I had you once. I never stopped loving you. You were all mine and then you were gone. Comforting you when you needed it I gave my soul to you and what did you do in return? You left me. Didn't want this you said. You said you just wanted to be friends. After everything I gave to you, you treated me like the scum you find on the bottom of your shoe.

When I left Thessia all I could think of was you. All of the lovers I took were nothing compared to you. Part of me is still a part of you and I must have you to feel whole again. I have been watching you my dear. Your face appears happy but when I tasted you and felt your mind I knew you wanted me as badly as I want you. I will have you my dear and you will beg for me.

Waking Shepard feels the pain as she stretches carefully while on her back. The tightness in her chest is always the worst in the morning. Looking to her left she is grateful that she has not awoken Liara. Tracing a line with her finger up and down Liara's arm Shepard never tires of the feel of the asari's skin. Seeing a smile on Liara's face Shepard replaces her finger with her lips.

"Hmm what are you doing Elly?"

Shepard slowly moves her lips up to Liara's neck licking and biting along the way. "Are you complaining?"

Liara feels her smile against her skin. "I think you don't want a lecture for pushing yourself too hard yesterday." Shepard came home around lunch time yesterday exhausted. Liara had to help her make it to the bed to sleep.

Continuing her soft kisses Shepard makes her way to Liara's lips and kisses her fully. They both moan softly into each other's mouths. "Elly?"

"Hmm?" Elly works her way down Liara's body.

"I want to have Valya and Dara over to meet Miranda and Arelia. I want to try out the caterer we hired for the party before the party. I want them to make us something to make sure I like them."

With her mouth on the asari's breast, Elly stops what she is doing and props up on her elbow to look at Liara. "Are you really talking about this right now?" Shepard cannot believe it; she usually can turn on Liara pretty well. "Uh, I am trying to do something here."

"What? Oh sorry Elly. I wanted to ask you before I forgot. I was thinking of having them over in a couple of nights. Is that okay?"

Shepard turns from Liara and swings her legs over the bed. "Yep that's fine."

"Where are you going? I don't think you are done," says Liara in her sultry tone.

"Oh we're done. She doesn't say it in anger, more like disappointment. The mood has passed." Shepard stands and stretches.

"Elly. Elly please come back."

"It's okay Liara really. I need to get going anyway."

Liara sits up. "You are not going to work today." It is a statement not a question.

"Actually I am." Shepard starts to walk to the bathroom.

Liara quickly gets out of bed and blocks the entrance to the bathroom. "I don't think that is a good idea."

Sighing, Shepard says "I need to feel useful Liara. I will go in for just a few hours."

"Elly," Liara places her hands on the human's face. "Please. I don't want you to hurt yourself."

Shepard takes her hands into her own. She smiles at her. "Liara, I promise I will only stay a few hours. I know how it feels now when I have gone too far okay."

Liara snaps her hands away. "Fine go to work. I'll be home taking care of our daughter." Liara turns away from her in a huff and strides out of their bedroom.

If Shepard wasn't so sore she would probably go after Liara to apologize, but she is mad at the moment. She was trying to seduce her wife and all she could talk about was some stupid dinner party. She feels rejected and Liara probably doesn't even realize it.

Trying not to feel sorry for herself Shepard enters the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Arelia sees Shepard walk past her office. The asari was not expecting to see her today. "Shepard?"

There is no reply. Arelia gets up from her chair and makes her way to Shepard's office. Looking in she sees the human sitting at her desk. Her head is down, hands are in her hair and her elbows are on the desk. She does not seem too happy. Arelia is not sure if she should bother the Captain, but Shepard did reach out to her earlier so Arelia wants to return the favor. "Shepard?"

Shepard looks up at the asari. "What?" her tone is one Arelia understands, it basically says leave me the fuck alone.

"I…I just wanted to see if you are okay. I will leave you alone." Arelia walks away, Shepard doesn't stop her.

"Morning Oriana. You sure got in late again last night," says Miranda as she hands her sister a cup of coffee.

"Thanks Miri."

"I am making breakfast, you want some?"

Oriana checks the time, "I really shouldn't"

Miranda guides her sister to a kitchen chair. "You are working too hard Ori. I think you can wait another thirty minutes and eat a proper meal."

Miranda sees Oriana wince a little as she sits.

"Are you injured?" asks Miranda.

"I wouldn't say injured exactly," Oriana itches at her side.

"What exactly is it then?" Miranda won't let it go.

Sipping at her coffee Oriana tells Miranda the story about how an asari bumped into her and that she got scratched in the process. The asari's bag had a bad buckle on it with a sharp edge and that is what scratched her.

"And what time was this?" asks Miranda as she and her sister sit to eat breakfast.

"A little past midnight."

Miranda looks at her sister. "Don't you think it is odd that at that time of night you get bumped into."

Shaking her head Ori says "I didn't think about it. She was very apologetic. I don't think she did it on purpose."

Miranda is not convinced and she suspects something. "Did she tell you her name?"

"Umm yeah. In fact I wonder if Arelia will know her."

Feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise, Miranda asks "Why would Arelia know her Ori?"

"She said she was a commando. I think her name was …"

"…Nala." Miranda knows the answer before Oriana confirms it. She is frightened.

"Yeah that's it. How did you know that?"

Trying to calm her nerves Miranda asks Oriana a question. "Please try to focus Ori. Tell me everything she said to you."

Oriana sees how serious Miranda is, so serious it is scaring her. "Why exactly."

"Just tell me Ori. It is very important."

"Hey, do you have a minute Arelia?" asks Shepard. The human is standing outside of her office.

"Yes Shepard, please come in."

Sitting with a sigh, Shepard says "I'm sorry Arelia. I did not mean to snap at you earlier."

"It is alright Shep…"

"…no it isn't. I am upset and I took it out on you. I apologize."

"Okay," says Arelia. She is not used to the Captain being so upset.

"Thanks. Anyway, I wanted to ask you if you had any luck with Miranda's ring size?"

Smiling "Actually yes. I asked her sister Oriana."

"Oriana knows her ring size?"

"Indeed she does. Why is that weird?"

Shrugging her shoulders Shepard says "Surprising I guess, not weird. So have you bought the ring yet?"

"Not yet no."

"Why?" Shepard knows she is prying but she wants to take her mind off of Liara. She is not happy about this morning and she wants to make it up to Liara because she knows how upset she is at her for going to work.

"I am just not sure what she may like," says Arelia.

"You know, you can always go ring shopping with her."

"What do you mean? How would my proposal be a surprise then?" asks Arelia.

"Well. You could propose without a ring then go ring shopping. That way she can pick it out."

"Is that the custom?"

"Well I know some people have done it that way. Otherwise you can ask her sister to ring shop with you. Perhaps Oriana will know her tastes."

Arelia nodding with a smile on her face says "That is a good idea. I think I will ask her, thank you. May I ask you something Shepard?"

"Sure. You can always ask me anything."

"Are you okay?"

"Just a little moody is all, I'll be fine. Hey, if you don't mind I need to leave."

"Of course not. You feel alright?"

"I wish," sighs Shepard. "I'll be fine thanks."

"By the way Shepard, if you and Liara need help with the upcoming party let me know okay?"

Shepard looks at the asari. She is so lucky to have such good friends. "I will let you know. I do know that she wants to have you over for dinner soon. We are using a caterer for the party and she wants to do a trial run with one."

"A trial run?"

"Try them out before the party. Look for the invitation soon. We are also going to have Valya and Dara."

"Oh that would be nice. I have not seen Valya in awhile. How is she doing?"

"She's good."

"I always liked her. It will be good to see her and Dara too. I look forward to it. I bet Miranda will like them as well."

"Yeah I am sure she will. I will see you later Arelia," Shepard leaves.

Arelia wants to stop her. She wants to make sure she is really okay, but she remains silent and lets her leave.

Shepard stopped by a few stores before heading home. She prepares herself for the onslaught of her wife. She does not know if Liara will yell at her or give her the silent treatment. She doesn't care at this point. She just wants to hold her.

Entering their home Shepard carries a few bags inside. She does not see Liara or hear her. She sets the bags on the kitchen counter and walks into the family room. She checks the bedroom and Raina's room, no luck. She suspects that she and Raina are out somewhere.

Shepard decides to open the wine she bought to let it breathe. She starts unpacking the supplies she bought.

"Hello Miranda," says Arelia as she answers her omni-tool, "I was thinki…"

"…Nala approached Oriana." Miranda sounds a cross between angry and panicked.

"What? When?" asks Arelia she stands straight up from her desk.

"Last night outside of the University lab. She bumped into her, literally. Oriana got a scratch from her bag."

"A scratch? Is she alright?"

"Yes. Scans came back normal. I could not stop her from going to work. I think I need to hire a body guard. I cannot risk Nala trying something."

Arelia thinks for a minute. She wonders where Nala is staying, what she is playing at. "That may be a good idea Miranda, I am so sorry."

"You have no reason to be sorry Arelia. It is not your fault she is back. I just wanted to let you know. Please be careful. When are you coming home?"

"Home?"

"I was thinking you should stay with us for awhile at least until we know what Nala wants. That is unless you don't want to stay with us."

"Not at all Miranda, I would love to stay with you. I need to go home though to pick up some things. I can pick up dinner if you like."

"Sounds good Arelia. Please be careful."

"I will be. You be careful too. I will see you soon." Arelia disconnects the call. Sitting at her desk Arelia does some research.

"You are going down for a nap little one," says Liara to Raina as she enters the house. Liara sees the table is set and she smells something cooking.

"Hi Liara. Hi my little blue beauty," says Shepard as she approaches them.

"Elly…what?" Liara is not sure what to think. She is still a bit upset with her bondmate for going to work. "Are you feeling alright?"

Shepard looks at her with a slight smile, "I am fine Liara. I wanted to surprise you. I apologize for this morning Liara."

Liara can tell that Shepard feels uneasy. The ball is in her court now. Liara steps toward her to kiss her. Shepard returns the kiss.

"Let me put her down," says Liara. Raina can barely keep her eyes open.

Shepard stops her, "Let me. There is a bottle of wine I opened on the counter."

Liara wants to say more but decides to wait. "Okay thank you."

Shepard changes Raina's diaper puts her into her pajamas and places her in the crib. "I love you my little blue beauty. You sleep well."

Shepard returns to the kitchen where she finds Liara sitting at the kitchen table sipping on wine. She sits down next to Liara, "Lunch should be ready soon." She does not have any wine due to the pain pills she is still on.

"Elly."

"I didn't overdo it today Liara. I only stayed for a few hours like I said I would. I just had to go Liara. I have to feel useful and I know you took that the wrong way this morning that somehow caring for you and Raina is not useful. That is not what I meant at all. I am just trying to get back to normal before I got shot."

Liara places her hand on Shepard's to cut her off. "I know Elly."

"You do?" Shepard is a little surprised. She was expecting Liara to be very angry with her.

"I know I am being over protective of you. I just want you well Shepard. Your long recovery does not affect just you."

Sighing, "I know. I hate it."

Liara squeezes her hand, "I know you do honey. I wanted to apologize to you Elly."

"For what?" asks Shepard.

"For this morning in our bed."

Shepard shifts a little in her chair, she is uncomfortable.

"I was thinking about it when you left. I imagine my talking about a dinner party while you were pleasing me was not exactly appropriate."

Shepard blushes a little. She cannot believe Liara can be so candid about sex. Being straight forward has always been something Shepard loves about Liara, but Shepard is not exactly comfortable talking about sex. It has only been within the last year that she even initiates it. She feels like she still has training wheels on and she hates it. She wants to be a good lover, a great lover. So when Liara was talking this morning during what Shepard was trying to do it made her feel inferior somehow. That what she was doing to Liara was not good enough to even distract the asari from talking.

"I was enjoying it Elly and I did not mean to ruin it. I was thinking that you perhaps took it as a form of rejection. I hope you know Elly that I would never do such a thing to you. It was not my intent to hurt you."

Shepard loves looking into Liara's eyes but she can't just now. She is too embarrassed. It amazes her how intuitive Liara is. She is right about everything.

Sensing her uneasiness Liara asks "Can lunch wait Elly?"

Shepard looks at her. "What? Why?"

Liara stands up from the kitchen chair. She pushes Shepard's chair back and straddles her looking her in the eyes. "I thought we could start where we left off this morning." Liara says as she runs her fingers through Elly's hair. She ducks her head and kisses Shepard, slowly at first then deepening the kiss running her tongue over Shepard's upper lip.

Shepard squeezes her tight against her, she loves feeling Liara pressed into her. Shepard moves her hands toward Liara's low back and starts to stroke in small circles. Liara moans into her mouth. Shepard wants to carry her into the bedroom but knows that in her physical state right now she can't. As if Liara senses her need to move this to a more comfortable place she slowly gets off of Shepard's lap. Without their lips parting they make their way to the bedroom.

"What took you so long?" Miranda asks as she hugs Arelia upon entering the front door of the estate.

Arelia can tell Miranda is worried because the human will not let her go.

"It's okay Miranda, I am okay," Arelia says.

Miranda kisses her. "You had me worried Arelia. Here let me help you." Miranda takes one of the bags from Arelia's hand. "Do you want to stay in my room," smiles Miranda. As if she needs to ask.

"Yes Miranda of course." Arelia follows Miranda to the bedroom to start to unpack some items from her bags.

"So," Miranda helps her unpack, "What took you so long?"

"I needed to finish up some things at the office. It took longer than I expected. Then I went home to pack some bags. I am sorry I did not call, I did not mean to worry you."

What Arelia is not telling Miranda is that she found out where Nala is staying. She looked up some of her old contacts. Arelia plans on turning the tables on the asari but does not want to involve Miranda just yet. She wants to understand what Nala is playing at and exactly how far she is planning to go.

"It's okay. I know I am being overly cautious," says Miranda.

"Oh, I left the dinner in the sky car," says Arelia.

"I'll get it," says Miranda.

Arelia continues to unpack. Placing items into the adjoining bathroom Arelia smiles to herself when she thinks about talking to Oriana regarding a ring for Miranda. She cannot wait to start her future with Miranda, but having Nala show up is horrible timing. She will not allow the asari to come between her and the woman she loves no matter what.

Finishing with her packing Arelia makes her way back to the kitchen expecting to find Miranda. Her heart skips a beat when she doesn't see her or the dinner. Feeling her instincts kick in she runs through the front door. "Miranda!"

The human is on the ground. The sky car door is open. Arelia looks around and does not see anything. She quickly kneels down to Miranda and checks for a pulse. Upon placing her fingers on the human's neck Miranda groans a little. "Miranda, Miranda don't try to get up. What happened, do you remember?"

"Head…hit." Miranda's eyes flutter.

"Do not try to get up Miranda, I will be right back." Arelia quickly checks the area around the front door. She checks the perimeter as fast as she can. She wants to make sure it is safe. Finding nothing she returns to Miranda, her eyes still fluttering.

"I'm going to move you inside honey."

"Did you…find…anything?"

"Don't worry about that right now, let's get you inside." Arelia uses her biotics to lift Miranda gently. She carries the human woman inside and places her gently on the bed. "I will be right back Miranda."

Returning to the room Arelia finds the medi-gel in the medkit that is in the bathroom. She turns Miranda on her side to check the back of her head. She is bleeding, head wounds bleed a lot so Arelia is not concerned. She is able to staunch the bleeding by applying the medi-gel. She cleans the blood as best she can from Miranda's beautiful black hair.

Arelia stands to run a scan with her omni-tool. She finds that Miranda has a mild concussion, but nothing else. She checks her head again to ensure the blood has stopped, it has. She moves Miranda but onto her back. "Miranda?"

"Hmm?"

"You have a mild concussion honey. I have stopped the bleeding. I am going to go outside to ch…."

"…NO! don't go out there," Miranda clutches at Arelia's arm.

"It's alright Miranda. I know no one is out there. I need to check on something. I will be right back." Arelia gently places Miranda's hands at her sides and walks out of the bedroom. She quickly dials her omni-tool to call Oriana. She tells her to get home now and to make sure she has an escort to her sky car. Oriana agreed.

Outside now Arelia using the flashlight from her omni-tool the asari checks the ground for any prints or tracks. She checks behind the bushes and finds a nice impression of a boot print. She of course recognizes the pattern right away. It is a standard issue asari commando boot print and it is not hers.