#vik is a good dad

[toastysol]

Can I just say I love Viktor Vektor so much. He's literally the best ripper in nc. V gets any sort of grim diagnosis from any medical professional, Vik goes "they did it wrong, lemme check up on you." He genuinely really cares about doing his job right (and he cares about v specifically I know) and I wouldn't trust any other ripper in nc to do my top surgery tbh. I think that's my metric for this. Would I trust them to do top surgery? No? Then they're not as good as Vik.

[tarmac-rat]

TFW you're two weeks removed from leaving your entire life behind and moving to Night City but you're restless and anxious and can't sleep so you sneak out in the dead of night and do something reckless and the only person you know who can fix you up is that old doctor guy your new friend took you to see in a basement last week for back alley chrome and fighting tips.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(insp.)

[timaeusterrored]

(Vax’s mommy issues)

((Tw: mentions of addiction))

“I just think it’s a little convenient is all. She’s not there for nearly 33 years and suddenly she’s interested after he reveals his face? Do we even know if she’s his mother?” Vik asked, following Guadeloupe around the kitchen until she turned.

“Oh I’m quite sure. Even chromed up, V looks exactly like her. And trust me, Vik, I don’t like it either but he deserves to meet his mother at least once. Then he can chose to do as he pleases after.” She explained calmly, then shoved a spoon of soup into Vik’s mouth to shut him up.

Vax showed up a few hours later, trying to not look too excited and failing miserably. The sight hurt Vik’s soul. There was a feeling deep in his chest that this wasn’t going to end well.

“Is she here?” He asked, he sounded like a kid on Christmas asking if Santa came that night. Luckily, Guadeloupe best him to the punch to go with him. Vik watched from the kitchen as Melissa Kane stood to greet her son for the first time. She couldn’t even come sober?

Vik sat at the table, Guadeloupe joining him after a few minutes with a beer. They clinked their bottles together and waited, hearing the soft talking going on in the living room.

It too all of 30 minutes for Vax to go storming out. And Vik’s suspicions were confirmed. He watched Melissa try to follow, stopping just outside. She didn’t come for Vax, she came for V Eurodyne. Husband of a rock legend and a legend himself in the underworld of Night City.

“If you ever contact my son again, I will not hesitate to contact the police. I’d deal with you myself but I raised too much of a good person.” Vik couldn’t help but add that last bit. But it was true.

He was there when Vex had her baby, he was there when Vax woke up screaming from nightmares at an age too young to be having them, he was there for Vax’s first boxing match, taught him to shoot a gun and how to drive. And Guadeloupe was there to house him when V was too scared to talk to Vik about his own addiction. They raised V into the man he was today, not her.

He should call Kerry.

Vax was glad for one thing in the Villa, and that was the bar and the fact that Kerry only stayed here when he was making a new album, which luckily wasn’t now. He downed his second drink and went to pour another when a hand stopped him, silver wedding band sticking out against the golden jewel he normally wore.

He let the bottle get taken from him and sighed, feeling defeated. And hurt. And extremely vulnerable right now.

“She asked for money. Knew her all of 30 minutes, and she asked me for money.” He had hoped Vex would be wrong about her, that their mother would be an amazing woman who just made a rough decision. But no, she barely cared about Vax, only his last name and status.

“I’m so sorry, baby…” Kerry kissed his temple and led V to sit on the couch, then moved to make him an actual drink. Something he’d actually enjoy instead of just drowning in self pity for ever thinking his mother would be a good woman.

“I just… is it so bad that I hoped my mother would be a good person?” He asked when Kerry came back over with drink and made V look at him.

“Your mother is a good woman. That woman is not your mother, your mother is Guadeloupe Welles. And that is the best mother ever right there.” Kerry wrapped his arm around V’s shoulders and gave him a knowing look.

“She’s missin’ out on the most amazing, talented, kindest, and sexiest man alive. And if she was gonna use you for money, then fuck her. She doesn’t deserve to know Vax. She’s lucky she got to him. And she’s extremely lucky I wasn’t there.” She probably was, V had no idea how overprotective Kerry could be when they first met.

V took a drink and sighed. Fuck Kerry knew him too well this was amazing. He rested his temple on Kerry’s forehead, feeling him rub his shoulder.

“Still hurts… I spent years looking for her… wanting to meet her. And turns out she didn’t care about me or Vex at all…” he whispered. “I know I have Vik and Mama but damn I was so excited to meet her.”

Kerry nodded, simply listening to rant because he knew that’s what V needed. His merc didn’t need advice he needed someone to hear him. And Kerry would listen to him for hours if that’s what it took.

[w2soneshots]

Announcement -W2S

words: 0.6k+

warnings: pregnancy.

summary: you and Harry announce your exiting news to the sidemen in an interesting way.

notes: hello my babies! I haven’t done a dad!bog fic in forever and this brought back all my baby fever🥹. Here’s the request. Enjoy!!🧸💓🫶🏼

Today me and Harry are announcing our pregnancy to the boys. We've been keeping it our little secret for just over four months and it has been difficult but we've loved it. I'm not an official member of the sidemen but I'm always in their videos so morning sickness and the crazy hormones have been hard to hide, along with the fact I now have a bump. I haven't worn anything tight fitting in weeks. We wanted to do something funny and casual with the boys so when we found out that they were filming a photo roulette for more sidemen we knew that was our chance.

"You nervous?" I asked Harry as we drove. "Not really, I'm just excited to finally tell everyone." He replied with a smile. We told our families a few days ago and they were all ecstatic. "I feel the same. Also we're gonna need to tell Faith ASAP because we both know Ethan can't keep any secrets from her." Harry chuckled, knowing I was definitely right.

When we arrived outside of the building and Harry parked we made our way upstairs. "Hey! Feeling better?" Tobi asked as we walked into the studio. Last week I had to leave a side plus shoot early because I started to feel nauseous. The boys were concerned but Harry reassured them that I was fine, since he knew that it was just because I'm pregnant. "Yeah." I smiled with a light nod of my head.

Once we sat down to film we began with a few other videos then finally after around two hours it was time. "Hello and welcome to 'sidemen photo roulette', with y/n!" Simon announced to the camera. "Everyone has sent in a random amount of pictures from their camera rolls and you'll all have to guess who sent it in." He explained. Simon was going to be able to see the pictures so I was just hoping he would stay silent.

We got started and we saw some really funny and random photos. As the game went on my hands were fidgeting as I anticipated what was going to happen. "Ok and the final pic." The picture me and Harry had taken of our dog with the baby's first ultrasound in his mouth popped up on the tv. The room went silent. "Is that? Oh my god!" Ethan jumped from his seat, looking straight at me and Harry. Everyone quickly began to catch on and cheers filled the room.

Once everyone said congratulations we sat back down. "How many months are you?" JJ asked. "Five." I replied. "Twenty weeks?!" Vik exclaimed. Harry chuckled. "Uh yeah. We kept putting off telling everyone. Before last week only me and y/n knew." He explained. "So you-" Ethan pointed down to my stomach, which was covered by one of Harry's oversized hoodies. I nodded then slowly lifted it over my bump. All six of their eyes flickered from my stomach, to me and then to Harry. "So the other week you-" Tobi began. "I smelt something weird and it made me feel nauseous." I laughed.

Later that night I sat between Harry's legs, my back leaning on his chest. He ran his fingers over my bump as we sat in a comfortable silence. "I think they were a bit shocked that we waited so long to tell everyone." I whispered. Harry smiled, even though I couldn't see him. "I like that we kept it a secret. But it feels good to be able to talk to people about it, since it's like the biggest and best thing that's ever happened to me." He replied quietly. I hummed as my hands traveled to land on top of his. "Want me to run you a warm bath?" He asked. "Only if you join me." I smiled. "I was already planning on it."

[izzylegrand]

The Night Before

Five Hargreeves x(?) Reader . Part 1/?

Warnings: second person, adopted siblings, reader is an umbrella academy member, unreciprocated love(by reader)

_________________________________________________

There he was. Five. Back like he’d never left at all.

We all were crowded around him, watching him casually mousy around the kitchen to make a sandwich as if it was any other day. As if he hadn’t just fallen from the sky like an omen after six years of being missing.

The other students were talking to him but I didn’t hear a word. I was just staring. He’d been missing from our lives for six years after being woven so well he was involved of every aspect of it. He wasn’t here for Ben’s death, he wasn’t hear for all the fighting after Vik’s book, he was just…gone.

That night, the night before…before he ran away, he talked to me.

Me and Five were always a bit closer than I was with the other siblings. He was an ass, sure, but I knew he had my back. I could trust him.

That night I was laying in bed when the door creaked open. The lamp turned on and I saw Five. I sat up against the headboard and he came to sit on the foot of my bed, both of us facing each other with our legs crossed, a common routine.

“What’s up?” I whispered

“Dad’s pissing me off again. He’s such an ass. He thinks he knows everything, but he doesn’t.”

I laughed and leaned back against the headboard

“This is about time travel again, isn’t it?”

“It’s my power, not his, so how the hell would he have any say in when I should use it?? It’s not like he can do it. Why’s he so sure I can’t?”

“I think he doesn’t understand it so he wants you to stay away. It’s him protecting you…probably.” I shrugged

Honestly, we’d had that conversation too many times. I sat there wishing he would just get over it. The irony of that is, I would spend the next six years wishing to have any conversation with him again.

I expected him to keep complaining but he didn’t. He grabbed my hand and rubbed his thumb against the back of it, his eyes looking tenderly in mine.

“I want to time travel, Eight. I’m going to. I want you to come with me. We can go somewhere—sometime where dad won’t be able to control us! We can be together, without everyone else.”

I just stared completely frozen. I couldn’t see my face but I could only attribute it to a deer in the headlights look. There was a thick silence for a moment and it felt like my heart was higher in my chest, like everything was about to change.

He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips to mine. I wouldn’t call it a kiss. He probably didn’t know what kissing was and just took it as how he’d read it in some book. It was the most literal definition, simply pressing his lips to mine.

“Come with me.” He whispered

“I-I”

He pulled away and started to look angry. He was never angry at me but he was then. He was angry I didn’t agree immediately. He was angry I didn’t feel the same. I wanted to feel the same, but I didn’t.

“Five…we’re siblings…”

“No we’re not! You know we’re not! Don’t say crap like that!” He whispered angrily

“We might as well be. We have the same parents, grew up together, everyone calls us siblings—“

“But we’re not!” He interjected “I don’t love you like that!”

I looked at him solemnly.

There was a thick silence for a moment and it felt like my heart was higher in my chest, like everything was about to change.

“…Five, I don’t love you like that…” I whispered, my voice wavering with the threat of tears

After that, he stormed out. That was the last thing I said to him. The next morning he wouldn’t talk to me. At breakfast, he stabbed a knife in the table and declared that he wanted to time travel. Everyone just sat and silently stared while he ran off, never to be seen again.

Until today. Until now. Now, where I sat and silently stared while he gave uninterested responses to good questions. Then he looked at me. He was older now but his eyes looked the same as that night. With one stare he answered the question that had been panging in my head since he left: Was it my fault?

“Eight, I want to talk to you privately.”

_________________________________________________

A/N: Hi!!! I haven’t written a story in years so sorry for however it turned out :’) I was going to just make this a one parter but then I realized how long the flashback was so…sorry.

[jjtheresidentbaby]

😯 umbrella academy? Could I possibly request some regressor five headcanons?

Little Five Hargreeves headcanons

warnings: talk of time travel/being caught in the apocalypse, talk of bad parenting, set season 1 as that’s the one I’m on lol (however I do know about viktors name change/pronoun change so I’ll be using those)

is against regressing when he first comes back from being in the apocalypse

klaus suggests it as a way to help cope being back but five thinks it’s useless

starts to involuntarily regress and kind of has no choice but to accept it

his age range is anywhere from tiny lil baby space to teenager filled with angst

the first time he regresses is actually at viktor’s apartment when five is trying to explain things to viktor and they both scramble with what’s going on- five has no idea why he’s suddenly uncoordinated and can’t form words properly, viktor is worried it’s a side effect of the time travel and starts to panic that’s something’s wrong

a quick call to pogo and all things are figured out

viktor doesn’t have much experience with littles but he does know how to care for kids- despite what people think- so he’s able to set five up on the couch with cartoons and some snacks in non-breakable bowls because five can’t seem to grasp anything quite right

five makes viktor swear to never tell a soul about what happened and he of course agrees, he wouldn’t want their family to know that stuff either with the track record they have

the next time he regresses is after getting drunk when he wakes up at diego’s place with luther watching over him

luther is super nervous having five acting so young and his solution is to pick him up and carry him over to wherever allison is (shocker I know)

she babies the HELL out of five and he hates it. kind of. it is nice to have his hair brushed and to be read to- but it can get too much quick though

eventually all the siblings have their own experiences finding out that five regresses so he never tells them directly they just get stuck babysitting unwillingly

at some point luther calls a family meeting to talk about it- and about any other regressors/caregivers in the family- and that’s how all the siblings find out that the others also know five regresses and that they’re keeping his secret for nothing

five shrugs them off and says it was easier that way because now they’re going to baby him together and he doesn’t want that

they deny this. then immediately prove him right when he drops later on in the night

diego & klaus are his favorite caregivers but he doesn’t mind having viktor help out

the siblings have very distinct ways that they care for five

allison & luther are almost always watching him together and they very easily fall into mom & dad mode™️ like some romcom couple - five enjoys this when he’s feeling particularly small and doesn’t want to do anything for himself

viktor is the KING of movie nights and letting five play with toys while he practices his violin, and even when five shows up in his teenager headspace just wanting to vent everything somehow viktor manages to keep it all very tranquil and calm- five goes to vik when he’s stressed or overstimulated by all the many tasks he has to do but is too small too, viktor gives some pretty good pep talks about taking it easy

klaus is pure chaos like he always is. he likes to take five on day trips and to amusement parks or on a shopping spree (with allisons credit card. “she’s a celebrity she has money it’s fineee”- klaus, many times to five.) - but he makes things fun and five is able to forget about his responsibilities for a while when klaus is there, also klaus is a master at bath time which five appreciates as he finds it difficult to be coordinated enough to complete simple everyday tasks like bathing when regressed too young

diego is the most flexible with how he cares for five, he can be calm if needed or he can bring out some chaos and let five act like an angsty teenager or kid again, whatever five needs. he’s also a pretty good cook after learning from grace so he teaches five (when he’s feeling old enough) some things in the kitchen- diego is his number one call when he regresses somewhere alone and he will ask for diego no matter how old his headspace is, diego is fives favorite, and of course diego never lets luther forget it (or anyone else)

and while klaus is a close second, five feels most comfortable to be open with diego and let him in on any serious problems he’s having like nightmares about the apocalypse or insecurities about his regression

five does start to carry around some little gear as he’d never want to depend on his siblings too much- it’s mostly fidget toys, a teething ring that’s been through hell and back, a couple stuffed animals and some paper & crayons to draw or write with. he keeps it all in his green duffle bag that is miraculously always close by when he needs it

he either loves time travel when small or hates it

sometimes he likes to play a game of “hide and seek” where he just jumps to different spots in the room and his caregiver tries to catch him before he breaks a tooth — he especially likes this game with allison & luther around

and other times he curls up on viktors couch with diego and vik on either side of him while he sobs about hating his power and how all it does is cause issues (they ofc assure him that that’s not true)

he has a weird mistrust towards grace when he’s in his teenager headspace- he’s tried to figure out why while big and he’s yet to come up with anything solid

him & ben play chess together per klaus moving the pieces where ben says while ben stands off to the side watching as he loses to a mentally seven year old and has a mini breakdown about it every time

some of the only times he changes out of his uniform to something else is if allison persuades him (without her powers) while he’s regressed as she swears he looks uncomfortable in that uniform - five appreciates this more than he says

likes to write out math equations on the walls when he’s feeling big enough, they’re never anything of significance which is the fun of it for him, if he messes up there’s no major consequences and if he gets them right he gets to show everyone in the house

the fridge is COVERED in art him and klaus make together

he can get pretty quiet when regressed younger but also clingy, especially to diego, which he fully denies

he likes that diego can very easily carry him on his hip or his back or even his shoulders if he wanted - luther can obviously do this too and tries to get five to let him but the only time it works is if diego isn’t close by

viktor & klaus can’t pick five up but they do hold his hand or let him cuddle into their chests on the couch or in a bed

klaus has a secret stash of polaroids from when five is regressed that five finds and makes klaus swear to never take another one again only to ask to pose for a picture next time he regresses (“I was like mentally four stop boasting klaus”)

[vinnywinnii]

Viktor x reader angst

(TW: mentions of mommy, daddy issues, trauma, attachment, ED, SH.) (contains comfort from viktor as well.)

You've always been quiet, not speaking for anything. You recently escaped a toxic household, yet your parents still show up on his doorstep to see you since you moved in with him. They seem nice, but he knows it's a lie. He hears the arguments, the amount of manipulative phrases your mom uses every time she yells. Its a lot different when your dad comes around, though.

Your dad yells, he doesn't try to hide it. He yells a lot louder than your mom. Yet, you don't fight back when he yells at you. You always have an insane amount of fear in your eyes, always glancing over at Viktor when your dad is yelling at you. If it gets bad, like your dad may hit you; Viktor always kicks him out and comforts you.

You flinch when someone raises a hand, you get silent when someone raises their voice at you, you try not to cry every time you hear yelling.. he pretends not to notice, but it's very noticable. You sometimes go days without eating if anyone mentions how you've eaten a meal. You don't wanna seem like you want everything to yourself, so you always offer your meals to kids on the streets of the under city when you go down to visit.

you're a good person, and you sacrifice everything to make everyone happy.

"Sweetie, I'm home." He says, walking into the room you guys share. He smiles softly down at you, seeing you under a blanket and moving a little. "Sleeping?" He says as he slowly uncovers your face. He looks really tired, he overworks himself a lot.

He feels more refreshed to see you and he steps back, changing into more comfortable clothes to fall asleep.

"Vik, I really love you." You say, sitting up and rubbing your eyes. You don't sleep well without him and you need to hug something to fall asleep, usually a stuffed animal.

He glances over with a surprised look when you say that, his face warming up and his smile widening a bit. "I love you too.. you're very lovely." He says after a moment. You struggle telling him that since you're afraid of him leaving. you saying that to him, especially after a long day at work; made his day.

"could you say it one more time, please.." you ask quietly, your voice cracking a bit. You don't wanna cry, to be seen as a burden. You wanna hear it one more time, just to reassure yourself.

He takes note of your voice cracking and he immediately takes a step closer to your spot sitting up on the bed. He smiles softly at you, tilting your face up. "I love you, sweetie." He says gently, looking you in the eyes so you know it's true.

You feel tears fill your eyes and you chuckle softly as tears fall down your face, hiding your face. "I'm sorry." You whisper, crying into your sleeve.

"hey, don't worry about it. I know you struggle.." he whispers, kissing your forehead gently while his palm is still holding your face. "..but I'm here for you, my love." He says as he now kisses your cheek.

"Now come on, I know your tired. I'll make you some dinner and we'll go to sleep a bit earlier." He says gently, holding out a hand for you to grab so you can walk with him to the kitchen. You guys end up walking to the kitchen and you sit at the table, watching him cook.

"Want me to help? I don't just wanna sit here and watch you cook for me." You chuckle, standing up and walking over to him. He looks over at you and smiles.

"you're very sweet, you can stand here and watch me cook. I don't want you moving even a finger, I know you haven't eaten much this week." He replies, his tone growing a little more serious. He cares about you, and he always wants to take care of you. No matter what.

You shrug and look away for a moment, you don't like when he worries. Once the dinner is done, he sits next to you and he rubs your back to comfort you.

"Are you doing alright? I promise you can eat in front of me and I won't judge at all." He reasurres, catching a glimpse of the old self-harm scars on your wrists. It saddens him to know what you've had to do to cope with your parents and people around you that treated you badly.

You don't seem to notice, but you do take a few bites before pushing the plate away. It's not bad food, you just struggle with eating correctly. He smiles at you eating and he kisses your forehead oncemore.

"Could you eat just one more bite for me, sweetie? Just one more.." he says softly, encouraging you to eat just a little more. He likes taking care of you, it comforts him a bit.

You nod after a bit of hesitation, taking one more bite before pushing the plate away once again. Viktor smiles at you, patting your back gently. "That's it, you've done good. If you want more, just tell me and I'll heat it back up in a bit." He says softly, smiling down at you.

You nod and smile weakly up at him, hugging him and burying your face into his chest. He holds you there after a while and he soon holds a hand out for you to grab and walk you to your guy's bedroom. The moment you get into the room, you flop onto the bed and groan with a tired tone.

He chuckles and lays next to you, pulling you closer and resting his chin on the top of your head. "I'm proud of you, you did good today.." he whispers, stroking your hair.

[sketchdeath22]

Out of context Umbrella Academy reactions/me writing down things I liked or noticed for episode 1 and 2 of season 4

(Spoilers for those episodes ahead and all the trigger warnings are for light mentions but I thought I should add them anyway):

-Victor getting tazed and kidnapped

-Luther beating the shit out of a pinata

-Klaus making a total (but necessary and wonderful) character switch

-Klaus's sex cult memorabilia named after a certain band

-Five has a mustache and calls himself Jerome

-Dadiego!

-Five... buddy...

-SKINNY WHITE MAN IN THE BALL PIT JUMPSCARE

-Shoot the bald man.

-COMIC REFERENCE!!!

-Don't shoot the bald man.

-Sober and happy Klaus!

-BEN NO

-Shaky cam my beloathed

-Male stripper Luther HEELPP

-Random laser beams. Okay.

-Viktor tweaking

-Ben's tentacle beast but for eves

-GOOD ON KLAUS!!!!

-Ben is a crypto scammer sigma grindset asshole now

-Viktors voice is neat!

-I heard a rumor you hit yourself over. And over. And over. And ov-

-Pants. Now. Sir.

-ANOTHER ROAD TRIP!!

-Middle aged Academy my beloved

-NOT BABY SHARK HELP

-He's so dad

-Emetophobia havers beware

-Girl no.the

-HE HAS FACE BLINDNESS TOO

-Its Christmas. And that's okay.

-rat

-Oh yeah, callllll the manager pussyboy

-Luther is my mum

-Thats enough tarot for today.

-He's one of the boys. But don't be a freak.

-little shaky shake

-60 year old little boy

-He could be bi!

-Definitely not bi!

-Great job Vik!

-Freak ass liminal space

-Codes and puzzles!

-He's an asshole squid, I wouldn't trust him either.

-Back to the Future!!

-Married.

-Cringe ass Klaus listening to himself

-Maaann, am I good!

-NO NO NO MY FAVE NO NOOOO

-Leave them yeah, cause they're all the most stable to be stuck together

-Teamwork!!

-Leave it to Five to get lost in an alternate dimension

-HELP NOT BABY SHARK AGAIN

-Great get away jam

-NO NO NO NO NO LEAVE HIM BE

-GOOD GOD!

[funnyscienceman]

my favorite favorite favorite part about the singed = corin reveck thing is the fucking nier shadowlord of it all. the fact that it would mean singed had a hand in the creation of not one, but *two* characters whose stories are about doing good or trying to do good and losing (or risking losing) their humanity in the process.

orianna not giving two shits if going down to zaun might hurt her. not regretting it one bit, just immediately working her ass off to save her own life, and then just giving her dying dad the last piece of her physical humanity —her HEART — whether he wanted it or not.

viktor not giving a damn about piltover, about jayce, going fuck it all even if it might hurt. going through with the glorious evolution, turning himself into a fucking machine — to save himself, to help others. the fact that he was SO READY to throw in the towel and let himself die after what happened to sky.

it's the idea that SINGED played a pivotal role in these two's formative years — singed, as in the guy who'd burn a person's home to the ground and kill their mother just so he could experiment on them. the guy who'd torture his test subjects half to death if they didn't cooperate. the guy willing to keep a dying animal on excruciating life support just for his own research. it's the fact that he can do, has done, and will continue to do all these horrible things with not even a *shred* of remorse — and also still pick up a child's lost toy and return it to them, asking with genuine interest, "you built this? why aren't you playing with the others?"

i really don't know how to articulate this without going in circles, but like. the fact that he's only in it for himself is EVERYTHING. how people just keep going to him for help and he is NOTHING but unequivocally honest. he'll do the thing. he'll give you the drug, or save your dying daughter, or whatever the hell else. he'll warn them, and then leave them to make their own decision.

"Sometimes death is a mercy," he warns Silco. Silco says back, "She can take it," so alright. If you say so. Not my problem.

"I must warn you, if you take this path, they will despise you. Love and legacy are the sacrifices we make for progress. It's why I parted ways with Heimerdinger."

"Jayce will understand," Viktor says.

Singed doesn't even rebuke him, put him down, nothing. Just a simple, "Perhaps." An, "Eh, maybe. Only one way to find out ig"

(He doesn't even make Viktor pay him back, btw. He doesn't say a thing about him running away all those years ago. Unless for some fucking reason that was omitted, but i'm choosing to take s1 as-is here, disregarding s2 entirely)

He DOESN'T CARE about anyone else, is the thing. He could not give any less of a shit beyond whatever he or they have obligated to each other. He doesn't hold Viktor running away against him. He doesn't fight back against silco holding a fucking knife to his neck beyond glancing between him and it and just plainly answering his questions. (He has his pinkie out when holding stuff like bottles and i think that's the funniest piltie shit ever)

So like it makes PERFECT SENSE and also NO SENSE that he's significantly responsible for possibly the most moral Piltover champion (Orianna) and the most moral 'bad guy' from Zaun (Viktor). Both of whom are humans-turned-machines, while — possible chem augments aside — he himself is still pretty much entirely human. The fact that he's the most inhumane among the three of them.

It's like Vik and Ori took after the 'going all the way to the ends of the earth for your goal' part of him, the 'i am well aware of the circumstances and have decided fuck it we ball' part of him, and disregarded his apathy entirely. acting *against* it, sometimes, going behind his back to help a chemical disaster in zaun, even if he's already forbidden it. shutting down all of your own efforts to save your life after it kills someone who isn't you.

giving him your heart, even if he quite possibly didn't want it. Not even giving him room to make a choice, never talking to him about it, never bringing it up. Ori realizes there's no other option and just. Does It.

I. Have lost my mind over this fucking character fmekdjdjc (i am so worried for season 2)

[clericofshadows]

nothing will shine as bright

Description: Post ME2 Prologue Era--Kaidan brings Zaeed to meet his family, and some of Regis's family is along for the ride.

Title is from The Sun, The Moon, The Star - Æther Realm

Pairing: Kaidan Alenko/Zaeed Massani, past Kaidan Alenko/Male Shepard

Sequel to: so let love reign.

The ride over to his family’s orchard was light.  All of them making meaningless conversation, getting to know each other and catching up.

The way Vik and Zaeed chatted implied a deeper friendship, but Vik was always the type to be able to engage with anyone.  Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they knew each other beyond basic Omega business.  Kaidan had made himself comfortable leaning against Zaeed, looking forward to seeing his parents again but also a little worried about how the meeting would go.

A part of him worried about his age–Zaeed was older than his mother but just under his father’s age.  Not that he thought his family would judge him for that, but it was still… a worry.  

His father was a bit of an unknown.  He loved Regis right from the beginning, even after learning what part he played in the action that ended BAaT.  Even considered Regis a son of his before they got together.  It surprised the hell out of Kaidan seeing how well Regis accepted the attention from Eduard Alenko.

Again, Kaidan doubted it would be an issue.  Dad was always the type to trust his judgment and take no bullshit.  Mom seemed to like Zaeed on the vid call, only being caught off guard about how soon it was… Something Kaidan was still a little uncomfortable with if he had to be honest, but Regis more or less blessed their relationship.

Always looking after him, knowing him too damn well.

If all goes well, they’ll make Zaeed an honorary Alenko in no-time.  Zaeed never talked about his family, and Kaidan never wanted to pry just yet. Maybe he’ll like the attention.  Maybe he’ll fight it off.  Time will tell.

Adrian, a good pilot as ever, made the trip smooth and quick, landing the skycar out in the field near the main house.  “We’re here!” he announced, opening the doors with a press of a button.  

They all climbed out of the skycar, getting their bags and heading towards the house, where his mother was waiting with open arms.  “Hope you all had a good trip!” she greeted, walking towards them.  “Good to see you both.” She shook Vik’s hand and gave Adrian a hug.

And then she turned to him, breaking out into a smile.  Kaidan opened his arms, always ready for one of her warm hugs.  “I’m so glad you could make it, sweetie.”

Kaidan smiled.  “Of course.  Always happy to stop by if I can.  Beautiful weather for today!”

“And that’s exactly why your father is grilling out in the back,” she said, pulling away.  She turned to Zaeed.  “Zaeed, was it?  Happy to have you here!” 

“Happy to be here,” he echoed with a nod.  “You have a nice slice of paradise out here.  The kind of gorgeous place I’d like to retire one day.”

“Many generations of our family have been here,” she said, starting to walk back to the house.  “And we always love to host friends and more of the family."

Zaeed looked lost, seemingly not knowing how to reply to that.  His mother could be intense sometimes with her love of hosting, welcoming anyone into her home.  Kaidan reached over and grabbed his hand, following his mother to the house. "She's right, you know.  This may be your first time here, but if you make a good enough impression…" he trailed off grinning. 

"In which I have no doubt you'll be able to do," Vik piped up from behind.  

She laughed. "Tell me if I need to back off and I will.  I'm just happy Kaidan has someone outside of us and the Alliance in this unfortunate mess."

"I'm glad I was able to find the time to be there for him," Zaeed said softly. "It hasn't been easy on me either, hearing the news."

“No, it hasn’t,” she echoed.  She reached over to open the door, but Adrian beat her to it. "You charmer," she chuckled, heading inside. 

"Anyone want anything?  A snack, refreshments… I have all kinds," she said, heading straight for the kitchen. 

The aroma of freshly cooked bread filled the air as he made himself comfortable in the living room, mixed with other dishes being warmed in the oven.  If he had to guess, knowing his mother's preference for comfort food any time she knows he's heading home, there's plenty of baked and fried dishes waiting for him.  

"I think we're alright for now," Adrian said, shutting the door behind him. "Need to save room for that lovely meal!  Already smells amazing in here."

Zaeed sat down on the couch, leaning against he armrest. "Been a minute since I've had a home cooked meal.  Looking forward to it, ma'am."

Kaidan smiled at Zaeed's attempts to make a good impression, already knowing that his mother was bound to rebuke his attempts to be formal if he kept it up. 

"Hope it tastes as good as it smells. Eduard is nearly done, if you want to check up on him," she said, busying herself in the kitchen. "And Zaeed?  No need for that."

"Just trying to be a gentleman," he replied. 

"For me or for Kaidan?" She asked lightly, taking a tray of buns out of the oven.  His father must be grilling burgers if she made those. 

And here comes her way of telling Zaeed to be more casual.  Kaidan remembered when Regis was too formal when he first met his parents, still teenagers healing from BAaT. 

Looking back, it was clear then that Regis wanted something more.  He fell hard for him, but BAaT lingered around him, preventing him from making that first move, always worried that Regis thought worse of him after what he did. 

No, after what they did.  Kaidan may have made the killing blow, but Regis's stasis made it easy for him. 

Something Regis always reminded him of when his thoughts about BAaT kept him awake on sleepless nights. 

He really should tell Zaeed.  

Vik laughed as Kaidan watched Zaeed flounder, trying to figure out a way to respond. "Now, Aurelia, be nice to our guest."

"I am!  Tradition, I swear.  You don't want me calling you 'sir' so there's no need to call me 'ma'am.'" She said, waving a hand towel at him. "But if you insist on being nice, help me out in the kitchen. I could use some extra hands from all of you."

"You don't want me in there," Adrian protested, staying in the armchair.  

"I wasn't talking to you," she laughed as Vik got up, already checking on some of the pots on the stove. "How about you, Zaeed?  Any skills in the kitchen?"

Zaeed walked over, glancing at the filled oven. "I'm good at following a recipe.  But I'm a god–” He coughed.  “I’m good at grilling."

Nice save there, love.  "Mom won't wilt if you say a few curse words.  Remember Regis's mouth?" Kaidan said, joining his mother. “Always tried to exceed the supposed maximum number you can string together.

Kaidan recalled the first time Regis let out a string of curses in front of his parents, damn near burning up on the spot. Eduard burst out laughing and welcomed him to the family. 

She shooed him away. "Go help your father.  I'll order them around.  And he's right.  I'm married to an Alliance soldier, remember?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Zaeed said, giving Kaidan an incredulous expression. 

He shrugged minutely, already heading to the back door to the patio. "Try not to interrogate him too much, Mom."

"That's what the dinner is for!" She called back. She was probably joking. 

Hopefully. 

He was not about to recount the details of how they actually got together.  Especially about Omega. 

Not exactly the smartest place to go, but he and Regis wanted to let loose and well… they definitely did and more. 

His father had the grill going, a platter of burgers already piled up and waiting to be eaten.  Kaidan took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of smoky meat and the clear air outdoors. "Kaidan!  Did Aurelia send you out here?" He greeted, setting down his tongs and opening his arms. 

"She enlisted everyone else to help her finish up," he replied, giving his father a hug. "So that left me here with you."

"Well, I could use a food runner in a bit," he said, gesturing over to the table. "Going to start bringing some plates over."

"Always happy to help," he said, waiting by the grill. 

"How are you doing?" He asked, temporarily shutting the lid. "I know you spoke to your mother yesterday–and introduced your new beau–but I want to hear it from you."

Kaidan sighed, knowing this was bound to pop up. "Doing better day by day.  Zaeed helped me through something I was avoiding, and he's been great.  I think we both needed each other," he admitted. "We had history, you know.  The three of us, I mean."

"Aurelia said," he nodded. "That mysterious shore leave you went on a few years back, hmm?"

"Maybe," Kaidan said, not quite meeting his father's gaze, staring out into the distance, looking at the beautiful fields of his childhood home. "Regis left me a video that we watched together, and he damn near outright stated that he wanted Zaeed and I to get back together.  Basically gave me the blessing to move on."

"He knew you too well.  I guess you stayed close with him after your short leave?  I remember that you weren't off long." His father’s tone betrayed no judgment.  

"Not like you're probably thinking.  Stayed friends.  Met up a handful of times for drinks.  Nothing more until…" Kaidan trailed off, closing his eyes.  "We were Alliance soldiers and he was a merc that mostly roamed the Terminus system.  It couldn't have worked out."

"But it does now?" He asked, a knowing look in his eye. "Or else you wouldn't have brought him here.  Hell, it took you how long to invite Regis over?"

"Longer than it should've," he reluctantly admitted. "Things were a lot different then.  That's not a good comparison to make."

His father winced. "Sorry.  Does he know?" 

There’s only one thing he will be asking about here.  

"No.  Not yet.  I've been thinking of telling him while we're here."

"Don't rush it if you aren't comfortable."

"It's not that," Kaidan said. "He's seen my biotics.  He's not the type to judge, and I know he's not going to judge.  No, it's just…" he shook his head. "I've never told anyone about BAaT without Regis being there with me.  And we both wanted to tell him about it together."

And now we can't. 

"He was with me the whole time.  Yeah, at the time I had eyes on Rahna, and I know that hurt him. But he stepped up alongside me when Vyrnnus went too far and continued to support me in everything after. Everyone else there feared me, feared what we could do.  But Regis?" Kaidan let out a sigh, wondering if he should admit to his father what Regis said to him many times while reminiscing about BAaT. 

"He would've traded places with you," his father finished for him, coming to a realization. "Is that it?"

Kaidan nodded. "Yeah," he said, his voice breaking.  He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure despite knowing his father wouldn't judge, not here, not now, not ever.  "Always pissed me off when he would say that, but I also knew where he was coming from.  After joining the Alliance, I understood the type of man he could be."

"Ruthless bastard with a heart of gold?" he asked, a smile gracing his features. "Dealt with a few of those types."

"Something like that," Kaidan couldn't help but laugh. "And now the Alliance wants another soldier like him."

"Is that what your meetings were about?  What are you going to do?"

"Become an N. Work closely with Admiral Hackett concerning high profile missions. Finish Regis's dream of better regimens and opportunities for biotics within the Alliance,” Kaidan explained.  His father opened up the grill and motioned for him to grab another plate.

“A very ambitious ideal.  Is this something you’re doing for yourself or because the Alliance wants you to?” His father took the ribs off the grill.

Kaidan replied, taking the now filled plate over to the table and grabbing another.  “To answer your question: I made sure to do this on my own terms.  The Alliance still wants Regis, but I’m going to make damn sure that they cut that shit out.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they start using his likeness as a damn recruitment tool,” he muttered, filling up another plate.  

“Neither would I, and honestly I don’t think even Hannah could put a stop to it,” Kaidan said bitterly.  He arranged the plates on the table, covering them with foil to keep them warm. 

“Coming through!” Kaidan turned to see Zaeed holding the door open for Adrian, who was holding a heavy casserole dish of baked mac and cheese. 

“I see she made you the food runner,” Kaidan chuckled, pointing to an open spot on the table.

“You know I can’t cook, so this is the best I can do,” Adrian said, setting the dish down.  

“At this point, all you have to do is watch the food,” His father said, shaking his head. 

Adrian shrugged.  “Do you want good food or not?”

He rolled his eyes, turning to Zaeed who was still hanging out by the door.  “Zaeed, was it?”

He nodded, finally making his way over to join them.  He stood next to Kaidan, keeping a bit of distance between them.  Kaidan pressed himself up against Zaeed, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, squeezing him in close before letting go, trying to get him to chill out and relax around his parents.  “Dad, meet Zaeed Massani.”

“Eduard Alenko.  It’s my pleasure,” His father replied, setting down his utensils and wiping his hands down with a towel.  He held out his hand.

Zaeed shook his hand.  “Good to meet you, Eduard.  Beautiful place you have here.”

He smiled.  “That always seems to be the first thing people say.  And it’s true.”

Kaidan laced his fingers with Zaeed’s.  He gave him a smile in response, looking at him with open fondness.  

“So, you’re my son’s new beau.  You see, Kaidan here was a bit cagey on how you met.” Kaidan blushed at his father’s words.  “But he did mention you’re a merc.”

Zaeed glanced over at him before clearing his throat.  “I am, yes.  Mostly out in Terminus, occasionally in Citadel space.  These days I’m keeping an ear close to the ground, after all the shit that has happened.”

Seems he has already taken Kaidan’s words to heart.  

His father nodded.  “All I care about is knowing that my son has someone that’s not family out there with him.  Someone to keep an eye on him out in the black.”  He gave Zaeed a knowing look.

“I’m aware of exactly what Kaidan’s going back out there for, so I can do more than that,” he replied with a nod, not shying away from his father’s piercing gaze.  

“Do you have Alliance connections?”

“Have an old friend in the brass,” Zaeed said, keeping it vague.  Kaidan had a feeling his father would be grilling him about it later.  “Has its benefits, on occasion.”

His father finished plating up the hotdogs, sending Kaidan off to bring them to the table.  He shut the grill down for now.  “I’m sure it does.  I don’t like that my son is getting back out there so soon.”

“Neither do I, Dad, but… I need to do something. After what we saw, after what I saw… something big could be coming.”

“And everyone is blind to it.  Not like we can expect anything different.”

“Amen to that.”

The next few minutes were a flurry of dishes and food, such a large spread for the small group, but Mom would make sure they all head home with some leftovers and well wishes.  To his surprise, she even made a set of asari pies using fruit native to Thessia, an exorbitant cost that didn’t escape Vik’s notice.  

“You are a treasure on this planet,” they said, recognising the recipe as they brought them to the table.  “Did you happen to know this is my favorite?”

“I didn’t!  But I’m glad it is.  I’ve been wanting to try out some recipes and when I heard you were coming down I had to try it out. Hopefully it tastes good.  I promise I won’t be offended if you don’t like it,” his mother replied, sitting down at the table next to Kaidan.  Zaeed took the other seat next to Kaidan, and Adrian, Vik, and his father sat across from them.  

“I doubt that will be the case.  The few times I’ve been here, the food has been excellent.  Some of this is admittedly new to me.  Earth comfort food is what Adrian called it,” Vik replied, starting to grab food as they passed the dishes around.  

“We thought it would be a good menu to have.  Simple, but good,” his father said.  

“And many of these were Regis’s favorites,” Adrian said softly, placing a hand over Vik’s.  They smiled at him in return.  “I thank you for that.  He would have loved this.”

“Yeah, he really would,” Kaidan echoed.  “Didn’t escape my notice either.  Thank you.”

“Remember when we ordered that takeout that claimed to be ‘authentic Earth-American burgers,’” Zaeed started, the attention now on him.  “And Regis took one bite and biotically tossed the whole bag across the room?”

Kaidan laughed, stopping mid-bite.  “Yes!  I thought he was going to march to that restaurant and demand our credits back.”

“What stopped him?” his father asked.  

“Didn’t want to leave the room,” Zaeed chuckled. 

“So, you met on shore leave…” she started, trailing off.  “Willing to share any more details?”

“Yes,” Vik agreed, looking at the two of them.  Kaidan shared a look with Zaeed, who kept his expression carefully blank.  “Remind me when that shore leave was?”

Kaidan wasn’t about to lie to Vik, who was damn good at sniffing them out.  Likely from their many years of working on Omega.  “Going by the Earth calendar?  October of 2180.”

Vik smirked.  “You cheeky little bastards.  And you didn’t visit me?  Ah, I had to hear all about your adventures from the gossip.”

Kaidan shook his head as the table erupted in discussion.  Always stirring up trouble, Vik.  It’s why they and Adrian fit so damn well together.  “You were on Omega?” His father asked.  “Explains how you ran into a terminus merc.”

His mother shook her head, laughing softly.  “So you two were being scandalous, is that what Vikram is saying?”

Zaeed looked like he wanted to disappear, but he recovered quickly.  “They brought me in, hook, line, and sinker,” he leaned in close.  “Wouldn’t have had it any other way.” 

“Dammit, Zee,” Kaidan muttered, feeling his cheeks heat up.  Zaeed mouthed the nickname, tilted his head to the side, and kissed him on the cheek.  His mother cooed at their affection.

All good signs so far.  Doesn’t mean he won’t escape a grilling later.

“So, you’re saying it's a story a mother doesn’t need to hear about her son.  Got it.” She laughed, pulling Kaidan into a hug.  “Must have been a good trip if you stayed friends.”

“It was,” Kaidan finally recovered, leaning into his mother’s hug before breaking apart.  “And Vik?  Sorry for not visiting.”

“I’m just playing, darling.  I suppose I should offer my own apology for revealing your hand.  Just couldn’t resist,” they trailed off with a knowing grin.  “Come on, if you can survive me, you can survive this relationship.”

Adrian lifted up his drink in response.  Vik did the same, clinking their bottles together.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Vik?  Thought we were friends!” Zaeed said, shaking his head.

“Friends until they can fuck with you,” Adrian said with a knowing look. Vik punched him lightly on the shoulder. 

“No comment,” Vik replied.  “This food is excellent by the way.”  Both his mother and father beamed at the compliment.  

The conversation stilled as they dug into the food, making light chatter.  Zaeed managed to integrate himself well, fitting into their dynamic damn near seamlessly.

As they slowed down, the conversation changed.  “So, Zaeed, where are you from?” His mother asked.

Kaidan didn’t even know the answer to that.  

“All around.  I was a traveler.  Tried out a few different paths, even Alliance at one point,” Zaeed began. “I stayed out of the FCW, but I did eventually venture out in the black.  Found myself in Terminus, and here we are.”

“Is that where you got the Suns’ tattoo?” his father asked, touching the bare skin of his neck, the same spot where Zaeed’s tattoo was.  The air became tense.  Adrian and Vik both froze, waiting for Zaeed’s response.  His mother placed her hand on top of his father’s, giving him one of her signature eyebrow raises.  

Zaeed didn’t flinch at the question.  Instead, he leaned forward.  “Nothing escapes your notice, huh?  Waiting for a good moment to ask?”  His father opened his mouth to reply, his expression carefully neutral, but Zaeed beat him to it, waving it off.  “It’s not something I’m ashamed of.  Kaidan and Regis were both aware.  Hell, I was waiting for someone to point it out.”

Kaidan placed his hand on top of his.  Zaeed twisted his hand so that their fingers would be laced together.  “Zaeed was one of the founders,” Kaidan said in lieu of his boyfriend, making it clear that he’s well aware of his past.  “But that is history.”

“Never said it was current,” his father said, not quite backing down.  Not that he blamed him.  Kaidan and Regis both knew about his past, about Vido.  Not all the details but enough.  “I thought Batarians founded the Suns?”

The Suns’ logo isn’t obscure, but he knew it didn’t escape Adrian’s notice for sure.  He shouldn’t judge, and maybe that’s what they talked about after Kaidan and Vik talked about the T’Soni footage.  He may play at being a fancy civilian pilot, but he smuggles as much as he does legit runs.   

He should’ve known his father would recognize it.  Maybe his mother did too, not wanting to cause a stir. 

“It has long since become a goddamn cesspool,” Zaeed spat out.  Talking about the Suns was almost always a sore spot with him.  “Did we create it under the greatest of morals?  No.  I wasn’t a good man then.”  I’m not a good man now, Kaidan heard.  “It’s a part of me, and I won’t deny it.  Judge me if you want, but it’s a reminder that I survived.  Yes, you're right. The official story is that the Batarians founded it, but only after I was betrayed when I didn't want to employ them and get involved in their trades.” He pointed to the scar on his face, never letting go of Kaidan’s grip.  “I love your son.  I loved and still love the one you probably considered one too. And my biggest goddamn regret is not saying any of this shit sooner.”

Fuck.  They hadn’t said it to each other yet, but the feelings were understood, underneath the surface.  

“I love him too.  And my heart will never forget Regis.  Isn’t that what this get-together was supposed to be about?  Celebrating and remembering him?  Zaeed is a part of that.  He is a part of me,” Kaidan said, raising his voice.  “Of us.  And if you judge him, you judge Regis.”

His parents didn’t immediately respond, both seemingly at war with themselves.  Vik looked like they wanted to say something, but Adrian shook his head, stopping them.

Kaidan clenched his jaw.  “I’m going to get some air.  Thanks for the meal.”  He stood up and put his napkin on the table, ignoring his parents' protests.

He found himself halfway over to the barn where he and Regis kept their motorcycles.  He thought back to the damn helmets Zaeed had made for them, not even knowing about their hobby but wanting them to share in his.  Yet another thing that had in common.  Yet another thing that would’ve made their relationship great.  

Footsteps crunched the leaves behind him, and he whirled around to see Zaeed, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets.  “Wasn’t about to leave you alone.”

“Leaving me alone probably would’ve made them judge you even more,” he sighed, leaning against the wall of the barn.  “I’m sorry.”

“I wouldn’t make them the damn bad guys yet,” he said softly.  “Just worried about their son who lost the love of his life and is shacking up with a guy damn near twice his age.”

“Well, I’ll give them more to talk about.”  Kaidan unlatched the door of the barn and headed inside.  “Let’s go for a fucking ride.”

“The motorcycles you talked about earlier,” Zaeed realized as he followed him inside.

Kaidan pulled off the tarp that covered the bikes.  Regis’s red and black monster and Kaidan’s blue and silver slim machine looked as new and as clean as they were when they bought them a few years ago.

Same condition as they were when they drove off in the country after they returned home to tell the Alenkos the news of their Normandy notification.

“Fucking beautiful machines,” Zaeed breathed, leaning up against him. “You two were holding out on me. Damn, the helmet gifts were selfish on my part, but now I definitely realize how accurate they were.”

Kaidan kissed him on the cheek. “Thoughtful without even knowing it.  Regis was a stickler with his monster. I may have ridden it maybe twice as the driver.” He closed his eyes and let out a breath. “But he isn't here to bitch to me about it, so we're going to take his Alchemy for a ride.”

“I can hear him now,” Zaeed said, his voice rough. “Yeah, let's piss him off.”

Kaidan grabbed his helmet from the cabinet and passed a spare one to Zaeed.  They weren't in the best gear for riding, but nothing a quick flash forge of tech armor won't fix in a pinch. 

His codes still worked and the motorcycle roared to life in a loud purr.  All he could hear was the shout Regis would let out every time he got on his bike. 

Zaeed whistled. “If I didn't know him I'd say he was compensating for something.” 

“It's so ridiculous,” Kaidan agreed with a laugh, ignoring the wetness that started to gather around his eyes. “He loved it.”

“Yeah, I'm sure he did.”

Kaidan hopped on and Zaeed got on behind him, wrapping his arms around and resting his helmeted head on his shoulder.  A mirror to earlier today. 

With one last deep breath, Kaidan took off and drove towards the dirt road leading to the back of the property heading into the country. 

– –

They drove in silence, only letting the sound of Alchemy’s roar fill the air.  Zaeed never asked where Kaidan was planning on going, but he did have a destination in mind. 

About thirty minutes out is a little clearing next to a small pond, a short walk from the road. A favorite spot of Regis’s, due to the large, lone apple tree that provided a perfect bit of shade. 

A secret haven for the locals.  Many initials have been carved into that tree or at the wooden table and benches that have made their way over to the spot. 

A slice of life he wants to show Zaeed. 

The air was cool and slowly the sun was starting to set, but Kaidan didn't care.  He needed to get away for a moment, to get away from the judging, but loving eyes of his family and take Zaeed for himself.

Soon enough, they arrived and Kaidan parked Regis's motorcycle off to the side, powering it back down with his omnitool, the roar of the motor quieting down.  It felt like he was silencing Regis and his spirit.

“That's one damn good bike,” Zaeed said, unwrapping himself from Kaidan and stepping down from the bike, taking off his helmet. “I can see why he's so protective over it.”

“It amazes me he never went into engineering.  He just… forged his own path,” Kaidan said, running his hand down the side of the warm machine before taking off his own helmet.  He reached out for Zaeed's hand. “Follow me.”

He was a grounding presence as they walked the well-worn trail heading to the peaceful clearing, footsteps crunching the leaves and a soft breeze rustling amongst the trees.  Kaidan took in a deep breath, smelling the outdoors that was his home.

But it didn’t quite feel like home without Regis taking this trip with him.  

Zaeed was making it easier.

The trees parted to reveal the clearing, and Kaidan led him over to one of the picnic tables closest to the apple tree, sitting down with a sign.  Zaeed settled against him, wrapping an arm around him and pulling him in close to his side.   Kaidan rested his head on his shoulder, closing his eyes.  “I shouldn’t have stormed off.”

Zaeed let out a snort.  “Well, it led you to bringing me here, so it can’t have been that terrible of a decision.” “No, I guess not.  They would’ve heard that beast of his and immediately knew where we were going.  Fuck, I miss him.”  He let out a shuddering breath, trying to hold back the sob that threatened to escape.  

“This is where he wanted to propose, wasn’t it?” Zaeed asked.

“Yeah, it sure as shit was.  Look,” he pointed with a shaky hand.  “We even carved our initials on that tree.”

Many couples had done the same. His and Regis’s were near the heart of the tree.

“You sure did,” Zaeed said softly.  “Excuse me.”  Kaidan wanted to argue as Zaeed stood up, but he watched him find a spot just underneath their initials and added his own with a dagger carefully hidden in his boot.  He put his name above Regis so it was sandwiched between them.  

He was the glue that brought them all together in the end.

When Zaeed sat back down and put his arm around him, Kaidan broke, sobbing into his chest, thinking back to that damn video, that damn ring, that damn Regis.

Zaeed held him tightly, and Kaidan chose to ignore the wetness he felt on his head from where Zaeed was resting his chin.  Silent sobs wracked them both in the heart of the Canadian country, as the sun set and the stars that became Regis’s grave started to twinkle and shine.

But nothing will shine as bright as Regis and his biotics, a beacon on both the battlefield and in their hearts.  

Distantly, he heard the roar of a motorcycle, and they slowly broke apart, still holding each other tightly.  His omnitool pinged and he checked it while wiping his eyes.

Dad: May we join you?

Mom: We took your bike.  Sorry if I messed with your settings.  I have some of the Thessian pie, if you two just want some of that and we can go.

“Think we all should talk,” Zaeed said, clearing his throat.

Kaidan nodded, not exactly trusting his voice right now.

Kaidan: Come on over.  If you have tissues or at least napkins… that will be appreciated.

Mom: We sure do.

Kaidan didn’t reply, and tried to steel himself and regain some of his composure before his parents entered the clearing.  He knew this is where his mother proposed to his father, a little jewel of the country.  It’s a damn shame the apples weren’t in season.

Another thing he so desperately wanted to share with Zaeed.  Another thing he wanted to share with Regis once more.

They didn’t break apart for one moment, listening to each other’s heart beat, listening to the other’s breathing.  In and out.  One second at a time.

The tell-tale sound of footsteps traveling on leaves filled the air, and his mother and father approached them.  His mother was holding a picnic basket, while his father carried a small cooler.  

“Oh, sweetheart,” his mother said, rushing over to put the basket on the table and passing him and Zaeed some tissues.  “I’m so sorry.”

“No,” Kaidan said, his voice rough.  “I’m–”

“You don’t have a damn thing to apologize for,” his father interrupted.  “If anything it’s–”

“No one’s apologizing for a fucking thing,” Zaeed said with a finaility, all attention on him.  “So, let’s cry about Regis, eat some damn good pie, and see where it goes.”

Kaidan started to laugh, which initially sounded like a sob, his shoulders shaking until the laugh bubbled out of him, a loud bark utterly unlike him.  Zaeed joined him, squeezing him tight, and soon enough, they were all laughing.  Kaidan ignored the tears that sprung in his eyes, blaming them on the laughter.

Hope you’re happy, wherever you are, my love.  And also cursing my name for taking out your Alchemy.

When everything calmed and quieted down, his parents reintroduced themselves, Zaeed did the same, and was frank about his tattoo.  “I may not be a Suns any longer, but I do run a similar way of life.  That goddamn way of life brought me to Regis and Kaidan, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  And now with all the shit that’s going on in the galaxy…”

“You can’t hang up your gun just yet,” his father guessed, and Zaeed nodded.

“And I also made a promise to keep an eye on him.  Can’t do that if I don’t have my goddamn gun.”  Kaidan leaned in to kiss his cheek, smiling at Zaeed’s words.  They must be a blotchy, wrecked mess, but he didn’t care.

His mother busied herself into passing out the pie and some bottled drinks.  Just water, knowing they had to ride back to the property in the dark.  “Vik and Adrian offered to come, but we didn’t know if you wanted a full party here.”

“Maybe not,” Kaidan said, taking the plate with a nod of thanks.  “You took my bike?”

“Aurelia insisted,” his father shrugged.

She nodded. “Been a while since your girl has been out. Quicksilver needed some love. Lord knows Alchemy did.  Think he's yelling at you right now?”

Kaidan paused mid bite, tilting his head to the side. “I don't know, actually.  Maybe the sight of Zaeed riding it with me could've made him pause.” He sniffed, setting down the pie and reaching for a clean tissue to blow his nose.  Reaching back for the pie, he took a bite, humming at the sour, juicy taste of the fruit.  “He would’ve loved this too.”

“Right, he always liked sour things,” his father said.  “Him and his weird obsession with hard lemonade, for one.”

Even his parents noticed that odd fact about him.  Sure, he would enjoy mixed drinks filled with syrup and fruit, but he’d always ask for hard lemonade if someone was buying or grab a case or two when it was their time to buy drinks.  

“He got that from Hannah,” Kaidan replied.  “Always bugged me that he never shared my taste for alcohol.”

“Make that our taste,” Zaeed said in between bites.  “This is excellent, by the way.  What did Vik think?”

“Asked for the recipe immediately,” his mother laughed.  “Said it was one of the best interpretations of the pie they’ve had in years.  And I got the feeling they meant decades.”

“Likely so,” Zaeed replied.  “Vik’s been around.  And well, I wouldn’t exactly be here without them.  Sort of.”

“Really?” Kaidan asked. “I could tell you both knew each other beyond passing.”

He rubbed at the scar on his face. “You already know that Hackett helped me out after I was betrayed.  Vik was the one that healed me up.”

Kaidan already knew all the other details.  How exactly he was betrayed.  His drive for revenge. This adds even more context. Probably even helped explain why Vik also accepted them so readily. 

“The same Hackett that is overseeing your new orders?” His father asked. “Small galaxy.”

Kaidan nodded, finishing his slice of pie. “Yeah, same person. Threw me for a loop when Zee told me about their past. Just means we have a good group here.”

“That it does,” his mother said, cleaning up the table and putting the dirty plates in the basket. 

“Vik made it clear about their own thoughts on our little… grilling of you, Zaeed. And I know you said no apologies, but I'm sorry for putting you on the spot about your past,” his father turned to Zaeed. 

“Like I said, it's fine. I don't blame you one goddamn bit. Thanks for letting me come.”

“It was no trouble,” she said. “Now, are you boys going to head back with us or enjoy the night air for a little longer?”

Kaidan looked over at Zaeed. “There's one more thing I'd like to talk about before we go. About… how I met Regis.”

To his relief, his parents didn't react other than a nod and wishes for a safe drive once they’re on their way, along with a message so they know when to expect them.  Zaeed looked at him curiously, but he didn’t protest until his parents were well out of their sight.

“Am I missing something?” He asked.  “I thought you two met in biotic training.  Unless you wanted some more alone time…” he trailed off, but his concerned look didn’t leave despite his suggestive comment.

Kaidan scooted closer to him on the bench, resting his head on his shoulder.  “That’s the easy way to put it.”  He took a deep breath, and he launched into the story of BAaT.  Of meeting Regis and Rahna and everyone else.  Kids under the wrath of a turian merc.  Kaidan’s own attitude and where that got him.  The friendship he formed with Regis early on, never noticing Regis’s feelings for him until after BAaT.  

Zaeed stayed a silent, steady presence next to him as he continued on, talking about their treatment.  The conditions they were under, the injuries many of them sustained, the lack of care all for results.  The red sand that was introduced for some.  Kaidan got very little.

Regis got a hell of a lot more.

“Explains why he smoked those damn Astras,” Zaeed interrupted.  “Always wondered how he got into that habit.”

Vik got him into it as a safe way to deal with the cravings.  They didn’t expect him to start using them more recreationally.  Kaidan wished he still had that old lighter that Regis gave him to hold onto so that he had to go through him for cravings. 

Even if he could light the damn things easily with his omnitool, he never did.  He was in control of his habit to an extent.  Kaidan can’t really say anything, though.

When Regis would smoke, Kaidan would share with him.

Kaidan nodded.  “Yeah, they dosed us to see the limits of what we could do.  It stopped after they overdosed one of the students.  Claimed it was a result of the implant, but we all knew what really happened.   Eezo overload and implant failure.”

Zaeed cursed, shaking his head.  “And something tells me there’s worse shit you haven’t told me about.”

Kaidan couldn’t help but laugh, which prompted Zaeed to let out another curse.  “I’m getting there.”

There was no use delaying it.  All the kids who had to use their biotics to build something.  The glass of water offered to Rahna, who reached out with her arm.

Kaidan springing to her defense after Vyrnnus broke her arm.  The talon to his face and then–a stasis.  But too late, as Kaidan already primed his kick and somehow snapped his neck despite Regis’s field.

The aftermath was easier to talk about now, with Regis’s words echoing in the back of his mind.  None of this was your fault.  We all wanted something to happen to him.  One day, they will see it like I do.

I wish it was me in your place instead.

When they took you away, I promised I would look out for you.  That hasn’t changed.

That will never change.

When Kaidan finished telling Zaeed about BAaT, he noticed a meteor streak across the sky, a bright white line that quickly faded into nothing.  He wasn’t sure what it meant, but he’d take any sign that Regis was out there.  “And there he is, still looking out for me.  Maybe he wasn’t pissed off about Alchemy.”

“You said he made you a promise, Regis doesn't break them lightly,” Zaeed said, looking up at the sky, waiting for a sign of his own, perhaps. 

“No,” Kaidan’s voice hitched.  “No, he doesn’t.”

Zaeed was quiet for a moment before pulling him into a hug. “I could tell how fucking hard that was to tell me.  I'm sorry you went through that. You both were goddamn kids.”

“Thanks,” Kaidan said, returning his hug and not letting go just yet. “It was just… a heavy burden to have weighing on us. Regis got off easy in comparison, and he tried to make sure I didn't let anyone get to me afterwards.” He closed his eyes. “That's when I knew he loved me.  Still took him a couple of years to make the first move. I was too scared, still too afraid of what I could be.  I could've worked through it on my own eventually, but he made sure I didn't have to do it alone.” Yet again, he could feel tears gathering. 

“And you aren't alone now. Not as long as you have me, godammit.”

“I love you.  Thank you for being here.”

“I love you, too. Thank you for letting me in.”

– – 

The drive back was quiet, their flash-forged tech armor helping to light the way on the dark roads that led back to his family’s property. 

Vik was waiting for them at the barn, sitting on one of the stools in front of the workbench. “Everything okay?” They asked. 

Kaidan powered down Alchemy after parking it next to his Quicksilver, deconstructing his tech armor. “Been better, but we're good.  Thanks for waiting on us.”

“Don't mention it.  Get some sleep, darling. Remember, you're also here to learn some new tricks before you get back out there.”

“Don't worry, I haven't forgotten,” Kaidan tried to return their grin, but it felt forced.  Vik luckily didn't comment on it. 

“And Zaeed, you are welcome to watch,” they said with a knowing look. 

“Might have to take you up on that.  I love seeing biotics in action.”

“You'll get plenty of that. Just remember whose home you are staying in,” they chuckled, and Kaidan felt his cheeks heat up at Zaeed's gaze. 

“Thanks Vik,” Kaidan rolled his eyes. 

“Anytime. Adrian helped get your old bedroom in order. All you have to do is get some sleep,” they repeated again with a pointed look. “I won't lie and say I was silent after you two left, but I think tensions were high solely because of who we were remembering.”

Kaidan was sure Vik was being tactful, and his parents did say that Vik got a few words in. “Regis wanted me–us–to move on.”

“I know.  My kid clearly cared for the both of you, and I wish he told me about you three,” Vik said, looking at them both. “But he's always been a secretive sort.  You should probably tell Hannah about this.  I think she’d appreciate knowing another aspect of her son.”

Would she?  Hannah approved of them, seemingly happy Regis found someone that managed to get him in the Alliance he was so seemingly against back when they first met and were talking about their lives and dreams.  Sometimes Kaidan wondered if his drive to join the Alliance caused Regis to do the same, knowing he had his own plans with his cybernetics education.

But Regis was happy in the Alliance.  Despite Torfan.  Despite his mother’s reaction.  Despite… the beacon.

Kaidan wasn’t sure how she’d react to him moving on so fast, even if he does give the extra details, send a few pictures, and bring Adrian and Vik in on this to help his case.

It’s a conversation he will have to have soon.

“I’ll talk to her,” Kaidan said, motioning for Zaeed to help him cover the bike.  “I had a meeting with her first about what to do next.”

“How was that?” Vik asked.  “I’ve only talked to her once since… the funeral.”  Still hard for them all to say.

“Fine, if a little… well.  You know,” Kaidan said, making a so-so gesture.  Vik nodded along.  They understood.  “I have her support in many ways, though.” “Personally and professionally.  Good,” Vik said with a nod.  “Well, I shouldn’t keep you.  Need you to be well rested.”

“Should I be worried?”

“No, I imagine you’ll be a good student.  Reaving, bubbles, and fields can take a lot out of you, so we’ll need plenty of calories. Especialy you.”  Vik got up from the stool.  “Which means if Zaeed is a good boyfriend, he’ll be supplying that for you.”

“Well, if the Alenkos will let me take over their grill, I’ll be a good boyfriend,” Zaeed said, grabbing his hand and tugging on it to urge Kaidan along.  

“So does that make Adrian a terrible partner because he doesn’t do that for you?” Kaidan asked.

Vik laughed.  “I love him with all my heart.  Keep him as far away from a kitchen as possible.  He makes up for it in other ways, and well, we don’t burn as many calories in comparison.”

“Huh, I didn’t know that,” he admitted, locking up the barn and making sure everything was powered down.  

“Younger maidens, yes,” they said.  “They need more energy to grow, just like your teenagers and young adults.  But once we mature beyond that, it evens out.  It’s still not the same caloric deficit.  I had to learn a lot of adjustments on the fly after BAaT.”  After they said the name of the program, they stopped and looked at Kaidan.  “Sorry, does he?”

“He does,” Zaeed answered.  “Just learned about it.  Fucking hell.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Not that it’s any of my goddamn business…” Zaeed trailed off, looking at Kaidan and Vik.  He knew where this was going.

Vik interrupted, “Why didn’t I teach Regis?”

Zaeed nodded, glancing over at Kaidan.  He returned his gaze with a nod, hoping that it told him he was fine with the question.  Kaidan honestly didn’t know, and he never asked Regis about it.  Considering Regis was always a little pissed at the whole situation every time it was brought up, it wasn’t something worth pursuing.  They were here now, and Regis tended to not dwell much on alternatives.  What happened, happened, and he was going to deal with it.

Well, with Regis’s unhealthy tendencies to hold a hell of a grudge.  What he would give to hear Regis rant again…

“Politics,” they damn near spat, the venom evident.  Kaidan wasn’t surprised.  It made sense.  After all, humanity’s biotics were all about the politics.

“It’s good PR to have the son of a high ranking Alliance officer endorse the program, right?  But I know Hannah wanted me to do it, despite me being an old Commando.  And I never really got the chance to teach him the way I wanted after he told me that he was joining the Alliance, but alas… I wouldn’t necessarily say that it would’ve been better for him to have learned from me.  It brought him to you, after all.”  Vik motioned towards him.

That’s what Regis would always say.  He never regretted BAaT because it brought them together.  Didn’t stop Kaidan’s vein’s from turning to ice.  Didn’t stop the feeling of relief that Regis was there anyway.  The selfishness of knowing him despite the torture they went through.

No, Kaidan thought to himself, it wouldn’t have been better for Regis to have learned how to control his biotics from Vik.

One thing he didn’t know, however, was that Hannah wanted Vik to do it.  “Did Regis know that his mother wanted you to teach him?”

Vik’s eyes widened, their markings stretching across their face.  “Wait, she never told him?  This whole time, she let him think that she blocked me from…” they shook their head.  “Can’t believe she let herself be turned into a bad guy.  Explains why Regis never really cornered me about it beyond when he first asked me about it.”

Kaidan knew part of that story.  A young Regis asking Vik to be his teacher, to be like the asari commandos he heard stories about as a kid.  But Vik only said to ask his mother, and that was the end of the conversation.

“In some ways,” Kaidan continued walking back to the house.  “She already was for not letting Regis spend more time on Earth, but that doesn’t explain why she never explained herself.  Unless… she didn’t want to poison the Alliance for him?  I don’t know.” He sighed.  “I’m sorry, there’s really no use speculating about it.”

“And Regis wouldn’t want us to anyway,” Vik said with undisguised frustration.  “I’d say the Alliance was poisoned for him long before BAaT.  Clearly BAaT and its ties didn’t deter him either, but you had a lot to do with that.”  Something… else was lingering in their tone that Kaidan couldn’t place.

He felt bold.  “In what way?”

“I’m not saying you forced him.  Goddess, darling,” They shook their head.  

“What are you saying?” Kaidan tried to keep his voice neutral, but the weariness and emotions of the day were bearing down on him.

“Sometimes I wonder what his life would’ve been like if he didn’t join.  That’s it.  But I’d imagine he would’ve followed me to Omega and used his cybernetics degree for all the right and wrong reasons, and ended up in another dangerous situation,” Vik sighed.  They stopped at the back door of the patio.  “Unlike Regis, I think about every damn thing. You think I wouldn't with how many centuries I've been alive, but I've never been good at acceptance.  He was destined for greatness and far away from the quiet life.  I’m just… I’ve lost a lot of friends and people I loved.  I didn’t expect to lose him so soon.”

Kaidan felt like a dick.  “Vik, I’m—”

“Sorry? Don’t be.  You are looking out for your love the same way I’m looking out for my kid.  What’s the phrase?  Water under the bridge?” They held out their hand.

Kaidan shook it, feeling the soft hiss of Vik’s corona intersect with his own.  A foreign sensation so unlike the field that would form between his and Regis’s.  

“Water under the bridge,” Kaidan repeated.  “You got it right.”

“Adrian’s a good teacher.  He also helped get your bedroom ready to go with your luggage.” Vik stepped aside to open the door.  The lights were off in the house.  His parents must’ve already gone up to bed.  

“Thanks,” Zaeed said with a yawn.  “It’s been a long day.”

“Especially for you both,” Vik said as they all walked quietly up the stairs.  Adrian waved at them from the hallway.  His hair was down from its usual bun, and to Kaidan's amusement, he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with asari writing on it.

“Hope you had some good time alone,” he said, opening his arms for a hug.  Kaidan accepted it, inhaling deeply, smelling the same hint of citrus that Regis loved in his own scents.  He knew they used the same hair products, both enjoying taming and styling their curls best they could.  Another indulgence Regis loved was expensive self-care products, comparing notes with his uncle.

“We did,” Kaidan said quietly, pulling away.  “Thanks for waiting up.”

Adrian waved it off.  “Anytime.  You’re basically my surrogate kid, so I’m going to be your surrogate uncle and tell you to get some rest.  Also because Vik is going to kick your ass tomorrow.”

Kaidan rolled his eyes but was smiling all the same.  “We’ll see about that.”

“I look forward to it.” Vik bowed.  “Good night to the both of you.”

“Good night,” Kaidan said, and Zaeed nodded, following him to his old bedroom at the end of the hall.

It was nearly as he left it the last time he and Regis visited.  The bed was already unmade, piled high with warm blankets and pillows, his old blue comforter a nice sight to see.  His walls were still covered with old pictures and posters, and Zaeed looked around, taking them in, grinning at some but never saying anything.  He stopped at an array of photos on his old dresser.

Photos from when Regis was visiting in between his classes and when he graduated with his cybernetics degree.  Still young and before they enlisted.  Kaidan did a bit of schooling online, but finished his biology background by going into a specialty medic track while in the Alliance.  

Zaeed picked another photo up.  Regis was grinning in his graduation regalia, holding up his degree while Kaidan kissed him on the cheek.  He remembered his mother taking that picture, smiling and laughing at their affection. 

“He was so young,” Zaeed said.  “No tats, no scars… looks completely different.”

“Torfan changed him,” Kaidan said, taking the photo from him and putting it back on the dresser.  “Face was still full of metal though.”

“Sure was,” he laughed.  His gaze turned to another picture, taken not long after BAaT.  It was a selfie of Regis Kaidan had framed, always pulling it back out every time Regis tried to hide it.

It still had Regis with his natural green eyes instead of his gene modded red.

“Didn’t know he used to have green eyes either,” Zaeed said, probably thinking of his own.  “We could’ve matched.”

Kaidan has thought about that too.  “Not long after BAaT is when he got into body mods.  It was like no time at all when he started changing things about himself.  Going for a face full of piercings, full sleeves of tattoos… he didn’t get the neck ones until after Torfan.  His chest wasn’t long after he got the ones on his neck.”

“And the one on his back?”

“Not long after we landed in Omega,” Kaidan said, wishing he could trace the lines of that cybernetic heart.

“I knew the story behind his neck.  Hell, when I got his Black Widow, I saw that skull of his staring back at me,” Zaeed said.  “His arms were because of his father, right?”

“Porcelain flowers because of his late grandmother’s tea sets.  Yggdrasil directly because his father had one on his back.  Treated like a connection to Earth, and I asked Regis if I could get it too.” Kaidan rubbed his leg where the tattoo was.  “Damn near knocked me over with the kiss he gave me.”

“I can imagine that… think it’ll be okay if I get some of his flowers on my hip?” Zaeed asked quietly, almost hesitant.

Kaidan leaned in for a kiss, soft and sweet.  “I think he–and I–would like that.  I was going to get a big piece done on my back as well.  Haven’t decided what yet.  Maybe a bit of eezo ink too.”

“Sounds like something we can try to do together.”

“I’d like that.”  Kaidan let out a yawn.  “Best get to bed.  Sounds like Vik is going to kick my ass tomorrow.”

“Do you know exactly what they’re going to teach you?  Haven’t heard any of that biotic shit before–well, maybe bubbles.” Zaeed asked as he grabbed his luggage, sorting through his bed clothes and grabbing his toiletries.

“A few things.  I sort of know the theory behind them, but it’s not going to be easy.”  Kaidan started to unpack his clothes too, grabbing what he needed and starting to tug off his clothes before pulling on the soft red plaid pajama pants he stole from Regis.  A bit too long on him, but they were something to steal.

He walked into the bathroom and turned on the light.  Zaeed settled behind him, shirtless against his own bare skin, wrapping his arms around his stomach as Kaidan began to brush his teeth.  “Either way, it’ll be a hell of a show.”

Kaidan hummed, going through the motions before spitting out the paste.  “Just wish Regis were here to do it with me.”

“So do I.” He kissed the top of his head and swapped places with him.  “My turn.”

So easy to get lost in the domesticity.  Kaidan wished they had a few more days.

– –

Kaidan stared at his omnitool while sitting on the edge of the bed, thinking back to what Vik said earlier about Hannah.  It was late, but he knew she kept long hours.  And he doubted she, like the rest of them, was getting much sleep lately.  

Zaeed was already under the covers, scrolling on his own omnitool.

It will be just a quick call.  He can also update her on the T’Soni situation from his perspective, hoping that Hackett already had that conversation with her.

“Going to call his mother?” he asked.  

“Thinking about it.”

“Then do it.  Need a minute alone?”

Kaidan shook his head.  “No, but I am going to pull on a shirt.”  He reached for the sweatshirt he brought with him, branded with the Alliance marines symbol, and tugged it on.  “I’m going to tell her about us and what we had with him, but I won’t make you part of the call unless she asks.”

“She’s going to ask.  She’ll know,” he laughed, but it didn’t sound carefree.  A little strained, either from the weight of the day or facing yet another meeting with a parent.

Kaidan snorted and got up to sit at his desk, sending her a quick message.

She replied nearly instantly with a link, no message attached to it.

Kaidan took a deep breath and opened the link, keeping his bed out of the view.  She appeared on the other side, her dark black hair down in waves instead of its usual bun.  She looked tired, older, wearing a purple turtleneck that immediately reminded him of Regis.

“Hackett told me you were with family and to not bother you.  What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Nothing’s wrong, but Vik wanted me to talk to you about something.  First, need me to talk about the whole thing with T’Soni?”

She waved it off.  “Not now.  What more can you say?  I know Regis didn’t want her on board, and more than that, I realize how idiotic the Council was for not putting her up in protective custody when he asked.” She scoffed.  “He made a hell of a choice that day.  Though, it shouldn’t surprise me by now.”

“That he’s willing to sacrifice to get the outcome he wants?” Kaidan challenged, unable to prevent himself from striking out.

“No.” Her face was still.  “That he was willing to make the ballsy choices that would have nearly every admiral in this leadership squealing.  If he didn’t keep back our fleet, he could’ve doomed the goddamn galaxy.  Of course, no one’s going to see it that way,” she sighed.  “But I’m with you and him on that.  He did the right thing.  Always tried.”

Kaidan bit back his comment.  Should’ve told him that more often.  

“I know what you want to say, and trust me, I have plenty of regrets.  So, why was Vik wanting you to talk to me?” 

Hannah was always good at reading people.  But not her son.

How to best start this story… “Remember the man in Regis’s will that he gave his arsenal to?  The ones that weren’t on the Normandy?”

“I do,” she nodded, narrowing his eyes.  “It wasn’t the time to ask or contest when we were handling it.  Who is he?”

Kaidan let out a breath.  “Zaeed Massani was an old temporary third in our relationship a few years ago.”

To her credit, her expression barely changed, save for a slight widening of her eyes.  “And when you say temporary…”

“A few weeks.  An ill-advised shore leave on Omega that showed we were a little in over our heads…”

“And you met him there,” she guessed, not accepting the bait for the story.  He was grateful for that.

Kaidan nodded.  “It’s a bit of a long story but… yes.  We mutually agreed to pursue him and well… we stayed friends after we parted ways.”

“Had to if he willed his goddamn Widow to him.  Skull engraving and all?”

“Skull engraving and all,” Kaidan echoed.  “He’s not just some friend to us.”

“But I didn’t know him,” she said, lacing her fingers together on her desk.

“Vik and Adrian didn’t either in that way,” Kaidan said.  “Vik only knew Zaeed in passing due to their work.  Adrian mostly knew Zaeed because of Vik, not because of us.”

“Runs in the same circles as Vik, huh.  So, what are you going to tell me next?  Don’t tell me he’s part of T’Loak’s circle…”

He was sure Zaeed had to be careful to not make himself known at that comment.  “He’s an independent merc.”

She nodded, leaning back in her chair.  “Okay.  What is this really about, Kaidan?  You call me late at night to tell me of an ex-fling of yours that ended up making such an impact that Regis willed his goddamn armory to him.  Well, that’s now explained because of his work.  But why did Vik want you to tell me this?  Another reminder that my son and I never talked to each other?”

Kaidan let her rant, keeping his face still.  Here goes nothing.  “Regis gave me a separate video for me to watch.  I finally watched it.”

“He recorded me a short one too,” she said, her face softening.  “What did he say?”

“He wanted me to move on with my life.  Find someone else.  And in that video, he mentioned Zaeed by name.”

Her face, again, betrayed nothing. 

So, he continued.  “When I left Arcturus, I met up with Zaeed before even knowing about the video.  He just happened to be on Earth.  So, I finally faced that damn video with him by my side, and Regis dropped that bomb out of nowhere.  Regis hoped that Zaeed would be that person for me to rely on and one day love.” His voice caught on the last word.  “And Hannah, I loved your son.  I love him still, but… Regis gave me his goddamn blessing and I’m not about to waste an opportunity we both wanted after that shore leave.”  He didn’t think he still had tears to cry, but more threatened to fall.

“You don’t need my fucking blessing for anything, kid.  Regis… found himself with you.  And I am so grateful that he had you, and I’m sure your parents felt the same way about him.  Do I think this is too soon?  Maybe.  You need time, but time isn’t something any of us have these days.  Just… introduce him to me at some point.  I’d like to know the man that managed to pull both of you in,” she said, crossing her hands on top of each other on the table.  

Kaidan never expected that response out of her.  Likely due to Regis’s influence, his own thoughts on his mother seeping into whatever opinion Kaidan tried to create on his own.  

But there were too many times that made it difficult for Kaidan to paint her in a good light.

“Thank you,” Kaidan said, wiping at his eyes.  “I don’t want you to think that I’m just throwing away what we had.  We were so damn close to tying the knot.”  

“It took Atlas and I years,” she said.  “I understand.  Find your peace.  I wish I could find mine.”

“Vik wanted me to call you because I’ve already brought Zaeed down to meet Mom and Dad,” Kaidan blurted.  

This time, she did react, not hiding her shock.  “Already?  And how did that… no, it’s not any of my business.”  By the way she sounded, she definitely thought it was her business. “A couple of rough spots but… they want me to be happy,” Kaidan said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“And I want that for you too, truly.  So, you called me to size up my reaction.  Fair enough.  If he’s okay with that, I want to at least say hello,” she said, quickly recovering.  

Kaidan didn’t have to say anything.  Zaeed got up from the bed, pulled on his tank top, and moved into the frame.

“Wait a second… you’re Hackett’s old–” she cut herself off.  

“He knows,” Zaeed said, moving to put a hand on his shoulder.  “He knows I’m his old friend and old beau.  Nice to meet you, Admiral Shepard.”

“Just call me Shepard, Massani,” she said with a laugh.  “Fucking hell, this galaxy is tiny.  Explains why your name kept gnawing on me, but I couldn’t place it.  Never been good with names…” she trailed off.  “My kid must’ve trusted and loved you a lot to give you his gun.  That’s all the endorsement I need.”

“I carry it with pride,” Zaeed said.  “I know the meaning of what he engraved on it.”

“Good.  Take care of each other.  We’ll talk more later.  You both look tired.”

“Yeah, it’s been a long day,” Kaidan said, stifling a yawn.  

“I bet,” she said, giving them both a small smile.  “Between the bullshit going on with that asari, your impending future, and introducing your partner to the family… get some rest.  Give the Alenkos my love.  I’ll try to make a trip down soon.”

He thought it was funny how she gave meeting the parents the same level of stress as all the other shit going on in his life.

“I will.  They’ll be happy to host you.”

“That I know for a fact.  Take care of each other.  Not just for Regis, but yourselves.  Might need to get some stories out of you.”  Before Kaidan could reply, she closed the link.

Zaeed squeezed his shoulder tighter.

Kaidan felt a little lighter after having that conversation, but now, all he wanted to do was snuggle up with Zaeed for as long as he could. A part of him also wanted to grill her more on the BAaT story he learned from Vik, but this wasn't the time.

And really, there wouldn't be much of a time without Regis there with them.

[plazmafields]

Life After Relic

(How I think my V would fare in each of the Cyberpunk 2077 endings)

TW: Suicide and self destruction

The Sun (w/ Kerry): This is Vesper’s canon ending. Ves, Kerry, Mama Welles, and Misty become an odd family unit, having dinner at V and Kerry’s mansion in Watson almost every weekend. Sometimes Vik comes too, and of course Kerry’s kids (when he sees them 4 weeks out of the year). V doesn’t really feel like a dad, but he’s good with kids and likes seeing Kerry’s more domestic side. It’s a nice treat, anyway, but V and Kerry never get married. V doesn’t see the point, and Kerry is still put off by the idea since his divorce was so rocky. Kerry isn’t big on pets, but Nibbles always sleeps on his side of the bed. Kerry definitely hates it and V definitely doesn’t wake up to find Kerry snuggling the cat instead of him. (He calls her “Lil’ Ms. Nibs” when he thinks Ves can’t hear him)

[things get much sadder from here]

The Sun (w/o Kerry): Vesper’s gig to infiltrate the Crystal Palace is a suicide mission. He really fucking struggles without Johnny; suddenly the noise of the city isn’t enough anymore. He had gotten so used to Johnny’s thoughts keeping his brain occupied, pushing his own thoughts down and away. Now that his mind is a consciousness lighter, V wonders if Johnny made his thoughts so loud on purpose. V won’t off himself (Johnny made him promise) but if he takes a gig way out of his scope and doesn’t make it back, at least he’ll die a legend. Vesper is discovered and killed 3 days into his mission. His body is ejected into space.

The Devil: Vesper would never take this ending. He’s anti-corp through and through, even skipping gigs that have obvious corp ties. He would sooner let his mind wither away and allow Johnny to inhabit his body.

The Star: Panam and Ves really tried the relationship thing, but between Panam’s hotheadedness and V’s pessimism, they fought a lot. They decided it was better if they remained friends. V is very thankful for all the Aldecaldos did for him and continue to do, but he can’t stop thinking about how many of the clan died only for him to have 6 months to live, and no leads left to explore. The desert is quiet, and the sounds of the camp and the family do help drown out his intrusive thoughts, but then he just remembers Saul and Scorpion and the veterans. He becomes incredibly reckless on jobs, taking more and more solo gigs and fucking them up to the point it feels intentional. Panam’s negging is coming from a place of worry, V knows that, but it only makes him feel more like a burden. Vesper allows himself to be captured by Wraiths on a routine smuggling route and is tortured for information on the Aldecaldos. Forever grateful, V dies without ever revealing their location.

Temperance: This ending is very improbable for Vesper to take. It would require him never making any friends, or somehow losing Mama Welles. But, if those things were to happen, V would have no reason to keep going and would allow Johnny to keep his body. Johnny never had a plan for what would happen if V gave him his body, so his life becomes aimless. He can’t keep making music, because he isn’t Johnny Silverhand anymore, not completely. He can’t keep living in Night City or go with the Aldecaldos because he isn’t V and couldn’t pretend to be if he tried. He tries to tell Rogue, but she knows, just from hearing him talk. She refuses to see him again. He tells Kerry (only if Ves was sleeping with him, which again would rule out this ending BUT) and Kerry is fucking furious. He almost beats Johnny within an inch of his life, but seeing Vesper’s eyes staring back at him stops him. All his healing is completely undone, and he never finishes his album, coasting off royalties for the rest of his career. Johnny goes to Atlanta, but feels the hollowness and depression V felt when he was there. Johnny drinks. The world forgets them both.

The Tower (w/o Kerry): After watching Misty drive off to begin a new life, V takes the elevator to the roof above Vik’s clinic. He turns the radio on full volume, blasting Never Fade Away, and does what he should have done two years ago instead of calling Reed. Viktor finds his body that night.

The Tower (w/ Kerry): Vesper waits 4 months, like Kerry told him to. It’s hard, fucking hard, and he spends the entire time rotting in Misty’s old apartment. He misses her, he misses all his friends, and the way things used to be. He doesn’t want to dredge up bad memories for Judy or Panam, so he doesn’t even try to call. He never realized how much of his identity he attached to his hair. He starts the long process of growing it back, but his curls don’t lay the same. Vesper is absolutely wrecked when he realizes Kerry doesn’t feel the same way for him anymore. He’s excited to see Ves, sure, but he’s not reuniting with a lover. They have pleasant but awkward small talk. Before he leaves, Kerry offers him money to get his life back on track. Maybe he can put a good word in for V with some of his connections, to get him a stable job. V declines, but thanks him, promising to call. It’s not the only promise he would break that day. He goes to the dam overlooking Santo Domingo and sits, looking out over the city, until sunset. As he watches the sky turn pink, Vesper apologies aloud to Johnny, then Jackie, before throwing himself off the dam. Mama Welles has to identify his body.

V is a really tragic character in my eyes, and all the parts of their story that I’ve gotten most hung up on, I made major parts of Vesper’s life. The guilt of being the cause of so many deaths, the underlying depression that comes with living in late-stage capitalism, the very American mentality of making it big and not bothering to go on if you don’t. Originally, my canon ending for Ves was him dating Kerry and still dying during the Crystal Palace gig. It’s poetic in how much it reflects what Johnny did to Kerry. But then I realized I needed a little more joy in this dystopian (not-so-fictional) hellhole. So I decided he gets to be happy, so I can be a little happy myself. I didn’t mean for him to be as much of a self-insert as he ended up being. But as much as I want him—more than anything—to find a way out, that’s not the Cyberpunk spirit.

“Wrong people, wrong city.”

[v-anrouge]

I’m depressed, so I’m doing comfort headcannons!

Vil’s always gets pineapple when he’s upset, something about the shock to his system helps. When he was little he once ate so many he burned his mouth from the acidity! He’s dad taught him how to make pineapple juice and smoothies afterwards, and the drink is still one of his favorites.

Rook chews mint leaves, he would hide in his families garden when upset as a kid, and when angry he would rip some plants, I clueing the mint. He always feels bad about it afterwards and would apologize, but sometimes shoving a mint plant you saw your enemy working on felt good as a toddler

Vil wraps himself in half a dozen blankets, makes himself into a cocoon, it’s easier to hide in the blankets and forget the difficulties of the world like this. His dad still sometimes will pull cocoon Vil into his lap if he sees them.

Rook needs space, it’s why he likes the woods. He needs to move, run, jump and scream when upset. He looks like a kid having a tantrum, and he is embarrassed by this, but it is the best way he knows on how to get the frustrations out.

They’re both cuddle maniacs with loved ones, Rook doesn’t like tight cuddles, but he does enjoy feeling the presence of someone, the slight dip of the bed, or heat radiating off you, while Vil wants to be suffocated, wrap him up and just squeeze! They compromise by holding hands together, and you cuddle Vil with Rook nearby.

1- I LOVE PINEAPPLES VIK JS SO REAL in kindergarten i remember me and like my 6 friends would eat them and then scream and giggle as we go drink water because of the spicy sensation over and over and over again💀.

2- ROOK ANGRY EATING MINT JMSOBBING😭😭😭😭

3- this is so cute:(( his father seeing him like that and just pulling him up for a hug whitout asking anything:((

4- rook having little things he does that he's deathly embarrassed about ajhahshwh god he's so cute😿

5- ROAAAGH IM PGNNA DSHWHSHSZZUZUZ I LKVE THEM

I hope you're okay homie thank you so much for rambling to me!

[stephschoices]

Can we have some hc’s you have for your mc’s and their chosen RO from Disenchanted?! Your art is absolutely amazing, and your mc’s never miss!

Ahhhh yes!! I’m glad you like my mcs and art 🥰 tysm 💞🫶🏻

Isabelle (nephilim, Viktor route):

They will absolutely be Beauty and the Beast for Halloween

Viktors presence calms her down so she likes being around him whenever possible

When her anxiety gets going (which is often) he knows she needs more comfort and to be grounded, so he holds her hand.

They’re very touchy with each other which starts bc of Isabelle’s anxiety but at this point it’s just natural for them to always be touching in some way

If they hold hands for too long she’ll start playing with his

She doesn’t like talking to strangers so when someone comes up to talk suddenly she’ll look to Viktor and he knows to speak for her

She’ll wear his hoodies/sweaters whenever possible

When they’re sleeping together she likes to sleep on his chest and cover them both / wrap her wings around them

She likes to smooch the base of his horns to get him flustered 🤭

At some point Isabelle will start calling viks parents mom and dad

Leliana (siren, Lucien route):

They will absolutely be Ariel and Eric for Halloween (if that wasn’t obvious from my recent art 🤭)

Leliana will tell Lucien “I love you” all the time, because she never stopped and she wants him to know she always will

When the moment is right and she sees his back with no shirt on she’ll kiss the scar on his wing/back

Even tho it’s hard for nephilims with wings to swim, she’d definitely take him swimming in the shallow part/shore of the ocean. Lucien is always mesmerized by her siren form so she’ll splash him to get him to focus lol

Her legs get tired easily, especially when she wears heels. So when Lucien notices her getting too tired he’ll carry her bridal style wherever they need to go

They’ll take baths together and Leliana will like to wash Lucien’s hair and just cuddle for a few min before getting out

Leliana will mayhaps like to softly bite him with her sharp teeth during spicy times 🫣

Kamry (wraith, Avery route):

Less obvious than the others but her and Avery would be Sally and Jack for Halloween

Steals Avery’s clothes whenever possible

Whenever Avery is in a bad mood she’ll do the thing where you poke someone’s mouth corners to make them smile 🤭

I’ve thought the least about her route mainly bc I know the least about Avery so I don’t have many headcanons yet I’m sorry 😅

Elena (nephilim, Theodore route):

Also less obvious but they would be Rapunzel and Eugene for Halloween

They are the literal version of the angel x demon ship trope

Theo always knows how to make her smile. When she’s sad he’ll surprise tickle her to make her laugh

They’ll post so many cute couple pictures online, everyone is jealous

When he’s being too annoying she’ll grab his tail 🤭🤭

She likes to tell him “good boy” - in the bedroom and out just to see him get a little red 🤭

When she sees him getting really angry about to go full cambion she’ll hold his hand or wrap herself around his arm to calm him down

They’ll definitely fly together, being cute in the sky, wrapping their wings around each other 🥰

👏🏻 MATCHING PLUSHIES 👏🏻 specifically, Elena’s room is very pastel cute vibes, except her one dog plushie that’s red and black and very demon looking. And Theo has one dog plushie that’s white and very angel looking 💞 I like to imagine they have a few cute matching couples stuff, like pajamas and mugs 🥰

[w2soneshots]

Ranking the Sidemen by how good they would be as a boyfriend…

notes: Thank you @g-xix for tagging me in your post🫶🏼 (go read that if you haven’t already!) These are all my opinions and they’re pretty brief since I don’t have loads to say on the matter. I’m not insinuating any of them are bad but I’m just ranking from good to not as good, ya get me? This is also based on real life and is different to my fics since I kinda make them the best version of themselves in those, anyways enjoy!🤗

7- Tobjizzle

I’m sure he’s lovely but we haven’t seen any of his relationships which I understand wanting to keep your life private but I think it’s just a little strange?? There’s not much I can say about him but unfortunately he gives me weird vibes😭.

6- Behzinga

I think behz is pretty bang average. I like the banter him and Faith share and he seems like a great dad❤️‍🩹. The Mia thing is till a little crazy to me though since Faith was also heavily pregnant but we move👀.

5- W2S

As Gracie said in her post he’s very spontaneous which could be difficult but I think he’d be a pretty decent boyfriend. He doesn’t really discuss his love life but when he was with Katie they seemed to be happy. I also think that once he got into a serious relationship he’d be the type of guy to settle down + he has spoken a few times about having kids and others speak highly of him when it comes to how he is with Olive, for me that’s a green flag💞.

4- Vikstar

We don’t know loads about Vik’s relationship but he seems respectful and I think (from what I’ve seen) him and Ellie are well suited for each other. They have a house, dog and are married which is cute🐶.

3- KSI

For me JJ is pretty high on my list. Whenever he speaks about his girlfriend on side+ it’s always lovely things. I know that they broke up for a little while but it seemed like a healthy break up and not really toxic or anything. Overall I think he’s probably a great bf😌.

2- Zerkaa

I love Josh and Freya’s relationship! I think they’re so cute together and the fact they’re high school sweethearts🥹. Josh seems like a brilliant boyfriend. They go on holidays together, she’s in his vlogs and whenever he talks about her they’re relationship always sounds really healthy.

1- Miniminter

Simon is number one because Talia and his relationship is basically what I’d want. They seem to care deeply about each other. They don’t share loads about their love life but they don’t need to, you can just tell they’re great together by seeing their playful banter and the way they interact. He also seems present and he makes sure everything’s fair, like him and Talia take turns looking after the dogs to make sure the other can do what they need to do (I know that’s a basic thing but it was just an example)💝.

notes: This was kind of based off what I’ve seen of they’re own relationships since there’s not really much else I can go off. Tell me what you think in the comments!😚🫶🏼

[franklycharmed]

TASK: WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER’S BEDROOM LOOK LIKE AT WOODROW HOUSE?

May 1992 | Woodrow House | Pinterest Board

It was a lazy senior year Thursday afternoon when Stephanie P. (the one Angus hadn't frenched) curled up primly in the beanbag in the corner of Frankie's bedroom and casually announced: "Did you hear Heather's going to hell?"

Frankie had a mirror hung over a dresser cluttered with an open caboodle, several mismatched socks, and a pair of pantyhose with a run. Stationed there, her reflection paused its lipgloss application. Lip Smackers in Kiss Me Clear made her open-mouthed shock especially glossy. "Heather Peters? Class President Heather? Harvard-bound Heather?"

The page of Seventeen draped across Stephanie's lap was flipped in time with a snap of her gum. "Now two months pregnant Heather. Or was two months pregnant, I guess."

Frankie turned, neatly arched eyebrows lifted. She and Stefanie M. (frenched) had gone to the mall just last weekend to get them threaded. "No way."

"Yep," Stephanie replied with a popped "p". "Way. Stefanie's mom was driving down I-75 and saw her leaving her appointment, and my sister says Sister Monica normally announces valedictorian speeches by now and obviously that should be Heather, but..." She tilted her head from side to side.

Frankie stared at the cramped shelves above her desk, where a statue of the Blessed Mother sat next to a Buddha with a stick-on earring decorating his third eye. The Catholic part of catholic school had always been sort of coincidental. Religion was sort of like a shirt, Frankie figured, you pulled on the one that fit you best.

The school-issued button down she was currently wearing suddenly felt too-small scratchy. She fumbled with the buttons. "Heather's really nice, you know. She let me copy her algebra homework once."

Heather snorted. "I bet Sean thinks she's really nice too."

"Is it Sean's?"

"Was it Sean's? I dunno. Probably. What do you think about piercing our belly buttons?"

They had been brainstorming ideas for their group of friends to mark the end of the school year and their impending graduation. Dye their hair. Drive over to New Jersey and get tattooed. A drunken party out at Teetotaler's Rock. Whatever would celebrate sprinting across the finish line of adolescence into adulthood, incidentally all things that would set their parents' teeth on edge.

There was stuff in the Bible about honoring your parents. You could say that dishonoring them would send you to hell too. But Frankie technically didn't have parents, no matter how often she called Richard "dad" in her head. Still, if her birth mom, whoever she was, had done what Heather had, Frankie might not exist. Right?

What Sister Monica said about God being their father and having created them for a purpose made Frankie feel good. Loved. She wasn't abandoned, she was meant to be here. The hazy memory of her early life was by design so that she might meet Celia and Vik and Reece and everyone else.

"Frankie?" Stephanie said, breaking through a daze of thought.

Frankie pulled the ragged edge of the pinky nail that had made its way to her mouth away and smiled, bright like the twinkle lights she had strung up around her bedroom window. It was her purpose to encourage others to do the same. "Ooo, yes! I love those little dangly charms."

May 1993 | Washington, DC

Rationally, Frankie knew that her romper had no magical influence over the results of a pregnancy test. Still, she would've felt less stupid standing virtually naked in a bathroom stall at National Airport if she had a proper shirt on.

There was pee on her hand and the dolphin dangle charm at her belly button was winking at her with its emerald eye in an "I told you so" way. She stuck her tongue out at it, even as she took an unsteady inhale and continued counting to one-eighty in her head.

There were pros. Cooper would make really beautiful babies. What she remembered from high school biology told her it would probably have his eyes. Or maybe not? Didn't you need to know your parents' eye color for that?

Okay, revision: their baby would have eyes. Probably.

Ninety seconds.

The cons were what made her breath stutter. No job. No degree. No father? Cooper was a dream, but was he parent material? Dads were supposed to have that degree and job thing figured out. They were serious, but not overly so. They did their taxes on time.

Shit, should she have filed her taxes?

Wait, she was meant to be counting. One-twenty-ish.

She hadn't told Cooper she was late. She had been late before. By the time she reached her third airport, that problem would have solved itself, she figured.

Obviously not. One-thirty.

She sat down on the toilet seat, knee jiggling, romper pooled around her ankles, the little plastic window into her uncertain future still stubbornly white. That was sort of funny, because white was like, pure, and she definitely wasn't. It reminded her of her graduation dress, all the St. Anthony girls marching down the aisle to receive their diploma.

Heather hadn't spoken at graduation. Frankie wondered where she was now, if she had gone to Harvard. If she had any regrets.

There was a control line developing. I want my dad. The thought cut through her, nearly slackening her grip on the test, and it made her feel twice as stupid because she knew she didn't have one, even if she forgot sometimes.

She couldn't do this, but she also couldn't do what she needed to do if she couldn't do this, and it wasn't because she was afraid of going to hell.

Maybe this was meant to be. Maybe this was why she hadn't been able to bring herself to go to college. Maybe this baby possibly without eyes would make her a serious person who loved writing term papers and remembered to file their taxes.

One-eighty.

No baby.

Her cell jumped into vibration in her romper pocket, rattling against the tile floor. Frankie started, sending the test into the toilet. She fished out her phone first, pinching it between her shoulder and ear before plunging a hand into the toilet to fish out the test. "Hey, you! No, I'm fine. Seriously, don't worry about me. I rode a camel, I know how to take the metro."

[glitchinginthegarden]

I'm slowly starting to compile tidbits of lore for Vince. He's been around since Vaye came into being, but I never took as much time to flesh him out as I have for her.

Rambles under the cut.

His backstory is still the same.

His parents were Nomads and close friends with Vaye's parents. (If you didn't know they aren't blood siblings, now you do.) The kids grew up together even before his folks and her mom died. So adopting Vince was a no-brainer for her dad.

Vince is 31 at the start of Vaye's canon 2077 timeline.

He's always been the quiet one. The observer. The guy everyone thinks is well adjusted and just vibing but really it's that he's good at hiding his issues.

Vince took a shine to the medical field young and never wavered from it. I consider him the group's field medic to a degree. He may not be carrying around an emergency kit but his apartment is as close to a clinic as you can get without having all the fancy equipment. He's training under Viktor to be a ripperdoc one day (and he eventually does take over Vik's clinic when the old man retires - no, we aren't looking at PL endings here). He considered Trauma Team for a while but ultimately decided he didn't want to be bound to helping only the upper echelon with their fancy trauma cards. Why should he dedicate his life to helping the people who shit on his?

On that note: he's staunchly anti-corp just like Vaye.

He comes off as prickly and detached at first; often considered cold, blunt, and a stick in the mud. It's all armor. He keeps himself guarded. It allows him to keep a distance between his work and his feelings, and he also just does not care what people think of him. He's very much an actions over words kinda of guy. Don't talk about it if you aren't going to back it up.

Outside of ripper training, he earns income via street fights and the occasional smash and grab gig.

Fighting is both income and "free therapy" for him. In the same vein as Gil, Vince likes the adrenaline rush. And it doesn't hurt that it helps him stay fit.

When it comes to merc work, he tends to avoid hit jobs. He would rather help sabotage someone or steal valuables. It's not that he has qualms about taking lives, he doesn't, it's that he's of the mindset that doing so rarely pushes anything toward a resolution. Kill one roach, one more will take it's place mentality. That said, if someone gets in his way during a gig and poses a risk to the operation, he won't hesitate to remove the problem. He's very good at boiling things down to equations. Turning people and situations into a game of odds allows him that detachment he so prefers.

Beneath the crunchy outside, though, he's all heart.

He cares deeply. Maybe too much sometimes. And getting him to show that can be like pulling teeth.

Vince does not open up easily. He's like a shelter dog.

You have to earn his trust over time before he'll show his vulnerable parts and if you break that trust, especially early on, it's incredibly difficult to get it back. He is not a three strikes you're out man, he's a two if you're lucky.

Combat style:

Brute force. Vince thrives up close and personal with his enemies.

He can manage a modicum of stealth, but he's not out there using throwing knives or silenced anything.

He likes shotguns and revolvers. Power weapons > Tech weapons > Smart weapons.

He can't netrun but he does have a nugget of techie know-how and can hack his way past most locks. That's where it ends though.

He has a reputation with fixers for being ruthless. Ironic for someone they also enlist to patch up their solos from time to time.

Regarding his cyberware (bear with me this is all loose and not following canon anything really):

In game, he's got the mantis blades but that's really just for aesthetics. His forearms/wrists/hands are actually chipped with hydraulics. Think impact wrenches in his arms (ugga dugga).

To compensate for that, his rotator cuffs/shoulder sockets are reinforced with synth tendons and buffers.

EMP threading on the right side of his face feeds into his Kiroshis for more in-depth scans. He used to have threading on both sides, but the implant on the left was damaged in a nasty scuffle while on a job in his younger years and he opted to just have it removed.

He has synth-lungs specifically meant to filter not only NC's nasty air, but also a slew of aerosolized chemicals such as anesthetic agents and toxins (like gas grenades).

His other basic chrome includes: reinforced joints, a biomonitor, standard holo and interface ports, synthetic intercostal webbing (the muscles between your ribs), and an inner-ear gyroscope because he got tired of having motion sickness in cars or on the metro (yes, baby boy gets upset tummy).

Okay... that's all I have for now. I think. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I'm sure I'll have more to dump later... he's brewing.