A/N A huge thank you to Nacole for going through this for me and improving it so much.
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Kaidan just stared as he processed this new information. "How do you feel about this?"
"I don't think it's completely sunk in. It may not until I talk to him and get some answers. It still doesn't change our relationship; look at what he's put me through and what he did to you. I'm thrilled we're having a baby, but... I can't imagine what it was like for you. How can I ask you to forgive me?"
Kaidan reached out and took his hand. "The only person to blame is him; none of this is your fault. I've never blamed you and I never will."
"Damn it I have to go to and see the council to get help for Earth. I'll come back before I head off." He reached down to the bottle he'd placed on the floor. "Here this is for you after the baby is born; we can use it for a celebration."
"Thanks, we'll do that."
Neither of them mentioned that they might not be alive to do that be able to drink it.
Shepard leaned forward and kissed Kaidan he pulled back slowly and savoured every moment. "I wish we could go on a date or something."
"Maybe we can, even if it's just here."
"I -."
"Yes, you should go." Kaidan laughed he'd missed the other man so much. "Bye Shepard."
"It's John."
"That's going to take a little time to get used to."
Shepard grinned and left his room. He'd taken everything so well, but... John was used to the impossible. What did the council want with him?
XXXXX
"Shepard."
"Thane, it's good to see you, and thank you for saving Kaidan."
"You know the human biotic?" Thane asked, noticing the confused look he continued to speak. "I saw the implant on the back of his neck. There is a lot of security for him and also the restricted access. Is he someone special?"
"He is to me. How are you doing?"
"As well as can be expected, I am on borrowed time now. I will keep an eye on your friend, to make sure he stays safe."
''Thank you, Thane, I would appreciate it. Could you make sure he's not hurt or injured especially around the stomach."
"Of course, but why?"
"I can't tell you here, I'll get you put on the list of visitors allowed to see him. You can trust Kaidan." Shepard paused "I really wish I could do something to help you."
Thane laughed, "you already have because of you I have friends. Something I never thought I would have. You are at the top of that list. I managed to help save countless lives from the Collectors and most of all I have my son back."
"How is he?"
"He's doing much better, he worries about me, and after my last attack, I moved into the hospital. I'm sorry about Earth. I did send messages to you, I'm not sure if they got through or not."
"I have to go; the council is waiting for me."
"We will talk soon, my friend. I promise on my life that Kaidan Alenko will be safe as I can make him. You love him?"
"Yes, I do very much." With one last nod, he turned and left. He hoped that this would not be the last time he saw the Drell.
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The council meeting had been a disaster. Once again not only did they not believe him, but they were looking after cover their own asses. If there ever was a time they needed to start seeing the bigger picture it was now. To make matters worse, he had to stand next to Udina throughout the joke of a meeting, Udina then asked to see him in his office and here he was.
"It's good to see Kaidan doing so well I'm glad the Asari Commandoes and that Drell patient was were there to save him. I wonder who would want to hurt a pregnant man?" Udina stated in a false concerned tone. However, Shepard could see the distaste in the other man's face.
"Hmm, yes I wonder who could have been behind the attack.
"Rest assured, we will find out, and justice will be served, I promise you that." Udina looked straight at Shepard, "let's take it one step at a time." It was clear that the Commander knew he was behind it, or at least thought he was. He would have to take a step back if he were found out now so many other plans would be ruined. The door opened before either of them could say anything and in walked the Sparatus, the Turian councillor.
"I may have a solution to your problem."
"That is?" Shepard asked wearily not sure how anything could help.
"Our Primarch is stuck on Palavan's moon, Manae. The Normandy is the only ship that could get there undetected."
"And this helps me, how?"
"The summit, it will be during that they will decide where our troops go. You will have a grateful Primarch on your side who could sway the votes towards Earth."
"You want me to play politician while millions are dying on Earth!" Shepard exclaimed.
"We don't have a lot of choice, do we?" Udina pushed seeing this as an opportunity.
Shepard glared at him; the only thing Earth Councillor wanted was power.
"It's the only thing I can offer. Oh there is one other thing, we've agreed to uphold your SPECTRE status." with that the Sparatus left them alone
"I don't have much choice," Shepard muttered.
"Do what you can; I'll try to get things done from here."
"Of course you will" He whispered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, make sure Kaidan is safe." Shepard never waited for a reply and left the Udina's office.
"If I have my way that freak will be taken care of permanently."
XXXXX
Shepard's surrounded by dark, eerie looking trees. He has the ability to see the immediate area around himself, but further out the rest of the world is hidden by dense fog. A child runs away from him, laughter ringing out; it feels out of place, and the joyous sound makes the area seem even more terrifying.
He tries to run, but something seems to be pushing at him. It feels like he is barely moving. Once he managed to catch up with the little boy, the horrifying sound of the Reapers attack is getting louder; the world around him suddenly has a red tinge to it. The kid runs away again, there is no more laughter. Just the sound of sobbing, the noise of someone who's lost everything. Shepard is finally able to reach the boy, he holds out his hand to help him and looks into that young haunted face and sees familiar blue eyes. They're the same ones he sees in the mirror every day. Just then the little boy is engulfed in flames.
Shepard bolts straight up, convulsions making his limbs twitchy, his breathing harsh as his heart pounded the roaring echoing in his own ears. He took a few deep breaths trying to calm himself down if only Kaidan were there. Shepard jumps at the sound of rapid knocking; it must have been what pulled him out of the nightmare. He would succeed, he had too if only for his child to have a future. "Come in." He called out voice sounding weak to his own ears knowing EDI would open it for whoever was there.
"Shepard, it's... are you okay?"
"I didn't have a good sleep."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
He smiled at Liara. It felt like yesterday when they first met. She had a small crush on him. If he hadn't already had feelings for Kaidan, he might have tried a relationship with her. Now with everything that had happened, she was one as his best friends
"We left Earth, and so many people are dying. If we stayed, we might have made a difference. If we don't win this thing, then my child may never be born."
"Shepard, we're going to do everything we can. You, Kaidan and your child are going to live in a wonderful universe, one which wouldn't be around if not for you. The little one will be welcomed by every species."
"Thanks, Liara'" She was only trying to cheer him up, but nothing helped with the weight of everyone that was on his shoulders. He hoped that together they succeeded if only the other species would start to look at the larger picture.
TBC.