Location: De Luca's restaurant and Patio—Citadel waterfront.
The little boy who stood at attention and saluted him four years ago had grown. He was no longer little and Liam had to brace himself when his son careened into him.
"Dad!" Michael greeted from their embrace.
"Mikey," Liam replied into his hair, squeezing the kid in a tight hug, hoisting him up a bit. When they drew back, Liam ran a hand through the boy's short styled hair. "I missed you buddy. You've grown so tall!"
When he left the little guy could barely reach his hip. Now he stood at neck height, a few more years and he would be taller than his old man. "Mom says that a lot," Michael replied, stepping away to fix the layers of hair that were mussed up. He looked relaxed in a nice dress shirt with a pair of aviators hanging from the pocket and comfortable khakis. Clearly Dillon was teaching him a thing or two about how clothes made the man.
Liam smiled as his entire family clapped and welcomed him home. John and Fi were there, along with Kaidan and Ashley. His mother rushed up to greet him next. Hannah Shepard had to stand on her tip-toes to give him a proper hug.
It wasn't until he heard a slight cough that he reeled back from the sea of hands and kisses, and stepped up to his friend. "Guys, this is James Vega. A buddy of mine aboard the Dublin." He slapped the big guy's back, pushing him forward like an offering to a pack of wolves.
"Hey," James greeted with a nod.
"Liam has told us so much about you," Hannah said, coming to embrace the marine as if he were her own son. "Welcome to the Citadel, James."
Liam felt kind of bad for the guy who stood awkwardly as everyone watched the exchange. But all was well when James' meaty arms hugged her back.
It was Fiona who got Liam's attention when she muttered to his ear. "Yes, play nice for the cameras."
Liam put an arm around her shoulder and drew his little sister into his side, kissing her temple. "What are you going on about? Just let mom, be."
She shrugged against him. "Whatever. I brought the presents you got him. Took forever to get through custom's that's why I'm still in blues."
"You're the best, Fi," he replied, craning his neck to scan the crowd. "Did you also...?"
"Look see," she jut her chin towards the Hispanic man making his way through the Shepard family. When he stood before Vega, the Marine's eyes practically burst from his skull. He embraced his uncle like a long lost brother and the two men elicited cheers from the family. "Not an easy man to find, believe it or not."
Liam laughed as the continued to watch the display. Kaidan kind of hung off to the side, nursing his drink as he tried to read the situation. When Liam nodded for him to come over, the man raised his bottle and stepped forward.
"Welcome back, Shepard." Kaidan stuck his hand out. "Congrats on the promotion."
Liam grasped the offered hand in a strong shake. "Thanks."
That was when John untangled himself from the small group around Vega and made his way over. His little brother was the epitome of in command and walked with purpose, as if each step was a carefully calculated move. The only thing out of place was his carefree smile. "Look who decided to show up?" John teased.
"Jarhead!" Liam grasped his baby brother in a bear hug. "Look at you, all smiles for once."
"Thanks," John replied, rubbing his neck in that nervous habit he developed as a kid. Seeing the butcher of Torfan so flustered was amusing, if not a bit suspicious.
"What is it?" Liam asked, eyeing him cautiously.
But it was Ashley who couldn't hold it in anymore. "If you're not going to tell him, I will."
"Tell me what?" Liam questioned as the two lovers before him kept mum.
She stuck left hand out and blinded everyone with the diamond on her finger. Liam's jaw dropped, but knowing smiles from the others told him that he was the last to find out.
"Wow," Liam exclaimed, stepping up to hug a beaming Ashley. "I have a sister-in-law! I'm so happy for you guys." From her shoulder he could see John avoiding his gaze. John and Ashley have been dating for quite a while, basically ever since basic. But it never struck him as something long term until he saw the diamond. Liam shelved the questions for later and just focused on the happy woman before him.
"We didn't want the fuss," John explained, cringing as everyone shot him dirty looks.
"What's not to fuss about?" Liam replied quickly, hoping to mend the damage as he twirled Ashley by the hand a few times. "You're the best decision my dumb brother ever made."
Ashley smiled, and nudged John with an elbow. "Hear that Skipper? He approves."
As they all bunched around, Major Coats came through and grasped Liam's hand. "Good to see you, son."
"Likewise, sir," Liam replied, as everyone began to mingle. Michael's teenage friends entered the patio and the noise rose. But it was the couple on the other side of Coats that got Liam's attention.
Coats followed his line of sight to Sasha and Dillon who were talking to Kaidan. "Go say hi," the Major urged. "We can chat later."
With a pat on his shoulder, Coats stepped aside, giving Liam a straight path towards his wife and her boyfriend. She looked stunning in an emerald summer dress that came just above her toned knees. Her slender neck was emphasized by the strapless style, showing off a great body while still managing to be tasteful. There was no doubt that even in something so simple, she was still the most gorgeous person there and knew it, especially when that smirk appeared the minute her eyes found his.
They strode to meet eachother but only got halfway, the reality of their divorce kicked in and left them standing awkwardly. He smiled, there used to be a time where this awkward space didn't exist between them. "You look beautiful," he complimented.
"Nice uniform," she flicked the lapels on his dress blues and they both laughed, remembering early times when they greeted eachother like this. Liam opened his arms and she sunk in, nestling her head beneath his chin. "I'm glad you're back."
They drew back before their bodies forgot what divorce was all about. He felt her shiver at his touch when his hand came up to cup her cheek. "You okay?"
Sasha nodded even as her eye narrowed. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because you can barely look me in the eye," Liam said gently, stealing a glance to Dillon who was striding over, toothy grin in place. Divorce or not she was still one of his best friends. If something was bothering her, it bothered him. "What's up?"
She sighed and grasped his hand, wrenching it away from her face as she smoothed a stray lock from her lips. "I'm okay, Liam. Jesus you're paranoid." She squinted reading him carefully. "You seem different though...happier."
"Heya, look whose here," Dillon said, throwing his arms wide. "My best friend in the whole fucking world! Com'ere you!"
Liam grabbed his hand in a quick shake, dodging the hug. Dillon was built like a bull, thanks to the rugged lifestyle he adored. But while his suit was a cut above the rest, the slackened tie around his neck painted the picture of someone who hated offices.
"How're you doing, Dillon?" Liam asked, glancing at Sasha who kept her distance.
The other man shrugged. "Well, can't complain. I'm alive. Say, I have to tell you something—"
"—About the present you got for Michael," Sasha interjected, keeping her voice low. "You're not planning on entering our son in the derby, are you?"
"It's his choice, Sasha," Liam explained, recognizing the warning signs of a long debate. She hated racing and everything that had to do with it.
"How is it his choice?" she exclaimed, incredulous. There it was, the serene image was gone as mama bear took over. He remembered that livid look in her eye all too well. "He's thirteen for Christ's sakes. I'm not scraping him off the side of some track."
"It's a derby, Sash," Liam tried to sooth, aware that they were both ignoring Dillon now. "He'll be racing against other thirteen year olds, not Nascar drivers. His friends Ashton and Daniel are doing it too. You're taking this way too seriously."
"You're not taking it seriously enough!" she berated. "I don't give a damn what other thirteen year olds do. My son is—"
"Going to have a great birthday, right boy?" Dillon exclaimed, loudly enough for them to cut their argument as Michael came closer with a girl not far behind. Liam smiled, recognizing her as the ever lovely Faye.
"Hey kids, having fun yet?" Liam asked.
Michael stared at him kind of funny but Faye found the situation amusing as she perked up. "Can you show us your ship later, Mr. Shepard?" she asked, sweeping a hand through her long blonde hair.
"It's...not exactly my ship," Shepard stammered, not used to people calling him mister. At Michael's worried look he added, "maybe I'll show you were its docked later, alright?"
"Dad, you okay?" Michael asked, not buying their stories for a moment.
"Of course he is, boy!" Dillon exclaimed, stepping in to ruffle Michael's hair. Liam tensed his jaw but didn't say anything. The little man was trying to be the epitome of cool in front of his girlfriend and didn't need his step-dad messing things up.
Sasha sighed and shook her head. "Come on guys, let's go see what your friends are up to. Dillon?"
"Coming," he replied, holding his hands up at her glare. "I just have to speak with our friend a moment."
When they left Dillon tugged his tie further and took a deep breath like a man who just faced a firing squad.
"I know the feeling, man, believe me," Liam said, as he watched them walk away. Dillon was just playing catch up to Sasha's demands, an exhausting task for any man.
Dillon laughed, his rough beard bobbed up and down. He looked weary, but not defeated. His eyes drooped as if ashamed of something, but if Sasha gave the command to keep quiet, you would have to be tortured in order to spill your secrets.
"Something's up at work," Dillon said, grasping the railing as he looked out over the lower levels of the Citadel.
Liam nodded for him to continue, but kept an eye out over the rails that showed them the prime section of the factory district.
"This order for two hundred Cobra pistols comes in about six months ago," Dillon said, looking to him sideways. "I thought nothing of it, approved it, put through for production. They've been collecting dust in a warehouse since then."
Liam raised a brow. "That's a touching story."
Dillon gave a smarmy smile and brushed a palm over his face. "Stupid me tries to contact the requisition officer personally, but get this. The Alliance never ordered a set of these."
"Who did?" Liam asked, growing suspicious now.
"A group named Cerberus," Dillon said, practically turning white as Liam too realized the implications. "A group I hear defected from the Alliance around the same time frame. I don't know what to do, Liam."
"Okay, okay, just stay cool," Liam urged, glancing at the oblivious guests who were too into the party to notice. "How many other weapons did you ship?"
"I have a whole ten page ledger," Dillon croaked, swallowing hard. "If they found out I was supplying—"
"Did anyone ask you about this?"
Dillon shook his head. "But how long before an annual audit shows an entire arsenal of weapons made for non-alliance purposes was shipped to terrorists?"
"You didn't do anything wrong, Dillon." Liam pat his shoulder. "They were Alliance before they broke away, you didn't know they defected because that's not exactly breaking news right now."
The other man seemed to believe him and started breathing a little easier. As much as Liam hated their odd circumstance, he couldn't find it in his heart to truly despise Dillon. This man was a loyal friend that deserved his support if nothing else.
"I'm gonna talk to Hackett," Liam began, holding his hand up when Dillon freaked, "if you can find out where they were supposed to be delivered, you'd help us a tonne."
"It was special forces, only the computer knows the location and that could take a few months to decrypt," Dillon stammered.
"Then get on it," Liam said, clapping his side with a smile. "This is huge. You have no idea how much help you're going to be!"
Dillon heaved and leaned against the railing in relief. "Thanks."
Liam moved away with a huge grin plastered on his face. The shipment destination might reveal a Cerberus base or even better, their HQ. His thoughts clouded his mind and Liam bumped into a mountain of a man by accident.
"Sorry, I was distracted," Liam said, stepping back to look at the man only to feel his heart tug in shock.
"That is not surprising," Lieutenant-General Petrovsky said, as his wife Galena smiled gently at his side.
"We are so happy you're home," Galena replied, kissing him on each cheek. Sasha's mother always had a soft spot for him and was likely the only reason the retired Lieutenant-General came in person this time.
"Thank you, it's good to be home," Liam replied, giving her a brief hug. Everyone else was busy chatting each other up to notice their guest of honor.
As Petrovsky stared him down, Liam took a big gulp, ready for anything but completely unprepared for the roar of joy that came from Petrovsky as he gripped his shoulder and squeezed. "There is no place like home, yes?"
"Oleg, you're going to kill him," Galena said in a low voice.
"You are mistaken, love." He smacked Liam in the chest. "Here's a man that can handle himself. Not Mr. Wannabe suit and tie over there." He gestured to Dillon who was busy on a call.
Liam didn't know what version of the twilight zone he stumbled into, but having Oleg Petrovsky not completely hate him was kind of nice. "Would you like a drink, sir?" Liam asked, not sure of what else to say.
Oleg smiled, looking unnaturally comfortable in civilian clothes. Retirement was doing the old guy some good, he seemed less intense somehow but Liam couldn't figure out why. "A drink? Of course! I'm surprised you have not started, my boy. It's custom for a man to celebrate a grandfather's second blessing."
Time stood still as some of the guests caught Petrovsky's speech. Hannah Shepard stopped what she was doing and covered her mouth in shock. John and Fi gave him uncomfortable looks, but it was Sasha's pained expression that spelled it all out for him.
"I don't understand," Liam said, frowning as he studied the patio tiles.
"Nobody told the man?" Petrovsky exclaimed, looking over the crowd assembling.
"I think you've said your piece, General," Major Coats added, eyes downcast as he stood by.
"Dear," Galena started, but there was no end to this one.
Petrovsky held up a finger and leaned in close to Liam, making sure they were at eye level. "Imagine how I felt when no one told me that my grandson was coming, that my daughter was risking her life in the process," he said in a low voice. "Thank god someone told me about my upcoming granddaughter."
The air left his lungs, it felt like someone was choking him as the pressure built in his chest and festered. All eyes were on Liam, as he tried his best to maintain control. He could see Fi and John disentangling themselves from Ash and Kaidan, making their way forward. He could see Vega's concerned frown, as he stepped away from his uncle and started to rush over. He could see Sasha bring a hand up to her face as she excused herself from the kids and tried to beat him to Dillon.
She was no match as Shepard sprinted to his friend before anyone could stop him. Dillon looked to him, then did a double take. "Hey, I think I'll call you back later," Dillon said to his omni-tool.
The minute the channel closed, Liam swung the first punch. Although Dillon used to do a bit of street boxing and was more than capable of holding his own, he either didn't bother or didn't have time as Liam pounced, pounding him with blow after blow as he hit the ground.
Fighting the multiple hands trying to get him away, Liam landed a few more punches, making the fucker bleed before he was finally wrestled away by Vega and Major Coats. "Easy Loco, what happened?"
"Get the fuck away from me!" Liam roared, lunging for Dillon who now had his head cradled in Sasha's lap. "I'm gonna kill him!"
"Dad?"
His breathing heaved as he looked to the frightened eyes of his son nearby. His friends looked just as freaked out, as they all backed away when Liam stepped towards them. "Whoa, you need to calm down, Shepard," James said, restraining him.
"He's my son," Shepard muttered, "she's my wife...my daughter..." His vision blurred but no tears spilled as he hung his head and sank to his knees. From the corner of his eyes he could see Faye trying to tug Michael's arm, pulling him away. As his head hit the ground and he yelled a guttural cry of surrender, he could see Petrovsky with the same glossy eyes nearby as Galena face-palmed beside him.
o~O~o