Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and/or review! I know I said last chapter that it was a one-shot but one of the reviews gave me an idea so here we are!
Shepard shifted around the lush seat, poking at his barely touched filet mignon with his fork as he watched the two ladies have a rather animated conversation. He was feeling uncharacteristically nervous. His palms were starting to get sweaty, his throat felt dry and his heart was racing. He patted his pocket for the umpteenth time to ensure that the little black box was still safety stowed away. Once again he tugged and adjusted his tie; it felt like he was being suffocated. If it wasn't for the restaurants dress code he would have ripped it off. This wouldn't have been his first choice but Miranda had exquisite taste and since tonight was going to be special, he was sparing no expense. He had even booked two of the nicest rooms, so that Miranda could spend additional time with Oriana and they wouldn't have to travel back after a long night.
His only saving grace seemed to be the fact that Miranda was too preoccupied with her sister to notice the discomfort that Shepard seemed to be putting himself through...or so he foolishly allowed himself to believe. "Shepard? You look a little pale...and you hardly ate anything…are you feeling okay?" Miranda asked with a hint of concern in her eyes.
"Fine...great...Is it hot in here? It is right?" He muttered as he picked up his wine glass and took a lengthy sip, draining the glass.
"Shepard looks like he could use another one, maybe you could grab him something from the bar?" Oriana offered in an attempt to stop Miranda from focusing in on Shepard's discomfort. It was obvious that the man was nervous and a few more questions from Miranda and he might crack.
"Why don't we just wait for the waitress to return?" Miranda responded puzzled as to why her sister was so concerned that Shepard needed a refill. Shepard's peculiar behavior had her at odds as well; he had effectively been a mute since they left the concert. Not only that he was being abnormally clumsy this evening having spilled his glass of water a couple times along with knocking over the center decoration. It was a good thing that her sister had met the man before or she may have believed him to be a bit socially awkward.
"Yes but the restaurant is so busy tonight and…we're kind of secluded off to the side, so it might be a while till the waitress returns." Oriana said making up what she hoped sounded like a reasonable excuse. "Besides I want to have a word with Shepard, you know, make sure he's treating my sister with all the respect that she deserves." Oriana finished smiling so sweetly.
"I hardly think that is necessary, I'm perfectly capable of making sure he stays in line. What I'm more worried about is that Danner Gossimah. Are you still-"
"Miranda!" Oriana interrupted.
Miranda crossed her arms, her face set into a stubborn expression. Oriana returned a look that was on par with her sisters. Shepard glanced uneasily between the two, quickly deciding that it was in his benefit to let them settle the matter on their own. When neither gave up, Oriana set her lips into a pout, cheeks cutely puffing out.
"Randa!" Miranda's stubborn set face cracked her lips turning into a slight smile. She couldn't resist her sister's puppy dog face, and her sister knew it. She gave a sigh in defeat rolling her eyes at Oriana's victory smirk.
"Fine, I'll let you two chat. But if I find out you are gossiping about me to my sister, you will be very sorry!" Miranda threatened as she gave Shepard a look that he knew had no uncertain meaning.
Waiting till Miranda was a good distance away, Oriana quickly leaned over and scolded Shepard. "Pull yourself together, you look like a nervous wreck! Really! You'll run face forward into an army of Reapers, with no concern for your own safety whatsoever. But this has you looking like you are about to die! Don't give me that look, it can't be that bad!"
Shepard looked over his right shoulder to ensure that Miranda was indeed gone before turning back to her and saying "I'm having second thoughts-"
"About my sister?" Oriana asked in a low menacing voice.
Shepard shuddered it was then he came to realized just how alike the two were. While the younger seemed a lot more light hearted, carefree and innocent, when it came to protecting their loved ones they were of the same frame of mind. And they both had a habit of interrupting people during their midsentence… Shepard added thoughtfully. "No not of her. There are a lot of uncertain things in my life…but being with your sister is not one of them. I just want everything to be perfect. What if it's too soon?"
Oriana grinned her cheery demeanor returning just as quickly as it left. "Shepard you worry too much, if there is one thing that I'm certain about is the fact that Miranda loves you. I can tell whenever she talks about you, there is that spark in her voice. All you have to do is ask and I'm sure she will just melt in your arms. Now can I see the ring you picked out?"
Shepard had the biggest grin plastered on his face. He was having a hard time imagining Miranda partaking in what would be defined as "girl talk". She just didn't seem like the type but then again maybe this was a different side of her. Shepard had to admit, there was a downright playful side of her when it was just the two of them. She wasn't always as serious and aloof as she let on.
Seeing that Shepard had gotten hopelessly lost in his own thoughts Oriana asked again impatiently "Can I see it now?" Just as Shepard reached into his pocket, his fingers about to pull out the little box he heard a familiar voice ask. "See what?"
Startled, he took a moment to mentally scold himself for being so careless. He didn't even see or hear her approaching. Shepard quickly shoved the box back into the recess of his pocket and got up to pull Miranda's chair out for her. Taking the drink she offered him, he quickly took a sip. "Thanks."
"I think you should show her now Shepard." Oriana said, her glowing eyes sparkling with delight.
Shepard glanced at Oriana, his expression seemed to say "Right now?" Oriana merely shrugged her shoulders as if to say, "Seems like as good a time as any." He started to shake his head but a cold stare from Oriana stopped him in his tracks.
Miranda turned her gaze from Oriana to Shepard. She saw the glances that the two had exchanged and wondered what they had discussed during her brief absences. She eyed him expectantly before suspiciously asking again. "Show me what?"
Coming to terms with the fact that unless he wanted to blatantly fabricate a story, he might as well just come out and ask. Taking a deep breath, he shut his eyes quickly reopening them when he'd had gathered his wits. His hands reached into the right pocket once more, cold sweat on his palms as he fiddled with the box. Getting down on one knee, Shepard watched Miranda as she lifted her right hand to cover her mouth. He took her nimble hand and cradled it, nervously lacing their fingers together.
"Miranda…" he began a bit weakly. He coughed, clearing his throat. He was Commander Shepard for God's sake! This was no time to stutter. "Miranda" He said once again, this time a little more strongly. The latter made a guttural noise in response, her hand still covering her mouth. He broke into a smile. He'd never seen Miranda this stunned before. "I've been thinking these past days, about you of course…in particular about your flaws."
Miranda's eyebrow arched up in bewilderment. He chuckled at this, signaling that he wasn't finished yet. "You're…a perfectionist to a fault, you hate admitting when you are wrong, you are at best a tad arrogant and downright frightening when offended." Miranda eyes widened, not knowing whether to smack him or not. What kind of proposal was this? Was this even a proposal?
"So I started wondering, what if you didn't have these flaws? Well, it wouldn't be you, would it Ms. Lawson? And I love you, Miranda Lawson, for all your perfections and flaws. I love you as you are. You're all that I want, need and desire." Shepard could feel his smile widening at Miranda's expression. She was shocked, yes very. But in a good way, the sweet words were getting into her - as cheesy as it sounded, heart. She could feel her heart beating; it felt so loud she was almost certain the whole restaurant could hear it.
"I could not imagine a life without you…" Shepard continued. Miranda swept away oncoming tears of happiness with her fingers, her other hand tightly gripping Shepard's. "Whether we travel the galaxy…fight to better the universe, or even settle down to have a family." Miranda froze, her eyes widening, her hand growing rigid in Shepard's.
"I would love to have kids with you Miranda, well, when you're ready of course." Shepard laughed with a wink. An unpleasant feeling began to fester in her stomach. "So if you will allow me to, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life ensuring that you are happy." Shepard looked down missing the expression on her face, pausing only to flip open the box with one hand. He pulled the ring out, ready to slip it into her ring finger.
"Miranda Lawson…will you marry me?" Shepard looked up into her teary eyes almost dropping the ring. She looked afraid, scared. But why? She's not ready, she doesn't love me, I did something wrong. Shepard frantically thought. As he went through all the possibilities of what he could of done wrong. His mind was blank he couldn't come up with anything. They stood there for what seemed like the longest awkward minute. Miranda horrified and Shepard mute in a whirlpool of confusion.
Miranda finally spoke up quietly. "Shep…I…" She squeezed her eyes shut taking a hesitant step back.
"Miranda?"
"I…I'm sorry." She mumbled and without an explanation, she desperately wrenched her hand out of Shepard's knocking the ring out of his grasp and disappeared from his sight.
Note: I know this wasn't what some of you might have been expecting! But there should be more to come soon! Suggestions or reviews are welcome, thanks