The hum of the engines was quiet and soothing and they stood in the glow of her empty fish tank, embraced and simply basking in each others' presence.

Shepard stirred and spoke quietly. "I can't believe you're really here. I feel like it's another dream and I'm going to wake up alone again."

Kaidan sighed, his breath mussing strands of her hair. "I know. I feel the same way." His arms tightened about her. "I have missed you so much."

"I have missed you every day, died every day, waiting for you," Shepard murmured.

"I'm here now," Kaidan replied, "and you're not allowed to die again." He tilted her head back for a kiss, and just for a moment the stars paused in their eternal dance, the war around them ceased to exist, and it was just them, forever.