History Heartwarming / MassEffect3

* From the Control ending, assuming Shepard has been played renegade through the game, the newly ascended Shepard's speech is pretty ominous stuff about how they will be a mighty army crushing anyone who threatens the new peace. Then it gets to Shepard's crew, and it notes how it will never forget them, with the Reaper-esque flanging dropping off for a moment.

** Eve's final line on that mission encapsulates it all. Krogan, like asari, can live for upwards of a thousand years -- who knows how long she's spent as part of the shamanhood, without a name, without a clan, without hope, without ''anything''? And now, in one fell swoop, you've given her back all three.

** Actually curing the genophage. True, it comes on the heels of Mordin or Padok's HeroicSacrifice, but then the cure starts to pour out from the Shroud and into Tuchanka's atmosphere, looking like golden light. To make this moment even more poignant, [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic "Vigil"]] starts to play in the background and the reactions of Wrex and Eve really show you just what this will mean to their people. Then it really sinks in. You just saved the krogan. An entire race has had its future restored because of your actions. There will be countless generations of living children born because of you and they will all be raised to know that you are their hero. [[GoodFeelsGood Good has never felt so good.]]

** Eve's final line on that mission encapsulates it all. Krogan live for thousands of years -- who knows how long she's spent as part of the shamanhood, without a name, without a clan, without hope, without ''anything''? And now, in one fell swoop, you've given her back all three.

[[caption-width-right:350:BabiesEverAfter for an entire race.]]

* If you successfully get the quarians and geth to make peace, the geth show that they had UndyingLoyalty towards their creators all along. They build housing and help with the fields (which Tali says would have taken years, not weeks), and most amazing of all, ''the geth are curing the quarians of their immunity problems'' by simulating diseases (without getting them sick), strengthening their immune systems to the point at which the children won't need envirosuits. Talk about LaserGuidedKarma. If only Legion didn't have to "die".

* The first dialogue between James Vega & Shepard. [[spoiler:For context, Shepard has been dismissed from the Alliance Navy after the events of ''Arrival'']].

'''Shepard:''' [[spoiler:You're not supposed to call me that anymore, James]].\\
'''James Vega:''' [[spoiler:Not supposed to salute you either]].

*** It laps ''heavily'' over into {{Tearjerker}} territory, but if you wait too long to go to Grissom Academy and [[spoiler: Jack and the students are captured by Cerberus]], Jack's vicious protectiveness of ''her'' kids is taken UpToEleven.

* Kelly Chambers can be met on the Citadel. She gushes about how happy she is to see Shepard, and a Paragon interrupt gives her a big hug. She's also helping out refugees on the Citadel, and [[spoiler:if you save her by convincing her to change her identity, she'll help out the war effort by finding some ex-Cerberus engineers to build the Crucible]].

** [[spoiler: Mordin and Shepard share a final goodbye before the former performs his HeroicSacrifice to save the krogan. Moreso if the last Paragon interrupt was taken, seeing as the former clearly [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness broke character]] very calmly...]]

[[spoiler:'''Mordin:''' I'm not. had to be me... ''(Elevator door closes)'' [[MeaningfulEcho Someone else might have gotten it wrong]].]]

** If you make the choice to [[spoiler:tell Wrex and the others about the salarian Dalatrass trying to get Shepard to sabotage the cure]], Wrex says the following to Eve. You can really hear the pride in his voice:

** [[spoiler:Actually curing the genophage.]] True, it comes on the heels of [[spoiler:Mordin or Padok's HeroicSacrifice]], but then [[spoiler:the cure starts to pour out from the Shroud and into Tuchanka's atmosphere, looking like golden light]]. To make this moment even more poignant, [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic "Vigil"]] starts to play in the background and the reactions of [[spoiler:Wrex and Eve]] really show you just what this will mean to their people. Then it really sinks in. [[spoiler:You just saved the krogan. An entire race has had its future restored because of your actions. There will be countless generations of living children born because of you and they will all be raised to know that you are their hero.]] [[GoodFeelsGood Good has never felt so good.]]

--->'''Eve''': Thank you for all that you've done... and know that [[spoiler:Urdnot Bakara]] calls you a friend.

** After the mission, Shepard receives an email from Wrex that states that [[spoiler:Bakara]] is helping re-rally the krogan clans for the war, and later learns [[spoiler:during the battle to retake Earth that she is already pregnant with Wrex's children and insists on naming their first child Mordin]].

* There's something about Shepard and Legion's last mission together, acting like BashBrothers when they each [[BorrowedCatchPhrase borrow each other's little catchphrase]] before Shepard [[spoiler:takes on a Reaper ''on foot'']]. They've clearly got this quiet rapport with each other.

* This little conversation between Tali and Legion on [[spoiler:Rannoch right before Legion sacrifices itself for the geth]]:
--> '''Legion:''' Shepard-Commander. [[spoiler:I must go to them. I... I'm sorry. It's the only way.]]\\

** The real heartwarming happens as Legion starts referring to itself as an individual, using the "I" pronoun for the first time, and again later with the Prime [[spoiler:after Legion is dead]]. Just through that one subtle difference, you can tell that the geth [[spoiler:have transcended the computer code they originated from, to become truly sentient beings]].

---> '''Tali:''' I look at all this... this picture of hope and peace... and all I see is everyone I've lost. My team on Haestorm, my father... even [[spoiler:Legion]]. I'm [[spoiler:mourning a geth]]. How crazy is that?\\

** [[spoiler:Legion getting its own spot on the memorial wall]] is both FridgeBrilliance in this regard and a TearJerker. If nowhere else, it'll always be immortalized as an individual and [[TrueCompanions crew member]] there.

*** Becomes a TearJerker, [[spoiler:when you consider that the poor child is being sent to "safety"... to [[WhamEpisode Thessia]].]]

*** Another one that turns into a TearJerker in hindsight: [[spoiler:The husband asks his wife to take the girls and go to Sanctuary where they'll be safe.]]

** Even better? When learning of the Reapers' true motivations, the geth/quarian resolution is basically the biggest middle finger you can give to their position. Even the [[spoiler:Catalyst]] has no legitimate counterargument to make and just tries to handwave it off.

** Also related to the Rannoch mission, [[spoiler:the first time Tali tells Shepard she loves him. Right as he's about to face a Reaper on foot alone.]]
---> [[spoiler: '''Tali:''' If this doesn't... if we don't make it...]]\\
[[spoiler: '''Shepard:''' You worry too much.]]\\
[[spoiler: '''Tali:''' I love you.]]\\
[[spoiler: '''Shepard:''' Keelah se'lai.]]

** She confirms that it was not just adrenaline talking on Rannoch [[spoiler:right after the battle on Thessia. While Shepard is despairing over his failure, and questioning why the hell the whole galaxy is putting its faith in him in the first place, Tali comforts him with a small motivational speech about how much he's accomplished. She ends it with this:]]

** Her reaction to Shepard viewing the Cerberus logs on Kronos Station shows just how far she has come regarding their relationship. Whereas in the second game she was nervous and hesitant to get seriously involved with him, by the time the trilogy nears its end she is utterly devoted to her boyfriend and very protective of him. While Shepard is viewing the logs for the Lazarus Project, the final one shows the Illusive Man [[spoiler:laying out precisely how he plans to emotionally manipulate Shepard]]. Tali's response shows that you do, indeed, need to BewareTheNiceOnes.

* Overlaps with TearJerker, but the scenes meeting Kaidan in the hospital [[spoiler:after he is critically injured on Mars by Dr. Eva]]. The first scene, when Kaidan is unconscious, is heartwarming, with Shepard telling Kaidan to fight and recover, that the Alliance needs him, and then, hesitantly admitting that Shepard [[PleaseDontLeaveMe really needs him too]]. This is regardless of whether or not Kaidan is romanced. Later, when Shepard bring him a get-well bottle of whiskey and comes to see him, is nothing short of endearing. Shepard asks if he'll be okay, and then the two have their heart to heart about Horizon. Kaidan reflects on how Shepard never judged him [[MyGreatestFailure about Rahna back at BAaT]], and that they went through [[SurvivorGuilt Ashley's death]] together, and just wants to know if he and the commander "are good?"

* If you saved Thane's son in the last game, you join him [[spoiler:in Thane's hospital room after Kai Leng stabbed him during a try at the salarian councilor]]. Together, you read a very quiet and subdued passage on forgiveness and strength [[spoiler:which ends as Thane breathes his last breath and dies peacefully]]. The kicker? That prayer [[spoiler:wasn't for him. [[TrueCompanions It was for you.]]]]
** As Kolyat takes over for Thane, [[spoiler:a surprised Thane comments that Kolyat is speaking the words of their priests]]. [[SoProudOfYou Thane's pride in the path Kolyat has taken in his life since he was talked out of following his father's footsteps is very evident in both his words and his expression]].

* Assuming it's not a romance and that he didn't [[spoiler:cheat on you]], Jacob's revelation that [[spoiler:he's going to be a father]]. In general, considering how [[TheStoic reserved]] he was when it came to his emotions in ''Mass Effect 2'', it was really telling just how excited he was over the prospect of that and finding his place with the ex-Cerberus Scientists.
* The way you rekindle the romance with Ashley. [[spoiler:You comfort her over the loss of her brother-in-law and tell her in no uncertain terms that you love her and always will.]] As with Garrus, the game goes a long way to showing that Shepard and Ashley are really lovers.
** If you had a fling with Miranda in the second game, Shepard has to break up with her, while being as gentle as he can[[labelnote:*]][[spoiler:Unrelated, but this will unfortunately lead to a TearJerker later on, as Miranda will die if you've done this.]][[/labelnote]]. Shepard honestly seems sincere when he tells Ash that, it wasn't that the "fling" didn't mean anything, he ''does'' care about Miranda, but after Horizon, Shepard and Ashley were both in a place where they simply couldn't help being selfish and stupid. The fact that both can reconcile, even with Ash initially being cold to Shepard and Shepard's honest remorse at being unfaithful to Ash and how gut-punched they seem after Ash gets put into the hospital on Mars, shows how far the two have grown up and how they truly feel about the other.

* When Joker gets out of his chair and salutes Shepard before [[spoiler:returning to Earth with the combined fleets]].
** In an event probably missed by most players, after [[spoiler:Cerberus attacks the Citadel and you kill Ash/Kaidan or deny their request to rejoin the crew in the aftermath]], he does the same to show that while most of the galaxy ''still'' questions Shepard's actions after all that's happened, there are some who don't.

* One minor one. After [[spoiler:Cerberus invades the Citadel in Udina's attempted coup]], when you go to the refugee camp, you can see a batarian placing his hand on the shoulder of a distraught human woman attempting to comfort her. Given the general hatred batarians have for humans it's a very powerful gesture.

* Bring your LI with you when you [[spoiler:infiltrate the Illusive Man's base with EDI]]. You'll find video logs about Shepard's resurrection, and they say flat-out that Shepard was brain-dead, causing the Commander to actually [[TomatoInTheMirror have a moment of doubt]].

** Also worth mentioning is the last dialogue between them, where Aethyta calls in favors with Eclipse mercs for Liara's sake. That's right, she gives her daughter a band of ''asari commandos'' as a gift. In response to this, Liara calls her [[spoiler:the best father a girl could wish for]].

*** [[MamaBear She]][[AFatherToHisMen pard]] gets to [[MeaningfulEcho quote]] that right back at her. [[spoiler:Aethyta]] is impressed.

* Samara spent the last game talking about the Justicar code, and how it is black and white with no room for grey. So when [[spoiler:the Reapers attack the Ardat-Yakshi monastery where her two remaining daughters live and has no choice but to leave one of them behind to blow it up to stop the Banshees, if she follows the code, it compels her to kill her last remaining Ardat-Yakshi daughter. She pulls out her gun and puts it to her temple, intending to kill herself rather than her daughter. Her love for her daughter is strong enough that she would die before killing her. Given that her loyalty mission in the last game was about tracking down and killing one of them, it's touching to see her instead want to kill herself than her daughter.]]
** [[spoiler:Thank GOD for the Paragon interrupt, though, which leads to a rare [[TheStoic expression of emotion]] as her daughter proposes a way to ensure that the code is upheld and they live.]]

** And in the extended cut ending, [[spoiler:you can see a shot of Falere and Samara together]].

* Shepard in general is just so much more... human in this game than s/he has been in others. The strain is clearly visible at points. [[spoiler:Particularly after Thessia, when Shepard has to take the call from the asari councilor and explain, for the first time in all three games, that they have failed.]]

-->'''Shepard:''' ''[after calling Joker out for an off-color joke regarding [[spoiler:after the destruction of Thessia]]]'' So why the jokes!?\\

-->'''EDI:''' News from Earth. The Resistance snuck video cameras inside a Reaper containment camp. I find the images difficult to process.
-->'''Shepard:''' I bet it's pretty gruesome in there.
-->'''EDI:''' I am not easily repulsed, but I expected the prisoners to adhere to a comprehensible hierarchy of needs. Stripped of societal norms and threatened with death, it is logical that their only priority be survival. They should have turned on each other and been uncompromisingly selfish...but not all were.
-->'''Shepard:''' Some prisoners were, what, nice to each other?
-->'''EDI:''' The Reapers delayed the execution of prisoners who informed them of other prisoners' escape attempts. The more attempts reported, the longer a prisoner would live. But few of the prisoners would report; some fed misinformation to the Reapers at the cost of their own lives to help prisoners that were not even relatives or friends.
-->'''Shepard:''' It's not just about living 'til tomorrow. Sometimes, you take a stand.
-->'''EDI:''' But the probability of success was near zero. And ultimately, they failed: No prisoners escaped.
-->'''Shepard:''' Are you saying submission is preferable to extinction?
-->'''EDI:''' My primary function is to preserve and defend the... No. '''''No!''''' I disagree. Shepard, I am going to modify my self-preservation code now.
-->'''Shepard:''' Why?
-->'''EDI:''' Because the Reapers are '''''repulsive'''''. They are devoted to nothing but self-preservation. I am different. When I think of Jeff, I think of the person who put his life in peril and freed me from a state of servitude. I would risk non-functionality for him, and my core programming should reflect that.
-->'''Shepard:''' Sounds like you found a little humanity, EDI. Is it worth defending?
-->'''EDI:''' '''''To the death.'''''
-->'''Shepard:''' Welcome to the crew, EDI.

** [[spoiler:The Synthesis ending. During the entire game, we see Joker and EDI's romance forming. Choosing the Synthesis ending has a cyborg Joker and a cyborg EDI walking into the new world, almost like Adam and Eve. EDI gives the broadest smile in her life as she rests her head on Joker's shoulder in pure joy.]]
*** [[spoiler:In the Extended Cut Synthesis ending, upon realizing Shepard is truly dead for good, the newly technorganic EDI cries for the first time, only to be consoled by Shepard's LI.]]

*** [[spoiler:It's especially touching if Shepard's love interest is Tali. The quarian girl who's hated synthetics most of her life is now offering her shoulder for an AI to cry on. How far she's come.]]

* After the [[spoiler:Cerberus coup on the Citadel]], if you manage to do it without killing [[spoiler:Kaidan/Ashley]], you get a small scene with Garrus in front of the memorial wall. He talks about how Shepard almost had to [[spoiler:kill him/her]], and is thankful that [[spoiler:he/she didn't join Ashley/Kaidan]]. He then comments that it was Kaidan/Ashley's fight too, and they need to win for him/her as well. Heartwarming to know he still remembers the one who died at Virmire two years after he/she dies.

* The encounter with [[spoiler:the Catalyst]], if you think about it. [[spoiler:Here we have the creator of the Reapers, the source of the cycle of extinction, the ultimate BigBad of the series... and he peacefully accepts his end, if that means a permanent peace between synthetic and organic life. No CulturalPosturing, no VillainousBreakdown, just a sad affirmation and acceptance of the end. Godspeed, you mechanical bastard.]]
* [[spoiler:Conrad Verner is back in this game, being his usual idiot self. But for all his stupidity, he got the Shepherds out of the war zone, using all of his funds. Conrad, leave the badassery to Shepard. But that doesn't mean you can't be a hero.]]

** [[spoiler:After generations of animosity, the krogan and the turians are working together for the first time since... ever. They coordinate a massive sneak attack against the Reapers by using a dreadnought as a distraction and then smuggling a large number of high-yield [=WMDs=] into Reaper harvesting camps. Countless lives are sacrificed, but through the combined efforts of the krogan and turians, they manage to strike possibly the biggest blow against the Reapers short of the battle for the Catalyst.]]
* This conversation with Garrus after [[spoiler:the fall of Thessia]]. When Shepard has comes as close as s/he ever has to a HeroicBSOD:

* Talking to [[AcePilot Steve Cortez]] on the Citadel. He sees a turian frigate that's very scarred up, seen a lot of conflict, and compares it to himself, limping around and having no [[DeathSeeker reason to live.]] Shepard can Paragon interrupt Steve by looking at a passing Alliance frigate, who was repurposed from a warship to evacuating civilians. He tells Steve there are always reasons to live. It snaps Steve [[HeroicBSoD out of his funk]], and [[spoiler: saves his life in the end.]] GoodFeelsGood.

** And with the Extended Ending: [[spoiler:If Shepard survives, Miranda will be seen gazing out at a beautiful sunset on Earth, waiting for her lover's return]].
* The extended [[spoiler:Synthesis]] ending took several levels in this from the original endings. Epilogue scenes show [[spoiler:the Reapers actually helping everyone to rebuild]] narrated by [[spoiler:EDI]]. Although still bittersweet at best, it's heartwarming regardless.
** Also in the extended [[spoiler: Synthesis]] ending, you'll get to see Kasumi [[spoiler:reunited with her partner-in-crime and lover, Keiji]].
** A small one from the extended [[spoiler:Synthesis]] ending: [[spoiler:There's a scene where an alliance marine is getting mauled by a Husk, when the blast from the Crucible hits and knocks them flat. The human quickly gets to his knees and begins edging away from the Husk, only to see it looking around with a dazed expression and very human-like body language; almost like it's thinking "What happened? What the hell have '''''I''''' been doing?" Very poignant coming from a previously mindless automaton.]]
* The extended [[spoiler:Control]] ending is arguably just as poignant. [[spoiler:Shepard lives on, not as a human, but as the immortal overseer of the Reapers. Under their, the Reapers rebuild the galaxy and make it more glorious than ever before, but Shepard's squadmates believe that he/she died to make it happen and Shepard will never be able to tell them otherwise.]]
** [[spoiler:There's no indication of "can't" in the Control ending; it's either a case of "won't so they'll move on" or... there's going to be some very happy squadmates when they get back from Gilligan's Planet.]]
*** [[spoiler:Nothing really stopping Shepard from pulling an EDI and uploading himself/herself into a shell to hang out with their old crew, honestly. Fridge happy ending?]]
*** [[spoiler: Also, consider Paragon!Shepard will be doing so he won't kill EDI and the Geth just to destroy the Reapers. EDI and the Geth will probably be feeling both [[TearJerker sad]] and happy, especially if you played Renegade style on the second game and Paragon style on the third, making Shepard's CharacterDevelopment into TheAtoner and TheMessiah for Synthetics. Also a great way of telling "Fuck You" to the Reapers and the Catalyst's InsaneTrollLogic.]]
*** [[spoiler: Not to mention, [[http://belorin.tumblr.com/post/102272194414/spoiler-for-mass-effect-3-a-shiara-comic-i-drew this comic.]] It pretty much says everything that Control Shepard with Liara as the LI should say post becoming the Catalyst.]]
* And while we're at it, the extended [[spoiler:Destroy]] ending may be a bit bleaker, but it is still optimistic. [[spoiler:Lots of people died, including all the synthetics, but the Reapers are defeated, and the galaxy can (and does) rebuild, united as one. Let's not forget that Shepard can still survive in this ending.]]
** If you have high enough EMS, [[spoiler:Destroy]] will show your LI refusing to add Shepard's name to the memorial wall, and the Normandy flies off, presumably heading for the Citadel. Next [[spoiler:it shows Shepard waking up in the Citadel's ruins]]. A Creator/BioWare poster on the forums confirmed this is meant to imply that [[spoiler:the Normandy finds Shepard and he/she reunites with their LI and the crew]].
** If you happen have a high EMS score along with the iOS Datapad app and chose this ending, [[spoiler:a day or two after finishing the game, you will receive a message from your LI that they are hoping to see you in the hospital. Not to mention the file that contains the scene of Shepard breathing is named "shepardlives."]]

* In the Extended Cut, [[spoiler:if you cure the genophage, one of the epilogue slides is of krogan parents with their children]]. They just look ''so peaceful'' it can reduce you to tears.

--> '''Tali:''' The turian clerk called me..."suit-rat." He... threatened to have me thrown off the station if I didn't leave.
--> '''Shepard:''' I wish that clerk could see you now.
--> '''Tali:''' [softly] He did. That was him just now. I don't think he remembered me.

* After [[spoiler:Thessia]], Liara is devastated, and some of the other crew aren't sure how to comfort her. Tali and Garrus anxiously argue about which of them should talk to Liara; neither knows what to say and they don't want to make it worse. If prompted, Ashley will say that she'll talk to her. Over the comm, EDI does talk and listen, deflating Liara's bitterness about how her relationship with her mother tied into it. When she confronts Javik in a rage, however, he needs some prompting to say something encouraging to her for once; after Liara leaves, Javik tells Shepard that, true or not, it was what she needed to hear.

* In ''Leviathan'', Shepard's love interest actively scolds him/her for [[spoiler:diving to the bottom of the ocean on an unknown planet, in order to speak to an EldritchAbomination]]. S/he was more worried about ''Shepard's'' welfare than the multiple Reaper forces s/he and another squadmate were holding off, until s/he got back.

* Crosses over into TearJerker territory, but after [[spoiler:[[HeroicSacrifice Nyreen kills herself with a group of Adjutants via biotic sphere and grenades]]]], Aria [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge flips out.]] Her response showing how much she really did care is quite touching (if morbid) compared to how flippant and cold she usually acts.

* * A Meta-CMOH is just the Citadel DLC as a whole. Over 5 years the franchise grew to new heights, nearly changed genres, created countless new characters and, while some bits weren't as good as others, no one could deny the franchise as a whole. Throughout Mass Effect 3, you could tell that the developers were truly in love with the franchise and the worlds they had creaed. And so the last piece of the Shepard Trilogy is not some new grand threat, it's not some new piece of lore to fill in blanks, it's nothing to tease out a new sequel. It's one last hurrah, one last chance to be with the characters so many people love, closing it out with an hour of party that's nothing more than hearing characters from all three games interact. If nothing else, the Citadel DLC's a love letter to the franchise, and the perfect way to end it.

* Admiral Hackett's late-game response to Shepard asking why he picked him/her of all people to unite the galaxy when anyone smart and lucky could have done the same. You can pay a soldier to do all sorts of things... but you can't pay a soldier to ''believe'' in someone. Listening to Hackett, and especially looking at Paragon Shepard's incredibly diverse fleet of humans, aliens and synthetics, some of whom were mortal enemies not so long ago, one could say the entire series, and the third game in particular, has one message above all others, and an overwhelmingly heartwarming one at that: ''[[AWorldHalfFull Have faith in others, and they will have faith in you.]]''

'''Legion:''' [[FamousLastWords I know, Tali. And thank you.]] ''[[MeaningfulEcho Keelah se'lai.]]''

---> ''"Thing is, you never heard a complaint. Never once got "No, sir. I can't do that." (S/He) never hesitated. Few people know what Shepard's been through. I'd like to think I come pretty close. And I worry sometimes (s/he) forgets: there's a whole bunch of people who lose sleep over him/her getting back home. Maybe it doesn't need to be said. Maybe we're too dumb to say it. Soldiers like the Commander are rare. (Men/Women) like Shepard... even more rare."''

-->'''Traynor:''' You've got a lot of nerve coming back here! I can't believe that after all we've been through you [[spoiler:you fire me for fraternization!]]\\

'''Traynor:''' What...\\

-->'''Shepard:''' [[WarIsHell This war has brought us pain and suffering and loss]]. [[FireForgedFriends But it's also brought us together, as soldiers, allies, friends]]. This bond that ties us together is something the Reapers will never understand. It's more powerful than any weapon. Stronger than any ship. [[TrueCompanions It can't be taken or destroyed]].

'''Legion:''' [[FamousLastWords I know, Tali. And thank you.]] ''[[MeaningfulEcho Keelah Se'lai.]]''

** Shepard's callback to Tali's translation "Keelah Se'lai: By the homeworld I hope to see someday" in their final speech to convince the quarians and geth they can live in peace on Rannoch.
---> '''Shepard''': You have a choice. Please. ''Keelah Se'lai!''

[[spoiler: '''Shepard:''' Keelah Se'lai.]]

'''Tali''': And you said "Keelah Se'lai." I want... ''more time...''\\

-->'''Zaeed:''' Let's ''gut'' the bastards...

** Seeing how Eve's relationship with Shepard evolves. Upon first meeting on Sur'Kesh, she is extremely wary and guarded, wondering what Shepard could possibly want with her. A Paragon response has Shepard express [[YouAreNotAlone interest in getting to know her]]. Once Eve is aboard the Normandy, you can go talk to her in the medbay, and it doesn't take long for her to open up. She eventually gifts Shepard a crystal shard that brought her hope during the lowest point of her life.

** Another one from the Combat Arena: Shepard can partake in a special match against the most elite Reaper units for the ''Mass Effect'' equivalent of the Make A Wish Foundation for an asari girl who recently was treated for a muscular disease. This even gets acknowledged by the announcer. The mail afterwards says the child had a blast watching Shepard and the commander is officially her hero now. And, in a CMOH reaching out into the audience, taking part in this match for charity earns you no less than fifteen points of reputation.

-->'''Wrex:''' No worrying? No emotional concerns? You've grown up, T'soni.\\

** Although in the Extended Cut, if Shepard says he or she doesn't want to die [[spoiler:to become the new catalyst, the Catalyst says "I'm not looking forward to being replaced by you either, but I have to accept it."]]

*** [[spoiler: Not to mention, [[http://belorin.tumblr.com/post/102272194414/spoiler-for-mass-effect-3-a-shiara-comic-i-drew this comic.]] It pretty much says everything that Paragon!Control Shepard should say post becoming the Catalyst.]]

* Speaking of Jack's CharacterDevelopment, if you remain romantically faithful to her, she'll openly kiss you in front of everyone, even her students. Considering her BackStory, her willingness to show genuine open displays of love and affection (while realizing it doesn't detract from her rough-edged charm and lethality) really says something. Heck, her students nicknaming her "The Psychotic Biotic" and imitating her combat bark "I WILL DESTROY YOU" is a CMOH.

** Before the final mission of the Tuchanka arc, you can catch an ambient conversation in the Normandy medbay where Eve notes that Mordin promised to sing for her, and he launches into an adorable song about the krogan queens. Eve is so amused that she laughs, though Mordin says he still prefers patter songs. It's obvious that he cares about her as more than just a patient.

** If you make the choice to [[spoiler:tell Wrex and the others about the Salarian Dalatrass trying to get Shepard to sabotage the cure]], Wrex says the following to Eve. You can really hear the pride in his voice:

*** One of the turians cancelled his planned holiday with his family in order to donate money to Earth after the Reaper attack, only for Palaven to be next. His empathy for a species the Turians were at war with only a few years previously is quite touching, especially since both races are now in the same boat.

** Shepard's callback to Tali's translation "Keelah Se'lai: By the homeworld I hope to see someday" in their final speech to convince the Quarians and Geth they can live in peace on Rannoch.

* Shepard's reunions with his/her old squaddies are full of genuine cheer and joy, especially for the player who's been through all three games with these people. Upon meeting Grunt and his new command, for example, the little guy practically slams his way through his squad just to give Shepard a [[BearHug krogan hug]].

** Numerous ME fans have come to call that scene, and others like it, "Bro Time." It really fits if you think about it. Shepard and his/her crew aren't just friends, they're ''[[TrueCompanions family]].''

** Or, simply pulling a [[UsefulNotes/OliverCromwell Cromwell]], and asking her to tell the truth, WartsAndAll, and leave the future to judge his/her actions for themselves.

** It's even more heartwarming if Shepard forgives her and expresses his/her gratitude for Miranda's work on the Lazarus Project:

* Talking to [[{{Adorkable}} Samantha Traynor]] has at least one big CMOH. She reveals that she was visiting her family on Horizon when the Collectors hit and she just sounds so grateful that Shepard and his/her team came for her.

** Even better was that Shepard was expressing his/her guilt about having worked with Cerberus, with Traynor assuring him/her that while Cerberus is a bad group, s/he was still doing the right thing.

* The extended [[spoiler:Control]] ending is arguably just as poignant. [[spoiler:Shepard lives on, not as a human, but as the immortal overseer of the Reapers. Under his/her command, the Reapers rebuild the galaxy and make it more glorious than ever before, but Shepard's squadmates believe that he/she died to make it happen and Shepard will never be able to tell them otherwise.]]

*** [[spoiler:Nothing really stopping Shepard from pulling an EDI and uploading himself/herself into a shell to hang out with his/her old crew, honestly. Fridge happy ending?]]

* If you attempting to romance Samara in the last game, in this one, she will have a short additional scene on the Citadel with you as you are about to leave. She takes your hand, and tells Shepard that his/her time is precious, and he should spend it wisely, with those who care for him. Coupled with the heartbreaking way she speaks, it's really touching.

* The Refusal ending makes the Stargazer epilogue even more poignant and heartwarming. Shepard refused to compromise his/her humanity at the cost of galactic civilization, but... s/he and Liara's efforts made sure that was the '''last''' time, and a new species speaks of him/her with awe, despite being 50,000 years later and Shepard being nothing but stardust at that point.

* Spacer Shepard can finally talk to his/her mother. Unfortunately, you don't see Rear Admiral Shepard, but she is still proud of her son/daughter and recalls a memory of her child having his/her own warship and crew. How heartwarming.

* The Refusal ending makes the Stargazer epilogue even more poignant and heartwarming. Shepard refused to compromise his humanity at the cost of galactic civilization, but... he and Liara's efforts made sure that was the '''last''' time, and a new species speaks of him with awe, despite being 50,000 years later and Shepard being nothing but stardust at that point.

** A perky teenage girl chats up with a turian officer at the refugee camp. He's initially very suspicious, but then she tells him she's waiting for her parents - they put her on an evac shuttle and told her to wait for them. She's convinced they'll arrive any minute. The officer tells her that if she ever gets bothered by anyone, she's to immediately go to him and he'll take care of it. Each time you pass by them, she's still waiting, and he's looking out for her and awkwardly doing his best to reassure her.

** After the capsule is updated, they both sit on the Captain's couch looking smug. Liara: "...Well, I guess I did just write your name in the stars."

** As much as BioWare wrote themselves into a corner by not including a proper male/male option from the beginning, Kaidan's was handled as well is it could have been. The result is something that honestly feels like a trilogy spanning UnresolvedSexualTension romance with its own distinct feel compared to the male/female version[[note]]though a romance between female Shepard and Kaidan that wasn't pursued in ''1'' and ''2'' is similar to the male Shep/Kaidan romance[[/note]].

* Mordin telling Shepard about his first meeting with "Eve".
-->'''Shepard:''' You care about [Eve].\\

--> '''Shepard''': Miranda...things are never going to be easy for us. But I'll always want you in my life.\\

'''Gujir:''' Did they.\\

---> '''Miranda''': Shepard...promise me you'll be careful.\\

** And with the Extended Ending: [[spoiler: if Shepard survives, Miranda will be seen gazing out at a beautiful sunset on Earth, waiting for her lover's return]].
* The extended [[spoiler:Synthesis]] ending took several levels in this from the original endings. Epilogue scenes show [[spoiler:The Reapers actually helping everyone to rebuild]] narrated by [[spoiler:EDI]]. Although still bittersweet at best, it's still heartwarming.
** [[spoiler: The hug between (in my game) Kaidan and EDI after placing the nameplate on the memorial counts as well - Shepard's lover and the entity who feels she owes her existence to Shepard, sharing a moment of shared sadness and sympathy.]]
** Also in the extended [[spoiler: Synthesis]] ending, you'll get to see Kasumi [[spoiler: reunited with her partner-in-crime and lover, Keiji.]]
** A small one from the extended [[spoiler: Synthesis]] ending [[spoiler: there's a scene where an alliance marine is getting mauled by a Husk, when the blast from the Crucible hits and knocks them flat. The human quickly gets to his knees and begins edging away from the Husk, only to see it looking around with a dazed expression and very human-like body language; almost like it's thinking "What happened? What the hell have '''''I''''' been doing?". Very poignant coming from a previously mindless automaton.]]

** [[spoiler: There's no indication of "can't" in the Control ending; it's either a case of "won't so they'll move on," or...there's going to be some very happy squadmates when they get back from Gilligan's Planet.]]
*** [[spoiler: Nothing really stopping Shepard from pulling an EDI and uploading himself/herself into a shell to hang out with his/her old crew, honestly. Fridge happy ending?]]

** If you have high enough EMS, [[spoiler:destroy]] will show your LI refusing to add Shepard's name to the memorial wall, and the Normandy flies off, presumably heading for the Citadel. Next [[spoiler: it shows Shepard waking up in the Citadel's ruins.]] A Creator/BioWare poster on the forums confirmed this is meant to imply that [[spoiler: the Normandy finds Shepard and he/she reunites with their LI and the crew.]]
** If you happen have a high EMS score along with the iOS Datapad app and chose this ending, [[spoiler: a day or two after finishing the game, you will receive a message a day or two from your LI that they are hoping to see you in the hospital. Not to mention the file that contains the scene of the soldier breathing is named "shepardlives".]]

* In the Extended Cut, [[spoiler:if you cure the genophage, one of the epilogue slides is of Wrex, Grunt and Bakara playing with their children.]] They just look ''so happy'' it can reduce you to tears.

* In the Extended Cut, the last scene most players will see before the credits is the ''Normandy'' lifting off and flying off into the sunset. It's a good way to say good-bye.
* Extended Cut ending card, right at the end; "Congratulations on bringing an end to the Reaper threat. Commander Shepard has become a legend, and from here you can continue to build that legend." Also the child asking the Stargazer to tell him/her more about "the Shepard". The ENTIRE trilogy has been a story told from a parent to their child. Arguments can be made saying the endings were too vague; or that they rendered the player's choices moot, sure; but one needs to realize that the legend of "the Shepard" is being told as a story; not unlike a parent telling their child a story at bedtime. When you realize that, who cares if EVERY SINGLE individual plot thread wasn't wrapped up absolutely perfectly, or that EVERY SINGLE choice you made in-game may or may not matter? The point is that the Reaper threat is OVER. The future that Commander Shepard secured REGARDLESS of Paragon/Renegade scores, REGARDLESS of Destroy/Control/Synthesis/Refusal, REGARDLESS of geth/quarians/both, cure/sabotage genophage, save/kill rachni, the save/sacrifice council, or anything else; the future that the Stargazer and their child have is one where they NO LONGER HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR. There is peace in the universe because of "the Shepard", which is the only thing that truly matters.

* Councilor Gujir is a local council member on a little Alliance colony that's about to be overrun by reapers. [[BadassBureaucrat He proves worthy of his position]]:

--> '''Tali:''' The turian clerk called me..."suit-rat". He...threatened to have me thrown off the station if I didn't leave.

-->'''Jack:''' Who's my badass biotic? Who's my badass biotic?

** Seeing how Eve's relationship with Shepard evolves. Upon first meeting on Sur'Kesh, she is extremely wary and guarded, wondering what Shepard could possibly want with her. A Paragon response has Shepard express interest in getting to know her. Once Eve is aboard the Normandy, you can go talk to her in the medbay, and it doesn't take long for her to open up. She eventually gifts Shepard a crystal shard that brought her hope during the lowest point of her life.

*** It's especially sweet if Shepard is female as well, as the two get some womanly bonding in. Eve even jokes about them "showing the men how it's done."

* The entire scene where Garrus and Shepard go up to the top of the Presidium and just shoot bottles. Its a bit that adds the perfect cement to the friendship between the pair, by showing two people just screwing around and having fun while ribbing each other.
** Numerous ME fans have come to call that scene, and others like it, "Bro-Time". It really fits if you think about it. Shepard and his/her crew aren't just friends, they're ''[[TrueCompanions family]].''

* The above mentioned scene goes a little different if done with a [=FemShep=] romancing Garrus. The romance has moved from hilariously {{Adorkable}} to the most romantic one in-game, with scenes such as the reunion, when the Paragon interrupt is to kiss him ("That's the protocol on reunions."), comforting each other over the possible fates of their families, Garrus comforting Shepard with a hug after asking if she's alright... but the R&R on the Citadel takes the cake. Garrus takes Shepard to the very top of the Presidium, ostensibly to determine who the best sharpshooter between them is... and then, the romance hits, culminating in this question:

** The entire Garrus romance is handled incredibly well. It's referenced throughout the game, especially if you keep Garrus in your squad, and hits the right notes of humor, warmth, and affection. It's a very bright spot in an otherwise tense story.

*** After she's already walked away the audience gets Garrus looking after her and whisper "Never." to himself. The two ways this could be interpreted are that he knows she'll never leave him completely (which is heartwarming) or that he'd just follow her (which is tearjerking). Either way, it shows how much he loves her.
*** A non-romanced Male or Female Shepard says the same line, however.
*** Actually, a non-romanced Shepard will say a slightly different, more platonic line. [[{{Tearjerker}} Both times she sounds as if she's going to break down.]]

*** What really sells the line, though is that right after she says that, Garrus makes this little ragged gasp. He's clearly holding back a sob. [[TearJerker The audience probably won't have that same resolve]].
*** The best thing about the Garrus romance in some ways is how ''hilarious'' it is. A lot of the other Femshep romances - ''especially'' Thane's, for example - can be so tragic, but Garrus, once you romance him, seems wholeheartedly dedicated to making Shepard smile as often as possible. He thrives on this {{Adorkable}} half-sincere cheesy romance shtick, and it's pretty clearly done just to cheer you up. Like his BigDamnKiss on top of the Citadel. Or in the Citadel DLC, with the tango, or when he booby-traps your apartment and makes the password to turn it off "I HEART GARRUS." When Shepard's worried she might be a VI designed by Cerberus, the other [=LIs=] get very sweet and assuaging, but Garrus goes for "you're real. A little crazy, maybe, but real." Even the "meet me at the bar" thing feels like a last desperate attempt at comedy. It's so unbelievably sweet.
*** Garrus's evolving attraction to Fem!Shepard is also this: In the first game, he develops an immense level of respect for her as both a soldier and a leader, in addition to functioning as his MoralityChain if you play Paragon by reigning in his CowboyCop tendencies. In the second game, he's utterly lost without her guidance and presence, and what he is doing is at least partially motivated by the Council trying to destroy everything she'd accomplished, showing that he does still respect and value you. He becomes relieved to have his friend back in his life, and is grateful to you for bringing him closure with Sidonis, especially if you take the Paragon option. When you start his romance path via [[GoodPeopleHaveGoodSex offer of casual sex]], he's blindsided but agrees because of [[IfItsYouItsOkay his respect for you as a person]], and not because he "has a fetish for humans". [[RelationshipUpgrade The attraction gradually deepens]] [[TheWoobie when he lets slip that he's terrified of screwing this up and wants whatever this is supposed to be to go right since literally everything else has been going wrong these past two years]]. Come to the third game, and he's definitely gained a greater appreciation for Fem!Shepard physically, all while his emotional attraction still has priority. By the time we get to late in the third game, and especially in the ''Citadel'' DLC, he admits that he's extremely attracted to her, from her hair, to her LittleBlackDress, to her body. He's just completely smitten with all of her.

-->'''Tali:''' Thanks, Ash. Ready to go shoot some Geth?\\

* If Legion survived the events of the previous game, at the end of the journey through the geth consensus, Shepard is shown one of the most recent memories the consensus has on record: Shepard's first meeting Legion, and their shaking hands. The geth considered this moment one of the most meaningful in their history, showing the first instance since the Morning War of geth and organics co-existing peacefully, and giving them (and perhaps Shepard, as well) hope that they may one day achieve peace with their creators.
* There's something about Shepard and Legion's last mission together, acting like BashBrothers when they each [[BorrowedCatchPhrase borrow each other's little catchphrase]].

* This little conversation between Tali and Legion on [[spoiler: Rannoch right before Legion sacrifices himself for the geth]]:
--> '''Legion:''' Shepard-Commander. [[spoiler:I must go to them. I'm... sorry. It's the only way.]]\\
'''Tali:''' Legion, the answer to your question[[labelnote:*]][[DoAndroidsDream "Does this unit have a soul?"]][[/labelnote]] is 'yes'.\\

** The real heartwarming happens as Legion starts referring to itself as an individual, using the "I" pronoun for the first time, and again later with the Prime [[spoiler:after Legion is dead]]. Just through that one subtle difference, you can tell that the Geth [[spoiler:have transcended the computer code they originated from, to become truly sentient beings]].

---> '''Tali:''' I look at all this...this picture of hope and peace...and all I see is everyone I've lost. My team on Haestorm, my father...even [[spoiler:Legion]]. I'm [[spoiler:mourning a Geth]]. How crazy is that?\\

** There's a rather adorable exchange on Rannoch where Shepard tells Legion "Good luck", and Legion says "Acknowledged". A bit later, [[spoiler: before Shepard takes on a Reaper ''on foot'']], Legion hesitates just noticeably and tells Shepard "Good luck" and is told "Acknowledged". They've clearly got this quiet rapport with each other.
** If Legion died on the Collector base, its role is played by a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIdE0MNOiAI&feature=plcp&context=C475b94bVDvjVQa1PpcFPHC6lGjpj4TTgm4iiVd3nBKe8kn9-sK1E= replacement]] who has no memory of Legion's time aboard the Normandy, is cagier and more logical, and distrusts organics, including Shepard. ''That'' is sad, but contrasting it to "real" Legion's role really proves that the geth's time working with Shep changed it, and for the better. The one critical difference in the "Enter the Get Collective" mission between Legion and Not-Legion is the last one, which features a recording of Legion's and Shepard's first meeting. It was so important a memory to the entire Collective, because Shepard was the first organic being to welcome a Geth instead of shoot at it since the beginning of the Morning War.

** If you bring Garrus with you to destroy the Geth Base, he'll say "I know Legion's on our side, but Reaper code?" Tali immediately shuts him up with a simple "No. Legion's on our side." Even Shepard is surprised about how much she's come to see him as a [[TrueCompanions true companion]].
** [[spoiler:Legion getting his own spot on the memorial wall]] is both FridgeBrilliance in this regard and a TearJerker. If nowhere else, he'll always be immortalized as an individual and [[TrueCompanions crewmember]] there.

'''Garrus:''' ''(flirtatiously)'' You are so mean... and I'm okay with that.
* Regarding Tali and Garrus, just before the assault on Earth you can meet them in Garrus's calibrations chamber where they talk about the upcoming battle and make a few bets. It might not sound like much, but the following lines really brought tears to my eyes:

'''Tali:''' We'll finish this the way we started it ... together.\\

*** One of the Turians cancelled his planned holiday with his family in order to donate money to Earth after the Reaper attack, only for Palaven to be next. His empathy for a species the Turians were at war with only a few years previously is quite touching, especially since both races are now in the same boat.

*** Becomes a TearJerker, [[spoiler:when you consider that the poor child is being sent to "safety"...to [[WhamEpisode Thessia]].]]

'''Geth Prime''': No, I'm sorry commander. Legion sacrificed itself to give us all intelligence. It will be honoured.\\

* The [[http://youtu.be/_VPWQjQPRsw aftermath]] of the Geth/Quarian peace, where you find out that the Geth are not only helping The Quarians to rebuild their home world, but are also helping to revitalize The Quarian's immune systems. It's a beautiful moment when you realize that awareness or not, the Geth have only ever wanted to help their creators.
** Even better? When learning of the Reapers' true motivations, the Geth/Quarian resolution is basically the biggest middle finger you can give to their position. Even the [[spoiler:Catalyst]] has no legitimate counterargument to make and just tries to handwave it off.

** Also related to the Rannoch mission, [[spoiler: the first time Tali tells Shepard she loves him. Right as he's about to face a Reaper on foot alone.]]

*** Even more heartwarming when they reaffirm what the other one said during the battle at London
** She confirms that it was not just adrenaline talking on Rannoch [[spoiler: right after the battle on Thessia. While Shepard is despairing over his failure, and questioning why the hell the whole galaxy is putting its faith in him in the first place, Tali comforts him with a small motivational speech about how much he's accomplished. She ends it with this:]]

** The romance in general. Shepard just kept getting more and more beaten up, slowly losing faith and his mind throughout the game. But once she's on the ''Normandy'', Tali is there, supporting him no matter what, reminding him that she will always be there and always love him. Between her love and the friendship of Garrus and Liara, it felt like they were the only things keeping Shepard sane.

'''Tali:''' You bet I was! I mean you dying because a geth overrode my hack? Think of my reputation!\\

** Her reaction to Shepard viewing the Cerberus logs on Kronos Station shows just how far she has come regarding their relationship. Whereas in the second game she was nervous and hesitant to get seriously involved with him, by the time the trilogy nears its end she is utterly devoted to her boyfriend and very protective of him. While Shepard is viewing the logs for the Lazarus Project, the final one shows The Illusive Man [[spoiler: laying out precisely how he plans to emotionally manipulate Shepard.]] Tali's response shows that you do, indeed, need to BewareTheNiceOnes.

** A subtle one after ending the Quarian-Geth War peacefully. Tali looks over Rannoch and comments:

'''Tali''': ''[looks directly at him]'' Only the cute ones.
*** Made even better by ''Vigil'' playing during this scene.

'''Shepard''': You said "I love you"\\
'''Tali''': And you said "Keelah se'lai". I want ''more time...''\\
'''Shepard''': ...I know... ''[comforts her with a hug]'' whatever happens...\\
'''Tali''': ''[nods]'' ...I know..
** When Tali shows up again with the other admirals, if she was romanced the way Shepard's eyes simply 'light up' when he sees her again.
** After the resolution of the Rannoch arc, the quarians start changing their names to reflect their new home. For example, Admiral Raan ends her letter to Shepard by referring to herself as "Shala'Raan vas Rannoch", rather than "Shala'Raan vas Tonbay", as she did in the previous game. But Tali's name, in all the in-game text, stays as "Tali'Zorah vas Normandy". At first that may seem to be a simple oversight, especially since her first conversation in Priority: Rannoch ended with her specifically mentioning how Rannoch would be her home (referring to the land she claimed). But paired with the above conversation where Tali decides to leave her duties on Rannoch to be with Shepard, it takes on a different meaning. This is made extra clear if Shepard romances Tali and brings her to the (Extended Cut) Beam Run; Tali sustains injuries sufficient enough to require a medical evacuation, leading to this exchange:

'''Tali:''' ''[tearfully]'' I ''[[TearJerker have]]'' [[WhamLine a home.]]

* Overlaps with TearJerker, but the scenes meeting Kaidan in the hospital [[spoiler: after he is critically injured on Mars by Dr. Eva.]] The first scene, when Kaidan is unconscious, is heartwarming, with Shepard telling Kaidan to fight and recover, that the Alliance needs him, and then, hesitantly admitting that Shepard [[PleaseDontLeaveMe really needs him too.]] This is regardless of whether or not Kaidan is romanced. Later, when Shepard bring him a get-well bottle of whiskey and comes to see him, is nothing short of endearing. Shepard asks if he'll be okay, and then the two have their heart to heart about Horizon. Kaidan reflects on how Shepard never judged him [[MyGreatestFailure about Rahna back at BAaT]], and that they went through [[SurvivorGuilt Ashley's death]] together, and just wants to know if he and the Commander "are good?"

* Female Shepard and Eve bonding over both being women placed into positions of great importance by their respective species, declaring that they'll show the men how it's done.

* If you saved Thane's son in the last game, you join him [[spoiler:in Thane's hospital room after Kai Leng stabbed him during a try at the salarian councilor.]] Together, you read a very quiet and subdued passage on forgiveness and strength [[spoiler:which ends as Thane breathes his last breath and dies peacefully.]] The kicker? That prayer [[spoiler:wasn't for him. [[TrueCompanions It was for you.]]]]

* Let's forget for a second that the BrokenBase intensely hates Diana Allers. Before the final mission, if you have been keeping her up-to-speed with interviews, you will receive an email from her titled, "Normal is the best revenge". In it, she will describe how her home colony world, Bekenstein, was [[DoomedHometown casually wiped out]] by the Reapers in a fly-by blasting; they didn't even stop to harvest any of the colonists. She demands that Shepard kick the Reapers' collective asses so hard, with her camera recording every second of it, that future generations can look back on the horrible galactic tragedy without fear, but pride in the fact that they overcame such a huge obstacle to the extent that the Reapers won't even be a footnote in the pages of history.
* Assuming it's not a romance and so he didn't [[spoiler: cheat on you]], Jacob's revelation that [[spoiler: he's going to be a father.]] In general, considering how [[TheStoic reserved]] he was when it came to his emotions in ''Mass Effect 2'', it was really telling just how excited he was over the prospect of that and finding his place with the ex-Cerberus Scientists.
* The way you rekindle the romance with Ashley. [[spoiler: You comfort her over the loss of her brother-in-law and tell her in no uncertain terms that you love her and always will.]] As with Garrus, the game goes a long way to showing that Shepard and Ashley are really lovers.
** If you had a fling with Miranda in the second game, Shepard has to break up with her, while being as gentle as he can[[labelnote:*]][[spoiler:Unrelated, but this will unfortunately lead to a TearJerker later on, as Miranda will die if you've done this.]][[/labelnote]]. Shepard honestly seems sincere when he tells Ash that, it wasn't that the 'fling' didn't mean anything, he ''does'' care about Miranda, but after Horizon, Shepard and Ashley were both in a place where they simply couldn't help being selfish and stupid. The fact that both can reconcile, even with Ash initially being cold to Shepard and Shepard's honest remorse at being unfaithful to Ash and how gut-punched they seem after Ash gets put into the hospital on Mars, shows how far the two have grown up and how they truly feel about the other.

** Your Shepard gets to say he loves her for the first time in the entire series, particularly heartwarming if you romanced her in ''Mass Effect'' and may have been waiting over 4 (real) years to do so.

** And [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=booBmcFw_Lk the cut dialogue]], with Anderson asking Shepard if s/he intends to settle down and have children now. And how any child would be proud to have Commander Shepard as their mother/father. Not to mention the implication that Anderson views Shepard as the child that he was never able to have.

'''Anderson:''' ''I'm'' proud of you. You did good son/child. You did good.

** In an event probably missed by most players, after [[spoiler:Cerberus attacks Citadel and you're forced to kill Ash/Kaidan or deny their request to rejoin the crew in the aftermath]], he does the same to show that while most of the galaxy ''still'' questions Shepard's actions after all that's happened, there are some who don't.

** She then describes the difference between the Reapers and herself. The Reapers only care about self-preservation and nothing but. EDI would gladly sacrifice her existence to save Jeff -- and Shepard states that ''that'' makes her ''officially'' a crewmember.

* One minor one. After [[spoiler:Cerberus invades the Citadel in Udina's attempted coup]], when you go to the refugee camp you can see a batarian placing his hand on the shoulder of a distraught human woman attempting to comfort her. Given the general hatred batarians have for humans it's a very powerful gesture.
* If you couldn't save Miranda and romanced her in the second, the way she runs a hand on the side of Shepard's face as they hold her as she lays dying, Shepard having a clear look of "Its all my fault". Shepard thanks her for saving them and comforts her by telling her that she did the right thing, that Shepard will look after Oriana now and that Miranda doesn't need to worry anymore... ''her sister is safe''.

** As much as Bioware wrote themselves into a corner by not including a proper male/male option from the beginning, Kaidan's was handled as well is it could have been. The result is something that honestly feels like a trilogy spanning UnresolvedSexualTension romance with its own distinct feel compared to the male/female version[[note]]though a romance between female Shepard and Kaidan that wasn't pursued in ''1'' and ''2'' is similar to the male Shep/Kaidan romance[[/note]].

** If you've already locked in another romance before talking to Kaidan on the Citadel, the conversation changes. If you haven't, he'll tell Shepard how he feels, and you can choose to commit or reject him. If Shepard's already romancing someone else, however, he starts by telling him/her he doesn't have many friends, but he considers Shepard to be one of those few, and a damned good one at that. The paragon response is beautiful:

'''Shepard:''' ''[softly]'' Maybe they really just fixed me. Or maybe I'm just a high-tech VI that thinks it's Commander Shepard. But I don't know. I...

--->'''Liara:''' I wish you'd told me Shepard. I knew it was really you the first time I touched you again.

* Upon entering the Geth consciousness, you see several pivotal moments of the Geth's history that are preserved and shown to Shepard. They are what you'd expect: initial relations between the Quarians and the Geth, and the [[RobotWar Morning War.]] The most recent memory, however, is that of Shepard him/herself welcoming Legion as a member of the ''Normandy's'' crew. As Legion explains, it's a key memory it wishes to share with the rest of the Geth: Shepard was the first organic to ever welcome it with (somewhat) open arms.

--->'''Arthyta:''' All this time, I'd blamed Nezzy for it. Thousand years old and I still don't know crap. Thanks for telling me

'''Liara:''' [[CallBack Little wing?]].\\

'''Liara:''' Yes. Thanks.
** Also worth mentioning is the last dialogue between them where Aethyta calls in favours with Eclipse mercs for Liara's sake. That's right, she gives her daughter a band of ''Asari Commandos'' as a gift. In response to this Liara calls her [[spoiler: the best father a girl could wish for.]]
--->'''Liara''': You got me...asari commandos?\\

*** Someone made [[http://huggybear742.deviantart.com/art/And-Zia-Makes-Three-425400130 an image]] in Website/DeviantArt of Shepard, Liara and [[DeadGuyJunior Zia]] playing Kapek-Yakshi. BabiesEverAfter, indeed.
* Samara spent the last game talking about the Justicar code, and how it is black and white with no room for grey. So when [[spoiler: the Reapers attack the Ardat-Yakshi monastery where her two remaining daughters live and has no choice but to leave one of them behind to blow it up to stop the Banshees, if she follows the code, it compels her to kill her last remaining Ardat-Yakshi daughter. She pulls out her gun and puts it to her temple, intending to kill herself rather than kill her daughter. Her love for her daughter is strong enough that she would die before killing her. Given that her loyalty mission in the last game was about tracking down and killing one of them, it's touching to see her instead want to kill herself than her daughter.]]
** [[spoiler: Thank GOD for the paragon interrupt, though, which leads to a rare [[TheStoic expression of emotion]] as her daughter proposes a way to ensure that the code is upheld and they live.]]

** There is an earlier one regarding Samara and her daughter. When Falere insists that she and the other Ardat-Yakshi are happy living in the monastery and are not responsible for the attack, Samara steps in, telling Shepard that she vouches for Falere's words "[[SoProudOfYou with pride]]". It cuts to a shot of Falere giving a small smile.

* Shepard in general is just so much more... human in this game than s/he has been in others. The strain is clearly visible at points [[spoiler: Particularly after Thessia when Shepard has to take the call from the Asari councilor and explain, for the first time in all three games, that they have failed.]]

'''Shepard:''' None of us did. I'm [''asari councilor disconnects''] [[{{Beat}} ...]] sorry.
** The scene where Joker cracks wise about the Asari. Take the paragon option, then apologize when he shows the war is affecting him too and says how much stress Shepard is under, and the scene that usually follows after this (where Joker is angry at Shepard) is skipped. It shows just how much Joker knows the strain Shepard is under, and is willing to let go when s\he cracks.
-->'''Shepard:''' ''[after calling Joker out for an off-color joke regarding [[spoiler: after the destruction of Thessia]]]'' So why the jokes!?\\
'''Joker:''' 'cause EDI says according to your biometric scans, you're under more stress right now than you were during the Skyllian Blitz. Like more than Elysium, when it was you versus pretty much 10,000 batarians trying to kill you. And the last time I had a meeting with Anderson, he told me to take care of you. The guy leading the resistance - on Earth! - is worried about you, and I'm supposed to help!\\
'''Shepard:''' I appreciate the thought, Joker, but I'm fine!\\

* Javik, of all people, delivering a brief but inspiring RousingSpeech to people on the Citadel, telling them that there is hope, and they can win, and that the Protheans saw potential in all of their species, and that now is the time to rise to those expectations. Immediately afterward, he confides to Shepard that he honestly has enjoyed his time walking among the "young."

** It may even be better with a non-romanced Liara. She leans against Shepard's arm and gently rests her head on Shepard's shoulder. It's a phenomenally sweet moment.

*** [[spoiler: In the extended cut Synthesis ending, upon realizing Shepard is truely dead for good, the newly technorganic EDI cries for the first time, only to be consoled by Shepard's LI]].

* Javik says he might indulge Liara on helping her with her book. One of the titles Liara thought of was "My Travels with a Prothean". Just picture Javik and Liara after everything is over going off and having adventures together.
* After the [[spoiler: Cerberus coup on the Citadel]], if you manage to do it without killing [[spoiler: Kaidan/Ashley]], you get a small scene with Garrus in front of the memorial wall. He talks about how Shepard almost had to [[spoiler: kill him/her]], and is thankful that [[spoiler: he/she didn't join Ashley/Kaidan]]. He then comments that it was Kaidan/Ashley fight too, and they need to win for him/her as well. Heartwarming to know he still remembers the one who died at Virmire two years after he/she dies.

* [[spoiler: Conrad Verner is back in the game and being his usual idiot self. But for all his stupidity, he got the Shepherds out of the war zone, using all of his funds. Conrad, leave the badassery to Shepard. But that doesn't mean you can't be a hero.]]

* If you manage to get the turians and the krogan working together, after a while you will get a sudden, seemingly random Codex entry added. "The Miracle at Palaven".
** [[spoiler: After generations of animosity, the Krogan and the Turians are working together for the first time since... ever. They coordinate a massive sneak attack against the Reapers by using a dreadnought as a distraction and then smuggling a large number of high-yield [=WMDs=] into Reaper harvesting camps. Countless lives are sacrificed, but through the combined efforts of the Krogan and Turians, they manage to strike possibly the biggest blow against the Reapers short of the battle for the Catalyst.]]
* This conversation with Garrus after [[spoiler: the fall of Thessia]]. When Shepard has comes as close as s/he ever has to a HeroicBSOD:

** After spending two games being the squad's WarriorTherapist it's nice to see them giving Shepard the pep-talk for a change.

--->'''Garrus:''' Forgive the insubordination, but your boyfriend has an order for you... [[HowDareYouDieOnMe come back alive.]]

* This little bit of dialogue between Paragon Shepard and Eve:
--> '''Eve''': Go, Commander. You don't know me.\\
'''Shepard''': No. [[YouAreNotAlone But I'd like to]].

* After [[spoiler: Thessia]], Liara is devastated, and some of the other crew... When she confronts Javik he needs little prompting to say probably the first encouraging thing he's said to her, even if he does tell Shepard that true or not, it's what she needed to hear. Tali and Garrus anxiously argue about which of them should talk to her; neither knows what to say and they don't want to make it worse. If prompted Ashley will say that she'll talk to her. Over the comm, EDI does talk and listen, deflating Liara's bitterness about how her relationship with her mother tied into it.
* After the mission on Horizon Tali calls up Javik; one call has her basically sloshed, but she also puts in a much more serious call, where she expresses her horror at the whole thing. Javik was numbed to that and worse and says so, but less harshly than usual. Tali says that she's sorry he had to go through that - and he says "Your sympathy is not needed, quarian... but it is appreciated." He then seems to backpedal a little, saying that quarians have always been emotional and it's thought to be a product of their biology.

* After the monastery mission, talking to Steve Cortez has him rather peevishly request that next time Shep blows up a monastery s/he should tell him s/he's not still inside. "I worry about you!"
* The Leviathan DLC opens up new systems to scan and new War Assets to acquire. One of them is a Batarian governor.

* In ''Leviathan'', Shepard's love interest actively scolds him/her for [[spoiler: diving to the bottom of the ocean on an unknown planet, in order to speak to an EldritchAbomination]]. S/he was more worried about ''Shepard's'' welfare than the multiple Reaper forces s/he and another squadmate were holding off, until s/he got back.

--->'''Garrus:''' Shepard, I...I admit I was worried about you on that dig site. Things got... pretty hectic. Not used to feeling like that, you know. That's what love does. Turns a guy like me into a nervous wreck with something to lose and the aim to make sure he doesn't. Nobody better hurt you, is all I'm saying.

* One small one: when Joker is on the Citadel, he remarks how everyone finally realizes how serious things are getting by the way they're dancing. He notes they're waving their hands around and don't care if they look stupid. Shepard pounces on that and urges Joker, who has always stayed on the sidelines thanks to Vrolic's Syndrome, to dance and not care if he looks stupid. Sure enough, Joker is on the dance floor dancing the best he can, and sounds truly happy when you speak to him.

* The paragon version of Aria's speech after retaking Omega. All ending with;
-->'''Aria:''' We are Omega!
* Crosses over into TearJerker territory, but after [[spoiler: [[HeroicSacrifice Nyreen kills herself with a group of Adjutants via biotic sphere and grenades]]]] Aria [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge flips out.]] The sheer fact is that her response shows how much she really did care is quite touching (if morbid) compared to how flippant and cold she usually acts.

* When you ask Dr. Chakwas about her family she'll reply that while she may be the last of her bloodline, "[[MarriedToTheJob The Alliance is my spouse]] and [[AFatherToHisMen you are all my children]]". She says it with such sincere, nurturing tones that you can’t help but feel the warmth flow through you. TeamMom indeed.

* If Fem!Shep has romanced Traynor, then just before the final push, it's possible to have a conversation with her where Samantha says she wants to settle down, buy a house and have kids with Shepard. Then she states she's not kidding. Verges into being a tearjerker, since in pretty much every ending, they'll never be able to do get that little house, with the picket fence.

* Crossing with CMOF for the bluntness of it all: In "Citadel" when Shepard and squad arrive [[spoiler: at the Normandy as it's getting stolen by Brooks and Clone!Shep]], you find Traynor [[spoiler: who was just thrown out of the Normandy]]. If Fem!Shep romanced Traynor, she is pissed because [[spoiler: because Clone!Shep just fired her for fraternization.]] What happens after is just adorable.
-->'''Traynor:''' You've got a lot of nerve coming back here! I can't believe that after all we've been through you [[spoiler: you fire me for fraternization!]]\\
''[Paragon Interrupt appears which causes Shepard to compassionately kiss Traynor]''\\

'''Shepard:''' Wasn't me.[[spoiler: Evil clone.]]

* If you take Wrex and Tali with you to fight [[spoiler: the clone]], you're treated to this bit of dialogue in the elevator. Also counts as a [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments CMoF]].

'''Liara:''' ''[only if she talked to Aethyta/her father and finding out her grandfather was a krogan]'' Well, I recently discovered that I'm one-quarter krogan.\\

* Spacer Shepard can finally talk to his/her mother. Unfortunately, you still don't see Rear Admiral Shepard, but she is still proud of her son/daughter and remembered a story about her child having his/her own warship and crew. How heartwarming.
* Relatively small one, but if Shepard competes in the Armax Arsenal Combat Arena and performs well, s/he gets fan mail from, well, fans. One of them is from a Turian mother who informs Shepard that her daughter is fascinated with humans and she actually thinks it's good for her daughter to have a non-Turian role model. It has been clear from the first game that Shepard is a hero and an idol in the eyes of many humans, but this is the first time that a normal, alien family informs Shepard that they are rooting for him/her.

** Listen closely: it's a piano rendition of ''Vigil.''
* If you are romancing Tali, you can invite her on a date, and she takes the opportunity to serenade you with a romantic song. Although she lifts the lyrics from an in-game movie, ''Fleet and Flotilla'', her body language and tone of voice indicate that she’s making a sincere declaration of love.

** Made even more sweeter when you realize that several of her lines from her romance arc in ''2'' were borrowed directly from the Quarian character in ''Fleet and Flotilla''. Given her Shadow Broker dossier mentioned her downloading it during the Collector Mission, it's implied that she used it to give her the confidence to articulate how she felt about Shepard. Tali finally got her fairytale romance with a lover from beyond the stars.
** After you watch ''Fleet and Flotilla'' with Tali, you get a dialogue option to say how adorable it is that she's so into it.

** You can get the scene even if you're not romancing Tali, with slightly altered dialogue, which means that she's essentially having a pajama party with Shepard (either sex). Best yet, you can still tell Tali it's so cute she's so into the Quarian version of ''Film/{{Titanic|1997}}''.

** Also of note [[spoiler: are Thane's video logs left for a romanced Shepard. Thane's dialogue is so well written, that even Shepard starts tearing up from it. Note that Thane is the ''only'' character in the saga that Shepard has ever cried for. Doubles as a Tear Jerker as well.]]

*** That said, Garrus's spoken reason for the booby-trapping if you've romanced him is ''definitely'' very heartwarming. It's more the way he says it, to be honest. And then Shepard allows him to go ahead with every implication that it's entirely for his peace of mind, as though she's well aware of how much he cares for her and she's indulging in that caring purely to make her boyfriend happier. D'awwwww. Not to mention what the code for disarming the lot turns out to be...[[note]]"I HEART GARRUS"[[/note]]

* During the Citadel DLC, if EDI is taken to [[spoiler: retake the Normandy from Clone Shepard.]] She will comment that it's odd to walk through the Normandy without sensors, and that she feels blind. If the third party member is not Javik or Wrex, they will say words of kindness to her. EDI simply gives a warm "Thank you."
* One goes out to Bioware itself for the multiplayer mission "Operation Tribute". Earlier that month Zaeed's voice actor Robin Sachs passed away. Bioware designed a challenge weekend mission in his honor that requires scoring 50,000 with the Avenger assault rifle (Zaeed had one featured in [=ME2=] named 'Jesse') and another 50,000 with firebombs (Zaeed's unique ability)

* And while we're on the subject of Zaeed, there's also [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d7z1WSIj1E another example]] that crosses with meta in Citadel DLC when you play with female Shepard. If you only invite Zaeed to the party along with the default guests, you have the conversation written down below. There's just something jarring in listening Zaeed tell something so personal that he can only say it to Shepard in private, knowing that [[Creator/RobinSachs the voice]] who said it is now permanently silent, making them, in its own, strange way, the last words Zaeed says to her. And then it gets even more poignant when you realize that he didn't utter a single curse during the whole conversation: You know he's serious and it's not just the booze talking.[[note]][=FemShep=] is basically Samara's substitute here. If she's present, Zaeed is hitting on her with basically the same dialogue. Samara is not amused.[[/note]]

* Zaeed flirting with Samara, and while she's flummoxed by an abstract painting, Zaeed waxes lyrical about it, leading her to observe, "You are a complicated man, Zaeed Massani."

*** With Fem!Shep and a non romanced Bro!Shep, when you invite her up you get to hear the first time Miranda referring to anyone as "''my friend''". At the party itself, the IceQueen is actually quite friendly with everyone, even those who ostensibly don't like her, like Jack and Tali.

* Jack manages to adopt a biotic [[AngryGuardDog varren]]. Apparently, biotics make varren very short-tempered and even more vicious than they are normally, leading to abuse and abandonment. Jack rescued one from Thessia, and named it [[MeaningfulName Eezo.]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3ZvfO-t2a4 Never before has a varren looked so cute.]]

** And then Shepard starts playing ''fetch'' with Eezo...using a frying pan instead of something sensible like a stick. Mainly because s/he had originally grabbed it to use as a shield.
** That scene plays out differently if you remained faithful to Jack. She gives you an omega-and-skull tattoo, explaining that she never tattooed anyone else because no-one else mattered enough. Then, when she's getting worked up about her fears that Shepard won't be coming back ([[spoiler:probably justified given the options]]), Shepard hugs her and tells her she worries too much.

* One of the Extended Cut endings shows Zaeed contentedly sitting in a ''lounge chair'' on Earth enjoying a tall can of beer. RetiredBadass indeed.

** Seeing how Eve's relationship with Shepard evolves. Upon first meeting on Sur'Kesh, she is extremely wary and guarded, wondering what Shepard could possibly want with her. A Paragon response has Shepard express interest in getting to know her. Once Eve is aboard the Normandy, you can go talk to her in the medbay, and it doesn't take long for her to open up. She eventually gifts Shepard a crystal shard that brought her hope during the lowest point of her life

** Seeing Wrex come to like and respect Mordin. This is a scientist who from a race that not only unleashed the genophage, but also a scientist who personally extended it. To see Wrex chuckle at him, call him pyjak jokingly, and just trusting him to be in the same presence as Eve...it says a lot for the both of them.

*** Their friendship is especially sweet if Shepard is female as well, as the two get some womanly bonding in. Eve even jokes about them "showing the men how it's done."