A/N: More creative liberties being taken around these parts. Just flow with it, my friends, and have a good time. :D (by which I mean I pulled a bunch of crap out of my ass because why not it's fanfiction. Sorry. Please don't yell at me.)

*cough* awkward silence *cough*

The peace of the early evening was broken by the halfhearted bickering of the two women traveling along the sidewalk. The residents of the surrounding houses in the neighborhood paid no mind to the sound whenever they heard it; it was a common occurrence of late. Though the occasional news reporter could be a nuisance, the families on the street never thought ill of Shepard and Miranda, and seemed proud to live in peace beside them. Nearly a year and a half had passed since the Reapers had been destroyed, but the gratitude they felt for their savor had not faded from their minds, and when the two women had moved into the big empty house at the end of the street they had offered nothing but their sincerest welcome.

"I'm telling you," Shepard reiterated as she opened the door and stepped inside their home with Miranda hot on her heels, "it was the one from that stupid romantic comedy Tali made me watch. You know, with the Elcor and the Hanar body swapping thing."

Miranda stepped towards the hanger by the door, shrugging off her jacket to rest it on a free hook, "No, Shepard. That was a completely different actress. You're thinking of Loral Chase."

Shepard shook her head as she moved through the open archway into the kitchen, "No, I'm talking about the blonde one. You know, she's always like a secretary in every action movie ever."

Following close behind the other woman, Miranda groaned, "Yes. Loral Chase."

"No," Shepard remained adamant as she opened the refrigerator and began to rummage around inside, "her name is like some kind of fruit thing." She paused in her search, rubbing at her forehead in frustration, "oooh, what was it now. Apple something. No, Pear. Fruit. Thing. Pineapple lady."

Miranda rolled her eyes as she hopped up onto one of the three stools that lined a side of the counter island in the middle of the room, "Oh yes, how could I forget the stirring performance of Pineapple Lady? You're thinking of Abigail Mangano."

"Yes!" Shepard turned around to face Miranda excitedly, "Mango lady!"

"That's still not who you're thinking of, Shepard. She was in the one we saw a few weeks ago, you know, with the Volus drug ring. The one tonight was Loral Chase."

Shepard turned back towards the refrigerator, irritated, "I promise you, it's not her. It's the girl from that buddy cop movie," she spun to face Miranda again, holding a covered bowl of pasta in her hands, "you want this?"

Miranda seemed to contemplate it for a moment, and then she shook her head, "I had some for lunch while you were out. That was Loral too, by the way."

Shepard shrugged and replaced the dish, "I don't think so." She began to rummage again, trying a new plate, "How about some of this, hmm?"

The woman hesitated, causing Shepard to roll her eyes. Miranda always knew how to make leftover night a chore.

"Okay, chicken it is," she said, not waiting for an answer.

Miranda nodded absently, clearly distracted with other thoughts, and so while Shepard prepared a couple of plates she tried to recollect the woman's attention, "I'm looking it up by the way. I'm telling you, for once you're wrong."

"However will we survive?" Miranda's sarcastic response was more distant than usual as she picked inattentively at a fingernail.

Shepard sighed as she knew all too well where Miranda's head was. The entire night she had been trying to keep the woman distracted, but it appeared as though her efforts were proving fruitless. While their food was heating up, Shepard moved to lean on the counter in front of Miranda, making quite a show of searching for the movie they had just returned from on her omnitool.

"Let's see," she sighed out as she glanced over the information, "Hank Tucker….Sarah Bloom…Joe Sch-" Her face screwed up in annoyance, "Joe some last name I can't pronounce…Loral-" She stopped abruptly.

Miranda raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on her face. The timer sounded off, indicated their meal was ready, saving Shepard from having to respond. They sat side by side on the stools for quite some time, silently eating their fill. It wasn't until Miranda couldn't stand the waiting anymore that she finally broke the peace.

"So," she began slowly, putting all of her effort into sounding unperturbed about the whole affair, "no word back from Liara I take it?"

Shepard saw through the ruse in an instant, "You know I would tell you as soon as I heard anything."

Embarrassed, Miranda kept her eyes strictly glued to her plate as she nodded, "I'm sorry. I know."

"It's not something you have to apologize about," Shepard assured her. "I just want this to be a good thing, and it feels so out of my control. If you're going to be stressed out about it until the time comes and then it goes poorly…I just couldn't stand it."

Miranda smiled, affection warming her body. She leaned to the side until her head rested on Shepard's shoulder, "Sounds like we both need to relax."

Shepard laughed and then seemed to hesitate. Miranda felt her go still as she seemed to be contemplating continuing the conversation, "Miranda?"

"Yes?" She responded warmly, not wanting to deter the woman from speaking freely.

"I'm sorry if this sounds stupid, and you know I'm no good with all that science stuff," Shepard faltered for a moment, "but I don't get how there's just one…person." She shifted uncomfortably as soon as the words had left her mouth.

Miranda lifted her head and smiled bitterly, she hated herself in times like these. After all of this time together, Shepard still feared broaching some topics. It was disappointing, as there was not a single subject Miranda was afraid to discuss. Shepard was open with her about everything, and if her past demons were to arise, the conversation that would occur would be a healing one. Miranda's past however seemed to be one Shepard was reluctant to pry through. Though Miranda knew that that was most likely due to her guarded attitude when dealing with most people, she was saddened by the fact that Shepard didn't quite understand that she was the exception to the rule.

"It's not a big deal, Shepard; you're allowed to ask questions."

Shepard didn't answer, though she looked away with a small sniff, clearly self-conscious.

With a sigh, Miranda continued quickly, "Everything was manipulated, yes. Twisted into my father's design and tweaked into what he considered perfection. But there needed to be a start, Shepard. You can't create something from nothing. There has to be the basics, an egg and well…" she trailed off.

Shepard's face paled, thinking of Henry Lawson's sperm was not her favorite way to spend dinnertime. Luckily, Miranda continued, "Leastways that is how it was at the time, but that was over thirty five years ago now. I don't really keep up on the world of manipulating baby genes."

Shepard giggled.

"You're picturing babies in jeans, aren't you?"

"Maybe."

Not two days later Shepard found herself opening the door of a rented car, and though she seemed reluctant, Miranda eventually stepped out. They crossed the street slowly, both none too eager to reach the ramshackle little house at the end of the stone pathway before them. Glaring up at the sun as they moved, Shepard tried to ignore the little beads of sweat rolling down her back. It was not two weeks until Christmas; the heat here was just unnatural. She glanced at Miranda beside her. If this was the norm for Australia she had a bit more insight into why the woman was so crazy.

They finally reached the wooden steps leading up to the front porch, and Shepard turned to Miranda expectantly. She was surprised to find her face blank, almost as if she were spacing out. When a few seconds passed and she didn't seem liable to move anytime soon Shepard awkwardly extended her arm and rapped lightly on the door. A few moments passed but eventually they could hear movement from inside the modest building and Shepard felt Miranda stiffen beside her. In seconds they were faced with a kindly looking brunette. She was tall and slim, almost frail looking. She had a somewhat disheveled appearance, and there was a mischievous looking spark in her eye that hinted at a relaxed attitude.

"Hello, can I help you?"

There was an incredibly uncomfortable silence then, as Shepard soon realized Miranda wasn't going to say a word.

"Sorry to intrude," she finally said, embarrassed. She sure wished that if Miranda had expected her to instigate the conversation that she would have told her before they arrived. "Are you Mrs. Martin?"

"Yes, that's me," The woman responded with a warm smile.

"I'm-"

She laughed, "I know who you are, Commander Shepard. I owe you my life." The words were said genuinely, but not with the hint of hero worship that they had been getting used to. The woman was stating a fact, and for that Shepard took to her instantly.

"And this is Miranda-"

"Walker," Miranda cut in suddenly, extending her arm for a very professional handshake, "I worked with Henry Lawson quite closely."

Shepard shot her an exasperated look, one that Miranda pointedly ignored.

"Henry Lawson?" The woman responded as she accepted the gesture, clearly intrigued. "Now there's a name I haven't heard in many years."

"I see," Jennifer Martin put her cup of tea down on the table gently, a sadness creeping into her voice. "I'm sorry to hear that. I must admit, Henry always struck me as the type to live quite the long life so this is a bit of a shock."

Miranda had yet to say a word since she had introduced herself. She was much too focused on studying the woman from across the table, looking for any subtle quirks or traits they may share. They certainly didn't look all that similar, though that might have been because of the woman's age clearly showing on her features. She was not a wealthy woman, judging by her small house and haggard appearance, and the wrinkles on her face told of a life full of many hardships.

"I may not have been a fan of the man he became, but I will say he was the first great love of my life." Her eyes shown with fondness for days long gone by, "oh, how that boy used to talk. We were going to get married; he was going to make me a family all of my own."

Shepard took a sip from her own drink, "make?"

The woman laughed, "Ah yes, I wasn't the biggest fan of my childhood, you see. My mother was a rotten woman, and I was quite determined to give someone else the life I thought I had deserved. It wasn't long after I met Henry that we realized it wouldn't be possible." She sighed wistfully, "Something in me was broken, I was incapable of carrying a child."

Miranda stiffened, at least one trait they shared then.

"Of course, that didn't stop Henry. He was just starting to work with his father in those days; they were grooming him to take over the family business. Said that he was going to be taking over their little empire soon, that he was going to make me the family I had always dreamed of. He'd be the perfect husband. I'd be the perfect wife. Together we'd raise the perfect children." She chuckled, though there was little real humor in it, "Ah but he was changing. I never liked his father much, and as time went on I was beginning to see a bit too much of him in Henry."

She sighed sadly, "I guess, over time, I was starting to feel like less of a partner, and more of an ideal. There was a child created. It was beautiful, but so," She shuddered at the memory, "unnatural. I only saw her once before she was taken from my arms. I never," She swallowed hard, "I never was told what happened. Something had gone wrong, she hadn't been quite right."

Miranda watched carefully as the woman continued, her emotionless features starting to get Shepard more than a little nervous, "I left then. On the way out the door, Henry…he hit me. I saw a bit of the old him afterwards, just for a second. My Henry, he was so tired in there, so sorry." Her voiced wavered a bit, "Well, it was over with then."

She glanced around her modest home, "It wasn't the easiest transition to make, this is no mansion on the harbor," She offered a small smile, "but I had my conscious, I was able to sleep at night. Then I met Peter, we have a good life here. I never knew if he kept his work going after that, I had begged him to stop, but, well," Here eyes flickered up to glance at Miranda quickly before they fell to the ground, "I guess I'll never know for sure." Her voice broke at the end, giving insight into her sorrow, and she stood up quickly, "I'm sorry, I think I may need a glass of water. If you'll excuse me."

Shepard waited until she had disappeared into the kitchen before turning towards Miranda and whispering frantically, "Oh come on, Miranda. She's fantastic. You have to say something."

Miranda shook her head anxiously, and Shepard was a bit surprised to see she was clearly holding back tears, "I can't, Shepard. I can't-" Her voice cracked, "Look."

Shepard followed her gaze to find Miranda was focused on the many pictures that lined the walls of the room. There were three beautiful, if not clearly adopted, children. Family vacations, the first day of school, cookouts, grandchildren. Jenifer Martin had a whole life hung up in the house; there was no room for Miranda there.

"Miranda-"

"Please, don't say anything," the woman begged. "Let's just tell her what we came here for and then let's just go home. Please, just take me home."

"Okay. It's okay," Shepard put a comforting hand over Miranda's leg as Jenifer returned.

"Is everything okay?" She questioned, curiously.

Shepard smiled, "Of course. I uh, I'm sorry, I suppose you're wondering why we are even here."

The woman smirked, "I thought you were just paying a few random strangers visits, hoping to hear a couple of back stories."

Laughing, Shepard answered, "Actually, you'd be surprised. But, um," she sobered quickly as she gave Miranda a sideways glance, not really sure how to continue. "It seems Mr. Lawson hadn't been expecting to, uh, depart so soon. There was no will, and so after a few months, everything was forwarded to his daughter. It was her wish that all of his personal accounts be transferred to yours."

The woman shook her head frantically, "Oh, no. I couldn't. I have no right to it. That would be entirely inappropriate."

"Please," Miranda interrupted suddenly, "I-"she cleared her throat, "she has no use for it, it was her only request."

The two woman stared at each other, each not giving the other even an inkling of their true thoughts, "I - okay, if that's what she wants."

"It was an honor having you in my home, Commander. My husband is going to be quite upset when he returns from work."

Shepard laughed from where she stood in the doorway by Miranda's side, who seemed anxious to escape the house, "The pleasure was mine, Mrs. Martin. Take care of yourself."

The woman grinned, "Well, I must say that will be quite a bit easier now."

Nodding, Shepard and Miranda turned to head down the porch steps, but were quickly halted.

"Miranda," Jenifer poured out all the warmth she could in the name, knowing this was likely the last chance she would get to use it, "thank you for coming."

Shepard felt Miranda stiffen beside her, her face tightened and she seemed unable to turn around, "Of course."

At her lead, Shepard followed her down the walkway to where the car had been parked. Jenifer Martin watched from the window as Commander Shepard gingerly grasped her daughter's hand, and smiled because no matter what evil Henry had used her for, she had still been part of creating something beautiful.

Miranda had been calm on the journey home. She seemed tired, yes, quiet even, and calm. It wasn't until they were safely within the house that she had let her feelings show. Shepard sat on the couch in their living room, holding Miranda tightly against her chest as she poured her frustrations out.

It wasn't loud sobbing, but quiet, gentle shakes. Her hands wrapped around Shepard's waist, squeezing her back, leaving tiny indentations from her fingernails. Every once in awhile Shepard could hear a faint sniff as even then Miranda had tried to hold back.

Shepard rocked them slowly, gently stroking Miranda's hair, "I know. I know it's not fair. She should have been yours," Miranda took a deep, ragged breath as Shepard kissed the top of her head.

"She should have belonged to you."

Message Received: Liara T'Soni
5:07 PM

Keep me posted when you get a chance, Shepard.

Message Sent: Jane Shepard
5:10 PM

We're actually back already. Everything went smoothly. Miranda was actually going to send you a thank you soon, but she might wait until morning. I don't think she's feeling up to it at the moment.

Message Received: Liara T'Soni
5:12 PM

Not what you hoped?

Message Sent: Jane Shepard
5:13 PM

No, too good I think.

Message Received: Liara T'Soni
5:18 PM

I see. Well, it sounds like she could use a pick me up. I suppose I'll be seeing you soon, Shepard.

Message Sent: Jane Shepard
5:19 PM

What?

Shepard was still frowning at the cryptic message when Miranda reentered the living room, plopping down on the couch beside her in an unusual show of exhaustion. Just a few minutes earlier she had left to change into her sleeping attire, happy that she didn't have to care about keeping up appearances in front of Shepard. She watched on with interest as Shepard fiddled with the device.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Shepard mumbled, clearly annoyed. "Liara just stopped responding."

Miranda shrugged, "she's very busy, let her be."

With a sigh, Shepard relented and dropped her arm into her lap. Hating to see the red rings around Miranda's eyes, Shepard attempted conversation. She was able to distract them both for a time, over an hour at least, and she was happy to see that the woman was getting back to her old self a bit as time wore on. At one point, Miranda scooted to the side to face Shepard, one leg folded beneath her, the other dangling off the edge of the cushion, "Thank you for being so good today."

"What?" Shepard grinned foolishly. "Did you think I was going to embarrass you or something?"

Miranda laughed, lifting Shepard's spirits considerably in the process, "I meant for taking the initiative when I needed it, but yes, that applies too I suppose. I think this is the first time that I came off looking the fool." The words were harsh but Miranda's tone was light and playful.

"Was that your incredibly offensive way of saying you appreciate me?" Shepard questioned, eyebrows all but dancing.

Miranda gave her a gentle swat to the arm, "don't let your ego grow too large. I might have to get rid of you and that would be unfortunate."

Shepard grinned, tongue poking teasingly from between her teeth, "Miss Lawson, are you insinuating that you having feelings for me?"

Rolling her eyes, Miranda ignored the question. "Okay," she was really starting to feel the heavy weight of the day on her now, "I think I'm going to just lay down for the rest of the night."

Shepard narrowed her eyes, "At least eat first."

"I'm not hungry," Miranda assured her, even as her stomach growled in protest.

Laughing, Shepard stood up, "come on, we can just pull something together really fast. Please?"

Miranda's heavy sigh announced her defeat and Shepard started moving towards the kitchen, clearly triumphant as the other woman started to rise. They both stilled however when there was a loud knock at the front door, each tensing at the sound. They hadn't invited anyone. Cautiously Shepard moved towards the big window in the front room, pulling back the curtain to peer out into the dark yard.

Somewhere in the back of her mind Shepard realized how ridiculously mistrustful Miranda and she could be, but understandably the paranoia of the past had yet to ebb. She trusted that they would get over it in time, but for now it felt comfortable to be suspicious of every stranger. That didn't mean she hadn't felt tremendously apologetic about the incident with the mailman. Miranda had forbade her from carrying her pistol on her person in the house after that, though she did inform Shepard about the modest stash of weaponry one could find if they opened up the top of the coffee table.

"Huh," Shepard relaxed and let the curtain fall back into place, "It's Garrus and Tali."

Confused, Miranda turned to face the front door, hands dangling over the backrest as she knelt on the cushions, "On a Thursday night?"

With a shrug, Shepard moved to greet them, "Apparently."

She opened the door to find them staring up at her nervously, Garrus looking rather embarrassed, "I told you we shouldn't have left so early. I hate being the first one."

Tali appeared less bothered by the whole affair. "This is for you," she shoved the covered bowl that Shepard hadn't yet noticed into the woman's arms and pushed by her busily. "Hello, Miranda!"

"Um…hi?"

"Garrus," Shepard turned towards her friend and whispered conspiratorially, "you know I love having you guys but now isn't really a good time."

He shook his head mournfully, resting a steady hand on her shoulder, "That's what I said, Shepard. That's what I said."

"Oh Garrus, thank God you're here," a familiar voice came from the walkway leading up to the front stairs. Shepard's mouth fell open as Jacob stepped forward with his son joyfully riding on his shoulders, Brynn trailing closely behind, "I hate being the first one."

"Tell me about it," He grumbled in response.

Brynn stepped forward holding a wide covered serving dish out, "here you….oh." She glanced down at the bowl in Shepard's hands, "Shall I just follow you into the kitchen then?"

Taken aback, Shepard turned towards Miranda, looking for help. The woman was being distracted by Tali however, who seemed to be going on about something rather excitedly despite Miranda's obvious confusion. Shepard wasn't sure of the topic, but she did catch a few tidbits of the one sided conversation.

"…which you were so right about by the way, I should not have used that as a component at all. I mean, wow, did that backfire. Literally."

Brynn cleared her throat, regaining Shepard's attention, "Um, uh. Right through that archway over there," she shifted the dish from Tali into one hand to point with the other.

Nodding, the couple stepped inside, followed closely by Garrus.

"Wait!" Shepard hissed after him frantically, "what's-"

A low long whistle from outside cut her off, "Wow, this is much better. Big, I like it."

Shepard turned back to see Joker and EDI standing on the steps, Joker bundled up in a big fluffy jacket to fend off the cold. Despite herself, Shepard couldn't help but smile at the AI who had a long red scarf draped around her neck although she was unable to feel the chill in the air. Sometimes EDI was too endearing for her own good.

"Jeff made this," she said, looking at the plate she embraced fondly. "I put on the frosting."

Shepard grinned, "well I'm sure that's the best part then." Then she remembered herself, "Wait, hold on. What-"

But they were roughly pushed aside, "Out of my way it's fucking freezing." Jack barreled her way through the door and dumped a container of store bought cookies onto the bowl that Shepard already held without so much as a backwards glance. "Where's Grunt? He's the only one of you losers worth talking to."

"We'll just put this on the counter then," Joker said while he limped off into the kitchen. EDI followed without a word.

Shepard made to follow but the back of her legs were hit with what felt like a pillowcase full of bricks…three times.

"No! You can't get me!"

"I'll tackle ya!"

"Me first!"

Catching herself on the wall before she was knocked to the ground, Shepard turned to look out the door and saw Grunt approaching cheerily with Wrex and Bakara in tow. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized just who the three little offending terrors were.

"Ohnononono."

"Shepard!"

"Pick me up!"

"Throw me!"

"Nononononono."

But it was too late. The three little Krogan toddlers were already scaling her body. The two little males had a hold of one leg each, while the female had swiftly made the triumphant ascent to her shoulders. Sometimes it was hard to hate them, what with their obvious affection toward her, but most times it was easy. Especially when they were head butting your more private areas. She held the stack of dishes in her hands far out in front of her, trying hard not to drop the objects as her balance was threatened.

"Battlemaster," Grunt greeted with a nod as he moved into the house.

"Help," She groaned as one of the little males shimmed up her torso.

"Woah there, little one," Bakara said as she finally reached her children. She plucked little Mordin off of the top of Shepard's head, much to the relief of the woman's neck. The only semblance of an apology Wrex offered as he passed by was his usual raspy laugh.

As the two older Krogan passed into the living room, the toddlers attached to her feet soon lost interest with Shepard and charged on through to where there were new victims to crash into. Panting Shepard leaned against the wall next to the door and slid down until she was seated on the now damp rug. She considered the wet footprints for a moment curiously, before looking out the open door. She hadn't noticed it was snowing.

Suddenly, three familiar figures were travelling towards her, "Shepard, you should close this door. You're letting the cold air in."

"Why are you on the floor?"

"I didn't know it was that kind of party."

Shepard's gaze travelled from Chakwas to Samantha to Kelly in turn, "Good evening ladies. Would you be so kind as to inform me on why you are here?"

"Huh?" Kelly looked confused as she stepped over Shepard's legs and into the house.

Traynor followed suit, "I just need to throw this dish in the oven if you don't mind. It will dry out if we put it in the microwave."

Chakwas shook her head disapprovingly, "Honestly, you'll catch a cold sitting there like that."

Shepard merely watched silently as they left, she was beyond resisting at this point. Shakily, she got to her feet and glanced down the hall into the living room. Through the archway she could see Miranda surrounded by their guests, looking incredibly bewildered as they were seemingly chatting with her about the mundane trivialities of life. Her eyes wandered a bit as Jacob began to speak to her about something or other, and she realized that Shepard's gaze was on her. She tossed her old commander a stern glare, and Shepard gave her a bewildered look in return. No way had she planned this.

"Shepard, I am impressed. It would appear as though you have high status in your culture," Samara sounded together and elegant, as usual, when she crossed the threshold. "Thank you for having me."

"I'm not…I'm not having you…." Shepard responded ineffectively to her retreating form.

"Hey, Shepard," Oriana's cheerful voice came from behind her. Shepard spun around quickly to find the girl and a rather embarrassed looking young man standing beside her, "I hope you don't mind that I brought Danner as my plus one." She held out a large bowl towards Shepard's already overburdened arms.

"You!" Shepard glared accusingly at the newest intruders, "what do you think you are doing?"

Oriana raised an eyebrow while looking from the bowl in her hands to Shepard's angry features, "…giving you a salad?"

"You can't-" Shepard spluttered, her face red, "you can't just be showing up at people's houses with huge ass bowls of salad!"

Oriana sighed and dropped it carelessly atop Jack's cookie box before grabbing Danner's hand and pulling him inside, "just ignore her. She's always this weird."

"Miranda!" Shepard cried out suddenly, her confusion threatening to overwhelm her just as quickly as the teetering pile of food. It took just about a minute, but soon Miranda had disengaged herself from conversation and managed to slide through the growing crowd to Shepard's side.

"What the hell is going on?" She hissed.

Shepard's eyes were wide as she struggled with her burden, "I don't know. They're everywhere, Miranda. They just keep coming."

An almost pitiful expression crossed Miranda's features as she looked down at the floor. "My carpet…" she lamented quietly before looking back up at Shepard with sympathy, "here, let me take this for you. I'll go put it on the counter."

Shepard mumbled a grateful thank you as she shifted the items into Miranda's hands. The woman turned to move into the other room gracefully, and Shepard was hardly surprised to hear her exclaim "what the-where is this all coming from?!" as she ran into the various other 'gifts' their friends had brought.

"Ah, and here I thought I was on time," Liara exclaimed sadly as she moved to stand beside Shepard and looked on into the room already near bursting with her friends.

"You," Shepard's head turned comically slowly as she glared at the Asari standing next to her, "this is all your doing!" Liara merely smiled in response as Shepard continued, "This is not okay, Liara. Miranda does not need this right now. She won't be pleased with-"

"Exactly," Liara cut in as Feron passed through the doorway with a small bundle in his arms, "which is why I brought them."

Shepard sighed in defeat as the tiny blue baby in the Drell's arms looked up at her happily, her wise eyes seeming to smile all on their own. The little baby Benezia could worm her way into the coldest of hearts with her dimpled smile and infectious laughter, and she was firmly lodged in Miranda's. The two had formed an interesting bond during the few times Miranda and Shepard had agreed to watch her.

"Oh my gosh, look at you!" Miranda had returned, and Feron happily handed the little bundle into her outstretched arms. Benezia squealed gleefully as she was passed over into a familiar hold.

"Hello," Miranda greeted the two visitors warmly as Benezia snuggled into her chest, "I'm glad you could make it."

Shepard's jaw dropped, "make it?"

Miranda shrugged at her exasperation, and turned to lead Feron towards the others, swaying the baby slowly from side to side as she moved.

"Miranda! There's nothing for them to make! There's no thing!" but it was a futile effort as she was already gone.

"Liara," Shepard pleaded, "you can't just throw a party at somebody else's house."

She flashed a brilliant smile, "why, Shepard, if you don't want to attend by all means go on upstairs and retire for the night."

Shepard looked a bit hurt, "well I didn't mean-"

"And, Shepard?" Liara continued, thrusting a tray of some weird green food that Shepard hadn't noticed she had been holding into her hands, "it's not a party. It's a family potluck."

As Liara moved to meet up with her family, Shepard wanted to scream.

"Oh man," came a deep voice from the doorway, "you were right, Ash. Maybe we should have left earlier."

"I told you," came the annoyed reply.

Shepard faced them, scowl on her face, "if you guys aren't the last group so help me…."

Though confused, Ashley smiled and Vega laughed it off while slapping a hand on his old commander's shoulder, "Crazy right? James Vega, late to a party."

"It's not a party!" Shepard shouted as she finally snapped, evidently quite loudly as she turned to find all eyes on her.

She glanced around at the friends turned intruders that filled her home. They stood facing her, some looking nervous, some looking amused, and Liara looking quite satisfied with herself. Finally Shepard's gaze met Miranda's. The woman held little Benezia in her arms tightly, resting her chin on the child's head, a pleading look in her eyes.

"It's-it's-" Shepard sighed, sensing defeat. If there was one thing that could always break her at once, it was the begging of Miranda Lawson.

"It's a family potluck."

"Can somebody please open up the fucking alcohol already?"

"Hey, Liara. Look at Miranda with Nezi. They're so happy."

"Mmm."

"Do you think we could make a run for it?"

"Feron!"

"Those three little nasty battletanks! This was a present from the Turian Primarch. A thanks for everything I did. Smashed in two seconds. Just like that. Poof."

"…Shepard?"

"What?"

"Is this a bad time to tell you that I always thought it was kind of ugly?"

"…yeah…it really was. I guess I owe you a thanks, Mordin."

"I. AM. KROGAN."

"Ow."

"Ori?"

"Yes?"

"I think your sister hates me."

"What?"

"Look she's just sitting there….glaring…"

"Don't be ridiculous, she doesn't-Miranda! Knock that off!"

"Lola, I think you should slow down with those drinks a bit."

"Remember that time I saved all sentient life?"

"Right, point taken. Drink up."

"Maybe this is a sign that we shouldn't be smashing our faces against Krogan heads anymore, hmm?"

"You're not a battlemaster, Miranda. You wouldn't understand."

"I don't think I want to. Now hold still, this might sting."

"Okay, everything on the left is dextroamino. Everything on the right is for the rest of us. Nobody die on my table or I will kill you."

"Hey! The bread! Pass the bread!"

"Is that safe for me?"

"Tali don't eat that! The left! Stay to the left!"

"Can I eat the left people food if I promise not to die?"

"Excuse me. Bread please."

"Stop hogging the pasta."

"Who ate all the fucking cookies? It's not even time for dessert."

"BREAD!"

"No biotics at the table!"

"Sit down, young lady."

"Grunt, did you eat all my fucking cookies?"

"…No."

"I'm going to kill you."

"No blood on my table."

"You heard the lady. Chakwas, how did you make this?"

"I'll get you the recipe, Shepard. Though I doubt you'll be able to replicate it."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

"WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE GET ME SOME BREAD?"

"Okay, goodnight! See you later! Thanks for…" Shepard slammed the door behind the last few of her departing guests, "…not helping to clean up at all."

She surveyed the damage wearily, the place was a wreck. The table was covered with dirty plates, cups, and silverware. There were damp patches all over the rug and what appeared to be baby Krogan teeth marks on all the legs of the dining room chairs. With a heavy sigh, she set about cleaning the table first, gathering the plates into a neat pile.

Miranda stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching in amusement as the woman grumbled loudly throughout the task. She leaned against the railing casually, a sly smile gracing her features, "Shepard, it's pretty late. Maybe we should just forget about clean up for tonight."

Shepard continued the work without pausing, "No no. I can't leave it to just fester down here. What are you drunk? You hate that. Dirty dishes lying around are like your worst nightmare."

Miranda chuckled, and waited until Shepard turned to face her before she responded, "Maybe. But I really think we should leave it for tomorrow."

Shepard's eyes widened in understanding and she let the pile of plates she was holding fall to the table with a loud clatter, moving to Miranda's side in a veritable instant.

"We absolutely must wait until tomorrow to finish those dishes, Miss Lawson," She asserted playfully as she scooped the woman up in her arms and moved up the stairs. "I will not hear a word otherwise."

Their pace was leisurely despite the late hour, and they moved together until the early hours of the morning had arrived. Miranda was exhausted by the end, though more emotionally than physically. It had been a wild ride, that day. Funny though, how far away the pain of the morning felt, as though it had happened to her in another life. Now she lay, Miranda Lawson, a being of bliss and contentment. The troubles weighing on her heart earlier seemed almost laughable now.

Of course there would always be some part inside of her that remained a small girl, longing for a mother's love and a father's approvable. But that didn't matter, because she was in Shepard's arms, trying to fall asleep before the first rays of sunlight slinked through the blinds and made it impossible. There was nothing but joy to be found in this life she had been given. It may be a reward she was not worthy of, but that would not stop her from soaking up every last bit of it she could.

The morning had been painful, yes, near unbearable. And yet, it was over and done with now, much like most of the demons that had tormented her throughout her adult life. The feelings of despair had slowly faded, overcome with laughter, and delicious food, and playful bickering, and dependable friends. Miranda watched as Jane's breathing deepened, sleep overcoming her quickly as usual. Finally, after all these years, she at last felt completely at home, completely cherished.

No, there might not be room for her on the walls of the Martin home, but that was okay because Shepard had made a family for herself all on her own. And no matter how dysfunctional it was, no matter how many species it was comprised of and no matter how many times they fought with one another, there would most certainly always be a place for Miranda Lawson there.

And that was just perfect.

A/N: That's it. That's the end. Sorry about all the foolishness if you wanted something dramatic. I'm just not a very serious person. I couldn't bring myself to end it any other way. Anyhow, even if it wasn't great quality, I hope everyone enjoyed the ride while managing to have a laugh or two. I know I did.

Thanks everybody for all the kind words. It was a blast :)