Chapter Text
2183, Flux, the Citadel, Widow, Serpent Nebula, Milky Way
A maintenance issue with the Normandy delays their departure, but the crew doesn’t mind. What begins as a casual comment results in a semi-official meet up and the next he knows, Shepard’s walking into Flux. For someone who grew up living above a pub in Ireland, he’s a little...unnerved at all the pomp and flash of the place. It’s so different from what he knows; too big, too loud music, even the food is over the top compared to what he’s used to. He half considers turning around to head right back out before even making it to the bar.
Still, to a soldier one drinking hole is just as good as any other, and given how rough their mission’s been so far, he knows he needs – no, deserves – a break just like the others, so he stays.
“Could be worse, you know.”
He’s found a quiet spot at the bar to wait on his drink. The shadows are just dark enough to provide the buffer he needs. The perfect place from which to observe the entire room but not be seen himself. To partake yet not get pulled into the more adventurous activities here.
Except Kaidan knows his habits and sneaks up on him, bumping shoulders lightly as he sidles up to the bar. That in itself isn’t a surprise; they’ve been friends for years now and spent more than one leave hanging out in a bar to relax. But the leading comment, like a baited hook for a fish, that’s something Shepard knows well and good he should leave alone...
“Do I even want to know how?”
The staff lieutenant flashes him a grin as he gives his drink order then turns with his back to the bar so he can survey the room as well. It takes less than a heartbeat for Shepard to realize it’s a set up. Kaidan tips his chin towards the dance floor, a silent response to his question.
The bartender hands Shepard his drink and he downs half of it in one gulp. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.” You’re really going to bring that up tonight of all nights?
One of Kaidan’s thick brows arches high on his brow; in response to Shepard’s actions or his words, Shepard isn’t sure. “I was there, remember?”
“You were drunk.”
“Buzzed,” Kaidan corrects. “Biotics can’t get drunk.”
Shepard snorts. “Aye, fine. Coats was drunk; you were buzzed. Doesn’t change the fact you both still imagined the whole incident.”
But his friend is unusually persistent tonight like a dog gnawing on an old bone. “You were the one who was drunk, as I recall. Isn’t that why you -”
Choosing to ignore him, Shepard downs the rest of his drink. He’s about to order a second but stops himself. He’d had a few that night, yeah, but not that many. He’s never been the type to drink to excess. Ned’d have his hide if he did, even from beyond the grave. The bartender moves closer; an expectant look on his face aimed at Shepard as he hands Kaidan his drink. Reluctantly, Shepard waves him off.
Kaidan takes his drink in hand, a sly side grin like the proverbial cat who stole the cream sliding across his face. Shepard fights back the urge to defend himself further. There wasn’t any need, really. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Just a mis-placed step that had sent him tumbling...
“Hey there, Skipper. Lieutenant.” Williams bounces over and orders a beer, taking a big gulp when it’s finally handed over. “You really should join us over on the dance floor! I never would have expected Wrex to be able to cut a rug like he does, but I guess he’s seen it all in fourteen hundred years, huh?”
Kaidan laughs. “You sure he isn’t just repurposing battlefield maneuvers, chief?”
Williams grins and laughs back. “I don’t know, LT. You should come find out yourself. Even Dr. Chakwas is over there.” She turns her attention to Shepard. “What about you, Skipper? Surely you can teach someone like our loveable, lumbering krogan a thing or two on the dance floor?”
Time slows, giving Shepard the opportunity to notice the slight twitch of Kaidan’s lips and the flash of knowing in Williams’ eyes. The unease that has haunted him since walking in flares again as he realizes it’s a set up. It has to be. “Sorry, chief. I don’t dance,” Shepard finally replies.
The shocked expression that crosses her face is almost comical, even more so at the silent accusation she sends to Kaidan. Definitely a set up. She takes another gulp of her beer, but then does something that surprises both of them. Turning back to Shepard, she smiles and extends her hand. “Just take my hand, commander. I’ve got your six...”