Firstly, thanks so much to everyone who reviewed for the last chapter. I'm glad you all seem to be enjoying it so far. This chapter I would especially like to know what you thought, since I'm tackling the infamous Horizon encounter. Reviews make me incredibly happy, and I will always respond to them if I can. Also, just wanted to make a note on my countdown. If you haven't noticed, I'm counting down to the American release, March 6, counting the day of the release itself. I have something special planned for that day.

Today's prompt is another Moulin Rouge! song, "El Tango de Roxanne". It is very heavily based on the quoted section below (and only the quoted section, for those who know the song), and I had the song on repeat while I was writing it.

So, without further ado, enjoy, and leave me a review.

14 Days-More Than I Can Stand

"It's more than I can stand

Why does my heart cry?

Feelings I can't fight

You're free to leave me,

But just don't deceive me,

And please, believe me

When I say I love you."

-El Tango de Roxanne, Moulin Rouge!

Head in my hands, I collapsed onto my bed, trying to grasp what had just happened. My eyes stung from unshed tears, and I felt the precursors of what was going to be a monster headache. Well, I thought bitterly, that could have gone better.

Horizon. Kaidan Alenko. What a mess.

When I first saw Kaidan my heart soared. Here was the very person I had been searching for tirelessly ever since I woke up on that Cerberus operating table. And when he drew me into his arms, well, the feeling was indescribable. For the first time since my resurrection, I knew that I was really myself, really alive. I felt human again. Whole. I wanted to tell him about everything, ask him to come with me, kiss him soundly despite anyone who was watching. But as soon as he pulled back and I saw the look on his face, the pure hurt and confusion, I realized I had misestimated his reaction to my sudden appearance.

I quickly stumbled over what I wanted to say, trying to combat the accusations that he was throwing at me. I watched as his demeanor turned from warm to hurt, from hurt to betrayed, from betrayed to angry. As he began to leave, I took desperate measures.

"Wait, Kaidan," I said turning him around to face me again.

"Shepard?" he responded. I put my hands on either side of his face, forcing him to make eye contact with me.

"Look at me. You know me. You know me better than anyone! It's me. Come with me. Please." I pleaded, holding eye contact with him.

"I…can't" he replied quietly. My eyes began to sting.

"Why?" I asked desperately. "Why not?"

"You've betrayed the Alliance."

"You know damn well that's not true. I'm doing the best that I can with what I have. They betrayed me. What is it really?"

"You've changed. I don't know who you are anymore. Can't trust you anymore." I flinched, and a fear tears streamed down my cheeks.

"You can't trust me anymore, I've changed?" I whispered, not able to believe the words. "Kaidan, I haven't changed. I love you. Just like I said I always would."

"No, Shepard. I can't know that." I turned my head away, letting go of his face, not wanting to show him anymore of my vulnerability. Not that I hadn't already given him a show. Idiot, I admonished myself, stupid, idealistic idiot. It's been two years for him. Nothing has changed for you, but everything has changed for him.

"Nothing I can say can change your mind?" I asked in one last effort.

"I have a report to write," he responded, turning and walking away. Before he was out of earshot he stopped, hesitated, and turned. "Be careful, Shepard."

And that was the last of our conversation. The unexpected heartbreak was devastating as I lay on my bed, the whole conversation still running through my mind. My chest ached; the sting of rejection and the weight of loss filling my being. For all the strength I put out to the public, it had taken one man to break me.

I covered my face in my hands and sobbed.