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Mass Effect 3: Aftermath	By : Royality Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 3529 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Shepard managed to get away from Kaidan long enough to go back into the main bedroom. While Shepard stopped at the closet, the Major headed directly to the bed and dropped the towel to the floor. While Shepard was in the middle of putting on a pair of boxers, Kaidan laughed at him. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, stopping Shepard before he even got a leg in.
"Putting on underwear?" Shepard said. Kaidan just shook his head.
"Yeah, I don't think so. Get your ass in this bed." Chuckling, Shepard gave the boxers a toss back into the closet. He walked to Kaidan, who stood there pointing at the mattress. Smiling deviously, the Commander crawled in first to lie on his back with an extended arm out to the side. Kaidan came in second and fixed the blanket to cover their nude bodies before curling up around Shepard. It felt nice, warm, and most of all, safe. Safety was a feeling that neither the Major nor his Commander got to enjoy very often. "Shepard?"
"Hm?" Shepard asked while idly twirling Kaidan's wet hair with his fingers. Sitting up, Kaidan moved to lean over Shepard's face, touching noses for a bit with a smile before starting to kiss him again. It was obvious that he wasn't ready to stop yet.
Kyo and Shiro had separated for few hours as Kyo went to go take tequila shots with Cortez and Vega down in the hanger, while Shiro had been conversing with Liara after she returned from Shepard's cabin. While not the best person on relationship advice, he did calm her down by talking about her work instead. She was the Shadow Broker, after all, and with Shiro, Legion, and EDI now feeding her information, she felt more focused on the bigger picture in regards to the new Leviathan threat versus her feelings for Kaidan. Still, it was of little comfort that she was being forced to leave the ship, and she eventually took her leave to be alone for a while. Miranda still refused to talk directly to the ex-Agent and instead went to talk to Liara privately.
Shiro was fine with being avoided by her and instead opted to go take another shower as he still felt dirty from Rannoch. He was only in there for a few minutes before Kyo stumbled in a bit drunk.
The Sergeant stopped to yank off his shirt and kicked off his boots as he sang rather loudly to himself. It was an older song; at least Shiro thought it was. The words were poppy and vulgar.
"Girl I gotta go! I'm finished with the show! If you wanna fuck me, I won't say no! Touchin' on my! While I'm touchin' on your! You know that we are gonna fuck cuz' I don't give a f…oh. Hey, Shiro," Kyo said when he noticed that he wasn't alone after he removing his pants and underwear.
"…Hello…," Shiro spoke back almost timidly as Kyo banged the panel to the shower controls to get the hot water started. It was curious to watch the younger man soak his messy black hair while continuing his loud singing in the stall next to him. Kyo's clear voice echoed off the walls as he pranced around a bit while washing his body. He even started to air guitar at some points to the music that was obviously playing in his head.
"Tell your boyfriend, if he says he's got beef, that's I'm a vegetarian and I ain't fucking scared of him! She wants to touch me, woohoo! She wants to love me, woohoo! She'll never leave woohoo!" He then walked over to Shiro's stall to dance around him. "Don't trust a ho! Never trust ho! Won't trust a ho! Cuz' a ho won't trust me!" Was that advice or song lyrics? Laughing, Kyo finally stopped singing when he noticed just how stiff Shiro's body had become. "Ah I'm sorry. I had some shots down with the guys and it kind of went to my head. We were singing and stuff…sorry." Finally moving again, Shiro nodded.
"It's fine, I just...," he paused when he noticed how he was being looked at. It was only for a second before Kyo turned his eyes away. Was it his white hair again? Or his implants? Kyo had already made several remarks about how weird they looked compared to other humans. Now conscious about his appearance, Shiro looked down, twirling the ends of his long, wet hair on his fingertip. "Sorry if it bothers you so much…," he mumbled before turning his back to his friend. Kyo looked once again, his eyes scanning the row of silver and blue implants down Shiro's back.
"It doesn't bother me anymore," he said reaching out to touch the one located on the back of the other man's neck. It was a silver ring with the gem-like sapphire blue center that felt cold to the touch, even with the hot water running. It also made Shiro quiver as if he could actually feel the finger graze it. This surprised the Sergeant, who quickly pulled his hand away with a blush. He had no idea that Shiro could feel…well. That. "I uh…," he started to stammer, looking around for something to change the mood. "Hey, let me wash your hair okay?" Kyo felt saved by panel behind them that was labeled shampoo and conditioner built into the back wall. It was the men's bathroom after all, so there wasn't a need for anything beyond generic products. Moving to the panel, he gave the dispenser button a few pushes to get a handful of the smell-good cream into his palm before coming back over. With both set of fingers, he forced the goo into Shiro's head until it bubbled over.
Shiro stood there obediently as Kyo scrubbed his head gently, but a part of him was enjoying it. It was a bit fun to be pampered and fussed over like this. It was definitely a new experience as he never had anyone outside of Shepard even care about his well-being before, but those were the feelings of someone he considered family. Kyo was not family, but there was still an undeniable closeness between them. Before the ex-Agent had time where he could think much else about it, he was suddenly directed back under his shower stream. The soap was rinsed out rather quickly and with his eyes still closed, a towel was draped over his head. Kyo took his time drying the head off with many ruffled shakes before pulling the towel down around Shiro's shoulders. "And done," Kyo smiled while looking at his handy work. Shiro's hair was fluffed to be sure, causing the Sergeant to laugh a bit. "Okay, wait. I can fix this. Let me grab a brush and…"
"I don't have a brush," Shiro said as he tried to smooth it out with his hands. It kind of worked before hair was pulled into a messy ponytail.
"Oh? Well, we'll have to get one then. We'll be docking at Ilium soon right? We'll go down and pick something up, okay? My treat." Kyo then went to grab a fresh towel to first wrap Shiro up in like a burrito before grabbing one for his own waist. "Let's…go get dressed," he insisted as he shooed the ex-Agent out of the door, heading towards their bunk room across the hall. As the Normandy docked at Ilium once again, Liara, Shiro, Kyo, Vega, and Cortez were all waiting to get a bit of shore leave. Shepard and Kaidan opted to remain in their room, as did Miranda who was hell-bent on reclaiming her former office. Joker and EDI stayed on board as well as Joker had promised to have a nice long chat with his girlfriend when given the chance. Legion also stayed to help Miranda as requested. Once in the main thoroughfare of the planet's shopping arcade, Liara said goodbye to her former crew. This left Cortez and Vega alone with the new guys. While having bonded well with Kyo already, the two still weren't sure what to make of the ever quiet Shiro.
"So," Vega said trying to break the ice. "You must get a kick out of being carded when at a bar, huh?"
"Smooth," mocked Cortez.
"What? I'm just trying to start a conversation," Vega laughed heartily. "I'm standing in the presence of greatness here. This is Shepard's old man…uh…sorta." Cortez just rolled his eyes as he put an arm around Shiro's shoulders.
"Don't mind him. He's an idiot. I'm Steve Cortez, by the way. We haven't been formally introduced," Cortez said while leading Shiro away from the group. Both Vega and Kyo made faces at that before hurrying to catch up.
"Yes, I'm aware who you are, Lieutenant Cortez," Shiro nodded to him politely.
"Please just Cortez is fine or Steve if you prefer." The Pilot managed to turn up the charm just enough to come off as kind, but not aggressive. Shiro just nodded again with the same neutral expression.
"Cortez, then."
"And I'm James Vega. James…or just…Vega. Just don't call me Jimmy," Vega interrupted as he hurried to Shiro's other side. The ex-Agent suddenly felt sandwiched between the two men as he was being ushered along into the local bar on the far end of the hallway and up a flight of stairs. Kyo was close behind, though he seemed preoccupied by something. He had mentioned something about being on Ilium before, but didn't go into exact details. Inside the bar was nearly a full house with some live entertainment in the back. Vega was quick to move to the bar where a throaty-voiced Asari asked them what they wanted.
"What are you drinking tonight, Bonita?" Vega asked with a stupid grin. Both Cortez and Shiro glared at the nickname.
"Bonita, Vega? Seriously?" Cortez spoke out in obvious disapproval while shaking his head. "That's a bit…,even for you."
"What? He looks like a Bo-ni-ta with that face and hair of his. You don't mind, do you man? It's just a nickname." Shiro wanted to protest, but stopped himself.
"It's…fine," he instead muttered while looking around the room. Kyo had left his side, which was very odd for him. The Sergeant had instead posted against a wall with his arms crossed and eyes fixed on the far side of the room. On the other end of the bar was a small stage show featuring live entertainment. Right now, there was a human female singer performing to a crowd of Krogans, Turians, and a few Asari with maybe one or two Quarians. Shiro couldn't make out the entire audience from this angle, but Kyo had kept his distance. His face had also lost the smile it had earlier as he stared with malice at the performance. While Vega and Cortez were busy being preoccupied over which drink to order, Shiro snuck away to see what was so distracting that Kyo had forgotten about him. At first, he stood by his side hoping to get his attention. Rocking back and forth didn't seem to work nor did being close enough to even touch arms. Finally, he spoke up.
"Do you miss it?"
"Miss what?" Kyo asked, apparently having noticed Shiro a while ago but never acknowledged it.
"The stage? Performing I mean. Do you miss it?" Shiro clarified, looking at Kyo for a response. Still, not making eye contact, Kyo only shook his head.
"No, being on stage was never something I actually liked. Performing with my friend is what it was all about, but he's gone now." Again there was silence that Shiro eventually tried to awkwardly break again.
"She's not very good, is she?" To this, Kyo gave a sarcastic, bitter laugh.
"No, she never was very good." When the set ended, the girl gave a bow in her sparkly, short cocktail dress and turned to leave the stage through the curtain behind her. Afterwards, Kyo finally stood up straight and headed to the bar in a hurry. Pushing past the two Lieutenants, he leaned over the counter to speak to the barkeep. "I need to backstage. Official Alliance business."
"Yeah, I can't tell you how many times I heard that line before, pal. Backstage is for performers only, so unless you plan on getting your hot ass up there to sing and dance, no means no." Banging his fists on the counter, Kyo then tried to think of a plan.
"Wait, that's open mic right?"
"Yeah, what of it?" the Asari then asked as she was not intimidated at all by the fist pounding on her countertop.
"Then I'll sing. Sign me up."
"Man, you must really have it hard up for that human who screeches like a Krogan baby." She moved to duck under the counter and pulled out a datapad. "If you're willing to embarrass yourself for a bit of action, who am I to judge?" Kyo took the pad to scan in his name in.
"Alright, Kyo! You're gonna rock the house DOWN!" Vega shouted while clapping his hands. Cortez had to laugh about that, though in a calmer manner, he took Kyo's shoulder and pulled him off to the side.
"So, you really gonna do this? You got the hots for that girl already?" he whispered, but Kyo just shook his head.
"No it's not…"
"You're up next kid, move it or lose it," the bartender called out.
"I…gotta go…," he said as he parted from the group to be taken behind the bar to a backdoor.
Backstage, Kyo's eyes scanned for the mysterious woman, but he couldn't find her before he was put on the staircase that led up to the stage. Outside, a large red and gold Krogan wearing a black tux with a red bowtie spoke up in an old-fashion standing microphone with a datapad in hand. "Up next," he began to read carefully. "We have a great treat for you…Oh? Well, this is a surprise. Ehem, from the once popular band from Earth, we have Kyo Takashi, former lead singer of Otherside. Huh, someone with talent for once. Well, here he is folks." Beckoned onto stage, Kyo walked out calmly. It surprised a few people that he was in N7 armor, but the muttering died down with the lights. Vega and Cortez had grabbed Shiro to find a table in the pit as the Singer stood there at the microphone. With a small smile, he laughed a bit, taking it in hand.
"Yeah, so I have no idea what I'm singing?" he said with a smile as he turned to the Krogan who walked off stage.
"Geesh, didn't you read the contest? It's Inspirational Earth themed! Humans don't know your own damn songs!"
"Inspirational…Earth? Is today a holiday?" Kyo joked again, getting a laugh from the audience.
"It's Commander Shepard's birthday!" yelled an Asari from the audience. Shiro looked shocked for a moment as both Vega and Cortez turned to him. He just shrugged since he never bothered to note the date since coming out of stasis.
"Right, so…Commander Shepard…He was a guy that didn't stop no matter what, right?" Kyo smiled as he kept his amazingly calm stage presence. "So I'll be signing an old Earth song by another man who died before his time. This is 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen." Clearing his throat at first, he finally gave the cue for the music to start. His voice instantly harmonized with the slow piano that began to play. Once the music picked up, he took the microphone off its stand to walk around the stage with. The backup vocals were provided by a recording, but they allowed for his voice to sing over the main lyrics. Lights twinkled to the beat as the natural performer reeved up the audience through gestures and pointing at some of the ladies near the front row. They reacted as girls as fangirls typically did as his other shows while the males cheered at being pointed at when being told that Kyo wanted 'to make a supersonic man out of' them. The final lyrics were simple vocal rifts performed until the music faded away and ended. As if coming down from a high, Kyo returned to the center stage and returned the microphone to the stand. He gave a wave before moving to quietly walk away, but was blocked by the Krogan. The audience was still cheering for an encore, but Kyo was hesitant to stay any longer.
"Wasn't that great, folks?" said the well-dressed Krogan as he put a heavy arm around Kyo's shoulder. "How about another song, kid?"
"Well, I don't really…"
"YEAH MAN, SING ANOTHER!" shouted Vega as he cheered from his seat. Shiro had been quiet the entire time, completely enamored by the performance. Sure, Kyo had sung around him lots of times before, but that was something he had never seen before.
"Look kid, sing another and I'll give you whatever you want. I've got a dancing Hanar after you! I need something to keep people here," whispered the announcer as his claw hand covered the microphone's tip.
"Give me access to Maya Atorti's room and you've got a deal," Kyo whispered back.
"Got a thing for her too , eh? Fair enough," the Krogan agreed before he took his claw off the so he could speak to the audience once again. "SO WE HAVE OURSELVES AN ENCORE!" he yelled afterwards and walked off the stage while clapping.
Clearing his throat, Kyo thought for a minute before speaking. "We all lost someone in this war. We had friends die. Family. Children. Lovers. My best friend and band mate David Rogers, he…" "There was a genuinely sad pause. "He didn't make it. We were on Earth when the Reapers hit and I made it to the shuttle, but then he went back for someone he cared about. Thing is, who he went after didn't care about him too much, but that didn't stop him. That was the type of guy he was. He gave his life for someone who didn't give a damn about him. He was a true hero and this was his favorite song. I never liked it honestly, but …" Kyo stopped to laugh a bit about it. "Well, this is dedicated to all those heroes who aren't here with us today. It's called, 'Who Wants to Live Forever'."
The lights went dark as the slow and melancholy music began to fill the room. It was a drastic change from the previous song that celebrated life. The lyrics stung everyone in their own way. Those who had someone to curl up with were sad at the thought of losing them. Those who had lost someone, like Cortez, sat quietly as a few slow tears slid down their cheeks.
Kyo closed his eyes as he channeled the memories of how many times he heard this song against his will. How he had only memorized the lyrics because he'd been coaxed into singing it while David would play the music in the background. At the end of the song, Kyo stood there quietly as the music faded out and the overhead lights came back on. The applause was slow, at first, as the audience began to recover enough to notice that it was over. Even Vega had wet cheeks as he clapped as hard as he could at the end it. Cortez did the same, but Shiro did not. In fact, he wasn't even at the table anymore.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The following song were used in this fic: Touchin' On My/DONTTRUSTME by 3OH!3 and Don't Stop Me Now/Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen.
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Mass Effect 3: Aftermath