Relatively short chapter but things are progressing as planned. There will not be any updates until at least next weekend as I'm going out of town! Please review!

When he returned home, Liara and Astraea had not yet returned from Liara's office. She must have been pressured into some socialization. He thought to himself with a smile. While Liara was more comfortable interacting with her own species, she was still somewhat of a recluse. Years of studying on her own on remote dig sites, followed by her tenure as the shadow broker hadn't really done much to expose her to normal social interaction. He was happy that she could experience some companionship outside their home. He still missed her though. She was his rock, his constant, his confident, and his best friend.

Still sweaty from his run, he showered and dressed in comfortable clothes before sitting down on the couch and turning on his holoprojector, ready to watch the galactic news for any sign of odd activities. He listened to the entire cycle of information, a scholarship was announced in Thane Krios' name to help less fortunate children stationed in the wards, the alliance between the Quarians and the Geth continued to flourish, the Quarians expected to operate outside their enviro suits within the year, and the latest Archangel vid was breaking records. Either there was nothing or they just weren't reporting anything out of the ordinary. He slumped back in his chair a little further, listening to Armali's weather report.

"Shepard." He jumped and looked behind him, his eyes wide and searching. He starred intently in the direction of the kitchen, waiting for something to happen.

"Shepard!" The voice changed directions, and was now louder, different, familiar.

He stood, and looked towards his study, slowly approaching it. He entered with caution and the lights slowly illuminated the room. He saw nothing.

"Your species needs to learn its place, Shepard."

He spun, and was now facing the large window behind his desk, the lights in the room only allowing him to see his own, frightened expression. He knew that voice.

"Saren?"

"You can't fight them, Shepard. You can't win. Let them in."

"You're dead. I killed you." The voice was all around him now. In the shelves of paper books, in the artifacts that scattered the room, in the encased N7 armour.

"You cannot kill what is already dead." Then he saw him. Saren appeared almost out of no-where and was now standing, towering above Shepard. "We are eternal!"

He slammed Shepard up against a bookcase, rocking him to the core, his hand firmly around his neck, his grip tightening. Shepard clawed at his hand desperately trying to break free from his merciless hold. "Let them in Shepard."

"Fuck you" His answer was stifled by hand around his neck. The world was starting to go dark, shadows closing in around him.

"So be it." He released his hand and Shepard thumped to the floor, trying to catch his breath. When he looked up, Saren was gone. He stood and rushed over to his vault, pulling out the pistol inside, and began searching the house.

What the hell was that? Where did that come from? Saren was dead. Dead! He had seen him shoot himself on the citadel, and he had killed him one more time for good measure. He couldn't be back. Not physically. This must have been a Reaper trick to get into his mind. They not only haunted his dreams, they were forcing themselves into his reality as well.

He saw headlights approaching the house and quickly stashed his pistol back into the vault before greeting Liara, and their now sleeping daughter.

"Hey you two" he started, trying to hide the anxiety he was feeling.

"Hi. Are you alright? You look drained." He wasn't fooling anyone apparently.

"Yeah I'm fine. " He reached out for Astraea and Liara transferred the sleeping Asari into his arms while she removed her jacket. "I was just lifting some weights. How was your day?"

"Exhausting. But fun. She was well behaved and everyone enjoyed seeing her." She approached and kissed Shepard. "I'm going to take a bath. Do you mind tucking her in?"

"It would be my pleasure." He said with a smile and watched Liara make her way to their washroom. He carried Astraea to her room, carefully changed her into some pajamas and lay her down in her crib. He softly stroked his head crest and kissed her forehead, saying a silent 'I love you' in the process. He left, closing the door, and tried to slow his heartbeat as he approached the washroom, peering into every dark room as he walked by.

She was stepping into the tub when he walked in, and he watched her in admiration as she sank into the hot water, letting relaxation wash over her. Feeling his gaze, she turned and looked at him, a soft smile on her face.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare?"

"No." He replied, returning her smile as walked over and sat on the ledge of the tub. "I'm going to sit here and stare."

She reached out and grabbed his hand when she noticed his eyes searching the room. "You could join me…"

He let out a quiet laugh, "No that's alright. You enjoy." He continued to look around the room, his breathing becoming a little shallower. "I just…I just want to be…close." He was trying hard to express the way he was feeling. Protective was the best word he could come up with, but he kept quiet about it for fear of making Liara nervous. He was nervous enough for both of them.

"Tell me what happened to the Reapers when I activated the catalyst." He asked her, looking for confirmation more than an answer.

She looked at him with a mixture of confusion and concern. "They…exploded. Like they were self-destructing. Nothing was left of them."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, Shepard. I saw it." She squeezed his hand a little tighter and sat up. "What is this about?"

He smiled. "Nothing. Just wondering I guess. Old memories, you know?" He leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips. "Now please continue with your bath. You are filthy, and you smell terrible, it looks like you might need an extra hand."

She threw a wet washcloth in his face. "I'm not sure whether I should be offended or flattered."

He reached for her leg and caressed it with the washcloth. "Maybe both."