Update: I have decided to edit and expand this segment, since it was in desperate need. A few minor spoilers were included in this chapter, and chapter one, but there will be no more. Most of them are based on my speculation, and most likely not true.
Shepard, Miranda and Jacob exited the Afterlife Club, heading towards a pod car on the opposite side of the street. No one spoke as they crossed, and climbed into the vehicle.
Liara reached near where Shepard stood the moment Liara spotted her, but stopped. She called out, but her voice quit at the worst time; she was choked up, tears flooding her eyes. She broke into a run, nearly colliding with a bystander, and reached the pod car just as the three were about to take off.
"Shepard!" Liara called out, just as she placed her hand on the door.
Without speaking, Shepard exited the car, stood up and embraced Liara for a long time.
The next morning, Shepard woke up to the intercom blaring in her quarters on the Normandy 2.
"Shepard, we need you on the deck." Jacob's deep voice boomed through the speaker into her ear, as she rolled over. She reached over Liara, who was still fast asleep, and pressed a button on the com unit above Liara's head on the wall.
"Ok, give me five," Shepard said.
"Yes, ma'am."
Not wanting to wake Liara, she quietly got up, and pulled on her clothes. Liara remained in the same position, lightly breathing.
Shepard shook her head, emptying her mind of last night's reunion with Liara. It was nice, wonderful even, but she needed to begin focusing on why she, Jacob and Miranda were here. They needed to find Archangel, and any other relevant information on the Batarian's activities.
She met Jacob on the deck, already in armor. Miranda arrived at the same time.
"Ma'am, we just found out that Aria is expecting us in an hour. She knows you're here, and that we are looking to speak with her. We can get there in fifteen. Just thought you would want to know," Jacob paused. "Ma'am, if I could ask you a question." Shepard nodded. "Are we bringing T'soni with us?"
"No," She paused, as if bracing herself. Miranda caught the brief, pained edge in her Commander's eyes. "Once we are done with Omega, we leave, and only Archangel is coming with us, if he will, that is." Shepard sighed. "I'll finish up with her. Let's all be ready in half an hour."
Shepard headed back to her quarters. She sat on the edge of the bunk, gazing at Liara for a few minutes. Unexpectedly, a surge of grief overcame her. How ironic that hello must become good bye so quickly, she thought. Shepard rapidly wiped away a tear, and steeled herself. It was the only way she could get through with what had to be said next.
Shepard leaned over and kissed Liara on the forehead, and gently shook her awake. Liara's skin felt as smooth as the hue of blue, and just as soft. There were so many things she was going to miss about this Asari.
"Mmmmh," Liara hummed, yawned, and slowly opened her eyes. "Good-morning, Shepard," Liara smiled, and sat up. She took Shepard's hand, and they sat there for a few minutes, smiling at each other. Liara perceived the steely glint in Shepard's eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, not from the deep attraction she felt for her lover, but from fear.
"Shepard, I—" Liara began.
"Wait, Liara. I'm so glad I got the chance to see you again, " Shepard began, and swallowed back more grief trying to escape. She immediately turned her eyes away.
"Me, too. You have no idea how hard it's been, without you," Liara whispered, and looked down at their entwined hands.
Shepard inhaled deeply, cleared her throat and fixed her eyes steadily on Liara. Determined not to let the unwelcome emotions overwhelm her, Shepard began again, "You're a very strong woman, Liara." She paused again, and tried to smile, but ended up pursing her lips instead. "I need you to be strong, especially since I don't know when I'll be back again. Hell, I don't even know if we'll be back again."
Liara looked up, with such hurt and loss in her eyes. "So that's what you decided. I saw the conflict in your heart last night. Shepard," Liara voices, usually calm, and slightly monotonous, wavered. She pleaded, "I just got you back."
"I tried to hide that," Shepard said slowly.
"You know you can't hide thoughts from me, when we're together . . ." Liara accused. "I won't ask why, I'll just accept it."
"Liara, I've got to do this. You understand me," Shepard looked at her with a hardened gaze. "It's not over; the Reapers are still out there, and we need to protect humanity at any costs."
"I could come with you. I helped you kill Sovereign," Liara offered, although she knew the suggestion wouldn't make a difference.
"You can't," Shepard said harshly. "This concerns humanity. " Realizing how that sounded, Shepard chose her next words carefully. "Plus, I will not endanger you in anyway. We can't have that." Shepard gently ran the back of her forefinger across Liara's jaw. "What you can do is continue investigating the Protheans. See if there is anything useful we can use against the Reapers. You could return to Ilos, and try to salvage what's left of Vigil. That's how you can help me. Oh, and keep yourself out of trouble."
"I knew you would do this, Shepard." Liara pulled her hands away, and bent over, to pick her clothes up from the floor. "Fine, I'll continue my work with the Protheans. But. You. Must. Not. Get. Yourself. Killed. " She pulled her shirt over her head, and began to dress.
"Thank you for understanding, Liara. I knew I could count on you," Shep began to reach for Liara, but she twisted out of Shep's arms.
"No, don't. I love you, Shepard. But I'm so mad at you right now! I'm never going to see you again!" Liara finally broke into tears. She straightened herself up, got a hold of herself, and glared icily at Shepard. With the back of her hand, she wiped away the tears that had sprung so suddenly. Then she hugged Shepard, who gave her a final kiss on the forehead.
Shepard didn't say anything. The hole in her heart opened this morning, and would stay as long as Liara was gone. But this edge, this dull, weighty pain would give her enough motivation to survive. As much as possible.
Shepard suited up; Liara did, also. The two of them left Shepard's quarters, and headed to the airlock with Miranda and Jacob. Fortunately, Miranda had the sense to leave off her attitude and smart-ass comments for the moment.
The four emerged from the ship, walking through the docking bay to the street. Right outside the exit, Liara hesitated. Shepard turned towards Liara, and took in her eyes, her face . . . communicating through eyes only, what wasn't said, It hurts me too. I love you.
Jacob shifted uncomfortably while the Commander embraced Liara, rocking her from side to side a few times, before she let go.
Three of them headed to the Club. Liara headed towards the landing station, to check for the next flight towards the Citadel, where she left her ship.