Shakarian oneshot and drabble collection. Chapter sixteen: The Alliance emissary spouts seemingly-endless platitudes about dying with honor and doing things in the name of galactic peace, but his words mean nothing to the ten year-old girl with no parents.

Ten billion people over here die, so twenty billion over there can live. After the war, there are pieces to pick up, and lives to rebuild. And even with the Reapers gone, nothing is easy.

When Shepard wakes on Lazarus Station, surrounded by strangers wearing an enemy's colors, she knows things are very, very wrong. She's willing to do what needs doing for the sake of the disappearing colonists, but not at the cost of losing herself or becoming something she hates. Which is, she finds, easier said than done. Written for the Mass Effect Big Bang 2014.

Five birthdays Shepard remembers. And one she doesn't.

Shepard is distracted. So is Garrus. Awkwardness ensues.

It's a long road from "alien" to "partner."

They have become masters of speaking without words.

"Welcome to the Vakarian family, Commander Shepard." "What?" she said blankly. It's a strange awakening, when you're in the company of strangers who treat you as family. Post-ME3.

When a routine reconnaissance mission goes awry, Shepard and Garrus are pushed to the bounds of their endurance.

It was going to be a joke. At least, that's what she told herself as she opened her mouth and the words, "We could test your reach… and my flexibility," fell out.

It's been a good day. Maybe not quite saving the galaxy at Shepard's side good, but good. And then it isn't.

To be fair, Shepard probably shouldn't have been eavesdropping in the first place.

Shepard discovers what Garrus has been recording with his visor all this time and leaves him a little surprise of her own. FemShep/Garrus, M for xenosexings.

Shepard asks Garrus for some sniper training. Things get... up close and personal. Rated M for sexual situations.