You know I love your writing because you put us in the room with them. I really do feel like a fly on the wall. I had no problem visualising Shepard's relaxed appearance or Joker swatting her away, his face screwed up in mock indignation.

You completely captured the friendship I always believed they would have in that image. He cares, as much as he likes to make out he doesn't and she knows that. It's a beautifully emotional piece and I'll admit, I teared up - just a little. Knowing they've helped bring her out of that dark space has to make him feel good.

And Kelly - never really liked her - but I did feel sorry for her here, having to face down TIM and fearing she'd have to do it again. Loved Shepard's line about pulling her nose out as much as Joker did.

There's definitely a lighter feel with Shepard now that she has something to look forward to and live for. It's a great fic, a perfect place to end it but I really would like to be a fly on the wall when she faces TIM. Absolutely loved it and it's certainly something I will read again.

Love the bait and switch! This story is wonderful, can't wait to read more :D

Aaaaaaw! This chapter just ... I'm all emotional. Kaidan loves her so much, and he's willing to give her space and time. And even if she doesnt feel the same way (who knows if that will change - I'd like to think so since I'm a shenko fan) they will obviously always have a supportive friendship.

Great chapter.

Poor Shepard - hangovers are never fun!

This is so beautifully written and I applaud you for it. I love the emotions you convey for Shepard. And while I'm rooting for Garrus, I love the love that Kaidan has for her. It's so emotionally tragic but perfect.

Thanks for updating so quickly! Happy writing :)

Damn Shepard can be so stubborn, she's her own worst enemy sometimes. Is it cruel of me to be happy she's in pain after the pain she's caused. The aftermath of her night catching up with her was very well written, I felt her confusion and hurt, especially with the realisation of what she'd done.

And Kasumi, she's a great character and I love how you're using her here. The image of Miranda made me laugh, I could just see her storming off in a huff. But Joker and Garrus - that was priceless. You had me laughing aloud and I'm glad I wasn't drinking my coffee or I would have spit it all over the desk. It was so perfect. Garrus' admission of love in his drunken state sounded innocent but the truth in his words had to hurt.

Her crew loves her and their need to see her happy has taken matters out of her hands - and probably a good thing too. Kaidan doesn't need her protection and if she wasn't being so stubborn she'd know that. And then you had me tearing up with his note. Have I mentioned that I love this fic cause I do, very much so. It's really good stuff.

Oh no - this broke my heart. Poor Kaidan. I always hate when he and Shepard break apart, even with closure and when it feels like the right thing, my heart breaks when his does. Great chapter.

Ohh, Poor Garrus! So good though, I am loving the dynamic and darkness!

After this, I think that my greatest fear would be for Shepard to end up with Garrus (because I've lost all patience with Shakarian).

Seriously, though, this whole endeavor has been wonderfully executed in addition to being smart on the relationship side.

Well that certainly had me crying into my morning coffee. Kaidan is so stoic and protective of her and yet he's willing to give the responsibility to someone else even though it breaks his heart. Damn if mine didn't break too. And poor Garrus, being put in that position knowing she will never love him the way she loves Kaidan. We can't help who we fall in love with and that was never more obvious here. You brought home the beauty and horror of true love, the sacrifices we make for it.

Kasumi understands because she's lived it. Miranda was a cold hearted bitch who apparently just wanted to lash out and hurt, probably because she knows Shepard is in love with Kaidan too, so there's a chance she may lose her control over her patient. I loved how Jack came to Kasumi's rescue and Garrus put Miranda in her place.

Garrus is the hero here though, doing what's best for Shepard even though his heart is breaking. He's her true best friend but I'm wondering if it will become more than that. I love this fic and I'm really eager to see how it all turns out.

I loved this chapter! It was so moving and beautifully done and I love that you're giving Kaidan and Shepard this opportunity to get some closure in an adult way. Well done. Seriously - this was amazing. It broke my heart so much because Shepard is so broken, but it needed to happen and I loved it. Great job!

Another good chapter! I am really liking the way this is developing. I hope there is a lot more to come :)

Mmmmm... all of that is true, Kaiden Alenko you selfish bastard, but the truth of the matter is that Garrus was doing the exact same thing with more style and unlike yours, his loyalty and love are unconditional.

You know I absolutely love your descriptions. You make them so graphic - in a good way - that I have no trouble seeing, smelling and feeling all of them. I was scrunching my nose at the smell, breathing through my mouth which only resulted in tasting them - not pleasant at all.

Then you give us 'It was time to shit or get off the pot.' I loved that line, made me laugh but also made me understand that Shepard had to choose which way to go. It's a great line that works perfectly.

Her anger was wonderful and Kaidan deserved it, but there are still feelings there on both sides. Her wanting to hurt him and his jealousy show us that and I wanted to bang their heads together and tell them to get over it. But Shepard is suffering, I just hope he sees that and feels responsible.

Another great chapter and I'll be sorry to see it end whenever it does because this is a side of Shepard we don't get to see often enough, the woman who is hurting and trying to deal with coming back. You're doing a brilliant job of showing her to us. Thank you for sharing.

And the plot thickens. She was saving him not trying to kill him. Garrus wants her to be happy even if it means a broken heart. It's a tangled web you're weaving and I'm really looking forward to seeing it unravel.

I like how there was no hesitation from Kaidan once he knows the truth, he rushes to her side and it feels natural, like it's where he belongs. But poor Garrus, I felt so sorry for him as he slumped against the wall, his own decisions working against him, possibly destroying his possible future. That's what I love about him though, his belief in doing things right.

I loved Kasumi's take on things, she never hesitates to tell it like it is. Had me chuckling at her logic.