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Chapter 8

We'll make it through the day.

Year 2176

"I'm so sorry. Shit. I don't know what came over me. That- It was a mistake."

Sky looked on calmly at the man before her. He was incredibly handsome, she had to give him that. It was his gorgeous large pearl-grey eyes that first stole her breath away, staring at her across the little coffee shop. She had, at that time, wondered what on earth about her caught the attention of such eyes. They were so beautiful, like her favourite part of a storm, a storm that now brewed with guilt and remorse. Her eyes slid to his perfectly smooth lips that were set in a grimace as he stumbled over his words.

She briefly remembered what it felt like to have those tantalizing lips on her skin.

She sighed, shaking her head. Of all little, trivial things that could happen, between the reapers and the end of the galaxy, this was the best the Universe could do?

She shot the man before her a smile and said, "Don't worry about it."

"You have to bel- Wait what?"

He looked so confused that she had to stop herself from laughing. "Maybe we can even still be friends?" she suggested nonchalantly.

He stared at her, going slightly cross-eyed. After all, one did not say that to another individual that one had just caught having sex on one's couch, especially with someone else, even more so since that said individual was dating her.

"Really?" Disbelief and hope clear in his voice.

"Nope." She shook her head, the perfect winning smile sliding off her lips as they formed a snarl. "Now get the fuck out of my apartment."

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The dark-haired woman sighed as she shut the door behind her, truly exhausted from the day's events. Be it Year 2012 or 2176, Earth or the Citadel, men were still scum. She closed her eyes, pressing her palms onto her lids hard enough that a shower of white-green spots burst into her vision.

Nope. Headache still here.

Oh how she hated dealing with whiney, pesky, apologetic men. Actually, he didn't deserve to be called a man, he was a boy: a little egoistical boy who thought he knew it all.

Fucking idiot.

God, how much she hated cheaters. It was a personal vendetta that she had cultivated for years now, after being screwed over time and time again. Sometimes she wondered if there was something wrong with her, if she just attracted assholes, or if she was blind to assholes. It was either that or the human race as a whole was messed up.

Next time, I'm going to date an Asari. Or a Turian.

Surprisingly enough, it still hurt. This was the closest she ever got to actually attempting to date someone in this world. She wasn't really sure how to categorize her feelings, whether to be hurt, or angry, or just... fed up.

Sean wouldn't have done something like that to you. Sky sighed. No he wouldn't have, but she had given up on her sweetheart ages ago.

She sat on the balcony of her new home, soaking in the hustle and bustle that was the Citadel. She wasn't really sure what to make of such futuristic scenery. She was never really a city girl; she wasn't the type to run around shopping or go to the movies or clubs. She had always preferred a good book, away from society, with her music on. That was her typical weekend.

And now… She took a deep breath of filtered air and sighed, leaning her head against the cool glass plating that prevented her from falling off the edge. Now she was in some strange world where she had no control over what could happen. She barely even knew anything about this place. What little she could remember from the game, she knew she would eventually forget. So what happens then?

Approaching footsteps drew her out of her reverie as she looked up at her new 'adopted sister'.

"Not contemplating suicide now are we?" She asked as she crossed her legs, imitating Sky's body position.

She let out a light laugh. It actually wasn't all that funny. Especially not amongst them. But if they didn't make a joke out of everything, the pain would probably kill them from inside.

"Nope. Just woolgathering."

The blonde shot her a strange look at her terminology, but understood her all the same. Perhaps it was their stroke of luck to have been adopted by the same family. They weren't real 'adoptees', they were old enough to take care of themselves, but it was Citadel law that no persons under the age of 18 were allowed to live by themselves, so they had to make do. Their foster parents had no biological children and were deep sympathizers of orphaned children. Knowing that they only had to 'take care' of Sky for a year and Jane for two, they were quite happy to be put up with the task. The government even paid for whatever they needed. It was a good deal.

"Thinking about them?"

She knew that she was referring to her old life. The word 'family' and 'friends' were almost taboo around Jane. No surprises there considering…

"Yeah." She stared down at the city lights, but her eyes were unfocused, seeing, but not really looking. "I think… I think I have to let them go." The younger teen remained silent, understanding what she was implying. "I might be able to find them someday, go back to where I came from… But I can't live life wishing and praying every day that I would find myself home again. Wherever home is." Unwanted tears leaked slowly into her eyes, causing her eyes to glimmer. She had to accept that she was here, and here probably for a very long time.

"I'll do it with you." Jane said softly after a length of silence, interlacing her fingers gently with Sky's.

She nodded, turning so that she faced the other girl and held her hands tightly. "Are you sure about this…?"

The blonde let out a short laugh that sounded completely insincere. "No." Looking up, Sky realized that her purple eyes were brimming with tears as well. "But we have to move on right? Life- life isn't fair, but if we keep dwelling on the past, we'll never learn to live." She shook her head, "But anyway, let's do this before I change my mind." Then she paused, "What exactly are we doing again?"

Sky bit her lip, unsure herself. "Well… Maybe we could sum up all we could remember about the people we los- love, and say our goodbyes." She suggested. "I don't know how much it would help but… at least it's something?"

"Alright then. You start."

She closed her eyes. "Okay… To, my mother." She hesitated, wondering if she sounded foolish, but then realizing that it didn't really matter if she did. "I will always remember the lessons you taught me, from house chores to survival skills. I will never forget your voice, your love and your kindness, but most of all I promise to always be inspired by your strength and dedication to the things you believe in. I hope that I may see you again someday in the future, but for now, Goodbye. I love you."

A silence enveloped the pair that made Sky squirm slightly. Then Jane continued smoothly. "To my mother as well. Thank you for bringing me up the best way you knew how, even though I know it must not have been easy. Thank you for giving me strength and believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for your love and support. I hope that when I meet you again, after my own time has passed, that you will be proud of whom I have become. I love you."

Sky squeezed her friend's hands in comfort, "To my brothers, God how much I miss you two. I just wish that you would be here with me. If only you could see the things that I have seen and experience the things that I have experienced. You would not believe it. I can barely believe it myself. But I just want to say, thank you for being the best brothers in this entire Universe. Thank you for being such amazing role models, and at the same time, the best confidants. I miss you two, so incredibly much, but I have to let you guys go for now. I promise I will see you two some day. I love you."

"Dearest Owen, you were the brother I never had. You were my shoulder to cry on, my punching bag, and my teacher. How I wish you were here to support me further, and to help me through the upcoming years that I know will be so difficult. But I suppose it is time I learnt to stand on my own two feet, that it is time that I take my own place in this world. Thank you for teaching me how to be stronger, and better than I was. Rest in peace. I love you."

They continued on that way for a while, each saying a snippet for the people that they had lost. She mentioned her two best friends and Jane, her aunt's family and her father. Eventually Sky got to "Sean." She sighed. She knew that if she somehow managed to find a way home, her family would still be there, but Sean? Sean would have moved on. "I miss you sweetheart. Lord knows that I have so little faith in men as it is but you… You are something else. Despite the fact that you're only 17, you are the most honorable and honest person I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Despite the fact that we've only been seeing each other for the past two months… Those have been the best two months of my life. I hope you will forgive me for leaving so abruptly. I hope that you will keep the values you have now, find a girl who will give you the world, and be happy. I love you baby, Goodbye."

A comfortable silence fell over the two girls. The words that they had spoken did nothing to fill the empty void that seemed to have taken over her soul, but she did feel strangely better, as though she had found the closure she was looking for.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, feeling slightly disorientated for having squeezed her eyes shut for so long. Touching her face she was surprised to find that her skin was wet from tears. Looking up, she caught Jane staring at her.

She had seen so much emotion behind those glassy eyes over the past few days: rage, frustration, agony, longing… But for the first time since she got to know her she could see… a calm, a sort of peace.

That was when she knew; they were going to be okay.

A high-pitched ringing slowly drew her out of her memories. Sighing, she reached over the intercom button- "Yes?"

"Hey. Are you going to be joining us tonight or…?" A hopeful female voice echoed over the speakers.

Sky paused, a million and one excuses ready to be used at the tip of her tongue, and then figured, why the hell not? It wasn't like she was going to do much moping around the apartment anyway. "Yeah sure."

"Alright!" cheered the other girl. "Okay, so why not you let me in and we can get started."

"Started…? With?" she asked as she opened the door and a hopelessly excited redhead came into view carrying two large bags of who-knows-what.

Speaking of other things that have not changed over six years, the woman that stood before her was one of them. At age twenty-nine, Yaz Rowlen, the girl that first helped her out when she was picked up from Mindoir, was still the exuberant, playful and cheerful girl that she was when she first met her. They had become fast friends during her short stay on the Hastings and often searched her up to 'hang' when she was on leave. It wasn't difficult to become close to the excitable girl, not with her open, friendly nature. But her energy did take some getting used to.

"Yeapp! Didn't you know? There will be a bunch of marines going tonight. Kieth managed to convince them to come along. And marines, are hot!"

She blinked at the endlessly chattering girl. Sighing she slowly walked towards her bedroom, wondering what she had just gotten herself into. "Yes… Therefore…?" Sky was, after all, just a call or mail away. Why did she bothered coming all the way down here?

"Because sweetie, you're gorgeous." She put her hand up to cut off Sky's protests. "But with what you wear…" she wrinkled her nose slightly as she looked down to Sky's uniform. Sky followed her gaze, an outfit that she had to admit, did not really flatter her. But hey, it was comfortable and it gave her the freedom to move when required, so she wasn't complaining. "No offense, but sometimes people will wonder if you have breasts."

"But I don't." Stupid genetics.

There was a twinkle in the redhead's eyes that Sky could only describe as evil. She gulped and took a step back, suddenly afraid as to where the woman was going with this. "And that's what I'm here for."

"… To give me breasts…?" Okay, now she was definitely confused.

Yaz barked out a laugh, grabbed the dark-haired girl's wrist and shoved her into the shower. "Just leave it to me bucko." She winked as she left her. "Just go get clean. I'll handle the rest."

Like a leaf swept up in a hurricane. She just shook her head and did as she was commanded. Today of all days she didn't really want to be alone, so she supposed she was grateful that Yaz had showed up.

Plus… Marines huh? What better way to get over a slightly bruised heart than to party?

It was a better idea than staying home and trying to come up with 101 ways to destroy her couch anyway.

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Another chapter done.

To be honest I'm not very sure if I am satisfied with this chapter. I rewrote this particular chapter 3 times with three different scenarios.

But I got angry at my boyfriend yesterday so that gave me inspiration to write this. It isn't a chapter that explains much, just showed how Jane and the OC coped with losing the people that loved. Perhaps 6 years is a little large of a time skip, but I do intend to hurry this story up a little. Don't worry though, I will be going back and forth to explain what happened along the six years in sort of 'flashback' formats. So you won't miss anything important.

Let me know what you think? I might change this chapter completely depending on popular demand. I have two other reserved chapters already anyway. But I thought this one was the most... suited. A little more light hearted than the last one.

I'm at the doctors now, so I might have to proof-read this after my appointment. I think I'm going to place up another chapter either later today or tomorrow, depending on my mood. I feel the need to write for some reason.

Thank you Legion001, Helljumper 1337, greed11, Liege Lord, BAMS, S058, Rosiegirl52 and Nanobot5770. The most reviews I've ever gotten for a chapter. =D I'm glad Jane's reaction was realistic enough for you to appreciate. It made me quite sad for a while. Reminded me how blessed I am to have the people that love me.

Don't worry, Shepard will never be 100% Paragon, I don't really know about the OC, especially since she is based off me. So we'll see. We're all human right? None of us are perfect. Also, a thought occurred to me. If you would like to know what Sky's tattoos look like (well, my tattoos) I have photos of them. Or if you're curious and want a visual representation of the character let me know. I could also get photos of Jane because she is also based off my own Skylar Shepard in ME2. I also do know that a lot of you rather come up with your own picture of the characters so... Your requests are my command.

Liege Lord - I don't think anyone is purely 100% heterosexual. Sky has got to be slightly bicurious so who knows...? ;] (she is based off me after all. Teehee)

greed11 - You are pretty amazing you know that? Your words make so much sense. I agree with you completely. Thank you for noticing and reading this little story of mine. I will definitely keep what you said in mind.

And of course, thank you for reading, subscribing, reviewing!

Love,

Fee

xx

ps. Cheating are for the heartless and the unkind. Don't do it.