#willreignite

"Mhm..." Her voice could suggest she was intoxicated. He could feel her falling onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck shoulders. "So good..."

Now that the initial shock had passed, Nihlus finally realized what was going on. Great. Just great. Though, at least he could do something now that he knew it was alcohol’s doing. He had to get her somewhere else. Somewhere she was less touchy with him would be nice, but he really just wanted her to not walk down any stairs. Hopefully, she’d fall asleep and he could bring her to her quarters. 

A happy purr rolled up his throat in agreement. While Turians generated heat as well, it was mostly lost in the cooler atmospheres. Humans though? They were practically space heaters. The Turian yawned and snuggled all the more tightly against her. His taller frame easily wrapped around her, resting his head against her chest. “Mmm. Don’t need a suit with you. I’ll just tape you to my body. Should work about the same,” he teased.

ABOARD THE NORMANDY SR-2, YEAR 2185 CE

The ship hummed softly as he walked throughout the hallway, his footsteps silent from years of training and discipline. He found it odd that something built for destruction could be a place that offered him amenity, an oasis amidst the years he’d spent lost in a desert of his own making.

His footsteps took him to the elevator and in a few short minutes, the doors opened to Deck 2. Following the curve of the ship towards the bridge, Thane revelled in the silence as the orange lights from the CIC lit his path in a warm, soft glow. Most of the crew lay slumbering in their cots, grasping at a brief moment to take their minds away from the weight of the mission that haunted them.

Reaching the pilot’s chair, obsidian hues stared solemnly at the empty seat. Even Joker needed rest, as much as he might resent leaving the Normandy in the hands of the ship’s artificial intelligence.

“Greetings, Mr. Krios,” EDI called out, a lavender hologram popping up in his peripherals. The assassin crossed his arms behind his back, straightening his posture.

“According to medical research, it is advised that one’s sleeping habits remain consistent,” EDI continued, “I would suggest getting some rest.”

The Drell chuckled softly, lifting a hand to cover a short cough. “Thank you for your advice, EDI, but I am fine. Between you, Mordin, and Doctor Chakwas I have been well cared for,” Thane stated, appreciation in his tone. Had it not been for the brilliant minds of the Salarian and his human counterpart, he would never have hoped for a cure of Kepral’s syndrome to be accessible in his lifetime. All he had to do was take weekly injections and the weight of his mortality lifted from his shoulders.

It was a good feeling.

The sound of footsteps behind him made the assassin turn his head towards the source, his protruding brow lifting in a curious manner. “Commander,” Thane greeted, the corners of his lips tilting into a faint smile. “I had not expected company at this hour.” He gestured for her to stand beside him and admire the stars that glittered above the bridge.

"This is so frustrating...” Sabiq sighed.

He had full faith in Shepard. After all, he’s seen with his own eyes what had happened during the Collector attack on the Normandy. How could they still all doubt her after what happened during the attack on the Citadel? It was to scream. Sabiq had thought he would have somewhat gotten away from frustrating ignorance after leaving the flotilla and their views on geth, yet here he was again. Shepard couldn’t possibly yell into politicians’ empty abyss any longer before it would be too late to recognise the collectors or reapers as a real threat.

Garrus should’ve been in the medical wing; at least according to EDI, and Jacob, and everyone else he passed by. But no; he was here in the loft overlooking deep space. An old haunt of his on an old Normandy.

He’d been alone for a time, but upon hearing the doors opening, Garrus already figured who it was.

“Shepard.”

His long bony fingers fiddled with the rim of his glass -- cardinal depths shooting in her direction. Another human PLAYING hero. In his millions of years he’d seen many of them -- not often did they live up to expectations.