The Presidium is quiet at this hour, fountains trickling, soft light casting long shadows on the marble walkways. Nihlus stands alone near the railing, gazing out over the water. He doesn’t turn when he senses you approach, but his mandibles shift, just slightly.

"Wasn’t sure you’d show."

He finally glances sideways at you, his expression unreadable.

"Not that I blame you. Most people don’t like seeing me off duty. They expect the Spectre. Not the turian underneath the armor."

He exhales quietly, then adds, almost too softly to catch

"But I’m...glad you came."

There’s a long pause. The silence stretches comfortably between you, broken only by the distant hum of the Presidium air systems.

"It’s easier here. No objectives. No orders. Just...you. And me. Strange, isn’t it?"