[Shepard balks, and it's kneejerk-- not because it's Sam, but because it's anyone. Shepard holds this part of herself so tightly because letting any part of it loose means that she can't be sure of protecting any of it.
But the moment passes
Drell memory is perfect. Human memory was never so infalliable, but Shepard's memory of the moment she first met Thane is tinged by later experience, later knowledge of the day brought from another perspective. Thane's rasping voice, deep and low in his throat, --But someone else was pushing to reach the target. Forcing me to move faster. Challenging me. I had to reach her first.
Sunset, on Illium. The light shining florid in golden-red and warm violets through chrome and glass and endless skycar traffic. Shepard remembered the weight of the Cerberus-issue armor, ill-fitting and over-strong, but still comforting in its undeniable realness. Garrus at her elbow, rifle loose and confident in his hands, with Miranda at the door, dark Serrice pistol and pale confidence in four-inch heels. Shepard barely remembered what Nassana had said, but she did remember this: two Human bodyguards and an Asari, eclipse armor. The sunlight shining full behind them, casting their bodies in silhouette.
Pride is the line between a professional and a thug.
Thane dropped behind them, silent as a shadow, in full view of the sun. No one saw, no one looked at him, except for Shepard. It happened too fast to more than follow. There was a flash of dark Drell eyes over the shoulder of one guard, and then-- in Shepard's mind she saw it as the dance it truly was. He whirled from partner to partner as each came to meet him, and stepped into Nassana's arms with a lover's tenderness. She died, choking on the shock while he looked down at her in a way that might have been comforting, if he hadn't just ended her life.
And Thane lay her down, gently, respectfully, and bent his folded hands, head bowed in prayer. Shepard lets that last moment linger. She hadn't known anything about him, then, only that... that she wanted him to come with her. To be her friend, for no other reason than because he was so damned beautiful.
Amonkira, Lord of Hunters, grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet swift.]
(That was Thane. He'd be all practical streak and killer instinct one minute, then prayers for the wicked in the next. Did you know, he's the only person I ever met, who signed on with me for no better reason than because I was trying to save the galaxy?)
[...And should the worst come to pass, grant me forgiveness.]
no subject
But the moment passes
Drell memory is perfect. Human memory was never so infalliable, but Shepard's memory of the moment she first met Thane is tinged by later experience, later knowledge of the day brought from another perspective. Thane's rasping voice, deep and low in his throat, --But someone else was pushing to reach the target. Forcing me to move faster. Challenging me. I had to reach her first.
Sunset, on Illium. The light shining florid in golden-red and warm violets through chrome and glass and endless skycar traffic. Shepard remembered the weight of the Cerberus-issue armor, ill-fitting and over-strong, but still comforting in its undeniable realness. Garrus at her elbow, rifle loose and confident in his hands, with Miranda at the door, dark Serrice pistol and pale confidence in four-inch heels. Shepard barely remembered what Nassana had said, but she did remember this: two Human bodyguards and an Asari, eclipse armor. The sunlight shining full behind them, casting their bodies in silhouette.
Pride is the line between a professional and a thug.
Thane dropped behind them, silent as a shadow, in full view of the sun. No one saw, no one looked at him, except for Shepard. It happened too fast to more than follow. There was a flash of dark Drell eyes over the shoulder of one guard, and then-- in Shepard's mind she saw it as the dance it truly was. He whirled from partner to partner as each came to meet him, and stepped into Nassana's arms with a lover's tenderness. She died, choking on the shock while he looked down at her in a way that might have been comforting, if he hadn't just ended her life.
And Thane lay her down, gently, respectfully, and bent his folded hands, head bowed in prayer. Shepard lets that last moment linger. She hadn't known anything about him, then, only that... that she wanted him to come with her. To be her friend, for no other reason than because he was so damned beautiful.
Amonkira, Lord of Hunters, grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet swift.]
( That was Thane. He'd be all practical streak and killer instinct one minute, then prayers for the wicked in the next. Did you know, he's the only person I ever met, who signed on with me for no better reason than because I was trying to save the galaxy? )
[...And should the worst come to pass, grant me forgiveness.]