Author's Note: I was overwhelmed by the response to the last chapter! Thank you to those who added The Reason to their favorites and follow lists. A special thank you to those who reviewed: WiseGirl9859, ChaseingTheWind, Vorcha Girl, Kateriel79, Elissa Theirin, Anubis85, ela11, Kirsah, Jules Hawk, Zacharti, Bint-Lilith, JJ, and the guests. Like I said, I was overwhelmed. Thank you.

I will say, to the guest who commented on Sloan, it's a difficult process to tell a story from one character's point of view, and still give the reader the emotions of another character. I hope you will continue to read, and hopefully after this chapter you'll feel more of a connection to Sloan. If you would like to see more of her, you could always check out the one-shots from her POV: The Long Goodbye, Just the Beginning, and Then, She Woke Up. I wish I had an opportunity to respond to you individually. I can only hope you're still here, reading along.

I think that's all for now... Enjoy! - TLC

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Kaidan fell onto the couch in the Starboard Observation Lounge. The Normandy had docked just under half an hour earlier and the shutters were closed. Not that there was much to see at the moment, just the large arms of the citadel holding the ship close. He opened his omni'tool and linked to the Spectre Terminal to see who was still requesting assistance and to offer help. He was surprised when he noticed they had all been responded to. He sighed hen he checked to see which Spectre had picked up the tasks, the signature was CDR. SS.

He checked the time and realized Shepard would be in with Javik and the Council for at least the next half hour. Even with the upgraded translators, he suspected they would hold her hostage for as long as they could. He also knew she would want to stand by Javik's side as long as he would allow her. She wouldn't want to force anyone to deal with the Council on their own. He sent her a message, "Shepard, You do know you're not the only Spectre on the station, right? Save some work for the new guy, will you? Let me know if there's anything you want me to do. – Kaidan"

He closed down the 'tool, knowing she wouldn't be responding for a while. He stood, stretched and his stomach grumbled letting him know he couldn't skip another meal. He left the Lounge and stopped at the elevator. He could have gone to the mess, but he had the sudden craving for ramen and knew of the perfect spot to find some on the Citadel.

He stepped on the elevator, and closed his eyes leaning against the back wall. He thought of the night before. How comfortable he had been with Shepard. As the night continued, he had grown tired. The emotions of the day completely draining him. More than once, Shepard had tried to stand, but her movement would rouse him, and he would hold tight to her hand until she sat back down. Eventually, she slid closer to him, and rested her head on his shoulder, abandoning her attempts to leave. He had sighed deeply and wrapped his arm around her. Her head rested on his chest, and they fell asleep.

It was the best night sleep he'd had in years.

The elevator doors opened to the CIC and Kaidan realized the ship was mostly empty, even Joker and EDI had left. He passed through the vacant space quickly. It felt odd to be on the ship while she was offline. Once his feet hit the station, he took a deep breath and made his way towards Cheu Noodle Bar. The Citadel was still buzzing with activity left over from the coup. C-Sec officers were still working on gathering information on how they were breached while working on increasing security on the station so nothing like this would happen again. Kaidan couldn't help but feel like it was futile with the Reapers here.

He reached the restaurant and went to the counter. The clerk seemed surprised at the amount of food he ordered, but Kaidan was used to it. He carried his trays to the last empty table and sat, spreading out his food as his stomach rumbled greedily. "Hey, Major," Kaidan looked up into James Vega's grinning face. "Did you save any for the rest of us?" The Lieutenant chuckled and jabbed an elbow towards Cortez, who shook his head through his grin.

"You can have my leftovers," Kaidan responded with a laugh as he turned his attention back to his food. Moments later, the Lieutenants were back at his table and Kaidan looked up, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

"No tables left, mind if we join you?" Cortez asked, and Kaidan nodded gesturing to the seats opposite him. They sat, and tucked in to their meal. Kaidan knew the blissful looks on their faces reflected his own. It really was the best ramen on the Citadel. "Oh, I got notification that your armor is ready. It's here on the Citadel," Cortez informed him and Kaidan sighed in relief. He was glad he wouldn't have to wait any longer.

"Good, I'll pick it up before we leave," Kaidan responded with a nod. "Thanks."

"So, uh, Major," Vega started, glancing at Cortez out of the corner of his eye. "I've heard a rumor about you." Cortez sighed, and dropped his eyes to his food. Kaidan looked up and found humor dancing in Vega's eyes.

"Oh yeah?" He asked around a mouthful of food. "What's that?" He hoped it would have nothing to do with Shepard and his history, or what he hoped for their future.

"I've heard you've got more biotic control in el dedo meñique than most biotics have in their whole bodies," Vega answered, wiggling his little finger as he spoke, and Kaidan couldn't help the relief that washed over him, as he continued to eat.

"Where'd you hear that?" Kaidan asked as he lifted his drink, his eyes locked on Vega.

"The Commander," Vega replied simply as he continued to eat, without looking up from his plate.

Kaidan watched him for a moment, wondering why Shepard and he would have been discussing his biotics. "That may be true, but Commander Shepard's biotic ability well surpasses my own," Kaidan argued.

"That's up for debate at the moment," Cortez interjected, and Kaidan cocked his head at him. "If you don't mind my saying so, even Shepard thinks it's possible you're better than she is. I've heard about how you protected the Council during the coup with a pistol and your biotics alone."

"Shepard is like a battering ram on the field, all power and destruction. She says you're, I think elegant was the word she used," Vega responded, and Kaidan couldn't help the embarrassment that burned in his chest. He was just glad it didn't show itself on his face.

"Okay, so I have to ask why you were talking about my biotics," Kaidan insisted as he piled up his empty plates.

"I have been trying to get Shepard to use her biotics with me when we spar, but she won't," Vega explained, and realization dawned on Kaidan's features, and Cortez grinned. "She says she doesn't have enough control to feel comfortable that she wouldn't hurt me. I was hoping you might be willing to go a few rounds."

"Well, she's right. Biotics are a weapon. It would be like sparring with live rounds," Kaidan responded, attempting to back her up in her absence.

"I understand that, and I'm not asking you to wipe the floor with me. I just want to learn how to defend myself against them. We're going to be going up against enemies that are beyond our imagination. I want to be ready," Vega explained, his eyes haunted and Kaidan heard Cortez sigh. Kaidan was silent for a few moments. His warm whiskey eyes locked on the younger man's solemn gaze.

Kaidan had to admit, he had good reasoning for wanting to learn, and he'd always found it hard to argue with logic. "Alright," Kaidan agreed, and couldn't help the grin that split his face when Vega threw his hands up in the air like he'd just won a battle. Cortez was laughing next to him, and Kaidan flashed back to a moment, years ago.

Corporal Jenkins popped up to his feet and threw his arms over his head shouting, "That was awesome!"

This was not that, however. This was a seasoned soldier looking for an edge to survive, Kaidan knew that. He returned the smile, and continued, "But," Vega deflated almost instantly and looked at Kaidan, "You have to wear full armor."

"Whatever you say," Vega agreed, his enthusiasm contagious and Kaidan was grinning when his omni'tool sounded.

He excused himself and Vega and Cortez went back to their food, chatting quietly as Kaidan read the message. "Kaidan – I gave the crew twenty-four hours of liberty. Take advantage of it. There will be plenty to do when we get back on the ship. – Shep"

He sighed, and replied, "Shepard – When will you be taking a break?" He sent the message and hoped she would respond soon. He turned his attention back to Vega and Cortez. "Thank you for the company, I've got a few errands to run," Kaidan said as he stood and gathered his trash. He wished them a pleasant evening off. Vega mentioned hitting the bar on the station later that night, and extended the invitation, but Kaidan didn't make any solid plans. He wouldn't until he and Shepard spoke.

He started walking towards the shop to pick up his armor when his 'tool sounded. He opened the message from Shepard, "I'll be getting coffee in about twenty minutes, and then I have to meet with Jondam Bau." Jondam Bau was another Spectre who had reached out for help with one of his missions. It was one of the requests Kaidan had intended on accepting.

"Meet me at Apollo's in twenty? Let me buy you a coffee," He suggested, hope blooming in his chest again as he turned and let his feet lead him to the cafe. Her response came quickly, a simple "Okay." He grinned and thought about what he could say to her in the time they had. He was grateful the café wasn't far from his current spot. He reached Apollo's before she did, and stood in line with his hands deep in his pockets.

"Hey," He heard her soft greeting behind him and he turned and met her eyes with a smile. "You're looking better," She commented, her eyes moving over his face.

"Yeah, I'm feeling okay," He admitted, the movement in the line was all it took to stop him from leaning over and placing a kiss on her cheek. He sighed as he moved up to the counter. "Coffee or tea?" He asked her, and she gave her order. She opted for coffee, commenting that she needed the caffeine. Well, it wasn't real coffee, but it was close. He handed her a cup before handing his credit chit to the clerk. Once it was returned he walked with her to an empty table. "How was Javik with the Council?" He asked, and she snorted.

They sat, and she cupped her hands around the drink, a grin pulling at her lips, "I think my favorite part was when he told Valern Salarians used to eat flies," Her eyes sparked with mirth when they met his and he grinned with her. "There was something satisfying about watching him put them in their place," She admitted. "Especially when he reprimanded them for not listening to me about the Reapers," She added.

"It's nice when someone else can say the 'I told you so' for you," Kaidan offered and Shepard nodded. She lifted her drink and took another long pull, Kaidan copied, his eyes not moving from her. He was using the beverage to push down the nerves that were building in his chest now that she was here, in front of him. "Sloan, I want to thank you for staying with me last night," He offered, meeting her eyes and she nodded, reaching out and covering his hand with hers. "We haven't had a lot of time to talk, but I think we should."

"Yeah, I know, but Kaidan, I think it is a conversation that will take longer than," She paused and checked the time on her 'tool, "ten minutes." He sighed, dropping his eyes to his coffee and knew the disappointment was clear in the way his shoulders slumped. His omni'tool pinged and he looked up and met her eyes. "I'll be staying at Anderson's apartment on the Strip for the night. I sent you the address," She explained, and he opened the message. It was in one of the busiest sections of the Citadel, surrounded by shops, the casino, restaurants, and the like. Kaidan was surprised Anderson would have a place in that neighborhood, but admittedly, he didn't know the Admiral that well. "Meet me there about seven?" She offered.

"Yeah, okay," He accepted, and she nodded with a smile. At least if they were at the apartment, they would be alone and hopefully wouldn't be interrupted. It also gave him more time to work out exactly what it was he wanted to say to her. She stood, and he watched her. "I'll see you later, Shepard," He agreed and she nodded, turning on her heel and continuing on her way. He looked after her until he couldn't see her anymore. Then he stood and made his way back towards the shop so he could pick up his armor.

It didn't take him long to get to the shop. He browsed, picking out a few different mods and upgrades for his rifle and armor. When he was done, the shopkeeper offered to deliver it to the docking bay so he wouldn't have to carry it across the station. Kaidan let himself wander then, passing the time slowly. He spent a lot of the time thinking about Shepard, and their relationship from three years ago. When he did think about it, he couldn't believe he had been so afraid of how he felt. He had known, even before he admitted it to himself that he was in love with her. Instead of taking that leap, and telling her, he kept it to himself. He wondered what would have been different if he had told her.

Would she have transferred him? When the Collectors hit, would she still have ordered him away? Would he have listened? Would she have died? Would he? Had she loved him back?

He paused when he realized where his feet had brought him. He felt the warm rush of nostalgia wash over him as he looked over the vista before him. He'd been here before. He could almost hear them, their younger selves, looking over this view and being amazed at the size of the Citadel. He'd nearly geeked out at the science behind it. Then he'd gone and called Shepard beautiful because he had been distracted. Ashley had loved that. He felt a pang of grief when he thought of Ashley.

He missed her, and swallowed hard when he thought of the moment Shepard had returned to the bomb site on Virmire instead of going to get Ashley. He had been convinced his time was up and he was going to die, and he'd been okay with it. Then Shepard had returned to him, and he realized he had killed his friend. When he thought about Ashley, he realized he still felt guilty for her death, no matter what Shepard told him. Ashley had always been a vocal supporter of Kaidan being open and honest with his feelings. Pushing him to accept them, and to make the move when the time was right.

He thought she would probably appreciate the situation he found himself in currently. He took a deep breath and pushed away from the railing continuing his meandering through the Citadel. He glanced at the clock and was surprised so much time had passed but he still had some time before it would make sense to head over to Anderson's apartment.

He knew he was going to tell her he loved her, but he needed to make sure he said it right. He couldn't fumble through the words like he was so apt to do. He sighed and thought about her, and all the things he loved about her. He thought of the way his father had taken to her. He knew his mother would adore her when they met – if they met – when they met. He thought of the way he felt when he was with her, like the best version of himself. He thought of the way she supported him, and how he wanted to do the same for her. How he wanted to be the one behind her, protecting her, and making sure she was able to get the job done – even when she didn't need someone.

He thought about their time together, in Vancouver. How easy they had gotten on. How their daily lives and routines had melded so perfectly. How comfortable they were together. He thought of the nights in Vancouver. How unbroken he felt when they made love, how much he longed to hold her, touch her, and love her in that way again. He had never gotten such pleasure out of pleasing another as he did when he was with her.

He sighed, and turned his steps towards the transport terminal to call a shuttle. He was pretty sure he knew what he was going to say. He had it in his head, and knew that he had time on the shuttle to make sure it was perfect. The shuttle arrived and he climbed in and entered the address. He watched the lights fly by as he structured his declaration, wiping his hands on his pants as his nerves increased. In what felt like less time than it was, the shuttle pulled up in front of Tiberius Towers and Kaidan paid before exiting.

He looked up at the structure. It was impressive, and fit right in with the neon lights of the strip. It reminded him of the old pictures of Las Vegas. He steeled himself, and entered the lobby. He brushed passed the concierge and went to the elevator. He pressed the call button for her floor, and rocked back and forth on his heels as the elevator climbed. The doors opened before him, and he walked down the long hallway, reaching her door at the end. He lifted his 'tool to request access, and the lock turned green on its own.

He smirked, and entered quietly. He paused just inside the door. The apartment was huge, and more extravagant than he had expected. The wall to the right was all windows, looking out over the strip. The lights of the sky cars whizzed by making shadows dance on the walls. There was a fireplace that took up nearly an entire wall, with a vid screen almost as big just over the mantle. Kaidan thought he saw a bar in the next room, but before he had the opportunity to really explore, he heard soft grunting and the familiar sounds of someone working out with an exercise bag.

He turned on his heel and followed the sound. He found her, in a room off the main hall. His eyes moved over her form. She wore loose fitting shorts hanging from her hips, and a snug white tank top, damp with sweat and sticking to her chest and abs. He swallowed hard as his eyes drank her in. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, swinging back and forth with each movement she took. Some strands had come loose and stuck to her damp skin. He took a moment to watch her as she worked the punching bag, her muscles shifting beneath her sweat slickened skin as she danced around the bag. He didn't want to scare her, so he spoke quietly, "Hey, Sloan."

He still startled her, and she jumped and spun, her hand going to her chest as if she were trying to hold in her beating heart. "Kaidan!" She exclaimed, checking the time, "Oh shit, I lost track of time," She said, and he chuckled as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door frame. She stepped around the bag, and unwrapped the tape from her knuckles. He watched, his eyes moving over her as she bent to pick up the towel and water near her feet.

"Don't worry about it, I think I'm a little early," He offered, and she stood and cocked an eyebrow at him. They both knew he wasn't early.

"I'm just going to clean up," She brought the towel up, and dabbed at her face and neck before tossing it over her shoulder. "Give me ten minutes," She requested, before taking a long drink from her water. He nodded. "Feel free to look around," She offered as she disappeared from the room, and Kaidan was almost sure he heard the shower turn on. He turned his attention to the room he was in as he stepped further inside. That was when he noticed the bed, closet, and dresser. Clearly, this was her bedroom in Anderson's apartment. He moved to the dresser and found her awards and commendations set out on the top, along with a picture of her with Anderson. She looked so very young, and so did Anderson. Both grinning, pride shining in both their eyes. Her face was scarred, and the scars were still red and angry. He lifted the picture and studied it a little closer. Anderson had much less gray hair, and fewer lines on his face.

He was still looking at the picture, trying to place it in her timeline, when the room was suddenly flooded with the scent of plum blossoms, and his throat dried as his heart raced. He set the picture down and turned to face her, she was towel drying her hair. She had dressed in a pair of fresh shorts and a new tank. She was barefoot, her elegant legs exposed, and Kaidan couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She gave him a smile when she noticed which picture he was looking at.

"That's from-" Shepard had started to explain the picture but Kaidan interrupted her.

"Sloan, I'm in love with you," He announced. It wasn't classy, it wasn't what he had planned to say. Yet, in this moment, he just needed her to know that, nothing else. Time passed in heartbeats instead of seconds after his admission.

Thump, thump.

He watched as the emotions danced over her face. Wide-eyed shock. Slack jawed relief. Bright-eyed happiness.

Thump, thump.

She dropped the towel and was walking towards him, a smile tugging at the corner of her trembling lips.

Thump, thump.

She was in his arms; her arms wound around his neck and her lips were pressed against his.

She was hot from her shower, and he could feel her strength as she held on to him; like she was afraid he was going to leave. As if to answer her unspoken concern, he secured his hold on her, pulling her flush against him as his arms wound tighter around her waist. She shivered as they relaxed simultaneously, her lips opening for him, and allowing him to deepen the kiss. It was a first kiss, but it wasn't. It was a dance they had perfected in another lifetime, and one they still knew all the steps to. She tasted the same. She felt the same. She sounded the same as he swallowed the moan that slipped from the back of her throat. Her breath danced over his cheek as he inhaled sharply through his nose, breathing her in as quickly as he could.

He felt it rising in his chest; it started somewhere near his toes, and inched its way up. It gathered power in his gut, and speed in his chest, until his face broke into a grin against her lips and he laughed. Loud and unashamed, he laughed, and felt it when she smiled in return. He pulled back enough to meet her eyes. His forehead was pressed against hers, and he released her enough to move his hands to her face, pushing her hair back so he could see her. Her hands slid down his front, and fisted in the sides of his shirt. "Say it again," She whispered, her eyes sparkled in the soft lighting of the room as they locked on his.

He couldn't stop smiling, "I'm in love with you." Her eyes were closed, and she smiled before leaning forward and kissing him again. His hand skimmed down her sides to her hips. She brought her hands back up and held his face as she kissed him again, laughing quietly. Kaidan grinned, and shuddered when her hands moved to the buttons of his shirt.

He pulled back to meet her eyes and saw his own desires reflected there. Quickly, he moved his hands to help her and they fumbled over the comically small buttons. In their haste, they were all clumsy hands and awkward limbs as they stripped him of his clothes, while trying not to break their kiss. It was a harder task than expected considering they kept laughing and tripping as he guided her back towards her bed. More than once he caught her, she grasped his shoulders and his arms wrapped around her waist to stop her from falling to the floor before they reached the bed. She pulled her tank off over her head and sat on the edge of the bed. Kaidan moved with her, his lips never leaving hers as she moved herself back on the bed, pulling her shorts down as she went. She helped him as best as she could as he shimmied out of his pants.

His lips found hers again as he settled in the cradle of her hips. He kissed her slowly, and thoroughly as her giggles quieted, and her breathing increased. Her hands went to his hair, holding him close as she shifted beneath him. She pressed herself closer and lifted her legs on either side of him, arching her hips towards him. His hands moved to her face as he pulled back and met her eyes. He brushed her hair off her face, and watched her as he slipped inside. She gasped, and her eyes closed as she locked her legs around him. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his back, desperate to hold on to him.

He groaned as his mouth moved to her neck. He placed gentle kisses along her pulse point as he moved inside her. He listened to her, the soft moans and gentle sighs that slipped from her lips told him more than she could say in words. He was tuned in to her. He felt like he was going to come apart at the seams. It was almost too much for him to feel all at once. The sense of completion, the love, the happiness, the fear, the irrational sadness; Kaidan blinked back tears as he listened to his name slip from her lips. He felt her biotics stirring and igniting his own.

She gasped his name, and he lifted his head and watched her flare as she broke. The biotic energy rushed out from her, her eyes flashing bright blue and lighting up the room. The feeling of her nearly vibrating beneath him was enough for him to follow with a long low groan. He kissed her with everything he was feeling. He never wanted to stop, and if the way she returned the kiss, and held on to him was any indication, she felt the same. Eventually, the kiss broke and he pulled back nearly panting as he rested his head on her chest. Her heart beat was strong, fast, and beautiful. If he had his way, he'd never move from this spot.

He was home.