A/N: I am working on my KOTOR2 fic - after all, it was my NaNo this year - but I really feel the calling of Shenko again. So ... such begins my post-ME3 fic.
Of course the ride won't be easy, if you're familiar with Chiaroscuro. But don't worry - if you've read that, you also know everything will work out in the end.
Featuring my Marrakech Shepard, paragade Spacer/War Hero.

Prologue: The Chance for a Future

By the time she woke up, she'd almost forgotten where she was.

The words and sensations of the night before had disappeared into one of her usual nightmares, with the child she'd failed to save and everyone she'd lost, waking her up disoriented and (though loath to admit it) terrified.

It was only when the arm beneath her flexed, when the slightest huff of air danced on her neck, that she remembered where she was. Slowly, so as not to disturb her bedmate, she carefully extracted herself from his arms and sat up, nausea rearing up inside her as she ducked her head. The bed shifted as Kaidan rolled onto his back, the smallest grumble indicating a slow rise into wakefulness, and she hunched even further.

"Hey." His voice was even more raspy with early wakefulness, and the bed shifted more as he propped himself up on his elbows. "You ok?" Shepard didn't answer, leaning forward onto her knees and digging her palms into her forehead. His hand pressed into her back as he moved closer to her. "What's up?"

Her first instinct was the one she always had when she woke him up because of her nightmares, but before she could rush to put him at ease she'd looked up at her armor locker and blurted it out.

"Kaidan . . . are we going to make it?"

He sighed, pressing his forehead against her forearm as his hand traced across her shoulderblades. "We're ready. You've put everything together - you've built hope."

"I'm glad I inspire that, but . . ." She swallowed, looking back at him. "You're right." She traced a line down his sternum, comforted by the warmth of his skin underneath her hand. "Give us hope and a fighting chance. Hell, the Reapers better watch themselves." Shepard leaned in to press her lips to his gently, then moved off towards her shower. She could feel Kaidan's eyes on her, his worried gaze indicating that he hadn't believed a single word she'd just said. That like always, he'd seen straight through the facade that she never seemed to be able to keep up around him.

When she came back out of her bathroom, Kaidan was gone. Folded up next to her terminal - which she always checked as soon as she'd had her shower, a habit he'd long known - was a folded-up piece of paper that she was certain hadn't been present before, resting on top of a brand new, N7 painted Graal shotgun. With her hands shaking she unfolded the paper, instantly recognizing Kaidan's fairly bold handwriting.

Hey,

I was going to do this when we woke up this morning, since this seems like it's it. But you'd had your nightmare again and, well, we don't have much time. And I think I might prefer it this way. I'll do it right if you want later.

I love you. I always have, and I'll love you forever no matter what happens today.

So, Shepard . . . when we get out of this, will you marry me?

Kaidan

P.S. I had them certify this for face-punching. You're safe. I'd still recommend using the shotgun for that, though.

Out of the last fold of paper rolled a simple silver ring, a single blue stone set into it at the top and rimmed with tinier red stones. It was on a short, thick chain with a silver tag, and she ran her thumb over the text. One of Kaidan's dog tags.

She swallowed, pinching the ring between two fingers and letting the tag dangle, her previous insecurities resurfacing with a vengeance.

When they got out of it? What if they didn't? That was far more likely - a complete annihilation of this cycle to make way for a new cycle free from the Reapers, a sacrifice that would allow anyone else ever born to live free without fear of harvest.

But what if they did? What if she did the impossible and destroyed the Reapers and they'd never come back . . . and that chance to move on to something other than this came?

What if?

She hesitantly slipped her own tags over her head, shakily removing one of the two and sliding the ring and other tag onto it in its place.

When she went down for breakfast carrying her new shotgun with the intent of modding it after breakfast, she slid the note back to Kaidan as she passed with a single silver tag and one word written at the bottom: Yes.