Title: One Word
Fandom: Mass Effect
Rating: PG
Length: 456
Pairing: Kaidan Alenko/male Shepard
Content notes: Post canon, subsequent to Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut, destroy ending
Author notes: The takes place approximately six months after the Reaper War was won (Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut, destroy ending). Shepard's recovery from being found near death is progressing. He and Kaidan are in Vancouver. It is Kaidan's voice.
Summary: All you have to say...

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"It's getting late."

Simple words, but there's something in Shepard's voice that says this isn't about what time it is. Looking up from my book, I glance out the window at the night sky sprinkled with stars. Not much light pollution here these days.

"Mmm. Maybe close to midnight, I guess. Looks like a new moon tonight."

He gets up from the desk where he's been struggling to put together a new ship model. It's good therapy for his damaged fingers, requiring a lot of dexterity from both hands. Glancing at me, maybe to be sure I'm watching, he stretches a little more sinuously than strictly necessary for working the stiffness out of his back.

He needn't worry. I'm watching all right. His old black hoodie falls open with the movement, providing plenty to see. He's been working hard at toning his abs after losing so much weight and muscle mass during his long bedbound recovery. He's leaner now, but can still take my breath away.

"Are you staring, Alenko? See anything you like?"

"You need to ask?"

His only answer is the tiny quirk of his lips into a private smile. Switching off the desk lamp he steps over to the window. When he pushes it open, the scents of the sea breeze begin to displace the sharp tang of epoxy and paint thinner. Shepard takes a few deep breaths and by the time he settles next to me on the couch, I find myself syncing my breathing to his.

He reaches for the book tablet I've let fall to my lap, setting it aside as he drapes his other arm around my shoulder.

"What are you thinking about?"

His voice has dropped into the low throaty register that makes my breath catch. Such a small thing to be grateful for – that his injuries and life-saving treatments had left his voice intact. Of course I'd love him regardless, but that voice always stirs things deep inside me. It's not easy to keep my own voice steady.

"Thinking the night is still young. Got any plans?"

A soft moan escapes as he reaches for my face, fingertips tracing an eyebrow as his thumb circles the curve of my ear.

"You're all I need right now."

Shepard's eyes are darkening as they lock with mine. His lips are almost close enough to kiss, but he's holding back. It's the still moment before it all breaks free. I'm waiting – anticipating one word in that voice... One word that conveys everything.

The first time I'd heard him use that burnished tone, deepened by need but gentle as his palm against my cheek, I knew I'd follow him to hell and back for the chance to hear it again.

"Kaidan."

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