A.N: OH GOD I AM SO SORRY! I left you all hanging for a while. God, I am so happy to finish this. Not that I didn't love this story, I really did. It was great, but so much work. I know I said something about two or more chapters, but this is it. The last one. I apologize if it's rushed at any point. And there isn't any sex scene in the last one, but there is conclusion. And everybody wins, well kind of. I apologize for loop holes or anything that makes it seem like shit. But it is just a story I put together. As always Read and Review. I would love to hear your comments on it.

Disclaimer: For the last time. I do not own Mass Effect Characters. They are the property of Bioware and only them. I do own any characters I in fact created, but other than that, nothing, nada, zip!

Chapter 14: Mi Chica

Two Weeks Later

Bree walked off the elevator in a rush her head down, eyes directed at the little screen she carried. Her eyes darted as she read reports, information, and articles. Invoices, ones that specifically said which weapons had been transported to the Terminus' storage, and which links to stores on the market the Terminus had available. It was a lot of information.

And she was so ready for it. Cataloguing had always been her specialty. She could have taken the worst storage unit and catalogued and organized it till every single item was color coated, number bared, and given a specific time of release and restocking. Computers were easy to her, and that was a part of the job, maintaining weaponry was a job as well, though more entertaining. Doing stuff like this made her feel organized. In a sense it had something to do with being the only girl in a household with four older brothers, stuff got mixed up in the mess that was her brothers. Especially where Trace had been involved. The man had been terrible had keeping things clean, and it had pissed her mother off to no end when things didn't get cleaned. She had always been so tired, that it wasn't until Bree was older had she realized her mother had no time to clean at all.

But, Bree thought, as she walked over to the nearest weapons requisition terminal, all that self-cleaning paid off in the end, since here she was, cataloguing firearms for the V-1 Terminus.

She stopped and looked around, feeling that small warmth flutter in her. She looked over to see one of the engineering members snacking on a candy bar, while another engineer fiddled with an omni-disk. They both looked up and smiled at her, waving, before going back to what they were doing.

She felt accepted here. It was like this ship was where she belonged. It was home. And there was something here that meant the entire world to her. And it wasn't just the beauty that was the Terminus-though that did count for something. Leaning up against a wall, while the machine calculated the data, she gently caressed a hand over the interior of the ship. She smiled.

"You saved my life, girl. I can't thank you enough."

Resting a head against the wall, she listened to the hum of the ship as it flew through space. She smiled again, content. That's when she heard it.

Far in the corner, against the loads of firearms and equipment she heard the voice flow over the hum. It was quiet, hushed, and if she hadn't been listening to the soft sounds already she would have missed it.

"I can't believe I've been stuck on this piece of metal for this long already. Ridiculous!"

Bree tipped her head, a confused look passing her face. It sounded familiar but she couldn't tell. Slowly, and silently, she tip toed her way over to press an ear against the cartons, just behind the voice.

"That jug head had the gall to call me out on my performance. He said I was performing, 'like I didn't give two shits'. Do you believe that? That arrogant sod! Does he really think I will take that kind of abuse?"

There was a pause and shuffle of feet, Bree knelt down to steady her, focusing on the voice. It was really familiar, and sounded exactly like-

"And you know what else he said? He said I should watch how I treat my subordinates. Said that if I wasn't careful, I could be called out on harassment. Hah! That's a joke, as if that puny little nobody would call me out on anything. Almost seven years she's been under my command and not once has she shown any balls. I almost laughed at his face. When I get into the office, I swear to you the first thing I'm going to do is ruin that man's career. Then I'll get the little nobody down so low she won't even see the sun again."

Bree gulped. She knew exactly who that was. And from the sound of it, he was pissed. Breath coming in heaves now, Bree stood carefully and walked back as calmly as possible before reaching over to grab the file from the terminal. Before she could escape a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Officer Dirce!"

Bree spun around her hair whipping her face and her eyes wide. Did she ever realize how truly nasty and terrifying that man was? Yes, she did, constantly.

"Sir," she stuttered, hoping, praying he hadn't seen her. "Can I help you?"

The steely man, with eyes that scared her, even when they disgusted her, looked beyond pissed. "Yes, for one you can tell me what exactly you think you are doing?"

"Doing, sir?"

"Here! I thought I gave you specific orders. You were to condense the files into a reputable form so that I could present them to the Commander. Have you done that yet?"

Bree gulped avoiding his eyes. "No, sir, I haven't."

Fredricks eyes flashed, and his jaw tightened. Bree felt herself shrink even more into the corner. "And why have you not done this?"

"It's just that," she started, licking her lips. God, Bree, her inner voice screamed. Why are you such a bloody coward?!

"It's just that Commander Vega asked if I might be able to place some requisition orders into the database, and organize some of the invoices for the last couple of purchases, and since-"

"WHO DO YOU ANSWER DO, DIRCE!?"

Bree flinched, lowering her head. Fredricks coughed when the two engineers started to get up in worry. He gave them a fake smile and grabbed Bree's arm leading her closer to the elevator. Bree felt the urge to rip her arm away, but didn't dare. She'd already been insubordinate enough today.

He leaned down, whispering darkly. "Need I remind you that you have served as my assistant for seven years now? And if it wasn't for my influence you wouldn't even have that little Officer's title stitched to your name. So when I saw do something, I expect you to do it."

Bree nodded, to scared and too weak to talk back. Where, oh, where had all that previous confidence gone? All that hard work for nothing?

"Good. Now, get moving."

When the grip on her arm was released, she ran, turning tail and shoving herself into the elevator as fast as possible. Her breath came in gasps now, her eyes tearing up with shock. Never, never before had Gunnery Chief Fredricks laid a hand on her. Sure he'd been cruel, demeaning her work, taking all the credit, taunting and harassing her, but not once had he ever laid a hand on her.

And that terrified her. More than any giant mutated creature attacking had.

If that was all because he'd been talked down to about his behavior, she didn't even want to know how he would act if he knew that the reason James had talked to him was because he was involved with her.

When the elevator chimed, and opened, she was composed, hiding her eyes. If nothing else, she just had to find a quiet place to hide or a while. That was all. But as soon as she stepped off, she ran right into something.

"Whoa, chica. Didn't see you there. You alright?"

Bree looked up, looked into the warm brown eyes of Commander James Vega, and collapsed.

James swore as Bree fell into him. He hadn't planned for that kind of reaction and almost didn't catch her in time before she fell to the floor. He looked around the CIC, and saw that a few people were staring. Recovering he lifted Bree, the tiny thing that she was, into his arms. He looked around, staring them all down.

"I'll be in Medical if anybody needs me."

"Yes, sir," someone said, and everybody went back to work. They all trusted that Commander Vega would take care of whatever had happened to the young Officer.

He just wished he knew what had happened. He looked down as the elevator descended again to see his Bree crying into his shirt. Voiceless sobs that crushed his heart. Lifting her up closer to his chest, and leaned down to kiss her hair and whispered softly to her. It was all Spanish, which he knew she wouldn't understand, but he also knew she was appreciate the words all the more because of it.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, as they walked to Medical. "I'm such a coward. I sicken myself."

James gritted his teeth, knowing exactly what had happened.

! #$%^&*! #$%^&*! #$%^&*

When Bree awoke from her stress filled slumber it was near end of shift. She was walking out into the cafeteria, and saw the area nearly deserted, save for a few in the far distance talking to one another. Checking the time again, she saw she had been asleep for nearly four hours.

Guess all that crying took it out of you.

Shut up, she ordered the voice in her head, but even that held little heat. She remembered very little about what happened after the Commander had taken her to the medical bay, but she did remember feeling the weight of a kiss and the soft sound of James' accent wisp into her senses.

The soothing words almost brought more tears to her eyes. He had seen her at her weakest and still he carried and appreciated her. It was little wonder she was so desperately in love with him.

Looking around, Bree wandered over to the kitchen, seeing nothing and walked to corner. There was enough privacy to make a call. A call she needed to make.

It connection went through beautifully.

Bree blinked at the face. The beautiful green eyes, sharp and strong, and the pale blonde hair caught her off guard. Before she smiled as memories hit her.

"Hello, Isadora."

The woman smiled back, a dazzling sight. "Hello there, Bree. It's so nice to hear from you. And how many times must I ask you to call my Isa?"

Bree shook her head as if embarrassed. "Gosh, I'm sorry, I keep forgetting that."

Bree admired the smooth British dialect that flowed even through the screen. Isa laughed, it was like a birds twitter. "No worries, there was a long time ago I would never have gone by Isa. But I find it's grown on me in the years. So, how are things?"

Bree tried to let a lie come but couldn't find the strength to push it out. "Actually, Isa, not so good. I was wondering if I could talk to Luke for a bit."

"Of course, love. Just give me a moment. He's just outside doing rounds."

As the screen seemed to walk with Isa, Bree looked around to see if anyone else was around. No one.

"Here he is, love. Luke! It's you sister. She wants to talk to you."

The connection shifted, rolled, before Luke's faced pulled on screen.

"What is it? What's the matter? Have you been hurt?"

Bree felt tears almost flow again at the worried and freaked out tone of her only brother left. "No," she sniffled. "I'm fine, really."

"Then why have you been crying. I can always tell when you've had a crying jag. Tell me what's wrong Pop Rock."

It was the nickname, the old stupid nickname that every single one of her brothers had used on her that made the dam burst once more. In a hurried voice she told him everything. Fredricks, the Terminus, and even James.

He listened, quiet through it all, listening like he'd always done. When she had finished and the tears had been reduced to hiccups, he spoke.

"I'm so happy you're in love, Bree. I can't even tell you. And it sounds like you've caught a big one."

Bree chuckled, wiping her eyes. "I didn't catch him, he caught me. The bastard."

"All the same, we'll have to celebrate. You have to bring him here, so I can torture and antagonize him until he promises everlasting love towards you."

"Yeah, sure, you big softy."

The smile dropped, and Luke looked seriously at her. "Bree, you know I've always let you make your own choices, and go your own course. It's what Mom wants for you. It's what she always wanted for all of us. And that's never going to change, no matter what happens to her. But this CO of yours, he's bad news. Power hungry, political scammer if you ask me."

He lifted his fingers and gently touched the screen. "Be careful, Pop Rock. I couldn't stand it if something happened to you. I'd die, if I lost you."

Bree nodded, touching back through the screen. "I know me too."

He nodded. Before smiling, looking back at Isa. "So, guess what?"

! #$%^&~! #$%^&*()! #$%^&

Bree was standing in the same spot, thinking thirty minutes after the call ended. She should be happy. Her brother was getting married; her mother was getting out of Recuperation. And she was still alive. But that incident with Fredricks was continuously running through her mind. Not to mention his conversation with whoever was on the other end. Maybe, maybe she needed to talk to James about it, mention that there might be plans for sabotage or something.

She'd just pop in, and tell him everything. Maybe he'd help her. Find a way to make it better, maybe firing Fredricks, or sending him off. Anything. He'd help her, she knew he would. She stared to walk when a thought popped in her head.

Aren't we being cheeky with our insubordination?

No, she thought to the little voice in her head. She was going to ask him as a crew member.

What if Fredricks expects something like this.

Bree paused, eyes widening. What if he knew? What if somehow in the past months of their new relationship, Fredricks had found out about them? I mean it wasn't so hard to picture. Sure they'd been discrete about the whole thing, but what if someone had seen them, talk privately or some video had captured him giving her those hidden kisses behind the crates in docking. Bree's very avid imagination could just see the look on Fredricks' face, and here the words he would say.

Fredricks has inside friends.

Yes, Bree shuddered. She couldn't count the number of times she'd received calls from political personnel on behalf of Fredricks. Some really powerful men and women had their ears to Fredricks' words.

"Bree!"

Bree stopped; turning rapidly, scared, but sighed when James walked up from the kitchen. "Chica, I've been calling you for about a minute. You're just standing there with a look on your face."

James smiled, looking around briefly before reaching up to give in to the urge to touch her. After he'd gone, left her in the infirmary, he'd been so worried about her. She'd looked terrified, and hopeless. He never wanted to see her like that again. It ripped him in two. So he'd done what he had to do. But now, he was determined to brighten that face.

"Commander," she stammered, her face blushing. She looked so adorable when she blushed. "I thought you had been busy. I didn't hear you, sorry.

"Just had to take care of a few things, a call to be exact, and it's finished. Are you okay?

Bree sighed, rubbed her hand over her forehead in attempt to ease the headache. "Yes, I'm fine. All better now. Back to being calm again."

"You wound me, chica. And here I thought you melted at my very presence."

Bree's face showed confusion, before she rolled her eyes. It made him laugh. A few months ago, and that gesture would have never been made by the stoically quiet mouse before him. He was happy to see she hadn't lost all of the new her in that last moment.

"Well, if you aren't busy, mi chica. How about joining me for some dinner? It's just after shift, so I was about to grab a bite to eat and head up, but I'd be more than happy for the company."

"Sure," Bree said, smiling happily. "I'd love to, Commander."

James clicked his tongue as he walked to the small kitchen. "Off shift, chica. It's James."

Bree hesitated. Still, the look on James' face made her nod obediently.

"Yes, James." His smile was infectious, and Bree felt her heart beat race at the sight of it. God, how she loved that man. More than anybody else in the world. She took the plate of heated up food from him and followed his retreating form to the table.

She chuckled, sitting across from him. A feeling of déjà vu came to her.

"Remember the first time we were together in this room?"

James looked around, smirking. "Oh yeah, big time, chica. When I almost dragged you to floor right here."

She choked on her forkful of steak.

He grinned, biting thoughtfully into his. "First time I got to see Officer Dirce become the sexy little Bree I now know so well."

"Sir, there could be people listening."

"You've got a thing for tattoos and accent's don't you, mi chica."

Lowering her blushing face down and away from his hungry gaze was hard to do, but she managed it. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"Sure you do. You were so fascinated with my tattoos; you were licking them and biting them and everything."

"Stop it!" she hissed, but there was little anger and more laughter behind it.

He didn't relent, knew that it was helping. Instead he took another bite to think for a second, before starting again. "For such a slight little thing, you were certainly willing to push me down to the metal. If we hadn't been interrupted, I think we might have made love for the first time in something a lot less comfortable than the bed in my cabin."

Bree shook her head, no longer able to contain the laughter. "You are so mean, Commander. A real jerk."

Bree looked up when he chuckled. He looked so smug. He got a real kick out of embarrassing her. She could see that. Well, a sly part of her thought, two can play at that little game.

"I guess you're right about something though, James. I do have a thing for Spanish men."

He laughed, shaking his head.

"I do get rather hot when you take charge of the situation. Call it what you will. But," she drawled, letting her gaze slip over him. She saw his eyes drift back to her. "I'm not the only one who enjoys a little forceful command, Commander."

Bree had the genuine pleasure of watching Commander James Vega's eyes darken, and the heat of them sear her flesh. She smirked right back at the look.

"I've been on top how many times now?"

The dark light in his eyes burst and a small groan was heard. Bree sat there watching him over another forkful of potato and enjoyed the sight of him reeling himself back in. It was thrilling to say the least.

When James finally tightened the reign on his libido back in again, he was uncomfortably aware that his pants no longer fit the same way they did five minutes ago. Shaking his head, he let out a deep sigh of frustration.

"Dios me libre dela condenación" he mumbled, taking another deep breath. "You, Bree Dirce, are a handful."

"Yes, but that's what makes me special."

"Yeah, hey you think maybe since we've got nothing better to do you and me-"

He was cut off when the sound of footsteps echoed into the room. They both looked up simultaneously to find none other than Chief Jake Fredricks walk into the mess hall.

Bree's eyes widened, and she stiffened. James lifted himself shooting daggers at the man in question. The Chief glared at them.

"Just the man I wanted to see."

He trounced up, practically spitting acid. "It was you who called a suspension on me!"

Bree's eyes whipped back to James, who was very slowly standing up from the table.

"You're going to want to take a step back, Fredricks, and think really carefully on how you begin the next sentence out of your mouth."

"You cock-faced jug head! Do you have any idea who I am?! What gives you the right to call a suspension on me?"

"Every right." James stated calmly, glancing briefly at Bree who was trying her best to sink into the floor. No, he thought, don't cower now. Not when you have this chance.

"You were in clear violations of Alliance codes. You in fact faked certain documents, this I know for a fact, Fredricks."

"How dare you, what evidence-"

"You're 'assistant' Fredricks. You always sent her to do the work. After Officer Dirce finished your little tasks, she sent copies to my office. Why?" He stated before Fredricks could interrupt. "Because I asked her to.

Not only that," he continued, stepping forward and moving Fredricks back. "But two engineers from below saw you blatantly lay a physical contact on Officer Dirce, effectively injuring her, and harassing her."

"I did no such-"

"No? Well, the ships logs can prove that easy enough. I've been keeping my eyes on you for a while now, Fredricks. Ever since you boarded the Terminus. I didn't trust you. And it seems my gut feeling was right."

Bree blinked as James took control, and she found herself lifting just a little. Fredricks was helpless, flouting like a fish against the blatant evidence. She couldn't believe it.

"So from today onwards, Fredricks, I am placing back within Alliance hands. Once we reach Earth again in two day time you are off my ship for good."

Fredricks looked over at Bree rapidly, quick, and it slapped Bree back with a force. "You bitch! It was you who did this! It's your fault!"

James lifted a hand before Fredricks could advance, and watched him crumbled under the force he pressed on the shoulder. "I ask that you do not speak that way towards you Commanding Officer, Fredricks."

"What!?" Bree and Fredricks said at the same time.

James turned and smirked at Bree. "You deserve it, Gunnery Chief Brianna Dirce. Called in a favor, and wonderful Hero commented to the board that you should be put up for promotion. And with the comments on all members of the former Normandy on board with the decision, it's been decided."

James turned back, and lifted Fredricks to standing. "So, Bree, now would be a good time to say what you want to say."

Astonished and amazed, Bree looked at Fredricks. She could say anything. After all those years of abuse, she could finally talk back. Finally tell him what she really thought. When she looked at James she just smiled.

"Goodbye, Jake Fredricks. Hope you have a nice life."

#$%^&! #$%^&*! #$%^&*(

Bree still couldn't believe it. She was Gunnery Chief of the V-1 Terminus. What was even more unbelievable was the amount of support the rest of the crew gave her. They all thought she deserved it. It just wasn't possible.

She was sitting in the Commander's room, after a long day of briefing, and talks with officials on the Alliance. She would be on active duty in just a few days' time.

He'd done it all for her. He'd risked that for her. If he'd been wrong, and had accused Fredricks with false charges he could have been court martialed. But he'd risked it, for her.

The doors opened, and Bree glanced up as James walked in. He was leaning against the wall, staring at her. He was smiling, and looked smug.

"Gunnery Chief Bree Dirce." He looked out as if tasting it on the tongue. She had to admit, she'd done it a half a million times and it still sounded new and shiny.

"How?" she wondered out loud. James laughed, walking down and sitting beside her on the bed.

"I didn't lie when I said I called it favors. Shepard put in a good word for you. After I explained everything. She had told the board that even after knowing you for a short time she had every confidence that you would excel in the Alliance. And with the support of the crew, all saying you were a good and decent soldier, it was just natural."

Bree shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. "But I acted like a total fool around all of them."

James nodded, raising a scared eyebrow. "Yeah, that was what sold it to them. They all really liked you. I mean, really! I got a call from Jack saying how we should stop by the Academy for another drink sometime soon. Said she wasn't done grilling us for information."

They both laughed. The thought sounded appealing.

Bree stopped, staring at James. "But why? I mean, why go to all the trouble for someone like me?"

James looked at her, shaking his head in frustration. He stood quickly, catching her off guard, and walked to the fish tank. He was quiet, almost too quiet. But Bree sat and let him collect his thoughts.

His back was too her, hard and strong, something she'd come to love and depend on. She knew he understood and appreciated her own strength. He didn't coddle her, he didn't berate her, but trusted her to do what she was capable of doing. He always knew she could be better. And with him, she realized she was. She wasn't afraid of anything with him around. She could take on the world if he was right beside her, helping fend it off.

"I love you," she said, and watched him stiffen just slightly. "I do, so much. I love you so much."

James blinked, ashamed that he wanted to weep. The words meant more than anything to him. So why couldn't he answer back. What was stopping him. He looked over his shoulder, and stared at Bree.

Just stared.

She was beautiful. A tiny little thing, with a large heart that could be easily broken. She had scars deep within her, just like him, but she carried on. She lived as she could, and now, now that she was finally coming out of the shell he couldn't find any reason not to say those words he desperately wanted to say.

What was stopping him?

Was it the rank? No, he couldn't care less about that shit. Commander Shepard and Major Alenko had done it, even before the ranks had been close. Why couldn't he? Was it some fear of being tied down?

No, Bree wouldn't tie him down. She'd be there, side by side with him while he continued his service, and she'd be there when he was too old to carry on.

So what was stopping him.

Bree stood up then, and he almost jumped at her, afraid she was going to leave. Instead he walked over and reached for her. He watched her eyes, as he leaned down and saw the recognition of the act flitter into the green depths, then the warmth as they closed and she pressed forward to receive him. But he didn't reach down to touch his lips to hers. As the seconds passed, those sea green eyes opened again. "James," she whispered, questions in her gaze. But she didn't voice them. She didn't demand words back. And that was the beauty of it all.

Mi chica. He thought. Wasn't that what he called her? Like he owned her? No, not owned, something else.

"Mi chica," he whispered back, tracing his fingers over her cheek bones. She blinked at him.

"Yes?"

That was it.

James understood. That nickname, those words. She accepted him and everything about him. She had all along. The shy little beauty had stolen his heart from the first glance. He was just too stupid to do anything else besides seduce and bed. But internally, he had been saying it all along.

Bree stared, before she looked up at his eyes once more. The warm brown of them was flashing, so bright it blinded her and she say it, the same look in his eyes that Isa had had in hers. It was the eyes that gave it all away.

"Mi chica," he whispered again, leaning to place a kiss on her forehead, her nose, her left cheek, her right cheek. "Mi chica."

Bree gasped, and almost spoke before his lips crashed against hers. She felt the burst of heat, of energy pour through her and reacted. Throwing her arms around him, she felt her head pound. He lifted her, twirling her around, and she felt dizzy with the sensation.

It had taken them both so damn long to see it, well, to hear it. All the time he'd been saying it. Saying that he loved her.

Mi chica.

It had always been those words.

A.N: Final note of this story 'Apologies for Grammatical Errors'. Thank you all for the support. I appreciate your patience and the fact that you did in fact read this story till the end. Review what you thought, I always like that! Till my next story! Bye Bye readers! I love you all! James Vega forever!