Ok. Sorry for the delay. Been a rough past few months, but I am back. I know this chapter is short, but I just kind of wanted to get that Sentimental Za'eed awkwardness out of the way. It's not easy writing this kind of Massani while still trying to stick to the character's true personality as much as possible. So, if I failed horribly, I sincerely apologize and let me know what you think about how I did with it.

Zaeed and Shepard had made their way to a private corner of the Citadel. They were now sitting in an apartment that belonged to a "friend" of Za'eed's. It was plain and small. No decorations, just some old furniture and a small t.v. Za'eed was sitting on the couch, the heels of his feet planted firmly on the coffee table in front of him with his ankles crossed and his arms up behind his head. As he was leaning back, looking up at the ceiling, he was smiling to himself. Shepard, on the other hand was more firm and rigid. Her back straight, her feet on the ground and her arms resting on her knees as she nervously tapped her foot. When she glanced at Za'eed seeing that cocky ass smile on his face, she could sense her irritation at his smugness and it got the better of her. "What the hell are you smiling at, Massani?"

That only made Za'eed's smile turn into laughter. "Ya see, Shep…" Za'eed said once his laughter died down. "You are the most feared, respected, loved, hated and vicious, insane individual in this goddamn universe. And little ol' me managed to make you shake in your boots." He smiled again, only this time the smugness Shepard had grown used to was gone. In it's place was kindness and a gentleness she didn't know Za'eed even had.

"You did not have me shaking in my boots." Shepard responded.

"Damn it, Woman. I saw it with my own eyes." Za'eed laughed again.

"Well, I did tell Quintan that if you sniped my brains out it would be her fault. She ordered me to tell you." Shepard sighed.

Za'eed blinked at her for a second, letting her statement sink in. "You took orders from your lieutenant?"

"If I hadn't, she would've just told you herself. I figured it'd be best you hear it from me."

"That's one brave girl. Course, that's why I like her so much." Za'eed chuckled.

Shepard smiled. "Yeah. Me too."

"Listen, Shep, I'm not one for goddamn sentiments and chick flick moments, but I can't keep lying to myself or to you. The truth is… the feeling is mutual. I… I… Goddamnit, Shepard. I fucking love you." Za'eed growled in defeat.

Shepard reached for his hand. "Za'eed, I…" she was interrupted when Za'eed latched his lips onto hers in a harsh, ravaging kiss. It was brief, but so amazing. When they pulled apart he slumped back on the couch. "Feel better?" Shepard smirked.

"Yep," was his only response.

Kolyat and Quintan had made their way to Huerta Memorial. Quintan wanted to see Thane before she lost her chance forever. When she spotted him standing in front of the giant window in the lobby, she gasped "THANE!" She ran towards him as he turned around' his arms wide open, waiting to embrace her. "Thane. It's so good to see you." She smiled as tears formed in her eyes.

"You as well, Quintan. How are you?"

Quintan slumped into him, her face buried in his chest. "I'm scared, Thane." Thane and Kolyat shared a look just before Thane pulled Quintan away from him so she could look into his eyes. "Do not be afraid, child. No matter what happens. I will always be with you both. I will always protect you both.

"We miss you," Quintan said as Kolyat came up behind her pulling her against him. Thane walked back towards the window.

"I miss you all as well, but my time on the Normandy is over. I have done all I can do."

"I understand. It's just not the same without you."

Thane smiled at her words. "No. Perhaps not, but you will always remember me. And, In time, it will feel right."

"Father, there is something we would like to discuss with you."

Thane turned to look at his two children… one biological and the other he called his child from his heart, though he loved them both equally. "What do you wish to discuss?"

"You said your time on the Normandy is over, but maybe… maybe my time has begun."

"You wish to join the fight? To join the crew of the Normandy?"

Kolyat nodded. "Yes, Father."

"That is not my decision to make, Kolyat."

"I… I know. But, if Shepard allows it… I need to know I have your blessing. I hate the thought of leaving you, but…"

"But you hate the thought of leaving the one who holds your heart too?" Thane smiled.

"Yes," Kolyat whispered.

"Kolyat, I very much enjoy the time I spend with you, but you are young. You need adventure. You should experience what the universe has to offer. You should want to fight for yourself and those you love. Of course you have my blessing."

"And I would be honored to have you on my crew, Kolyat."

Kolyat and Quintan turned to see Shepard behind them smiling. "Really? Thank you, Commander. Thank you so much."

"Oh and Quintan… Your human 'father' wishes to speak with you," Shepard chuckled. "He's in an apartment. Here." Shepard sent her the address through her omnitool.

"Za'eed? Thank god. I missed that bastard." Quintan sped out of Huerta Memorial and headed for the apartment. When she arrived, Za'eed threw open the door before she could even knock.

"Goddamn, brat. Could hear you comin a mile away."

Quintan threw her arms around his neck. "I missed you."

"Za'eed hugged her back. "I missed you too, kiddo. But, guess what?"

Quintan released her grip and crossed her arms over chest. "What?"

"Let's just say you ain't getting rid of me."

"Wait. Are you back? Za'eed… really? You're back?" Quintan practically squealed with excitement.

"Well, couldn't exactly let my woman go traipsing all over the galaxy showin me up could I?"

"Ha… wait what? Your woman? You mean you and Shep are…?"

"Yeah. Yeah. Get all the goddamn jokes out now. Come on let's hear 'em."

"No, Za'eed. No jokes this time. I'm honestly just really happy for you both."

"I hear you found yourself someone as well. Well, kiddo, I'm here to tell you if he ever, and I mean ever hurts in any way, I will blow his goddamn head off. You got that?"

"Don't worry, Za'eed. He won't." Quintan smiled.

"Well, I'm still gonna keep an eye on him."

"That'll be easy since he is joining the crew too."