A/N: Warning, this chapter is full of fluff. Don't worry; there will be action (fighting, blood & guts) to follow. Thanks for reading and a big thanks to those that are following!

Chapter 2: Farewell

Aria was pacing back-and-forth in her apartment, both attempting to take control of her emotions and to reign in her rage at Cerberus. She was anxious to leave for Omega and engage Cerberus again; they were going to pay for the murder of her daughter, Liselle and for their betrayal on Omega. There was also a part of her that was anticipating the arrival of Councilor Tevos and that unnerved her too. "Oh well, it's only a matter of time before I'm off of this damned station and I might as well have some fun!" Aria said aloud, although not totally convincing herself that it was just fun. Aria went to pour herself a drink and the door chime stopped her in her tracks.

"Come in," Aria commanded. Her heart was beating in her throat as she turned around to find Thea Tevos entering and giving her a knowing smile.

"Good evening Aria," Tevos said, melodically. She was wearing a dark purple asari style dress that covered her from neck to floor, but it also showed off every curve of her very feminine body and flowed seductively when she moved. She looked regal and would easily stand out in a crowd.

Aria took a moment to fully enjoy the view; she returned Tevos's smile with one slightly more predatory.

"I understand that you will be leaving the Citadel soon," Tevos said matter-of-factly.

"How did you know?" Aria asked, surprised. Aria herself had only learned of Shepard's plan a few hours ago and didn't think that it would have reached the Councilor yet.

"I am not without my own resources and besides, Shepard is still a Council Spectre," Tevos said slightly amused by Aria's reaction. "I received a full report right after your call. Commander Shepard was also hoping to obtain additional reports from the Council on Cerberus and their control of Omega. The Commander is concerned about the possible civilian casualties on Omega, since Cerberus will not want to leave easily or give up any of their findings from the Collector base," Tevos said with a hint of sarcasm.

Aria rolled her eyes, "Of course, I sometimes forget just how capable you are Councilor," Aria smugly replied and in the process closed the distance between them with a few long strides.

Aria quickly embraced the other asari and drew her into a long and wanting kiss; Tevos eagerly returned the affection. Their hands began exploring each other, undoing zippers and clasps. They left a trail of clothes on the floor as they made their way to the bedroom.

Tevos awoke to the morning light that was streaming in through the glass doorway that led to a deck overlooking one of the many gardens on the Citadel. Aria's head was resting on her shoulder and her body was slightly sore from the workout she had given it.

Aria had proved to be quite a welcomed distraction to the horrors that Tevos was bombarded with from Thessia. The Reapers had overtaken her home world swiftly and she regretted the Matriarchs' decision to not join forces with the Alliance sooner. The cost of that decision had been catastrophic for her people and left her burning with guilt.

Tevos lightly kissed Aria's crests then rolled out from underneath her. She moved to the glass doorway and looked out at the view of the Citadel; it was breathtaking and peaceful and completely in contrast to the destruction that was occurring throughout the galaxy. Another wave of guilt hit her as she was drawn back to thoughts of Thessia. 'How could the Reapers be defeated and why would Cerberus seem so eager to interfere with any efforts to stop them?'

Aria was also awake and quietly looked around for her lover. The image of Thea standing in the sunlight was beautiful, but she could see the despair in her posture. She had also felt the shame Thea was carrying during their recent melds, it had seeped out from a deep spot within her that was usually hidden. Without thinking, Aria walked behind the asari and wrapped herself around her. Tevos was surprised by the outright affection from Aria, but welcomed it.

"I know you are eager to get underway with your plans to take Omega back," Tevos said still looking away from Aria. "I know what they have done to you; the loss of Liselle and what you gave up for Omega. I think you know that I care for you and I know that scares you. You have allowed me in to areas of your mind that are usually so guarded," Tevos whispered. "Everything is so uncertain now with the Reapers and there is so much loss," her voice trailed off.

Aria cupped Thea's chin and turned her face to meet her eyes. A slight feeling of panic washed across her. Aria's eyes swirled black and she initiated a light meld. 'I know Thea. I know the burdens that you carry too. It's all so overwhelming. I can't think about a future now or what this all means, but you do mean a lot to me as well.' Aria's thoughts were filled with all kinds of emotions, most of which were regret and affection.

They both lingered in the meld for a few minutes, exchanging reassurances and then each withdrew. Thea started to get dressed while Aria threw on a satin robe and headed to the kitchen. Neither knew what to say, so they let the silence hang between them.

Tevos was the first one to break the silence. Her voice took the formal tone of the Asari Councilor and not of the lover. "Farewell Aria. I trust that you and Commander Shepard will have a solid plan and that you will be successful. I will look for updates of the mission."

Aria thought, 'It was supposed to be nothing more than a distraction; a onetime indulgence that wasn't laced with feelings, damn it!' The one night stand that had become a weekly and then almost nightly indulgence and was now about to end.

"Thank you," Aria replied in a tone more stern than she felt. "Omega will be mine and Cerberus will pay," a smile started to form on her lips at the thought.

With that, Tevos turned away and headed for the door; Aria let her go.