Author's Note: Woah! I'm so proud of myself! I've got another chapter ready already! Thank you to those who commented on the last chapter! I love hearing what you think; you brighten my day every time: Vorcha Girl, Kirabaros, ela11, Jules Hawk, Kateriel79, and Kirsah.
With no more from me... - Enjoy!
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Kaidan entered the med bay about an hour after they had returned from Grissom. He was grateful there was no migraine, though, the nosebleed had taken a bit longer to stop than previous. He forced the thoughts from his mind as Dr. Chakwas turned and glared at him. "I gave you strict instructions, Major Alenko," she reminded him, her curt, British tone one of the more intimidating voices on the ship.
"You had your hands full, and I was fine." It was only a half lie. Kaidan glanced at the young girl still sleeping near the back of the med bay. The doctor followed his line of sight and a sigh slipped from her lips. "How is she?"
"She'll make a full recovery," Dr. Chakwas gestured to the cot nearest them and Kaidan walked ahead of her as she continued. "Your field assessment was correct. The bullet had not struck any internal organs. The biggest concern was blood loss which you managed to stem quite nicely," she complimented him as he sat and she opened her omni'tool. She ran a scan over him, and he felt the nerves acutely in his chest. When he came in for these checks, he always thought today would be the day she would find out there was something wrong, and make him sit out. He hadn't realized he was holding his breath until she gave the all clear.
"These scans seem unnecessary," he tried to sway her, but she just cocked an eyebrow at him as she cupped his face and ran her hands back to his implant site, checking for inflammation he assumed. Her response was that she expected to see him after every mission until she said otherwise. "Yes, ma'am," he decided not to argue and stood again. As Kaidan left, he felt her eyes on his back. He knew that she knew he was keeping something from her. He wondered how long he would be able to.
He hadn't seen Shepard since they had returned to the ship. A quick check of the time told him she would be up in the cockpit plotting their course with Joker and EDI. He nodded at the crew he passed as he made his way to the Starboard Observation lounge. He wanted to get his reports done before dinner. That and he had promised a certain Lieutenant a spar that evening, and he had the feeling the idea of an audience would only make Vega more determined for the fight. He was grateful that the lounge was empty, though, as he sat, he wondered just where the kids were.
It was his rumbling stomach that alerted him to the passing time. He clicked send on his report and stood, stretching. He moved back through the lounge and to the mess. He found the children had taken over a few of the tables, and he smiled as he watched them chatting with different members of the crew. It was easy to spot their circles. Daniels and Donnelly were huddled at one table with a couple of the kids. Their conversation revolved around the Normandy and her systems, what was public knowledge anyway. There were another few who were seated with James and Garrus, and the pair were clearly boasting about their history on the Normandy and before. Kaidan chuckled lightly.
However, a majority of the students were sitting near Commander Shepard who was sharing a table with Jack and Kahlee. He met her eyes, and she offered him a smile. He filled his tray and went to join her. He set his tray down and sat next to her. His hand dropped to her thigh with a squeeze in greeting as he nodded to Jack and Kahlee. "What did Chakwas say? Anything?" She asked him, concern lacing her tone and he wished she would stop worrying.
"She says I'm fine, but she still wants to see me after every mission," He rolled his eyes and Shepard nodded.
"What's the matter? Pretty boy can't hack it?" Jack's voice was smug as she leaned back on two of the chair legs and took a long drink.
"He's an L2," Kahlee answered before Kaidan could respond, his eyebrow shot up as Jack dropped her chair back to rest on all four legs. Kaidan glanced at Shepard who looked just as surprised.
"Well, fuck," Jack said and Kaidan couldn't place the tone in her voice. It was somewhere between surprise and awe, and it made him oddly uncomfortable.
"Did you look me up or could you tell?" Kaidan asked Kahlee as he started his meal.
Kahlee smiled at Shepard as she finished off her plate. "I wish I could say I could just tell, but no. I did look you up back when you were serving with Sloan on the SR-1," she admitted. It was strange for Kaidan, to hear someone call her Sloan so openly. "Even if I hadn't known, I would have looked you up after today. You're control is amazing. I've never seen anyone best Jack."
"He didn't best me," Jack argued, as she frowned. "He caught me off guard."
"It wasn't easy to hold you," Kaidan admitted, and watched as Jack's frown diminished. She was still embarrassed by the event, Kaidan knew that, but he had to give credit where credit is due. "If I hadn't surprised you, I probably wouldn't have been able to do it."
"Damn straight you wouldn't have been able to," She took the comment and ran with it, boosting her ego back where she liked it. Kaidan smirked and resumed his meal. "Hey," she started again, and Kaidan looked up and met her eyes. "Thanks for taking care of Rodriguez. Doc says she's going to be fine, thanks to you." Kaidan simply nodded his acknowledgment.
"I was impressed with Prangley," Shepard added. "Not only during the fight at Grissom, but on the shuttle, too. Having your hands shoved into a classmate and being told to stop her from bleeding out is not an everyday occurrence; he kept his head on and didn't vomit. He might want to consider medic training," Shepard suggested. "It would only make him a more valuable recruit."
"Prangley is one of the more diligent students. He wants to do good," Kahlee answered simply. "Reminds me of someone." Shepard smiled and dropped her eyes.
Jack seemed oblivious, "He's alright. They're all alright. None of them are really ready for the front lines, not yet. I worry about what would happen to them if they were put out front." Jack admitted, and Kaidan, even though he barely knew her, had the feeling this was hard for her to do.
"Have you told them that?" Kahlee asked simply.
"Fuck no!" Jack shouted, and a few of the tables looked at her. She stayed silent until conversation picked up again. Kaidan finished his meal as he waited for her to continue. "They need to know I believe in them, or they'll lose confidence," She stalled and sighed. "I know Alenko knows what I mean; that's why they haven't been recruited. They're green. They're strong, and they will be great. Fuck, I'm teaching them; they're going to be amazing, but they're not there, yet."
Kaidan wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back on his chair. He crossed his leg, ankle to knee and stretched an arm out behind Shepard, resting it on the back of her chair. "So, back line assignments, barriers and shields," Kaidan offered, and Jack nodded.
"Yeah, anything else and I think it would shake them, and they would be ineffective, or get themselves fuckin killed," she answered and Shepard grinned.
"Jack, you were paying attention," Shepard's eyes were shining and Jack rolled her eyes and couldn't hold back the grin.
"Yeah, I guess some of your leader bullshit rubbed off on me," Jack paused and looked around the room at the groupings of kids huddled together. Kaidan didn't know her whole story, but he had a feeling it rivaled his own. "Most of these kids have lost contact with their families since the Reapers hit. All they have left is each other, and me. What kind of monster would I be if I sent them in to a battle I know they're not ready for?"
"So, support roles it is," Shepard nodded, she placed a hand briefly on Kaidan's leg and he moved his arm from behind her. She pushed back her chair and stood with her tray. "I'm going to see if I can reach Hackett and let him know. Doc says we'll be able to transport Rodriguez tomorrow. I'll be scheduling a pick up with the Fifth Fleet, and Hackett will be able to get you were you're needed," Shepard explained. "I'll see you all later tonight," She said and left the table. Kaidan watched the awe struck stares following her and chuckled softly.
Jack's 'tool lit up with a message. "Rodriguez is up," was all she said as she stood and left the table for the med-bay, her empty tray abandoned behind her. Kahlee chuckled and combined their trash, turning her eyes to Kaidan. He shifted uncomfortably under her stare, and lifted his drink to his lips.
"She's tired, and stressed," Kahlee spoke softly, and Kaidan cleared his throat, dropping his eyes to his hands on the table. He knew they weren't talking about Jack. This was the moment any significant other dreaded until it was over, hearing the family's opinion of you. "But she seems happy," Kaidan's eyes lifted to hers, and he could see the concern there, the love she has for Sloan – the woman – and he hoped she saw the same in him. "And if this really is the end of days, well, that's all David and I would want for her."
"I love her," Kaidan answered simply and met Kahlee's eyes when he said it.
She smiled, "I know." He nodded, and his 'tool pinged interrupting them. He cursed quietly and looked to the message he received. He grinned when he read it, "What?" Kahlee asked, swept up in his obvious excitement as he rushed to clear their table.
"Come with me," He answered as he pulled out her chair. She stood and followed him to the elevator, which was open and waiting for them when they got there. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet and when the doors opened to the CIC he took her hand and led her to the right. They passed through security and moved quickly through the war room. They found Shepard in the comm room, before the QEC. She turned and greeted them with a smile when they entered.
"Admiral," Kaidan greeted the hologram before Shepard as Kahlee stepped into the room.
"Kahlee," They heard the man sigh her name in relief when she entered.
"David! You're okay," Kahlee's voice broke as she moved up to the controls, as if moving closer to the hologram would close any of the physical distance between them. Kaidan and Sloan stepped backwards. Kaidan took her hand, and she threaded their fingers together. He stepped backwards and gave her hand a tug. She seemed startled when she turned to look at him. He nodded his head over his shoulder. She chewed her lip and glanced back at David and Kahlee before she let him lead her from the room. The couple deserved a moment of true privacy.
He dropped her hand, and his hand burned at the lack of her touch, as they moved through security. He knew why they had to keep up the professionalism, but they didn't mean he had to like it. He wanted to hold her hand and offer her some kind of comfort. Anderson had looked tired, and battle worn. He knew she hated that he was on Earth, truly fighting, and she was out here playing politician. He wanted to give her that support he knew she needed, but he also knew he had to wait.
Once they were on the elevator and the doors closed, he reached out and tried to take her hand again. Almost instantly, she turned into him and sighed deeply. Her hands fisted in the sides of his shirt and he wrapped his arms around her. He pressed his cheek to the top of her head and held her. He reached out with one hand and pressed the call button for their quarters. As the elevator started its ascent, he held her tight. It was all he could do to show her she wasn't alone in this.
When the elevator reached their floor, the doors opened, and she looked up into his face. She stood on her toes and kissed him lightly. "You really were amazing today," she said as she pulled away and led him off the elevator and into their room. He thanked her. "Kahlee's going to be spending the night down with the kids, but I invited her up here later today for drinks. I hope you don't mind," She informed him, and of course he didn't, but as he looked around he noticed their room needed some attention. The bed was made, and it wasn't dirty, but there was a certain lack of organization since Kaidan had moved his things in.
They worked together over the next hour, organizing and straightening things. Combining drawers and documents, setting their amp gear on their appropriate bedside tables. When they finished, they sat on the couch and looked around their room. Kaidan couldn't help the smile that split his face as he stretched his arm along the back. Shepard turned and rested her back against his side. He wrapped his arm around her chest, and felt her sigh.
This moment was what he was fighting for. A future that would allow him to be able to come home at the end of the day, to be able to wrap this woman in his arms and hold on to her, this moment is what he fought for. He felt her chuckle, and it pulled him from his thoughts. He dropped a kiss to the top of her head and asked what was so funny. "I stopped in to see Javik earlier," She announced. She seemed to have an interesting relationship with their resident Prothean.
"What did he have to say?" Kaidan inquired as she reached up and took his hand in hers. She toyed with his fingers as she spoke.
"He asked if we were joined," She answered, and he could hear the smile in her voice. He chuckled softly. He asked how she responded, "I said, 'you could say that,' then he said, 'I'm not; your pheromones are.'" He chuckled at her impression of the alien's voice, but he said nothing else. Something made her bring this up, and he wanted to see where she took it. He could tell there was more she wanted to say.
She inhaled to continue, but EDI's disembodied voice broke the moment, "Sorry to interrupt, Shepard, but Lt. Vega is requesting Kaidan meet him in the cargo bay for their dance."
Kaidan let out an annoyed sigh and thanked the AI, "You agreed to spar with him?" Shepard asked as she turned to look at him.
"I did, but I told him he had to wear full armor," Kaidan replied as he scrubbed his hands over his face. She looked concerned, "Sloan, I won't hurt him. I'll be careful," He promised and she nodded. He stood and she followed. He turned and looked at her, question in his eyes.
"I wouldn't miss this for anything," She said, before standing on her toes and kissing him quickly and soundly on the lips. They went to the elevator, and Shepard turned to Kaidan. She did look concerned, and Kaidan sighed lightly, taking her hand in his. "This makes me nervous." Her admission was sweet, and Kaidan kissed her gently.
"It will be fine, I promise," he answered and she nodded, releasing his hand as the elevator door opened on the cargo bay. They stepped out and Shepard moved to stand with Jack and Cortez. Garrus was with Liara on the opposite side of the space and the students from Grissom filled in the middle areas creating a circle around James. Kaidan couldn't help the chuckle. He was glad the Lieutenant had listened and wore his armor.
"Hey, Major, you're not wearing any gear?" Cortez called out, and Kaidan shook his head.
"He won't get close enough to me for me to need it," Kaidan answered, and James turned to him. Kaidan had to give the man credit. He was intimidating. His was substantially bulky without the gear, when you added heavy armor to him, he seemed to double in size. Kaidan stretched his neck from side and moved towards James.
"We'll see about that, Viejo," James said through a chuckle. Kaidan wasn't sure what James had called him; he'd spoken in Spanish and Kaidan's translator didn't pick it up. Though, from the sound of Shepard's loud, throaty laugh coupled with Cortez's rolling chuckle, and the smirk on James' face, it wasn't positive. Kaidan shook it off and waited for James to go on the offensive. The kids around them were chatting, watching. Kaidan could tell they were trying to come up with their strategies.
This would be good for James and the kids; that fact made Kaidan feel even better about his decision.
He raised his fists, as did James, though Kaidan also flared. The cerulean wisps of his power raced over his body, and for a moment, James looked intimidated. They continued to circle each other, waiting. James moved first, coming forward with a quick jab, Kaidan avoided it easily and tested a Throw against the armored man. James knew something about defending against biotics. While Kaidan was able to move him back a couple feet, it wasn't as far as he expected for the power he'd put behind the attack. James turned to Kaidan smirking, clearly thinking that was all Kaidan had.
Kaidan gave nothing away as they continued to move around, light on their feet. James rushed Kaidan again, coming in quickly, and instead of stepping aside, he put him in a stasis, stopping him in his tracks. Kaidan grinned and moved closer to James. The energy field around him was strong, but Kaidan had to admit, it was costing him more than he expected. James was formidable. He knew what he was doing, and he had every reason to brag. "What's the matter, Vega?" He could feel James trying to break out of it. Kaidan stopped in front of him. "There's a weak spot. Can you find it?" Kaidan asked, and James eyes moved and met Kaidan's. The younger man squinted. "Find it, and break out of it. You can," Kaidan promised as he stepped away. He could feel James working against his stasis.
He waited while James pushed at different spots within the stasis. Some of the kids were cheering him on, others were cheering for Kaidan. He was concentrating on the stasis, he knew the moment James found the spot. Seconds later, James broke out of the stasis and stumbled forward a few steps. "Nice job, Lieutenant!" Kaidan said, and James turned to him nodding his thanks as he rocked on his heels. It continued on like this, with Kaidan giving James tips to avoid Throws and Lifts. The kids gave both James and Kaidan the appropriate responses, clapping and cheering whenever James broke free, or laughing when Kaidan caught James unawares. James was a quick study, but Kaidan could sense him tiring out. It was more than physical. It was mental, and that is what James had been missing this whole time.
Kaidan had to admit, he was feeling the heat and tension at the back of his head and knew they'd have to stop soon. It had been nearly an hour, but Kaidan couldn't stop first, not in front of Shepard. James was breathing heavy, and Kaidan took the opportunity to goad him. "What's the matter, Lieutenant? Tired?" He asked as they continued to move in circles.
"Hell no, Viejo, I'm just getting warmed up!" He replied, and Kaidan sensed the bravado in the younger man's words. James moved forward, and Kaidan side stepped him easily, throwing him gently but sending him sprawling on his back.
Kaidan was standing in front of Cortez and Shepard. He turned to them, "What's Viejo?" Shepard and Cortez exchanged glances, grinning, and Kaidan waited.
"Old Man," Shepard responded after a long moment, and Kaidan's jaw dropped slightly.
"Old man, huh?" Kaidan said through a laugh as she turned to watch James stand. "Alright, Son. Let's go." Kaidan responded, and James chuckled lightly and moved closer to Kaidan. Kaidan held his ground and let James throw a few punches within striking distance. He blocked them easily. He didn't need the armor. He simply increased his barrier at the areas James would make contact. When Kaidan went on the offensive, he covered his fist in biotic power to counteract the armor James was wearing. James stepped back with each of Kaidan's attacks.
It went back and forth, for another few minutes. The kids went crazy shouting and screaming their support for one or the other. They seemed glad to finally see some real sparring. The room light up in different intensities of blue as Kaidan continued to flare. He heard the growl when James threw a punch. He didn't have time for the Barrier trick, so he put him in a Stasis. It was different this time. He was simply trying to power through it, and he was quite effective. Kaidan was impressed. He could feel the power behind the punch as he focused on holding the stasis.
He tasted it before he felt it. Copper. It was all the distraction James needed. Kaidan's Stasis faltered and James broke through, his fist connecting with Kaidan's face. "Enough!" Shepard bellowed, and utter silence fell on the room as Kaidan stumbled, his hand going to his face as tears instantly sprung to his eyes. James removed his helmet and turned.
"Oh shit, Major, I-"
Kaidan stood straight and waved him off. "It's fine," he insisted, Jack ordered the kids to get upstairs and stay out of the way. She, Garrus, and Liara followed the kids into the elevator. Kaidan knew how it looked, it looked like James hit him and drew blood. That wasn't accurate. His nose was bleeding before the strike hit.
"This is exactly why I said no, Vega!" Shepard reprimanded as she moved in front of Kaidan. She pulled his hands from his face, and he glared down at her. She ignored his stare. Cortez was at their side moments later with a towel and ice.
"I said, it's fine," Kaidan snapped, taking the towel and turning away from them. "It's just a little blood." He covered his nose with the towel and turned back to James, "I'm impressed, Vega. You did very well."
"You weren't at full power, were you?"
"No," Kaidan admitted.
"Well, shit, we need to do this again," James said, ignoring the look Shepard was giving him.
"We'll talk about it," Kaidan said as Shepard pushed passed them and went to the elevator. The trio watched her go. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she waited for the elevator without looking at them.
"Lola's pissed," James sighed, and Kaidan nodded sighing deeply. He knew she was upset. He knew she hated the idea that sparring, practice, would end up injuring part of their team. It's why she preferred you work out with equipment, punching bags and the like. There was no way to practice against a biotic. "You sure you're good?" James asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, but I still have to talk to Shepard," He replied, as the elevator doors opened and allowed her to enter. His nose had stopped bleeding. There was still some tension at the base of his skull, but it wasn't from the spar. He sighed and tossed the towel at Vega.
"Good luck, Viejo," James called out, grinning. Kaidan chuckled softly; he had a feeling he was going to need it.