A/N: This is my very first story here. I believe BioWare never gave FemShep and Liara enough time together, and I did not approve of the ending at all. Based on those factors, I figured I would give writing a little something a shot. This was meant to be a one-shot, but I believe it may end up to be three or four chapters, maybe more. That will depend on the readers. :) I hope you guys enjoy, and thanks for taking the time to read!
Mass Effect and all of its content belongs to BioWare.
Military life wasn't all that bad. Sure, there was a chance that someone could lose their life on the battlefield, but everyone knew that risk. There were a great number of perks to be in the military, such as a great crew to work with, the credits, and the recognition. Military life really wasn't that bad, except for one glaring evil monstrosity; paperwork.
Commander Shepard groaned. Yes, the great Commander Shepard who stopped the rogue Spectre Saren, the one who stopped the Collector invasion, and the one who was currently trying to stop the Reapers. That Commander Shepard, groaned.
She loved her job. Her job was her life, but she hated paperwork. There was never this much paperwork, even after her Spectre induction. This war was bad, but she knew that, and so did everyone else now. Everyone but the Council. They still refused to help her, even after she saved their lives. They never listened to her, nor heeded her warnings. But she still did things for them. She was a soldier, not a damn politician, and she couldn't stand being their lapdog.
Sighing, Shepard ran a hand through her black hair. The strands resting against the top of her shoulder blades. Her spiky bangs fell across her face as she slumped over her desk. Every time she completed one file on her terminal, five more would pop up.
Leaning back in her chair, Shepard stared at her terminal. She had half a mind to throw the damn thing out of the airlock, as Javik would suggest. Shepard swore the guy had some nasty fixation with throwing things out of airlocks. And yes, he was the very last living Prothean, but he seriously had some issues.
When she first became Spectre, if someone told her she would unearth a living Prothean, she probably would have laughed at them. Had it really been three years ago? She has been a Spectre and Commander for three years. Even so, she was still a humble soldier. The fame was just too weird. She was only doing her job as an Alliance soldier.
Another alert jarred Shepard from her reminiscent reverie, almost causing the woman to jump. "Six now? Son of a bitch," she complained as she sat up straight.
"Did you want to talk to Jeff, Shepard?" EDI asked over the intercom. After a few silent moments, the AI spoke up once more. "That was a joke."
Shepard merely shook her head. "Thanks, but no thanks EDI. Is everyone taking shore leave like I asked?"
"Everyone but Javik and Liara. Javik refuses to deal with the primitive beings, and Liara refuses to take a break when you are overworking yourself. Actually, she's coming to your cabin now."
Of course the new Shadow Broker would refuse to leave the Normandy without Shepard taking a break herself. Though to be quite frank, Shepard was certain Liara was working harder than herself. Ever since the Prothean expert became the new Shadow Broker, she was always so busy keeping tabs on her monitors and doing what she could to help Shepard with the war. It was sweet, but it caused Shepard to worry without end.
That was because Shepard loved her. Never before had the Commander become so infatuated with someone before. Her work was always the love of her life, until a certain Asari came into the picture. Ever since Shepard saw her trapped at that dig site in some Prothean trap, the Commander was head over heels. Thankfully, Liara was just as intrigued by the human as the human was with the Asari.
Unfortunately, Shepard just did not have the time to spare with Liara. The deadlines on these files were far too short, and she knew she would be holed up in her room for a while. This is why they were docked at the Citadel and Shepard ordered everyone on shore leave.
Popping her fingers, Shepard began filling out more documents until she heard a knock on her door. "Come in," she called out. Her blue eyes stayed locked on her screen, even after she heard the traditional swish each time the door opened. She could hear her footsteps growing ever closer to her position, before she heard the familiar crinkle in the couch when it was sat on.
"Shepard," Liara began in that voice Shepard loved so dearly, "Could you please take a break from your terminal to have a date with me on the Citadel?"
Briefly, Shepard's eyes flicked down to her lap, a small sign of guilt, before she began typing again. "Sorry Liara, I can't. I am being hammered with so many files right now, and each with a deadline shorter than the last."
Liara crossed her arms and legs speculatively. Ever since Shepard was practically kept hostage by the Alliance, the couple rarely had time to spend with each other. Granted, Liara was mostly at fault, but Shepard was Spectre for Goddess sake! "Goddess Shepard, surely you can take a break. You are Spectre, after all," she said. Liara didn't want to argue with her bondmate, it wasn't Shepard's fault after all, but after Shepard had died, Liara needed more time with her lover. This war was so much more dangerous than anything they have ever faced before, and there was a chance – no, Shepard would not die again. "At least look at me, Aurora," she said softly.
The Spectre perked up slightly at her name being called out, before sighing softly. This was just part of the package deal with being with Shepard. She had her duties to attend to, and besides, Liara never showed her much attention when Aurora practically begged for it shortly after Liara became the next Shadow Broker. Seemed the shoe was now on the other foot. It was hardly a pleasant feeling. Granted, Shepard would love to turn around and feast her eyes on the beauty that was Liara T'Soni, but she could not afford to. She could not even afford sleep at this point. "I'm sorry, Liara, but I really can't," she said regretfully. This was definitely eating her up, but she couldn't afford to be weak right now. The galaxy was resting on her shoulders, as was Liara's safety. Ever since Liara had come into the picture, Shepard actually had something to fight for, and she would not give up.
So this was exactly how Shepard felt when they were reunited back on Illium. But Shepard had been dead for two years, and Liara had mourned. It wasn't that easy. Then again, she never did take Shepard's feelings into account during that time. Still, it did hurt to be shut out. Frowning, Liara clasped her fingers together and began to fidget with them, her trademark nervous habit. She needed to get Shepard off of the terminal for a while, at least for her health.
A few moments of silence passed before the Asari stood up and began walking to the door. "I will leave you alone then, Shepard," she said as she walked out. "I will get you to pay attention to me," she said when she was inside of the elevator and out of earshot.
Bringing up her omni-tool, she called someone she knew could help her out in this situation. When the connection was opened, Liara smiled in relief that they answered. "Ashley, I need your help."
A/N: Sorry for another note! But I don't believe this is a cliffhanger, but maybe I'm wrong? I guess that depends on you guys. :) I really hope you enjoyed the beginning of this little story I had in mind. I am not entirely sure how frequent I can update, but I will try for at least once a week.