I took part in the MEWC this weekend, and since I ended up writing a later part of The Long Road I’ll be hiding it behind a cut because spoilers. Also it’s completely unedited and probably complete trash, but at least I wrote something.
Kaidan stowed the last of his belongings into an empty locker and shut it firmly. He left the crew quarters with the sensation of curious looks following him on his way out. It was to be expected. Normandy was a small ship, and someone had surely heard some version of what had happened during the coup. Suppressing a sigh he headed for the galley. A nice, hot mug of coffee sounded good.
James was busy in the galley. “Yo, Major. You’re just in time for a new brew. Lola said she wanted some coffee. Care for some?”
“You read my mind,” Kaidan answered, taking a mug out of the cabinet. He hesitated and then asked, “Who’s Lola?”
“Oh, I mean Shepard,” the lieutenant said, pouring coffee into Kaidan’s mug.
Kaidan raised an eyebrow. “Lola?”
James cast a short glance his way. “Yeah. She reminds me of a Lola. You know, tough. Hot.”
Garrus coughed, covering the awkward moment.
“Right,” Kaidan mumbled. He watched as Vega was about to fill two more mugs. “Hold up. I’ll take care of Shepard’s coffee.”
He set his mug down and began foraging through the cabinet, pulling out a box of dutch-processed cocoa and several spices. Within moments a thick, rich hot chocolate was ready and he added it to the half full mug of coffee.
“Do I smell cocoa?” Nick asked walking around the corner towards them. Kaidan held out the steaming cup to her, and she took it with both hands, sniffing at it with closed eyes. “Finally a perfect cup of coffee. For the record, I’m still mad at you for pointing a weapon at me for more than .3 seconds, Alenko. You still have some making up to do.”
“What if I throw in a dinner?” Kaidan asked.
The corner of her mouth twitched as she met his gaze. “That might work. For starters.”
“Spirits,” Garrus groaned, “here we go again. Please tell me there won’t be the same amount of awkward dancing around each other like back on the SR-1?”
James’ gaze darted back and forth between them for a moment. “Wait, you mean these two are an item?”
Kaidan and Nick looked at each other.
“Yes,” they answered in unison.
Before James could ask any further questions Kaidan’s omnitool chimed with an incoming message. He quickly opened it and scanned over the message. His expression clouded over and he excused himself, heading for the starbord observation deck.
The bulkhead slid open with a hiss, revealing an empty room. He entered, opening his ‘tool and began reading the message a second time. His brows knit together as his eyes flew over his mother’s message.
You can’t believe my relief hearing you are okay. We were all so worried when the first reports of what happened in Vancouver popped up. I’m so happy you made it out, though you did say something about being at a hospital. I know you have a dangerous job, but be careful out there, sweetie.
Your dad joined the resistance as soon as he had word from his old Alliance contacts, and so did Erin, Nate, and Daniel. Erin and Nate both being engineers is useful, even if their specialty isn’t combat. They’re not too far from here at an Alliance outpost. I know you don’t really want to hear what your brother is doing, but Daniel is helping a lot around here.
Kaidan, I really wish you two would make up.
Now I have to tell you something, and I don’t want to do it but there’s no use in sugarcoating it. Your dad is MIA. Last week an Alliance marine came by to give me the news. The others are all right. Helena was here to keep me company this weekend, and she was thrilled to see I had a message from her favorite uncle.
I’m going to let you go now, because I’m certain you have plenty of duties to take care of. There’s one more thing I want you to know.
I’m proud of you, and so is everyone else, but especially your dad.
He read it again, pacing the room. Finally he stopped in front of the large window. Leaning against it, his forehead resting on his arm, he stared out into the darkness. A tightness spread through his chest with a turmoil of feelings. There was no sound apart from the low rumble of Normandy’s drive core, the quiet whirring of life support, and his own breath against the glass in front of him.
Clenching a fist he drew a deep breath and released it slowly. The bulkhead slid open, and Kaidan turned his head slightly. He swallowed, collecting himself as he straightened up and turned to face Nick.
“Hey,” she said, stepping beside him. “I was beginning to wonder where you got to.”
“Hey,” he replied, smiling briefly. He took another breath. “Just … needed a moment.”
Nick stepped closer, her hand sliding up his arm to his shoulder. “Uh-huh. What’s up, Kaidan?”
Kaidan turned away again, facing the void beyond the observation deck. “I heard from my mom. My dad is MIA and presumed dead,” he said bluntly. “I feel like I should be there, on Earth, but … I want to be here, you know?”
“I’m so sorry, Kaidan,” Nick replied quietly. She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist, her cheek resting against his shoulder. He turned, catching her in a tight embrace and he breathed in the fragrance of her shampoo. They stood in silence for some time before stepping apart.
“What happened? You said they were on their way out of Vancouver on the day of the attack. What about the rest of your family?”
“They made it to the Orchard. My dad reported to active, and so did my sister, her husband, and apparently my brother. Lena spent the past weekend with my mom, so at least she isn’t always alone,” he told her.
“My niece, Erin’s daughter.” He fell silent.
Nick poked him in the ribs. “You’re brooding, Kaidan. Come, join us in the galley again. It’ll help.”
He smiled. “Give me a few more minutes, and then I’ll join you. Promise.”
