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Pickerupper — When Kaidan Heard

Published: 2012-02-19 06:58:31 +0000 UTC; Views: 7754; Favourites: 192; Downloads: 39
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Description The fire from the Normandy’s explosion followed Kaidan’s pod well after they’d been able to reach a safe distance from the eruption.
All the while, Kaidan’s fingers were crossed and he kept his head looking back out the window; watching, scouting, waiting. For a sign out there that she had made it.
His palms were sweaty and he had felt like he could not breathe as he watched with wide eyes for that last pod to exit; right before the Normandy combusted completely. Sending pieces of Shepard’s precious ship everywhere as the single pod like a small light of shining hope hurtled towards Kaidan’s and the rest.
Finally he was able to get a breath out as orange, red and yellow flames licked up the rest of the Normandy lighting up the back drop for the pod.
She had made it. Of course she had, she was Shepard after all. Now all he could do, was sit and wait. Wait for the landing, and the moment when he could run straight for her pod and crush her in his arms. To reassure his conscious mind that the one thing that truly mattered to him; was still here.
Impatient, Kaidan wrestled with his hands in the shuttle and paid little attention to those that were watching him. They all knew how he felt about Shepard anyways; there was no need to answer any questions they had.
The pod touched down then, and Kaidan was the first to get out. He ran to a spot clear of pods and looked for the last pod, straining his eyes to see how long he had to wait for it. Kaidan’s stomach was cramping with thoughts of calamity.
Sounds of sirens for c-sec and medical care could be heard in the distance from where he stood, and Kaidan was tapped on the shoulder a few times to be asked if he needed any. Fed up he refused them all with some bitterness in his voice, all he needed to feel better right now was his Shepard.
It did not take long after that thought had crossed his mind, for the last evac pod to come hurtling into the ground. Gliding across the surface of the planet before coming to a stop some odd miles away from where Kaidan stood.
Not taking any time, Kaidan ran for the evac pod at once. His heart pounding just as hard as his feet hit the planet’s earth. Pieces of rubble, tiny rock and other unknown plants were pulled from where they rested as he went.
His eyes never left the evac pod as he ran, waiting for a door to pop open and for Shepard to touch ground. For Shepard to look around at her surroundings, before realising he was there too, and letting him bring her into his arms. Letting him crush her in the biggest hug he had always withheld from her.
This vision never happened.
Instead as Kaidan’s boot came to a stop in front of which seemed like this barrier before the pod, the door opened and only one person came out.
Just one, not two. One.
Feeling his head grow heavy with upheaval then, Kaidan closed his eyes and shook his head. His hands balled up into fists and this sick feeling wrenching though out his body hit him like a ton of bricks as Joker stepped towards him. Belief in everything and anything of such things called miracles, no longer existing in his mind. He felt trapped in this enslavement of lack of air, like a slave working in the mines in olden days.
“Kaidan I…” Joker tried to get out.
“Where is she Joker? Where is she?! She’s still in there right, just hiding…” Kaidan began, looking up at Joker with the pain clearly stricken through the glaze over his eyes.
“I…I’m sorry.” Was all Joker could say in reply. Kaidan lost it then, running forward and picking Joker up by the collar and pushing him up against the shuttle. Forgetting all about Joker’s brittle disease.
“Why isn’t she with you? Why did you have to try so damn hard to save the Normandy you idiot! What about her? What about…Shepard?” Kaidan’s voice choked on her name. “Didn’t you care for her as well? What about Shepard, you ass!” Kaidan sunk his head down then, and let Joker go; his fingers were nimble and weak as they shook with the realization that she was not there, on the pod. That she was in fact, not safe at all.
Joker fell to the ground, shocked by the anger and grief that rattled throughout Kaidan. And all he could do; was stare. Just as he had, after the spaced Shepard, who struggled for moments with her breaking suit. Watching as the air tube disconnected from her suit and she fought to breathe. Flaying around and panic written in every movement she made. Joker truly felt; atrocious.
Kaidan broke down to the ground himself then, on his knees and brought back a fist, filling it with biotic charge as he punched it into the ground over and over again. Plundering it with all this anguish he felt. Words of things he should have said; floating around in his head. Taunting him, haunting him, teasing him; for never doing anything about his love for her other than soft words and that one night before Ilos.
Why had he wasted so much time? Always taking for granted, that she would always be there. Hell, she had made it through everything. Why did this, have to take her away from him? Why had he never told Shepard how he truly felt about her, why could the words; I love you Shepard. Never escape from his mouth?
Tears bunched up at his eyes as his hand inside his glove started to bleed at the knuckles and the ground in which he’d punched countless times sizzled from the biotics, leaving a hole there like there was now in Kaidan’s heart.
She wasn’t supposed to die…she was supposed to live, to go on to save the galaxy from the reapers and spend many more nights in his arms, safe and sound. In their own little paradise.
Whose cruel idea of fun was this? What fun was there in killing Shepard?
The tears about to over flood his eyes, Kaidan stopped punching the ground with his biotic charge and looked up into the sky charred with browns, oranges and grays to yell at those who had took his Shepard from him.
His voice carried out through the surface of the planet, letting everyone within five miles hear the torment inside his heart as he let it all out.
“You fucking bastards!” Was all anyone could hear, even long after he had sent a last biotic pound to the ground and pressed his head against the cool earth. Spit from his gaping mouth flying out to greet the hard soil. Breathing hard and scrunching his eyes closed tight.
Trying to keep those images of her in his head, trying to not let them escape from his memory. But he was just grasping at empty space. For Shepard could not remain in his head forever, if there was no longer any vision of her to see.
He’d lost everything, his ship, his love…his Shepard. All at once. The torture in this could not be understood by anyone.
His breath ragged and his fists laced with sweat and blood, Kaidan relaxed his mind and caught the last image he had seen of her smiling.
I love you Shepard. I want you to know that. I’m…I’m sorry I could never say it. But I will now, even though it’s… so late…I love you, I love you Shepard.

Beautiful piece written for this picture by-

Line art: [link]

This piece was literally the bane of my existence. I've never done a full background before, so please, don't mind the face that it looks like poop. The whole piece (Sad to admit this) took me well over 16 hours from start to finish. I coloured his armor, then got angry at it, and started over again haha. I'm far too critical. Oh Well. I really hope you guys enjoy it. I learned a lot about highlights and backgrounds from this piece. Enjoy~
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Comments: 84

Jokerz-1824 [2015-08-24 05:12:39 +0000 UTC]

That was beautiful... You, my friend, deserve an Oscar!

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phoenix-autobot [2013-06-30 09:56:52 +0000 UTC]

That was ..snifff.. soo beutiful

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to phoenix-autobot [2013-07-18 19:30:40 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! 

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Rambie801 [2012-08-28 03:35:37 +0000 UTC]

Love this fan-fic

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Rambie801 [2012-08-28 04:47:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! You should pop over to [link] and let her know! I'm sure she'd love it if you did

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Katschaba [2012-05-01 21:03:08 +0000 UTC]

Thats amazing! And that story... heartbreaking. I love it!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Katschaba [2012-05-01 23:48:25 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Dappledleaves [2012-04-13 20:37:44 +0000 UTC]

No joke..
I cried.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Dappledleaves [2012-04-13 21:10:34 +0000 UTC]

I'm so sorry! I'm glad you felt emotional as that was the point but... it's a bittersweet thank you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Dappledleaves In reply to Pickerupper [2012-04-13 21:19:36 +0000 UTC]

Don't apologize! If I cried that means your message was effectively conveyed. I love Kaidan as much as the next Shenko shipper, but sometimes you take for granted the pain Kaidan endured... *sigh* I really love this, thanks for posting it!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Dappledleaves [2012-04-14 02:05:56 +0000 UTC]

Oh thank you so much! You always wonder if your point gets across the way you want it too and it's so flattering when someone tells you it did. Thank you so, SO much!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Dappledleaves In reply to Pickerupper [2012-04-25 01:52:22 +0000 UTC]

You're very welcome!
I love to communicate with the artist and give them my impression of their works.

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cool-cookie [2012-04-03 16:19:56 +0000 UTC]

Just ... aaah! Emotional!
Both the picture and story are fantastic though. Well done even if i am close to tears

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Pickerupper In reply to cool-cookie [2012-04-04 02:35:02 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! I'd like to do another piece with the author in the future.

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cool-cookie In reply to Pickerupper [2012-04-04 13:21:22 +0000 UTC]

you should. both worked really well together

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ThatDragonAgeGirl In reply to cool-cookie [2012-06-25 08:44:18 +0000 UTC]

Thank You ^-^ It Was Fun Working With Pickerupper

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M-Victoria-W [2012-03-26 20:56:38 +0000 UTC]

Oh Brilliant now I'm crying The writing is beautiful bringing a tear to my eye. An then there is your picture... I can't begin to describe how amazing it is, especially as this is exactly how I assumed he'd react if she didn't come with him. Well done!!!! :Approval:

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Pickerupper In reply to M-Victoria-W [2012-03-28 01:53:21 +0000 UTC]

Ah, thank you so much! The writing was ever so beautiful and complimented my picture perfectly. Thank you so much!

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M-Victoria-W In reply to Pickerupper [2012-03-28 20:29:28 +0000 UTC]

Anytime! I mean what I say I'm in love with Kaidan and that just made me cry and love him more, after seeing that I just wanna give him a big hug!!!!

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KAYLASHY [2012-03-26 10:27:42 +0000 UTC]

That was amazing, now i think i love my kaidan more <3 .... wish he wouldn't have been so cold to me in me2 :/ almost cheated XD!!!! Well written <3

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to KAYLASHY [2012-03-28 01:52:03 +0000 UTC]

I think he was so cold out of pure shock. I can only imagine how he must have been feeling after seeing what he thought was zombie shep.

And thank you!

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ManticoreEX [2012-03-23 18:56:20 +0000 UTC]

OH god! Oh god this is Too much.. This is too much seriously Playing it with the OSt from ME3 HURTS so BAD!.. Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to ManticoreEX [2012-03-23 20:18:14 +0000 UTC]

Ah I'm glad you like it! And It was very emotional drawing it, so I understand your feels. 👍: 0 ⏩: 1

ManticoreEX In reply to Pickerupper [2012-03-23 20:58:15 +0000 UTC]

It's perfect, it really is.. It feels real. I imagined the sound of Kaidan as he drops to the floor and hears that Shepard is gone

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Aniphine [2012-03-13 05:08:07 +0000 UTC]

That is so sad, but so intense and powerful. I love this, but it makes my heart hurt a little.

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Pickerupper In reply to Aniphine [2012-03-13 05:43:20 +0000 UTC]

It was very bittersweet drawing it, but I'm so glad you enjoy it!

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rohansoldier [2012-02-24 10:51:53 +0000 UTC]

very powerful, nicely done!

I think it makes more sense for Kaidan to react in this way, as out of the love interests in ME1, Liara wasn't on the Normandy when it blew (I don't think?) and Ashley would probably just react by saying something like 'F*****g alien bastards!' and going off to cap some asses....

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to rohansoldier [2012-02-27 18:28:53 +0000 UTC]

I really wanted to do a companion piece with Ash doing something similar, but I don't think it's in her nature. So, sadly, I probably wont.

And thank you!

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ThatDragonAgeGirl In reply to Pickerupper [2012-06-25 08:40:48 +0000 UTC]

Oooo I Was Going Through These Comments Because I Wanted To Revisit This Amazing Piece And I Came Across This. Sorry To Intrude, But What You Guys Are Talking About Reminds Me Of This Qoute; 'People cry not because they are weak, but because they have been strong for too long.' It Would Totally Fit Ashley If You Ever Did A Piece Like This For Her :3 And Liara Could Tell Her That Or Something Like That. Because The Strongest Of People Cry When Everything Goes To Hell :3

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rohansoldier In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-28 08:17:55 +0000 UTC]

Yeah I think she is too strong willed and military minded to act like that. Who knows though, maybe she keeps a lot of it bottled up just waiting for someone like you to write it out?

Cheers!

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k405-k1773n [2012-02-24 09:39:40 +0000 UTC]

Gorgeous baby, your art is always amazing. <3

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to k405-k1773n [2012-02-27 18:29:18 +0000 UTC]

Aww Thank you! I've been waiting to see more art from you too!

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paniic-romance [2012-02-23 10:44:30 +0000 UTC]

Can ... Can I cry ?! Because this picture, this piece are just BEAUTIFUL. It breaks my little heart, especially the end.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to paniic-romance [2012-02-23 18:17:27 +0000 UTC]

You're more than welcome to cry! Let all the feelings out. The piece that was written for this was simply beautiful, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think writers and artists should collaborate more often. Thank you so much!

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Avelineh [2012-02-21 22:07:22 +0000 UTC]

Oh my god, this was gorgeous. The picture and the text both. And now I'm sobbing here and I can't stop!

I just finished my ME2 play where my Shepard stayed true to Kaidan and I can't simply wait for Mass Effect 3 to be released. And this piece made it even harder! D: All I can say is, awesome job!

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Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-21 22:20:33 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! It was difficult not accidentally initiating a romance between the ME2 choices. I had to break it off with both Garrus and Jacob twice. It seems like even just being nice to them will spur it.

And I too am super excited for it! 2 weeks <3

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-21 22:32:48 +0000 UTC]

I wanted to try out Garrus but for that playthrough I actually had a Shepard who saved Ash since they were BFFs so I wouldn't end up cheating on Kaidan.

And yeah, it really is kinda hard to avoid initiating romances even though you just try to be nice to them! I really want to find out more about the squad members but sometimes you only get answers out of them if you pursue the romance.. Like I really would've wanted to find out more about Thane and his memories and stuff but once I cut it off he never spoke of it again. *shrug*

And two more weeks is too loooong! But definitely worth waiting.

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Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-21 23:26:03 +0000 UTC]

I know right? It's like no one is interested in Shep unless she's trying to get into their pants... well... I guess they are MEN after all lol.

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-22 05:29:45 +0000 UTC]

I know, right? I haven't tried a male Shepard so I don't know if it's like that for them as well when he tries to get to know the females. I mean as a female Shepard the female squad members still tell a lot about themselves, like Miranda keeps (constantly) telling about her modifications and about her sister eventually. Tali tells about how she trusts Shepard with all her heart. Jack tells about all the things she did and how Cerberus treated her. But if you try to get to know the guys you're always god damn flirting when you try to get to know them! I mean I'm usually really bothered when you try to talk to Jacob.. Shepard's way of saying "I'm more interested in just talking for a bit.." sounds always soooo hinting! D:

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-22 06:24:32 +0000 UTC]

Everything between Shep and Jacob is basically flirting. It was... awkward to say the least. And I haven't played a M!Shep either so I have no idea.

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-22 06:30:25 +0000 UTC]

Jacob is such a flirt. I really found it awkward when I didn't try to flirt with him and he has comments like "We got a nice thing goin' on here, Shepard. You don't wanna push it!" or something along those lines.. I'M NOT INTERESTED IN YOU, JACOB. REALISE THAT.

But yeah, can't wait for Mass Effect 3. Everyone's been talking how you get a "big reward" if you stayed true to Kaidan through Mass Effect 2. I can't wait anymore to find out what it is! All anyone can do right now is speculating.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-22 06:57:16 +0000 UTC]

All the talk of 'rewards' makes me giggle like a little school girl. No lie. Kaidan wasn't ever really big into the whole "Take me Sheppy baby" thing in ME1, but who knows, his letter DID say he'd changed A LOT since she died. Maybe he became an epic-sexy hottie who will flaunt the goods for Shep <3

We can only hope, right?

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-24 21:31:03 +0000 UTC]

Did you watch the interview with Raphael Sbarge on BioWare's Livestream yesterday? And here I thought I couldn't like Kaidan even more. It was easy to see how Raphael's personality has affected Kaidan as well. Damn! The wait is going to be even harder now!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-27 19:50:36 +0000 UTC]

I'm actually watching it now! I was moving this week so I was without internet, but my inner fangirl has died and gone to heaven! OH GOD~!

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-27 20:23:04 +0000 UTC]

I know, right!? Raphael is such a sweet guy himself and I was just all fangirly throughout the whole interview! And saying all the little things for Kaidan fangirls like "Marry me, Shepard".. *squeals*

Oh wow, seriously. I didn't think I would like Kaidan more but that interview seriously hit the right spot. I didn't even realise an hour had gone by because I was so mesmerized listening to Raphael!

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Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-27 20:26:39 +0000 UTC]

Oh god, I just heard that final send of he gave and I was a puddle in my shoes! That man seem like such a sweet and wonderful guy.

And now I seriously can't wait to play the game! 8 long, horrible days!

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-27 20:33:04 +0000 UTC]

Hey, be glad you're not getting your game on the 9th 'cause that's when I'm getting it! Damn you Europe release date. At least I actually have the weekend all to myself, I have to stack up some energy drinks for a long loooong gaming session of Mass Effect 3.

Raphael is just amazing. Kaidan is super amazing. The whole interview made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Damn I want Kaidan back already! Plus definitely one of my favourite quotes in a while: "Being Kaidan's voice has been the closest to being a Beatle I've gotten."

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-22 07:07:13 +0000 UTC]

Oh damn I hope so! Though I think a huge change like that would be a bit out of character for him, considering he was never that straight forward about his feelings towards Shepard to begin with. Like as an example, is portraid in this artwork and story! It was always just slight hints, but never did he (or Shepard for that matter) say they felt something deeper towards eachother. Though I think Kaidan will be a bit more straight this time since I doubt he wants to lose Shepard again without telling her how he really feels. Let alone showing it!

It's a bit funny how I've lately turned into a huuuuge Kaidan fangirl and all these talks make me all giggly like a little girl, but I can't help it! And this video on YouTube actually was the final hit for my complete fangirlism. Kaidan's voice actor read outloud the letter Kaidan sends to Shepard after Horizon and now the letter feels so much more personal. Eeep! If you haven't actually heard/seen it you can check it out here: [link]

Trust me, it's totally worth it!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Pickerupper In reply to Avelineh [2012-02-22 07:35:15 +0000 UTC]

Oh god I've listened to it about a bazillion times. I loved Kiadan from the very beginning and it makes me very sad to hear that some people find him boring. 99% of the arguements boil down to the fact that he is normal. He has no anger/rage issues, no crazy vendetta he's trying to exact, no deep psychological trauma that makes him difficult to reach. He's just a normal man who's a little lost in life, and deeply cares for the people he's around. Too many people call him whiny/gay just because he's willing to talk about his feelings. I mean, I love Garrus (had a play through just for his romance) but not once does he talk about his feelings to Shep. I mean, even in his loyalty mission he refuses to speak with her/him about what he's feeling. Not even after the fact does he ever come out and really tell her about his emotions. So IDK, I'm just a bit sensitive to the subject, because it seems too many women want relationships with "interesting" men who turn out to be psychopathic crazy-guys because they weren't mentally stable to begin with, let alone after they throw in the fact that they're now 'in love' with someone. /end rant

Haha that got Waaaay off topic, my bad!

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Avelineh In reply to Pickerupper [2012-02-22 07:51:37 +0000 UTC]

But you are right, though. I mean I've heard discussion about the possible and most likely conflicts there will be between Kaidan and Garrus if you romanced Kaidan on ME1 and decided to go for Garrus on ME2. People have pointed out that between Garrus and Shepard it was all about "blowing off some steam", never was it about feelings unlike with Kaidan. I romanced Garrus when I had that ME1 save where I saved Ash instead of Kaidan (I KNOW. SHAME ON ME BUT I DIDN'T WANNA CHEAT ON KAIDAN!). Garrus is an adorable guy and he made me giggle quite a few times, but I never really contacted with him. As I said, it was all about the uhh.. "relief" before the suicide mission. And you only got a lousy headbump for it anyway!
And I get the normal-man argument as well. On Dragon Age: Origins I loved Alistair because even though he was a shy guy, he opened up and talked about his feelings as well. Heck, he was more open about them than Kaidan ever was and he even said "I love you" multiple times throughout the game! I never really liked Zevran that much since he was a creepy pervert or Leliana who's overly religious about the Maker. I loved Alistair because he was the most normal one. He wasn't exciting, he wasn't a super-secret-assassin-with-a-magic-sword or anything like that. And that's why I feel so connected to Kaidan as well! Even though he's a bit sheltered he slowly opens up. His childhood wasn't the easiest and especially the conflict he had with Rahna affected him even more. I'd imagine it's hard for him to let himself fall for anyone and let alone be completely clear about it. I think he's still a bit scared that out of jealousy or pure anger he might end up hurting or even killing someone else again. That's just the feeling I've gotten.

I don't mind going off-topic, this discussion is funnn!

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