Archive of Our Own

The Greatest Gift of All

A pleasant chime filled the Tiberius Tower elevator cab when it arrived, followed by the announcement of the floor by a pre-programmed, feminine voice. Both noises were intimately familiar to the two passengers within.

“You know,” Kaiden Alenko began suddenly as the doors glided open, “that chime is…oddly soothing.”

Anastasia Shepard glanced to her friend, a faint smile on her lips.

“Think so?” she asked, lowering to pick up the two large tote bags sitting on either side of her feet.

Kaiden nodded, mirroring her. “Yeah.”

Upright and bags in hand, he lifted his chin, politely gesturing Anastasia to go first. So, the retired soldier took the lead, just like old times, exiting the elevator into the spacious L-shaped hallway.

“I know it probably sounds strange,” the active-duty Spectre admitted, falling in step. “But, with the exception of Kelham’s mercs taking us by surprise, this place has always felt like a sort of haven away from the galaxy at large.

“Shore leave before the war ended, those tenuous days as we were all scrambling to figure out how to repair the Charon Relay, and the moments of leave we had once we were out in the thick of it again—there are a lot of good memories here. Peaceful ones, which were so rare during the war.

“I suppose that chime… Well, it’s soothing. To me, at least. It’s a reminder of the bright memories behind us, and that there are plenty more still ahead. Like today.”

“Mm,” Anastasia hummed in agreement. “When you say it like that… Yeah, there really is something soothing about it. Despite all the changes we’ve seen since the war ended, that chime is still the same, and that familiarity, that consistent presence in our moments of peace, provides a sense of comfort whenever I come back here. Maybe even serves as a reminder that we’re safe here.”

“Safe,” Kaiden repeated, nodding. “Yeah, I think that’s it. There used to be so much uncertainty. So much…loss, all around us. I suppose it’s still there, in the scars the Reapers left behind. But here? Heh, hey”—he smiled—“remember that time James acted out fighting a pack of varren? Right after you were discharged from the hospital?”

“I remember,” she replied, smiling widely. “Apparently he had to ‘rescue’ Garrus because they thought he was one of theirs. And all he had were his fists and his ‘guns’ to fight them. Since I wouldn’t have given up, though…”

“Neither could he!” Kaiden finished, a laugh in his voice and a grin on his face. “He certainly knows how to spin a yarn, I’ll give him that.”

“That he does.”

They rounded the corner. As they crossed the long stretch of hall towards her apartment door, waiting at its end, Anastasia looked over to her fellow biotic and said,

“I appreciate the help, Kaiden.”

“Ah, it was the least I could do. The list of supplies Kasumi and James put together to feed the whole crew was pretty extensive. Honestly”—he glanced down at his bags, full from top to bottom with an assortment of ingredients—“it still ended up being more than I anticipated. But I suppose when you’re making meals for a crew as big as ours, including krogans and biotics with big appetites, and aliens who can’t eat human food, your groceries will pile up.

“But, you know, it’s nice. Getting everyone together like this again, I mean. Back on Earth it’d be Christmas Eve today. I know it’s an old-timey human holiday; I’ve had an…interesting time, we’ll say, explaining it to some of the non-human members of the Normandy’s present crew.”

Anastasia chuckled knowingly. She’d had similar conversations leading up to today with Tali and Garrus, as well as Wrex when he’d seen the decorations around the apartment.

“To me, though,” Kaiden continued, “getting everyone under one roof for this party, this—I don’t know, I guess this celebration that we’re alive. That we…made it this far together, and are still here, still pushing ahead, despite all that was lost… I’m grateful for it. I’m grateful to be alive.

“So much could’ve gone wrong,” he said, shaking his head. “So much did go wrong. A different decision here and there and…everything would be different now.” He gestured his chin towards the door. “Yet today, beyond those doors, are the precious people we have left. Comrades. Friends. Family. We’re here today. Alive.

“Hell, Shepard, I’m getting to watch your kids grow up! Garrus and Tali’s, too. Miranda and Jack’s family is just beginning. These precious moments of life… They’re the greatest gifts I can think of this Christmas.”

“Agreed.” Anastasia nodded. “So, a celebration of being alive, huh?”

“Too cheesy?”

“No. I think it’s perfect.” 

Although she had never put those specific words to it, when she thought back to the very first Christmas she’d shared with Kasumi after retiring, at that cozy little lake house covered in snow, where they held their first snowball war, and all the Christmas’s they’d shared since…

Yeah, that summed up what she’d been celebrating all these years.

A celebration of being alive, and being so grateful to share another year together.

Another tomorrow.

Now they were here today, approaching her apartment where what precious people they still had left, and the new lives blossoming in the Milky Way, were waiting for them.

Yeah. She was grateful for it, too. Grateful to be alive, and grateful her friends and family were, too.

“I’m glad you made it, Kaiden,” she said sincerely.

Kaiden smiled. “Likewise, Shepard.”

They passed the threshold, entering the apartment, and were greeted by the rich tones of a jazzy saxophone and piano drifting from the sound system, the smooth beat beneath guiding the artistic dance of melodies. It mingled together with the faint chorus of chatting friends.

Anastasia exhaled content breath through her nostrils.

Home sweet home.

Years had passed since those final fleeting moments preceding the Reaper War’s conclusion, when Anderson first gifted his personal apartment to Anastasia. She’d called him incredibly generous. He’d called the gift practical.

Assuming they won the war, and survived, he doubted he’d ever set foot in it again anyway, knowing in his heart that the rebuilding efforts would end up requiring his direct attention. He also planned to settled down with Kahlee Sanders; apparently he knew a good place on Earth.

They’d found it, too. Once the dust settled. Once he and Sanders no longer had anywhere else to run off to, or some other duty pulling them apart.

It was embarrassing to admit, but when Anderson had gifted her his apartment, she’d ended up roaming around aimlessly after their call, uncertain of what to do, afraid to touch anything or sit in any of the chairs.

God, she’d been so lost. What was she supposed to do with so much space?

Was it really even hers?

The apartment had been an uncharted world, for all intents and purposes. An alien planet which possessed the necessary ingredients for life to blossom there, but it didn’t resemble any life she knew. Not even close.

The relief she’d felt when she received a message from who she thought to be Joker, asking to meet up at a sushi restaurant, couldn’t be quantified. She’d virtually flown out the door as though chased by raging horde of a thousand husks.

Anastasia suppressed a chuckle.

Little did either of us know that Brooks was behind the message. She tricked us both and led us right into the center of her trap. Then the bullets started flying, and I fell through the fish tank.

Instead of shore leave I was right back in the thick of trouble, where I felt most comfortable at the time.

The apartment had become their staging ground throughout the Clone Incident. It’d helped break it in, she supposed. Got her more comfortable with seeing it as her place, rather than a strange building she felt like a trespasser within.

Now holiday decorations adorned the apartment, across both floors. Lighted garland covered in white-gold baubles and bows lined the balcony and stairwell, while a row of colorful stockings hung from the holographic fireplace, waiting for goodies to be dropped into them.

A large faux tree occupied the center of the main living area, replacing the coffee table once settled between the couches; it was adorned from top to bottom in numerous baubles and ornaments. At its peak, serving as a tree topper, was the Normandy flying towards a large star.

“Looks like they didn’t burn the place down while we were gone. Not yet, anyway,” Kaiden quipped.

“Give it time. Grunt hasn’t arrived yet,” Anastasia said, smirking.

“Heh. Good point.”

By the blessings of a Christmas miracle, everyone’s schedules had aligned perfectly this year, or so Kasumi claimed while smiling quite charmingly. Some, like Kaiden’s crew, as well as Jacob, Samara, and Wrex, would depart before the New Year arrived. Responsibilities called, but that was okay.

This gathering was more than enough. It wouldn’t be the last, either, she swore.

We still have plenty more memories ahead of us, she thought, watching as an asari child emerged from the kitchen with a skip in her step and a festive red hat on her head. She wore a cute white shirt paired with a rose red skirt and candy cane striped leggings.

Eventually our time will come. But for now, while we’re all still here, I say let’s leave those who’ll outlive us a lifetime of bright memories to look back on.

Zanea, her seven year old daughter, lapis-skinned with white markings, noticed the two humans at the entryway, and brightened.

“Mommy and Uncle Kaiden are back!” she announced as she hurried away from the kitchen to meet them.

At the call, a red-haired human girl in a festive hat, emerald long-sleeve and dark-blue shorts swiftly exited the kitchen, racing to catch up to her older asari sister. Xandria, nearly six years old.

Ana set the groceries down preemptively, smiling at two of the lights of her life, shining brighter than the brightest of sun-like stars. She knelt down and caught Zanea in her arms first.

Xandria punctuated her approach with an excited hop forward, before shuffling closer to wrap her arms around them both. Ana hugged her, too. She kissed their temples, let Xandria step back when she was ready. Zanea held on a little longer.

“Miss me?” Ana asked softly, but with a smile in her voice.

“I get worried whenever you leave…”

“I know.” She rubbed her daughter’s back, kissed her temple. “I know. But we’re back now, safe and sound. Just as promised.”

“Holding down the fort, Xandria?” Kaiden asked, setting a bag down and raising his palm out for a high five.

“Yep!” Xandria replied, thrusting her smaller palm against his, bright green eyes glowing cheerfully. “We laid down the law, just like you said.”

Kaiden chuckled. “Good to hear.”

Zanea stepped back, clasping her hands behind her back. “We did put Uncle James and Mama on the temporary Naughty List.”

“Uh-oh. Sounds serious,” Kaiden said, smiling widely.

Ana smirked. “What’s the crime they’ve been charged with?”

“Misbehaving!” Xandria declared, placing her hands on her hips.

“They were debating whether or not dessert was necessary,” Zanea explained. “When Uncle James asked us to choose a side, we put them both on a timeout. Mama went, ‘Nooooo!’ Uncle James asked, ‘On whose authority?’ We told them on yours,” she said, gesturing to Anastasia and Kaiden. “And that it was to go unquestioned, by your orders.”

“ ‘No fighting on Christmas Eve,’ ” Xandria repeated, chopping her arm four times, mirroring her mother’s familiar gesture.

Anastasia snorted. Kaiden grinned.

“I knew it was the right call to leave you girls in charge,” said Kaiden.

“Thank you for keeping them in line, little ones,” Ana said, patting their heads. She picked up the bags and rose to her full height, gesturing her chin towards the kitchen. “Come on. Let’s go free them from their timeouts. It is Christmas Eve, after all. And someone has to cook.”

“Yeah! They can earn their way off the Naughty List by cooking everyone amazing food!” Xandria said enthusiastically.

“Exactly. Ready, Kaiden?”

“Oh yeah. I can’t wait to see this.”

In the kitchen they found Miyako seated on the counter, beside the fridge, palms pressed against Kasumi’s as the thief alternated between making one pair rise and the other fall, and moving them together on a horizontal plane in a little dance, swaying her hips gently to the music.

Their youngest—she had turned four at the beginning of the month—was giggling, bobbing her head side to side with her mother. Joy glowed in her electric blue eyes, black hair swaying above her shoulders with every little head bob.

Kasumi’s little mirror image wore a green skirt, red leggings, and a colorful shirt depicting an emperor penguin standing amidst a snowy field decorated in candy canes; Miyako had fallen in love with how cute he looked in a festive red hat.

Destia, Zanea’s identical twin, was standing before James, adjacent to the kitchen island. She kept her arms crossed, legs shoulder-length apart, puffing her chest out in a perfect imitation of the Alliance Marine’s serious stance. Their severe difference in height forced her to look up at the powerfully built human.

The pair squinted at one another in what appeared to be a staring contest, or the preamble to a wild west duel. She wore a pink long sleeve and burgundy pants.

Occupying the kitchen island’s seats were Steve and Joker, wearing their Alliance casuals, like James. Neither were bothering to hide their amused expressions.

Kasumi, donning her hooded red and black armor, peered back and caught her partner’s eyes for the briefest moment. She smiled, winked.

Anastasia’s heart fluttered. An unconscious smile tugged at her lips.

God, how did she get so lucky?

“There you are,” Kasumi greeted.

“Mommy’s back!” Miyako cheered.

Setting the groceries on the kitchen counter, Anastasia turned around and directly into an embrace from Destia, who had abandoned the staring contest in favor of hugging her mother around the waist. Destia rested the point of her chin against her abdomen and smiled brightly up at her mother.

“Got you!” she said.

“Looks that way,” Ana said with a smile, hugging her daughter. She kissed the top of her head. “Were you having fun with Uncle James?”

“Mmhm! I won. He looked away first.”

“Because Kasumi blew air against my ear,” Vega reminded, squinting at the thief as though she committed treason.

Anastasia chuckled.

I’d say you get used to it, James, she thought, rubbing Destia’s back before she returned to imitating Vega’s serious stance. But, honestly, even after all of these years I still jump whenever she does that.

You never had a chance.

“He says that like he’s surprised,” Kasumi quipped, approaching with Miyako on her hip.

“I didn’t anticipate interference from the audience."

“Since when have I played fair?”

“She has a point,” Kaiden agreed as he began unloading the groceries he had carried.

“Thanks for the support,” Vega said dryly. “You’re as helpful as the referees who turned a blind eye to blatant cheating!”

He pointed at Cortez and Joker, sending them a harmless glare.

“I didn’t see anything, Mister Vega,” Cortez replied cheekily, shrugging. 

“You can’t keep blaming Kasumi, James. We all saw her step out of the room,” Joker said feigning innocence. “So she couldn’t have been responsible. I mean, it’s not like she has cloaking technology or was ever known to sneak around the Normandy. That’s just crazy talk!”

“I should’ve known she would bribe you two.”

Joker mocked a gasp. “Bribery? Bribery! Kasumi, bribe us?! Pfft. Noooo. Never.”

“I’ve got a gift for you,” Kasumi said as Miyako reached out towards her.

Smiling, Anastasia took their youngest into her arms.

“Gift for you,” said Miyako, hugging her little arms behind the retired soldier's neck.

Anastasia kissed her temple. “One of the very best gifts ever.” She looked to Kasumi and James. “So”—she smiled cheekily—“I’ve been informed there was misbehaving in our absence. On Christmas Eve, no less!”

“Bad!” Miyako declared.

Kaiden failed to suppress a snort. He wasn’t alone; Cortez and Joker suffered similar outbursts. James glanced up from Destia, his expression all but begging her to take his side just this once.

“I can explain?” Kasumi feigned an innocent tone.

“I’d hope so. The cessation of your timeouts and removal from the temporary Naughty List rely upon your explanations.”

“Well, in that case…” Kasumi boldly jabbed her finger at Vega. “He started it!”

James recoiled. “Wh- What?!”

“He said my dessert wasn’t necessary. Can you believe that? Apparently the Vega Special is the appetizer, main course, and dessert all wrapped into one meal, so—”

“It is!”

“—so I, of course, had to rush to defend the honor of my ‘old-fashioned’ dessert. That’s when he forced our precious little ones to choose between our cooking. Our punishments were swift and severe. But I’m just an innocent bystander!”

Anastasia looked to their children. “Is there any truth to that claim?”

“No,” Xandria tattled, earning a mocked gasp from Kasumi. “When we laid down the law, she tickled us!”

“In an effort to force them to choose her side,” Vega jumped in.

“I see. So both parties are guilty.”

“Oh, c’mon, Lola, you know the glories of the Vega Special.”

“True, I do. But forcing my cute and innocent and precious little ones”—she nuzzled her nose against Miyako’s temple, coaxing a giggle out of her—“to choose a side is just too cruel.”

“Far too cruel.” Kaiden nodded. “There was also the strict rule of ‘no fighting on Christmas Eve’ that was broken.”

“C’mon! Not you, too!” Vega groaned.

“In any event,” Anastasia continued, “since it is Christmas Eve, we can let this all slide, but only if you both swear to cook the best meals the kids have ever tasted. How’s that sound, girls?”

They cheered in agreement.

“You heard the little ladies, James.”

“Huh, that’s it? All right, I’ll take that challenge.” He smiled. “I swear to make the greatest Vega Special any of you have ever tasted.”

Again her four daughters cheered. Anastasia set Miyako on her feet so she could join her sisters in hugging Vega, who laughed heartily and knelt down to wrap the four in his large arms.

“Ha! You four are in trouble now!”

They squealed and giggled when he hoisted them off the ground and bounced on his toes, bouncing the little quartet.

“You’re still on the check-twice list next year, James!” Joker quipped.

“Eh, I’ll work on it.”

“You can’t say no to those cute faces. It’s impossible,” said Steve, smiling at the group.

“He’s right. And I’ve got a few heists in mind,” Kasumi whispered as she hugged Anastasia. “They’ll make the most adorable distractions.”

Anastasia exhaled a chuckle. “You’re working your way back onto the Naughty List.”

“I thought you liked it when I was naughty,” Kasumi purred in her ear, playfully squeezing her backside while all eyes were on Vega and their daughters.

A dumb smile twisted Anastasia’s lips. She kissed the thief.

“Later,” she promised in a whisper once they parted.

“Looking forward to it.” Kasumi winked.

Together they began putting away the groceries. Small talk filled the kitchen between the adults. The four kids ran off to play, but only after they provided Ana a Santa hat to wear with her old N7 hoodie and jeans. ’Twas the season, after all.

Steve rose and settled in beside Kaiden, rubbing his back to signal his approach before reaching into the tote bag to help unload. Kaiden, smiling at his partner, leaned over and kissed him.

Wrex’s laughter boomed from a neighboring room. The piano quietly bowed out into the background as a saxophone swept into the spotlight for a smooth and tender solo.

In a moment of spontaneity, after stretching around Kasumi to reach the upper cabinets, Ana hugged the thief from behind and planted a kiss on the crook of her neck, on her cheek, swaying gently to the music with her.

She was delighted by the sight of her smile. Even more so by the deep kiss the thief stole.

Stepping back, Anastasia playfully patted her backside before returning to the task at hand. Kasumi’s giddy grin kept her spirits soaring. It kept a dumb smile on her lips, too.

As soon as they finished putting away the groceries Kasumi started preparations to bake her special desserts for the crew, starting with those safe for turians and quarians to eat; there was still plenty of time before dinner needed to be made.

“Remember guys”—the thief looked at Vega and Joker—“don’t try to taste test any of these supplies. Not unless you want your stomachs to explode, anyway,” she warned sassily. “Of course, if you’re looking to ruin Christmas like little green grinches, I can’t stop you. Just give us a memorable singalong and dance number before you do. It’s only fair.”

“Don’t try to taste any of it. Got it.” Vega took the warning to heart.

“Is it like an instant explosion? Or is there time for me to savor it, just a little?” Joker quipped.

“Why don’t we ask EDI? I’m sure she could give us a vivid description of just how it happens, if you like. Oh! She may even have pictures of the aftermath,” Kasumi teased.

“No! No! That’s all right! Let’s not ruin the mystery. Or dinner. Or breakfast.” Joker quickly backed off.

“Kasumi one, Joker zero,” Anastasia said, then kissed her partner on the cheek. “If you need anything, I’ll be around.”

“Thanks, Ana.”

“Of course I’d get the biased referee on that personal foul,” Joker retorted.

“That was a clean hit and you know it,” Vega chimed in.

“Even the audience is turning a blind eye!”

Smiling at their banter, Anastasia departed the kitchen to play host and mingle while they waited for the last few stragglers to show up.

By her headcount, Grunt and Zaeed were still missing, as were Garrus, Tali, and their two children. Everyone else was breathing in the moment of respite.

Ken, Gabby, Adams, and Liara occupied the back room, in the midst of a game of Skyllian-Five. Judging by the gleam in Liara’s eye, Ken’s furrowed brow, and Adams tapping his fingers on his leg, out of sight, she had the pair right where she wanted. Gabby was hard to read; it made her a one hell of a player.

Lounging on a nearby couch, Chakwas watched on, amused by the group. With her service record she could’ve gone on to serve anywhere after the war, yet she’d stayed on the Normandy throughout Anastasia’s last years on the vessel, and into Kaiden’s leadership. She was still sharp as a tack, still as passionate about looking after the crew—both new and old faces. And keeping an eye on Joker, of course.

EDI and Traynor she found playing a holographic game of chess. It appeared to be quite the tense game, if Traynor’s taut body language was anything to judge by.

Elsewhere, beside the waterfall feature, she found Miyako sitting in Samara’s lap, practicing meditation with the Justicar; the smile on Samara’s face only added to her serene composure.

As she was passing through the main living area, initially on a path to check in on Jacob, Brynn, and their son, who were joined by Kelly, her attention was drawn to the apartment door as it hissed open, granting entry to Garrus, Tali, and their quarian son, Mirek, and their turian daughter, Siridean.

Anastasia adjusted course, met them part way and kneeled when Mirek and Siridean ran ahead, crying out in unison,

“Aunty Ana!”

“Hey there!” she laughed, hugging the pair. “God, look at how big you two have gotten!”

Like Tali, as well as the rest of the quarian species, Mirek wore a beautiful handcrafted hood, but the visors which once hid their faces and confined them in their enviro-suits had long been discarded in the many years since the end of the Reaper War, all thanks to the assistance of the geth.

So, when he smiled, and when Tali, holding Garrus’s hand, smiled as Anastasia gently and carefully nuzzled the soft flesh and hard plates of her nephew and niece, she saw them both. She saw the way their white eyes lit up with the light of the universe, glowing in happiness and love.

She’d never grow tired of it.

Anastasia rose. Their three fingered hands held onto hers, swinging them lightly, but when Zanea, Destia, and Xandria excitedly crossed the room to greet the pair and Garrus and Tali with hugs, it didn’t take long for the children to rush off together on an adventure of some sort. Just like their parents, she supposed. 

I hope you’re watching, Legion, she thought, watching them go. I hope you’re proud of the future your people were able to build with the quarians.

We miss you.

I miss you. You, and Thane, Mordin, and Ash.

Turning to face her friends, Anastasia smiled and summoned all of her formality and cheekiness.

“Ambassadors,” she greeted cordially, dipping her head.

Garrus grinned. Tali giggled.

“Oh, don’t you start with that!” Tali chastised, then stepped forward and embraced her. “Shepard! It’s good to see you!”

“I’m glad you made it, Tali,” Anastasia replied, hugging her.

Tali leaned back but kept her hands on the retired soldier’s shoulders. She smiled widely.

“We wouldn’t have missed it. Happy Eve of Christmas! That is what humans say today, right?”

Ana smiled, brought her in for another hug. “Close enough.”

She didn’t hesitate to hug Garrus, who wrapped a friendly arm around her back.

“Glad you made it, Garrus,” she told him.

“Wouldn’t miss it. Besides, if I didn’t show up, Kasumi would turn my whole wardrobe into suits that look like your nails,” he added cheekily.

“Heh!” Anastasia stepped back, looked down at her press-on nails, colored in the pattern of candy canes. “You know, it could be a good look on you.”

“Hmph! I think I’ll pass.”

“Has everyone already arrived?” Tali asked.

“Grunt and Zaeed are the only ones we’re missing now.”

“Hmm. Have we checked in with C-Sec?” Garrus wondered. “There was only ever the one incident with Grunt. Or, well, there was that single string of incidents, breaking enough regulations in a day to warrant weeks of paperwork for some unfortunate officer. But still.”

“I’m giving him a little while longer before I start worrying.” Anastasia shrugged. “Like you said, there was only ever the one string of incidents. And he’s made it through his adolescent phase. I think.”

“Very reassuring, Shepard,” Tali teased, smiling and resting a hand on her hip.

“The favoritism of being your firstborn at work,” Garrus said, grinning.

“Heh! You might be right.”

“On the subject of potential crimes,” he began, “this old man in a red suit—Santa Claus? You humans celebrate letting some stranger into your home for the promise of…presents? Seems strange. Dangerous, even. Someone else could use that expectation to slip in.”

“He’s not going to rob the apartment or steal our children, Garrus,” Anastasia said dryly, smiling. “And the security systems stay on. Santa’s magical,” she added, glancing over her shoulder to check for any of the children who may be listening in. “He’ll slip in and out without triggering a thing; he’s got millenniums of experience at this sort of thing. Anyone else is fair game for C-Sec, our active duty Spectre, or any of us to handle.”

“As long as you’re sure. We can always set up an extra perimeter to keep the party safe.”

“And you want to tell the kids we’re preparing to prevent Santa from coming?” Tali posed the question innocently. That innocence was betrayed by the amused smile on her lips, aimed at her partner.

“…Good point.”

She welcomed them into the apartment. Together they would link up with Wrex at the bar and living area, on the opposite side of the main hall’s divider wall, and chat about an array of topics, from ongoing events to the old days. They spoke of Urdnot Bakara, and Wrex’s significant number of children, which made her troop of four seem tiny by comparison.

It almost felt like nothing had changed. Yet Tali’s visible face, their children, and their positions of leadership were a constant reminder of just how much had changed, and how far they had come since those first days chasing after Saren.

As she continued on as a host, Anastasia spotted the team of Xandria, Destia, and Siridean attempting to sneak up on Javik, wielding a Santa hat and the determination to slip it on “Grandpa Javik’s” head.

It wasn’t the first attempt. It wouldn’t be the last, either.

Javik was onto them. He had been from the start.

If they wanted him to wear a hat for a “primitive” holiday, they were going to have to earn it. It was an amusing diversion, she’d bet.

At least the girls are having fun. Oddly enough, she thought, climbing the stairs to the first floor in search of other guests, I think Javik is, too. He’s grown a soft side for the kids, although I’m not going to tell him that. He might take it as an insult.

The first floor was quieter, but not silent; a new jazzy tune drifted through the halls. It would’ve been empty, too, were it not for Jack and Miranda occupying the love seat.

The tattooed biotic stretched out across it, eyes shut, breaths deep, and head lying in her partner’s lap. She rested one hand atop her abdomen, the other she held Miranda’s hand with, wearing a loose grey tank top and beige cargo pants. Her black jacket lay folded on the nearby coffee table.

Miranda, meanwhile, attired in an off-the-shoulder white sweater and black pants, tenderly threaded her fingers through dark-brown strands, loose of its ponytail, massaging Jack’s head. Once icy eyes watched over her pregnant partner with bliss, love, and gentle protectiveness. A faint smile played at her lips.

“Hey, just checking in on everyone,” Anastasia said, not wishing to disturb them or their peaceful moment for long. “Everything all right in this neck of the woods? Need anything?”

“Well, so far no one has fallen into a frozen lake,” Miranda jested. “Likewise, no fish tanks have suffered enormous casualties as the result of a certain Commander falling through them.” She smirked at the retired soldier. “So, I’d say everything is quite all right. In fact, you’re exceeding expectations this year, Shepard.”

Jack snickered.

Ana rolled her eyes and smiled.

“Very funny, Miri. I hope you enjoy your box of coal this year.”

“Oh, I will,” she chuckled.

“What about you, Jack?”

“Was feeling a little lightheaded and tired before. Still tired now, but it could be worse. Could be puking my guts out everyday like I knocked back a bottle of ryncol.”

“The wonders of modern medicine,” Anastasia said, nodding slightly.

“Yeah. Just seven months to go until I pop the little gremlins out.”

Anastasia tilted her head, blinked rapidly.

Had she heard that right?

“Gremlins?” she repeated. “As in more than one?”

“At least we know all those explosions didn’t damage your hearing,” Miranda quipped.

Oh.

Oh.

A sudden rush of secondhand joy bounced through her being.

“So that means, you and Miranda are…”

“Gonna have twins? Yep.” Jack nodded. “I was as surprised as you. So was Miranda.”

“That— That’s wonderful! Congratulations!”

“Thanks, Shepard. It’s funny, sorta. Thinking of my childhood, the Teltin facility and what happened to me there.” Jack shook her head. “I wasn’t even human to them. None of us were. All they saw in me was a weapon. Going on to become a teacher? To become a mother? They never would’ve believed it. Shows what those shit-for-brains knew.”

Jack caressed her thumb along Miranda’s knuckles.

“Same goes for you and what your asshole father tried to do. All he saw in you was a chance at a dynasty. A possession. Called you a failure when you didn’t live up to his expectations, the shithead,” she added beneath her breath. “They took things from us. Things we couldn’t get back once they were gone. We had their hooks deep in our skin, but we pulled ourselves free anyway. And yeah, we got plenty of scars from it. Some of our wounds bled a long time.

“But you know what? We outgrew them and their stupid little blueprints for our lives. We carved our own path and healed our wounds. Became more than they ever believed we were capable of. Now we’re gonna have twins, and there’s not a damn thing they can do about it.”

Miranda smiled warmly, squeezed Jack’s hand. “You’re right. There isn’t. Our children will never endure the same pains we did. They won’t bear the sorts of scars and wounds we bore as children. They’ll never wonder if they’re loved. They’ll know.”

“Damn right.”

Yeah, they’ll know, Anastasia thought, watching the pair fondly. Because they’ll have you two.

“What’s with that dumb smile, Shepard?” Jack wondered.

“I’m just grateful you both made it,” she said. “That we all made it this far. I’m also excited to meet your kids. Twins, it’s amazing!”

“She certainly overachieved,” Miranda teased.

“Guess my students rubbed off on me.”

“Besides the fatigue, are you feeling any other discomfort?” Miranda asked, running her fingers through Jack’s hair again.

“My swelling ti…”

“Caught yourself that time.” Miranda smirked.

Anastasia stifled a chuckle. Jack scrunched her nose.

“My swelling chest,” she corrected, “is uncomfortable. Other than that, I’m just peachy, Princess.” She shrugged, then looked directly at Miranda’s chest. “Hell, I’ve got the second best view in the galaxy right now.”

Miranda cocked an eyebrow. “Second best?”

Jack grinned sharply. “Gotta specific one in mind. You’re straddling my—”

“Jack,” Miranda warned dryly, but she was betrayed by the upwards turn of her lips.

“Best view in the galaxy.”

Miranda snorted, rolled her eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”

“You love it.”

“I’ll leave you two be,” Anastasia excused herself. “If you need anything at all, even just more company, just ask, all right?”

“Of course,” Miranda replied. “And Shepard?”

“Hm? Yeah?”

“I’m grateful you made it, too.”

“Yeah. Glad you made it, Girl Scout,” Jack said.

Anastasia smiled, nodded, and departed.

Some time later, as she was passing by the kitchen, she heard a sudden yelp of pain from Vega.

“Gah! Hey!”

He was rubbing the back of his hand. Kasumi retracted a wooden spoon.

“Were you raised by a pack of wild varren?” Kasumi wondered teasingly. “Keep your dirty fingers out of the chocolate.”

“Hey, I washed my hands!” James argued.

“You’ve touched so much since then. I can’t have you contaminating the dessert when I’m nearly finished.”

“You let them taste it!” He gestured to the seven children occupying the kitchen. Mirek and Siridean were testing out the dextro chocolates.

“Of course I did. They’re too adorable to deny.”

“This is about me calling your dessert old-fashioned, isn’t it?”

“Don’t be silly. Would you like it if I stuck my fingers in the Vega Special as you were putting on the final touches.”

“All right, I get it.”

Kasumi returned her attention to her work.

Seeing his opportunity, James channeled his N7 training and snuck closer to swipe some human chocolate for himself. Anastasia caught his eye, tried to warn him with a quiet shake of her head, but he was on a mission and wouldn’t be deterred.

Thwack!

“Ow!”

Vega retracted his hand, shaking it slightly. He stared perplexed at the woman who seemed to have struck true without looking. The kids snickered at his unfortunate luck.

“How’d you even know?” Vega demanded.

“I see everything, James. It’s a unique ability of being a mom.”

Thwack!

“Gah!”

“You’ll get your share after dinner.”

“C’mon,” he pestered. “Not even a little taste?”

“James.” He looked across the kitchen to Anastasia. “Save your hand and wait it out. Trust me.”

“All right, all right.” He raised his hands in surrender. “I’ll leave her be.”

The apartment doors hissed open, drawing her gaze across the apartment. Grunt marched in with heavy steps, and without a C-Sec escort.

The worried mom within her heart exhaled in relief.

“Probably for the best,” she said to James, then excused herself to greet the krogan.

She crossed three strides, then…

“Gah!”

“Did you really think I would buy that little trick? I have four very crafty daughters, James, and they don’t get anything by me.”

“Just one little pinky-sized taste? That’s all I’m asking for,” he pleaded.

Anastasia chuckled.

The answer wouldn’t change, but she’d give him points for tenacity.

As she neared Grunt, the tank-bred krogan grinned.

“Shepard!” 

He closed the remaining distance between them in a few powerful strides, hoisting the retired soldier off her feet in a bear hug. An oddly satisfying pop sounded off from her spine, near its center, relieving tension.

“Hey, big guy.” She grinned, voice strained in his tight grip. “I’m happy to see you, too, but you’re crushing me.”

Grunt set her back down, grin never leaving.

“Heh! You’ll be fine. Collectors and Reapers did everything they could to kill you, and you sent them screeching into the Void. Besides”—he made a dismissive gesture—“Destia once told me hugs can’t hurt people. She’s a smart one, Shepard,” he added, tapping his finger to his head.

“That she is.” Anastasia clapped Grunt on his large shoulder. “I’m glad you could make it. The girls are always excited to see you.”

“Uncle Grunt! You made it!”

Xandria darted past Shepard and hugged the massive krogan, who in turn laughed and hoisted the small human up into a bear hug.

“Xandria!”

“Like I said,” Ana chuckled.

Grunt playfully tossed Xandria into the air then caught her, repeating the act to the wonderful sound of giggles. Joyful laughter boomed out of the krogan; it was a familiar scene.

And there’s no doubt you’re always excited to see them, too, she thought. Like a big brother, you could say.

A very big older brother.

Finally Grunt set Xandria down and ruffled her hat covered head.

“You’ve grown since last time, but not much. Are you eating enough?”

“Humans don’t grow like krogans, Uncle Grunt,” she whined while giggling. “But someday I’ll be big and strong, too. Just you wait.”

A sudden realization flickered in her daughter’s eyes.

“Oh, wait right here! We have a hat for you to wear so we can match! It’s bigger, I promise!” she added over her shoulder as she hurried away.

Grunt looked to Anastasia, confused.

She shrugged. “The girls were worried you and Wrex would feel left out if everyone had Christmas hats except you guys. Kasumi and I knitted them for you.”

“Christmas?” It was her firstborn’s turn to be struck by a realization. His eyes narrowed dangerously. “I was so excited to see you two, I forgot about the reason I’d come. Christmas. Santa Claus,” he snarled.

“Is there a problem with Santa Claus, Grunt?” she asked cautiously.

“Yeah. I did some digging, Shepard.”

He glanced around the apartment, as though enemies could be lurking in every corner, behind the furniture, beneath the tree.

“Stories say he watches children when they sleep. Even while they’re awake, too. He writes their names down on a list, choosing his prey, and then he breaks into your home. But not on my watch. Not this Christmas.”

His blue eyes honed in on Anastasia, deadly serious.

“Zanea, Destia, Xandria, and Miyako are all good kids. That guarantees Santa will make his move tonight. Little does he know we’ll be waiting for him,” he said, gesturing between the two of them. “Santa Claus better watch out, and he better start crying, because Uncle Grunt is in town.”

Grunt smashed his fist into his palm.

“And I’m gonna fry him! Don’t worry, Shepard. He won’t get anywhere near your daughters. Not as long as I’m breathing.”

Oh dear…

Anastasia wasn’t sure what was scarier: Grunt thinking Santa Claus was a malicious predator he had to protect her daughters from, or that he had turned an old Christmas carol into a terrifying threat.

“Grunt…”

Where did she even start?

“Noooo!”

Three little girls darted past Anastasia, hugging the krogan and latching onto his hands. The fourth, Zanea, carrying a very large red and white Santa hat in her hand, halted beside the retired soldier.

“You can’t hurt Santa Claus, Uncle Grunt,” Xandria argued, holding onto his arm.

“But he’s dangerous.” Grunt tried to use reason, to little effect.

“No he isn’t!” Destia retorted, both hands wrapped around his thick wrist. “He’s magical!”

“He just wants to spread good cheer!” Xandria said.

“No hurting Santa!” Miyako declared succinctly, hugging his large leg as though it might stop him.

Zanea reached up, held Anastasia’s hand. “Please don’t hurt Santa, Uncle Grunt,” her daughter pleaded.

“Uhhh.”

Grunt’s indomitable will fractured. For the first time in his life, he looked to the retired soldier with a helpless expression. It was as adorable as it was hilarious, and she took a moment to savor it.

“Shepard? A little help?”

“There’s been a slight misunderstanding, Grunt,” Anastasia began calmly, fighting, and failing, to keep from smiling. “While I appreciate how far you’re willing to go to protect the girls—I really do—Santa Claus isn’t a threat.”

Grunt hummed lowly. “He invades your homes while you sleep, without permission.”

Anastasia nodded. “You’re right, he does sneak into our homes while we sleep. Once a year, on schedule. However, it’s not with ill-intent. He delivers gifts to the children.”

“He leaves…gifts?” The krogan tilted his head, curious and unsure.

“Yep!” Xandria said, playfully swinging his arm.

“We leave him cookies as a way to thank him for all the gifts he brings,” Destia followed.

“Cookies?” Grunt repeated, his weakness for sweets lowering his guard.

Anastasia saw her opportunity to strike and didn’t hesitate.

“Kasumi and I baked a lot of cookies in preparation of today,” she said. Then she jabbed her thumb back towards the kitchen. “In fact, there’s a whole plate we made to satiate that sweet tooth of yours.”

Grunt’s eyes lit up like he’d witnessed a Christmas miracle.

“A whole plate just for me?”

“Mmhm. If you have the girls ask nicely for you, and put on this hat”—she gestured to the hat in Zanea’s other hand—“she may let you taste some of the chocolate chip cookies before dessert is served. But only if you promise not to hurt Santa.”

Grunt considered his options for a brief moment.

“Fine,” he relented easily. “But only because you said he isn’t a threat. Zanea, can I try that hat on?”

Zanea squeezed Anastasia’s hand before stepping away and handing the hat over to Grunt. Her sisters released his arms and leg, watching as the massive krogan slipped it on.

Unfortunately, it was one size too big, but Grunt didn’t seem bothered. He merely shifted the hat backwards when it slipped down his headplate, then spread his arms out and asked,

“How do I look?”

“Your enemies would quake in their boots if they saw you. You mix jolly and menacing quite well,” Ana said, smiling.

“Heh heh heh.” Grunt grinned. He then pumped his fist. “Let’s get some cookies!”

“Cookies!” the four girls cheered with him, pumping their smaller fists as well.

Grunt hoisted Miyako up into his arms, to her delighted giggling. He held Zanea's hand when she reached out to him and followed after Destia and Xandria in a march to claim their sweets.

Crisis averted, Anastasia thought, smiling at the group.

“Nice to see Tiny embracing the holiday spirit.”

Zaeed’s voice, tinged by a laugh, drew her attention away from her children back to the doorway and the arriving man.

Anastasia grinned. “Zaeed. I’m glad you could make it,” she greeted, shaking his hand firmly.

“Glad to be here. These little get togethers you host are one of the few things left I’d willingly leave my house for. Always brings me back to the old days of facing down the impossible and destroying it with the biggest goddamn gun we could find.”

Anastasia chuckled, motioned for him to come in.

“Try not to frighten the kids with old war stories.”

“They’ll be fine. It builds character,” he replied with cheekiness as he walked deeper into the apartment.

The festivities continued. Soothing jazz drifted across the apartment. Peals of laughter rang out as old friends reminisced on fond memories and created new ones, celebrating life, and living in the moment. Children giggled, playing games with each other and chatting animatedly about everything and nothing.

Along the way they not only convinced Zaeed to wear a Santa hat, but managed to get one on Javik’s head, too, who she suspected had merely allowed the children to complete their mission after many great efforts.

After a fantastic dinner and delicious dessert, as bellies were filled and her daughters’ bedtime steadily inched closer, Anastasia retreated to the balcony overlooking the main living area.

Best seats in the house. From her perch she had a perfect view of the festive decorations brightening her apartment and, more importantly, the friends and children whose presence warmed her soul and made her heart grow three sizes larger in that moment.

Watching them all, Anastasia inhaled a long, calm breath, and exhaled.

I’m grateful, too, Kaiden, she thought. Grateful that we made it this far together, and that, despite the odds, and the friends we lost along the way, we’re still here, still pushing ahead. Because none of this was guaranteed. So much could be different now, just like you said. Yet we’re here today. Alive.

I have four daughters I get to watch grow up, when, at the end of the war, I was so certain I wouldn’t see beyond it. I’d sacrificed all my old dreams of settling down, I gave up every opportunity I had to tell Kasumi I loved her.

Somehow, though, we made it here. To this beautiful place where I can see Garrus and Tali, and Jacob and Brynn, raising their children. Where I get to witness the first steps of Miranda and Jack’s family just beginning. And, who knows, maybe you and Steve, too, will one day settle down and start a family. Maybe you’ll have kids of your own. Maybe you’ll choose to have pets instead. Maybe both, or maybe neither.

Who can say what the future holds for all of us? What new beginnings, new chapters, and new dreams will blossom from the hopes and sacrifices this new era was founded on.

Either way, I’m grateful. I’m grateful to be here, alive. I’m grateful that so many of you are still here with me. I’m grateful for my children, for Kasumi, our love, and the life we’ve built together.

I’m grateful to the friends we lost, for their heroic sacrifices, true, but also for their friendship. For those moments we shared together, between the shadows of war, where only light could shine, no matter how brief it was. For the indelible connections we shared with Ash, with Mordin, Thane, and Legion. For the time we shared together, which I’ll always be grateful for.

“Enjoying the view?”

Kasumi emerged on her right side, leaning forward onto the railing. Anastasia smiled at her.

“Might be one of my favorite spots on the Citadel.”

“Hmhm,” the thief chuckled. “It is a pretty sight, isn’t it? Everyone gathered together, sharing in the festive spirit, and not a burnt cookie in sight.”

Anastasia exhaled an abrupt laugh. “I’m never living that down, am I?”

Kasumi kissed her cheek. “Only around Christmas time, I promise.”

“I would say, ‘I can’t believe I forgot I turned off the timer,' but then I remember I had a very captivating and charming distraction, and I forgive myself for falling for yet another exceptional ambush.”

“An exceptional ambush?” Kasumi feigned innocence. “Could you describe it for me in detail? I’d like to take notes.”

 Anastasia grinned, nudged Kasumi’s shoulder with her own.

“You know precisely what you did, Kasumi Goto.”

“You loved it. Even if we did have to mourn those cookies.”

“And on that day we learned there are some things even an omni-woman can’t do.”

“Oh, you were hardly to blame. My distraction was perfect, and while you forgot you turned the timer off, I thought you’d left it on. I was hoping to tease you until it went off, then I sort of got lost in the moment.” She shrugged. “Can’t say I regret it.”

“Can’t say I do, either.” Anastasia smiled.

Kasumi’s left hand glided down her right forearm, finding her hand. Their fingers intertwined, and Anastasia leaned in, kissing her partner tenderly, before their eyes returned to the festive scene below.

“Merry Christmas, Ana,” Kasumi said, gently nuzzling her head into Anastasia.

“Merry Christmas, Kasumi. I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Precious moments like these, after surviving an existential war…

They truly were the greatest gift of all.