I only own Faylin and Cait. All other characters, places, organizations, ect belong to Bioware. Please feel free to leave comments or message me with comments about the story. Enjoy. :)

~*~Faylin~*~

I slipped into a pair of sneakers and went to the door, hesitating for a moment. I looked back to Cait and was satisfied to see her snoozing away. Crying like we did always had a way of sapping the energy right out of her. I wasn't exactly the opposite, but there were things I still had on my mind. I couldn't get to sleep when my mind refused to stop thinking. I turned back to the door and opened it.

When the door slid open, I was startled to see Vega standing on the other side, fist perched up to knock. He was apparently surprised to see me as well. His expression shifted quickly from shock to embarrassment. My own shifted to a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Vega?" I tried to keep my voice low.

He wouldn't meet my eyes. "I was just-"he couldn't finish his sentence. "I'll go." He turned to leave.

I shot a glance back to Cait before stepping out the door. "Wait," I called after him. The door shut behind me and he stopped. "Why don't you talk to me a little?"

He peered over his shoulder at me. "Nothing to talk about," he shrugged.

I put my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes at him. "You can't bull shit me, Vega."

He spun around and stomped over, stopping just inches from my face. He opened his mouth to snap at me, but hesitated. He closed his mouth again and a sudden look of defeat washed over him. Slowly, he opened his mouth to speak, "I," he sighed. "I just wanted to check that she was okay."

"You mean Cait," I asked a little taken aback. He gave me an incredulous look in response. "She's alright," I said, my gaze going to the door. "It's not easy for her to accept all of this right now so she's resting." I turned back to him. "Why are you so interested? This just doesn't seem like you."

He shoved his hands into his pockets. "She just reminds me of someone I once knew."

I looked at him and waited for him to say more, but he just stood there with his hands shoved in his pockets. "Well, I was just heading to see Kaidan for a bit before lunch. I'll see you later."

I walked past him and head for the elevator. I turned to look over my shoulder at him as I waited for the elevator to come back down. He stood there for a second like he was unsure what he wanted to do. The elevator doors opened and I stuck my foot in the door to keep it open as I watched him edge toward the door. I chuckled to myself and stepped into the elevator.

The ride up seemed to take longer than it actually was. I wrapped my arms around myself as I thought about Cait and worried about her. When the elevator reached deck one and the door finally opened, I stepped out and walked up to Kaidan's door. I gave it a sharp rap before I had the chance to give it second thought. I heard him call me in from somewhere inside. I opened the door and walked inside as butterflies burst to life inside my stomach.

Kaidan was sitting at his desk with a mess of data pads strewn over it. He had one in his hand that he was reviewing with a scowl. I didn't know what to say to him because I didn't know what my earlier actions had done to him. I just stood there, my arms wrapped around myself. He dropped the data pad down on the desk and swiveled his chair around.

When he saw me standing there, the scowl was erased from his face completely. "Faye," he said, clearly startled. "Why didn't you say it was you? I thought you'd be in your room with your friend."

"I was," I said as I shifted most of my weight to my uninjured foot.

He scowled again as he looked down at the black brace on my ankle. "You shouldn't be walking around on that," he shook his head and the scowl was replaced with a smirk. "Come here." He got up and walked over. Before I had the chance to say anything, he swept me up into his arms and started to carry me into the other half of his room. I thought he was heading for the bed, but he deviated from that path then headed towards the couch and set me down gently. "There we go," he said as he sat next to me, looking quite pleased with himself.

"It doesn't hurt or anything," I protested lightly. "But thank you."

He gave me a warm smile that made my heart flutter in my chest. "My pleasure." He sat back and got comfortable. "So what brought you up here?"

"I wanted to see you," I answered, looking down at my hands as I toyed with the edge of my shorts. "I feel terrible about this morning. It's just-" I sighed. "I had just had this weird nightmare about Cait and I didn't feel like talking about it."

He leaned forward and touched my knee, his touch on my bare skin sending a shiver of excitement through me. "Hey," he said softly. "It's okay. I'm not going to lie and say that I wasn't a little put off about being shut out like that, but I'm an understanding guy."

I felt the sting in my eyes as they began to tear up. I lifted my head and met his eyes. "I was just so scared, Kaidan," my voice was shaking. "In my dream, Cait was right there in front of me," I used my arms for effect, reaching out to the empty space beside him. "She was standing there just out of my reach. Then all of the sudden she was farther than that and when I tried to run for her," I squeezed my eyes shut and dropped my arms. I looked down at his hand on my knee. "The ground just gave out beneath me and I couldn't do anything. I lost her." A small sob managed to escape me before I looked back up in those earthy eyes that were suddenly filled with concern. "I almost lost her today too. And I was just so scared."

As I began to sob uncontrollably, he reached out and took me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him and seized fistfuls of his shirt. He said nothing as he let me cry it out. He just stroked my hair and rocked me gently as he hummed a lullaby. I regained control of myself as relief swamped me. He released his hold on me willingly as I sat up and wiped at my eyes.

"Were you just humming a lullaby," I asked through sniffles.

He blushed. "Yeah. My mom used to sing it to me when I was upset. I'd sing it for you but I'm a terrible singer."

We both laughed. "Cait does the same thing you just did. She holds me while I cry, stokes my hair, and sings me a lullaby." I smiled as heat filled my cheeks. "I feel a little better now. I just needed to get that out I guess."

"I understand," he said softly. "I know this isn't easy for you." My heart fell as I thought of how hard it was going to be for Cait. He leaned toward me again and placed his hand on my cheek. "But it will be easier for her because she has you."

I looked into his eyes and smiled warmly. "Thank you," I said. "That's just what I needed to hear."

"Well good," he said. Then his face turned serious. "But I'm not saying it because it's what you need to hear. I'm saying it because it's the truth. You know that, right?" When I nodded he said, "Good."

"Hey," I said sheepishly.

"Hmm," he raised a brow at me, looking sexy as ever.

"I'm kind of hungry," I said with a smile.

He laughed. "Let's go get some lunch then. I'm ready for a break from work."

We stood up together. "But I want to walk," I said. He laughed but conceded to my request. "And we should see if Cait is up, I'm sure she's hungry."

"Sounds like a plan," he said as we made our way for the elevator hand-in-hand.

~*~Cait~*~

I didn't let Mary know that I was really awake as she started to leave the room. She was really quiet as she slipped on her shoes and hobbled to the door. I hadn't thought to ask how she got hurt and told myself I would do it later. I was aware that she hesitated at the door for a second. When she opened it, I immediately felt another person's presence. I could feel Mary's immediate shock and the embarrassment of the other person. She was so quiet that I didn't hear what she said to the other person, but they seemed to want to retreat. I heard the soft sound of the door sliding shut after she walked out of it.

I could still somehow feel Mary's emotions though she stood on the other side of the door. She felt concerned for a moment and I felt a small bit of surprise from the other person. Suddenly I felt a strong feeling of anger from the other person, but Mary wasn't afraid. I prayed for a second that the other person would calm down so they wouldn't hurt her and suddenly, they seemed to restrain themselves. Their emotions were so mixed up I couldn't quite place them. Mary seemed surprised for a second then she became slightly amused and walked out of my range of senses.

The other person stayed behind. I could somehow sense it was a man standing out there. He was surprised by her just leaving, but curiosity and concern came over him. I felt him come closer to the door. When the door opened with the same soft sound as before, I kept still on the bed with my eyes closed.

I heard him walk into the room, his steps heavy on the metal floor. He seemed to side-step his way in, possibly peering over in my direction. I remained still, suddenly feeling a wash a relief come over him. 'Is he making sure I'm okay,' I asked myself. 'He must be.'

When he started to leave, I sat up on the bed so I could look at him. Mary had left a lamp on by the bed and on the far side of the room there was a light on as well. He stopped dead in his tracks with his eyes still on me and the door finally shut. I don't know what I had expected to see. I was surprised and not just because I could tell that he was.

He was so tall and muscular, definitely not the type of guy to show that he care about someone. He was a little intimidating to me because I didn't understand why he was there. I didn't know him and he certainly didn't know me. When a small flicker of longing flashed through him, I had a feeling that I understood why he was there.

"Hey," I said. "You were one of the people that were there when I started to wake up."

Relief seemed to swamp him. "Yeah," he said nervously, reaching up and scratching the back of his head.

"What are you doing here," I asked.

"I, uh," he looked away from me as I started to get up on my shaky legs. "I just wanted to see if you were alright. Faylin, made a narrow escape with you," he explained.

"Faylin?" I held on to the wall for support as I rounded the bed.

"Oh I forgot she changed her name," he said. He pointed to the door with his thumb. "Your friend."

"Don't tell me that's how she got hurt," I snapped lightly. I tried to walk on my own and fell. He rushed over to me and started checking for breaks. "I'm fine." My words made him freeze. "Can you help me up?"

"Uh, sure," he said.

He seemed uneasy as he helped me to my feet. I held on to his thickly muscled forearm as I walked toward a long couch. He stayed next to me, aiding in my slow progress. When I sat down, he moved away from me and leaned against the wall by the huge window that looked out to the stars. I looked out the window and marveled at the sparkling dots in the distance.

"Is that how she got hurt," I asked.

"Yeah," he crossed his arms over his chest. "A piece of debris hit her and broke her ankle. But whatever Cerberus did to her is making it heal really fast so to her it's more like a bad sprain."

I chuckled. "She was always the tough one." I looked over at him. His dark eyes were boring into me. "Why are you so interested in me?"

He seemed to try and block me out, but I hoped he would answer and quell my curiosity. "When I first saw you," he began. "You reminded me of a girl I once knew. Never got the chance to tell her how I felt."

"Why not?"

"Someone else beat me to the punch," he shrugged.

"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly.

"Don't be," he said. "She turned out to be one of those people who seems nice on the outside, but isn't on the inside." He laughed. "I've never told anyone that before in my life."

I cocked my head to the side. "Then why tell me?"

He shrugged again. "You just seem like the right person to tell."

I nodded. "I have that effect on people."

He laughed at that and I smiled. His laugh was hearty, making his shoulders shake. I was happy for the sincerity of it. "So," he said. "How are you holding up?"

I sighed and looked back out of the window. "This is all a little much for me right now," I said. "I can't even begin to describe how confused I am." I smiled. "But I have my best friend back so I won't look a gift horse in the mouth."

He laughed another shoulder shaking laugh. "I think I've decided I like you," he said with a smile. I felt the warmth in my cheeks as color flooded them but he pretended not to notice.

"I didn't catch your name," I tried to recover my composure.

"Vega," he answered plainly.

"What's your first name," I prodded.

He seemed a little shy to answer but did anyway. "James."

I smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

The door opened behind us and I turned to peer over the edge of the couch. Mary stood in the doorway next to another man that I believed had been there when I started to wake up. The shared awkward looks and shrugged simultaneously. Then she turned back with one of her warm broad smiles. "Anyone hungry," she asked with a chipper tone.

"Starving," I answered and returned her smile.

During lunch, she introduced me to the man she had walked back with. I tried to sneak glances at him as inconspicuously as possible. It was pretty obvious that there was something going on between them, but I didn't openly pry. James sat across from me, trying to sneak glances at me, but I caught him each time. I found myself amused and flattered at the same time. Kaidan and Mar began to explain to me a little bit about this new world I woke up in, answering any questions I asked and trying their best not to overload me with information. After we ate, Mar offered to show me around the ship.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I said and she frowned in response. "You shouldn't even be walking around at all, missy." She gave me a pouty look and Kaidan chuckled.

"I can show her around," James offered.

"That'll be good," Kaidan said before Mar had the chance. "He can show her around while you get some rest."

She threw her arms over her chest and pouted. "I don't want any rest."

I patted her arm. "Too bad, so sad."

She shot me an indignant look. "Two minutes back and you're already picking on me." She turned on Kaidan. "I told you she was going to be upset."

"You're lucky I'm not picking on you," he warned playfully. "You should actually head to the med bay and have Doctor Chakwas look at your ankle again."

"If I do are you people going to get off my back?"

"Maybe," I offered with a smile.

She couldn't help but smile back. "Fine." She turned to James. "You better remember what I said earlier."

He gave her a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."

She caught me scratching at my arm uncomfortably. "Sorry about that," she said with a nod.

"What," I asked confused.

"IV," she answered with a cringe. I scowled. "I thought it was best to take it out while you were knocked out."

"Good choice," I said with a frown.

James was frowning in confusion. "She has a needle phobia," Mary said nonchalantly.

He raised a brow and smirked devilishly. "So I take it we won't be finding any tattoos on you?"

"No," I answered quickly and glanced down at my plate.

"Who's we," Mary threatened with her fork.

Kaidan reached across the table and grabbed her hand gently. "Easy killer," he chuckled.

"Hey," James put his hands up on mock surrender. "I didn't mean anything by it."

She gave him a skeptical look when he looked back to me. She dropped her fork in her moderately empty plate in defeat. "Alright," She sighed with a fake sigh. "I guess I'll go to the med bay. See y'all later." She stood up and gave me a wink as she limped off toward the med bay.

"I swear," I said, dropping my fork onto my plate. "I don't know what I'm going to do with that woman."

Kaidan chuckled lightly and James let out a hearty laugh. Kaidan gathered his tray with Mary's. "I'll try to keep a better eye on her for you," he said with a smile as he got up.

I leaned back and stretched my arms over my head. "Are you done," James asked me. I nodded. "I'll take your tray."

He swept my tray off the table before I had the chance to stop him. I looked over to the med bay and watched through the windows as Mary talked to a grey-haired woman. I got a feeling of surprise from both of them as they chatted and a small warmth of relief started to radiate off of Mary. I smiled, 'Must be good news.'

"Ready?" James' voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I answered with a smile.

~*~Faylin~*~

"Looks like you should be all healed by tomorrow afternoon," Doctor Chakwas informed me.

"Really? That's great!"

I caught Cait looking at me through the glass and gave her a smile. I watched as Vega walked up next to her and grab her attention. I wanted to think I imagined that her face lit up a little when she looked at him. But then I noticed the way his eyes lingered on her. I could recognize that look a mile away. I had always been a hopeless romantic, watching sappy movies where the prince rode in to save his princess.

The door to the med bay opened and pulled me from my thoughts. I looked over just in time to watch Kaidan stroll in. I couldn't stop the smile that slid over my face. His eyes met mine for a moment before he acknowledged Doctor Chakwas. I blushed like a fool and slid off the cot I had been sitting on. I tested my weight on my ankle while they talked about my healing progress in an attempt to distract myself.

"I'll keep an eye on her, doc," I heard Kaidan say which drug my attention back to them. "Come on, you." He was all smiles as he offered me his elbow. I looked up curiously at his face as I looped my arm through his. "Time for some rest," he gave me a wink and started to escort me out the door.

I had expected us to go down the hall to the observation deck, but instead he steered me toward the elevator. "Where are we going," I asked.

"My place," he gave me a mischievous grin. I rolled my eyes, but didn't protest. When the doors of the elevator closed, he pulled his arm up to twine our fingers together. He leaned over, lacing his mouth next to my ear. "You don't have to worry about Cait," he whispered, his warm breath caressing my skin.

"Who says I'm worried," I tried to hide the growing excitement with my retort.

He stood up straight and laughed. "I see the way you watch her like a mother hen." The doors opened and he motioned with his hand to allow me out first. I limped my way forward.

"I do not," I said indignantly.

"I'm sorry to say so but yes," he opened the door to his cabin for me, "you do.

I huffed but a smile had crept across my face again. Shortly after the door closed behind me and I stopped to take a breath, I was promptly swept off my feet. I squealed in surprise. When I looked to Kaidan, his mouth came crashing down onto mine, his tongue prying my lips open. With a quick realization of what he was doing, I closed my eyes and welcomed his kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled my body closer to his as I felt him descend the few steps into the second half of the room.

I was disappointed when our kiss was broken as he sat me down on his bed. However he quickly followed, dousing the feeling with one of longing and need. As we kissed, his muscular form pressing down onto mine and our hips rotating into each other, a thought snuck up in my mind. I remembered another thing that came with Cait being back in my life…. Brandon. I went suddenly rigid. Kaidan, no doubt feeling my sudden stillness, rose up to look at me.

"Oh my god," I gasped and pushed on his shoulders so I could sit up.

"What," he asked nervously. "What's wrong?" I froze like a statue, feeling a whole different fear entirely. I looked over at him, catching his nervous gaze. "Did I hurt you," he shot up to sit beside me and started to look me over.

"No," I finally managed to speak. "No, it's not that."

He looked back to meet my eyes. "What is it then?"

"Nothing," I attempted to lie. He gave me a skeptical look tainted with an unspoken warning. I sighed. "It just hit me. I don't know why it didn't sooner. That guy who's leading Cerberus now… He said he brought back other people."

Kaidan caught on to where I was going. "He could be lying to you, Faye."

"But what if he isn't lying," I pleaded. "What does that mean?" I looked away from him to the fish swimming peacefully in their tank.

"I guess that depends on you," his voice was suddenly grave.

I spun to look at him. His head had drooped in defeat. I felt suddenly ill, fearing that I had hurt him unintentionally. I reached out and cupped his face in my hands to pull his gaze back to me. He raised his eyes slowly. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Hey, we don't even know what kind of shape he is going to be in if he even is alive," I offered. "Right now," I kissed his lips softly and leaned my forehead against his. "Right now we have each other. We can deal with things as they come to us."

He lifted a hand to stroke my cheek lightly with his finger. "Is that what you want?"

"Yes," I whispered.

He took my face in his hands and rose to meet my lips again. I returned his shy kisses fervently, trying to erase the thoughts in my mind. His caresses and kisses began to match mine with white hot need. I pulled my shirt over my head and discarded it to the floor. He began taking off his pants, managing to get as far as to unzip them before I was tugging his shirt up and over his head. When he came back to me, his hands roamed to my backside, easily unhooking my bra. I shrugged free of it and melded our mouths together again as we rose to stand up and remove the clothing from our lower bodies. He managed to get me naked first and pushed me down onto the bed before finishing the task of freeing himself from his clothing.

When he came back down, he scooped his hands under my ass and pulled me to him as he climbed up the bed. I twined my fingers into his dark locks and fused our mouths together again. My hips rocked into his as he sat me down and pressed his body to mine. He was gentle as he adjusted the angle of my hips for better position. When he finally slid inside me, I gripped him tightly breaking our melding of mouths. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall as I focused on the joining of our bodies. He held me close throughout the act, perhaps sensing my need to wash away my thoughts with the smell and feel of his body and mine. Release came with twin eruptions of ecstasy, the jolt of lightning reverberating between us. When it passed, he rolled onto his back, keeping us connected as I began to sob.

He didn't speak a word to ask what was wrong. He merely held me to his strong chest as he hummed a lullaby. He brushed back my hair and stroked my back in small circles until I finally fell to sleep.