A/N - So here we are, the final chapter. I've set this a number of years in the future after Chapter 24. My plan is to do a few one-shots to fill in gaps between the last chapter and this. But I needed to end the story somewhere and I was happy to write about 25 chapters or so.

There have been numerous ideas thrown at me in the reviews and I thank everyone for them. The ideas that I find interesting may be the subject of one-shots, as mentioned above, or perhaps smaller stories that tie into this.

Rogen80 also mentioned in his review something about Rena's name in the previous chapter. I referred to her as 'vas Rannoch' as, according to my idea, the Pilgrimage would no longer be necessary, as quarians are once again on their homeworld, so everyone has now adopted the name 'vas Rannoch' after their first and family name. They could have dropped that entirely, but for the sake of tradition, they kept that at least.

Shepard and Tali were stood on the balcony of their home. The sun shining brightly, high in the sky over Rannoch. Shepard had an arm wrapped around his wife, who was leaning into his side. She looked up to see his face, deep in thought. There were a few more lines now, some more grey hairs on his head with each passing year. The eyes, though, they never changed. Still that deep shade of blue that she would find herself forever lost in. Eyes that, even now, spoke of many things.

Wisdom.

Determination.

Love.

Shepard looked to his wife, to find her staring at him. Shepard thought she was ever more beautiful with each passing year. Her hair colour, still the same. Those luminous eyes still shining with the same vibrancy. He could look over her body and see only subtle changes of aging. He thought of the old saying 'Aged like a fine wine.' He smiled to himself. He knew his love for her had never changed but only grown as the years had gone by.

"Good thoughts, Shepard?"

"Always, gorgeous," answered Shepard, as he turned to lean his back against the railing, "Just... my life. Or our lives together. I could never have imagined all this, all those years ago. I have you, my gorgeous wife. You, who has shown me nothing but love and commitment for all these years. We have been blessed with three beautiful daughters. We have built ourselves a home. We have fantastic friends, who, by the way, will be arriving in a few hours' time. We've had galactic peace for at least the past 25 or so years. But, most importantly, I kept that final promise. I never left again."

Tali could only grin as she leaned in to hug her husband. "I love you, John Shepard."

"And I love you, Tali'Shepard."

Shepard felt that old familiar stirring whenever her body was close.

"Say, we do have a few hours until they get here...?"

Tali looked up at Shepard, and could see the twinkle in his eye. A large grin formed on his face.

"Bosh'tet..." she whispered, "But... that doesn't mean..." as she gave a seductive glance at Shepard, who could only lean in and give his wife a long kiss, one that left them both flushed when they parted.

Tali then walked into the house, looking back at Shepard, before she started removing her clothing. Shepard could only grin, before quickly following his wife inside.

"Coming! Coming!" shouted Shepard, as he quickly tried to dress himself, while running down the stairs. The doorbell continuing to chime. He opened the door to find Garrus stood there, who took one glance at Shepard's dishevelled appearance, before breaking into laughter. Luciene was stood beside him, clearly embarrassed, while their two children stood to her side, not knowing what to make of their father's laughter.

"Interrupt something, did we, Shepard? I mean, do you two ever give it a rest?"

"Actually, Garrus, for once, I'll be completely honest. You did. My wife and I were actually enjoying some 'alone time'. No-one here in the house. Catch my drift?"

Garrus laughed even louder.

"And, if I really wanted to, I'd say come back in half an hour. At least half an hour. We could probably do with longer. I'm sure Tali would really like you to go away right now. I can see a 'bosh'tet' coming your way quite shortly." Shepard just shot him a massive grin that left Garrus in more fits of laughter, which even Luciene joined in with.

The two men then embraced, pats on the back. "It's good to see you, my friend. It's been far too long."

"Good to see you, Shepard."

The two men parted as Shepard gestured inside, "Please, come in, all of you. My home is your home."

Shepard noticed Tali coming down the stairs. He waited for his wife, while Garrus started chuckling again.

"You bosh'tet, Garrus," said Tali, the mock-anger tone in her voice clear to all, before she descended into giggles, "John and I were having quite the fun afternoon."

"Called it, Garrus!" said Shepard, dissolving into another fit of laugher, as even Garrus, while still chuckling, appeared embarrassed by the innuendo flying in his direction.

"Make yourselves at home, guys. Can I get your guys anything? A drink, Luciene?" asked Tali, who started walking into the kitchen, the female turian alongside, already chatting away like the old friends they were.

Shepard made his way to the small bar he'd installed and grabbed a bottle of turian brandy. He waved it in the direction of Garrus.

"You read my mind, Shepard!"

Shepard poured Garrus a brandy, while grabbing a beer for himself. The two men sat and conversed at the bar for a while, catching up on all the news about the galaxy, old war stories and their respective families.

"Where are your girls, Shepard? I'm sure they've grown into some beautiful young women."

"You mean 'The Three Musketeers'?"

"Huh? What are 'The Three Musketeers'?"

"Old human story. Slogan of 'All for One, One for All.' All three of them together, working against me. I never stand a chance. Considering their mother is a genius. Good genes. Not sure what I added to the mix. Add Tali to whatever situation I'm trying to defuse, and I'm in trouble, Garrus! I wasn't even that worried facing down a bloody Reaper alone, right here on Rannoch."

"That bad, eh?"

"Nah, not really. I merely jest. I love them all to bits. Wouldn't trade it for the world. Do absolutely anything, for all of them. But sometimes... sheesh. I thought signing up to save the galaxy was tough. Anyway, the girls are in town. Probably causing, or cooking up, some trouble. They should be back soon."

"How old are they all now?"

"Rena is 18, Kalee is 17 and Asha is 16."

Garrus chuckled. "Didn't waste any time between kids, eh, Shepard? I still don't know how you handled all that."

Shepard could only chuckle himself. "Still don't know myself."

The doorbell chimed again. "Excuse me, Garrus, better see who is here now." Garrus just lifted his glass in salute and took a gulp, as Shepard walked to the door.

At the front door were Kaidan, Liara and their three children. Shepard ushered them into the household, a handshake for Kaidan and a hug for Liara, as usual. Tali walked out of the kitchen to greet them both with a hug. Alenko had the same specs of silver that were starting to appear in his own hair, thought Shepard, otherwise he appeared the same as always. Liara had barely changed, not surprising considering the long life span of the asari.

"So, how's life treating the Alenko family?" asked Shepard, as they walked into the front room.

"Life's great, Shepard," answered Kaidan, "Liara has just found another Prothean ruin that had never been dug up. She's having a great time there." Liara could only grin as Kaidan continued to explain. "And I'm a happily retired ex-Spectre. Once I hit that big 5-0 that was it for me. I am now a happily kept husband. Looking after these three munchkins," indicating the three asari children next to him.

"How's motherhood, Liara?" asked Tali.

"Simply wonderful, Tali. I try not to get too involved with my work, but Kaidan, he's just great with the girls whenever I do get too distracted. Helps that he's just a big softie. Though I make sure he doesn't just let them walk all over him."

"Sounds like John. I swear he'd do anything asked of him by those girls. And would do anything to protect them."

Shepard pulled a face. "I'm not that bad."

"Oh really? What about that incident with the young quarian boy who was showing interest in Rena? When he showed up at our front door, to request permission to take her out to a dance? I swear I've never seen a quarian run as fast, when you answered the door and gave him 'that look.' I would have been furious if it wasn't so funny,"

The group chuckled as one. "Still have that fear factor them, Shepard."

Shepard could only shrug. "Make yourselves at home, guys. I'm expecting more people to show up soon. Don't go out the back, yet, though. I have a couple of surprises."

"What would they be, Shepard?" asked Liara.

"You'll find out. Trust me, it's worth it," replied Shepard, with a grin.

Shepard and Kaidan joined Garrus back at the bar and continued to share drinks and stories. The sounds of chatter and laughter filled the house.

Soon, their three daughters arrived home, and shouts of 'Daddy!' fill the air as Rena, Kalee and Asha all ran and smothered Shepard with hugs and kisses. Garrus and Alenko looked on, somewhat shocked, as they saw Shepard, the father, the man who would do absolutely anything for his children, smile and laugh as he greeted his offspring.

"Have a good time, girls?" he asked, looking at each of them. He was surprised that with each passing how much their mother they looked like. The only thing Shepard thought he had passed on was his height and parts of his personality. Other than that, the girls were quarian.

Just like their mother.

And he loved them all the more for it.

"Yes, father. The mall has a fantastic new store, with some new tech which would go great in our rooms. Will allow us to stream vids even faster from the galactic extranet, as it helps boost the signal," explained Rena.

"And just how much will that cost, Rena?"

Rena looked down, kicking one foot slightly. "10,000 credits." Kalee and Asha echoed what their oldest sister was doing. None could meet Shepard's eyes.

Shepard let out a quiet whistle, and scratched his chin. He stood there, appearing to be deep in thought for a few minutes. He always made them wait.

Let the girls think I'm actually deciding where or not to do it. It's always fun.

"Hmm… well… I don't see why... not."

All three girls lifted their heads instantly. "Really, father?"

"Of course, anything for my girls."

All three leaped into Shepard's arms again. "Thank you, father, thank you," they repeated again and again.

Tali just walked in to see what the commotion was. She crossed her arms and smiled, as she watched her daughters shower Shepard with affection.

What's he done for them now? Keelah, that man will literally do anything to make them happy.

"No greeting for me, girls?" she asked, with a smile.

All three girls turned with surprise, and laughed. "Of course, mother," as they all walked over and hugged Tali together, Tali disappearing from view as she was covered in bodies.

"So what has your father promised you this time?" asked Tali.

"Oh, just a bit of tech to help us watch movies."

"And how much is that?"

"It's 10,000 credits, Tali," replied Shepard, "It's not like we have to worry about money. Think of it as a gift from their father. It's a day for it, I think."

Tali couldn't disagree, it's not like they ever had to worry about money, with Shepard part-owner of the business he had established with Joker. There was also his retirement pension from the Alliance, while Tali also had a very generous pension from her time on the Admiralty. Then there were all the credits that flowed in, even all this time later, from the time of 'Commander Shepard and the crew of the SSV Normandy'. Memorabilia was a major seller, and the Shepard family received a healthy share of profits.

"Okay, girls, if your father says its okay, then it's okay with me."

Tali was then smothered in hugs, kisses and numerous thank you's.

Shepard then spoke up. "Girls, why don't you head upstairs to your room's and get ready for this evening. Are you sure you're happy to hang around here tonight with your mother and father and their friends?"

"Of course," replied Kalee, "We like all your friends. They're funny!"

"I'm glad. It means I get to show off my girls. Now," as Shepard clapped his hands, "Off with the three of you!"

With a bunch of giggles, the girls ran upstairs, already talking about what movies they would like to watch.

"Never thought I'd see the day when Commander Shepard would be dominated by three young girls," said Garrus, with a chuckle.

"And I thought I was soft," added Kaidan, "Do you ever say no?"

"Of course I do," replied Shepard, "But I like to make my girls happy. Most of the time, they have to earn those sort of things. But I'm in a great mood today. How could I say no?"

Tali walked over and gave Shepard a quick kiss. "You are just too sweet sometimes, Shepard."

Garrus and Alenko both made a face, as Shepard leaned in for a longer kiss with his wife. That went on until Garrus eventually cleared his throat. Tali pulled back, bright red in her face, before she smiled at Shepard and walked out of the room.

"Don't you two ever give it a rest?" said Garrus, still chuckling.

"Garrus, I'll tell you something. I treat every day with Tali, and my children, as a gift, as you would say, from the spirits. You know I really shouldn't be here. I died. I mean, I was officially dead for two years. Gone, but thankfully not forgotten. But, somehow, I then found myself alive again. So I'm not going to waste a single day worrying about anything else now, except showering my wife, and my children, with all the love and affection possible. I would do anything for them."

Alenko just lay a hand on Shepard's shoulder. "Don't worry, Shepard, we understand. It's just we never usually see this side of you."

"Don't get me wrong, Alenko, I am a big softie now. I will do absolutely anything for my family. And my friends. But 'The Commander' you knew… He disappeared a long time ago. I am now just John Shepard. Husband and father."

All three gave knowing nods before they started chuckling again.

Shepard stood in the dining room. Both the dining and sitting room were full of all his friends. Nearly everyone was there. Tali was sat next to Kasumi, who had brought along her husband, a human by the name of Gary. The three were deep in conversation, as Kasumi informed Tali of all the news of the past few years. They were joined on the couch by Jacob and Brynn. Shepard was disappointed that Annabelle had not joined them, but Jacob explained she was currently at university and simply had too much work.

Samantha and Jennifer Traynor were there, and they had brought along their young son. Traynor no longer served on the Normandy, having decided to join Jennifer on Grissom at least a decade ago, explaining to Shepard that she couldn't stand the time apart. Shepard understood and happily let her go join her partner.

Wrex and Bakara had arrived, this time with no kids in tow. Grunt had joined Wrex on his journey to Rannoch, and had brought along his new partner, Ankyas. There were no kids so far for Grunt, but he had explained that he was still a very young krogan, and had a long life ahead of him.

Miranda had arrived, on the arm of all people, Vega. Shepard was shocked when he opened the door to see them together, though he thought back to long ago, and the times he had seen them together at the various events in his life, after the war. They explained that they had kept in touch for a long time after Shepard had left for Rannoch, and the occasional catch-up eventually led to more. The two were now happily married, though Shepard left alone the question of children, knowing the truth of her inability to conceive.

Gabby and Ken had made the journey to Rannoch. The two were happily married, with two kids, a boy and a girl of their own. They still made each other's life hell at times, but Shepard could see that the two were still madly in love with each other, even after all these years.

Joker and EDI were present. Joker was finding life increasingly difficult as the years went on, but he was still one of the best pilots in the galaxy. Everyone remarked on how human EDI now seemed. The line between synthetic and organic, at least regarding EDI, was increasingly blurred.

Unfortunately, some friends were missing. Chakwas had retired, and was now back on Earth. The journey to Rannoch would have been too taxing, but she had sent Shepard a vid-com message, letting him know she was thinking of them all.

Adams and Cortez were both still serving with Alliance, and were simply too busy to be able to make the event. Both had sent Shepard and Tali a message, letting them know how they were and that they would like to have attended, but time constraints simply made it impossible. There may have been peace in the galaxy, but there was still a lot of work to do.

Samara had sent Shepard a message, letting him know that she was on Lesuss, choosing to spend her final days with her daughter, Falere. Her advanced age, a tough, lonely existence, and the role of being a justicar, had finally taken its toll on her. Shepard was saddened to hear, but happy that Samara had chosen to spend her last days with what remained of her family.

Shepard looked around the room and decided it was time.

"Guys!" he yelled above the noise. Eventually everyone stopped talking and looked at Shepard. "My friends, I have something special to show you. Please, follow me outside."

Shepard turned to walk out the double glass doors into the backyard, and was followed by his friends. He heard gasps and whispers as they walked outside and saw what he had organised.

The large swimming pool had been covered, a long table placed on top, covered in food. The building that housed his gym had been turned into a kitchen for the evening, with a number of geth offering to help Shepard with his planned event.

But it was what surrounded the table that caused the gasps and whispers.

There were numerous pictures, of friend still alive, of friends who had sadly passed on.

The group split up and started walking around, taking in the numerous pictures Shepard had organised in memory of all the events during their time together. Liara and Kaidan stopped in front of one picture, their eyes shimmering with tears. Ashley Williams, pride of place in the centre, a beaming smile, as she looked up at the camera while busy cleaning a weapon at her bench on the old SR-1.

"Even after all this time, I still miss her," whispered Kaidan.

"Me too. I can't believe it's been so long," added Liara quietly.

They stood, hand in hand, as they lowered their heads in thought.

Garrus and his wife stood in front of one picture, showing himself and Thane deep in conversation in the mess of the SR-2.

"I remember that photo," Garrus said to his wife, "We were busy discussing the best weapon to use as a sniper from a thousand yards."

"Did you know him well?" asked Luciene.

"I did," replied Garrus, "He was a good man. Working for the redemption of his soul. He saved Shepard's life more than once. That makes him a very special person in my book."

Tali and Shepard were in front of a photo, of Tali and Legion stood together, working in engineering, near the drive core.

"I remember taking that photo," said Shepard, "Still couldn't believe you would work with a geth."

"Your influence, Shepard," replied Tali, leaning into Shepard, "And Legion… well, we know what Legion was. I'm just glad we go to know him."

Shepard could only nod in agreement.

Wrex, Grunt and their partners were in front of a picture of Mordin, busy at work in his lab on the Normandy. Wrex then pressed a button at the bottom of the frame, and the picture came to life. Mordon danced around his lab singing, he thought, to himself.

I am the very model of a scientist salarian

I've studied species turian, asari, and batarian

I'm quite good at genetics (as a subset of biology)

Because I am an expert (which I know is a tautology)

My xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian

I am the very model of a scientist salarian

Wrex laughed heartily. "Mordin, you crazy salarian."

Shepard heard the song and walked over, a large smile on his face. "I'd always walk in to hear him singing that song. He put on quite the performance for me, when I heard he liked show tunes."

Vega stood in front of a picture of Javik, as he surveyed the ruins of Ilos, standing tall and proud, despite it all. Vega was soon joined by most of the group.

Shepard spoke up. "I wasn't sure which picture of Javik to include. I thought this was the most poignant. Javik was finally home."

Liara nodded, a tear falling down her cheek. "I know why you included this, Shepard. And it's a lovely photo. But, even after all this time, it's difficult…" Alenko moved in to hug his wife.

"I just remember how fearsome a warrior he was," said Vega, "I've never seen anyone so… graceful on the battlefield. And he was utterly fearless. Almost put you to shame, loco."

Shepard could only lightly chuckle. Silence then descended on the group for a time.

Shepard then walked over to a picture that meant most to him. He felt Tali snake an arm around his waist, as she stood by his side. The picture was of himself and Anderson, stood together in the CIC of the Normandy. They were both looking at the camera, smiles on their faces.

"I still miss him. Every day," whispered Shepard.

"I know, Shepard, I know," replied Tali, giving her husband a squeeze.

The group stood in silence for a moment in memory. However, a clear of the throat later, and Shepard ushered the group around to others photo's that dotted the backyard. There were group shots from all three missions. Then there were the personal photo's – Jack, now Jennifer, doing weights in her space below engineering. Traynor deep in thought while standing at her station next to the galaxy map. Joker and EDI sharing a joke together on the bridge. Kasumi sat in her lounge, staring out into space. Garrus calibrating. Vega and Cortez sparring in the hangar. Chakwas tending to a marine.

Then two more pictures.

President Kirrahe.

And President Hackett.

"President Kirrahe?" asked Vega, as he read the inscription.

"Yes, Vega. Once the Republics captured Sur'Kesh in the last bloodless coup, ending the Union once and for all, they quickly held an election. Kirrahe was a much respected soldier after everything that had happened. He must have won something like 70% of the vote. He served a short term, making sure that Sur'Kesh was kept under control from any further insurrection. Once the new government was established, he retired and lived out his final years in peace on his homeworld."

"Good on him."

No-one need ask about Hackett. His election as Galactic President had been through near unanimous agreement, and he served out his term in relative peace. He still lived, though was now of particularly advance age, living in peaceful retirement back on Earth. In human terms, only Shepard was considered a greater hero.

"Still made the right choice, Shepard," the group all noted.

Shpeard grinned and nodded as he moved away. There was one final picture, which Shepard had covered with a cloth. The group moved to stand in front of it, while Shepard stood to the side.

"We took this photo a long time ago, but I don't think many of you have seen it for a very, very long time now. So, here you are…" as Shepard pulled on the cloth.

It was the final picture on the Citadel, the night after the party, where everyone had gathered for one last hurrah. No-one said anything as they all looked at the picture. Shepard moved to stand next to Tali, wrapping his arm around his wife.

"I'd forgotten about that picture," said Tali.

"I found it a long time ago, but wasn't sure what to do with it. I thought it was the last time we would all be together. It was a great night, under the worst of circumstances," explained Shepard.

"Can we get a copy, Shepard?" asked Alenko.

"Me too," added Garrus.

Everyone else asked for a copy as well.

Shepard turned around smiled at his friends. "Not a problem. You'll have it on your omni-tool by the end of the night. Now, my friends, how about we sit down and eat…"

It was a great celebration. The sounds of laughter filled the night sky as the friends gathered and reminisced. It had been harder for everyone to gather together as the year's had passed by, meaning that events, such as this, were all the more special.

But, when the gang came together, it was just like the old days. Only, nowadays, without a war in the back of their minds. Shepard was glad that the friendships were maintained, even when peace was achieved. He couldn't imagine a great group of friends. He appreciated them all.

Shepard simply sat back in his chair, taking in the sounds of chatter. Of merriment and laughter. Tali sat on Shepard's lap, laying her head on his chest. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Shepard wrapped his armed around her, pulled her in closer.

"Good thoughts, Shepard?"

"Just thinking... We all received the happy ending we all wanted. The fairy tale, Tali."

"Fairy tale?"

"Yes, my gorgeous wife. I look around and see what we have. Our beautiful home. A peaceful world and galaxy. All of our friends are still here, along with their loved ones and families. The people that are gone, they are still treasured in all our hearts and remembered with great fondness. And I have you and my daughters. I have the family I always wanted and craved. All I can say now is how could I have asked for anything more?"

Shepard looked around the table.

His friends.

His family.

The same words passed through his mind that he always thought when they were all together as a group.

Peace.

Happiness.

Love.

I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Shepard lifted Tali off his lap and stood up, grabbing her hand as they walked towards the railing of their yard, wrapping an arm around each other as they stood in silence. Their daughters joined them at the railing, the Shepard family together as one, as they watched the sun slowly set over the horizon of Rannoch.

A/N - I had real trouble writing the last few lines as I know I had to sign it off somehow. But there is still the epilogue, which I'm going to upload straight away.