Title: Virmire Part Thirteen
Author: DinkyMew
Game: Mass Effect (one)
Disclaimer: Bioware owns all characters and content related to the Mass Effect franchise. Abigail Shepard is my own creation inspired by the character of Jane Shepard created by Bioware. Any original characters contained herein are my own creations and are not necessarily affiliated with Bioware. **You may not copy, distribute or edit this fanfiction as it stands without my expressed permission – thank you **
Characters Featured: Abigail Shepard (F); Kaidan Alenko (M); Garrus Vakarian (M); Joker 'Jeff' Moreau (M); Original character Operative Argyle Hobbins 'Hobbs' (M)
The whole hall felt heavy with loss.
It had been decorated for the occasion, heavy velvet drapes in Alliance navy blue curved gracefully down from each side of the raised platform. In the middle was a podium, the president of the Alliance Military stood like a pillar, talking about the duty of a marine and the reputation of the Systems Alliance.
Before him, in the forecourt of the hall, stood the casket that contained Ashley's body. Her family had chosen white, the Systems Alliance flag draped over the polished curve along with a wreath of lilies. Immediately in front of this were the first row of seats occupied by Ashley's family: her mother and sisters, her cousins, her aunts and uncles.
Seated behind, in the second row was the Normandy crew, humans and aliens alike – a fact that had caused much commotion within the Alliance Brass – but Shepard had insisted that every member of the crew be allowed to attend. Of course it came at a price; bargain struck, they crew could attend if Commander Shepard offered a eulogy at the commemoration.
Normally the death of a marine in combat barely got a mention in the extranet news – it was the post humus award of a Star of Terra that evoked such a regal send-off for Ashley, not to mention the Silver Dagger that the Salarian hegemony had awarded her. Funnily enough that one had been left off the agenda today.
Kaidan shifted in his seat, waggling a finger between the high collar of his dress blues and his throat. It was incredibly hot, the Vancouver sun beating through the glass panels in the ceiling. He glanced to his left where Garrus was casting a nervous glance around the packed hall. He felt for him, it must be incredibly intimidating being a Turian in a hall full of humans, never mind that many of them were veterans who had served in the first contact war.
He gave him an encouraging smile as the hall erupted into polite applause and the President of the Systems Alliance inclined his head, taking his seat at the back of the raised platform, folding his hands back into his thick lap. Commander Shepard stood and the whole crew seemed to take a collective breath as she moved slowly to the podium; or maybe it was just his heart racing?
He couldn't be sure.
She looked breath-taking, dressed in her Alliance uniform. The crisp blue jacket fit around her perfectly like a second skin, the sharp pencil skirt was cut to just below the knee, he spied a bruise at her ankle which was tilted into kind black heels that added a few inches to her height. Her hair was pinned back, the Alliance cap secured on her head as she glanced out over the hall and gave them a nervous smile, rummaging in her jacket pocket for some folded notes she had made.
"I…" She took a breath, smoothing her notes over the podium as she gripped its sides carefully "It's very rare that you meet people like Ashley Williams."
Her eyes found the crowd and the corners of her mouth ghosted a smile "I was her Commander. But I think if you were to ask her, and certainly if you asked me, I would say I was her friend. In the nine months I knew Ashley we grew very close and I was privileged to know some of her more hidden intricacies." She paused, the grief clear on her ashen face as she swallowed carefully, biting back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her.
Kaidan glanced down the line to Joker, seated on the end of the row his face was white, half hidden under the nose of his cap, but Kaidan knew he was hurting badly. It had been over drinks that the pilot had confessed what happened between Ashley and himself – or some, but Kaidan was beginning to believe it was more than just a kiss.
They had spent last night talking about it for hours, but Joker seemed reluctant to go into details, and Kaidan wasn't sure it was right to press him to talk about that stuff. He would, in his own time. He had known Joker for years and knew him well enough to know he would talk to him when he needed to. When it was time for it all to come tumbling out of him.
"For the longest time I remember Ashley's fear of never being good enough." Shepard said gently, her tone laced with fond memories as her eyes dropped to the white casket "Was she good enough to serve the Alliance? was she good enough to serve me? Was she good enough to serve mankind?" She shook her head almost absently "It didn't define her, but in quiet moments, I would see that shadow steal over her features as she questioned herself. As she doubted herself."
Kaidan watched as the Commander cleared her throat, pressing fingertips to her brow as she fought off tears that threatened. "If she… if she were here now, I would tell her that she wasn't good enough. That she was perfect."
She coughed gently as the room fluttered with polite applause. Taking a shaky breath Shepard continued "Ashley was a vital member of our crew aboard the Normandy. She brought a lot to a fight, but even more to our home – our ship – and she will be dearly missed by every one of us."
"Today, as she returns home, Ashley has redeemed her family name – the name of her sisters and her mother and indeed her father – beyond comparable measure, and I know that wherever she is now that knowledge will bring her some measure of peace from the constant doubts she was so plagued with." Again there was the beat of applause and Shepard paused, sweeping a hand over her forehead as tears caught the light, sliding down her cheeks silently.
"You were good enough Ashley." She said shakily.
Kaidan nodded, dipping his head to his chest as he remembered Ashley's constant picking at herself; she had once come to him and asked if he could show her how to hold a pistol properly because she was worried she was doing it wrong. The girl had fight in her, and a temper to boot, but really she was just insecure, striving to do better for her family name.
He missed her.
Stifling a cough Shepard wiped her eyes, smiling gently "If I could take a moment I would like to read to you a famous quote – one that when I read it amongst her books and poems – fit so perfectly, the Ashley I knew, I felt it was my duty to share it with you on her behalf."
She took a deep breath, her eyes turning back to the crowded hall as she held herself steady "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate." She said carefully "Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
"It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us." She swallowed, and Kaidan could almost feel the grip on that podium tighten as she bit back on her emotion "Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people don't feel insecure around you."
Her voice cracked with emotion as she continued "We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Confidently, silently, Commander Shepard raised her hand in a solemn salute.
"Stand down soldier, your fight is done. We carry your rifle, are driven by your legacy. We carry on the fight with your memory in our hearts." There was a crisp, polite yet appreciative round of applause from the gathered crowd as Shepard returned to her seat.
Abigail was vaguely aware of her surroundings, hearing things as though her head was dunked in a bowl of water. As she sat down, her eyes glossing over the crowded room she counted her heartbeats, she swallowed back tears one at a time, barely hearing the next speaker as he took the podium.
The rest of the funeral ceremony passed in much the same manner, happening too quickly and yet much too slowly at the same time. When it was over she followed the speakers from the raised platform blindly, drifting aimlessly among the crowds as she passed face after face she didn't recognise.
She wasn't sure how long she had been wandering when she felt a gentle tug on her arm and whipped her head around as though expecting an attack only to find Kaidan, his grief stricken features bringing her sharply back into a sense of reality.
She tensed, ready for his verbal assault but it didn't come. They hadn't spoken since the incident on the Normandy but whatever he was thinking it wasn't about arguing.
"Come on Shepard, the wake will be starting soon." He said gently, his hand slipping from her elbow to graze her fingers by her side. He didn't take her hand, but she ached for him to.
She nodded numbly and started to move off with him when she felt another hand taking her by the opposing arm. She turned her head to see Hobbs standing humbly. He was looking directly between her and Kaidan but there was no challenge in those blue green eyes, none of its usual fire. Those eyes instead were sad and pensive.
"That will have to wait Commander. The Fleet Admiral and the Parliament want a direct report on the Virmire situation…" he paused as he radiated empathy. It was clear that Hobbs didn't approve of their timing but Shepard knew he was only following orders. "…and they want it now."
She could feel Kaidan moving across her body in a protective gesture that sent a wave of appreciation through her. She almost allowed herself a smile before pushing him back and stepping closer to Hobbs, keeping her eyes firmly on Kaidan.
"It's alright Kaidan. I'd rather do this report sooner than later anyway. Go ahead to the wake with the others and I'll meet you there as soon as I'm done."
This time she did allow herself a smile holding Kaidan's eyes as he returned it, the corners of his mouth turning up gently before he looked back to Hobbs. As he met the other man's eyes Kaidan's expression changed instantly back to a defensive protective one though he said no words, simply stared for a moment before turning away and moving quickly to join the others who were moving slowly with the crowd as they made their way to the reception area for the wake.
After a few minutes they were alone in the hall, the only other presence the pallbearers who were working on moving Ashley to her final place of rest. Shepard watched them idly, feeling the presence of Hobbs beside her like a wall to be leaned on. The place had taken on an eerie quiet aspect now that they were just two and the weight of her grief threatened to engulf her.
Whether or not he sensed it, when he put his large hand on her shoulder she could feel the warmth radiate from it, pushing back her grief. She needed that comfort right now and she was grateful for it. He'd sat quietly, respectfully throughout the entirety of the ceremony on the opposite side of Wrex and he hadn't made any attempts to console her throughout, though she'd felt his presence like a rock in the background.
Absently she considered how reserved he had been with her since he had his spat with Kaidan. Wrex had filled her in on the whole misunderstanding, and she had never found the words through the last few days to explain things to Hobbs; she wasn't sure she understood what was happening between her and the lieutenant to explain it anyway.
"Abigail, I've got to warn you. The parliament…" he began to say carefully as they made their way out of the parlour and into the bright, sunny streets beyond. "…they can be very unforgiving. They'll want you to relive everything."
Her brows knitted together as she considered his words. "Why?" was all she could manage.
"They're not happy that they lost a human crew member during this unsanctioned mission involving Alien politics." He said bluntly but with a great deal of sorrow.
Shepard could understand. The mission wasn't exactly approved but the Parliament would have to accept that she was a Spectre now. She didn't need permission from the Systems Alliance anymore, although she still chose to operate within the Alliance military. She nodded as they continued to move through the streets. The view in Vancouver was like every city on Earth, busy, full of life going about its daily routine, but she found she didn't have time to enjoy it.
Luckily the Parlour was not far from the Alliance Headquarters, the building looming into view among a garden of water features and greenery. It hardly looked like a military building, more like an expensive block of properties. She had never seen the Headquarters before – she had received mail from them, seen them in pictures, but to behold it in its glory was something else.
"I know it's not going to be easy Tempy, but if they push you to hard…" he shrugged "…just tell them to stick it up their ass." He flashed a grin and she responded with a laugh.
He could get through her defences as easily as he always could, which was generally an infuriating quality but today it was just right. Today she needed to be reminded it was ok to be human, to live and love and laugh with someone; but there was still that darkness at the back of it all, knowing that it was never real with Hobbs. It never could be.
"So" she began finally finding her voice and regaining a measure of her composure. "I have questions that I want answered." Before he could interject she silenced him with a look to which he simply shrugged once again.
"Why is it that you report directly to the Prime Minister?" The question had bothered her like a bad itch that she just couldn't scratch until now. It had been a fleeting wonder at first which had managed to develop into an annoying mystery that she couldn't solve.
"My Rank." He answered plainly. When she stared at him blankly he continued "You see, it's not entirely…conventional. That mission I took all those years ago drew the attention of the Alliance Brass. They had a position they needed to fill….Covert. Highly classified. Doesn't exist classified. Even you couldn't find files on it Shepard." He looked at Shepard with a grin as she absorbed his words slowly.
"Well… wait…" She shook her head, her hand catching his arm as she stopped him from moving "What mission?"
When he did stop and look at her she felt her chest tighten painfully and drew in a shaky breath "Oh." She whispered, forcing her voice out "That mission."
She could see his mood falter, his eyes drop with shame as he looked away from her momentarily, back to the Alliance building looming behind them like some distant nightmare – but it was always there. Always had been, she thought bitterly watching him. Her anger was such she wanted him to feel badly, she wanted him to hang his head in shame, but she knew also that she had to let go. She had to move on.
"I don't think today is the right day for that conversation." He said to her gently, his fingers grazing her hands as he swept them up in his own. "All you need to know about that… well…" He smiled, briefly, bringing both sets of her knuckles to his lips as he kissed them gently "That was the biggest mistake of my life Tempy, and one day you and me we're gonna talk about that."
He dropped her hands again and she stared at him a long moment. He was right. Today was not the day for that. "So, what did you do that got their attention?" She asked as they continued walking.
"I know, why me right? I asked myself that a lot." He nodded, pushing ahead of her so she had to rush to keep pace beside him "The only conclusion I can come up with is that my skillset matched what they were looking for identically. Combat skill, Lone Agent, Technically proficient…" He paused, as he opened the glass door of the Alliance Headquarters for her and waited for her to enter before him "…And most importantly, no-one to care enough to ask questions if I don't come home."
She stopped short, looking to him sharply as the words hung between them and she regretted having asked him in that instant. He shook it off behind a grin and a chuckle.
"I guess you could say I'm a bonifide spy, and I could pull rank on anyone in the Military if I wanted to." He let those words sink in. "Anyone. Now, while we're talking, and I don't doubt you have more questions, there's something I need to talk to you about." He gestured along a long hallway, obviously he knew where they were supposed to be going.
She barely had time to take in the neat building, the crisp blue carpets, the ordinary pictures that dotted the walls. There was a reception desk but Hobbs breezed right on past it and the receptionist barely even gave him a second glance. Not for the first time Shepard hurried after him wondering just what the hell he had gotten himself into. His secretiveness was nothing new, but this was beyond comprehension.
"And that is?" She asked, struggling to keep track of their movements as he led her through corridors and doorways.
My time on the Normandy might not be over." He said quietly, pausing to turn and face her, his hand hovering over the holo-lock of an elevator. "The Prime Minister has rightly surmised the priority of your Mission and he'll want me as close to it as possible." At the beginnings of a thunderous look that she knew echoed the feelings in her gut he quickly moved on.
"It's not that he doesn't trust you to see it done. Quite the contrary. He told me that there's no-one he'd rather have in charge of this thing, not even me." The way he said it suggested that it was a source of irritation for him, which she could well believe. Hobbs had always prided himself on being the best.
"I can see how it would be beneficial to have someone who can report to him directly." Shepard replied as she thought about it carefully. "To be perfectly honest Hobbs, I don't know how I'd feel. You and I, we have a lot of history. Not all of it good, not all of it bad. I'll admit that we could use someone with your skills with what we're going into but…" she couldn't find the words to finish the sentence and was glad when Hobbs stepped in as the elevator pinged and the doors slid open.
"Don't worry Abigail. If I get the order I'll make sure he understands that I will not pull rank and demand it of you. It will be in your power and I'll be under your direct command if it comes to pass." They stepped inside the elevator and she watched as he pressed a button for a floor near the top of the building. She took a moment to look around, surprised that the back of the elevator was glass looking out over the city of Vancouver below. From this vantage point she could see the ocean in the distance, it was beautiful.
"I won't be attending the wake Shepard" he concluded carefully. She wasn't surprised though. Hobbs hardly knew Ashley and he'd done more than enough in staying with them this far. She nodded.
"But I will be in touch before you leave." He avoided her eyes as the elevator came to a stop. The doors slid open revealing a long grey corridor "Second door on the left." He said gently.
She looked down the corridor, hesitating and as though he could sense it in her he pressed a hand to her shoulder again "Just tell them the truth Shepard." He said firmly "You did everything you could. Please believe that."
She nodded weakly, and he waited for her to exit before he pressed another button, the doors sliding closed leaving her standing alone. She could smell industrial cleaner, the strip light overhead making her temples pound wildly as she swallowed, smoothing the front of her Alliance jacket.
Taking a deep breath she strode to the door Hobbs had indicated, the gold plaque to the left of the door staring at her as she hesitated, looping loose strandsof hair behind her ears and wiping her dry mouth. The doors swept open and she paused on the threshold, holding her breath as a long table was revealed, sitting on a raised stair that ran the length of the full sized windows. The sun streamed through illuminating the room easily, but casting the bodies behind that table in shadow as she squinted, her eyes dropping to the grey carpet as she stepped slowly inside.
"Commander Shepard." The voice was female, crisp and disconcerting as Abigail fought to keep her hands at her sides rather than shade her eyes from the glare of the sun. "Take a seat."
It was an order, not a request and it was only then she noticed the chair a few feet in front of her. She cleared her throat, swallowing her pride and sitting rigidly on the chair. From this angle the sun was less painful on her eyes and she could see the four faces scrutinising her from the table.
The lady that had spoken was dressed in a sharp black suit, a badge was pinned to the breast-pocket but from this distance Shepard couldn't see it clearly. Her blonde hair was cut neatly at her jawline, her lips a deep, dark red crept into a cold smile as grey eyes looked the Commander up and down. She looked an unforgiving sort, like a hawk waiting to swoop on some prey.
"My name is Amanda Phelps." She said frostily "To my left is Drajhi Mulabid and to my right Damien Costa and Imrin Agastra." She paused as though allowing Shepard time to take in the names before barrelling forward in that clipped monotonous tone "You might be wondering why you were summoned here by Operative Hobbins." She said tersely "You are now, from this moment, taking part in an evaluation of the events following the Virmire mission that concluded with the death of an Alliance soldier, an Alliance soldier taking part in a mission that was unsanctioned and unknown to the Alliance military. Make no mistake, everything said within this room will be considered and weighed when we review your competency at the hearing, you may ask us questions but you should know we are here to gather information only – we have no direct connection to the investigation other than that." She cleared her throat, pawing through papers in front of her. She paused, pulling one sheet from a pile and laying it front of her.
"Do you have any questions?" The man to her left asked, Mr Mulabid Shepard recalled turning her focus to his placid features. His face was dark, his long features typical of Asian descent and as his dark eyes watched her she found no comfort in them whatsoever. He too was dressed as smartly as his predecessor, the same name-badge tagged to his jacket.
"I…" Shepard swallowed "Do not." She said at last. Deciding it would be best to try and gauge the position of the Alliance before she asked too many questions that could be revealing, or put her in a more difficult position than she already was.
"Very well." Amanda Phelps smiled icily "Shall we begin?"
"It was a good ceremony." Liara said, swirling the clear liquor in her glass around and around before setting it back at the table.
Kaidan nodded, taking a sip of his whiskey, his eyes peeling over the crowded hall before they turned back to the Normandy crew, gathered around a table they seemed segregated from the main Alliance guests, but it was nice; it felt comfortable. A few wary marines had given Wrex careful and suspicious glances, but for his part the Krogan seemed placid enough. Kaidan might have even called it grieving, but he couldn't be sure.
He missed Joker; normally in places like this he was used to his friend's presence and found that without him he felt more socially awkward than normal. The pilot had elected to return to the Normandy and no one had objected – no one knew quite what to say to him yet.
The chosen venue was appropriate he thought for Ashley, a bar with wide enough space for a dance-floor. A few of the guests had already graced the floor; the music flowing as well as the alcohol softened the hard grip of grief enough for people to even laugh occasionally. It was odd how coming together in remembrance could do that he thought idly, he only wished Shepard could be there too.
They had both said some heated things back on the Normandy, but he knew deep down that was just her way. That was her way of protecting herself by running everyone who might care about her off.
Finishing the last of his beverage he raked a hand through his hair, unbuttoning his collar as he stood. "More drinks?"
There was a rumble of agreement as he turned toward the bar, Garrus moving with him. The bar was at the far end of the hall, near the entrance, curving around toward the bathrooms. It was crowded, many of the guests either sitting at the glass counter on bar stools, or standing in little groups talking and sharing stories.
Politely they made their way to the end of the bar, near the entrance where Alliance officers stood watching the wake and making sure no one wandered in off the street. Kaidan acknowledged them with a nod as their eyes turned warily to Garrus. He wondered absently how the Turian must feel being surrounded by so many humans, but it was nice to see him out of his armour for once.
Leaning on the glass top Kaidan sat his empty glass down and settled to wait patiently for the barkeep to get to them. The staff was frantic, running back and forth pouring drinks and uncapping others. A waitress spotted him and made a beeline in his direction, an open and friendly smile on her face.
"Can I help you sir?" She asked, wiping her hands on a little apron over her black trousers. She looped her red hair behind her ears as she gave him a once over.
"Another round of drinks for the table in the corner." He said, jabbing his thumb in the direction they had come from. She glanced over his shoulder, her brow furrowing.
"Table 12?" She asked and he nodded, hoping it was the right one, he hadn't taken note of a number. She smiled, turning back to the previous order tabs, readying their drinks one by one.
He was about to turn and speak with Garrus when a voice beside him caught his attention.
The man was drunk, too drunk to speak clearly, and as he started speaking his voice was so loud and gravelly it carried over the music.
"Goddamn stinking Turians." He spat, literally, slamming his glass on the countertop "Whole lot of them, just waiting for us to go down. You here celebratin'? Huh?"
As if the subject of the man's distaste wasn't apparent he took a step toward Garrus, bumping chests with the Turian aggressively as he raised his chin.
"S'pose this was a happy day for you huh?" He barked, his dark eyes clouding with anger as the Turian remained unresponsive, raising his hands in an attempt to calm the situation.
"I'm here for Ashley." He said thickly, but that only seemed to ignite the man's anger further.
"Yeah I bet you are!" He slurred with a growl "Here to make sure she's good and dead eh?"
Kaidan stepped deliberately between the two, slightly taller than the other man he pressed a hand to his chest, pushing him back a step as he cleared his throat.
"You might want to watch your mouth…" He glanced to his shoulder, recognising the rank immediately "Corporal." He said pointedly and he watched with satisfaction as the man's eyes passed over his own epaulettes.
"He's right!" This time it was a female voice, coming from the crowded bar. Shortly following a woman muscled her way to the front. She was small, her dark hair pinned back, her features angular and beautiful – but it was her eyes that gave her away.
"Sarah…" He said carefully, coming face to face with Ashley's little sister. He swallowed uncomfortably.
"Ashley would have hated aliens at her funeral. She would never have agreed to it. Especially a Turian." She glared at Garrus openly and Kaidan split his man, holding off the Corporal with a raised hand while trying to calm Sarah at the same time.
"Garrus was a friend to Ashley," He tried "He's fought beside her, with her – he just wanted to pay his respects."
Behind him Garrus shifted uncomfortable, but Kaidan wasn't backing down. He's be damned if they were going to take this from his friend. Garrus had taken bullets for all of them, there was no way he was about to let him be singled out.
"Ok…" He licked his lips "I think everyone is upset, everyone's had a little to drink and we're all letting this get out of hand…"
"No, you've just spent so long out in space it's rot your mind." The Corporal grunted "So you want to take your boyfriend and get the hell outta here."
Kaidan took a deep breath, squaring against the man as he stood to his full height "I. Am not. Gay!" He said firmly, exasperated.
"I don't care!" Sarah screamed "Just get him out of here!"
"Maybe I should just go…" Garrus said quietly and Kaidan half turned to him.
"No." He said firmly "Ashley would have wanted you here." He said holding the Turian's gaze "You should stay." But as he turned back he was blindsided, the punch coming so quick he didn't have time to react to it.
A fist hit him full in the mouth and he countered preparing to hit back, his fist curling in preparation as he paused, confused and stunned momentarily. The hit had not come from the Corporal as he had expected, but from Sarah. She stood before him a tempest of fury that reminded him of Ashley so much.
He lowered his hand, there was no way he was hitting a woman, but Sarah wasn't about to let him get away with it. She rallied on him, hitting him again and again as he brought an arm up to deflect her blows. He stepped back, losing his balance and toppling to the floor under her. The wind was knocked from his lungs as he tried to grab her fists, to calm her, to bring back reason but she was too fast and he was too dazed.
It was then a hand interjected, gripping Sarah's wrist and hauling her back a few steps, allowing Kaidan to get slowly to his feet, dusting his trousers off as he looked sheepishly at the crowd that had gathered around the scene.
Shepard stood, Sarah's wrist in her grip she held it above the young woman's head as she looked at them all with a deadly glare. She looked tired, Kaidan thought, and as though she had been crying. Her face white and stricken was surrounded by the loose, dark waves of her hair now unpinned, but her blue eyes blazed cold fury as she let her gaze linger on each face momentarily.
"What the hell are you doing?" She asked cooly "All of you. Look at you." She shook her head, dropping Sarah's arm with disgust "You think Ashley would have wanted this?" She asked hotly. The few onlookers who had turned to watch suddenly dispersed, turning back to the bar, jovial conversation returning as she looked hard to the Corporal "Ashley put her life on the line for every single member of our crew on a daily basis, and they did the same for her. Anyone who goes against my crew goes against me. Do you get me?"
She looked to each in turn but none would meet her gaze, her reputation – the hero of Elysium preceded her. She stood solid, waiting as Garrus and Kaidan collected the drinks and moved back toward the table before she turned to Sarah, eyeing the young woman up carefully.
"You're sister loved you." She said calmly "But her time on the Normandy changed her. Don't shame her memory by living in ignorance." Without waiting for a reply she turned and made her way back to the table with her crew.
She joined them quietly, taking a seat next to Liara as the drinks were passed around. The Asari smiled weakly at her and Shepard returned it gently, she had a lot of time for Liara; she seemed a gentle sort.
After a moment Kaidan got to his feet and she noticed his mouth was bleeding; he excused himself politely and moved away through the crowds toward a doorway nursing his mouth gently. She made a poor attempt at masking her own excusal from the table and followed him as he disappeared behind the door.
"Wait." She said breathlessly, catching his shoulder as she turned round the door after him.
He turned; his brow furrowing as he cleared his throat awkwardly "Shepard…" He said quietly "This is the men's room."
She hesitated as she glanced behind her, the sign now apparent as were the urinals on the far wall "Oh." She shrugged "Well, I…" She looked back to him suddenly sheepish and he smiled, wincing as it reopened the cut on his lip. He pressed the pad of his thumb there, looking away as he sighed – almost embarrassed, colour blossoming on his face.
"Let me see." She said, moving over to the sinks and running a tap briefly. Pulling the unused handkerchief from her breast pocket she held it under the running water as he approached, rinsing it gently she turned to him.
"She got you good Alenko." She smiled as she dabbed the damp material to his swollen lip.
"Yeah, what is it with the Williams girls and hitting me in the face?" He joked and she chuckled softly, remembering Ashley's greeting for the Lieutenant on Eden Prime.
"You must just have one of those faces." She smiled, lifting the handkerchief gingerly to see if the bleeding had stopped. Deciding it wasn't quite finished she pressed it gently back, holding his gaze as she moved her shoulders "You know, good for hitting." She swallowed "Shouting stupid stuff at."
He paused, the words not lost on him as his eyes ticked to the floor, back to her "Shepard…"
"I don't think it's anything permanent though." She said quickly, cutting his apology short in his throat. He had nothing to apologise for; she had been irrational, she had let the situation overwhelm her and that was unforgiveable.
His hand came up, curling around her own and moving it gently away from his cut lip. The bleeding had stopped and she focused her attention there, on his mouth so she wouldn't have to see the pain in his eyes.
"Shepard what I said…" He whispered and she shook her head, fighting the urge to fall into him, fighting the need to have his mouth on hers "I didn't mean…"
"We both said a lot of stupid stuff." She said quietly, drawing her eyes over the curve of his lips. She was so close she could feel his breath on her face, could see his lip tremble a little as heavy silence pregnant with anticipation settled over them. There was a faint line on his top lip, a faded scar and she wondered idly how he had got that – she wanted to know, wanted to know everything about him.
With a noise somewhere between a moan and a sigh Kaidan closed the space between them, his hand still on hers tightened as his lips met her own. It was everything she had dreamed it would be, gentle and passionate at the same time – desperate need hiding beneath its simplicity like a second skin. She trembled against him, the electricity between them sending shivers through her.
"I'm still sorry." He whispered against her mouth, the movement of his lips somehow more sensual than she had thought it would be. She shook her head, a soft moan escaping from her as she kissed him again, this time her hands coming around his neck, her fingers delving into the thick crown of his hair, sliding down past the port for his implant to his neck where they sat tingling against his skin.
He held her against him, his hand gently on her lower back felt rigid – almost nervous and she smiled, pulling back a little as she smoothed the lapels of his uniform again.
"We should head back to the Normandy." She said, adding an emphatic nod for good measure. The lieutenant was breathing hard, his eyes glinting with mischief and lust as he tried to collect himself enough to speak.
"Actually." He said, his voice ragged and gravelly "I have an idea, if you're up for it?"
Shepard smiled; challenge accepted.