Liara smiled as she felt the warmth of the early sunlight on her face. Rolling over, she reached for the watch on the nightstand. Seeing that is still very early, she tried to fall asleep again, but she quickly gave up. Getting up, she felt a little chilly just in her gown, so she put her night robe, she carefully closed the door of her bedroom and headed to the kitchen to make herself some tea. Opening the cupboard, she looked for the tea Shepard provided her.

"I wasn't sure what kind you like so I took a few of them," Shepard told her.

Liara smiled at the neatly arranged boxes; from fruity to herbal, there was at least one brand from almost every species in the galaxy. Even the one made by the Vorcha.

Really Shepard?

Curious, she opened the box to smell the tea bag. She didn't recognize the plant it's made from, but sweet scent surprised her. She didn't expect it to smell so nice. But still, she returned the tea bag in the box and pushed it far back. Maybe she will try it one day. Today, she will try the human-made tea. After all, she is on Earth isn't she?
She picked up a tea bag and put it in a mug. Waiting for the water to boil, her mind wandered to the previous day. How it was nice to spend some time alone with Shepard. After all this time, being alone and talking with Shepard, joking with her and even seeing a glimpse of her past self, made Liara extremely happy. But as per their tradition, it didn't last for long.

She noticed something was wrong when she heard Shepard was taking shallow, rapid breaths. When she turned to look at her, there were droplets of sweat on her forehead and her eyes focused on one point, unmoving as there was no life behind them. Like she was petrified. Shepard snapped out of it when Liara called her, only to storm out of the room like some rabid beast being chased.

When Liara finally found her, she was pale, and if there weren't for her scars glowing furiously, she would look like a ghost. That outburst only reminded Liara, that Shepard had some demons to fight. Whenever those demons were the product of Cerberus or the Reapers or something else from Shepard's past, Liara did not know, but Goddess how she wanted to ask her what was wrong, to let her confide in her, so she could help her. Shepard's mind was a secret, the only one in the galaxy Liara couldn't reach.

Maybe it was for the best that she didn't press things. It was not the time, and she could tell Shepard was grateful for that. Even if she did ask, Shepard would probably avoid the question, like she always did;

"I'm fine, Liara."

"Nothing is wrong."

Or if Liara were lucky, she would get a longer answer, albeit a teasing one.

"What do you mean? I don't know what you are talking about. You sound a little paranoid. Did you skip your psych evaluation? Maybe you should talk to Doctor Chakwas?"

And Shepard would smile and continue with whatever she was doing as nothing happened. So after several failed attempts, Liara gave up and stopped asking her. If she doesn't trust her, there is not much Liara could do. It pained her, after all that they went through, they are still cautious around each other. Liara cared about Shepard, but the yesterday's outburst wasn't the only one, and some part Liara fear it won't be the last. So maybe her father is right. Being cautious when dealing with Shepard would be a smart thing to do.

She sighed. Liara could study Shepard all her life, but she will still be a big enigma for her. Maybe that veil of mystery she surrounded herself with, not allowing just everyone to see the real her, made Shepard so dangerously attractive to Liara. On some primordial level, it almost made Liara feel like a huntress. But what excatly was she chasing? Shepard or her secrets?

Liara shook her head. There is no point in analyzing Shepard's behavior or her own for that matter. If Liara had to guess, Shepard would not open herself anytime soon. Maybe, just maybe she will try to explain her outburst with some excuse, which Liara would accept no matter how stupid it sounds because she could only imagine how it must be difficult for Shepard to talk about something like that. For now, she will not press anything and just let Shepard know that she is there for her.

The water started to boil, and she poured it into the mug. Taking her tea, she headed to the living room to watch some morning news and maybe to answer some emails she ignored last night. But her attention was drawn to the shelves above the television. On them, there were a few picture frames. All of them had Addison and Michael with several people. Some Liara didn't recognize.

For a split second, Liara was hit with a pang of jealousy or regret; she wasn't sure. She missed so much. There was no picture of her. And why would there be? They didn't talk for years; it was unrealistic to think Shepard would have her picture somewhere. But still, no matter how logical that sound, it still hurt. One more thing that Liara noticed was that there was no picture of Edward. It seemed odd to Liara. Even though she wasn't familiar with the human grieving process, but wouldn't one have everything that reminds them of the loved one nearby? Her tea was getting colder as she was thinking about it, and only the sound of someone opening the front door made her snap out of her thoughts.

"Shepard?"

"Hey. You're awake," Shepard said, surprised. She closed the door behind her. "Did I wake you up?"

Shepard had a tank top and shorts on her, sweat mark spreading from the top of her chest down to her stomach. Liara remembered she was still in her night robe, so she subtly adjusted her night robe, trying to feel less self-conscious.

"I thought you were still asleep."

Shepard walked over to the kitchen, "Nah. Sometimes I wake up early and go for a run."

Opening the refrigerator door, her head disappeared as she looked inside.

"There is this route I take, it goes through the woods and eventually leads you to the other side of the lake. I like to go there," she emerged with a bottle of water before closing the door with her leg. "It helps me think." She explained before taking a large gulp of cold water.

Liara sat on the couch, tucking one of her legs under her.

"Do you do that often?" Liara asked as soon as she felt comfortable enough.

Shepard arched her eyebrow in confusion, "What? Running or thinking?"

"Both."

"Well, I exercise whenever I can. It's my job to be physically fit you know? And for the thinking part… I don't know. I mean it's not like I'm keeping a diary or something."

Waiting for Liara to respond she reached out for an apple and knife and started cutting it into small slices.

"I think that is a good habit," Liara finally said after taking a sip of her tea, making a face at how cold it was.

"What about you T'Soni? Hit the gym now and then?"

"No. I'm a huge advocate of meditation and yoga."

Shepard rolled her eyes.

"What?"

"I don't consider meditation or yoga as exercises."

"Meditation is not meant for muscle building Shepard."

"Yeah, I know. It's just that some people claim that it is. Like pilates for example. You jump on a big ball for forty minutes? Give me a fucking break."

Liara imagined Shepard in a room full of people meditating or doing pilates, utterly relaxed and happy, with grumpy Shepard standing in the corner, her arms crossed watching them all in disgust. She laughed at the image.

"And you feel superior just because you have a different idea what a good exercise is?"

"Yes, I do," Shepard said with a hint of arrogance.

Liara just shook her head and smiled at Shepard's amusing ignorance.

"If I had to be honest, sometimes I do get the urge to run until my legs fall off."

"I know that feeling," Shepard said as she took a slice of the apple and put it in her mouth.

"Why don't you join me tomorrow then?"

"Where? Running?"

Shepard nodded her head.

"I'm not sure Shepard, I'm not exactly-"

"Come on. It will be fun. We will take it at a slower pace. Besides, I wanted to show you that part of the lake anyway."

"I didn't bring any running shoes-"

"We'll go and buy them."

With no other excuses left, Liara had no other choice than to agree.

"Oh fine. But if I get a heart attack, it will be your fault," Liara said and stretched.

Shepard looked up and forgot what she wanted to say. Liara's hands were above her head, fingers interlaced, pushed far from her body. From there, her gaze traveled down her arms and to her neck, which was more exposed as her head was resting on her arm. Reaching the middle of her body, Shepard realized a few things; first and foremost, Liara is a liar.

There is no way she has that kind of body without some exercise. Her abdomen was flat, and although she was wearing a night robe, she imagined that her abdomen might be a bit muscular. It was a thin, silk night robe, so she didn't have to overwork her imagination. And that line of thought made Shepard wonder; was she wearing anything else underneath?
And the second and most unexplainable thing, she realized only later, when she was thinking about it, is how she couldn't stop her eyes from sliding down her body, following the curve of her thigh and ending just a little above the knee, where her robe no longer protect her skin. Even from where she was standing, she could see how soft her skin looks. She must use some kind of moisturizer to keep her skin healthy. And there were none of those scaly things on her legs. Like the ones, she has scattered around the back of her head. Are they somewhere else on her body, on the back maybe? Shepard wondered how they feel when the sensitive fingertips connect with those little…

"Fuck!"

Shepard cried in pain and looked at her finger where the cut is separating her skin, and crimson red showed in the middle.

"Is everything alright?" Liara got up from the couch and reached Shepard who was now frantically trying to tear a piece of paper towel to stop the bleeding all over the kitchen floor.

"I'm fine. I just cut myself."

"Let me see," Liara reached for her hand, but Shepard quickly moved it out of reach.

"It's all right. I can do it myself. But thanks."

"Don't be silly. You can't even tear the paper towel. Let me see."

"It's fine Liara. It's just a little cut…" Shepard took a step back feeling trapped, but her backing up just irritated Liara.

"Will you stop being so stubborn!"

She grabbed Shepard's hand by the wrist and said more softly, "Let me see it."

Shepard rolled her eyes and showed her the injured finger.

"See? It's not that deep."

Studying Shepard's finger, she came closer to her. And as she examined the wound, Shepard felt awkward, so she looked around the room trying to find something to distract herself with.

"You are right, it's not that deep, but I would like to put some medi-gel and bandage it."

"It's just a cut Liara, not a bullet wound."

"Still, I would like to do it."

She said and looked Shepard in the eyes, making clear how serious she is.

"And you will not act like a baby," she warned.

"Yes, ma'am."

Liara smiled at her, happy she was listening and not trying to find excuses. Still holding her finger, she tore a little piece of paper towel and wrapped it around the wound, stopping the blood from dripping all over the floor.

"Where do you keep the medi-gel?"

"Upstairs in the bathroom."

When they reached the bathroom, Shepard washed the blood from her finger as Liara took the bandage and medi-gel from the cupboard.

Shepard watched her as she dried her skin with a towel and with utmost care, applied medi-gel to the wound. Suddenly the memory of what happened yesterday stormed through Shepard's mind. Silence and the problem of Liara being too close choked Shepard.

Liara must notice how uncomfortable Shepard is.

"Does this hurt you?"

"No, it's just-"

Shepard began but didn't know how to start. She took a step back and sat on the edge of the tub, buying some time, thinking how to explain something she doesn't fully understand herself. She spent almost all night thinking should she tell her or not. And how much she could say without appearing weak or crazy. Shepard even practice the conversation inside her head. By the time sun raised, she was still unsure what to do, but the morning run and fresh air gave her some clarity, and she decided she should tell her. Better to swallow her pride than to let Liara think that she is crazy. Of course, she will not tell the truth. She could tell her that she felt lightheaded or something. And no matter how it makes her feel, she would rather lie and mislead as much as possible then telling Liara what is really going on. The truth is scary, ugly and not for Liara.

Taking a deep breath, she looked at Liara who was still by the sink, patiently waiting for her to start.

"About yesterday, what happened in the museum, why I stormed out…" she continued, holding her injured finger tightly. She tensed, even more, when Liara kneeled in front of her.

"You don't have to explain Shepard. It's alright."

"No, it's not," Shepard was annoyed but calmed as Liara put her hand on her knee.

"Shepard. I will listen if you want to talk, but there is no need for forcing something you are not ready to share."

She gave Shepard's knee a light squeeze and stood up.

"Now, let me bandage that wound before your finger falls off."

Shepard was confused. She was expecting a long and nauseating talk, not this. Liara just ignored what happened. Even though she offered to listen, Shepard felt like she didn't really mean it. Like she would rather forget what happened yesterday. It would be better if she didn't say anything. Who knows what she now thinks about her? Liara probably pities her, and that made Shepard angry and embarrassed. She wanted to throw something or hit the wall with her fist, to unravel the burning emotional knot inside her. But she didn't. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm down, as Liara bandage her finger, hiding the cut layer by layer.

It was afternoon when they finished shopping. They lost a lot of time at home just trying to decide should they buy from an online store or go to the city. After spending an hour or two browsing the online stores, and not finding a single piece of running equipment to Liara's taste, Shepard suggested they go to one of the malls and hopefully, Liara would fall in love with at least one pair of running shoes. It turned out that she was correct. Then she needed to find matching top and shorts. After several hours of pure agony, Liara finally found the combination she liked. And when Shepard commented that they saw the same thing online, Liara just waved her hand at Shepard and said that they look different in person. And that she shouldn't pressure her into buying something she doesn't like. After all, if she dies from a heart attack, she would like to look her best. Shepard said that she always looks good, and how she doubts that being dead would change anything. That made Liara blush and Shepard wasn't sure if she offended her or if Liara doesn't know how to receive compliments. It was probably the latter. She thought that Liara got some confidence in the last few years, after all, what kind of information broker you are, if you blush at every word that makes you feel insecure. But maybe Liara is just weird. After all, she spent hours picking shoes she will wear one day and never again.

Sending the purchase back to the house, Shepard suggested they take a walk through the nearby market. During the summer, she explained, there is a whole street full of merchants from every part of the Earth. The street was full of tourists, both human and alien.

They wandered for some time, going from stall to stall, Shepard patiently waiting for Liara to examine every pendant or souvenir she found interesting. At one point Shepard had enough when Liara talked with the merchant about some weird looking rock, so she decided to walk around and wait for Liara to finish. She would look towards her now and then, just in case if she needed anything. Suddenly she heard a voice somewhere behind her.

"Miss!"

Shepard turned towards the voice and saw an older man. He was surrounded by flowers of all kinds, most of them Shepard didn't recognize. When he started calling again, she approached him so that he would stop shouting. As soon as she reached him, he started offering his wares.

"A flower for a young lady?" he asked with a weird accent, and Shepard couldn't really place where this man is from. Probably from the Middle East, by the looks of his skin tone and outfit. It was refreshing to see someone in traditional clothes.

"A charmer. That should make me buy something, old man." Shepard hoped her teasing didn't come out too rough, as it often did, but he just smiled and extended his arms, like he is inviting Shepard for a hug.

"Ah! Young, beautiful and funny! I must be the luckiest man alive."

Shepard laughed and rolled her eyes at his sweet talking. It was kind of nice to hear someone calling her beautiful. Even if it was a merchant wanting to make a sale.

"Thanks, but you can stop trying. I'm not really interested in buying anything. Although you got a really nice collection here."

"You don't need flowers? Bah!" he waved his hand at Shepard, not believing her.

"Everyone needs flowers in their lives! You see, flowers could be used as decoration, a message or just as a gift for a loved one!"

What a persistent old nutcase, Shepard thought.

"Look, my house is beautiful enough, I have no message to send, and I'm not in love... so, yeah. But nice try."

Shepard already turned and started walking away when the old man's voice reached her once again.

"What about your friend?"

Shepard, not able to contain her curiosity walked back to the stand.

"What friend?"

"That one," he pointed his finger towards Liara across the street. "Maybe she likes flowers."

"Maybe she does. But it would be weird to buy her flowers without any reason..." Shepard said, more to herself than to the old man.

Now the man started laughing so loud that the people from the neighboring stalls looked at them.

"What's so damn funny?" Shepard hissed at him.

Stroking his beard, he answered, "You are."

"Me? And why is that?" she asked, looking forward to the argument with this cocky old man.

"Because you think that you need a reason to be nice to someone."

And just like that, every ounce of will Shepard had for a fight died.

"Fine. Give me whatever you have."

"I knew you are smart! I have a special one. Just for your friend!" he reached into his van parked behind him and brought a colorful bouquet that even Shepard thought it was beautiful.

And before giving it to her, he put one white flower in the middle.

"For good luck!" he said, but Shepard was indifferent to his gesture.

"Sure. Look, could you ship it to my house? We are not leaving anytime soon, and I don't want to carry it around."

"Of course! And don't you worry! The flowers will stay fresh, and your friend will love them!"

Saying goodbye to the man, she approached Liara who was now waiting in the middle of the street.

"What was that about?" Liara asked.

Shepard looked back to the man, who waved at them before he stopped some couple passing by.

"Poor souls," Shepard whispered, and turned to Liara, answering her question. "Nothing. He tried to sell me some flowers. They didn't look that good from the close-up."

Liara opened her mouth to say something but the faint music reached them from somewhere in the distance.

"What is that?"

"I don't know. Probably a concert in the park. Common, now during the summer."

Liara's interest perked up.

"What kind of concert?"

Shepard sighed.

"Um, I'm not sure. But nothing special. Just some small bands trying to make a breakthrough."

"Can we go?"

"Liara, you don't need my permission. This is your vacation. We will spend it however you want."

Liara crossed her arms and gave Shepard a sharp look.

"This should be your vacation as well. I'm not here so you could serve me," she raised her finger to stop Shepard from interfering.

"And don't start with that silly thing how I'm your guest. While technically true, I would rather be treated as a friend. And as far as I know, friends spend time together, doing things they both love."

Shepard watched Liara as she talked, with an amused expression.

"You really are something. You know that?"

The music stopped, and the clapping could be heard followed by brief silence.

"So I was told," a smug smile appeared on her face. "Park then?"

"Yeah, why not?"

They started walking towards the park, and after leaving the crowded market, Liara could see in the distance the stage and the park.

"We don't have to go if you don't want to. We can do something else."

"I loved going to the festivals when I was younger. So if the songs are good I think I even might have some fun."

"Goddess forbid!" Liara said acting shocked.

"Having fun? Ugh!" Shepard continued the joke, and it made Liara chuckle.

"What kind of songs do you like?"

They know each other for so long and yet there are things Liara doesn't know about her friend. She knows the big things, but she is missing the little details. Like what color is her favorite? Does she prefer winter or summer? Book or movies? Those are the things she hoped she would find out. And not by spying on her, or reading reports her agents bring her. But by talking and spending more time with her. The idea of getting know Shepard as a real person made Liara's heart flutter.

"I don't really know, to be honest. There is no particular type of song that I like. If it's good it's good, you know? What about you?"

"If I had to pick…probably the slower ones. Melancholic, bitter-sweet. Musicals, operas."

"I would have never guessed," she teased. "Anyway, it looks like it's your lucky day."

Shepard showed towards the stage where the young woman, with a guitar, is preparing for her song. Shepard recognized her. She sang last summer too when she was with Michael and Addison. Looks like she is still waiting for the fame.

"Come, let's find a place to sit."

After going through the crowd, they finally found a free spot on a top of a little hill, under a tree, where previously a group of teenagers was. Probably bored, they took their bottles and left towards the city in a search for a more exciting way to spend their night.

Shepard first leaned against the tree, but one disapproving look from Liara and she joined her on the ground.

They were far away from the stage, but thankfully the elevated ground gave them a good look at the stage and audience. Most of the crowd were sitting down on blankets, with the first few rows were chairs. Probably for more esteemed guests.

For Liara, this was a beautiful start of the evening. The first few song were catchy and quick, and even some of the people started to dance and sing along. But then, the young woman they saw earlier appear on the stage. She took her guitar, hitting a few notes, checking it was tuned well. Satisfied, she started to sing. Liara didn't catch all the words, but there was a part that made her throat tight.

As soon as the words of the things lovers share, echoed, Liara couldn't help herself, and she looked at Shepard, hoping their eyes would meet, but Shepard wasn't there with her. Did the song carry her to another time? Did she think about Edward?

Liara wanted to look away, but something kept her gaze. Was it the music, or the way Shepard herself was lost in memory, she didn't know, but she wanted to treasure this for as long as possible.

Every note that reached Liara's ears broke her heart a little more. Two people who never meant to be… and Liara saw Shepard and herself in that. It was a half done story, and a week is not enough to finish it. After this week ends, they would return to their normal lives and maybe see each other once or twice a year. Moments like this would become rare, thinned by the several light years that keeps them apart, until they disappear entirely. That was their future. A wasted potential, one of the saddest thing to exist in this grim galaxy.

Tears threatened to escape, and Shepard finally broke out from whenever mental prison she was and looked at Liara. She must notice the tears forming in her eyes.

"Are you ok?"

Liara shook her head and forced a smile; lost in Shepard's eyes, she contradicted everything. Her mind raced with all of the possible outcomes that could happen if she just admits it. Just to let it out, to not dance on edge, afraid what would happen.

"Liara?" Shepard asked once more, touching Liara's hand. The touch warmed her, and she managed to utter a few trembling words before the fear took over her.

"Shepard, I-"

The song ended, and everyone got on their feet cheering and clapping at the performance. Liara used the distraction to look away.

"It's the song," she laughed nervously. "I forgot to tell you how emotional I can get."

"Sucker for sad love songs are we?" Shepard teased, as she always does, but Liara couldn't stand it right now. Not now. She wanted to get up and leave just to get hold of herself. What is wrong with her all of a sudden? What a great self-control she had! One song and she is a mess.

You can only be friends Liara. Nothing more. Stop deluding yourself, just stop. Be happy with that. Be satisfied with what you have.

"Come here."

Liara was shocked as Shepard pulled her close to comfort her. Liara wanted to break away because this was torture, but her resilience crumbled with each second; Shepard's perfume, her soft hair tickling her cheek, how safe she felt with Shepard's arm around her. And she betrayed herself once again and gave in. Resting her head against Shepard's shoulder, Liara didn't hear the rest of the song, nor was it happier than the last, as she only heard Shepard's breathing and the sound of one tiny traitorous tear hitting the ground.