Sorry that I have been gone for so incredibly long. I really wish I could have posted this earlier. I hope you all enjoy it (and that I don't have too many mistakes... oops). Thank you for sticking with me or coming back. Thanks for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 54

They were outside the theater entrances, scrolling through the hologram posters. She was vaguely aware of which plays were available: Hamlet, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Oklahoma!, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Producers. Jane stood in silence, watching her friends talk and read the descriptions aloud; some saying they should watch one together, others arguing they could split up. She thought about those she had encountered that evening and would have to deal with later: her mother, Anderson, Kaidan, the Illusive Man… Leng, and at some point she would have to deal with John and Garrus. She never thought her social life could ever get this complicated. She felt a poke in her right arm and looked over to see Garrus sidling up next to her.

"You still with us?" he whispered.

"Yeah…" she said quietly. "Just thinking."

"You say that a lot."

"I think a lot," she smirked. "Would you prefer I didn't?"

"No, it's good that you think. We need that in a commander."

"Oh, as just a Commander? Not anything else?"

Garrus glanced to look at John then back at Jane, "That and more," he said with a growling grin. He leaned a little closer, hoping to sneak in a moment.

"Jane!" John called out, "You've seen at least some of these right? What do you think?"

"I've seen versions of them but not every rendition is the same," Jane said stepping in with the group. "These are musicals. These are love stories but with some fighting in them. It just depends on what everyone wants."

"See?" Kelly said, "Those could make everyone happy."

"I don't know how I feel about musicals," John grumbled.

Joker rolled his eyes as he shifted on his legs, it was a habit from before his legs were in too bad of shape, when he could tell when they were about to wear out. Now, with the braces , and the medication Cerberus had him on, he was able to be much more mobile. "Do you have Garrus's stick up your butt because I don't think that is very sanitary."

John glared at Joker but started to laugh it off. "Fine, fine… let's see… You girls want a musical?"

"Yes!" Joker sassily said.

"The Opera Phantom sounds pretty good," Jacob added. "I say we give that a shot."

"Alright, sounds like a plan," John said, typing at the console to get their tickets. "All of this okay with you, Miranda?"

Lawson glared at John, "I'm not that uptight."

"Yeah because you're a little drunk. Hopefully we can keep you sloshed enough through the play."

Garrus saw a few couples around them walking arm in arm and offered his to Jane, taking the chance while he could. Jane smiled at him, placing her hand lightly on his and following his lead with falling in behind the rest of their group. The path to the theatre had similar decorations to the ballroom with flowers and floating lights but those faded out and were replaced with lines of standing candelabras and chandeliers holding candles. At first, Jane thought real candles had been used but could see that there was no melting wax.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Garrus said, touching her fingers with his free hand.

"Absolutely. They really went all out for this. Makes me wonder what other years were like."

"You'll have to tell me all about the next one."

She looked up at him, "What makes you think I would be invited to the next one?"

"You're Commander Shepard, Savior of the Citadel and First Human Spectre. You'll be invited."

She was starting to hate those associations. "I guess… but you would be invited too."

"By the Council? Not likely," he chuckled. "Best chance I have of going is if you take me as your date."

Jane looked down, smiling that he thought they would still be together.

Worried he had freaked her out with his comment, he decided to move past it. "Have I mentioned you look beautiful?"

"Hmm," she smirked, "I'm not sure but you can always tell me again," she said in a lighthearted way.

He huffed out a laugh. "You look beautiful, Jane. Makes me want to steal you, ditch this place, and head back to the ship."

"Ooh, you keep talking like that and you're going to get me in trouble."

"That weak willed, Shepard? In that case let me just paint the scene… we sneak away from our group. Take a cab back, beating the crowds so it shouldn't take long, and get onto a mostly empty ship… go up to your cabin, tear these formal clothes off…"

"Let me pause you there. You are not tearing this dress. It was expensive and I want to keep it!"

"Fine, I'll be very careful. But please, no promises for mine."

"You don't want it?"

"It's not my military uniform. It doesn't matter."

"Yeah, okay," she said a little sarcastically, "I'll just tear it off with my teeth."

"Mhm," Garrus grunted, "Don't make promises you can't keep, you tease."

Jane laughed her voice carrying a little, drawing John's attention. He looked over his shoulder back at the two. In his movement he drew the attention of his escort, Kelly. She saw him stare at Jane and Garrus and followed his look; the two were exceptionally close with Jane smiling and laughing, looking up at her turian before looking away and leaning closer. As Jane adjusted, Garrus did as well, touching her arm with his hand and tilting his head in her direction.

"Everything okay, John?" Kelly said trying to get his attention.

He looked away, "Yeah… everything's fine."

"Who chose this one, again?" Garrus said. "I feel like the phantom was a dig at me."

"Hit a little too close to home, Garrus?" John teased. "I'm sure if the lead was a krogan she would have chosen him."

"John!" Jane chided, "Leave him alone."

"I'm just messing with him. He knows that," he punched Garrus in the arm a little harder than he meant to when he saw Garrus jerk, giving him a strange look.

"It's fine, Shepard. The universe had to take me down a few notches so John stood even a small chance of getting noticed."

"Oohh… That's cold man. Real cold," John shook his head, chuckling.

They returned to the main hall, finding it a little more open than before but still holding a good crowd. Arriving at their table, John, Jacob, and Garrus took drink orders again, especially since Miranda seemed to be scowling again. Once the guys were at the bar, Jane put her hand on a chair, bending it in an awkward way to stretch out her back for an excuse to look over at the guys. As she stared, she was pretty sure Garrus could tell she was creeping on him as he gave her a sideways glance. He turned a little more, locking eyes with her, smirking in his own peculiar turian way.

She readjusted in her chair to easier look at him and played with her hair as she stared his way. He leaned on the bar with one elbow, staring at her, thankful the conversation between the two humans wasn't involving him. She looked away, dramatically turning her head and adjusting so her bare back was showing a little more. It wasn't long before she looked back at him over her shoulder. If she hadn't been so focused on him she might have missed but she knew him, knew his little tells. She turned again, this time so her side was to him; stretching her arms up, she stretched like she was trying to crack her back and undulated down as if she were focusing on her entire back. Before her hands ran down her sides she saw the start of a smirk from him before he covered his mouth and mandibles with his hand.

She smiled and leaned back in the chair for a moment before being shoved from behind almost hard enough to knock her out of her chair. Spinning around, she met eyes with Miranda. Jane looked around at the rest of the table, with the exception of a chuckling Joker, she didn't think anyone else had seen her flirting with Garrus across the room. "What was that for?" Jane asked innocently.

"Stop giving him 'fuck me' eyes. You're being obvious."

Jane shrugged, "I don't know what you're talking about…"

"Uh huh…"

Looking away, Jane blushed as she bit her lip. Wondering if Garrus had seen that interaction she looked in his direction. He was turned away, speaking to Jacob and John with the bartender pouring the drinks in front of them. The conversation at the table got her attention so she turned back to everyone contributing when she could. She played with a petal on an asari reesia wondering when the guys would get back to the table.

A part of her told her that she was being watched. Hesitating in facing the eyes that were on her, she smiled, figuring it was the boys back from getting drinks. She turned, goofy smile still plastered on her face.

"Jane, dear, look who I found," Hannah said.

Shepard froze, the smile fading from her as she glanced from her mother and locked eyes with the man standing with her. "Alenko," she greeted coolly.

"Shepard," the name came out in a whisper. "It's uh… it's good to see you."

Hannah looked between the two, "How is that any way to greet one another after serving together?" She said it in a light tone but her question was directed at Jane. "Tell you what, you two catch up during a dance while I spend time with your crew." She stepped closer to Jane, grabbing her hand to pull her from the chair and give her daughter's hand to Kaidan, who hesitantly took Jane's hand in his.

Jane looked over at her table all of whom had completely stopped their conversation. Her eyes found the missing members of their group who were making their way back. She saw the look on Garrus's face; it was a mixture of anger and jealousy. She ended her observation when she looked back at Kaidan; she could see that he was just as uncomfortable as she was, though he hadn't seen the rest of the group.

They took a few steps towards the dance floor when Kaidan said, "We don't have to. I don't want to make this more awkward than it already is."

"Too late," she said curtly. "But, my mother will be watching so, no, I don't get a choice."

The two had paused by the dance floor, waiting for the next song to start. "I could always say that it was me who didn't want to dance."

"It's fine, Kaidan."

"I can tell her. You don't – "

"If you say that to her she will think I said something first. It's fine. Stop trying to fix it."

"Sorry," he rocked back on his heels awkwardly, unsure of what to say next. "I saw you dance before, with the drell and that other guy. I never knew you could dance like that. It was amazing."

She grimaced, "Thank you."

"I guess you were holding out on me way back when, huh?"

She let her silence answer him. After a few moments, she asked, "Not to sound rude, but how did you get an invite to this?"

"I'm… not really sure. I was one of the Alliance military invites. I'm sure it was because I served under you."

"Hm."

"But I think it was ultimately Udina who made it work," he saw Jane look sharply at him.

"I thought you didn't like him."

"I don't." The song had ended and they walked onto to floor, finding a spot. Jane noticed that a few of the other dancers had a little more room for them; she could only assume they were hoping for another display like before. The next song began and Kaidan hesitantly began leading Jane in a simple three-step rhythm.

Once they were in a steady step sequence, Kaidan spoke again, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. You look handsome too."

"Thanks," he hesitated with his next question, "Did you get my message?"

"I did."

Silence.

"I am sorry."

Jane sighed, "Me too."

"Really? You've looked pretty friendly with everyone over there. I assume they're all Cerberus. Although I guess something can be said for having a drell in the crew."

She sighed, "Do you really want to do this now? Besides, I wasn't apologizing for my crew."

"I don't know when I'll get another chance, so yeah, I guess there are a few things I want answered," he snapped at her. He groaned at himself, "I'm sorry… I… shouldn't have said that."

"What do you want to ask?"

"Why are you still with them? Cerberus, I mean."

She waited a few rocking motions in their steps before answering him to prevent too much malice from seeping through, "How many times do I have to say I am not Cerberus? I am only working with them to defeat the Collectors because no one else believes me. If I have to ruin my name to save the galaxy then I'll suffer through it. This is bigger than me."

He nodded as if he accepted her answer. "What about Garrus?"

"What about him?"

"Jesus, Shepard, don't give me that shit."

"What are you trying to start now?" It was becoming harder for her not to show her agitation.

"That's rich, you know?" he scoffed. "Does John know? I see him over there. I'm a little surprised he would be okay with it. He was always so protective of you." When she didn't answer he felt like he got his answer but didn't push the topic since John wasn't his concern. "I don't see anyone else from the crew. Looks like no one else liked you being with Cerberus either."

"This isn't the entire crew. Tali is with us too. She just didn't want to come tonight."

"Still, you couldn't even convince Liara?"

"You really are trying to poke holes in everything aren't you? She got involved with her own life and couldn't drop everything. Why are you being such an ass?"

"It sounds like a lot of excuses to me. And I just feel like you need to be upfront with everyone. So sue me!"

Jane glared at him and noticed he was avoiding her gaze, "It was you. You told my mom I was alive. Tell me, was that before or after you sent me that message?"

He didn't answer.

"It was after, wasn't it? You son of a bitch."

He finally looked at her, "She deserved to know. She's your mother."

"Do you have any idea what you have done? I was trying to keep her out of this for her safety. If this does go south, I don't need to worry about bringing her down too. Any direct contact with me risks her career. I can deal with the Alliance turning on me but she can't. The Alliance is her life."

"It was your life too until you traded it in for a better paycheck."

Jane pulled her hand from his and stepped away. "You keep talking about how much I have changed but you should look at yourself. You're acting like a child, not like the man I know you can be." She took a few steps before pausing and saying over her shoulder, "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Her head was down as she headed back to the table. When she looked at her table she saw her mother was nowhere in sight. At least that had played in her favor. She sat at the table where most were engaged in their own conversations, acting like nothing had happened. Jane looked at Garrus, he was beyond upset but hiding it well. She had to talk to him – alone. She shrugged off her own frustrations and smiled, "Garrus, will you dance with me?"

He looked at her but didn't reply.

"Please?" she smiled bigger, trying to let him know everything was okay, "Lady's choice?"

"You know I don't dance," he grumbled.

"Well, I have gotten you to before," she tapped her fingertips on his leg under the table.

"I don't think this is really the same."

"Come on, Garrus," she smiled timidly, knowing it was starting to get awkward, and leaned in to him so no one else could hear, "You know I'll reward you later," she whispered trying to lighten the mood.

He pulled away from her abruptly and said in a harsher tone than he meant, "Would you stop?"

Jane recoiled from him. "Sure… Guess I'll go get that drink I missed out on… Excuse me," she muttered, and walked away from the table.

John glared at Garrus, "What the fuck, man? She was just asking for a dance. You know how she is, she just likes to dance. The least you could do is embarrass yourself after what she has dealt with."

Garrus glared at John and pushed up from the table.

Miranda sat quietly to the side sipping on her water. Her gaze followed Shepard and noticed the woman wasn't heading for the bar. As John scolded the turian, Miranda slipped away. The steps she made were a little unsteady but nothing she couldn't hide with what she was hoping was a sexier strut than her normal gait. Entering the ladies' restroom, she turned the corner for the humanoid section. She peeked around the wall to see Shepard struggling to compose herself. "You okay?" Miranda asked quietly.

Jane sucked in a breath and hid the tissue in her hand. Turning to Miranda, she smiled, "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

Miranda stepped towards her, stumbling on her third step. She checked the other stalls before saying, "Because you had to dance a very dramatic, impressive, and sexy dance with your, I'm assuming, abusive ex. Then dance with another – potential – ex, though not as terrible of a human as the first. All while your current boyfriend had to watch and then he rejected you for a dance that I think would have made you feel better but he snapped at you in front of everyone. That about sum it up?" She raised an eyebrow at Jane and pulled out a tissue to hold it out to the woman. Miranda waited until Shepard finally took it then realized another key fact, "Oh, and none of your friends are here."

Jane paused in dabbing her eyes and looked at Miranda, the tension in her shoulders dropping in exasperation, "Thanks," she said sarcastically, "And he's not my boyfriend."

"You're welcome," the Cerberus operative said as she walked around Shepard to lean on the counter.

"So, you're not my friend?" Jane asked looking at the other woman.

Miranda paused, "Hadn't really thought about it. I just assumed what with everything I've done and tried to do to you, you wouldn't want me as a friend. Besides, I probably wouldn't make a good friend."

"I know we don't really see eye to eye, but I wouldn't say we could never be friends." Jane went back to looking in the mirror, her eyes hadn't gotten very red and thankfully she had kept the tears from falling and messing up her makeup. Overall, she couldn't have asked for a better outcome with crying. She took a deep breath, "I don't know why I'm acting like this…"

Miranda blinked slowly, "Did you not just hear me before? Do I have to repeat myself? Because I'm not sure I can remember or say it all again." She touched a hand to her head as she swayed.

"I heard you," Jane exhaled a shaky breath that threatened to make her cry. "I mean, I just don't know why I'm letting it all get to me. I have never fallen apart like this over something a guy said to me."

"You've had a rough couple of months since waking up. And Garrus isn't just some 'guy' or even some 'guy you're sleeping with'. Wake up and smell the roses, you're in love with him." Miranda lifted herself up onto the counter so she could sit and swing her legs. She took a deep breath but stopped in the middle of it with her legs pausing in their movement. "Wait!" her head snapped up from where it had been tipping back, "You're not pregnant, are you?"

Jane planted her hands on the counter, laughing so hard she had to support herself. Her eyes were now tearing up for a good reason, "Really? I would say it isn't funny but it isn't like I have to worry about that. You know it's not possible. Now I know you're wasted."

"How is it that strange? I'm guessing you two have been going at it like a couple coming back from war, trying to make up for those two years you lost. And like any couple in love you probably get so wrapped up in yourselves that you don't always think about protection." She paused, "Unless Chakwas has hooked you up with something long term."

"Chakwas has not given me anything but it's not like it's needed anyway. Garrus is a turian. I am a human. Biology won't mix. It is impossible."

"Hey, you have a lot of cybernetics in you and those things work for both. I don't know what would happen if you introduced some turian DNA into your system." A mental image crossed her mind as she said the words, "Ew, gross. Ugh! That's dirty." She shook her head, trying to get rid of the thought.

"That is a stretch even for Cerberus science," Jane said. "Besides, I don't think my uterus was on the list of things for you guys to fix."

"We programmed yours to fix your body completely because you were in such bad shape; not just fix pieces." Miranda spoke quieter, "You're still healing. You don't know what's going on in your body for sure. But if I were you, I would get checked out by Chakwas."

Jane shook her head, "Overall, I think I like you better when you're drunk. I'm not sure I like your conversation topics. And I never thought we would share in girly subjects. Don't worry, I'm not looking for a slumber party where we stay up late talking about boys and doing each other's nails and hair."

Miranda shrugged, "But did I make you feel better?"

"Yeah, I guess you did."

"Then come on. Let's guilt your boyfriend into dancing with you… and maybe get me another drink or two."

"You're fun like this, I'll have to get you drunk more often," Jane laughed and as Miranda walked by her, she hooked her arm into the other woman's. They exited the restroom smiling and looking like best friends. A few sets of eyes found them as they moved around tables but most were innocent looks of those just trying to get a look at the Spectre. "Let's get a drink first before heading back."

"I love that idea."

The women sat at the bar together and waved down the bartender. Miranda ordered a vodka and Jane a whiskey. It didn't take long for their drinks to arrive and as soon as Jane took a sip she heard a voice on the other side of her.

"I think you need something stronger than that," a voice said over her shoulder.

She knew that voice. She loved that voice. But she was still upset with him. Turning towards Miranda, she found her companion had left her alone with the turian. Downing the rest of her drink, she touched a finger to the edge of her mouth where the liquid had collected. Before she could order another, he took her glass and replaced it with his own; a full pour of turian brandy. She still didn't look at him. She opted to stare at the glass.

"I'm sorry," Garrus said, leaning on the bar next to her like he had before but this time stood close enough so that their arms were touching. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. I was mad that Alenko was dancing with you and had obviously upset you again. And it made me think about the last time we saw him and then I thought about Leng dancing with you after what he has done to you. I wanted to kill Leng. Still do."

"Get in line," she muttered. Her fingers lightly touched the sides of the glass, turning it.

He placed a hand on her back, halfway between friendly and flirting. "I know this night isn't exactly easy on you but you make it look so damn good on you." He caught the corner of her mouth quirk up in a smile before she quickly tried to hide it again to look angry. "But I know one thing for sure, if they get to dance with you, I should too."

She turned to look at him, "So you're dancing with me because you don't want to be upstaged by someone you don't like."

He held up a talon, "Wait… no, that isn't what I meant."

She smirked at him as he tried to find the words and drank some of the brandy he had given her.

He shook his head at her torture, "I want to dance with you because you are…" he leaned in to whisper, "my girlfriend."

Hearing him use such a human term made her smile. Jane put her arms around his neck, not caring who might read into their close contact, "Aww, you're calling me your girlfriend?"

"Yes," he grinned. "I want to make you happy." When she dropped her arms, he took a half step back and held a hand out to her, "May I have this dance?"

Jane smiled and took a sip from his drink. "If you're serious, you probably need this more than I do." She put her hand in his and he pulled her a little closer, reaching out for his drink with his other hand but she pulled it away. Leaning away, she drank half of it before placing it in his hand, "Well you did already give it to me."

Garrus shook his head at her before finishing the drink and pulling her away from the bar. He felt her fingers adjust and fit perfectly in his hand as she moved closer to him. They made it onto the dance floor and he took up the position he had seen others take. Jane made minor corrections and smiled up at him. That was it. He made up his mind that they would no longer be a secret. He would tell John the next time he saw him and make the human hear him out, even if he had to tackle the human.

"I don't know what I'm doing," he chuckled.

"Well we have the form down now, just make sure you hold it. Our arms shouldn't flap around. Don't be afraid to hold me. You know I'm not fragile."

"Heh, don't I know it," he smirked.

Jane blushed, "Shut up…" she cleared her throat and continued the lesson, "Alright, so you will start with your left foot forward then your right will step out. Good, like that! And then you basically just go left, right in a circle moving around the dancefloor and staying with the beat."

Garrus was only listening to her advice, not her praise, and kept looking between their feet and Jane's face. He was more shuffling his steps than actually moving. Nervous about how much of a scene he was causing or looking like a complete idiot. No one was looking at him critically and he noticed almost no one else moving very much either.

"Don't worry, we don't have to move that much, we can just rock in place."

"So when do you spin?"

Jane chuckled, "Well, you are supposed to tell me, but with your movement. You would raise my hand like this, and gently push with your fingers to tell me to turn and either bring your hand down or push again to keep me turning."

"Hmm… okay…" he started to take bigger steps, moving them a little more. He had noticed most were rocking in place but he didn't wanted Jane to feel special. After a few more steps, he raised his hand like she taught him and saw a bright smile shine from her.

"See?" her face flushed as she turned, "You're learning."

He pulled her a little closer, "I guess you're just a great teacher," he grinned, "And I want to make you happy. So… what's next?"

"You do make me happy," her fingers tightened on his shoulder, wanting to lean against him. "How about we just enjoy being out here dancing?Alone."

"That I can do."

John was busy trying to keep a drunk Miranda in her seat, despite her best efforts to head back to the bar. Since Jane left the table "Have you seen Jane?" he asked Thane.

"She is out dancing."

"What? She with Alenko again?" he said shocked but when he looked out he saw a glimpse of Garrus with his sister. "Huh, she actually convinced him."

Thane nodded but didn't make a comment.

John shook his head at them and resumed his scan of the area. A familiar face caught his attention. Kaidan was storming off along the wall, angrily glancing over his shoulder at the room. "Hey, Thane," John said, "Can you make sure Miranda doesn't get more alcohol. I need to go talk to someone."

"Of course."

Getting up from the table, he maneuvered his way through the room, keeping an eye on his target but doing his best not to rush. He was closing in and finally reached Kaidan, grabbing him by the shoulder. "Hey, we need to talk," John said in a harsh tone, putting his arm over Kaidan's shoulders and forcing him over to a less populated area.

"Uh, John, hey, it's been a while," Kaidan said, his voice not exactly matching his normal tone.

John's voice was deep, dark, harsh, and meaner than he had heard it in a long time. "Cut the shit. Look, Jane told me what you said to her on Horizon and I've got to say, aren't you a piece of work? How dare you treat her that way?! You do realize she actually did die, right? I saw her when they were bringing her back and I saw her when she was back on her feet. She has been broken ever since she woke up, in more ways than one. She didn't ask for this but she's doing the best she can. But I guess that doesn't matter to you, does it? If you ever gave a shit about her, you would back off."

"Yeah, she really seems broken right now," Kaidan said, looking over John's shoulder at the dance floor. "So, she really told you everything I said to her?"

"Yeah and you should be thankful I don't beat the living shit out of you right now."

Kaidan couldn't stop his eyes from rolling. "Then shouldn't you be making those threats to someone who is actually fucking your sister?" Even as the words came out he knew he wasn't acting like himself but he hadn't felt like himself for a long time now.

John clenched his fist and slammed it into Kaidan's face. "Don't you dare talk about her like that."

"They never told you," Alenko laughed while holding his jaw. He shrugged off the hit and got back in John's face, "Did you ever wonder how she started smiling again after being so 'broken' as you call it? You might want to take a look at who your friends are."

"What the fuck are you going on about?"

Kaidan could still feel the pain radiating through his face, "You're blinder than she is to Cerberus. Garrus and Shepard are sleeping together. Why can't you see that?! Maybe they are in a relationship, maybe he's just using her, or her him. I don't know. But maybe you should open your eyes for once. Who knows how long it has been going on, maybe since the first Normandy, but definitely now."

John scoffed, "How would you even know?" but there was a hint of doubt to his voice.

"Because I saw them. I was put on the Citadel after Horizon and I saw them at a restaurant together. She also didn't exactly deny it just now either."

John glared at the other man but looked over his shoulder to the dance floor. Jane and Garrus were still dancing. "You're lying," he said but his mind wasn't quite as confident as his voice.

"Fine, believe what you want," Kaidan straightened his suit. "But I was genuine and upfront about liking your sister. Not sneaking behind your back, pretending to be your friend so I could be closer to her. Enjoy your evening."

John didn't bother to watch Alenko leave; he was too busy looking at his sister and his friend. He moved back to the table in a haze, his eyes fixed on the couple. As he got closer, he could better see the details of them: both were smiling, Jane looked brighter than he could remember, the way they touched didn't look like friendship, Garrus's hand was much lower on Jane's hip than it should have been and they stood a little too close to be seen as 'simply' friends. He swallowed the lump in his throat, clenching his jaw in the process.

"John?" Thane asked. "Are you okay?"

"Huh?" he shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yeah, yeah… I think I'm going to take Miranda back. She's had too much."

"Alright, do you think you'll return?"

"No… no. I think I'll turn in for the night."

"Okay, if you're sure. But I think we'll be close behind you two."

"Yeah, sure, okay. Come on, Miranda, let's get back to the ship," he said to her, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. The alcohol had really caught up to her; he was hoping he could get her back to the ship in time.

"Are you okay?" she asked in a slightly slurred voice.

"Yeah, fine." He looked out at the dancefloor but couldn't see them. His lips were pressed into a hard line; it was going to be hard to forget about this tonight.

Jane could tell the song was drawing to a close. She wanted to ask for another dance but didn't want to push her luck with him and didn't want to ruin their perfect moment. The last note hit and Garrus swept her to the side dipping her down. Although she trusted him, she gasped at the sudden movement and clutched his arm for support, feeling a little disoriented.

"Sorry, did I do that wrong?" he smiled holding her there for a moment.

"It's just not so sudden usually," she chuckled.

"Again, sorry. I don't always know how to tell when a song is ending."

"It's okay, big guy," she patted him on the arm and he pulled her upright. "Thank you for dancing with me." She hesitated, unsure why he wasn't running off the dancefloor yet.

"We… don't have to leave just yet… do we?"

"You… want to keep dancing?"

"If it's with you, then absolutely," he brought her back into form and waited for the music to start. The music started again and so did their movement. He stared down at her intently, only now he held her gaze, not bothering with watching their steps.

"What?" Jane glanced around herself before looking at him again, "I don't have something on my face, do I?"

"No," he grinned, "It's just… you make life worth living."

Jane bit her lip, "Stop saying those sweet things," she smiled, "You're going to make me tear up." She felt his arm tighten around her waist in a reassuring gesture but she took the moment to lean in closer, resting her head close to his shoulder for a few seconds. She pulled away, going back into their form.

"Aursana, why do you like watching that? It's just politicians acting like they make a difference."

She gave her mate a hard look, "I don't judge you for what you do in your free time. Besides, you never know who you might see."

"And who do you think you will see? I doubt we are friends with anyone that could be invited to that event."

"Castis, you're always so negative."

He leaned over and pressed his forehead plates to hers, "I'm trying to be better for you."

"I know," she flared her mandibles in a grin.

"I'm getting a drink, while I'm up do you want anything?"

"No, I'm fine." She watched him leave before turning back to the images of the Citadel. She had the option to watch between several screens but wanted to see the ballroom. Humans always did have a unique form of celebration; dancing had always intrigued her. The camera panned over the dancers, prompting Aursana to sit up a little straighter. "Was that?..."

"Did you say something?" Castis called from the other room.

The camera circled back, a list of names cycling along the bottom of the screen for who it was focused on. The screen paused on the pair that had caught her attention. Sure enough, the names Jane Shepard and Garrus Vakarian came across the bottom of the screen. Aursana held her talons together, sucking in a breath as she saw the human's head resting against her son. It had only been a moment but it was so clear to her. The camera hovered around the pair getting a good shot of each of their faces and she could see it; the look on her son's face was reminiscent of how Castis looked at her. She hadn't even realized her subharmonics were humming her happiness until Castis came back in the room.

"What is it?" he said before looking at the screen. "Garrus? Since when does our son get invited to this?"

"Since he started working with the human Spectre Shepard again," she said with a little bit of pride but making sure she kept her subharmonics in check. If Garrus hadn't told them (or even just her) about his relationship with Shepard then he clearly wasn't ready to let that pyjack out of the bag, yet.

"Is it common for human Commanders to dance with their crew?"

"I don't see why not."

Castis only let out a small huff of air but didn't dispute it with her.

Aursana continued watching the screen as it moved away from her son and his human. She couldn't wait until Garrus would officially tell her.

So I did have a song in mind that Garrus and Jane are dancing to; "So Close" by Jon McLaughlin.