Shayna pounds on the door. She is near tears and has been since leaving her parent's house. She pounds on the door again not caring if she sounds desperate.

The door swings open quickly. Shayna's throat is suddenly tight and the tears have spilled over onto her cheeks. Dava pulls her close into a long hug. Shayna is moved out of the doorway, she hears the door click shut then feels Dava's strong arms surround her like a warm blanket on a wintery night.

After a few minutes of just breathing the commando in, Shayna looks up at Dava.

The commando's hand caresses her cheek, wiping the wetness away. Then Dava leans down and kisses each cheek as if kissing away all of Shayna's problems. Her heart just melts. Here her girlfriend was near an exploding building today but she is the one being consoled.

Shayna steps back from Dava to look her over. "Are you okay? I mean really okay?"

Dava cups her cheek with her hand, "I'm really okay. What about you? Why are you so upset?"

Shayna sighs. She walks over to the couch and plops down laying her head back. She feels the cushion next to her move then she feels Dava take her hand. "Is it your Dad?"

Shayna looks at the commando, "My Mom."

"What happened?"

"I'm not even sure. Rose insisted I drop by because she was worried about me. I told her and showed her via vid phone that I was fine but she wouldn't hear it. So I stopped by. Mom and Dad came home. Mom asked me to stay for dinner."

"And you said no."

Shayna does not hear a judging tone from Dava, "Well yes I said no. I needed to see you, to make sure you were alright." She feels her hand being squeezed. "My Dad said something about how it's fine treating her badly but I can't treat Mom that way. I mean I don't get it. She completely overreacted. I said no to a dinner invitation, how is that the end of the galaxy?"

Dava remains quiet.

"My Mom was in the kitchen and she pretty much told me that she thinks Dad and I need to stop fighting. She told me that I am wasting my life just like my Dad thinks."

"Your Mom said that?"

"Well she might as well have. She said that I am smart enough to make the electronics I am selling." Shayna looks at Dava and sees that she agrees. "You agree with her?"

"I am not taking sides Shayna."

"You sure about that?"

Dava kisses the back of her hand. "Do you want to work in a store as a career?"

"Why? What is so wrong with that?"

"Nothing is wrong with that. I just think that your parents are concerned that you will grow bored that's all. That you are not challenging yourself."

Shayna snatches her hand away from the commando and stands up, "Not you too. You sound just like my Dad."

Dava stands, "That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean!" Shayna brings her hand up to her forehead and shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I'm…" she looks at Dava, "I'm so sorry." She approaches Dava and takes her hand. "I didn't mean to yell at you."

Dava smiles a sad smile.

Shayna touches Dava's cheek, "I am sorry."

Dava takes her hand, "I understand you wanting a break from your parents, every child wants that…"

"I am not a child."

"If you let me finish I was going to say that. You are young Shayna, I am young in comparison to your mother we are both very, very young."

Shayna rolls her eyes and steps away again. She throws her arms up in the air. "I just want to live my life, that's it! What is so terrible about that? I am so sick of school. I am sick of demands. I don't want any. I just want to be, is that so hard to understand?"

Dava just looks at her.

She hadn't realized she was yelling. She sighs. "I can't believe this. I came over here to check on you and all I am doing is complaining and talking about me."

"I think your parents are just worried that you will grow bored that's all."

"How about I worry about that."

Dava omni-tool rings. She looks up, "It's Arelia."

"I don't want to talk to her."

Dava answers while stepping into the other room.

Shayna paces. She wants to know why her mother is calling. Why did Dava leave the room? Does she have something to hide? Why can't she just work for a year or two then decide what to do with her life? Why does everything have to be planned out now?

Dava comes back into the room.

"So? What did she want? Why is she bugging you?"

Dava just stands there.

"What? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Shayna, your mother is my boss's superior."

Shayna wonders what else Dava is going to say. Then it hits her. The call wasn't about her at all. "Oh Goddess."

"I have to go, I'm sorry."

"What? Where?"

"The store owners are having a meeting with the police and Arelia wants a few commando units to attend to show solidarity."

"But why you?"

Dava stiffens.

"Sorry, Goddess Dava, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." Shayne cups Dava's cheek but the commando backs away from the touch.

"I have to go."

She feels tear prick at her eyes once more. This night is not at all what she wanted. She wanted to make love to Dava and be happy that she was unharmed today. But instead she came over and did nothing but think of herself. "Will I see you later?"

Dava opens the door, "I'm pretty tired Shayna, maybe tomorrow."

Shayna wants to say more but she has seen that look on Dava before. She has upset her and the best thing to do now is leave her alone. "Okay." She leans close and kisses Dava on the cheek when she sees the commando stiffen as she drew nearer. "Will you send me a message when you are home safe? I promise I won't call you and bug you. I… well I just want to make sure you get home safely."

"Sure."

Shayna tries to smile as she walks out the door but the tears in her eyes won't be swayed. She hopes that the sick feeling in her stomach is just normal worrying, not the first steps to pushing Dava away to the point where she will not return.

"Little A, please open the door." Liara is waiting for her youngest daughter to answer her door. She left a note for her bondmate letting Shepard know that she was going to visit Little A and Mia. She left the human woman sleeping soundly in bed.

"Little A?" Liara knocks again. She presses her ear to the door.

The door slowly opens.

"Oh sorry, I…" Liara looks at the asari in front of her. She wonders if she has the wrong apartment. Then she looks again. She sees the beautiful blue eyes of her second oldest child though the light in them seems to have snuffed out. "Mia?"

"Hi Mom."

"Oh…oh Mia." Liara pulls her daughter into a tight hug.

"Easy," Mia moans and doubles over.

Liara's hands hover over her daughter, "What is it?"

Mia slowly stands. Liara sees her daughter holding her arm across her body. "I'm sorry what is it? Are you alright? Where is your sister?"

"It's okay." Mia steps aside so Liara can enter the apartment. "Aethyta is sleeping."

"What? She is supposed to be watching you."

Mia looks as if she has been struck.

Liara lets out a breath. "I'm sorry Mia." She touches her daughter's shoulder, "I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I am worried about you."

"Do you want something to drink?"

"I can get that. Why are you in such pain? What happened?"

Mia slowly sits on the couch. She lets out a breath once seated. "I have bruised ribs."

"What?" Liara sits down across from her daughter. "How?"

"Mom I'm fine."

"I disagree Mia, you are far from fine. Tell me."

Mia looks at her mother.

"Please tell me."

Mia fills her mother in on what happened on the transport ship.

"And before that?" presses Liara.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. When did this begin?"

Mia yawns and shakes her head.

"Can you not tell me Mia?"

Mia won't look at her.

Liara takes in a deep breath and lets it out. "Have you eaten? You look far too thin."

"I ate a little while ago."

"Are you hungry?"

"Mom," Mia looks at her with such sad eyes, "did you really come over here to make me dinner?"

"I came over here to show you how much I love you. Fixing dinner is one way to show that." Liara stands, "What would you like to eat?"

"A sandwich is fine, but I can make it. I mean I will probably fall asleep soon."

Liara extends her hand; Mia takes it and slowly stands. "Can I try again?"

Mia smiles and walks into her mother's open arms.

"I love you so much Mia. No matter what has occurred I hope you know that." Liara feels Mia nod into her shoulder.

"I'm starting to." Mia clears her throat when she steps out of the hug.

Liara takes her hand and they walk into the kitchen. "You sit and I will make you a sandwich, how does that sound?"

"Okay." Mia yawns.

Liara opens the refrigerator. "Your sister tells me she is treating you." Liara grabs some bread and meat.

"She is helping me yes."

"And how is that going?"

"It's no picnic."

Liara looks up to see her daughter smirking. "I can only imagine." They fall into silence as Liara makes a sandwich, one for Mia and one for herself. She finds some fruit to place on each plate. She sits next to her daughter and they eat.

"I dream about her dying."

Liara snaps her eyes to her daughter, "Who? Shadow?"

"Sometimes. Sometimes it's Elina."

When Mia was in her early twenties, Caressa was an asari that took Dava to act as bait for Mia. Everyone at the time thought Caressa was behind it all, but it was Elina, her older sister. Elina beat Dava then sent Mia a photo of her face telling her to come alone if she ever wanted to see Dava alive. Raina stopped her because she had a plan that included their parents. Elina was stopped but the damaged was done.

"Elina?" Liara cannot hide her surprise.

"I saw it." Mia looks at her half eaten sandwich.

"Saw what honey?"

"Dad."

Liara reaches out and touches Mia's hand. "What about your father?"

Mia looks at her, "I saw her kill Elina. She told me to look away but I didn't. Now I keep seeing the side of her head blow away. But the images mix with Shadow," she looks away, "and Dava."

Liara's mind is going a mile a minute. "Have you spoken to anyone about it?"

Mia shakes her head, "No."

"I think you need to Mia. Don't you?"

"No." Mia pushes her plate away then yawns.

"Honey I…"

"I'm tired. I don't know how long Little A will be asleep."

"I came to see you Mia, to make sure you were okay. How can I help you? Please let me help you."

Mia swallows. "I just need to sleep." She slowly stands.

Liara stands with her. She is not sure what to say. Hearing about Elina and Shadow, knowing Mia dreams about them, it is the most she has learned from her daughter in years. She doesn't want to push too hard, she doesn't want Mia to clam up for another five years.

"I will be here if you need anything."

Mia looks at her, "You're staying?"

"Yes Mia. I'm staying, of course I'm staying."

Mia gives her a small smile then walks into the bedroom and closes the door.

Liara feels the heat behind her eyes. She wants to call Shepard. She is in mid dial when she remembers that her bondmate is sleeping, that she was injured only hours ago. She wonders why this has to happen to her family, haven't they suffered enough?

"Look who's home."

James enters his home he shares with Eva and their new baby girl carrying his work bag. Though he is exhausted he smiles when he sees his wife and child. "Hi, I am so sorry I am late." He leans close and kisses Eva on the lips. "Hmm that was good."

"Sorry, we just had a snack."

James leans in and kisses her again making Eva laugh a little which makes baby Beni laugh. "Is that cinnamon I taste?"

Eva smiles, "I didn't say it was a healthy snack. Are you hungry?"

"I'm starving. But I can make myself something. You must be just as tired as I am."

"Actually I feel great," says Eva. "Here." She hands the baby to James. "Mom came over after you left and she watched Beni while I slept for a few hours. A few hours can you believe that?"

"Sounds like heaven."

"Tell me about it. How about some eggs and bacon?"

"Really?" James loves bacon.

"Yes really, I hear you don't have to have it just for breakfast." It is a standing joke between the two because when they got to know each other James served the asari a breakfast meal at dinner time for one of their dates. She was so surprised she didn't know what to say, they still laugh about it.

"I don't deserve you, you know that?" James sits down at the table with baby Beni in his arms. "Hello little blue. I don't deserve you either."

Eva smiles when she looks at him interact with their daughter. "So how was work?"

James looks up at Eva, "You know what happened right?"

"You mean the explosion? Yes, Mom told me that Dad suffered smoke inhalation. She just sent a message a while ago saying she was home and resting. What I don't know is why she was there in the first place."

James shrugs his shoulders, "I don't know. I saw Valya at the station. She confirmed that an eye witness saw four masked people fleeing from the building."

"Goddess. I hope they catch them, this is getting out of hand."

"You got that right." James coos at Beni, "Isn't that right little blue, isn't that right?"

Eva finishes cooking. She places a plate in front of James. "Here ya go. Do you have to go in tomorrow?" Eva takes Beni so James can eat.

He shakes his head, "No, not unless I get called in again." He swallows. "Thank you for this."

Eva smiles at him. "Do the police have any leads?"

James shakes his head as he chews then swallows. "Valya is pretty tight lipped right now. I think that means they really don't know anything."

"Goddess. You know Shayna works near that store."

"I know."

Eva shakes her head her eyes suddenly looking someplace that cannot be seen.

"Hey?" James touches her hand. "You okay?"

"I just worry. If the police have no idea what is going on that just means this will continue and perhaps get worse."

James nods his head as he finishes his meal. "I know." James sits back, "that was awesome."

Eva smiles. "I am not sure you actually ate it James."

"Sorry. Last I ate was this morning."

"Do you want more?"

"No, no thanks." James looks at Eva.

"What?"

"You are so beautiful do you know that?"

"Oh yes James. I still have baby weight to lose, I am covered in Beni spit, I bet I am just gorgeous."

James stands and extends his hand. When Eva takes it he helps her stand. "You are beautiful just the way you are." He kisses her lips. "Okay?"

Eva nods and smiles, "Okay."

James wraps his arms around her carefully so as not to crush the baby and pulls Eva close to thoroughly kiss her. He moves his mouth to her ear, "Can we put Beni to bed? I really want my wife."

Jess is beat. The meeting with the store owners was full of fear and finger pointing. The police and a few commando units were present which made store owners and store employees want to blame them and question why the masked people have not been caught yet.

Arelia, who is the head of the commandos on Thessia assured everyone, at least tried to, that the commandos were working with the police to find the masked perpetrators. When asked how they were doing that Arelia responded by letting them know that a commando will be stationed in each store on main street. Meryl, who is the police Captain, also stated that there will be more of a police presence along main street. This seemed to calm the store keepers down.

Jess gets it. It is incredibly scary right now trying to earn a living or go to work if your shop is on main street. The shop she works in has two locations and she has recently been assigned to the one on main street, a fact she has not shared yet with Raina. She is not looking forward to that discussion. She has also not shared the fact that she has seen Mia before Raina has, another discussion she is not looking forward to.

She is outside of the house she shares with Raina grabbing her bag. They live only two miles away from Shepard and Liara. It used to be Matriarch Aethyta's home. Jess opens the door hoping to find Raina waiting for her, but when she locks the door and looks around the first level she does not see her.

She is about to grab a drink from the refrigerator when she hears a scream. She bolts up the steps and runs into the master bedroom. Raina is thrashing on the bed. Her arms are striking out and she is panting. "Raina?" Jess jumps on the bed and grabs both of her wrists so as not to get hit. "Raina wake up."

Raina screams again. This time blue forms around each of her hands. Jess is thrown from the bed as Raina lashes out. "Nooo!"

Spots…she sees black spots ….sounds are muffled.

"Jess? Jess can you hear me?"

Jess feels soft hands on her face.

"Jess? Talk to me Jess please say something."

Jess raises her hand. She wonders why Raina sounds so scared, so sad. She feels her hand being held.

"Thank the Goddess. Can you sit up?"

Jess feels something sharp on her hand. "Ouch," she hisses through her teeth.

"Careful, easy now."

Jess sits up. She leans her back against the dresser. "What…what happened?" Her hand goes to her head but Raina stops it.

"You're bleeding, hang on okay?"

Jess blinks a few times and looks around. Her back is sore and her hand is bleeding. She looks down and sees glass on the floor. Things on the dresser fell to the floor. Oh yeah.

"Here let me see." Raina takes her hand and gently takes out a piece of glass then applies medi-gel. Are you alright Jess? Goddess I could have killed you."

Jess looks at Raina. Flashes of Mia's dark circles cross her mind when she looks at her. "Raina?"

"Yes honey, how is your head?"

Jess grabs Raina's hand and looks at her, "Why were you screaming?"

Raina looks surprised. "What?"

"Screaming. You were screaming. Were you having a nightmare?"

Jess sees confusion cross Raina's features then concern then she sees the all too familiar mask set into place.

"Raina?"

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing Raina. Don't do this."

"Do what?"

"Are you seriously going to keep this from me? You hurled me across the room Raina! I have a right to know what is bothering the asari I love!" Jess stands; she leans on the dresser when the floor tilts.

Raina helps to steady her.

"Don't." Jess bats her hand away.

"Jess, I'm just trying to help."

"That is exactly what I am trying to do for you Raina. But you insist on shutting me out. I can't handle it anymore. This isn't a relationship. It's a one way street and it's not fair."

"What?" Raina shakes her head. Jess has to look away because she looks so crushed. "What?"

"You heard me Raina. I don't know how to prove to you that I love you."

"I know you love me."

"Yeah but you don't trust me. Not enough to share your pain."

Raina opens her mouth to protest but nothing comes out.

Jess' heart sinks when she sees in Raina's eyes that she is right. She knew this day was coming she just didn't want to believe it. "It's like you have this invisible bubble around you Raina. I think I understand why you have it, but it shouldn't exist between the two of us. We cannot go further in our relationship if you are not willing to be open with me, to share who you are, everything about you Raina, everything. Your fears, your pain, your dreams. That is what I want from a partner. That is what I would hope a partner would want from me."

"I do want that Jess, I do…."

"Prove it."

Raina presses her lips together; her eyes are bright with tears.

"That's what I thought. I'll stay at a hotel tonight and collect my things when you are at work tomorrow." Jess touches Raina's hand and looks into her teary eyes, "Good bye Raina."