HERS
Collapsing again on her bed, Shepard moaned in exhaustion. It seemed she couldn't do anything anymore without crushing fatigue. She knew it was everything that she was facing. The end of the galactic community as we know it. The extinction of so many races. Her head ached at the thought of failure, but it was a thought that would not let her mind go.
It had been a few weeks since the quickie wedding took place, and she and Kaidan had been running non-stop since then. First, they rescued a group of Cerberus defectors on the planet Gellix. There she reunited with Jacob Taylor. When they talked, she couldn't help but see jealousy in Kaidan's eyes. Perhaps because he was another biotic, perhaps because he had been there when Kaidan wasn't.
Whatever it was, as soon as Jacob surprised Shepard with his relationship with Dr. Brynn Cole, Kaidan relaxed a bit. He can't help it, and to see him a little jealous is cute.
Shepard had planned to head to Thessia next, but Hackett ordered the Normandy to do some covert work to stop Cerberus from taking communications stations and gather Reaper artifacts that they had been studying as well. It was just a never-ending cycle of work, tedium, and more work.
Right now, though, was the tedium time. The time between missions. Kaidan was down in the mess eating. Shepard was so tired that food sounded like a terrible idea, so she went straight to bed. She stopped at her console to see that Jacob had sent a message saying to stop by Huerta if she got a chance to get back to the Citadel. She made a mental note to do that.
Lying there, she could hear the hum of the ship's engine. Usually it was comforting, right now it was loud and annoying. Are the inertia dampeners off or malfunctioning? God, this ship feels like it's swirling. Shepard's stomach took a swoop as she thought she felt the ship turn. I'm going to be sick.
She leaped up from the bed in time to see the door open and Kaidan walk in. Running for the toilet, she didn't acknowledge him. A look of alarm hit Kaidan as Shepard dove to the floor and vomited in the head. Waves of retching kept coming and soon Shepard's stomach had nothing to give.
"Rachel! What's wrong?" Kaidan asked, standing in the doorway. "Do I need to get Chakwas?"
"No," she croaked. "I'm just so tired and Joker must be pulling some kind of acrobatic maneuvers with the Normandy. I'm going to kick his ass." Another wave of nausea had her heaving into the toilet. Oh my God, I'm dying. I'm fucking dying.
"Rach, get some rest. We're in need of more heat sinks and unfortunately, a fuckton of other stuff. Those side assignments have seriously depleted us." Kaidan walked over to the console. "Joker, what's our next destination?"
"We were headed to Thessia, Major. ETA about 36 hours."
"Belay that. Head to the Citadel first. We've got some things to take care of before heading to Thessia."
"Aye-aye," Joker said.
Kaidan walked back to where Shepard was lying on the bathroom floor doing her best impression of a pale puddle of flesh.
"Ok, Rachel," he said, hefting her up gently. "You are getting into bed. Sleep whatever this is off and we'll be at the Citadel. You can help me requisition the supplies."
"I'm supposed to see Jacob at Huerta," she said weakly. Kaidan frowned slightly.
"Fine, you do that. See how his girlfriend is doing on the Crucible, ok?" He laid a gentle kiss on her cheek and pulled the comforter over her body. He said something about Dr. Cole for his own security. Silly Kaidan. Shepard relaxed and a little snore soon started.
Shepard awoke a few hours before they arrived at the Citadel. Kaidan was gone. She showered and immediately felt more human. There was a touch of queasy still, but that was easily squelched. She headed down to the mess because her body was finally telling her hunger was important. I've got to get something in this stomach before I lose it all again.
Gardner was there as usual. "Well, hey, Commander! The Major said you might be on your way. I've got your favorite, hashbrowns and onions, scrambled eggs. I know it isn't breakfast, but well, you just can't go wrong with a hearty meal like that." Gardner pushed the plate of food toward Shepard. It smells ok…why doesn't it smell great?
She sat down as she started feeling dizzy again. This time there was no bed lay down on and the toilet wasn't close enough. Shepard felt her body go limp and the world went black.
"Commander?" Shepard heard a lilting British voice in her ears. What the hell is going on? A cool breeze rushed over her face. She opened her eyes and the harsh light of the Citadel pounded into them. The scenery was moving…I am moving.
"What's going on?" Shepard drawled, her mouth not moving nearly as quickly as her mind.
"You passed out in the mess on the Normandy, dear," Chakwas said. "Since we were already here at the Citadel, we're taking you straight to Huerta."
"Where's Kaidan?"
"The major is on his way," Chakwas said as she followed the gurney along. "He said you had been ill last night."
"Yeah…I think this is just a stomach bug. I haven't eaten in about 24 hours."
Chakwas clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Shepard, biotics cannot survive like that. If you were nauseated, I could have given you something to help."
"I just needed some sleep, Doc. Give me a break…"
Shepard was quickly hooked up to fluids as she heard Chakwas order the nurses at Huerta. "She's dehydrated, that's probably a lot of her problem, but just in case, I want a full scan of her cybernetic implants. I'd hate to think one in the nervous system has decided to malfunction."
Shifting in the gurney uncomfortably, Shepard started feeling better as the fluids entered her body. "Doc, I think I'm going to be fine. We need to get to Thessia. I don't have time for this."
"Oh no," Chakwas said firmly. "We cannot have Commander Shepard falling over and vomiting in the middle of the battlefield. Might make the Reapers think you're weak." Her face quirked into a smile as she looked down at her scanner. She had started over Shepard's head and as she worked her way down she stopped when she got to her hand.
"I never knew you to wear jewelry before, Commander."
Shepard's mouth made an o-shape. Oh shit. Maybe we should have told the crew.
"It's from Kaidan, a gift." I'm telling the truth, just part of it.
"It's beautiful, unique. Suits you nicely." Chakwas seemed satisfied and continued her scans.
"Excuse me, Dr. Chakwas?" a young intern poked her head into the exam room. "Major Alenko is here. Should I let him in?"
"Just a moment…" She looked up at Shepard. "You and Alenko have resumed sexual activity, I assume?"
Shepard let out an uncomfortable laugh. "Yeah, Doc, you assume correctly."
"Mmhmm." Chakwas' lips were pursed. "I'm going to leave the decision to let the major in up to you, Shepard, but physically, you are fine, dehydrated, hungry, but fine." She paused. "And pregnant."
"What?!"
"You know how this happens…I don't need to explain it, do I?"
"No, I, uh, am just surprised. Don't tell him. Let me do that. I guess you should know, Doc, we, ah, got married about a month ago."
It was Chakwas' turn to look shocked. "Commander! Well, congratulations is in order! You tell me what your decision is regarding the pregnancy. I will still leave you your medical privacy." Shepard sat in deep thought.
Shit. I can't have a baby now. There's so much work left to do. Our lives are in danger almost every day. We still have to get back to Earth to help take it back. But this is us, a piece of both of us. If Kaidan knew, what would he say? He'd probably get that goofy smile when he tries to keep a straight face and fails. It'd be beautiful. I want this baby, but I can't be running around a battlefield pregnant. Have biotics ever had kids before? Shepard was overwhelmed."
"Doc, tell me, have you ever heard of biotics having kids? I mean, does it work, or is the poor thing going to be deformed or…" Shepard was searching for reasons to justify…I can't even think the word.
"Well, Shepard, the first generation of human biotics are just now reaching the time when they would decide to procreate. Thus far, I haven't heard anything positive or negative from Alliance Medical about it. I'm afraid to say I really don't know. But, I must admit that I thought your monthly suppressant was working properly. Apparently, not."
"We haven't been together as long as you think," Shepard said absentmindedly, still trying to process everything. "Doc, I honestly thought it wasn't possible. I mean, I died. Who knows what happened there? What did Miranda and Cerberus do? Was that even a priority or on the list to do at all? I guess I thought since Miranda couldn't have kids that I couldn't either." It made sense in my head. It doesn't now.
"As usual, Shepard, you have defied the odds," Chakwas said gently, laying a hand on Shepard's shoulder. "My professional opinion? You have time. I can give you daily shots to counteract the fatigue and nausea, and right now, it's so early, you don't have to make a decision yet. Take your time. Talk to Kaidan. I can take care of it in the medbay on the Normandy, if you decide to terminate."
"Thanks, Doc. Let Kaidan in, just tell him I was overexerted, ok?"
"As you wish." Chakwas turned to open the door. "Major? You can come in now."
Kaidan walked in, pale and worried. He grabbed her hands and kissed them. "Rach, are you ok? Doc, what's wrong with her?"
"Well, Kaidan, Shepard is exhausted and she was dehydrated. But there is one thing of concern…" Chakwas leveled an eye at Kaidan.
"What?" Kaidan squeezed Shepard's hand. She smiled. He's such a worrywart.
"Why didn't you tell me that you got married? I would have gotten you a gift!"
Kaidan relaxed and laughed. "It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment sort of thing. I'm sure we'll tell the crew soon."
Chakwas smiled broadly. "Shepard just needs a little more time in here to get her fluids and energy back. She'll be out in a few hours, tops."
"Ok, great. Thanks, Doc," Kaidan said. He looked back at Shepard. "I'm going to go finish up everything. You rest, ok? I'll see you back on the Normandy in a few hours." He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He still smells so damn good.
About two hours later, Shepard was walking out into the lobby in Huerta. She saw Jacob standing there.
"Hey Shepard! I'm glad to see you! I know things are crazy right now. If you don't mind me saying, you look like hell. You ok?"
"Yeah," Shepard said slowly. "Just had some severe dehydration and exhaustion. You know what a number that does on biotics."
Jacob chuckled. "That I do, Shep. Glad you're ok. Things are pretty crazy right now, aren't they?"
"Sure are…you have to take moments to breathe when you can. You know, Jacob, it was interesting to meet Dr. Cole. How is she? Is she acclimating to working with Alliance?"
"She's great actually. It's good to see her work without the distraction of having to worry about the colony."
"What about you two…together?" Shepard winked.
"Well," Jacob scratched his neck. "We're going to have a baby, Shepard."
"Wow! Congratulations!" Shepard gave Jacob a quick hug.
"Wasn't exactly planned, but I'm looking forward to it," Jacob explained. "I'm going to be a better father than mine was. Do the whole thing right. It's, uh…"
"One more thing to fight for," Shepard said softly, bringing her hand up to her own stomach.
"Got that right. Brynn wants to name it after you."
"Really?" she laughed.
"Yeah," Jacob chuckled. "Shepard."
"Um, that's…nice."
Jacob shook his head. "Sure, I'm going to talk her out of it. No offense."
"None taken. But Jake, as great as it is to see you, I've got to get back. Work never ends you know."
"That I do, Shep. You take care. There's little ones counting on you. I know you won't let them down."
"Thanks Jake, I won't."
Shepard turned and walked away. As the elevator door closed, she touched her stomach again and said softly, "I won't let you down either. I'll keep you secure."
HIS
Kaidan was irritated. Shepard made him stay on the Normandy while she took Liara and Javik down to Thessia. "I need the best experts in Protheans and with Thessia under attack, I don't want to take too many personnel down," she had said.
The explanation was sound, but Kaidan still didn't like it. Ever since their little wedding, his protective senses went into hyperdrive. He knew that she was an extremely capable soldier, probably the best out there, but to him, she was his wife and he would kill anything that threatened to harm her. But right now, he was standing near the airlock, waiting for anything.
It had been a few hours and there was precious little communication. Thessia was being lost before their eyes. One of the oldest and most sophisticated cultures and homeworlds and it's falling just as quickly as all the others.
"Kaidan!" Joker called from his seat. "A Cerberus fighter just arrived. It's heading down to where Shep is! What the fuck do they want with Thessia?"
"They probably want the artifact as well." Kaidan shifted uncomfortably. He was itching to move and his mind was telling him he needed to get down there. "Joker, can you call Vega? Ask him if he can prep the second shuttle in 5?"
"Sure, Kaidan…why?"
"Just call it a bad feeling. Tell Garrus to head down there as well. I'm not letting Cerberus get them."
"Got it. Hey, Major?"
Kaidan turned back. "Yeah?"
"They won't hurt her. She's too strong."
"Thanks. I'm not taking that chance."
Kaidan met Garrus on the elevator as he was going down. "What's going on, Kaidan?"
"We're heading down to Thessia to get Shepard and the others. Something isn't right. It's been too long, too quiet."
"Ah, that gut instinct." Garrus nodded. "We'll get her back, and then we'll head back to Earth and end this nasty Reaper business." Garrus gave Kaidan's shoulder a quick pat. "We'll all get our planets back."
In the shuttle bay, Vega was waiting inside the shuttle. "Ok, Scars, Major, you ready to go?"
The shuttle door slammed shut behind Kaidan. "Go, Lieutenant. See if you can find that temple that Shepard was supposed to be heading to. The situation is really hot. Reapers, harvesters, all that shit. You got this, Vega."
"No problemo, Major. We'll be with Lola inmediatamente." He winked back at Kaidan. They all knew how invested he was in Shepard. Well, maybe. Still haven't told the crew about us. But you can't hide that we've been bunking together.
"Major, I've got the temple in sight. You need to see this…" Vega had a note of concern in his voice. Kaidan glanced at the vid screen. He saw an airship with a Cerberus symbol firing rockets at the temple. Dust began to rise as Kaidan saw it had targeted the supports.
"Damnit, Vega! Get down there now! That temple is coming down!" Kaidan watched a man in black walk calmly to the airship and board. Liara came running out, shooting to no avail.
Vega started to close in and Garrus and Kaidan leapt out of the shuttle before it could touch down.
"Kaidan! Shepard's still in there! Javik too!"
Kaidan ran toward the crumbling edifice, Garrus on his tail. He could see that much of the floors had collapsed into a giant chasm.
"Oh, God, no." Kaidan said quietly. Over the rumble of the falling structure, he heard a little grunt. Looking quickly to his left, he saw a gloved hand clutching the edge of the floor. Rachel. He rushed over and grabbed her hand as it was slipping off.
"Kaidan!" She looked at him in surprise.
Pulling her up, he quickly cradled her head in his hands, holding her close. "Rachel, do you know how to do anything except scare the shit out of me?"
"I figure if I do something well, I should continue doing it," she made a little cough/laugh combination. "Thank you, Kaidan. I don't know if I could have held on much longer. How did you know?"
He looked at her. Her green eyes were sparkling beneath the layer of dust the had settled on her face and hair. "I just had a feeling. An insecurity, I guess. I needed to be sure you were safe. When Joker said Cerberus was here, that was it."
"I'm glad you came," she whispered in his ear as he pulled her into an embrace. "We have something to talk about."
A/N: This topic almost came up in my other one-shot fic, Vancouver. It's in chapter 7, if you haven't read it yet. It's super sappy, but makes sense with this one! Also, a weekend update! Squee! I hope you enjoyed this one! I really liked the way this one turned out.
