Hello ladies and germs, pleasure to have ya'll here once again for another addition for Mass Effect: Spade. Now, before you read, allow me to say this. This chapter is an emotionally driven chapter so be ready. It had to happen eventually, and it is happening now. And, it will be in our favorite green eyed beauty point of view, Eden.

Also, some big news in the gaming community. A new DLC has been anounced for Mass Effect 3 for both singel and multiplayer. The singel DLC is said to be placed in the Citadel, and that every squad mate (that is alive in your own game) will be there. From what I can tell, I don't believe this will be a DLC that would be an ending in some way, like finding Shepard, but it is a possibilty. From what I can tell, there will be a Casino area, a shooting range, your very own apartment that you can apparently customize, and a lounge area with the characters you know and love. On the Bioware page it said that there will be a lot of character interaction, so for those who love scenes with a certain Love Interest(Miri) or that favorite squad mate you just have to have in your team (Garrus and Wrex), this may be a pretty good DLC, and is said to be realesed March 5, A month from my birthday :D. And lastly is the Retaliation DLC for Multiplayer. Like any other multiplayer DLC for Mass Effect this will introduce new characters, weapons and weapon upgrades. I can't say right of the top of my head what the characters are but the ones that caught my attention are The Turian Raptor which is said to be a female, Geth Juggernat( I butchered that spelling) and a Krogan with a Gravity hammer from Halo. I'm not joking. They gave Grunt a fucking Hammer. Aside from those three there are a few more, and plus some added weapons. This DLC, and I could be wrong, maybe the end of this month or beginning of March, and is Free :D. Also, Bioware announced that these DLC will be the last for Mass Effect. Now if that spans to Multiplayer, I don't know, but it is still kind of bittersweet that this will be the last new content we can have with our favorite Commander and his Squad. Still, I'm excited for any DLC for Mass Effect, and I wanted to share my excitement with ya'll.

Now, news aside, I am most pleased to introduce this next chapter, for Mass Effect: Spade. Enjoy.

Chapter 11: Heartfelt Revelation's

Eden POV

We just arrived to the Citadel, and I was standing outside the Normandy in the docking bay. I was waiting for some of the others to come out. Most of the crew left as soon as we docked on the Citadel, and I stayed to make sure everything was in order. Just the duties a Commanding officer must do on the ship. Still, RnR sounds extremely good right now and I'm sure the crew needed it. I had my duffle bag lying next to my feet. And since it was RnR I was wearing a more casual outfit. Jeans, boots, and a white shirt. Pretty average clothing.

I put my arms up and stretched. Last night Adrian showed me how his helmet worked, and we stayed up a little too late. It was interesting learning about the different Tech Adrian uses. Although extremely complicated, it was fun in a way to learn something new. I understood how his helmet worked, but either than that, not much. Sadly, while Adrian was trying to download any data that may have survived from Ieris's overload, some of it was permanently damaged. Adrian was only able to retrieve some data caches and some programs, but everything else will have to be replaced. He said he will need to take it to a friend of his to get it fixed.

The exit hatch of the Normandy opened and Garrus and Adrian were walking out talking about something with sniper rifles. I smiled when Adrian eyes flashed in my direction. He and I have grown closer since the mission started two months ago. It was strange, and I'm sure everyone else didn't get it either. Me being friends with an assassin? Sounds pretty crazy. But when I talk to him, I don't feel like I'm being threatened. He was also carrying a duffle bad as well. I'm assuming some clothes, and his helmet. He was wearing different clothing than usual. He was wearing dark blue jeans, his combat boots, and a long sleeve black shirt. Probably didn't want people to see his burns.

Those burns. I try to hide it, but they make me want to cringe at the sight. He always looked like he was in pain because of them. Being curious as always, I talked to Dr. Chakwas. She knew a whole lot more than I on the burns. Yeah, I knew about how he will always feel a burning sensation, and that he would need an injection of some serum every so often. And that if I just graze him, my biotics flare. I asked her for the full detail. She stated that Biotic Burning is extremely rare, due to that they are normally caused by a Warp field, and that is normally meant for a kill. There are three stages. The first stage is pretty much just scarring with some slight warm feelings. The second stage, which Adrian is in, is a little more severe. The burns would take effect on him. He would have mild to high burning sensations which are controlled by a cooling serum. Then it is the final stage. The third stage is pretty much the end of the line. Constant treatment, and the burning would really take its toll on the body. Basically, the body will start to shut down and the burns will "overload" the body.

It was sad to know that something I would call a gift would cause so much pain to someone. There was one amazing thing about them. My biotic's would flare when I touch him. Well, anybody that has biotics would flare, but it was still a wonder. I asked Chakwas about it. They way she said it was completely complicated for someone like me, so I'll give the easy version. The burning is pretty much nothing more than residue. Left over biotic power that attached itself on Adrian. He isn't turning into a biotic, because that is just ridiculous, but the power is attached to him. That is why when I touch him in anyway, my biotics would flare only slightly.

"Hey Eden. I thought you would be gone by now," I heard Adrian say, bringing me back from my musing. I looked at him and gave him a smile.

"I had to wait for everyone to leave the ship, then I can go."

"Are we the last ones Commander?" Garrus asked. I nodded, and I could see his mandibles twitch. "Sorry to make you wait Commander."

"No need for an apology. I don't mind waiting." I heard Adrian chuckle.

"You have more patience than I Eden. I would've been long gone by now," he said.

"Well, I did want to spend RnR with you Adrian. I didn't want to be rude and just leave you here." He smiled, and then turned his attention to the elevator. The doors opened, and the three of us walked in and started waiting for the long trip down. We were quiet at first, but it wasn't awkward. More like a comfortable silence. I looked at the two. Adrian was leaning against the wall, and Garrus was working on something in his Omnitool. I knew in my gut, I could trust these two. We fought together, had each other's back, and when the time came, carried one another when one was injured. Garrus was the one that helped with evac when Adrian was shot. It was amazing.

Garrus was a police officer, and Adrian is an assassin. You would think they would hate each other, but they didn't. And I could understand why, unlike some of those in my crew. They fought together, and in dire situations where our lives were at stake. Adrian watched both of our backs, and I'm pretty sure that if he wasn't there Garrus and I would be dead. And the same goes for Adrian. If we weren't there to help him, he would be dead as well. And it is moments like that, where bonds are formed. Where the past of the soldier next to you doesn't matter, for he is taking bullets for you, while you are doing the same. Hell just look at me and Garrus for instance. Our species have waged war against each other, and the hate is still there. But when I see Garrus, I don't see a Turian, I see a soldier that has my back during a fight. It was the same with all three of us.

"So Garrus. What are you going to do during RnR?" asked Adrian. Figures that he would break the silence. Garrus by now already closed his omnitool, and he looked at Adrian.

"I'm going to meet up with some buddies from C-Sec. They said something about me not getting a "proper farewell". Probably just means that I'll be getting drunk, but, no shame in that." Adrian laughed lightly.

"I hear that," Adrian said. Garrus was sat back quietly for a moment, his mandibles twitching. I think he was thinking of something to ask Adrian. This may just be interesting. Over the course of the mission, Garrus and I have both been trying to figure out more about Adrian. And since we have him in a slow moving elevator, this may be the best chance we have.

"I'm curious Adrian. I've arrested hitmen and assassins before, and a majority of them are almost crazy. But you. You are more calm, more accepting than most. Why is that?"

Adrian looked at Garrus. He was still leaning against the elevator wall, and his arms were crossed. His smoke grey eyes were focused on Garrus for a moment, and I couldn't say for sure, but I think he flashed me a look for a moment. After a few seconds he eventually shrugged.

"I guess the things I've experienced have caused me to change in a way."

"What does that mean?" Garrus asked. Adrian stood up, arms still crossed, and looked out the elevator window.

"You want to know the life expectancy for an assassin?" Garrus shrugged. What did that have to do with anything. "Two years, and that is if the assassin is lucky. After the second year, statistic read that an individual would start to show signs of PTSD, and I'm pretty sure we all know what that means."

"What about the Drell? Majority of them are known to be assassins. How come there aren't many cases of PTSD with them?" Garrus responded.

"Well, most Drell are trained at a young age. That and they are more spiritual than most races. To them, just as long as the act is just, they wouldn't feel any regret for it." Adrian moved away from the window and went back to his spot. He took a breath, and looked up at the ceiling.

" When I first started as an assassin, I never hesitated to kill anyone. And I mean anyone. Innocent, guilty, didn't matter. I was a, renegade, so to speak. Just do the job I needed to do, and go back at home. And if anyone got in my way they were removed. It was easy at first. But…" He paused for a second. He adjusted himself for a moment. This wasn't easy for him, but he knew that I was here. And he knew I would help him. He was having trouble finishing what he was going to say.

"But?" I asked, almost whispered. I took another long breath.

"But, after two years of nothing but killing, it starts to take its toll. I was careless, unforgiving, almost soulless. And after Shun and Robert's death, was when I started to look at the bigger picture."

Garrus looked at me with a confused look. He didn't know the two names, but I did. They were the reason for Adrian's nightmares. Well,one of the reasons. Adrian continued.

"I stopped taking jobs from crime syndicates, and tried to turn my life around. For awhile it started to work out. I was a, vigilante of sorts. Stealing information from drug cartels, and leaving them as an anonymous tips for the police force. My targets changed from people at the wrong place at the wrong time, to crime lords and smugglers. It was great, being the good guy and all, but some things never last."

"What happened?" asked Garrus. Adrian looked down this time. I have a feeling this wouldn't be a happy story.

"I was careless. Let an enemy see my face. He hired a broker agent and was able to figure out who I was. But instead of targeting me, he targeted someone else." He paused for a moment. "Her name was Stephanie Theroit. She and I were part of the same mercenary team with Robert and Shun. After they died, she and I left and headed here. She and I were… close. Hell, she was the reason why I wanted to leave the assassin business. When my enemies found out about her and me, they used it to their advantage."

I brought a hand to my mouth. I could see where this was going, and I knew I wouldn't like it. Garrus looked as if he knew as well. His mandibles were tight shut on his face.

"It was an average day at the Presidium, and Steph and I were heading down to the bar. It was the anniversary of Robert's death, and we wanted to remember him. We were just walking, enjoying the day, hand in hand. But then she saw something. She pushed me away from her, and I could see her crying. The last thing she said was that she was sorry, before…" His breathing started to quicken. "She was shot. Killed on impact. Sniper from across lake. Never was able to find him."

Garrus eyes shot towards Adrian.

"I remember that case. The shooter was found dead a few hours later. It was ruled as a suicide." Adrian scoffed.

"Lucky bastard…" Adrian murmered. I took a breath, calming myself.

"What did you do after her death?" I asked. Adrian shrugged, and picked up his bag.

"Nothing. I got low though." That worried me.

"How low?" I asked him. He looked down and away. Trying to get me out of his view.

"Low," was all he said. The elevator doors opened before any of us could say something, and Adrian started to walk away. His word hung in the elevator, and anybody who would of walked in would have felt it. Garrus and I just watched him. I didn't know what to do. There is my friend, who is hurting inside and out, and I didn't know what to do. I just stood there, stunned.

It was a three fingered hand that shook me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Garrus. He nodded his head towards Adrian's direction.

"You should talk to him. I have a feeling he won't talk to anyone else but you. Besides, you may not ever get a chance like this." I looked at him for a moment. Taking in the words he said. Then, almost instinctively, I made a decision. And that was Adrian. I quickly nodded, grabbed my bag and hurried towards Adrian. Not before, giving Garrus a quick hug and a thank you.

I knew I cared for Adrian, tremendously. He was kind and sweet, and tolerated my humor. And he risked his life to save me in numerous occasions. The only reason he is in stage two of Biotic Burning is because of me. And yet, he made the choice to take that hit. And I understand why. He lost everything. Friends, family, the one he use to love. That is why he risks everything. He has nothing else. I felt the same way after Mindior. Losing everything I've known and loved. Not wanting to live anymore. But I gained my confidence back. I had a reason to fight, thanks to Anderson. Now, Adrian needs something to fight for. And I'm willing to be just that.

Yeah, he had enemies. Yeah, I could be putting myself at risk for just talking to him, but I didn't care. The only thing I cared about was him, and saving him from his own inner demons. I wasn't in love, at least not yet. I couldn't say. Maybe it would happen, after all this is over. And maybe it won't. But I didn't care about any of that. Right know, Adrian needs someone, and I need someone. I was hurting too. I lost Jenkins, my home, family and friends to war and slavers. But that didn't matter when I was with him.

I found him, leaning against a railing looking out at the view. When I got closer to him I could see that he had blank facial expression. I set my bag down, next to his, and I leaned on the rail. All things aside, the view was spectacular. Rows of lights, and flying sky cars zipping through the air.

I looked at Adrian, and I gradually got closer. We weren't touching, but we were close enough. I bit my lip. I didn't know what to say. What can I say? 'Hey Adrian, everything is going to be alright'? That wouldn't work. Well Eden. Guess you are going to have to wing it.

"Adrian?" My voice was waaay to soft. Almost like a whisper. I realized my heart was racing, and that I was nervous. I could feel my hands quivering. Easy Eden. Fighting hordes of slavers was easier than this. Adrian shifted, and looked at me. I could see him trying to give a smile, but it was broken. He eventually just sighed.

"Hey Eden. Sorry about walking off like that…" he said.

"It's okay. You were angry, and we shouldn't have pried like that." Adrian hummed a little and he looked away towards the horizon. I bit my lip, and looked away as well. Come on Eden, this may the only chance to get closer with Adrian. My mind raced as I tried to come up with something to break this damned silence. Anything may work. Or he would just ignore me. There was one thing, and it could work. I hope. Out of everyone in the Normandy, he is the only one who calls me by my first name. At first it was only when it was just me and him, but eventually he would call me Eden no matter where we were. It was sweet, in its own little way. I knew Kaidan cared, but he never called me by my first name. Some of the crew, however, didn't like it and actually requested that he be taught proper respect. I just told them that I would handle it. Even though I didn't.

"You know, you are the only one who actually calls me by my first name," I said, trying to smile. Adrian shrugged.

"It is your name. Besides, I'm not military."

"Yeah, and neither is Tali or Liara, and yet they still call me Commander or Shepard."

"They respect you."

"And you don't?" That caused him to stand up straight and finally look at me. Here we go.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I respect you. I have the upmost respect for you out of everyone I met, and we've only known each other for a few months!" His voice was rising. I put my hands up.

"Okay, calm down. I was only teasing, didn't mean for you to get upset."

"Upset! You think I'm upset!? I'm fucking pissed!" He yelled, getting a few looks from civilians that were passing by. I would've been worried and try to calm him down, but he need to let it out. He need to vent.

"And why are you? …Are you mad at me?" I really didn't mean to ask that, but at the time it was really the only thing that came to mind. He looked at me almost hurt.

"At you? No! Of course not! Why would I be mad at you?!"

"Then why are you mad?" He looked away, facing the horizon again. Oh no, you are not turning away from me, mister! I crossed my arm and stared at his face. "Adrian. You can talk to me." He looked down.

"I know…"

"Then who or what is causing you to be so angry?" He didn't answer.

"Is it Ieris?" He shook his head.

"Is it Saren and the mission?"

"No…"

"Is it Kaidan?"

"What? No." I took a moment.

"Is it me?"

"No."

"Then what is it?!"

"ME!" He yelled, almost causing the entire area to quiet. I looked and saw some civilians looking towards us. Some had a concern look, and others, mostly Asari and woman, had a look of understanding. Guess they had arguments like this, I guess. Eventually, they all went back to what they were doing. I was stunned though. I did not expect him to say something like that. And also how he looked. His knuckles were white from gripping the railing, and his face was red from anger. His grey eyes were dull however, no their usual bright. He too noticed the people watching and he picked up his bag.

"Come on. It is obvious this isn't the best place to talk. We'll head to over my place. If that is alright with you?" I nodded and picked up my bag.

"Fine by me. Lead the way."

We left the area. We didn't talk, but the silence wasn't awkward. It wasn't peaceful either. If people saw us, they would have a look of concern if any.

His apartment wasn't so far away from the wards. It was a tall building, so we had to take an elevator to his floor. And his apartment wasn't so bad either. It was a one bedroom apartment, but it was still homey in a way. Adrian sat his beg next to his couch and I did the same. His apartment had a balcony, and that was where he went. I followed suit, and in a way, we were back to how we were at the docking area. We watched the view for a moment, then I looked at him. Instinctively I place my hand on his shoulder. He flinched a little, but I could feel him try to relax.

"I think I finally figured you out, Adrian Dawn." He looked at me, at little confused. "You are angry at yourself because you feel like you failed. Failed at protecting the one thing you loved the most. Stephanie was dear to you, and the fact that she was killed only made it worse for you. The fact that you lost everyone dear to you made it only more difficult. You blamed yourself, and because of it, you risk your own life." I stopped for a moment. I wanted to make sure he took the words that I was saying. He looked down for a moment, again, and then back at me.

"Yeah, I lost everything," he said started. "I lost everything because of what I can do. I got low, but I couldn't do something like THAT to myself. No honor in it, right? So, yeah I risked myself in a fight. I didn't care for my well being, and to be honest, I still don't care. And you want to know something? I would sometimes WISH it. Wish that that one bullet could be the one. That it would all end right there." He stopped for a moment, and took a breath. His eyes were looking somewhere else now. "Besides… No one will miss me…"

At that moment, my eyes widened and my anger went off like flint. I quickly raised my hand, and slapped him across the face. I could feel tears stinging my eyes, but I suppressed them as best as I could.

"Idiot…"I said. My breathing was getting heavy, and I could feel my emotions in my throat. The smile I had moments before was gone. Adrian just looked at me, stunned. His hand barely brushing his cheek. I felt a little guilty at that moment.

"Eden… Wha-?" was all he said.

"I would miss you, you idiot…"

"What?" My fists clenched. That is his response? Seriously?!

"I would miss you!" I shouted, and he jumped a bit at the outburst. "I would miss you, Adrian! If you were to leave, or were killed, I would miss you!" His hand dropped to his side, and he tried to put on a serious face.

"Why?"

"Why?! Because I care about you, you damned idiot!" I heard his breath caught, and his face was more stunned than at the slap. But did that stop me? Nope. Not for a damned second. "Out of everyone in the crew, you are the only one who treats me like Eden. To you, I'm not Commander, or Shepard, but Eden. And you know what? I love it. I love how I can be me around you, and you won't reprimand me, or judge me. You are sweet to me, you are kind, you are able to put a smile on my worst days. You protected me from danger, even though you knew I would be safe. And for the first time, I finally met someone who cared about who I am, and not for what I am. And that person is you Adrian."

The tears started to drop.

"So don't ever say you are ready to die Adrian. You hear me? Don't ever… Say it." I felt a slight sob, but I held it as best as I could. "You have to live Adrian. You have to…"

I couldn't say anymore. It was almost impossible. I was at the borderline of downright sobbing. The tears were falling uncontrollably now. I've said all I could say. And why was I crying? Simple. I've lost people I cared about to. Mindior was where my life should have been, but it was taken away. I've seen people I loved the most be killed, or kidnapped. And in the Alliance, I've seen budies killed while on the line of duty. That is why I'm crying. Because now I found someone I care for. And I don't want to lose him like how I lost the others.

Then, as if from a movie, I felt his hand on my cheek. His thumb brushing away tears. His hands were calloused, but comforting none the less. I looked at him, and he looked at me. His eyes were soft, and his look was sweet. And then, almost magically, he wrapped his arms around me. He held me close, and tight. But not too tight. More in a comforting way. His breathing was slow, and his chest was moving in a melodic rhythm.

"I don't know if I can Eden…" he said. No. Please, don't say that. "At least… I can't alone. But… if you were to help me. Maybe. Just maybe. I can survive…"

That was it. That got me, and I let out my sobbing. I wrapped my arms around him, and sobbed in his shoulder. We stood there for god knows how long. Eventually, he guided me inside, and we sat on his coach. I couldn't say how long I cried, but eventually I started to calm myself. And when the sobbing subsided, he got up and got me a glass of water. He was really sweet. He took of my shoes, put my feet and legs up on the coach, and wrapped a blanket around me so that I was warm. He sat on a chair opposite of the coach, allowing me to stretch my legs.

We sat in silence for awhile. It was late. Not sure exactly the time, but it was late. Eventually, he uttered the first words. He talked about the first time we met, back in Udina's office. He admitted that he was intimidated when everyone pointed guns at him. He also admitted, with a smirk on his face, that when we left that office he couldn't help but stare at my ass for a few seconds. That got me to laugh a little. I then admitted that the day we first talked on the Normandy that I was checking him out too, and that he had a nice ass as well. We laughed some more. It was nice. Nice at how easy it was for us to make one another smile. And that laugh of his was too cute, with that Cajun drawl of his.

When the laughing died down, we looked at each other for a moment, and we started to talk about us. In a way, he was excited. He confessed that he and Stephanie never really got the chance to talk. He also confessed that he too cared about me, but was scared. Scared that I would either deny him, or end up like Stephanie. And you could see it in his eyes. He was scared. Hell, I was too. I was scared. I didn't know what will happen after all this. None of us knew. But, I looked at him, and I told him that I was willing to take a risk for him. He needed me, and I needed him.

Eventually, we started figuring things out. One, we agreed that the crew shouldn't find out until the time was ready. I knew Kaidan and Liara had some sort of feelings for me, and that would lead to a distraction on the mission. So we will keep this a secret for the time being. Two, we will always have each other's backs, no matter the difficulty of the fight, or situation. And thirdly, the time we have together, we will make the most out of it. Not like have sex or anything, unless it called for it, but simply be with one another. Enjoy the time we had together.

After our talk, we decided it was time for bed. Today, was surely exhausting for the first day of RnR. We went to his room, and I changed in his bathroom. I put on my normal sleepwear. Grey sweat pants, a black tank top, and my socks on. I was going to go to his living room, but he told me that it was alright that we shared his bed. I blushed, I'll admit. Sharing a bed the day I confessed my feelings. Never would have happened. But this was different. I laid down next to him. He was wearing athletic shorts, and had a shirt off. I looked over his burns for a moment, then instinctively snuggled next to him, causing my biotic's to flare a little.

He started to chuckle. He said that he never had someone yell a confession like that. I felt a little embarrassed, but he then explained that he liked it. Me yelling at him was his way of knowing that I really did care about him. He called it a "heartfelt revelation". I called it a spontaneous confession. Either way, we both liked it. He would then kiss my forehead, wish me a good night, and drift off to sleep.

Did I really feel this way? For a man that was in fact, a murderer. A criminal. Someone who doesn't deserve any form of love. A man that I should arrest and turn in, so that he may face judgment for his crimes. Did I feel this for him?

Yes. I do. Why? Because that is not who he really is. I may not know everything about him, but I know he is not meant to be a criminal. He is someone who faced many trails and tests. So that could break the strongest of men. And he is cracking. Adrian is cracked, but not broken. And if he was a true assassin, then he wouldn't have saved me. He wouldn't have risked his own life for me. He would've collected his bounty, and live on his sad life. But he didn't. He choice to save me. He choice to risk everything he knew. He trusted me with what he knew. He confessed most of his past with me. And I know he is still willing to do so. So that is why. That is why I chose him.

I looked at him. He was fast asleep. I too kissed him on the forehead and whispered a good night to him. I shifted a little till I was surely comfortable, and slowly drifted to sleep. With a smile on my face. I knew that I would enjoy this RnR.

Well, looks like Love is in the air. ...In a very emotional type of way. Let me just say that this chapter was fun, hard, confussing, and a mix of other emotions to write. But still, it was fun none the less. They way I worked this out was like Garrus and FemShep in Mass 2. Right form the get go Shepard will show an attraction to Garrus, and through out the game, they would try to work it out. So even though this is more serious than Flexibilty and Reach, it is sorta similar in its own way. That aside, I'm pretty sure you EdenXAdrian fans were ready for something like this. At least I think.

That aside, I wish you all a very fun and safe weekend. I hope you are enjoying this fic as much as I do, and that you enjoy others as well. One thing I noticed is that those who favorite or follow my fic (Yes, I check out profiles to get to know who is reading my stories) majority of them all have more than two Mass Effect fics, and some have nothing but that game. So, as an author and reader, I encourage that you check out something different for a change. A new game, an entirely different genre or section. Just something different, you know? Mix things up a bit, and discover new characters a worlds. I'm mean think about it. That is what reading is all about, right?

Thanks again, and See you next time

KD