Shepard nearly fell asleep during dinner, her nap at the office did not revive her at all it only made her body beg for more rest. She is lying on the couch now Raina on her stomach, she told herself as Liara cleaned the kitchen that it would be okay, that she wouldn't fall asleep….she was wrong.
Liara wonders why Shepard has not been responding to her, but she figures she and Raina are playing and perhaps out of earshot. After wiping down the counter she washes her hands and joins the two in the family room. She sees Raina snuggled into Elly who is asleep on the couch.
Liara is much better after her outburst of emotions in the bathroom this morning. Smiling Liara bends down to brush a strand of hair off of Elly's forehead. She stirs a little at the touch but does not wake. Liara gently lifts off the arm that holds Raina secure to Shepard's chest and slowly lowers it to Elly's side. She then lifts Raina up and takes her into her arms.
"Hmm sorry Liara," Elly says wiping her hand over her face. She slowly sits up on the couch, "I must have dozed off."
"You are exhausted Elly, why don't you just go to bed, you were hardly able to keep your eyes open during dinner," says Liara.
"I'm sorry," yawns Elly.
"No need to apologize, I just hope my nightmares stop keeping you up."
Elly stands up to wrap her arms around Liara as she holds Raina. "This is not your fault Liara do you hear me." With her sly smile appearing she teases "Besides, I think you are getting back at me for all of the sleepless nights I caused you." After she said the words Elly wonders if her joking will be misinterpreted. Looking at Liara she sees the asari smile.
"You really are tired Elly, that was an awful attempt at humor."
Laughing Elly replies, "You are just too smart for your own good T'Soni. I don't know how you put up with me."
She doesn't realize it but Elly is leaning heavy on Liara's side as her arms are wrapped around her waist, she has her head resting on Liara's shoulder with her eyes closed and she is swaying as if she is moving to music only she can hear.
Liara replies "I could say the same thing Elly." Shepard does not reply. Liara notices that she is swaying and that she feels a bit heavy on her shoulder. "Elly?"
No reply.
Liara gently lifts her own shoulder hoping the movement will jar Elly, "Elly?" she says a little louder.
Elly suddenly hugs Liara tight not knowing what is going on, "What?"
"Elly, you need to go to bed."
"What? Nah….unless," She hugs Liara close as she kisses her on the folds of her neck, "You want to join me Doctor?"
Giggling Liara moves away from the touch because it tickles her., "Elly…do you want me to drop our daughter?" she teases.
"Drop her off more like it," says Elly as she closes the distance between them.
Liara laughs and says, "No Elly you need sleep. How will I feel if you fall asleep while we are ….well you know?"
Smiling with her crooked smile Shepard says "My my Dr. T'Soni are you shy all of a sudden?"
"What has gotten into you Elly," says Liara as she continues to keep her distance but smiling as she does it. She is now holding Raina up as a shield "Stay back Captain, you do not have permission to board."
Shepard tries her best pout which makes Liara laugh because Shepard is a horrible pouter. She lowers her stance and starts to prowl toward the asari. Raina is giggling at her father. Lifting one leg as if it weighs a thousand pounds she drops it down making growling noises, Raina smiles and giggles at her father her little face lighting up. Shepard has her hands extended out fingers bent as if claws and she slowly stomps toward Raina and Liara. "I'm gonna get you," she says in a low voice.
Liara quickly treads backwards making Raina bounce up and down as she is extended in front of Liara. Her giggling is infectious as Liara and Elly start laughing too. Elly moves to corner Liara, "Ha! I've got you now," she says in her low voice.
Liara's back is in the corner of the family room, she brings Raina a bit closer to her body to support her better. Elly moves slowly toward them growling as she approaches. Shepard sees the look Liara gives her; it is a look to be careful not to scare Raina. Shepard smiles and lifts her hands up and moves them back and forth as they arc toward Raina, when the hands find the little blue beauty Elly starts to tickle. Liara nearly drops her because of her wiggling, but Elly has her; neither parent would let her fall. Raina just laughs and laughs she loves this game.
"That was wonderful Oriana, where did you learn how to cook?" asks Arelia.
The asari is having dinner with the sisters at their rented estate.
"Father taught me," says Oriana.
Miranda snaps her head toward Oriana, "I didn't know that Ori."
Arelia notices the tension in Miranda's voice.
Looking at Miranda then at Arelia then back to Miranda, Oriana tentatively says "Yes…I'm sorry Miri I thought you knew."
"You don't have to apologize," says Miranda, there is a harsh bite to her tone. She grabs at the plates to clean off the table clearly upset.
Arelia places her hand on Miranda's arm, which makes the human woman look at her. Arelia gives her a tender smile; it helps Miranda realize how she sounded and how angry she suddenly is. Miranda looks at Oriana, "I'm sorry Ori, I didn't mean to snap."
"It's okay Miri."
Feeling bad that she just ruined a wonderful evening Miranda takes the dinner plates, though gentler now, and walks into the kitchen.
Arelia stands to also help clear the table; she decides to try to break the tension. "So Oriana how is your work at the University?"
Seeing what she is doing Oriana plays along, "It is going quite well actually, though I cannot really talk about what I am doing just yet."
"Yes I understand," says Arelia. "That must make it hard to carry on a conversation," she smiles as they both enter the kitchen. Miranda is busy putting the plates into the dishwasher.
"Yes it does," laughs Oriana. "I should be able to say something about it soon I hope. We are making good progress. What about you, I heard you had that big presentation today."
Miranda stops what she is doing and turns, the look on her face is one of shock then sadness. "Arelia, I am so sorry I forgot to ask you about it."
Arelia moves closer to Miranda, she knows the woman is being hard on herself for how she sounded toward Oriana. She hugs her and says, "It's okay." She steps back to answer "It went quite well actually, the Council agreed with our plans. Next week we present to the Humans, Turians and Krogans."
"That's fantastic Arelia!" says Oriana. Oriana gives the asari a big hug. "Congratulations!"
Smiling she says "Thank you Oriana."
Miranda is next to give her a hug but this one is not as rough. She whispers in her ear "I'm sorry."
Arelia whispers back "Don't be."
"Well, I need to do some work. Congratulations again Arelia I am very happy for you and Shepard."
"Thank you Oriana and please don't work so hard, you need to take time to relax," says Arelia with concern.
"Work does relax me," smiles Oriana as she hugs Miranda. "Love you Miri, night."
"Night Ori."
Once Oriana is out of ear shot Miranda turns to Arelia, "I am so sorry Arelia, I cannot believe I forgot to ask you about your presentation."
"Miranda please stop. I am more concerned about you, are you alright?" she asks as she helps Miranda with the dishes.
Shaking her head, "I just didn't know that about Oriana's cooking, I really shouldn't be surprised by it."
Placing her hand on the small of her back Arelia says, "I'm sorry Miranda."
"For what?"
"For the hurt your father has caused you, you deserve better."
She didn't intent to cry but she does. Miranda is just not herself with Arelia, she feels more free with her free to show her her anger and her fears and her sorrow. Arelia wraps her arms around Miranda from behind while Miranda cries thankful that she feels protected instead of shame at her tears.
"She is such a good baby," says Liara as she and Shepard tuck little Raina in for bed.
"That she is," says Elly. She got her second wind after falling asleep on the couch and playing with the pair.
"You are so good with her," says Liara.
Shepard turns the asari in her arms, "So are you Liara. You are a wonderful mother." She leans in to kiss her bondmate. Liara responds by holding Shepard tighter as she deepens the kiss with a slight moan. Liara is feeling like her old self and she certainly misses this.
Shepard starts to caress Liara's low back which she knows drives the asari crazy. Before Liara can do anything Shepard lifts her in her arms and carries her to their bed.
"Elly."
"Shhhh," says Shepard as she kisses and walks to their room. Shepard slowly sets her down and undresses Liara not breaking eye contact. "I love you Liara."
Liara pulls at the bottom of Elly's shirt which she gladly discards quickly happy for the skin on skin contact.
"Elly?"
"Hmmm?" Her lips are moving down Liara's neck as she pushes the asari toward the bed. When Liara feels the bed at the back of her calves, she gets on the bed and Elly follows along.
"I…I just…" a gasp escapes her lips as Elly not too gently pulls at Liara's pants.
"Just what?" Elly returns to her slow kisses, she is at the asari's hip now.
"Goddess Elly I love you."
"Do you want to talk about it?" asks Arelia, she and Miranda are snuggling on the couch enjoying a glass of Serrice Ice Brandy.
"And say what exactly, I have daddy issues?"
"Miranda," Arelia lowers her tone. "I think it might help to talk about it that's all."
"I am trying to forget the man, he was a sorry excuse for a human being," says Miranda.
"That may be love, but you are here, you exist because of him and for that I am grateful," says Arelia as she holds Miranda tighter.
"I hate him Arelia; I hate him with everything I have. He gave Oriana everything I…."
Arelia finishes the sentence for her "Everything you should have had."
"I sound so pitiful. How often is the older sister jealous of the younger one? She got everything I wanted. I just wanted him to love me," Miranda's tears come again but this time she quickly wipes them away, she doesn't want to cry anymore tonight.
"I suspect in his own way he did love you."
Miranda snorts at the statement. "He wanted something better which is why he made Oriana."
"And yet you love her?"
Miranda surprised by the question looks into Arelia's blue eyes, "Of course I love her, why would you even ask?"
"Is it so hard to believe you are loved Miranda, no one cares how you came to be, just that you are," says Arelia as she holds the human tight in her arms.
Miranda cannot believe this asari…this woman who is with her right now. The last week has been a whirlwind for Miranda. Her feelings up and down, part of her wonders if she is going too fast with Arelia, but another part of her doesn't care, you only live once and it has been too long since she was with someone who really cared about her. In fact she is not sure she has actually had anyone that cares for her as Arelia does. It scares Miranda, but she refuses to run she refuses to let fear take away this feeling and this beautiful asari.
"Hey where are you going?" asks Miranda as Arelia stands up from the couch.
"I forgot that I need to make a quick call Miranda, I will be back soon," she smiles after placing a kiss on the human's lips.
"Please show me," says Elly.
She and Liara are in the middle of a meld, Shepard wants to see Liara's nightmares but the asari is resistant.
"It's okay Liara; show me, I'm here."
As if watching clips from a movie Shepard sees one picture come forth then starts to play. Liara shows her the night where she was so drunk she almost died. This is a memory Shepard did not know existed. She feels the shame and sorrow coming from Liara, but Elly pushes at it with all of her love and joy until Liara is overflowing with the feelings. "I love you Liara."
"I'm sorry I wanted to give up," says Liara. "If I had and you came back I…"
"But you didn't Liara, it's okay. It's because of you I was able to come back at all"
Shepard cannot blame Liara not one bit. She is not so sure she wouldn't want the same thing. When Liara was so ill not two weeks ago Shepard was terrified at the thought of having to live without her asari bondmate. She doesn't blame Liara for wanting to give up because Elly knows she would most likely do the same. But not now, not with Raina in the picture, she would never leave her child and she knows Liara wouldn't either.
Liara is tired she must break the meld, she slowly pulls back. She is comforted by Elly's feelings of love as she feels the asari leave her mind. They curl up within each other as the meld ends; it is always a sad feeling when the meld ends where two become one again; the feeling of aloneness it's like a slap to the face.
"Thank you Liara," whispers Elly.
"For what?" asks Liara.
"For showing me that and for saving my life."
"You have the information yet?" grumps the voice.
"Not yet," says Arelia.
"When?"
"It is taking longer than I hoped, but I am close."
"You have two weeks."
The call disconnects.
Miranda is waiting for Arelia in her bed, she is already excited to be with the asari; she is naked with only a sheet covering her body.
Arelia walks in not looking at Miranda, she seems distracted.
"You okay Arelia?" asks Miranda.
"Fine," she says as she takes her shoes off.
Miranda is not convinced she decides to help the asari undress, something she has come to really enjoy.
"Here let me," she says as she looks into Arelia's blue eyes while unbuttoning her shirt.
"Miranda, we don't have to do this," says Arelia.
"Hush," says Miranda as she softly kisses the asari's neck as she slips her shirt off.
Arelia wants to resist but she can't, the human knows all the right buttons to push, she lets herself turn into putty.
"I am ready to try more melding Arelia," says Miranda as she unzips her pants and pulls them down bringing her underpants with them.
Arelia steps out of the pants bunched around her ankles and she hugs Miranda close as she kisses Miranda deeply and slowly.
Finally breaking from the kiss, they make their way to the bed, Arelia says "I know you are tired Miranda, we don't have to meld tonight."
"You said I may be more open if I am tired, less defenses and all that," says Miranda as she kisses Arelia's shoulder. "Please I want to try, I want to get better."
Shaking her head Arelia smiles and gives a quick peck on Miranda's lips. "Okay, try to relax. Embrace Eternity."
Miranda's mind has many many barriers. Arelia moves from picture to picture and sees one that used to be darker. She thinks this may be a memory Miranda wants to share since it is not so dark anymore. Arelia slowly probes at the picture.
Arelia pushes feelings of peace and security toward Miranda hoping this will put the human at ease to further relax.
Arelia probes a little more and feels less resistance. The picture is becoming clearer. She is in a large room, looks like a den. There is a large desk with a man sitting behind it. There is a fireplace in the corner of the room with a fire burning within. Looking outside it looks white; Arelia makes a note to remember to ask what the white stuff is called. She sees a small child in the room, it must be Miranda. The child has beautiful black hair, it is shoulder length and the brightest of blue eyes, Arelia knows this is Miranda as a child. She peers over the little girls shoulder and sees a drawing. She is drawing what looks like some sort of earth animal.
"Miranda it's time for bed sweetheart," says the man.
Arelia smiles as this seems like a good memory. She continues to push feelings of peace and security to Miranda as she feels confusion coming from the human.
The child continues to sit and draw. Arelia wonders if perhaps she does not hear the man, the man who appears to be her father.
Miranda, it is time for bed," he sounds angry now.
"I'm almost done," says the child.
The man gets up from behind the desk and walks over to the small child on the floor. He is not gentle with her; he wraps his hands around each of her small arms and lifts roughly.
"I told you it is time for bed!" he yells.
The small child looks into his eyes, her own wide with fright. Tears start to edge at the corners of her blue eyes. The man who Arelia knows is her father now reciprocates Miranda's reaction with a slap to the face. He sets the child down; she almost stumbles off her feet. "Bed NOW!"
Arelia is shocked at what she sees, she loses her concentration. Miranda's feeling of sorrow and anger wash over the asari. Arelia digs deep within herself and pushes back feelings of peace, joy and admiration. She slowly pulls back and ends the meld.
Miranda is crying and holding the asari tight. Arelia kisses her forehead and holds her close. "Shhh it's alright, he cannot hurt you anymore love," says Arelia.
After a few minutes Miranda tries her voice, "That drawing…I was just trying to finish it for him," she wipes away her tears.
Arelia asks "What was it?"
Laughing a little though there was no joy behind the laugh Miranda says, "We had horses. I was drawing him a picture of his horse." She props up on her elbow to look at Arelia. "The bastard had no patience; I only needed a few more minutes to finish it."
She looks at Arelia. The asari is a darker blue than Liara and though Liara has no facial markings aside from the freckles under each eye, Arelia does have markings. Probably due to being a commando, Miranda is not sure, but Arelia has deep red markings that don each tentacle, the coloring only covering half of each tentacle running from her crest and stopping half way toward where her tentacles meet into a point.
Miranda does not know what she did to get so lucky to find Arelia, but she doesn't care. She has never been this happy and though she has many unhappy memories she plans on making happy ones with Arelia.
"What does one do with a horse?" asks Arelia.
Miranda smiles as she continues to look at the asari next to her. "We ride them. Many many years ago humans used them to help work around the house, I saw it in a documentary once," says Miranda.
"Around the house? Doing what exactly?" Arelia asks.
Laughing now Miranda says, "Not in the house," she tickles the asari. "They plowed the fields outside." Miranda kisses Arelia putting her full weight on her.
Arelia laughs, "Well how am I supposed to know?" She moves Miranda under her intertwining her hands within hers as she kisses Miranda.
Miranda moans as she opens her mouth wanting more, she loves the feel of Arelia's tongue and begs for more from her asari lover.
Arelia is happy to leave her home this morning without waking Miranda. She is very concerned and not sure how she is going to get what she needs in the two weeks that she has. She almost runs into Shepard in the hallway on her way to her office her mind is so preoccupied.
"Good morning Arelia," says Shepard as quickly moves out of the asari's way.
"Morning Shepard, I apologize I am not really looking where I am going."
"It's okay Arelia, are you okay? You seem distracted this morning?" asks Shepard.
"I am fine thank you." Shepard follows her into her office, but lingers in the doorway. "You are looking well rested," says Arelia. She believes she sees the human blush, something she likes to make Miranda do, but it was not intentional with the Captain.
"I must apologize again Arelia, I did not mean to fall asleep in your chair," she says as she crosses the room to site in the same one. "It is a comfortable one though," she smiles.
"It is no problem Shepard."
"So the presentation went well."
"Yes it did," says Arelia. "Do you have concerns for next week?" she asks since it looks like Shepard has something on her mind.
"No.. I just wanted to ask if you thought we needed to change anything before we present next week."
"No, I don't think it is necessary."
"Okay then."
"Is there something else Shepard?" asks Arelia wondering why the human won't leave her office, she has enough on her mind at the moment.
Shepard has been wanting to have this conversation with Arelia, though it really is none of her business.
"This is a little difficult Arelia."
Arelia gets up from behind her desk and sits across from Shepard in an adjacent chair. "What is it?"
"You may think this is none of my business, but Miranda is a good friend of mine…uh more than that. She is like family."
Arelia waits and does not reply.
"I know you two have been seeing each other."
"Yes?"
"I want to know your intentions."
"I'm sorry?"
"Look," sighs Shepard while she rubs the back of her neck, "If Miranda knew I was talking to she would probably kill me, but I don't want to see her hurt Arelia, I am sure you can understand."
Could she know? This must be a coincidence. Arelia calmly says "You are very protective of her."
"Yes I am. She..well she has been through a lot."
"I assure you Shepard; I do not intend to hurt her." Goddess I don't want to hurt her, I think I love her.
Feeling really uncomfortable Shepard leaves it at that. "Okay Arelia. I..I'm sorry if this seems inappropriate."
"Is this some type of human custom?" asks Arelia, she never had this kind of conversation with her former human bondmate.
Shepard smiles, "Well kind of I guess. But normally it would be the father asking the questions not a friend. But it can depend I guess."
"I see." Arelia is not sure how well Shepard knows Miranda so she does not offer any information on the man.
"He …well I am sure you probably know he was far from father of the year."
Arelia nods, "Indeed."
"So I know I am not her father and again she would kill me if she knew I had this conversation with you, but I don't want to see her hurt Arelia. She has a tough ext…-…"
Arelia interrupts, "I am well aware Shepard. I appreciate your concern. I would hope by now that you know me better than that."
"Of course Arelia, I mean no disrespect. I .." sighing again "This is probably coming out all wrong. I don't want to upset you, I just …well I am just looking out for my friend."
"Of course," Arelia smiles even though she does wonder at the timing of the conversation, does Shepard know something.
"I hope you are not upset with me," says Shepard.
"Not at all. I appreciate your honesty. I can see how much she means to you."
Snorting Shepard says, "Yeah well we haven't always been close. Thank you Arelia. I told her you were a good woman, I know you are honorable."
Arelia wants to cringe at the compliment, "Thank you Shepard."
"Well.. I'll let you get back to work. Talk to you later."
Shepard can almost kick herself she feels so foolish. She knows better but had to see if Arelia really had feelings for Miranda, she convinced herself that she was looking out for her and not just being nosy. She just hopes she hasn't ruined anything for her human friend. From what she knows of Arelia she suspects she has not.