Hello

Sorry to everyone for the long wait between updates.

I've been trying to get this chapter right for the past week and even though I'm not happy with it 100%, it's the best I got.

There are some surprises in this chapter which will change the game for good.

I hope you enjoy it.

Christmas on board the Normandy: Part I

December 25, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Cabin - Commander Alonso - 0540 hours

I swiveled back and forth my chair, reading a few articles about current events on my desk.

"They just don't get it." I grumbled to myself after reading an Alliance report that has downplayed everything I have done. After several clicks, I find myself looking at an interview that was hosted by none other than Khalisa Bint Sinan al-Jilani.

"I am here with former Normandy crewmember and recently promoted Lieutenant Ashley Williams." The camera centered on the brunette wearing her Alliance blues. "Thank you for your time Lieutenant. Can you please tell the viewers at home at what you have been up to?"

"I am not at a liberty to go into full detail at this time. I'm still in a middle of an investigation." Ashley replied neutrally.

"There is some speculation that you are in charge of bringing former Spectre Alonso into custody and that Spectre Shepard is helping you. Care to elaborate?"

Ashley sighed and shook her head. "Former Spectre Alonso is not being searched by the Alliance; I can assure you of that Miss al-Jilani. I am simply-"

Trying to discredit everything I have done these past few months! I huffed and quickly turned off the browser, not wanting to listen to Ashley or al-Jilani any longer. I crossed my arms over the top of the desk and put my head down. "I hate this." I breathed out. I need to deal with this. I quietly made my way towards the exit, trying not to wake up a nude Miranda on my bed. I went down to the crew deck and knocked on my master's quarters.

"Master," I bow once the door opens and find Samara standing, watching the sun starting to rise over the Illium skyline, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all Charles." She responds in her regal tone, still looking out the window. "You may come in."

I smiled and walked over to stand next to her. "Lovely view." I said as the sun rays began hitting my skin. "I want to ask you something...personal."

"What can I help you with?"

"What do you do when..." I sighed, shaking my head, "What do you do when your heart hurts and its confusing you?" I shake my head and laugh darkly. "When it's irritating you?"

"Is this about your current relationship, Commander?"

"What? No! No, of course not. Miranda and I are perfect right now. It's about my previous relationship. She's in the Alliance and is 'investigating' my work here with Cerberus."

"I see." Samara turns to me and gives me a look. "I must meld with you. Is that alright? It may be painful to relive those memories but know that I am right here."

"Sure, I guess. Be careful though...it's been a while." I bowed my head down and cleared my mind. Trying to relive the memories of the past is something I really don't want to do but if Samara can help me, then I have no other choice. I didn't realize when Samara entered my mind. Nearly a thousand years of practice helps I guess. I chuckle before a memory fizzles into the air.

"Mind if I sit Commander?" Ashley stands over the table and I nod. "Thanks." She places her tray down and sits across from me.

"So...how are you liking space travel?" I ask as I placed my datapad down and resume my lunch. "Sorry if we haven't had much time to talk. Been busy doing the Commander's job."

"Is that her report?" She asks with a small smile while before taking a bite from her lunch.

"More like mine." I shrugged, "But I'd rather not get her angry. I've known her long enough to know when to follow orders. Messing with a N7 is one thing but nothing beats an angry redhead." Ashley laughs delightfully that causes me to smile briefly.

"I've only heard stories from both of you and your missions together. I'd never thought I'd be serving under both of you."

"And what have you heard, Chief?" I dipped my spoon into the synthetic slop. Looking up to look at the Chief with a grin.

Ashley gulped nervously and quickly replied. "That you don't like following orders and that you killed Batarians in cold blood. I heard that Shepard found you in a cave drenched in Batarian blood."

I hummed and placed my spoon down on my tray. "Is that what they say. Well, they're correct, except for the last part...sometimes. After what I heard on Elysium, I volunteered Jane and I to head over to Torfan. I wanted to avenge the humans who were enslaved and killed. That's exactly what I did. We were hunkered down for four days without doing anything. The higher-ups were planning their next move and well, I got sick and tired of waiting. In the middle of the night, I left camp and went straight into enemy territory. I killed them all." I laughed darkly. "God, you should've seen the look on their faces when I showed up alone, flaring my biotics. The fear in those fucker's eyes when I dismembered the limbs of every fucking batarian in that cave." I took a deep breath and shook my head. "Jane went after me with the rest of the squad two days later. I've never seen her so scared in my life."

"I would've been too." Ashley replied softly. "Sorry for asking."

"What's done is done. Those ugly fucks and I have a mutual hate for one another. I hate that there's nothing I can do to stop them...yet."

There was a dead silence as I went back to re-read my report. "You never answered my question by the way."

"Oh... right well, it's definitely a change. I'd never think I'd ever serve on a ship like this."

"Well we're lucky to have you on board Chief." I give Ashley a smile which she returns.

"Thank you, sir."

"Please, call me Charlie. Sir makes me sound old."

"Charlie?" Jane came out of the corner, dressed in her gym outfit. "Ready?"

"Yeah sure. Just give me a minute, I'll catch up." I turned to the Chief and gave her a nod before standing up to place my plate away in the sink. "I hope we can talk more after I'm done kicking Jane's ass?" I offered Ashley a smile.

"Of course Commander. I'll be down at my station if you ever want to talk."

Ashley's smile made me feel weird inside but I pushed it down. "Well, I'll see you around."

"I'm looking forward to it." I heard Ashley mutter and I couldn't help but grin as thoughts invaded my brain.

The memory faded, and another began.

"So, am I going down to Illos with you?" Ashley asked we met halfway through the winding stairs of the CIC that went down to the crew deck. I couldn't look at Ashley in the eyes. I knew she wanted to go down and fight til the end. But instead, Jane and I decided to bring Tali, Liara and Garrus down to the surface.

'This is a suicide mission if there ever was one' I remember telling Jane just hours before. I can't let Ashley die on me now. 'She'll be safer aboard the ship' I steeled myself and shook my head.

"You're not. I'm sorry but it's not possible."

Ashley's mouth opened to say something while her eyes shot daggers at me. "What do you mean? I need to be with you on the ground, Charlie!" I brushed past Ashley as we began blocking the path of a few crewmembers. Not daring to say a word until we were alone, I guided Ashley towards my quarters. "You said you would put in a good word for me! I bet you didn't huh?"

"You think that I want you to come with me? It's dangerou-"

"Don't give me that! I've been perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I'm still alive right?"

'You do have a point' I said to myself, frowning. "Look, I just don't want something bad to happen to you. Please, just try to understand."

"It's not fair. I can't leave you behind!" Ashley's eyes began to water, her body shook with fear. I crossed towards her and held her close. "What am I going to do?" She sobbed, clutching my shirt collar.

"You'll be safe..." I kissed her forehead, trying everything I could to calm her down. "I'll be alright. Everyone has a job to do. You'll be in charge of taking the Normandy back to Arcturus and make the jump to the Citadel. Can I count on you to do that?"

Ashley nodded and stepped back to wipe the wetness from her cheeks. "Just promise me you won't die on me."

"Well...I'll try." I grinned, grabbing a gently hold of her hips before capturing her lips in mine. "I love you Ash."

"I love you too."

"Those are strong memories, Commander." Samara's eyes turned to her normal shade of silver-blue.

"We were great friends before we pursued a relationship. She means...meant, a lot to me."

"Do you still care for this human?"

I stared out into the beautiful Illium skyline. Skycars and large transportation ships flew to their respective destinations. Life looks simple out there. Be here, go there and come back. Isn't that what everyone wants? A sense of normalcy? "I don't know." I breathed, stepping back to sit on one of the sofas in the room. "Everything is a whole mess. I died and left her behind. I left many people behind. I return and the danger is still the same but everything else is different. Ashley didn't want me back. How can you move on from that? Can I forgive her? Will I?" I scratched my head viciously and felt completely lost. "I saw her yesterday...in that same Pheonix armor I saw her on Horizon. But she had sadness in her eyes this time. We both said some things we might've regretted back on that planet. I know a part of me does. A small part that still wants a friendship, even though things will never be the same." I stop, deep in thought with my memories of Ashley and me together.

"My advice for you is -as you humans say- forgive and forget. I have seen the time you have spent with this soldier and know how much you miss having her company. You have many emotions with her and even though you might not love her, or can never love her again, she is important to you. The both of you share a unique bond that cannot be broken. Speak with her, Charles. Forgive her and in turn, you can be happy again." Samara touched my shoulder and I looked into her eyes and I knew she was right.

"Forgive her huh? I...I guess it's worth a shot. Thank you."

"It is my pleasure. I'm glad I could be of help."

"Uhh, crap! Commander?" Joker's shaken voice came over the comm.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"You miiiight want to come up to the airlock. We...we have a visitor."

What? "Who is it?" I asked, curious as to who would come aboard at this hour.

"Come and see for yourself."

I groaned at Joker's game and stood. I bowed my head at my master and bid her farewell. "This better not be some sort of prank, Joker." I hissed once inside the elevator.

Joker's chuckled, "Oh I wish. I can't wait to see the look on your face! It's going to be legend-wait for it."

I stepped out of the elevator and walked through the CIC and to the airlock, passing by the nightshift crew. I saw Joker's leeching grin as I approached him, giggling with anticipation.

"The hell is wrong with you?" I hissed, "What's this about?"

Joker pressed a few buttons and activated the controls to open the airlock. The massive door opened and a figure took to steps forwards and saluted.

"Lieutenant Ashley Williams. Reporting for duty."

SSV Normandy SR-2 -Crew Deck - Port Observation Room - Commander Shepard - 1100 hours

"-Dary! Legendary!" Joker laughed hysterically as Garrus, Tali, Kasumi, Amanda and Kelly listened to his story. I looked at Ashley who stood near Kasumi's bookshelf with her hand on her face.

"I still wish it didn't happen like that."

"Well I couldn't let you in on my own. Only Charlie or our illustrious XO are allowed to have people come aboard."

I flinched at the thought. Miranda welcoming Ashley would've been a problem. "I'm surprised to see you here on Illium, Ash."

"I am simply following orders, Skipper. Sorry for not telling you."

"You should probably talk to Charlie if you want to apologize. I have no say here in the decisions of what goes on this ship."

"If he wakes up of course." Joker snickers. "The man is lights out!"

Kasumi laughs with him and sighs dramatically. "Gosh, I wish I could've been there to take a picture."

Joker waved his hand dismissively at the young thief. "Ah don't worry about it. I had EDI record it. I'll send you the file in a bit."

Of course he did. I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I'm glad to have you aboard Williams." Tali spoke as she took another sip of her drink.

"Another soldier couldn't hurt us that's for sure." Garrus pipes in.

"Thanks guys." Ashley gave off a warm smile. "I'm glad to see the both of you."

"Hey Tali?" I blinked as I watched Tali carefully place her cup down on the coffee table. "What are you drinking?"

Tali giggled and tried to sit up straight, failing miserably. "Turian Brandy. Triple filtered, then introduced into the suit through an emergency induction port."

"That's...a straw, Tali." Kasumi grinned, watching Tali place the 'straw' into the small slot on her helmet.

"It's an Emergency. Induction. Port...It's getting a little harder to get it into the slot...I think that means its working!" Tali slurred.

"I'll drink to that!" Everyone said in unison. I finished my drink right as Liara entered the room.

"I should go. Liara, help me with this one." I gestured to Tali as she fell off of the couch and groaned. Liara quickly walked over and helped me carry the drunken quarian out of the room. "How is he?" I asked once the three of us stepped out of Port Observation and began walking down the hall.

"Apart from the small cut on the side of his head, he's perfectly fine and awake. Miranda is with him now. I got her." Liara took Tali's body and gently set her down on the bed.

"Ponies...I want... a pon...-y" Tali passed out shortly after and I stifled a laugh.

"Come on, let's go. We'll check up on her before dinner."

We made our way back into the med bay and found the other two lovebirds of the ship together.

"I never expected her to be here." Charlie looked at me questioningly just then. "Did you know?"

"I didn't." I walked over to stand opposite side of the bed from Miranda. "I'm surprised myself."

"What is she doing here anyway?" Miranda began pacing, clearing angry with the situation. "I should kick her out right now!"

"...You aren't doing that." Charlie frowned as he sat up on the cot. "We could use the extra firearms."

Miranda turned to face him with a glare. "I don't bloody believe it. You can't be serious, right? She's hurt you! In more ways than one. I won't allow her to bring you down and let you fail."

"We need her." Charlie said softly.

"No, we don't." The brunette snarled. "We have enough help. I won't have her on board my ship." Miranda crossed her arms over under her chest.

Charlie's brows lifted in amusement that was accompanied with an incredulous laugh. "Your ship?" He got out of the bed and stood tall. "I'm the captain of this ship. I won't take orders from my subordinates."

"It's not an order." Miranda took a few steps forward and gave Charlie and ice cold stare, standing toe-to-toe. "I'm going to be the one to kick her out of this ship and there is nothing you can do about it to stop me, Chuck."

Oh boy, now they're back to fighting. I looked at Liara who gulped awkwardly at the scene in front of us.

"Go ahead then! See where that takes you." Charlie snarled as Miranda began making her way towards the door. I ran right after them.

"Charlie, Miranda. Both of you stop it. Today is not a time to be fighting!" I pleaded.

"What's up with all the yelling? I can hear it from down in engineering." Jack appeared around the corner.

"Not now Jack!" Miranda flared her biotics in frustration.

"Oh, I get it!" Jack mocked, "The Cheerleader is upset at the new competition! Or should I say, the return of a competition. Should I get the popcorn?"

"Jack?" I called out.

"What?"

"Shut up and get out of here."

Jack shook her head and laughed darkly. "Whatever, I hate this high school drama shit anyway." Jack bumped shoulders with Miranda as she made her exit.

Charlie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose once Jack was safely out of eavesdrop. "Look Miri, I don't like this either but let me just talk to her. Jane, I want you there with me."

"Why am I getting in the middle of this?" I furrowed my brows at him. "I have better things to do."

"I'm sure T'Soni is willing to wait until you get back to her." There was a quick grin from the CO before his face turned serious. "Please?"

"Go ahead, Shepard." Liara gave me a bright smile. "I'll be fine. Besides, I'd like to get to know some of the Normandy's ground team...if you don't mind."

I saw Miranda roll her eyes and huffed. "Whatever, have fun. I'll be out of your way." She briskly walked towards her office, tossing and destroying a chair with her biotics along the way.

Charlie gulped and cringed as he looked at the bent chair. "I...I'll talk to her later."

I hope I'm not going to be there for that encounter. I gave Liara a chaste kiss before turning to Charlie. "We should go."

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Cabin - Commander Alonso - 1120 hours

"Could you stop that? You're making me nervous." Jane sat on the sofa that faced my bed, watching me pace furiously back and forth. I only slowed the intensity of my pacing. "Do you want me to do the talking?"

"No, I'll be fine. Just thanks...for being here." I looked up from the floor towards the brunette and rolled my eyes. "Take that off."

"What?" Jane asked innocently, swinging her head back and forth so the cotton-soft ball rested behind her head. "It's the only Santa hat I could find on the ship."

"I made sure everyone had one but you." I saw Jane pout through the fish tank's reflection. A nervous knock tapped on my door. I gulped and walked up towards the door, trying to steel myself for this hell I'm about to go through. The door opened and Ashley stood nervously in front of me.

"Y-you wanted to speak to me?"

I nodded and stepped aside to let her in. "I did. Want water?" I walked over to the water pitcher I kept beside my computer terminal on my desk.

"Sure." Ashley stepped forward and noticed the fish tank. "So this is how they dragged you..." I heard her mutter.

"I'm sure there were other reasons." I felt Jane's smirk. It was even more evident when her head appeared over the railing. Ashley and Shepard greeted each other quickly before Ashley sat on ottoman opposite of the Spectre.

"Yeah, finding you." I replied as I filled a glass of water for the Chief. I shook my head briefly. "First of all," I gave her the glass and sat next to Sherpard. "Congratulations, Lieutenant." I forced myself to smile. Ashley caught it and looked down at her feet.

"Thanks, I guess. Feels weird...like this huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders."

I fiddled with my thumbs, shifting awkwardly through the long silence between the three of us. Jane cleared her throat, getting a chuckle from Ashley and I.

"I shouldn't even be here." Jane rubbed the back of her neck. "So I'll be going. You two should have some privacy anyway." I gave Jane a look but she ignored it, only giving me an encouraging smile. The silence was even more awkward as I glanced at the Lieutenant.

Thanks for abandoning me, Jane. I breathed deeply and decided to break the ice. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I want to help." She tried.

"I wanted your help back on Horizon." I paused trying to find an explanation for all of this. "Why now?"

"Look I'm sorry. Okay? Are you happy now? I..." Ashley groaned, pulling her hair before she began calming down. "I had all these different emotions that moment. When we parted ways...I was angry. Angry at you but also angry with myself. When I saw you were with Cerberus, I freaked! I never thought I would see you on the side with the enemy. Since then, I've been keeping myself busy to stop thinking about you. It wasn't until recently when I just sat down and thought about Horizon, about what I said." The corner of her eyes began to water. "I'm so sorry I said those things. I really am. I know I hurt you and I just hope that you will forgive me. I want to trust you again and if I can help you finish your mission, maybe things will change. I just want you to give me a second chance to be a part of your team."

My shoulders immediately sank as I watched tears fall down her cheeks. I stood and went to grab a box of tissue beside my bed and gave it to her, gaining an appreciative look in return. I sat back down and began, "I...I was so happy when I first saw you. You were going to be in my life again. Then, you stabbed me in my heart, stomped on it and burned it. So I moved on. I went to the one person that understood who I really was as a human being. What I am capable of and what I am not. I'm human Ash, just like you so I can kind of let this whole thing slide. I've spoken with an old friend earlier this morning and told her my situation with you. She told me to forgive you. I'm honestly conflicted with this. Part of me doesn't want to and hate you forever..." I looked away from Ashley's chocolate brown eyes and down to my twiddling fingers.

"And the other part?" Ashley sniffed.

"The other...well, the other wants to forgive you. So, I'm only left with one choice here." I looked back up at her with a serious mask on my face. "You're going to have to earn it, Ash. You'll stay and I need for you to really work hard to gain my trust again. With time, we'll be back as friends if that's what you want. Understand that there is nothing more that could happen between us, Ash. You are free to date whomever you wish. You deserve someone better than I. You're...a great lover but I can never be with you and I'm sorry."

"Is this other person aboard this ship?" Ashley asked.

Shit... The one question I wanted to avoid. "She is, yes." I replied softly and I was surprised when I didn't see her flinch.

"I see..." There was a long pause before she asked, "Who?"

"I'm not in the liberty to discuss."

"Maybe I'll see here around." Ashley challenged.

"I don't think that's wise." I frowned. The last thing I need is some catfight on my ship...It would've been nice to see in other circumstances like a lingerie pillow fight or- Ugh! Stop that! "She wants to remove you from the ship personally after what you did to me on Horizon." Ashley stiffened just then.

"I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry I screwed up." The Lieutenant burst into tears once more.

I stood and walked towards her and gave her my hand. When she took it, I pulled her up and held her in my arms. "I forgive you, if you forgive me." Ashley clung to me as if for the last time and nodded her head. My shirt collar began getting wet from Ashley's tears and so I held her tighter, brushing my hand through her soft hair. I closed my eyes as we stood there in each other's arms. I smelled her perfume and I began reliving old memories of us together. I quickly pulled away and wiped her tears away. "Come on, let's get out of here. Let me give you a tour and introduce to you my team of dysfunctional bad asses."

After giving Ashley the tour of the ship and introducing her to my crew -minus Miranda- , she instantly went and chatted with the old Normandy crew. I looked across the hall and saw Miranda talking with Kasumi and Amanda. I frowned as every eye contact shared was met with sharp glares.

"Charlie!" Jane called me over, sitting on the floor with her back against the kitchen counter, drunk as a drunk could be. "Join me!" Not wanting another woman shooting glares at me, I sat beside her and took the bottle of asari wine from her grasp, and taking a long gulp. "How'd everything go?" She managed to word out the sentence.

"Better than I expected." I shrugged my shoulders, "She's got a lot of work to do." Jane hummed, resting her head on my shoulder. "You're drunk." I added.

"No shit! Like I didn't know that!" Jane giggled, attempting to hit what appeared to be my shoulder but ended up hitting me on the cheek. Wow...this is going to be a long day. Jane looked over at Miranda's direction and giggled mischievously. "She's pissed off. I could tell." Yes, even a pyjak could tell when that woman is angry. "Maybe I should ask Liara if she is willing to add another person in our bed for some steamy three-"

"Aaaand you're done for now." I quickly covered her mouth with my hand, gaining a noise that resembled a squeal. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

"Or maybe I'll have you instead." Jane giggled. "I'm sure that'll make Miranda jealous."

I sighed and prayed to the gods. "Jane, be quiet." I punched the door interface of Shepard's quarters and dragged her to her bed. "Don't come out until you're somewhat sober. We've got dinner and presents later tonight."

"Aye aye, Captain!" Jane cried out, saluting before she collapsed and fell to sleep. I rolled my eyes and left to rejoin the party. I cautiously walked my way towards Miranda and cleared my throat.

Amanda nodded and dragged away a curious-looking Kasumi, leaving Miranda and I alone. "Can we talk?"

"No." Miranda didn't bother to look my way, swirling her glass of Champagne. I took a deep breath and grabbed her hands, pulling her towards the elevator. "Let go!" Miranda ripped her hand away and walked towards the opposite corner of the elevator as we rode our way up my cabin on the first floor. The two of us stayed silent during the snail-like climb upwards until the hiss of the elevator doors broke the tension. Miranda stormed out and I quickly followed. I locked the door behind me and waited patiently.

"What do you want?" Miranda asked once she turned around after setting her glass down on the charcoal coffee table, her voice strained with hate.

"I need you to understand that my decision to keep the Lieutenant here is strictly professional." I began evenly. "I didn't do it for spite. I'm giving her one chance to redeem herself and even there, it's going to take a lot of work. I need all the firepower we can get once the Reapers arrive. You know that. They are coming, Miri... I don't have time to hold back grudges or make new enemies right now. Shepard and I need her."

Miranda remained quiet and studied me. For a long while, it seemed before sitting down on the 'L' shaped sofa. "I see... I still don't trust her. What if she turns your back on you?"

"Then I'll deal with it myself." If I have to kill her, so be it. "You don't have to acknowledge her if you don't want to. She'll report to me and only me. Just let me handle it."

"If I catch her snooping around where she isn't supposed to..."

"Then you tell me." I finished her sentence. I walked over and sat next to her and rested my left hand on her thigh. "I've made up my mind Miri." I gave her a smile after my other hand stroked her cheek. Miranda smiled back and the two of us met for a soft kiss. "Wait here." I got up and went up towards my desk and went into the bathroom. I locked the door and opened a metal grate on the floor where a squared box wrapped in paper was hidden and retreated back towards my angel sitting with her legs crossed.

"So that's where you hid it." Miranda grinned at first glance of the box. "I should've known."

"I'm glad I could surprise you." I gave her another warm smile as Miranda took the box. She frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure where to open this bloody thing! This wrapping is all wrong."

I gulped and scratched my shoulder nervously as I watched Miranda flip and rotate my gift from all angles. "I might've gotten a little carried away."

She rolled her eyes. "A little? You know nothing about this sort of thing do you?"

I felt my cheeks tingling from embarrassment. "This is my first time...I usually just wrap this stuff in foil."

"Why am I not surprised." Miranda's beautiful lips curled upward in that sexy grin of hers, causing me to groan.

"Just open it! Damn it Miri, I'm a soldier not some stay at home boyfriend!"

Miranda leaned over and kissed me on the lips, making sure to bite my bottom lip as she pulled back. "You're sexy when you're pushy." She purred.

And you're a pain in the ass when you don't follow orders. I mock glared at her but it went away as soon Miranda began tearing the thin slice of paper, revealing a flap-covered black box. The box crunched open and I was rewarded with a gasp.

Inside was a beautiful heart-shaped necklace. Twenty-five, .85 carat diamonds decorated the outer white-gold heart. Inside of it, was a large black, 'ideal-cut' heart-shaped stone diamond that was connected together by a three prong setting. The pendant had a clasp ring that was attacked to a thin rope chain.

Miranda raised it eye-level and observed the lighting reflect off of the diamonds and shined on Miranda's creamy features. Miranda gasped again. "Chuck...this is beautiful."

I smiled victoriously, "I'm glad you like it. I've never seen you wear jewelry and well, I decided to buy you something that you can wear on special occasions."

The pendant went back into its box and sat on the coffee table before Miranda climbed on top of me and wrapped her hands around my neck, leaning in for another longing kiss. "Thank you. I'll be right back."

I breathed a sigh of relief once Miranda managed to get out of my room, having forgotten that I had locked the door just moments ago.

When my lover returned, she came back with a gift of her own. "My gift?" I smiled as she handed over a perfectly-wrapped gift. Once I carefully opened my Christmas, I told myself, A picture frame. I turned it right-side up and gasped just as Miranda did with her gift.

"It's a picture of my parents. From their wedding..." I said aloud as I looked at the photo. The two were happily posing together in their wedding outfits, kissing. Underneath the photo, it read in cursive, 'Eduardo and Samantha Alonso.' And just below it, it read, 'Married 09-17-2151'

"God..." I breathed as soon as my eyes began to blur. My hands went across both of my parent's faces before I brought the frame up to my chest. I turned to Miranda and asked, "How did you get this? Where?"

"I did some digging around during the past few weeks. This is the earliest photo I found of them." Miranda smiled.

This woman...did this all for me. I fucking love her so much. I tackled her down on the floor with passionate kisses. Words couldn't describe the emotions that were flowing through me. Might as well just show her.

We ended up naked in our bed pouring with sweat, our bodies gasping from our climax. We kissed and held each other for what felt like hours and let our bodies bask in the warmth of our love for one another.

"Thank you." We said in unison while staring into each other's eyes.

"This is the first Christmas I have ever celebrated." Miranda began drawing circles on my chest, purring happily. "I'm glad you are a part of it."

"I'm just happy to be with you. I'm sure it won't be the last. I love you."

Miranda looked up at me and smiled. "I know." Her head went back down and I was happy enough to hold her. I felt the rise and fall and the heat of her breath touching my chest. I ran my hand through her hair until my eyes grew tired and fell into a blissful nap.

Two hours later...

I awoke Miranda-less and with a small ache on my neck. I massaged my aching muscles and made my way down to the crew deck and into Port Observation.

"Commander!" a very drunk ground team yelled out as I entered. They were spread out throughout the room and in small groups.

"I see everyone is having a little fun?" I observed with a small smile as I sat on the couch with Amanda, Tali and Jack sitting on one of the armrests. "What is everyone up to?"

"Getting drunk?" Jack drawled, taking of shot of ryncol. "Where's the Cheerleader?"

I shrugged my shoulders after pulling a shot glass from the bar on the other side of the room. "Working I guess." I began filling my glass with Jack's ryncol when I heard the convict chuckle.

"She might be with Miss Girl scout." As I brought the glass up to my lips, I gave Jack a curious look. Jack grinned and immediately responded. "Shepard." The alcohol escaped my lips and landed on Grunt, who growled at me.

"Don't be ridiculous, Jack. Miranda isn't stupid enough to do that."

Jack laughed at the face I made and punched me on the arm. "Relax playboy. I'm only joking."

I wish you didn't. I looked at Grunt and shrugged my shoulders. "Sorry about that."

Grunt grunted, stood up and left, muttering, "This is going to rust."

"I'm surprised he restrained himself from destroying you, Commander." Liara breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her biotics.

"Haven't you heard?" Jack tsked, "That log thinks Charlie and Shepard are his mommy and daddy." Jack laughed, "What a fucking pussy."

"Yes...I happen to have the displeasure of seeing it firsthand." Liara's cheek turned a lovely shade of purple and I decided to have a little fun with the young asari maiden.

"Oh? Jealous doc?" I winked at the asari and watched her stiffen.

"I-I...I do not know what you are talking about Commander."

I stifled a laugh as Amanda and Tali giggled and Jack grinned. I decided to continue. "Oh come on. Jane and I share a connection that you don't have: A kid of our own."

"I...but!"

With Liara's eyes wide as could be and cheeks turning deep purple, the three ladies next to me broke into a fits of laughter and a small smile spread across my lips. "You're too cute T'Soni."

"I should go." T'Soni cleared her throat and made her exit.

"That was a bit cruel, don't you think?" Amanda grinned while shaking her head.

"Me? Cruel?" I gave the young engineer a hurt look, "I could never do that! The nerve!" I broke into laughter as I hung out with my crew throughout the afternoon.

Part II will be posted...when it's done I guess. I have a really small rough draft that will be extended to my usual chapter lengths. Though these are Christmas chapters that revolve around the Normandy crew, I have one character outside of the ship that I really, REALLY want to cover in part two... and you guys will suffer through the wait ;)

I wish I could give you an exact date on Part II's release but my mind hasn't been very cooperative with both Citadel High and Resurrection and I am truly sorry.

But until then: Favorite, follow and review!

They really help!

Until next time! :)