Author's Note: Mass Effect Characters, Universe...etc, etc. belong to Bioware.
A gentle northern breeze wafted the smell of salt and surf through the air. A rhythmic onslaught of waves lapped over his bare feet. He scrunched his toes feeling the warm, wet sand between them. He watched the Thessian sunset with satisfaction. He'd fought for this peace, he felt her arms wrap around his waist and the gentle weight of her body against his own.
"We found our peace and happiness." Her gentle laughter was intoxicating. He tried to remember being this happy and failed. He turned in her embrace and kissed her gently. He trailed kisses down to the hollow of her neck.
"I would have to agree Commander." She inhaled sharply as he gently nipped at the tender flesh of her neck. "While I enjoy your many talents involving my body, we have guests waiting for us to return."
"Let them wait." His hands moved down the satin dress, finding her ample backside, while his mouth moved back up tracing the delicate line of her jaw.
"Shepard, my mother taught me better." She pushed him gently away, planting a chaste kiss upon his lips. She turned grabbing his hands and pulled the reluctant solider behind her.
"Why must we constantly entertain dignitaries?"
"I would hardly classify our friends as dignitaries. However my position as the shadow broker allows me the latitude to make you a proposition. I will provide one night of pure ecstasy in return for your cooperation in this dinner party."
The Commander broke into a slight jog dragging his Asari lover behind him. Her laughter made him come to an abrupt stop, turn, and pick her up into a fireman's carry. He sprinted the final distance to the veranda.
He dropped her onto her feet and accepted the indignant stare with a mischievous grin. She shook her head smoothed out the creases on her dress. She looked him over and straightened his N7 polo shirt.
"I guess asking you to wear nice slacks, instead of cargo shorts was too much?" The grin broadened.
She turned in exasperation and opened the door to the house. They entered to the cheers of their friends.
James was the first to greet him, "Loco, finally we can get this party started."
"I thought you would have preferred the company of some Asari maiden than my sorry ass."
"I have been ruined for all Asari by the Doc, the only one in the Galaxy hot enough for me and she's into old men."
"I would have to disagree, she's into handsome men. That's why you had no shot."
"Well Doc, if you ever get tired of the geriatric just give me a call."
The object of their conversation simply walked away rolling her eyes.
"Let's go get us a drink since you have effectively driven the most beautiful woman in the room away."
The two friends moved towards the bar, where Jack had already hijacked the vodka bottle.
"Finally decide to stop playing on the beach boy scout?"
James smirked, "Loco a boy scout, hardly."
"Well he's done some crazy shit. However I've done crazier."
"So you took down a reaper single handed?"
"No, just helped with the human reaper on the collector base. I don't see much difference still crazy shit."
The commander suddenly had a headache. He'd lost track of the conversation. He felt as if the room was fading away. Suddenly Liara was by his side her hand on his cheek.
"Are you alright?" The concern furrowed her brow and darkened her cerulean eyes.
"Fine now, I just feel kind of funny when you're not near me."
A sad smile crossed her lips, "You don't lie very well."
He couldn't help but chuckle, "I used to tell you that."
A genuine smile lightened her features, "Well one has to learn if they want to grow up to be the Shadow Broker."
He slid an arm around her waist and looked around the room. He smiled at the sight of James and Jack trying to drink on another under the table. Mordin and Thane were discussing the Keprel's Syndrome. Ashley was explaining poetry to EDI. The room was missing some familiar faces, but he was happy in the moment.