Chapter Text
I was born when John was 4 years old. In other words, when boys were just starting to believe girls had ‘germs’. It didn't take him long to come to completely adore me though. Could you really blame him? I was an adorable baby.
Unlike John, I was nowhere near as big of a troublemaker as he was. I was a quiet girl, who just wanted to lay in bed all day with a good book, or work on some quick sketches. Now don't get me wrong, I may have been one of those quiet girls, but I was also the girl that would run around with the boys. My brother may have been four years older than me, but I'd still join in their games. I didn't care if it was sword fighting, laser tag, or rough housing. I did everything with them, and I loved it.
Whenever John got new information about a new planet, or learned a new fact about an alien race he would come running to find me, his hazel eyes shining and the biggest grin on his face.
I was upset the day he told me he was going to join the military. I wanted us to explore the universe together. But I knew he had his heart set on following in our parents footsteps and become an officer of the Alliance.
While he planned on joining the military to fulfill his dream, I wanted to be a researcher. I especially wanted to research Prothean history and Culture. John was the inspiration for this new goal. On day he found me a book on theories about the Prothean. It had captivated me so much I wouldn't put the book down for days. I began to dream of going to a school and learning about all the different cultures out there. How exciting would it be discover lost information about a forgotten people?!
However much to my disappointment I was born with strong biotic abilities. So instead of following my dream, I was forced have this electronic brain implant implanted, then followed by having to go to a special school for biotics to learn to control their abilities. And let's just say I threw all my pent up rage at my training officers. May they one day forgive me for all the sass I gave them…or not. I don't really care either way.
Thankfully there was one course there about the different alien species, cultures and their history. It was only the very basics sadly. But I'd take what I could get at the time. And it helped me not angrily sass my trainers as much…
What could I say. When I was frustrated, my biotics would be stronger, just not necessarily accurate…
So we'll start this story the day John is assigned to the Normandy. It was free period at school, so I was lounging on a couch in the lounge room, listening to music and writing an email to my brother. Essentially giving him an update on how classes were going and the newest drama going on in my terrible teenage life.
“John I'm going crazy. It's only a few months from graduation, and we have all these military officers coming in trying to recruit us. I mean 95% of the students are already planning to enlist anyways. Is it really necessary to have so many discussions about it? There have been 3 talks today alone. Today! It's only 1 o'clock on a Wednesday! A Wednesday! Which means two more days and who knows how many god forsaken hours more of this hell. That's what this is, hell..I'm going to end up shooting someone if this keeps up. If I do, I'm becoming a space pirate. Mom will probably kill me and dad will call me a disgrace to the “Great Shepard name!” But at this point it might be worth it...At least the thought is anyways. Oh well. I'll sulk over some ice cream later. Might force Braydon to get me some. He still owes me for eating my stash last time. Other then that, not much has been happening around here. Though I did hear a rumor for one of our last assignments we're going to The Citadel to work with some c-sec officers in training. If we do end up going I'll be sure to send you some pics! Looks like free period is about up, better get going! Next is gym...oh the joy. Wish me luck.
P.s Congratulations on being assigned to The Normandy! I know you've been wanting to get assigned there for a while now. Tell Capt. Anderson I said hi!
From your ever bored sister- Elise”
After sending the message, I power down my data pad and stashing it in my black messenger bag. I don't move from my spot on the couch for a few moments until I hear the automatic doors open and someone yells my name.
“Elise! You in here?”
Sighing exasperatedly I mutter with the utmost sarcasm I can muster
“Oh no, not at all. Just your everyday teenager hiding away from their peers.”
“Then said teenager should stop hiding unless she wants me to eat her share of chocolate.”
As soon as the word ‘chocolate’ left their mouth I quickly rolled off the couch landing on my feet standing to meet the brown eyes of a giant.
In front of me stood a muscular man that towered over me at 6’3 feet, his black hair shaved to military standards. His eyes seemed to droop ever so slightly, clearly the long hours of training are starting to get to him. He looks down at me and held up a small green paper bag that held some of the most delicious chocolate in the entire universe. It was found only in the most high end bakeries and usually costed an arm and a leg. But most importantly, it was not allowed in the academy.
“Braydon, Who did you kill to get your hands on THAT?”
I adjust my black short sleeve top as I lean against the back of the couch raising an eyebrow in wonder.
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you too.”
His voice was deep and smooth with a hint of an english accent, the perfect combination to make most girls swoon. Lucky me, I wasn’t ‘most girls’...Though I don't complain when he talks a lot…
“Good, maybe then I can avoid gym class.”
I run my hands through my white hair, trying to comb out the knots i got from laying on the couch.
Chuckling Braydon pats my head mockingly.
“Not gonna happen. We have a bet that needs to be completed.”
“Why bother?”
A sly grin slowly appears on my lips,
“We both know who's gonna win.”
I wiggle my eyebrows at him suggestively.
Raising an eyebrow Braydon puts his arm on my head and leans in
“Oh really now?”
“Really.”
Smirking he pats my head and turns towards the door while placing the secret good into his overly large man pocket. You’d think womans pockets would have gotten bigger in this day and age. But if it's one thing that hasn’t changed for women equality, it's our pocket sizes...
“Becareful, as the captain always says, ‘Cockyness will be your downfall’.”
Chasing after him, I casually loop my arm through his.
Faking a Gasp I put a hand over my mouth.
“Me? Cocky? When have I ever been cocky?!”
Winking at him, I laugh “Besides we both know snarkiness is more my cup of tea.”
Braydon sighs, clearly done with this conversation.
Tightening his grip on my arm he merely smiles whilst muttering
“That it is.”
I grin up at him.
“You know you’d be bored without me.”
“...Maybe.”
His tired eyes brighten just a bit as his smile grows ever so slightly.