Title: Helping Hands
Fandom: Mass Effect
Rating: G
Length: 881
Pairing, Characters: Kaidan Alenko/male Shepard, Elena Alenko (Kaidan's mother)
Content notes: Takes place post canon, after the ending of Mass Effect 3 (destroy ending)
Author notes: This takes place eight months after the end of the Reaper War, during Kaidan and John's visit to the Alenko family orchard. It is Elena Alenko's voice.
Summary: Trying something new.

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It took me a few days to really notice his hand.

Kaidan had warned me about John's lingering problems with his injured leg and hip. At first I worried that the stairs to their second floor bedroom might be a problem. But he manages those well enough, sometimes with a little assist from Kaidan, especially in the mornings when his muscles are stiff.

Maybe I didn't notice the hand sooner because Kaidan is so often holding it, and his arm seems to have normal function. But this morning, Kaidan went upstairs to take a shower after breakfast and John lingered at the table over a second cup of tea.

He tends to wrap his left hand around the mug. Maybe the warmth feels good. But he's moving it a bit hesitantly, like maybe it's at least as stiff as his leg.

"Does it hurt? Your hand?"

If he's surprised that I would notice or comment on it, he doesn't let it show.

"A little sore some days. This hand was pretty messed up... all new skin. The grafts healed okay but I have to work at keeping it flexible. Not a big problem, but sometimes I forget to do the exercises."

"Does it keep you from using it as you normally would?" I'm not sure why I feel comfortable asking him these things, but these are the questions I'd ask Michael or Kaidan about an injury and it seems right to treat John the same... as family.

"It's fine... well, mostly. It's getting better." He flexes the palm, opening and closing the fingers slowly. I let him think about the question and he finally nods. "Yeah, sometimes. I can manage a knife and fork but I'd have a hard time handling a gun safely. I'm right handed but I'd need to manage thermal clips and other attachments. I need to get better at that before I can even think of trying to return to any kind of duty. Even if I don't plan to do any shooting, I need to know I can."

Kaidan joins us at the table, his hair not quite dry. John smiles at him and reaches over to rumple the slightly unruly curls. With his left hand, the one closest to Kaidan. So he does have some dexterity.

"We can work on some target practice whenever you like, Shepard. When we get back home, I'll try to find a firing range or we can see whether the Spectre practice range is operational again yet on the Citadel."

John shakes his head. "I'm not sure I'm ready to let the rest of the world know I can't shoot straight now. And I don't even have a pistol anymore... at least not a functioning one.

Kaidan takes his hand, stroking his thumb over the palm. "You can use mine until we can replace you Carnifex, if that's the only thing stopping you."

"Yeah. I guess so. Something to think about."

There's an idea that just occurred to me. I decide to ask him about it. The worst thing he could do is say he's not interested. "John, do you play any musical instruments? Or did you ever?"

"Me? No... never tried. Growing up in space, I guess it wasn't a priority. Why?"

"I just wondered. It seems like it might be good exercise, learning to use your fingers independently. You wouldn't have to do it in public... and you might even enjoy it. I know you've said you like music."

He glances at Kaidan, who nods a little. "Mom's right. She's taught a lot of students to play the cello and other strings. But other instruments could work too, right?"

I nod, smiling at Kaidan's support. "Anything where you need to use independent finger movement. A piano or keyboard, a guitar, even a flute, but honestly I'd suggest something where you also don't have to learn breath control."

"There's a piano in the apartment on the Citadel. Maybe I could learn a few tunes... surprise Liara with them someday. She tried to teach me her favorite song once... maybe I could learn that."

I'm a little surprised how readily he agrees, but I like the idea. There'd be no inherent pain in producing the notes. A stringed instrument would take some getting used to on his fingertips. And I really like that he seems interested in it as more than just hand exercise.

"I have a keyboard in the library. Haven't used it a few years, but Kaidan and I can get it set up and I can give you a few lessons while you're here. If you like it, just borrow it when you get a place in Vancouver."

He nods his agreement, tentatively flexing his fingers, trying to move them individually. "Never thought of myself as a musician. But let's give it a try."

He turns to Kaidan, a question in his eyes. I'm always amazed at their non-verbal communication... maybe it's something they developed on the battlefield.

"I'll get hold of that music for you, John. I bet Glyph would share it without telling Liara. You can surprise her one day."

John surprises me this day. He reaches over with that left hand of his and wraps it around mine and squeezes gently.

"Thank you, Elena."
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