Every morning is usually the same but today is different. Today Dr. Liara T'Soni becomes Professor T'Soni. She begins her career as a professor at Thessia University. She is teaching two courses, one on archeology and one solely on the Protheans which occur in the morning. She will have office hours in the afternoon for students to visit her if necessary. Liara was quite clear with the University that she would accept the teaching position as long as she was home in the evenings. They of course agreed and she understood that there would be some faculty events to attend to that would occur in the evening. It was a simple give and take before both parties were happy.
Liara feels something nibbling along her neck and she can only imagine that it is Elly. Smiling she stretches her arms and legs as she blinks open her eyes.
"Morning beautiful," says Shepard. Before Liara can answer the human's lips are on hers.
After a moment they part, "Are you trying to make me late on my first day Elly?"
"No of course not. I wanted to make sure you woke up on time."
"Did the alarm go off?"
"Nope. I was awake so I thought I would wake you. I was hoping it would take longer," she flashes her sly grin.
Liara leans down and kisses Elly again. "I need to get ready." Liara gets out of the bed.
"What do you want for breakfast?" Shepard gets out of bed as well.
"I am too nervous to eat Elly."
"Well, I will make you something, you need to eat. I will see you out there."
Liara enters the shower while Shepard starts breakfast.
It doesn't take long before she hears the kids. They both share the same room right now since they both sleep the same hours. Mia has caught on quickly because of Raina. The youngest will sleep when Raina does; she talks now and walks very well. Raina is very helpful with her sister; they get along but of course have the occasional fight over favorite toys.
"Good morning my blue beauties," says Shepard.
Both Raina and Mia are standing in their cribs holding onto the railing, they both have great big smiles on their faces.
"Today your mommy goes to her first teaching job," she grabs Raina first to get her cleaned up and dressed.
"Ma Ma teach," says Raina.
"That's right. She will be a wonderful teacher don't you think?"
Raina nods her head up and down.
"Okay you're set," says Shepard as she sets Raina on the floor. The little asari walks out in search for a toy in the family room.
"And how are you this morning Mia?"
"Da Da."
"That's right little one." Shepard changes her diaper and dresses her for the day. She sets her down but Mia does not move she just raises her arms toward her father.
"Don't you want to play before breakfast?"
Mia shakes her head back and forth.
This is new. Mia usually loves to play with Raina before breakfast. Shepard bends down to scoop her up again. "You okay Mia?" Shepard feels her forehead, seems fine.
Mia wraps her arms around her father's neck and nuzzles her face into her shoulder.
"Hey, hey honey what's the matter? You have another bad dream?"
Shepard can feel Mia nod her head against her shoulder. She is not sure if Mia really understands what she asked but she knows Raina will. She walks into the family room where Raina is playing and sits on the couch.
"Hey Raina."
Raina stops what she is doing and looks at her father.
"Did Mia have a bad dream?"
Raina nods and points to Mia "Nightmare."
Shepard is concerned. She does not like that a one year child is having nightmares, what could she possibly be dreaming about.
"She okay now," says Raina.
Shepard looks at her eldest child, "What do you mean?"
"We talk," Raina says as if it is the most obvious answer.
"What do you talk about?"
"War."
Shepard is shocked. Why would her kids be talking about war and who would put such a thing in their head?
"What war Raina?"
Raina is looking at her father with a very serious expression, "Your war Da Da."
Trying not to look too panicked Shepard smiles so Raina will return to her playing. Shepard stands with Mia still in her arms and starts making breakfast for her family.
Liara enters the kitchen, "Do you need any help?"
Shepard doesn't hear her. She is working on some eggs with one hand while Mia is on her hip.
"Elly?"
"Huh? Oh sorry Liara, I didn't hear you. Your eggs are almost done."
Liara grabs some juice before taking Mia from Shepard. She looks at her bondmate, "Are you alright? You look like you have something on your mind."
"No I'm good. You just sit and relax."
Liara places Mia in her highchair. Mia doesn't want to let go of her shirt, but Liara gently takes her hand off of her. "I'll be right back honey." Liara moves to the family room, "Raina breakfast is ready."
Raina leaves her toys and runs into her Mother's waiting arms. Liara lifts her and kisses her on the cheek. "How are you?"
"Good Ma Ma." Raina gives her mother a hug.
Liara sets her into her highchair. Mia is reaching for her near tears.
"It's okay Mia it's time to eat."
The highchairs are close to each other, close enough that the kids can see each other. "It okay Mia," says Raina.
Mia looks at her and the sisters exchange glances which does not go unnoticed between her parents. Mia seems to relax; she no longer needs her parent's attention.
Shepard sets a plate before Liara, "What was that?"
Liara helps prepare the kids plates. "I am not sure."
"Raina said that Mia had a nightmare again," says Shepard. She keeps her voice down.
"Well Raina had nightmares at that age."
Shepard doesn't want to worry Liara so she withholds the little tidbit Raina gave her about the two kids talking about Da Da's war.
"So you think she will grow out of it?" asks Shepard.
"I do," says Liara as she kisses Shepard on the cheek.
They all sit down to eat breakfast.
"So I think my day may be longer than usual," says Liara. "I want to make sure I have everything settled in my office and…"
Shepard places her hand on Liara's. "You are going to do great Liara. You take all the time you need. We will be fine. Won't we girls."
Raina and Mia nod and smile.
"Oh I almost forgot," says Shepard as she quickly leaves the kitchen.
She returns quickly with something behind her back, the kids squeal in excitement. She sits next to Liara at the table and gives her a gift wrapped box.
"What is this?" She looks between Shepard, Raina and Mia.
"Open it," Shepard cannot hide her big smile.
Liara opens the box and within is a picture frame containing a picture of all of them. "This is beautiful Elly thank you." Liara leans close to Shepard to kiss her.
"Remember when we took that? It was a few months ago at Miranda's estate," says Shepard.
"I do remember, it is just wonderful."
"We thought you would want it for your desk at the office. That way we are always with you."
"I love it Elly thank you. And thank you Raina and Mia." Liara gets up to kiss each child on the cheek.
"I'm glad you like it," Shepard rises from her chair to hug Liara. "It's time to get going. We will be fine so don't worry about us okay. You enjoy your day."
"I'll try to call you, but I don't know if I will be able to," says Liara.
"Don't worry about it. You focus on you and your students okay. We will see you when you get back okay. Have a great day."
"Thank you for this Elly," Liara bites her lip.
"Hey you are going to do great Professor T'Soni. Make no mistake, they hired a genius and you will be great."
Liara nods though she is not totally convinced.
Shepard gives her one more hug and a quick kiss. "Have fun Liara. I am here if you need me."
"Thank you Elly." Liara walks out the front door to start her new career.
"I sure hope we find a replacement soon," says Valya as she finishes her breakfast. She is holding Dava on her leg and feeding her as well, Dara is across the table.
"Pretty bad huh?"
"Well I sure don't like the desk work. It is boring; I don't know how Shepard did it, or how Arelia does it for that matter."
"Well I imagine it is a nice break from fighting for your life and the life of the galaxy," says Dara.
"I guess." Valya sighs. "I just don't ever see myself doing that type of work.
"Well it is a good thing you don't have to." Dara gets up to clear hers and Valya's plate.
"Valya?" asks Dara. The asari turned quiet. "What is it?"
Valya looks at her, "Nothing. I need to get going." She stands with Dava in her hands and she quickly transfers her to Dara. "Do you have anything planned today?"
"Yes. Liara starts her classes today so Shepard and I are going to meet at the park with the kids in a few hours. I thought it would be fun for Dava."
Valya smiles and gives Dara a quick hug and kiss, she does the same to Dava. "That sounds nice. Think of me slaving away behind a desk while you enjoy the fresh air."
"Don't be so dramatic. You will return to your unit soon enough."
"Can't be soon enough for me, love ya." Valya leaves the house.
Miranda is finishing up breakfast with her sister Oriana and her bondmate Arelia. She and Arelia have not shared the news with Oriana yet, the news that they are pregnant. They plan on telling her tonight.
"Oriana will you be home for dinner tonight?" asks Miranda.
"I am not sure why?"
"We thought it would be nice to spend time with you."
Oriana looks up from her plate. "You two tiring of each other already?" She smiles.
"Very funny Ori," says Miranda. "Will you be home or not?" Her tone is a bit more serious.
"Geez it was a joke, sorry. Yeah okay, I can be home. Do you have something special planned? Is one of you cooking?"
Arelia can see Miranda's frustration by the look on her face. "We just feel we have not seen you in awhile and we thought it would be nice to spend the evening together," says Arelia.
"Yeah sure okay. I will make sure I am hope tonight. Do you need me to be bring anything or pick up anything?" asks Oriana.
"I think we can manage," says Miranda.
Oriana finishes her juice. She stands and places her hand on Miranda's shoulder, "You need to learn to take a joke Miri." She bends down and quickly kisses her sister on the cheek and walks out.
"You okay Miranda?" asks Arelia.
"Yes." She sighs. "For once I would like a straight answer out of her."
Arelia stands and walks behind the human to hug her. She nuzzles into her neck and kisses her on the cheek. "She loves you Miranda. She loves to tease you; I believe it is a way to show affection."
Miranda places her hand on one of Arelia's arm. "I know. I am just nervous about telling her I guess."
Arelia sits down next to her taking her hand into her own. "Why?"
"I am not sure really. I know she will be excited. I guess it's because of our discussions."
"About moving?" asks Arelia.
"Yes."
"Well we have plenty of time Miranda. And I know having our own home without your sister is important to you. So if that is what you want then we will start looking for homes."
"I know and I appreciate it, I do. I just like the way things are set up here and it would be so much easier if Ori just moved out." Miranda gives a sad smile.
"Do you think she would?"
"I think she would yes, but I don't think she would like it one bit."
"Well we do not have to decide right away we have time," says Arelia.
Miranda looks Arelia in the eyes and cups her cheek with her hand. "I love you," she leans in and kisses Arelia slowly and softly.
Arelia moves closer to Miranda, sitting on the edge of her chair. She wraps her arms around the human and pulls her close. After a minute they both break from the passionate kiss. "I love you too Miranda. Do you want me to bring dinner home?"
"No I will pick it up," says Miranda.
"Are you sure, it is no trouble."
Miranda thinks about it. "I will call you to tell you which restaurant to go to for the food. I have more work to do in the lab."
"More nanite work?"
"Yes, plus I need to give another dose to Shepard this week and I want to start increasing my dose."
"Do you think that is wise Miranda?"
"That is what I hope to find out today. I am running tests to try to help predict any ill effects that could occur if I do increase the dosage."
Arelia leans in close to kiss Miranda again, this time it is a shorter kiss. "I need to go to work. You call me and I will pick up the food."
"Thanks," says Miranda. "Have a good day."
"You too."
All eyes are on her. Liara can feel her heartbeat beating in her head and in her ears. She briefly wonders if anyone else can hear it. She pushes the thought away because she knows it is ridiculous. The students pile in the classroom. It is a slanted room where the students have to walk down stairs to find a seat. Liara is at the lowest part of the room. Liara notices that her students are comprised mostly of asari; there are a few Turians and even a few Human males in her class. She takes a deep breath in and out before introducing herself.
There is not a cloud in the sky and only a slight breeze to help with the heat. Shepard is pushing a two seated stroller with Raina and Mia safely inside. She had not expected the park to be so busy. Being home and going out during the day is new to the human. She figures this is one of many new adventures she will be having with her daughters.
"Hi Shepard!"
Shepard turns her head to see Dara walking toward her with Dava in her own stroller.
"Hi Dara."
"This place is busy. I saw an empty bench over there."
"Sounds good," says Shepard.
They settle on the bench, Shepard takes Raina and Mia out of the stroller. "You two remember Dava?"
They both look at the other asari. Raina walks up to her and smiles. Dava returns the smile; she and Mia are a bit shy.
"Swing Da Da?" asks Raina.
Shepard looks at the stroller and baby bag, Dara seems to know what she is thinking.
"It's okay to leave it here. No one will take it. I have been here a lot," says Dara.
"You sure?" Shepard thinks of her pistol in the baby bag. It is maybe a bit too overprotective, but she doesn't go anywhere without it. She slings the bag over her neck so the strap is diagonal across her chest, the bag hanging at her lower back. "I will just hang on to this." She takes the hands of both Raina and Mia and they start to walk toward the swings. Dara follows with Dava.
"So how was Liara this morning?" asks Dara.
"She was good. She was nervous, but I think once she starts talking everything will click for her."
"Click?"
"Ah yeah, things will come as second nature for her. Her nerves will disappear once she starts to talk."
Dara smiles and nods, she understands.
They reach the swings. There are swings for kids that can't hold themselves up on them, they just sit on it and they are surrounded at the waist by a safety harness. Shepard places Raina and Mia in a swing each and Dara does the same for Dava. They both push the kids from behind; Raina of course wants to go higher.
"So is Valya climbing the walls yet?" asks Shepard.
Dara looks at Shepard, "What do you mean?"
Shepard laughs. "I suspect with Valya filling in she is going nuts."
Dara looks at her confused.
"Is she growing impatient at doing the job she is currently doing?" Shepard forgets sometimes how asari can be hard to talk to since they are not all used to human expressions. She wonders what Dara must think of her saying such weird things.
"Oh!" Dara laughs. "Yes I do know she would prefer working with her commando unit. But she is learning a lot from Arelia."
"I bet. Arelia is great. I really enjoyed working with her. But I know how frustrating it is to want to do something other than what is asked of you. I appreciate her filling in."
"Has Jack made a decision?"
Shepard has been talking to Jack to take her position. Shepard feels with Jack's biotic abilities she would be perfect for the role, but the human biotic is not sure she wants to move to Thessia and leave her current teaching position.
"She is still thinking about it. I think the job itself may need to change in order for her to come here," says Shepard.
"What do you mean?"
"Well I suspect she is like Valya. She likes the action. She doesn't want a desk job. If the role can maybe be more action and less desk work she may agree to it, but changing the responsibilities of the role is not my call anymore."
They are silent for a moment while they turn their attention to their kids.
"Sand?" asks Raina over her shoulder at her father. Shepard stops her swing and lifts her out and sets her on the ground.
"Stay where I can see you," says Shepard.
Raina nods and smiles and starts to walk over to a sandbox where other small children are playing. Shepard is looking around for the first time and notices that most of the children are asari, there are a few Turians, but outside of that there are no other species. She continues to push Mia in her swing.
"I wonder if Valya could mention something to Arelia about that," says Dara. "Perhaps Arelia can make some changes. I mean if you think Jack would be the best fit."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt, but it is up to Arelia. There are other humans that can do the role as is. I just thought with Jack's abilities she could teach the commandos a few tricks while learning some from them."
"That does sound good. I remember how good she was with Raina. Has she met Mia yet?"
"No she hasn't. The last time she could visit was before Mia was born. Liara and I were hoping to have a party soon to bring together all of our friends, but we have been too busy with my retirement ceremony and Liara's new job to plan anything. I am sure we will do something soon."
"I know what you mean. Time seems to fly by when you have kids. I don't know where it goes."
Shepard hears crying and both she and Dara look up. Raina is crying in the sandbox.
"I got her," says Dara as she moves close to Mia.
Shepard walks quickly to the sandbox. There is another older asari child standing over Raina holding what appears to be a plastic shovel. An asari parent is also approaching the children.
Shepard trying to keep her cool kneels down to talk to Raina, "What happened honey?"
Raina points to the asari child with the shovel.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Shepard asks again.
"I am so sorry." Shepard looks up to see what must be the asari parent. "What do you say?" She is looking at her own child.
Shepard doesn't say anything; she doesn't want to interrupt a teaching moment. Obviously the asari child did something to Raina.
"Sorry," says the asari child.
The asari parent grabs the child by the upper arm, "You say it like you mean it."
The child's lip starts to quiver. Raina stands and hugs Shepard around the neck. She doesn't like that the other child is scared. "Shh it's okay," says Shepard.
"I'm sorry. I should not have pushed you," the asari says.
Shepard keeps her cool. She had no idea Raina was pushed. "What do you say Raina."
Raina steps back from her father. She looks at the older asari child. "It okay." Raina moves towards the child and hugs her. Shepard was not expecting her to hug her but she doesn't stop it.
The asari child seems confused at first as does the parent, but they both smile at Raina. The asari child hugs her back.
The asari parent says, "I am so sorry. It will not happen again."
Shepard smiles and nods as the two asari walk off.
"You okay Raina?"
"Yes Da Da."
"Do you want to keep playing with the sand?"
Raina smiles enthusiastically.
"Do you mind if Mia and Dava join you?"
"Join join!" she says.
Shepard laughs. "Okay."
Shepard gets up to retrieve Mia. She along with Dara bring their kids to join Raina in the sand box.