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[sassguard]

"You've reached Commander Shepard."

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Comments

[kanadian]

There's not that many, I uh, might've had them for lunch.

[ "Elevensies" actually. Pregamed lunch.

There's a pause, like he's trying to think about it, and then he floats it like it just came to him. Kaidan no... ]

We could just go out. I'll buy.

[sassguard]

Well, if you're paying for it, I'm not going to turn down free dinner.

[kanadian]

Who would?

Anything in particular? Uh, you like Italian? Or Indian?

[ Meet him halfway!!! ]

[sassguard]

I was thinking something spicy might be good. What about Thai or Korean?

[kanadian]

Thai works.

As long as it's not steak. I think I'm going to have to avoid that after the fire. I feel like... That was a special kind of disaster. Not that the cooking was bad, or anything.

[sassguard]

[ At the reminder, Shepard groans softly. ]

Sorry, that was a disaster, wasn't it? That'll teach me to try to do anything normal again.

[kanadian]

No, no, it's okay. [ He paused. He didn't mean to make Shepard feel bad... ]

I think it was just... bad luck and a power surge. But I -- I don't know, it was...nice. Up until that moment.

[sassguard]

[ For not meaning to do it, Kaidan succeeded pretty well. GJ KAIDAN. ]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. At least the apartment mostly smells normal again.

[kanadian]

I honestly haven't even noticed the smell lately.

[ There's a pause. ] It was a lot of effort for just... a charity date. I don't think I ever said thanks, for it.

[sassguard]

[ And now it's Shepard's turn to sound, however faintly, gruffly embarrassed. ]

You spent more money than I thought anyone was going to. I just wanted to make sure it was actually worth it. [ A beat. ] That didn't really work out, though, so I'm not sure what there is to thank me for.

[kanadian]

Well, it was...for a good cause. [ There's a sound, like he's shuffling papers. ]

Besides, it was the fact that you actually...cared to try. I guess.

[sassguard]

Why wouldn't I?

[ There's something weird going on here... ]

[kanadian]

No reason. I don't think most people would.

It's one of the things that makes you stand out.

[sassguard]

You mean besides getting the Reapers personally pissed off at me?

[ When in doubt, deflect!! ]

Besides, when it comes to caring, I think you're better at it.

[kanadian]

[ A slight laugh.? ] I don't know about that, Commander.

Considering my history...I, ah, I'm pretty bad at it.

[sassguard]

What do you mean?

[kanadian]

Oh. Ah --

I just, I've not exactly had a lot of experience in that kind of caring.

[sassguard]

[ There's the distinct sense there are two separate conversations going on here, but Shepard plows on. ]

I think you care more than anyone I've ever met.

[kanadian]

[ A pause. ]

Well.

Ah, I think I'd have to take your word for it. [ God. How does he even... ]

Seven work? For dinner?

[sassguard]

Yeah, that works. See you at seven.