A/N: I have progressed from just upset with Bioware to flat out pissed off. Yeah they kill Shepard and the series, but you know what, I can live with that. What I cannot live with, is they give female (and some male, like my dear Adam) players the ultimate fanservice. James Vega, but you forgot one key thing! Making him a romance option. What the fuck were you thinking? Hell, I suppose I shouldn't be shocked. Anyway, it's weak that he flirts with FemShep, and nothing comes from it. So here goes with my newest love in video games, James Vega. Oh, and this will be somewhat cannoned for a while, since he does flirt with FemShep, then when he decides he doesn't have the balls (I almost wrote 'quad'. Wrong species) to go through with it. So this is what will likely be my only straight relationship in a fanfiction. And it's only rated M for my language. I cannot stop swearing, and I apologize for that. It's what happens when you play too much Saints Row and love Red Vs. Blue.

The Heroine's Retirement

Shepard sighed as she paced around her room. It was strange how despite surviving one crazy mission, getting killed in action and being brought back to go on another, she hated being stuck on Earth. She loved being out there. Even though she was human, she didn't really consider Earth home. Not anymore. Her home was the Normandy. Her only love was the Normandy.

"Shepard, I'd like you to meet someone," Anderson said coming into the room.

"Yeah?"

"He's a marine, one you can relate to."
"So he's the one who will be watching me, making sure I don't do anything?"

"Don't be so callous Shepard. I trust you. But, you obviously need someone to talk to. You're a hell of a soldier, but since you're not out there you look depressed," Anderson explained.

"I am. I've had no contact with any of the people I care about." She thought about her friends she hadn't seen in far too long.

"I know that Shepard. But it's not my decision. Just come with me." Shepard stood, and followed Anderson toward one of the weight rooms. The only person there was a man who was built like a tank, covered in tattoos, and had several massive scars across his face.

"Lieutenant, this is Shepard." He stood and saluted.

"No need to salute. I'm not a Commander anymore," She said.

"Still. You're the first human Spectre. You command some respect."

"Shepard, this is James Vega. You two have a lot in common. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."

"All right. See you later Anderson." Shepard sat down on a bench nearby while James started doing pull ups.

"So, what do you do in your free time then?" She asked. He was exactly the kind of man Shepard found attractive. Vega looked like a man should, tough, strong, and brute-ish, but Shepard could tell from his eyes that there was more than muscles to this man.

"What does it look like I do?"

"I'm assuming it has something to do with those battering rams you probably call arms," Shepard replied. Vega laughed.

"Something like that. You ma'am?"

"Ma'am? You're making me feel old here Vega."

"Older than me."

"I'm only thirty."

"Still," he replied. Shepard sighed.

"To answer you earlier question, I didn't really have free time until recently. Unless running suicide missions and helping my friends solve their crazy problems counts as a hobby." Vega shook his head.

"You really are dedicated to your work."

"Yeah. It's all I've got."

"I can relate… you know, just 'cause the Admiral said you needed to get out of your room, doesn't mean you have to actually sit her and talk."

"You're obviously an interesting man and a talented marine, if your muscles are any indication." Vega laughed.

"I do what I can. Not as badass as you though, ma'am."

"I don't have tattoos or look like a bear." She wasn't intentionally flirting with him, but she had a much harder time holding it back than she had with Kaidan or Jacob.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should," Shepard replied. Both of them were just soldiers, and neither could imagine what was coming only days

A/N: This is kinda weird for me. I'm not used to not writing yaoi. Well I can counter that easily by working on a Vega/Cortez fic. ^^ Anyway, this had to be done. I got so mad after finishing Mass Effect 3 that I had to just go. Anyway, reviews are appreciated.