Here is the second chapter of the honeymoon arc. The fluff is still here but don't worry. The action is coming..

Please read, review and enjoy!

EndlessExplorer

"So.. where are we going?" Garrus asked.

"Oh there's so many places here in Paris that I've wanted to go to but I've never managed to. Well, I did but it was for work purposes only, so I never got to enjoy myself." Miranda said. William looked over at her and was surprised at how much joy Miranda had in her eyes. It was only when Miranda pulled a compact mirror from her purse that William realised he was staring for too long.

"I don't have anything on my face, do I?" Miranda said, examining herself.

"What?.. no! I was just lost in your eyes.." William said. Miranda blushed and Garrus face palmed himself.

"I'm sorry Shepard, but that was just horrible.." Garrus laughed and was soon followed by Tali and eventually Miranda. Once Miranda started laughing, William feigned being insulted.

"Anyway.. I've never been to Paris so I'm relying on Miri to be my guide to French culture. We're here for the next three weeks, we should be able to squeeze the whole Paris city experience into that time frame. Where do people want to go first?" William asked.

"I think that a small bit of retail therapy might be a nice way to start the week off. We could go down along the Champ-Elysse, do a bit of shopping and then finish in the park just off the 'Pont Alexandre III'. How does that sound?" Miranda suggested.

"That sounds perfect but before I go anywhere, I need a good cup of coffee. Would you all like to join me or will I meet you all at the park?" William said, pointing in the direction of a small cafe.

"William?! Our first trip as a married couple and you already want to leave me?! I thought you loved me more then that!" Miranda exclaimed. She then proceeds to cross her arms and turn her back to him. William slumps his shoulders in defeat.

"Alright! New plan! While I treat myself AND Miranda to a cup of coffee before I join her for a shopping trip, does anyone want to join us or will we meet you both at the park?" William said, as he kissed Miranda on the cheek. Miranda turned around instantly and reciprocated the romantic gesture.

"Get me a large cappuccino please." Miranda said with a smile.

"We'll join you two on the shopping trip, but we're ok on the coffee part. Thanks Shepard." Tali said.

As William walked off to get the coffee, Miranda shouted behind him.

"Love you!"

"Yeah right! You just love me for my body and my generosity!" William shouted back. Miranda and Tali started to laugh while Garrus ran after William to help him grab the coffees. While the boy's were gone getting the drinks, Miranda and Tali sat down outside the cafe and stared out at the city. A minute or two of silence passed before Tali broke it.

"So.. What's it like being married?" Tali asked.

"Oh.. I never thought I'd say this, but it's a dream come true. Now William and I have been together for a while, so the whole 'sleeping together' isn't any different and the sex is amazing but just being able to say that I've found someone who loves me for me is just.. incredible. I knew that I loved William before we even touched the Omega relay but just being together now, as soulmates, is honestly the best feeling I've ever had. Why do you want to know though? Is there a chance of a Zorah-Vakarian wedding on the calendar? I promise I won't tell William until you do." Miranda said, arching an eyebrow and leaning closer.

"Well.. I don't know! Nothing yet.. haven't even broached the subject with Garrus! But really, I don't know how he feels about the whole thing.. does he even want to get married?.. there'd be a clash of cultures.. maybe his family wouldn't like it and I know how important Garrus's family is to him.. and.. and.." Tali rambled. Miranda giggled quietly before addressing Tali.

"Well.. the only way to know how he feels about it is to ask the guy. If you want to contact his family first then do. Don't just sit here worrying about every little detail and just go and do something about it!" Miranda said. Tali seemed to ease a little before sitting back in her chair.

"Thanks." Tali said.

"No problem Tali. We're friends right! And what are friends for?" Miranda said. "Now I wonder what's keeping William and Garrus?"

Meanwhile in the coffee shop

After William handed the Hanar barista some credits to pay for his drinks, Garrus pulled William to one side. Garrus seemed slightly nervous which was rare for him, so William was concerned.

"Is there something up Garrus?" William asked.

"Oh yeah.. fine! I was just wondering something... I know it's still early days but how is life being married to Miranda?... Just wondering!" Garrus asked.

"My life with Miri?.. Where to begin? It is a dream come true! I know the word gets thrown around easily enough but I can say with certainty that she is my soulmate. I'd do anything.. go anywhere if it meant that I could keep her safe or stay by her side. She is beautiful, funny, smart.. as you know, she even brought me back to life! And for that I am eternally grateful. You heard my vows and I stand by them. Then, we were living together and sleeping together before the wedding so that's nothing new.. the sex is amazing and I really don't know what I did to deserve someone as perfect as her. Why do you want to know though? Wait.. are you planning to propose to Tali?! I swear I won't say a thing!" William said, grinning.

"Yeah.. I am but I don't know! There are so many unknowns! I don't know how she feels about it because we've never discussed it. Then there's her aunt Raan. I've mentioned it to my dad and I was surprised with how supportive he was of the idea, but Raan is a whole other matter. She'd protect Tali before the fleet so I'll have to prove to her just how much Tali means to me. I would never try to cause a rift between Tali and Raan so that's why I have to make sure that Raan is on board.. but after that there is a clash of cultures and whether or not we'd have a Turian or Quarian style wedding and.." Garrus rambled. William laughed as he picked up the two coffee's off the countertop.

"I swear Garrus.. you weren't this nervous when three mercenary groups banded together to kill you. I think the only thing you can do is talk to Raan and then to Tali. If both are onboard with the idea then I call best man. If not, well then it's better to know then to run around worrying all the time. Now here.. take this cappuccino out to Miranda so that it looks like you can in for the reason you said. Just breath, relax and let me know how you get on." William said, handing Garrus a coffee cup.

"Thanks Shepard." Garrus said.

"No problem Garrus, sure what are brother's for?" William said, opening the cafe door.

After the coffee, Miranda had started pulling William down along the Champ-Elysse. After a few minutes, Garrus and Tali left William and Miranda on their own, telling them they'd find them later. Now that they were alone, Miranda thought the setting couldn't have been more romantic. After an hour or two of shopping, William had decided to stop in a park for a break. The June sun shone high in the sky, so William had also decided to buy some ice cream as an effort to cool down and Miranda agreed wholeheartedly. They found a beautiful fountain that had a table alongside it. While avoiding the Krogan children playing in the water, they began to chat. Garrus and Tali appeared soon after with Garrus and Tali carrying various sized shopping bags under their arms. Miranda and William were so engrossed in each other that they never realised that Garrus and Tali had returned until Garrus slammed his fist on the table, startling both William and Miranda.

"So?.. how'd the shopping go for you guys? Trying to find anything Turian has been surprisingly difficult around here." Garrus said, leaning back in his chair.

"And don't get me started on additional materials for bio-suits. Any I could find were nothing short of robbery!" Tali said, throwing her arms up.

"Well it sounds like we had a lot more fun than you guys, but I bought myself a new tuxedo that was on sale.. and I lost track of what Miri bought after I was handed the tenth shopping bag.." William said chuckling. Miranda gave him a light punch on the arm.

"I bought some beautiful pieces, especially this long, sapphire blue, silk dress in a boutique that I forgot the name of. I hope you two have some nice clothes with you because William just told me that he has bought tickets for a ballet at the Palais Garnier tonight. I love ballet but usually any show I've seen has been while I've been on a job so the novelty of it all was short lived. I can't wait!" Miranda said before kissing William on the cheek.

"Definitely getting ballet tickets again if this is how I get repaid. But yeah, I got the four tickets if you two want to join us but it's no money out of my pocket if you don't. It's getting old now but the theatre manager seemed pretty excited to have the 'saviour of the galaxy' at the ballet tonight so she gave me the tickets free of charge. Told me that I saved her bond mate on Thessia supposedly." William said, going back to enjoying his ice cream.

"You do know that you're going to have to hear that title probably until the day you die, right? Anyway you should wear it with pride! Especially how everyone was close to calling you crazy until they found hell right outside their window. They were very fast listening to you after that." Garrus said. "Hey Tali, would you like anything over off that cart?"

"Oh no.. well?.. yeah, grab me anything sterile and cold. This suit is air conditioned and I'm even feeling the heat in here. Thanks." Tali said, squeezing Garrus' hand. William noticed that Garrus seemed to have blunted his talons, probably in fear of Tali's suit getting punctured. Miranda noticed how Tali's shoulders seemed to slump as Garrus walked off to the cart, so she decided to get rid of William for a minute. Miranda squeezed William's upper arm.

"Yeah Miri?" William asked.

"Would you mind getting me another scoop of strawberry ice cream please?" Miranda asked.

"Sure.." William replied. After William had left, Miranda turned her attention to Tali who had been staring at a duck floating nearby. The two Krogan children had abandoned their messing and started chasing the duck. They started laughing with glee.

"What's up Tali? You seem a little down in the dumps. Sorry if it seems like I'm intruding in your business but.. I don't know." Miranda asked.

"It's fine really, just that when I look at the people around me, kissing, hugging, or just being affectionate with each other, they don't realise how lucky they are. It is a problem that we as a people can try and research, but our immunity systems... they're so weak! I admit, I'm jealous of you when you can just kiss Shepard when you feel like it. I've known Garrus for years and even though we are dating now, I've yet to know how his face feels under my fingers. I've even got to kiss the inside of my helmet when we're trying to make out because I could die if I open my mask for more then thirty seconds! I'm sorry for burdening you and Shepard while you two are on your honeymoon and such but it's just so frustrating!" Tali exclaimed. Miranda remembered William talking to her on time about this. He had a long conversation with Tali about it one time aboard the Normandy but still, Miranda never knew that it bothered her so much. Sure, it would drive Miranda crazy if she was in Tali's situation, but she thought that as a Quarian, Tali would have been used to it.

"I never realised that. I feel bad for you Tali. I actually don't have anything to say.. I know that nothing I say will help this situation but I swear that if I can help you, all you have to do is ask me. Now, how about we ditch the boys and go and buy you some nice clothes for tonight?" Miranda said. Tali looked at Miranda for a minute and realised that she was being genuine in what she was saying. While it was no consolation as Miranda had already said, the fact was, she was trying.

"Thank you Miranda... I'll hold you to that promise. But what about what you said earlier to Shepard? About you two splitting up?" Tali said.

"Oh that? I just love teasing William. I love him and he knows it. He loves me and I know it, but when you can tease him.. it's an opportunity that no one should give up." Miranda said, laughing.

"Oh.. that is just evil.." Tali said, laughing into her hand.

"Sure we have to be.. sometimes.." Miranda laughed.

Soon after, both Garrus and William returned and wondered what had been so funny.

"Oh, Miranda just told me a joke." Tali said.

"What one was it?" William asked.

"You wouldn't like it, I'd say.. Actually William, Tali and I are going to go and get something nice for her to wear tonight, so if you and Garrus want to do something together or we can meet you two back at the hotel? By the way, don't worry.. I know you still love me." Miranda said with a wink.

"I suppose we could head back.. You can get onto me if you need anything, but I might go and get some work done so it doesn't all pile up when we get back. Are you sure you don't want us to go with you two?

"Yeah, it's fine. No need to worry, we'll be back before you know it." Miranda said, slinging her handbag up on her shoulder. She suddenly found the bag to be much heavier then it should have been, and when she looked down, one of the krogan children was grasping onto it for dear life. Laughing hard, William watched as Miranda lifted the small child and carried it over to it's mother. The situation only got better when the child wouldn't leave go of Miranda's bag. It took some coercion on Miranda's part, but she soon returned with a smile on her own face. William had to take a breath for a minute before he leaned close.

"Alright then. I love you." William said as he gave her a kiss. Waving goodbye, William and Garrus headed back to the hotel but along the way, William spotted something sitting on a jewelry store's window display. It was a modest necklace with a single black diamond sitting in the middle. A silver chain completed it and William decided to get it, as a surprise for tonight. He paid the aging Drell jeweler and slipped the box into his pocket. On his way out, William spotted Garrus looking at a set of bracelets in a cabinet.

"Are you feeling like buying something nice for Tali?" William asked, staring at the bracelets himself.

"Yeah, I'm thinking about that one there. The one with the ruby heart." Garrus said, but he still seemed skeptical. William walked over to the counter and asked the jeweler to take the bracelet out of the cabinet. After paying for the bracelet, William gave Garrus the box and they left the small shop.

"Why did you do that? I could have paid for it, you know..." Garrus said, pocketing the box.

"Well, I thought that I should probably start paying back those debts I owe you and plus, I'm sure that Tali will love the bracelet. Anyway, you were overthinking things and it's always the thought that counts." William said. After a minute of silence, Garrus threw his arm up on William's shoulder.

"Thanks, Shepard!"

"No problem. Now come on, I have work to get done." William said.

The guys quickly returned to their rooms after deciding that everyone will meet at the lobby at 8.30, sharp. William, once he reached his room, hid the spontaneous gift, took a bath and relaxed in bed as he filled out, or read the various reports that needed his attention. William only realized that he had fallen asleep when he felt Miranda lie down beside him and kiss his nose.

"What?.." William asked, groggily. Miranda laughed.

"You fell asleep doing your work. From the looks of things, you got about halfway through the restoration report of Zhu's hope before the paperwork got too much for you. Now, it's 7.30 and I've just drawn a bath..." Miranda said, slowly.

William suddenly sobered up when he felt Miranda's hand travel along his inner thigh.

"Now you can stay here and keep looking at these reports...or you may join your wife in the bathtub. I can tell you though, I'm a lot more...interesting." Miranda said, squeezing her hand. While Miranda and William had slept together quite a few times, when she wanted to, Miranda knew exactly which buttons to press, in order to get William to melt in her hands. Her fingertips could incite lightning under his skin and his heart would start racing.

Miranda stood up from the bed while keeping her eyes locked with William. Miranda smirked as she slowly walked backwards, still refusing to break eye contact. William stared with wide eyes and a hanging jaw. With every step that Miranda took, she'd open a button on her blouse and when she was about half-way between their bed and the bathroom, she allowed the light shirt to fall, letting it pool at her feet. Thankfully, William had now gained some control over his motor functions, so he closed his mouth and started walking in the direction of the bathroom, a mischievous grin spread across his face. Miranda slowed down and by the time she reached the door frame of the bathroom, William had quickly closed the gap between them. They were now so close that Miranda could feel each breath brush off her cheek. William slowly snaked his arms around Miranda's waist and she wrapped her own arms around his neck. Without a word needing to have been said, they leaned in together and kissed. It was a slow, blissful kiss and after a while it broke, and they just held each other.

"I've said it a million times, but I'll say it again. You are my everything. I love you Miri." William said, finally breaking the silence.

"I'm just happy that those stupid hormones had decided to kick in when they did. I love you too." Miranda said, chuckling. Slowly, Miranda let her hands rest on the neck of William's bathrobe. "But this needs to come off and you and me have to get in the bath.." Miranda said lustily, slipping into the bathroom. William quickly took his robe off and joined Miranda in the bath.

About half an hour later, once they finished in the bath, William was putting on his suit while Miranda was slipping into her new dress. Every now and then however, William would look at Miranda and get distracted with how good she looked in the dress. It was when Miranda would look back over her shoulder at him, that he'd realize that he still wasn't dressed. Finally, William got dressed and Miranda was just putting the final touches on her outfit when William remembered the gift he had gotten earlier that day. William practically ran out of the room, which caught Miranda's attention.

"Will? Is everything alright?" Miranda shouted from the bedroom.

"Everything's fine, I just remembered something. Be back in a second.." William replied as he grabbed the box from the locker beside the door. Going back to their bedroom, William watched Miranda put on a pair of earrings. Slipping in behind her, Miranda jumped slightly when William's head suddenly appeared over her shoulder.

"Close your eyes.. please.." William whispered in Miranda's ear. Miranda did as she was asked but not before a smirk spread across her face. William placed the box down on the vanity beside them and opened it. He pulled out the dainty looking chain and quickly tied it around Miranda's elegant neck. William put his hands around Miranda's waist and rested his head on her shoulder. Slowly, Miranda opened her eyes and gasped as she stared at the dazzling silver chain around her neck.

"Where... did you get this? It's divine.." Miranda asked. William just smiled before kissing Miranda on the ear.

"On our way back to the hotel, Garrus and I found a small jewelry shop. I spotted it and I knew that it would look much nicer on you then it did on the jewelers window... Garrus even got something for Tali there, so it must have been fate or something. Now, Mrs Shepard-Lawson, are you ready for the ballet?" William asked.

"I am, but you're not.." Miranda said, as she turned around. William had never tied his bow tie, but he watched in amazement as Miranda's deft hands tied a perfect knot in a matter of seconds. After kissing each other once again, William handed Miranda her purse, and held his arm out for her to grab on to. They walked to the door and William pulled it open just as Garrus and Tali were about to knock. Both couples stood there for a few seconds before laughing to ease the weird tension. Both Garrus and Tali had gotten dressed up. Garrus was in a set of very formal looking robes and the same could be said for Tali. William spotted the bracelet on Tali's wrist and he saw Garrus smirking slightly. Tali obviously enjoyed her gift.

They walked together down the hall and while waiting for the elevator, Tali spotted Miranda's necklace. Both Miranda and Tali started chatting about their gifts. Outside the hotel, there was a sky car sitting on the launch pad. It looked vintage. William had an excited smile on his face and everyone else was confused. As William walked closer to the car, Miranda leaned onto her hip and crossed her arms.

"William Shepard Lawson, have you something to tell me?" Miranda said, arching an eyebrow. Turning around, William was shrugging his shoulders.

"I don't know what you're talking about..." William said, looking innocent.

It had turned into a stare down, but not surprisingly, Miranda won.

"I may or may not have bought the car.. It was going to be a surprise!" William said, defending the purchase. Miranda didn't look convinced. "Oh come on! Look at it! My dad had one of these when he was a kid! It's a vintage!"

Miranda stared at the car. She knew that William had a love for vintage sky cars and it did look nice.. A lot nicer then the production line stuff you get nowadays.

"I don't mind that you bought the thing.. you're entitled to buy yourself things, it's just that I wish you told me first. How much did it cost?" Miranda said, inspecting the car.

"It would have spoiled the surprise if I told you about it.. but it didn't cost much. Only about five million credits..." William said. Miranda turned around on her heels at stared at her husband shocked.

Avoiding her killer gaze, William swerved around Miranda and opened the sky car. The seats were leather and the interior looked nice. Tali and Garrus sat in the back, while Miranda took her own seat beside William. As William started the engine, he could feel Miranda's eyes burning a hole in the side of his head. The car started to lift and Miranda was temporarily distracted by the city below them. William quickly swung over and kissed her on the cheek, whispering "I'm sorry". Just as Miranda turned around though, William had that excited grin on his face again and hit the accelerator. The car's eezo core gave a loud growl and the car took off into the city.

Miranda looked over at William. He was grinning from ear to ear. Miranda could count on one hand, the amount of times that William looked this happy. Looking back to their passengers though, Miranda got worried. Both Garrus and Tali were using their arms as braces to stabilize themselves, rather then cuddling together like she expected. Garrus noticed Miranda's worried look and said "Mako" before he and Tali started laughing.

"I was great at driving the Mako Vakarian!" William shouted over his shoulder.

"I'm pretty sure I still have some remainder of a concussion from the time you rolled the damn thing down a mountain, Shepard!" Garrus replied, again before resorting to laughter.

"You used to drive the Hammerhead the exact same way. You used to get this crazy look in your eyes. I kept thinking that some day, I'd have to incapacitate you, just so you wouldn't kill us." Miranda added, joining in on the laughter.

"Geez Miri? You too? Why has everyone I ever loved turned against me!" William said, throwing his hands in the air.

"Woah! Hands back on the wheel!" Miranda shouted, but William started to cry into his cupped hands. Miranda leaned over and took the controls, but at the angle she was, she couldn't really see what was in front of them.

"Fine! You're a good driver! No-" Miranda said. Suddenly, William kissed her on the forehead and took the controls again. "Thank you" came the reply.

Surprisingly, it took Miranda a minute or two to realize that William just used her own technique against her. Her eyes narrowed but she had to admit that William did well.

"Next t-time, could you two please not mess when our LIVES could be IN DANGER!" Tali said, trying to emphasize her points.

William just started to laugh and that led to Miranda joining him. After a short while, Miranda leaned over and rested her head on William's shoulder. Both Garrus and Tali knew Miranda quite well and they knew that while she wasn't a fan of PDA, it was these quiet moments, with friends or family that she really loosened up. After a few seconds, Garrus felt Tali, rest her own head on his shoulder, to which he replied with a kiss on the top of her helmet, or at least as close to a kiss as a Turian can do. The passing neon lights illuminated the inside of the car as it sped along the streets of Paris until finally it arrived at the Palais Garnier. After parking the car, William turned around with a smug look on his face.

"Now, is everyone ok? No one dead?" William asked. He was met with silence. "Then stop complaining about how I drive!" William tried to look serious but when a smile started breaking across his face, he eased up. William got out of the car and then held his hand out to help Miranda. She took his hand and as she stood out, William kissed her knuckles. They linked arms with one another and walked towards the door. They stood in line, waiting to get in when nearly everyone in front started looking directly at William. While William wasn't very good with foreign languages, Miranda was fluent in quite a lot of them, French included. She could easily pick up that people were talking about them and Garrus and Tali, who were standing behind them, holding hands. William leaned in close, whispering. "They're talking about us, aren't they?"

"Would you expect any less? You seem to be the center of attention no matter where you go." Miranda replied. William responded with a gentle kiss on the cheek, which only seemed to fuel the chattering masses. Miranda gave William's arm a gentle squeeze, which he knew meant that she appreciated the gesture but he also knew that Miranda didn't like the public affection. William gave Miranda's hand a squeeze as an act of apology. One thing that both William and Miranda had gotten good with is their ways of talking to one another using gestures and squeezes. It was a system they made up between them when they knew they'd be in the public eye quite a bit and wanted a way to keep their conversations strictly between them. The kiss broke and Miranda continued looking around. She could feel a pair of eyes on her and in her experience, that was never a good sign. Looking down however, she saw an Asari child, holding her mother's hand while she stared straight at her. A smile broke out across her face before her mother asked her to turn around. It was definitely a topic that she had to bring up with William, but Miranda seriously wanted a child someday.

The news that William had arrived must have reached the top of the line because both William and Miranda could see the theatre manager frantically trying to make her way to them. Once she reached them, she tried grabbing William's forearm and pull him up to the top of the queue. William shrugged her off.

"I'm sorry but I'm fine waiting to reach the top of the queue. I'm just here with my family tonight and I don't want to make a big spectacle out of things." William tried to stress to the French-speaking, lilac, Asari but was met with confusion. Miranda then stepped in and relayed the message again, just in French. William could see that as the manager and Miranda were talking, that nearly every pair of eyes around were trained on them. He could see a few people lifting camera's or their Omni-tools, and William nearly asked Tali to try and sabotage them, but he knew that it would be a futile effort. Finally, Miranda stopped talking in French and told William that the manager was not dropping the priority entry, so he relented and followed the Asari inside, followed by Garrus and Tali. Soon they found themselves being ushered into a VIP room, that led to a balcony over looking the theatre. Inside their was another Asari with a small child beside her. The manager walked in and kissed the Asari before she scooped the child into her arms. The other Asari turned around and grinned as she saw William. Walking up to him, she gave him a salute before she shook his hand.

"Captain Narasmi, at your service. It's an honor Admiral. If you didn't show up on Thessia when you did, I'd have never gotten back to my family. When Lee told me that you were going to be here tonight I said that I had to thank you in person." The Asari said. She then turned her attention to Miranda.

"It's great that you even managed to get home to your family as well, Admiral... It's what kept me fighting, and what'll always keep me fighting. Now I hope you four enjoy the night. These are the best seats in the house and I hear this show is magical." Soon, the three Asari left.

That was nice of them." Miranda said.. She walked over to one of the chairs on the balcony. They looked luxurious and Miranda left her handbag down on one. When she returned, William was sitting on a couch, holding a glass of wine. Miranda sat down beside him and they wrapped an arm around each other. Miranda looked at William, and was shocked when she saw that the usual fire wasn't there. He seemed conflicted

"Will? What's wrong? You seem a bit upset.." Miranda said, sitting up and turning towards him.

"I don't know.. It did annoy me when the manager just tried to yank me out of the queue, or when she started making a scene out of it. Then everyone was staring and I'm pretty sure that we'll probably be on the front of the Parisian papers tomorrow... but meeting that captain... that was nice. I'm happy that I could help her get back and she was right about fighting for family.. Believe me Miri, I wouldn't change this life for anything, I just wish that I could act normal in public and not be the center of attention all the time. I'm a soldier, there are others much more suited to be in the cameras and tabloids." William said, staring into his drink.

"Like it or not Shepard, but you saved the entire galaxy from being destroyed. People are going to swoon over you and give you discounts and probably even ask you to kiss their offspring, but don't worry because you'll always have us.. especially Miranda." Garrus said, winking. Tali gave a nod and Miranda leaned over and gave William a hug.

"Thanks.. I mean that! I do feel a little selfish though. There are still people who are thrown from the war and here I am, complaining that people nearly fall at my feet. It's silly.." William said, reciprocating the embrace. Tali and Garrus went over towards the small stocked bar, leaving William and Miranda on their own. After a short while, Miranda leaned back on the couch.

"Feeling any better?" She asked, still looking concerned.

"Much better.. Thank you.." William said. Miranda gave another quick nod and stood up, heading for the balcony.

"They weren't joking when they said that these were the best seats in the house. The view is perfect." Miranda said. While she stared out, William had walked up and stood behind her.

"The view is much better from where I'm standing." William said as he quickly scooped Miranda into his arms and carried her around the room. Miranda slapped him on the arm and told him to put her down but he refused. Any objection and William tried to hush Miranda by kissing her in a small ticklish area she had on her neck, near her collarbone. Much to Garrus' and Tali's surprise, this reduced Miranda into a fit of giggles, which only seemed to feed William's desire to continue his antics. As soon as Miranda heard people entering below them however, she placed a hand on William's shoulder and after finding a particular nerve cluster, she squeezed. William hit the floor and Miranda grabbed a nearby countertop to stop herself from falling after him. Garrus and Tali had taken their seats but after hearing something hit the floor, they came back in to find Miranda standing over an unconscious William. Tali went to get closer and check, but Miranda stopped her. After fixing her outfit, Miranda crouched down and gave William a hard slap on the face. William woke up and rubbed the back of his head.

"Damn Miranda.. you could have just asked me to put you down.." William said as he took her outstretched hand and stood up.

"I did and you wouldn't stop. I merely did what I had to." Miranda said, smirking.

"How did you do that though? I've seen Shepard go head-to-head with Krogan and they've never knocked him out as fast as you did." Tali asked, slightly terrified.

"Remember? I know William better then he knows himself. I've seen more of him than his mother has, both inside and out. I archived that spot as a pressure point that I could exploit, if he was ever rowdy back when we were with Cerberus. This is just a sign that it was a smart idea to do so." Miranda stated. "And you! I forgive you but do that again and I will hurt you in ways you couldn't even dream of.." She pointed at William.

"Yes ma'am! Now would you care to join me to the balcony? I'm pretty sure the shows about to begin." William said, taking Miranda's gloved hand.

The lights dimmed and the show started. William and Miranda held hands and Tali was resting her head on Garrus' shoulders. Miranda was glued to the ballet dancers and began to hum the music that accompanied the dance. The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake were the only ones that William could remember from watching the vids with Miri, but really he was just happy that she was happy. He loved spending time with her and he loved her. Between the beautiful music and the serenity of the ballet, time flew and soon the show was over. A chorus and standing ovation followed as soon as the curtains closed. As Miranda sat back down beside him, William stretched. He could hear his back give a light pop.

"Did you fall asleep?" Miranda asked in surprise.

"I don't know.. I could have but I really haven't felt this relaxed in such a long time.." William said, yawning. Miranda had a look at the time.

"Jesus.. it's midnight! Come on, let's get back to the hotel." Miranda said, grabbing her bag. William slowly rose and rubbed his eyes using his palms. Garrus yawned and Tali seemed to have fallen asleep clutching his arm, so in a swift move, Garrus had Tali swept up into his arms and was carrying her out to William's car. They reached the car and after unlocking it, William went to sit in the drivers seat, as Garrus lay Tali over himself in the back seat. Miranda however, grabbed William by the collar and gestured for him to sit beside her in the passenger seat.

"You are NOT driving when you're barely awake. I'll drive." Miranda stated, her tone final on the subject. William mumbled something that sounded like a counter but came out incoherent. William slid over into the passenger seat, and rested on the chair's headrest. Miranda sat into the drivers seat and shut the door. The car gave a gentle growl as it powered up and soon they were on their way back to the hotel. Since at least two of the car's occupants were exhausted, the journey was in silence. After a short time, Miranda heard a light thud, followed by snoring. Looking at William, Miranda noticed that he had fallen asleep against the glass. Miranda laughed but kept her eyes on the sky-way ahead of her.

"That was quite nice.." Garrus whispered from the back seat.

"I've loved it for as long as I can remember. My father thought that it was stupid so I suppose I've been rebelling against him for longer than I thought. I had to keep it as a secret passion. No reason to hide that anymore.." Miranda whispered. No reply came. Looking back, Miranda saw that Garrus had also fallen asleep. Miranda laughed quietly to herself and kept driving. The hotel came into view not long after but there was no way that she was lifting the three of them upstairs despite the use of her biotics. It would tire her out as well and there was no reason for putting herself through that stress. After she parked the car, Miranda woke Garrus, who then opted to carry Tali upstairs. William then turned out to be rather stubborn to wake up. He seemed unconscious nearly. She pushed him, shook him and even punched him. He was still asleep. Finally deciding to carry him, Miranda pulled him out of the car, lay him on the floor and locked the car.

"I better get breakfast in bed for this.." Miranda thought to herself. Finally, her hand pulsed with energy and William slowly floated above her head. Miranda walked into the lobby and the receptionist stared at her in shock, when William floated in behind her. Miranda just gave the receptionist a nice smile and climbed into the lift. Once it reached their floor, Miranda opened the door to their suite and practically threw William onto the bed. Depositing her heels by the door, Miranda walked into the bathroom and changed out of her dress, opting to sleep in one of William's t-shirts and shorts. Climbing into the bed, Miranda pulled the duvet up over herself and went to fall asleep. Suddenly Miranda sneezed and then Miranda found herself looking into William's eyes. William stretched and threw his legs over the side of the bed. Leaning back to kiss Miranda, William pulled his tie open and discarded it on the floor. Shrugging his shoes off, William headed for the bathroom, only to return in his boxers. Sliding into the bed beside her, William wrapped his arm around Miranda's waist and they spooned.

"How did I get here? Last I remember, I fell asleep in the car.." William asked.

"I carried you up.. using my biotics. I swear.. I nearly thought you were dead! For all that worry and stress, I demand breakfast-in-bed!" Miranda said without turning around to him.

"Ha! Mom did always tell me I could be a heavy sleeper. Your wish is my command.." William said, giving Miri one last kiss before they fell asleep.