Author's Note:

The idea for this story developed after stumbling across a Liara dialogue in LoTSB. Basically, she says, "…I don't think people like us go on dates…" Afterwards, I wondered, "Where did she come up with that idea?" From that thought sprouted the idea of a trilogy of stories. The first has already been written – "People Like Us." This is the second installment and the third is being plotted. Although this fic is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. There are some inside jokes and references to the previous story though, so if you want a full experience, then I recommend you read the first fic before this one. I hope you enjoy!

As always, thank you to those who read, Fav, Alert and/or Review! Your interest and feedback are greatly appreciated and motivating in the most brilliant of ways.

Chapter 1: Dreaming in Blue

Liara walked curtly down the corridor and a sigh of frustration escaped her lips. As she passed by a large potted fern, she tugged on the sleeve of her white and blue short-hemmed jacket, but it still felt annoyingly restrictive over her white jumpsuit. Nothing was going her way, which was unexpected since she was at what would normally be her dream vacation – the very first conference on Prothean influence through the galaxy. Located in Elysium, the conference had drawn in experts from various professions in an attempt to better understand the impact the ancient race had on current culture. This was an unprecedented collection of individuals – scientists, economists, biologists, university professors, archeologists, historians, physicists, and architects – all of whom had devoted a portion of their life to studying the mysterious race. As time went on it seemed that more and more individuals were unable to deny the fact that Protheans had some type of impact on every known sentient species in the galaxy.

As mysterious as the conferences subject matter was, it also seemed that the conference itself had mystery surrounding it – the origin of its conception. A number of patrons had donated the credits to fund the conference and gather the necessary individuals to make sure the event ran smoothly. The fact that it had been pulled together in such a meticulously organized fashion, and in just under the time frame of three months, seemed to indicate that there was a single entity pulling the strings. In fact, there was.

During one of her conversations with Lakota, Liara came up with the idea of a Prothean conference. What better way to pool information and resources about the ancient race and attempt to decipher their ties to the Reapers? Using the unseen strings of the Shadow Broker network, the asari was able to secure the funding through a number of legitimate donors and organize the logistics of the conference in a very short time. Apparently Prothean specialists were not in high demand and were more than eager to talk about their theories and findings to any who were willing to listen. Liara chose the human colony of Elysium because it was considered to be an alpine paradise for most species and would bring many participants just so they could enjoy the splendor of the environment. Also, the general threat of a collector attack earlier in the year on human colonies resulted in all traffic and trade from Illium to Elysium being shutdown. With the Illium restrictions lifted and trade traffic renewed, the asari knew that traveler's fears about visiting the planet would be abated and that the conference would be able to bring an influx of much needed capital to the planet's struggling economy.

Liara slowed her stride through the brightly lit corridor as she came closer to the penthouse suite. She had requested the most luxurious room for three reasons – one practical and two personal. Although Feron was maintaining the network from the Shadow Broker base, the asari wanted to stay tapped into information relays and help prioritize the mass flow of constantly streaming data. The penthouse suite was the only room with enough space for her to setup up a remote network node from which to securely sift through data feeds. She had left Glyph with Feron, but used software driven helpers to sort through the rapid transit of information.

Another reason she had chosen the penthouse suite – the view. The demands of being The Shadow Broker were all-consuming and the current location of the Broker base – nestled within the volatile atmosphere of Hagalaz – offered little in the way of scenic vistas or beautiful horizon lines. Being regulated by the artificial environment of a space station took on a depressive toll after an extended period of time. Even the frequent visits of the Normandy and its crew could not temper the feeling of isolation. So after three months, the asari researcher was ready to stretch her legs planet-side once again and breathe fresh air.

Liara's other purpose was to carve out some quality time with Lakota Shepard – Alliance infiltrator, survivor of Akuze, the first human Spectre and most importantly, her lover. Other than some stolen moments when the Normandy docked to replenish the station's supplies or update its database components, they had had very little time together in recent months. Liara hoped this conference would allow them both some much needed alone-time, and up until four days ago that goal was right on track. The Citadel Council had requested the Spectre's aid in an emergency evacuation of an asari reconnaissance squad monitoring the yahg home world. Normally this would not fall to a Spectre, but in lieu of the aggressive temperament of the yahg and previous diplomatic fumbling, the Council requested Shepard specifically because of the Normandy's cloaking ability. Liara understood the importance of the mission, but it did nothing to ease her disappointment.

Exhaling another frustrated sigh, Liara swiped her key card along a digital reader and then she entered a sixteen digit passcode into her omni-tool. She had taken the liberty of updating the penthouse's security as soon as she had arrived. Her devices made sure that the resort's security saw nothing abnormal while allowing her own added security to lock down every entryway into the suite –both physical and digital.

The moment Liara stepped through the threshold she stopped – her senses immediately heightened. The room was not as she left it. The bathroom light was on and could be see shining on the floor around the left corner of the entryway wall. Biotic energy rolled down her right arm and pooled in her fist, noiselessly crackling and ready to be released. She listened, but did not hear any odd sounds – just the hum of her equipment which was also around the left corner. Without moving, she scanned the rest of the room. The far outer wall was made up of clear glass which looked out at the panoramic vista of a snow topped mountain range. Upon arrival Liara had added another security feature to the room. She reinforced the glass with a portable kinetic barrier. Her experience with the deceased Spectre Tela Vasir's assassination attempt had affirmed the value of such extra precautions.

It was only midday which allowed for enough indirect sunlight to illuminate the suite in a natural hue, so Liara did not need any other light source to see by. She moved her gaze to the ground and focused a few meters in front of her, but there was no shadowy movement in the light shining from the bathroom. Her eyes scanned to the right toward the open kitchenette in the middle of the room which was surrounded by a curved bar and stools. Then, she surveyed the sunken-in living room that was located to the right of the kitchenette. It had a fireplace on the outer wall as its centerpiece but was currently not being used. She was unable to see any other part of the room because the short entry hallway blocked her view to the rest of the room around both the right and left corners.

Liara breathed in deeply, focusing her concentration on the room's environment. No movement was seen and no unusual sounds could be heard. Nothing appeared out of place. Around the right corner was the alcove where the king-sized bed was located. If she were going to ambush someone entering into the room, around that corner would be ideal. She forced herself to relax – biotic tendrils brightening, primed for instantaneous action – and then stepped quickly around the corner. Without warning she was greeted by the intruder – Commander Lakota Shepard – sound asleep on the bed.

The biotic energy in her arm immediately faded away as a radiant smile graced the asari's lips. Chuckling silently to herself, Liara casually walked over to the bed next to her lover's slumbering form and took in the heartwarming sight. Lakota was lying on her back still dressed in Alliance issue dark blue cargo pants and a form fitting white tank top. Next to the bed were the discarded items of the commander's wardrobe – a pair of black military boots and a long-sleeved blue and white jacket which matched the cargo pants. Liara was amazed at the peaceful, content expression on her lover's face and took an extra moment to revel in its image. Of late, the only time she saw Lakota's expression so relaxed and free of worry was while she slept.

Gingerly, Liara sat down on the bed, taking care not to disturb the Spectre's slumber, to no avail though. Lakota's eyes immediately opened in surprise, her body tense – she had always been a light sleeper. Then the pale green eyes caught Liara in their sight and the commander's rigid form settled. When green eyes met blue for the first time, Lakota's right hand reached out, found Liara's left and held tight.

"Hi, snookums," said the Spectre. Although her voice was soft and sleepy, a tiny smirk formed at the corner of her mouth.

Tilting her head in confusion, the asari questioned, "Snookums?"

The commander yawned while her body began a long, feline-like stretch. "On the way here it occurred to me that we don't have pet names for each other and I began to wonder why."

"That's easy, Shepard," said Liara matter-of-factly.

"Oh?"

"You are not my pet nor am I yours."

Lakota chuckled. "Well, not like that. Not literally. But most couples have some sort of affectionate nickname to call each other."

"Yes. I have heard of such things." Liara kicked off her boots, took off her jacket – letting it drop to the floor, and then moved to stretch out on the bed, lying on her right side and snuggled up against her lover. Smiling innocently, the asari asked, "So you want me to call you 'baby'?"

Shaking her head, the Spectre said, "Um… no. That doesn't fit me."

Liara's left hand reached out, her fingertips sensually tracing the outline of Lakota's face. "I've also heard the term, 'babe'. Would you prefer that?"

Amusement twinkling in her eyes, the Spectre replied, "Ah… no. That's not for me either."

Leaning in, Liara placed a tender kiss on Lakota's cheek. "Perhaps, 'sweetie pie'?"

The Spectre rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "I'm going to live to regret this, aren't I?"

"Yes," said the asari as she rolled on top of her lover and then placed a tiny kiss upon her chin, "you will."

Lakota's arms wrapped tightly around Liara's body, holding her close. A happy sigh escaped her lips as she enjoyed the comfort of the weight and warmth of the asari's body. It felt like ages since she held her lover in her arms.

Smiling softly, Liara said, "We'll just have to keep working on it."

Winking, Lakota said, "I think that is a good idea... my little warp core."

Liara laughed out loud at the term of endearment and then playfully squeezed Lakota's body with her legs and arms. In retaliation, the Spectre used her strength and leverage to roll on top of the asari, effectively reversing their positions. This led to an impulsive, light-hearted wrestling match that ended with Liara back on top, and a wanton, lustful energy coursing between them. Their eyes locked on each other and the room around them seemed to fade away leaving only each other in this moment of unexpected bliss.

Emotions welled up in Liara's chest making it hard for her to breathe. As she reached out and lovingly caressed Lakota's cheek, she whispered, "Commander."

The Spectre hesitated, gazing intently into her lover's eyes which rivaled the bluest depths of the ocean seas, and then replied, "Doctor?"

The asari murmured, "I missed you," and then her mouth descended upon Lakota's in a sultry, lingering kiss – unhurriedly exploring the lips that had been absent from her for too long. Between soft moans and sharp gasps of pleasure, tongues met in a smoldering slow dance which continued to fan the flame of desire rising between them. Liara's fingers slipped between the raven black strands of Lakota's hair, deepening their fiery laden caress with compounding pressure.

When hunger and need threatened to overwhelm all senses, Liara pulled her lips away. She smiled though when she saw her own longing reflected in her lover's blazing eyes, but instead of returning to those lips, she felt the need to ask a question that was coursing through her mind. "Shepard," she asked, "how did you get into the suite?"

Grinning impishly, Lakota said, "I may have hacked your security."

Liara cleared her throat in disbelief. "Define 'hacked'."

"I've been breaking into things since I was six. I've had a lot of experience. This was no different."

"You've not encountered my security protocols before."

Patting Liara's rear with her right hand, Lakota said, "Um… cutie… I just did. You really need to consider changing your favorite passcodes."

"My passcodes?" questioned Liara incredulously. "How do you know my passcodes?"

"Well, trust me when I tell you that 'ProtheanBlue2077' is not very secretive. At least for me."

"Oh really?"

"Well, I pay close attention to you. First, your birth year is not very original and second, you were very enamored when I told you of my favorite color."

"A color that you named yourself," declared Liara, as if this fact made the name elusive to all.

"Yes, I did." Lakota smiled as she reached out her hand and let her fingertips trace the outline of her lover's face – across her forehead, over her eyebrows, upon her chin, brushing over the length of her nose and eventually coming to rest on her freckled cheek. The Spectre was just as spellbound by the intricate, yet spontaneous detail to Liara's adorable freckles as she was the first time she traced their path. Even the azure hue of her lover's skin had a unique, mesmerizing quality to it. "It's a color that I never get tired of looking at."

Shyly, Liara asked, "And does it still evoke the same feeling?"

Without hesitation, Lakota answered, "Oh yes. Every time I see it, I feel as though I've come home." Then she leaned in, Liara meeting her halfway and they shared a warm, tender kiss which was full of passion and possibility – much like the feeling of a gentle spring rain which brings the promise of beauty in its passing.

Eventually, their lips parted and their foreheads leaned forward, tenderly brushing each other.

"So," Liara asked, "how did you get to Elysium? I thought the Citadel Council sent you on an evacuation mission?"

Lakota sighed and let her head fall to the pillow. "They did, but I made a command decision."

"Oh?"

"Yes," said the Spectre. "I chose to listen to my executive officer who told me to get the hell off the Normandy because I was driving everyone crazy with my temper tantrum."

Curiosity piqued, Liara repeated, "Ms Lawson accused you of having a temper tantrum?"

"That was wildly speculative and an exaggeration at best, but… um… yes…" Lakota grinned sheepishly, "It could be said that I was a bit… ah… upset about the Council's bad timing."

Liara smiled at the knowledge that she was not the only one who was frustrated by the unexpected change in plans. "So what about the Council's mission request?"

"Oh that's still happening, just without me on the ship. The Normandy crew can handle it, of that I am sure. I had them drop me off at the nearest Alliance base and then for the last thirty-six hours I have been jumping from one ship or shuttle to another until I was able to get here. I am a bit tired; hence my napping until you arrived."

Frowning slightly, Liara said, "You could have told me you were coming."

"But," countered the Spectre, "that would have ruined the surprise."

"Yes, I almost throttled you with my biotics because of your surprise."

"See," said Lakota with an impish grin, "you'll remember this moment forever now."

Liara scoffed affectionately. "And what will the Council say when they find out you weren't present for the mission?"

Shaking her head slightly, Lakota replied, "I'm not worried about it. The mission will be completed and they will get over it. You may have noticed – I have a slight problem with authority."

"Oh really?" chuckled Liara. "A slight problem? I suppose I should have known when you conned Tali into overloading the Cerberus network with images of baby pyjacks."

Lakota raised a surprised eyebrow. "How did…? It wasn't all my idea. She's not as innocent as she looks."

"Why is it that everyone you associate with eventually does something mischievous?"

"Mischievous?" Lakota asked, tightening her embrace around the asari and smiling roguishly. "I like the sound of that."

"It is better than saying scandalous."

"Scandalous? Why… I think that sounds even better."

"How about illicit then?" Liara parried.

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?"

"Shepard, the only people you haven't corrupted are Samara and Joker. As a Justicar, Samara's incorruptible nature is a given. As for Joker, he has been conspiring with you all along."

"Now that is unfair."

"Just as unfair as when you and Garrus calibrated everyone's omni-tool on the original Normandy to play the Turian Imperial Anthem when we used it?"

"Oh yeah… Wrex made a point to biotically crush his in front of Garrus."

"So did I."

"Really?" Lakota chuckled. "I didn't know that."

"How about when you and Jack placed temporary tattoos on Ms. Lawson while she was sleeping?"

"That was completely blown out of proportion. We did not cover her whole body, only her back. And we did not drug her. She got into a competitive drinking game with Jack of her own free will."

"And when you and Grunt added Batax's Hot Fish Spice to everyone's popcorn for one of the Normandy's movie nights?"

Frowning in feigned frustration, Lakota pouted, "Damn, you being the Shadow Broker really takes the gusto out of a prank."

"Remember that in the future, Commander," warned Liara playfully.

The asari shifted slightly so she could tug the hem of the Spectre's tank top from the cargo pants and then proceeded to remove it over the Spectre's head, leaving only a white bra in its place. Once the shirt was discarded on the floor, Liara settled back into her position – lying straddled upon her lover's body.

"Doctor," questioned Lakota, "what are you doing?" Her hands resumed their position on the asari's lower back, and began to soothingly trace abstract patterns across the contoured landscape.

"I have decided to explore the parameters of your disdain for authority."

The asari placed a trail of tender, dotting kisses on the Spectre's neck, collar bone, and chest. She moved slowly and methodically, taking her time and reveling in the hitched intakes of her lover's breathing, and the feel of hips beginning to move of their own volition. When her lips reached the top of Lakota's breast, the commander gasped.

"Oh?" mumbled Lakota, arousal eminent in her husky voice. "And how does this help, Doctor?"

"It's really very simple, Commander." Liara placed another slow kiss upon the soft flesh of her lover's breast and then her teeth bit down on the edge of Lakota's bra and pulled the cup down revealing more of the pliant flesh. "I am taking what is mine…"

The asari's lips returned to the newly exposed skin, but this time suckling hard between kisses, leaving a slightly reddened mark in their wake. Lakota's fingers dug into her lover's shoulders and her back arched in response to the fiery sensations tingling down her spine.

"…and marking my territory." A hint of a feral grin fell across Liara's lips.

Breathing heavily, Lakota murmured, "You seem to be doing a very good job, Doctor."

"Well," Liara teased, "I am the Shadow Broker." Using her teeth once again, the asari bit down on her lover's bra and returned it to its original placement.

"Oh?" said Lakota. The feel of cloth moving across her breast did nothing to dampen her arousal. "Is that supposed to intimidate me?"

"Well," Liara slyly intoned, "I do have an unprecedented network of information and I am an authority figure."

Lakota's eyes sauntered over Liara's curvaceous frame. "Your figure does command my attention."

"Hmmm… Commander, I thought you had a problem with authority."

"Apparently being around you is a good influence on me, Doctor."

"Then I recommend more of it."

"Done."

As Lakota's arms once again tightened their loving embrace, Liara's head settled on her lover's chest. Warmth emanated from the contact with the bare skin while the rhythmic heartbeat pulsed in her ear and tingled across her face lulling her into a sedentary, peaceful contentment. Of all the sounds in the world, this was the one that brought the most harmony to her being. Nestling further into her lover's frame, the asari let her eyes close and dreamed of fields of fragrant blue roses.

Next Chapter – Blue Fields of Elysium