A/N: For those mentioning about adopted children... eh... let's just say I had planned a surprise announcement for the end of the final chapter. I ask that you please be patient until then. I'll be going into more detail when that time comes.

Chapter Thirty-Six – The Reunion: Part One

Standing in the middle of the living, Garrus couldn't help but admire the little cabin that became his and Shepard's home. When the real estate agent showed him this place last year, it was large but felt a little cold, at least to him. But he eventually found himself imagining what he could do with the place. Even better was the fact that the cabin was somewhat isolated in an out-of-the-way little town containing a little mix of most of the galaxy's races. That alone made the cabin the best choice for a new home.

In the end, this home became perfect for them.

"What are you thinking about, Vakarian?" he heard Shepard ask. He turned to gaze at her, seeing her relaxed on the recliner with a datapad in her hand. He noted that one of her eyebrows was slightly raised, a human sign he learned long ago meant curiosity.

Garrus smiled at her. "I was just thinking... has it really been just over a year since we moved into this house?"

"As of three weeks ago, yes," Shepard reminded him with a smile of her own. "Feel like it's been longer?"

"Actually, it feels like time just flew by fast for me," Garrus answered. He shrugged a little. "Let's face it... years from now, we're both going to be wondering where the time had gone..." He grinned over his next words. "Though considering how much older you are than me, I imagine that'll be even more true for you."

"Shut it, Vakarian," Shepard growled, though there was definitely humor in her voice. "Besides, I'm not that much older than you. Really, it's only by a couple of years."

"I'm just teasing," Garrus reminded her.

Shepard smiled again. "I know."

"By the way, why are you just calling me 'Vakarian' all morning?"

"Well... you always call me Shepard instead of my first name."

"Can't help it," Garrus chuckled. "It's a long-established habit from the first day I met you... though I mostly just called you Commander during the SR1 days."

Shepard shrugged. "Fair enough." She then briefly looked over the datapad she had in her hand before gazing back up at her turian lover. "It's all ready to go," she mentioned as she waved the datapad a little.

Garrus knew what she was talking about. "After a month of planning, we're finally going to have that crew reunion tonight. Which reminds me..." He pointed a thumb towards the front corner of the house behind him. "As you can see, the brand new mini-bar is ready and waiting."

"I know, you finally finished it last weekend," Shepard pointed out. "Also, just a reminder too, Meela will be by in a couple of hours to pick up Felix. I feel bad about him going over there but, well..."

"I know, but even if Traynor wasn't allergic to cats, he'd probably be scared enough to not come back to the house for a couple of days. At least at Meela and Trey's house, he can enjoy some peace and quiet. Besides, we'll see him again tomorrow."

"Other than that, aside from waiting on that grill-pack order to be delivered, all we have to do is wait for the guests to arrive," Shepard said. As she said that, a frown came over her face, leaving Garrus slightly worried.

"What's on you mind?" Garrus questioned with his head tilted a bit to the left, the turian sign of curiosity.

Shepard shrugged a little. "It's just, well... I realized that there are some of our old crew who we haven't seen since I was in the hospital last year." She began to count on her fingers who they were... "Traynor, Vega, Jacob, Samara..." She then slowly shrugged again. "I shouldn't worry, but I can't help but kind of wonder what they'll see in me once they see that, well... recovery for me hasn't been quick and..."

"Shepard," Garrus began to to reassure as he approached her, placing a gently hand on her shoulder. "None of our friends who saw you in the past year have thought any less of you. They know what you've done during the war and they understand the sacrifices you had to make. They were by your side at some point or another and they'll support you now. I doubt that'll change anytime soon."

Shepard sighed as she reached her hand to place over his. "Yeah... you're right... I guess I'm just still a little down after Chakwas's diagnosis..."

"I know. But we'll get through it." Garrus managed a smile. "We always do."

"At least walking is getting better," Shepard mentioned, trying to look on the bright side. "It doesn't hurt as much as it did last year and I can stand for about a half hour before I need to sit again instead of less than five minutes... that's a huge improvement. It'll get even better as long as I take care of myself." She chuckled suddenly. "I feel like an idiot suddenly. Of course our friends won't see me any different. I'm still me and that's what matters."

"As stubborn as ever," Garrus reminded her with humor.

Shepard laughed. "Flatterer."

At that moment, Shepard's omni-tool alerted her to an incoming vid-call. Garrus gave her a gentle squeeze on her shoulder before pulling way. By then, Shepard checked to see who was calling.

"It's Admiral Hackett," Shepard mentioned to Garrus before opening her omni-tool. "Good morning, Admiral," Shepard greeted once the older man's face appeared on the screen.

"How is everything, Shepard?" Hackett asked with a small smile.

"Better than I hoped it would be, believe it or not," Shepard replied.

"I'm glad to hear that," Hackett said. He then got down to business. "I'm calling because I'd like to offer you an opportunity if you wish to take it."

That piqued Shepard's curiosity. "What kind of opportunity, sir?"

"A job position within the N7 program, something for while you're still recovering," Hackett answered. "The position opened up recently and I believe you're perfect for it. Of course, you'll still go through the interview process if you choose to accept. Despite what the N7 program is about, there'll actually be no physical work required on your part. Your main duty would be as an advisor to both trainees and new recruits. The better part is that the work would all be done over the extranet with only occasional trips to headquarters in Rio de Janeiro for conferences. The Alliance would pay for all travel expenses. You'll also retain all the benefits as any officer in the Alliance would."

In the many months since the Reaper War ended, Shepard had hoped to return full-time as an Alliance soldier once she was fully recovered from her injuries. However, in recent days, it was becoming more and more clear that recovery was going to take a while longer even with the best physical therapy in the galaxy.

Becoming an N7 Advisor was indeed a great opportunity for someone like her. It was another new, wonderful way to help the galaxy in the aftermath of the Reaper War. She could help guide new N7 recruits and, perhaps, lead them on the good path of helping the galaxy in ways she couldn't anymore.

Considering her reputation, she would easily get the job. Still, it wouldn't hurt to take a little time to make the decision first.

"If it's all right," Shepard started. "I'd like to take a day or two to think it over."

"Take your time, Shepard," Hackett encouraged. "Call me back as soon you know what you've decided. Hackett out." From there, the vid-call ended.

Garrus had heard the whole conversation from the new mini-bar he built, keeping himself occupied with checking to make sure the bar had everything they would need for tonight's reunion party. "That really sounds like a great opportunity."

"It is," Shepard agreed. "Not only would I still be working for the Alliance officially, but it's another way for me to help the galaxy in ways I currently can't. I'm practically perfect for the job."

That statement confused Garrus as it seemed like she was definitely interested in the position. "Why do you need to think about it, then?"

Shepard took a deep breath. "I just need to make sure this is right for me... that this is what I want. I don't want to just jump into something I'm not sure of."

"Funny," Garrus started with a chuckle. "You didn't seem to have that problem with jumping into crazy stunts during our time as soldiers."

Shepard gave him a humorous glare. "There's a difference between jumping into fighting a thresher maw on foot and jumping into a new job. Only one of them involves a life or death situation."

"Fair enough," Garrus laughed, getting her point. He then happened to look at the holo-clock hanging on the wall above the living room vid-screen. "In the meantime, let's prep for the reunion party. Our friends will be here in just a couple of hours."

Shepard smiled, looking forward to the evening ahead. "As Jack would say... hell yes!"

"Oh shit, is that a new mini bar?!" Jack called out as soon as Shepard let her enter the cabin. "Hell yes!"

Shepard couldn't help but laugh. "Try not to overindulge," she advised.

"Hey," Jack started. "Haven't I mentioned the one great benefit of an overcharged biotic amp? I can drink as much as I want until I puke and wake up peachy. No hangovers for me."

"I remember that," Shepard pointed out. "Just... don't overindulge anyway, just in case."

"We'll see," Jack said before she headed over to the newly-built bar.

Shepard smiled to herself as she turned to look over the living room. With Jack's arrival, all of the invited guests who were able to make it to the party finally showed up. Over by the mini bar, Jack joined Kaidan, Cortez, Joker, EDI, and Vega, who were already enjoying their own mixed beverages. On the right of the bar was Liara's info drone, Glyph, the glowing blue orb clearly observing the party (and even went more festive again with it's little bow tie). Just a few feet away, Garrus was entertaining Wrex, Grunt, Javik, and Zaeed with one of his more lighthearted stories of his Archangel days. Over by the couch, Tali, Liara, and Traynor were chatting over something that soon made them giggle. On the other couch, Miranda and Jacob were having a quiet conversation, likely catching up on old times and what they were up to nowadays. Kasumi, who had already made her presence known to Shepard, was most likely in cloak mode spying on (and recording) the party. Finally, Samara was sitting at the desk chair quietly, a small drink in hand.

Shepard decided to join Samara for a little bit. Carefully, she made her way over to the Justicar and once she was within arm's reach, Samara turned to her, a small smile playing on her face.

"Shepard," Samara greeted. "I am glad you invited me to join in these festivities again. And might I say, your new home is lovely."

Shepard smiled. "Thank you, Samara, and I'm happy you accepted our invitation. How are you these days?"

It was Samara's turn to smile. "Quite well, actually. I'm at peace moreso than I've ever been in the last four-hundred years. The needs of a Justicar still call me to occasionally, but since the war end, I've spent half of my time on Lesuss."

Shepard knew what planet she meant, which reminded her... "How's your daughter, Falere?"

Samara's smile became fond. "Very well. As she promised, Falere remains at the Ardat-Yakshi monastary. The monastary itself still has a long way to go in rebuilding. Aside from that, Falere is content despite losing her friends and... Rila. On my last visit, she started a flower garden behind the monastary. The project has brought her a sense of peace over time."

"I know what you mean," Shepard mentioned. "My own garden brought some peace for myself, especially the memorial section I made not too long ago. I don't know if you saw it yet..."

"Yes, I did see, it's quite lovely and a great honor to those we've lost," Samara replied.

"You're welcome to meditate in the garden whenever you like," Shepard offered.

"I was just thinking that would be a nice idea," Samara said. "Perhaps I will once we bring the festivities outside."

Shepard decided then to check on the rest of the part. Before she left, she told Samara, "If you need anything – snacks, drinks, or even another chat, let me know."

"Thank you, Shepard," the justicar answered sincerely.

Shepard turned around and walked to where the couches and recliner were set up in a semi-circle in the middle of the living room. The recliner was empty and Shepard decided to take a seat.

On the two-seater couch, Miranda and Jacob were having their own quiet conversation. However on the three-seater couch, Tali, Liara, and Traynor's conversation was easier to overhear.

"Soooo," Tali started, a teasing lilthe in her voice as she stared at Liara. "You and Jaaaavik."

Oh boy, Shepard thought to herself. I hope poor Tali's not drunk already.

She still remembered Tali in the bathroom of her apartment back on the Citadel which included random ramblings. One rambling in particular involved Tali mumbling something about Garrus 'being with Shepard,' and then followed by, 'Oh? The three of us? Hmmm..." Shepard's only response at the time was to go to the bar on the other side of the apartment and down four shots of whiskey. To this day, Shepard never brought it up (even to Garrus) and she didn't think Tali would remember saying that. Even if the quarian did, well... Shepard imagined that it would've been an awkward conversation for the both of them anyway.

Liara immediately glared at Tali, knowing what she was trying to get at. "It's not like that at all," the asari replied in annoyance. "Javik and I are just friends who happen to spend a lot of time together. Not to mention writing a book together."

"Uh huuuuh," Tali uttered, only half believing her. "I seeee the way he loooooks at you ever since the SR-2. He liiiiikes you."

Shepard tried not to laugh as she noticed Liara's cheeks flush darker.

"Oh stop teasing poor Liara, Tali," said Traynor even though she was giggling herself.

Tali pointed to the human woman. "So should I teeeease you about your crush on EDI's voice?"

Traynor's jaw dropped in a bit of surprise over that. "Are we still bringing that up after all this time? Besides, I said before, I've moved on."

Suddenly, Kasumi uncloaked from behind the couch, her face hovering over just between Traynor and Liara. "Are you sure?" the thief asked, her voice clearly toned in a way that Shepard knew she was about to provoke them somehow. "Then again... if Javik doesn't work out, Liara... I can set you and Traynor up on a lovely date at this great restaurant I know of in Illium." She then quickly cloaked again before she gave anyone the chance to reply.

"Kasumi!" Liara shouted as Traynor found herself stammering in embarassment, both their cheeks flushed.

Now Shepard couldn't help but laugh. "Suddenly, I feel like I'm watching one of those rom com vids, but in person."

"Har har," Traynor grumbled. She then quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Shepard, the cheese platter you got is great. I didn't even know half of them even existed."

"And at least they're marked properly this time," Tali pointed out. "Last time, I almost poisoned myself when I accidentally ate a piece of levo cheese." She sighed. "Shame because it tasted sooooo good."

"Hey, I'm sorry that happened," Shepard started. "But they were marked last time. You just got distracted by Traynor and EDI's conversation over Traynor's voice kink."

"Ugh, can't we not, please?" Traynor asked, almost pleading.

"No sushi platter this time, Shepard?" Liara asked. "I remember they were quite tasty."

"Nah, not this time," Shepard stated before adding in her head, And I don't need ribbing over destroying the best sushi place on the Citadel... again. "Besides, we're gonna have a big barberque cookout later this evening when we take the party outside."

"A real cheeseburger with barberque sauce sounds really good right about now," Traynor mentioned. "At this point, I have to remind myself not to stuff myself too much on cheese and crackers. That reminds me, do we have more crackers?"

"In the kitchen," Shepard said.

Traynor got up from the couch and began to head to the kitchen. "Thanks!" she called out.

"I'm gonna get more wine," Tali announced as she got up to head over to the new mini-bar.

"And I'm gonna step outside for a moment," Liara said as she got up. "It'll be a good to get a little fresh air for a moment while I check for messages."

"Liara, relax," Shepard reminded her. "Enjoy the party. I'm sure everything will be fine and the messages will still be there when the party's over."

Liara chuckled. "Yes, you're right. I did set an alert for emergency messages at least. In that case, I'll just go outside and enjoy the fresh air." With that, Liara began heading to the front door with Glyph following her. Shepard had a feeling that Liara would probably check her messages anyway, but decided to let it go for now... at least for a half hour.

That left Shepard alone with Miranda and Jacob, both who sat across from her.

"Shepaaard," Jacob greeted as he raised a glass of beer to her from where he sat. "Nice place you got here. Wish I could've visited sooner."

"Glad you like it," Shepard replied with a smile. "How are you, Jacob?"

"I'm good," Jacob answered. "Been busy the past two years. I've been mostly helping out the Cerberus defecters getting themselves safely set up at various posts around the galaxy."

"With my help sometimes," Miranda added, though there was a bit of amusement in her voice at that statement.

"Yeah yeah," Jacob grumbled before he continued. "Thanks to their help with the Crucible, they've earned the Alliance's protection. As a matter of fact, the Alliance actually removed my 'dishonorable discharge' record and changed it to 'honorably discharge.' Crazy, huh?"

Shepard tilted her head at that. "Really?"

"Yeah," Jacob sighed. "Strange how things can change after emerging from the brink of war... Too little too late, but if anything, I can now earn some benefits for the sake of my family..."

Shepard nodded in understanding, knowing that was a bitter topic for the former Cerberus operative. "How is your family?"

Jacob smiled as he began to bring up something on his omni-tool. "They're great. Brynn's been busy with work, but the both of us always make time for our little one. And for the record, I managed to talk Brynn out of naming her 'Shepard.' No offense."

"None taken," Shepard replied.

His omni-tool soon brought up and Shepard saw the smiling face of a little girl who was barely two-years-old. Aside from thick, curly black hair, she was the splitting image of her mother.

"She's cute," Shepard said with a warm smile.

Jacob beamed with pride. "Is she, isn't she? We named her after our mothers; Rosalie Delilah. Rosey for short."

"He made me Rosey's Godmother," Miranda added as she pointed to Jacob.

"You once said I was a protector and that would make me a good father," Jacob said to the older woman. "You have that too, Miranda, with Oriana. That's why I picked you as Rosey's Godmother... because I know you would take good care of her if anything happened to Brynn and I."

"It's true," Shepard said. "I know most people have trouble seeing it, but anytime you were around Oriana, there's no doubt you're good at being a protector yourself."

Miranda's blue eyes gazed down at the floor as she absentmindedly scratched her collarbone. Shepard swore the former operative blushed a little, but chose not to say anything. "I... appreciate that," she managed to say. "Especially since I didn't feel like one for a while during the war."

Suddenly, from behind Shepard, their conversation was cut off as Cortez yelled out, "Ugh! Joker, did you actually try to serve me that shitty stuff you call a 'drink?' Again?!"

"Hey, I eased off on the mouthwash this time!" Joker claimed.

"Not by much!" Cortez groaned.

Shepard couldn't help but smile as she slowly and carefully stood herself up from the recliner, thankful that she didn't let herself get too settled. "Well, I should go see what the riff-raff over at the bar are up to. Have fun, you two."

"We will," Jacob promised. "And thanks, Shepard."

With that, Shepard paced herself over to the newly-built mini-bar. Once she reached it, she sat on the only available barstool. Surrounding her now were Cortez, who sat on the other stool, Kaidan, Joker, EDI, Jack, and Vega. Joker and Vega were behind the bar making drinks while EDI, Jack, and Kaidan sat off to the side of the table.

"Hey Shepard," Cortez greeted. "Don't mind me. I was just reminded why Joker has forever ruined mouthwash for me."

"So I overheard," Shepard replied.

That was when Vega pushed a glass in Shepard's direction. "Hey Lola, try this. It's my own little invention."

Shepard stared at the drink for a moment, noting it's red color, before gazing back up at the younger soldier. "What's in it?"

"Just try it," Vega pushed.

Shepard's eyes narrowed as she became suspicious. "It's poison, isn't is?"

"Well, it is in a way," Kaidan brought up.

"You know what I mean," Shepard pointed out as she took the glass in her hand. "Well Vega, I hope this is any good..."

"Nothing can be worse than Joker's 'Horse Choker,'" mentioned Cortez.

Shepard took a sip of the drink and let it go down, feeling the burn of the alcohol go down her throat. "Not bad," Shepard said with a nod. "Now can you tell me what it is?"

"I call it Rojo Loco," Vega replied. "It has Havana Club dark rum with Chambord, raspberry syrup, and a little bit of lime."

"That's weak!" Jack called out as she just finished mixing her own cocktail for Shepard to try. She then pushed the glass towards her. "Here Shepard, try this. Let me tell you, this drink is not for pussies."

Shepard raised an eyebrow as she stared at the brown-red liquid in her glass. "Are you guys trying to get me drunk at my own reunion party?"

"No, ma'am," Joker replied.

"From my past observation," EDI cut in. "Shepard's physiology, especially after her Cerberus upgrades, allows her to, as most would say, 'hold her liquor.' That is, of course, with the exception of ryncol."

"Don't remind me," Shepard grumbled as she took the drink Jack made and took a sip. She nearly spat out her drink upon tasting the bitterness plus something hot and spicy that burned at her lips. She forced herself to swallow, feeling it burn even more than Vega's drink did.

"Well, you weren't kidding about this drink not being for pussies," Shepard pointed out. "What is this? It's bitter and spicy."

"I know," Jack said with a proud grin. "The rim of the glass has tabasco sauce on it. It also has whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and Red Bull. Haven't named it yet, but I was leaning towards Psychotic Biotic."

Shepard managed to smile. "Sounds... interesting."

"Now I actually think Jack is the one trying to kill you, Lola," Vega pointed out.

"Nah," Shepard said. "If Jack wanted to kill me, she would've thrown me across the room with her biotics and smeared me against the floor by now."

Jack balked in laughter at that. "You know me too well, Shepard."

Shepard moved her hand to Vega's drink and raised the glass in his direction. "Hey Vega, I heard you managed to get through the training and finally earned your N7 rank. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Lola," Vega replied, his face beaming with pride. "Though I'll admit, I'm not sure I could've finished it without your encouragement."

Shepard gave him a light punch on the arm. "You would've been fine without me."

"Maybe," Vega continued. "Now that I'm an N7, I know what's expected of me and I'll give it my all. Although I hope you don't mind if I call you for advice once in a while."

That made Shepard think about the offer Admiral Hackett told her about this morning; to take on the position as an N7 Advisor. She hadn't thought about the position much since the offer was put on the table, but Vega's comment did remind her of the benefits of becoming one; to offer insight to soldiers like him. Plus, so many like Vega could benefits from the unique perspective the Savior of the Galaxy had.

For now though, she shook the thoughts out of her head, preferring to enjoy the reunion party for now. "Not at all," Shepard answered after a moment of silence.

She then happened to look over to see Garrus standing with Wrex, Grunt, Zaeed, and Javik. Decided to check up on them, she got herself up from the stool. "Well, enjoy the party," Shepard said. "Just don't drink too much and cause trouble."

"No promises, Commander," Joker replied.

Shepard chuckled as grabbed the glass with Vega's Rojo Loco and walked away. At least they're being honest... just hope the cabin's still standing by morning...

"In my cycle," Javik started just as Shepard joined Garrus's side. She felt Garrus's hand linger over her lower back as the Prothean continued, "There was no need for parties such as this. Nobody's prepared. There was always need to prepare for a fight."

"Oh trust me," Wrex responded. "We're always ready for a fight."

"Yeah," Grunt cut in. "With lots of guns and head-butting. Before you know it, this house will be nothing but a rubble."

"Don't... you... dare..." Shepard warned, unsure if the tank-bred was serious or not.

Grunt's chest rumbled in humor. "Don't worry, Battlemaster, I was kidding... sort of."

Zaeed lightly tapped Shepard's arm. "This is another good reason all my home defense suggestions are worthwhile. Goddamn preparation is key."

"Well..." Shepard started. "We did recently freeze some Cornish game hens in the freezer."

"I fixed up the wine cooler so it shoots crushed glass with formic acid crystal," Garrus mentioned.

"Niiice," Zaeed uttered.

Shepard gazed up at the turian unsurely. "You... did remember to... eh... deactivate that feature before the party, right?"

Garrus chuckled. "Of couse I did. As a matter of fact, I even went out of my way to remove the glass packs and put them in a safe place. Not even a sniper's trained eye can find it."

Shepard sighed with relief. "Good. Now we don't have to worry about anyone getting paralyzed..."

"I've heard of formic acid crystal and its effects," Wrex said. "Not sure if that would work on a krogan though."

"Hmmm... that would be goddamn interesting to test out next time I tango with a krogan," Zaeed wondered a loud. "Preferably one whose a member of those arseholes in the Blood Pack."

"Let me know how that works out," Garrus said. He then turned his attention to Shepard. "Hey... since everyone's here now, did you want to, you know... welcome them all here."

Shepard took a deep breath for a moment. "Yeah, sure. That's a good idea."

Overhearing that, Wrex chose that moment to bellow, "HEY! PYJAKS!" That definitely silenced the room and grabbed everyone's attention. "Shut up for a moment Shepard has something to say to all of us!"

"Eh... thanks Wrex," Shepard said as she turned to look at everyone. She saw them all here awaiting whatever she had to say. In that moment, she smiled, thrilled to finally get all of her crew together for this reunion party once more.

She only wished that everyone was here today... but perhaps they were in a way in spirit...

"First off," Shepard started. "I promise I'm going to make this speech short. Second of all, I want to thank all of you for accepting our invite to tonight's party and reunion. It's really great to see all of you in one room again.

"As you know, it's been just over two years since the Reaper War ended. Many have said over the months that had it not been for me, the galaxy would've never been able to see the end of the war. Sure, that may be, but the truth is however..." Shepard found that she needed a moment to take a breath as she looked around the room, spotting each and every person watching her now. "The truth is that you were all there with me through the journey. You supported me when I needed it most. I was able to do what needed to be done with the strength and courage of all you either standing by my side of at my back. I wouldn't been able to accomplish anything if it weren't for all of you."

Shepard raised her glass. "To all of us! And no matter where we are in life and in this galaxy, may our camaraderie always remain strong." Everyone else raised their glasses in agreement, causing a swell of pride to grow in their commander's heart.

Shepard then grinned wide. "Now... let's go outside and enjoy this party!"

Everyone clapped and cheered once the speech was done. As everyone began to disperse and head outside, Kaidan approached the couple. "Hey Shepard, Garrus" Kaidan started. "Why don't I help with cooking the barberque for everyone? That way, you two can relax after all the planning you put into the party."

"I have no qualms about that," Shepard said. She then grinned at him, remembering that one time on the Citadel where she teased him about assassinating her by poisoned food the last time he cooked them dinner. "It'll be a great way to make sure you don't try to kill me by poisoning the food."

Kaidan groaned at that. "Oh come on, don't start with that again."

Garrus chuckled as he patted Kaidan on the back. "Relax, Alenko, she's only kidding. And actually, I remember a time where I said I would teach you how to cook a good dextro steak. I think it's about time that happened. Just provide the beer."

Kaidan laughed. "Deal."

"All right, it's about time we brought the party outside," Shepard said as everyone began to move outside.

A/N: Part 2 of the reunion party coming soon!