**This is a fairly short chapter, as I am setting up for what will probably be a quite long one next. Thank you for being patient, it has been a really rough few weeks. Hopefully, I'll be able to crank out 2 more chapters before my classes start back in January.**
Chapter 4
Miranda was well aware of the very anxious pair of eyes judging her every move. Used to working under stressful circumstances, especially when it came to Shepard, the genetically perfect beauty would usually have no issues being observed. However, this time it felt personal, even for her. In the short time she'd known Shepard, the woman had surpassed her expectations and exceeded her reputation. She'd risked her life for Miranda on more than one occasion, and it felt to Miranda as if she could never begin to express how much she'd come to like and respect Shepard. Trying to save her friend and former commander seemed an impossible feat, but then again, Miranda was used to impossible odds.
The odds of saving Shepard weren't impossible, however, it was beyond impossible. Everyone knew the odds, but no one was prepared to believe them. Garrus Vakarian walked through the door of Shepard's hospital room, having been an assistant of sorts to Miranda over the last couple of days, and handed her a data pad containing information from Admiral Hackett. The information was collected from salvage of Harbinger's data banks, and it was hoped that it could be used to help Shepard. Regardless, the crew of the Normandy, remaining Alliance, and well, honestly anyone that could help with curing Shepard wouldn't give up until their commander and friend stood before them. Miranda studied the datapad closely and with enough ingenuity, it may just be the data needed to stabilize Shepard and possibly even heal her. "Vakarian would you mind stepping in here a moment, I think I've got an idea, but I need your tech expertise." Miranda called, from her makeshift desk area. Within moments Garrus was at her side, eagerly discussing theories with her.
After two more days of attempting theories, one of which causing Shepard to flatline for an entire agonizing minute, they had not only succeeded in stabilizing her, but it appeared as if her cybernetic implants had begin to heal of their own volition. The process would be slow judging by the rate of healing, but progress was finally being made. Garrus carefully adjusted Shepard's bedding and checked vital signs, recording each change for Miranda. If he had to be honest with himself, as difficult as this was for him, he would much rather be doing this than awaiting news elsewhere. He knew he was being unfair to Tali, that he was supposed to be building a life with her, but he also knew she understood. They would have their time soon, and it was only fitting that as Shepard's closest friend, he should give her the opportunity to do the same. "Shepard if you don't wake up soon Tali is going to kill me." Garrus chuckled sadly as he laid his talon gently on her hand.
As he turned to walk away, Shepard weakly grabbed at him. Without hesitation Garrus yelled for Miranda while laughing at Shepard. "Well well Shepard, finally decide to wake up, eh?" he joked as Miranda rushed over to him and started assessing her patient. "I'll be right back Shepard. Someone has been making himself sick over you." Garrus said knowingly, lighting squeezing Shepard's hand before hurrying out the door. Shepard looked around the room, eyes burning from lack of use. She knew she couldn't bring herself to try to speak yet, but she gave Miranda a weak smile as she tired to piece together where she was. "Shepard, you're in what remains of a hospital in Vancouver. Admiral Hackett, Joker, and what remains of your team are a couple of blocks away at Alliance Headquarters." Miranda said softly, as if reading her mind. "Kaidan..." Shepard thought, tears welling up in her eyes. She tried to speak, but couldn't find her voice. It alarmed her significantly and she tried to stir. "Shepard, please don't move. You'll do more damage. I know you're scared. You have some scarring and burns to your throat. They're healing nicely, but need more time before you can speak." the dark haired beauty said sternly, giving Shepard a warning look.
Shepard was about to attempt to argue somehow, but was startled by the door nearly flying open. Before she could properly process what was happening, Kaidan's lips were gently on hers. Completely unaware of her audience she returned the kiss with as much energy and passion as she could muster, sighing as he pulled away too soon. "Seanne. I...Garrus said...You're really awake." He was visibly flustered, awkwardly trying to wrap her in his arms without causing her any pain. Shepard smiled and slowly lifted her arm, wincing slightly, and caressed his cheek. She smiled warmly before nodding toward Miranda who was glaring at him. "Alenko I get she's your girlfriend, but you can't get her all worked up while she's trying to heal. You DO want her to eventually get up out of that bed I presume?" Miranda said, tapping her foot loudly on the tiled floor. Shepard couldn't help the smirk that spread across her bruised face. Her eyelids became heavy once more, causing slight fear to become apparent as she reached for Kaidan. "Hey, it's okay. Go to sleep. I'll stay here until you wake up." Kaidan said noting the fear in her eyes. Shepard was always so strong, sure, and fearless that it broke his heart to see her so vulnerable, and childlike. It was so normal and human for anyone else, but not her. Not the woman who'd done all that she had, and cheated death not once but twice. No one else alive could say the same. She was always his answer, his rock, and now he had to do the same. He wasn't sure if he could be as strong as she was, but she didn't need to know that. Shaking his doubts, he leaned down and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. "I love you Seanne." he whispered as she closed her eyes.