Authro's Note: Hey everyone. This is the first fic I have written after quite some time. Due to my admiration for the dynamic relationship between Commander Shepard and Miranda Lawson, I've decided to make a collection of one-shots that will feature my favorite ME couple. This collection of one-shots will not follow a specific sequence, however. I might write about the Miri/Shepard scenes from within the game's timeline (up to the destruction of the Collector Base) or write about post-game scenes. If anyone has ideas for what sort of "scenes" I can write, drop me a line. I'm certainly open to ideas.
Do take note that English is my second language, so this fic is bound to have lapses in grammar. Enjoy, and don't forget to review. Reviews help me improve my writing.
Disclaimer: Miranda Lawson, Commander Shepard and the Mass Effect series is owned by BioWare.
Moments
Waking up with one Miranda Lawson in his arms was probably one of the most treasured moments of one Commander Shepard. After the destruction of the Collector Base a few days ago, Miranda had abandoned her own quarters at the crew deck and moved to his quarters, citing the need for someone to look after his injuries, even though they were relatively minor. Shepard knew the real reason, of course.
Both of them had been nearly inseparable ever since they returned from the Omega-4 Relay. She constantly checked up on him—never letting him forget the fact that he was injured and the fact that he should be resting. He remembered how flustered she became when Joker called her out on it, saying that she was turning into an "overprotective mama bear." It was a miracle that Miranda hadn't pummeled him for that little joke.
Miranda shifted slightly but remained soundly asleep. Shepard took the opportunity to brush some of her hair away from her face, revealing more of her gorgeous face. He heard her whimper softly when he stroked her luscious, dark locks. It made his heart leap to see the ex-Cerberus officer so responsive to his touch, even in her sleep.
Admiring her sleeping form on his chest, Shepard thought back to their first meeting (seeing her for the first time when he woke up in an operating table didn't count). Seeing her shoot Wilson in cold blood left him with a less than favorable impression of her. His initial impression of her was reinforced when she rebuffed his initial attempts to establish a friendly, working relationship and expressed her skepticism in his abilities. He concluded that, despite her amazing beauty (Shepard was a man, after all), she was a cold, heartless killer who would blindly do Cerberus's bidding.
Over time, his impressions of her began to change. He no longer saw her as a mere killer. He began to see her as an extremely capable officer who was fiercely loyal to her crew mates. In the course of their "mission," she began to open up to him, little by little. She gave him a glimpse of the real person underneath the cold, calculating exterior.
It was during Oriana's rescue when she showed him a side of her that only a few people knew about. He saw the distress in her eyes when she heard that her sister was in danger. He saw the anger in her eyes when she saw Niket, her only childhood friend, had betrayed her. He saw the vulnerability in her eyes when she looked at Oriana from the other side of the transport terminal, safe with her family. He saw the mixture of sadness and gratitude in her eyes when he had convinced her to talk to Oriana.
Perhaps that was the turning point in their relationship. Both of them began to see each other as more than crew mates. He saw the turmoil in her eyes when she tried to distance herself from him after saving Oriana and her family. It was only after the Collectors' assault on the Normandy when the last of her walls crumbled.
It was only then that Commander John Shepard, hero of the battle of the Citadel and twice-savior of the galaxy, had realized that he was in love with Miranda Lawson. It was only then that he saw who Miranda Lawson truly was—a warm, affectionate woman who was willing to lay down her life for her friends and loved ones.
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt her beginning to stir above him. He watched her rub the sleep from her eyes and stretched. His smile widened when Miranda peered up at him with those affectionate, cerulean eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Miranda asked, her voice still gravelly from sleep.
"Great… now that you're here." Shepard tried to say with a straight face. Miranda rolled her eyes at his attempt at humor.
"That was terrible. Even for you, Shepard."
"Says the woman who said she had no sense of humor."
"I didn't say I didn't have a sense of humor," Miranda said, mock-indignantly. "I only said 'being funny' was not something Oriana and I shared. That doesn't mean I don't have a sense of humor." She finished airily.
Before Shepard could fire off a retort, Miranda had taken the opportunity to kiss him. What was supposed to be a sweet, chaste kiss to the lips was soon turning into something much more passionate. Feeling desire coursing through her veins, Miranda began to grind her body against Shepard's, making him groan. His hands were beginning to roam the smooth skin of her naked back when she reluctantly pulled away and lifted herself slightly off him, panting heavily. Both of them struggled to get their breathing under control.
"Shepard, as much as I would like nothing more than to spend the whole day in bed with you, there's still a lot to do." Miranda said apologetically. Shepard nodded resignedly. The Normandy had suffered extensive damage from the assault on the Collector base. It would take months before it can be fully repaired, unless the ship could be taken into a drydock.
"However," Miranda began, a teasing lilt in her voice. "I'll make it up to you later. Promise." She winked.
That damn wink again. Shepard mentally groaned.
"I'll hold you to that." Shepard said, taking the opportunity to steal a kiss from her. After a moment, they broke it off.
"You really have to stop doing that, or else we're not going to get anything done today." Miranda chided him.
"That's the plan." Shepard responded cheekily. Miranda snorted and shook her head. She began to check his injuries, something that had become a habit (for Miranda at least) ever since they started sharing a bed.
"You're not going to turn into an 'overprotective mama bear' again, are you?" Shepard teased. Miranda's eyes widened slightly in shock before glaring at him. Without a word, she pulled away from him completely, got to her feet and took the sheet with her. Shepard had no time to admire her from behind because he was alarmed at her reaction.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-" That was when he saw her eyes sparkling with mirth and amusement. Shepard gave a low growl before giving chase. Miranda shrieked and giggled uncharacteristically when he scooped her up and carried her to the shower. They didn't come out of there for a while.
Notes: Oddly, the idea for this fic came to me when I was doing discourse analysis. Anyway, I'd like to hear your thoughts about it. As I've mentioned earlier, please do review. Constructive criticism would be most welcome.
