"Slow down!" Shepard yelled as Michael and Addison jumped out of the car and race towards the door. Liara smiled as Shepard disapprovingly shook her head. It's funny how parenting changes your perspective of the world. Given Shepard's past experiences and risking her life on a daily basis, it was strange to see her being overly cautious for somebody else. Liara would even dare to admit it was cute; no matter how the word sounded weird when put in the same sentence with Shepard.

Liara stepped out of the car and took in a deep breath, filling her lungs with fresh air. She felt relieved that the trip is finally over; now excitement took over, and she couldn't wait to be alone with Shepard. Taking in the surroundings, she can see that even the closest neighbor was far in the distance, and same as Shepard's house; separated from the main road with a long driveway, a small part of the porch and roof were visible, rest of it was hidden by trees or bushes. It was a big difference between this neighborhood and the one on the Illium, where Liara's apartment was. Here, houses were few and between, almost hidden from the rest of the world. It was not hard to imagine that one could freely walk around, without being seen or bouncing into someone else. Privacy was a luxury on Illium, while here it is the norm. And nature itself gave off a mystical vibe, making it all look like a dream. Illium had parks, but it couldn't even compare to the beauty radiating from the old trees in the nearby forest. There was also a massive oak, at least Liara thought it was an oak. She should ask Shepard later how old it was, but by the size of the trunk, at least few decades. A proud symbol of human resistance against the Reapers; survived against all the odds, showing strength and durability in most difficult of times. Maybe in the following days, she will sit down underneath its large branches and read a book or daydream. Something she didn't do in a long time.

"Enjoying the view?" Shepard's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and Liara realized Shepard must have watched her all the time she was musing.

"It's beautiful here Shepard," she walked across the driveway to the car where Shepard was getting her bags. Wanting to take them, Shepard just waved her hand at her.

"I'll get it."

"You could at least let me help you."

"And what kind of host would that make me?"

"It almost feels like I'm on vacation and not visiting a friend."

"You are on vacation. I doubt you had one since you started that job of yours."

Liara almost countered that she was in fact, on vacation for a few times while visiting Earth, but that could only lead the conversation to treacherous waters, so she just stayed silent.

"So just relax and feel like you're at home."

"Not afraid I will take advantage of that?"

Shepard closed the trunk and faced Liara, "I'm hoping you would actually."

With that, she headed towards the house, with Liara slightly behind.

"Oh?"

There was a silence, and Shepard grabbed the knob of the front door but hesitated to push it open. Michael and Addison's voices could be heard from the inside as she stared at the door. Her knuckles were going white from holding the knob too hard. Liara wanted to say something, but Shepard finally spoke.

"I hope you will have a good time here, Liara."

Liara had a feeling that was not what Shepard wanted to say, but she didn't press her.

"I'm sure I will, Shepard. Thank you."

Shepard gave her a final glance before finally opening the door, and they both entered inside.

"Come. I'll show you around."


Liara woke up with a start. Looking around her, she was confused for a split second before realizing where she was. Quickly opening her omni-tool, she relaxed as the time show that she slept only for twenty minutes. She did not oversleep.

When Shepard showed her room, she instantly went to bed. She told herself that she would rest for a few minutes, but she underestimated how really tired she was from the trip and fell asleep. Now, somewhat awake, she got up, and throw her luggage bag on the bed. She better put her clothes in the closet now rather than later as she doubts she would have the energy and will to do it. She picked up her folded clothes, and put them on the shelve, running a hand to straighten any newly formed wrinkles. She made sure she put the ones she was planning to wear tonight on the left side of the luggage, and the rest made a neat stack of shirts, dresses, and pants.

After she finished, Liara sat on the edge of the bed, bringing her omni-tool to check her messages. She would deal with this tedious task now so that she can spend a calm evening with Shepard and her kids. She liked them. They didn't talk much when Shepard picked them up, but they were polite, and Liara was sure once they knew each other a little better, they would relax more. She opened her inbox and started reading her oldest message, but the sound of laughing made her reach to the window and look outside. Her window faced the backyard, revealing the lake in the distance. The sun started to go down, but it wasn't so dark. She could see Shepard playing with her kids; Michael was holding Shepard's leg, while Addison was on Shepard's back and holding on her neck. Liara at first didn't know what were they doing, but she laughed as Shepard was brought to her knee trying to free herself.

"Surrender!"

"Never!" Shepard exclaimed as she holds Addison's hands, trying to shake her off. This was now a very hard thing to accomplish; because Mike let go of her leg and taking a few steps back, charge into Shepard. Finally, she lost her balance and fell on the grass. Soon enough they were a laughing pile of mess.

For a moment, as she watched them having fun and seeing Shepard laughing with her children, made Liara feel as she was intruding a very private moment. The more she watched, the more it looked surreal. Involuntarily, she crossed her arms tightly over her body, hugging herself. She tried to fight it, but her mind raced a few years back.

She was on the Normandy, in her office. Going through the reports, finding scientists or hiring mercenaries who could help in the war. Anyone who could contribute in any way, she contacted. She threatened, bought, sell, manipulated. Anything or anyone that could help build the Crucible. As she was coordinating her agents, Shepard's voice came through her computer. They were on the mission, trying to find and escort scientists from some husk filled colony. If Liara didn't come with Shepard, she made sure to listen to the communication channel. Even though sometimes it wasn't easy to listen, it was better than staying in the dark, not knowing if everyone was alright.

"Still no sign of that group of scientists. EDI check with Traynor. Was the intel right?"

"Shepard, something isn't right here. It's too quiet," Garrus's voice could be heard, somewhere behind Shepard.

There was a silence, only the sound of raindrops hitting the armor. It was not long before Shepard's voice come back.

"Yeah. Stay alert. Garrus go up to that hill. Try and see if something is waiting for us."

"I'm on it."

Heavy footsteps ran past Shepard and quickly died.

"This fucking weather," Shepard said more to herself than anyone else.

"Alright, let's dig in here. James you and Ahlers find a good support position in case something goes wrong. EDI? Any updates?"

"Shepard, given your current position and the information we have, it seems that the Intel was only 97.5 percent accurate. But I did a quick scan of the area. There are buildings near your position, two miles to the north."

"Is there any sign of movement?"

"I will keep scanning, but nothing for now."

"Alright. Keep us updated EDI."

"We might be too late," Kaidan said.

"Maybe, but we have to check it anyway. They might be hiding. Garrus can you see anything?"

"Nothing."

"Okay. You keep moving ahead but keep to higher ground. I don't want any surprises."

"Will do Shepard."

"Everyone else, on me. Scan the horizon and be careful. I have a bad feeling about this."

There was only a sound of footsteps and clanking of the armor and weapons as they walked. After some time, James's voice broke the silence.

"It seems abandoned, Commander."

"Garrus, have a good view of us?"

"Yeah Shepard. I'm trying to see through the windows, but it's too dark."

"Keep your position there. Kaidan, James let's go inside, Ahlers keep the guard at the door, anything suspicious radio us. You got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Let's do this. James open the door."

James pushed the heavy door, and it fell to the ground with a loud bang.

"It's so dark…." Kaiden commented.

"Come on. I'll take the point. Kaidan and Jame-"

"Shepard! Watch out!"

"Husks! Take cover!" As soon as Shepard said that she was thrown to the ground and Liara could hear how close the husks are to her. There was commotion around. Panicked voices interrupted with bullets hissing through the air. Garrus was probably doing his best to keep husks of them.

"I can't get a clear shot! I'm rushing in! Cover me!" James yelled, but he didn't make it more than few feet when he was surrounded too. If he pushed forward, he would only get himself cornered.

"We need evac Joker! Get your ass over here! Shepard is down!"

Kaidan's voice rushed through the Normandy.

Liara couldn't take it anymore; she switched to cameras on their helmets, her monitor split in four. Shepard was covered in husks, at least three of them biting on her armor and helmet. The rhythm of hits on armor and painful grunts from Shepard made Liara's heart stop.

She managed to release her omni blade and in one swift motion, cut the necks of the two, liquid smearing Shepard's camera.

She was on her back, and more were coming.

"Shit," Shepard muttered under her breath, and groaned as she was trying to get back on her feet, and with a little help of the biotics, she cleared the area around her so she could safely retreat. But she didn't. She looked at her crew. James and Kaidan were doing their best to keep them off, but Ahlers was down. Anger filled her, and she rushed into the horde. Ignoring the pain in her rib, she sliced with her omni blade and fired her gun, taking them down one by one. She managed to release a small shockwave into another group coming from the building, thinning them in the middle. Bullets slashed by as the husks affront of her fell down. Suddenly she was standing alone, surrounded only by the bodies of once-humans. Shepard looked at them, her gaze fixed on the lab coat on the ground. Kaidan was right. She was late.

Later, when she returned to the Normandy, she skipped the medical check and headed straight to the bridge. Liara followed her, but she either didn't see her or ignored her completely.

"Specialist, get me Alliance Command on the line. EDI mark the coordinates. Let them bomb this place. There is nothing there."

Liara gave a sympathetic glance to Traynor and followed Shepard to the War Room. She wanted to enter only to be stopped by the guard blocking the door.

"Sorry, ma'am. Commander gave the order. No one can enter."

"I'm sure Commander will understand," Liara said as she tried to pass him.

"I'm sorry ma'am," the guard repeated himself, "no one can enter."


Liara stood by the window for some time looking in the distance. Lost in thought, she barely heard the soft knocking. She opened the door, with Shepard standing outside.

"Hey. I just wanted to tell you that dinner will be ready in twenty minutes or so," she stopped and gave a curious look to Liara, studying her.

"You can stay and rest if you are feeling tired..."

Liara leaned on the door. Shepard was confused for a moment as if she didn't know what to say or do next. And Liara's unbreaking silence didn't help.

"Do you like the room? I mean, is there anything you need? Like extra pillows or something? Or you can sleep in my room, and I will take this one?" Shepard stumbled around her words, firing questions so Liara would answer at least one of them and keep the conversation going. But instead of answering, Liara just moved a little bit to the side, inviting Shepard in. Shepard hesitated for a moment, but she entered and Liara closed the door behind her. Now standing in the middle of the bedroom she looked around as if this was her first time inside. She noticed the crumpled sheets on the bed.

"Did I wake you?" She asked as Liara passed by her and sat down on the bed. Shepard's eyes followed her fingers as they glided on the uneven surface of silk sheets.

"No. I was awake for some time now. Though I have to admit, I was afraid I overslept."

"No harm even if you did. As I said, you can stay and rest."

"It would only make my jet-lag worse. I will faster adapt to your time if I stay awake and fight it."

Shepard nodded, "Yeah. It will take you a day or two but I'm here to keep you company."

Not knowing what to say or do next, Shepard uncomfortably shifted on her feet before deciding it would be best to leave.

"Alright. See you downstairs then."

And with that, Shepard left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Liara took a few more minutes watching the dying sun before joining Shepard.


When she came downstairs, Liara found Shepard in the kitchen, her back towards her. Liara changed her clothes and reapplied makeup; just enough to blend any signs of tiredness and lack of sleep. Taking a few more steps, she reached Shepard.

"Need any help?" She asked as Shepard prepared the salad, mixing various spices, most of them Liara didn't really recognize, her lack of knowledge in culinary arts showing.

"Nope. Just finishing it. But you can pour us some wine."

Liara picked up the bottle next to her and read the label with some difficulty that made Shepard laugh.

"Here," she took the bottle from Liara, reading the label with a strange accent. She stopped for a moment before continuing, giving the wine the respect and admiration it deserves.

"Apparently it was first produced centuries ago, for nobles. In Italy, Tuscany. I don't know how much you are familiar with Earth's regions…."

"Not very much, I must admit."

"Well, the thing about Tuscany… There are acres of vineyards. You could get lost in those red and white grapes. Can you imagine it?" She had a pensive look in her eyes, standing so close to Liara but mentally miles ahead.

"The late summer sun in your face as you walk between the vines leaves softly touching your skin. The scent of grapes filling your nostrils, and you don't have to worry about a thing in the world. A heaven on Earth."

They were closer than before, her voice attracted Liara closer to her but their gaze broke when Shepard remembered where she was and made a step distancing herself from Liara.

"It took me a while to find a good bottle, given how I know shit about wine."

Why did she have to swear? Liara thought, disappointed how she ended her story.

"Anyway," Shepard sighed. "Can you pass me those two glasses?"

Liara put them on the counter between her and Shepard.

"I'm surprised you are knowledgeable about something else besides beer," Liara teased, and it made Shepard chuckle.

"I did my research. I know how you don't like beer so I wouldn't dare torture you the entire time," she said, raising her glass. They clinked their glasses and took a sip. As the ruby red liquid filled Liara's mouth, she closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasant taste bringing her to the place Shepard, just minutes ago described. She could imagine walking in Tuscany, even though she never saw it, but her mind combined the vineyards of Thessia with what Shepard described. Imagining her version of a place where there was not a problem in the world. When she opened her eyes, imagery disappeared even though the feeling stay. Now with Shepard satisfied smile welcoming her from the sensory jump.

"Good, right?"

Liara nodded and managed to utter a single word, "Beautiful."

Shepard returned to her salad mixing it even faster, so all the ingredients blend in more.

"It depends on how much time we will have, but I would like to take you there. We have a really tight schedule T'Soni."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. There are so many things I want to show you. But Earth is big, and I wouldn't want to tire you on your vacation. I mean, just say a word, and we can stay here-"

Liara rested her hand on Shepard's shoulder stopping her mid-sentence, "It doesn't matter if we stay here, in the house or explore every inch of this planet," Liara paused for a brief moment then continued, "as long as I spend my time with you."

That confession pulled a little smile on Shepard's face.

"You know what they say? Be careful what you wish for. I might bore you to death."

Liara removed her hand and took another sip of her wine.

"I doubt that Shepard. You are a very… interesting person."

"Well, as long as you don't plan to dissect me, I will take that as a compliment."

Liara wanted to say something, but her thoughts were interrupted by footsteps running down the stairs. It was Mike and Addison.

"Hey, guys. Ready for dinner?"

"Yeah, mom!" The little girl said while Mike slowed down and eyed Liara carefully. He probably didn't expect her to be down here. Even though she knew them for a few hours, Liara could already see for herself what Shepard told her back on Illium. In appearance, they weren't different, but the personality was another thing entirely. Michael was more cautious, and quiet; while Addison, on the other hand, was more adventurous and open. Liara tried to figure out which one of them was more like Shepard. But she quickly gave up on that and just decided that they are individual young humans, and trying to label them as more as one parent or the other was silly. After all, she rolled her eyes every time she was lectured how she must be more like her mother. Growing up as a daughter of a powerful Matriarch was a heavy burden to bear. A lot of expectations (most of which Liara didn't meet), only led to fights between them. Fight by fight until they didn't stop talking altogether. Even though Liara regretted that things between them ended up as they did, she didn't regret taking her path. She likes to think that going against her mother's wishes was one of the most courageous things she did in her life. And she was proud of that.

Liara approached the table and sat to Shepard's right side, with Mike and Addison across them. Michael avoided eye contact, while Addison slightly tilted her head and squinted her eyes as she studied Liara's face, probably trying to decide should she ask the question bouncing in her head. Liara took another sip of her wine, with a hope it will calm her down. Shepard put the last dish on the table and sit beside Liara. In the end, it wasn't the wine that calmed her down, but Shepard's reassuring smile.


Sitting on the porch, Liara watched the night sky. The dinner went well, despite its awkward start. Shepard, in the beginning, led the conversation, telling stories and things she and the kids did together. There were even some anecdotes from the Normandy, which Michael and Addison especially enjoyed. With Shepard's jokes and amusing storytelling, the atmosphere quickly went from uptight to relaxed. So relaxed that Addison even dared to ask her question.

"Why do your eyes turn black?"

Liara choked on her wine, blushing.

"Addison!"

"What? I saw it in the movie."

"You can't ask questions like that."

"Why not?"

"Because those things are personal and it's not polite."

"Why?"

"Addison..." Shepard gave a final warning, and Addison gave up.

"Fine," She said and continued playing with her vegetables.

Besides that little out of the blue question, the rest of the dinner went well. After the dinner Michael and Addison run to their rooms, to unpack the gifts Liara brought them. She could hear footsteps behind her and turning around; she saw a little boy approaching, not sure of himself. Liara offered a smile, and thankfully he gave one back, albeit a small one.

"Hello, Michael."

"Hi."

There was silence before Liara thought of what she could ask next.

"Do you like the book?"

"I do, but I would like to ask you something. About the protheans. Mom told me you know a lot about them." He fidgeted with his fingers. Shepard used to do that, in those rare times she would tell Liara what was bothering her.

"Come sit here," she gestured towards the chair across her. He was first unsure should he sit or stay at a safe distance, but ultimately he decided it would be impolite to refuse. When he sat, she asked him, "Well, what would you like to know?"

"Is it true that protheans were evil?"

Liara was surprised with this kind of question. She didn't expect he would ask something so difficult to explain to an eight-year-old.

"Do you think that they were evil?"

Michael was silent, thinking.

"I think so. If they weren't bad, why would they force every other species into slavery?"

"Michael that is an excellent question and a hard one to answer. But I think that they weren't bad. Nor good. They did what they thought was best for the galaxy."

"But mom says slavery is wrong!"

"And Shep- and your mom is right."

"But how can you say that they thought what they were doing was good for the galaxy?"

"It's more of a matter of perspective."

"What's a perspective?"

"A perspective is… a point of view. Is how you see things. We see slavery as a bad thing because we believe that every individual has a right to free will. Protheans, on the other hand, believed in survival of the fittest. The strongest of the species should rule over the weaker ones. In a way, they didn't have slavery as we know it. Just a strong structured hierarchy. Anyone could challenge them and took their place. Many tried and failed."

"It's just like when Addison orders me around. She is stronger, so she could do whatever she wants. Because she knows I can't win."

Liara let out a small chuckle, "Yes, something like that."

Michael shifted in his seat before asking another question.

"If they were the most advanced species, how come they lost against Reapers?"

"Because there was no diversity among them. There were many species in the Empire. But only prothean culture and way of life. They had one way of fighting and once Reapers find a weakness… they had no time to adopt. It was over quickly."

"But, if they were kinder to others, do you think they would win? Like we did?"

Liara looked away from Michael. Memories raced through her mind. What Shepard had to do to unite the galaxy. How she gambled with every decision, how she calculated with every life. Kill a squad of soldiers over here to save two scientists over there. Shuffle the lives of millions like a deck of cards, only in hope to keep the galaxy in the end. But the unity was short-lived. Broken promises and centuries-old distrust quickly turned the galaxy into the state worse than before. Too many voices for such a small space. She looked at Michael. He was a good child, still intact from the world. She would not allow her growing cynicism taint him as it did her. Because after all that she went through, somewhere deep inside, she still believes that there are good in people.

"Maybe. Kindness is a powerful thing, Michael."

He smiled and nodded. It looks like Liara watered down whatever doubts or concerns he had. In the corner of her eye, she saw a figure leaned against the doorframe.

"Shepard."

"How goes the prothean lesson?" Shepard asked, looking at her son.

"Oh, mom! She knows so much about the protheans, much more than you do!"

Shepard laughed, "I told you she does. Did you ask everything you want? It's pretty late, and you have to get up early tomorrow."

His face fell at that. It was clear he wasn't enthusiastic about the summer camp.

"Can I stay awake just a little longer, please? I want to read the book your friend brought me. Just a few pages? Please, mom?" He pleaded, but Shepard was unrelenting.

"No, sorry buddy. I already told Addison to go to bed. You will read the book tomorrow."

Michael didn't want to give up, so he looked towards Liara for help. Liara looked between Shepard and Michael. She didn't want to go against Shepard's parenting methods, but on the other hand, she saw herself in Michael. She used to read books past her bedtime, to her mother's great disapproval.

"Well, maybe just a page or two? So that he could get his excitement down? He would fall asleep easier." She looked at Shepard who was now standing with her arms crossed. She had an amused look on her face.

"Alright. Fifteen minutes Mike. And off to bed. Are we clear?"

"Yes! Thanks, mom!"

"You should be thanking aunt Liara here."

"Thanks, aunt Liara!" He started to run towards his room, but he stopped mid-track.

"Aunt Liara, if I have any more questions, and if you will have time, would you answer them?"

Liara smiled at his request. She didn't expect to be so well accepted by Shepard's children. And on her first day here! Well, at least with Michael. Addison looked like she didn't care. Except when she saw what Liara brought her, but even then she ran to her room to unpack the gift, and she only thanked Liara when Shepard reminded her.

"Don't worry Michael. Any questions you have, I will gladly answer them."

He smiled and looked at Shepard with excitement. With another set of thanks, he ran off to his bedroom, leaving Liara and Shepard alone on the porch. Shepard stood there for a moment before going back inside. Liara wanted to ask where she was going, but she could see Shepard stopped in the dining room, pouring more wine into Liara's glass and taking a glass for herself. When she returned she handed the wine to Liara and sat on the chair where Michael was.

"So," Shepard started, "You two seem to get along."

"I hope I didn't cross some lines suggesting he stays awake for a little while longer."

Shepard waved her hand at Liara, "No. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you are getting along."

"Did you think we wouldn't?"

"I had my doubts. I mean not because of you, it's just Michael has trouble meeting new people and talking to them. But you proved to be an exception. I think he likes you."

"He's a very smart boy, Shepard. You must be so proud."

"I am."

"Do you think Addison will come to like me too?"

"Hm? Oh, don't worry about her. She might seem like she doesn't care or something, but is the opposite. She has a lot of friends. And I think she likes you, if she didn't she would be very vocal about it. Believe me."

"Then I'm glad I'm on her good side," as she took another sip of her wine she closed her eyes, tiredness overwhelming her. She felt as she would fall asleep, but she could feel Shepard watching her, so she opened her eyes to look at her.

"I shouldn't keep you up. You had a long day-" Shepard started to get up, but Liara quickly put her hand on Shepard's stopping her.

"Stay. I'm not that tired."

In truth, she was on the verge of falling asleep, but she would like to postpone the sleep as much as she could. She didn't want this evening to end.

"Alright. If you say so."

"How long did you stand there? Eavesdropping?"

"Long enough to realize how much you like to be a smartass."

Liara laughed at Shepard's teasing.

"You know I can't help myself."

"Yeah, especially when the topic is about the protheans. You should really write a book Liara."

"I would like to. But you know how Javik is. He is not really interested in helping me. And to be honest, I don't know how much I can trust him with what he's saying."

"You know, I can ask him to help you."

If Shepard asked, it was more than likely Javik would help, but she wouldn't gain any respect from him. And the idea of Shepard holding her hand like she was a child, just angered Liara.

"No. I must ask him myself because if you do, he won't cooperate as much. It has to be me."

For a moment, it looked like Shepard clenched her fists, but when Liara looked at her hands, they were relaxed. She probably imagined it.

"Well, if you change your mind…"

"Thank you, Shepard."

Shepard cleared her throat before answering, "No problem."

They spend a few more minutes in comfortable silence, enjoying the light summer breeze. But despite her great effort, Liara yawned.

"Ready for bed?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, yes."

"Go get some sleep Liara. You had a long day, and I need you to be rested for tomorrow."

"Really? For what?"

"It's a surprise," Shepard smiled.

They were both standing now, and really close to each other.

"Well, then I must be sure to get enough sleep so I can endure all the excitement you planned for tomorrow."

Shepard nodded and wished her a good night, and for a split second Liara wanted to hug her, but she quickly decided against it. It would be weird and that kind of thoughts could lead to awkward situations. She should have more control over herself.

"Good night, Shepard."

She gave her a small smile and left. Shepard stayed on the porch. For how long, Liara didn't know.