A/N: Hi there! In this chapter I make references to events/conversations from chapters 7 and 8, as this chapter is the conclusion of our duo's sunny day. If you have not read those chapters, I highly recommend you do that first. ;)
Thanks for reading, and feel free to leave a review. Vector 71, thank you so much for your help.
Chapter 10, Diamonds of Joy
Hand in hand the couple meandered in the general direction of the hotel, basking in the late afternoon heat and each others company. At the zoo entrance they found an ice cream stand and got themselves a cold treat. Liara smiled when she saw Jennifer run up to the pair and ask for a picture. A few snapshots later, they continued their way to the hotel.
After dinner, in the elevator up to the top floor Liara found Karli thoughtfully staring at the mirror. She reached out and rubbed the human's right shoulder. Shepard nearly jumped, lost in memories of the day. One thing stood out: Liara's song.
Smiling, she moved closer and looked at Liara, "Blue, when you were singing in the park, that was so wonderful! Your voice, I... I have been thinking, I would like to learn Arlas."
Liara did not answer immediately, but turned to face Shepard and took her lover's face in her hands. "Why would you want to do that?" she wondered, running her fingers behind Karli's ears.
A pleasant, warm sensation tingled through Shepard's body, she responded by pulling Liara in a snug embrace. "Somehow... it just seems the right thing to do. We'll be on Thessia soon where everyone speaks it, it... it would be amazing if we could understand one another without these translators. When you were singing, it sounded so... magical, so... timeless."
She let out a deep breath and took Liara's hand. I would do anything for you. Anything. "It would bring me closer to you. You deserve the best so I will be my best. Thessia will be my home soon, I want to understand you. I want to understand everything that is asari."
With a small motion Liara nudged her knee in between Karli's leg, the contact between their bare skin made the human shiver. The asari narrowed her eyes seductively. Liara pulled Shepard into a gentle kiss and the pair lingered within their embrace. When the asari finally spoke, her voice was warm and heavy with appreciation. "It is a beautiful language love, and if you manage to master it you honor me and Thessia."
"That seals it then," whispered Karli, slowly trailing her fingers on Liara's crest, "honoring you is all I want to do."
Entering their room, Liara swatted Karli's hand away as she went for the light switch, "No need for that, your moon has provided for us." The asari looked up to see a full moon, who's soft light found easy passage through the giant glass roof. The room was filled with a serene and familiar glow, and with the windows wide open, the day's heat lingered. After living on the Normandy and the Citadel for so long the two had desperately wanted some real air to fill their lungs.
Liara took three graceful steps, then turned and placed a hand on the curve of her hip; her magnificent blue eyes obviously inviting her lover. She quoted Karli, "On the boat you mentioned playtime together..."
Warm moonlight caressed the blue alien, turning her into an unreal, sensual statue.
Shepard swallowed. The summery dress lovingly hugged the asari's curves. Liara's smiled brighter than the sun. "Playtime yes... " whispered Karli, "You look amazing in that dress."
Shepard could not move. The image of Liara in the moonlight, the liberated feeling they had enjoyed during the day made her heart pound, and her head swim. She rode a wave of bliss that threatened to sweep her away. I must retain this image for the rest of my days...
Liara's voice was silk temptation, "Come here sweet human. You got me this dress, now take it off... slowly."
In a dreamlike state Karli walked over to the asari and lifted her hands towards the tiny pink buttons on the front of the dress and undid two of them. Liara blinked, her huge cerulean sapphires encouraging her lover. Shepard stared deeply into those pools and found herself stunned by a profound joy. Whispering softly, she was overcome, "Are you real? Can I truly be this happy?"
The feelings were too much for the usually stoic Commander. Her life with Liara brought out a side of herself that she had rarely ever allowed to show. Tears of happiness welled up in Karli's eyes as she abandoned the buttons, to draw Liara into a full embrace. "I wish this day could last forever." As the asari returned the affection a tear ran down Karli's cheek.
Deeply touched by Shepard's response Liara held the human tighter. "Today is very special. The future is bright. And..." She paused as the thought of Shepard's lifespan crossed her mind for a second, "We still have a lot to look forward to."
They held each other for a full minute, then Liara slowly moved to kiss Karli's tears; she planted small pecks on her cheeks, making sure to get them all. Moving her indigo lips to the human's ear, she latched onto a lobe, softly running her teeth over it.
"Mmmm..." hummed, Karli, clearly enjoying the ministrations, "I... I did not mean to cry... sorry love."
"Do not apologize for that Karli Shepard!" Tenderly, Liara chided her, "Those tears are beautiful to me, and I feel privileged to be a part of your emotion. Pirtan lei in my language. Translated it would be diamonds of happiness, or diamonds of joy."
Karli managed a shy smile as she mulled over the alien words: "Pirtan lei... diamonds of joy... what a lovely word to start my Arlas education." The playfulness returned to Shepard's eyes, as she took up her Commander's voice, "Now stand still! Let me get those buttons."
Obeying, Liara leaned back to allow easy access to the dress. Karli skillfully moved in and completed her task. Within seconds, she slid the dress off of Liara's blue shoulders and carefully placed the garment on the edge of the bed.
The asari hardly moved, confidently putting herself on display as Karli's eyes traveled up and down her taut form. God, she is a marvel! Noting the hipster, she grinned to herself. Since I told her pink matches wonderfully with her skintone, she hardly wears anything else! Not that I mind much...
In one swift motion, she kicked off her own shorts and top and threw them in the corner. Placing herself behind the asari, Karli started exploring the tiny scales of Liara's crest, gently tickling the ends, while her tongue made contact with the cool skin of her lover's neck.
She used that orchid perfume again. Shepard inhaled sharply; Liara's scent overpowered her, it drove her crazy with the idea of sharing herself.
Liara visibly shivered as bolts of pleasure set her nervous system on fire, arousal building with the intimate touches on her crest: Goddess, she knows exactly the right spot...
Her heart lept as she felt Karli's fingers on her stomach, touching ever so lightly. One hand travelled upwards and she enjoyed the warm human hand tenderly cupping her breast. "Karli... " she moaned, turning her head, trying to find her lover's mouth.
Eagerly, Shepard's lips found Liara's, their tongues twisting in a frenzied dance. Placing both hands on Liara's perfect firm breasts she gently pulled the alien backwards until their bodies were pressed together, both of them relishing the full body contact.
Liara came undone. Shepard's gentle loving of her sensitive crest, and the warm human hands now tenderly holding her breasts, tugging the nipple; the wet luscious tongue, it was too much.
Her longing for the human peaked and became unbearable. She initiated a Union and plunged herself within Shepard.
Warm and inviting Karli welcomed her with deep affection and a burning passion, wanting nothing more than be closer to Liara. Had she ever loved so deeply? No. And she wanted the asari to feel exactly that emotion.
The two women had been joined for most of the day but this was different. Liara took the bond to a much deeper level, one where even physical sensations were freely shared. No longer separated, completely aware of each other's thoughts, feelings, physical selves... Two became one, sharing everything in one rapturous whole.
Not alone... Together...
Complete...
Love you... Want you...
With their minds so tightly joined it was difficult to find the origin of these thoughts. But as their minds were connected, they longed for their bodies to merge. Liara writhed and twisted; Karli continued the loving torture of her neck, her crest, her mouth playing erotic tricks with the purple tongue of her lover.
So wonderful, Shepard exhaled; she felt a shimmer of a touch on her own body as her hand massaged Liara's hip.
You... I... we should move to the bed, Liara panted.
One... second, you are wearing too much clothes.
With that, Karli quickly dipped to a squatting position and pulled down the lace hipster delighted by the feeling of Liara's alien skin.
I could touch your curves all day, you know that right? Shepard fondly kissed the deep blue thighs while her hands roamed free over Liara's pelvis.
Standing up, Karli found herself immediately swept of her feet by the asari carried her to the bed.
Shepard laughed a very insincere protest, Hey krogan girl put me down!
Liara giggled and laid her down on the bed. Would you like another word, love? I am aware you do not like the word father, in reference to yourself.
Karli smirked, How could anyone call me a father? It's quite clear I am a woman!
That you are, mused Liara, lift your hips love!
Being undressed by Liara was an exquisite sensation. Karli enjoyed it to the fullest, as she keenly watched the deep blue hands slide her white panties down. My goodness, it's so hot when she takes charge, look at her! Brightest mind in the galaxy... smoking bo - oh wait, you can hear me!
Flattered, Liara replied. Of course I can love and what a gift it is to see through your eyes! She laid herself next to Shepard and placed her mouth on a collarbone, planting kisses all the way down towards her lover's breast and continuing south. The asari enjoyed the delicious salty taste of her human and the strange but intriguing texture of her skin.
Moving lower still her hand found the curve of Shepard's waist, and she used her tongue to tease the human. She heard Karli's breathing increase and within their link she felt her partner's arousal building. Liara caressed the delicious soft flesh of her inner thigh, using her elbow to spread Shepard's legs.
Shepard felt the fire ignite in her chest, and within seconds it had reached every part of her body. Oh... Liara... I, I thought you were going to teach me, uh, the word for father?
In a minute, laughed the asari mischievously, I am a bit distracted right now!
Karli whimpered, as she tried to form a sentence, Mmm... I, I don't think this language lesson is... mm... going anywhere.
Smiling, Liara's mouth released hot human flesh and looked her lover straight in the eye.
Munde, she said, the father, the giver is munde. The mother, the taker is Kunde. I will be taking, and you will be giving. Munde tir'ae, my giver, or Kunde tir'ae, my taker, is a very intimate phrase, used only between couples who have conceived, or bondmates with the intent to do so.
Snuggling against Karli's body Liara kissed her lover's neck, while her fingers softly touched the coarse hair on Shepard's mound. Asari were completely unfamiliar with the concept of hair, and Liara never passed on an opportunity to explore Karli's hair down there. She gently pulled on a few and grinned when she felt Shepard react.
I want to be with you always, brown eyes... Liara's voice was a hoarse whisper in Karli's mind, who found it hard to focus as Liara delicately played with her moist folds.
Goddess you are...
Did you expect anything else? You've been inside my mind all day...
Liara was delighted that her mere presence would arouse Shepard to such an extent. Sensing her lover's burning need the asari responded with a thrust of her hand. Karli was so wet that Liara found it easy to go deep within her and find the spot that Shepard loved to have stroked.
The motion caused Shepard to sharply inhale and moan with want and desire: More! She spread her legs to encourage Liara and could not stop her hips from pushing down to find more friction.
Desperately wanting to please her bondmate Liara slid in a second finger to add to her rhythm. Feeling her lover's muscles tense slightly at the addition Liara marveled at the delectable sensations and then leisurely started rocking Karli's body. The red hot fire coming through the bond was thrilling and intensified her own longing.
Karli's mouth went dry as she rode the waves. Squinting her eyes in pleasure her body pulsed on Liara's hand, moving with the slow rhythm that would make her go crazy. Inhaling deeply, she savored Liara's intoxicating smell, then bit her neck, tasting her sublime lover.
Liara... you... oh! Shepard could not form a sentence as her sultry body jerked on the bed as a response to the rhythmic thrusts from the asari. She leaned into Liara, arching her back in erotic pleasure.
Liara shivered, feeling Shepard's intense passion. A burst of heat ran through her and her azure throbbed in response. Goddess... those are my own fingers... Liara's pelvis followed the rhythm, grinding against the human's thigh. She delighted in the small whimpers that escaped her lover's lips.
Kunde... Kunde tir'ae... my lovely Blue... Shepard panted, frantically grabbing the sheets, while a sheen of sweat appeared on her upper chest.
That triggered the asari. Those passionate words in her very own language, unleashed a flood of uncontrollable hunger and yearning.
She subconsciously increased the pace of her thrusts and travelled deep within Karli's core. Liara found herself within a finger's reach of the human's sparkling DNA, the bright gems tempting her, calling her name.
Hovering over the fantastic treasure, her whole being shook with desire,
I could... I could just...
Karli sensed what she was doing and with her very last ounce of willpower, she held back the asari. Drinking all of the feelings that are Liara, the human lured her, and together they merged their souls, erasing all boundaries between them.
The couple's union was deeper than ever before, and this state of ecstasy delighted both of them; it also drove Shepard to the brink, aching for release.
Liara... please!
With a devilish grin the asari gave three deep thrusts with her fingers and send her burning lover over the edge. Being linked that deep they embraced brilliance as one.
Their minds flared together as a raging sun while their bodies clung to each other, violently trembling in their orgasm. Karli shouted out her lover's name, Liara could only helplessly squirm against her human's throbbing body.
It felt like an eternity before they returned to earth.
"That was incredible!" Liara panted, trying to calm her heaving chest.
"Yesss..." hissed Karli, lingering in a splendid daze. She opened her eyes, and immediately found herself mesmerized by Liara's rising and falling breasts.
My blue Goddess...
Straddling her lover she tenderly kissed the asari's forehead. "You are incredible."
"My goodness," exclaimed Shepard, "this is Heaven!"
Completely satisfied, the pair cuddled in a warm embrace, enjoying the closeness of the other. Sleep was calling them, but they refused to let the day end. Liara absentmindedly played with Karli's dark brown hair, twirling one tress in between her fingers.
The moon had moved on, enough for them to be able to see the stars, and looking up through the large glass roof, they had a wonderful view of the starry night. The warm night air hung in the room, occasionally a rare breeze caressed their naked bodies.
The asari looked at her bondmate and placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder. "You are my heaven! I am never letting you out of my sight again."
"Now that sounds serious," teased Karli. "What if I want to go to the restaurant to get another portion of ice cream?"
Surprised, Liara responded, "You want more ice cream? Now?"
The asari laughed and her beautiful voice filled the entire room. She flashed a serious face and boasted, "I am the Shadow Broker! I think I can organize some ice cream up here."
That put a sparkle in Shepard's eyes, she joyfully giggled at her partner's antics.
The Shadow Broker called room service: "I would like a large portion of chocolate please, and Karli, do you want strawberry again?"
"Absolutely! Make it extra large, extra whipped cream, and a lot of cherries!"