A/N: First off, my laptop is giving me a few problems, so hopefully it won't break on me (Alienware products are amazing but stupidly expensive!)!

Otherwise, this chapter is another slower one. This is going to expand on conversation from the latter part of the previous chapter; Shepard will soon be going around and talking to others. Part 1 of my re-telling is going to be focussed mostly on Liara and Shepard (Part 2 is going to switch between people, or at least this is the current plan for when I get there).

8 – Trust Me

The Normandy – Liara's Cabin

The talk with Commander Shepard had been very enlightening, Liara thought to herself. The human was clearly very pained by her past – which she gathered from what she had seen, though fairly briefly admittedly, in their meld – but afraid to let people get too close.

The human was feared by her own kind for actions taken during the Alliance assault on Torfan. To her this seemed harsh and quite wrong – the poor woman had been through so much, to be ostracised, for want of a better phrase, from large parts of her society…

She wondered how they could possibly do that some who'd been a survivor; a hero. What was worse, to her anyway, was that it clearly hurt the Commander but she was too proud – or simply unwilling – to try fight back from the slander. Liara doubted she could persuade her to talk about her past; though she was going to try – though speaking to Dr Chakwas first might be a good idea.

Shepard didn't appear to have many friends amongst the crew – apart from Chakwas and Tali'Zorah anyway. The human doctor knew Shepard well because of the woman's high risk, yet high reward, combat style. With Tali it was ambiguous as to why they got on so well. Liara had her theories. Tali and the Commander had become close quite quickly; she surmised that was because they both felt that they're outcasts – in a way anyway. They might quite different from each other, though that didn't seem to matter in the end.

Tali was a young, fairly naïve Quarian, who was full of energy most of the time – especially when talking about ships and mechanical things that she didn't quite understand – and, sadly, treated like a second-class citizen simply for being a Quarian. Whereas Shepard was inclined to treat people based on her good they were at their job – whatever it might be.

Shepard, on the other hand, was the opposite; she was a traumatised soldier; a soldier who had no problem killing anyone who got in her way, if the situation called for it. She was also feared by some humans for the Torfan incident; which Liara had seen what she believed to parts of this assault. Though she wasn't entirely certain about this.

Shepard was scarred mentally and physically by what she'd been through. Her outward coldness and distant nature stemmed from this. Liara hoped to find a way past this barrier, to find a way to help comfort the Commander. She wanted to try to find a way to repay her for saving her life.

The fact that they the human and Quarian got along so well was an extremely odd thing to witness; for her anyway. Maybe it was not an odd thing for humans? She genuinely didn't know. Liara believe she might be able to ask Dr Chakwas about various aspects of human behaviour that she found confusing, the kindly human doctor seemed more approachable than the Commander.

Oh, Shepard was polite to her, and had tried to not show how upset she was when Liara revealed she'd seen some of the human's past mixed in with the Prothean vision. It was the look of fire in her eyes that troubled her mostly; it was the look of someone who hated people looking into her past. The human woman was unreadable at most times, though that fire was something that worried her.

It was certainly something to mention to Chakwas, who was – other that Tali – the only person who seemed to be able to get a smile, a crack, out of the wall that Shepard had built around her.

A smile which she had seen and thought made the woman look even more attractive than normal. The vicious scarring she had didn't put her off; it was part of her, part of who she is. In fact, the more she thought about it, Liara realised that she was most certainly attracted to the human woman. Though whether is a true attraction, or mere hero worship from being rescued, was something she didn't know, or know if it was possible to tell.

She didn't understand some of the thoughts she was having; maybe she should contact someone – another asari – to discuss things?

Liara paused in her chain of thought; she was going around in circles and was getting quite flustered over potentially nothing.

When she finished going over the latest reports about the beacon discovered on Eden Prime, Liara resolved to go and have a long talk with Dr Chakwas. She needed to get her own head around things.

She was interrupted by a beeping on her omni-tool – a message it seemed.

Reading it several times, her normally bright azure face paled.

Swiftly she typed a quick message to the Commander, feeling slightly sick as did so.

Pushing thoughts of talking to Doctor Chakwas out of her head, Liara resolved to get some reports done to try to take her mind off things.

A short while later Shepard stepped into the small lab that Liara had claimed as her own. The asari had her back to Shepard as she entered, fingers flowing rapidly over a haptic keyboard, absentmindedly humming a tune to herself. Shepard could see that she was typing up a report of some kind on one monitor, her translator told that it was a form of short-hand writing but was unable to tell her what it actually said. Another monitor showed an Alliance logo and a password request; it was unclear as to what she had attempted to access.

Liara had not noticed her entering the room, the humming reaching a peak, as she flicked her omni-tool and started to review data whilst typing one-handed. Shepard could not help but be impressed, even as she shook her head at the sight. Years of time logging archaeological sites on her own had clearly made her a very methodical and self-sustaining person. In that way, she mused, Liara was a little like herself.

Though she would never compare her own problems with the asari's; Shepard knew she'd had a far harder life for example, but she saw some similarities.

"You wanted to speak to me Liara?" Shepard broke the silence; she made the target of her question jump and give a small shriek of surprise.

"Goddess Commander! You frightened the life out of me!"

Shepard gave a small laugh. "Sorry Liara, you were so engrossed in your work I knew I would surprise you, sorry." She moved and sat on the crates. "And please, call me Liz or Shepard."

"I'm sorry, I'm so used to referring to people by their title; I think it is an asari thing." Liara turned her chair to face her. "Or it could have been ingrained in me by my mother; we always refer to people of her station as Matriarch, or The Matriarch." A smile crept onto her features, though it was a sad smile. "I still have trouble facing what she has done…"

"I'm not surprised by that all; if my mother changed like that, I don't know how I would react."

"You are close to her then?" Liara tilted her head slightly, unsure if it was polite to ask that of a human, going by her expression.

"I never knew her. She left before I was two years old." She gave a shrug, knowing that her face would have been a picture. "I used to hate her for leaving but if she'd stayed… well, she'd most likely be dead with most of the rest of the colony."

"Oh, Goddess… I forgot that you grew up on Mindoir… I'm so sorry Shepard." Liara leaned forward, placing a hand on her knee. "Um, I asked to speak with you…"

"It is okay Liara, my past hurts – it always will – but you don't have to avoid the topic of parents on my account." She placed her own hand on Liara's, noting the cool, pebbly texture was surprising soft as their fingers entwined. "My dad died on Mindoir, I saw it happen." Liara squeezed her hand. "I don't know what happened to my real mother; I think she's alive… though I don't know her name or what she did for living. Thinking about it, her name might have been Hannah… not entirely certain though. I had a "replacement" – as it were – on Mindoir but I never paid her much attention."

"I understand Shepard… it was my mother I wished to talk to you about." Liara still held her hand. "I asked a cousin about some family affairs that I had never thought about until I met you. When you revealed her… her crimes, I was so angry. I was so afraid." She stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. "It occurred to me that mother is likely to be exiled due to her actions. If, or when, she is, her estate would need to be dealt with. Under normal circumstances, being an only child, I would receive portion of the estate upon reaching 300. When mother passed away I would inherit the rest." Liara stopped talking, a large sigh escaping her.

Shepard gave her a few moments before speaking. "What would happen if she was exiled?"

"Well, it could be complicated. First the other Matriarchs would investigate me; to see if I was involved in her activities at all. If they decide I wasn't then I get the whole estate. If they conclude that I was involved then I will also be exiled and the estate will be divided between the Matriarchs." Liara's other hand rubbed the back of her neck. "It would be a long process either way, possibly taking decades. All the while I would be held in type of house arrest. I would have access to a stipend to make sure I didn't starve but all other resources would be locked; until guilt or innocence is decided no one could touch the estate."

"If it isn't rude to ask; what sort of estate are we talking about here – a house?"

"It would be several homes in fact. Each home has many acres of land; plus staff, vehicles and the like. Mother invested vast sums of money in her youth; inherited of course." Liara smiled sadly again. "She got an even larger sum in return from said investments. The T'Soni family is amongst the wealthiest in asari space, along with a small group of other Matriarchal families – around a dozen or so. These families essentially control the banks on Thessia due to the money behind them. In a way, though not actually, my family is royalty."

"Royalty, really?" She couldn't keep the surprise from her voice.

"In a sense… In truth, the Thessia is made up of a series of republics. These families I mentioned are, technically, the ruling families of these republics." Liara looked down, shame on her face. "I upset mother when I became an archaeologist instead of going into politics; following in her footsteps."

"Wow… I had no idea you're so important in asari society." Shepard felt a surge of attraction; which she felt bad about and clamped down it, forcing it away.

"I don't like being in this position Shepard. I hope you don't treat me like I'm going to break because I've been sheltered due my family's wealth."

"Admittedly, it is a shock." Shepard smiled at her warmly. "I tell you what. If you don't mention it, I won't unless I need to."

"Personally that is very agreeable." Liara smiled back, squeezing her hand again. "Though going back to my initial reason for bringing this up; my cousin told me that the Matriarchs have been briefed as to what is known about mother's activities. Rather than bore you with the details of the meetings, I shall just say that I have inherited the whole of the T'Soni estate."

"Hoy shit…"

"Indeed Shepard, I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment. I wasn't expecting to inherit anything for centuries…" Liara took her hand back used it to rub her crests. "I was told a rough figure during our conversation and I… I cannot even imagine the number in real terms."

"Holy shit Liara; I don't know what to say – why tell me this?" Shepard was confused as to why the asari felt that she needed to tell.

"Well, this is potentially the awkward bit." Liara rubbed her crests again nervously. "For me to inherit the estate before I come of age, so to speak, the Spectre that I'm in the custody of has to sign off on it."

"What?!"

"I mean that, you would have to attend a formal meeting on the Citadel, with the asari Councillor and several other Matriarchs. During this meeting – which I must be present, but cannot be involved in – they would present to you their findings and vice versa. Then all present would have to agree that I wasn't involved with… with whatever my mother has gotten mixed up in."

Shepard could not help the look of horror the crept onto her face. "So I have a real control over the rest of your life? That doesn't seem fair to me!"

"It is the way things have worked on Thessia for countless generations of asari." Liara gave a weak smile and an equally weak shrug. "You don't have to agree with it – I don't think I do either, it keeps the money and power in the hands of a few Matriarchs – but, without you I will have nothing. No money, no home, no family…"

"I will do it Liara, I will help you." The hope that brewed on the asari's face made her smile as she spoke. "I don't agree with it; which is why I'm helping you. You shouldn't lose out because of what your mother is doing; that simply isn't fair."

"I don't know how to thank you Shepard."

"If all goes to plan, you won't have to. When do we need to be at the Citadel?"

Liara shrugged. "Unknown to me I'm afraid. You will be contacted by a Matriarch, or, more accurately, an attendant of one, about arranging a meeting time. Which I cannot be allowed to know for legal reasons; if you tell me it will forfeit your place in the meeting…"

"I… understand Liara and, for what it's worth, I'm sorry that you've been put in the position."

"Thank you Shepard, thank you so much." Liara sobbed slightly and practically lunged at Shepard, taking her into a tight embrace. "It wasn't so much the money or houses that I was afraid of losing. It was the trust of people. That they would think I'm colluding with my mother." She sobbed a few times and then gained control again. "I don't understand it Shepard… she was always so kind, so gentle; what changed? Was she always like this and I was too blind to see it?"

"I cannot answer that Liara. Though I'm certain that she has her reasons, whatever they might be."

"That is what worries me most; what if she believes she is doing the right thing?"

Shepard moved one of her hands up to Liara's crest, which she stroked lightly, knowing that this would have a calming affect from her times with Raven. "Or she could have been coerced into doing this; or any other number of reasons. At this moment in time Liara, we just don't have enough information."

"I know, but it hurts Shepard and I don't know what to do."

"Help us find her, help stop her; help us find out her reasons. This is all I can, and want, to ask of you." Shepard held her tightly. "Trust me Liara; I won't let anything happen to you."

A short while later…

After her conversation with Shepard, Liara was feeling more optimistic. She still felt fairly, what was that perfect human idiom, down in the dumps? The conversation also brought a few things to a head for her.

Shepard now appeared to trust her explicitly; though some of the rest of the crew still seemed wary.

It also seemed that the warnings from Dr Chakwas about the human commander, whilst not false, she had seen some very terrible acts she had committed during their meld, were slightly misguided. Shepard could be terrifying in combat but outside of that she was just a hurt person. Said pain made her hard to approach; hard to get close to; but when you got past the wall she'd built up around her, she was merely hurt.

Lastly, and perhaps most worryingly for her, her attraction to the human had deepened. The gentleness of the way she had embraced her to calm her down, the stroking of her crest… Liara now felt that she must talk to Dr Chakwas about Shepard; well, her attraction to her anyway. The only thing was she didn't know whether or not Shepard was even attracted to other species. Let alone a species that resembled, at least mostly, in a visual sense, the same gender as her.

Different genders! Though she knew about, and understood, the concept, due to being rather isolated – both at home and on expeditions' – Liara had only ever encountered a few male salarians and one Turian.

This chain of thought exposed another potential problem. What if it was only the external visual look that was similar – what if human females were anatomically incompatible with asari? No, this couldn't be the case could it; they gave birth to live young… didn't they? They weren't like salarians were they?

Goddess… she needed to do a bit more research. She needed to speak to Dr Chakwas as soon as possible!

Citadel – Asari Consulate 2 days later

Shepard had decided that the Asari were either not that good time keepers, or, because that they lived so long, didn't seem to realise that making someone else wait several hours was quite impolite.

She didn't notice that she'd spoken these thoughts aloud until Liara, who was sitting next to her on a stupidly comfortable sofa, chuckled softly. "I hope I'm not included in that praise-filled statement!"

"Fuck, sorry, I just don't like being told that it's mega-urgent and then being made three bloody hours." She looked over at Liara, who had a smirk on her face.

"Try to not to shoot things."

Shepard blinked a few times. "I'm not that impatient." An evil grin came to her face. "Yet."

Liara shook her head with another laugh. "Please don't wreck the place; it wouldn't look good on your résumé."

Before Shepard could reply, a very tall and beautiful asari approached them – and not to mention wearing a dress that, on a human at least, who be considered… underwear. "Commander Shepard, Lady T'Soni; if you could follow me please."

Glancing at each other – she noticed a bit of fear creep onto Liara's face, but she couldn't act on it, for fear of disrupting this meeting before it began – they followed the unknown woman down a long corridor.

Soft green lighting made the flowing, typically asari, artworks that lined the space almost seem to flicker as she walked past.

The room they entered moments later was not a large as she had been expecting. An oval table, the top of which looked to be shiny black marble, with six chairs dominated the space. Each wall, though the door broke it up, had a floor to ceiling height painting; from the ceiling a spiralling crystal chandelier – which almost reached the tables surface – cast white and blue lights around the room. Though some of these were at eye-level, none of them were bright enough to hurt or impede her vision.

The asari that had led them in bowed and left without a word. Two other figures stood across the room, it took Shepard a few moments to recognise the closest.

"Raven?" Her voice had betrayed her surprise, going by the grin on Raven's face.

"Hey there crazy bitch!" Raven laughed, looking at the other figure – who nodded – before crossing the distance swiftly and seizing her in a hug.

Shepard saw a flash of what she thought was jealously cross Liara's face; though it was gone before she could be certain.

"Raven, what the hell are you doing here?"

"My… what would the human term be – aunt? Well, anyway, she asked me here to vouch for you." Raven leaned back, looking at Shepard's still bandaged hand. "You cannot seem to stop getting hurt."

Before she could reply, Liara jumped in. "She had a fist-fight with a Krogan to save me."

Raven blinked in surprise but she it didn't seem that the interruption fazed her. "A Krogan? Liz… really?" She shook her head and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "You do take some stupid risks!"

"Please Leni, if I may tear Commander Shepard away from you, my dear." Councillor Tevos – the other figure – finally spoke with a smile on her face.

Liara looked at Raven as she pulled away from Shepard; the older asari was wearing purple light-armour with black highlights; which seemed to be skin-tight, revealing her rather generous curves. Looking at her face the commando was very attractive, even with a small scar on her chin. Her face markings were elegant, following the lines of her crests and accentuating her eyes.

She felt a pang of jealously again – how could she compete with her?

Raven was a warrior like Shepard; not a weak archaeologist…

Before she could continue this saddened chain of thought, Councillor Tevos moved forwards, giving Shepard a light hug – which was clearly a surprise for the human – thanking her several times for saving the daughter of her old friend whilst doing so.

"I… I was doing as you requested Councillor; I figured that finding Liara was the best course of action. With her either helping us or out of the picture we could concentrate on dealing with Saren and the Matriarch." The human took a small step backwards – towards her – during her words. "After talking with her – when she was well enough – I…"

The Councillor held up her hands. "Please, Commander. Save any explanations for when the meeting starts." A look of annoyance came to her face. "This leads me to having to apologise to you, and to Liara. Matriarchs' Lidya and Juhe have been unavoidably delayed…"

Liara couldn't help the burst that came from her. "Delayed? How so?"

A smirk crept onto Councillor Tevo's face. "It would appear that their various indiscretions, shall we say, have caught up with them."

"Ha! More like Matriarch Juhe was caught with her pants down; with Lidya's firstborn…" Raven giggled, actually giggled; which was something that Liara never thought she would hear a commando do.

Of course this meant that both of the Matriarch's would have to deal with aftermath of this; which would likely mean that they couldn't be in the same room for a century at least.

Shepard however didn't know who they were and, going by her expression, didn't really see why this would be a problem.

Raven clearly saw the same thing. "You know about the asari-asari pairings shit don't you?" Liara blinked at the bluntness but the Councillor didn't seem fazed; Shepard nodded.

"I know that some asari view it as… well, without being rude, it's not the done thing." She looked slightly confused by this. "I don't understand the stigma around this though…"

"The offspring of such a union would be what is called a 'pureblood'." Councillor Tevos sent her an apologetic look, which didn't go unnoticed.

"I have heard this term before." The human was speaking carefully, one hand rubbed the back of her neck. "I must admit, though I know about this, I don't believe I've ever met…"

"I'm a pureblood Shepard." Liara stated it as firmly as she could; the human looked at her with surprise on her face, her eyes widened.

"Shit, I'm sorry Liara, I didn't know."

"I didn't expect you to Shepard. I mean, I didn't tell you as to asari it is quite… well, no one would be rude enough to say it to my face." Liara felt her face flush and looked down.

"Fuck me… Sorry!" Shepard looked at the other asari sheepishly.

"It is okay Commander." Councillor Tevos smiled at Liara. "Don't worry Little Wing, you're safe with us. We will find a safe house for you until…"

"I want to stay with Shepard." Liara looked up and folded her arms. "She won't let me come to harm." In the corner of her eye, she saw Shepard's face redden.

"Oh my…" Raven smirked behind the Councillor.

The Councillor herself frowned but didn't comment on it. "Well, in that case, I'll arrange for you both to stay in a room in a nearby hotel." She gave a small sigh. "Sorry for the delay Commander…"

"It's okay Councillor, the leads I have need firming up anyway." Shepard gave a wicked laugh. "Besides, I'm sure I can find something to keep me busy."

Liara felt lost as the Councillor's face flushed and Raven's mouth dropped with bark of laughter.

Hotel Nuyan – one hour later

The suite that they'd been provided was huge. The living room area, complete with vid-screen the size of skycar and a U-shaped sofa and glass coffee table, was probably nearly as big as the entire mess of the Normandy. Off to the right of this was a well equipped kitchenette – which was well stocked with choice human and asari food and drink – including alcohol. A very large bedroom/bathroom filtered off the left side of the suite. All of it was decorated in the same flowing style that was typical of the asari. Overall, Shepard was impressed with the room.

Apart from the bed situation; hey only had one – even though massive – double bed.

She dumped her overnight bag next to the sofa and perched on the back of it, watching Liara pause at the bedroom door.

"Oh my…" Liara looked at her. "Only one bed."

"I noticed. I'll take the sofa."

"I cannot let you do that; you might hurt your hand again." Liara came over and stood next to her, placing her own bag on the floor as well.

"Honestly Liara, I've slept on – not mention in – worse. I really don't mind." Shepard smiled and jerked a thumb at the vid-screen. "Besides, I can sit and stew in front of that."

Liara frowned. "What does human food have to do with a vid-screen?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Never mind, it's yet another human idiom."

"Right… I cannot keep track of them; your people have so many sayings!"

"Ha! Don't worry about it, you'll catch on." She patted the asari's shoulder as she rose. "How are you Liara, really?"

"I'm… okay Com… I mean Shepard." Liara gave a small smile, which seemed to lighten her face. "It is hard. I will be fine eventually."

"If you need anything Liara, let me know."

"I will Shepard…"

"Please, call me Liz; using my surname seems too formal with this situation."

"Okay, Liz. And, thank you." Liara reached out and took one of her hands. "Thank you."

A couple of hours past during which they both changed into causal clothing after both of them had tossed their bags into the bedroom (agreeing to change separately). Shepard was wearing matching black jeans and tank top; both emblazoned with the N7 logo. Liara was wearing a pale blue dress – which Shepard thought looked amazing, even though the asari apologised for not having something nicer. She grabbed then grabbed them both drinks from the kitchenette and in a short while later; they sat on the sofa watching the latest Blasto movie on the huge screen.

Shepard was laughing at the stupidity of the vid; whilst Liara was perplexed by the whole thing.

"This is a huge hit? I don't understand half of it!" Liara threw her hands up. "How could a Hanar do even half of that?"

Shepard laughed putting an arm around Liara as she did so, feeling a buzz from the alcohol – a strong Japanese whiskey – warm her insides. "It's meant to be silly! I mean the line about the heat-sink? Come on!" Her other arm gestured. "This one cannot recall if..."

Liara giggled and pushed Shepard away playfully. "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

They both dissolved into laughter, Shepard wiping away tears. "Fucking hell, I've not laughed like this in ages."

"You should try more often Liz; it makes your face light up!" Liara hiccupped – causing her to giggle and Shepard to laugh – putting a hand over her mouth. "Oh Goddess, this is why I don't drink very often!"

Shepard shook her head. "Are you drunk Liara?"

The question made the asari shake her head vigorously. "No! Asari don't get drunk very easily, I just don't drink often because is makes me…" Hic! "…Goddess!"

Shepard giggled – she actually fucking giggled; she slapped a hand to her mouth. "I cannot believe I just did that…"

Hic! "You can giggle? You are a woman!" Liara nudged her again – hiccupping as she did so – a playful smile on her face.

Shepard scowled her voice deadly serious. "If you tell Joker I giggled I will hunt you down and… tickle you to death!"

"I'm not tickle… Ah!" Liara was cut off when Shepard pounced, hands tickling her sides.

Liara burst out into giggles and snorts of laughter; belying her attempted statement.

Finally calming down, they managed to peel themselves off the sofa and moved into the kitchenette.

"Do you want anything to eat Liz?" Liara asked, looking in the refrigerator and glancing over her shoulder.

"Hmm… Yeah, what have they got?"

Liara looked from the shelf holding food for asari to the one below. Some of the food looked quite, unappetizing to be honest. "Well, there's steak and chips with peppercorn sauce; bacon cheeseburger, chips and chilli-sauce; a salad of some green plant and something called sushi."

"Oh, sushi – you've never heard of it?" Liz moved close to her, going through the cupboards, giving and 'ah!' when she found the plates.

"No, I have not. It looks a bit like Firso meat; a fish that lives in the oceans of Thessia, which we often eat. It doesn't look cooked though." She tilted the film-covered ready meal towards her slightly.

"Well, it would be similar I guess. Sushi is seafood from earth, and the reason it looks uncooked is because it is; you're meant to eat it raw."

"Raw? Well, each to their own, I guess."

"I have eaten it a few times; I think it's quite nice but not my favourite. For tonight, I'll go with the cheeseburger; not had a good burger in ages." Liara handed it backwards, feeling a flush as Liz's fingers brushed hers when she took the ready-meal. "What are you going to have Liara?"

"Since I mentioned it, and they have it, I'm going to go for Firso." Liara turned with the plate, catching Liz look away sharply, her face going red.

This made her pause for a moment; did I just catch Liz staring at me? Or, at least the side of me… oh, Goddess! With the cut of this dress she'd have been able to see a fair amount of the whole of my side as I bent down!

Though we have admitted we find each other attractive, so it must be a taboo – or not polite – to look in human culture. Which I just caught her doing. Goddess!

"Here, let me help you." Liara spoke and moved to stand next to Liz, who was fussing with her ready meal.

"I okay, sorry, I didn't mean to stare… I…"

"It is okay Liz, I understand. We have both admitted that we find each other attractive, so it is only natural that you would want to look." Liara flashed a smile. "Besides, for me it is quite… well, it's nice. I've been stuck on solo-digs for so long that I didn't really know what it was like to be… admired. I don't think you should stare all the time though…"

"Oh god no, I won't!" Liz put her ready meal in the oven – taking Liara's and doing the same – before she turned and faced Liara. "Sorry, that came out harshly. I mean, as you say, I'm attracted to you. I just don't know if it is right to act on it."

"Is this because of Raven?"

"No!"

"What then?"

"Because… of this whole situation with Saren; your mother; this inheritance scandal – everything!" Though her voice hadn't risen in volume, the tone said plenty. "I don't want to hurt you!"

The human was scared.

"You are worried about me?" Liara was blown away as a nod was the answer. "What about what I want Liz, what if I want you to act on it? What then?"

Shepard looked like she'd been slapped. "I didn't mean… I didn't mean to suggest that it was just me."

"I know Liz that is my point. I find you attractive and vice versa. At some point we will have to sit down and talk about this."

"I know… I just… I don't want to hurt you." She looked quite saddened by the way the conversation was going. "I also don't want to get hurt myself."

"I would never dream of hurting you Liz." Liara moved right up the human woman and cupped her face in her hands. "That is the last thing you need to worry about."

Getting bold, Liara leaned forward and kissed her.

Her azure lips were so soft… Shepard's brain was in a mangle of sensations and feelings. It felt incredible, Liara was shy in nature and the kiss reflected that, but it was the softness that made it feel so wonderful. Her feelings told her to deepen the kiss, to keep going, to act on it.

Yet, Shepard let Liara take the lead. Her hand moved to the asari's sides and she moaned into the kiss, letting her mouth part and – finally – their tongues met.

Then Liara pulled back, a smile was on her face, but she had pulled back.

"Wow… Liz, that was… I didn't know what to expect…" The shyness had returned; she looked bashful. It was so damn – not to mention maddeningly – cute.

"What do you mean; you didn't know what to expect?" She kept her hands on Liara's sides and leaned in herself; not to kiss but to lean her forehead on the asari's.

"I… I've never been with anyone Liz."

"You're a virgin?"

"Yes… this doesn't bother you does it?" Liara's voice had become almost a whisper – it was like she felt ashamed, Shepard thought.

"Why would it bother me? It just means that we will have to take it slow; find out what you are comfortable with." Shepard tilted her head and kissed Liara with feather-like touches.

"We mustn't rush this Liz…" She broke off with a gasp when Shepard's lips found the sensitive folds on the side of her head. "Goddess…"

"Don't worry Liara." Shepard's own voice had taken on a husky tone. "I'm just teasing; I won't get any further without your permission."

"Goddess, it is tempting…" Though before Liara could continue, the oven had started its incessant beeping.

"Damn it, what shitty timing that oven has." Shepard smirked and then planted another kiss on the asari's azure lips. They parted – reluctantly – and Shepard tapped a button on the oven to stop the beeping.

Liara handed her an oven-glove and Shepard pulled the hot food from the stove. Being ready meals, all preparation had been done for them; all they had to do was heat up and put onto plates.

"Err… How do you dish-up Firso?" She looked at Liara.

"They put it, well; upside-down is the best way of putting it; so just pour it on the plate." Liara had moved and was rummaging through the drawers; she smiled at her when she came up with cutlery.

Following Liara's words, Shepard placed her burger-meal down on a mat, before carefully peeling back the seal and pouring the food and – not to mention strange – purple sauce onto the closest plate. She then stepped to one side and smirked.

"Dinner is served my lady." Liara coloured at her tone but said nothing other than thank-you.

Swiftly dumping the contents of her own ready meal onto the free plate, she followed Liara back to the living area.

"Normally I'd sit at a table, or use a bench, when I eat." Liara spoke as they walked. "Though right now, I just want to sit next to you on the sofa."

"Well, I'm certainly not going to deny you that!"

Settling down onto the plush sofa, they relaxed into a comfortable silence as the food had now got most of their attention.

Hotel room – the next morning

Liara awoke feeling quite refreshed. Though she wished Shepard had given in and slept in the bed as well; it was more than big enough for both of them! But the human woman had insisted on taking things slow and had slept on the sofa.

Pulling on a light green robe, she moved into the living area and was quite startled by the sight that greeted her.

Shepard was thrashing around on the sofa; her biotics flaring every few moments. She wasn't saying anything, or even murmuring that loudly, though the way her mouth was gasping…

"Liz! Wake up! Please!" Liara rapidly moved to the sofa, she had a sudden terrifying worry that the visions from the beacon had claimed the woman's mind. She raised her voice but was wary of touching her whilst her biotics were flaring. "Liz! Shepard! Please!"

The human groaned and rolled off the sofa, a flare of biotics knocking the coffee table backwards.

Liara paused. She didn't know whether or not to touch Liz.

She made up her mind and dived into action. Crouching down, she started to shake the wriggling form, calling out as she did so. "Liz, please! Wake up!"

Nothing happened.

"Liz, please wake…" Liara was stopped short and thrown backwards as Liz woke with a start; a look of utter fear and confusion on her face.

Thankfully, the throw wasn't hard, and Liara was able to bounce back right away. Seeing Liz's face, she dived forward, hands grabbing the human's shoulders.

"Liz! Are you okay?" Her voice was high due to worry.

The human looked at her, confusion and fear suddenly replaced by sorrow. "Fuck! Liara…" She pulled herself free of the hands and half-crawled backwards until her back struck the wall. The look of fear came back. "Oh shit, oh shit."

"Are you okay Liz?"

"I… I don't know…" Her knees had moved up, she was hugging them tightly to herself moments later. "I just… the visions… they're back. They are mixed in with even more with my memories."

"Oh, Liz…" Liara crawled forward and placed her hands onto the knees in front of her. "What do you want me to do? Do you need me to meld with you again; to try and separate them?"

"Please… I need help…" Liara noticed that the human's hands were shaking. "I'm scared, Liara. I cannot keep this up."

"Liz…" Liara didn't speak any more, she pulled the knees down and leaned in to embrace the woman; her lips found the forehead of the woman and placed a kiss.

"I don't want to hurt you Liara. Melding with me could do that." Her voice was weak.

"Liz, I said that I will help you and I meant it." Liara forced Liz to look her in the eye. "This won't be the easiest of melds, but embrace eternity."

The sea was churning a deep red. Gore was flooding the beach.

Huge shapes tore down equally massive buildings in the distance. Bunkers nearby rocked with explosions and gunfire. Liara looked around seeing nothing but violence. Liz was right. It was a mix of the visions, and her own experiences, her own memories.

Thresher Maws ripped through tanks and people. Reapers joined in the slaughter. It was unending.

No wonder Liz had trouble sleeping…

Liara knew that she had to find her in the chaos and help her to make a safe zone within her own mind to block out this… this hell.

Knowing that the human would be in the centre of it all, she turned and ran towards the bunkers; hoping see could find Liz.

Her instincts were correct.

Liz was sprawled in a corner of one bunker, tears flowed down her face – blood was on her hands. Rent bodies were draped around her.

"Liz!" She called out over the gunfire; Shepard appeared not to hear her. "Liz!"

Feeling the air get thicker the closer she got to Liz, she pushed harder mentally; Shepard was fighting her; fighting the meld.

"Liz, please! Don't fight me; I'm trying to help you!"

The human seemed to hear her this time; the stiffness lessened around her limbs and the Liz looked up.

"Liz!" She had – finally – reached the side of the woman. It was clear this close that not all of the blood was from her foes. Slashes were clear on her armour.

"Liara, what are you doing here?" The woman's normally strong voice was faltering.

"I'm here to help you." Liara wrapped her in her arms, ignoring the blood; she was mindful of the injuries – these could be related to her mental state and making them worse could make things worse in the real world. "I'm here to help you."

"Liara… I cannot make it stop…"

"I know my love, I know." Liara held her tight as dared. "Just focus on me and I'll help you find some peace."

The room came back into focus slowly. Liara was sitting next to her with her arms wrapped around her. The asari's head was leaning on her shoulder. Both of them felt seemed to have been affected by the meld, she thought.

"Liara, are you alright?" Her voice was weak.

Liara stirred and raised her head. "Yes, I'm fine; how are you?"

"Better. Much better." She turned her head to look at the asari, only to find Liara's lips meeting hers.

The kiss was soft, loving even.

When they parted, Shepard realised that she had begun to breathe heavier; just kissing Liara was arousing!

"Thank you Liara; thank you so fucking much."

"You don't have to thank me Liz…"

"Yes I do. I could have hurt you." Though not crying, she felt like she was close to tears.

Thankfully Liara noticed and kissed her again lightly. "Liz, I have a confession to make."

"Confession? What do you mean?"

"When looking into your memories, I had to make a, well; I guess you'd call it a safe zone, for you." Liara looked sheepish. "I used your memories of Raven and my feelings for you, as the basis of the safe zone."

"I don't understand…"

"It should last longer than my previous attempts…"

Shepard notice Liara was avoiding her half-question. "Liara, please; what do you mean by safe zone?"

Liara sighed and the purple blush came to her cheeks. "I used my attraction to you, and your memories of Raven, as a kind of marker. When you feel yourself slipping into the visions, or your memories, I call help you by connecting you to this marker. It will allow me to bring you peace and I should be able to assist you in deciphering the contents of the visions…"

"You used your attraction to me?" She shook her head. "Do you mean that you manipulated me to fine you more attractive?"

"No! No, not at all! I'm not explaining this very well…" Liara took a deep breath as she seemed to be organising her thoughts. "Simply put, I used happy memories to allow you to focus. To, not ignore, but view the visions without them overwhelming you." Liara looked ashamed now. "I didn't intend to do this; it is bit of taboo to do this with someone that is not your bondmate. It is normally a very intimate process; you show each other the happiest memories of each other. It was the only option I had…" Liara had slowly trailed off.

Shepard blinked in surprise, she hadn't expected this explanation.

Her first thought was; how dare she go through her deeply personal memories.

Then calmer thoughts came forward. Liara was young – for an asari – and didn't have much experience with melding; let alone melding with an alien.

"Liara, it is okay. I'm not quite sure what to make of what you've done. I don't understand fully the concept as I'm human." Liara sniffed and tears had started to well up. "That said you didn't have much choice in the matter. If you had taken the time to get an older, more experienced in melding with aliens, asari to help… well, that time could have been the difference between me simply having a headache; or becoming completely insane." She lifted Liara's chin to look her in the eye. "Thank you. Than you so fucking much."

Without waiting for a response, Shepard leaned in and kissed Liara as deeply as she dared.

A/N: Right, a small glimpse into Shepard's darkness near the end there. Liz and Liara are very close and quite quickly, yes? Well, things are about to take a turn for the worst… Liara is soon witness how violent and destructive Liz can be… No more spoilers!

Anyway… thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed, added to favourites, or followed! I will try to respond to every review/comment (though I might not reply to one-line responses) with a personal thank you, rather than clogging up the authors notes with thanks.

Also, I published a "teaser" chapter for my potential crossover story – it is called "What Makes Humans So Strange". Please note that this is very rough (worked on over two lunch-hours at work and only read through once before posting). I've had a few great responses so far!

Though if you're not interested in crossover stories, don't worry! This is going to be my main fan-fic for now – the crossover is on the gauging interest/putting together ideas stage, so it's a few weeks from being worked on properly.

Thanks again!