Chapter ten

It had been a few weeks now since Kaidan had re-joined the Normandy team. He had gotten use to the newer layout of the ship by this time and was enjoying the new areas that Cerberus had added to the ship. Namely the relaxation room – which he rarely used, but he was glad for since they kept drinks there – and the stargaze room which he really liked spending time within, watching the stars go by.

He always preferred spending his time quietly alone than with a large crowd and the stargazing room was perfect for him. It helped keep his migraines at a tolerant level as well.

Liara – an asari who had travelled with Shepard and Kaidan once before (along with Garrus and Ashley) sat beside him as she took a moment of rest from her own work as the shadow broker.

She didn't spend much time away from her work because the information she gathered from all over the galaxy was very important for their mission. Knowing what different worlds were like in this war; what the Reapers were up too, and of course Cerberus as well, when she was able to find agents with that information.

"How is Shepard handling the situation of Earth?" She enquired the man as he leaned back on the couch.

"He tries to hide the worry and stress, but I can tell that he has had less sleep than I have, and I haven't had much myself."

"He was always the same. Though that is what makes him an amazing human." She agreed.

Kaidan chuckled softly, "he really is."

"I must admit, I do not think I could have continued to fight after the loss of someone I loved as he loved Ashley. He does not speak of it, but I know that he still hurts from her loss."

"He has built a wall around himself to keep moral up, but we have known him for a long time now. It's easy to tell that he puts on a brave face for us." Kaidan licked his lips a little worriedly, "I just wish I could do something to help Shepard. I feel useless to him as a friend."

Liara smiled softly. It was a knowing smile and Kaidan had to glance away from her for a moment.

"You haven't told him yet, have you?" She asked, placing a blue hand upon Kaidan's knee which caused him to flush slightly.

"Told him what?" He said after a moment, though he could tell that she had seen through him long ago. She said nothing, however and he dipped his head lowly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I-... no, I haven't," he finally confessed, "it just hasn't felt like the right time, and besides, he doesn't seem interested in other men. Besides that, I have never been with anyone, so it is a little nerving."

Liara chuckled softly, "you remember how I made a fool of myself when I spoke to him of my feelings? I am sure Shepard told you, but I was not exactly the most graceful of asari at the time."

"No, but he did think it was rather cute and endearing." Kaidan agreed with a tender smile, "anyway, you have trusted Shepard fully, even when he was with Cerberus. I'm not sure I could ever fix the gap I made between us after that... even if Shepard agreed that we would put it all behind us..."

Liara cut him off with a comforting touch. "Kaidan, he truly wishes to be close to you. I might not know what his feelings are for you, be they just as a friend like he feels for Tali, or a sister like he feels for me, but he truly cares for you. His actions on Mars when you were hurt prove that more than words themselves. Speak with him, at least then you shall have no regrets."

Kaidan smiled lightly, he couldn't argue with Liara's logic, "you win." He said rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll ask him to lunch when we get back to the Citadel."