Chapter 7

Vancouver- December 31

Jack stood alone on the Alliance HQ's rooftop gazing at the city lights. She watched her breath trail away in the freezing cold air. Last week had been hell. Miranda had made up some story that convinced Captain Stewart to not discipline Jack for her disappearance. In truth Jack didn't really give a shit. Since returning to Vancouver Jack hadn't said much to anyone, Miranda included. She just wanted to be left alone. Miranda had respected that much at least.

"What am I doing?" She asked herself. She couldn't get that question out of her head ever since Eden Prime. Pretending to be normal and pretending to be in a relationship. Both of those things were true. Despite how hopeless it was she did love Miranda. She hoped that pushing her away would have done something to change that but it hadn't.

Jack shivered as the cold air blew past her. She'd been through much worse shit than this and she knew she'd find her way through it eventually. Ever since their "First Date" all Jack could do was think about the future. She wanted Miranda to be a part of that future. She needed her to be really.

Suddenly she felt a pair of firm breasts press against her back and arms wrap around her. "Still mad at me?"

"No."

Miranda leaned down and kissed the ragged scar on Jack's neck. "Does that mean we can talk?"

"Sure."

"I'm sorry about your parents. I'm sorry I sent you there."

Jack wiggled out of Miranda's embraced and leaned on the cold guard rail. "Don't be. I'm glad you did."

Miranda joined her side. "Really?"

"Might not have been exactly what I wanted. But you answered a question that had haunted me my entire life. I know I didn't talk about it. But when I was a little girl in my cell on Pragia I used to cry myself to sleep calling out for my mom. It was fucking pathetic, I didn't even remember her. But going there... it helped."

"Well i'm glad to hear that."

"The real kicker is that was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I owe you cheerleader. More than I could probably repay."

"I already told you Jack. You don't owe me anything." They stood in silence for a few minutes before Miranda spoke up again. "Can I tell you something Jack?"

"Shoot Princess."

"I've never been in a relationship." Miranda said.

Jack turned and arched an eyebrow. "What?"

"I've never slept with the same person more than once."

"No shit?"

"People have never liked me very much. It's my fault really. Guess i've always been a bit of a bitch. I know what it's like to grow up feeling alone Jack. In truth I've always felt alone. Never felt loved or happiness...real happiness anyway. My life was a series of me trying to live up to my bloody perfect genes and the expectations of people I thought better than myself. Until I met you. It's good to have you as a friend. Perfect really."

"Yeah well... I like you. Guess you don't need to be raised in a cell to have a shitty childhood."

Miranda smiled and leaned her head on Jack's shoulder. "I know this isn't a relationship. And that this is really nothing but sex. But i'm glad we have each other Jack."

"I guess I am too."

"Does that mean I can take you home tonight? Perhaps open a bottle of champagne."

"Sounds good."

Out in the distance over the Vancouver skyline a tiny ball of light was rocketed into the air followed by several others. The fireworks erupted into a beautiful display above the Canadian city, officially ringing in 2187. Jack felt their thunderous clap in her chest as they exploded. Then she felt Miranda's arm loop around her waist as she was spun around to face her lover.

"Happy new year Jack." Miranda said before leaning in and kissing the biotic. It wasn't like their other kisses. It was tender, passionate, loving even. When they separated Jack wasn't ready for it to be over and leaned in for a kiss of her own. Miranda gripped the back of Jack's head and ran her fingers through her brown hair. The two woman moaned hungrily as their lips came apart momentarily before pressing together again. Then they stopped. But they didn't separate. Instead they stood motionless with their foreheads pressed together.

"Happy new year Miranda."

Miranda and Jack's Story Continues in "The Wedding of Commander Shepard" and they will return in "Miranda and Jack's First Double Date" and "Shepard and Liara Versus the Alliance"

Closing Notes- And so ends another Miranda and Jack series and my Tenth story on this site! I really never thought I'd write this much but this hobby has really begun to take over all my free time. Thanks for reading and extra thanks to those who reviewed. I hope to have part 1 of Episode 2 "Shepard and Liara Versus The High School Reunion" up by tomorrow for N7 day. I just recently posted chapter 2 of my OC series "The Veiled Asari" and I'd love it if you check that out too. But for you Jack and Miri fans I have so much more planned for them in the future so stay tuned.