Mareel

Till time and times are done...- W.B. Yeats

[maxrev]

Finished my chibis as part of my stream during Fallout for Hope! The first is busker Kaidan for @mareel and her Overture series, the second is Joliet in 76 for @sweet-ree and the third is Kaidan with a Nerf gun for @theoriginalladya These were so much fun! Thank you for letting me draw them for you!

[mareel]

I love these so much! My "Overture" busking Kaidan is so wonderful!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

[mareel]

New Fic: Christmas Past (Mass Effect

Christmas Past (1348 words) by Mareel Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Kaidan Alenko/Male Shepard, Kaidan Alenko & Rahna Characters: Kaidan Alenko, Male Shepard (Mass Effect), Rahna (Mass Effect) Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Music, Christmas Eve, Memories, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, overture au, Vancouver, Family, Jump Zero, Gifts, Introspection Series: Part 5 of Grace Notes Summary: Remembering an unexpected moment of peace.

[mareel]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 26/?   The Gift

Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy Overall Rating: Mature;  Chapter Rating: All Ages     

Chapter Relationships: Kaidan Alenko/Male Shepard

Chapter Characters: Kaidan Alenko, Male Shepard (Mass Effect) Overall Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Developing Relationship, Family, Canada, Vancouver, Music, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Musicians, Busking, Soul-Searching, Friendship, Memories, Jump Zero, Mild Hurt/Comfort, English Bay, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Christmas, Christmas Presents

Overall Summary: At the beginning of their adult lives, John Shepard and Kaidan Alenko cross paths in Vancouver...

Chapter Summary:  A gift of memories and music.

Chapter Notes:  This takes place in mid-March in the small bookstore located near Mahoney’s Irish pub in Vancouver, prior to Shepard’s departure on deployment.  It is Kaidan’s voice.

[mareel]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 25/? Fandom: Mass Effect Trilogy Chapter Rating: G Relationships: Kaidan Alenko/Male Shepard, Kaidan Alenko's Father/Kaidan Alenko's Mother Characters: Kaidan Alenko, Male Shepard (Mass Effect), Kaidan Alenko's Mother, Lin Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Developing Relationship, Family, Canada, Vancouver, Music, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Musicians, Busking, Soul-Searching, Friendship, Memories, Friendship Overall Summary: At the beginning of their adult lives, John Shepard and Kaidan Alenko cross paths in Vancouver...

Chapter Summary: All is found. 

Chapter Notes: This takes place at the Alenko apartment in Vancouver where Kaidan has been helping Lin with her violin practice. It's early February, while John has not yet received his deployment orders.

[kipli]

Help My Support Dog Max Get His Surgery, organized by Carrie Kearney

Hi my name is Carrie and I am fundraising for my emotional support dog Max. At… Carrie Kearney needs your support for Help My Support Dog Max Get His Surgery

My emotional support dog Max is recovering from knee surgery. His bills are over $6,000 and will need to be paid back. I have limited income so every little bit helps so very much. If you have the funds please donate and if not please reblog/share! ❤️

[me1onmi1k]

Commission for @swaps55 !! thank you so much!

[swaps55]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s amazing. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!!

~

Kaidan drifts awake when a wash of cold air hits his exposed backside, and finds the sheets bunched down below his thighs, with the lion’s share of fabric yanked to the other side of the bed and imprisoned beneath Shepard’s arm.

Even in sleep, he is never still, an object in motion destined to stay in motion, with no greater force to oppose him. For the galaxy, it makes him a hero. For Kaidan, it usually means a bare ass and an AWOL pillow.

Instead of waging war to win back what’s rightfully his, he simply scootches closer until Shepard is flush against him, then threads an arm around his chest and revels in the warmth of his skin.

Kaidan presses his nose against Shepard’s neck and breathes him in, the Savior of the Galaxy, the phoenix burning with so much life, just a quiet ember tucked against him.

The quiet is short-lived. Shepard stirs, tension tightening his shoulders, legs thrashing against the already-vanquished sheet.

“It’s all right,” Kaidan murmurs, and lets his corona kindle until it forms a soft glow in the dark. The gentle thrum of biotic energy hums under his skin, drawing a soft sigh of contentment from Shepard’s throat. He releases the sheets to trap Kaidan’s arm against him, shoulders loosening.

A smile curves Kaidan’s lips.

“I’ve got you,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to Shepard’s shoulder.

“I know,” Shepard whispers back, and burrows deeper against him.        

[kipli]

Help My Support Dog Max Get His Surgery, organized by Carrie Kearney

Hi my name is Carrie and I am fundraising for my emotional support dog Max. At… Carrie Kearney needs your support for Help My Support Dog Max Get His Surgery

My emotional support dog needs knee surgery. If you have the funds please donate and if not please reblog/share! ❤️

[isabellessantiago]

Announcing the Mass Effect trilogy N7 Exchange!

What is the N7 Exchange, you ask?

This exchange is dedicated the Mass Effect trilogy of games, where participants create fic or art as a gift and receive something in return! At this time, the exchange is only for the original trilogy of games and not ME: Andromeda. Nominations and sign-ups are now open!

Exchange Requirements

Participants must have an AO3 account

The gift minimum for fanfiction is a freestanding, completed work of 500 words and of a quality you would be happy to receive

Fanart min is a clean lineart drawing, either digital or physical, on unlined paper and of a good resolution. You may not use other elements from other pieces and manips are not allowed

Schedule

Nominations Open: September 19th

Sign-ups Open: September 21st, 12:00AM EST (Noms will remain open throughout the sign-up process)

Sign-ups Close: September 30th, 11:59PM EST

Assignments Go Out: No later than October 2, 11:59PM EST

Assignments Due: October 31st, 11:59PM EST

Works Revealed: November 7th, 12:00AM EST

Creators Revealed: November 14th, 12:00AM EST

If you have questions you can check out the Dreamwidth community linked in the source below or shoot me an ask over at @equusgirl!

[cryptid-jack]

“Say, you left without waking me.” “Didn’t have the heart.” “Thanks, but next time - uh… wake me.”

(Kaidan gets his wish granted and Shepard is nearly late reporting for duty as a result, probably X’D)

[arandomfactoid]

19 for mshenko?

The way you said I love you prompt   (played this on repeat while writing)

“When did you know”

It’s a question on the tip of Kaidan’s tongue, for weeks now.  A bit of wonder at Shepard’s quiet surprise at their coming together; that look to the side that didn’t quite hide a pleased smile.  

“When did you know?” The question slips out into the dark of the night.  And Kaidan sighs, shifting onto his back to watch the blue shift of the Normandy’s stealth system fly over their bed as Shepard sleeps next to him.

“Mmmmm?” the answer comes, as quiet as the rustling of the sheets as their positions shift with the rousing.  Shepard breathes, a quick breath in and slowly out before he groggily pushes up to one elbow.  “Everything all right K?”  He blinks once, twice, and with a quick glance towards the rest of the cabin to confirm all is well, that damned smile makes an appearance and it’s just… yeah. It’s everything.

Kaidan turns to face him, extends a hand to touch - the arm lying down between them, the shoulder Shepard is always working the knots out of when he’s stuck standing in one place, and up to a jawline that’s graced countless recruitment holos.  Shepard sighs and turns into the touch, exposing his neck that Kaidan can’t not  lean into, nipping softly just to hear the small gasp he knows will follow.

“You had a question?”  Shepard whispers, leaning back against the pillows, drawing Kaidan’s hand down to Shepard’s chest, fingers splayed over his heart.  Kaidan shakes his head, a silent no that Shepard attempts to stare down, a tilt of his head giving away his skepticism at Kaidan’s answer.  Too late does Kaidan notice the sneak attack - Shepard’s fingers ghost over his ribs, tickling him just enough to break his stoic facade as he twitches, falling forward and into Shepard’s arms.

It’s a dirty trick Shepard is not above using, a happy hum accompanies his wrapping Kaidan up in his arms, a kiss pressed into Kaidan’s hair in apology before settling Kaidan on top of him, enjoying the shiver that runs up his body where they touch.  The weight of him forces their breathing into synchronisation, he has goose bumps where Kaidan’s feet drag along the outside of his calves, and he scoots so their hips align and balance as Kaidan’s fingers dig into his arms, sending sparks down to his fingers with wanting to touch in turn.

Kaidan breathes once, twice, as they still and he finds his equilibrium again.  He presses his face to Shepard’s skin and repeats the question, knowing full well he was heard the first time around.  Shepard hums, and slides one hand to Kaidan’s hair.  “Feels like always, Kaidan.  So… always.”

[bio-ware]

I need you to know that I'll never doubt you again. I've got your back.

[alchemist-after-dark]

Kaidan wanted something to remember Shepard’s birthday, small and hurried as it was. Too many moments had passed them by already; he didn’t want to miss another one. Even if Shepard was sleeping for it.

[th3morrigan]

Opening a few slots! Come get your spot! 

[alchemist-after-dark]

Coming soon....

[theoriginalladya]

Mass Effect: Men in Kilts

This is an excuse to repost the art short drabble that goes along with the gorgeous artwork by @xla-hainex​ of Lachlan Shepard and Kaidan Alenko in kilts.  Some people asked about what was happening here, and this is at least a partial explanation…

On AO3 here

~~~~

Citadel, 2183

There is an aura about the Presidium that is difficult to put into words, and for a soldier like Lachlan Shepard, it’s far easier to speak through the methods he knows best.  Music.  His heritage. His experience.  Perhaps that’s why he looks forward to the Spectre induction ceremony more than Kaidan does.

Or, it could be because of the kilts.  Lachlan chuckles softly, eyes bright with delight, as his husband joins him in the otherwise empty office belonging to Ambassador Udina, a hint of grouchiness already looming in his dark features.  Aye, it’s the kilts.  As Kaidan nears, Lachlan closes the distance, biting back a smile and humming softly beneath his breath.  Carefully, he straightens the fly plaid on Kaidan’s left shoulder, securing the plaid brooch and adjusting the both to lie smooth.  “Still not comfortable wearing the plaid, are you?”

Kaidan sighs, muttering, “Whatever gave you that idea?”

Keep reading

[maxrev]

Fluffy ask for Jon/Kaidan for you: walking on the beach (or the pier I suppose) while holding hands with their fingers laced together. (sorry, I can't get enough of these two!)

These guys I swear...short prompts don’t exist. They took this and ran with it and Kaidan had another surprise in store. I apologize for any mistakes or if something doesn’t make sense, I was...exhausted and probably overedited it into a mess lol. Anyways, hope you enjoy and thanks for the ask ;)

           ___________________________________

Where Palm Trees Sway

It is the heart always that sees, before the head can see - Thomas Carlyle

A breeze blew in off the ocean, warm air against hot skin. Jon was wishing for the cool breezes back home but he wouldn’t trade this moment for anything. 

"Doing okay?" 

He looked over, drinking in the sight of Kaidan wearing board shorts and nothing else; his fit, muscular body on display and an easy smile on his lips. While they actually lived on the beach, a bit warmer climate sounded like the perfect get away. A chance to bask in the sun and enjoy each other without the distractions of their friends and city life; even if the city wasn’t terribly large. The small, quiet resort they’d chosen sat in a protected cove of an island with miles of beaches, both busy and peaceful. A few were off the beaten path, providing a calm and restful ambience. 

The ocean waves provided a relaxing accompaniment to their unhurried pace as they meandered down the stretch of sand. This beach, the one with their bungalow, was secluded; a couple of families with young children, a few couples enjoying the solitude as they were and one lone group of teenagers engaged in a mostly quiet game of frisbee. 

They walked near the water where the aqua colored waves rolled lazily onto shore, the crowns of foam drifting softly over their toes. Seagulls floated nearby on currents in air, cawing loudly, sometimes drifting closer inland hoping for a tasty morsel tossed to them. Out at sea floated a handful of colorful sailboats. A picture perfect day, much the same as the brochure still on the table back home. Just as advertised. 

A little way down the strip of sand Jon could see a young mother trying to teach her little boy how to fly a kite and just past the two of them was a single vendor selling drinks, ice cream and shaved ice, the shiny cart shaded by a bright, colorful umbrella. 

"Yeah, I'm good." Kaidan reached for his hand and they continued their walk, comfortable in the peaceful setting, no need to fill the silence with words. He knew Kaidan was just checking on him. 

Before they'd left their bungalow, Kaidan had stared in astonishment when Jon stepped out of the bathroom without a shirt. He'd quickly hidden his surprise, though. For Jon to go out in public without one was a monumental step. 

Of course, it helped having Kaidan by his side offering support. Being on a sparsely populated beach didn’t hurt either. Less people to observe his scars up close, fewer children to terrify. As soon as the latter thought crossed his mind, a kite came crashing down in front of them, the little boy racing towards it frantically as fast as his little legs could go while his mother called out to him. It was as if he never heard her. 

Jon froze as the boy skidded to a stop in the sand, right at their feet, at a loss for what to do. 

Instinctively, he turned to hide his scars, knowing as soon as the boy's eyes landed on them, he'd run back to his mother, frightened and screaming. Leaving his shirt off had been the absolute worst idea he’d ever had. He’d struggled with it over and over and now wished he would have worn one; his usual long sleeved tee. Being hot and sweaty was preferable to the fear snaking up his body, rooting him to the spot. He held his breath, waiting for disaster to strike. 

“Jon...hey, Jon. I’m here; it’s going to be okay.” 

Jon didn’t even hear him. 

The boy gazed at the crashed kite, a lone tear escaping from the corner of his eye to roll down a chubby cheek, smeared with what looked like chocolate. Dark brown curly hair blew free in the breeze. 

The world faded away when the boy gazed up at him with wide brown eyes, full lower lip quivering. Jon was sure any minute he’d begin to wail and the wailing would turn to a howl when he finally saw Jon's scars. 

"M-m-my k-k-kite," he stammered in a tear filled voice. He pointed at their feet, in case they hadn't already noticed. But all Jon noticed was the boy's arm, his kite completely forgotten. The arm aiming at the kite was horribly scarred, all the way up to the elbow. The shimmering big brown eyes locked on Jon’s. How do I talk to a child?

Kaidan moved between the two, sitting on the backs of his legs, toes digging into the sand. He smiled at the child, “Let’s check your kite and see how it looks, okay?” 

The boy sniffled, wiped a hand under his nose, and nodded. His mother caught up to them just then wrapping her arms protectively around his shoulders. Breathless, she apologized, “I’m so sorry he’s bothered you.” To her son, her voice was soft and gentle but firm, “Levi, you can’t run off like that without me, okay? And you shouldn’t bother these nice gentlemen.” 

He twisted, trying to free himself from her protective hold, turning to look up at her, “But my k-k-kite! I h-h-had to c-catch it!” He explained in a tear soaked voice. Levi looked back at Kaidan who held the kite, carefully smoothing it out and untangling the string. It appeared to be intact. “Is it okay? Can I f-fly it again?” 

The epitome of patience as always, Kaidan nodded and smiled, gently reassuring him, “I think it’ll fly again. Here you go.” He handed it over, the chubby hands grasping for it with a look of wonder, tears evaporating as if they’d never been. “Thank you!”  

The boy’s mother smiled at Kaidan, echoing her son, “Yes, thank you so much.” 

She glanced over at Jon with brown eyes the same color as her son’s. Her gaze slid over his scars but without shock or disgust. Before she could turn him away, Levi’s glance landed on them as well. Jon tensed, anticipating the inevitable explosion but to his surprise, it never came. 

Levi stepped closer, reaching out. His mother grasped his hand. “Levi!” she reprimanded, “You can’t touch someone without their permission.” 

Crestfallen, he looked ready to cry again. 

To his surprise, Jon said, “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” By the intake of breath at his side, Kaidan was surprised as well. 

But Levi turned the tables on them all. “We have matching scars! Do you wanna touch mine, too?” 

The matter-of-fact question rattled him so much, he couldn’t manage to answer. Levi deflated...until Kaidan reached for Jon’s hand, snapping him out of his trance. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, right Jon?”

“Uh...sure,” he spoke with more conviction than he felt. 

Reaching out with tentative fingers, ashamed of how badly his hand shook, Jon gently let his fingertips glide over them, losing himself in the touch and feel of someone else’s outward trauma. The scars were marled with raised ridges, thin rivers of pale pink in the sunlight. The boy giggled and Jon snatched his hand away, the spell broken.  

Hand still shaking, he started when a warm hand slid around it and squeezed. Kaidan. 

The boy giggled, "That tickled!" 

Inspired by the courage of the small boy before him, Jon sat in the sand so he could be on the same level. "You wanted to touch mine, too, right?" 

Levi nodded, extending his hand but then pausing and looking up at his mother. Realizing the suggestion may have been too forward, Jon looked up at her. She’d been watching them, her son's earlier tears seemed to have found a home in her eyes. Blinking several times, they glistened with unshed tears. She gave her consent to them both with a nod. 

Levi needed no further urging, touching Jon’s scars. It still took every ounce of strength he possessed not to flinch or pull away when those tiny fingers traced every inch of scarred skin. So far no hysterics and as Levi continued to explore, Jon felt his fears ebb away, like waves going back out to sea. He lost himself in the wonder of the child before him, filled with bravery and the absence of doubt. No thought to how the outside world would view him. Jon hoped those values remained through his whole life. 

"They’re all...ribbly," Levi told him. 

"Ribbly, huh?" At the boy's emphatic nod, he chuckled, "I suppose they are." 

"Levi, we need to go." 

The boy gave a very adult sigh, garnering a chuckle from his mother and Kaidan, before leaving. Following his mother back down the beach, he suddenly turned back to Jon, gave a shy grin and wave, turned back and began to run, tossing a ‘bye’ over his shoulder. Their bodies became smaller until they took a path into the trees and disappeared. 

Still trying to wrap his mind around what had happened, he was startled when Kaidan spoke up, "You okay?"

He stood up and brushed the sand off his legs, using the action to get his emotions under control. "Sure, I'm good."

The words were true. Actually, he felt more than good. Never comfortable around people after the mission which had given him the scars and more than a little terrified of their possible reaction, he found himself a little poleaxed by the whole scene. His present fears put into perspective by the naivete of a child. He was smart enough to know moving forward wouldn't be so easy; he still had quite a few giant hurdles to jump over. But it was a start. Doc Chakwas would likely give him one of her knowing smiles when he relayed the story to her. 

"Want some shaved ice?" 

Sounded wonderful. His throat was dry from stress and the sun hung high up in the sky since they'd left their bungalow. The air was hot, humid, and wet. "Yeah. Blue raspberry if they have it." 

Kaidan walked to the vendor while Jon waited, not quite ready to endure more scrutiny of his scars. He came back with two paper cups; blue raspberry for Jon, lemon for him. "Here you go." 

Jon took it, spooning out a bite. Cool and refreshing. "Mmmm, perfect." 

Kaidan quipped, "The ice or me?"

Not missing a beat, Jon leaned over and kissed him thoroughly, "Why, you, of course." 

Kaidan looked at him and laughed, "Your lips are already blue." 

"Guess you'll just have to clean them off then." 

"Mmmm, I'd enjoy that." 

Jon took another bite and licked his lips, making sure they were blue. Kaidan nudged his shoulder, causing them both to stumble and nearly drop their paper cups. He felt happy and content even as exhaustion crept over him from the encounter with Levi. A good outcome but he hadn't noticed how on edge he'd been throughout it all. 

"Ready to head back? We’re on island time now. We can nap if we want to." 

It was almost scary how Kaidan could read him so easily now. Sneaking a sideways look, Jon couldn't tell if Kaidan meant he wanted to take one as well, though he didn't look tired. In fact, he looked like he could spend the rest of the day running around the island. It almost wasn't fair...except the nap was calling him and Jon was powerless to resist its pull. 

"Yeah, a nap sounds good." 

He barely remembered his head hitting the pillow. 

Jon awoke to gauzy curtains swaying gently in a warm breeze coming in from the beach. Their bungalow sat close by, the glass doors to the bedroom taking advantage of the beautiful sunsets and warm, westerly zephyrs. Unwilling to move, he remained in bed, content to enjoy the view out the windows. 

But then the bed dipped behind him and he turned to find an even better view; Kaidan must have taken a nap as well. The sleepy-eyed, tousled-hair look was infinitely more appealing then what he’d been looking at outside. 

"Hey, there." His voice was deep and raspy with the remnants of sleep. Jon could get drunk on that voice. 

"Hey. Looks like you napped a bit too." 

"Yeah. Read a bit before I followed you down the same rabbit hole." He stretched with a yawn, Jon admiring the play of muscles as they moved under his golden skin, a tad darker after walking in the sun. "I'm going to take a shower, then thought we could take a walk before dinner." 

"Shower sounds great but what is it with the constant need to walk? Thought we were here to relax," he grumbled. 

"Oh come on, it’ll be a nice evening stroll. Help you work up an appetite.” 

Voice muffled against the pillow, he countered with, “I can think of better ways.” 

“Oh, so can I but we have plans. Ones I can’t change.” 

With a heavy sigh, Jon flopped out of bed and followed him into the bathroom. Not usually the one to instigate sex, he nonetheless tried to take advantage, but Kaidan’s ‘plans’ didn't include shower sex. 

And damned if it didn’t have him more than a little curious about what those plans were.

Freshly showered and dressed island style, which for them meant barefoot and shirtless with cargo shorts, Kaidan walked outside, calling back over his shoulder, "Lets go. We can watch the sun set as we walk." 

Dazzling white sand, warm from a day in the sun, was soft beneath their feet. The fronds of the palm trees swayed gently against a sky turning golden with the glow of the sun, just beginning its descent towards the horizon. 

Kaidan reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together and Jon felt a comfortable peace steal over him for the first time in...well, ever. He gazed at their hands and knew he wouldn’t change his life right now for anything. 

Before leaving the resort area, they stopped to purchase a couple of drinks; colorful, frozen, fruity things with umbrellas in them. They even came in a coconut shell. Jon drank his too fast through the straw, getting a brain freeze for his trouble. 

He stumbled, Kaidan grasping his hand tight and pulling back, trying ot keep him from falling. Jon looked down, surprised to see seashells in the shape of a heart. “Hey, look Kaidan. D’you see this?” 

“A heart made from seashells. Wonder who made it?” 

“I don’t know but someone was creative. I hope the tide doesn’t wash it away.” 

“It would be a shame, wouldn’t it.” 

There was something different in his voice but Jon couldn’t figure out what. Before he had a chance to mull it over, Kaidan pulled him forward. A few meters further and Jon saw a heart drawn in the sand. Surprisingly, it remained untouched by the waves. Inside it had been etched the words - once in a lifetime love. 

“Another heart. Someone went to great lengths to let them know they’re loved.” 

“Yeah, they sure did. Kinda reminds me of our message bottles, you know?” 

Jon gazed at him steadily, “Yeah...I suppose so.” 

Could it be Kaidan? No, there hadn’t been time for him to get away and do all this. 

They strolled at a relaxed, leisurely pace. Kaidan sipped slowly at his frozen drink while Jon had already finished his. 

Out of the blue, he asked, “You ever think about what you want to do with the rest of your life?” 

Jon gazed out over the ocean, watching as the sun began to color the underside of the white clouds floating lazily across sky in pastel hues of blue, pink, lavender and orange. The colors reflected in the ocean, all melding together in the current. He took a moment to think about Kaidan’s question. What did he want to do with the rest of his life? 

“I...I guess I haven’t, really. Have you?” 

“Well, I planned it around a career I thought I’d have the rest of my life. Spent the last thirty plus years focusing on one specific goal. Guess I didn’t really think about or plan beyond it.” 

Jon nodded, “I understand. Same thing for me, I suppose.” 

“Then, just like this,” he snapped his fingers, “it’s all gone. How do you start over? Where do you go and...with who?”

“With...who?” 

“Yeah...with who. I mean, I’ve never had a serious relationship before, guess maybe I’m choosy or...or patient--” Jon snorted and Kaidan bumped him in the shoulder with a quiet chuckle. 

“Patient, huh?” The laughter left his voice, “You are patient, Kaidan. Endlessly so.” Almost embarrassed at what he was admitting, his words were quiet, almost lost in the surf nearby, “ I mean, you have been - you are - with me.” 

Dusk had begun to fall in earnest and Jon wondered why they hadn’t begun to head back for dinner. Kaidan was quiet, not exactly out of the ordinary, but he seemed unusually introspective tonight. 

“I think what I want - something I’ve never truly found - is a deeper relationship with someone I...care about.” 

Jon swore his heart stopped for several seconds before it began beating again. Kaidan...was...he cared about someone? Rattled as his thoughts were, the one his mind latched onto was…’not me.’ 

“You...” his voice cracked on the single syllable and he coughed, tried again, “you care about. So, what you’re trying to say is--”

Kaidan stopped and turned to face him, never letting go of his hand, stopping Jon’s flow of words. He hadn’t noticed they were in a clearing. Tiki torches glowed softly in the dark, the sun finally having tipped over the horizon. 

A canopy had been set up over a single dining table set with plates and glasse. Next to it were covered serving dishes, a bucket full of ice to keep a bottle of champagne cold. Lights were twined around the canopy, adding to the glow of the torches. A radio played music softly. The scene was stunning, beautiful and Jon was thoroughly confused. 

At least, until he saw a heart drawn in the sand in front of the canopy with the words Love for a lifetime. 

He wasn’t sure what was happening, though it became clear rather quickly. 

Kaidan went down on one knee, “Jon, I love you with all my heart. After all the time we’ve been together I’ve realized I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without you.” Pulling a ring from the pocket of his shorts, he held it up. “Will you marry me?”

Stunned into silence, he stared at the ring, up at Kaidan, back to the ring. It was incredible: Trimmed in gold on the top and bottom, in the middle was a double row of waves in white. 

Mind crowded with thoughts, he knew Kaidan was getting more anxious with every passing second. Why would this man, so...so perfect, want to spend the rest of his life with...him? He was broken. Oh, he loved Kaidan, had realized it months ago, but never expected he’d want to stay and would just move on the day his endless patience finally ran out. 

But it hadn't and he was still here, right now...waiting on an answer. 

"Hello? Jon?" 

He searched the anxious brown eyes, saw nothing but honesty and love. 

"Yes, Kaidan. I will." 

A song came on and Jon thought the lyrics were perfect: 

I'm diving into the deep end

And I'm not scared, I'm not scared

And I've been way over my head

And I'm not scared, I'm not scared, no **  

** Daughtry - Deep End 

[maxrev]

@mallaidhsomo wanted a ‘little black cloud Kaidan’

So I gave it a try. My drawing skillz are rusty, my shading skillz non existent

BUTT (heh) I’m happy with him. I mean…IT’S KAIDAN