Nate POV
Next Day 3:42AM
Another sleepless night came to fruition. I was in the familiar position of staring at the ceiling waiting for sleep to claim me and the nightmares to ensue. But it never came. This was driving me crazy, normally it doesn't bother me but I have been extra irritable.
What had happened a couple of hours ago still weighed heavy on my mind. The moment I got home I locked myself in my bedroom. I spent the first hour berating myself for being so damn stupid. Was I giving her signals? No way I'm 100% sure that I haven't. Maybe she misinterpreted my actions or my words for something else. But what could it have been. I had come to the realisation that Jack may have been developing feelings for me. That would explain a lot, like her attacking me whenever I got close to another girl and her overreactions whenever I complimented her.
Then for another couple of hours a started blaming her. I systematically shifted blame from myself to the psychotic biotic. I was just being friendly. I just wanted to be her friend and she assumed I just wanted to fuck her. How the hell was that my fault? She's the crazy bitch that took it too far. Why are you even fretting over this?
And then an hour or so ago I reached the stage that I'm at now. No matter whose fault it was, what has been done is done and there was no point in drudging up the past. I am now focusing on how to fix my present situation because she sure as hell won't.
I could explain that I really wanted to be her friend but after running away like a little bitch yesterday she'd laugh in my face or she'd kill me. Explaining my actions yesterday would get me nowhere with her.
Avoiding her would be running away and that is something I was always taught to never do. I guess my father did teach me something useful after all. Avoiding the problem wouldn't do me any good, I hate losing friends, and it would probably make her hate me. She's likely planning my murder right now. Who am I kidding, she doesn't plan that shit, she'd just try to kill me the next time she saw me.
I would do anything for my friends and right now Jack qualifies as that. So going to do anything to make it right, especially when I've ignored others advice. I've got to tell her why. I don't think I've ever even talked about it, ever. The only people who know were there when it happened and those who weren't were informed in the report.
Why are you going to tell her? You've only known her a couple of months. She doesn't need to know about your past
I want to tell her because out of all of the girls who have developed any sort of feelings for me, she's the only one who's taken it badly and it actually bothers me. I guess you could say that I care about her more than most others.
OK I'm going to tell her, the sooner the better since the more that she thinks about this the worse it's going to get.
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Rylee POV
I don't get what Thane's problem is. Lately he's been avoiding me. And whenever he is around me he does everything short of refusing to talk to me. He tries to end conversations by giving quick responses and he brings Kolyat less and less to childcare. For the past week I haven't spoken to him. What the hell happened? Everything was going so well, I was actually getting sort of attached to the little drell... and Thane too.
To be perfectly honest I was falling hard for the drell. More than I did Garrus. I know, I know it's not possible but it is. Garrus has this sarcastic wit and charming personality. He's friendly, funny, responsible and to top it all off clueless. I've had a crush on him since I was 10 years old and he defended me from some Batarians who were picking on me for being human. Ever since then I have practically thrown myself at him and each time he dives out of the way. I would try to suggest slyly that he should ask me out or that we should go on a date. In return he completely misses on the hint and says something stupid. I remember this one time when I was 12 and he was 14.
"Hey Garrus"
"What's going on. Your face is all red."
"Nothing"
"It's been happening a lot lately Rylee you should really see a doctor about it" he said concernedly
"I'm fine really" I dismissed the blush only getting deeper. I noticed that he looked pretty banged up "What's with your eye, your nose and well your other eye"
"Oh Nate and I met this Turian. Her name is Nyreen. We got into this argument about who was the best hand to hand so we settled it in the ring". Who is this Turian and where does she live no one does that to Garrus' "It was brutal. After 9 rounds the instructors called it a draw. We decided to hold a tie breaker in the locker room, I had reach but she had flexibility" That bitch is gonna die. I can't believe he'd sleep with someone he'd just met a couple of hours ago. He must have noticed that what he said affected me "It's not what you think, it was just kissing" raising his arm in defence. PHEW.
Come on Rylee you're a woman now time to step up "Sounds like you're carrying some tension maybe I could help release it for you" I said suggestively but looking back on it, it wasn't my finest moment.
"Didn't think you felt like sparring Rylee" he responded honestly. How the fuck can someone be so damned oblivious. "You should join our gym, I'm sure they'd let you" someone please kill me now.
I look back at that moment and smile considering how upset I was. I had to join their gym after that or he'd have suspected something. Over the next couple of years I started umm 'developing' and guys started taking notice. I learned I could make Garrus squirm and I started doing it more and more. But as of late I've stopped thinking about him as much. I spend most of my time thinking about Thane.
The beautiful sea green scales adorning his face his head covered by dark green ones. His deep black eyes, red ribbings that cascade down his neck. His tall slim frame. I can't get his image out of my mind. Over the past week I realised just how much I miss having him around.
I took out my omni-tool and decided to call him "Hey Thane"
"Rylee, this is a surprise"
"Yeah I know"
"Why are you calling?"
"Can you meet me at the rapid transit terminal in the Silversun Strip?"
I was fully expecting him to say no "Yes… but I will also bring Kolyat"
"That's fine"
"OK…. Goodbye" he hung up
So I'm going to meet up with Thane tomorrow. I don't know what to expect from this encounter tomorrow, but it can only get better. I'm gonna invite him over so we can talk. Nate likes Thane so I doubt that he'll mind him over but I'm not so sure about Kolyat. As far as I know the only people who know about his child are he and I. He might not want to come in which case I would want to go to his place. Tomorrow is gonna be interesting.
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Nate POV
Its 1 in the afternoon and Garrus is over. We've been going through a list of some of the highest recommended psychologists for me to see. True to his character he had started the search last night and had already gone through A-E, and that consisted of over 50 therapists and he highlighted. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, he's better than I deserve.
"Garry can you log me in" Solana asked. Since his dad was working at C-Sec and his mum was working he had to bring his 9 year old sister to my place
"Solana I logged you in 5 minutes ago"
"I logged of by accident"
"I'll change my password to Solana is a bratty little girl"
"You're mean" she pouted
"Yeah well if you log off again you can count the ceiling tiles until we go home" he threatened before logging on and sending her on her way
"You don't have to be such an ass to her" I advised
"Remember when I used to say that about you and Rylee"
"Good point"
"She's so damned annoying but she's still my sister" he said in his usual charm and sarcasm. I went back to the datapads and noticed a name that stuck out
"OK what about Seto Kom'ek" I asked
"What?" he responded automatically, he then reached over to the data pad. He then discarded it
Before he took it from my hands I quickly scanned the pad. He was a male, 37 years old and…. Batarian. I had noticed that all of the therapists we had gone through were just about every race apart from Batarian. There are like 100 psychologists here, did he remove all the ones which were Batarian? And if so just how many did he go through last night?
I looked at him as he returned to the task which we were currently performing and realised something. This guy is the best friend anyone could ever have. He is willing to do anything for me and my health whilst I wallow in self-pity. I had never once thought how my attitude had affected Garrus, it had to be annoying him and yet here he is. Helping me get better, damn I'm an asshole.
"Garrus…. Thank you" I appreciated but at the same time apologised. He gave me a curt nod and returned to the task at hand.
I looked through the names and one in particular stood out. It was an Asari Matriarch called Aethyta T. Her last name was blocked out but for a Matriarch to be on this list she must be worth a look. I looked through her information. She appears to be a very pragmatic woman, no coddling and she will call me out on my mistakes. Her father is a krogan so she may be prone to head butting.
"Hey Garrus check this out" I offered him the data pad. He scanned it over and he was surprised by 'Matriarch'
"Really Nate?" he said sceptically
"Yeah Garrus"
"Are you sure about this? Because I am serious about you getting better"
"So am I Garrus… I don't know it's just that I took a look at her profile and I just feel as though she's the one"
"You're not taking her on a date she's treating you!" he reasoned
"Garrus…. I'm serious about this…. please" I begged
"Okay… but if this doesn't work out we're going back to searching agreed" he said and I nodded.
I punched her number into my omni-tool and gave her a call. Come to think of it her number looks really familiar. A hologram appeared in front of me and an aged Asari stood tall.
"Hello" she said, her voice gruff and slightly butch
"Hi, is this Aethyta" I asked
"Yeah who's asking?"
"I'm Nathan Shepard…. I'm looking for help" I admitted
"Oh, this is a work call… wait did you say your name was Shepard"
"Yeah, Nathan" when I said this she had a look of surprise on her face but also one of pride. Did I know her from somewhere?
"I knew your father. He was a great man" she complimented. I shut out what she said. "So how can I help you?"
"You're a psychiatrist and I need your help… dealing with an issue from the past"
"How long ago?"
"About 4 years? You see-"
"You don't have to relay your story. As a Matriarch I have access to top secret data. I know what happened and I can help you" she interrupted saving me from reliving the past
"Really" I said in disbelief
"I've asked your Alliance brass if I could check on your mental condition, but they refused claiming that you're at peak psychological shape" she said. I love the Alliance but the damn politicians at the top are total assholes. I haven't been fine for four years but and they actually refused professional help on my behalf
"How much do you know?" I asked
"The whole story, not the airbrushed version fed to the public" she stated
"I can…. Listen I know what you're going through. It's likely been haunting you for the past few years in ways I can't even think of and for you to be asking for help you must not be able handle it anymore. I can't empathise but I can only imagine. I can't help you until you get past this one hurdle" she started "You have to tell someone who doesn't know. You have to tell your closest friends about what happened. When you do this a lot of your pain should be allayed"
"How do you-"
"Dad do you have a minute?" a familiar voice questioned
"Liara?" I asked
The 'young' asari stepped into the hologram "Nate is that you?" she inquired and I nodded
"Remember my advice" Aethyta reminded. I had to consider what she had said. It's unthinkable telling people about it. I don't think I ever have. Wednesday July 27th 2185 has haunted my sleep. I have relived that day many times over the past 4 years. It has left scars both physical and psychological. Telling the story again… I don't think I could do it.
"Liara can you arrive at my house in an hour" I had resigned to her judgement. My discomfort is irrelevant, if this is affecting Garrus to the point he's as involved as he is then I need to fix it no matter what. "Can you call Javik and bring him too"
"Yes" she responded and I ended the transmission
"Why the hell would the Alliance deny Aethyta" I said turning to Garrus beside me
He looked thoughtful, contemplating an answer for my question "The only reasons I can imagine are that they don't want Asari involved with Alliance issues" he offered "Or they don't want the poster boy for the Alliance's future to appear unstable" he finished, I could see the anger forming as he said it.
I'm not entirely surprised by that. The second seems a lot more likely, they always value image above anything else. Even at the cost of my life
I then called and invited over a few of my other closest friends. This consisted of the ones who already knew where I lived and a couple more. I called over James, Jacob, Tali, Kaidan, Nyreen, Kelly, Samantha, Grunt and Kasumi. They all said they could make it and were on their way apart from Nyreen who was hanging out with Aria. I asked Rylee to call Thane but she said that he was already on his way.
I liked Kelly. They were best friends and were almost always together. Kelly had this bubbly, happy, cheery personality which irritated the hell out of me at first but when I got to know her during some sensitivity seminar the school forced us to do, I realised that she is an intelligent girl with a good heart. She's got a good mind and wants to help people when she grows up, after getting a degree in psychology she wants to work on a Star ship. The only concern I have about her is that she's sponsored by Cerberus. I've texted her at night when I couldn't sleep every once in a while and she's always been ready to talk.
Samantha Traynor. She and I are almost totally different. She's geeky and socially awkward but she is way smarter than anyone I've ever met. However when I got to know her I found out that she's pretty cool in a nerdy way. She went to my secondary school and that's when we met. I was behind in my ICT work whilst she was doing stuff I don't even understand today, we stayed late after school to work. At first it was awkward considering we were totally different people and the people I hung out with back then were total dickheads but eventually she told me some of her interests like strategy games. It was pretty brave considering if I were like the others she was feeding ammunition into the canon. I left the group after a while because they picked on her and others. It's because of her I got in touch with my inner nerd and discovered that I actually like strategy and role playing video games like Dragon Age, even comic books. She also lives in my building.
Jacob is a really good friend. I met him at the Ascension program for biotics about 2 years back. His biotics are impressive but it's his physical ability that sets him apart from the rest, were he a better biotic he would be a better Vanguard than me because his stamina is a lot better than mine. He's really cool, has a set of principles he sticks to no matter what and he's not afraid to own up to his mistakes that's why Garrus likes him so much. I'm surprised that he allowed Cerberus to sponsor him. But he is clueless as all hell when it comes to subtlety, so far as I know Kelly, Kasumi, Gabby, Diana, and Rylee have all thought he was sexy and have tried to get with him but he was too thick to notice.
Kasumi Goto. A new face but one that I like, she's a petit thief of Japanese origin with a penchant for kleptomania. I met her on the first day but I didn't talk to her until a couple of months ago when she stole my credit chit. I never realised it was gone until she gave it back to me. She said it was to keep her skills sharp. Along with my chit she also had some of the books from my bag, my omni-tool and my Transit card. She was so casual about it that I had to laugh, she's charming and easy to talk to that combined with her combat abilities automatically made me like her. She likes Jacob a lot but I doubt that the big man noticed.
Javik is a weird one. For one he's about 50000 years older than me but at the same time he's my age. Although a lot of people see him as an insufferable asshole. But he is damn hilarious. Garrus and James respect the hell out of him because of his abilities in combat and his leadership skills. Although he's fairly extreme in terms of leniency and punishment he has the best interest of the majority at heart even if that has a negative effect on someone. Once you see it from that perspective it is easy to like Javik. That and the fact that he's really funny. His bluntness, arrogance and sarcasm combined with his sense of right and wrong makes him one of the most interesting people I've ever met
Tali Zorah. Another new face who quickly became my friend but that was mainly due to Garrus. He's taken a liking to the Quarian and for good reason. Tali is a sweet, kind-hearted girl who cares a lot about the people around her, but she wasn't afraid to defend herself and others if need be. She also has a capacity for forgiveness like I've never seen, she helps anyone in need regardless if you've mistreated her or those she cares about. She normally waits for me and Rylee in the morning since she lives in our building. Lately she's been making moves on Garrus but he has missed just about every hint. What I found funny was that Rylee hadn't noticed, even when it happens right in front of her.
Thane Krios was coming too. There are few people who have earned my respect purely from combat and Thane is on that list. I've seen him in action more than once and every time he impresses me. His hand to hand abilities are better than anyone I've ever seen and the jellyfish trained him. However when you got to know him you learn that he's so calm. He never stresses out and he's fairly easy to talk to. He prevented me from committing one of the biggest mistakes of my life when he stopped me from striking Rylee. He has shown that he will stand for what he thinks is right and that he will always think clearly. But I can't help but feel that there's something he's hiding. He almost always appears to be tired.
I had called everyone I wanted to be there apart from Miranda and Jack. Miranda would be easy but Jack would be another story entirely. Yesterday didn't leave our friendship in the best state so I doubt that she'd show up but I've got to try.
"Hello" it was Jack. Out of the 4 people there, she had to pick it up
"Hey Jack". I think that she recognized my voice
"FUCK OFF" she yelled before hanging up
I tried again "I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO FUCK OFF" she yelled
"Jack, I want you to come over to my place" I said in a low, quiet voice. This must have been a shock for her
"EAT A DICK"
"Come on Jack"
"WHY THE FUCK SHOULD I"
"Jack… please" I whispered. I don't know whether or not my sorrow was conveyed through my voice but I could swear it touched her. "Can I speak to Miranda as well" that's when she hung up.
This time I called Miranda on her personal omni-tool "Hey Miri"
"Nate how's it going"
"Not so good… can you come over"
"Yeah Sure"
"Oh yeah can you bring Oriana too, I sort of promised her she'd meet Rylee"
"I'm not sure if I can but I will try"
"OK Miranda see you later"
That was easier than I had imagined. Miranda's coming and I think that Jack is as well so it's the full set. God I'm not entirely sure that I can go through this but Aethyta seems to think that it will help in the long run. This is gonna be a long day.
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Rylee POV
I was just reading up on the reproductive systems of the Krogan, Vorcha and Salarians to disturbing detail. I have learnt a few things that I wish I could un-learn. Just as I was about to tear my eyes out so I couldn't envision the sight of Krogan testicles, my omni-tool flashed. It was a text
"Kolyat and I are currently at the Transit Terminal. We are waiting for you"
XX-TK-XX 14:16pm CTD
I guess the time is now. I walked over to my wardrobe. I was currently wearing a baggy football shirt as and tracksuit trousers. I changed into fade blue jeans, a red jacket and white Nike trainers. I ran down stairs to see Nate and Garrus looking at videos on the extranet, they were looking at videos of people getting slapped and laughing their asses off. So juvenile.
"Hey I'm going out" I informed
"What time are you getting back" he asked with a concerned look
"In a couple of minutes, Thane is waiting for me….What's wrong?" I asked
"Nothing I just that I want you here when everyone gets here" he stated
I walked out of the door and into the lift. In the lift there was this dancing Vorcha who was listening to dubstep, eyes closed and in his zone. When the beat dropped he started jumping and dancing. He was even nice enough to smile and in the end I started dancing with him. It wasn't anything special, just jumping and laughing in an elevator with CCTV, this moment is being recorded and I don't care. I've got to do this with Tali and Liara. I was sort of sad when he got off, that was really fun.
I could see Thane from the lift. He stood with Kolyat cradled in his arms, covered by a small towel to keep him warm, sleeping soundly. A warm, compassionate smile graced his face as he watched his son sleep.
"Thane!" I called out getting his attention. I gestured for him to come over and he did
"Hello Rylee" he whispered as to not awaken Kolyat
"Can we go over to my place? My brother wants to talk to you" I said, he looked almost disappointed. Then I realised something. He kept Kolyat a secret from everyone and now he's going to have to walk past Nate and Garrus with him.
"Thane, you don't have to come over. Garrus and Nate are in the living room" I tried to convince him not to come
"It's alright, I don't mind" he said still smiling lovingly at Kolyat
"OK"
We walked to the elevator in silence so we wouldn't wake Kolyat up. A couple of floors above mine the doors opened and Tali walked in.
"Rylee" she hugged me "Hi Thane, what's in your….. oh" she said rather awkwardly. She looked at Kolyat unsure as to what to say next. The lift doors opened again and this time Samantha walked into the lift.
"Rylee, Tali, Thane how are you" she greeted cheerily until her eyes fell to Kolyat. "Aww is that your little brother" she cooed
"No… he is my son" he stated. I could see Sam stiffen for a second before regaining her composure "Congratulations"
"Thank you"
"Thane, you can go home, from what I know a bunch of people are headed for my place and they're gonna see Kolyat… are you okay with that?"
He took a deep breath "Yes I am… I wanted to thank you Rylee" he said
I looked at him confused "Me?" I said pointing at myself
"Yes. You allowed me time to think about this. A month ago you could have pried the information about Kolyat out of me. But you didn't and for that I thank you. It gave me the opportunity to get comfortable with the idea of people knowing"
"Are you sure about that Thane. This isn't exactly something everyone should know" Samantha added
Thane then turned to her and smiled. "If I wanted this to be concealed that would mean I was ashamed" he started before looking at Kolyat affectionately "I could never be ashamed of him. I've taken many good things out of this life. He is the one good thing I've ever put into it. I will never be afraid to let people know" he stated. He loves his son so much and he's so proud of him that he actually wants people to know. My heart started racing as I look at the drell. My feelings for him were growing stronger by the second.
"Good for you Thane" Samantha congratulated
"I am sure you are a great father, if anything you've said is indication" Tali added
"Thank you" he appreciated
I wasn't sure that this is a conversation we should be having in public so we hurried into my house. Luckily for us Nate and Garrus were in Nate's room.
"I thought you said that Garrus would be here" Tali said sounding disappointed. Did she like Garrus?
"Yeah he was when I left. I guess they're in Nate's room playing MoD" I guessed
"What's MoD" Thane asked
"Medal of Duty" Samantha answered "It came out today. I guess he took my advice and pre-ordered it"
"Let's go to my room upstairs"
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Thane POV
Rylee's apartment was a beautiful place. The windows overlooked the rest of the wards, plant life adorned this apartment giving it a natural look, tasteful decorations giving it a touch of class, leather black sofas and from what I could count 2 kitchens, a chandelier hung high above our heads, the walls were littered in abstract art and an impressive library of books stood in the far corner. It was also huge in size. it must be very expensive living here.
When we reached her room I was shocked to see how big it was. It was filled with posters of male human idols, lavender wall paper and it also possessed another small library. Her desk was covered in notes and loose bits of paper for her history and biology work. She was clearly very studious. Her room had its own sofa, a computer and a double bed.
"WOW! Rylee your room is huge" Samantha complimented in awe
"I forgot to ask. Who are these people?" Tali asked pointing at the posters. She's been here before
"They are celebrities from the past" she began "Oh this one is , Trey Songz, Robin Thicke, Drake, Boris Kodjoe, Elvis Pressley, Cristiano Ronaldo, Weeknd, Randy Orton, and Anders" she said pointing at the corresponding pictures.
"Anders isn't a celebrity Rylee" Samantha stated
"Doesn't make him any less sexy" she countered and Samantha laughed
"You guys are really weird" Tali chuckled.
I walked over to her bed and set Kolyat down. He was still asleep so I had to be careful. I watched as his features gently shifted as he snored quietly. A smile tugged the corner of his mouth, he's dreaming. This young life that lay before me is the sole reason for my existence. I will protect him at all costs, even if it is from me. I gently wrapped him in the towel to prevent him from growing cold.
The ladies watched me affectionately as I cared for my son. If they had their way they would swarm him and play with him, but everyone needs their sleep. If he is to wake up whilst I'm here they are more than welcome to entertain him.
"What would you like to know" I asked them then I took a seat on the sofa and they joined me
"Who's the mother" Samantha asked.
"A drell named Irikah"
"Really, how did you meet?"
"Laser dot trembles on the target's skull. Spice on the spring wind. Sunset eyes defiant in the scope. Her body trembles, no fear. Indignation. Her mouth moves. How dare you?" I fell into Solipsism. When I snapped out of my trance I got some unsure looks from the three "That was Irikah. She spotted my targeting laser as she walked by and threw herself in the way. That was 3 years, 246 days ago" I informed
"What was that?" Samantha questioned
"We drell have perfect memories. We can relive any moment of our lives with perfect clarity. We can lose ourselves in them"
"You can relive any moment. Doesn't that mean you can lose yourself in bad memories?" Rylee asked
"Yes there is. Remembering the times I've taken bullets is… unpleasant but I can look at my knee and see it's not shattered"
"Why were you targeting someone?" Tali asked. I forget that my profession is not public knowledge
"I'm an assassin"
"What! You're an Assassin? You're 18" Samantha stated
"I'm not sure why age is important. I have done this since I was 12" this earned me some incredulous looks from the three "Since the Hanar saved the Drell from Rakhana the drell owe them a great debt. I was placed under a compact. Compacts are tasks that Drell do for the Hanar to repay them. Mine required me to train to become an assassin from the age of 6"
"Six?"
"Yes. The training program had a high casualty rate. However I was the youngest student at the monastery so they likely made it easier for me. I was not to be used and thrown away. I was an investment and their top pupil"
"You were a child not an investment" Tali defended
"I've given you the wrong impression. They valued me yes as a resource but also as a person… They regretted their need for me"
"And Irikah stopped you from taking another life" Rylee spat
"Is something wrong Rylee?" I asked, I genuinely had no idea what could irk her so
"You're an Assassin! You take life. How many innocence have you taken" she accused
"I maybe an assassin but I choose the contracts I take. I only take contracts that improve the lives of good people never because of the pay" I calmly stated. However she still appeared to be angry.
"So how did she go from blocking your shot to having your children?" Tali inquired
"I had to meet her. That memory possessed and endowed me. I had to meet her. I fell on my knees before her and begged her forgiveness. She glares at me in disgust. Berates me for my actions, "You monster" voice loud but smooth. She slaps me hard across the face. I fall in front of her "Please forgive me" I plead. Her eyes soften "Get up" she instructs. I look up to see she is still scowling. "Forgiveness must be earned" I looked at Rylee, her eyes held such sorrow and sympathy.
"Why did you ask for her forgiveness?" Tali asked
"She impressed me. I thought she was the goddess Arashu herself. How many people so you know that would jump in the way of a bullet for someone they'd never met? She showed me a world beyond my work." I asked and they gave no answer "She forgave me and later loved me. And I loved her" I lamented
"Loved?" Rylee asked
"Yes, Loved. I got careless, I thought that she was safe but she never was. A squad of assassins and I took out a Batarian slaver group who were preying on Hanar. They paid the shadow broker to find out who we were. They feared us so they went after our loved ones. They… t-took her life" I choked out.
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Rylee POV
Sam, Tali and I watched as the drell poured his heart out. Thane was struggling to finish his sentences. This is uncharacteristic of the usually articulate drell, and when he choked out they took her life my heart melted. There were tears forming getting ready to fall down his cheeks. I stood and went over to comfort him, I gave him a hug, at first he was static but he then reciprocated my actions. Tali and Sam then joined in.
"Thank you" he whispered. We backed away and stared at him "Kolyat was unplanned. She became pregnant 10 months ago. She offered me a chance out due to my profession. I refused. I wanted to be near my child…. A mistake that cost her, her life"
"You couldn't have known Thane" I reassured "You can't blame yourself"
"If I don't then who will" he stated "The Hanar allowed me to leave their service to raise a family. The slaver ring was to be my last contract" he lamented. Oh my god, how the hell can fate be so cruel. He abandons his career for her and his last contract is the one that gets her killed.
"I hunted her killers and their leaders and killed them all. That is why I was unable to attend for the first part of the year. I was taught to grant death quickly but with them… I let it linger"
"I don't blame you. I would have done the same" Sam encouraged
"Yes that bosht'et group deserved what they got"
"They killed innocence to get to you Thane. They left your son to grow up without a mother. They deserved what they got" I reassured
"But I went against everything I was taught. I had allowed my emotions to cloud my judgement" he said "Their deaths are on my conscious. They're the only people I have killed at my own accord and I made them suffer." he regretted. I can't believe it, he actually feels bad because of what he did to them. He feels bad for torturing those who caused him so much pain. Why would anyone feel that way, he didn't forgive them or anything of the sort. Did he empathise with that situation.
He sighed "I haven't spoken of Irikah's death in… I don't believe I've ever spoken of her" he admitted. The way he speaks of her he makes her out to be a goddess. Then again he did consider her as someone called 'Arashu'. I may have strong feelings for him but with his love's death happening so recently. It's not a good idea for me to go after him. For now I'll have to be content with being his friend.
"*Cough*" we heard the sound of coughing coming from my bed. Kolyat was now awake and coughing, loudly to boot. Thane then picked his son up and tenderly tapped his back. Why is it every time I see him with his son I get more and more attracted to him? From the adoring look from Samantha I could tell she was developing a soft spot for the drell. If she were in to guys then maybe I would be worried. The coughing soon subsided
"Can I hold him" Sam asked. Thane then gave Kolyat over to her. She held him closely and cooed at the baby. An eyelash must have landed in her eye or something because she closed her eyes. Kolyat, with his little hands then clawed at her eye, gently of course
"Ow, Ow" she complained before placing him back on the bed
"He tends to do that" Thane stated. Samantha looked surprised at that "When you close your eyes be wonders where they've gone and he tries to find them" he smiled. That is so adorable! "We sleep on the same bed so he crawls over to my head and forces my eyes open to wake me up" Thane chuckled. Tali, Sam and I began to laugh uncontrollably.
Unexpectedly Kolyat then began to cry. It was loud and annoying, piercing my eardrums and shaking the walls. Okay maybe that's an exaggeration but that cry is really annoying. "Make him stop" I ordered.
"Is someone killing a cat in here" Nate said barging into my room with Garrus and Kaidan in tow. He acknowledged Tali, Thane and Samantha with a nod before covering his ears.
"My apologies" Thane apologised
"What is that?" Kaidan asked also covering his ears from supersonic pain.
I walked over to my bed and picked Kolyat up. I then held him with his head over my shoulder. I bounced slightly, rocking the young drell.
"There used to be a greying tower alone on the sea.
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remained a drug that's the high and not the pill.
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and
The light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh,
The more I get of you,
The stranger it feels, yeah.
And now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grey.
There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain,
My power, my pleasure, my pain, baby
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?
But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.
Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah
Now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grey,
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey,
I've been kissed by a rose
I've been kissed by a rose on the grey,
...And if I should fall along the way
I've been kissed by a rose
...been kissed by a rose on the grey." I sang as a lullaby of sorts. It seemed to work since Kolyat was now smiling and clapping. Kiss from a Rose always works
"Wow Rylee… You can't sing" Nate declared to which Sam slapped him in the arm "Fine it was alright" he corrected
"So who's the kid" Garrus asked. We each shared looks wondering what to say next
"He's my son" Thane announced. To our surprise none of them freaked out or shouted or anything. They looked shocked that's for sure but they merely nodded at Thane and left the room. There was some sort of secret understanding between the males in this house that they wouldn't talk about it, but Thane will likely tell them if they asked.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Nate POV
Wow! Thane's got a son. I never pegged him as a father although that would explain why he always looks so tired. There was an unspoken agreement between the four of us that we wouldn't talk about it until Thane wanted to. OK that means that Rylee, Thane, Garrus, Tali, Sam, Kaidan and Garrus are here. That still leaves Grunt, James, Kasumi, Liara, Javik, Jacob, Jack, Miranda and Kelly.
Grunt should be coming with James, Jacob and Kasumi. Javik should show up along with Liara. Kelly is on the lift right now and Jack should show up with Miranda. The doorbell rang and I opened. At the door were Kelly Miranda and Oriana. Where's Jack?
"Hi Nate" Kelly greeted before kissing me on the cheek. When she did this I could see Miranda's jaw clenching
"Hey Kelly, Sam and Rylee are up in her room" I informed her and she made her way to them
"NATE!" Oriana cheered, I bent down and gave her a hug. "Where's your sister?" she asked excitedly
"Ori" Miranda scolded
"Don't worry it's okay. RYLEE SOMEONE'S HERE TO SEE YOU" I bellowed. Oriana was jumping up and down with excitement. Rylee descended down the stairs and she got a look at Oriana. Ori and Rylee started talking animatedly and as I knew Rylee loves the kid.
"Where's Jack?" I asked Miranda
"I don't know, she told us to leave without her" my head fell a little. I wanted her to come especially since I could explain myself. "So what's this about?"
"I've got something to tell you guys. I'll start when everyone's here"
We waited for 5 minutes. No one else had shown up. Kaidan, Garrus and Miranda were talking in the kitchen. Solana and Oriana were in the play room whilst I could hear the girls fawning over Kolyat. Poor kid. Right then my omni-tool pinged.
"Where the fuck do you live?"
Jack 15:17pm CTD
I can't believe this. She doesn't leave with the person that knows where I live. She doesn't hate Miranda enough that they physically can't walk side by side. I texted her telling her I'd meet her at the elevator terminal where she lives. Sometimes i think that she's more trouble than she's worth. I put on a pair of air-forces and a denim jacket so that I could meet up with her. Everyone seemed to be busy, Solana and Oriana were getting along great and they both adored Kolyat. I walked over to the elevator and made my way out.
On the way out I saw Javik and Liara getting out of a cab. I would have called out to them but I was in a rush to get to Jack. . The more time that elapses the more time I have to talk myself out of it.
When I reached the Presidium I found her waiting for me wearing, wearing a black tank-top, camouflage bottoms and combat boots. Does she ever take them off? Her dress sense wasn't what caught my attention though. It was her hair. She had shaved the sides off of her hair and ponytailed it. I didn't think it was possible but she looked even hotter than she did before.
I knew better than to compliment her on her looks, every time I did that she ended up screaming at me. "Hey Jack. Come on" I said turning into the elevator
In the elevator I took a look at her. She looked pissed off, what the hell did I do this time? Wait a minute she pissed off that I didn't comment on her new look. Is there no winning with this girl?
"Jack" I got her attention but she still looked slightly pissed "I like your hair it looks sexy" I commented.
"I didn't do it to please you! I just wanted a new look" she dismissed whilst looking away. I could see her smile even though she had turned away. I'll take what I can get from Jack.
What's with this girl. She has this way of keeping me on my toes. It's like playing Russian Roulette with five bullets in the chamber. You're almost guaranteed to shoot yourself in the head. But there is always the chance that you don't, that moment of relief when you realise that you're going to live another day. That unpredictability and danger was enchanting but she has never realised it.
"Care to tell me what's goin' on" she asked
"You'll find out when we get there"
"Why is the cheerleader there as well"
"Jack I'll tell you when we get there"
She huffed and faced away from me. Why is she so damned childish.
When we got back to my place everyone was there. Grunt, Jacob, James and Kasumi had all shown up and were waiting in the living room. They had all gathered in one particular section. I could see that Jack was uncomfortable. I guess this is the largest group of people she has ever been around voluntarily.
Here Goes.