A/n: Just a random idea I had. It's really short.
A strong, female hand gripped his tightly. Shepard sat next to Kaidan, bouncing her legs in worry. She'd been ushered out of the hospital room as things turned complicated; right now, he was the only thing keeping her sane.
It was strange seeing her worry so much.
"This has become a standard proceedure," Kaidan murmured, "I'm sure everything will be fine."
Her response was a choked sob. Tentatively, he wrapped his arm around the woman that he'd fallen in love with. Shepard responded by crawling into his arms, seeking comfort from the man she'd come to trust with her life.
"It's a serious complication, though," she cried, "she could die."
Kaidan held her close and tried his best to soothe her, the wounds on his heart slowly reopening.
After an hour, Shepard's tears dried up; after two hours, she fell asleep in his arms. He kept a silent vigil over her all the while. Her head rested in his lap; it was completely inappropriate but he didn't care. He'd take any scrap of attention she'd throw his way. Every time Kaidan uttered the word 'friend' in reference to Shepard, there would always be a bitter taste in his mouth, but he would never leave her. Truthfully, he needed her more than she needed him.
Kaidan glanced about the bleak, white hospital, waiting for some news.
Footsteps sounded down the hallway. Kaidan gently nudged Shepard awake, inwardly groaning when she nuzzled herself against him. The doctor came into view, his expression neutral. Shepard finally sat up, eager to hear the prognosis.
"She's sleeping right now," he nodded, "but there were no further complications. Everything was a success and you can go see her now."
Shepard mumbled a hasty 'thank you' before making her way to the room as quick as possible. The less eager Kaidan shuffled along at his own pace, wondering how in the hell he'd gotten himself into this situation.
He steeled himself before entering the room. A figure lay in the bed, peacefully sleeping after her harrowing ordeal. Shepard sat in a chair, holding a small bundle of white blankets. The beaming woman stood and made her way over to him. He felt like he was going to be sick.
"Look," she whispered, handing the bundle into his arms.
Kaidan wanted to say no. He wanted to punch something. He wanted to run from the room crying. He wanted anything but this. Forcing himself to look down, he took note of the newborn named Ashley. She had Liara's face, especially her tiny nose. And there, framed by a set of dark blue asari lashes were Shepard's eyes.
This was his goddaughter.
Kaidan's heart broke again.