Ashley woke up with her head muddy and a stabbing pain behind her eyes that forced her to close them tightly and groan.
Somewhere below her she could hear James whistling and asking people if they wanted eggs.
Just the thought of it made her stomach roil.
“This is the last time I drink with a Krogan.” A voice muttered behind her and arms tightened around her waist.
Despite her own headache Ashley chuckled, “What’s the matter Spectre Alenko? Can’t keep up?”
“You’re one to talk, Spectre Williams.” Kaidan shot back and buried his face in her neck, his breath gusting against her skin and making her shiver. “You and James certainly didn’t back down.”
James was still cheerily calling out to everyone.
“I think I hate the youth.” Ashley grumbled and turned in Kaidan’s arms so she could wrap her own around him, shoving her face between his neck and shoulder and humming in satisfaction when Kaidan cursed at the sudden movement causing him to see light.
“I’ll remind James you said that later. Way later.” Kaidan’s hands slid back around her and pulled her impossibly closer. “For now…”
“Rest. Maybe some water. Think we can get Shepard to fetch us some?”
“Just make it an assignment.” Kaidan mumbled sleepily between one yawn and the next. “Quickest way to get the Commander to do anything.”
Ashley hummed again, in agreement this time. The noise of the apartment filtered out with the sound of Kaidan’s soft breath filling her ears.
She dozed off again, content to take her peace where she could. She could feel the ghost of Kaidan’s lips against her forehead as she did, a quick kiss that left her smiling.
“Don’t let Wrex pick the alcohol.” Ashley muttered, sleep dragging her down once more.
She felt more than heard Kaidan chuckled at the remark. “Aye aye Lieutenant Commander. Next time.”
The promise of next time sounded nice; she’d just have to kick enough Reaper ass to see it.
because @omegastation said “and now i crave a "friends & family find them so cute" fic” well here I am... (also here on ao3)
~~
“Keelah, they’re doing it again.” Tali said from where she sat in the mess hall, her helmet resting in one hand and her elbow on the table.
In front of them in the kitchen Kaidan was slicing some kind of meat, Ashley at his side laughing about something.
“Are all humans this bad?” Garrus asked, glancing over at James for some kind of confirmation.
“Nah,” James said with a shrug, “But didn’t you say that those two have been circling each other since the original Normandy.”
It was mostly only because Garrus shifted his gaze but James saw him and Tali exchange a glance.
“I don’t know if they were worse then.” Tali mused, “They weren’t together yet and it was exhausting watching them find excuses why they couldn’t be.”
“Eventually Wrex got sick of it and told them they both needed to put out and shut up. He really had a way with words.” Garrus’ mandibles shifted in what James recognized as a Turian smile.
“I think he regretted that almost immediately.” Tali said with a snicker. “Because then he had to put up with them being in love for a month before he finally left the ship.”
James grunted his agreement at the sentiment but then leaned back in his chair to cross his arms. “Guess it’s nice though. That Canadian Bacon and Stanza got together.” He watched as Ash stole a sliced vegetable from the bowl in front of them and Kaidan chided her but still leaned in to kiss her. “Gotta take all the wins we can in this war, yeah?”
Tali and Garrus didn’t refute him.
“Speaking of wins, what’s the next betting pool on them, who proposes first?”
“It’s 50 credits to get in and you’ll have to see Joker.” Tali told him.
“Hey if uh those two get married we can say they’re that poetry thing that Stanza likes right? A couplet?”
He didn’t need to see under a Quarian’s mask to tell Tali’s unimpressed stare matched Garrus’.
In the kitchen Kaidan and Ash were still kissing. Wasting valuable cooking time, shame on them, James thought.
~~
Shepard frowned as she watched Ashley go to comfort her sister; it was hard just standing there unable to really do anything concrete.
“Don’t worry, Shep, I’ve got her back.” Kaidan said from next to her but despite his steady tone Shepard the worry and concern coming from him was basically palpable.
Unbidden her lips quirked upwards, “Just her back?” Shepard couldn’t help but tease.
Kaidan’s eyes widened a little before he chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, yeah, all the rest of her too.”
Shepard snickered and clapped him on his shoulder. “Nice to see you two haven’t changed.” She meant that genuinely. She hadn’t been surprised to see the both of them together on Horizon, it’d be nice her old teammates still had each other. Even nicer that now all three of them were back together again and kicking ass in the name of the Spectres. “Ever think you’ll get out of the newlywed phase?”
Kaidan reached up to pat her hand still on his shoulder, “Yeah yeah.” Kaidan grumbled but it was good naturedly.
In front of them Ashley was still hugging her sister and Kaidan shifted automatically when it looked like they were about to part.
Shepard glanced between them, shook her head, and smiled. “You’ve got this.” She said and patted his arm one last time before she left.
~~
Sarah’s vision was a little blurry from the tears as she pulled out of her sister’s embrace. It was good of Ashley to come, it meant a lot that at least she could have one sibling there.
From the corner of her eye she caught someone walking their way and squinted a little. He looked familiar.
It clicked a second later and Sarah dabbed at her eyes to save face a little before Kaidan Alenko appeared before them.
“Hey,” He said softly, his gaze mostly on Ashley but also on her. “I didn’t want to interrupt but you good?” He winced. “What am I saying of course you’re not good, sorry, I didn’t mean-”
“Calm down, Kaidan.” Ashley elbowed him to stop his rambling. “We Williams women are built with sterner stuff.”
His eyes were warm along with the smile he gave Ashley and then he turned to her and cleared his throat. “Major Kaidan Alenko.” He offered her his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Next to him Ashley hid her face in her hand and Sarah for the first time that day let out a little laugh.
“Ash has mentioned you a few times.” Sarah said and shook his hand. “Nice to finally meet you.”
“Wish the circumstances were better. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Sarah tried to blink back the tears in her eyes but nodded her thanks anyway.
“Come on, kiddo,” Ashley said, reaching over to take her hand. “Let’s get something to eat.” She squeezed Sarah’s hand, the ever comforting presence of her older sister made Sarah breathe a little easier.
Kaidan hesitated where he stood and Ashley rolled her eyes. “You can come too, Kaidan, if you behave.”
“When have I not?” Kaidan asked ruefully. “Actually, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know what you’d say.”
Years ago Sarah remembered calling her sister when she was on the original Normandy, saying something about how Kaidan was cute and Ashley should go for it.
He must have really been something for her to ignore all fraternization issues.
She let go of her sisters hand to loop her arm through Kaidan’s. “You should definitely come and tell me all about what my sister’s been up to.”
“Oh no.” Ashley bemoaned from beside her and Kaidan shot her a smirk before turning his attention to Sarah.
“Do I have some stories for you.” Kaidan said and they started to walk.
It wasn’t easy, leaving the memorial behind, Sarah’s heart hurt regardless of the location she found but at least her sister was doing well.
She glanced over at Ashley who was smiling at the back of Kaidan’s head, interjecting every now and then as he told the story.
Love looked good on her sister.
She just hoped Ashley got a happier ending then she did.
~~
“That’s another one for me, Spectre Williams you’re slowing down.” Kaidan yelled out as he tossed a reave at the Cerberus soldier.
“Just giving you time to get on my level, Spectre Alenko.” Ashley shot back and Liara could tell she was grinning under her helmet.
“And here I thought you liked me under you.” Kaidan said, at least right after he said it he looked a little embarrassed.
“Is now really the time?” Liara asked, she tried to keep her voice stern but the laughter spilled into it anyway.
“Disgusting.” Javik huffed from next to her.
“Oh hush.” Liara told him. “They’ve earned it.” She threw out a biotic shield around Ashley before some shots could reach her. “Not that I’m condoning this flirting on the battlefield.”
“Every one’s a critic.” Kaidan said with a sigh.
“They can critique us after we save all their asses.” Ashley said and took out another solider with her shooting.
It took another hour for the fighting to die down and Shepard to return with James and EDI.
Garrus crawled down from the perch he’d scrambled up to to take the sniper shots he needed. Tali collapsed next to Liara, her helmet lolling on Liara’s shoulder.
Across from them Ashley was pressing a cloth against a shot Kaidan had taken that had grazed his neck. Nothing serious thankfully but Liara could see she was worried.
Kaidan’s fingers brushed Ashley’s free hand as she lectured him about dodging.
Liara shook her head. “I suppose they’ll never stop.”
“Data collected from past events suggests it unlikely.” EDI said from beside her, making Liara jump. “Apologies, my stealth protocols are still engaged.”
Liara somehow doubt that was by accident.
“No, EDI, I’ve been friends with them for a while now. They’ll never stop.”
Not that they should have to, Liara thought, but a little less flirting in the middle of a battle would be nice.
~~
Johnson couldn’t explain the huge relief it was to see his commanding officer again. Their squad had been broken up for a while now and while he’d seen a few others, Kaidan had been shipped back to Earth and then apparently swept up with Commander Shepard.
It was really by chance Johnson was on the Citadel at the same time he was.
All though he was clearly interrupting something judging by the hand of the woman Kaidan was holding at the table where he sat.
“Sir!” Johnson snapped a salute.
“Johnson!” Kaidan laughed and stood up to give him a hug. “Glad to see you’re okay. How’s everyone else doing?”
“Depends on the day.” Johnson answered truthfully, no use trying to lie during a war.
Kaidan frowned at that but nodded in understanding.
“You gonna do introductions, Kaidan?” The woman at the table asked, her mouth twitched in amusement.
“Ah, right. Johnson this is Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams, Ash this is Johnson. He was a part of the biotics squad I’d mentioned.”
Ashley stood up to offer her hand. “Nice to meet you, Johnson.”
“Likewise ma’am,” Johnson began and then paused, “Wait, you’re Ash?”
Kaidan froze.
Ashley’s smile grew wider. “Something familiar about my name?” She looked over at Kaidan. “Talking about me, Alenko?”
Kaidan crossed his arms and cleared his throat. “Maybe a few times.”
Johnson’s gaze bounced between the two.
“Was it a few times?” Ashley asked, raising an eyebrow.
“More than a few ma’am.” Johnson said with a grin of his own now that he knew where this was going.
“Johnson…” Kaidan groaned, scrubbing at his face with his hand.
“He talked about how much he missed you.”
“That’s sweet, Kaidan.” Ashley said, her voice low in a tease.
“Can we talk about something else? Anything else?” Kaidan asked.
“No no, I think we should talk about this.” Ashley snickered.
“So what?” Kaidan threw back, “You didn’t miss me in those months we were separated.”
Her gaze softened. “I did.” Ashley said easily enough. “No one else is as nice a view.”
“Which view are you looking at?” Kaidan lowered his voice and Johnson squirmed a little.
It had been funny but hearing his old boss flirting was just bizarre.
He’d still have to tell the old squad about this though. They’d be dying to hear it.
~~
“Please tell me they’re not always like this.” Miranda said, taking another sip of her glass.
“They are.” Garrus replied.
“And now you get to put up with it too.” Tali said cheerfully and Miranda couldn’t tell if it was the glee that they’d share in the suffering or the alcohol talking.
“Least someone’s getting some.” Jack commented from the bar where she was mixing yet another drink. She grinned widely. “Though I hear Jacob is too.”
“Leave me out of this.” Jacob called out from another room entirely, his hearing apparently impeccable.
“Young love is often loud.” Samara offered softly and when she had joined the conversation Miranda wasn’t certain.
Ashley knocked her head against Kaidan, whispering something to him that had him laughing from where he sat at the poker table. She pointed at one of his cards and he shook his head, leaning over to say something to her this time.
Cortez and James exchanged a glance.
Kasumi flashed briefly in front of them, “You guys are sweet but can you play already?”
“The Kasumi creature is right. I wish this to be over.” Javik said.
“This game or…?” Liara asked, her question open ended.
Javik merely stared at her.
Ashley wrapped her arms around Kaidan, her head resting on her shoulder and Miranda didn’t think it had be a comfortable position given that she was standing but Ashley didn’t seem to care.
Later that evening Miranda pretended not see the two of them stumble into on of the bedrooms, Kaidan pressing a fond kiss against Ashley’s head as they leaned against each other.
~~
“Oh no.” Wrex crossed his arms and gave his best intimidating Krogan stare. “I’m not putting up with this again.”
Around them people buzzed, Earth’s rebellion hub a collection of activity.
“Not putting up with what again?” Kaidan asked but didn’t move his arm from Ashley’s waist.
“I told you two to get your act together years ago.” Wrex scoffed. “You humans don’t live long enough to be this stupid.”
“Wrex let them do it at their own pace.” Shepard said, coming up next to him.
“And see them dodge this for the next ten years? If I hadn’t said anything those two would still be pretending the other wasn’t interested.” Wrex held back another scoff but just barely.
“You are far too invested in our love life, Wrex.” Ashley said drily.
“I’m just the wisest thing here apparently.” Wrex shot back. “So quit acting like you two aren’t doing this forever and mate or whatever it is you humans do.”
“Does he mean mate like sleep together because I think we’re long past that.” Kaidan said, his voice equally as dry as Ashley’s.
Wrex rolled his eyes. “Shepard, translate.”
“Why do I-” Shepard sighed. “I’m guessing he means marriage. But they’ll get there when they get there Wrex.”
“Yeah we don’t want to mess up Joker’s betting pool.” Kaidan said, smirking at them.
“Despite that we already have.”
Shepard paused. “What does that mean.”
Kaidan and Ashley looked at each other and started to laugh.
“Oh?” Wrex’s booming laugh joined the fray, “Guess I was wrong. You two pulled your heads out of your quads after all.”
“Wait.” Shepard said. “You mean…”
“After Horizon.” Kaidan shrugged.
“Don’t worry Shepard, we both agreed we’d redo it with everyone around after we kicked the Reaper’s ass.” Ashley said.
“Also way to read our paperwork.” Kaidan said, his voice the picture of amusement.
“Who proposed.” Shepard demanded. At least she could still win a bet.
“Neither, we just…” Kaidan trailed off.
“Sort of agreed.” Ashley continued.
“No wonder you two are still newlyweds.” Shepard shook her head. “Joker’s not going to be happy to hear about this. I don’t think anyone won then.”
“We’re real broken up about that.” Kaidan said, deadpan.
“I’d say we won.” Ashley dropped her arm around Kaidan’s shoulder.
He tilted his head down to press his forehead against hers. “Yeah, I’d say we did.”
“This is all your fault.” Shepard accused Wrex without much heat.
Wrex sighed. “I miss when I wasn’t involved with any of you.”
“No you don’t.” Shepard, Ashley, and Kaidan all said at once.
“Humans.” Wrex grumbled and walked off.
“I’ll just leave you two to it. Just uh, maybe hold off on telling everyone until I can be there to see their reactions.” She turned to leave to give them some privacy but couldn’t help but glance back.
Kaidan and Ashley were once again too distracted by each other, laughing about some honeymoon joke.
Newlyweds, Shepard thought. At least she already had a wedding present, kicking the Reapers off Earth was bound to score her some points and make it the best one.
@omegastation told me there was a trilogy week going on but I don’t have much thought for it so here’s a quick Kaidan/Ash drabble because they deserved to get banter in the citadel dlc elevator too:
~~
“Remember when Wrex asked us if either of us could kill Shepard?” Ashley asked idly as Shepard grumbled about her hamster and the disrespect of it all in front of them.
“Is this the point where we find out?” Kaidan retorted as he flexed his fingers, ready to throw up a biotic barrier as needed.
“Well. Yes.” Ashley paused and glanced over at Kaidan with a grin. “But also bet I can do it before you.”
“You’re on Williams.”
“Wait what are you two talking about?” Shepard asked, turning around.
“Eyes at the front Commander, doors about to open.” Ashley said instead of answering him and then charged forward as they did, knowing that Kaidan would have the shield up for her. She shot down one mercenary and took aim at another yelling back, “Guess you’re playing defense Alenko!”
“Just warming up.” Kaidan yelled nearby and two mercenaries were struck down by his reave. “Looks like you’re just slowing down though.”
“As if.” Ashley shot back and fired at yet another mercenary who couldn’t get their shield up in time. The clone ran past her and Ashley fired at her but the bullets bounced off the clones biotic shields.
“You just trying to scratch them or what?” Kaidan threw an overload at the clone, disrupting their shields long enough for Ashley to get a shot in.
“Thanks for the help, Spectre Alenko.” Ashley called out and continued forward. From the corner of her eye she caught a mercenary sneaking up on Kaidan and whirled around to fire at them.
“Guess I can’t cash in a favour for that then.” Kaidan looked down at the dead body and then back up, throwing a cryo blast at the clone who dodged it.
Shepard let out a guttural yell and tackled her clone suddenly, knocking them to the back of the storage compartment.
“You know I think we should just let Shepard have this. She needs it.” Kaidan walked up to Ashley and peered down the storage compartment.
“Yeah…you might be right there. But I still got a hit in.”
“Only because I broke the shielding.”
“Semantics.” Ashley clocked more mercs heading their way and raised her assault rifle.
“Oh now you want to argue that.” Kaidan dodged a blast and threw a barrier up over the both of them.
“Only over dinner.”
“Tin foil mini skirt included?”
“You know it.” Ashley leaned over so she could press the quickest kiss to Kaidan’s scruffy cheek. “Now drop this barrier and let’s show them what the Normandy crew is made of.”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Ashley went with the bomb. Kirrahe’s squad got overrun and he didn’t bother yelling for help.
They both died on Virmire.
Then he woke up.
or
Kaidan is stuck in a time loop living Virmire over and over again and something has to break
~~
almost four years ago @omegastation made a comment that it would the Virmire mission would make a good time loop au and of course I had to run with that. sorry it took me so long. (thanks to @organasoloskywalker and @vulpixelates for putting up with my ranting over this fic)
Ashley groaned at the alarm that blared through the starboard lounge. Shepard probably put EDI up to it knowing that Ashley had been drinking last night like the terrible commander she was.
Someone moved next to her and Ashley cracked one eye open to see Kaidan yawning as he sat up and ran a hand through his hair. He’d stopped by at some point last night, that much she could remember, and clearly hadn’t left and they must have ended up on the couch together instead of back at their quarter.
“Come on Spectre Williams.” He teased, resting a hand on her shoulder to shake her lightly. “Duty calls.”
“That’s second human Spectre out of the whole human race to you, third human Spectre Alenko. Show some respect.” She shot back, sitting up and wincing as her head ached.
“Uh as I recall the Council said my name first.” Kaidan scoffed but there was a tilt in his lips that Ashley could tell was the beginning of a smile. Technically they’d been called to the Council at the same time and received their promotion to Spectre in the same sentence.
“Only because they were going alphabetically. They clearly meant me for it. Best for last and all that.”
She rested her head against his shoulder and sighed in relief when he raised his arm to lightly press his fingers at her forehead and rub, relieving some of the pressure from her hangover. “You’re good at that.”
“The keyword here is last.” Kaidan retorted. “And migraines, remember? I picked up a few tricks.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Alenko.” Ashley murmured, she was feeling better with the massage but now was tempted to fall back asleep with how comfortable she was feeling.
“Could say the same to you, Ash.” Kaidan’s voice was raspier in the mornings when he’d just woken up, something Ashley never got tired of hearing. She pressed a kiss to the warm skin underneath her, not sure when Kaidan lost his shirt but okay with it nonetheless.
She reluctantly pulled away, “Come on, we should get ready.”
Kaidan caught her arm before she could straighten up. “I might have told EDI to set the alarm half an hour early.”
“You might be a dead man soon.” Ashley deadpanned, glaring.
Kaidan just laughed and pulled her back down into a warm embrace. “I think I can handle it. Just thought you’d enjoy some time together before we start getting shot at.”
It wasn’t a bad idea Ashley conceded though she wasn’t about to admit that. They didn’t get too much time alone on the ship after all. She tilted her head up to press a kiss at the corner of his lips before she rested it against his shoulder again. “Don’t make a habit of it. I like my sleep.”
“But you like me better.”
Ashley huffed, trying to hold in her laughter. “Maybe. Maybe I’m just biding my time till your guard’s down and then make sure I’m the only second human Spectre.”
“Who says I’m not doing the same?”
“I could take you.”
“Sure you could, Ash.”
She felt a shift as he raised his hand to stroke through her hair. “I guess you can stick around for now though.” She wanted to say stick around forever, the idea was in her head and she tightened her embrace just a little.
“Guess I will then.” Kaidan said, his voice a rumble in her ears where she could feel it more than hear it.
Slight hangover aside this wasn’t the worst way to wake up, Ashley thought to herself.
“You know you did admit that we’re both the second human Spectre just then.”
I’m the ghost hunter but for a ghost you’re not so bad and it looks like there might be a way to bring you back on halloween - ash/kaidan hehehehehe
(also here on ao3)
send me halloween prompts!
The first thing Ashley noticed when she opened the trunk ofher car was that she was almost out of rock salt and would have to visit Steveto replenish her supplies soon. It’d be a pain but it was hard to find vendorswho dealt with “supernatural bullshit”. Ashley methodically checked over hershotgun with a sigh, she hadn’t planned on dragging herself out on Halloween ofall nights when prank calls came in all the time but Shepard had personallyasked her to check this out.
He’d been meaning to but had gotten caught up with rumoursof a swamp creature down south and taken Thane – a part swamp creature himself –if he needed negotiations.
The house she was parked in front of certainly looked like anormal house, it sat in the middle of the suburbs in a section of Vancouver,with new bricks and nothing out of the ordinary that made it seem haunted.
Ashley knew that looks were deceiving though. She raised onehand to clutch the crucifix pendant she always wore that her father had givenher. She’d worn it all through her military career, it’d survived gunshots andfire alongside her and before every battle she’d issued a prayer. When she cameback to the states and took over her father’s business of hunting supernaturalcreatures she continued the practice, letting her faith guide her.
“All right,” Ashley took a deep breath and stared up at thehouse, “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
She stepped inside using a skeleton key that Kasumi hadgiven her for last Christmas and shut the door behind her. The floor creakedunderneath her feet but she didn’t pay any mind to it, heading straight towardsthe stairs. The reports from the last family that had lived there had said thatall the strange noises had come from the attic. Of course those reports hadalso claimed they’d come down one morning to find bacon cooking on the stoveand no one claimed it.
“Guess you’re fitting a Canadian stereotype.” Ashley saidout loud as she crept up the stairs. “If I say please would you disappear?” Sheasked rhetorically.
“Depends.” A voice said next to her ear, raspy and a littlewhispery but clear nonetheless, “Is that shotgun for me?”
Ashley turned on the balls of her feet, pointing the gun inmid air.
“Whoa, whoa, guess that answer’s yes.” It seemingly camefrom midair but as Ashley squinted she could faintly make out a ghostlyoutline. It was harder for them to appear during the day granted but she’dhoped to scope the place out and get ready for the ghost at night.
Rock salt pellets mixed with iron would still pack a punchto it though if push came to shove. By the slightly nervous laugh the ghostissued though Ashley was doubting it would.
She pulled her gun back, ready to fire at a moments noticestill, “I don’t suppose that ‘please’ is still on the table.”
She got the impression the ghost was shrugging, “I’d leaveif I knew how. I’ve kinda been stuck here.”
“Well I might be able to help you with that one.” Ashleyreplied, she relaxed a little now that she could tell this wasn’t a malevolent spirit.“How’d you die.”
“Last thing I remember was coming in here to save a kid. Thehouse was on fire.” The ghost raised a hand, just barely visible, to run itthrough his hair. He was half in the shadows where it was clearer to see hisspectral form which made for an amusing visual.
“That checks out.” Ashley said and tucked her gun away, theghost hadn’t lied to her. The background check she’d done that claimed thehaunting occurred after the house fire was in line with it.
“Wow, testing out a ghost.” The spectral crossed his arms,leaning against the wall and though she couldn’t see his face she knew he wasfrowning at her by his tone.
“Hey, I had to make sure you weren’t malicious.” Ashleyshrugged, “You can never tell in my line of work. Plus the strange noises thingfrom the reports didn’t mention if they were angry or not.”
“I was remembering.” The ghost defended himself, “It was…hard…thosememories coming back.”
Ashley felt a tug of pity and sat on the stairs, motioningfor the ghost to sit next to her. “Do you…remember your name?
There was a pause from him. “Kaidan. That’s it though.”
“Kaidan Alenko.” Ashley offered, “You were in the marines.”
“Yeah I remembered some of that. Bits and pieces here andthere. Mostly I just remembered the fire.” Kaidan sounded lost in thosethoughts.
“Most ghosts will. It’s the memory that ties you to thisworld. But you did a good thing.” Ashley assured him, “You saved the kid.”
“That’s something.”
“And then you scared the next kid that moved in.” Shecontinued in a slightly teasing voice. “Did you really make bacon one day?”
“I felt hungry.” If Kaidan had skin he might have beenflushing. “I wasn’t thinking well.”
Ashley frowned, her eyes narrowing at the air next to herwhere Kaidan resided. “You felt hungry?”
“At first. It went away.” The shadows had fallen over Kaidan’sface, making him more visible to Ashley’s eyes. He was scratching idly at hischeek in thought. “Why’s that important?”
“Ghosts don’t feel.” Ashley said rather bluntly. “You’rejust a spectral form, any emotions you think you have aren’t real.”
“I feel real.” Kaidan said softly after a moment. “Not…Imean not physical.” He squeezed his hands into fists and rested them on hisknees. “I just…feel here.”
Ashley fought the urge to clutch her crucifix and ask whatto do. Suddenly she felt very much out of her element. She’d helped ghosts cometo terms with their death before but feelings like how Kaidan was saying themwas something else.
“Stay here.” She ordered, “I need to make a call.”
“Aye aye captain.” Kaidan snorted, doing a half salute.
“That’s Lieutenant Commander to you.” Ashley joked, smilinga little as she walked out. She felt bad just leaving Kaidan there but sheneeded to confirm something. She moved to the kitchen area to give herself someprivacy.
The phone rang four times before Liara picked up on theother end. She sounded out of breath and had probably had to dig for her phonethrough piles of papers. “Ashley,” Liara greeted her brightly.
“Liara.” Ashley greeted back. “Sorry to make this quick butI’m on a case.”
“Of course.” Instantly Liara’s tone shifted and she soundedevery inch the ready researcher that Ashley knew her as. “What it is it?”
“I’ve got a ghost, but…he says he can feel.”
“And you believe him?” Liara asked and Ashley winced feelingslightly foolish.
“It’s just this gut feeling I have.”
“Ah so you’ve got a feeling back about this ghost.” Liarapaused and Ashley could practically see the amused smile on her face. “Is hecute?”
“I’m pretending you didn’t say that.” Ashley said drily. “Isthere anything about this in your records? On ghosts who can feel?”
Liara hummed, “There is one case. You know him actually.”
“Shepard?” Ashley scoffed, “He wasn’t really dead- oh.” Shestopped herself there and glanced back to the doorway that led to the stairs.
“Perhaps the same circumstances have occurred to yourspectral friend.”
Ashley dragged a hand over her face and sighed, “All right,how do I fix this then.”
“Either kill him all the way. Or do what Miranda did. Bringhim back.”
“Not all of us are necromancy experts.” Ashley grumbled, “ThanksLiara. I’ll call Miranda.” She hung up after Liara’s goodbye and rested herhands on the kitchen counter. Considering her options. It wasn’t her choicereally though, she thought as she looked at the doorway again.
She straightened up and stepped through it, looking forKaidan on the stairs. It had gotten darker already despite that it was stillthe afternoon and Kaidan’s form was clearer. It was easy to see his face wasscrunched up in pain and he was leaning heavily on his elbows which rested onhis knees.
“Kaidan?” Ashley nearly pulled out her shotgun in worry thatKaidan was switching from the genial ghost she’d just met to a more torturousone.
“It’s just a migraine.” Kaidan said through gritted teeth. “I’vehad them all my life. Well,” He lifted his head and his lips quirked upwards inan ironic smile, “My death too it seems.”
That settled it for Ashley, ghosts as she knew them wouldnever get migraines like this. Kaidan was partially still alive.
~~
Miranda was quick and thorough in her instructions as towhat Ashley needed to do.
“You’re in luck.” She said over the phone to Ashley, “Halloweennight will make it easier to pull him back.”
“Even though there’s no body?” Ashley wasn’t much forwitchcraft like Miranda or Samara were. Most of this flew over her head but shewas the only one available now to do it so it was in her court.
“If he has enough of a tangible form that he’s feelingmigraines that’s enough to reform his body.” Miranda didn’t even hesitated, sosure in her explanation.
“All right, I’ll call you if I need to.”
“One thing before you go – sometimes the body doesn’t respondproperly. You may have to shock it.”
“Like with a defibrillator?” She wondered if she had time tosteal one from a hospital.
“No, just something that would shock them – get their bloodpumping.”
From the background Ashley heard Jack make several crudesuggestions and hung up before she could hear another Miranda and Jack fight.Why those two lived together she had no idea.
She walked back into the den where she’d left Kaidan tothink about what she had told him. While she had everything ready it was stillup to him if he wanted to come back.
He looked miserable, sitting in a chair and contemplating. Shewalked over and dragged a chair out next to him, falling into it with anaudible thump.
“What if it doesn’t work?” Kaidan asked, breaking thesilence.
Ashley held in her sigh, “I’ll take care of it.” She said,trying to sound more sure than she felt.
“What would you choose?” Kaidan turned to look at her, thehouse was almost completely dark now, only a few candles illuminated them. Ifshe tilted her head she could swear she could see colour in his cheeks.
“I…” She paused, thinking slowly. “I’d think there’s areason for it. That God wanted me to still do something. I’d have faith.”
Kaidan smiled, “Guess I need to have some faith too.”
She moved to pat his shoulder but stopped before her hand couldgo through it. “Don’t worry Major,” She used the rank he used to have, “I’vegot enough faith for the both of us. Besides.” She grinned at him. “If you comeback you can actually eat the bacon you cook.”
“Now there’s an offer.”
~~
They waited until night fell completely to start the ritualto bring Kaidan back. He couldn’t tough the salts without burning so he stoodsheepishly in the middle of the room while Ashley completed circle after circlearound him of various substances.
Chakwas had promised if there was an emergency that Samaracould make a portal for them and they’d come through but currently she wastrying to help Garrus who had taken a nasty ghoul bite to his cheek.
“Ready?” She asked, taking a breath to steady herself.
“Well I haven’t died from waiting yet.” Kaidan quipped,grinning at Ashley to defuse some of the tension and she was grateful for it.
Miranda had recorded the incantation for her and sent her anaudio file, she had been certain it would work in the format, what mattered wasthat she was heard not that she was physically there.
Ashley clicked play on her phone and let Miranda’s voicefill the room. The circles of salts slowly began to rose around Kaidan and heeyed them nervously but didn’t move.
She wasn’t sure what happened after that, they got to theend of the recording and there was a flash of light as the circles becamesmaller around Kaidan. It temporarily blinded her and she opened her eyesKaidan was lying there in a heap.
She dropped her phone and rushed forward, resting a hand onhis now solid shoulder. He wasn’t responding, just like Miranda had warnedmight happen.
“Please God let this work.” She prayed and then leanedforward and kissed Kaidan, in the heat of the moment it was the only thing shecould think of beyond pouring a bucket of ice water on him. It was like a joltof electricity snapped between them and she nearly yelped, pulling back as Kaidanrose up and gasped for air.
“You did it.” Kaidan said, his voice still raspy in a waythat Ashley realized wasn’t his being a ghost and was just how he sounded.
“Don’t sell yourself short, Major.” She laughed, leaningback on her hands. “You did a little.”
Kaidan snorted and ran a hand through his hair, he lookedlike he was about to say something when his stomach grumbled loudly. “You knowI think you promised me a meal.” Kaidan said and stood up, offering Ashley ahand.
“Actually I think I promised you could cook it.” Ashleyretorted as she took his hand and let herself be pulled up. They stood therefor a minute, grinning wildly at each other. “So, what do you think you’regoing to do next?”
Kaidan blinked, “Hunh. Hadn’t thought of that. I guess I’mtechnically dead to the rest of the world.”
“In my line of work it happens.” Ashley assured him. Shelooked him over and smiled slowly, “I could always use a partner.”
“How’s the pay?”
“Terrible, but the company’s not bad.” Ashley nudged himlightly with her shoulder. “You will have to put up with at least one zombiebit from Joker though.”
“I’ll live.” Kaidan laughed.
“Come on,” She grabbed his hand to lead him out, “Let’s goget you some food before you fade away again.”
“If I start will you kiss me again?” Kaidan raised aneyebrow at her when she glanced back at him.
She smirked, “If you’re lucky maybe I’ll think about it.”
for @omegastation, between old science fiction and poems Ashley and Kaidan grow closer. (also here on ao3)
~~
As a kid Kaidan had loved to read the old sci fi novels, anthologies of stories that told tales of the wonders – and dangers – of space, full of characters that wanted to do their best and the occasional romance thrown in. Being on the Normandy was a lot like those books, in his downtime Kaidan could skim through them and see parts of the Normandy crew in those stories.
The datapad that held the novel wasn’t as personal as holding the actual books that he kept back at his parents place but there was still something comforting about reading those stories. Kaidan leant back in the remote part of the Normandy he’d found, close by the engine room and the constant sound of it was soothing as he read.
“I was wondering who’d been in here.”
Kaidan jerked his head away from his book to see Ashley standing there, leaning against the pseudo-doorway that lead to this small alcove. He glanced down to see she held her own datapad and raised an eyebrow.
“Guess I wasn’t the first one here after all.” He commented and made to stand but Ashley held a hand up.
“Don’t worry about it LT. There’s enough room for two.” There really wasn’t despite what Ashley said but she took a step forward and took a seat on the metal enclave, leaning against the bulkhead like he had a moment ago.
“What are you reading?” Kaidan asked curiously, trying to catch a glimpse of Ashley’s datapad.
Ashley looked over at him like she was debating telling him or not. “Tennyson.” She eventually said and leveled him with a look that just dared him to say something about that.
“Never been much for poems myself.” Kaidan admitted and held up his own datapad in a truce. “Heinlein.”
“We live on a spaceship with aliens and fight robots and you’re reading old sci fi stories like it isn’t your life.” Ashley’s voice was teasing not mocking and Kaidan’s lips quirked upwards.
“I like seeing what they thought our future would be like.” He shrugged, the closeness of the alcove meant he brushed his shoulders against Ashley’s.
“Yeah?” Ashley hummed, “Does it measure up?”
Kaidan looked back at his datapad in thought and then back at Ashley with a small grin, “It’s not so bad. They really had a lot more faith in us. It’s nice to think I’m helping to make sure it’s not misplaced.”
Ashley snorted in amusement and elbowed him lightly. “I think you’re doing pretty good there LT.”
“You too Chief.”
They settled down next to each other, reading their books in companionable peace.
~~
It became a continual thing in their downtime whenever they had it to hole themselves up in the alcove and read. Some days Kaidan couldn’t concentrate because of his headaches, resting against the cool metal bulkhead in an attempt to get rid of them as Ashley rested against him, warm and steady.
Some days Ashley couldn’t concentrate and took to taking apart her rifle and cleaning it before piecing it back together and starting all over again. On those days Kaidan watched idly in pretense of reading, ready to listen or talk if Ashley needed it and making sure she knew he was there.
Other days they just sat there, next to each other, not really reading after a harsh fight and just taking comfort in the fact that they made it out alive.
“You just going to keep reading at each other?” Wrex rumbled one day at them when they both in the cargo bay. He shook his head. “Human mating rituals make no sense.”
Ashley and Kaidan exchanged a glance, neither of them saying anything and Kaidan’s mouth felt strangely dry. He licked his lips, wishing he had the words or something to say, retort to Wrex that this was nothing but the fact of the matter was that it felt like something to him.
He looked forward to downtime not for the reading anymore but to spend that time with Ashley.
The realization settled in his stomach surprisingly easy, like it was there all along and just waiting for him to catch up. He caught Ashley’s eyes again and saw for a second there was surprise and then acceptance in hers too, she smirked at him and then reached out to grab his shirt and pulled him in to a kiss.
Romance, he thought almost dizzily, there had been romance in those old stories that he’d longed for.
This was better. This was real.
~~
Everything in his sense screamed that Virmire was a bad idea, it filled his every being with dread that he just couldn’t explain or voice.
“I’ve got so used to working with you…” Kaidan paused and turned to look at Ashley, “All of you.”
“Don’t worry so much.” Ashley grinned at him, partly teasing. “We’ll see you on the other side.”
Kaidan wanted to say something else there, add in a ‘be careful’ just to Ashley alone but Shepard was standing there so he kept quiet. Instead as Ashley walked away she brushed her gloved hand against his, glancing at him quickly and smiling softly before walking away with Kirahe.
His feeling didn’t get any better but he followed Shepard regardless to the location where they were to put the bomb.
“We need help Commander.” Ashley’s voice came over the comm, not shaking but there was a hint of desperation to it that had Kaidan almost leaping up to go.
He curled his hands in to fists and looked at the bomb. “Go, I need to set this up anyway.”
He regretted saying that and Shepard looked at him knowingly before nodding and ordering Garrus and Liara to head out with her. A cold sweat broke out as the feeling of dread welled up inside him.
“Ash?” He opened a comm channel directly to her.
“Little busy.” Ashley replied after a second.
“Yeah I figured.” Kaidan tapped at the console of the bomb, getting it set up. “Just thought you’d like to know I love you.”
Ashley paused and for a sick moment Kaidan thought he’d distracted her enough that she got shot.
“Couldn’t have waited till we were face to face? It’s a bit less romantic in a fire fight.” Ashley said.
“When isn’t our life a fire fight?” Kaidan shot back.
“So dramatic Kaidan.” Ashley laughed and he heard a shot fired from her end. “I said I’d see you on the other side, stop worrying.”
He wouldn’t and they both knew it.
“Hey LT.” Ashley said. “I love you too.”
“Heh, good to know.” The comm closed off on him and Kaidan bit his lip to draw his focus to the bomb.
A shot fired nearby his ear and Kaidan tensed, turning his head to see Geth slowly coming up to surround them.
If this was an old story Kaidan would die a hero. He’d take on the Geth and arm the bomb and give his team time to escape Virmire.
He certainly planned on it.
“It’s done Commander. Go get Williams and get the hell out of here.”
“Screw that.” Ashley didn’t even hesitate and despite the danger Kaidan couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. “We can handle ourselves. Go back and get Alenko.”
There was an unbearable silence as Shepard thought. Kaidan’s comm beeped with a private chat from Ashley but he ignored it, gritting his teeth and waiting for the answer.
“Kaidan, Garrus and Liara are on their way back, I’m going to get Williams. You’re both getting out of here.” Shepard said and Kaidan blinked, not expecting that answer.
The Geth drew closer to him and he fired shot after shot, worried that Garrus and Liara wouldn’t make in time when a singularity exploded around the Geth and lifted them up.
“Alenko come on.” Garrus ran over to grab his shoulder, pulling him and the wounds on his side stung. “We’re getting out of here.”
“The bomb,” Kaidan began but Garrus shook his head.
“You’ve armed it, even the Geth can’t stop it now. If they can get to it.”
Kaidan glanced over to see Liara had put a barrier of singularities around them, it would take the Geth too long to make it to the bomb and he grinned, for the first time that day feeling like this wouldn’t turn out to be a disaster.
“I’m meeting you halfway so you better make it there.” Joker’s voice came over the comm, stressed as usual.
“We’ll get there. I’ve got Williams and Kirahe. Saren is on our tail Joker so you better be prepared to pull up fast.”
The world blurred around him in a mixture of adrenaline and pain, Kaidan couldn’t even remember the trip back on to the Normandy but he heard Ashley yell in pain as Saren fired a blast right at her. Shepard grabbed her and dragged her on to the ship with Kirahe’s help, the ramp lifted up and the Normandy took off, shaking in the after effects of being too close to the blast area as the bomb went off.
He was vaguely aware that Garrus had set him down next to Ashley as Chakwas ran into the room and began yelling out orders.
Before his vision blacked out completely he looked over at Ashley and offered her a wan smile, giving up all pretenses and dropping his forehead against hers.
“Close call.” He said, the words slurred even to his own mind.
“Told you I’d see you again.” Ashley said back stubbornly and then both lost consciousness.
~~
He woke up before Ashley did, looking over to see her resting the bed next his.
“You both got lucky.” Chakwas told them when Ashley woke up, frowning at them and shaking her head. “One more minute and I’m not sure either of you would have made it.”
They were both too tired to answer or do anything else and didn’t end up talking until Chakwas released both of them to bedrest in their rooms.
Kaidan waited for Ashley to join him outside of the medbay and slipped his hand into hers, squeezing her fingers lightly.
“Looks like you were right.”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “You can be less surprised Kaidan.”
He laughed but made a face when that tugged at his wound still. “Just had a feeling everything would go sideways that’s all.”
“You read too many books LT.” Ashley shook her head.
“You know a lot of those books have happy endings still. You just have to work for them.” Kaidan pointed out.
“We’ve worked enough.” Ashley said and when they reached the hallway where their rooms were she didn’t let go and tugged on his hand to lead him to hers. “Sometimes you just have to have faith.”
Ashley’s bed was small, reminding Kaidan of the alcove they read in and pulled Ashley as close as their injuries would allow.
“I believe in us.” He said, shutting his eyes.
Ashley pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips, sleepily missing. “Me too Kaidan.”
She was familiarly warm against him and Kaidan let himself drift off to sleep, knowing Ashley would still be there when he woke up.
smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering it will be happier
for @omegastation, cause we all need cheering up.
Ashley and Kaidan still work for the Alliance and have their orders, but even being shipped out to different locations doesn’t mean they won’t find their way back to each other. (also here on ao3)
~~
After Shepard died Kaidan hadn’t really expected he and Ashley to get split up. But they still worked for the Alliance and they still had their orders.
“Horizon?” He repeated as Ashley told him, “Out in the Terminus system?”
“I’ll be stationed there for a while.” Ashley said while packing. Kaidan sat on her bed, watching her, and scratched his neck to try to ease his discomfort.
“Guess Anderson couldn’t station us together forever.” Kaidan sighed, “I’m supposed to watch the council. Some assignment.”
“It’s a tough job.” Ashley said, far too seriously not to be taken as a joke, “But someone’s gotta do it LT. I believe in you.” She grinned at him.
“Funny.” Kaidan said drily. “But really Ash, be careful out there. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
“You sure you don’t just want to quote classic sci fi?” Ashley said with a raised eyebrow.
He walked her to the shuttle bay, seeing her off before he had to head to his new assignment.
Ashley didn’t hesitate before she reached up to pull him into a hug and he could just smell the Alliance standard shampoo in her hair before she stepped back, clearing her throat a little in embarrassment. “See you Kaidan, take care of yourself out there. I know I taught you how.” There was laughter in her eyes and Kaidan shook his head, waving her off.
He wished he could have gone with her, it felt wrong to be split like this now, it was one thing to watch the rest of the squad split up, it was another to see Ashley leave too. He wished he could have kissed her before she left, at least to have that memory but he wasn’t certain Ashley would want him to.
Later that night he nursed a beer and sent a up a prayer, something he’d never done before but for Ashley he gave it a shot.
~~
Ashley did not like Horizon, she said as much during the video messages she sent back to the citadel, personal ones addressed to Kaidan alone.
He would have answered except he was supposed to be on radio silence for his mission. Not even Anderson knew where he was. After his council assignment he’d been asked by the Asari councilwoman to look into the black market on the Citadel. It meant a lot of undercover work and while he still could loop back to his apartment now and then to grab Ashley’s video messages he was helpless to respond back. Something that had begun to frustrate her in the latest one.
“Where the hell are you LT?” Ashley demanded, “Anderson won’t tell me anything, Udina just blows me off and I even tried some of my other military contacts. No one’s seen you.” Ashley ran her fingers through her hair, curling them in frustration and Kaidan wished he could assure her it was fine. “There’s been reports. Of Shepard, that she’s back.” Ashley looked even more agitated, “With Cerberus.”
Kaidan hadn’t been reading a lot of the current news lately and swore fiercely at that. What the hell was Shepard thinking? Or was this some kind of undercover assignment the same as what Kaidan had been sent on?
“I hate this.” Ashley continued in her message, voicing both of their thoughts, “I just… I keep remembering those old Cerberus bases and the bodies.” She shuddered minutely, “How could Shepard do this?” She took a deep breath and looked right into the camera, “Kaidan please answer me.” Ashley begged, “If you’ve got yourself into trouble…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “And you told me to be careful.” She chuckled to herself. “Just.” She paused again. “Just try.”
If he was there with her Kaidan would have wrapped his arms around her and told her everything, including the lie that it would all right when really nothing felt like it.
The best he could do was send a package of poetry books to Horizon under the name Skywalker. He hoped that Ashley would be able to tell it was him.
~~
His mission didn’t end until almost a year later, well after Shepard had been incarcerated for her actions in the Batarian system.
He arrived back at his apartment, ready to march straight back to earth, orders or no when he stopped and found Ashley there.
She stared at him for one second before she held a gun to his face. “Tell me you’re Kaidan.”
They lived harsh lives where Reapers could get to anyone and saying a few things wouldn’t really stop that fear but nonetheless Kaidan responded, “It’s me Ash, I’d offer to break out a tinfoil miniskirt to prove it but I think that’s more up your alley.” He caught her relieved smile and laugh before Ashley fell back on to his couch. “Dare I ask what you’re doing at my place?”
“Trying to find you.” Ashley retorted. “I finally got enough word that you were on a mission but I was still gonna drag your ass back here. You’ve been gone long enough LT.”
“Actually it’s Major. They just promoted me.”
Ashley smiled in bemusement, “What a coincidence, they just promoted me to.”
“So you’re the LT now.” Kaidan teased, crossing his arms. “Wow that’s gonna be weird. But congratulations Ash, you deserve it.”
“I don’t feel like I do.” Ashley muttered and Kaidan took the seat on the couch next to her. “I couldn’t save half the people on Horizon.”
“That’s not your fault.” Kaidan had read the reports, “No one expected the technology the Collectors had.”
“Yeah.” Ashley agreed and leaned back to sink into the cushions. It took Kaidan a second to realize he was so relaxed himself not because he was back in his apartment but because it was Ashley that was here to make it home. She nudged his ankle with her foot. “What are you thinking? I lost you there for a second.”
“Just about the future.” Kaidan deflected and Ashley narrowed her eyes at him. “Really.” He promised her, “I was just wondering how much longer I may even have this apartment the way we keep getting shipped out.”
“Next stop Earth.” Ashley agreed with a tired sigh. “Guess nothing is really consistent. Shepard died and came back and we don’t even know if they came back right. The Normandy, our Normandy, is gone. The Reapers are practically on our doorstep. I feel like I’ve got nothing stable.”
“You’ve got me.” Kaidan said and Ashley blinked in confusion before she looked him. “I mean, I know I was gone too but I’ll always try to be here Ash.” He felt embarrassed, like the words weren’t coming out right.
Ashley smiled though, “I know Kaidan.” She rested her hand against his, leaning in closer to drop her forehead to rest against his shoulder and just breathing. “I’m glad you’re here.” Ashley said quietly before she pulled back. “Because I was about to kick your ass for not telling me anything.”
Kaidan winced. “I did want to.” He pointed out. “But telling someone kind of takes away from the secret assignment.”
Ashley punched him lightly on his shoulder which was still warm from her heat only moments ago. “No secrets between us.” She said. “We should at least have that.” That meant telling Ashley he had feelings for her however and Kaidan hesitated before Ashley met his eyes. “Kaidan it’s okay. I know.” It was like a weight of his back suddenly, like he could breathe easier. Ashley cupped his cheek with her hand and shook her head. “You’re really bad at hiding it.” She stated with a laugh.
“I prefer honesty.” Kaidan leaned into her hand just a little, trying to remember every detail of that moment.
“Like a bad old Canadian stereotype.” Ashley tsked, “Be glad I love the classics.”
“Oh yeah?” Kaidan inched closer to her. “How much do you love them?”
“Enough not to tell them they need to shower before they kiss me first.” Ashley said and in retaliation Kaidan did close the gap between them to kiss her.
They broke the kiss with laughter as Ashley pushed him away. “I take it back, shower. You smell like all of Chora’s Den. But hey.” She smirked, “If you’re convincing enough maybe I’ll join you.”
“Does promising dinner count as convincing enough?”
“It’s a start.” Ashley shrugged and stood up, offering Kaidan her hand. “Come on, Major.”
“Aye aye, LT.” Kaidan echoed, taking her hand.
He vowed quietly to himself that they weren’t going to be split up after this, orders or no orders he’d have Ashley’s back and she’d have his.
