I think there was something wrong with this site yesterday. Just note that this is the second chapter I'm updating in two days, so if you missed out on the previous one, go read it first.

(The stats told me that the previous chapter only had 4 hits, it didn't really make sense unless I'm seriously overestimating the number of people that read this fic.)

###

Chapter 9

Fire Spell

Sky glanced helplessly at the mirror before her, wondering whether it was too late to back out now.

Upon exiting the shower, she was quick to be ambushed by her red-haired friend that quite literally primped, probed and painted onto her in such a way that she could scarcely recognize herself. She was dressed in one of the many outfits that Yaz brought over (she had a feeling that what were in those mysterious bags were not good things, and she was right!): A loose fitting black dress and a pair of five-inched heels. The dress hung off her right shoulder in a toga fashion, leaving her entire left arm bare while decorating her right with some criss-cross patterns. It was quite simple and rather beautiful. Her only problem with it was that it tightened around her thighs and came to an uncomfortable stop right below her butt, just enough to give her room to walk without flashing everyone in sight. She sighed, shifting her gaze to the other occupant in the room. "Are you sure about this? What if they mistake me for a stripper?"

"Of course they won't!" The beaming girl was dressed in a more conservative fashion. Latex pants, and a low-cut blood-red blouse that complimented her hair color superbly. She was in a pair of sky-high heels as well, but the difference was, Sky hadn't had any practice in heels for over six years.

She looked back at her reflection, still unsure. "But look at this!" she tugged at her dress, trying to cover more skin. "I'm going to be giving everyone a show every time I sit down. Not to mention," she tottered backwards. "I'm never going to be able to learn how to walk right in these."

Yaz rolled her eyes. "Oh hush, and quit complaining. Firstly, you look amazing. Secondly, that is what the lace underwear is for. Frankly, I was worried. I wasn't even sure if you shave."

Sky glowered at her. "Don't be crude. I wax." But still, she had to suppose Yaz was right. She did do a good job on her. Her makeup was left simple, flawless skin with dark rimmed eyes and pale lips. She had forgotten what she looked like with makeup on, or the excitement of dressing up and going out with friends. Perhaps she had been taking her time here way too seriously. Maybe it was time to just relax and have a little fun.

She recalled the memories of taking hours to dress up before heading out for a girl's night out, stumbling home after having a little too much to drink. It didn't happen very often, but she always had fun. Dancing was after all, something she loved with all her soul.

Lord Almighty, when was the last time I danced? She asked herself, slightly shocked at the thought. Since she had got here she had been so focused on improving her physical fitness, her understanding of alien psychology, learning more about this Universe, getting a job and doing well in it that she had not actually taken time off to just… enjoy herself. Good timing too, as her mind drifted to the unpleasant events of the day.

"Well what are you waiting for? We're already late." The redhead ushered her out of her own apartment. "If all the hotties are taken I'm blaming you."

Sky shook her head and smiled, before locking up her home. "Hate to break it to you, but we're not going to get there anytime soon. It's your fault for putting me in these."

###

Sky sat at the table, sipping away at a shockingly pink cocktail as she surveyed the crowd around her, bobbing her head slightly to the beat. Now that she was here she found that she actually missed coming out and just enjoying the atmosphere of the more or less, joyous people around her.

The music was loud, and the bass caused the floor to vibrate gently under her feet. She loved how she could feel it beating in tuned with her heart. She looked at the dance floor longingly. It was currently occupied with many slightly-more-than-acceptably-drunk couples that were doing slightly-more-than-acceptable things. But she didn't really mind. It was all part and parcel of the club 'feel'. Still, she averted her eyes all the same, bringing her attention back to the other occupants at the table.

There were a lot of them out here tonight. She had met three of the others here before, all via Yaz: Renee, a tall, gorgeous, Eurasian model that would have struck envy in her had she had a vainer soul; Thessa, a very cute, very bubbly and sweet twenty-year-old that was working as a techie; and Kieth, Yaz's marine 'friend'. She wasn't sure exactly what was going on between Kieth and Yaz, but there was definitely something there. Especially with the way each was staring longingly at each other the entire night when they thought no one was looking. She smiled to herself, you would think that with Yaz being so open and friendly she would be the first to admit her feelings for this guy, but she supposed things always got complicated when it comes to the heart.

"Hey doll-face, you want to dance?" She brought her eyes the owner of the voice. She had hoped to remain under the radar from Kieth's friends by sitting slightly away from the rest of the group and it seemed to have worked, until now. He was rather good-looking, in a rugged, I'm-a-player kind of way. Will, if she remembered his name correctly. Sky sighed. She had saw him trying to get cozy with Renee at the beginning of the night. Clearly, he had failed with his first objective and is now onto his second, or third, or fourth, seventh for all I know.

She smiled sweetly at him, placing her drink down on the coaster. "Thank you for the offer. But I'm rather comfortable here." I hate being second choice.

"Really? All lonely like that? I'm sure I can make this night worth your while." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She leaned away from his foul, alcohol reeking breath.

Sky bristled slightly; it was hard for her to find two things that she hated more than players and egoistical maniacs. And this marine was obviously both. She reached over to detach his arm from her, using quite a bit of force since he was reluctant to let go. She cheered inwardly when he looked a little shock at her display of strength. "I'm really good, thank you very much."

He stared at his own arm stupidly, as though confused as to what it was doing back to his side. After a moment he shook his head, and continued "but sweetie-"

###

He wasn't even sure what he was doing here. The music was uncomfortably loud, the smoke made it difficult for him to breathe and the lack of room for movement didn't help with anything. He groaned softly to himself, feeling a headache building.

"Amp giving you problems?"

He shifted his gaze to the soldier that just joined him, Will Vester. Will wasn't a person that he necessarily disliked, even though they disagreed with almost everything outside of the battlefield. They were in the same unit, and he trusted him to have his back, so he supposed that was all that really mattered.

"Nah, the music."

"Gad, you're such a downer. I know that losing Tom was hard," His eyes widened in disbelief, did he just said what he just said? Looking closely at his teammate now he could tell from his flushed face that he had been drinking, a lot. "But you gotta move on yknow? Live life to the fullest and-" he hiccupped. "All that."

The dark-haired man closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to calm the emotions inside of him. Being a biotic, he had to have the ability to flatten out any outrage in seconds. It would be incredibly dangerous on the field, for his team and his enemies, if he lost even an inch of his composure. "Then why not you go and enjoy yourself then?" He said, voice low and dangerous. He wanted him gone. Will was an ass, always had been and probably always will, but to talk about the death of their friend in such a flippant matter… Well, he didn't want to be responsible for another death in his team.

The tipsy man nodded, obviously not sensing the warning bells. "Precisely what I intend to do. See that fine piece over there, all by her lonesome self?" The reluctant marine sighed, but looked anyway. "I'm going to tap that tonight."

The female Will had pointed out was sitting at the edge of the table closest to the dance floor. She was rather attractive, in a self-assertive, confident sort of way, with long black hair and expressive brown eyes. She looked rather small, not short per say, but definitely very slim and had legs that looked like they went on forever. As he struggled to remember her name he wondered why he hadn't noticed her until now, then he realized that unlike her friends, she had not jumped in at the chance to 'get with a soldier' but instead had probably been sitting there, quietly, the entire time. Strangely enough, she didn't look uncomfortable, or terribly lonely. In fact, she looked rather content to just observe and watch, with the most absurd-looking cocktail in hand.

"Right." He responded wearily. "Are you sure she will reciprocate your attentions?" But the man he had been talking to was already striding confidently, albeit drunkenly, towards the poor girl. He sighed. Great, he should just leave. The rest of his team seemed to have forgotten he was here and were having a good time, he had paid his dues by coming here, so what else was holding him back?

Still, he brought his attention back to Will, he had better make sure he didn't end up with a sexual harassment charge, it won't be good for the team's reputation if he did.

###

He sat down next to her, his hand dangerously close to her exposed thigh. Not for the first time of the night she wished she had worn pants instead. "It would be such a waste for you to go home alone. Especially after all the work you've put into tonight." The way his eyes traveled from her feet to her chest, and down again, gaze her shivers, and not the good sort. She sighed, really just wanting to have this fellow gone.

"Thank you for your compliment, I think. But really, truly, I am perfectly okay with just sitting here. Maybe you might want to look for some other-" poor and lacking in self-respect "-soul."

He heaved a sigh, disappointment coating his face. If he hadn't opened his mouth she would have thought he was rather cute. But now, all she could feel when she looked at his was disgust. "But I don't want anybody else, I want you." His hand gently brushed against her skin and she nearly recoiled in shock.

The contact made her skin crawl.

"Will. I suggest that if you still want your hand to work you remove it from my leg." She said softly.

The man looked up, sure that he had heard her wrong. "Pardon?"

She was getting more and more aggravated. "I said-"

"I think the lady has made her point Will. Perhaps you should go home, get some rest. You've had quite a bit to drink." Another voice interrupted.

Great. Another creep to lose. She thought to herself as she turned her head slightly so that the newest addition to their little group came into view. Why won't they just leave me alone?

The new comer wasn't as sturdily built as his friend. He seemed more lean, although it was difficult to tell since he was still dressed in the standard marine uniform that, like her own work clothing, did nothing to compliment his shape. Still, he wasn't bad looking either, with messy black hair and a faint hint of stubble around his chin.

"What's it to you?" Will bit back, okay so maybe they aren't really friends. "Why you gotta come here and ruin my fun. Go get your own girl."

The man rubbed his eyebrows with his thumb and index finger, looking like he obviously did not want to be in this situation. "Just go Will, before you do something that you will regret."

Her problem looked like he was going to say something in retort, but at the somewhat dangerous flash in the dark-haired man's eyes, which she had to admit, was kind of hot, he closed his mouth and sighed, muttering. "Maybe you're right. Can't fucking get any tail in this place." before getting off his chair and stumbling towards the washroom.

Sky raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed that he was gone without her needing to raise a finger. "Right…" he began awkwardly, "I think I will go now."

She frowned; he didn't chase the first one off to get to her? Now that was new. "Wait." She called out just as he was turning around to go. "Would you like to… Sit?" What are you doing? She asked herself, half horrified.

He shifted uncomfortably. "It's alright. This isn't exactly my scene anyway. I just thought that Will needed some convincing."

"Then I have to insist that you join me, especially since you did save me a lot of trouble, and that this isn't exactly my scene either. So we can be two odd ducks together." He hesitated and she knew she was getting through to him. "Just one drink?" She half pleaded, puppy dog eyes on extreme mode.

Eventually, with a sigh, he gave in and sunk down next to her. She nearly clapped in glee; it would be nice to have some companionship that didn't want to get into her pants, or thong in her case. "What do you want?"

The marine waved his hand, "whatever you're having."

Sky raised her eyebrows and shrugged as she ordered another of what she was sipping on. Maybe he was gay…?

Or maybe not as he paled considerably after he noticed the brilliantly neon colored drink in front of her. He leaned to get a closer look. "I know, I don't understand it," she shook her head. "I swear it is glowing."

The man laughed, relaxing slightly at her friendly tone. "You sure it isn't poisonous?"

"Well… I'm not dead yet. But hey, it is nice to know that I don't have to die alone if it is."

###

The night went so much better than expected. Sky was amazed to find that she actually had a good time, mostly due to her newfound friend that had her cracking up in laughter for half of the night. She was pleasantly surprised to find that he was not the arrogant stuck-up that she had assumed him to be. He was actually quite intelligent, and their conversation flowed easily. So well in fact, that she had proposed they leave the club early to sit outside and chat, away from the smoke, people and music. And he had agreed. They slipped away quietly, not wanting to draw unwanted attention towards themselves, and sat at the fountain near her apartment for the better part of the night.

"So… I had a great time." She said as they came to a stop outside her door. He was sweet enough to walk her home. A good thing too since she had a little more alcohol in her than she could safely handle.

"So did I."

A somewhat awkward silence fell over the two as they purposely avoided looking at each other. She cleared her throat. "You're deporting tomorrow?"

"Yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Right."

Another awkward pause.

"So… Maybe I'll see you the next time I get back?"

Maybe it was the alcohol getting to her brain, or perhaps it was the thought of returning to her apartment, all alone for the first time in three weeks, but a spike of loneliness shot through her at his words. Next time? She was pretty sure there would be no next time. Marine life was difficult; she knew that. For all she knew, this would be the last time she would lay eyes on this person ever again. "How? You don't even know my name." She said with a small smile.

It was true. He was about to introduce himself to her before she stopped him short. She was suddenly struck by the fact that she didn't want to know his name and she didn't want him to know hers. That was the problem with having knowledge of all that was going to happen in this Universe. She could have heard of him somewhere, somehow, and she didn't want her night to be ruined by that. Plus… he had looked somewhat familiar, so the less she knew the better. He thought it was an odd request, but did not push it.

He grinned back at her, "true. All the more reason for you to tell me though."

Sky just shook her head. "We all need some mysteries in life. Let this be ours. It makes this occasion all the more… special."

"Fine… I'll find out one day though." Unlikely. "I promise you that."

"I'll hold you to that then." She tapped on the lock on the side of her door, so that it swished open. "So this is goodnight, and goodbye then?"

He nodded, "it was great meeting you." Then he hesitated. "I mean, that honestly." He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, causing a shiver to go down her spine. "Goodnight."

"Be safe."

He smiled at her words and waved, before walking down her corridor. She sighed, stepping into her empty apartment, listening to the doors shut behind her.

The high of the night, the happiness she had just moment before completely disappeared as her dark, almost ominous living room came into view, together with that offensive couch. She sighed, biting her thumb in contemplation.

After a moment, she gave up with the internal battle inside and turned around, intending to run back out onto the corridor. But as she opened her door she was surprise to see the marine standing behind it, as though he was just about to ring her bell. He looked up at her, shock clear in his eyes...

And then they slid to her lips.

Next thing she could remember, they were changing her opinion of the poor couch again.

###

Ooh someone got lucky. ;] but who is the mystery man? I know who you all think it is, but who is he really? =D

To be honest I was contemplating actually writing out the sex scene. But I don't know. Maybe later on I'll make a one-shot of this scene and post it somewhere else.

Anyway, legit longest chapter so far. Again though, I'm not sure if it seemed a little rush. I was so excited to get to this point I know sometimes it gets the better of me. SO let me know what you think?

I wanted to upload this last night but somehow this site seemed to be have some problems or something, and couldn't. But anyway, I already have the next chapter planned out so if I'm *you're* lucky I might have another done by tomorrow or later tonight!

As per usual, comments are welcomed and a little encouraged. I know I'm not supposed to really 'care too much about what other people think' but sometimes writing for the public has me terrified because I get so nervous, wanting to know if I've done a good job or no. I'm sure you newer writers can relate.

Thank you greed11, Nanobot5770, S058 and an no-named anon for reviewing. Of course, thank you everyone who has ever subscribed, read or reviewed my piece.

greed11 - as per usual, gotcha. And yes, very intelligently placed pun ;]

Nanobot5770 - sorry for the shock! But all will be explained in due time. More of Shep and Sky's life will be revealed next chapter!

S058 - definitely not, I'd probably get more annoyed at that than you would.

Anon - I know, and apologies, but again, all will be explained in due time. I'm glad you've enjoyed this so far!

Hope to hear from you lot and to see you again next chapter!

Love,

Fee

xx

ps. even if there is a slightest bit that sort of seemed unrealistic, do let me know?

pps. Oh, and also, although I'm not up to the point of story I was in my previous fic, I have now beaten that one in both word count and no. of reviews. =D Hehe.