Chapter 1: Something New.

Shepard continued to stare for a few more seconds as the thought passed through her mind, even she hadn't been ballsy enough to try the drink, but she had been making her way up. Wrex after finding out her particular favorite pass time had even promised to bring out a bottle he had been saving for the occasion.

Sending a small prayer of forgiveness to her friend, she couldn't help but let a fire of determination swell in her belly as she watched the stranger drop another shot down his gullet. She couldn't explain what was happening, but she knew she was going to have Ryncol tonight, not just tonight, right now! She couldn't… wouldn't stop herself!

The blond man, whoever he was seemed to have challenged her without even knowing it, and before she knew what she was doing had already grabbed the seat next to the man and spoke loudly for all to hear. "I'll have what he's having, and make it a double!"

Thumb jerking towards the man, eyes burning in anticipation and challenge, the room became quiet and she flashed a self-confident smirk his way. Though dumbfounded for a moment as they stared at each other, the smile on his lips only got wider as he motioned for the same.

It was in that moment that a bond was shared between the two, something only a few would truly understand as they stared back at each other. Both smiling confident smirks, a comradery was formed as the Salarian quickly poured the drink, the man being the first to push his glass forward a heavily accented word dropping from his lips.

"Bruderschaft".

Zara didn't know what it was about the instant, but without even thinking as she starred into the deep blue pupils of the stranger, deeper than anyone she had ever met, she reached her hand over, drink in hand and looped it behind his, coming back to lock them in place.

"Bruderschaft".

Moving just that bit closer the two gave a small nod before both raising their hands and downing the drinks, before smashing them back to the counter.

*Clink* *Clink*

The hit was like nothing Shepard had ever tasted, she had down some hard shit in her time, but this stuff was on a different level. But she would be damned if she spluttered anything back up. The crowd watched with anticipation and baited breath as another human dared to drink the feared Krogan drink, something Quarians had to spend months preparing for!

Seeing her down it in one go, looking no worse the ware except a red blush to the cheek, the same as the blond, some of the Krogan's pride took a hit, while the rest whooped in joy, slamming a few of their own drinks down before ordering another.

But it seemed with another mythical creature appearing next to another, a few lost interest in the monumental heavy drinkers before them and got back to their own conversations. With the place quieting back down a little Zara fully relaxed as the drink started to kick in.

Looking around with slightly tinted eyes she couldn't help but sigh in relief, this was exactly what she had been looking for, a place to relax. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the blond finally spoke to her again, his deep voice soothing to the ear, a small hint of playfulness lurking behind it.

"Sooo, you game for another." Another grin split her lips as she nodded back and another shot was prepared, the rest of the night for one commander Zara Shepard become a blur before finally turning completely black. The next morning she would wake to find herself back on the Normandy, no clue how she got there, her last memories of the night, a brilliant smile, blue eyes and a shock of sun kissed blond hair.

"Breaking News Confirmed, Human Specter, Savior of the Citadel, Commander Zara H. Shepard has died aged 29…."

The news slowly played in a rundown bar as a heavy atmosphere settled in, drinking from a glass of Akantha, one of his personal favorites, he couldn't help but sigh in sorrow and shake his head as the bi-line played past.

"A shame, a real damn shame."

Saying his piece the man downed the drink before ordering another, hopefully something with a bit more kick, even if it never really affected him.

So yeah second chapter here, like I said last chapter want to keep these short and light-hearted, or very stress free to write.

Now I added the whole "Bruderschaft" part because I already had them linking their arms in comradery, it just took a minute to find out what it's actually called. So yeah in German the word means brotherhood and is supposed to be said when linking arms like that and taking a drink.

As can be seen most of this will take place in Mass Effect 2, and as I said last chapter, I'm a newb to this, never played the game, have only read fanfics, and will be reading a lot of the wiki for information when I need it.

This is what happens when you grow up on PC and star wars games only.

BTW I know this looks like a Shepard/Naruto pairing, but I actually leaning towards Naruto/Samara. Thoughts in comments?

Peace out!