The music of the performers reverberated through the speakers around the building. The guitar and the drums provided the tropical vibe and beat while the digital synthesizers brought a more modern feel to the rhythm and melody. When it mixed together, it filled everyone with a desire to dance and release themselves. But the excitement didn't stop there. Several dancers emerged and walked out to their dance stages around the bar. Two were human females and the other two were Asari. But the biggest surprised came next. A pair of shirtless human men with sculpted abs and arms came out along with two skimpy clad turians, one male the other female. Together they danced and set the room ablaze with fever. From behind him, Shepard heard James.

"Damn Esteban, looks like they thought of you too when they set up the eye candy."

"I guess I'll have to leave an extra tip tonight," Cortez said in return. The group chuckled from the remark. But James was right about one thing, the performers thought about more than just the men. The ladies could get a piece of the eye candy and the people could even see what the turian dancers offered. A little piece of everything. But it wasn't the dancers that made the bar amazing, it was the atmosphere. The scent of the wood mixed in with the drinks and the people everywhere combined into a great feeling of welcome. Earth in general wasn't very welcome to extraterrestrials after first contact so it was rare to see non-humans around. But right now, while the majority were still human, several of the patrons were alien and they were having a very good time. Shepard looked back at Jacob.

"Did you arrange this?" he asked him.

"Well I knew the owner a few years back and these guys were frequent performers here. So it's one of the ways he could give me a favor. You alright with it?"

"I guess I am. Although you know the thing that goes with music isn't my specialty."

"Oh don't be a bosh'tet Shepard," Tali spoke up. "You had the courage to bust a move with us at our party."

Shepard grinned at her comment. He knew he wasn't good at moving around to the music but time and time again he did bust a move mostly for his friends and crewmates.

"Yeah I guess you're right. But I think I'll need some time and a few drinks before I get to it."

"Don't take too long," Garrus said. "Or we'll have to drag you on to the dance floor if we get the feeling that you're stalling."

"Don't worry, I won't take too long."

"We'll hold you to that," Tali said before she and Garrus and a few of the others moved on to another part of the bar to mingle with the patrons. Jacob and Joker took their seats at the bar and the bartender got to work with their drinks. But Shepard lost sight of one of the people in the group that met him: Kasumi.

"Did you see where Kasumi went?" He asked.

"Don't worry about her," Jacob said. "She told me she was going to record parts of the party for one of her extranet hits." Shepard snorted a chuckle from his nose.

"That's all?"

"There's nothing really valuable here except for the people," Joker said. "I guess in a way she's stealing the special moments the people will share with each other and share it with the Galaxy."

"Well I just hope she doesn't get into too much trouble," Shepard said. Shepard took his stool and sat at the bar next to Jacob and Joker while Liara took her seat beside him.

"What'll it be Commander?" the bartended came over to him. "Oh sorry. Admiral. It's really hard adjusting to the new title when everybody knows you as Commander."

"I'm adjusting to it myself," Shepard said. "But I'll take a whiskey, thanks."

He nodded and looked over at Liara. "And for you miss?" he asked her very politely.

"I'll have the same," Liara smiled at his rather polite behavior obviously due to her looks.

"I'll get them out," He got to work immediately.

While he did, Liara looked passed Shepard to Jacob.

"It's quite a nice place, Jacob," Liara said. "Much more fun and welcoming than the few bars and clubs I've seen."

"Well this is one of the special ones down here," Jacob said. "Before the war started, the owner here was pretty open with the other species and he figured he'd get more recognition if he opened up and have a more mixed theme to it like those on the citadel. He did receive some hate from the xenophobes but that didn't discourage him. Now that it's over, he got the property back and business has been booming."

"All thanks to this fantastic and determined man right here," Liara leaned up next to Shepard and wrapped her arms around him.

"Yeah well, I did have help you know."

"And we were happy to give you it," Jacob said.

"...'til the very end," Joker added in. Shepard smiled at their remark. But then there was a thought that caught a hold of him.

"So does the whole city know about this?"

"About you being here?" Jacob said. 'No. About a special happy hour going on tonight? Yes."

"So I won't cause the bar to be overrun by my fan base?" Shepard asked. "Only the ones who want to have a good time are coming for one tonight. And they'll have the pleasure of sharing a good time with the guest of honor."

"And we're very grateful to have you here tonight," the bartender returned with the two drinks ready.

"Thanks," Shepard said to the tender. They took their glasses into their hands and held them in front of each other.

"What shall we toast to?" Liara asked.

"Don't really know," Shepard said. "There's a lot to toast to. What do you think Jacob?"

"I would say to you, Shepard. But you'd be too generous and say you're not worth it."

"So why don't we give it for this," Joker raised his hand to the patrons around the bar. The ones sitting down with their friends. The ones letting themselves loose on the dance floor. The ones who were alive and having a good time to celebrate the end of the war and beginning of a new era.

"It's what you've been fighting for and now it's a reality." Liara raised her glass, "To a galaxy free and united."

"And the better future that's coming," Shepard clinked her glass with his and drank the intoxicating liquid. Shepard grimaced for a second as the alcohol kicked his senses and shook his head in response to it. Liara had a similar experience and put her glass down right next to his. "You feel up for more, Shepard?"

"Well I don't want to have too much too fast. I've still got to get up on my feet like I promised."

"Then we'll take it slow," Liara said maneuvering herself close to him. "I'm in no hurry."

"I for one am glad that I'm not either," Shepard said. "I'm really happy you're here Liara."

"Where else would I be?" She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Minutes passed by and Shepard went through one more glass with Liara. He looked around to see the flow of the party. The dancing was one of the highlights of the evening, from both the professionals and the patrons. The tropical vibe was a fresh experience than the pure techno vibe of Purgatory and the other clubs Shepard had visited. He saw several of his crew members mingling with the crowd gathering around them. The one that stood out the most was Vega. He was on the dance floor but his dancing was more about showing off his physical condition. He had a gathering of admirers nearby, several human women and asari were taking in Vega's performance that competed with the professionals on the stage. Gabby and Kenneth were sitting at a table talking. About what exactly Shepard didn't know. But it seemed to be pleasant for both of them. Traynor was already starting to dance. But the thing that Shepard noticed was how close she was to an Asari who was dancing next to her. Dancing close to her or dancing with her? Shepard couldn't tell. Cortez, Adams and Chakwas were off to the side talking amongst each other but Shepard knew they would eventually go to do something fun in a little while. Garrus and Tali were getting their grove on already. Tali was moving very fluidly while Garrus's moves were almost as stiff as Shepard's. But Shepard had to admit the tenacity Garrus had for getting out there right away while he delayed his spotlight awhile. Then Shepard saw Kaiden and Miranda getting their own groove on too and they were good at making their moves.

"Feeling up to it?" Liara put her chin on his shoulder. She obviously read that Shepard's attention to the dance floor.

"In a few more minutes," Shepard said.

"Ha!" He heard Joker. "Are you giving another excuse to stall again?"

"Oh you're the one to talk," Liara said. "The last thing I remember was that you were the reluctant one to dance at the party."

"Yeah well I've changed my priorities since then," Joker replied. "And if it'll make you feel any better, I'll come up and dance with you."

"With him?" Liara said in a mock-serious tone.

"In proximity," Joker reacted quickly. "To take some of the heat off of him when the eyes drift his way."

"Thanks Joker," Shepard said. "But I think I can handle this."

Shepard downed the last sip of his glass and stepped down from his stool. Liara followed close behind while Joker and Jacob followed next. He made his way to the dance floor until he found a good spot that was relatively close to where Tali and Garrus were dancing. Shepard looked around for a second before he moved his body. And it didn't take long for everyone to take notice.

"OOOOHHHOOOO!" The singer stretched his reaction into the microphone. "Captain on deck! Make some room people!"

And like that, Shepard was singled out. Liara took a step back while the others made some open for him to move. Shepard should have seen it coming but it was too late now. He heard several cheers and load whistles from the crowd around him. He even saw some of the professional dancers draw their eyes to him while still performing their routines. All he had to do was keep his grove on while the rest watched. All Shepard could think about was where Kasumi was because she was no doubt filming him right now. But thankfully the solo routine didn't last too long. Liara came immediately to Shepard's rescue and danced next to him. Tali, Garrus, Kaidan and even Joker came to aid him along with several of Shepard's crew. Together they made a skeptical that was sure to make Kasumi's vid have over a billion hits in a matter of days on the extranet and might even make it newsworthy.

"Looks like the admiral and his team need some back up for this mission," the singer said after allowing Shepard and his team a few seconds to light the room on fire. "Everyone get in there and give him some support!"

And with that, the patrons joined the battle and moved in with their bodies moving effortlessly to the beat. As the chaos of the dance floor ensued Shepard found some thin he could understand. He locked his gaze with Liara who did the same with him. Seeing her move like she did made him realize how much she had changed since the first time he met her. She moved with much grace and openness, expressing many elements of herself through her routine. It made Shepard feel happy for her knowing she had found a balance between her personal and social aspects of herself. As the music continued, Shepard and Liara danced closer together until it was clear they were dancing with each other. The energy between them grew so big that all the energy around them faded out. In that moment, Shepard's attention was directed at no one but the love of his life. And when Liara looked back at him he knew she felt the same. That moment continued until the crescendo of the song dissipated into the ending. With the end approaching, they brought out the best of their moves and posed when the song ended.

"Give it up for our guest of honor!" The patrons cheered around the duo. With the song over, the pair retreated back to their seats. The next song started just as they sat down.

"You've been getting better," Liara smiled.

"So have you," Shepard smiled back. "Well the only real practice I had was at our party. But I think it helped."

They leaned toward each other and they shared another kiss. Afterward, they looked out to see where the others had gone. Garrus and Tali were taking a rest on the side of the dance floor. James put off his performance and was sitting with Miranda on the sidelines too. Kaiden was with Chakwas chatting with her while Adams, Gabby and Kenneth sat where they were before. When Shepard looked back at the bar's entrance, he saw another surprise he didn't expect. He saw Kelly Chambers walk into through the entrance and started to walk passed the bar to the dance floor. He got out of his chair and walked toward her. He called her name and she turned around to see him.

"Shepard?" Kelly was stunned when she realized who was standing before her. "Oh my gosh you're out of the hospital. How are you?"

"I'm doing pretty good actually. You just missed a special moment everyone here won't forget soon."

"They saw you dancing?"

"I made a promise to Garrus and the gang. Couldn't let him down."

"Well I'm so glad to see you," Kelly came close to him and they shared a quick hug. "Where's everyone else?"

"Right this way," Shepard led her to where Jacob, Chakwas and several of the Normandy crew were.

"Kelly Chambers?" Jacob said. "How'd you get here?"

"I was relocated to Rio after some time helping at a refugee camp a few miles from here. I came by because I heard there was a celebration here tonight." She looked back at Shepard. "And now I know why."

"Well it's good to have you here," Gabby said. "And might I say you look pretty good with your new look."

"Well this actually saved my life believe it or not and it was Shepard's idea. Before the coup by Cerberus, Shepard said I should change my identity to cover my tracks. When the troops came looking for me, they didn't recognize me."

"Wow," Kenneth said with his eyes wide open. "I didn't think that a change to a blond would actually save a person's life."

"Well Shepard," Jacob said looking up at him. "It looks like you saved yet another damsel in distress."

"I guess it's a habit," Shepard said. "You have a good time, Kelly. I've got to handle some things of my own."

"Of course you do," Kelly smiled. "I'm very happy to see you."

Shepard was about to make his way back to Liara to see her out of her chair and talking to someone just a few steps away from the bar. The person she was talking to gave Shepard a moment of disbelief.

"Shepard," Liara smiled when he came up to her side. "We have another guest tonight."

"Admiral Shepard," Javik nodded to him. "I want to congratulate you."

"Thanks Javik. How'd you know to come here?"

"Oh I let him know," Liara said.

"But I thought you didn't like these sorts of things Javik," Shepard said.

"I don't," Javik said. "But it's one of the many things that I haven't been able to experience in my cycle. So I believe I will give it another try."

Shepard suppressed a smile remembering what happened to Javik at the party on the Citadel. He didn't participate in many group activities or dance like the others but he did join Zaeed and Wrex for a bottle shoot out with training rounds so no one would get seriously injured if they missed. And in the morning Shepard found Javik a little more than tipsy going on about the Prothean empire and other things he didn't normally say. But after that night, Javik was back to his normal self. Tonight, Shepard wondered what Javik would do with a gathering of total strangers around him.

"Hey," Shepard and Javik turned to see a rather tipsy human woman walk up to them. "You- you're that Prothean guy right."

"Yes," Javik said. "The last voice of the Prothean Empire."

"Are you really?!" An Asari shouted out behind Shepard. He saw she was tipsy too. "By the goddess. Are you here for the party?"

Javik hesitated. Normally he would have said no upfront and perhaps hurt some kind person's feelings. But now after everything he'd seen of the 'primitive species' as they are working in peace, he was a little less hard and a little more open. Right now, he didn't know what to do.

"I suppose I am-."

"Great," she took Javik's hand and began to pull him with her. "Come and have a drink with me."

"Wait no," the human women took his other hand and pulled him the other way. "I'll give you the best fun this night."

"Don't listen to the short lived human," the Asari pulled back. "I'm more interesting by centuries."

"Don't listen to that old hag," the human pulled back. "It's more exciting when life moves fast."

"Hey ladies," Shepard stepped in. "Why don't you both show him a good time together. You both have the fun while he has twice as much fun at the same time."

"Okay. Why not?" Then both of the girls pulled in the same direction while Javik followed a little reluctantly. Javik gave the Commander a look of confusion that almost meant "What exactly am I supposed to do?" "It's alright Javik," Shepard whispered loud enough for Javik to hear over the music.

"Just go with it and it'll be alright."

When Javik and the girls adjourned to one of the corner booths, Liara came to Shepard's side with a fun smile.

"Do you think that asari might have been you back then?" Shepard asked Liara.

"I don't know about the tipsy part," Liara replied. "But I might have been that excited to get close to him. But I admit I am a little concerned for him."

"Oh he'll be fine," Shepard said. "I think he's got to learn the feelings of peace on step at a time and this'll be a good way for that."

"Well at least he has some admirers other than the Hanar."

Shepard chuckled and both of them returned to their seats at the bar. After several more minutes of fun music and playful conversations, the singer spoke out to the audience once the last song was complete.

"Alright ladies and gents are you having a great time?" The bar erupted into a large blast of cheers. "Well we're glad you are because we're at that part of the evening that I personally love." The silence that followed came as the breathe that was held for the surprise. "That's right, it's karaoke time!" Shepard was taken aback when he heard karaoke. Dancing was one thing, but singing... he tried to not think about it.

"And as a token of our appreciation," the singer continued. "We've decided our guest of honor gets off free for the night."

The crowd booed a little bit.

"Now, now. He's done our request to save the galaxy and giving us his skill on the dance floor already. You should understand it's only fair." There was a sigh that meant that the majority of the patrons understood. "So now who's going to be our first singer tonight?" The lights flashed all around the bar again until only one was fully lit while the rest were dimed. The eyes of the patrons moved to the light. And even Shepard was surprised who was under light.

Garrus was almost in shock when he looked around to see everyone's eyes on him. He was slow to move until Tali gave him a very playful push and the rest of the patrons helped out until he was on the stage.

"So what is your name my good Turian friend?" he put his Omni-tool to Garrus's mandible. "Garrus Vakarian."

"Oh?" the singer was stunned for a moment. "The Garrus Vakarian? Shepard's squad mate who went with him to hell and back?"

"Since the near beginning," Garrus said with a little pride that he managed to get past the nervousness.

"Well here's how you can congratulate his promotion tonight," the singer activated his Omni-tool and synced the microphone function over to Garrus's Omni-tool so it would take in Garrus's voice and send it through the speakers. Garrus was a little frightened until he looked up at the hologram in front of the stage that started to display the lyrics. As the words lit up to the pace of the song, Garrus started sing. At first it was more like he was speaking the lyrics. But as the song moved along, Garrus was getting the rhythm and melody down and it actually felt like he was singing. As he did so, Shepard moved over to Tali who was cheering him on by the side of dance floor.

"He's pretty talented isn't he?" he said to Tali when he reached her side. "I didn't think he had it in him," Tali looked at Shepard before looking back at Garrus. "But he is full of surprises."

"He sure is," Shepard watched as Garrus continued to get the rhythm of the lyrics down. "So I never got to ask. Was it really just a fling after all?"

Tali looked back at Shepard. When Shepard caught the both of them having an intimate moment in the forward battery before getting ready for Earth, Shepard was happy that they were together. But Tali said to Garrus that it was only a fling and she was using him for his body. But Shepard knew it would grow to be more than that.

"I thought it was going to be," Tali said. "But it grew so much after you defeated the Reapers." Shepard smiled knowing now that he was right about 'them.'

"Is it everything you were hoping for?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh I don't know," Shepard said. "I was kind of thinking this thing was turning into some kind of romantic star crossed love story. A beautiful admiral of the flotilla and a handsome Turian officer of the fleet."

Tali was shocked when she put the pieces together. "Fleet and Flotilla? Oh please! He's not nearly as charming as Bellicus."

"Really? I think the voice's something that almost any girl would fall for. Plus the scares give a nice touch."

"Since when do you know what a girl likes?" "Mmmm, just a hunch. But in all seriousness, is he good enough for you?"

"Well..." Tali said. "Yeah, I think so. He's very dedicated to his people like I am to mine. And we've been through a lot under your command. So I think that he's good."

"But not as good as Bellicus?"

"I guess in some ways I like him a little more than Bellicus. And he's an actually person who knows me and I'm learning more about him every day. So yes I think he's better than Bellicus."

"So will it be as good as 'Fleet and flotilla?'"

"No," Tali said. "I believe it'll be better." Shepard smiled. "I'm happy for you Tali."

"As am I for you and Liara." She came over and gave him a hug. Garrus finished the last part of the song just as Tali finished her conversation with Shepard.

"Thank you, Vakerian," The singer said. "Now it's time for singer number two of the evening." The lights flashed around again until it came down on an Asari who walked up the stage in excitement. As she prepared for her song, Garrus walked back to where Tali and Shepard were.

"Shepard!" Garrus called out. "Were you trying to steal my girl while I made a fool of myself?"

"Hey," Shepard raised his hands in defense. "I was only giving her company while you impressed everybody with your irresistible charm. I have no chance with her compared to you."

"Right," Garrus said with a I-don't-buy-it tone which was obviously mock angered. "Well I believe that you two have had enough fun together. I believe it's time we go back to our real dates before anyone else gets suspicious of our loyalties."

"No harm no foul," Shepard said. He looked back a Tali and gave a nod in her direction. He walked back to his seat next to Liara.

"So," Liara said to him. "Keeping Tali company while Garrus impresses all of us with his irresistible charm."

"Just wanted to ask how it's going between them. And from the sound of it, it going very well."

"Well that's good to know," Liara said. "Although I could see a little energy between you and her."

"What?" Shepard was a little alarmed.

"Relax Shepard I'm not accusing you of anything," Liara said smiling. "Me and Tali already talked about it."

"Talked about what?"

"Oh, about your adventure on your suicide mission that I turned down because I was so selfish," When she said selfish, it was a sarcastic mock-guilty tone. "She talked about how you were able to prevent her from being banished from the flotilla and keep her father's legacy untainted."

"It was something that I needed to do for her and everyone else's sake. I couldn't let her be banished for a crime she didn't commit."

"A gift of generosity, like many of the things you do. I know that part. But Tali said she took it in as more than a friend giving help. I won't lie Shepard, the way you two act, it seems you two would make a rather good pair if I wasn't in the picture."

"Liara!" Shepard raised his voice a little sounding appalled. "I'd never do that."

"I know you wouldn't," Liara said putting a hand on his shoulder to calm him. He relaxed and Liara put her hand back down to her side. "But I'm talking as a friend who's having a talk about hypothetical situations." Shepard was a little drawn back by what Liara was saying.

"You mean 'what ifs' and other things?"

"Yes," Liara said. "That's basically what me and Tali talked about when you were recovering. A girl-to-girl talk if you will."

"So what did you talk about?"

"She talked about how she almost got close enough to you before you came back to give me the information to start our adventure." The adventure part meaning the hunt for the Shadow Broker. Shepard rubbed the back of his neck. The embarrassment took a hold when the memories came to him.

"Liara I..."

"Relax Shepard," Liara said with reassuring smile. "I understood why this happened at the time and I understood why Tali did what she did. But she and I are good with it and we've forgiven each other. It was just a game of confession between two friends." Shepard's anxiety decreased and he relaxed.

"A game of confession, huh? What did you two confess?"

"I confessed several of the embarrassing things I've said to you when we talked on the Normandy and the steps we took until I eventually got around to your personal side." Shepard huffed out of his nose at the amusement that came when he pictured Liara telling Tali her story of her coming together with him.

"And what did Tali confess?"

"She confessed to me that she download several education vids about reading human body language and courtship to prepare herself. She also told me about what she told you about 'intimacy' when it came to suit environments. And she told me how close she got to you before you told her that you were still faithful to me despite what I said to you when we met on Illium." Shepard dipped his head down.

"So you won't be angry if I confess something to you now?"

"Not at all," Liara said. "It's all in the past. It's done and over with."

"Okay," Shepard took a deep breath. "I will confess that Tali and I almost came close. When she was on the SR-1, she was so very young and after I met her on Freedom's progress I saw how much she grew up. She told me she was just a kid on her pilgrimage and now she's a leader for her people. She really needed support and I was happy to give it to her as a friend. But when I helped her out and she talked to me, it reminded me of you."

"You mean how I changed from a shy unsociable hermit to an unflinching information broker hiring her own mercenary recruits to do my own dirty work?"

Shepard shook his head. "A person who had matured and took the next step in their life even thougt it was directed on a dark path at the time."

"Then what made you come back for me when you could have gone with Tali? After what I said to you, I wouldn't have been surprised to see you move on to find someone else who wasn't driven by anger. I know it wasn't just because of an eternity, Shepard. What made you try to win me back?" Shepard took a deep breath to compose himself.

"Well that eternity was one of biggest things. I still remember that night as clear as day and all the thoughts and feelings you shared with me. And even under all the anger and hate, I could still see those things in you and it took me a little while to realize it. So when Tali came to me, I told her about my feelings I still had for you and she understood. When Cerberus forwarded the data to me to give you, I knew it was my chance to bring those things I remembered about you back out again." Liara paused for a while to take in what Shepard said.

"Well I'm happy that you persisted with me, Shepard." She put her arm around the back of his neck and pulled herself close to him. "I don't know what else I'd be if you hadn't been there for me. You've given me more purpose to my life than filing information on CPUs."

"You've done the same for me, Liara," Shepard put his hand onto the side of her cheek. "Without you I might not be alive to have something more to live for. Whatever happens from here, I hope to give you the greatest time of your life."

"And I look forward to that," Liara came closer and shared and very long kiss together. Sure everyone could see them but there wasn't really anything for them to hide. It was a night to let themselves go and they were doing that right now. The last karaoke singer finished his song and the lead singer of the band took the stage again.

"Alright people it's time we slow things down for a special part of the evening. Before we do that, we want to have moment to speak on behalf our band and our many fans. This goes out not only to our beloved hero and his crew of amazing followers but to everyone here and across the stars. Let us remember what everyone fought for and what many of our friends died for. We fought so we could live our lives the way we want to and for our loved ones we hold so close to each of our hearts. We fought to trust one another no matter what world you were born from. We are all alive today because of how we were able to reach out and work together with people who are so different than us. If we learned anything from this war, it's that we can achieve the greatest things when we all work together. And now that it's over, we can now work together for a better future. Not just a better future from sharing technology and resources, but to have a future where there are no boundaries keeping any of us apart." He paused and looked Shepard's way before he continued. "On behalf of our band, we want to give you our thanks to you, Shepard. You and your crew not only saved us, but it taught us that this future is possible. It made us realize we're all people. Not just humans, asari, turians or krogan, but people. We may be so different sometimes but many times we're not that different at all. We all share so much in common and you made us realize that.

"As a request from us to all of you here tonight, if you have that special one by your side, be it your loved one or just a good friend, we want you to come out here on the dance floor and share a special moment with them."

Shepard looked over at Liara who looked back at him with the same look. They took each other's hand and walked down to the dance floor where everyone was getting together with their special ones. He saw Garrus and Tali getting together along with Kenneth and Gabby. And believe it or not, Shepard saw Conrad Verner with Jenna. Shepard thought about why Conrad didn't come up to him already since he was here all night so far and the singer said his name over and over. He guessed it must have been because Conrad heeded the singer's request and gave him some space for tonight. But before Shepard turned his head back to Liara, he saw Conrad look at him and give a nod at him and pointed in his direction before making that hand into a thumbs up. Shepard was taken aback when Conrad did what he did but he quickly turned his attention back to Liara as they prepared to dance.

The music started. It was a very slowly paced song that radiated with the soft melody of love and gentleness. The singer's voice was a blend of romanticism and gentleness that flowed effortlessly with the melody of the music. It filled the atmosphere with a deep passion but also a deep calm feeling. It felt... peaceful.

Peace. The thing Shepard hoped would come if he succeeded in defeating the Reapers. He hadn't known the true feeling of it having only experienced conflict nearly all his life. From the brutal streets of earth to his tour of duty as one of the Alliance's elite N7s who lead the resistance of Elysium against the slavers. And after that, three long years of conflict with sinister machines hell-bent on harvesting all advanced organic life. But it was finally over, and everyone was working together to rebuild what was lost. But it wasn't only about rebuilding, it was also about renewing. To have fresh start. For the galaxy, the Krogan and the Batarains were the ones given a chance to start over and hopefully for the better. But for Shepard, it was starting a new life all together. Without a war for him to fight, he had to find another purpose. And that purpose was standing in front of him.

As the song moved along, Shepard caught glimpses of the other couples dancing around them. He saw Garrus and Tali moving together rather gracefully while Kenneth was struggling a little but Gabby was able to lead him reasonably enough. Vega made an impression with Miranda while, by surprise, Joker was on his feet with Chakwas. From what he saw, she was careful to be gentle with her touching him.

Even the professions were getting together on the stage. The male turian started to dance with one of the human female dancers while the female turian got together with one of the shirtless human males. The other human male got together with the one of the Asari dancers while the last Asari dancer got together with the last female dancer. Together with the patrons, they all made a display of a deep emotion of gentleness and love that spread out to all corners of the bar.

Shepard retuned his gaze to Liara as they spun gracefully together around the dance floor. Their matching blue eyes locked into each other and the world around them faded away. In that moment, it felt like an eternity had been embraced. They saw everything they loved in each other. After that day he saved her on Therum, the greatest journey both of them would take had begun. As both of them and the crew of the Normandy chased down Saren, the bond between them grew. Before they arrived at the final confrontation, they took that moment to share themselves like lovers. After that night, things wouldn't be the same for either of them.

When the unthinkable happened, the one who was left alive traveled down a dangerous road of revenge that threatened to cost her morality and even her purpose in life. Even when the one she cared for had returned from the grave to fight those who killed him, she was so withdrawn from her older self that she couldn't return to how she was. But after her journey of revenge was complete, his presence brought back the feelings she thought were gone. She question herself if she could do it again. If she should do it again. She was hesitant but he made a final move and he brought her back into his arms. And it was followed by a promise made to come back to her and a promise for something that would come when it was over: little blue children.

When the war started, they were reunited and fought side by side to unite the galaxy to save itself from its destruction. After all the twists and turns, all the difficult decisions, changing the course of history, the heartbreaking defeats and a one final effort, it was all over. All that remained was a galaxy united and a crew of a band of brothers and sisters that had shaped the face of the galaxy. And in that band, a love story had been born. When it was thought to have ended when the end of the war came, it had survived. The story hadn't ended, it had only begun.

As the song drew to its close, Shepard and Liara embraced each other tightly. The first chapter of their story had been written and the rest of the book was open for them to continue it. Together they would write the story of their lives.

Author's note: Sorry for the delay this chapter turned out to be longer than I planned and it took longer to put it together. But I've managed to get this done and upload it to you and I hope you enjoy it.

As for an update on my activities, I regret to say I have to get back to doing a StarCraft fic that I promised to return to this month so that will take some of my time. But most of my free time will be devoted to this story until I get to my surprise I have in store for you. Once I get there, updates for this story will be slower as I will need to finish my other story on the shorter time table I have for that story. But I assure you, I will never abandon this story and I will see it through for all of you.

Update: The Chapter has been updated with corrections.