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A ManShep romance thread for @stillicides because MS is soft and lovely
Before I start I should really say that I may be talking rubbish about everything as I seem to differ from everyone as I don’t see Shep in very traditional masc ways
Yes he has a shaved head but in 1 and 2 he seems very delicate? That Alliance outfit in 1 is absolutely not straight. His tone is always about trying to support others and make them open up (renegades do not exist to me)
I just don’t think of that guy Matt Damon plays or Bruce Willis when I think of Shepard.
So onto the romances… (Note I am not doing Tali and @stillicides knows why)
I’ll start with an underrated one which is Steve. This is beautiful. Shep (even when not in a romance) is very tactile with Steve, very supportive, doesn’t want to take Robert’s place and is there at every step Steve needs him
Also I LOVE the little queer trope that when they can finally express interest in one another it is at a bar that is just an 80s gay club with loud terrible music and everyone is drunk and clearly there to hook up away from prying eyes
There is also a really *swoon* moment when Steve is flying Shepard around and making it clear he wants to rescue him, he’s the best pilot and he will damn well swoop in and make sure Shepard is okay.
Be still my heart
Now onto Liara. I have my issues with the romance in 1…so I’m cheating and skipping ahead. In 2 Shepard can be so supportive, even when Liara refuses to fight the reapers (and like come on Liara??? THE REAPERS FFS)
In 3, especially if here has been no prior romance, the content is so gentle and considerate.
A friendship deepens, the emotional connection goes even further. There’s a beautiful scene when Liara is sharing some personal memories and Shepard can suggest that perhaps they explore a romantic relationship.
It is a tender development. They trust each other, and so they can be honest, regardless of whatever the outcome is or how the other party feels.
It feels similar in that sense to the relationship with Kaidan in 3. I’m in a minority in that I like that Kaidan can’t be romanced in 1 (although I wish there were early references to his bi/pan identity).
I like the development between them, particularly how they overcome a lot of strife in their relationship that happened in 2.
But Shep is tender and supportive when Kaidan is in the hospital. He also respects that Kaidan isn’t ready to start fighting, and needs time.
There’s not that much discussion about Alenko’s disability in ME, but every time the subject is touched upon, Shepard is understanding of it all (which is really refreshing given the military and toxic masc culture both are in)
There is also a lovely moment during the Citadel dlc where, predictably, Kaidan is not at all focused on the mission that Shepard very clearly is. Yet Kaidan is instead focusing on how hot his boyfriend is.
Standard Kaidan.
Kaidan is also definitely in charge when he tells Shep they are staying in and he cooks for him in Shep’s own apartment. Although he does a terrible job and burns everything because queers cannot function around each other. It is a fact.
Shepard is also a complete sap when he can say he can’t think of anything better than just being with Kaidan. The Commander of a galactic fleet. Put your toxic ideas in the bin. They just don’t work with this guy.
Now on to my favourite romance with Miranda. Tbh, if wlw content existed (ignoring mods) then I would still mostly play as Manshep tbqh
(I am sorry queer women but I love him too much and it wouldn't make either less bi or whatever. I said what I said)
(I am sorry queer women but I love him too much and it wouldn't make either less bi or whatever. I said what I said)
The romance with Miranda is super sweet. It’s about mutual respect building up, but they can very honestly question each other’s motives, actions and beliefs.
There are a few ways to trigger the romance: there is a moment where Shepard can reinforce that he can admire her without it being a fetish about her creation, and also a moment where they kiss and tbh the reaction is hilarious with that choice. It's so charming.
After this, Miranda needs time to think and they can have an honest conversation about where they are at. Miranda reveals her fears about the mission (the first time she has felt safe to acknowledge the cost of it) and Shepard can hug her and be supportive.
He is given the choice to either be bloody minded about their odds, or realistic. And both feel like they acknowledge the danger in their own way? There’s a desperation of hope that he *needs*, or there’s a tentative acceptance of what could happen.
After this, Miranda needs time again to consider everything …from a technical aspect this is to make sure the big scene happens right before the final mission. But the mechanics here are interesting because they force Shepard to respect Miranda’s request for space.
This is brilliant imo. Because how many times in media do alloros ignore this and think some charming speech or grand act will make someone come around more quickly?
But, with an issue as important as respecting boundaries, the player has no choice. Shepard is forced to be respectful and wait until she is ready to talk.
She will not be rushed. The conversation will go nowhere. The only thing she will talk about is the progress of the mission.
And when she is ready…it’s Miranda who takes charge of everything. She is very much in control, and takes the lead with everything that happens next. From the hows and whens, it’s all driven by her, and Shepard is happy with this.
There are some beautiful dlc moments. But my personal favourite is when Shep jokes that it’s his turn to watch Miranda sleep (although alloros confuse me? Do you not need sleep??)
It’s very clear that Miranda can be romantic and overtly affectionate in tender moments. And he feels so safe with her.
(And why do we always talk about whether stereotypically written ‘broken’ women feel safe with their partners? Obviously power dynamics etc…but Shep is also a very traumatised and guarded. Him feeling safe with anyone is super important)
Now from Miranda to Jack. Why did I plan it this way??
With Jack lust is obviously really important to the relationship. To the point they make me question whether I am ace because wow (it is awesome though). But Shepard is still soft and gentle. He allows Jack’s varren destroy his apartment and nearly eat him
He’s supportive and positive at every turn. He recognises how much she is trying, and supports her decision to not join the Normandy
(And I very much appreciate how in a lot of romances ManShep appreciates the boundaries and literal physical distance in place.)
He is also just a complete dork, and accepts Jack totally (I won’t comment on this part as you know my feelings after THROWING MIRANDA'S CHAIR)
okay I did comment but her chair!!!!
And I do like this romance. There's this idea that you can't have comfort, soft, gentle, tender content with mlw who have relationships where sex is very important. Media just reduces everything to really simplistic terms. But simplifying doesn't work with these two.
okay I am starting to hate this thread as Shepard is just setting an impossible standard.
To sum up: he's cute.
