Hello Ladies and Gents, and welcome to the next addition for Mass Effect: Spade. This is the last chapter of the RnR set, and we will be jumping into the action. Also, at the bottom of this page will be one: what I think of the new Multiplayer DLC. Hint: Amazing. And two: A special announcement.

Anyway, without further delay, I give you Chapter 12.

Chapter 12: Letting Go of the Old, and Accepting the New

Eden POV

The past two days were different, that is for sure. Adrian and I are unofficially together, and we have been spending RnR at his apartment. I can honestly say that this was the first time I spent RnR with someone else. It was refreshing, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Adrian and I weren't madly in love with each other, but the feelings were there. The start of RnR was the confession, the second was actually realizing what had happened. We didn't go out that day if I remember correctly. Apparently Adrian's friend, Nalik, stopped by and stocked up Adrian's apartment with groceries. And yet, Adrian left only to pick up take-out from a nearby Chinese restaurant. One thing what was interesting were his burns. That morning we woke up to see them glowing for a few moments, and then dissipating. He also said that the burning sensation was gone for that moment. They came back later that day, but Adrian wasn't in pain. I don't know if it was because of my own biotics, or something else entirely.

Now as for yesterday, we did go out. Mainly checking out the sites, getting a bite to eat, and browsing the market place. Adrian teased me for looking at a pet space hamster. It was cute, and I wanted it. Of course, regulations wouldn't allow it, but still, a girl can dream. He did buy me something. It was a necklace. A simple silver chain with a Fleur de Lis. It reminded him of home, and he wanted me to have it. It hasn't been removed since then. And for him? I bought something as well.

It was a new leather jacket, since his old one was torn up back at Feros. I let him pick of course, seeing how my choice would have been a bluish color with red trimming. Let's just say he didn't really like my choices. Eventually he found what he wanted, and I have to say, it wasn't half bad. It was a dark brown leather jacket, and on the sleeves it had three orange lines running horizontally . He said that it reminded him of a favorite comic book hero. One of those classic picture books from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He also changed his style a bit. He ditched the combat boots and cargo pants (thank god), and went for a relaxed fit jeans and a pair of brown boots, and a long sleeved shirt of any color. In a way he looked like one of those pictures I've seen from Earth history, the ones with the cowboys and motorcyclists. And I haven't told him yet, but I like it.

Aside from shopping yesterday, we met up with Garrus and Tali. Garrus invited Tali to stay over at his place. Better than the shelter she said. Adrian and I glanced at each other for a moment, but didn't say anything. I figured Tali liked Garrus. She would always get nervous when I would mention him during one of our talks. She was cute when she got nervous. As for Garrus, I wasn't so sure. Adrian seemed to have known something, but he hasn't told me yet.

The four of us went out for lunch, and we talked. Sharing past stories. Garrus talked about some of his cases, Tali about her childhood on the flotilla, I with some N7 training stories, and Adrian talked about some of his wild experiences during a job. He told us about what he did during the day we all met. How Saren formed a little competition, and that he told Anderson about it before he intervened. Stories aside, Garrus apologized for bringing any bad memories for Adrian the other day, but Adrian only smiled, saying that Garrus did nothing wrong and that he was sorry for storming off.

It was nice seeing the two become friends in a way. The first couple of weeks of the mission, Garrus voiced his opposition about having Adrian on the Normandy. He being a former C-Sec officer, wanted Adrian to be turned in and face trail. But eventually, he learned to trust Adrian and I was thankful for it. Hell even he and Wrex started to trust each other, albeit only by a little, but it was a start. At one point, Garrus and Adrian left to refill our drinks and left me and Tali to have a little time for ourselves. She wasn't one to beat around the bush so to speak, and immediately asked about me and Adrian. I was caught off guard, but I quickly recovered and turn the tables on her about Garrus. It may have been cruel, but at least I didn't admit anything yet. Come to find out that apparently Garrus did the same to Adrian, and that Adrian did the same and asked about Tali. Great minds think alike.

After lunch we went our separate ways. Garrus said that he was going to show the Presidium to Tali since she never really seen it. And Adrian and I went back to exploring the Wards. At point Adrian showed off, and did a little free running, only to be scolded by a C-Sec officer. I was laughing the entire time. He got off with a warning, and we went back to the apartment. The night wasn't as eventful. We had dinner, watched the news and a movie, and went to bed.

Now, it is the third day of our RnR, and early this morning Adrian took his helmet over to Nalik's to see if he can fix it. Today would be the day I finally get to meet the guy. Adrian told me a little bit about him. He was a Tech expert and an inventor. He created Adrian's helmet and sniper rifle, and also taught Adrian everything about Tech. Figured seeing how most Salarians are experts at EVERYTHING. While he was out I took a quick shower and got ready for the day. I put on my casual outfit, a pair of jeans, boots, and blue shirt this time. I placed my hands over the necklace Adrian got me. I smiled. My dog-tags were tucked into my shirt, but the necklace I would show off.

I went over to the kitchen and cleaned a little. Adrian wasn't a really messy person, so the only mess there was were a few dishes and pans that he used to make breakfast. He wasn't that bad of a cook, and the fact that he adds that Cajun style to almost everything makes it even better. He made waffles, with bacon and eggs. He added some spices in the eggs that gave that Cajun flavor. And of course, being the sweet guy he was, he made my portion significantly larger since I was a biotic.

After I cleaned I looked around his apartment. He didn't have many personal items. A book here and there, some datapads, and some pictures of nothing important. It was those pictures you would buy that had a random view on them, nothing truly special. There were only two that caught my eye and had significance. One was a picture of New Orleans back in the twenty-first century. It was a wonder, seeing how life was back in that day. From what I could tell, it was the famed Bourbon street during that time. The other picture was more interesting. It was a group picture. He was standing in the middle, on his right there was a human girl, a Salarian, and a Drell. On his left there were two human males and a Turian. Adrian was wearing what I called his "Spade outfit" and you could see his helmet tucked underneath the arm. Everyone was smiling, and were wearing a wide variety of armor and clothing. From what I could see in the picture that they were in a space port of some kind. Some station I've never seen before.

The door opened and Adrian walked in holding a bag. He placed the bag on the floor and walked up to me.

"What are you looking at?" He asked. I showed him the picture.

"I know that is you in the middle. But, who are these people?"He gently took the picture from my hand and observed it. A small smile playing on his face.

"That was them. The humans are Shun, Robert, and Stephanie." No way. So that is what they looked like. It was nice, in its own way, to have a face on the three Adrian called friends.

"What about the other three?" I asked.

"That is Kadick, Reina, and Nalik."

"So those are the ones that trained you?" He nodded.

"Kadick trained me in weapons and some forms of hand to hand. Reina was agility, endurance, and strength. And Nalik, well he was Tech." He put the picture down on the table. He was thinking about something, probably about them. He looked up for a moment, mumbling something. I couldn't pick up what he was saying. He then looked at me, smiled and kissed my fore head.

"Come here, I got you something." I raised an eye brow.

"More presents Adrian? Sooner or later I'm going to have to pay you back."

"No you won't. I won't let you." He picked the bag and placed it on the counter. He motioned me to come closer, and when I did he pulled out a white leather jacket with black trimming. It was gorgeous. And a perfect fit apparently. It was comfortable and pretty light for a leather jacket. I looked at him and smiled.

"Thanks Adrian. I really like it." He walked up and wrapped his arms around me.

"Anything to put a smile on your face," he said with a smile on his face. He squeezed his embrace a little then he released. "Come on, Nalik called while I was on my way back. And seeing how I don't won't to head to his place alone…" I giggled.

"You want me to go with you." He chuckled.

"Yeah, pretty much. That and I doubt you would like staying here all day." I shook my head.

"Not one bit. Let's go."

We left his apartment, with our new jackets on. If there is one thing I would say, is that even though we were together in a way, we didn't really do couple stuff outside his apartment, aside from buying each other stuff and going out. More like the little things like holding hands for example. It was annoying in a way, but at the same time, we agreed to keep it secret for awhile. Especially if there so happens to be a reporter around. Being the first human Spectre kind of puts you on the A-list. Anyway, it wouldn't hurt to much if we, I don't know, hold hands at least. His hands were in his pockets, so I doubt we will anytime soon.

Adrian said that Nalik lived in the Presidium commons so we will have to take either the elevator or a transit system, and seeing how there were huge lines at the transit station, we were going to have to take the elevator. I'm not too sure why there are huge lines today, but oh well.

We entered an elevator that would take us to the Presidium Common's. There were a few people in the elevator as well, but they didn't seem to care or notice us, which is fine by me. We stood silently, admiring any view the elevator would offer of the wards. Didn't beat the view Adrian's apartment had, but still, it was amazing. As we were waiting for the elevator to stop I felt a tug on my arm, and a hand wrapping around my own. I looked to see Adrian's hand and fingers intertwined with my own. I looked up at him, and he just looked forward. For a moment he had a serious face, but then a small smile played on his lips. I couldn't help but smile either, and hand in hand, we waited out the small elevator trip.

I've never really seen the Presidium Common's until now. Pretty similar with the embassies, only with some markets, a café, and apartments. We explored a little on the way to Nalik's penthouse. Adrian just informed about that. Nalik lived at the very top of his apartment building in the penthouse room. I was impressed, but Adrian told me to hold any expectations until I've actually seen the apartment.

As we were walking, I caught a few people staring at us. Mainly human and Asari, but they were staring none the less. It took me awhile until I figured out that Adrian and I were still holding hands. Guess people didn't expect me to have an unofficial boyfriend. Some people would whisper, although I couldn't really hear what they were saying, and would watch us. Adrian didn't seem to mind it though. He just kept looking forward, or look at a sign with the latest advertisement for an arms company. We would stop every once and awhile and look at a shop for a bit, then keep on walking.

By the time we got to Nalik's building, I was use to the stares, so catching two guys staring and talking only made me chuckle a little. They were military, since they had dress blues on. Probably on leave and trying to pick up girls. They probably couldn't believe that Commander Shepard was holding hands with a "civilian". If they only knew about this "civilian."

Nalik's building wasn't as tall as a majority of the towers in the Presidium, but it was still pretty tall. We had to ride the elevator again, only this time, Adrian had to punch in a code in order to get to Nalik's penthouse. The elevator here was a lot faster than the Citadel elevators. Once the doors opened, I was greeted with the soft smell of rain. Surkesh was a rainforest world, and seeing how Nalik is a Salarian, I wasn't surprised. We entered into what looked like the main living room. It was huge, bigger than Adrian's apartment.

"What did you say Nalik did for a living?" I asked, earning a small chuckle from Adrian.

"He is a weapons and armor inventor. He was former STG but left after an injury. He is good people, so don't worry." Figured. STG are like the N7 for Salarian. Benefits and hell of a good pay. But still. I don't think my pay check would be able to afford this. The room was spacious. A small area what into the floor and was lined with couches and a small table in the center. There were some tables and chairs here and there, and a few lounge chairs overlooking the view. The decoration was artful. Some pictures and paintings probably of Surkesh, and some plants on shelves and tables. There was a staircase that lead to an upper area, which Adrian pointed out to be Nalik's "bedroom".

"Hey Nalik! It's me Adrian!" Adrian shouted out.

"I'm in the workshop!" a high pitched voice said, coming from a room on the far end of the living area.

"Come on," Adrian said. The door to the room was open, but it was dark with strange blue lights flashing. I could hear the sound of terminals and machinery humming. I was a little scared, and I squeezed Adrian's hand. He chuckled again and gave a reassuring squeeze. At least he made me feel safe.

Now, when Adrian said to hold my expectations on the penthouse, I didn't think he would mean for my mind to be blown. The room was smaller but still big. And was filled with machinery used to make armor and weapons. The walls were decorated with weapons and pieces of armor of all kinds from varying species. There was a workbench with an Avenger rifle dismantled for modifications to be added. In the center of the room were three machines. The right was probably used to build armor. The left machine was obviously used to build weapons since there were barrels and clips on top of it. And the middle was probably were Nalik drew his designs. The room was amazing.

We heard a small crash and some cursing coming the end of the room. There was a Salarian, messing with some on a workbench. He was wearing Salarian armor, which was in a Teal color. From what I could tell he had pale green skin and was about my height. As we got closer, we let go of our hands, and Adrian cleared his throat to earn the attention of Nalik. The Salarian quickly turned, and gave a sweet smile.

"Adrian, glad to have you back." He looked over to me. "And who is your friend here? A new girlfriend?" He chuckled, and I blushed a little at the question. First time someone acknowledge me as Adrian's girlfriend. Adrian laughed a little and put his hand up.

"Nalik. Allow me introduce Commander Eden Allison Shepard." I smiled. Adrian remembered my middle name. He asked about it yesterday. Nalik's eyes widened, which was amazing seeing that Salarian's already have large enough eyes. Nalik quickly brushed his hands with a towel and quickly grabbed my own and shook them.

"A huge honor Commander. Never would of believed to meet the first human Spectre, and in my own home as well. Oh, where are my manners. I'm Nalik Vernolus, but you may call me Nalik. Former STG and now weapons maker. Adrian speaks very highly of you." I chuckled at Nalik's little greeting. As polite as ever, the Salarians are. No surprise there.

"A pleasure to meet you Nalik. And please, just Eden." Nalik smiled and nodded. Then he had a look of confusion. He looked at me, then at Adrian.

"Adrian? Is it custom for human soldiers to hold their C.O's hand?" he asked. Adrian gave a nervous chuckle. I looked at him, and he looked at me. I gave a slight sigh and a shrug.

"The part where you said that she may have been a new girlfriend. Well, you were right about that." Nalik gave a slight gasp, and then smiled.

"Really?! How wonderful! About time Adrian met someone new. I'm happy for the both of you. Instant approval Ms. Eden." I laughed.

"Thank you Nalik. Feels good to have someone's approval. Other's might not like the fact that I'm dating the infamous Spade."

After saying that, Nalik's smile slowly faded, and his head slightly went down. That caused some concern, to both of us I'm sure.

"About that." Nalik turned and went to what looked like another workbench, and took out Adrian's helmet. It was unchanged, except for a bullet hole. "I was working on a new pistol design, and while I was working, there was a discharge and… Well, you can tell."

Adrian had a stone face, and he slowly took the helmet out of Nalik's hands. He looked at it for a moment. I, and I'm sure Nalik, felt terrible. That helmet was more than a tool, it was an identity. The name Spade was shaped with that helmet. It is what made him, and if that helmet goes, so does Spade. I looked at Adrian. His face was emotionless. He was hard to read at times, and this was one of those times. He took a breath.

"You know what this means, right Nalik?" Nalik looked at him, a small smirk on his face. He knew what Adrian was speaking of. I on the other hand, had no clue. Adrian looked up, and started to laugh. It wasn't a crazy sort of laughter, but a relieved one. "This means I'm finally free."

"Free?" I asked out loud. Nalik stepped forward.

"Allow me to explain. As you know, that helmet is what created Spade, and in a sense, took over Adrian's identity. Adrian and I talked about it earlier when he came back for RnR. All the memories, all the turmoil he had endured was because of that helmet. It was like a cell, a cage, locking Adrian away. And now that it is incapable of further use, it is like he is finally free."

I see. Even though that helmet was a key to Adrian's arsenal, it was also a chain. Holding him down from his humanity. I'll admit, he was good at hiding it these past months, but my god, at least he could of told me. That helmet was probably the vessel holding all his memories. Because of that helmet he lost Stephanie and probably others close to him. And seeing his smiling face, it was evident that he felt free. I couldn't help but feel a warmth at this feeling.

"I'm curious. What kind of pistol were you trying to build?" Adrian asked. Always the curious one. I'll admit I was curious as well, but I thought it was best not to ask. Nalik beamed at the question, and motioned us to follow him. Adrian placed the helmet down on the workbench, and we followed him. He lead us across the room to a large vault. He entered a series of codes, and the vault hissed open. A cool air escaped from the vault, seending shivers down my spine. Adrian noticed and wrapped his arms around me. He was happy, happier than I've seen him. He really did feel free.

The vault opened up to another room. How many rooms are in this apartment? As we walked in, there were weapons and armor I've never seen before. Some of the weapons looked almost medieval and some I had no idea how to explain. Adrian and Nalik walked towards a part of the room. Even though I was interested in what Nalik was about to show him, I wanted to explore a bit.

Adrian's POV

I notice Eden walk off to look at the wide range of what Nalik has been building. Most of the weapons here didn't work, and if they did, Nalik would have giving them to someone. Still, I was all giddy inside at the fact that I may be getting a new weapon. Sicarius was badass, but another badass weapon? I could die happy.

Speaking of happy, Eden and I. Who would of thought, huh? It is still hard to believe, but at the same time it feels right. I know I said I shouldn't get close with her, but after the first day of RnR everything changed. Bringing the memory of Stephanie's death, Eden's "spontaneous confession", and us actually sharing a bed. No sex, just sleep. Had to clarify, you know. And if I had to say, I couldn't be happier. I know I could be putting her at risk, but somehow, I knew she knew. And she accepted that. And I could accept that grace she has offered to me.

And, to add, I feel free. I never realized until Nalik and I talked earlier this morning, but the helmet is a symbol of my distress. A symbol of my own darkness. Don't get me wrong, it is still there. But I feel lifted. I know in my heart and spirit I'm still chained, but knowing that some of those chains are broken only gives me hope. Eden and I together, the helmet being destroyed. Those situations broke chains. There may be more, but I'm ready to face it.

Now, back to this new weapon. Nalik walked up to a shelf and brought out two identical pistols. At first glance they looked like revolvers, however, these were far from the actually thing. For one, they were larger than standard revolvers. They were about the same size as my Phalanx except the barrel was longer by a good six inches. Recoil must be a bitch. Another thing was that they had a black over coating, with some gold lining, and a symbol of what looked like a bird also in gold on the sides. Both pistols were gorgeous, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited.

"These are beautiful Nalik. I almost don't want to take them with me. Hey Eden, check it out." She was looking at what looked like a cross bow gun before I called her. She looked at the pistols and her eyes widened a bit.

"Wow, nice work Nalik. I'm almost jealous Adrian get's the fancy weapons." She said with a smirk. That all to famous smirk… Anyway. Nalik seemed to perk up hearing her say that.

"Well, if there is anything that peaks your interest Ms. Eden, I would be happy to give. Of course, some of these weapons and armor are models, but I would be happy to manufacture them." Eden giggled a bit.

"You are too sweet Nalik, and thank you, but I think Adrian deserves it more than I do. Poor guy is going to need all the help he can get." Her tone was teasing yet playful.

"Careful Eden. I may be a scarred man, but I have tricks up my sleeve you haven't seen yet." I gave her a wink and she rolled her eyes. I turned when I heard Nalik clear his throat to get my attention.

"Anyway, I named the two pistol's the Hawkeye Revolvers. Reason's are is the bird symbol. It is based of Earth's Golden Eagle, an avian species on your planet. They are light, same material I used for Sicarius, and hold six shots each. They pack a punch, so I added a recoil damping mod. Aside from that, they are basic pistols. Oh and before, I forget they only work in unison and with a certain armor I designed for a matching set."

"You mean this armor Nalik?" I heard Eden said. I turned, with a brow raised. Eden was looking at some armor that I couldn't see. It was in some sort of case. Nalik however grinned and walked towards her. The guy was having a field day, that is for sure.

"Good find Ms. Eden. This is the Hawkeye armor I designed in conjunction with the pistols. Come Adrian, you must see your new armor."

New armor, huh? Better be worth it. As I headed towards them, pistols still in hand, I was thinking about what the armor may look like. Hearing Hawkeye, made me think that it would be a goofy purple outfit, which I hope it wasn't. Don't get me wrong, Hawkeye is my favorite super hero aside from Iron Man and Wolverine, but that suit. Not my favorite. What I saw, completely blue away my expectations.

Now, Nalik has a love for Human culture. History, cultures, literature, and apparently movies. The armor I was looking at looked like something from Star Wars. And I say that because the armor looked Mandalorian. Which is awesome, because who doesn't want to be Jango Fett? Guess I'm changing from Assassin to a Cajun Mandalorian Paladin. Damn, life is good.

The armor was had a similar coloration as the pistols. Black coating, mainly on the main part of the armor. The chest plate, part of the vambraces, and gauntlets. And gold as an extra color. The synthetic weave underneath the armor was gold, almost a brass looking color. Chest plate was black, along with the shoulder guards. The upper arm brace was also black, and the gauntlets were black with gold lining. The gloves were similar to the gauntlets, however on the finger tips were small sensors. Probably for the pistols. The thighs were black, and the knee guards were more gold with a slight hint of black. And the boots were black, while the sole of the boots were gold. The helmet had a pitch black visor, and the outline was gold. The "cheeks" of the helmet were black, while the top was gold. The last thing I noticed was the same bird symbol on the top left of the chest plate. Aside from armor, there was also a belt with two holsters, for the pistols obviously, and some pouches for clips and grenades. What I did notice was that attached to the bottom of the chest plate was a type of decorative cloth. The cloth covered both sides of the legs, and from the front and stretched to about half way of the calve. It too was black, with gold trimming.

Overall, the armor was definitely battle ready. And was pretty damn beautiful, if I may add. Eden was eyeing it as well, and she smiled excitedly. She was happy for me, that was for sure.

"Now, the pistols and the suit work in conjunction, and are part of a set," Nalik started.

"Wait, a set?" I asked. Nalik nodded.

"Yes. I am also designing an assault rifle for it, but it is still a work in progress. Either way, the pistol's and the armor are yours." I nodded my thanks, and strapped the Hawkeye Revolvers on my side, hidden of course. Don't want C-Sec getting suspicious.

"Thanks Nalik. I promise to take extra care of these beauties." Nalik put a hand up.

"Not yet, there is one more thing. Extend your arm and let me see your omnitool." I shrugged and complied. I activated my omnitool, extended my arm, and watch Nalik go to work. I couldn't really tell what he was doing. I looked at Eden, and she just shrugged. She was just as curious as I was. Nalik was typing away on my omnitool.

"There, all finished." I looked at my omnitool.

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Added some new Tech programs, and replaced some as well." I sighed, and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Really Nalik? You'll never let me enjoy the fun of adding Tech, huh?" He just laughed. Slimy bastard.

"I replaced your Incineration Tech with a Flamer Tech. I'd also added two new Tech I'd like you to experiment with. The first is called Ballistic Blades. It is pretty much a shot gun with never ending ammo. The other is a new Omni-Bow. Your omnitool will form into a bow like gauntlet, and you may shoot an omnigel like projectile from a considerably long distance."

"Long distance? Does this mean I have to return the Sicarius rifle?" I asked.

"Sadly, yes. I was running the numbers, and I found that the drum of the rifle is… well volatile. It will eventually turn into a time bomb. I must have it ASAP before something happens." Okay, that scared me. Knowing that I had a ticking time bomb on my back, seriously worried me. At least, I was getting new toys to replace the rifle.

Curiously, I activated the Omni-bow. My omnitool formed into a crossbow gauntlet. I started to apply pressure with my finger, and the bow started to wind itself and I could see the omnigel forming into a hardened bolt. When I released my finger, the bolt flew and stuck to the wall. Awesome! Nalik jumped, and quickly put my arm down.

"Adrian! Please, refrain yourself from practicing in my house!" he yelled. I just laughed a little. I looked at Eden and she gave me a look. I let out a breath, and retracted my omnitool. I would of checked out the Ballistic Blades, but I doubt Nalik would like that. Eden and I left the vault, while Nalik was packing the armor in a case to have it sent to the Normandy. The pistols were safely hidden on my sides. Can't be too careful.

As we waited, I looked over and saw my old helmet staring at me. I walked up to it, and picked it up. This helmet had many memories. Many dark memories. Aside from the bullet hole, there were plenty of scratches and a large scorch mark on it. It got me thinking.

"Hey Nalik! What are you going to do with the helmet?!" I called from my side of the room. He was closing the vault. Eden looked at me with a curious look. I just gave a wink and a small smile. I had something to do.

"Nothing, probably destroy it, and make something new of it. Why?"

"Is it alright if I take it with me?" Nalik looked at me. He was quiet for a few moments.

"Very well. It was yours to begin with." He turned to Eden. "As for the armor, I will have it sent to the Normandy." Eden nodded and smiled.

"That would be great Nalik. Thank you." Nalik nodded.

He walked us to the elevator as we were leaving.

"It was nice to see you again Adrian. And a pleasure to meet you Ms. Eden. I wish you both luck in the mission, as well as in your relationship. And you watch out for Adrian. He has a tendency to be reckless." Eden chuckled.

"Oh, I know he can be. Don't worry, I'll keep my eye on him." She looked at me, and I looked back at her. I took her hand in my own.

"Wouldn't have it any other way." I looked back at Nalik. "See you Nalik. Tell Kadick and Reina I said hello." Nalik nodded and gave a wave when the doors closed.

When we left the building we were crossing the lake. Eden received a call from Kaidan. He invited all of the ground team to meet at a bar and restaurant. One that allowed Krogan AND Quarian. He said that it would be good to have everyone together for a while. Made sense in a way. Even though some of us didn't trust each other fully, we are still a team. Hell, Ashley doesn't trust any of the aliens, Wrex and Garrus are still taking time, and Every human except for Doc, Tiffany, Joker, and Eden still doesn't trust me.

Anyway, we were heading towards the place now. As we were crossing the bridge I looked at the lake, and could feel the folded helmet on my waist. I stopped, and looked at the blue water. Eden stopped as well and looked at me.

"Adrian?" she asked. I placed my hand on the helmet. There was something I needed to do.

"You go on ahead Eden. There is something I have to do."

Eden POV

I walked into the restaurant, alone. I couldn't say why Adrian wanted to be alone, but I didn't pry. Couldn't really see why it would be necessary. As I walked in, I was pleasently surprised to see some of the crew there. And of course the ground team as well. Tiffany and Joker were there sitting at a large table were everyone on the ground team was at. I saw Kadian stand up and he walked towards me.

"Hey Commander," he said with a smile. I mentally sighed. No one calls me Eden, except Adrian. But what really surprised me was the small hug Kadian gave me. I immediately stiffened, and my face flushed. Even though I knew that me and Adrian being together was secret, I forgot that the crew didn't know. I pated his back, and he let go. I caught some of the cadets that were stationed with us snickering. Assholes.

He lead me to the table where the ground was. It was a large booth that could fit the ground team and probably two more. Adrian and I Wrex was seated at one end with Tali at his left. Garrus was seated next to her, then Tiffany, Ashley, and Liara. Joker was in a special wheel chair. He would later tell me that Tiffany threatened to break his legs if he didn't use it for RnR. I almost forgot that Joker invited Tiffany to be his "RnR Buddy". Poor girl. There was space for three more, and the way Kadian was standing, he wanted me to take a seat.

I frowned a bit and looked at the doorway. Hoping that Adrian would walk in and that we can take a seat next to each other. But he didn't, and I didn't want to be rude towards Kadian. He was being polite. I took my seat next to Liara, and then Kadian sat as well. A bit too close for comfort however.

The group talked a bit to each other about what they have done so far. It was slightly awkward at first, but we somehow managed. It has been two months, and fighting together has been forming a bond of sorts with each other. I sat quietly, just listening. So far no one has asked about what I was doing, and I was fine with that.

"Where did you get that jacket Commander?" asked Kadian. Damnit. I looked at him for a moment, and then around the booth. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for me to answer. Talk about pressure. I was about to answer until we heard one of the waitresses greet someone. We all looked, and I was ecstatic to see Adrian. He looked our way, and nodded. He said something to the waitress, and headed over. I noticed Kadian let out a sigh and saw him cross his arms. From the call, Kadian hinted that he didn't want Adrian to show up. He never mentioned him when he talked to me about everyone meeting. Guess he still doesn't like Adrian.

On the Normandy, he would always have an opinion about Adrian. Like he is a criminal and deserves to be locked away, or that he can't be trusted. Things like that. And the fact that Adrian and I would always talk between missions didn't sit well with Kadian either.

"Hey guys. Hope I wasn't too late," he said. His hands in his jacket pockets, and a small sincere smile on his face.

"Not at all Dawn. I was patient," said Wrex. He and Adrian have become something of friends. Wrex mainly admired Adrian's burns, but also Adrian's courage. After Therum Wrex was told what happened and he later told me that not even some Krogan would do something like that, and that Adrian had a "quad" on him. And Feros seemed to only add respect apparently. Adrian chuckled a little.

"Good to know Wrex."

"Nice jacket. Where did you get it?" asked Joker.

"Forgot the store, but Eden got it for me since my old was ripped up back on Feros." Some nodded, but majority looked at me.

"You got him a jacket?" asked Kadian in a whisper. Although, it was more of a remark, and not really a whisper since the others were staring. I took a breath.

"It was to replace his damaged one, besides I owe him something for what he has done," I said. Kadian gave me a look, but didn't say anything. I looked at Adrian, and he made a funny face, forcing me to smile. He took a seat next to Kadian, completing the seating arrangement, much to my displeasure. I wanted to sit next to Adrian. It was slightly quiet. There was a moment when the same waitress that greeted Adrian when he arrived showed up, giving him a glass of whiskey. It was also a bar.

"I have an idea, how about a picture?" asked Tiffany. Ashley nodded.

"That sounds like a good idea. We are the team that is going to kick Saren's ass, and I would want to remember it." The others nodded and voiced agreement. I looked over at one of the Cadets that was seated at another booth.

"Hey Cadet, may you take a quick picture of us for a second?" The cadet looked over and nodded. We all readied ourselves, smiles and smirk on most of our faces. Aside from the ground team, Tiffany and Joker would be in it as well. And if felt right to have them. The cadet counted to three and took the picture with his omnitool. He then sent the picture to all of us. I brought up my omnitool and pulled up the picture. It was simple, yet sweet. All of us sitting together, our faces smiling. Even though there was distrust amongst some of us, we were kind of like a family. A disfunctional family, but a family none the less. I saved the picture and looked over to see Adrian doing the same.

After the picture we all talked, ate, and drank. A part of me wanted to switch places with Kadian, but at the same time I felt like I shouldn't. As we were talking we heard someone rush to the bartender. He was saying that something was happening. The bartender switched the channel on the television screen and turned up the volume. It was the news, and apparently C-Sec found something.

"I'm Emily Wong, reporting with breaking news. The helmet that supposedly belonged to infamous assassin Spade, was found earlier today. Reports say that the helmet was badly damaged, and that a bullet hole was found. C-Sec is investigating and we will give you an update soon."

The table was quiet, and everyone looked at Adrian. I was stunned. So that's is what he did at the bridge.

"Adrian? What happened?" asked Tiffany. Adrian had his eyes clothes, and a smile on his face. That trademark smile of his.

"Just letting go of the old Tiffany." He took a sip of his drink. "And accepting the new."

And that's a wrap! I would like to thank everyone who are following and reading this story. And twelve chapters! Who would of thought, huh? It is exciting that is for sure. A quick shout out to Vinom11 for creating the image for Adrian's new armor. It is on DeviantART and is called the Sith Mandalorian. You guys should check it out, it is an amazing work of art. Anyway, to the two important things I'm going to say.

One: The Reckoning DLC. Alright, so this DLC is awesome! I seriously recommend downloading it ASAP. The new characters are amazing. The one I unlocked was both Cabal Vanguard, and Talon Mercenary. The Cabal Vangaurd is a female Turian. Her main ability is Poison strike. Basically a Biotic Charge but with an added Poison damage. She also has Nightshade Blades, which are like Ballistic Blades but with poison. Now the Talon Mercenary is another awesome one. Basically the guys in Bioware put Hawkeye into the game. He is the one that introduced the Omni-Bow. It replaces melee with the bow. There are two specail types of arrows. Concussive and Armor Piercing. He also as special mine that deals hell of a lot of damage. They are called Cain-Trip Mines. I give this DLC a two thumbs up, and a Kad Dawn approval. Also I'm on xbox and my Gamertag is AubeCredo if anyone is up to play. Just note that I do not have a working mic so don't expect me to talk. I will send messages however.

Now for number two: NEW FIC on the way! New idea, new characters, and a new story line. It will follow the Mass Effect storyline, however it will be in the eyes of a certain character from the first game. That character will be Vigil, the Prothean V.I of Ilos and probably the best damn tune in gaming history. And the title would be Mass Effect: Awakening, so keep an eye out for it. That is all I'm going to say for know. I just wanted to announce that Adrian Dawn is not the only character getting some love. The reason why is that You never really see a Vigil themed fic. He may be a minor character, but a significant character none the less. He is a tragic character, the last voice of the Protheans before we meet Javik. And I want to give Vigil his time in the limelight. This is still a work in progress, hell it is a brand new idea, so their may be changes on the way. I just want to give you an idea of things to come.

FUNFACT: Did you know that if you are on the main menu of Mass Effect 3, and you listen carefully you can barely hear the Vigil theme. Pretty cool if I say so myself. I mean think about it, it is the Theme of ME1. In ME2 it represented the characters from ME1, and in ME3 it represented the sacrifices and achievments of many (Mordin anyone?). So yeah, check out ME3's menu screen and have a listen. It is very faint so you might have to turn up your T.V's but it is there.

Anyway, thanks again for reading. Keep on reading, and Stay sexy ;)

KD