Author's Notes: WOW! I don't even know what to say, everyone. Your interest in this story has really made me feel good! In just a few days it's already been added to a ton of favorites and story alerts, and has gotten over 400 hits (a first for any of my stories in their first week online!). The reviews made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too. Haha. Here is chapter two! I know that the ME series has a lot of choices you can make over the games, so I've got quite a few already laid out, but I didn't want to just put them in the notes section. I figured it'd be more fun to discover them as the story unfolds.

Galen Hithwen: When I first discovered it, I about had a conniption fit of excitement. I feel on some level they did remain consistent, since it was supposed to be an option, but they took it out. It's wonderful!

PeasandCheese: You'll get good Shep/Kaidan from this, once the ball gets rolling! ;) This is my way of processing what happened...and I'm glad to share it with others!

Acethebatdog2039: I think my favorite moment was when the two of them "cemented" the relationship. I won't write it on here in case there are readers who haven't played it through yet, but it was adorable. It made me love Kaidan even more.

LZL101: Nope, no one shot! Multi-chapter awesomeness ahoy! :D

Enjoy, everyone! Please make sure to leave me a review and let me know what you think. Once again, thanks for all the interest! It makes me excited to post!

"That's it, very carefully. Just ease him upon the table right there. Ah, perfect. Thank you, gentlemen."

Wrex and James stepped back, stretching out their muscles. Together they had transported Shepard from the command center to the shuttle and directly onto the Normandy. Kaidan was surprised at how vehement both of them had been about carrying him. He supposed he should be thankful—Shepard was a well-built man who weighed a fair amount. They were far stronger than he was.

"Do you need anything else, Doctor?" Kaidan asked, arms folded over his chest. They had just boarded the Normandy, but he was hesitant to leave John's side until he had more concrete answers as to his condition and recovery.

"No, Major, that's just fine for now. If I need anything, I'll be in contact. Now, please, go relax."

Doctor Chakwas caught Kaidan's arm lightly as everyone left. It was just the two of them in the medical bay now, and she spoke softly.

"He'll be fine, Kaidan. He's in good hands. I promise."

"I know, Doctor. Thank you."

Kaidan couldn't help lingering a moment longer, staring at John from the entryway. He was still covered in dirt and dry blood; he wanted nothing more than to caress his forehead and tell him everything would be all right. It was only at the doctor's insistence that he didn't. Somehow, he felt worse because of it. Not that Shepard would even know.

As the door closed shut behind him, Kaidan started for the mess hall. The crew of the Normandy had gathered there along with the squad mates, all of whom were waiting for a briefing on the situation. As Shepard's second in command, it fell to him to guide them in their time of need.

He cleared his throat. "Doctor Chakwas will be in contact when she has more details about his recovery. For now…we have to wait."

"He's going to be okay, won't he?" Specialist Traynor asked, chewing her lower lip. Her eyes glimmered with concern.

"Of course, Traynor. He's Shepard."

The answer earned a couple light chuckles across the board. It put everyone at ease, which allowed them to open up about their plans for the immediate future.

"We've all got things we need to focus on," Kaidan began, giving each of his companions a brief glance. "Our home worlds have been desecrated, and our people have suffered significant casualties. We…need to remember that, during times like these, we must rise above our own station and work toward rebuilding with the help of others. I know each of us are primarily concerned with the well-being of our own people, but let's not forget about the ones who helped us to survive. Shepard worked to unite the galaxy—so let's stay that way."

Tali was the first to speak. She sounded curious. "So if we're off taking care of our home worlds and our people, what are you going to do, Kaidan?"

"I'm a Spectre. My responsibility lies with the Citadel."

Or what's left of it, he thought.

"Are you going to keep an eye on Shepard, too?" Liara asked.

He nodded. "I'll speak with Doctor Chakwas daily so make sure that I don't miss any developments, and I'll visit him as often as I can. I'll pass along his progress to each of you. You have my word."

A comfortable silence grew within the room. As Kaidan glanced from one individual to the next, he realized that this would be their last moment together for quite some time. Each of them would be wrought with things to do, people to visit and goals to achieve.

"We did good, team," Kaidan said, his smile slightly melancholy. "We did good."

. . . . .

Kaidan couldn't sleep that night. Try though he might, he tossed and turned in his bed for hours, unable to catch a single wink. Every time he closed his eyes his mind seemed to jump start itself, getting him thinking about anything and everything.

What was the next step? What condition would he find the Citadel in? How would the Councilors feel about rebuilding yet again? How long until Shepard recovered? What would he do next?

Sometime past two that morning, Kaidan gave up on trying to sleep in his own bed. He thought that maybe sleeping in Shepard's cabin would help him. After all, that was where he had been sleeping for the last week up until tonight. Perhaps that had something to do with it. Who knew, though.

He climbed out of bed and headed out toward the elevator, fully intent on going straight up to John's room. He stopped, however, when a sliver of the medical bay's artificial light caught his attention. He detoured from the elevator and followed the dimly lit path which guided him to the med bay's door. It was locked. Doctor Chakwas didn't permit anyone inside once she'd called it a night, which Kaidan had forgotten. So, he walked around the outer edge until he could see John's resting figure through the glass.

Kaidan was about to touch surface of the glass wall when he heard someone cough behind him. He turned quickly. There, in the kitchen, was James, hunched over the stovetop. When Kaidan took the time to sniff the air, he realized that it carried a very savory aroma. What was he cooking?

"James," he called out in a slightly louder than normal whisper.

Vega started; the pan in which he was cooking clanked against the stovetop. Once he straightened it out he craned his neck and peered over his shoulder. "Damn, Kaidan, why you gotta sneak up on a guy like that? Almost made me spill my food."

Kaidan chuckled. "Sorry, Vega. What are you doing up so late?"

"Could ask you the same question."

The dark haired spectre moved toward the counter, taking a seat atop one of the bar stools. He leaned forward and rested his forearms atop the cold tile surface.

"Can't sleep."

"Funny. Me, either."

James remained focused upon the stovetop for a few moments longer. He finished with a flourish Kaidan was sure he'd have ignored had he been alone. The show made him smile, though, so he supposed it did its job. James reached up inside one of the cabinets and grabbed a plate, transferring what looked to be huevos rancheros onto it. After picking out a fork from the drawer he set the plate upon the countertop, took a bite, then smiled.

"Thought I'd cook something. Usually helps make me sleepy."

"Never figured you much for the cooking type," Kaidan offered, smirking.

"I know how to hold my own, man. Every man should know how to cook for himself."

James downed a couple more bites of his eggs. He sniffed, wiping his nose with his forearm. "Hard to believe it's all over, no?"

"Yeah."

Kaidan was usually more verbose than that, but something told him it would be lost on both of them this late at night. Instead of saying anything further he just watched James eat, listening to the rhythmic humming of the ship's engine reverberating through the mess hall.

"So Admiral Hackett asked me to assist him with Earth's revival," James said offhandedly.

"Oh, yeah? Good for you, Vega. What did you say to him?"

"Told him I'd be more than willing, 'course. Not much sense staying on the war ship that ended the biggest threat to the galaxy if there's no more war, is there?"

Kaidan snorted. James had a good point. Plus, if there was anyone more devoted to Earth and its people than him, he wasn't sure who it would be. Admiral Hackett had made the right decision in asking for his help. And even though Kaidan wanted to know more about what the position entailed, something told him he wouldn't get a full answer. Not right now, at least. No species would know precisely what needed to be done first to start rebuilding, not even the Asari. Whatever James would be doing, Kaidan was sure he would fit the bill perfectly. Admiral Hackett was a good judge of character and ability.

"You got your work cut out for you with the Citadel," James commented after putting his plate and fork in the sink. He leaned over the counter, his tan skin oddly pale beneath the artificial light cascading over them from above. "But you'll do good. Just…keep an eye on Loco for me, huh?"

"Of course I will, James. He's been through worse. I think he'll be just fine."

Kaidan glanced over his shoulder back at the medical bay. He wasn't entirely sure his words were just for James; maybe on some level, they were to placate him, too. Doctor Chakwas hadn't given him much to go off of after he left her for the day. And of course, because of that, his mind was awash with plenty of unsavory scenarios that led to more and more worrying.

It was a wonder he'd even tried to sleep at all, really.

"So you come to check up on him?" James asked after a few quiet moments, gesturing to Shepard. "Since you can't sleep?"

"No, actually," Kaidan said, chuckling quietly. Against his better judgment he decided to be honest. He hoped he wouldn't regret it later. "I was on my way up to Shepard's cabin. Thought I might sleep better in there."

"Whatever helps you out, man. Gotta do what you gotta do, you know?"

Kaidan was somewhat surprised that James didn't take a teasing jab at him. Maybe a heart of gold did lie somewhere beneath all of those muscles, he thought with a small smile.

"Anyway. Think I'll go try sleeping again. Gotta get up at 0700."

"Shit, man, who has to get up that early when the galaxy's just been saved? Sleep in. We deserve it."

"Yeah…maybe just one extra hour. See you in the morning, Vega."

James smirked. "But not too early."

As he moved to stand, Kaidan stuck his hand out, which James clasped tightly. The two shared a nod, after which Kaidan broke away and started for the elevator once more. It took just a few moments to get up to Shepard's cabin, but once there, he hesitated in front of the door. He'd never gone in uninvited. Standing on ceremony seemed ridiculous at a time like this, but Kaidan found old habits died hard. He pressed on despite his initial reluctance, and once inside, found himself once again stopping to take in the sights.

John's cabin was remarkably bare, save for a few pieces of clothing strewn about and his model displays decorating the area around in his desk. Kaidan knew Shepard liked to keep things simple and uncomplicated; it made sense that his cabin continued to reflect that, even after all these years.

He stepped in further, pausing momentarily to gaze at the fish tank full of different kinds of exotic marine life. Even though the virtual intelligence Shepard had bought ages ago took care of them now for him, Kaidan still recalled catching him feeding and interacting with them from time to time. His favorite was the Belan Jellyfish. Even when pressed for a reason, John could never give him one.

Maybe I don't need a reason, was his favorite reply.

Kaidan snorted.

Everything was just as they had left it the morning of their attack on the Illusive Man, right down to the disheveled sheets and comforter. When Kaidan lay himself down upon the top of the bed he took in a deep breath. It still smelled like Shepard, too—that faint mix of cedar wood and citrus. It was oddly comforting. Still, even now, Kaidan found himself wishing that John were here with him, lying down beside him, snoring away. Instead he was down recovering in the med bay, bruised and unconscious.

For the first time since lying down to bed hours ago, Kaidan yawned. It was a glorious sensation, and he took advantage of his newfound tiredness, climbing beneath the covers and curling up.

He had a lot on his plate tomorrow. But at least now he could get a good night's sleep.

Well, try to, anyway.

. . . . .

After breakfast that morning, Kaidan did a quick check-in with his fellow squad mates. All of them were prepped to leave by the end of the day at the latest, which meant it was time to say their goodbyes. Even though he knew he would see each and every one of them again in the future, he still took the time to speak with each one individually, knowing that each faced a different trial or hurdle in their future. For Garrus, Liara and James, rebuilding Palaven, Thessia and Earth would be an enormous task—and not an entirely easy one, for that matter. But for Tali and Wrex, this defeat brought the chance for a new beginning. With the Geth assisting the Quarians in the rebuilding of Rannoch, the future shone far more brightly for them. Likewise, for Wrex, the Krogan faced the chance to reclaim the glory of their people. Tuchanka had been ravaged no worse than some other planets, but with the genophage obliterated, their future held limitless potential.

In truth, part of the reason why Kaidan took so long in saying goodbye to each of them was so that Doctor Chakwas had time to gather her bearings for the day before having to deal with him. Kaidan had a lot of questions and was sure he would exhaust her with his need for answers.

He left Liara's office, crossing the mess hall and heading directly for the medical bay. Through the glass wall he saw the doctor tapping away on her data pad. Good, he thought, she was already right to work.

When he stepped through the door she turned around, wearing a knowing expression. What intrigued Kaidan more at that moment was how her look quickly transformed into something more curious, as if she'd come across something suspect. He had seen her make that face before, and it never boded well.

"Morning, Doctor."

"Good morning, Major Alenko. I was wondering when you'd be coming in. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Took me a while, but I got there. You?"

"Best sleep I've had in ages." Doctor Chakwas placed her data pad atop her desk. "Now, pleasantries aside, I assume you've come to check on the commander?"

"You'd be right. How's he doing? Any better than yesterday?"

"Well, yes. In certain ways." Doctor Chakwas approached Shepard's bedside, bringing a hand to the side of her face. She continued to wear the curious expression as she explained further. "Tests indicicate that the commander suffered from blunt force trauma to the left side of his head. The injury lacks a distinct shape, which leads me to believe it may have been a chunk of rock, or something of the sort. When I searched for debris in the wound, I was unable to find anything. It was surprising. Typically you find something."

"Is he going to be okay?" Kaidan asked, chewing his lip.

"He's…fallen into a coma, Kaidan," Doctor Chakwas said after a moment's pause. "Whatever he encountered up in the Citadel clearly shocked his system. He has yet to awaken and doesn't respond to any painful stimuli. Tests also indicate a lack of a normal sleep cycle, which is typical of comatose patients."

None of this was good news. In fact, it only served to frustrate him. Shepard had been through hell and back. How was he being beaten by an injury? Kaidan felt a flush beginning to rise up from his collarbone.

He folded his arms over his chest, clearing his throat. "Any good news, Doctor?"

"Yes. The damage has already begun to repair itself at a fascinating rate. Commander Shepard was lucky to have been rebuilt by Cerberus; many of his systems were enhanced by their cybernetics. He should recover completely, though I don't have a time frame. Each body is different."

She shifted her stance, glancing out the glass window toward the kitchen. "There is something else, but…"

"What?"

"When I was doing his blood work, I discovered something rather strange." Doctor Chakwas picked up her data pad once again, booting up the screen. She brought up a diagnostic report, which she then presented to Kaidan. "Shepard's white blood cells featured a unique strand of DNA that threw me for a loop. I've never seen it before. I can't guarantee it for sure, as I don't have the medical reports from Shepard's reconstruction, but it would seem Cerberus rebuilt him quite literally from the bottom up. He carries hybrid DNA helixes mixed with synthetic components."

Cerberus. They really went all out with him, hadn't they? The thought made Kaidan frown.

"Do you think it will help him recover quicker?" he asked curiously.

"I can't say with one hundred percent certainty, but some signs would point to yes. Nonetheless, I'm keeping a careful eye on him. Head traumas can have dozens of outcomes, so we have to be ready for anything. I just wonder—" She stopped herself, as if rethinking her statement. "I just have to wonder how they were able to manipulate his biochemistry on such an intimate level. Moreover, how could his body continue to produce this hybrid DNA naturally? In all my years, I've never seen something so…intricate. It's truly one of a kind."

Kaidan didn't pretend to know much about the medical field. Beyond basic medi-gel application and creating a stint for broken bones, he wasn't particularly helpful. The idea that Cerberus scientists were able to manipulate John's body from the inside out in order to rebuild him didn't sit well with him. However, if it helped him recover faster, he supposed he couldn't complain.

Still, hybrid DNA helixes? That seemed extreme…

"How are you doing, Kaidan?" Doctor Chakwas asked suddenly, giving him a once over. "Anything you need me to look at or patch up for you?"

He shook his head. "No, Doctor, I'm fine. I just came to check on Shepard. I have a meeting with the Council over vid com here shortly but I wanted to come and see how he was doing."

"I can give you a moment alone, if you like? I need to go speak with Traynor."

"Yeah…yeah, sure. That would be great, Doctor. Thanks."

"I'll be back soon, then. Take all the time you need."

Doctor Chakwas left the room with her data pad in hand. Part of Kaidan wished she hadn't. He wanted to take a look at her research data so he could read more about the hybrid DNA helix. How could Cerberus manage to make his body create synthetics? It just didn't seem right.

"What happened to you?" he asked, reaching out and brushing his fingers along Shepard's jaw line. He looked over his peaceful form, wondering what, if anything, he could do to help. He snorted. "Seems like one of us is always in here, doesn't it? Guess it gives us time to relax, since we never do."

He pulled back just long enough to grab Doctor Chakwas' chair from her desk so he had something to sit on. As he eased into it he gave a sigh, looking over John once more.

"You probably can't hear me right now…or maybe you can. I'm going to go speak with the Council and see about getting the Citadel fixed. I can't wait for you to wake up so you can see how happy everyone is. There's a completely different energy around the ship…it's infectious, you know? The others—Tali, Liara, everyone—they're all going back to their home worlds to focus on rebuilding and recovering from the war. I'm sure each of them has come to say their goodbyes to you. We wouldn't have been able to get where we were if it weren't for you and your leadership. The galaxy is going to be a totally different place…all thanks to you."

Kaidan cupped Shepard's hand and squeezed it gently. He got up and out of the chair in order to give him a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"Get better soon. Even though I'll be in and out helping take care of the Council and the Citadel, I'll come by to see you. Whenever you wake up, I'll be right there, by your side. Promise."

Despite having said his piece, Kaidan found it hard to turn around and leave. He knew John was in the right hands with Doctor Chakwas. Whether he woke up five minutes from now, in two days, or even a week, Kaidan would stand by his promise. No matter what it took.