Thane Krios' romance holds me in such a chokehold.
his romance is just so... raw. and surprisingly realistic. it's down to earth because people go through tragedy and carry so much baggage that sometimes it weighs them down until they can't see light. his story is filled with tragedy and loss and fuck ups. he's a widower with a son he failed and a career that took out every bit of self from him. he made so many wrong choices and in a manner, he had no other way.
and still, when he meets Shepard, he allows himself that bit of belief that someone cares about him. he accepts a helping hand, he starts making himself better - and tries to fix things. he knows he doesn't have long to live, but that's the point for me.
people die. people get sick and wither away and sometimes there is nothing you can do. sometimes all you *can* do is be there for that person.
the way Shepard loves him, sees past any defenses Thane put up, and allows him to drop them because she's a safe person...
this is a love story of two incredibly complex adults who know exactly what loss is. it's people who live such a dangerous life, that they simply have to take their chance then and there because tomorrow might never happen.
