#Alenkoats

[rotschopf-thedrow]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by the amazing @daggertongue. Thank you!

Revising my Alenkoats story The loneliest Hour & re-writing whole scenes. I aimed for around 45K word. Currently sitting at 57'411 words.

Hackett looked Kaidan in the eye, raising one eye-brow. “And what would you have done if I had told you? Shepard would’ve still been with Cerberus.” Kaidan threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know! Tried contacting him, maybe! Talk to him! Reason with him! Anything!” “And lose your focus on what’s important,” Hackett retorted and raised his hand when Kaidan opened his mouth. “I know you think I’m a heartless bastard and that I don’t care, but that’s not true. Deep down inside, you know it. You know that Shepard was exactly where he needed to be – no matter how much we don’t like Cerberus. He brought back valuable intel and a frigate with an unshackled AI. He destroyed the Collector base.” “And he destroyed a solar system,” Kaidan shot back, glowering at Hackett. “During a mission you sent him on.” “I won’t deny that either.” Hackett stood up and clasped his hands behind his back. “This war is going to get ugly real fast. There’s no black and white anymore, and you of all people should know that.” “War doesn’t command me to commit atrocities or genocide.” “No. But if your choice is to either let the Reapers walk through our back door, or sacrifice 300.000 lives, the answer suddenly becomes very grey.”

Tagging, with no pressure of course: @cr-noble-writes, @mallaidhsomo, @vorchagirl, @clericofshadows & @otemporanerys

[keriweird]

Here's my Alenkoats gift! The observations are great! Really enjoyed the dynamic between them, it felt like there was so much history between them! Give it a read!!

[theoriginalladya]

First Lines

Rules: post the first sentence of your last ten fics. If you haven't written ten fics, share as many first-sentences as you have. 

I was tagged by @dandenbo and @mtreebeardiles (yes, I have waaaaay more than 10! lol) - thank you, my friend! As for tagging, I'm going to leave it open to anyone who wants to share because you tagged my usual suspects! LOL *high fives*

All right, let's see what we have..

If London Falls (M, Mass Effect, Abby Williams/Major Coats (aka: Abboats) - set in London during the early days of the Reaper War)

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…

2. Brain Freeze (G, Mass Effect, mClone Shep/Kaidan Alenko - a oneshot for Kaidan and Aubrey in which Aubrey discovers freezy pops)

The heat was a problem.

3. Tales From The Inquisition (T, Dragon Age Inquisition, William Trevelyan & Cullen Rutherford - small moments in the friendship of the Inquisitor and the Commander)

There weren’t many things William could say he enjoyed while growing up more than looking through stacks of books.

4. Under Covers (T, Mass Effect, Gianna Parasini/Kaidan Alenko - little moments from a pairing for whom I have a story but have yet to get it written)

“You know, when they said we would be going under cover together, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind.”

5. Bait & Switch (T, Mass Effect/Mass Effect Andromeda, AU/crossover, Kaidan Alenko/Reyes Vidal - The Alliance comes asking for Reyes Vidal's help. Part of The Golden Boy & The Shady Bastard series)(my SpecRecs 2022 piece written for @mallaidhsomo)

Of all the places in the galaxy to end up in a back-room meeting with an Alliance representative, the lower level of Afterlife on Omega wasn’t his first choice. 

6. Run Away With Me (M, Mass Effect, male Shepard & female OC - background story of how Earthborn Michael Shepard and his best friend leave the Reds and join the Alliance - part of the Biotic Pinball Wizard series)

Dimly lit, overly shadowed halls, even those that are supposed to offer safety, hold risks for those who enter unprepared.

7. Gaia's Chosen (M, Mass Effect/Werewolf: The Apocalypse crossover, set in Mass Effect world, Caleb Shepard/Kaidan Alenko - this story is set at the beginning of ME2)

The first rule of law for any soldier is that life becomes a constant assessment of risk from the moment they don the uniform.

8. May The Road Rise To Meet You (M, Mass Effect, Caleb Shepard - this is Caleb's story of Akuze)

Shannon’s grey skies weep readily across the city, a steady, calming rhythm during otherwise precarious times.

9. Nerf Gun Wars (T, Mass Effect, male Shepard - this is what happens late at night when my brain goes off the wall. Mass Effect + Nerf Guns + Assassination Game from back in the '80s when I was in high school)

It’s all fun and games … until the helmsman ends up in the medbay with a fractured toe.

10. As Cold As Ice (T, Mass Effect, Kaidan Alenko/Major Coats (aka: Alenkoats) - Kaidan and Coats face off with a Thresher Maw on Xawin)

Freefalling through planetary atmosphere inside a military vehicle, even one as good as the M35 Mako, is something Kaidan Alenko will never get used to.

[cr-noble-writes]

Mass Effect Master Post

A collection of all my Mass Effect fanfic, meta, and character posts.

Alex Shepard

Alex Shepard Character Info

Alex Shepard Asks Answered:

Greek Mythology from @heroofshield

Edgy/misc OC ask from @rotschopf-thedrow

OC ask from @briarch

OC asks from @crescentbunny

OC asks from @shadoedseptmbr

Shepard asks from @kalliesa

Shepard asks from @parker-of-loxley

Shepard asks from @theoriginalladya

Shepard asks from @rotschopf-thedrow

Shepard asks from @iheartgarrus

The Pigeon Parallel

How Gender is He?

Why Didn't He Join the Commandos?

Teenaged Boy Needs

Percy Jackson

Alex's biotics

OC Headcanon ask from @otemporanerys

Six Song Soundtrack

The last several asks were from @butter-and-too-much-bread

Jackson Shepard

Shepard asks from @gardensystemtv

Shepard asks from @foofyschmoofer

Shepard asks from @ad-astra13

Shepard asks from @spacebunshep

Shepard asks from @pastelroyce

Shepard asks from @dandenbo

OC ask from @briarch

OC ask from @pastelroyce

OC ask from @mtreebeardiles

OC ask from @rotschopf-thedrow

Six Song Soundtrack

Combo posts!

The idealization of parents- ask from @swaps55

Other Mass Effect OCs

OC asks for Nyala Atruzea from @nickelkeep

OC asks for Taedra Atruzea from @swaps55

Sorry for all the tags, but y'all have all legitimately helped me build these characters by asking these questions, and you all deserve credit for that <3

Fanfic

Odyssey- Alex Shepard's canon series, mShep/Reyes, mShenko

New Stars Growing Pains The Upside of Down By The Stars Family Day A New Hope Argonauts

Virtue and Volatility- Jackson Shepard's canon series, mshep/Coats, Willenko

Verisimilitude Vicissitude Viaticum Venatic Vexillum

Can't Live Without You- John Shepard, mShenko

Night Terrors Don't Die, Kaidan Meanwhile, In Starboard Observation All's Fair in Love And Sparring

Canon Compliant

Baby, It's Cold Outside- Alex Shepard, mShenko The Man I Thought You Were- Scott Ryder, mReyder Couldn't Utter My Love- Jackson Shepard/Alex (Shepard) Atruzea, mercenary AU Let Me- Alex Shepard, mShenko Learning- Alex Shepard, mShenko

Alternate Universe

Kiss Me, Not Him- Alex Shepard, mShenko, roommates AU The Ties That Bind- Alex Shepard, mShenko, vampire/fey AU I Shouldn't Hope To Know- Alex Shepard, mShenko, magical Regency AU

Exchange Fics

Some Things Never Change- Shenko Summer 2023, mShenko Gun Mods and Handjobs- Fornax 2023, Venko (Kaidan/Vega) From The Bedside- Spectre Requisitions 2023, fShalibrations (femshep/Tali/Garrus) First, Last, Only- Holiday Hangover 2024, Alenkoats (Kaidan/Coats) Like Real People Do- Big Place 2024, Venko (Kaidan/Coats)

Unattached Fics

ME Drabbles- A collection of drabbles from prompts from the MEFFW discord server Penny For Your Thoughts- mShenko Primitive Pleasures- mShenko Disappointment- Jackson Shepard, pre-Canon Come and Save Me From It- Destiel, Supernatural crossover

Worldbuilding/Meta

Biotic Flora and Fauna of Thessia The Alliance Intelligence Organization Criminal Justice in Asari Space

[theoriginalladya]

I'm going to jump onto that Coats train! Kaidan/Coats (Alenkoats), most definitely. Abigail Williams/Coats is turning out to be an absolute joy. One I definitely have ideas on but I haven't seen anything on yet is Gianna Parasini/Kaidan Alenko. But, hey, more ideas, more stories, right?

for trilogy appreciation week: what are your favorite trilogy rare pairs?

if you want, you could talk about the reason why you're into them, i'm VERY curious because rare pairs are my love

[rotschopf-thedrow]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love ❤️

@dandenbo - you've also sent me this ask, so I'm answering yours here as well <3

I won't include any of my RPS or HP stories. Those are way in the past & quite problematic for known reasons. I'm still debating with myself if I should just delete them.

So, without further ado, here are five stories I'm rather proud of.

Change Of Perspective, set in the Stargate SG-1 fandom, in which Cameron Mitchell realises that his perception of his relationship with Daniel has shifted. A lot, and Daniel is right with him.

The Damage Done (Mass Effect, mShenko), which is the story that gave birth to Cameron Shepard, and in which Kaidan grabs the bull by the proverbial horns and smooches him into next week.

Two for Tragedy (Mass Effect, mShenko). I guess most of us mShenko lovers never thought about sending Kaidan to Hackett. But what if Shepard did? What if he regretted his choice and enlists Joker and EDI to rectify it?

Valid, flavour, tongue (Mass Effect, Alenkoats) in which Kaidan learns that his future hubby is quite good at making chocolate fudge. This is set in a verse I have yet to post, but: it will have a happy ending. That is a promise <3

Forever and a Day (Mass Effect, mShenko) in which Shepard accompanies Kaidan to the wine fair of Kaidan's parents to play his boyfriend. Also, there's only one bed. Oh. OH! And a whole pine wood. And eggs. There'd be eggs.

[rotschopf-thedrow]

Get to know your Mutuals

Rules: Tag 10 or more people you want to get to know better.

Got tagged by @dandenbo <3 Thank you!

Fave Ships: in no specific order - mShenko, Venko, Alenkoats, Kaidan & Jack, mShep/Vega, Cortega, mHawke/Fenris, Scott Ryder/Reyes Vidal; FM/Rig (Skyward series)

Favourite colour: any shade of blue

Song stuck in my head:

Favourite food: changes on a regular basis; currently, I'd say Indian food in general.

Last song listened to:

Last TV show/movie: Golden Girls

Spicy/sweet/savory?: All of it. Depends on my mood :)

Currently reading: ReDawn by Brandon Sanderson; Mezzo by the amazing @swaps55; re-reading First, Last, Only by the amazing @cr-noble-writes (thank you for this amazing gift <3)

Last thing I googled: eh, I have no idea. I think it was the opening hours of Burger King in Cham, but I'm not sure.

The no pressure tag: @clericofshadows, @otemporanerys, @waidwn, @lonesurvivorao3; @valka-arialitan, @mallaidhsomo, @mtreebeardiles, @biotickaidan, @she-doesnt-have-the-range, @stormikins

[theoriginalladya]

20 Fanfic Questions

I was tagged by @bioticbooty. Thank you, friend!

Tagging @mtreebeardiles @tiny-banana-time @shadoedseptmbr and @wrathoscribbles and anyone else who wants to participate.

How many works do you have on AO3?

153 stories across 40 series

2. What's your total AO3 words count?

2,700,745

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly Mass Effect. Some Dragon Age in the past and some crossover worlds with ME (World of Darkness, WWII, etc.). Potentially Baldur's Gate 3 in future if the muses start talking.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Ever Constant - My Dragon Age epic fic. FemCousland/Nathaniel Howe, pre-Blight through Dragon Age: Origins. (103)

Dribbles & Drabs - a collection of writing prompts for various pairings, mostly Mass Effect related, mostly Caleb Shepard but also includes Michael Shepard, Kristofer Shepard, Tessa Shepard, Abbots (Abby Williams/Major Coats) and a few others. (102)

Found Family - A Collection of Drabbles - specific writing prompts from the Dribbles & Drabs collection related to Caleb Shepard/Kaidan Alenko and their kids. (92)

Destiny's Road - married Shep/Shep AU pairing set in ME1, first of the three game related stories. (83)

Destiny's Fate - divorced ShepShep AU pairing set in ME3, third of three game related stories. (64)

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do, yes! I love to hear from readers!

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Probably either Bury Me In Willow , Give Me Peace, or Never Alone.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Difficult to say, but Shepard in Sherwood is a pretty fun, positive one.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I have two or three times, unsolicited comments from people who believe their opinion matters more than how I want to tell my story.

9. Do you write smut. If so what kind?

It depends. I have in past, I do on occasion these days, but it's very rare because I'm just not that comfortable writing it. I tend to stress a lot more when writing smut, too.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Several, actually. Most of mine are crossovers with historical time periods rather than fandoms (though there are a couple) ME/World of Darkness, ME/WWII, ME/ME Andromeda, a couple of ME/Celtic Ireland, and a new ME/American Revolution idea. I have a couple ideas for ME/DAO crossovers, but have yet to start them.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

A couple small, old ones.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Translated, no. Podcasted, yes.

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

Yes. In 2022, @happychica and I began writing Caleb Shepard in her Modern ME series, The Town of Norman in the story, As Luck Would Have It

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

mshenko and femshenko. Okay, who am I kidding, anyone and Kaidan - Alenkoats (with Coats), Reylenko (with Reyes Vidal), Parasenko (with Gianna Parasini). Another very high fave of mine (because of Caleb and Kaidan) is Abboats - Abby Williams/Major Coats.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I would love to bring all the hundreds of ideas I have drabbled on (but not shared), or started but haven't gotten back to, but it probably won't happen. For now, I just take it a day at a time and hope the muses will keep inspiring me so I can get more done.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Plotting.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Just about everything else. I have moments where I sort of go 'zen' and can get good things going, but it isn't consistent for me, and I wish it was. Still, I'm constantly working on them, so I hope I have at least improved them somewhat over the years and will continue to do so.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I have done, to a point, with fics, but not usually more than an expression here or there. If I do, it's usually French because I have the most experience with it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Dragon Age

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

This is like asking me to pick which of my children is my favorite!!!

(Okay, so I only have one kid - but I have TONS of stories!!!)

For now I will say anything with Caleb Shepard. He has been such a wonderful learning experience for me and continues to be, and I love how his world has been turning out - past, present and future. Can't wait to share it all!

[theoriginalladya]

MER Week - Day 6: Pet Day!

(commissioned art of Benjamin Coats and Kaidan Alenko by @xla-hainex)

Chapter: Pet Day (full chapter found here)

“What is that?”

Coats lifts his hands to his chest; in one large palm, he cradles a tiny purring ball of tabby-colored fluff, the other scratches gently behind its ears. The ball of fluff mews and melts in his hands. “I don’t know, Kaid. What’s it look like?”

Not in a mood to be toyed with, Kaidan rolls his eyes and folds his arms across his chest. Leaning his hips back against the railing he ignores the everyday hustle and bustle of the Nexus that flows around them as he stares at his husband. “I know what it looks like. What I want to know is why you have one. And, maybe, where the hell it came from. I find it very difficult to believe anyone would put a cat into cryostasis for transport to Andromeda.”

Ben tilts the tiny critter so he can nuzzle their noses together. “I used to have one just like this when I was a kid,” he argues. “What better way to start off our new life together in a new galaxy?”

Kaidan snorts. “Oh, no, you didn’t. I have it on good authority that it belonged to Meggie.”

“Meggie stole Mr. Whiskers’ affection from me with a tin of tuna.”...

Read Full Chapter Here

Read From Beginning Here

Read Alenkoats Series Here

[theoriginalladya]

So, Alenkoats is a thing, yeah? LOL The fabulous @xla-hainex brought them to life for me again! I cannot even begin to describe just how much I love the way she has interpreted Coats for me! (based off his design in the ME3 Reveal Trailer) Thank you so much, my dear!!!! They look just fabulous together!

And yes, this is me indulging in my rarest of rare pairs! :) If you're interested, their stories can be found here.

Now pardon me while I go scream into a pillow or something...

[theoriginalladya]

Fic Author Recommendations

Oh, hey, a second chance to share some of the stories I couldn't on the last time around! Thanks to @mallaidhsomo for tagging me!

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you’ve written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love.

Destiny's Road - (Shep/Shep, M) - Mass Effect - John and Jane Shepard's destinies have been intertwined since they were kids, sharing many a twist and turn. But life is about to give them their biggest challenge yet.

Broken - (shenko, M) - Mass Effect - MEBB 2015 - A broken Kaidan Alenko reunites with a disillusioned Garrus Vakarian on Omega after the loss of the Normandy and Commander Shepard. Together they find new purpose…and then a familiar face settles in their sights…

Shepard in Sherwood - (shenko, T) - Mass Effect - During some shared downtime, Shepard allows Kaidan to see her in a light he never has before.

The Barn - (mshenko, T) - Mass Effect - (non-military Shepard) - Cowboy, biotic and prothean archaeologist, Rhys Shepard decides that Commander Kaidan Alenko and the crew of the Normandy need shore leave. There is only one place he can think of to make that happen; The Barn on Mindoir.

MER Week 2021 - (Alenkoats, T) - Mass Effect, Mass Effect Andromeda - (Kaidan Alenko/Major Coats) - A series of writing prompt responses for MER Week 2021 for Kaidan and Coats.

Let me see, who else can I tag on this... @the-original-sineater, @painterofhorizons, @mrsd-writes, @mtreebeardiles, and @tiny-banana-time.

[theoriginalladya]

MER Week 2021 - Day #2 - Long Time No See

(commissioned artwork by @xla-hainex)

Chapter 2: Long Time No See (On AO3 here)

Snippet:

It’s heartbreaking returning to London. To see the extent of the devastation and destruction the reapers have brought in a year. To know that just weeks before their arrival, he’d stayed at a hotel a few blocks away from here where his life had literally changed overnight. To wonder where the hell his husband is right now, or even if he was still alive. Kaidan’s chest aches, his mind races, he is desperately trying to not think the worst as Cortez flies them in over the city, and he is angrier than he’s ever been before in his life, and that includes when he faced off against Vyrnnus at BAaT.

Ben, where the hell are you?

There is little time to think about it, though. From the moment Cortez drops Shepard, Vega, and him off, it’s fight or be killed; and the reapers come at them in swarms. Wave after wave in some of the worst in terms of numbers they’ve seen since leaving Vancouver. Between the three of them, they manage to fight their way up from the banks of the Thames, obliterating and eviscerating whatever reaper forces get in their way. There’s a near miss when a Shepard’s shields fail and a Marauder nearly hits them in the head with a shot, and Vega goes down hard when a Brute barrels down on top of him. But the three of them have been working together as a fireteam since Kaidan returned to the Normandy, and together they clear the way and make their way towards the Hades cannon...

Read Full Chapter 2 here

Read From the Beginning here

Read Alenkoats series here

[theoriginalladya]

Sunday Snippet

Since I missed WIP Wednesday this week, have an Alenkoats snippet that came to life in the middle of writing my MEBB. (nearly ran away with me, too)

Setting: 2183/4, Alenko Orchard, Earth; post-Alchera, Kaidan Alenko, (Ben) Coats

~~~

“All I meant was, you tend to get stuck in your head and sometimes you need a –”

“’Swift kick in the arse?’” Kaidan finished for him.

Coats’ grin returned. “Never hurts.”

They continue on for a bit further until Kaidan finally works his way around the previous night. “Look, about last night…”

They’ve managed to get beyond the orchard itself to the outer edge of the property where it leads into the lower mountain range. Ben stops walking and turns, facing Kaidan. “Look, mate, you don’t need to explain it to me,” he insists. “What you’ve been through? I can’t imagine what that’s like, and I’m damned sure I wouldn’t be able to handle it as well as you did.”

Kaidan digs the tip of his boot into the ground, staring at the grass he displaces. “You assume I did handle it.”

“I’ve seen the reports, Kaid.”

Startled, Kaidan looks over at him. “You did?”

“Yours, Adams, Chakwas. Hell, Anderson gave me all of them before he sent me here,” Coats admits. “Wanted me to have some idea of what I was walking into.”

Narrowing his gaze, Kaidan adds, “Or to use in evaluating how I’m doing.”

“That too.”

Kaidan runs a hand through his hair as he turns away.

“The old man’s concerned,” Coats insists. “I told you that. He knows, Kaid. Knows you’re like an old bulldog with a bone and won’t give it up. He wants to give you a way to keep stirring the pot.”

Kaidan sighs. “But he won’t if he thinks I’m… what? Unstable? Insane?” Another thought occurs to him and Kaidan pales. Meeting Coats head on, he asks, “Is he worried my implant is causing –?”

The look of complete and utter shock that passes over Ben’s face is reassurance enough, but he immediately, vehemently, denies it. “No! So far as I know, that’s never even crossed his mind!”

The screech of an eagle overhead pulls Kaidan’s attention upward. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he spots the creature as it soars above, free and unfettered. Will I ever know that feeling again?

A hand at his shoulder pulls him from his thoughts. “Kaid…?”

“Sorry,” he replies, lowering his hand as he faces his friend again. “I just… This whole thing has left me a bit rattled. More than I thought, I guess.”

Ben’s hand tightens. “Why do you think he sent me? You aren’t in this alone.”

[theoriginalladya]

As Cold As Ice

(commissioned artwork of Major Coats and Kaidan Alenko by @xla-hainex)

Story: As Cold As Ice

Pairing: Alenkoats - Kaidan Alenko, Major Coats

Series: Once and For All Time

Tags: pre-relationship, minor character death, writing prompt, prompt fill, rare pair

Summary: They landed on Xawin to take out a merc base. No one warned them the mercs had an 'integrated planetary defense system'.

Excerpt:

Xawin, Strenuus System, Horsehead Nebula, Earth Alliance Space, 2180

Freefalling through planetary atmosphere inside a military vehicle, even one as good as the M35 Mako, is something Kaidan Alenko will never get used to. The flutter of nausea is annoying; he’s always been hit or miss with it during drops. Thankfully, it isn’t triggering a panic attack or, worse, one of his migraines. Both are always a risk ever since BAaT and receiving his implant, and the changes in atmospheric pressure just compound it.

They land heavily, the Mako bouncing a bit before the treads find traction in the snow and ice, and Coats slides them to a stop for just a moment to get their bearings. At that point, the worst is over, and Kaidan brings up the navigation systems while releasing a soft sigh of relief. They are on the move again in under two minutes.

“Alenko?” Coats barks, his ‘business’ voice as sharp as the howling winds outside.

“Navigation up and running normally,” Kaidan replies.

Coats’ hands fly over the console before him. “Xiao?”

A soft whir surrounds them as the Mako’s turret moves. “Weapons ready, sir!” the private calls back.

A gust of wind mixed with snow and ice covers the vehicle briefly, and Kaidan glances over at the sensors. It is a fresh reminder of just how dangerous this planet is; -131 Celsius. He shivers in his armor just on principle.

~~~

Note: This started as a writing prompt from the "The Way You Said I Love You" prompt list: Without really meaning it. The prompt was sent by @pigeontheoneandonly three months ago and I've had it mostly done for about two months, just couldn't get the ending to stick. Thank you for your patience, my friend! I hope you enjoy it!

[theoriginalladya]

MER Week 2021 - Day 1: Fun(?) In The Sun

So, I'm a day late to this because these two idiots waited until my drive home from work tonight to give me an idea. Ah well, here we go!

(commissioned art by @xla-hainex)

Chapter 1: Fun(?) In The Sun (On AO3 here)

~~~

“Y’know, when you said we were headed to the beach, I wasn’t expecting… this.”

Kaidan chuckles, but keeps his attention on the job at hand. “What exactly is… this?” Somehow, he manages a straight face, despite the soft growl of frustration from his companion.

“This.”

Strong hands shove the fishing rod and fly just under Kaidan’s nose where it wiggles back and forth between thumb and index finger. Swallowing hard and clearing his throat, Kaidan looks up at him. “What about it?”

If Benjamin Coats can look any more perturbed than he does in that moment, Kaidan’s never seen it, and he’s known the man for a long time. “Forgive me,” Coats drawls, his English accent thickening, most likely on purpose, “if I thought we were going to go to a proper beach where we could swim in the ocean, walk along sunlit beaches, and have a halfway decent chance at getting a tan. Here, that’s ‘bout as likely to happen as the Council accepting Udina into their councilor ranks.”

Kaidan bites the inside of his lips to keep from smiling. “Well, according to Anderson, there isalways a chance, isn’t there?”

The scowl darkens; Coats ignores the comment. “And what the hell kind of bug is this thing?”

Kaidan cautiously takes the lure from him before he sticks himself with the barb. “Fly, not bug,” he corrects. “It’s what you use to catch the fish.”

Fish. Fishing. That’s part of why Kaidan finally gave into Ben’s request to get away from the orchard for a few days; time away where he wouldn’t think about work, the reapers, the loss of Shepard – any of it. To regroup and get his head back in the right frame of mind for their next mission.

Little had he known just what would constitute ‘right’ in the end, but Kaidan isn’t complaining. And if last night was any indication, neither is Ben.

With a few quick moves, Kaidan attaches the fly to the line. “There. Ready to go.”

Coats stares at it as if he’d rather smash the thing like it’s a real bug. “It’s so… purple. What self-respecting fish –”

“Trout,” Kaidan corrects. “We’re fishing for trout. And they love this one, I promise.” Gathering the two rods, he leads Ben down the river’s edge.

He hasn’t been to the family cabin in years, not since right after BAaT when he fled here to hide and recover. Those memories left it… tainted, in a way, and he never felt up to dealing with them. But now? Well, he and Ben have their own set of memories to take away from this trip, trout notwithstanding.

Behind him, Ben mutters beneath his breath. “…bloody fish…”

“Trout!” Kaidan shoulders the two rods and allows himself a small laugh as he walks. Ben had been insistent they get away; Kaidan had been the one to drag his feet, but there’s no doubt in his mind now it was the right decision for him, for them. Time will tell if it remains that way. Kaidan never bets unless he’s almost guaranteed of the outcome; this one feels pretty damned good right now.

“C’mon,” he calls back over his shoulder as they reach his favorite place, “not gonna let the fish win, are you?” He hands over the rod with the Parachute Adams Purple fly on it, a grin widening as their eyes meet.

Coats’ glare darkens and he moves right up into Kaidan’s face to take it. His other hand grasps Kaidan by his red and black checked plaid flannel shirt and slowly reels him in. The laughter fades as Kaidan’s gaze drops to Ben’s lips so tantalizingly close. Why is it suddenly so difficult to breathe? His tongue slips between his lips to dampen them.

Coats’ murmurs in a raw, raspy voice, “I’d say I already won, wouldn’t you?”

Kaidan shudders, just a hint of a tremor rippling across his shoulders. Licking his lips one last time, he closes the distance and brushes his lips lightly over Ben’s. “Mmm. I’m not that easily landed,” he replies as he breaks the kiss and forces himself back two steps. “Catch me dinner, and maybe I’ll change my mind.” With a wink, he heads another twenty meters or more down the shore to his favorite bend in the river…

[theoriginalladya]

MERWeek2021 - Day 5 - Family

Day 5: we are family

Describe or draw a familiar moment. Are they close, or estranged? Are they blood relatives, or family found with friends?

(commissioned art of Coats and Kaidan Alenko by @xla-hainex)

Chapter: We Are Family (full chapter here)

Peering into the medbay through the window is déja-vu all over again for Kaidan. How many times has he been in this exact position; watching and waiting from afar, worrying over a member of his team, wondering how many more people he’ll lose…

A strong arm slides around his waist as Ben sidles up next to him. Sparing a look through the window, he asks quietly, “How’s he doing?”

Kaidan rubs his forehead with the back of his forearm. “Doc says he’ll be fine.”

“But?”

A wry smile twists Kaidan’s lips as his eyes meet Ben’s in the reflective glass. “Is it wrong my first thought is, this is Shepard 2.0?”

Ben releases his hold and shifts sideways so they are actually eye to eye. Folding his arms across his broad chest, his brows narrow in concern. “What d’you mean?”

Turning away, Kaidan runs a hand through his hair as he paces up and down the Guardian’s corridor between the medbay and the galley. “It’s just… God! This reminds me too much of what happened back in the Milky Way. Eden Prime. Virmire. Alchera. London.”

“And you think Scott’s going to… what? Die...?

Full Chapter found here

Read from the beginning of MERWeek here

Alenkoats Series found here