Disclaimer – Mass Effect characters are property of Bioware. This fanfiction is written for fun, no copyright infringement is intended.


A Gift For You

Miranda shut her eyes and reopened them, staring down at the ball of present that Shepard had just dropped in her hands. It looked as if a five year old had wrapped it. No scratch that, a five year could have done better. An excessive amount of wrapping paper was crushed and held together by what looked like almost a whole roll of duct tape. Looking over at the perfectly folded and precise wrapped package that she had for him, it was like night and day.

"I'm not the best wrapper…" Shepard admitted sheepishly with a small grin on his face.

Turning the present around in her hands as she examined it, she replied with mock scowl. "Yes your wrapping leaves much to be desired. Luckily for the rest of the universe wrapping wasn't a task that was required to fight off the Reapers…"

"It's not that bad… I mean, if you compare it to yours yes. But that's different, you're perfect. So that doesn't count. Never mind that though, just open it." Shepard encouraged as he started to rip open his gift. In seconds he was holding a limited edition SSV Normandy model ship, there were only so many made and they had been long sold out. He had stopped by many shops on the various planets in hopes of finding one but was always disappointed. Miranda must have noticed, he wondered how she managed to get her hands on one and how many credits she had to expend for it. He looked upward at Miranda, who was at the moment still trying to figure out how to unwrap his present. He smiled seeing the frustration that was growing in the dark haired beauty's face. Her frown returned as she ripped the last shreds of wrapping paper off only to discover a box and inside that box was another poorly wrapped duck taped mass.

"For your sake there better be something good inside of here." She threatened as she went about opening the next layer of Shepard's present. To her displeasure she discovered yet another layer of wrapping paper this time there was a lot less duct tape, she reasoned that he must of ran out. Glaring at Shepard she could see and sense the mirth that the other was having at her annoyance and silently vowed to herself that she would make him suffer later. Finally reaching the prize she discovered an envelope, opening it she found a classical concert ticket.

Her excitement was somewhat mollified when she realized that it was indeed a single ticket. Raising an eyebrow her eyes slid over to him. "…you got me a ticket?" she monotonously questioned, putting emphasis on the "a" not sure if Shepard's singular ticket was an accidental mistake or not.

Smiling, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist and gently placed his chin on her shoulder. Taking a moment to inhale her sweet scent before he answered "Oh yes. You know I'm not a big fan. But I'll meet up with you afterwards for a nice romantic dinner. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like you have something up your sleeves Commander. Unless you are really this moronic." She answered as she turned around to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck gazing into his eyes trying to determine what her significant other was hiding. Shivering inwardly, there was just something about the way she said Commander that always sent chills down his spine. He merely gave her a childish grin as he pulled her in for a kiss.


True to his word, Shepard escorted Miranda to the concert, pecked her on the cheek and ran for his life. Miranda shook her head, sighing to herself as she watched him vanish from her sight. Remember his more redeeming qualities, she told herself as she made her way inside. Checking the ticket for her seat number she had to suppress a grin, he had picked the best seat in the house for her. What would have been even better would have been if he had actually joined her. But he probably would have fallen asleep and even worst, if he started snoring she reasoned. But nonetheless it would have been nice to have him there by her side.

Arriving at her seat she saw the person that was sitting in the seat next to her. A wide smile broke out on her face as she called out, unable to contain her excitement "Oriana!"

"Randa! You finally got here!" Oriana exclaimed as she got up and embraced her older sister. "Are you surprised?"

"Yes…did Shepard put you up to this?" Miranda inquired already knowing the answer. She had expected him to do something but she had to admit this wasn't one of the things that she suspected. Rather she would have bet credits that he was going to be in the seat next to her. He had a strange sense of humor and loved getting a rise out of her.

"Yes he arranged everything, transport, guards and the ticket. I was so excited but he made me swear not to tell you! So I trust things are going well for the two of you?"

Miranda nodded wanting to continue to catch up but the dimming of the lights caused both women to take their seats as the concert was about to start. The orchestra was already seated and patiently waiting for the conductor. But the conductor seemed to be staring off to the side as if he was waiting for something. Then he spoke up as a very well dressed man came onto the stage.

"Everyone tonight we have a special guest in the house. You might know him as the first human Spectre, defeater of Saren or most recently savior of the universe…Commander Shepard! Please let's welcome him and give him your attention. You don't know what I had to do to get him onto the stage tonight. So Shepard I never knew you had an interest in classical music?"

"It's not my first choice…"

"So it's true you are here for a girl? Who's the lucky lady Shepard?" the Conductor interrupted.

"Ah ha…she is going to kill me later. Miranda Lawson…"

"Don't be shy…Is it love Commander?"

"Yes…more so than ever. She's amazing…incredibly intelligent…beautiful…she's perfect in every way. I love her. But I'm sure the audience wants to get on with the show." Shepard quickly added as he ran off the stage and made his way to Miranda. The crowd's eyes followed him till he stopped in front of her. Oriana was gushing, whereas Miranda had turned a shade of pink. Shepard sensed her slight discomfort, she wasn't one to flaunt their relationship and she certainly didn't want for them to be in the public's eye. Her next action caught Shepard by surprise, she pulled him into her embrace and whispered in a voice that was reserved for his ears only "I love you too you bloody sap."

A course of "Awws" could be heard throughout the crowd and as Shepard and Miranda took their seats. The crowd's attention turned back to the orchestra and the concert finally started.


Note: Suggestions or reviews are welcome, thanks!