Several days prior...

"Again."

Kolyat shifted on his feet and took a deep measured breath, moving back into his starting position before swiftly striking out with his fist. Sliding his foot forward, he twisted himself into a series of perfectly controlled kicks, punches, and alternating actions. Keeping his core tight, he focused on his breathing, on the precise quick movements. Kolyat surged forward, putting all of his strength into each strike before returning to the neutral pose.

Alternating his feet, Kolyat started on the second routine, switching offense to defense, the last set of movements more hand positions and shifting weight. Carefully he slid the tip of his toes over the mat while pushing all of his weight onto the ball of his other foot, ending in an outward punch. Waiting for further instruction he held his last position, learning early in his sessions not to move from the last motion until ordered to. That, or end up flat on his ass with a swift kick or punch.

The first few times that happened, it had pissed him off to the point of seeing red. His mind and heart clouded with so much hate, his soul disconnected and lost among the undertow. However, now he welcome the challenge and the understanding that came with it. The discipline and strength required in obtaining his new found foothold in his life.

Even then, he could feel the weight of his father's eyes upon him. Judging and gauging. Kolyat didn't look at him, knowing it would be considered breaking the routine, sensing Thane move in a half circle around him, studying his form. Silent footsteps coming closer, he felt Thane's fingers touch his wrist. He pushed Kolyat's fist up, still held in the ending position, just an inch higher and moved away.

"Again, and end it here." Thane's voice sounded, barely a whisper of breath, commanding and stern.

Kolyat moved his feet back to the starting point although his muscles and joints ached from the endless strain, his body on the verge of shaking from exhaustion. He slid his foot out to start again but this time Thane moved swiftly into him, a quick strike he barely registered in time to block. Another and another, forcing him to pick up the pace working off of pure adrenaline while he switched the moves to offensive, striking back at the older man.

Thane brushed his strikes away easily, forcing Kolyat to drop his weight and twist, trying to sweep Thane's feet out. The older drell dodged and countered with a decoy kick, which Kolyat blocked before righting himself and prepared for the barrage of quick, relentless strikes that came right after. Kolyat struggled as he deflected the blow, trying to find an opening, lashing out with a hit that was easily parried and pushed back at him. Trying a few more times Kolyat attempted to land a hit, his muscles straining from overexertion.

"Focus Kolyat." Thane urged. His deep rumble curt and empty, feet switching up, landing a kick to Kolyat's side.

Kolyat grunted in pain, coughing from the blow, wondering if perhaps a charging krogan would have hurt any less. The strike distracted him enough to leave his midsection open, giving Thane an opportunity to force a fist into the moment of weakness. Kolyat gasped in shock from the torrent of pain, the force dazing him enough for exhaustion to completely overtake him. Holding his stomach, he fell to his knees, doubling over in agony until his forehead hit the mats, reflexively holding up a hand to stop Thane from continuing, although he knew his father had probably already backed down with the impact of the second blow.

It took him several moments to catch his breath, an uncontrollable cough erupting from his already excruciating chest. "Next time... just hit me with the Normandy."

Turning his head to the side, Kolyat glanced up at Thane standing before him. Posture at ease, hands clasped behind his back. Not even a single sign of exertion after his relentless beat down on Kolyat.

"You think it will hurt less?"

"Eventually you'll get tired of kicking my ass." Kolyat wheezed, watching his father.

Thane's lips quirk slightly, a quiet snicker of air flowing into a soft chuckle. "Perhaps eventually, you will grow tired of falling on it."

Kolyat grinned and sucked his teeth, another round of coughs escaping while he slid his hands beneath his chest, pushing himself to his knees and steadily to his feet. "Again?"

Thane blinked slowly, eyes studying; assessing. Kolyat could feel the weight of his judgement. He knew his father could tell how exhausted he was but he would continue if Thane really wanted him to.

"We will end it here."

"Are you sure? I can continue if you wish, father."

Thane smiled gently, nodding in understanding. "Indeed, and you can keep falling. Strength also means knowing your limits."

Kolyat snorted but tilled respectively, bowing in acceptance to end their session, laughing softly when pain shot through his side making him wince; another cough, a soft groan. "Did you have to kick me so hard?"

"No, I could have kicked you much harder." He stated plainly, tone neutral and flat.

What?

Sighing, Kolyat righted himself and followed after his father as they moved off the mats and through the apartment, nursing his side as they went. It really did feel as if he had been struck by a car rather than an actual person. He still couldn't comprehend how fast Thane was, especially since he knew his father was still holding back.

Turning down a long hallway, they made their way through the oversized dwelling and towards the main living area, passing by his father's room and a large bathroom. At first, Kolyat had been a little uncomfortable moving in with his father, rather than sticking to hotels and rented rooms. He never liked staying in one place too long, nothing ever feeling like it was a right fit. His jaw had hit the floor when he had seen the apartment his father had acquired for them to share. An overly large living room, open kitchen, and dining room area occupied the first floor along with a dojo in the back. A metal, railed, spiral staircase lead to a second floor where his master bedroom and bathroom were. The size of was something he could have easily placed three hotel rooms in.

The price was ridiculous, too. So much cheaper than a place like it could truly be worth, something he was able to afford on his C-Sec salary alone. Just recently, he had found out that Shepard actually owned the apartment, one of several she had on the Citadel, and offered it to Thane and Kolyat to stay in. All Kolyat had to do was pay the monthly maintenance and utilities.

"How long are you staying this time?" Kolyat asked taking a seat at the kitchen counter, watching as Thane opened the cabinet, taking out a container of cinuela leaves, raising an eye ridge in silent question. Kolyat purred in confirmation, and Thane nodded, opening the lid to scoop out the contents to begin the brewing process.

"A few days. Siha has some business to conclude, and the ship needs to be refueled."

"She doesn't need your help with punching people or whatever else she does?"

Thane snorted softly. "Not this time."

"Must be a slow visit."

"Shore leave."

"Uh huh." Kolyat purred lightly, not fully believing that Shepard was not there to cause some kind of havoc. Honestly, he was surprised she wasn't dragging his father or, even, him around somewhere. Especially since the last time they had docked, it had taken him three days to process the paperwork when he was called off of patrol to deal with a bar brawl her crew had started. Since half of her crew had already known him, he had been the one called off of patrol to deal with the disturbance. Most had even listened and calmed down enough for him to work. Mainly though it was because they didn't want to piss off Thane and jeopardize Kolyat's job or safety.

Thane placed the cups down upon the counter and sat across from Kolyat, both of them enjoying the calmness between them while they sipped their tea quietly. The sudden silence and way his father stared at the table indicated that something weighed heavily on his mind. Is that perhaps why he was spending extra time with Kolyat and not his future hara?

"Are you well, Father?" Kolyat asked carefully, suddenly fearful that perhaps his father's Kepral's had worsened despite his reassurance.

"I am."

"Are the treatments...?"

Thane glanced up at Kolyat in confusion, quickly blinking it away with realization. "Ah, my apologies. I did not mean to cause you unnecessary alarm. I assure you, Mordin is doing everything he can. I have begun new treatments, and this one is showing progress. It is slow, but Mordin is hopeful, as am I."

"Good. I hope Mordin can help, if he's as good as you say he is."

"Do not fear, my son. I assure you, we still have much time together."

"If you survive the Omega-4 Relay." Kolyat knew his words were harsh. It wasn't that he was upset his father was planning to carry out this suicide mission. Far from it in fact. He was proud of him, even though he might die. Kolyat was more frustrated by the fact that after all this time of thinking Thane was dead, to finally have him back and then lose him all over was hard to process. Especially since they had finally started to reconcile. So much time wasted, and finally a chance to make it right, only to have it threatened with loss once again.

"Kolyat, I believe in Siha, as should you."

Kolyat nodded and picked up his cup, blowing softly over the surface, the steam wafting from the cup in little puffs of dancing smoke. "She has done the impossible on more than one occasion. I have no choice but to trust that the both if you will return to me. After all, when you succeed, she will be my mother."

A slow smile fell over Thane's lips, the softness in his eyes only ever reserved for Kolyat or now Shepard. "So, you have thought about what I discussed with you the last time we were together?"

"I have." He nodded solemnly, eyes shifting around the apartment. "I wanted to wait for your next visit before I started moving your belongings. Unless you would like to wait until after you return from your mission?"

"There is no rush. I will inform Siha later. If you are available, she wanted to have dinner with the both of us."

Kolyat nodded and dropped his gaze, unsure how he wanted to approach the subject of becoming Shepard's mate, too. Thane had never asked him, and it was a rare occurrence, but Kolyat knew it could be a real possibility. The life his father lead and his sickness, not to mention his age being much older than the human woman he loved so much... her age much closer to Kolyat's. Thane would pass before her.

"There is something else... just so we are clear, if your treatments fail, or the worse should come to pass... I do not want Rishka'fahn."

Surprisingly Thane smiled faintly again, nodding solemnly. "I suspected. Siha was hesitant when she learned of it. The choice is yours, of course, but may I ask why?"

Because she's Commander Shepard.

Because she shot at me and punched me.

Because you love her so deeply, I would never want to compete.

Because I prefer men.

"Shepard... I could never be what she needs. I would not be able to take your place. I do not believe we would ever be comfortable and…. She kind of scares me."

Thane quirked his lips up, humming thoughtfully. "She can be... intimidating at times."

"Terrifying, actually."

"Inspirational."

"Overwhelming."

"Breathtaking."

Kolyat smiled and glanced up at Thane. "You know, she mentioned the same thing to me about you, once."

Thane dropped his gaze towards his cup, frills deepening into a ruby hue as he fell into silence. Kolyat had come to really enjoy those moments. The tiny indications, where he could see the depth of his father's feelings. Although, it had taken him a little while to mentally accept his father's love of another. He was at peace with how he felt about it, now. After his heart had settled, Kolyat had even come to like the Commander. Seeing for himself in stolen moments how much she cared and truly accepted Thane in return.

Kolyat had never fully healed from how he had lost his mother but, being with his father again and learning the truth of everything... it finally brought some closure. For both of them. A closeness beginning to happen between them that never existed before. Thane no longer felt like an unknown stranger, but someone he could actually open up to, accept, and be accepted in return.

"Kolyat... there is something I do wish to discuss with you."

"I could tell, father. Whatever it is, I will listen."

Thane paused for several heartbeats, taking a sip from his tea, staring at Kolyat, the older man's gaze studying and waiting. Kolyat knew not to press him. His father worked on a different wavelength than most he would ever meet in his lifetime. Never rushed, never pressed or losing his patience unnecessarily. Every move or word precise and never unneeded. It had taken Kolyat a long while to admit it, but he admired his father; Thane's way of perceiving the world, his unending patience, discipline, and what he was willing to do for the people he loved. One day, Kolyat wished he could be at least half the man his father was.

"I have a favor to ask of you. However, I am ambivalent about how to go about explaining." Thane murmured, his hands clasping the cup while he stared at the cloudy liquid within.

"Just… start at the beginning."

"It is difficult to ascertain exactly where the beginning is, but… there is a young man I have come to know these last few weeks, few months actually. Siha and I saved him from… terrible circumstances. He is in a great deal of pain. Not just physically but... mentally. His soul is closed off. He is also the reason Siha is even alive. The one who sacrificed himself, so she could be brought back from Kalahira's shore."

Kolyat quietly listened in awe. Shepard had told him once about the Cerberus base she had awakened from after remembering herself suffocating to death in space. Kolyat had asked her questions about how they had even been able to bring her back or retrieve her body. She had simply stated that good friends never give up on you.

"Does he need help?" Kolyat wondered, trying to figure out exactly what his father was asking of him.

"More so than Siha and I are able to provide."

"What do you need from me, then, if the both of you are not even able to help him?"

Thane shook his head and blinked slowly, green eyes filled with conviction. "Because we are not the one's meant to help him."

"I still don't understand." Kolyat shook his head in confusion.

"I do not know why, but I believe Arashu has fated for the both of you to meet somehow. For what purpose, though… that is not for me to know."

"What kind of person is he?"

Thane chuckled and closed his eyes as if taking a moment to think. Finishing his tea, Kolyat moved from his seat and went back to the pot. Refilling their cups, Kolyat placed the kettle back upon the stove and leaned his hip against the counter, patiently waiting for his father to speak again.

"He is vocal and loud. Rude and unforgiving when he speaks. He never holds back his thoughts."

"Sounds like someone else I know." Kolyat grinned, knowing his father would know immediately who he was talking about.

"He is worse than Siha at times." Thane purred in acceptance hiding a smirk behind a sip of his tea.

Great...

Kolyat frowned at the prospect of worse things coming out of someone's, other than Shepard's mouth. Was that even possible?

And my father thinks the Gods have fated for us to meet?

"I believe there is a purpose for it, though." Thane spoke, pulling Kolyat out of his inner musings.

"So, there is a reason for him to be an ungrateful asshole?"

"As were you, once." Thane chuckled again, making Kolyat snicker. "Do not mistake his demeanor for the truth of his character. He has experienced much in his short life, more so than you or I. It is also not over for him. He still has much yet to overcome. He hides his pain through jokes and false smiles, lies and ambiguity. He suffers much, Kolyat. He needs your help."

It had to be important for Thane to even ask this of him. Kolyat wouldn't have even brought it up, if the person meant nothing. That fact that he was even mentioning it, and even asking Kolyat to help, spoke volumes. Although he truly didn't want any extra responsibilities at the moment, in the end this is what he had been waiting for. An opportunity for his father to rely on him. To show Thane that he was capable. That Kolyat could handle anything life threw at him.

"What can I do?" The words left Kolyat's mouth before he could stop himself.

Thane looked back up, silent and gauging, before his green eyes locked on Kolyat with a pull that made his stomach feel as if it was clutching the very foundation he stood on. The threat of sinking through an abyss became real and plausible while something in the air shifted around him. Why did it feel as if he had just sealed his fate as soon as those words left his mouth?

"Siha wants to appoint you his legal guardian. She wants you to look after him, keep him safe... as do I."


"What?" Feron hissed, voice boiling over into an all-consuming inferno, threatening to burn away all the calm sanity left within him.

What the fuck did Kolyat mean? Feron's life belonged to him? Who the hell did Kolyat think he was, coming into his room uninvited and telling Feron he was being released into this assholes care? What made it worse was the fact that Kolyat had admitted into being the son of one of the most irritating individuals Feron ever had the horror of meeting. Honestly, if Kolyat wasn't Thane's son, he would have probably made a lewd comment about how hot that scenario was, and questioned Kolyat's dirty plans with him. Feron was completely unconcerned with his well-being any longer, but… this was Thane's fucking son! Why did it have to be him of all people?

And now this son of a bitch is staring at me with that same irritating smugness his father has.

Feron growled and bit his tongue, watching in escalating hatred as Kolyat leaned back in his chair comfortably, secretly wishing he could stand and kick it out from under him. Licking his lips before they quirked, the turquois man stared back at him haughtily, blue irises blazing behind his dark ocular scales in defiance.

"Nothing to say now?"

He's just like him!

Feron hissed once more in anger, baring his teeth viciously, hands balled into fists upon his lap. He had thought he was having a good day. Of course it was a Krios fucking it up. Already he could feel darkness spreading over his vision like a strangling vine. Obsidian claws swimming across his peripheral, breaths forced out in quick, successive, gasps, while his body started to tremble. Memories of confinement, a blink away from flooding his lips, a physical strain to keep them at bay. Just when he thought he was almost done with this place, with everyone around him- playing the smiling game, keeping his calm composure, doing the tap dance the doctors wanted from him- only to find out everything in his gods forsaken life was nothing but a shitty illusion. He had planned on disappearing as soon as they released him. Finish what he had tried to start several times over. Feron would make sure he wasn't a failure anymore.

A prisoner. Always a prisoner.

"I'm a little disappointed. Father said you like to talk a lot of nonsense. I expected you to be more vocal."

"Funny," Feron lashed out curtly. "Because you're the only one spewing irrelevant bullshit right now."

Kolyat frowned and narrowed his gaze from Feron's outburst. "Bullshit? You think I'm lying to you?"

If I kill him, how long will I sit in prison before Thane would come after me? The madness of new confinement sending me over the edge. I could force his hand. Kalahira's faithful servant lost among the waves, awakened once again…

Feron laughed heartlessly, looking away, fingers rubbing his eyes as he tried to brush away the thoughts that violently took him. This wasn't like him, and he knew it. Shame peeked through. Thane and Shepard didn't deserve what he was thinking but... something about this man stirred something within him automatically, and he didn't understand it. Feron never got angry, never cared enough to let anyone get to him. Just stored everything away for later, never showed anyone he gave a shit about anything, but this male… Thane's son of all the individuals in the universe…. What. The. Fuck.

Kalahira… I beg of you… just drown me already.

"Tell me, exactly how was Shepard able to 'release me' into your care?" Feron strained his vocals, doing his best to take shallow breaths through his nose easing his raging emotions choking his lungs in paralyzing despair.

The question made Kolyat hesitate. His head tilting to the side thoughtfully, both sets of eyelids blinking in uncertainty before he finally murmured, gaze falling to the floor. "Nothing was explained to you? No one told you anything? I thought-"

"Explained what?" Feron pressed, patience waning, suppressing the urge to hiss again while his fingers clamped around the bed sheet over his lap.

"You're listed as incapacitated. Your rights... they've been forfeit."

Feron felt all the fight leave him, nausea flooding his stomach, mouth filling with extra saliva while he fought to keep the little contents within him. He released the sheets under his palms, shoulders slouching, the void ripping back open within him. Another state of nonbeing. Feron wanted to cry. He wanted to be left alone. He thought... well, it didn't matter what he thought, what he wanted. Nothing mattered.

Eight hundred and forty-six days of examples.

Fifty-seven days too late. Wasted efforts after he finished demonstrating his threshold for examples.

Three failed attempts at reaching Kalahira's shores by his own hand.

Feron tried to talk, his voice struggling, a gurgle before he was able to produce sound, gaze fixated on his legs hidden beneath the white crisp sheets, unseeing. "Shepard... was she the one..."

"I don't know who made the decision," Kolyat answered quietly, tone drastically changing to remorse.

It had to be Shepard. Who else had that kind of pull? It was also plausible she had went to Liara for help since the asari had taken over as the new Shadow Broker.

Well shit...

Kolyat suddenly chuckled and Feron glanced up in confusion. Did he just say that out loud? The smooth vocals flowed from Kolyat's lips like liquid seduction. Feron frowned in discontent from the melody, anger slowly slipping back into the darkness within him.

"Trust me, that's what I thought when I was asked to be your guardian and..." Kolyat fell silent and glanced away, sighing momentarily. "I really thought I was meeting a child."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better? Freaking pervert."

"What?" Kolyat raised his voice in disbelief, eyes narrowing while they fell back on Feron, blue oceans hidden behind the outer layer of the Krios taint. "Is that really the first thing that goes through your head? Who's the pervert, I wonder?"

"I don't even understand how Shepard pulled this off."

Kolyat's expression fell, his eyes averting from Feron once more before he turned his head, thoughts far away. Kolyat didn't even have the balls to look him in the eyes as the damn man signed Feron's fate, did he? "She's good at pulling strings."

"Apparently." Feron growled.

"Look, I didn't ask for this."

"But you accepted, didn't you? You still had a choice about it. Did you not?"

Unlike me.

"Not when my father is involved." Kolyat's voice faltered, expression utterly shutting down. A hidden pain he was trying to block others from seeing. Feron might not have even caught it if he had not been trained to catch the small ticks in vocals, the subtle shift in vacant facial expressions.

And his father is an asshole, so…

So their relationship was strained, at the very least. Or, Kolyat was being sincere about his own lack of choice in the matter. Perhaps Feron was the reason for tension between them at the present. If that even was the case.

Good.

An instant of uncomfortable silence fell for several heartbeats, like a thick fog between them, as they stared at one another. Enough time for Feron to study the man before him. The slight shimmer of his scales inconsistent while he shifted uncomfortably in the lights. Green to blue, to turquoise, teal and back again. Long slender fingers like his fathers but a bulkiness in his shoulders not present on the old fucker. Kolyat was far from the child Feron first suspected him to be, probably around the same age as Feron. At least old enough to be given legal rights, making his life hell and causing chaos if Kolyat so chose.

Shepard sure did like the daddy scene, apparently.

"So... if what you said is true. What do you plan on doing to me?" Feron asked carefully leaning back against his pillows, giving the facade of civility.

"To you? You mean with you?"

"Sure." Feron grinned lewdly, the weight of his fixated gaze causing Kolyat to shift in his chair uncomfortably.

Kolyat blinked carefully, his expression closed off and guarded. Feron could tell he was forcing himself not to react. Was this the part where they felt each other out? Two people forced together who knew nothing of one another. It was a setup for a bad movie with disastrous consequences.

The taste of ash filled his mouth.

"Father said you've been through a lot and needed time to heal. So it is best if you remain here for now. I still have to look over your medical records, speak with your doctors, and most importantly… I would like to get to know you. After all... I am responsible for you now."

Feron just sat there and glared at him suspiciously for several heartbeats. The sound of blood rushing his ears, the sour smell of futility wafting around him. "So what? You want to be best friends? Paint each other's nails? Stay up all night and share stories about our first time?"

"I just want to talk." Kolyat sighed, shaking his head, returning Feron's glare.

Thane's scowl is so much more intimidating, and he called me the child...

"Talk?"

"For now."

"So, you do like foreplay." Feron snickered, grinning without warmth.

Kolyat remained impassive to his comment as Feron licked his drying lips and sighed. He had gotten a rise out of the aqua man before, but in the end he was probably uptight and boring, just like his father. Adjusting himself against his pillows, Feron glanced up at the ceiling momentarily for a mental reset. Sighing heavily, he took in a deep breath and stared evenly at the man before him, growling threateningly. "I'm just warning you… if you start praying, I swear- let's just say, you're lucky I won't be able to strangle you with these IV lines."

Kolyat grinned and flashed his teeth. Kolyat's smile and soft laugh lit his face up in delight, instantly making Feron's grin falter, staring at him in astonishment. A sinking feeling hit his stomach, nausea sweeping through like a desperate plague from the pitch of Kolyat's vocals, how amazing his voice sounded, how much Feron hated how it actually made him feel something more than emptiness. Forcing air into his lungs, Feron focused on the push and pull of breaths, keeping his gaze steady, face void of any emotion, grasping at the fall of desolation.

"How much exactly did my father torture you with his prayer book?"

"Enough to drive me crazy," Feron answered bitterly, closing his eyes to keep himself from slipping into one of the nights Thane had read to him, while all he wanted to do was die and be left alone. Feron swallowed roughly, fists bunching the sheet on his lap, the whisper of his past, a brush away from escaping. He tried to fight the strangled sound from breaking free, a constant strain, while he bit his lip and forced his words to remain silent, breaths picking up speed.

I want you to leave...

I want to be left alone...

I want...

To be forgotten.

"Yeah… he did it to me in the beginning, too… when I was lost." Kolyat's voice faltered, the joviality slipping into solemn quietness.

Feron forced his eyes open and glanced back at the man before him, Kolyat's blue irises washing over him, falling upon Feron's knuckles. His hands wringing the fabric over his lap like a life line.

"Talk to me, so you don't fall. If you concentrate on speaking… where were you born?"

"Kahje." Feron fought to say, grimacing through the pain. The weight of his chest feeling as if it wanted to cave in, his body shook with every struggled breath.

"What was your favorite thing to do as a child? Give me a memory."

"Hiding… and running." Feron took a deep, shuddering gasp, trying to center himself on a moment from his early days. He focused on the first thing that came to mind. The smell of ba'haut fruit, and his mother's gentle scent filled his nostrils, laced with the smell of the ari'ney flower she had loved so much. Feron let himself fall, the past slipping from his lips, memory relived once more.

"Voice melodic and soft.'Play with them. Don't stay by yourself.' I grimace and look up, golden eyes studying me from head to toe. Worry and disappointment. Always a disappointment. 'I like being alone. They don't like to play with me anyway.' I confess to her, sadness tightening my chest. 'Who told you that?' Her dress shifts, golden silks like perfect waves as she sits on the stairs next to me, laughter in the courtyard drifting towards us. Children playing, pushing, giggling, squealing, joyful sounds. I glance up at her, smiling bitterly. 'They can never find me. Say I run too fast. I can always find them. Fah'la said the only reason they even play with me is because of who I am.' Her arm wraps around me pulling me close, lips brushing over my forehead, the scent of ari'ney filling my nose. She whispers in my ear. 'Come catch me and then go hide. I promise I'll find you.' She pushes me away and laughs, voice like prayer bells, gathering her skirt and bunching it at her knees, she runs swiftly through the courtyard. The children stop and stare at her in astonishment. Adjusting my headpiece, my heart speeds with joy. I take off running."

"Who was that?" Kolyat asked gently, expression softening, leaning just a little closer, his hand reaching forward but hesitating as he caught himself and pulled it back.

"My mother." Feron felt his frills heat at the intimate memory, the shame he felt at allowing that particular moment to slip free. Blinking slowly, the sheets fell free from his grasp, the cotton crinkled and disrupted from the result of his shifting emotions, manifesting beneath his palms. Emptiness taking over again, a weariness slipping through his muscles, exhaustion settling in. Taking a deep, slow breath he held it in for a long moment before releasing it smoothly, a slight tremble past his lips. Feron's eyes opened to glance at the man before him when Kolyat's gentle voice drifted back to him.

"My fingers slide against the doorframe, breath held in check as I watch her in awe. The music is fast and filled with joy, the words of lovers reunited. She sways side to side, her crystal voice singing the words, matching every perfect pitch. I watch her entranced. Emotion fills her voice. My foot comes forward, the floor squeaks. I hesitate, and she turns towards me. Bright sunset eyes staring back. 'Do you want to join me, or are you not done hiding?'' I grin widely and step forward once more, her hands reaching for me eagerly. She yanks my arm playfully and spins me, her laughter fills my ears."

Kolyat blinked rapidly and pulled himself from the memory, his pupils constricting when they zeroed back in on Feron. "I liked to dance as a child. It was one of the few things that made me happy."

"So dance, while you strip for me. It might be enough to distract me further." Feron tilled seductively, brow ridges rising in challenge.

Kolyat snorted and shook his head, but unlike the first moment of meeting, this time, a faint smile quirked his full, sin-carved mouth. He hated to admit it, but Thane's son was actually not bad looking.

He still didn't like him though.

The monitor beside Feron let out a quiet click before a silent pulsing light began on the side of the panel. An indicator alerting him that the timer had ended. Any moment, a nurse would come through his door and administer a benzodiazepine. A drug they had started to give him when his third psychiatrist had not been successful at getting him to talk. Just like the first two. He was actually surprised they didn't whip out the coloring books and dolls yet. 'Did anyone try to touch your no no spot?' So far, he was still able to fight through the drugs and thwart most of the questions, after all, he had been through much worse than anything they could offer. This place was a vacation spot compared to the last two and a half years.

"Did your medication run out?" Kolyat asked, motioning with his chin towards the sensor.

"It's letting me know my date is about to arrive."

As if on cue, an asari walked through the doorway, holding a small tray. Nurse Amari, the early-evening regular, unfortunately married and refused to suck him off, was nothing but a waste of a pretty face. Feron had started to despise her after every visit, and even though he was lewd to her, he only did it to get under her skin.

He didn't care how angry she would get at him, he wouldn't have wanted that nasty bitch's mouth anywhere near his dick anyway. One night, he had heard an argument between Amari and, what he assumed, was her wife. Amari had accused her ball and chain of cheating on her, just as Feron was coming out of a previous forced twilight. It was just enough for him to know to piss her off passive-aggressively. She was one of those that enjoyed watching pain in others, and he had called her out on it after observing her mannerisms.

Every time she got rough with him after, he would subtly suggest that maybe if she was gentler, her wife might like her more. Or if she smiled, she might get a chance of getting laid, instead of coming home to an empty house. She always made the treatments hurt after that.

He knew people like her, more than he would care to admit. Those that took an enjoyment in having power over someone unable to defend themselves. To cause pain and relish another's misery. She enjoyed given him the drugs that made him docile, drowning him in non being. He hated falling asleep while she watched him, it was worse than the people who had put their hands on him,and he only saw poison in her eyes.

Just like everyone else.

"You have company today, Mr. Takai?"

"I do?" Feron snickered, blinking in mock surprise, shifting his gaze between Kolyat and nurse happy-go-fuck-herself. "You mean you can see him, too? Shit. I thought he was just my dirty fantasy. So then you have no choice..." He turned back to Kolyat. "You have to keep your clothes on. She doesn't deserve the show. Try not to show her how disappointed you are."

"I'll refrain from indicating the tragedy of it all." Kolyat deadpanned.

Feron grinned widely and purred at Kolyat in coy delight. "Are you sure you're Thane's son? You almost made an enjoyable retort. You might not actually be related, then. I hope you realize that."

The nurse shook her head, missing the frown Kolyat gave Feron, resting the tray next to the table by the bedside, Amari quickly checked the monitors, making notes on her omnitool. "Are you planning on being receptive to Dr. Bennet today?"

"Bennet is just upset he can't cream his pants because I refuse to kiss and tell." Feron snickered, turning his gaze from Kolyat back to the woman

"I see you're being your enjoyable self today. We will see how you feel in a few minutes."

"I love it when you talk dirty," Feron murmured, the humor no longer reaching his voice as he steeled his nerves, watching as she checked his IV lines and grabbed the open line, waiting for the burn of the medication. He knew it was pointless to fight it anymore. His first few attempts ended with several people putting their hands on him, sending him into blind panic and turmoil, painful restraints keeping him down while they forced the shit into him anyway.

It would have been easier if I had just died.

Kalahira must have forgotten my name.

"What is that?" Kolyat spoke up, eyeing the syringes on the tray, Amari's face, and then her hands as they pulled on the line to make sure the drip was clear; just enough to cause Feron discomfort.

"Something to keep Mr. Takai calm."

Something flashed in Kolyat's eyes, a hardness Feron had yet to see. "He seems pretty calm to me, is that really necessary? What kind of medication is it?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss Mr. Takei's treatments with you."

"its midazolam," Feron answered dryly, averting his gaze momentarily until Kolyat's silence pulled him back.

Frowning deeply, Kolyat opened his omnitool, gaze darkened further when he, most likely, read what it was used for. Sucking his teeth loudly, Kolyat rose from his seat, lips harsher and more defined while his displeasure grew. "How often do they give you this shit?"

Feron hesitated with the sudden emotion in the other man's voice. The passionate way he asked, seizing Feron's tongue, as he stared up at the death dealer's son. Traces of Kolyat's father peeking through his son's persona. It had to be a facade. He didn't actually care, did he?

"Every day," Feron forced himself to admit, the disclosure causing shame to well within his chest.

"This is ridiculous." Kolyat shook his head in aggravation, switching screens on his omnitool, turning his arm around for Amari to see. Signed documents filled the device while Kolyat transferred them from Rhaka to Galactic common for her to read. "As of last night, Feron Takai is no longer a ward of the Citadel, he belongs to me. I have legal rights as his proxy and guardian, and I will not have him subjected to any non-vital medication. I wish to speak with his doctor."

"It doesn't matter if you speak to the doctor or not. It doesn't matter if you're his guardian. Dr. Bennet requires him to have this drug for safety reasons."

"Whose safety? His? Yours? The Citadel's? I think you give him way too much credit."

"Says you." Feron deadpanned, leaning back against his pillows, purring aggressively towards Kolyat. He glanced at Feron and grinned haughtily, eyes shifting back to Amari as she spoke again.

"We've had issues with Mr. Takai in the past. He tried to escape once when he became anxious. He also has a tendency of violent outbursts."

Kolyat raised an eye ridge quizzically to look back at Feron, like he was trying to assess the truth of her words. Without answering, Feron snorted rudely and crossed his arms over his chest. There was no use denying the truth of the matter. Although, he had only grown anxious the first time, when Amari had grabbed his wrist to give him pain medication, he had hissed and hit her on reflex, his body and mind sometimes unable to tell the difference between phantom pains and friendly concern. In the end, she was a bitch though, and he wasn't sorry in the slightest.

"He needs it for his treatments," Amari pressed further, her words caused Kolyat to narrow his eyes in suspicion while she continued to prepare Feron's injections.

"First you say it's a safety precaution, now it's for treatment. What is the actual story, or perhaps your staff is just inept at handling him, and abusing your authority?"

. "I'm just doing my job," Amari replied dryly, her features shutting down mechanically. "If you have any complaints, take it up with his doctor. Otherwise, you have no right to be here. Visiting hours are over."

"Kolyat-"

"Shut up." Kolyat snapped at Feron who tried to cut in, leaving Feron to suck his teeth in surprised displeasure, before Kolyat turned back towards Amari in seething annoyance. "You're joking right? You're about to try and pull that authority bullshit on me? I'm about to turn it back on you. I'm C-Sec, and now I'm giving you a direct order; hold off on the medication, until I review his charts."

Amari laughed loudly, an annoying high-pitched banshee sound, which made Feron wince. She waved her hand before her, as if to brush off Kolyat's words. "You're so full of it. There's no drells in C-Sec, everyone knows that."

Feron watched all the warmth leave Kolyat's face, a coldness settling over his features while his muscles tensed, a warning till vibrating from his throat, fists tightened at his sides. Amari ignored his growl and continued chuckling, shaking her head to disregard Kolyat.

Feron exhaled dramatically, highly disappointed by the man before him. He would have figured Thane's son to at least be a good liar like Feron expected Thane to be. "If you're going to lie, at least make it believable."

"Again, you think I'm lying?" Kolyat pressed in rising animosity, teeth clashing together, lip raised slightly in disgust.

"Of course." Feron shrugged indifferently. Kolyat did realize Feron wasn't intimidated by him in the slightest, didn't he? "I might not piss on the woman to help if she was on fire, but her words are true."

"So, you would believe a woman you clearly hate, over someone trying to help you?"

"What can I say? I have trust issues." Feron purred, the sound only meant for Kolyat to hear, solely to let him know, rudely, that he was done with the conversation.

"You can trust me," Kolyat murmured, their eyes quickly meeting, Feron's breath froze momentarily as the sound of Kolyat's conviction held him in place.

Why does he sound so sincere?

Amari's movements brought both of them back to the present, using their distraction as an opportunity to push the syringe into the open line. Kolyat moved quickly and grabbed her wrist, side stepping to twist it behind her back. The sudden movement startled both of them, but Amari had it the worst as she gasped in alarm, the needle dropping to the ground between them with a quiet clank.

Feron hoped it shattered and stabbed her in the foot.

"Are you crazy? Let go of me!" Amari raised her voice in alarm, using more strength than necessary to try and pull herself free, causing her to fall back and lose her balance, stumbling onto the monitors when Kolyat released her. The whole situation made Feron's jaw drop, eye ridges rising in surprise.

Oh shit...

Feron blinked slowly in disbelief from Kolyat's quick movement, Amari's loud, erratic screech's, turning his stomach to the throes of full blown nausea. Gods he hated her voice.

"How dare you!" Amari seethed, gritting her teeth, rubbing her arm where Kolyat grabbed her, biotic energy flowing over her skin. "Leave, or I'm having you arrested."

Feron grinned and tilled in interest, sitting back against his pillows when the excitement had him leaning forward in delight. He was very interested now in how this would play out. Would she try to strike out at him in return? Throw his ass out of the room with a biotic push? Call C-Sec and report him? Although, let's be honest, how boring would that be?

Feron shook his head in mirth and chuckled loudly. "You are so getting arrested."

"Seriously?" Kolyat frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What?" Feron answered defensively.

"You're acting as if you don't care that I'm trying to help you."

"I don't care," Feron admitted. "They don't allow me to have a tv, at least I'm getting entertained."

Kolyat narrowed his eyes in uncertainty - was he surprised by Feron's disregard? "I'm not here for your entertainment." Kolyat's voice now held an edge of hollowness.

Feron's eyes ran over Kolyat fluidly before he licked his lips again and grinned lasciviously. This poor man was surely mistaken if he thought Feron was going to make it easy for him. "You sure about that?"

Movement from the doorway caught his attention as his pudgy, red-faced, out of breath, doctor came barreling into his room accompanied by a turian C-Sec Officer. They both stopped to assess the situation, the dark grey skinned turian assessing every inch of the room, probably trying to figure out exactly what was going on."

"What is going on in here?" The human man demanded, gaze wildly glancing between all of them. "A distress signal sounded from your omnitool, Lisaiya. Is everything ok?"

My, my, my, first name basis now, are we? Feron grinned propping his elbow up on the bed rail to rest his cheek upon his knuckles, waiting for everything to unfold. He wondered if Amari was sleeping with the human man for him to come in overly alarmed. That sure would explain a lot of things. It would also give a reason for Amari not to care about how much Feron tried to insinuate things about her wife lately. That had to be the real reason she didn't want to blow him then, he wouldn't accept any other reality.

"This man assaulted me! He also impersonated a C-Sec Officer. I want him arrested immediately," Amari spoke up quickly, viciously motioning towards Kolyat.

Feron sucked his teeth and shook his head sighing heavily from the whole situation now, gaze falling on Amari in discontent. "You disappoint me Amari, I thought your balls we're bigger than that."

Not only did Amari actually call C-Sec, but now she was most likely going to exaggerate the tale. Feron hated to admit it, but he would do his best to try and help Kolyat if he could. However, two facts did remain, and what nurse-go-fuck-herself said was indeed true. Kolyat did assault her, and he did try to impersonate an officer.

Feron wondered how long Koyat would have to sit in holding now until Shepard or Thane had to bail him out. Imagined him sitting in a cell, staring at the walls, contemplating his life choices. Would Daddy Dearest be mad at having to pay off all those credits? Maybe spank him for good measure? Would Shepard scold him like the the wrathful deity Thane pet named her for?

"Mind telling me your side of the story?" The turian asked Kolyat who, to Feron's surprise, showed no sign of nervousness about being charged with assault.

"I'm Officer Krios, badge number 79854," He answered, reaching into the breast pocket of his jacket to produce a gold badge. "After identifying myself as C-Sec, she failed to comply with a legalized direct order. After she disregarded my instructions, I had to momentarily restrain her from continuing her actions."

The C-Sec officer glanced at Feron and then back to Amari who took a step back in unfathomable horror. Feron couldn't hold back the laugh that suddenly erupted from his throat, cutting across the thick fog of 'take that bitch!' that filled up the uncomfortable atmosphere. Well, not for him. However, Amari was probably shitting her pants now. The irony of the whole thing making his shoulders shake as the laugh continued, the situation absolutely phenomenal and incredibly awkward, and so wonderfully perfect.

He didn't lie after all. Kolyat Krios actually is a cop, and his father...

Goddess, this is priceless…

"Is this true?" The officer asked Feron, giving Amari a quick, scrutinizing glare and telling her to be quiet when she tried to speak up.

"Yes." Feron caught his breath from his laughter, still on a high from the irony. "She didn't believe him, disregarded his instructions as… my legal guardian." The last words left his throat on a wave of rising bile, avoiding Kolyat's gaze, knowing he was probably staring at him in shock since he had helped him without urging.

Don't get any funny ideas. I still don't like you.

"This is outrageous!" Amari raised her voice to the point of shrieking, once again making Feron cringe in disgust from the annoying sound. "He was interfering with medical precautions. He refused to let me do my job - he put my patient at risk."

"Lisaiya, we have talked about this." Dr. Bennet tried to interject, raising his hands to calm her, glancing at Kolyat carefully.

"Are you kidding me? Why are you acting as if I'm in the wrong Edward? This man assaulted me. He tried to prevent me from administering Takai's medicine." Amari raised her voice again, eyes glancing quickly between everyone.

"I gave you instructions to hold off on the medication until I viewed Feron's medical charts and spoke to his doctor, you blatantly disregarded my wishes." Kolyat crossed his arms over his chest, calmly interjecting the lover's quarrel that seemed to be happening between the lines. "You also threatened me, and you failed to comply with a police officer. Perhaps I should have you arrested, have you see how it feels when the tables turn."

Amari blinked and stared at Kolyat in bewilderment. Smirking from her silence, Kolyat clicked his tongue, a wide grin spread across his lips before cruelty entered his features, something dark and carnal, his eyes brightening momentarily, halting Feron's breath. Shit, he has nice eyes. Feron glanced at Amari with the best, go-fuck-yourself smile and purred in delight.

Maybe this could have a perk or two after all…

"I guess he told you," Feron murmured at Amari, really hoping Kolyat went through on his threat.

"Oh no Takai, you are going to keep getting the midazolam, there is no negotiation in that," Dr. Bennet spoke firmly, narrowing his eyes at Feron, leaving no room for argument.

"Why?" Kolyat asked, all of his attention turning on Bennet.

"Because, Mr. Takai has tried to commit suicide several times. He is a danger to himself, and I refuse to have him die on my watch."

Feron licked his lips and took a deep breath chancing a glance at Kolyat who turned his eyes back on him. The aqua man's features completely shutting down again while he stared at Feron head on, features stoic and empty. Feron knew the illusion of civility he might have had, would now be lost. Returning Kolyat's stare with one of his own, Feron steadied his gaze and attempted to purr at him in mirth. "Would you believe me, if I said he was lying?"

Kolyat never answered him, nor did his dark expression change for the remainder of his visit.