Finally the last chapter of Broken Shadows arrives after such a long time.

First, I would like to thank all of those that have taken the time to read my story and follow these characters as they went on their journey.

I would also like to thank everyone that added 'Broken' to their favourites and took time to comment. Also, a big thank you for your patience as I wrote this last chapter, which shows just how much I love the relationship between Garrus and Shepard.

Lastly, I want to say a big thank you to my ME fanfic terror twin, BelleInconnue, for all of her help in being my BETA and friend since the first chapter rolled off my computer months ago and was always being there to help me when my muse would pack it's bag and bugger off! Thanks luvie, you are the best! I dedicate this chapter to you.

I hope you all enjoy my ending, and take time to leave your thoughts on what transpires within.

I wonder if anyone will pick out the small hint of a certain something I put in there. We will see.

Say it again, Vakarian!

The hazy white light of the med bay was all that greeted Shepard when she finally awoke. The intense glare made her head throb, and as she tried to block it out with her arm she noticed the thin tubes and lines stuck deep into her skin. Disorientated, but sure she was safe, she tried to sit up. Her vision was only just starting to settle when the tell-tale hiss of the door made her head turn.

"I see our prodigal Commander has finally rejoined the land of the living... again." The quiet voice of Dr. Chakwas filled the room. She stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame and holding a medical data pad in her hand with a whimsical smile creeping across her face.

Shepard slowly lifted herself from the table and turned to greet her, swinging her legs around to let them dangle over the side and stretched them out, wriggling her toes to let the blood flow back into her numbing digits.

"How are you feeling?" the older woman asked.

Shepard smiled, "Well, I don't feel dead like I thought I would."

Chakwas laughed softly and moved forward to lean against the bed opposite her. "I should hope not, Commander. Considering the amount of work we went through to stitch you back together, I'd be rather disappointed if you had died on my operating table."

"I bet," Shepard laughed, "I swear, I should probably just move my belongings in here."

"The thought had crossed my mind once or twice," the doctor replied as she scanned Shepard with her omni tool, apparently quite happy with the results.

"So tell me," she asked again as she started to remove the tubes from her Commander, "how are you feeling... really?"

"A little stiff, but otherwise fine," she cricked her neck, stretching out the twinges, "I'm surprised, I thought I'd be in a bit more pain. How long have I been in here?"

Chakwas didn't even pause to think, "A little over a week, Commander."

"Wow, that long huh? I must of been in pretty bad shape."

"Well actually," Chakwas said, removing the last of the IV tubes, "I kept you in an induced semi coma. Your injuries were quite bad Shepard, worse then usual... for you. But, I know you much too well. A few days in here and you'd be chomping at the bit to get out and start causing more trouble for yourself."

"Me causing trouble?" she cooed, feigning surprise, "I'm pretty certain it's trouble that seems to find it's way to me Doc."

"Regardless, I saw the opportunity to let your body fully recover." She re-took her place opposite Shepard as she continued, "You were fatigued and beyond exhaustion, suffering from three gunshot wounds and a severe head trauma. I did what I did for your sake Commander. I won't apologize."

Shepard shook her head, "I'm not angry, Doc. Thank you, really. What about the others? Thane? Kasumi? G...Garrus?" Her words shook at the mere mention of his name.

"Thane took a bad tumble and knock to the head but is otherwise fine. Kasumi had a broken nose and concussion but she got out of here earlier in the week. Garrus...well his bodily injuries were superficial, nothing a little medi-gel and R & R couldn't fix. But the wound at the back of his head,... that was pretty bad."

"I see..." Shepard dipped her head letting her eyes focus on the floor and sighed.

"Not to worry Commander," Chakwas said happily, tapping Shepard on the shoulder to bring her gaze back to hers, "he's very resilient. Dr. Solus took care of him, made sure there were no lasting effects. He was up and around within a few days. You might want to talk to him though, when you get a chance."

That piqued her interest, "Oh, is there something wrong?"

Chakwas shrugged and shook her head, "Thane explained what happened down there. What Garrus did, or almost did to you."

"He wasn't himself Doc, he didn't know what he doing."

"Commander, I know that. You know that. But Garrus is being much less forgiving on himself."

Shepard sighed, "Is.. that so..?"

"He's been very worried about you, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you're finally awake and back on your feet."

"I'll go see him now, then," Shepard said, taking a step down from the medical table, "do you know where I can find him?"

Chakwas brought her hands up and placed them urgently on Shepard's shoulders, pushing her back down. "Oh no, no Commander, not just yet. You've been in bed for 9 days so your limbs will be a bit weak. Besides, you've been living on an IV drip since you came in here. So, your first duty is to clean yourself up. Go take a shower and get something to eat. I'll have Gardener prepare something for you that's easy to swallow." The doctor smiled warmly, "You have to look after yourself first Shepard," she said, settling her back on the table. "Plus, Dr. Solus wants to see you before you're discharged."

"Mordin?", Shepard quirked an eyebrow, "why?"

"Well, uh.. it's probably better if he discusses that with you. He has quite a vested interest in.." but before she could finish her sentence the med lab door was opened again and the salarian in question strolled into the room, "Oh, speak of the devil.." was all Chakwas said before making a hasty exit from the room after handing Mordin the med pad. Shepard was confused... and a little scared.

Mordin smiled, nodded and made his way towards the table and looked her over. "Commander Shepard, good to see you're awake." He fiddled with the medical pad, scrutinizing it, "Vital signs look good, skin color back to normal. Injuries healing nicely. Had us worried, Shepard."

"It'll take a lot more then a few bullets to put me down, Mordin," she said, returning his smile, "you should know that."

He nodded curtly, "Indeed Commander. I don't think I've ever worked on another human as much as I have with you. Luckily the Lazarus Project gave you sufficient upgrades. Your weaves and lattices coupled with extensive biotic shielding have saved your life more times than I can count. Have had ample opportunity to study your renewed genetic make up, physical biology, enhanced cybernetic upgrades and their effects on your molecular cell regeneration and..."

Shepard felt herself drift out of focus as she was hit by the hyperactive salarians verbal barrage. How many times had she heard him rant and rave about one thing or another, but hearing him do so about her own body was somewhat... disquieting.

"OK..OK.. I get it, that's... quite enough Mordin," she said, interrupting him, "is this what you wanted to talk to me about?"

He stopped immediately, a slight look of disappointment on his face. "Hmm? Ah, no. Apologies Commander, mind was running away with me. Wanted to talk about Lieutenant Vakarian." He took a deep breath before continuing, trying to find the right words as he paced in front of her. "Realize he is suffering from guilt about what happened on Mindoir, he is showing signs of depression and withdrawal from the team. What was that human saying? He is in a ...funk... is it?"

"O..k, well Chakwas has already told me about that.."

"Yes, yes.. I realize that. However.." he stopped and turned to face her, his voice and face set hard, serious. "I won't mince words Shepard. Have noticed your relationship with him has.. grown. Wanted to warn you of possible... implications when dealing with the turian species."

Shepard furrowed her brow, "Um... WHAT?"

"Turian biology vastly different from human," he replied, once again pacing across the floor, "sexual contact can lead to..."

Shepard's stomach tightened and her eyes flew open in shock, "Whoa.. whoa! Mordin, what the hell are you saying?"

He looked at her longingly for a moment, turned to the medical cabinet and took out a long syringe and bottle of some sort of liquid. Shepard froze at the sight of the needle, in all the galaxy nothing terrified her more, as silly as that was. She'd faced death countless times, been wounded, maimed and even somewhat injected herself with medigel, but this! This is what got her stomach in knots.

Mordin filled the syringe with the viscous liquid and turned back toward Shepard. "Realize frustrations in both species can be.. eased.. by various activity." As he spoke, he jammed the needle into her arm, emptying the contents into her in mere seconds.

Shepard yelped, and jerked away, "OWW! What the hell!"

Mordin threw the used apparatus away and faced her again. "Simple allergy injection Commander, nothing serious. Take these also," he said pressing a small pouch of pills into her hand, "Take one now, and make sure to come and see me... after." He looked her over again and smiled once more before heading back out the door to leave her sitting in her own shock and confusion.

What the fuck was that all about?

o.O.o

Mashed potatoes and gravy had never tasted so good. These were real potatoes! REAL! Not that horrible cardboard box instant mash that she knew the cook had hidden away in his cupboards somewhere, but honest to goodness Earth-grown spuds, and coupled with steaming rich beef gravy, Shepard was in pure heaven.

Gardener was still hovering around her, under orders from Chakwas, making sure she ate every last piece of the mushy goodness. She gave him a smile as she pushed the last few mouthfuls around on her plate, "This is fantastic, really Gardener. Simple, but good."

"I'm glad you like it Commander," he said in his usual gruff voice, "but you really should have let me cook you some meat to go with that. It's not exactly what I'd call a proper meal."

Taking the last bite of her potatoes, Shepard stood and ran her damp towel through her slowly drying hair, "It's OK, this was exactly what I felt like. It's amazing how invigorating a hot shower and good food can make you feel."

He beamed a smile as he finished up with the dishes and whipped the tea-towel over his shoulder, "Right you are, Commander," he said as he took his usual place leaning against the bench, "if you need anything else just let me know."

"Will do," she replied with a smile as she pushed herself away from the breakfast bench and turned to take the stairs up towards the Main Battery.

Staring down the long walkway the door at the end seemed to grow so tall and intimidating that she froze at the top step. Panic suddenly filled her, just what was she supposed to say to him? How was she actually going to make this all alright?

"Commander?" Gardener spoke from behind, shaking her out of her thoughts, "You won't find Garrus in there."

She quirked her eyebrow at him, "Really? Where is he, then?"

"He's most likely down in the hold sparring with Grunt again. Ever since he got back, he's been down there just... I dunno, getting out his frustrations I suppose. He doesn't really talk to many of us these days."

Shepard sighed, "Thanks, Gardener" she said.

As he went back to work, she headed towards the elevator, taking it down to lower levels of the Normandy. Before the doors even opened she could hear the sounds of grunting and the echoes of heavy breathing. As she stepped from the lift her eyes fell on the pair. They were both devoid of their amour and wore only their light training attire. Garrus was caught in a headlock, Grunt's powerful arms squeezing around the turian's fringe and throat. She could hear him growl as he struggled against the krogan, ramming his elbow into his belly repeatedly, until Grunt was forced to let go. He pulled himself back, laughing deeply.

"Heh, come on turian," his voice grumbled, "I was expecting a better fight from you today."

Garrus didn't respond. Instead he straightened out his rumpled up black shirt and shorts and eased himself back into a fighting stance, much to Grunt's amusement.

Her eyes met with Grunt as she approached Garrus from behind and his smile fell from his large lips. She could feel the sudden eruption of tension in the air, coming to the realization that her lieutenant knew of her presence.

"That's all for now," Grunt said, gathering himself together and stepping past the turian, "we can finish this up later. Hopefully, you'll be in a better mood for battle." He gave Shepard a sidewards glance as he fell in beside her and placed a heavy hand on her shoulder, "'bout time you got your ass out of bed, Shepard," he grumbled with mirth before disappearing into the elevator leaving her and Garrus alone.

Shepard closed the gap and came to a stop behind him. He straightened his back, the black tee-shirt stretching across his broad cowl, fighting to stay intact, instead of being ripped to shreds. The sight of the strained material brought a smile to her lips. But as she stepped closer to him, the scars at the base of his neck became clearer. The three small holes were still slightly swollen, but other than that, it seemed to be healing well. Still, Shepard couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" she asked him.

"I could say the same for you, Commander," he said. His voice was detached, cold. The sound sent a chill through her. Her hand reached out to touch him, hesitantly at first, but deciding she was being silly she playfully punched Garrus in the shoulder.

"Well, if you want to spar, I'll be more then willing to put you in your place." She giggled nervously. Why did this have to be so hard?

"I don't think so Commander," he said thickly as he stepped away from her and towards the bench where his gear was. He reached for the half empty bottle of water and sat down heavily. Shepard watched him intently for a moment, completely dumbstruck as to how to proceed. How many times was she going to put up with his antics before she got sick of them all together?

"Garrus..?"

He ignored her, gathered his belongings and strode past her towards the elevator. A small ripple of anger shot through Shepard, and she grabbed the moody turian by his arm stopping him in his tracks.

"Garrus, talk to me! You're beginning to worry me here!"

He opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it and tried to swipe Shepard's hand off him. It only made her grip tighter.

"What the hell do you think you're doing Garrus?" she exclaimed, her tone hard; finally past giving a crap about hurting him, "Moping around down here like you're the only one hurting! I thought we were stronger than that!"

"There is no 'we', Shepard" he said quietly, "There never was and never will be."

Shepard felt like she'd been punched in the stomach, "Is that something you decided on your own? Because I sure as hell wasn't asked for an opinion!"

"I almost killed you Shepard!" he yelled. He threw his gear roughly to the floor and suddenly he was grabbing her shoulder, digging a lone digit into the healing bullet wound she had courtesy of him. There was no immediate pain, but it still ached. "I shot you! Attacked you! How do you expect me to just forget about that?"

"That wasn't you!"

"Yes! Yes, it was! It was my hands and my gun that hurt you! Don't you get it?" His voice crackled, loosing that deep flanging only to be replaced by what sounded like sheer desperation.

"Obviously not, so explain it to me! What happened down there was all because of Sidonis. He did this to you, to US!"

He shook his head, the sensation of defeat and despair hung between them, "It doesn't matter, Shepard. I'll never forgive myself for what I did to you, but that's on me."

She covered the hand that was still gripping tightly on her shoulder, with her own, "Garrus, don't pull yourself away from me, not now."

He met her eyes. His own worthlessness was reflected back at him, "I'm sorry Shepard... I can't.."

Shepard felt the full force of her frustration build inside of her. Nothing she said was working. Nothing she said could get past this... blockade... he had built around him, and by the gods, that pissed her off! She wrenched his hand from her, too angry to argue anymore, and stepped away from him.

"Fine, Vakarian," she spat, "have it your way! If you want to mope and feel sorry for yourself, go right ahead! I'm sick and tired of always having to be the one to pick you up when you fall over your own god-damned remorse!" She turned from him and stormed towards the elevator, punching the call button. Her blood was boiling, she could feel her pulse thrumming with anger. Stepping into the lift she looked over her shoulder, partly because she didn't want to look him in the face, and partly because she didn't want him to see the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"I might love you Garrus, but this is just too much. Even for me."

The doors slid shut and the lift carried Shepard away. Garrus was left standing amongst his spilled belongings, wondering if he had just heard what he thought he did?

o.O.o

Shepard collapsed on her back on her bed and sighed. Then squealed. Then just threw a fit, punching and kicking the open air, venting her frustrations until she felt somewhat back to normal. Gods, she was pissed! Her body tingled, every nerve seemed fried. What the hell had just happened? How did it come to this? She'd managed to stem the tears in the elevator ride up, but that didn't make her feel any better about the whole situation. She wanted to cry. Bawl like a child until her eyes were red, raw, and she fell into a dazed and woozy sleep. But that wouldn't fix anything. Hell, she wasn't sure anything could fix this... mess. Reaching up she grabbed one of her pillows and held it over her face, screaming into it as loud as she could. She was thankful no one could see or hear her childish tantrum. It wasn't exactly something she was known for, but she was still human. Or, mostly human anyway. Taking a deep breath, she screamed into the pillow again, longer and harder. She had to get the anger out.

But as she did so, she didn't hear the door to her chambers open, the footfalls coming down the steps or the deep 'A-hem', as Garrus made his way towards her and stopped at the foot of her bed.

"Shepard?"

She almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden sound of her name and she threw the pillow from her face, watching as it hit Garrus in the chest and fell to the floor. She looked up into his face, his features were twisted in a weird, 'What the hell have I just walked in on?' look. Great. Just great.

"Shepard... I..."

She couldn't face him right now, her anger was starting to build again.

"What do you want, Vakarian?" she spat at him again. He backed up a little as she climbed off the bed and came to stand in front of him. "What do you want from me?"

Now that he was here, standing in front of her, he didn't know what to say. Spirits, he didn't even know if what he heard was right, but he had to find out. He had to know. He fumbled over his words. Why was he always so clumsy when it came to speaking to Shepard about how he actually felt about her. He sighed, she was clearly not going to make this easy on him.

"Why are you here, Garrus?" Shepard asked again through her clenched teeth.

"I know you're angry with me, and I don't blame you but I.. I'm sorry."

Her eyes narrowed, "Don't tell me you're sorry, Garrus! How many times do I have to tell you what you did wasn't your fault!" She turned her back on him, hoping he would get the hint and leave.

The gesture got his back up, so he grabbed her by the elbow and turned her to face him again, "Shepard, I don't want us to be like this. I don't want it to end this way."

"End? What's ending? Nothing ever started, remember?"

Looking down into her eyes, he saw a deep sadness there. He let her arm go and stepped back. The irony wasn't lost on him, she'd thrown back the words he used earlier right into his face.

"I.. guess not," was all he could reply with.

He backed off. There nothing else to say. He had faltered again, and he was so angry and disgusted with himself right now, he wondered why he was even still on this ship. She deserved so much better.

He headed back towards the door, stopping momentarily to look back at Shepard. She had her back to him again and her shoulders were shuddering. He felt a stabbing pain in his heart, she was crying. As he looked at her, he felt his crushed resolve try to pull itself together. Yes, she deserved better, but he was the one that wanted to give it to her. She deserved to be loved, and he wanted to be the one that gave that to her too. She deserved so much more then anything he could give her, but as selfish as it sounded; he wanted to give her everything he could until she found that someone better. He wanted her, even if she didn't feel the same anymore.

"For what it's worth," he said softly, finally able to stand tall as the words came to him, "I really am sorry. I've tried for such a long time to tell you how I really feel about you. Every time I thought I was strong enough, you'd show me just how weak I really was. I could never be the man you deserve Shepard, but that still doesn't stop just how much I have come to care about you. Shepard, for all the hurt I've caused you and all the trouble I've been, I'll still always be here when you need me. I'll always have your back, don't ever doubt that. I... I love you Shepard, I thought you should know that."

Once again, he felt a giant weight lift off his shoulders. He finally said what he had been wanting to say, even if it was all too late. He headed out the door and waited for the elevator to open. He could chastise himself all he wanted, but he would never regret finally admitting to her how he felt. Stepping inside, he pushed the button for the crew quarters and leaned against the back wall as the door came to a close. But as the door came down, a small hand stopped it from closing all the way, and it was thrust back up and opened. Shepard was standing there, tears on her flushed cheeks, her bottom lip quivering slightly. Garrus could only stare, dumbfounded.

"Say it again, Vakarian.." Shepard said, between sobs.

Garrus was stunned by the small quiet voice that came from her, and he softened his gaze as he looked into her teary emerald eyes.

"I love you, Shepard," he said again, feeling the full emotion of the words sweep over him.

She was suddenly in his arms, reaching up to cradle his face and staring at him intently, "Again.." she said breathlessly.

He wiped the last remaining tears from her cheek with his thumb and cupped her face gently. He could say it as many times she wished. "I love you... Shep-.."

And then she was kissing him. Her soft lips pressed incredibly hard against his own mouth. Awkward, angled.. but so positively delicious that he couldn't help but scoop her up into his arms and hold her tightly, letting her kiss him as only she could.

There was no metal armor obstructing the feel of her small human body this time. He didn't have to wish or pretend just what it felt like to have her pressed against him. She was here, in his arms, legs wrapped tightly around his waist and her hips bearing down on him in such a way he had to lean against the back wall of elevator just to hold himself, and her up.

Her body emitted a wondrous heat, even through the thin material of his shirt and hardness of the plates at his chest, she burned into him. Shepard's tongue probed at the slit of his mouth, trying to gain entry and he gladly obliged. The urgency of her kiss sent a thrill through him, electric pangs of heady desire sparked deep within his core. The way she ground her tight little body against his should have been criminal. He had to pull away, and wrenching his hands from the firmness of Shepard's rear was the hardest thing he had to do. He heard her whimper as he withdrew, forcing himself to settle her back onto her feet and pushed her away. She was breathless and swaying on her feet, but she managed to throw herself into Garrus' arms once again, desperate to feel his rigid body against her. But he caught her arms and gently placed them at her sides when he heard a faint crinkling coming from her lower regions. Was that... normal for a human?

Shepard quirked her eyebrow and dug around in her pocket, pulling out the pouch of pills given to her by Mordin.

"What are they for?" he asked, eying the capsules quizzically.

"Mordin gave them to me but I don't.." her mind drifted back to his visit earlier. The weird sex talk, the injection and then these pills, "..oh my god." She smiled, that cheeky bastard!

She poked one of the pills out from its casing, threw the blister pack aside, and rolled the small blue pellet around in her palm. Catching Garrus by the arm she slowly pulled him out of the elevator and back into her room, letting the door slide shut behind them. He thought of everything, I see... she said quietly to herself.

Garrus looked down at the small caplet. Is that what I think it is? he wondered. The look on Shepard's face mirrored how he looked when Mordin had tried talking to him earlier in the week something about humans and turians and... sex? But he had been so annoyed by the fast talking salarian, that he practically ignored everything he said. It seemed, he thought with slight embarrassment, the good Dr. went to Shepard with his sex speech instead. These were those pills.

"Garrus, I want this. Do... you..?" she asked, almost shyly.

She HAS to ask? Are you kidding me! Garrus took a long lingering look at her, picked up the small pill between his dextrous fingers, gently lowered it onto her bottom lip and bending forward he pressed his mouth against hers, using his long flexible tongue to push the pill into her mouth. This time it was his turn to deepen their kiss, letting his tongue explore the rich confines of her and drink in the sensations that came with it.

Shepard broke the kiss and stepped back. She lifted her shirt, easing it up and above her head and slipped it off, finally letting it fall to the floor. He looked her over, intrigued by her slow tantalizing motions. Was this a human thing? She reached behind her back and unclasped her black lace undergarment. The straps fell from her shoulders and she pulled it away. Garrus noticed her cheeks flush as she covered herself with her hands and looked away. She was so.. adorable. He reached out to her and slid her hands away and gasped. So this was what these human glands looked like. Not dissimilar from asari, but hugely different from turian women. They had slight mounds, sure; but theirs were more for added protection and gender identity, not like these. Not so curvaceous and purposeful. He wanted to touch them, feel them; but before he could she was moving again. He followed with his eyes as her hands trailed the length of her taunt abdomen, hooking her thumbs around the band of her shorts and paused. He heard her laugh slightly under her breath, making him smile. Was she losing her nerve?

She looked up at him again, her eyes dancing with amusement. This was, she realized, the first time she had gone this far in over two years, and as much as she wanted to right now, she had to wonder just how different was she going to be in his eyes under these clothes? What if he freaked out? What if she was so different that it.. turned him off? Gods, she hadn't even thought about any of this at the beginning. It wasn't that she was scared, she actually found the whole thing funny. As she stared into his gaze she saw the earnest in them, the desire. Or was that her own eyes reflecting back? She smiled, the corner of her mouth edging into a sly grin as her fingers played with the elastic at her shorts, and taking a deep breath she started to lower them.

Garrus caught the playfulness in her eyes, the twinkling of mirth; and she pulled her lower garments down and kicked them aside, standing tall in front of him. His breath caught in his throat, she was completely naked and staring him down with a wicked grin that tugged at his loins. He drank her in, letting his stormy blue eyes remember every curve, every angle, every wisp of hair that was her. To touch her now would seem like a sin, like he was destroying something ancient, sacred. Like he would break her. This human skin looked too tender, too soft.

"Touch me..." she said, sounding almost out of breath.

He chuckled, shook his head to dissipate the fervent wondering and reached out towards her. His hand fell on the hollow of her collarbone. She jumped a little at his touch, sucking in a breath through her clenched teeth, then relaxed. He let his fingers trace the bone there, softly and slowly. He stepped towards her and let his other hand reach around and come to rest on the small of her back, and brought his head down to nuzzle the crook of her neck. Her scent engulfed him, wafting into his senses, strong like summer rain and soap. His hand traveled lower, the soft pads of his talons tracing along the curve of her left breast, cupping her gently in his palm. The flesh there was soft and malleable. He squeezed her lightly and she responded with the smallest of moans that elicited a low purr of his own. His thumb grazed over the top, brushing past the now erect nub that adorned the peak of her breast. Shepard sucked in another breath and sighed heavily, this was obviously a sweet spot. He retraced the movement, this time lingering at the hard knot and pinching it carefully between his thumb and forefinger. She squirmed against him, a louder moan escaping from her lips. The sound made him swoon, every murmur; every vocalization she made pulled at his groin. He could feel himself straining against his own undergarments, the uncomfortable tightness of his growing arousal desperate to be freed. With his fingers still playing with her, he brought his other hand around and cupped her other breast, mimicking the movements there and lowered his head from her neck to the valley between them. His mandibles fluttered against the heated skin there, and he let his tongue flick out and sweep across the mounds, taking his time as the hardened nubs came to his mouth.

Shepard's head rolled, arching her back and pushing her chest out even more; letting Garrus take her in his mouth over and over. She could feel the warmth of his tongue as it caressed her, and every now and then the sharp scrape of his teeth against her flesh. No pain, just pleasure. She took hold of the side of his head, stroking along the back of his fringe, pulling him closer. She was lost in the sensations, her skin twitched under his hold as he explored her. Did it always feel like this? Did it always feel this good? He pulled away and a whine escaped her lips, the cool air rushed in and settled on the faint trails of saliva that pooled around her nipples. She tried to bring him back towards her, but as quick as he moved he was now lifting her easily off the floor and carrying her towards the bed. She wrapped her legs around his thin waist, pressing herself against him when she felt it. It was unmistakeable, to her and Garrus. He stopped in mid-step and she looked up into his eyes, curiosity gleaming within them. She slid down from his grip, pushed him slightly backwards so he sat on the edge of the bed and bent forward to plant a series of gentle kisses across his mouth. A low growl rumbled within his chest as she hooked the black tee-shirt around her fingers and with help, freed his torso from the confines of the tight material. With a smile, she climbed into his lap and gently pushed him down to lay on the bed so she could straddle him. She heard his breath quicken, her exposed lower half pressed deeply against his groin where he was hard and rigid. She lowered her face, letting her mouth explore the foreign plating on his chest, sweeping her tongue between the hardened scales and nipping and biting where the flesh was softer and unprotected.

Garrus moaned, his eyes closed tightly as Shepard continued to assault him with her dextrous but strong tongue. Somehow she knew exactly which spots to hit, knew exactly how to manipulate her mouth to find the places on his body that made him want to sink into the bedding and just dissolve under the sheer pleasure he was feeling. Turian women just couldn't do this, they couldn't be warm and pliable with their mouths like he was finding out a human could. Why had he waited so long? Her hands caressed his chest, stroking the ridges of his protruding collarbone with hot fingers like she had to feel every inch of him, making sure he was real. He almost bucked up against her, desperate to feel the the heat between her thighs as she slowly rocked on top of him. It took every ounce of self control he had in him to hold back. But she wasn't making it easy, she never did. He forced his eyes open to look down at her and sighed heavily. She was twisting and turning, her lips and teeth drawing more heated moans from him as she trailed lower to his sensitive abdomen and then, much to his surprise.. even lower. Her eyes lifted lazily to meet his, and she took a long final lick up the length of his belly and smiled, a devious grin etched across her flushed face. A small twinge of panic shot through him. She wouldn't... would she? He let his head fall back against the bed and covered his eyes with his forearms. He felt her move from her position in his lap and stand between his bent legs removing the rest of his clothing with brisk efficiency. He held his breath as he waited for her reaction to what was sure to be a very different looking appendage. She made no sound; no movement and even though his heart seemed to miss more then a few beats, he pried his eyes open again to look at her. She was staring at him in his entirety, her face soft and gentle.

"Don't be afraid.." she said, her voice almost inaudible.

She trailed kisses along his stomach and then moved lower, down to where he stood proudly, hard and swollen. Shepard let her tongue delicately run along the length of his erection from base to tip, and Garrus thought he would loose all grip on reality. He had heard somewhere, at some time or another that humans pleased each other in such a way, but never really gave it a second thought. It was definitely not a turian practice. Well, not without horrendous results, he imagined. He didn't want to think about that. But this? This was.. was... Spirits! He didn't know WHAT this was! He cried out once, twice; that cry turning into to a powerful moan as Shepard took him into her mouth. He felt himself grow between her lips, becoming harder and larger as she slowly moved up and down. His hand was suddenly on her head, his talons tangled in the mess of red hair as she continued to suck with more pressure, increasing her pace. Her hand joined her mouth, and with quick movements, she stroked the length of him. His muscles tensed, body arching slightly as she continued to work at him eagerly. He growled, a sound so low and dangerous, he thought it would scare her, but it only seemed to egg her on. He could feel his desire build and build, becoming dangerously close to ending it all right then and there and as he was about to reach his peak, Shepard slowed and ran a final agonizingly long lick up the entire length of him. His body was still spasming, his breathing labored and eyes wide. Shepard smiled, her hands traveling up his waist and rested on his chest.

"I've never... felt anything like that before..."

Shepard arched an eyebrow. "Did you like it?"

"Oh Spirits, Shepard! Yes.. Yes."

She giggled, leaning forward to brush her lips against his. "Good..."

They lingered there, locked in time for a moment. Then, as swiftly as before he was lifting Shepard off his lap and laying her beside him. The fingers of one hand slid over her body, followed by his mouth, licking and nipping at the tender flesh of her breasts and stomach. The soft pads of his talons swept along her pelvis and Shepard jerked, arching her back as his hand found the soft mound between her thighs. Garrus felt the immediate heat and marveled at the feel of such wetness there. This was definitely different. Her scent was unmistakable. Intrigued by the discovery, he carefully climbed on top of her, sliding both of his hands down her thighs, gripped her around the crook of her knees and edged her legs apart, settling himself between them. His position was somewhat uncomfortable, his long turian legs buckled awkwardly beneath him, but this was an opportunity he just had to take advantage of.

Shepard felt so exposed. His touch felt like fire, and she moaned, wanting him to touch her there more and more. The rough scrape of his skin trailed her inner thigh, first one then the other, and he nuzzled closer to the source of her heat. Shepard screwed her eyes shut as the sudden flick of a long, strong tongue ran along her slick inner folds, sending a shuddering jolt of electricity through her. She bucked hard as Garrus' tongue retraced its course, this time with more urgency and want. Her hand found its way to his head, fingers laced through the grooves of his fringe and she pushed him further into her, squeezing her thighs as if to trap him and the ever raising pleasure he gave her. She arched her back, crying out over and over as he continued to lap at her, concentrating on the hardened nub he found among the glistening folds and scant tuft of hair.

He watched as she writhed above him, her own hands now winding around her body and cupping her breasts, pinching at them as she groaned. It seemed he had found another sweet spot, and as he continued to attack the tiny swollen knot, he felt his own desire to take her start to overwhelm him. He lifted himself over her, catching her eyes as he did so and leaned in to nuzzle her neck moaning long and deep. She was open to him, he could see that; and lining himself up with her he gently pushed against her entrance. He wanted to thrust himself in her, hard and fast like his instincts told him to, but something in him warned him against it. Something in him wanted to remember this moment for as long as he still had his senses. He wanted to fix this image and feeling in his mind, that it was Shepard, his Commander and object of all his affections that he was about to enter. He nudged forward a little more, coaxing a slight whimper from her lips. He bent forward and let their mouths meet again, adding another inch or two. He could already feel this magical tightening of her, somehow she managed to grip around him with some unknown force, as if it were pulling him in. She licked and sucked along one of his mandibles, and heady with longing he entered her fully, not stopping until he was hilt deep inside of her. His breath rushed out in a loud purr, the feel of her enclosed around him was amazing. This hot, wet and soft sensation was unlike anything he ever felt. He withdrew just as slowly and Shepard cried out, bucking her body against him as he carefully pulled, her insides gripping him just as tightly. He thought he was going to pass out, the intense connection they had made his body tremble. He once again found himself fighting against his instincts to quicken his pace, take her harder and faster. The feel of her wetness on his thighs made him aware of just how ready she was for such an onslaught, but there was still doubt in his mind. But, as if reading his mind, Shepard cupped his face in her hands, bringing his mouth to hers kissing him deeply and smiled.

"It's OK..." she said.

He looked down at her, her eyes clouded with passion. She reached up pulled him into her, wrapping her arms around his cowl tightly as he brought one hand under her head and the other he leaned on for support. She spread her legs wider, allowing him fully between her thighs and hitched one up and around his narrow waist. Looking down at how she was splayed sent his hormones into overdrive. His turian pride be damned, this was what they both wanted, and only a fool would not obey the raw desire that bubbled beneath the surface.

He thrust himself into her and Shepard squealed, more out of surprise then pain. The sudden animalistic change in Garrus sparked a deep shudder of arousal in her, and she found herself digging her fingernails into the plates of his back. Fueled by her reaction, Garrus pulled back and shoved himself in again, almost pushing her up higher along the bed. His thrusts where hard and urgent, emitting small grunts each time he plunged himself into her her.

"Harder," she told him, "I want it harder.."

How could he refuse? He increased in speed and force and again Shepard exclaimed in surprise. He moved into her over and over, their bodies responding to each other as if they were one. As he filled her, Shepard would lift her hips allowing him full penetration. She pressed her head against the side of his, their husky breaths loud in each others ears, and then a sharp pang as Garrus bit down on the soft flesh at her shoulder.

She cried out in pain, an odd sort of pain that did nothing to diminish the raging fire within her, and she clawed at his back as he continued to take her again and again. Then he was moving, shifting onto his knees and pulling Shepard up so she could straddle his lap. She let her legs spread further apart, this new position allowing her to fully impale him and grind her hips against his. Shepard groaned her approval, urging him once again to do it harder and faster.

His mouth enclosed around her breast as she moved above him, undulating her hips, forcing herself onto him over and over. The feeling of being so completely full, slipping and sliding as he deeply probed her sent the shooting spasms of orgasm upon her. He gripped her hips, digging his claws into her pliable flesh as her body shook, releasing wave after wave of crushing pulses that clamped around his own heat buried inside of her. The pressure made Garrus growl, a sound he was sure the entire ship could hear. It was as if she were sucking him back in, devouring him. Yet still she didn't stop, even as the renewed sense of warm slick juices gushed out of her, the musky scent enveloping them both only prompted him to relentlessly drive into her with unyielding haste desperate for his own release.

The room echoed with their combined moans and heavy breathing, the sounds of their bodies coming together, hard.. loud. Garrus let Shepard fall backwards, her body stretched out and arched, but still keeping her in his lap. He kneeled above her, his hands still clamping down on her hips and he can see where he is entering her furiously. The sight taunts him, her pink moist folds opening and accepting him time and again. Shepard bucked her hips, rubbing her swollen nub against his pelvis between thrusts when he could feel her start to constrict again.

Holding her tightly he let his eyes close, concentrating on the walls that surrounded him, slowly starting to shudder and vibrate. Being inside her, deeply, completely; with her soft mouth screaming in pleasure and her sweat covered body at his mercy, Garrus could feel the stirrings of his own orgasm come upon him hard and fast.

He drove into her, every breath getting more urgent, every cry more insistent, when he felt , Shepard once again tightening around him, her own screams making her body toss and turn as she pulled at her breasts and pinched her nipples. It was all too much, he couldn't hold it in any longer, and as Shepard undulated beneath him in the throws of her own passion, Garrus let go of any hold he had and succumbed to his own pleasure releasing himself inside of her with a groan so loud it shook his entire body.

Together, they rode the waves of blinding ecstasy, both of them finding each other through closed eyes as their frenzied spasms brought them to the peak and back, until they were left breathless and spent... and barely clinging onto reality.

Garrus let himself fall down beside Shepard and pulled her on top of him, her limp body burning into him again. Her labored breathing began to slow, and she looked up into his eyes and smiled.

"...Wow..." was all she could manage to say.

He chuckled, nuzzling his face into the warmth of her neck. Wow, was right! They'd definitely be doing that again!

"Are you.. OK?" he asked, hoping she got the exact meaning of his question.

She nodded, bringing her mouth to his and kissed him quickly. Gods, she felt... alive! Not just pleased, or pleasured.. but actually ALIVE, like she could take on the Reapers right now and kick their sorry asses back to depths of dark space single handed. But it wasn't just alive she felt, she also felt... complete. And the turian below her, that embraced her so warmly, so... protectively; had everything to do with that.

"Garrus, I... I love you Garrus, you know that, don't you."

He buried his face amidst the damp tangles of hair and brought her closer against his body, "Of course I do, and I love you," he paused a moment, "M...Maqi," he said tentatively, testing the name out, seeing how it felt on his lips, "you do know that now I have you, I'm never going to want to let you go."

She met his eyes and gazed into them longingly, "I should hope not, Vakarian," she purred, nuzzling into the side of his face once again, "I should hope not."

o.O.o

Epilogue

Shepard sat at the bar in Kasumi's empty room and ran a lone finger over the rim of her glass as she looked over the data pad Kelly had handed her earlier in the day. The information it held was dire. More alien attacks, more human attacks, more EVERYTHING attacks! And supposedly, it was her job to go and fix it all. Well, fuck! And then there was this small little tidbit footnoted at the bottom. It wasn't much to look at, a small blurry picture that apparently some colonist in the outer terminus had taken that showed some alien or another that was unknown. Shepard brought the pad closer to her face to study the image barely making out only the thick black strands that protruded from its head.

She threw the data pad back on the bench. Screw it.. she couldn't really be bothered with this shit right now.

As she brought the glass of sweet liquid to her lips, she smiled- then blushed. The memory of last nights events played out in her mind.. for the thousandth time today. So it had happened. She was finally with Garrus, and that thought made her happier then she had ever felt before. Not even when the face of Kaidan would every now and then drift into her consciousness did it phase her. She was done with him, OVER him, and she was finally at peace with the one man that actually really truly knew her, and trusted her as much as she trusted him.

"Am I interrupting you Shepard?"

The sudden sound of Thane's deep voice shook her from her thoughts as he took the seat next to her and turned to face her with a sad smile.

"Not at all, Thane," she replied, suddenly very wary of his close proximity to her. She still remembered their conversation on Mindoir at her mother's burial site and the day before they rescued Garrus. This wasn't what she needed right now.

He seemed to ponder over his words carefully before speaking, "I wanted to talk to you about.. what we spoke of on Mindoir."

Shepard's gut clenched, I knew it!

"Thane, look..."

But he raised his hand, waving her words away before she could finish.

"Let me say this Shepard, I need to say this.."

He took a deep breath and continued, "What I said on Mindoir, I meant every word. To not have you in my life, especially after every thing I have seen and done, would be a life I would rather not live. I have thought long and hard these past weeks about my feeling for you, and just how much I come to care for you and I realize now that.. yes Shepard, I do love you."

Shepard tried to interject, but again Thane stopped her, catching her hand in his and held it gently.

"I do love you Shepard, but... it is not the love one has for a.. lover, or spouse, or mate. It's a love that one has for a companion, a comrade in arms.. a friend. I consider you one of my closest friends, and after the existence I've lived these past 10 years, they are very few and far between. I'm sorry if I worried you, or caused you any trouble with my words that day. Although everything I said there is as true now as it was back then."

Thane released her hand and sat back, waiting for a response. A wave of relief spread over her, and she reached out and kissed Thane quickly on the cheek, followed by a smile.

"Thank you, Thane," she said, "I really appreciate that. And I too consider you an important ally and friend. What we have together, no one else does and that's what makes it so special, right?"

Thane arched his brow, a comical look on his face as his Commander spoke. The words she spoke were so... unlike her. They were too.. sunshiny. His eyes went down to the glass on the bar that she was nursing.

"Ahh, just how many drinks have you had?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

She giggled heartily, something he had never seen her do before. Her whole demeanor seemed to have changed, and he could only have guessed that Garrus was the cause of that. He was happy for her.

"Not many, four or five maybe?"

"Uh huh," he picked up the glass and gave it a quick sniff. The sweet but acrid smell made him draw back.

"Just what are you drinking Shepard?" he asked again.

Laughing, she took the glass from his hand and downed the rest of the yummy liquid in a single gulp.

"Schnapps, man! Peach Schnapps!"

THE END