Alright, it's another day and time for another chapter! I don't have a lot to say again, but I do want to mention one thing: I have really enjoyed this break from Naruto. While I am happy to go back and finish the "Will of Fire" I am so happy that this is not the "Will of Fire." What a big story for so long. It's great to do something else. Even if that thing is not very popular. I do appreciate any and all of you who do you read the story. Even if the numbers are not for the "Will of Fire." Well, enough talking, let's get on the chapter!

SHEPARD DOWN

Chapter 8

Jane Shepard woke to find herself in a strange hospital bed. For a moment confusion and fear overtook her then she saw him. Kaidan was there. Right by her side. He immediately tried to calm her. He told her that everything was going to be alright. That everything was fine. She was safe. Then he reminded her that he was here. Jane didn't fully understand what he was saying, but it didn't matter. She understood it's meaning. She was safe. She could relax a little. There was no danger.

Slowly, she became more and more aware of her surroundings. As she did that she realized just how much time had passed. Kaidan looked haggard and he hadn't bothered to shave. Nor had he bothered to do much of any other personal grooming. It wasn't exactly sexy, but it was sweet. It spoke volumes about how much he loved her. Hell, his wounds hadn't even fully healed. Even she could see that. He should be resting and healing. Yet, he clearly was not. The idiot couldn't help himself. He was just that worried.

As she became more lucent she realized that something was off. She couldn't place what it was though. It was strange and new. It was something that the drugs and her injuries couldn't explain. Her body just felt weird. Like there was a huge drain somewhere. Only she had no idea what the hell doing it. Something was wrong. Something that he wasn't telling her. Kaidan knew. She could see that on his face. The fool couldn't hide much from her. He was worried. He knew something. Jane wanted to demand answers from him. Alas, she lacked the strength to do so. She had to sit back and focus on getting better. That way she could ring answers out of him. She just needed to get stronger.

She also noticed that the doctors acted funnier than usual around her. Like there was some secret that they all knew. It was infuriating! Just tell me already! They spent an awful lot of time fusing her abdomen. She couldn't count the number of times they took readings from it. It was bizarre and terrifying. It made her think that something was very wrong. Yet no one thought to tell her why. Hell, even Kaidan was pretty darned obsessed with her belly. She caught more than one stare aimed at her abdomen. It was like he was worried about it or something. Why she did not know. That pissed her off a lot.

As soon as she could speak Jane demanded answers. "Alright, out with it. What's wrong with my abdomen? Why do you keep looking at it Kaidan?" She demanded. "Is there that I should know? Tell me!"

He was caught of guard for a second. "Yes, well . . . You see . . . You're . . . kinda . . . Pregnant."

Pregnant? What the hell is going on? She thought. "Pregnant? Kaidan, what are you talking about?"

He took her hand in his. "The doctors discovered it not long after you were brought here." He choked up as he spoke. "You were hurt so badly. It shouldn't have survived. Then again neither should you. You should have died." He stopped for moment as choked down a sob. "You didn't and for that I'm so happy. I couldn't bear to lose you, both of you. I'm so glad that you're still with me." He swallowed hard. "But we could still lose our child. It's hard to say right now. The chances of a miscarriage were extremely high. Your body could still terminate the pregnancy. If that happens then there would be nothing that the doctors could do. We would lose our baby. I'm just worried that's all."

It was a lot to take in. Not only was she pregnant, but there was a good chance that she'd lose the baby. Not the best way for one to wake up. Then again she should be grateful that she woke up at all. It was miracle in itself. She fully expected to die that day on the Citadel. She knew the score. One didn't walk away from injuries like that. She should have died. It was a good thing that she didn't. For her child would have died with her. Something that would have killed Kaidan.

"Kaidan, I . . ."

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine. Really, I am. Just focus on healing and keeping our little one alive. That's all that matters right now. The rest can wait. You just need to rest."

She flashed him a brave smile. "Alright."

He kissed her. "Good. Now, please get some sleep. I'll be here when you wake up. I promise."

A part of Jane wanted to argue, but she found that she couldn't. Sleep already demanded that she listen to it's call. It made sense, but it irritated her. She wanted out of this bed. She had so many more questions. She wanted to know how much time had passed. Who was still alive. Had she actually succeeded in stopping the Reapers? She didn't know. She also wanted to know what the hell they were going to do about this baby! It was all too overwhelming for her right now. Kaidan was right. She had to wait. She had to rest. There was no other choice. Her body needed sleep. That didn't mean that she had to like it.

"Alright. I surrender, Major. I'll sleep." She gave him a mischievous grin. "So long as you shave that is. Ick, I have beard in my mouth!"

"Aye, Aye ma'am!"

Now she knew for sure that he was making fun of her. That was painfully obvious. It annoyed her how lightly he was taking her. Alas, she didn't have the energy to fight with him right now. So instead she just continued as if he was being serious with her. Maybe he'd listen that way. She didn't know for sure but it was worth a try. The fool really was really worrying her. At least he's joking around now. That's something . . .

"And you better see to those injuries before I wake up. You look horrible!"

"Speak for yourself, Commander."

"Idiot." She said before finally falling asleep once again.


Well that's it for now. I'll see you tomorrow!