Disclaimer – Mass Effect characters are property of Bioware. This fanfiction was written just for fan's enjoyment.

"Stay focused on the mission Shepard."

He could remember the conversation perfectly. She was a strong woman, one that he thought, had it all together and he was right. She did. She always will.

They spent their, what seemed at the time, their last moments, together. There were only a couple of hours away from leaping into the Omega 4 relay. It was a mission that could cost them their lives. They couldn't imagine a better way to spend it. The floor of the engine room was hard and cold but they both didn't care.

"I thought that you only picked the best. Why here? We both have rooms. A bed in both."

"I wanted something different. After all, I wanted you to come after me, Commander."

She pushed her body against his, kissing him gently. Their relationship had come a long way. She would be lying if she didn't expect this to happen. She did bring him back after all.

"You think EDI will send this to the Illusive man? We did just make our own little tape for his viewing."

They were laying there, Shepard holding Miranda, brushing his fingers through her hair. Miranda was created this way but was made perfectly for him.

"I have no intention on telling the Illusive man. As long as you clean up after yourselves, Shepard."

He chuckled. "Noted. Thank you EDI."

"We don't need the Illusive man knowing about us."

Miranda smiled at Shepard placing her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart. The heart that she had given him. The second life. The one that she had given him.

"30 minutes until the Omega 4 Relay." Joker announced through the comm.

"I guess, we should get ready?" Miranda asked. Shepard could see the worry on her face. She was as nervous about the mission as Shepard was. They both knew that the end was near.

They got up and got dressed. Their clothes were all in a pile. Shepard could sense the worry in Miranda. He figured that she could sense it in him as well.

"Hey." He reached for her, placing his hands around her waist. "Everything will be okay."

"You don't know that! Shepard, so many things could go wrong. We don't even know what we will face! How can you say that?"

Tears began to fall down her face. Shepard had only seen this once, after Miranda spoke to Oriana.

"Do you believe in me? We have done all that we can, Miranda. The team is strong. The Normandy is fully upgraded. We will defeat the Collectors. I know it. With you by my side, I know that we will."

He took a moment to stare into her eyes then embraced her. He could feel her shaking. For once, she wasn't trying to be strong. She was being human.

"I know." She whispered in his ear, placing her hands around his neck. "Shepard, promise me that you won't,

"I won't." He smiled at her. "I already did once before and I don't plan on doing it again." It was the same smile that was on his face from the first time that they kissed. The stupid grin that slightly annoyed her the first time around, now brought her comfort.

"We should go. There are things that will be in order before the mission. I'll see you at the briefing room when they time comes." They parted ways, with Miranda leaving first. He watched her go as she left. He sighed. He wondered about the future and wanted her to be a part of it. No matter what.

Author's notes: This story will explore the romance between Shepard and Miranda during the mass effect series and after. Hope you enjoy! Will post as much and as soon as I can. Thanks for reading. Any feedback would be kind!