Exodus Part I
24th July 2189
Citadel Docking Bay D24 3:54am CTD
Nathan grabbed Garrus' hand and dragged him on to the ship as the hanger doors slowly closed. He took extra care with Solana unconscious on his back. He took a look at those in the cargo bay. All he could see was suffering and people recovering from their injuries. Only a few people were missing.
"Give it a minute. They'll get here" Nate roared at the pilot
Gunfire tore through the air and it's constant fire caused Kolyat to cry. He looked out to the Citadel only to see the sky light up like a christmas tree. A big ass bomb was just set off and from the look of it, it may have taken out a chunk of Docking Bay E24. Shit that's the Hierarchy's docking bay.
"Garrus" Nathan Shepard whispered
"I can see that Nate. But we can't do anything about that now" He asserted. Though he tried to sound distant his eyes betrayed just how much it actually hurt him
Kolyats crying was getting more and more annoying but I didn't know what to do. Thane made sure that his son was his first priority surrounding him with an energy shield. Rylee watched Oriana and Jade who fought hard to prevent the tears from falling.
"What the fuck?" Garrus yelled. The pain on his face was unbearable "How the fuck did this happen?" he roared trying to relieve his anger and anxiety. Everything was normal. I always expect shit to happen but this. No one could have predicted this
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Nate POV
Shepard Apartment- 5:14
23rd July 2189
Oh Naate, or Naate. Did you really think youo could get rid of me that easily did you. An asari clad in researcher clothing emerged from the darkness and stood directly above me.
"I'm back bitch" Rana announced
With her stiletto heel she dug into my heart. The pain was excruciating and it didn't get any better when she twisted her heel. It tore my rib cage apart and with that it also took out my liver, lungs and windpipe. I began to struggle to breathe.
"Do you really think I'm gonna let you off that easy!" she seethed
Her heel still in my chest she flicked her risk and a tall man was strapped to a chair. His body and face slowly started to take shape. No, no, no, no, no. I haven't seen this bastard in years. His Alliance uniform began to appear as did his cap. His features began to take fruition all that was missing was his grin.
...Dad
"Does it hurt? GOOD"
A carnifex hand canon and unloaded the entire clip into his head. His brain matter splattered everywhere including on my face. His blood poured down my face and it all became too much to bare.
"Fly bitch"
"You stupid self-righteous twerp" Rana cursed before fading away
Jen kneeled beside me and started shaking me "Nate, Nate"
I opened my eyes and sat up. I screamed in terror and silently hoped that I was awake
I was covered in sweat and it caused my shirt to cling uncomfortably to my chest and back. I was panting loudly and my heart rate was sky high. I felt like I was having another attack. My eyes were stinging and for some reason I was on the verge of tears.
Jen was wearing almost nothing. Nothing but a small vest and a pair of my boxers. She knelt on the bed so she towered over me and she hugged me. I tried hard not to let the tears fall and I quickly found that it was a battle I couldn't win.
That nightmare wasn't even that bad. It was one of the more tame ones. What was it about that fucking dream that has me so upset
I turned to face the mirror. I caught a look at Jennifers profile. It was one that he'd never seen before. Her brows were furrowed together and her lips were parted. Her hands were shaking behind me clearly showing how uncomfortable this was. Her expression looked like a mixture of fear and love. (Check out Soldier's Loss on Deviantart artist- Nightfable)
This must all be so alien to her. But she's still trying and she's doing very well. Moments like this make me realise just how lucky I was to find her. And just how much I actually care about her
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9:45
Today is the last day of the school term. Because of that we've all been put into our forms for the day after Anderson delivered his assembly. Saying the usual crap about using our holidays well and not spend the entire time face deep in a ditch on Omega. Yada, yada, yada. Blah, blah, blah. Have a good vacation.
I got out of my form talk to him after the assembly but had to wait until he'd seen the students he had called up to see. A lot of them seemed either in fear of him or completely disinterested in in what he was saying. The last one he was seeing was Rikki.
"Rikki you haven't given a single reason as to why you constantly late"
"I don't owe you a damn thing old man" she was charming as always
I quickened my pace and stepped between the two of them. "Rikki relax"
When she realised that it was me she scoffed and had that cold look in her eyes. "What the fuck do you want?" she hissed
"Whoa wow. What's with the attitude?" I demanded. For some reason she always manages to hit the spots which make me pissed off.
"Why do you care. I thought you didn't" she accused
"Would someone like to fill me in here" the Alliance veteran instructed
"I will when she fills me in on why she's being more of a bitch than usual"
She gave me an incredulous look before huffing "You are fucking clueless aren't you"
"I'm still waiting for a response Lopez" Anderson stood there hands behind his back in military fashion waiting for an answer
"Seriously why don't you just get shot and die or something else that's useful"
I tensed my arm and readied myself to grab her for showing him such disrespect but he caught my forearm before I could touch her "No, how many times do I have to say it Shepard. No more fights"
I was about to argue before he gave me that stern look which said 'this isn't up for debate' and I forced my mouth shut
"What? Does he have your balls in his purse now" she aggravated. I moved forward slightly but Anderson's arm was the only thing stopping me "It's so cute… when he's not around you're this badass but now… you're laughable" she began to cackle walking away from the scene
"I'm going to kill her" I warned
"We both know I can't let you do that" he said as he sat on his seat
"Yeah but it's therapeutic"
"Speaking of therapy when's your next session?"
"Today, she said that she wants to see how I react to therapy in a familiar environment" I explained
"How's it going?"
"It's going. Wish it were going faster though"
"Hang in there son. It's not going to be easy. Nothing worth having is" he advised
"Yeah well now I have extra motivation" I admitted as I took the seat across from him. We both stared outside the window at the sky. There are times when I hate that such a beautiful sky is so fake.
"She means a lot to you doesn't she"
"Is it that obvious" I chuckled
I know that I love her and she does me. Even though we haven't said to when we thought the other was conscious to hear it. Saying it to her when she's conscious would probably send her into crazy overdrive and potentially kill me. So for now I'll just keep it my little secret
"You have the look in your eye. Same look that Eric had for Hannah"
I felt a surge of electricity go down my spine. Only this surge was the bad kind, the kind that pisses you off because your skin feels itchy and stings afterwards.
"So are we still heading back to London?" I asked trying to change the subject from my parent's love life
"It's your birthday. If London's what you want then Kahlee and I will be right alongside you" he declared
My birthday was in a week on July 31st. Which isn't the happiest time considering it's so close to Ashe's death. I haven't celebrated it since the year before that so now I want us all to go to the place where I was born so I could see it again. I haven't been to London since I was 11 and my… dad took me camping.
"So is it just going to be us, Kahlee, Hannah and Rylee or do you plan on bringing a few extra's" he smirked
"Wipe that smirk off your face old man"
"Still haven't answered my question"
"Yeah of course. We can't just leave them in that apartment for a month. Jack and Miranda would end up killing each other. And take the whole building with them"
He raised an eyebrow "So better with us in a compact shuttle where they are constantly together in outer space"
"At least with you guys around they'll keep it to a minimum"
"I'd also like to actually speak to Jennifer. Face to face without being her Principal"
I cocked an eyebrow. How the hell did he learn her real name "Hannah told me" I merely nodded. He obviously knew her mother so I don't think Jen will mind so much
"It's a little late for the protective screening"
"As if it would stop you from seeing her. And besides you have the same taste as Eric". I felt that same surge again of electricity run down my spine. But this time I chose to ignore it
"Jack is nothing like my mother" I asserted a bit more aggressively than I meant it to come out
"In quite a few respects" he conceded "But there are a lot of similarities. For one they are both strong, aggressive women" he began "They aren't afraid to give their opinions, impatient, they both find it hard to say anything that shows genuine emotion and act out violently"
How the hell does he know what she used to do. He detected me look and responded "Garrus told me that you'd been claimed by a woman months ago" he explained "And you would not believe the amount of times Hannah and Rylee attacked your father for being so clueless"
"I'm not sure about Jennifer but Hannah has a softer side to her. Eric managed to touch it in spite of her protests and pushing away. We only received flashes but Eric got to see it all of the time. She hardly spoke to the crew before Rylee joined"
His smile faded "Rylee" he sighed
I was about to ask about her two people stormed into the room. Two of the engineering teachers
"Anderson you need to get rid of this dickhead" Lana suggested as she dragged Archer into the room
"Nate how's it going" Archer got free from Lana and her unnaturally strong arms. I high fived him as Lana rolled her eyes
"Can you fire the dumbass, I can't deal with him anymore"
"Come on Lana. It was a fucking joke"
She began blanking him and opened her mouth to speak to Anderson. But Sterling interrupted her. "Lana… Lana…LANA…" Archer then took a deep breath before roaring "LAAANNNAAAA"
"WHAT"
"Danger zone"
Anderson rubbed the bridge of his nose "Nate can you leave us. This could take a while"
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Illusive Man POV
12:40
I had Dr Eva comprise a dossier of some of the students at the Citadel Military Institute. We need to pick the most qualified and brightest prospects in the galaxy to help the betterment of Humanity. I am not naive enough to assume that Humanity is naturally the best at everything. We have our limits but with the usage of aliens we can push past them and build the master race. I am currently focusing on those that surround Subject Zero and Subject 29. They will be pivotal to the takeover.
Up-to-date as of July 23rd 2189 GMT London. All dates are relative to earth dates.
Lawson, Miranda (Subject 29) DOB 17/5/2171 *Class- Sentinel. *Strengths- Leadership, hard worker, Coercive, powerful biotic. *Weaknesses- can be provoked easily. *Threat Level- VERY DANGEROUS#note has taken interest in Kaidan Alenko. Control chip in place
Leigh, Jennifer/Jack (Subject Zero) DOB 20/6/2173 *Class- *Adept/Vanguard. *Strengths- very powerful biotic, natural aptitude. *Weaknesses- Emotionally unstable, hates Cerberus. *Threat level- EXTREME*#note in a relationship with Nathan Shepard. Control chip in place
_x_
Shepard, Nathan DOB 31/7/2171 *Age-17 *Class-Vanguard. *Strengths- Natural leader, natural aptitude, powerful biotic, charismatic. *Weaknesses- Emotionally unstable, prone to melancholy, shares father's idealism. *Potential- Immense. *Threat Level- EXTREME#note in a relationship with Jennifer Leigh. Son of Eric and Hannah Shepard
Shepard, Rylee DOB 11/6/2173 *Age-16 *Class- Infiltrator. *Strengths- Natural Leader, skilled tactician, driven. *Weaknesses- Far too idealistic . *Potential- Immense. Threat Level- VERY DANGEROUS #note in a relationship with Thane Krios. Daughter of Eric and Hannah Shepard
Goto, Kasumi DOB 12/5/2173 Age-16 Class- Infiltrator. Strengths Stealth. Weakness- difficult to integrate into a team. Potential- Good. Threat Level- HIGH#note in a relationship with Jacob Taylor
Taylor, Jacob DOB 2/3/2171 Age-18 Class- Vanguard Strenghts- Good leader, follows orders very well, peak physical fitness. Weaknesses- loyalty to cerberus questionable- Potential- Good. Threat level- HIGH #note in a relationship with Kasumi Goto. Also control chip in place
Vega, James DOB 14/9/2172 Age-17 Class- Soldier Strengths- peak physical fitness, high endurance, committed. Weakness- Idealistic, childish. Potential- Good. Threat level- HIGH
Alenko, Kaidan DOB 19/12/2171 Age-17 Class- Sentinel Strengths- Good leader, committed, very high aptitude scores. Weaknesses- idealistic, easily emotionally compromised. Potential immense. Threat level- VERY DANGEROUS #note taken an interest in Miranda Lawson. Son of Kieran Alenko and Vanessa Alenko
Chambers, Kelly DOB 22/8/2172 Age-16 Skills- Charismatic, Coercive, Deceitful. Currently recovering from alien attack. Potential- good. #note control chip in place
Traynor, Samantha DOB 30/8/2172 Age-16 Skills- takes initiative, driven, extremely good tactician, abnormally high aptitude scores. Potential- immense
Krios, Thane DOB 9/9/2171 Age-17 Class- Assassin Strengths- master hand to hand combatant, high weapon accuracy, very perceptive. Weaknesses- idealistic. Potential- Immense Threat level- EXTREME #note in a relationship with Rylee Shepard. Also has a son registered as Kolyat Krios(mother deceased). Possibly used to extort Drell assassin.
Urdnot, Grunt Date of Release 6/5/2185 Class- Krogan Berzeker. Strengths- Perfect Krogan, enhanced everything. Weakness- NONE- Potential- Immense Threat Level- EXTREME!#note caution necessary. Too high risk to convert. RECOMMENDATION- Bomb! Lives with Urdnot Wrex
Vakarian, Garrus DOB 16/3/2171 Age-18 Class- Infiltrator. Strengths- Natural leader, unusual accuracy, charismatic, very durable, great tactician. Weaknesses- idealistic, childish. Potentional- Immense Threat level- EXTREME #note in a relationship with Tali Zorah. Has younger sister that could be used to extort Turian marksman. Son of Titus Vakarian
T'Soni, Liara DOB 28/1/2119 Age-70 Class- Adept. Strengths- inspite of introvert act she is very charismatic, very powerful biotic, able to retain and regurgitate information in great volumes. Weaknesses- asari idealism, too emotional. Potential- immense Threat level- EXTREME #note daughter of Benezia T'Soni
Zorah, Tali DOB 1/9/2173 Age-15 Class- Engineer- Strengths- Very skilled engineer, driven. Weaknesses- Quarian immune system, idealistic. Potential- Good Threat level-HIGH #note in a relationship with Garrus Vakarian. Daughter of Rael'Zorah vas Normandy
Javik Date of release DOB? Class- Vanguard. Strengths- extremely powerful biotic, ruthless, peak physical condition, very good tactician. Weaknesses- none Threat level- EXTREME. Potential- achieved. #note very little information about this one. The prothean uses VI to delete extranet history immediately and stays on private line. Too little information to risk recruiting him. Reccomendation- capture to mass produce prothean army
I would like to capture them all but in the grand scheme of things they are all expendable
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Jack POV
10:10
I don't know what the fuck is wrong with me. Lately I've been having blanks in my memory. One second I'm in Nate's room reading some shit from his not so secret porn stash. Then the next I'm standing outside the Armax Combat Arena hurting like hell with a bruises on my arms. It happened again today. One moment I'm surfing the net for funny shit and the next I'm pounding some asari chicks face in with a busted lip.
I got up and ran away from there. I didn't know where I was so I jumped out the window towards the resources room. From there I made my way back to my form room. I was sick of wearing my Cerberus shit and I didn't want to borrow anything from Rylee. So I went to the closet and took some of dumbasses old Alliance shit. I found one of his old N7 hoodies and cut the sleeves off.
I pulled my hood over my head so that my face would be covered. I didn't want anyone asking about my lip. But mainly I didn't want Nate to see it because then he'd get all concerned and shit
Shut up bitch! You love it when he's like that and you know it. So damn shit and narcissistic that you like it when someone shows that they care. You may love him but remember that he could never love someone like you.
There that voice goes again
Or could it be that you don't want him to see just how ugly you are with that fucked up lip. Yeah he maybe blind enough to think that you're hot but this might push him over the edge.
Don't listen to her. You know deep down that he does love you. Just think about what he's done for you and what he's said to you.
Both of you need to shut up and let me live my life. I don't need your help, advice or whatever the fuck you want to call it.
Nate was back from his trip to the Old Man' office. He was busy talking to James telling him about some shit that Archer did. I liked Archer. Seen him on Afterlife, cool guy, no problems with some of the crazy shit we like. And he has no interest in any of us woman wise since we're too young for him.
He noticed that I had entered the room and made his way over to me. I used my hand to obstruct his view of my lips and didn't make eye contact. Maybe he'd get the hint and leave me alone.
"Soo... wanna tell me what's wrong" he smiled. A smile which pissed me off because it made me feel safe
"No"
"Then let me see that beautiful face" he urged
I dropped my guard and let him slowly remove my hoodie. I never broke eye contact as he did it. His focus shifted to my busted up lip and his eyes showed pity. "How did this happen?"
I shrugged but he wasn't going to let this go "I know that if someone did this to you. You would have kicked their ass if you could. Unless... did Saren do this?"
I shook my head. Come on you little bitch where's your fucking voice. "I walked into a post". Shit! You know what it's like when you haven't spoken in a while and you sorta lose your voice. Well that happened so it came out all raspy and quiet.
I cursed myself for being so quiet. Then dumbass started chuckling. Is he laughing at me. I'm gonna kick his ass. "What's so funny" I threatened but my voice was still raspy. Which caused me to punch the desk out of frustration.
"Sorry, it's just that... you look so cute right now" he chuckled
I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to face level "I am a dangerous BITCH. Not CUTE" I warned as I started to get my voice back.
His focus remained on my busted lip. He had a lustful look in his eye. He wants to kiss me now. He really is a perv and a freak. A thought came to mind and I let a devious smile cross my lips. I granted him his wish and planted a rough kiss on his lips. He let out a satisfied moan. I began to smile into the kiss before taking a bite at his lip. I bit hard enough to draw blood and leave a scar before pulling away to get my breath back. My lips felt slightly bruised and the cut was starting to throb.
"Goddess Nate, Jack can you not do that in public" Liara groaned looking at us. There are times when I want to throttle blue for being such a pussy. She's hot and if she wanted she could get anyone she wanted so she should just embrace it.
He stopped panting and got up from his seat. "I only came back to tell you that I've got a session with Aethyta. And I need you to do something for me"
"Just spit it out already."
"Can you try and get along with Miranda" he requested
"Nope"
"Come on Jack. I'm not asking you to be best friends. Just be able to talk to each other or stay in the same room for more than 5 minutes" he pleaded
I narrowed my eyes "Why do you care now. It's been fine between us for the past 10 years. So why now"
"Because we're going on holiday" he announced
"So what? You're gonna be gone for a couple of weeks"
"No you, Miranda and the kids are coming with us"
"Where to?"
"London"
I didn't know how to respond. I've never been off the Citadel before. Well according to Hannah I wasn't even born here and I'm from Eden Prime. Why the hell can't he just leave us here. Oh I get it he can't trust me and the Cheerleader not to trash his place while their gone.
"And being on a shuttle for a few hours means you need to stay in a small room with Miranda without pissing her off or trying to attack her"
"Hey we've been good lately"
"Really" he challenged "So yesterday when I walk in to find the two of you in a screaming match with each other. Or last week when Rylee and I had to break you up when you fought over what channel to watch. Or a few days ago when Kaidan, Thane, Garrus and I had to restrain the two of you when you got into a fist fight because Miranda stepped on your boot. Or..."
"Fine I get the point" I stopped him before he could continue the list
"Promise you'll be nice"
"Don't push it Shepard" I warned
He kissed my forehead before walking out of the room.
Rylee made her way over to where I was sitting. "Great so he sent you to make sure I did it" I guessed
"I'm here just in case everything goes south" she assured
"No way. If I have to do this I'm going solo. No babysitters" I demanded
She gave me a stern stare. If they want me to play nice with the bitch then they are gonna do this on my terms. Not Theirs! Rylee shrugged and called Miranda over. I guess she handled her. She looked at me with that same glare which screamed at me I am so much better than you it's unreal
Just being around little Miss Perfect made me want to punch her. But I can't, no way I'll ever hear the end of it from Nate or Rylee. "Cerberus Cheerleader"
"Psycho"
Rylee looked uncomfortable standing between us "Well... at least no one's been killed yet. That's a start"
"Follow me" I instructed and began to stroll out of the room
"And follow you where. To an ambush. I want people around to verify that I acted in self-defence"
"Stop being such a little bitch and come on. And besides if I was gonna kill you. I wouldn't do any of that sneaky shit. I'd tell you first. Then I'd beat you to death". She shook her head slightly acknowledging that I was telling the truth.
"Miranda come on. You're the more reasonable one"
"Reasonable doesn't mean stupid Shepard"
"How about I go with the two of you then"
I thought about it for a second. I scared her enough to not want to go off anywhere alone with me. Nah doubt it. She's a lot of things but a pussy isn't one of them. Probably just doesn't want to get into a fight.
I led the two of them to the empty room at the end of he hallway. It was normally Zaeed's room but since it's our last day I think he's with the dragon in the combat sim. Rylee stood at the door with her arms folded.
"So what now?" I asked turning to Rylee. Miranda did the same thing.
"You're the one's who do Psychology. You figure it out"
She want's us to talk about personal shit. She knows a lot of my personal shit. Some shit I've never told anyone, even Nate. But I could say the same about her. I know some of the fucked up shit she's done. We've done simply because her bastard of a father demanded that we do it.
"Fist" she said
"NO" I responded. I'm not talking about that piece of shit "Thax"
"No. Jax" she suggested
"No. Joram"
"No Sederis"
"No Kureck" she said. That bitch would actually bring that shit up agian
"No" I replied coldly before smirking Lanteia"
Her eyes became slits. I new she'd do that "Aresh"
My biotics flared on instinct and I stepped forward. I could punch her but that would be too easy "Niket"
Rylee decided to step in when Miranda closed the distance between us and her biotics showed. "Okay. That went south quick"
"Come on you two. Why the fuck are you being so damn selfish" Rylee raised her voice
"Selfish" they said in unison
"This is for Nate's fucking birthday. And you can't put aside your fucking problems for him. For two people who claim to care about him so much you sure are having a shitty time showing it"
"I get it the two of you have history. I'm not asking you to solve it all in one conversation or even tell me about it. All I'm asking is that you is table it long enough for him to enjoy his fucking birthday" she punched the table.
I hate feeling like this. There's this feeling in the core of my body. I hated it, it hurt but not like getting shot and hit. I couldn't make it go away and it's really starting to piss me off.
Is this Guilt? Fuck! Dumbass just can't help but fuck with my head can he. Before I met him I didn't care about the shit I did with Cerberus. Now I actually care about my actions. Hell I'm even thinking about how they effect others. STUPID SON OF A BITCH
"Henry Lawson" I proposed
She was apprehensive at first but she soon relaxed "Fine"
We spent the next hour talking about her father. We lost our cool a couple of times but we never got physical. Found out that some of the shit that happened between us didn't go down exactly the way I thought it did. I doubt she's lying, because some of what she said made too much sense not to be true. I always knew that Henry ordered those sick experiments on me. So I thought that she knew about them and didn't care. Turned out she didn't know anything, he was too busy forcing her to do shit. She never wanted to fight me. I still think she's a pussy though. Getting so pissed about some dude saying that she's not good enough and shit.
"Good... it's a start. A damn good one but there's still a long way to go" Rylee commented
"To be honest I'm surprised Jack or should I call you Jennifer"
How the fuck did she learn that "Do you think I've never listened to a single conversation you've had"
"Tell anyone about this shit! And I swear to God I will gut you when you sleep" if I didn't tell Nate that I'd try with her then I would kill her now
"Relax. I already spoke to Nate about this"
"Really" I folded my arms and took a defensive stance "And what did he say"
"He warned me not to mention it. He told me that if I wanted to know anything more than the name I should ask you-"
"Not gonna happen" I interrupted
"I wasn't asking. He also said that he wants to protect you as much as he can. And if more people find out about her past then you might lose it"
Rylee scoffed "He needs to stop trying so hard to protect everyone. It's like we can't eat without him holding our hands"
"Not really I think..." I began to defend him but stopped when Miranda cocked her eyebrow
"Oh my God you actually like that." Rylee was shocked. She covered her eyes with her hand and it made me sorta self conscious
Before I could stop my self a stupidly scoffed "That's why I love him-" oh shit
All 6 of our eyes bulged out and their focus was squarely on me. No freaking way that I just said that out loud. He hasn't even heard me say it and I just blurted it out to his sister and a chick who's interested in him.
"You love him" Rylee was struggling to find her words.
"You love him" Whereas Rylee's words were more from being dumbstruck. The cheerleaders tone sounded more surprised that I could possibly feel this way about everyone
"Jen that's great!" Rylee ran up to me and gave me a bear hug. Man I forget just how strong this bitch is. "I am so happy for you"
I pried her off of me and my face contorted with disgust. Why the fuck is she happy for me for having this sickness. I fucked up and now I'm stuck with these feelings. Yeah they might make me feel warm and shit but that always fades. And now if I lose him I'll be one of those pathetic, shitty glued up dolls that fall apart when he's gone. I hate that kind of dependency
The bitch was still trying to get her head around the idea that I might actually love someone. I don't even love myself. "You already know what I'm thinking" she stated. BITCH
"But none the less I am happy for Nate. He deserves someone to love him" I like how she never said that she's happy for me
"Okay since we're getting this shit out in the open. I love Thane"
This time it was my turn to be shocked "Whoa Shepard. The fuck you saying shit like that"
"But you said you love my brother" she sounded confused and slightly hurt
Come on she was ecstatic when she heard about your feelings with Nate. The least you could do is reciprocate with her announcement about her loving Thane
You know what bring the other voice back. At least she doesn't let me get all chummy with people
Like Nate
Shut up. Great now I'm having a conversation with myself like a crazy person. Hold on a minute I am a crazy person. "Listen, I'm not a girl club kind of person. I like you and our talks. Let's leave it at that"
Way to treat your best friend like shit.
She's not my best friend.
Yeah she is. Not many people you spend as much time with as her.
Why the fuck do you care
"I know that Jen. I just wanted it out in the open" she smiled.
God! She's been pretty cool with me for a while now. Least I could do is say something "I guess it is pretty cool".
You have such a way with words; illiterate bitch
"Thanks" she flashed me a grin before turning to Miranda
"What?"
"Anything you'd like to tell us"
"About what?"
"I'll give you a hint. His name rhymes with Kaidan Alenko" Rylee said in a deadpan tone
"What about him"
I decided to add something just to make her squirm "So when the two of you were making out in the middle of the hallway. That was what? Two friends seeing how long they can go without air?"
I was surprised when the bitch actually blushed. "Kaidan and I are friends. Nothing more"
"That blush says something different"
"Stop being such a fucking pussy and accept it"
Your one to talk. How long did it take for you to do the same
"What are you so scared of. He'll say no"
She remained silent. Seriously is that it; what a fucking pussy
You never made your move because of the same reason! You and the bitch are more alike than you think
"I've never been the first choice to anyone I've ever cared about. Back when I was child and I cared for my father. All he did was berate me and wish I were more like you Jack. And then with Oriana always wishing I could be more fun like Jack. And Nate... I'd known him for over a year, I tried being subtle but that clearly didn't work. And when I confronted him he rejected me. Then a few weeks later I find that he prefered Jack" she put extra emphasis on my name
"So what you're scared he'll prefer me to you" I scoffed
She sneered at me. "No... but I just know that there's someone else. There's always been someone else. And when anyone's ever taken an interest in me it's been purely sexual. They find me cold and domineering but since I'm nice to look at... they can ignore my most obvious flaws"
Rylee approached Miranda and tapped her shoulder "Miri, I know for a fact that he's interested. And he is the last guy in the world that would use you. He wouldn't dare hurt you because of how bad he'd feel about it. And a lot of the girls think so and a lot of them are interested. He's rejected them all... for you"
The cheerleader bitch's popped open "You need to realise that guys like him aren't available forever"
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Nate POV
11:35
Aethyta needs to know not to get too damn comfortable with me. I mean trying to talk to me about my fucking father. I've spent the past few years trying my best not to think about the bastard and now she starts throwing it in my face. Trying to get me to open up about him. Fuck her! I only managed to stay in there for 20 minutes of an hour session. FUCK!
I wandered aimlessly for a bit. Why am I doing that I have a room full of friends and a girlfriend I could be talking to right now. But if I go there angry I know I'll do something stupid as hell. Like I did with Kaidan, Jack and Rikki after Kelly was... Shit Kelly I need to talk to her. I haven't talked to her since before it happened.
I began walking back to form the long way so I could give myself as much time as possible to cool off. I heard someone playing a piano. This must be one of the music rooms. The song was familiar but I didn't have enough to call exactly what song it was. I followed the music but the material bounced sound off of the walls. By chance I managed to walk past the room the piano music was.
I don't know who she is but she has a beautiful voice.
Now your thinkin' bout it
Girl your thinkin' bout it
What we got here
How we fuckin' got here
They recognize
They just recognize
I'm in a life without a home so this recognitions not enough
I don't care about nobody else
Cause I've been on these streets way too long
Baby I've been on this too long
I know what song this is now. Weeknd- Rolling Stone. I thought people hated the old shit. I quietly entered the room so I wouldn't disrupt the singer. I don't believe it. Rikki is the singer
Cause getting faded too long
Got me on this rolling stone
So I take another hit
Kill another serotonin
With a hand full of beans
And a chest full of weed
Got me singing bout a bitch
While I'm blowing out my steam
Yea I know I got my issues
Why you think I fuckin' flow?
And I'ma keep on smoking 'til I can't hit another note
Oooo, but until then
I whistled in order to get her attention. She immediately stopped playing the piano and looked at me in horror.
"Nice. Didn't know you can sing" I lauded
"That's because you don't know me" she disregarded. She picked up her bag and headed towards the other exit.
"Bye" I called sarcastically.
She stormed back over to me and jabbed her finger into my chest and glared at me. She never broke eye contact and the anger was clear from her expression. "Just shut up" she bullied
"Really, that's all you have to say. I expected more"
"Why are you so fucking annoying" she growled
"I'm told it's part of my charm" I countered. "Listen I'm sorry about what I said at the park. Sometimes Jack's jealousy make's me say things. When I said I didn't care about you I meant sexually"
"Gee you sure know how to make a girl feel special"
"You know what I mean"
She rolled her eyes and folded her arms. She doesn't look at all comfortable in this room. Maybe being alone with me is making her not feel right. "Ok, I'm gonna head back to form"
"I don't get you? One second you hate me and then the next you're acting like a friend"
"I've never hated you Rikki. Disliked yeah but never hated"
Despite herself she started laughing and it was interrupted by intermittent snorting. She covered her mouth and offered a sheepish smile "And now you see why I never laugh"
"It's actually sorta cute. But don't tell Jen I ever said that"
"Your secret is safe with me"
This is weird. This is the same bitchy Rikki Lopez? The one who's made it a point to make my life difficult over the past few months. But now she's acting sweet and agreeable. This day just keeps getting more interesting
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Present
The Citadel's lights went from comforting blue to siren red. It looked as though the sky was on fire and in a lot of cases that was true. It saddened Rylee to stare at such destruction but she couldn't help it. It just seemed all consuming.
Nate must be really hurting. Kaidan too. I can't imagine just how they feel, after going through so much loss together and now when they're finally recovering. This happens.
They were waiting. Sitting ducks waiting for the final passengers to board. It seemed like an eternity since every second they waited it brought them that much closer to their doom
"Nate we have to leave. I don't like it either but we have to go" Javik suggested
"We aren't leaving until they get here"
"Will you jeopardize these childrens lives for a few people"
Nate held his stare but his resolve was faltering. I've lost too much today. God... is it too much to ask... so many have died... can't I be selfish... FUCK!