I still can't believe this is finally happening, after so so long. All I've ever hoped for was to find someone to connect to, I can trust, to give my love instead of holding it in my ribcgae, eventually turning sour. Tali is the most special woman I'll ever meet. She's kind, warm, understanding life doesn't have to be arduous, not to mention ridiculous cute. Our time together, in our home, has been the best period of my life and later today, we'll officially start decades of happiness together.

Honestly, I never thought about my wedding day, just the life we'd have afterwards. So far, I've enjoyed the preview. Waking up every morning to see Tali's serene smile partially covered by the pillow she digs herself into every night. I have to enjoy every single moment I'll have with her. Our lives will change as we grow older, which is exciting to me. Decades of new experiences we'll make with each other and our future family. If only my parents and siblings could have been a part of this. I'll send them notification afterwards.

While I meditate (anxiously worry what the hell I'm going to say to my bride), the fishing bobber going up and down is overlooked. I'm so spaced out, stuck inside my own head, my caught fish surprises me. Roan grabs my pole from me, reeling in the sucker. This boy is huge. At least a two-footer. Roan thanks the fish for biting, comments on his delicious looks before stuffing it in a cooler. Garrus and Shepard are with us, bored out of their freaking minds. Grunt and Wrex are at the shoreline, Roan didn't feel comfortable letting them aboard his 14 ft aluminum boat.

Garrus says "I don't mean to be rude, but you actually find this entertaining?"

I said "It's not that different than being a soldier."

Shepard is taken aback "how are they even remotely similar?"

I explain "98 percent boredom followed by brief 2% instances of adrenaline at random times."

Shepard nods his head in agreement "I can get that. You should see the paperwork I have to fill out every mission. My carpel tunnel is probably from the writing I have rather than all the shooting."

I offer to heal it. Shepard says he was making a joke.

Roan says "come on isn't this good? Beautiful sun on my skin, gentle breeze wicking the sweat away, rich smells of the lake."

Garrus says "Now that I tune into it, I kinda like it. Maybe I'll can get behind this peace or serenity. Turians don't get that much."

Shepard asks "do turians fish?"

Garrus thinks "not for recreation. Despite the intensity of my world's sun, we have lakes and oceans. Ever since I can remember it was training at bootcamp till I graduated and then off to C-sec."

Roan looks concern "your people made you a child soldier?"

Garrus calms him down "non-adults are not expected to enter combat situations. Turians are prepared for a life of service for our people, but we are taught many skills to strengthen our people. Proper exercise and rest schedules, martial arts, wilderness survival training, weapons, tactics, of course reading, writing, history, and more."

I ask "did you have time for fun?"

Garrus says "yeah I miss those days."

Shepard jokingly asks "are we not fun enough?"

Garrus answers "you humans are too crazy to be around for the rest of my life."

I ask "what are you going to do with the rest of your life? Can turians retire?"

Garrus says "I could but I don't want to get bored. I have an idea. One of my crewmates back on Omega worked in a kitchen. Maybe we'll get together and start the first turian fast food restaurant."

Shepard asks "you don't have those?"

Garrus explains "we're carnivores. Meat is either turned into jerky which is convenient or freshly killed which is a luxury common on Palavan restaurants. Cooked food like you humans do isn't appetizing to us, but that water bath idea got me thinking."

I said "as long as I get a cut of the credits."

Garrus says "only if I turn a profit."

Shepard asks me "how are you feeling? Any premarital jitters?"

I answer "Yes. I feel guilty being here."

Roan says "the girls need time to set up and we need good food for your special night. I hope you like smoked fish." I'm not a fish guy but I'll try it.

Shepard says "we should go. Factoring in time to row to shore, fly back, and get ready, it will be time for the ceremony. Are you ready *********?"

"A thousand times yes!"

SOUCRE!SOUCRE!SOUCRE!SOUCRE!SOUCRE!SOUCRE!

I'm actually about to get married. Joker is officiating, wearing a classic black and white suit as am I. These clothes have seen so many weddings, but now it's finally being used for my day. My heart is pounding. Wrex and Grunt with their massive sizes takes seats on the perimeter so everyone else wouldn't have to lean over to get a view. In the front row on the right side, in order is Liara wearing a shiny purple sleeveless dress stretching down past her heels. Ashley sits next to her in a spicy strapless black ensemble displaying enough cleavage I have to look away from. Edi stuffed herself in a reflective gold skin tight material not unlike the color of CP30. The robotic lifeform dolls herself in large crystal earring and matching tiara. Tali's Aunt sits behind her. Rann's suit has been altered to display a similar bead pattern to an ascended quarian I now realized forgot to invite. Rael is parked to Rann's right. His suit lacks anything special. I told them both it is ok to take off their visors. They decline out of respect to Tali as it is her special day, and mine as well, however all eyes should be on here.

On the left side of the audience, Wrex and Grunt are wearing the funny black and white suits from the Citadel DLC casino outfit. Zaeed who decided to stay in his combat armor leans back in his chair, rocking back and forth, too old to give a shit. Mordin wears this strange lime green outfit with what looks like a chest handle feature that's common in salarain outfits. Kaiden, Cortez, Garrus, and James are wearing various shades of blue or gray suits. Thane arrived this morning and his black assassin suit's colors are inverted. He wears white and looks awesome. Jacob thought it would be more casual and wears a polo shirt with tan cargo shorts. It is warm here, so I'll let it slide, especially since he is helping a very pregnant Miranda who looks about to pop. The Cerberus Cheerleader ditched her white uniform and wore a brilliant red dress. Jack tried attending in only her studded black leather jacket, white shirt bra hybrid, and I'll be generous and call those cheek displaying jeans then I ordered her to change. Shepard, my best man, is standing to my left. I lean over and ask

"Where is Javik?"

Shepard answers "He is on his way and said he is bringing a couple of friends. He hopes you don't mind."

I ask "he said that?"

Shepard says "it was the meaning behind those words."

Roan and Kara run towards their seats. A couple of their eldest daughters follow behind them. It's almost time. In the sky, a very stranger looking craft, unlike anything I've seen in this galaxy. Clearly not Human, Asari, or even Turian. It looks like a big pink cigar. I can feel a very old presence coming from inside. Now I remember. It's a hanar ship. I saw them when I walked past the ship repair yard when we left the Normandy for shore leave. Javik parks as close as he can, but away from the main area. A circular door retracts several curved triangular shaped metal portions, a row of stairs unfolds, stopping at the grass.

I say "oh my…" covering my eyes.

The prothean is enjoying his newfound status. He is decorated head to toe in gold jewelry, donning a lush red cape, with two lusty asari under his arms. Javik evinces his regal aura, slowly stepping down from his ship. Javik and his voluptuous arm candy stroll over. I can't stop laughing, he looks like a cross between a European king and a pimped-out mafia gangster.

Javik greets me "Hello luminous primitive."

I ask "what is all this?"

Javik explains "the hanar are very generous in their gifts."

Shepard asks "they did all this?"

Javik answers "anything I ask as a boon for uplifting their species."

I remind him "that wasn't you though."

His asari girlfriend says "he is the only one left who is capable of accepting their gratitude."

"Uh huh."

Shepard offers his hand to Javik's acquaintances who refuse to stop petting Javik's chest. Apparently, they are too good to shake the savior of the galaxy's hand.

Javik says "do not mind their attitudes. I expected better from my favorite asaris."

I ask "asaris? Plural?"

Javik explains "it was difficult to choose which of my mates to bring and decided to bring the ones known to carry my offspring."

My mouth drops "Javik!"

Shepard asks "how many girls do you have?"

Javik says "two dozen and more expected."

Shepard and I scream "TWO DOZEN!"

His other baby mama says "asari should have prothean genes introduced. You know how much we love diversity."

Shepard and I turn to Liara, who is shaking her disapproving head. If they are all consenting adults, I'm not going to judge. I tell Javik to take a seat. Joker, Shepard, and I are in such disbelief. Joker asks "what are the hanar giving him?"

Shepard says "whatever he wants apparently."

I comment "that is nuts."

Edi stands up, informing everyone the wedding is about to start. The music starts to play. The sliding glass door opens and out comes my bride. Tali is dressed in a literally breathtaking white wedding dress, drawing focus to her svelte figure. Rael gets up from his seat and meets his daughter. They pause to exchange words. Tali entwines her arm in his. I can't see her face, she is wearing a large crochet or lace veil. Rael walks his beautiful daughter down the aisle. Everyone stands up. My heartbeat is so rapid, it feels like it's not beating at all. The blood drains from my face. High pitched ringing deafens my ears. Seconds feel like an eternity. All my chakras feel as if they are going to overload. After what seems a millenia, Tali, my beautiful sweet angel is in front of me. I can't see her face. I'm reminded of the time Tali showed me her face behind the visor, now my fingers pinch the white fabric obscuring my view. Slowly I lift the veil above and behind her head.

Tali's beauty leaves me speechless. Literally speechless. Her large, beautiful eyes pop with thick eyelashes, decorated by her natural flower petal like arrangements now accompanied with trace amounts of glitter on her cheeks. The naturally straight black as night hair has been styled into a wavy bob thanks to Ashely. Rows of pearls adorned her rivers of obsidian. My bride smells of sweet flowers. Last not least, Tali's large gorgeous smile nearly gives me a heart attack.

I'm turned to stone. Joker pokes his head around to witness my frozen complexion. Tali just laughs, breaking eye contact to see the crowd. The audience collectively gasps at her. Joker waves his hand in front of my face, then repeatedly snaps his fingers in front of my eyes. The blocking of my bride's elegance snaps me out of my trance.

Joker says "We are gathered here today-"

"SKIP TO THE END. SPEED RUN THIS!"

The audience's guffawing brings me back down to Earth I mean Rannoch. Tali can't contain her laughter, sinking her head into the flowers she's carrying. Her veil falls forward, hiding her face from me once again. NOPE! I throw it back over. Tali stands back up "I know how excited you are, but I want the full wedding experience. Please be patient, my cherished." It feels like a blowtorch was ignited in my heart.

Joker continues "we are gathered here today to celebrate the love between these two wonderful amazing people. We've all seen you grow together, fight for each other, protect one another, love each other. We witnessed the birth of a special connection between you two. I can safely say there is no one here who doubts the feelings you have for one another aren't real. What you have is so special. It's palpable. If there is anyone who objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Tali sends a death glare to the audience. The scarousal is doing things to me.

Joker asks me "********* do you take Tali Zorah as your law- hmm I mean your wife? Do you promise to hold on to her, to protect her, to be there for better or worse, in sickness and in health? Till death do you part"

"I do."

Joker asks my bride "Tali, do you take *********, to be your cherished husband? Do you promise to hold on to him, to protect him, to be there for better or worse, in sickness and in health? Till death do you part? Think hard. We all know how annoying he can be."

The crowd laughs.

Tali steps closer, full of enthusiasm, she has more love on her face than words can express "I do. I really do."

Joker asks "would you like to exchange vows?"

I do "Tali, you helped me in so many ways I will be spending the rest of my days repaying you. You were there to help me when I was down, you became my friend, my partner on the battlefield. You earned my trust which was near impossible, and when I opened myself up to who I truly was, you were there for me. You still treated me the same. It meant the universe there was someone who still cared for my wellbeing. Then we fell in love, and you have made me feel so many wonderful things, unlike any other. I love you more than I can say and will spend my life making you as happy as I possibly can. I promise. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together, here, in our home."

Tali says "My beloved, ever since I met you, my life has only, no I wasn't living before I met you. You showed me what it was to live. You helped me in so many different ways. You saved my life, a poor little quarian girl no one would have missed, then you made me feel a part of a group on the Normandy. It's because of you I could be comfortable in my own skin, then when we went our separate ways, I was sad I would never see you again. I spent so many nights regretting not telling you how I felt, then fate brought us back together. You saved me again. When your secret was revealed, I knew the kind of man you were. I was already amazed how incredible you were and then to find out how special you actually were, I couldn't believe I summoned the courage to ask you out and for you to say yes. You were everything I could want and more. You treated me like a person, you fell in love with the person behind the mask, you've shown me care and affection I never knew I craved. You already made me so unbelievably happy, then you practically gave me my homeworld. I can live in a house, out of the suit, with you, have as many children as I want, with you, I promise to make our life worth everything you went through. I love you my cherished and will forever."

Joker says "With that, I now pronouce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Without any hesitation, Tali and I latch the back of each other's head, pulling us together for the best kiss we'll ever have. Our soul ties strengthen in intensity. Our tears mixed together as the crowd applauds. The energy flowing through us is overwhelming. What seems like forever is broken by our need for air. We hug each other for as long as we like, until Zaeed fires his gun into the air scares us apart.

We move the rest of the ceremony indoors. I swoop Tali off her feet and carry her into the house where my wife and I share our first dance in the living room. I'm so happy I have to force myself to prevent accidental ascension. My atoms are fighting to align to the higher plane when all I want is to be with Tali. We are finally starting our lives. The song changes and we split apart. Tali dances with her Dad and I with her Aunt.

I say to Rann "I feel like we didn't get to know each other that well on the fleet."

Rann says "Tali has told me enough and I'm so thankful how happy you made her."

A sadness boils from within "as much as I like dancing with you, I wish I could have met the wonderful person who made her."

Rann says "I wish she was here too as I am sure Tali would wish to meet your family."

I tell her "I think everyone will meet each other one day. Sadly, that is far in the future."

Rann says "that only means you can tell them about the wonderful lives you've had."

I ask "how's been the move to Rannoch?"

Rann says "Ancestors don't get me started. We have no idea how to live on a planet, it's going to take years before most of our people will ever have this."

I said "I'm sure the geth would be willing to help out, assuming of course your people don't abuse them in any way."

Rann asks "Really? Why would they do that for us?"

"Roan says the geth are interested in new activities. Don't tell anyone but Legion's sacrifice made it so all geth can have souls. They want to live and experience life. While Roan isn't involved in his government, maybe you should ask them for advice."

Rann says "I'll make mention of it but tonight is a celebration."

I look over her shoulder and shout "Ooo!"

Rann turns her head around, but her helmet blocks her sight "what?"

I explain "James is flirting with one of Kara's daughters."

Rann asks "is he having any luck?"

I look over to examine, then shake my head "no the vibes are off. I'll erase his memory afterwards. I like to do that."

Rann asks "what?"

"Moving on." I break apart from her and find my wife for one more dance.

I ask Tali "what do you want to do now?"

Tali says "after this dance, I want to open my wedding presents."

I ask "don't you want to eat first?"

Tali says "I don't want to get crumbs over our new stuff."

I tell her "anything for my beautiful wife."

Tali asks "am I really that beautiful?"

I tell her "YES! I'm regretting not marrying you sooner."

Tali smiles "you always say the most wonderful things."

After the song is over, Tali and I tell everyone we are opening presents. Everyone brought something for us. My wife and I sit at our dining table. Our friends bring us their presents one at a time. Shepard and Liara give us a spare key to their new home and said we're welcome anytime. I'll have to give them a copy of ours. Garrus brings me a very long box in wrapping paper a similar blue color to his armor. Tali wants to open it. She carefully removes the tape from the end.

I ask her "what are you doing?"

Tali says "what? I want to save the wrapping."

I tell her "It's no fun doing it like that. Tear into this."

Tali asks "really?" I nod.

Tali enjoys tearing up the gift. It's a plain cardboard box. Tali sticks her hand in one end and pulls out my 10 mm rifle. I must have left it on the ship.

Garrus says "I installed a working mass effect projectile launcher. I hope you like it."

I said "Sweet! I'll have to shoot this later tonight."

Wrex moves Garrus out of the way "my turn my turn. Here you go."

I open this one. It's a small white bag. Inside is a curved bowie knife made of bone.

Wrex says "made by me from the remains of thresher maw. Stronger than most metals."

Tali steals the knife from my hand, appreciating the craftsmen ship "this is so cool!" I found a keeper.

Ashley hands us a large box but warns us not to open it. It contains all the girl essentials I would not know Tali will need.

Grunt gives me a bottle of rynecol that I had from the party.

Mordin gives Tali a modified shield device that should repel most bacteria and viruses away from her. Feels like a gimmick but maybe it works in this universe. It should allow her to go into town more often and not have to worry about getting sick. He did advise Tali to slowly build her immune system however.

Joker and Edi give us a gift certificate to their favorite arcade place on the citadel.

Thane gives Tali a collection of jewelry from his late wife. We object but Thane insists to go to someone who will wear it.

Jacob and Miranda give us massage devices and things that have helped Miranda out through her pregnancy for when it is our time.

Javik gives us two tickets to the galactic premiere of the next blaso movie that's been pushed back because of the Reaper war. The prothean claims he will make an appearance.

Jack hands us a small square wood box. Inside is a large metal ring. I pull it out and show Tali. "Is this suppose to be a door knocker? Where is the rest?"

Jack explains "That's for weaving Tali's hair through so you'll have a handle to pull her head when you're hitting her backside." Ok I'm putting away my favorite wedding present.

Last gift. I ask "James what did you get us?"

He says "Huh? Not me. I was going to see if you wanted my old grip strengtheners."

Tali holds the box up to everyone, asking "who brought this?"

No one claims it.

Tali opens the box. On top is a note she can't read and hands it to me. It reads

'I'm thrilled you and Tali are finally married and about to start your lifelong journey together. I wish I could have been there with you. Come find and tell us all about it when you can. A couple of friends I and my husband made over here helped us get this to you. Inside is a storage device containing a list of my favorite places in the galaxy and directions to my caches. Have fun finding them all. There are a lot of goodies waiting.

By the way,

Your stuff was the most fun to steal

~K.'

Tali asks "whose it from?"

I answer "A good friend."

The rest of the night was filled with fun, food, and good times. We traded stories about everything. Our favorite memories on each version of the Normandy, best dates we had. Tali nearly stuffed herself with wedding cake. I had to stop her from eating so much otherwise she would have gotten sick to her stomach. Rael and Rann succumb to their temptations and remove their visors. They both look in their mid thirties for how old they are supposed to be. Rael has a long face like a horse, with soft arching eyebrows Tali inherited from him. Rann is a dirty blonde with strikingly fierce blue eyes and square jaw. It was hilarious watching them eat cake for the very first time. Their pupils dilated like the tried psychedelics.

It was the best night of my life. I've never been so happy. I'm even happier than when I ascended for the first time, feeling thrilled I can find the world I belonged to. We ate, we drink, we danced, we played games. Nothing could ever top this night. When it was starting to get dark, Roan and Kara took their family to head back home. Rael and Rann said it was nice meeting them and wished to do so again. I felt awkward wanting everyone to leave my home so Tali and I could go upstairs and finally make love. Tali took my hand and pulled me into our bedroom. Tali slowly removed the straps of her dress up, using one arm to prevent it from falling to the floor. Her other arm pushed me on the edge of the bed.

Tali says "We've both been waiting a long time for this. I've told you many times how much I love you, now I'm going to show it. I'm yours *********. Just please be gentle."

"I promise."

"Good. Now pull this dress off your wife."

I followed her instructions. Her long white dress comes off, revealing two familiar girls I love. Tali's full exposed body fills my eyes. She is the most beautiful person I have ever seen and feeling her was a bliss unparalleled. It wasn't because she was a virgin, though that didn't hurt, it was the way her soul interpenetrated her body. Tali's energy perfectly harmonized with my own. A beautiful powerful current of love flowing through every nerve in our bodies, circulating the vibrations into our beings. We belonged to each other. Like two puzzle pieces who waited for so long finding the only other piece that would fit. She's the best I've ever had. I give everything freely to her.

It's been two months since Tali and I have wed. Our honeymoon was staying at home. We made love as husband and wife, many times, in different places, all the positions, so many combinations. Our love for each other generates vibes that are absorbed by the walls in our home. Tali is enjoying her sexual freedom. Since we are different species, we don't have to worry about her getting pregnant unless I turn into a quarian which we agree will happen when we are really ready. Until then, we just went at it. It's crazy how much we did. We started running out of ideas and to spice things up, I turned krogan. It was huge mistake. Tali loved it, but I felt like I shot out half of my brain fluid. How the hell does Wrex do this with all those Korgan girls.

While I love Tali with my entire soul… I'm fucking exhausted. With the amounts of ropes I've blasted into Tali, she has more zinc than a mineral deposit. Oh, Source I am remembering why ancient humans had monthly full moon orgies. Having sex at least three times a day for over 60 days is draining me. My root chakra tries to shut itself off from the abuse it's getting, but I am not going to disappoint Tali.

I'm in the kitchen, topping the tank off with electrolytes. Tali comes in, wearing her thigh high socks and my sweatshirt she loves to wear. "Cherished, we need to talk. You know I love you more than anything, but I'm overexerting myself. I need a break. This has to stop. I'm sorry."

…

"THANK SOUCRE! I understand honey."

Tali asks "you do?"

I said "Tali you know how you think I am a highly charged Brobdingnagian sexual man all the time?"

…

I order "play along."

Tali nods "yes I do."

I explain "I love you, and I want to have a healthy regular sex life with you, but there was a reason I was able to retain my seed. I'm not as sexual as I claim to be."

Tali says "could have fooled me."

I tell her "You're the best."

Tali asks "Would taking a break for two weeks be enough to recharge your batteries?"

I answer "Yes. I was hoping to last 6 months. I love our honeymoon and sad to cut it short."

Tali says "It doesn't have to end just yet. We can do other things while we wait. We can play board games, read, and finally go hiking."

I remind Tali "my knees are too weak for hiking anytime soon."

Tali smirks "I forgot how much I drained you, but you're just too good."

I said "we'll find a balance after we rest. If you want, you can tell Rael and Rann they can move in. "

Tali says "thank you. They've been waiting forever to come but would never ask. I have the best husband ever."

"Let's talk more about this when my mind isn't so cloudy."

Tali says "I've been feeling that too. Is that normal?"

I answer "yes. It happens when you abuse your brain receptors too much. Give it time and they will heal."

Tali says "A break will be good for us. I'm going to have a snack and then how does a nap sound and when we wake up, you can teach me how to play chess like you always wanted?"

"Perfect!"

Tali winks than pats my deflated ass "meet me at the beanbag cherished."