Mass effect Aftermath. Merry christmas.

My eyes slowly crept open the dim lights of are bedroom appearing before my eyes. Shepard was sitting on the edge of our bed his hands holding the small bundle that was our three year old daughter Ya'del. She noticed I had woken up causing her to squirm in her father's arms.

" Well look, mummy up Ya'del. Say hello."

" Hello mummy."

" Hello Ya'del what are you doing up this late? "

" I wanted to see if santa had been yet."

I had to resist a laugh. Ever since shepard had explained what Christmas was are twins had been able to contain themselves.

" And I'v been explaining that he won't come if she's awake. So young lady are you prepared to go back to bed? "

She nodded to her father as he stood up from the bed. He turned to look back giving me a slight wink.  I knew what he was meaning. After I was sure they had stepped outside I slid off the bed and made my way to the cupboard where we had hidden there presents.,  It amazing how smart a three year old quarian can be.

As I opened the door, a sharp shallow pain shot through my side. I knew what it was, but it still hurt like I'd been stabbed. The three scars that ran along my side where the banshee's claws had nearly ripped me in too. The doctors said it was some alien tissue that would never truly heal.

It began to pass leaving me with an itch. I sighed as I picked up the presents. The universe rally did have an awful sense of timing.


A smile spread across my face as I tucked the small quarian into bed. Even behind her visor I could tell, she was smiling.

" Now go to sleep little one or Santa isn't going to come if your awake."

" He won't forget me will he daddy? "

" Off course he won't. "

" Daddy why do I have to wear this suit?"

I froze in place. I knew I'd have to answer the question sooner or later, but I was hoping it would be later. I knelt down beside my daughter trying my best to put on a smile.

" It very complicated little one. Can you remember when daddy had a cold a few weeks ago? "

She nodded in reply.

" Well you wouldn't  get better you could get very sick. So you have to wear your envro suit until your strong enough so you won't get sick. "

" Will you tell me when I'm strong enough? "

" Off course I will honey. "

As my daughter rested her head against her pillow, I couldn't help but smile. She definitely was my daughter.


I looked up from the counter as shepard stepped into the bedroom.

" So is are little girl asleep?"

" Sleeping peacefully just like her brother."

A smile spread across my face as he sat down beside me. He noticed I was holding my side and a look of concern spread across his face.

" Are you all right?"

" My side hurts."

" Where the banshee got you?"

I nodded in reply. He reached out with his hands to take mine in his own.

" Would you like me to run you an antibiotic bath? That usually help's. "

How did he know what I wanted?
A biotic blur and Shepard had grabbed one of the packages from under the small tree he'd set up in our room.

" Here scented antibiotic liquid. I now it a little early but I'm sure we can make an exception. "

" You are an angel Shepard have I ever told you that?"

" All the time."

Thirty minutes later.

A smile spread across my face as tali sat down beside me.

" Feeling better?"

" Much better.  Is something wrong you keep looking away from me?"

" Sorry it's just Ya'del asked why she had to wear her suit as I put her to bed."

" Already?"

She sighed as I put my arm around her pulling her into a hug.

" Hey, we always knew it was only a matter of time. I was just always hoping it would be latter."

" She's definitely your daughter Shepard. I wonder how's she's going to take the news."

" News? "

" The fact she's going to have a little brother or sister."

Wait,what had she just said?

" You mean you're…"

She simply nodded as we fell back against the bed. Another child? Sometimes the universe knows just what to do to make a wonderful Christmas.