Landing outside the Shepard/T'Soni home Elly is asleep in the front seat. Liara leaves the car with Raina to get her situated in the house. Shepard wakes realizing she is alone in the car. She is not sure how long she has been there. She opens the door of the sky car and swings her legs out. Yawning she rubs at her face to try to wake up. The front door looks so far away.
Shepard scoots to the edge of the car seat; both hands are on the car's doorframe. Taking a deep breath she stands up. She is a bit wobbly but uses the car for balance as she makes sure she can stand on her own. It is not exactly a nice feeling; she just woke up from a nap and yet is exhausted. She already feels sweat forming on her brow and she hasn't even taken a step.
She knows she should sit back down but doesn't think she can and she sure can't take a step. She feels stuck and Shepard is cursing herself for even trying such a stupid thing. She blames her tiredness thinking that Liara would just leave her in the car for a long period of time.
"Shepard!"
Oh thank God Shepard thinks she knows she cannot stand much longer, her legs are shaking. Liara puts both arms around her, almost like a bear hug, she guides Shepard back into the car.
"What the hell were you thinking?" yells Liara.
Shepard is panting and she is pale.
"I leave you for two minutes, I cannot believe you. You could have hurt yourself!" Liara is pacing now, she is a mixture of furious and fear.
Gasping for breath Shepard says "I'm…sor"
"..sorry?" Liara yells. "Oh by all means that fixes everything Elly! Do you want me to take you back to Karin?"
Liara looks at Shepard; she looks so small, so weak. Though she is furious she is more scared than anything. Her feelings of losing Shepard are at the surface and have been since she was shot. She wants to protect her bondmate, keep her close, but for Shepard to do such a thing is just idiotic.
Shepard is able to slow her breathing now; she knows Liara is mad and scared all in one package. "Liara."
"What!" Liara stops her pacing and looks at Elly.
"Can you please help me?"
Liara could continue to yell and rant but her simple request for help diffuses her feelings instantly. Elly does not ask for help very often. Though Liara is happy to help she is scared that Elly needs it.
Liara leans down to help when Shepard says, "Can you use your biotics please. I don't think I can walk."
Liara's heart sinks. "Are you in pain Elly?"
"Just a little," she winces as she says it.
"Goddess Elly, I am calling Karin."
Elly grabs her hand, "That's not necessary, please can you just get me inside…please?"
"Okay..I'm…I'm sorry of course." Liara lifts Elly using her biotics.
Setting her down on the bed Liara moves to help Shepard get undressed.
"I'm sorry Liara I ..I don't know what I was thinking. I woke up and you and Raina were gone."
"Oh Elly I am so sorry. I wanted to get Raina situated in the house before waking you. I was gone for just a minute."
Shepard is sitting while Liara is at her feet taking her shoes off. Shepard strokes her crest. "I'm sorry I scared you Liara. Are you okay?"
Liara looks up and takes Elly's hand into hers, "You did scare me Elly. You have to let yourself heal. You could have really hurt yourself." Liara kisses her hand.
Shepard with her other hand pulls Liara closer to her. "I love you Liara." Shepard nearly falls into Liara when their lips meet. It has been awhile since they have been together, but Liara knows she cannot do this type of activity right now. Breaking from the kiss, "I have missed that," says Shepard as she hugs Liara taking in her scent as her lips kiss along Liara's neck.
"Elly, we can't do this now."
Shepard knows what she means, she already feels like she could fall asleep. Sighing "I know, I just wanted a little taste," she flashes her sly grin but it is quickly replaced with a wince.
"Okay, you need to lie back."
Shepard does not resist, she lets Liara help her to her pillow. Shepard doesn't like feeling helpless but she also doesn't mind it when Liara undresses her, though she wishes the circumstances were different.
Liara notices her smiling as she takes her pants off. "What are you smiling about?"
"I'm ravaging you in my mind right now," quips Shepard.
"Ohh really?" asks Liara.
Shepard merely nods.
With Shepard's pajama top in her hand Liara asks "Can you sit up?"
Shepard props herself up on her elbows, "Afraid this is the best I can do at the moment."
"Okay, I'm going to lift you then." Liara uses her biotics. Shepard is hovering just about waist level. It makes it easier for Liara to redress her in her pajamas. Shepard loves the feeling of weightlessness, she is still smiling.
As Liara gently lowers Shepard back on the bed she says "You know I could meld to see exactly what it is that is bringing such a smile to your face."
"Please do."
"You are tired Elly. You need to rest. Maybe later."
"Promise?" Shepard catches Liara's wrist and looks at her. "I really miss you Liara."
Liara leans down and kisses Shepard fully on the lips. "I miss you too. You rest now. If you need me please use your omni-tool if I can't hear you call out okay. Do not try to get up."
"Yes Ma'am." Shepard knows she is serious and she willingly obeys. She does not want to further injure herself.
Liara kisses her again then reluctantly leaves Shepard to sleep.
"You sure you are okay?" Miranda is getting ready to visit Shepard and Liara; she heard that Dr. Chakwas released Shepard to recuperate at home.
"Yes Miranda, I want to come," says Arelia.
Miranda is worried; Arelia lost Shelby three days ago and Arelia seems to be fine, almost too fine.
"Miranda do not worry. Would you be happier if I was crying and still in bed?"
Actually yes she thinks, "No not at all Arelia, I …well I don't know what." Miranda knows people deal with grief in different ways. She and Arelia have spent the last three days remembering Shelby. During their melds Arelia has shown everything there is to know about her daughter. It is as if Miranda actually knew her. It feels weird to Miranda, she is grateful for the memories of course, but to see Arelia smiling and more confident well it is a bit unnerving.
It is not like Miranda expects Arelia to stay in bed for weeks and weeks, and cry and cry though she has cried a lot already even Miranda has cried a lot. It actually has been exhausting. She is just worried that visiting Shepard will bring it all back and that is what she wants to tell Arelia though she suspects the asari already knows.
Arelia brushes Miranda's hair behind her ear. "I am okay Miranda. I will get sad from time to time and I suspect that will happen for awhile, but that does not mean I stop living. I want to see Shepard and Liara and little Raina. It will be good to get out of the house don't you think?"
Miranda takes the asari's hand into her own and kisses her palm. "I love you Arelia. I just want what's best for you."
"This is what is best," insists Arelia.
"All right then. Let's go."
"Hello you two," says Liara as she hugs Arelia then Miranda. "Please come in."
"Thank you Liara, I am so glad we were able to come by, it is nice to see you," says Arelia. "I hope Shepard is doing well.
Miranda sees Liara stiffen slightly. "What's going on Liara?"
"She ..ah…well she is still recovering. It is to be expected according to Dr. Chakwas."
Miranda does not like what she is hearing, "She is still in bed?"
Liara hears the concern in her voice, "Yes..but"
"…but nothing Liara. Can I go see her?" asks Miranda.
Arelia places her hand on Miranda's back as if to indicate that the human is scaring Liara. Her suspicions are confirmed when she looks at Arelia's face.
"Sorry Liara. Karin is probably right, but I would still like to see her if you don't mind."
Liara is not fooled by Miranda's sudden tone of voice change. "Of course, last I checked though she was sleeping. Let me go see."
Miranda steps in front of Liara, "Let me if you don't mind."
Looking at her Liara is hoping Miranda can find some answers as to why Shepard is still so weak. "Of course, we will be in the family room."
Miranda heads for the bedroom.
Seeing Shepard sleeping, Miranda decides to run a scan before waking her. The soft clicking of her omni-tool makes Shepard stir.
"What's going on?" Shepard slurs, still half asleep.
"Sorry Shepard. It's Miranda. Liara tells me you still feel pretty weak."
"Yeah. And what you just had to come see for yourself?" Shepard turns to sit up.
"Hold still please, I am almost done."
Shepard lets out a heavy sigh. She is not a happy camper. She hates being bedridden and hates that she is not feeling well. She wants to feel normal again, well at least the way she felt before she was shot.
"Okay, you can move now. Do you need help sitting up?"
Though she wouldn't mind the help she says she doesn't need it, "I got it."
Miranda sees her wince as she sits up. Miranda helps adjust some pillows. "You comfortable?"
"Fine," Miranda knows she is angry. "So?"
"What?" asks Miranda.
"What's the scan say?"
Miranda checks the scan, "Everything looks normal Shepard."
Shepard snorts, "Then why do I still feel like shit? I can't even stay awake during the day."
Hearing this is very concerning to Miranda. "Your color is a bit pale Shepard. Have you been running a fever?" Miranda touches her forehead with the back of her hand.
"No. Liara runs a scan every time I wake up. Says the same thing, nothing's wrong. So you telling me this is all in my head?"
"Not at all Shepard. Are you able to walk?"
"Not for very long. I barely made it to the bathroom yesterday before I had to take a knee, I thought my legs were gonna give out on me."
"I want to take some blood Shepard so I can analyze it. Something may be going on that is not showing up on the scan."
"Be my guest."
"Well I don't have…oh wait. I do have a kit in the car. Let me get it." Miranda turns to leave.
"Hey," Shepard catches her wrist. When Miranda looks at her she asks "Could this be serious?"
Placing her hand over Shepard's she pats it, "Let me run some tests first okay?"
Shepard nods as she sinks a little more into the bed.
Miranda hears laughing coming from the family room as she leaves the bedroom. "What's going on in here?"
Laughing Arelia and Liara are on the floor with Raina. "She is mumbling," says Arelia.
"Ba ba ba ba" says Raina.
"She is just so precious Liara," says Arelia.
Miranda kneels down to listen and can't help but smile. Her smile fades when she thinks of Shepard. "Can we maybe bring Shepard out here?"
Liara looks at her, "Is she awake?"
"Yes, I'm afraid I woke her when I ran my scan."
Worried "Did you find anything?"
"No. But I have a kit in the car and would like to take some blood to analyze it. I don't like her color Liara and I sure don't like that she is still weak."
Standing now Liara asks "Do you think something is wrong? That this is not a normal recovery?"
"I am not saying that Liara, I just want to test her blood as a precaution." Miranda decides to keep her theories to herself without concrete evidence.
Liara nods.
"I think it might be good for Shepard if she is out here with us it may improve that mood of hers," smiles Miranda.
"Of course," says Liara.
"I'll help you Liara," says Arelia.
Miranda heads for the car to get her med kit.
"I can do it Arelia thank you. I will be right back."
Liara enters the bedroom she sees Shepard slouching low on the bed. "Hi Elly," she leans in to kiss her.
Shepard does not respond, she doesn't even open her mouth.
Liara steps back, "What is it?"
"You having fun out there?"
Liara knows Shepard is not feeling well but her mood is getting on her nerves. She has been nothing but hostile for the past two days since she has been home. "We are actually. I came in here to get you."
Crossing her arms over her chest Shepard says "Don't do me any favors."
Liara leans down to look Shepard right in the eye. "If you want to continue to stay in here and sulk and feel sorry for yourself fine Elly, but we have guests. I will be out there having fun with or without you." Standing now crossing her arms over her chest, "What's it going to be? You want to join us or not?"
"Not."
Sighing Liara says nothing more and leaves her bondmate to sulk.
Arelia is all smiles as she plays with little Raina. "Has she said Ma Ma yet?" she asks Liara as she returns to the family room. Furrowing her brow she asks "Where's Shepard?"
Letting out a heavy sigh Liara slumps into a nearby chair. "She prefers to sulk in her bedroom. And no Raina has not said Ma Ma yet." Liara huffs.
"You okay Liara?"
"I am," sighing again "she is just so infuriating sometimes."
Arelia seems to understand. "Is she still in pain?"
"Yes and she is so tired all of the time. I don't understand it."
The two asari hear Miranda return and walk into the bedroom.
"Haven't they come to get you?" asks Miranda
"Excuse me?" Shepard snarls.
"I thought you would want to sit out there with the rest of us." Miranda sets her kit down on the nearby dresser.
"No thanks."
"Ah I see."
Narrowing her eyes at Miranda, "What do you see?"
"I recognize brooding when I see it Shepard. I thought you were better than that."
"Guess you thought wrong."
"Arm" Miranda is ready to take a blood sample.
Shepard extends her arm.
"Ouch! You did that on purpose."
Miranda smirks a little. "You know Shepard you are acting like a baby. I swear Raina is more mature than you are right now."
"Oh Miranda you are so fucking funny."
Miranda shakes her head.
"Got something to say Lawson."
Miranda turns to look at her, "Have you been treating Liara like this Shepard?"
The question stuns her to say the least. Uncrossing her arms she asks "Why?"
"That woman loves you Shepard. She would do anything, anything for you and you act like this. She is busting her ass trying to care for you AND she has a baby she is taking care of. I would think you would show her more appreciation."
Shepard narrows her eyes at Miranda. She is wondering if Liara said something to her. She has been crabby but not mean to Liara has she? She feels like crap and when she feels helpless on top of that she gets pissed, loses the little patience she has and is ….yeah she is pretty sure she has not treated Liara very well.
Miranda turns to leave the bedroom; she has packed up her kit.
"Aren't you gonna give me the results?"
"I can't check it here. I have to do it at home. I don't have the right equipment." Miranda can tell she is a little nervous though she doubts she would ever admit it. "I will let you know tonight okay Shepard?"
"Okay, hey."
"What?"
"Can you tell Liara to come in here please? Thanks."
Miranda smiles.
"You wanted to see me?" Liara remains at a distance her arms are crossed over her chest. She does not want to go another round with Shepard.
"I…I just wanted to apologize Liara. I didn't realize I was treating you so poorly. I …well I'm sorry."
"Okay," Liara is not really convinced. She knows the last few days have been hard for Shepard, but they have been hard for Liara too. "That it?"
Shepard is a little surprised by Liara's hostility, but then again she shouldn't be. Shepard realizes by Liara's behavior that she has been mean otherwise Liara would not be reacting this way.
"Umm," she is not sure she should ask. "Can I join you?"
Liara can see that Shepard is trying. Her bondmate will hardly look at her, she knows she feels bad.
"Of course, I can lift you if you want," says Liara.
"Please," says Shepard. "But.."
"What?"
"I think I should get some clothes on first," Shepard says with her sly grin.
It is hard for Liara to resist that grin. She didn't even realize Shepard was still in her pajamas since that is all she has been in lately.
"Well well look who is joining us?" smiles Miranda.
Arelia looks up from playing with Raina to see Shepard in a blue bubble being lowered onto the couch. She hopes her face does not give away the shocked look she has as her looks at Shepard. She is so used to seeing her strong and vibrant, but now she looks weak, pale, small and tired.
"Hello Shepard it is good to see you."
Liara adjusts some pillows for Shepard. "Hey Arelia," she winces a little. "So what are you guys doing out here?"
"We are trying to teach Raina how to say Ma Ma," says Arelia.
"Oh really? What about Pa Pa? I think she should learn that first," Shepard smiles. She is happy that Liara sat next to her. Shepard squeezes her leg.
"First things first Shepard," says Miranda as she sits on the floor to join Arelia and Raina.
"So what's for dinner?" asks Shepard.
They all look at her. Liara says "I didn't know if you would be up for it."
Shepard can see the concern in Liara's face. "Of course I am I'm starving." She is lying; she is not hungry at all.
"Tell you what," says Miranda. "How about I go and get some pasta from that place you two like and bring it back."
"Oh you don't have to do that Miranda," says Liara.
"Nonsense. I will swing by the estate to test Shepard's blood; that is if you can wait awhile."
Liara looks to Shepard with such hope in her eyes. All Shepard can think about is how tired she is. She does not know if she will be able to stay awake by the time Miranda returns. "Of course," replies Shepard.
Miranda looks to Arelia. Arelia nods letting Miranda know it is okay to go alone. "Okay then, I will be back as soon as I can."
"Ma Ma, Ma Ma," says Arelia. Raina seems very enthralled with the asari matron.
Liara wraps her arms around Shepard as she watches the interaction. She lays her head on Shepard's shoulder. "I love you Elly."
Kissing her temple Shepard says "I love you too Liara. I don't know how you put up with me. Sorry I have been so difficult lately."
Liara squeezes her and kisses her cheek, "It's okay."
"No it's not, but thank you."
"Ma Ma," says Arelia. Raina looks at her with raised eyebrows. "Ma Ma."
"She is just so adorable," says Arelia. "May I hold her?"
"Yes of course," says Liara.
Arelia scoops up the little bundle of joy. "Her eyes are so beautiful Shepard, just like yours."
Shepard smiles, "Yeah, I think they look better on her." Shepard wants to say something more to Arelia but she does not know if this is the right time. When is the right time to say sorry your daughter is dead? She didn't get a chance to tell her before she and Miranda left the Normandy.
"Uh…" Shepard takes Liara's hand for strength, "Arelia?"
Arelia looks at her, "Yes?"
Liara can sense Shepard is about to say something serious. She squeezes her hand to let her know she is not alone.
"I…I am so sorry about Shelby."
Arelia gives a slight smile, "Thank you Shepard. I am so grateful for your help."
"Grateful?" Shepard actually didn't mean to say that out loud, but she is shocked.
Arelia stands, Raina still in her arms. "Yes Shepard. I am very grateful to you and to Liara and Miranda. To everyone on the Normandy. Because of you I was able to see my daughter again. Touch her face and hold her hand. You did that for me Shepard, so yes I am grateful."
Shepard was not expecting it, the tears come quickly. There are too many to wipe away or hide. She feels Liara's arm around her shoulders.
Arelia moves toward Liara, Liara knows what she wants. She gets up and takes Raina. Arelia sits beside Shepard and hugs her. "Thank you Shepard for everything."
It is too much. Shepard starts to cry. She holds tightly to Arelia. "I'm so sorry Arelia."
"You have nothing to be sorry for Shepard."
Liara cannot stop the tears in her owneyes. She knows this is good for Shepard. She knows her bondmate has been blaming herself for not being able to do more for Shelby. She hopes this will help with her healing.
The machine is finally done processing the results. Miranda has a look at the blood sample from Shepard and she does not like what she sees.