Here we are again. Part 2 of Charlie and Miri's shore leave and it isn't sunshine and rainbows as it was the night before.

Hope you enjoy this chapter though :)

A Week Alone: Part 2

November 12, 2185

Illium - Illium Trading Floor - Commander Shepard - 1900 hours

I walked from the Normandy towards Liara's office without even realizing it. It's been almost an hour since Charlie left with Miranda for some time off. I don't blame him. He's been going on mission after mission almost every day since he woke up from that Cerberus lab. He of all people deserves this but... God damn it he should be more careful. He could've died again. I sighed as I stopped in front of Liara's door and took a quick second to regain my composure before walking in. I don't want Liara to know what happened, though it wouldn't surprise me if she already knew.

I stepped in and observed the beautiful freckled asari stare at her terminal before she looked up at me. Liara smiled and laced her fingers together on top of her desk. "Hello Shepard."

I walked around her desk; responded by pulling her from her chair dominantly, followed by a needing kiss. Liara reciprocated and wrapped her fingers in my hair. I moaned into her mouth and Liara took it as an opportunity to slip her tongue into me. My heart began beating faster as the kiss developed. Our breaths shorten and we found ourselves pulling away, needing to breathe in more air.

"Hi." I said simply before I held her tightly in my arms. "I've missed you."

"And I you." Liara breathed in my scent and I couldn't help but do the same. I needed something familiar. I needed to be loved. I couldn't think of a better person right now than the love of my life.

"Can we get out of here? Someplace more private?" I asked.

Liara nodded. "Of course. Let me shut down my terminal and we can head to my apartment."

I watched as Liara turned secured her things before wrapping her arm around mine. We headed towards the transport hub. The two of us got inside her cab and drove off. We stayed silent during the ride. Our only interaction was the lacings of our hands and the occasional smile.

Once we arrived at her apartment, I began to look around. Apart from some paintings and other souvenirs, it doesn't look like she spends much time here. I said to myself as I looked at a prothean artifact incased in glass.

"Would you like something to drink?" Liara asked as she waltzed into her kitchen.

"Glass of water is fine." I responded as I observed the artifact, bending forward and poking the glass with my finger. I could hear Liara giggle from the kitchen before she walked over to grab my hand, leading me to the large, 'U' shaped sofa that looked towards the city outside.

I sat next to her, our legs just touching one another. I took a sip of water before resting it on her coffee table. "Look, I'm sorry I couldn't talk to you or come see you the past week. I have been...busy." I looked down at my feet and frowned. I shouldn't be thinking about this right now.

"I heard what happened. I hope he's alright." Liara lifted my chin with her firm fingers. "I saw him earlier walking with Operative Lawson. He seemed in high spirits."

I crossed my arms over my chest, thinking about my conversation with him earlier this evening. "Yeah...I guess so."

"They do seem like an attractive couple." Liara made it sound more of a question than a statement. "But by the look you are giving me, it looks like you don't approve."

I looked up at her and shook my head. "Of course I approve." I began. "What Charlie does in his personal time is none of my business." I lied.

"Really?" Liara crossed her arms over her chest and raised an inquisitive brow.

"Well...yeah!" I shrugged my shoulders.

"Talk to me Shepard." Liara pleaded softly, reaching for my hands to comfort.

I opened my mouth to speak but quickly closed it with an exasperated sigh. "I don't want to bother you with my problems."

"Please, Shepard. Don't shut me out." Liara lifted my hand to her violet lips and kissed my knuckles. "I want to help."

I cocked a smile and kissed her lips. "I love you."

"I love you too." She leaned over to kiss me. "But don't change the subject."

Damn! "Fine," I breathed out. "It's just that Miranda broke his heart before as we were hunting Saren. What are the chances that she would do it again? But it's not just that. What if he dies again? I can't lose him a second time. I can't go through that again. I fear that if I do, I'll turn into that wreck that drove you away. I don't want that either."

"You won't drive me away again. It...it was a mistake by my part. I was selfish and I could not handle seeing you so depressed." Liara frowned. "It's been the worst two years of my life. Until you came back to me." Liara paused before speaking again. "As for Charlie dying again, I doubt he would commit the same mistake twice."

I found myself laughing at her choice of words. "Yeah he's not the type of guy of doing the same thing twice." I giggled before it quickly disappeared. "I slapped Miranda."

"What?" Liara asked bewildered. I closed my eyes, ready for her lecture. "Why?" she said simply.

"I...I told her that she failed him. She's supposed to protect him. Charlie was unconscious for six days because he inhaled red sand and a toxin that boosted biotic powers. I was so furious at her. I had no reason to be really."

"I'm sure Miranda did the best she could." Liara said after two seconds of silence.

"That's exactly what Miranda said." I looked away towards the dark night sky outside. "Well enough about that. Miranda's right, Charlie's right and you're right. I lose so cased solved." I said between my teeth, sounding more angrily than I should have.

"Shepard..."

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. "I'm sorry love. Let's just forget the conversation ever happen and let's enjoy our time together." I leaned closer and nuzzled my nose with hers. "You did invite me to your apartment after all." I grinned. "You must have gotten very lonely." I added in a husky tone.

"Shepard, I..."

I interrupted by grabbing her legs and pulling her on top of me. "Less talking love. Show me how much you've missed me." She signaled me to go upstairs and I carried her up the stairs in her bed. I grabbed her breasts, finding it pleasing just how they have grown over the last two years. If I live long enough, I'll be playing with them more often. I bit my bottom lip as I heard a soft moan escaped from my lover's lips as I gave her breasts a light squeeze. Her eyes turned black as she wound up on top of me.

"Embrace Eternity."

November 13, 2185

Illium - Liara's apartment - Commander Shepard - 0600 hours

I stirred awake, feeling the best I have woken up these last two years. Liara's naked body was draped over me; one of her legs was between mine. Last night was incredible. I smiled at the sleeping asari above me and began kissing her shoulder softly. She moaned in her sleep and a grin appeared on my lips. My kisses trailed upward towards her neck, to her chin before finishing on her lips. My hands began lightly touching Liara's beautiful toned tummy, causing Liara to wake up giggling. I flipped us over and continued my gentle attack on her stomach.

"Does that tickle?" I grinned. Liara kept giggling and I stopped for a moment so I could let Liara catch her breath. Once Liara settled down she looked me with widened eyes.

"Shepard please don-"

I grinned and resumed my attack.

"Shepard!" Liara giggled as my hands moved throughout her abdomen. I leaned down to began kissing and biting her neck. Liara wrapped her arms around me and we held each other, causing me to stop tickling her.

"What are you doing today?" I asked.

"I have to head back to my office and continue working." We both frowned. I held her tighter by wrapping my legs around her.

"Stay here with me." I pleaded.

"I can't. I have to find my friend."

"Please? For a few more hours?" I pouted.

"You aren't a very good pouter." Liara smiled and kissed me on the nose. "but I'll stay here with you for a few more hours."

"Do you want to have brunch with me?" I asked.

"That sounds lovely...but why brunch? It's early right now and we can still have breakfast instead." Liara tilted her head in confusion.

"Well," I said softly as I leaned close to her lips, cocking my brow upward in a seductive motion. "I have something in mind that we can do that will require us to miss breakfast." I connected my lips with hers as my hands squeezed her breasts. "I can't get enough of you."

"Neither can I." Liara moaned before her eyes turned black again.

Illium - Castle suites - Room 1028 - Commander Alonso - 1000 hours

I stirred awake on my bed, finding my bed empty. I sat up quickly and looked around for Miri. Where is she? "Miranda?" I called out. No answer. I grabbed my briefs and slipped out of the bedroom. "Miranda?" I called out again. Still no answer. Where could she have gone?

The door opened and Miranda walked in with her same black pants and a V-neck buttoned blouse with a dainty D-ring belt. She walked in with a bellboy that carried a cart that had a few cases.

"What are those?" I asked.

"Our equipment." She said simply while she thanked the bellboy and tipping the young man. Miri closed the door behind him and elaborated further. "I forgot some things on board and I thought it would be a good idea to bring our weapons and armor...in case of emergency."

Oh. I walked over and helped Miranda carry the large cases into our bedroom. "Is there a reason why you brought this?"

"It's just a precaution Charlie. Something I learned from my past experiences." I looked at her for awhile and she sighed. "There was a time when I was staying in a suite like this when I was younger. I left all of my guns in my shuttle and a squad came in to kill me. I barely escaped with my life and from then, I took extra precaution and took my things everywhere. It never hurts to be prepared Commander."

I brought her close to me, wrapping my arms on her petite frame, giving her a light squeeze. "Thanks. I'm gonna go take a shower. Have you eaten?" Miranda shook her head. "Alright, order some room service and I'll be out in a bit." I kissed her forehead and went to the bathroom.

Illium - Castle Suites - Room 1028 - Miranda Lawson - 1015 hours

After grabbing a glass of water, I looked out the large window that showed the beautiful city outside. I half-lied to Charlie. I woke up around four in the morning and headed to the hospital to get checked up to see if I could have children. It was stupid for me to think about life with children. During my years, I have never wanted kids. I couldn't fool myself into having a normal life. But as I turned to the bedroom, my thoughts turned to Charlie. With him, anything is possible. Maybe he's the one person in this galaxy that I could ever possibly see myself settle down with and have a family. So here I stood, waiting for a message from the hospital. My omni-tool beeped moments later. I swiped over and checked my messages, finding a brand new message from Illium Medical Center:

TEST RESULTS, PATIENT 12-66AD-1

Miss Lawson,

As per your request for privacy, this message will be removed from our database upon confirmation of send integrity.

While we cannot firmly attribute the cause the benign neoplasm to the irregularity in your genetic makeup, we can confirm that the progressive damage renders you unable to conceive a child.

I stopped reading the rest of the message. I dropped the glass in my hands and re-read the last few words in that sentence. No... I shook my head in defiance. I-It can't be! I closed my eyes and tears flowed down my cheeks. The moment of happiness I felt just seconds before had suddenly disappeared. I could never have children. I could never make Charlie happy. He would never forgive me if I told him. Deep down inside, I knew he wanted a family. I rebuilt his memories for God's sake! It would crush him if I ever told him about this terrible news. He would leave me for sure!

"Miranda what do want to do today!" Charlie called out from the bedroom.

Shit! I sniffed and quickly wiped away my tears as I heard footsteps approaching me. "I uh." I looked down as he stood next to me. "I don't know. I'm up for anything." I forced a smile as I kicked the glass away.

"Something wrong?" He asked. His fingers wrapped under my chin and lifted me but I looked away. "Miri...you're crying. What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I choked. No. Don't do this. Please don't ask me anything else!

"Miranda talk to me." The pad of his thumb began wipe the stray tear that betrayed me. I swatted his hand away and backed away.

"No!" I yelled, causing him to jump. "I'm fine alright? Stop fucking questioning me. I hate it when you keep asking me what the hell is wrong with me. I'm fine you bloody idiot!" I stormed out of the room and slammed the door to the bedroom, mentally cursing myself for yelling at him. He didn't deserve it. But better to yell at him than tell him the truth. I buried my face inside the pillow and wept.

The door opened slowly minutes later.

"Miranda?" Charlie called out softly. I buried my face deeper in the pillow. Go away you stubborn ass! I felt Charlie's weight crawled into the bed, followed by comforting hands on my shoulder. "Miri what's wrong? Can't you talk to me?" I shook my head defiantly. "Alright." Charlie breathed deeply. "I'll leave you alone to rest."

I quickly turned and grabbed him arm. "Please...hold me."

Charlie looked at me with worry but complied. He climbed back into bed and lovingly wrapped his arms around me. I cried into his shoulders while he brushed his hands in my hair, cooing me. "Shhh. It's alright sweatheart. I love you and I'm here for you with whatever you need. Okay?"

I nodded but I didn't tell him. I couldn't. and I never will. I promised myself and fell asleep in his arms.

Six hours later...

I woke up to another beep from my omni-tool. I sat up and began read another new message.

To: Operative Lawson

Code Purple.

Meet me at Eternity Bar.

- Operative Casey

My eyes opened wide. I knew what that message meant. My sister is in danger.

"Ah, you're awake." Charlie walked into my room with a smile on his face.

"I have to go." I said as I pulled my catsuit from my luggage and began to change.

"What? Where?"

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you. Please understand. I have to do this on my own." I grabbed my weapons and headed began heading out the door, only to have Charlie blocking my way. "Get out of my way Charlie."

"No. You are telling me what the fuck is going on. I want to help damn it. Now please tell me what is going on?" Charlie glared at me and flared his biotics.

"Fine you want to help?" I began furiously. "Get in your armor and grab you're weapons. I don't have bloody time to explain."

Charlie nodded and rushed to his suitcase, got into his armor and grabbed his pistol and shotgun. "Let's go." We ran rode into the elevator and ran into the taxi cab and went flew towards the Nos Astra transit hub. "You want to talk about what is going on?"

"My sister is in danger Commander. I just received a message from my agent that was looking after her. He told me to meet him at the Eternity Bar. Let's just hope I'm not too late."

Illium - Eternity Bar - Commander Alonso - 1600 hours

Miranda and I walked into the bar. I was too concerned for Miranda's sister's safety to even take a look around. Miranda walked into a secluded part of the bar, finding a tall, muscular man waiting for us. His muscular arms were crossing in front of his chest. His face had a classical marine style and it showed in his angry, hard-edge expression. That jaw is chiseled by Michaelangelo himself. I looked at him up and down. He doesn't seem to be a particularly happy guy.

"Lawson." He nodded towards my girlfriend before looking at me with narrowed eyes and a grunt. I arched my brows and was about to speak before Miranda beat me to the punch.

"What happened? Is Oriana alright?"

"She's fine but that guy who you listed as his source? Niket? He contacted me and warned me that your father has sent eclipse mercenaries to make a sweep. He suggested that the mercs were watching for you personally. He offered to escort Oriana's family to the terminals instead."

I turned to Miranda and asked, "You never mentioned about this Niket guy before."

"Niket is a friend of mine. He and I go back a long way." She turned to the operative and gave a curt nod. "Thank you Operative Casey. We'll follow Niket's suggestion. Chuck and I will take the car and draw their attention. Have Niket escort the family to the shuttle and give him full access to the family's itinerary just to be safe."

"Understood Lawson." Casey nodded and left.

"So," I followed Miranda as we walked back towards the transit hub. "Our plan is to get shot by eclipse mercs while your sister makes a break for it?"

"I understand that it's a risky chance but if you don't want to help me, you can just leave." Miranda replied with venom.

"Hey, I didn't say I didn't want to help. I'm just trying to get on the same page."

Miranda sighed and stopped. "I'm sorry. It's been a stressful day so far. I'm thankful that you're trying to help. Really. I appreciate this." I pulled her into a quick hug. "I never expected the eclipse to show up but... I guess they never planned on facing you." Miranda smiled.

"It'll be fun to shoot some eclipse." I grabbed her hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "We're a team Miri. I'm glad I could help." Miranda smiled and kissed me on the lips. I embraced her once more before we got into the car and drove into the Illium skies.

Can you name the episode of Chuck where that Michaelangelo reference was made? :D

Lol anyways, I would like to take the time to thank subsider34 and digijim95 for your reviews for the last two chapters.

Subsider: I will probably have Charlie talk to Thane about that due to the Commander's close relationship with the Justicar.

Digijim: I'm glad you got the reference with the olives :) and I hope you and other Chucksters enjoyed the small character swap in this chapter. It wasn't necessary but I couldn't resist :p

I also want to thank the new followers and/or subscribers. I appreciate the love.

Feel free to leave a review to tell me what you thought and what you hope to see in the future. I want to take a small breather before I update this story since Miranda's loyalty mission is up next in the lineup. I still have Citadel High chapters to write after all ;) I can't let those guys hanging over there.

So until next time :)