Takes place in the Citadel Commons after you get Ashley back into you party.

Italics indicate thoughts.


They look so happy...

The thought brought a sad smile to my face as I watched them talk and laugh not twenty feet away. If I moved just a little closer, I might just be able to make out what would put such a big smile on the Commander's face, but I don't move. A dull ache fills my chest to the point that I can barely breathe as they move to stand next to the railing and Shepard wraps an arm around Liara, the asari resting her head on the human's shoulder.

They look so fucking happy…

My long hair blocks out the rest of the galaxy as I bow my head and let the tears fall. I will never be the one who could put the smile on Shepard's face like Liara could, or be the one she turns to when even the invincible Commander falls apart and needs someone to pick up the pieces.

I look up and immediately regret it as Shepard leans in to give Liara a kiss before saying something and turning to walk away, the happiest smile on her face. The Commander doesn't even notice me as she crosses Apollo's Café on her way to the elevator, my eyes never leaving her, and I'm thankful for not having to explain the source of my tears.

I turn back and she Liara standing next to me. Hurriedly I look out across the Presidium and scrub the tear tracks from my face.

"Hey Liara, need something?" I ask, my voice sounding hoarse to my ears.

The Asari leaned on the rail next to me, the sympathetic look on her face making me feel even worse, "You have been watching us for the past half hour."

I shrugged and tried to appear nonchalant, "Can't be too careful, I don't think we could bring back the Commander a second time."

Liara just shook her head and tried to put a comforting hand on my shoulder, which I quickly shrugged off.

"Please, don't. Just…" I stop and have to choke back tears, "Just tell me she's happy, truly happy."

"Yes, she is happy."

I nod and the tears start to fall again. She places a hand on my shoulder again and I don't move. She gives a sympathetic squeeze and it only makes me cry harder, silent sobs wracking my shoulders as she walks away.

I have no idea how much time passed as I cried, only the sound of my radio calling everybody back to the Normandy pulling me from my daze. With one last sniffle, I straighten my shoulders and wipe the tears from my face. With a deep breath I turn and head to the elevator, ready for the next mission.

I've got your back Commander. Forever.


This idea came to me when Taylor Swift's Teardrops on My Guitar came on my Pandora station awhile back and I finally got around to writing it.

Leave a review and let me know what y'all think!