Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, I know you know what goes here, so why should I write it down anyway? I'm just too lazy to say I don't own anything but what I make, so-… Oh wait; I just said it.
A/N: Here is another installment of shenanigans, everyone!
Shepard awoke to the feel of lips on her own, a gentle hand caressing her cheek. She knew who it was, and responded immediately, pulling Raegas down to deepen the kiss. A moan escaped her lips as she opened her mouth to Raegas, loving the feel of her mouth on hers.
Eventually, they had to part for air and Raegas rested her forehead on Shepard's. They both smiled slightly, catching their breath and wrapped their arms around each other.
"I may just keep waking you up in the mornings, you know." Raegas smirked, earning a chuckle from Shepard. They both sat up and Raegas stood as Ciria jumped onto Shepard's bed to greet her as well. She nuzzled Shepard's neck and licked her cheek a few times happily as Shepard scratched her behind the ears. She had been pleasantly surprised that Ulaeviel saliva wasn't sticky like a dog's at all, the first time she'd been kissed by Ciria.
"I think I'll just pretend to be asleep until you do." Shepard agreed, laughing lightly as she stood. She dressed quickly as Raegas turned her back to her respectfully to give her privacy. Shepard didn't know why she did that, especially since she'd ogle if it was Raegas that was changing, but even so, she felt really cared for when she turned around.
"Come on, everyone's waiting for us." Raegas said, once Shepard finished changing into her casual clothes. She took her hand, knowing Raegas was too shy to do so herself, and looked at her questioningly.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Wordlessly, Raegas pulled her along the corridors and up the stairs. Ciria ran slightly ahead of them, but stayed in sight.
"It was Ashley's idea." Was all she said as they walked along the corridor. Shepard noticed everyone was gone, so where was Raegas taking her in a deserted ship?
Shepard's question was answered when she was led through the doors leading to the comm room. She realized everyone- the whole crew, even Joker- was there, waiting for them. Raegas took her to two seats, no doubt reserved for them, and sat her down. Before Raegas could sit in hers though, Joker took it with a sly grin.
Raegas glared at him but said nothing, her kindness towards his brittle bones saving him from a punch to the face; Raegas was a very territorial person. Shepard had always thought it was adorable how protective she was of everything she considered hers, including Shepard herself.
Before Shepard could yell at Joker, Raegas plopped herself in her lap, wrapping her arm around Shepard's neck. Said Commander blushed at the movement, but was also elated as she wrapped her arms around Raegas' waist, holding her close. The lights deactivated then, and the screen blinked on, showing blue words scrolling up the screen. Shepard knew this movie; everyone in the Alliance has seen it at least once, after all.
…
Several hours later, the Star Wars marathon finally ended and everyone clapped. Shepard wasn't sure why it was a custom to clap, but did it anyway. As the lights turned back on and the screen deactivated, Raegas stood and made her way to the front of the room. She easily won everyone's undivided attention with a simple clearing of her throat.
"Now everyone, I'm sure you're itching to get on with your days, but I believe I owe someone a small performance." She said, flashing a smile at Shepard. "And I would like for you all to attend, if only to see me make a fool of myself. Twenty minutes, cargo bay two." She finished. Once everyone nodded or murmured in excited agreement, Raegas made her way back to Shepard.
"Performance, huh?" Shepard wondered, excited. She wanted to know what Raegas was planning, but knowing Raegas, she'd only find out once it started. Raegas smirked at her and slipped her arms around Joker, picking the flustered pilot up easily. Shepard figured it was so he could attend as well since they were down the stairs and such, but she still felt a pang of envy at the gesture. Of course, Raegas was also most likely doing it as a silent revenge for Joker stealing her seat by removing some of his dignity.
"You'll see." She said with a faint smirk, leading the way out of the comm room.
…
Twenty minutes later, the entire crew was situated on cargo boxes or sitting on the floor, facing the other half of the room. Raegas and her siblings held instruments loosely as they finished preparing and tuning, along with setting up the sound system. Kareck manned the drum set, Ayldrik had the piano, Jasin took the bass and Raegas sported the guitar. All in all, they looked as if they knew what they were doing, and Shepard couldn't help but stare at Raegas; she looked great. Earlier, her sisters had forced her to don makeup once more, so she truly took Shepard's breath away, even if she had no idea.
"Alright everyone, let's start with a tribute to Star Wars, eh?" Raegas proposed, getting cheers from everyone. She smirked and nodded to Ayldrik to start.
"A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far away, Naboo was under an attack,
And I thought me and Qui-Gon Jinn could talk the Federation into maybe cutting them a little slack.
But their response, it didn't thrill us: they locked the doors and tried to kill us.
We escaped from that gas, and met Jar-Jar and Boss Nass.
We took a bongo from the scene, and we went to Theed to see the Queen.
We all wound up on Tatooine; that's where we found this boy.
Oh
My my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later; now he's just a small fry.
He left his home, kissed his mommy goodbye,
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi, soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Did you know this junkyard slave isn't even old enough to shave?
But he can use the Force they say,
Ah, do you see him hitting on the queen though he's just nine and she's fourteen?
Yeah, he's probably gonna marry her someday.
Well, I know he built C-3PO, and I've heard how fast his pod can go.
And we were broke, it's true, so we made a wager or two.
He was a prepubescent flyin' ace, and the minute Jabba started off that race,
Well, I knew who would win first place: oh yes, it was our boy.
We started singin'
My my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later; now he's just a small fry.
He left his home, kissed his mommy goodbye,
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi, soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
Now we finally got to Coruscant; the Jedi Council we knew would want to see how good the boy could be.
So we took him there and we told the tale, how his medichlorians were off the scale, and he might fulfill that prophecy.
Oh the Council was impressed of course: could he bring balance to the Force?
They interviewed the kid, oh training they forbid,
Because Yoda sensed in him much fear, and Qui Gon said, "Now listen here: just stick it in your pointy ear. I still will teach this boy."
He was singin'
My my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later; now he's just a small fry.
He left his home, kissed his mommy goodbye,
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi, soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We caught a ride back to Naboo 'cause Queen Amidala wanted to; I frankly would've liked to stay.
We all fought in that epic war, and it wasn't long at all before little hotshot flew his plane and saved the day.
And in the end some Gunguns died; some ships blew up, and some pilots fried.
A lot of folks were croakin'; the battle droids were broken.
And the Jedi I admire most met up with Darth Maul, and now he's toast.
Well I'm still here, and he's a ghost. I guess...I'll train this boy
And I was singin'
My my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later; now he's just a small fry,
He left his home, kissed his mommy goodbye,
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi, soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
We were singin'
Now, everyone joined in at the last verse, smiles prominent on their faces. Even Shepard joined in, already swept up in the music and Raegas' beautiful voice.
My my this here Anakin guy
Maybe Vader someday later; now he's just a small fry,
He left his home, kissed his mommy goodbye,
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi."
As the music ended, everyone cheered. They all loved it, even the non-human crew, and smiled widely. Shepard felt a rush of pride for Raegas, rejoicing the fact that she was hers. She'd been wondering if Raegas was ever going to perform for her, and was planning on asking her, but at the moment, she just wanted to listen to more. Of course, how Raegas could just sing that song off the top of her head was amazing.
"More!" was the one word the whole crew was chanting, excited at the song. Shepard was glad everyone was letting themselves go- without getting enormously drunk- and accepting Raegas as she was, at least at the moment. She'd seen the looks Raegas always got around the ship ever since she woke up after Shepard got her, and she couldn't really blame her crew, but it bothered her immensely.
"Okay, okay, we'll continue!" Raegas caved, blushing slightly, her hands up in surrender, getting another round of cheers from everyone. She turned and spoke to her siblings for a few moments before turning back to face everyone.
"Let me see if I can't be eloquent once more, huh?" Raegas chuckled, sending Shepard a wink while everyone cheered.
"Angel of Mercy
How did you find me?
Where did you read my story?
Pulled from the papers
Desperate and hardened
seeking a moment every fix
All I wanted to say
All I wanted to do
Is fall apart now
All I wanted to feel
I wanted to love
Its all my fault now
A Tragedy I fear
Angel of Mercy
How did you find me?
How did you pick me up again?
Angel of Mercy
How did you move me?
Why am I on my feet again?
And I see you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
I feel you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
Raegas' voice carried them all on her emotions and voice, taking them on a journey, showing them all how she felt before and now. Shepard's heart beat against her chest in rhythm, letting herself get immersed in the music.
Before just the daylight
Come and I stand by
Waiting to catch the quickest plane
Flying to nowhere
Is better than somewhere
That's where I've been and nothing's changed
All I wanted to say
All I wanted to do
Is fall apart now
All I wanted to feel
I wanted to love
Its all my fault now
A Tragedy for sure
Angel of Mercy
How did you find me?
How did you pick me up again?
Angel of Mercy
How did you move me?
Why am I on my feet again?
And I see you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
I feel you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
I'm so lost in you
The tragedy seems to be over now, over now
The tragedy seems to be over now
Shepard knew Raegas was talking to her, telling her she accepted the past. Raegas was telling her she found solace with Shepard, and it pulled at her heart.
Angel of Mercy
How did you find me?
How did you pick me up again?
Angel of Mercy
How did you move me?
Why am I on my feet again?
And I see you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
I feel you
Whoa Whoa Whooaaaa
I feel you
Oh Oh Whoaaaa
I feel you
Oh Oh Ooooh"
As the music died away, everyone was quiet for a few moments as if just realizing something. Suddenly, they all burst out into cheers, once again taking on large grins. Shepard got her fair share from crew members as well, since most of them knew they were together.
"More!" again, everyone chanted. This time, Ayldrik stood and whispered something in Raegas' ear as everyone continued chanting. Whatever he said, it brought a smile to Raegas' face. Shepard watched as the two siblings switched places and Raegas sat at the piano while Ayldrik took the guitar and mic.
"Alright everyone, let's see if I can pull off a song or two as well, hm?" Ayldrik proposed, earning cheers from the crew. He nodded to Raegas, and she started on the piano. Shepard watched, entranced, as her hands flew across the keys expertly.
"Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair, hey, hey, hey, hey
She acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's time to change, hey, hey, hey, hey
Since the return from her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June, hey, hey, hey, hey
hey, hey, hey, hey
Tell me did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded,
And that heaven is overrated?
But tell me, did you fall for a shooting star,
One without a permanent scar?
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?
Now that she's back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, hey, hey
Mmm...
She checks out Mozart while she does tae-bo
Reminds me that there's room to grow, hey, hey, hey, hey
yeah...
Now that she's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that she might think of me as plain ol Jane
Told a story about a man who is too afraid to fly so he never did land
Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day,
And head back to the milky way?
And tell me, did Venus blow your mind?
Was it everything you wanted to find,
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?
Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken?
Your best friend always sticking up for you, even when I know you're wrong
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone
Conversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me?
Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day,
And head back toward the milky way?
Tell me did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded,
And that heaven is overrated?
Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star,
One without a permanent scar?
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself?
Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
nah nah nah nah nah nah nah
And did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day?
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
nah nah nah nah nah nah
And did you fall for a shooting star,
Fall for a shooting star?
Nah nah nah nah nah nah
nah nah nah nah nah nah
Are you lonely looking for yourself out there?"
Again, the music ended, earning cheers from everyone. Ash looked gob smacked, Shepard saw, and was definitely blushing, but the Commander had a feeling Ayldrik's next song would be much more… obvious.
"One more for me, you guys. I think it'll be pretty self-explanatory, but if you must know…" Ayldrik sent a smile to Ash. "It's for the love of my life." he announced, getting more cheers and a deeper blush from the Chief.
Ayldrik started the guitar and Kareck then began the drums as Raegas picked up a second guitar and Shepard watched as they handled it with ease.
"Shadows fall on yesterday
It's like time just slips away
I'm nothing
When darkness follows me
The dawn it never shows it's head
I'm left dying here instead
With nothing
A lock without a key
Like the brightest star you shine through
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
I've got a purpose once again
If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing
Without you I can't breathe
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing
Without you I can't see
Like the brightest star you shine through
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
You're the strength I need to fight
You're the reason I still try
I'm the moth and you're the light
Use these wings so I can fly
I can fly
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Ashley baby you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
I've got purpose once again
I've got purpose once again"
Once the music ended, the crew clapped loudly and whistled, sending cat-calls to the two. Shepard glanced over at the Chief and saw that she was about as red as a cherry, trying to hide herself from the attention. She clapped her on the shoulder and squeezed it a bit to lend her strength, and she sent a weak smile to Shepard in thanks.
Ash stood then, and walked over to Ayldrik, still blushing, but looking much better. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around him and dipped him down, planting a kiss right on the lips, earning more cheers and whistles from the crew. Even Wrex chuckled at the scene as he leaned against a crate.
Once Ash let Ayldrik stand on his own once more, the both of them were blushing and smiling like fools. Shepard chuckled to herself and crossed her arms. As she looked on, she watched as Raegas raised a brow at them, telling them to get on with it. Shepard thought that look was adorable and so Raegas-like, she would've stared at that small smile all day. As everyone cheered for more, the siblings switched up again, Jasin taking the lead guitar and mic as Ayldrik took the drums this time. Ash sat back down beside of Shepard and leaned against Saiga who was lying down behind her.
Jasin smiled at Liara who was sitting on the other side of Shepard from Ash.
"I'll give it a go, if only to try and say what I can't as much as I want to." She said, flashing a brilliant smile and earning loud cheers of encouragement from everyone. Once the noise died down, the music started.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am"
Once the music died down, a cheer went through the happy crowd and Shepard caught a large blush in Liara's cheeks. She smiled softly to Jasin, but once the suggestive whistling commenced, she shrunk further into Waru, who was lying behind her. The large Ulaeviel picked her head up and howled, joining in the celebration.
Jasin chuckled and got the crowd to calm down, then took a breath, seemingly worried over what she was going to sing next. Raegas appeared at her shoulder and whispered something in Jasin's ear though, and whatever she said, it seemed to calm her down.
"Alright, this one's pretty straightforward, so bear with me…" Jasin said, a tad shyly. The music started then, and everyone settled down to listen.
"I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply, do...
I will be strong
I will be faithful
Because I am counting on a new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning yeah
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I wanna lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky
I'll make a wish send it to heaven
That'll make you wanna cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection
Of the highest power and lonely hours
The tears devour you
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I wanna lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
Oh, can't you see it baby?
Don't have to close your eyes
'cause it's standing right before you
All that you need will surely come
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply, do..
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I wanna lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
* Back ground *
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
I wanna stand with you on a mountain"
Once the music ended, the room roared their approval, and Jasin flashed a smile at an extremely blushing Liara, who was glancing around shyly, wringing her hands. Shepard noticed the embarrassment in Liara's eyes, but as the asari looked at Jasin, she could see love there as well. It was nice that everyone was confessing in front of everyone, but Shepard had to admit that she felt a little left out. Raegas wasn't one to broadcast anything in any way, but even so…
Shepard watched the three younger siblings descend on Raegas as everyone began to calm down, and pulled her to the mic once more. Shepard was confused at their behavior, but figured they were going to get her to sing again. She wanted to know what Raegas would sing next, but if she was going to be forced into it, why do it in the first place?
And why was Raegas blushing while the sisters whispered in her ears?
Once they had Raegas firmly in place, they took their positions quickly. For a few moments, Raegas simply stood there, looking unsure and worried. She glanced at Shepard then, and the Commander gave her an encouraging smile, if only to make her feel better. At that, Raegas nodded, as if to herself, and closed her eyes, taking a breath.
"I feel there is still something I need to say to my one and only, everyone. How about it?" Raegas proposed, earning the loudest cheer Shepard heard all day. At that, Shepard blushed, realizing Raegas meant her, and gazed at her, wanting- needing- to hear what she was going to sing next.
As the music started, the room went quiet in anticipation.
"You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up
Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign that I'm
Where You want me to be
You know my heart is heavy
And the hurt is deep
But when I feel like giving up
You're reminding me
That we all fall down sometimes
When I hit the ground
You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
You heart's all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up
I know I'm not perfect
I know I make mistakes
I know that I have let You down
But You love me the same
And when I'm surrounded
And when I lose my way
And when I'm crying out and fallen down
You are here to lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
You heart's all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go
I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken
With Your love, with Your love
I don't know what I can offer
In this moment, I surrender
To Your love, to Your love
You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
You heart's all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go
I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken
With Your love, with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up with Your love
You lift me up"
As the music faded, the room was silent for a few moments as if processing the depth of what just happened. Shepard could only stare as Raegas breathed in deeply and gave a crooked smile. Instantly, the room burst out into applause and cheers, whistles and whoops, the sheer jubilation of the reaction startling Shepard a bit. She locked eyes with Raegas and stood, going over to her quickly.
As soon as Shepard reached her, she wrapped her arms around Raegas and swept her off her feet, planting a heavy kiss on her lips. The cheers increased in volume and even Wrex's laughing could be heard over the din. Once Shepard was certain Raegas was thoroughly kissed, she pulled back with a smile.
"I love you, Raega." Shepard said, earning a big smirk from the woman in her arms.
"I know..." She whispered, smiling into another soft kiss.
They pulled back soon, and flashed smiles to everyone, getting another cheer from them. Once they finally calmed down, the crew began to break into groups and talk amongst themselves as they left the Normandy, including Raegas' siblings and their respective partners.
Soon, Raegas and Shepard found themselves alone in the cargo bay.
"I hope you liked the performance, even if it was a bit overdue?" Raegas said, smiling slightly. Shepard chuckled and pulled Raegas into a warm embrace for a few moments.
"I loved it. Now, why don't we go and get some breakfast? I'm hungry." Shepard proposed, earning a chuckle from Raegas.
A/N: I'm working on your idea, HB, don't worry. And I know this one was long and a little drawn out, but I wanted to let my brothers choose their own songs for their crushes and all, so don't yell at me, please. I'll list them bellow if you want to listen to them.
The Saga Begins - Weird Al Yankovic
Angel of Mercy – OneRepublic
Drops of Jupiter – Train
Ashley – Escape The Fate
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Truly, Madly, Deeply - Cascada
Lift Me Up – The Afters (I know this one's supposed to be Christian, but the first time I heard it I thought it was a love song. So there)