'Twas The Night Before Ilos
Chapter 1 - A Push In The Right Direction
The room behind the med bay was silent, save for the sound of footsteps. Liara T'soni paces the small space nervously. She'd done the research, she'd watched videos of a lewd nature thanks to her extranet searches and curious nature but none of it helped as she keeps stopping herself from leaving the confines of her room. The asari slumps into her chair with a defeated sigh, she knows this could all go very wrong, she knows she'd regret not going to see Shepard for what could realistically be the last time. They were a few hours away from Ilos at best and the more time she sat and pondered her situation was time spent not in Shepard's company. She looks to the door which is keeping her prisoner and something inside her gives her the last push she needs. Almost leaping from her chair she marches through the door with renewed vigour, only to be stopped by the voice of Karin Chakwas.
"Hello, Liara. Going somewhere?" Karin asks with genuine interest.
The asari stops and considers the question. She can't lie to the human doctor and as she realises the silence between them growing awkward she answers honestly "I would like to see Shepard."
"I see" says Chakwas, her thumb and forefinger rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "I believe she'd be in her cabin at this hour. Her way of coping with the gravity of this whole situation, I'd wager."
"I should leave her be then" the asari says as she hangs her head dejectedly.
"My dear girl, do you not remember what I said to you when you wanted to find the commander last time?" Karin can't help a smile as she sees the asari nod. "I said that our commander wouldn't turn you of all people away, didn't I?"
Liara nods shyly "Yes. But this time...I want to confide something more in her."
Chakwas regards the young archaeologist with a motherly gaze, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder "Liara. I am sure whatever it is you wish to ask the commander she will listen with both ears, you are important to her and I am certain you know that."
"Karin, I have never been so sure of a decision in my life, but I am scared that I will mess it up." Liara lets out a long drawn-out sigh.
"I can guess where this is going, Liara. I would imagine the commander to be racking her brain right about now, wondering just what she should do. You should show the initiative. Show Shepard you are serious." Karin rubs the asari's shoulder and gives her a friendly push toward the Med-bay door.
Liara appears rejuvenated by Karin's advice and she once again heads for her destination. "Thank you, Karin. I appreciate it." she calls back as the door to the med-bay shuts.