyway. Garrus decided it was because she had already been dancing in her heels, but since he had only been sitting, he decided to stand. He leaned on the bar, his forearms resting along the flat surface. "I'm sorry I didn't go out and watch you and Thane dancing."

"I didn't expect you to," she said almost in an apologetic tone. She debated about holding his hand but their drinks arrived. Placing her right hand around the drink, she stretched out her left, resting it exceptionally close to Garrus's. "You know there isn't anything to worry about with him."

"I know," he saw her arm near his and switched his drink to his left and inched his arm so they were almost touching. "I still feel like I should be there for you."

"You do?" She stretched out her fingers.

"Of course," he looked at her and stretched his out, the backs of his fingers touching hers. "Why wouldn't I?"

Just that simple touch made her breath catch in her throat. This secret love both thrilled her and made her miserable not being able to show any of her emotions. "Well…" she inched a finger between his, wanting to twine her fingers with his, "we've never really said…"

"Hey, you two!" John said, clapping a hand on Garrus's shoulder and placing his other on Jane's.

Garrus and Jane pulled their hands from each other, cupping their drinks with both hands as John weaseled his way between them. Jane took a sip from hers attempting to hide the sudden movement.

"What are you two doing sitting away from the table? Don't like the rest of us?"

"Shepard just wanted to rest her feet for a bit," Garrus said, hoping he hadn't made the wrong assumption, "I haven't done anything so I stayed standing."

John shrugged, "Eh, no big deal, just messing with you."

"I'll, uh, I'll see you two back at the table," Garrus mumbled, leaving with his drink.

"Huh…" John mused, "can't say I'm not surprised events like this don't suit him. So, you seem to be having fun, been out on the dance floor a few times. You show off," he smirked.

"What? I have been asked to dance. And dancing can be fun if you give it a chance. When was the last time you danced with someone?"

John knew. He wanted to dance, but his partner wasn't there. It was a long time ago, another life it felt like, pre-heartbreak. "Nah, we both know I'm not coordinated enough. And that's always been your thing anyway." He waved down the bartender and ordered his drink. He leaned against the bar and looked out over the crowd. He did wish Tali had decided to come, tonight might have been a good night to patch things up.

She looked at his relaxed posture as he leaned on the bar; he was so different from everyone else here, not including her team. "What are you thinking about?" she asked and sipped her drink.

"Huh? Oh, nothing really," he mulled over his options, trying to change the subject, "But it's amazing don't you think? Every time we tell them there's a threat they shove their heads in the sand."

"Well, we are saying some outlandish things. No one wants to think about a universe without them in it. All we can do is just hope we are successful in shutting all this horror down before it gets too far."

"Even if no one knows you were right?"

"I would be okay with that. Trust me, I'd prefer not to be right."

"Well, at least we've got some loyal company."

"Yeah," she smiled, "they're great," her voice came out a little more somber than she intended.

Her tone surprised him a little. Nudging her, he asked, "I thought you liked this crew? I know I haven't been around that long… or much, but you seem to have a well-rounded group."

"I do like them and I definitely have options when making teams. I just miss the others too."

"Well, I'm glad you at least like them, because I kind of picked them out. And I know it's hard not having everyone but… that's their loss," he smirked. "I mean, who doesn't want to risk their lives for a thankless galaxy?"

"Yeah," she smiled, turning in the chair to look back at Garrus who seemed very out of his element. "John… okay, listen, I really need to talk to you. Well, we need to talk – "

"Dammit, Jane, how many hints do I have to drop? I don't want to hear it. It's weird, yes, but I'll get over it."

"John, seriously, I don't think you know what I am going to say. We are talking about two totally different subjects… and people really." He looked away from her as she spoke, looking over his shoulder and freezing, "Dammit, John, listen to me."

He ignored her, and turned back to the bar, "Oh, shit," he waved for another drink. "I suggest we scatter. Mommy alert."

"John, I'm not falling for it just so you can get out of us talking. Again! And, really, Mom is another topic we need to talk about."

"Listen, the thing with mom is just bad news."

"So you want to literally run from bad news?"

"Yeah, pretty much," he picked up his newly poured drink in a hurry, almost sloshing some out as he ran off with his beverages.

Jane rolled her eyes, ending with staring into her drink before giving in and looked where John had. Their mother was indeed closing in, only pausing to quickly, yet formally, say hello to a few people on her way. "Oh, shit!" she muttered and hopped off her seat. Just as she picked up her drink, she felt a cold hand on her shoulder, gripping a little too tight. Her mother may have been on her mind, but she didn't have to guess who this was.

"Fancy seeing you here, love," he whispered into her ear.

"Leng…"

"Yes, Janey," he sighed but it came out close to a growl, "I've missed you."