THESSIA

Dava is home. She was told to take the week off due to her injuries. It has been two days since she being released from the hospital, but today is the first day she is on her own. Her father Valya has been doing all of the cooking and cleaning and taking care of her. Dava is still incredibly sore.

The commando is in the kitchen. She checks the time. She wants to call Mia. She misses her voice. Her father told her what happened. Valya said that Mia took the news well and asked about a dozen times if she was really okay. Dava smiles when she thinks about it. She received a written message from Mia soon after her father called her telling her to get well soon, that she loves Dava and misses her.

Dava misses her something fierce, especially now with being back in the hospital. She cannot stop thinking about Shadow and the harm she caused Mia. Tears still burn her eyes when she thinks that she almost lost her. She is trying to think positively, look to the future and all that, but the pull of the past is weighing her down.

Time for lunch. Valya made her breakfast but she told her father she wass fine and that she could go to work. Right now as she reaches up to grab a can out of the cupboard she winces in pain and pulls her hand back. Who knew it would be so hard to raise her arms above her head after a few days. Little things like brushing her teeth is a bit uncomfortable but reaching up, forget about it. She wishes now that she asked her Dad to set out a can of soup. The can of soup she wants to make is in the cupboard, the overhead cupboard. She wants to give up but the rumbling in her stomach won't let her. With a shaking arm she reaches up again and manages to open the cupboard but the muscles between her shoulder blades are starting to spasm, so she has to bring her arm down again. She bends over to catch her breath. "Shit!"

There is a knock at the door.

She takes a few breaths then stands up straight. She rolls her shoulders hoping the movement will loosen things up, it just hurts more. Without checking the monitor Dava opens the door. She is shocked by what she sees, or rather who.

"Thought you might be hungry." The asari walks past her and sets down two bags of groceries on the kitchen counter.

"What…what are you doing here?"

"Let me guess, you want soup right? You always want something warm when you are feeling down."

Dava cannot believe her eyes. "How…when.."

Mia approaches her and looks her over. She gently touches her face, "How's the head?"

"I…I can't believe you are here. Are you real?"

Mia takes her hand. "I'm real." Mia leans in and kisses her gently on the lips. "So am I right about that lunch?"

Dava's eyes tear up. Her throat is suddenly tight.

"Hey are you okay? Are you in pain now? Are you on any medication I can get it for you?"

"Stop," she wipes her eyes, "just stop a minute."

Mia stands there.

Dava raises her arms to where her hands are on Mia's waist, that movement doesn't hurt so bad. "What are you doing here?"

Mia cups her cheek, "I had to see for myself that you were okay. After your Dad called I spoke to my coach and he gave me a week's leave."

"A whole week?"

"Yep. Now shouldn't you be sitting down?"

"I'd rather be kissing you." Dava pulls her close and winces a little, damn upper back. She dips her head and kisses Mia passionately. She can tell that Mia wants to hold her tightly but is nervous about hurting her. Instead she feels Mia's hands on her waist and face. After the kiss Dava looks at her, "Thank you."

"You sit down now and let me make you that soup."

Dava sits and smiles as she watches the woman she loves take care of her. It is something she usually wants to do, but lets face it, she couldn't reach the damn soup and she is not too proud to accept help.

"Crackers too right?"

"You know me so well."

Mia sets the table. "Do you have medication you need to take?"

"They make me too tired."

"Where are they?"

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

"Dava, you need to take them and stay ahead of the pain."

"Too late."

Mia sighs. "Where?"

Dava finally relents, "Bathroom."

As the soup heats Mia disappears into the bathroom then comes out with a bottle of pills. "Here."

Dava tries to push down and twist the cap off. She hisses between her teeth. Mia turns to look at her.

"Goddess Dava it's that bad?"

"Who knew I used these muscles so much."

Mia opens the pill bottle and hands two to Dava. The commando takes them and washes them down with water.

"Where's your Dad? I can't believe she left you like this."

Dava doesn't say anything. She feels Mia's eyes on her.

"Oh let me guess. You said you would be just fine right?"

"Well technically I was doing fine until I wanted soup."

Mia looks at the cupboard then back at Dava. Dava knows she understands. Mia sits next to her while the soup heats up. "Did they give you exercises to do?"

"Yeah. Told me not to do them if it hurt though."

Mia waves a dismissive hand, "They always say crap like that. No pain no gain right?"

Dava looks at her. "I never liked that expression. I mean think about it, I have to be in pain to gain something?"

"Gain use of your upper back muscles again, yeah it will hurt." Mia stands and checks the soup. She takes a sip. "Hmm." She dishes out the soup and sets crackers in front of her.

Dava has to bend a little closer to the bowl in order for her spoon to make it into her mouth. "Hmm good."

"So how are you really?"

Dava sets her spoon down. "What do you mean?"

"Dava, it's me." Mia gives her a knowing look.

Dava looks at her soup, "I'm fine."

They finish lunch in silence. Dava is grateful that Mia does not push her.

Mia reaches to take Dava's bowl but Dava catches her wrist. Mia slowly sits down. "I can't get her out of my head."

Mia waits.

Dava finally looks up, "Shadow. Lying there in the hospital made me think about what she did to you what I did to you."

"Stop. I thought we worked past that."

"I know I just…my mind wouldn't …I can't let it go. I'm sorry Mia, I can't tell you how sorry I am."

Mia grabs the bowls and sets them in the kitchen sink. She rinses them and places the dishes in the dishwasher.

"Mia?"

Mia clears her throat. She turns to Dava. "I don't know what you want me to say."

"We never really talk about it Mia."

"What's there to talk about?"

Dava winces a little when she hears the high pitch in Mia's voice. She knows it is a sensitive subject.

"You keep bringing it up and it makes me relive it over and over Dava and I don't want to relive that part of my life."

"I know but…"

"No! There is no but. Look," Mia takes in a deep breath and lets it out. She crosses her arms over her chest. Dava knows she does that to hide the shaking in her hands. "I just don't want to talk about it okay? What Shadow did, what you did…were made to do. It's over. Okay?"

"Is it?"

Silence.

Dava sees Mia is incredibly uncomfortable.

"Okay, well I need to go."

"What?"

"I haven't stopped by the house yet. I will probably stay with Raina if she will have me, so…."

"Mia please," Dava stands. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"Well you did! Goddess Dava. I come all the way from Earth, I leave training to see you and you do this! I mean my …" Mia stops talking as she fists her hands at her sides. "I gotta go."

"Please don't run away from me Mia."

Mia turns to her with tears in her eyes, "I gotta go."

Before Dava can say anything more she is out the door.

The rental sky car lands, Shepard, Liara and Svaari get out. Shepard grabs the bags while Liara heads toward the front door.

"Oh it feels good to be home," says Liara.

"This place is gorgeous." Svaari stops while Liara opens the door. She looks back at Shepard "Shouldn't we help with the bags?"

"Shepard will get them. Let me show you to your room."

Shepard pays the driver then brings the bags inside.

The house is quiet. She sets Svaari's suitcase at the bottom of the stairs then brings her and Liara's bags into the master bedroom. She sets both bags on the bed then starts to unpack her own suitcase.

The visit with Eva and James went very well. Liara told her about her talk with Eva, Shepard felt good that Eva was able to share her feelings. It is not an easy thing to reveal what you are truly feeling and she is glad that her daughter had the strength to do that.

"Father is asleep," says Liara as she enters the bedroom. "And Svaari is getting settled. Thank you for bringing in the bags. I wonder where Little A is."

Shepard throws the clothes that need cleaning on the floor while putting away the clean clothes into the dresser.

"Are you okay Elly?"

"Yeah, just tired."

"Is your hip bothering you?"

Shepard looks at her, "What?"

"Your hip? Your limping again."

"Oh, yeah I guess."

"Do you have your pills?"

"I'm fine Liara, okay," she answers with a bite to her tone. "I'm fine."

"It is quite clear that you are not. Do you want to talk about it?"

"No I do not." Shepard grabs her empty suitcase, zips it up and places it back into the closest where it belongs. She limps out of the bedroom without another word.

She grabs a beer and stands in front of the refrigerator as she slams it down. Her hip is really bothering her. Ever since she was hit with that damn tranquilizer her pain seems to have increased.

"Your place is amazing Shepard," says Svaari. "Thank you again for letting me stay here."

Shepard throws her now empty beer bottle into recycling then grabs another one. "You want one?"

"Sure."

Shepard hands her one then clinks the bottle. She takes a long swig. She stops and wipes her mouth when she sees Svaari staring at her with wide eyes. "You need anything? Food?"

"I could eat."

"I will give you your first tour." Shepard takes another long swig. "You drive right?"

"Yes," Svaari laughs a little, "of course I do."

"We are going to pick up some food and you are driving." Shepard finishes her second beer and throws the empty bottle into recycling. "Let's go."

Svaari barely touched her beer. She sets it down on the counter.

"Where are you going?" asks Liara.

"Out," says Shepard and walks out the front door.

Svaari looks at her, "She wants to get some food. Do you need anything or have a list?"

"No. Is she driving?"

"No, I am. She is going to show me some sights. Is that okay?"

"Yes of course. I ..." Liara is not sure what to say.

"I'll be sure that she gets home safe and sound Liara. You can trust me."

Liara nods, "Thank you."

"So when are your parents coming home again?" says Jess.

"Today," says Raina. She and Jess are just finishing up lunch at her place.

"Should I meet them today? I mean I did so well with your Grandfather."

Raina looks at her, she is smiling. "Really? Today?"

Jess laughs, "No. I figure we should let them get settled first before releasing me on them."

"Oh stop." Raina goes to playfully slap at her shoulder but Jess grabs her and pulls her onto her lap. Raina lets out a little squeal at the sudden movement.

"I'm so glad I met you Dr. T'Soni." Jess kisses her. Raina wraps her arms around Jess' neck.

"I'm glad you bumped into me."

They rest their foreheads against each other. "It would be nice if we could freeze this moment, wouldn't it?" says Raina.

There is a knock at her door, a fast loud rapping.

Raina jumps a little. Her eyes burn suddenly and she feels incredibly sad. She quickly gets off Jess and turns away.

"Hey you okay?"

Raina checks the monitor, "It's…" she looks at Jess, "it's Mia." She opens the door. "Mia?"

"Can I crash here?" She has a bag slung over her shoulder.

"When did you get here? I didn't know you were coming."

"Can I or not?" she sounds angry.

Raina steps aside, "Of course you can, you don't have to ask Mia you never have to ask."

"Oh." Mia stops in her tracks when she sees Jess. "Sorry, I didn't' know you had company. I can come back later."

"No wait." Raina grabs her sister's wrist. "Stay."

"Yeah come on in," says Jess. "We just finished lunch, are you hungry?"

Raina can tell Mia is upset.

"I ate but thanks." She looks at Raina, "The room available?"

"Of course, go on up."

Mia heads upstairs.

"Sorry about that," says Raina.

"It's okay. I think she is upset."

"Yeah, you saw that too? I wonder why she is here."

Jess gives her a quizzical look.

"She is supposed to be in training with her team."

"Ah. I thought maybe she was on a break or something."

"No. Her season starts in four weeks." Raina bites her lip.

"Why don't I head out and you can find out what is going with her?"

"I don't want to force you out."

"Nonsense. Your sister needs you."

"Will you come back for dinner and …" Raina's voice trails off.

Jess smiles. She holds Raina's hips. "And?"

"Stay the night?"

Jess kisses her. Raina's body tingles all over. Jess' hand moves to her breast and squeezes a little. She breaks the kiss. "Absolutely."

Raina opens the door for her. She cannot wipe the smile from her face.

"You are so beautiful."

Raina kisses her again. "So are you Jess."

"I will see you soon."

Raina waves to her when her sky car takes off. She closes the door and heads upstairs.

Mia's door is closed so Raina lightly knocks, "Mia? Mia can I come in?"

Raina feels sadness and pain suddenly. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in and out. "Mia? I am coming in."

When she opens the door and walks it she finds the room is empty except for Mia's bag. It is on the floor. Raina sees a light coming from under the bathroom door. "Mia?" she knocks. "Are you okay?"

"Just a minute."

Raina feels pain again and she hears fear in her sister's voice. "What's going on Mia?" She waits for a reply. "Mia?" Nothing. "Mia I'm coming in." Raina tries the door but it's locked. Feeling nervous Raina says, "Mia open this door right now. Mia!"

Mia opens the door fast. Raina hears the toilet flushing. Mia is holding a towel in her hand; it looks like she has been crying. "Goddess Raina what the hell?"

"Are…are you alright?"

"Fine, geez. I get more privacy from my teammates." Mia walks past her and sits on her bed.

Raina studies her sister. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, I'm home for a week."

"Why?" Mia shoots her a look. "I don't mean it like that. Did something happen with the team?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"What is it with the third degree?" Mia stands and throws the towel on the bed. "Maybe I shouldn't have come here."

"Calm down Mia," Raina's tone is very firm. She can see that her sister is a little surprised by it. "You do not have to tell me what is bothering you but I am not going to be your punching bag."

Mia swallows. "Sorry."

"Okay," Raina lets out a breath. "Okay." Raina is quiet for a minute.

"I came home to see Dava." As if that explains everything. "She was hurt, did you know that?"

"No I didn't. Is she okay?"

"Batarians attacked."

"What?"

"She was patrolling along with other commandos and she and her partner were attacked. She was able to kill two of them before one hit her. She can barely lift her arms over her head."

"I had no idea."

"I was worried so I asked my coach if I could come home. He gave me a week."

Raina sits next to her on the bed. "I take it you saw her?"

Mia nods.

"And things didn't go well?"

Mia crosses her arms and looks away.

Raina touches her sister's leg. Mia jumps at the contact. She scoots away.

"Mia?"

"Look…I'm tired. Can…can I just sleep?"

"Sure of course. I am going to do some work so I will be downstairs. Jess is coming over for dinner later. I was going to make something."

"Yeah okay. I can leave to give you privacy."

"No no, you don't need to do that. You are welcome to join us." Raina notices her sister won't look at her. "You are always welcome Mia, always." Raina notices the towel on the bed and leans over to grab it. She wants to put it away. But Mia quickly blocks her and grabs the towel and holds onto it as if for dear life.

"I got it," Mia clears her throat. "Sorry, I will take of it."

Raina narrows her eyes at her.

"What?" says Mia.

"What is going on?"

"I just want to sleep Raina. Can we not do this right now? Please?"

Raina wants to say more. She knows her sister is hurting but she is not ready to talk, not yet. "Okay then, you rest. I will be downstairs if you need anything." She closes Mia's door as another wave of sadness hits her. She knows it is coming from Mia, she wasn't sure at first, but she is sure of it now.