A/N: Sorry for the long delay. I had important family matters to attend to and I also got a visit from somebody I haven't seen in a long time (and I've started playing The Last Of Us and that game is amazing!). Do not worry though! There will be another chapter next week.

This is just a short addition before the dinner scene. Hope you enjoy!

Read and review. You know, if you have anything to say about this story in general, share it! That would certainly make my day. :)

Mass Effect belongs to Bioware. I'm just playing with its universe and characters, 'cause they're awesome!


"Really Liara? I don't wanna go out there looking like a hooker."

Liara stopped applying makeup in Shepard's face. "What?"

The Commander sighed. "Never mind. I just think you're overreacting a little."

The asari continued her work of art. "You have a date with the Major. I don't think I'm overreacting at all."

"I already told you, it's not a date! We're just going to lunch. That's it. I don't need to dress up like I'm about to participate in a beauty contest."

Liara then threw the brush she was holding in her hand on Shepard's desk. "Fine. You can just wear your uniform like you always do and I'll remove the makeup I spent the last half hour applying. I'm sure Kaidan won't mind."

Seeing how sad her friend was over her refusal, Shepard sighed once again. "Alright, alright. You can dress me up like a Barbie if you want. Just make sure there isn't too much makeup."

Liara narrowed her eyes and looked at Shepard suspiciously. "Really?" When her friend nodded, she smiled. "Thank you Shepard. I'm happy that we can do something a little more girly for a change."

"Girly? I'm not girly. That's why we don't do girly stuff like this." She pointed to the ton of makeup apparel on her desk beside her.

Liara chuckled slightly. "I know. You'd rather charge head first toward a brute than go shopping… or dress up for a date. Speaking of which, how do you think it'll go?"

Shepard's eyes then widened because of the question. "Honestly? I have no idea. I don't even know why he invited me to lunch in the first place."

"I heard that he and Garrus had a… conversation the other day. Maybe it has something to do with that."

"Oh God, now you're making me nervous Liara." The asari chuckled and continued applying makeup.


Crap. Crap crap crap!

That was all Shepard could think of when she saw Kaidan sitting at a table at Apollo's Cafe, his back facing her. She slowly and carefully walked down the stairs, in fear of tripping because of her heels. Once she made it down safely, she sighed contently and made her way toward Kaidan.


Kaidan saw a woman approach and stop beside him in the corner of his eye. He rolled his eyes. Not a journalist again. They've been bothering me ever since I came back aboard the Normandy. I do not have the energy for this. "I'm sorry miss, but I'm waiting for someone and..." He looked up to address the woman directly and was struck by what he saw. His mouth closed instantly. He stood up slowly from his chair, his eyes never leaving Shepard. She was wearing a white light dress that accentuated her dark brown hair and wore heeled sandals and a hint of makeup was present on her face. "Shepard… you look… wow." That was all he could say.

"I know. I look like a damn clown with this dress and all this makeup."

"No! I meant 'wow' in a good way, a very good way. Shepard, you look beautiful."

Shepard bowed her head and Kaidan could see her cheeks reddening. "Oh." She said. "Well thanks. You should thank Liara, because she's the artist behind all this." She pointed her dress and then her face.

"I will." After a little more time looking at Shepard in awe, he indicated the chair beside her to tell her to sit. Now was the time for Shepard to answer the question that has been haunting him since Horizon. Do we still have a chance to be together?