It's party time! The music is lit, the snacks are set, and I bring the high vibes. Tonight is going to be electric! Our goody two shoes Commander is letting loose. We're having an energetic party tonight. I put on something special for Tali. Something to get the water works going, but tasteful enough to not draw other's attention. I'll leave it to the imagination. Tali is wearing her reversed fabric pattern with a thousand gems. An angel must be encased in each one. I think my fire hydrant exploded.

Tali says "Nice outfit."

My hand finds home on her hip "Sweetie, please tell me you have a friend who can make this into a traditional dress. You'll have to wear that every date night when we get our own place."

Tali is flattered "I bet Kelly would be happy to design something. Out of curiosity, which night would be date night?"

"ALL OF THEM!"

Tali infectiously giggles. I might have to sit down. Our resident security guard Grunt unlocks the front door, in comes a person made of two cardboard boxes. My mistake, it was a person carrying two cardboard boxes. Specialist Taylor has arrived on the scene. My radar is picking up something in those boxes. What goodies did she bring? I hope it's DMT. I want to talk to the machine elves again. They're fucking hilarious. Like 5th dimensional gremlins.

Traynor marvels at the spacious living quarters. "This place feels as big as the Normandy and is beautiful. I love the ozzies. It matches your personality Commander." She walks around to explore the space, leaving Grunt with the mystery boxes.

Garrus asks Shepard "What are ozzies?"

He explains "Oh it's some kind of weird slang people like her say. It is short for oscillations. People… like her believe how molecules 'dance' in the environment affects their moods."

My raised eyebrow waits for Shepard. Waiting to put two and two together.

Shepard asks "Wait?! Is she one of you?"

I laugh at the thought of it "No… but apparently you guys somehow have the information yet haven't bothered to apply it.

My mischievous hands steals a box to bring to my kitchen. I fought a war to reclaim my lost territory and won of course, but there was a heavy cost. A very sad sacrifice. We lost pastasaurus. A green spaghetti grabbing utensil. He will be missed. Inside the box are some odd things. How loose are the Alliance's standards these days. I don't even know what half of these things are, wait is that a? CLOSE THE FLAPS! My aura feels dirty. Washing my hands to scrub off the psychological filth. Yuck!

I tell Tali "Don't look in there."

Tali asks "what's inside?"

Pulling her away "Something not for us."

Tali replies, "give me a hint."

Vigorously shaking my head "No!"

Tali wisely decides to drop it. I take my girlfriend under my arm and lead her out of the kitchen. Our host hasn't given us the official tour. We're going to do it ourselves. As we entertain ourselves, I ask her what she likes about this space. Tali says it's nice but not for her. It feels way too big. I agree. While I definitely don't want to live in a tiny home, a place this large would end up being a lot of wasted space. We find Liara sitting alone in a chair, deep in thought. Tali asks if anything is wrong.

Liara says "I'm waiting to hear back from Aethyta."

Tali asks "your mother?"

Liara says "no she didn't pop me out."

I ask "is everything alright between you two? You look antsy."

Liara says "she was supposed to check in a couple of days ago. I'm worried."

I remind her "She's half krogan and a biotic. I'd be worried about how the other guy turns out."

Tali asks "you're part krogan?"

Liara says "some epigenetic influence so in a sense yes. Don't worry I won't headbutt you."

I comment "depending on the context, it can be an honor."

Liara says "I appreciate your efforts. It's nice to have friends I can count on."

Tali says "Whatever you need, we are here for you."

I show my support to my favorite blue 100 year old lady by gently placing my hand on her shoulder "Yeah I still owe you. Whatever you need, just call."

Liara says "I'll claim the favor into the future. Right now I need a distraction?"

I ask Tali "where you there when we first meet Liara, stuck in that stasis field?"

Tali tries to recall "I'm not sure. I do remember Shepard talking about finding her floating in the air. 'Help I'm trapped. I need help.""

Liara says "now you are just mocking me."

I tell Tali "that's my job. It's been really nice having you around Liara. It felt more lonely than usual not having someone close to my age to hang around with."

Liara responds, "you're nearly 50 times my age."

I reply "Yeah but in terms of waking hours it could be a lot lower. Soul hibernation can last a long long time, but then again I went through many periods where I didn't sleep which could have canceled it out so who knows how old I practically am."

Liara says "age is one thing, maturity another."

"YES! Finally, someone who gets it. I had to deal with alot of sackseeds in my original universe."

Tali asks "sackseeds?"

I explain "I could have said overgrown children, but I've met children with manners, and I won't insult them. Liara did you miss my unique blend of humor? I doubt you'll ever find as funny as me."

Liara says "Respectfully, I'm thankful I wasn't a part of the events of the second Normandy. As fortune I am to have met you, you can be quite insufferable."

OUCHIES "I think too much of Shepard has rubbed off on you" They really do belong to each other.

Wrex joins us and asks "where's tankboy?"

I tell him "Drunk off his ass in the shower crying hanar can't wear sweaters."

Wrex laughs "That brand on ryncol is known for that. Special blend. Want some?" He offers his bottle.

Something inside me is curious. "Sure, why not. This is pretty much the only stuff that gets me buzzed." Burns like hell going down, but I feel so good afterwards. I ask someone whose at least krogan to remind me to have a glass of water before bed. The strong concentration of ethanol is reaching my nerves, relaxing them, and allowing sweet sweet energy to flow through. I take another swing, oooh that may be too much. My skin is getting flushed. I dislike this feeling. That's enough for me tonight. I'm getting a little bit hazy and extra flirty with Tali.

Tali asks "are you drunk?"

I managed to pronunciation adequate "No just dazed. I never get drunk enough in case I do something stupid. How you doin good lookin'?"

Tali says "I'm having fun. How are you feeling?"

"Hehe you're violet which is awesome because high vibes colors are like that across the veil."

Liara says "I can't tell if he's drunk or not."

Wrex comments "He's not hammered, but the standard is different for krogans. Second livers do that."

Tali take me by the hand "maybe we should walk this off."

I tell her "That's a good idea! I love walks! Feeling sunny vibes is awesome!. Tali am I floating? I feel like I'm floating."

Tali says "you actually are. Can you calm down?"

I cry "I can't because it's so sad that Hanar can't wear sweaters. Imagine how cute those ocean balloons would look in them."

Tali weighs me down "ok let's wait here for a moment."

"I like spending time with you. You're awesome."

Tali says "*********."

"You're super cool, fighting robots and stuff, and you're smarter than me, and you're beautiful. The total package. If Fedex had to ship you, they'd be sad to let you go."

Tali blushes "Thank you but I'm not that smart. You're much more intelligent than me. You have this amazing ability to connect the dots."

"You don't have to be smarter than me because YOU'RE THAT PRETTY!"

Tali says "That is so sweet of you. Are you feeling any better?"

"Sadly yes. Alcohol doesn't last long in my system and I'm slowly returning to normal."

Tali says "I heard alcohol reveals who you are. You are good down to the core aren't you?'

"Baby you know it. I feel cringey for saying that."

Tali responds "you said enough wonderful things I'll allow it. We are going to have to make Wrex tell us where he gets his drinks." Tali leads me around the apartment. We find Garrus and Ashely talking.

I ask "round two?"

Garrus says "nah. One time thing. We want different things in life."

Tali asks "huh?"

Ashley averts her eyes.

Tali utters "Oh."

The music is hurting my ears a bit. Tali takes me to the dining room. In the back is our favorite justicar and space australian Zaeed.

Zaeed is chatting with Samara "Hey, sweetheart. We never really talked about it, but you and me have a lot in common."

Samara asks "we do?"

Zaeed says "'Course we do. We're both hunters, right?"

Samara agrees "I suppose we are. And?"

Zaeed says "and… well.. And we're both good lookin'?"

Samara greets me "Hello, *********, miss Zoarah. Zaeed was just keeping me company."

Zaeed says "Hello there."

I ask "you're admiring the art?"

Tali points out "it matches you two." It's a large tweleve foot by eight-foot abstract painting red smoke on the left side, matching Samara's armor and to the right a bright orange flame, similar to our trapper's armor.

Zaeed says "Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Hey, *********? Hey, beautiful?"

I ask Samara what she thinks.

Zaheed interrupts "Hang on, hang on. Don't get all snooty on me. I didn't say I didn't like it. I do like it, actually."

Samara confesses "If I'm completely honest, I'm not sure what it is. I like the way the colors blend… and the depth… Actually, I have no idea what I'm saying."

I comment "I don't like abstract art unless you can tell the details took a lot of work. Then there is a craftsmanship. Duct taping a banana to a wall and charging $120,000 doesn't count."

Tali asks "The curvy yellow human snack?"

Zaeed asks "was it a good banana?"

"Must have if it wasn't money laundering."

Zaeed looks at the painting "it makes me feel uneasy, like when you're alone in the dark, lying in wait, and the cold wind brushes across your face like the kiss of death."

Tali says "Huh."

Samara responds "you are a complicated individual, Zaheed Massani."

Zaeed replies "you bet your sweet asari ass. Here's the thing beautiful. I've had a few drinks, you've had a few drinks."

Samara shares "I haven't."

Zaeed says "Right. Still, what do you say that we sit by that fireplace and snuggle?"

Samara says "you've never struck me as the snuggling type."

Zaeed replies "Even a ruthless killer got to have a soft side, and I can see from here, you definitely have a soft side. Come on."

Samara bluntly puts it "No."

Zaeed handles rejection like a champ "well that's clear enough."

Tali thinks we should head to the living room and Samara accompanies us. On the couch is the man of the hour, the owner of this place, Commander Shepard. Also present in the room is James, Taylor, Kaiden, and Javik who stand up to socialize with us. Samara walks up to Javik and introduces herself. "Hello. My name is Samara. An asari justicar. Do you understand what that is?"

Javik responds "I do."

Samara says "I'm pleased to meet you. Never would I think I'd had the chance to meet a prothean."

"The honor is mine." Javik shakes her hand and holds it. Weird he is actually being social.

Javik continues "Justicar Samara, asari naturally possess potent biotics as well as a long lifespan with reasonable developmental times. Excellent soldiers for wars. You are the elite of your people. It is my understanding that in this cycle, social events such as these are tied to mating rituals. I am establishing romantic relations with you. Proceed with melding and commence unification."

Samara is taken aback. "My, such a peculiar way to make a matriarch feel desired."

Shepard orders "********* take care of this."

I object "But I want to see what an asari-prothean hybrid looks like. Samara, give him a pass. He doesn't understand what romance is. But feel free to show him."

Samara politely declines "My child rearing days are long behind me." She tries to hide behind me.

I tell Samara "No no. You're being a magnet for old men and I don't catch feelings. I'm very happy with lovely lavender."

Shepard asks "is he impaired?"

Tali says "He took a couple sips of Wrex's stuff."

Taylor asks "should we take him to a hospital?"

"NO!" I scream.

James says "It's a urban myth drinking that will kill nonkrogan but that stuff is pretty strong. Harder than moonshine."

Tali asks "What is moonshine? It sounds delicous."

"I like lunar vibes too! They feel calm and soothing like the ocean. I want to go swimming later."

Taylor says "I love to moon gaze especially when it's full. Best way to connect with the goddess Chandra."

I ask "who?"

James explains "there was a human country who made alcohol illegal, but that didn't stop people from drinking. Makers produced it illegally at night in the woods where it get its name from. It's been legal for centuries, but the name stuck. Pretty strong stuff. Think of it as human's ryncol."

Tali plops me on the couch, I pull her in and commence snuggle session. Hey it feels even better now. Maybe alcohol was a gift.

"Mordin? Where are you? I want to see if a drunk salarian acts like a normal human. Where is he?"

Shepard says "Mordin's and Dr. Chakwas are not a party goers. They are having a quiet evening alone."

I joke "Mordin is lady magnet."

Shepard pictures the thought of those two together "that's not what I meant."

I reply "Visualize it Shepard. The medical milf stroking his large throbbing poker on his head."

Shepard says "I'm so glad this war is almost over so I can finally get rid of you."

I tell him "you are going to miss me."

An explosion is heard coming from the kitchen. Dark black smoke and a coughing turian rolls out from danger. What the hell happened to my space? Liara is the first to get up, followed by me. She goes over to check on Garrus while I examine the damage done to my baby.

Garrus, trying to get the soat out of his lungs says to me "a little concern would be appreciated."

I reply "You survived months on Omega and took a rocket to the face, coming out alright."

Garrus shouts "It left me with this scar!"

"Oh that's minor compared to what I can do, imagine all you atoms violently clashing around, full body disruption, not that I'd would. On second thought, let me see how bad you messed my kitchen up. What the hell happened?"

Garrus explains "Zaeed thought boobytrapping the toaster would be a good idea. My pointy head got a little too curious and you can imagine the rest."

OH NOOO! "You cracked the backsplash! HOW DARE YOU?"

Garrus says "I'll pay for the repairs."

I reply "and what about the physiological damage that you just gave me. I already have enough mental baggage, no I have to worry toasters will come alive and kamikaze while I make scrambled eggs, the only proper way to make eggs." Taylor and Samara arrive at the scene.

I ask the Justicar "Please tell me there is something about that code of yours for how to deal with kitchenary terrorists."

Samara says "I have extensively memorized the entire compendium of the code. There is not a single mention for punishment for culinary destruction."

I ask her "Can we make one up?"

Samara says "we may have to."

Shepard sarcastically says to Garrus "you can't handle 5 minutes without explosions can you?"

Garrus snaps back "You're one to talk. Can you even go a day without someone firing at you?"

Shepard says "I had a two year streak."

Garrus says "you were comatose, and you woke up to mechs shooting at you."

Tali says "he's got you there Shepard."

Liara says "whatever the species, males never change. Do they?"

Samara says "Perhaps it's a good thing we asari don't have any."

Tali suggests leaving my discredited temple. She excitedly asks everyone to go dancing. She pulls my arm, dragging me to the empty space between the island and the dining room. Liara asks Glyph to turn on the music. I can use a mood lifter. Directing my attention to the rhythm. The flow of the beat gently nudged my muscles to move. Yielding to the beat. Permitting my body to dance the night away. Tali yells for everyone to get in here. I can see Jacob asking Miranda for permission. She pulls him in for a quick kiss on his cheek and playfully spanks him of the sectional. Jack comes flying, establishing her dominance on the dining table. Tali spins her hips in such a hypnotizing fashion it would put Shakira to shame. As my love swivers the love handles, she makes extended eye contact with me. I love the spinning. My dancing style needs to change gears to redirect the blood upwards.

Garrus says "I'm always amazed humans can dance with the way your legs bend."

Taylor asks "The way our legs bend?"

Tali says "YES! You and the asari. I'm surprised you don't tip over."

Garrus teases Shepard "Even if we did, it would still be better moves than what our Commander is prancing around. Are you trying to summon a spirit?"

Shepard says "You are doing the same dance Garrus."

Garrus says "But I do it with style."

I add on "Yeah, he was born with the charming vibes. 10 Charisma stats. It's totally different."

The spectre embraces his infamous Shepard shuffle without a care in the world.

Cortez laughs "captain on deck."

Taylor asks "has he always been like this?"

Tali says "Shepard's saving the galaxy. You have to forgive a few eccentricites."

Taylor says "it's… very enthusiastic."

Samara says "it is impressive.'

Garrus pauses his dancing "we should record this and broadcast for the Reapers. They'll either melt down, run away, or fall in love."

Jack says "It's good to see some things don't change."

Cortez says "well I like it Commander. It's good to cut loose every now and then."

Shepard with his spectre sarcasm "thank you all for your loyalty and support."

Zaeed walks in with multiple polyester bags "what in beamin Jesus is going on here?"

Jack says "dancing old man. Show us what you got."

Zaeed responds "my legs don't bend those ways anymore sweetheart. When Shepard is done making a mockery of humanity's oldest courtshippin' I brought me cousin's special drinks. Guaranteed to knock your socks off."

Wrex looks to Grunt, nodding his head. The battlemaster and his apprentice come over. Zaeed sets the glass bottles on the counter, aligning the shot glasses in a row. Grunt offers to share his TuChunka lettuce to those interested. Kaiden runs over.

Tali asks "is it safe to drink and smoke?"

Grunt says "I'm good. I got two livers. One for the alcohol, one for the weed."

Wrex says "that is not how it works."

Zaeed says "the kid will be fine. He'll feel like a screen door in the wind."

Grunt says "wouldn't be the first time."

I tell him "I'm worried about your health."

Grunt says "I'll start paying more attention after we win the war. But if it's my last night, I am going all out. *inhales* Ahhh…" Grunt blows smoke rings with those high lips of his. Impressing everyone.

Shepard says "I wish everyone could have been here to see this."

Kaiden asks "isn't everyone?"

Miranda says "we lost someone on the collector base."

Ashley says "oh no. who was it?"

Tali says "Her name was Kasumi. She was like the older sister I never had."

I tell him "She's with her husband now I bet. She deserves it."

Shepard raises a toast "That she does. To Kasumi!" Cheers.

I add "And to Legion. I miss metal buddy. I wish to see you again one day. To Legion!" Cheers.

The atmosphere is a blast. I'm having the time of my life with everyone. All there is right now is the present moment, good music, good food, good drinks, good people, good friends. I lose track of how long we danced for. The crowd gets progressively drunk and I get high off the atmosphere. Metaphorically I hope,but Grunt is puffing more smoke than a dragon. Tali has too much to drink and asks me to take her to the bathroom.

I ask her "are you ok?"

Tali says "I think so, but if I vomit, it's a pain to get clean the inside of this metal bucket."

I reply "Don't let Jack hear you say that."

Tali stomach is starting to send the food rations to the top floor. I help get to the bathroom as quickly as we can. I want to scoop her up and carry her to the toilet, but I was worried it might cause her to go past the point of no return. Immediately when we arrive, I lock the door and Tali hugs the toilet. She threw her visor off so fast and hard, it cracked. Luckily I have a copy of it stored and can make a new one. Tali's beautiful, kind, large soft eyes possessed a reddish tint in the sclera. She had too much to drink.

Tali says "I must look so unappealing right now."

I say "to be honest, this isn't your best moment. Why did you drink so much?"

Tali says "we are having fun and I got caught up with it. You know how it is."

I ask her "was your 30 minutes of fun going to be worth the hangover for hours tomorrow?"

Tali holds the toilet closer "That's a future worry. Can you make me a glass of water?"

I manifest it in front of her. She nearly swipes it from my hand if I hadn't pulled back.

Tali says "not funny *********."

I tell her "Don't drink right over the toilet. It's gross."

Tali says "They're both water. Why does it matter?"

I answer "because my instincts say so."

Tali knows not to argue with my instincts. She slides back, resting her back on the vanity, slowly sipping the glass of water.

Tali says "you take such good care of me."

I tell her "because I love you."

Tali says "I love you too." She leans in for a kiss. I press my finger against her lips and push her back. She gives me a confused stare.

"Save it for when you're not drunk and the stomach juice is where it belongs."

Tali shouts "Seriously!?"

I confirm "Seriously." Oh I can't help it. I gingerly press my lips on her soft as a cloud forehead. Feeling Tali's skin is the best thing ever.

I stay at Tali's side until she feels better. Someone knocks on the door, desperate to use the bathroom. Either it's a number 1 or 2 or 3. Is three the unofficial lavatory number for projectile vomiting? That doesn't sound right. Either way I ask Tali if she can make it the couch. She thinks her stomach is finished churning itself, but she asks me to carry her out. I place the newly crafted visor over her face, gently cradle Tali in my arms, and carry her out. She feels so light. The couch orders a super sexy quarian girl and I deliever. I even wrapped the package in a blanket. Tali immediately throws it off of her. Rejection my affection? That hurt my heart.

Tali says "I love how you take care of me, but I'll overheat with the suit."

I say "oh right. I forgot. But you look so cute under a blanket."

Tali says "you'll have hundreds of more opportunities once we build our house on Rannoch."

I ask 'you promise?"

Tali says "I'll knit them myself."

I remind her "you don't knit."

Tali says "I'll learn." With those giant fingers, I wonder.

Everyone else has the right idea and rests on the couch, or on the floor. Thane prepares his family's famous hangover prevention, but the blender noises give everyone a massive migraine. The collective trauma is so strong, even with my shielding I can feel it. Whatever solution he made, is the same color of his skin. We lounge around for over half an hour, reminiscing about our time together. It's a very nice way to end a night. Shepard says he's tired and wants to take a walk. Liara asks if something is wrong. Shepard says he's fine. The Commander strolls unusually slow, fighting the desire to stay.

Edi informs us "I notice a change in Shepard's gait."

Wrex says "something's up. Should we follow him?"

I tell everyone "yeah. We don't want to miss this. Give him a five minute head start."

Shepard's walk brought our commander to ship bay 024. The artificial moonlights cast a silver hue on the sides of the Normandy. The first and greatest human spectre leans on the metal railing. Enjoying the repaired finish of his ship. His home. Tomorrow is the last day of this war. Whatever happens, will decide the fate of this galaxy and everyone here. The roster of characters joins Shepard. The Commander has been through years of blood sweat and bullets. He deserves to have this moment. I won't interfere.

Liara joins her bondmate, taking his hand within her. She asks "So I suppose it's back to the fight?"

Shepard says "at least we throw one hell of a party. Probably the last one."

The moment of silence permits Liara to contemplate her next word "you may be right. But whatever happens, I know you'll see this through. And I'll be right there with you. We've been through a lot. Haven't we? But it's been a good ride."

Shepard whispers "the best." The commander, holding back his tears, looked at each and everyone one us his squadmates. His friends. His family. His eyes express more gratitude and undying loyalty than words could ever convey. Shepard notices I'm not with them. He turns to find me watching in the background. I'm grinning for him.

Shepard asks "what are you doing?"

I tell him "Letting you guys have your moment."

Shepard orders "Get in here."

"What?"

Shepard says "You've been with us practically every step of the way, you're a part of this."

Is this what being included feels like? It's… it's… I can't even describe it. I'm not sure I like this… but…

Wrex says "Like it or not you're one of us."

Liara says "********* stand with us."

Joker says "Don't leave us hanging."

I hesitate before to join my friends. Actually friends. Those who I can count on, who won't betray me or ignore me. My hands tightly grab the rail. The metal pipe grounds me to the present moment. Tali's hand runs around my back, resting her head against my arm. Shepard firmly my wrist. We stare into each other's eyes. Shepard's overload of emotions reverberates his hand, shaking my forearm. He silently mouths 'Thank you.'

My freehand grabs his. Any attempts to vocalize my sincere gratitude for being a part of this journey are blocked. The words can't leave my throat. I telepathically send him "Thank you. This really has been the best."