This is it, Shepard thought as she stepped off the rock path and onto the beach. She scanned the crowd of expectant faces, clutching Wrex anxiously.

Occupied chairs lined the sand and a simple lavender carpet had been rolled out to the archway where Admiral Hackett stood in his uniform with his hands clasped in front of him, a proud expression on his broad face. Shepard stepped onto the carpet just as a lovely melody began to play from the band Tali had insisted on having present. In the end, Shepard couldn't deny Tali's taste. The live band had been a sublime addition. A subharmonic voice began to rise with the notes, matching the tone of the music in the most stunning way. Shepard's brow creased with confusion as she hadn't asked anyone to sing at the wedding. She looked and was surprised to see a female Turian standing in front of the band. She had her eyes closed and swayed lightly with the music, harmonizing uniquely with her dual tone voice. The thought that Turians could sing had never occurred to Shepard before. She was amazed at the strength and clarity the Turian emitted. As Shepard admired her, she suddenly felt her heart flutter as she recognized the markings on the unfamiliar Turian's face.

Solana! Shepard exclaimed silently. She was amazed to see her at the wedding. The last she heard, Solana had not been well enough to attend. However, it seemed Solana carried with her the Vakarian trait of tenacity as she stood before Shepard and the wedding guests, serenading them all beautifully.

Shepard smiled broadly. She was happy to see Solana had made it after all. She looked over to Wrex who patted her hand reassuringly. Shepard sucked in a deep breath and nodded at him. Wrex began to lead her to the wedding party. As they descended, the guests all stood up in anticipation of the ceremony. Shepard scanned their faces, seeing a mixture of boundless jubilation, pride, and tears. Shepard adverted her eyes from the crying faces. She was overwhelmed with her own emotions and felt she would shatter if she gazed at anyone too long.

However, her endeavors proved futile as her eyes landed on a table filled with the portraits of those close to her she had lost.

Shepard shuddered slightly, the tears filling her eyes before she could even fight against them. Ashley's recruitment portrait began the long line of photographs. Ashley stood proud and refined in her uniform, eager for her first assignment. She gazed at Mordin holding a seashell and realized just how ecstatic he would be that Shepard and Garrus were getting married on a beach. Her moist eyes travelled over to Thane leaning casually against a wall. Kolyat's prayer ran through her head and the sound of the ocean waves brought back the memories of Thane on his deathbed. She had told him she would meet him again, across the sea. Shepard choked on her emotion, fighting to swallow it down. The next portrait was of Legion. This one made Shepard smile sadly. She had discovered him in the AI core dancing when he thought no one was looking. She had taken a picture of him just as he had caught her, his shutters raised in surprise and alarm. There was never a doubt in Shepard's mind that Legion had one of the purest souls she had ever encountered in all her travels. The last picture on the table was a uniformed portrait of David Anderson. Shepard gazed at his stoic face, hearing his last words resonate through her memories.

You did good, child. You did good. I'm proud of you.

Shepard squeezed Wrex's arm even harder, causing him to look over at her. He followed her line of vision, spying the table. He leaned into her gently.

"We may not all be here physically, Shepard, but we are all still here with you. Until the end." He whispered softly.

Shepard sniffled, looking up at the large Krogan warlord as she struggled to keep the tears in her eyes from spilling onto her cheeks. One tear escaped from her, trailing down her cheek. Wrex reached over and softly brushed it away causing Shepard to chuckle.

"You're just a big softie, aren't you Wrex?" She whispered.

Wrex snickered. "Don't tell anyone."

Shepard smiled, sniffling again. "You're secret's safe with me."

Shepard was grateful that Wrex would be walking her down the aisle or else she may have stopped dead in her overwhelming moment of grief. Shepard strove to push the sadness away, reminding herself off all the wonderful memories and moments she had of those she lost and to heed Wrex's words. Even though they were not there with her physically, she did still feel them in her heart. She would always keep them alive with her love and within her memories.

Before Shepard knew it, Wrex had led her to the others in the wedding party. James caught Shepard's eye, grinning widely and winking at her encouragingly.

"Ready, Commander?" He asked.

Shepard exhaled heavily and nodded. "Ready, James."

James threw her a crooked smile, hooking his arm and offering it to Tali.

"Milady?" He spouted smoothly.

Tali reached out and squeezed Shepard's hand, her faceplate fogged up and misted over. She released Shepard and clumsily laced her arm through James' and allowed him to lead her down the wedding aisle, officially beginning the ceremony.

Liara shot Shepard a beautiful, cheerful smile before turning to Grunt and offering him her arm. Grunt delicately took Liara's arm and turned to Shepard as if to make sure he was doing it properly.

Shepard nodded enthusiastically and Grunt grinned, closing the gap between him and Liara as they walked down after James and Tali. Shepard was pleased to see that his suit had remained intact despite what she was sure were his best efforts to destroy it.

Wrex leaned into Shepard again. "They grow up so fast."

Shepard sighed and nodded. "That they do."

Kaidan walked up to Shepard and placed a kiss on her cheek. "You look beautiful, Shepard," he whispered ardently, squeezing her arms. "Garrus is a lucky man."

"She's not beautiful, she's gorgeous!" Miranda gushed, playfully pushing Kaidan aside and wrapping her in a tight embrace. "He better know how lucky he is."

Kaidan blinked with surprise and then smiled good naturedly. "Well, we'll always be here to remind him if he forgets." He offered his arm to Miranda who took it quickly, shooting Shepard one more brilliant smile before walking after Liara and Grunt.

"Thank you for including me in your event, Shepard," EDI buzzed happily, dressed in a simple lavender gown.

"It wouldn't be a wedding without you," Shepard replied. "You're family, too, EDI."

EDI cast her eyes down shyly at the remark. "I don't know what to say. I feel the same way. Thank you, Shepard."

"Yeah, thanks for letting her drag me down the aisle," Joker griped. "You know I won't be able to walk for a week after this, right?"

"Who says I'll let you walk after this?" EDI retorted in a low seductive voice, winking at him.

"What are you-? Ah-Oh!" Joker smiled lasciviously. "Well then, by all means, lead the way."

"That boy's gotta screw loose," Wrex muttered as he watched them slowly trail after Miranda and Kaidan.

Shepard nodded, amused. "EDI might be the one with a few screws loose by the end of the night."

Wrex looked at Shepard, disgusted. "I really could've done without that image."

Shepard laughed at the Krogan's obvious discomfort.

"Well, you got me in a goddamn suit," Zaeed grumbled, interrupting their dialogue as he stepped up beside Shepard. He pulled at his collar, clearly uncomfortable.

"You made it!" Shepard gasped. She hadn't been sure the invite had reached him.

"Course I did," he gave her a salty smile. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. You look quite fetching, sweetheart."

He looked over at Jack who had sidled up beside him. "You look nice, too, dollface." He moved to put his arm around her.

Jack wore an a-line version of Liara's dress with sheer and satin trails down the legs. It was the most dressed Shepard had ever seen her.

"Don't get handsy, Massani," Jack threatened. "It may be Shepard's wedding, but that won't stop me from tossing your sorry ass off the side of a cliff."

Zaeed grinned, pulling back his hand and showing his palms to Jack. "Alright, alright, don't get them panties in a knot. Though from the looks of it, you ain't wearin' none."

Jack reached out and punched Zaeed in the arm. He winced slightly, but took it in stride.

Jack addressed Shepard, no longer acknowledging Zaeed. "Sorry I'm late. This dress was a bitch to get into."

Shepard smiled pleantly. "You look great, Jack." She shifted her gaze over to Zaeed. "And you, sir, look very handsome."

"Yeah," Zaeed grumbled. "I'm as pretty as a goddamn picture. Come on, doll. Let me walk you down this aisle and get this over with so we can find the bar and I can buy you a drink."

"Hell yeah!." Jack exclaimed before glaring at Zaeed, raising a finger in warning. "But don't think for one second that means you're getting anywhere with me."

Zaeed shook his head and offered his arm to Jack. "Calm down. I wouldn't even dream of it." He scanned the crowd before his gaze settled on Samara. A grin spread across his mouth. "You ain't blue enough for me."

Jack scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Come on, old man." She groused as she pulled him down the aisle.

Shepard watched as they trailed off, her heart thundering in her chest.

"This is it," she whispered to herself. She looked over at Wrex and was startled to see a look of sadness on his face.

"Wrex, what's wrong?" She asked, concerned.

"I don't know," Wrex replied with a shrug. "I guess this is just the end of an era. No more battles, no more life and death situations. I've grown accustomed to fighting for my life whenever I'm around you. Some might not like that, but I do. And I'm gonna miss it." He looked at her. "I'm gonna miss you."

Shepard pursed her lips, once again trying to win over her emotions. "I'm gonna miss you, too, Wrex. But you know, this is marriage. It's not a funeral. We don't have to say goodbye."

Wrex chuckled. "I know some people who would argue with you on that. But you're right, Shepard. It isn't goodbye and it isn't an end. It's just the beginning."

Shepard smiled, offering Wrex her arm. "Are you ready, big guy?"

Wrex linked his arm through hers, gazing at her proudly. "I would be honored."

Wrex began to lead her down the carpet on the sandy beach. Shepard's eyes scanned through the sea of familiar faces, carefully avoiding the table of memories. Shepard's gaze landed on Traynor who was already dabbing at her eyes. Shepard gave her a friendly smile and quickly looked away, unable to trust herself not to follow suit. She breathed deeply, concentrating on the rampage of emotions that flooded through her once again. Dr. Chakwas beamed proudly at Shepard, giving her a nod of encouragement. Dr. Michel sat beside Chakwas. She appeared less thrilled than the rest of the group and and Shepard felt a smug sense of arrogance wash over her at the woman's reaction. Shepard had won Garrus after all and Dr. Michel could suck it. Shepard's smug smile softened as she saw Steve next. He sat next to Kenneth and Gabriella, who smiled happily at Shepard as well. Apollo sat up front next to Samara who smoothly shifted her gaze from Zaeed to Shepard, nodding appreciatively to her. Shepard had asked Samara to be part of the wedding party, but she had gracefully declined, citing it as part of her Justicar code. Shepard had learned over time that fighting with Samara when it came to her code was like bashing one's head repeatedly against a ship hull. Apollo caught Shepard's gaze next and he gave her a lopsided grin. Shepard smiled back, feeling a stirring of hope inside her for a family she had been denied for so long.

The faces in the crowd became a whirlwind to Shepard as she and Wrex approached Admiral Hackett. Wrex turned to Shepard, bowing slightly to her and giving her hand one final squeeze before stepping down and taking his place with the groomsmen. He wedged himself in between Grunt and Kaidan, his eyes never leaving Shepard.

Next came the Turian integration into the ceremony. Solana began to vocalize a different melody, one which Shepard had never heard before, but found hauntingly beautiful. All heads turned as Lyras appeared on the carpet, carrying with him a tray with a decorative glass jar in the middle of it. Garrus followed closely behind his father, his eyes cast down. Lyras slowly and gracefully made his way up to Shepard, standing before her with his mandibles raised prominently. Shepard could tell he was about to burst with elation and pride. Garrus walked past Lyras and joined Shepard in front of Admiral Hackett. Only then did he turn his face to Shepard. His mandibles flared visibly.

"Spirits," he gasped. "You're breathtaking."

Shepard blushed fiercely, casting her own eyes down.

"Yes, she is," Lyras agreed softly. He turned to Hackett and nodded, signaling the commencement of the ceremony.

Hackett cleared his throat. "Welcome friends, family, and honored guests. We have gathered to celebrate the joyous union of these two souls. Today, we join the two great houses of Shepard and Vakarian." Hackett motioned to them both. "And to sanctify this union of houses, the consent of the family must be acknowledged. Shepard, does your family agree to this union?"

Shepard looked to her wedding entourage.

Tali nodded. "Yes."

"Yes," Liara whispered with a sweet smile.
"Of course," Miranda grinned.

"Affirmative," EDI complied.

"Yeah," Jack snickered, rolling her eyes.

"Aye," Zaeed confirmed, a sly smile crossing his lips.

"No question," Joker said, winking.

"Yes," Kaidan said, breaking out into a wide grin.

"Without reservations," Wrex muttered agreeably.

Grunt stood quiet for a moment and Wrex jabbed him in the side. "Oh!" His eyes went wide with surprise. "Um...whatever my battlemaster wants?" Grunt answered, his eyes twitching about, hoping he had answered sufficiently.

James stared at Shepard intensely. "Yes," he said simply.

Shepard nodded appreciatively, looking next to Admiral Hackett. He gave her his rare smile. "It's a yes from me as well," he said softly. "Apollo?"

Surprised, the wedding party turned to gaze at Apollo, who looked back in shock.

"What, me?" He asked.

"Yes," Shepard answered. "You're family. You have a say in this as much as they all do."

Apollo exhaled sharply. "Nothing would make me happier. Yes."

Shepard grinned and looked to Samara. She nodded, her eyes filled with happiness. "I approve."

Hackett turned to Lyras, addressing him. "House Vakarian, what say you?"

Lyras stepped forward. "I, Lyras Vakarian, do give my consent along with the consent of my daughter that the house of Vakarian and the house of Shepard be joined as one clan." Fluidly, Lyras flipped the lid off the decorative glass jar and dipped his finger into the blue paint that lay within. He reached for Shepard, delicately tracing the pattern of Garrus' markings across her cheeks.

"With this, I welcome you, Artemis Shepard, into my clan. May you belong to us as we belong to you." Lyras stepped away, a trace of raw emotion rippling through his features. Shepard blinked away her tears, not wanting them to wash away the markings he had just adorned her with.

"I am honored to call you family," he whispered before descending down into the crowd and taking a seat next to Apollo.

"Garrus Vakarian," Hackett began again. "Do you take the privilege of calling Artemis Shepard your wife? Do you vow to keep her safe, in good health and to treasure the times you have together for as long as you both shall live?"

Garrus gazed deeply into Shepard's eyes, his fingers linking around hers. "Without a doubt, without hesitation, yes, I do."

Hackett turned to Shepard. "Artemis Shepard, do you take the privilege of calling Garrus Vakarian your husband? Do you vow to keep him safe, in good health and to treasure the times you have together for as long as you both shall live?"

Shepard nodded enthusiastically. "Always. There's nothing I want more. I do."

"As with human tradition the vows shall now be read," Hackett motioned to Garrus.

Garrus cleared his throat, gazing intently at Shepard.

"Artemis," he began, looking at her as if she were the only one in his world. "Where do I even begin to find the words that you deserve? How could I ever be worthy enough to say them to you even if I did find them?" Garrus hummed reflectively. "I've followed you to hell and back and I would do it over and over again if you asked me to. I would do this because it doesn't matter what we go through. As long as I'm with you, then the journey will have been worth it. I don't do this out of loyalty or friendship, but out of a love so deep that it knows no end. The fact is, I need you, Artemis. When you're gone, I cease to exist. I can't see a life beyond you because there is no life without you. I live and breathe for you each and every day. You are the reason I'm still here. You are the reason for everything truly wonderful in my life. And I am going to spend every day of the rest of my life giving you every beautiful and wonderful thing you desire. I vow to give you the universe." He reached out and delicately brushed her cheek, mindful of the markings. "Because even though I will give myself to you every day, all I am will never be enough."

Shepard blinked rapidly, swallowing hard. Tali sniffled loudly behind her and Shepard was grateful she couldn't see the faces of the others. To her surprise, James reached up his hand and swiped at a tear. Wrex looked away and Shepard was unable to see his reaction. She blinked again, several times, but a tear escaped and trailed down her cheek. Garrus chuckled softly, reaching out and gently wiping it away.

"Garrus," Shepard whispered, her voice cracking as she reached up and held his hand against her cheek. "There's never been anyone in my life who has meant as much to me as you. I would've never made it this far without you. No one could see me as I was, but you always could. You were always there to catch me when I fell. I never had to ask because you knew me so well. You always know exactly what I need. And, as it turns out, I have everything I need. And that's you. Everything you are has become apart of me. You have shown me something I never thought was even possible. At least, not for someone like me. I never had any dreams or aspirations of love before I met you. I hardly even knew the meaning of the word. But when I look into your eyes, I know that without a doubt you are the piece of me that I will always and forever need. To say I'm incomplete without you isn't enough. I can't survive without you. Before you, I was just going through the motions and doing what was expected of me. You gave me a reason to live. To truly live. You showed me a world that I had been denied and you made me part of you You gave my life meaning. I love you, Garrus, with everything that I am. You vowed to give me the universe, but what you don't realize is that you've already done that." Shepard pulled in a shuddered breath. "Because you're standing in front of me right now, giving yourself to me. You are my universe, Garrus. All I have ever wanted in my entire life, all that I have ever needed, is you." And with that, the tears sprung forth and trailed down her cheeks as she looked up into the heavenly blue eyes that beheld her.

Hackett cleared his throat, obviously moved by their combined sentiments to one another. "By all authorities and by the consent of the families, I now sanctify this union." His voice broke slightly. "You may now seal your bond to one another."

Garrus' mandibles shifted and he pressed his forehead tightly against Shepard's, wrapping his arms around her. Shepard moved her mouth to his, feeling his tongue slide past her lips and into her mouth. Shepard wrapped her arms around his carapace and Garrus hoisted her up, spinning her around in a circle. She laughed, releasing the kiss, but still clinging happily to Garrus.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Hackett announced in a loud tone. "May I introduce the combined houses of Shepard and Vakarian. There is no Shepard without Vakarian."

The crowd stood up and began clapping joyously and Shepard felt Garrus reluctantly lower her to the ground.

"We did it," he whispered happily. He pressed his forehead against hers again. "You're mine forever now."

Shepard grinned, closing her eyes and pressing her mouth against his. "I think I can live with that."

"Wanna get out of here?" Garrus asked lasciviously. "I can't wait to have you."

Shepard laughed. "I would, but I promised the best man a dance."

Garrus scoffed. "Do you think anyone will notice if Jimmy goes missing after the wedding?"

Shepard elbowed him playfully and Garrus laughed. "You're right. I have to make it look like an accident somehow." Garrus tapped his finger against his mandible contemplatively.

"You could always get Grunt drunk and have him tackle James," Shepard offered. "That should do the trick."

Garrus stared at Shepard, stunned. "That is... brilliant! Hm, beautiful, smart, and deadly. How'd I ever get so lucky?"

Shepard smirked, reaching up and planting a kiss on his scarred mandible. "I'm glad you approve because you're stuck with me."

Garrus hummed softly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Solana began to sing a slow, sensual song. Shepard had managed to keep up with Garrus on a few of the faster songs without too many missteps and embarrassments. She had been passed around between him, Hackett, Apollo, Kaidan, and even Lyras, who matched Shepard in awkwardness on the dance floor. Wrex had respectfully declined everyone's offer to dance, assuring them that his skills would be better served at the open bar where Traynor had somehow made her way behind and was serving up drinks again. Liara endured several dances with Grunt who, although clumsy, was trying incredibly hard not to embarrass or hurt her. Liara was patient and understanding, giving Grunt advice as they moved haltingly across the dance floor. Shepard lounged against the bar, a contentrd smile adorning her face. She enjoyed watching the others more than she enjoyed being out on the floor. Shepard watched as Garrus danced with Miranda and Apollo danced with a very handsy Jack. Zaeed danced with Samara, as he had done through every dance and Kaidan danced with Gabriella, who seemed quite taken with him. EDI and Joker were nowhere to be seen, but had made a rather cute couple on the dance floor a few songs ago. Tali lounged sweetly against Kal'Reegar as they swayed slowly to the ballad. It was the perfect scene until a warm hand squeezed Shepard's shoulder.

Shepard peered up at the expectant face of James Vega. He smiled at her.

"I believe I'm owed a dance, Commander," he spouted smugly.

Shepard sighed. She knew it had been coming. "Yes, I remember."

James grinned broadly, leading a reluctant Shepard out onto the dance floor. He clasped his hand around hers firmly, wrapping his other arm around her hip and pulling her close to him. Shepard was surprised that James didn't sweep her into a flourished dance, but intimately held her tightly.

"James," Shepard started after sometime of standing in the tight embrace. "Are you okay?"

"Just remembering the moment," he whispered before pulling Shepard into a simple series of steps.

Shepard stumbled at first, but found the pace to be acceptable and learned the moves very quickly. Soon, she and James were dancing across the floor with ease. Shepard grinned and looked at James, who gazed at her intently.

"You look beautiful, Lola," he murmured. "I've never seen you so happy."

Shepard blushed slightly. "Thank you, James."

"Lola, I-" James sighed. "I've never been good with words. And I wanna tell you how much you mean to me. You and Scars. And I just need you to know that I- that you- we-" James groaned in frustration.

Shepard leaned over and kissed his cheek gently. "I love you, too, James," she whispered softly.

Shepard pulled back and James' surprise melted into grateful satisfaction. "That's all I wanted to hear," he replied. "I love you, Lola. I love you and Scars so much. You're family."

Shepard grinned widely, but before she could reply, the music cut off and Joker's voice surrounded them.

"Sorry for the interruption, folks. I know the special moment should be between the bride and groom," he said over intercom. Shepard looked hastily about for Joker, but couldn't locate him. The other guests were doing the same confused search as well.

Joker continued. "But there's another special moment that I'd like to share with everyone. A special moment between our very own Garrus and James."

James stiffened against Shepard. "What is he-? Oh, no. There's no way."

"Jimmy!" Garrus growled from across the dance floor. James shook his head vehemently. "There's no way, Scars. No way!"

"What's going on?" Shepard asked. James stared at her, his eyes wide with wild fear.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the extranet video of the year!" Joker announced gleefully.

A holo video began to play on stage. Solana edged away so she could see the video, putting her hands to her mouth to suppress her laughter.

In the holo, Garrus and James danced together intimately, swaying back and forth to the melody.

"Oh, hijo de puta," James hissed.

Garrus came up beside James and Shepard. "You said you disabled the cameras!" Garrus growled.

"I did!" James exclaimed.

Shepard giggled. "I take it these were your dance lessons on the side?"

James and Garrus glared at Shepard's amusement and watched helplessly as the holo continued to play.

"You've gotta touch me, Scars." James said on the holo. "Hold me close, lagarto. I need to feel you and you need to feel me."
The crowd laughed at the line and Shepard followed suit. James and Garrus angrily shook their heads.

"I wish you hadn't said that," Garrus grumbled.

"How was I to know we were being watched?" James griped as they continued to watch powerlessly.

"I've seen her dance and it's enough to make the Reapers run screaming back into their abyss." Garrus said on the holo.

Shepard narrowed her eyes at Garrus who shrugged apologetically. "Well, you can't say I'm wrong."

"We'll talk about that later," Shepard grumbled, returning her eyes to the vid.

"Say it, Scars! Call me Shepard. Say my name!" James said on the holo. Shepard cocked an eyebrow and the crowd turned from their amusement to gaze judgmentally at James and Garrus.

James shook his head. "I'm gonna kill him. I'm literally going to kill him."

"I'm right behind you," Garrus agreed.

"The little rat has to be in the Normandy," James deduced. "Come on, Scars. He can't hide forever."

Shepard watched in amusement as Garrus and James set off for the Normandy to unleash their vengeance on Joker.

Apollo bumped up against Shepard. "What was all that about?"

"It's a long story," Shepard stated, still amused.

"Oh, I'm worth it, Garrus." James said on the holo in a cringeworthy high pitched mock female tone that elicited a bout of laughter from the guests.

"A very long story," Shepard amended, shaking her head ruefully.

The celebration wore on long into the night. Everyone was having a wonderful time and enjoying themselves. Garrus and James had returned with a rather repentant Joker. At this point, the music had resumed and the drinks were freely flowing. After some time, Garrus grabbed Shepard and they slipped away unnoticed by the inebriated guests. They walked hand and hand to their new home, their path lit by a giant, luminous moon.

"So, what did you guys end up doing to Joker?" Shepard asked.

Garrus chuckled. "Let's just say he got to star in his own extranet sensation vid. You'll have to look up 'Grown man in underwear cries when forced to delete porn vid database.'"

Shepard laughed. "Poor Joker. By the way, you and James made a really cute couple in that vid."

Garrus groaned. "Can we not talk about that now?"

Shepard chuckled, snuggling against Garrus. "You're right. It can wait until morning."

"I prefer never," Garrus countered, leading Shepard up the steps to their new home. They went inside and to the top level. Shepard leaned over the balcony, gazing at the expanse of the ocean, the music and laughter from the celebration a pleasant hum in the distance.

"It was a beautiful wedding," Shepard mused. "I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Garrus leaned over the balcony with her, tracing his finger over a loose curl that dangled against her cheek. "Nor could I. Well, I say that…" He trailed off, gazing at her intently.

Shepard smiled, reaching behind herself and unzipping the dress, letting it fall silently to the floor. She unhooked her bra and slid out of her panties, standing completely naked in front of Garrus on the balcony.

"Is this what you want?" Shepard asked in a low, seductive tone.

Garrus gazed at Shepard longingly. "Actually, I was thinking about calibrations, but I suppose this will do." He teased.

Shepard stepped through the glass doors, allowing Garrus to trail her eagerly. She stopped in front of the bed, feeling Garrus come up behind her and wrap his arms around her waist, his mandibles delicately nuzzling her neck. Shepard leaned into him heavily, reaching behind her and running her hands along the back of his crest. Garrus hummed appreciatively, pulling off his ceremonial gloves and allowing his hands and talons to slowly glide across her naked flesh.

Shepard kissed his mandible, sliding her lips to his mouth. She turned her body so that she was facing him, working to remove his tux. Soon, they stood naked embracing each other, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.

Shepard's lips lingered on his mouth and she felt the gentle scrape of his talons as his hands roamed her body.

She looked into his eyes and felt a smile settle on her lips. "I love you," she whispered, nuzzling her forehead against his.

"I love you, too," Garrus replied earnestly, holding her even more tightly than he had done before, his hands still dancing hungrily over her body.

Shepard kissed him softly. "Let's find out what a human-turian baby looks like."

Without a word, Garrus lifted Shepard up in his arms and took her over to the bed. She intertwined her legs around his hips, her lips securely placed against his mouth. His hands ran over her body ravenously, touching her, taking in every part of her and giving to her every part that was of him until they lay spent, satisfied and exhausted in each other's arms. And for the first time since the threat of the Reapers, Shepard slept through the whole night.

Her nightmares had finally come to an end.

The End.

Thank you all for your support, your beautiful comments and for sticking with me through this long, wonderful journey. I will miss it.