A/N – The chapter you've all been waiting around six years for. We got here eventually.

Scene of a somewhat sexual nature. Absolutely nothing explicit but this chapter would be considered M-rated so reader discretion is perhaps advised.


She hadn't felt this nervous in years as the elevator ascended to the top floor. It was a serious case of butterflies in her stomach. Her heart beating slightly faster than normal. Her mouth and lips felt dry. She wondered if she'd even be able to speak when he opened the door. She had made up her mind on the walk back. If he survived, if she saw him again, she would go to him. She would no longer deny her own feelings. His own were more than obvious. She still thought he was mad to care for her as much as he did. But he'd proven it time and again. His rescue of her, and his team, against all the odds had more than proven it for the last time. And she couldn't deny that she had always cared for him, even loved him over time, as much in return.

She was aware that he had always kept his distance, to prevent making her feel uncomfortable, prior to and after he had shared his feelings on the old Normandy. He had always kept the relationship professional before the revelation and afterwards, even after his return and their time together during the mission just completed. Well, it was professional, most of the time. There had been the occasional slip up along the way, but it was difficult for both of them. The feelings were always there. They had never subsided and, right now, what was the point of denying them any further.

When she thought about it, while the idea of retaining a professional distance between the pair of them had always been excuse she had used, whether to herself or to him, it had only been one of many excuses she had thought of to deny her own feelings. She was scared. It had been a long time since anyone had shown this level of interest in her. It was not surprising. She had always been focused on her career and her service that she never even contemplated falling in love. And certainly not in love with someone like him.

She always wondered why exactly he cared for her so much. As he had stated when he first revealed his feelings, the heart wants what it wants. He made no secret that he cared for her greatly. He said the age difference didn't bother him at all. She figured he knew of her age, but he never mentioned it, though he still gave her a gift on her birthday. It was just a number at the end of the day. Women are like a fine wine, better with age, he'd stated, a line that had left her blushing. She was aware that she still had a long life ahead of her but she wondered if he knew and truly understood what he would be sacrificing if they were to be together. Marriage was always possible. Anything more than that was mere fancy and impractical. But just the thought of that would require a level of discussion she wasn't sure she would ever be prepared for. The Alliance had always been her family. The thought of her own… frankly, the idea terrified her.

The doors finally opened as the elevator completed its ascent. She stepped out and took the few steps forward the door. She knocked and waited. The door opened and there he was. She noticed the look of surprise cross his face before a small grin spread across his face, his eyes clearly lighting up with delight.

"Doc… I mean…," he stuttered, almost flustered, "Karin, what are you doing here? No, wait. That came out wrong. I just… I wasn't expecting anyone to come up."

"Do you not get many visitors, Shepard?" she asked, trying to stifle a slight chuckle.

He looked almost embarrassed as he answered. "Honestly, no. Liara came up for a glass of wine that one time. Kelly pops in to feed my fish. Other than that, it's actually kind of lonely up here."

"You have fish, Shepard?"

Shepard smiled and gestured inside. "Come in, I'll give you the grand tour."

She stepped in, standing alongside the Commander as she took a look around his cabin. It was enormous. Much larger than the quarters he had on the old Normandy. The room was bathed in a light blue glow from the large fish-tank to her left, filled with a number of different varieties, of which she had no idea what any of them were. The colours were striking, though. She could hear low music play in the background. It certainly wasn't what you would call modern music. Shepard was obviously joking when he stated a grand tour as there wasn't that much to his quarters. She noticed the model ships.

"Model ships, Shepard?"

He shrugged. "Something to keep me occupied between missions when I'm not writing reports or spending time with my crew. Everyone needs a hobby. I figured this was relatively harmless. And it's actually quite relaxing, requiring patience, precision and delicacy. Such a difference to what I'm normally involved in, where I'm just a human battering ram."

"I know, Shepard. I'm the one left dealing with the aftermath of you being that battering ram."

"It's what I'm good at. On the battlefield at least. Garrus once called me a human tank. Apparently I just roll over any opposition dumb enough to get in my way. Anyway," he gestured towards the couch, "Please, take a seat. Would you like a drink?"

"I'd love one. What do you have?" she replied as she walked down the two steps, and took a seat on the couch. She could feel herself sink into the leather. She didn't like Cerberus, but they certainly looked after their crew. She laughed lightly to herself as she remembered Joker talking at length about the leather chair he was provided with in the cockpit. She was brought back to the present by the sounds of Shepard opening and closing his desk drawers, obviously looking for something.

"I don't have any of that delightful Serrice Ice Brandy. In all honesty and as you already know, I don't really drink that much, though I will enjoy the occasional tipple. I do keep a bottle of whiskey somewhere around here though."

"A glass of whiskey would hit the spot, Shepard."

"Found it!" he stated triumphantly. She heard the clink of glasses before he rounded the corner, the bottle in his right hand, and two tumblers between his fingers in his left. He put the bottle and tumblers on the table, before rounding it and taking seat on the couch next to her, leaving only a slight space between them. She couldn't be sure but he almost appeared… nervous. She would have laughed to herself if she didn't feel the same way.

She watched as he leaned forward, opening the bottle and pouring a small portion of liquid into each glass. She noticed that, while not obvious, there was the slightest shake of his hand as he poured. He placed the cap back on the bottle and handed one of the tumblers over. She made sure to brush his fingers with his as she took the glass, a mischievous grin on her lips as she looked right into his eyes. He grinned slightly again but clearly gulped as she took a sip. She then watched him knock back his glass in one go, making a slight face as it burned its way down his throat. It wasn't the greatest whiskey in the world but it would probably do the job. She finished off her own glass, leaning forward and placing it on the table, before sitting back and turning slightly towards him. He followed her movements and slid slightly closer towards her. She looked into his eyes. His intentions were clear but his body movements showed he was unsure if or when he could make a move. She decided to help him.

"So…" he started but that was all he managed to say before she leaned forward, her lips meeting his. There was the briefest hesitation, clearly of surprise, before he met the kiss in return and immediately deepened it. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her lightly into him, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She breathed deeply through her nose as she didn't want to break it. Not just yet. She could taste the whiskey in his mouth, on his tongue, on his breath.

He was the first to break the kiss, leaning his head back as he looked into her eyes. They burned with desire for her. She could feel her cheeks flush red slightly. It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her in such a way. "Are you sure?" he asked softly. She smiled at his concern as it was understandable. She put a hand to his cheek, caressing it as she simply nodded, before leaning forward and kissing him softly.

"It's time to stop denying how I really feel about you," she replied.

He practically leapt on her at the completion of those words. Yet despite his obvious strength and power, he was incredibly gentle, clearly holding back his desire for what he really wanted until he was sure they were both ready. She felt his hands explore her body over her uniform. His eyes met hers again, an unspoken question. She just smiled again and nodded as he started to unzip her top. She shivered somewhat nervously as he lifted it slightly off her shoulders and down her arms. She felt her cheeks burn again, though she had no reason to feel embarrassed as she watched his eyes devour her body. He arched an eyebrow.

"Nice bra," he said simply, looking at the simple black, lacy bit of clothing holding her small breasts in place.

"A lady needs to treat herself to nice things occasionally," she replied. She didn't have any need for extravagance but always made sure she had nice underwear, even if no-one would ever see it. Well, until now.

"I approve completely," he retorted as he pulled her close once again. His hands were rough, that wasn't a surprise, but his caresses were gentle as he continued to explore her with his hands, though his mouth and tongue soon followed, causing her to arch into him slightly as he ran his hands down her sides, exploring every lower. She settled herself back on the couch as he looked at her, the question again unspoken. She had barely nodded her head before she lifted herself slightly as he grabbed the sides of her trousers and pulled them down. He dropped them on the floor next to him before he appraised her near naked body.

"Matching underwear?" he questioned with a slight smirk. "Why doctor, one would think this is what you planned?"

She blushed again as she only wore them knowing this would happen. He was out of his own clothes in seconds, ripping off his shirt and trousers before he joined her on the couch again. Their mouths met once again, as she allowed complete access of his tongue, and he certainly knew how to kiss. It simply left her begging for more. She focused on running her arms around his body. He was muscular, but it wasn't over the top. He was certainly defined. She could feel the strength in his arms as he held himself above her. She ran her hands down and over his broad shoulders and down his back. She could feel the scars he had gathered during all his firefights he had been involved in. She ran her hands back up his side, causing him to shudder slightly. She grinned slightly as he continued to kiss her at the thought that the Commander was, of all things, ticklish.

She felt his hands still exploring her own, gently squeezing one her breasts, playing with a nipple between the fabric of the bra before he let his hand wander further down towards the top of her underwear. She gave him permission by arching herself into him, begging for his touch. Delicately he moved his hand under her panties and did nothing but tease her. She arched and pressed herself downwards, their mouths still locked together though she couldn't help but moan as his hand brushed her clit. He teased her again as he grazed his hand over her sex, causing her to press down into his hand once again. She broke the kiss and grinned at him. "Tease," she said softly. He just grinned back.

He then stood up and offered his hand. She knew what he wanted to do, accepting his hand as he lifted her off the couch. He pulled her close and their mouths met again as his hands wrapped around her, before she felt his hands at the back of her bra. He had it unclasped in moments and soon that joined the rest of their clothes on the floor. She simply pushed her underwear down and kicked them off, Shepard doing the same with his. Now they were together. Completely naked. She felt his eyes run up and down her body. His eyes continued to burn with hunger. Simply for her. He grinned broadly as she felt herself again turn a slight shade of red.

He pulled her close once again and there was now little doubt regarding his desire for her as he pressed against her. She ran a hand down his side before she grabbed him. She chuckled slightly as he clearly shuddered at her touch. She then couldn't help but let a moan escape as a nipple was taken in his mouth while his other hand found her sex. She again pressed down into his hand and this time he didn't deny her pleasure, gently rubbing her sex before he finally inserted a digit. She couldn't help but lower her head into his shoulder and whimper as he lifted his head from her body and kissed her neck. She then felt his hot breath in his ear, appearing to want to say something, but he stayed silent, instead searching for her mouth with his own as they resumed their kiss.

Slowly they moved their way backwards towards the bed, their lips never parting, and their bodies never more than millimetres apart until his legs must have hit the bed as he broke the kiss as he sat down on the edge of the bed, looking up at her. He pulled her down onto his lap, her knees on the bed on each side of him as they resumed their kiss for a moment, before she felt him trail kisses down her neck and collarbone, before finding her breasts once again. She moaned as he lavished attention on them.

"Anyone would think you like them…" she breathed.

"More than a handful is a waste," he replied, taking a quick breath before he continued to devour her body. All she could do was wrap her arms around him and hold him close as he felt him beneath her. She wanted him inside her, but she wanted also to wait as long as possible. It appeared he enjoyed foreplay. He was a gentleman, after all.

He was soon looking for her mouth once again as he rolled her onto her back. She used her elbows to scoot her way backwards until she found her head on a pillow. She looked at him and gestured at him with her finger. He crawled on hands and knees, prowling like a tiger, until he was hovering above her once again. She reached behind his head and pulled it towards her, their mouths meeting once again. Hands continued to explore. They moaned and gasped together as they kissed.

He broke the kiss and grinned slightly as she felt him slowly kiss his way down her body before she felt his tongue tease at her sex. She closed her eyes and moaned louder than before, convulsing slightly, pressing downwards, as he continued to tease her. Then he finally stopped teasing.

She moaned. Loudly. Then more than likely yelled his name if her memory of the event was correct. Handfuls of bed-sheet were grabbed as his tongue worked its magic. She writhed as she felt his tongue in places that… it didn't bare thinking about how long. She wrapped her legs around him, trying not to squeeze too hard, but urging him to go faster. She could feel the wave building, a crescendo, just begging to be released. All the feelings she had been withstanding ever since that first revelation, everything she had been feeling since his return. It continued to build and build as his tongue found her clit and she felt him insert a finger, looking for her spot. Her back arched, she moaned as loudly as ever before and she was sure she would have suffocated him as she squeezed her legs together, as she finally surpassed her peak. At the same time, she could feel tears start to prick at her eyes, blinking rapidly to expel them. She didn't want him to see her cry. Not right now.

She opened her eyes to see him looking down at her, a slightly concerned look. "Are you okay?" he asked softly. She couldn't respond verbally. She made do with a simple nod as she closed her eyes again, the waves of emotion still cascading within. He seemed to understand as he simply kissed her cheek.

"I love you," he said quietly, almost unsure, not of the words, but of how she would react.

She opened her eyes again to see him smiling down at her. The desire in his eyes was still there but there was also no mistaking the love in them. The love that had been there for years. She couldn't comprehend his words for a moment. What he meant. She knew he did. He had for years. But to hear them now. It wasn't that it was unexpected. She felt the same way. She realised she always had.

"I love you, too," she replied softly, her voice on the verge of breaking.

His lips found hers again. The kiss was softer than those before but carried all the meaning in the world as far as she was concerned. He broke the kiss and lifted his head slightly as she felt him at her entrance. She reached up and caressed his cheek. And nodded her head.

She gasped. And a few seconds later felt full. There were exclamations to god, even if he wasn't out there. He was smooth and gentle. He took his time, clearly making sure that she enjoyed the act as much as he did. She heard him continue to tell her how beautiful she was. How much he adored her. How much he loved her. The talking soon stopped though, replaced by the occasional grunt and groan. She simply followed suit with whimpers and moans. She could barely put a legible sentence together. She looked into his eyes. Hunger. Passion. Desire. Love. It was all there, plain as day.

She wrapped her legs around him, beckoning him on faster. He grinned slightly before he closed his eyes, taking deep breaths, appearing to concentrate on the task at hand. She smiled as she knew why. She figured it had been a rather long time for him as well. She grabbed him around the neck and brought his face closer, their mouth crashing together in a kiss that did the job as he growled into mouth while she could feel him finish below. She broke the kiss as he took a deep breath, his forehead and body glistening with sweat. He smiled almost shyly, almost looking apologetic. She figured why though he had nothing to apologise for. She hadn't felt this good in years.

He appeared to take a deep breath as he lay beside her. She rolled onto her side and wrapped an arm around his broad chest as he pulled the light blanket up to at least give them some modesty. They lay in silence for a while, simply enjoying being together for the first time. She noticed he was staring at the roof, looking up to see a window above them, which she hadn't noticed before.

"It's a beautiful view, Shepard."

"Sometimes I'll just lie here in the darkness and watch the stars drift by. It's quite relaxing. I'll usually fall asleep doing it."

She had to admit, she agreed with him as she already started to feel weary. He yawned as he pulled her tighter towards him. "Tired, Shepard?"

He yawned again. "Just a little. Maybe a nap then we can have round two."

She couldn't help but laugh. "Round two? Someone's eager."

He just stared at her. "Absolutely," he stated simply before he just grinned again. She then felt him kiss her forehead before he rested his back on his pillow. She simply lay her head on his shoulder, feeling his body rise and fall as he breathed, placing a hand on his chest, and feeling his heart-beat, strong and regular. She heard his gentle snoring within minutes. She felt herself drift off to sleep not much later.


A/N – While this won't be the end, there won't be many more chapters. The whole story was leading up to this point, as I've had this chapter written for years.

I'll do one or two chapters covering ME3, then write a final chapter for a post Mass Effect galaxy.