A/N: Hello all. Sorry for the delay I have not been feeling well so it has been hard to write. My regular updating may decrease a bit. I am going to try for three to four chapters a week instead of six due to an upcoming class. There may be times that it is less so just FYI. Thanks again to all that review, send me PMs, favorite and follow me. It means a lot.
Liara's lectures went well today. A few weeks have gone by and Liara is starting to have more students visit during her office hours. One student in particular seems to be acting a little odd. Jordan Brown is a human male student that visited Dr. T'Soni on the second day of class, but lately in class Liara has noticed that he is not really participating like he used to. She requested he come see her in her office today and is waiting for him now.
The Professor is reading over student papers. She likes reading their work and grading them, offering suggestions on how to improve or what to look for regarding archeological technique. She hears a soft rap at her door. When she looks up she sees Jordan Brown. He looks shy and very reserved, his head is down.
"Hello Jordan please come in and have a seat," says Liara.
Jordan keeping his head down sits as directed.
"I wanted to speak with you because you seem distracted lately, is everything okay?"
His head is still down, he shrugs his shoulders.
"Jordan you can talk to me. Anything you say to me I will keep in confidence."
Jordan stirs a little in the chair, Liara knows he is uncomfortable.
"Jordan can you please look at me?"
Silence.
"Jordan Brown you look at me please." Liara hardens her tone.
Jordan lifts his head to reveal a black eye and a bruised cheek.
Surprised Liara almost gasps out loud. "Can you tell me what happened?"
He moves his head down again and shrugs his shoulders.
"Did you get into a fight with someone Jordan?"
He lifts his head; the look on his face is very defensive. "No."
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because I can't. Can I go now?"
"I would like to help you…."
"….look you can't alright. Can I go?"
Liara is not sure what to do. "Y-Yes of course Jordan."
Before she can offer any comforting words or offers of assistance he is up and out of the chair and out of her office.
Shepard and family are over at Miranda's and Arelia's estate for dinner. Valya and Dara are also present all of the kids having fun in the family room. Shepard and Miranda excused themselves for Shepard's last nanite treatment.
"So this is the end eh?" ask Shepard.
"Yes. I probably could have gone faster but I figured a smaller dose over a long period of time was the safest," says Miranda.
"Oh I'm not complaining it's not like I am going to miss the needles." Shepard smiles. "Have you started your own injections yet?"
"I have."
"And?"
"And what Shepard?" Miranda prepares the syringe.
Rolling her eyes, "And is it going alright?"
"Yes why wouldn't it."
Shepard lets out a sigh as Miranda prepares Shepard's upper arm for the injection.
"You have been feeling well then?" asks Miranda.
"Yep, never better."
Miranda pushes the needle in then the plunger on the syringe. She wipes at the injection site when the needle is out. "Done."
Shepard gets off the med bed.
"Shepard."
"Yeah?"
"I have been meaning to talk to you about your scars. You know the ones you asked me about."
It has been over two years since Shepard asked Miranda about getting her scars from her torture removed. She had forgotten about it, though still hates her torso when she looks in the mirror. She has grown accustomed to not looking at them.
"What about them?" asks Shepard.
"Do you still want me to try to remove them?
"I didn't really like your choices before Miranda, has something changed?"
"Well it doesn't have to be so invasive. I could work on a very small dose of nanites and program them to eat away the scar tissue."
Shepard scrunches her nose. "That sounds disgusting."
"Well the pain I think would be very minimal. It would take a long time of course because I would keep the dosage low unless you wanted me to raise it."
"I don't think so Miranda. I don't want to have a negative reaction."
"That is highly unlikely Shepard."
"Still. With my being home with the kids during the day I would hate to have something happen and they see me collapse or something."
"Again Shepard that …."
"….no thanks Miranda. I appreciate your concern and maybe I will take you up on it in a few years or so. But not now. I am not chancing it. Okay?"
"Okay."
They leave Miranda's lab to join the others as dinner will be ready soon.
"So what's the occasion for this dinner?" asks Shepard.
"You'll see."
Shepard notices a smile on Miranda's face and wonders what the human woman is up to.
"Da Da!" says Raina as she sees her father enter the large family room. All sorts of toys are strewn along the floor; Mia and Dava are having fun playing together. Some of the parents are sitting on the floor while others are sitting on a couch.
"Hey my little blue beauty," says Shepard as she lifts Raina into her arms. "Are you having fun?"
Raina's big green eyes are wide and excited as she nods her head up and down. Shepard walks to Liara and gives her a quick kiss on her check. She has noticed the asari is a little quiet tonight but has not said anything. She sits Raina down and joins the kids on the floor.
"How are you Shepard?" asks Valya.
"I'm good Valya. You?"
"Good."
Shepard smiles. "I heard a little more about your replacement Valya. Shepard sees Arelia come close to hear as well.
"Really what is it?" asks Valya.
"Well I don't think Jack is going to do it. But I did hear from Commander Williams that she may have someone in mind for the position. She just has to work out some details."
"What happened to Jack?" asks Arelia.
"She is really enjoying what she is doing now and doesn't want to give that up. I think she really feels a part of something and doesn't want to lose that."
"Did Commander Williams indicate to you which person she had in mind?"
"No not really. The Alliance will find someone soon I imagine. Besides Arelia I suspect you should be hearing something from them in a few days."
"Well no offense Arelia but I can't wait," says Valya.
Arelia is standing by a sitting Valya and she puts her hand on the fellow asari's shoulder. "I understand Valya."
"Dinner is ready everyone," says Miranda.
Everyone including the children make their way to the dining room.
Each child is placed in their portable highchairs by the table while the adults sit down for a catered meal.
About half way into dinner Miranda cannot contain her excitement any longer. She and Arelia exchange glances and Miranda stands to get everyone's attention. "Everyone?"
Everyone stops what they are doing to look at Miranda who is at the head of the long dining room table. Shepard takes Liara's hand under the table and gives it a slight squeeze. They exchange glances but Liara does not really give Shepard a smile. She knows something is bothering the asari.
"Arelia and I have some news we want to share with you."
Arelia stands and places her arm around Miranda while Miranda continues. "We are pregnant."
"That's fantastic!" Dara says as she is quickly out of her chair hugging Miranda and Arelia. Valya soon follows.
Shepard suspected the news. She looks at Liara who is standing but not looking at her. Shepard stands and waits for her turn to hug the happy couple.
"Congratulations you two," says Shepard. "So we are going to have quite the play dates. Soon we will have enough for our own commando unit."
"Nice one Shepard," says Valya as she bumps her shoulder.
Liara gives the couple a hug and a smile but that's it. She returns to her seat to finish her meal.
The rest of the meal everyone talked about possible baby names, play dates, the future. Miranda and Arelia plan to remain at the estate for now. Oriana and her sister still have to discuss if anyone is going to move out or not, so there are still decisions to be made.
After dinner the adults had fun playing with Raina, Mia and Dava. The laughter in the home was infectious. The evening went by too fast and soon everyone was heading home.
"Congratulations again I am so happy for you," says Liara as she is at the front door.
"You okay Liara you seem a bit distracted?" asks Arelia.
"Yes thank you. I just have something on my mind is all. I hope I did not ruin your evening."
"Of course not, is everything okay?"
"I'm sure it will be yes thank you Arelia and again congratulations." Liara hugs her again.
"Thank you Liara, you take care of yourself and thank you for coming."
"My pleasure"
The kids are snuggled in bed fast asleep. Shepard is getting into her pajamas while Liara is reading a data pad in bed.
"Are you going to talk to me Liara?" asks Shepard.
"About what Elly?"
"About what is bothering you? You were distant all evening. What's going on?" Shepard slips into bed sitting next to her bondmate.
Liara sets down her data pad. "I have a student who I think may be in trouble."
"What do you mean?" asks Shepard.
"Well this boy…"
"…wait a minute. Is this that Brown kid again?"
"Yes but…"
"….I gotta say Liara I think he is a little too obsessed with you if you get my drift."
"Get my drift?" asks Liara.
"Understand my meaning. I think he must have a thing for you."
"I highly doubt that Elly and besides…"
"…I wouldn't underestimate him Liara…"
"Elly will you please stop interrupting me." Liara gets out of bed.
"Sorry, I'm sorry Liara."
Liara starts to pace.
"What is it?" asks Shepard.
"He has not been himself lately and I asked him after class to come to my office. He seems distant and wouldn't look me in the eye at all. Then he shows up at my office and he keeps his head down. I told him to look at me and he had a black eye and bruised cheek."
"And you think what?"
"Well I wonder if someone is beating the poor boy."
"Liara come back to bed."
Liara stops her pacing her hands are on her hips. "Did you not hear what I said?"
"Yes Liara but I think that is a bit of a stretch don't you think? I mean he is an adult. Do you really think he is getting beaten?"
"Don't you?"
"No I don't. He probably got into a fight with someone and is keeping a low profile."
"Low profile?" asks Liara as she makes her way back to bed.
"Ah staying under the radar, trying not to draw attention to him. He is probably embarrassed."
"You really think that could be it?"
"Well I can't be 100% sure but I think that is a more likely scenario than being beaten. I mean I find it hard to believe I guess."
"Well I do not like it. He seemed so excited to be in my class and now he is aloof. He said he wasn't in a fight. I don't like the extreme behavior change in him. I think something is going on."
Shepard puts her arm around Liara. "I am not sure you can do anything about it Liara. He is an adult."
"He may need help Elly. Perhaps he is too afraid to ask for it. I don't know what to do."
"I'm not sure there is anything you can do Liara. Maybe just watch him I guess, let him know you are there for him if he needs to talk. But you need to be careful Liara."
"What do you mean?"
"He may have a thing for you."
"Elly I am fully capable of taking care of myself."
Shepard lifts her hand under Liara's chin so the asari will look at her. "I know that Liara. I know that. I just want you to be careful. Have you told anyone else about this?"
"Like who?"
"I don't know another professor?" asks Shepard.
"No. Do you think I should?"
"Well are there professors you have met that you can trust? Or is there a policy of some sort where you have to report anything?"
"Oh Goddess I didn't even think of that."
Shepard wraps both arms around Liara, "Maybe just look into it tomorrow. I am sure he just got in a fight with someone and nothing worse is going on. I mean it's not like you can go to his house or anything." Shepard regretted saying it the moment it left her lips.
Liara is silent as she turns off the lights and settles down into bed cuddling Shepard.
"Liara?"
"Hmm?"
"Please don't get any funny ideas of going to his house."
"I won't."
Shepard is not convinced she ducks her head to look at the asari. "I want you to promise me Liara that you will not go to his house."
"Elly."
"You promise me Liara I mean it. I know you are worried but that is not a good idea."
Liara looks away.
"Liara?"
"I don't think I can Elly."
Sighing heavily Shepard persists. "You can't go to his house Liara you just can't. It is not appropriate. And it could be dangerous."
Liara is silent.
Shepard could just kick herself for saying such a thing. She gets out of bed.
"Where are you going?" asks Liara.
"I want you to promise me Liara I am not kidding around. You cannot go to that man's house."
"Oh he is a man now is he?"
"Look, I know you want to help him but he may not need help and he may not want your help. You cannot force help on people Liara you just can't."
"Elly calm down."
Shepard is pacing. "No no you need to promise me. Or at least let me help you, go with you or something. I don't like this one bit Liara you are getting too involved with him."
Liara sits up in bed "Excuse me?" She crosses her arms.
Shepard stops her pacing. "I mean it Liara. Your students are just that students. You are not their councilor or their mother. You are there to teach and that's it."
"You do not need to tell me MY job Elly."
"Well apparently I do since now you have it in your head to go visit the guy."
"I didn't say I would."
"But you didn't say you wouldn't either."
Liara is quiet she won't look at Shepard.
Shepard just shakes her head and leaves the bedroom.
The next day Liara is in a hurry to get to the University. She is hoping to offer support to Jordan. As the students file in for her archeology class she notices that he is not there. Thinking that perhaps he is running late Liara begins her lecture for the day. By the end of the class he did not show up. Concerned Liara thought about what Shepard said regarding asking a fellow Professor.
"Excuse me Professor?"
"Hello Dr. T'Soni please come in."
Liara enters and sits. "Please call me Liara."
"Then I insist you call me Nima. How are you enjoying teaching?"
"I like it very much thank you," says Liara.
"What can I do for you Liara?"
"I have a student in one of my classes, a human male named Jordan Brown. I am concerned about him."
"Go on."
"He came to my office a few days ago with bruises on his face and he was not in class today. I am wondering if I am supposed to do anything about it."
"Hmm where do you think he got these bruises?"
"I am not sure."
"Well there is really nothing you can do Liara. We deal with adults here so we do not need to inform the authorities."
"I see."
Nima looks at Liara she sees the concern on her face. "I am sure there is a simple explanation. And as far as him not being in class today, it is not the first time students have missed class."
"So I am supposed to do nothing then?"
"What would you do Liara? I am sure it is very disconcerting but it may be nothing. All you can do is wait and see. If he continues to miss class you report him and follow protocol."
Liara doesn't like the advice but there is little she can do. "I understand. I am sorry to bother you." Liara stands to leave.
"Liara please try to understand. We deal with thousands of students each year. They live their own lives. Many times students just drop out and we never see them again. He may just be embarrassed because he lost a bar fight or something."
Liara smiles remembering that Shepard said the same thing.
"I don't want to impose," says Nima.
Liara nods her head slightly.
"Since he is a human have you asked Captain Shepard about it. Perhaps she has insight that we do not."
"Yes I did speak to her about it last night. She mentioned the same thing you did about him possibly being in a fight and is embarrassed."
"Well I suspect she has far more knowledge in human behavior than we do Liara. Another option you have right now is checking with admissions to see if perhaps he dropped your class."
"Dropped?" Liara never thought of that.
"Yes he could have dropped your class. Student change their minds all of the time," says Nima.
"Yes I will check with them. Thank you Nima."
"Anytime Liara."
Shepard is home with the kids they are playing quietly in the family room. Shepard's omni-tool lights up it is Commander Ashley Williams.
"Kids I will be in the other room if you need me," says Shepard as she walks into the secure room keeping the door open. "Hi Ash."
"Hey Skipper how are ya?"
"I'm good how are you doing?"
"Good thanks. So I have news."
"About the position?"
"Yes and something else," says Ashley.
Shepard can see the smile on her face. "What's going on Ash?"
"You remember Mark Curtis right?"
"Curtis of course, he is part of your main ground team right?"
"Yes that's right. He was recently injured on a mission and is recovering. He has requested consideration for the position on Thessia. He can no longer fight in the field."
"That's terrible Ash. I mean that he can't…well you know."
"I know. He seems fine with it. Sometimes you just need to step away after being shot at for so long; I know I don't have to tell you that."
"No you don't."
"Anyway, his recovery has been great and Thessia medical has a wonderful rehabilitation program where he can continue his therapy. I submitted his name to Hackett and he agrees with the recommendation."
"That's great Ash; I know Valya will be happy. She prefers action over desk work."
"Don't we all."
They both laugh a little.
"The plan is for him to start in two weeks," says Ashley.
"How bad is he Ash, can he walk?" Curtis has been with Ashley for years. He was part of the team that found Shepard in the warehouse where she was tortured and he was part of the ground teams when they were infiltrating Cerberus locations on Earth.
"Oh yeah he can walk Shepard. He has some nerve damage in his left leg that makes him unable to fight in the field. He is looking forward to a change."
"Well that's great. We will have him over for dinner when he arrives. It will be good to see him again."
"Good. I will be calling Arelia next, but I wanted to give you a heads up."
"I appreciate it Ash. You said you had something else to tell me?"
Shepard sees the big grin on Ashley.
"Tyler and I are engaged."
"That's fantastic Ashley!" Tyler Ross is an engineer Ashley met during the clean up after the reaper war. They have been seeing each other for two years now.
"Thank Shepard I can't believe it. He is just so…so wonderful."
"So when's the big day?"
"Two months. I would love it if you and Liara could come. The invitation should be arriving soon."
"I will check with her. You know she has started teaching now," says Shepard.
"That's right! How is that going?"
"She really loves it. I hopes she can come Ash, but if not I will for sure be there. I wouldn't miss it. I am so happy for you."
"Thanks Skipper. Hey I gotta get going. It will be good to see you again."
"It will. Congratulations again Ash, I will talk to you later."
