A/N: Slowly but surely we make our way toward ME2. I just want to say thanks for all of you sticking with me! I'm not a great fiction writer, by even the standards I've read on here. There are some truly talented authors on here, so I'm humbled by your support :) FYI, I have no idea whatsoever how the military works, so this is total 100% bull. I'm sorry for inaccuracies and simply claim ignorance.

HERS

"Admiral Hackett, with all due respect, the Reapers are the real threat. It's bigger than just the Geth," Shepard pleaded. "I need a fleet."

"I understand, Commander, but you must understand that the Alliance suffered heavy losses protecting the Destiny Ascension and then taking out Sovereign. We don't have the resources available, and the Council believes that the main threat of the Reapers has been eradicated. You have permission to take the Normandy and clean up Geth strongholds," Hackett looked at Shepard regretfully, "but anything more than that, I'm sorry."

"Yes, sir."

"Now as far as your crew complement goes, are there any concerns with personnel issues?"

"No, sir," Shepard said slowly, "but I would like permission to put the turian, Garrus Vakarian, in charge of the armory. After we lost Williams on Virmire, I needed to cover the position myself. Vakarian may not be Alliance, but he is former C-Sec and a highly trained weapons specialist. To be honest, sir, I would like to keep my alien team aboard. Garrus, Wrex, Liara, and Tali. They've all made invaluable contributions and we wouldn't be sitting here if it weren't for them."

"Granted, Shepard. I trust your judgment. Anything else before we wrap up this debriefing? Personal thoughts?" That question sounds loaded. Don't crack. Cool and calm, just like…

"Kaidan." The name fell from Shepard's thoughts to her mouth. "I mean, Lt. Kaidan Alenko, sir."

"Is there a problem with Alenko?" Hackett raised an eyebrow.

"No sir, um, I just wondered why he was still just a Staff Lieutenant. He's a well-commended soldier, and he only further proved himself against Saren and Sovereign." Disaster averted, right? I hope.

"I will take that under consideration, Shepard," Hackett said thoughtfully. "Right now, though, there's no more room on your ship for another promotion. Your reports show you think highly of him and I assumed you wanted to keep him on your crew. Would you like me to transfer him to another ship where he can assume the position of Staff Commander?" Shit, no!

"Uh, no, sir. He is too valuable an asset to lose at this point. This conversation will remain between just us, sir? I don't want this to be on the record."

"Understood, Shepard." There was a knowing look in Hackett's eye. He seemed almost amused. "Computer, please strike the previous conversation regarding Lt. Kaidan Alenko from the recording."

"Deleting," came a small electronic voice.

"Thank you, sir," Shepard said, trying not to sound relieved and guilty at the same time. "I have nothing further."

Standing, Hackett leveled a serious look at Shepard. "You have done humanity proud. Keep up the good work. Dismissed."

Shepard saluted and left the office. She couldn't stop the guilty feeling. Oh, shit. What have we done? This is why there are those damn fraternization regs. She found a private area and pulled out her omni-tool.

"Kaidan? It's Rachel. Can you meet me at the bistro close to the corner of Lincoln and Sunnyside in about an hour? Dress casually, no fatigues. We need to talk." We are going to have to figure this out. Her shoulders slumped under the weight of her thoughts.

Shepard went to the officers' locker room and changed into the only other clothes she had. It was a dress, and she hated it. The color was nice, but the style old, and it was a dress. Sighing, she put it on and pulled her hair out of the bun. I need to look as unmilitary as possible.

Arriving at the bistro, she saw Kaidan sitting at a table already, absent-mindedly tapping his fingers. He was wearing dark jeans, a light blue t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. He was stunning. A smile crept to his face as his eyes met hers. I don't want to break his heart. Shepard ached inside.

"Wow, Rachel. You look amazing. Don't take this the wrong way, but I didn't recognize you at first. The dress." Kaidan pulled her into a hug. She tried to return it.

"Ok," said Kaidan, as he pulled out a chair for her, "How was the debriefing with Hackett?"

Shepard shifted uncomfortably. I have to tell him the truth. "It was fine. The Alliance said I can continue after Geth strongholds with the Normandy and her crew." She couldn't bring her eyes to meet his.

"So what is the problem? Rachel, you're hiding from me."

"Kaidan, I…" Shepard's eyes filled. "I denied you a promotion. I'm sorry. I didn't want them to find out about us, but your name slipped out of my mouth, and I had to make up some bullshit excuse as to why I said it. It turned into a talk of promotion, and Hackett said you would have to be transferred to another ship in order for that to happen. I couldn't do it, Kaidan. I couldn't let you out of my command. My parents tried to have a marriage like that, separate ships, separate assignments, but it doesn't work. They are still technically together, but they don't know each other, and I was shipped around like cargo between them. It was hell, and I don't want to do that to us." Now he can bawl me out.

Kaidan's reaction was not what she was expecting. He smiled. I really need to figure out this telepathy thing.

"So we are a we?" Kaidan's eyes glistened mischievously.

"Well, yeah…we are." Shepard finally felt comfortable enough to smile, taking his hand.

Kaidan leaned back in his chair. "I think you need to know the rest of the story then."

HIS

Kaidan wasn't sure what to expect today. He had never met Admiral Steven Hackett before, and he was nervous. Given the magnitude of the battle with Saren and Sovereign, Hackett himself was debriefing the Normandy's officers.

"The admiral will see you now, Lt. Alenko," Hackett's secretary said sweetly, watching him walk by. Kaidan didn't notice, and soon came face-to-face with the older, bearded man.

"Good morning, sir." Kaidan saluted.

"Good morning. At ease, Lieutenant. Have a seat. This won't be long. Your reports are quite complete."

"Thank you, sir."

"Given this was Commander Shepard's first actual ship command, what's your opinion on her leadership?"

"The commander proved herself to be more than capable, sir. Professional and approachable. She's a good manager of crew efficiency and does well keeping up morale. I'm sure the rest of the crew would agree with me."

Hackett nodded, his lips a straight line. "Very well. It looks here like the commander herself thinks quite highly of you. Captain Anderson had already recommended you for a promotion before he was removed from the Normandy, based on your actions at Eden Prime." Hackett stood up and walked around his desk, still looking at his datapad. "You will be promoted to Staff Commander, but you will also be transferred off the Normandy."

Kaidan blinked. He wasn't sure what to say, but words started to flow out of his mouth. "Sir, I am honored, but if I may speak freely?"

Hackett nodded his consent.

"I don't know if you have spoken to the commander yet, but she is convinced that this Reaper threat is real and isn't over. From my own observations, I tend to believe her. I saw the Prothean VI on Ilos. It is my opinion that her crew remain intact as is. We have all had the appropriate experience to deal with the threat, and I believe that we should have our best out there, sir. So if you would approve, I would like to forgo the promotion and remain aboard the Normandy."

Hackett furrowed his brow. "Well put, Alenko. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, sir."

"Fine, you remain with the Normandy. Dismissed."

"Thank you, sir." Kaidan saluted again and left the office.

When Kaidan saw Shepard sitting in the lobby area, he nodded a polite nod, but nothing more. She smiled and rose as she was called into Hackett's office.

x-X-x

"So, I wanted to tell you right there what I had done, but without making it plain as day to everyone around, I couldn't." Kaidan explained at the bistro.

"You gave up a promotion for me? Hackett already knew?!" Shock registered on Shepard's face.

"Not completely, and yes, he did. What I told Hackett was true, I believe in you and I trust your gut instinct about the VI on Ilos removed any doubt I might have had. I'm ready to stand with you, come hell or high water." His hand reached up to cup her face.

"Kaidan, I…" He put his finger over her lips.

"Shh, remember when you laughed at me about those books I read as a kid? About the 'dream,' where the guy goes off to save the galaxy in the name of the woman he loves? Well, I still believe that dream. I just happen to be taking the woman with me because she can kick ass like no one else." He kissed her forehead lightly.

"Now, we have some shore leave. Would you like to come to Vancouver with me? Chicago really isn't my place," Kaidan said.

"What's in Vancouver?" Shepard asked.

"My parents."