Curious Jealousy- a F!Shenko Fic

Chapter Sixteen: Goodbye?

Adria was leaned back against the wall next to Kaidan's room, her eyes scanning the hallway. It was common knowledge in the hospital that Commander Shepard came to the Huerta every time her and her ship docked on the Citadel. Rumor was that she saw Kaidan with every visit and, often times, visited with others while she was in the area.

Of course, Adria had yet to even see the illusive Commander Shepard. Was it coincidence that Adria was always busy, at lunch, or on break when Shepard came to visit Kaidan?

As it was, Adria just wanted to see her. She had seen the few vids that were broadcasted after every one of her heroic missions. All Adria was really able to tell was that the Commander was rarely clean- usually covered in blood, guts or brains, and dirt.

What kind of man could be attracted to someone like that?

No, that was petty. Adria was sure that the other woman was interesting in her own right- a hard ass, no doubt (you could practically tell that from the way that she stood and the expression on her face)- and- maybe- attractive if you could get past all the dirt and grime down to her skin and hair. But, honestly, how could Kaidan find such a…butch woman so captivating?

Adria appreciated what the Commander was doing for the galaxy, but another part of her wished that she had stayed dead after the Normandy was blown up the first time.

"Doctor Moore?" her omni-tool blazed to life.

"Yes?"

"We need you prepped for surgery in five."

With a dejected sigh (watch Commander Shepard come now), she began her way to the surgery prep room. "On my way."

Shepard stood silently in the doorway and watched him. There had been so few times since she had known him that she was able to see him so relaxed- sleeping aside (and then he had always had her back pressed against him and embraced in his arms). He was on his feet and dressed- she found only the former to be positive, the latter…not so much. A part of her ached from the knowledge that, once she made her presence known, he would tense-

"You just going to stand there, or are you going to come in?" he asked, his warm, honey voice soothing away doubts she didn't realize were plaguing her.

She walked in and allowed the door to slide shut behind her. "How'd you even know I was here?" she asked curiously, still keeping close to the door, in case a quick retreat was needed.

Kaidan turned to face her and tapped his nose. "Dead giveaway." In response to the horrified expression on her face, he clarified, "Vanilla mint with a hint of gun oil." His half smile had her narrowing her eyes, fighting the flattered blush that was threatening to form, but retaining a soft smile.

He still remembered.

Her expression cleared as she made her way to his bed and sat crossed-legged on it, her N7 hoodie falling a little off her shoulder. She didn't see Kaidan's eyes linger on her shoulder that was all but bare- even with the tank-top strap. "You look better," she murmured.

"Yeah, Doc says I'll be released pretty soon." He caught the change in her expression when he said the word doc. "Don't know if you heard, but I decided to take Udina up on the Spectre position."

"You'll be great," she said honestly.

Kaidan gave her a crooked grin- one of her favorites. "I only hope I can live up to it- pretty difficult considering the standard's you've made."

She plucked at invisible lint on her jacket- anything to look away from him. "You'll be ten time the Spectre I am. Haven't you heard?"

"Hmm?"