Dr. Liara T'Soni is speaking about the Protheans to a full auditorium at Thessia University tonight. The few days leading up to her presentation Liara has been a bit nervous which Shepard tried to help with and was sometimes successful and sometimes not.
Sleeping with the asari has been wonderful. Not only has Shepard only had one nightmare in the last four nights but their intimacy has never been better. Shepard is more confident between the sheets than she has ever been. Liara has noticed and after talking to her about it enjoys the change very much.
Two nights ago Shepard became so overwhelmed during their love making that she had to stop and ask Liara to end the meld. She couldn't catch her breath or stop her tears. At first Liara thought she might be in the middle of a flash back which has never occurred during intimacy, but after calming down Shepard explained that she just couldn't think about her life without Liara and how close she once again came to losing her blue beauty. For hours they shared a meld afterwards where they just held each other and comforted each other. It was one of the best nights of Shepard's life, outside of meeting Liara, marrying Liara and having children with Liara.
Now sitting in the dark with Raina on her left and Mia on her right in the front row of the auditorium, Shepard has a great big smile on her face. She feels incredibly lucky to have a loving family and a bondmate that she adores and cherishes.
"You're happy Da Da," says Raina. She hugs her father's arm.
"Shh honey it is about to start." Shepard kisses the little one on her crest. When an asari steps out from behind the curtain Shepard realizes that Raina did not ask a question but instead stated a fact.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," says the asari at the podium, "it is my great honor to introduce to you the incomparable Dr. Liara T'Soni.
The applause is deafening. Shepard checks the kids. They are not fazed by it one bit. Instead they are standing and clapping as loud as they can. They know it is their mother about to appear and speak.
When Liara does appear from off stage the crowd settles down and takes their seats in anticipation.
"Ma Ma!" yells Raina as her father lets go of her hand so she can run to her mother. Mia is not far behind. Liara bends down and hugs the pair of them.
Shepard approaches nodding to a few asari that were talking to her bondmate. She gives Liara a kiss on the lips. "That was wonderful."
"Really you liked it?"
"Are you kidding me? I loved it or I should say we loved it. Isn't that right?" Shepard scoops up Mia and pokes her little tummy with her index finger which produces a squeal.
"Yeah!" says Raina.
Liara picks her up and places her on her hip. "It didn't scare you Raina?"
Shaking her head, "Nope."
When Liara looks toward Mia she and Shepard see that she is yawning. "She is a little tired," says Shepard.
"Well it is past their bedtime. Have you seen Dad?" asks Liara.
"Right here kid. That was actually not that bad."
Smiling Liara says "Thanks."
"You really have a way with words don't ya Aethyta?" says Shepard.
"Yeah yeah look, I thought I would be bored off my ass…"
"Bad word bad word!" both Raina and Mia yell and point to the Matriarch at the same time.
Laughing Aethyta says "You got me." She turns to her daughter and takes Raina into her arms. "Seriously though kid. You were great." She leans closer and gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thank you Dad."
"Dr. T'Soni?"
Liara looks to her right and sees a few asari waving for her to join them.
"Go ahead," says Shepard.
"Are you sure?"
Stepping in closer, "Of course I am. This is your night. Enjoy it." Shepard kisses her on the cheek and watches her beautiful bondmate approach the other asari.
"You want me to take them home?" asks Aethyta.
Before she can reply Shepard feels a hand on her shoulder but feels a chill up her spine when she turns to see who it is.
"Excuse me Shepard."
Trying to keep her voice even Shepard says, "What do you want Rajanni?"
Aethyta senses the tension in Shepard. She steps closer, "Is there a problem here?"
"No problem," says Rajanni.
Shepard extends her arm so that Aethyta will get behind her. She feels Mia tighten her grip on her neck.
"I am sorry I did not mean to alarm you," says the asari. "I just…"
"You just what Rajanni?"
Aethyta ignores Shepard's arm and stands next to her not behind her.
"It's okay Da Da," says Raina. Shepard feels the little hand on her arm.
"Are these your children?"
"What do you want?" Shepard asks again.
Letting out a breath Rajanni says, "To apologize."
Shepard narrows her eyes at her.
"I know you are not to blame for my parents Shepard. I know you were just trying to help me and in fact have helped me. I …well I am very sorry for the pain I have caused you and your family."
Shepard is scanning the room. She sees Jordan Brown talking to Liara. The two asari that waved her over are a few feet away. She makes eye contact with her and when she sees Liara smile and nod she relaxes a little.
"It's okay Da Da," says Raina.
"Who is this?" barks Aethyta.
Shepard does not answer.
Rajanni does not answer her either. "Again Shepard I am sorry. I wish only the best for you and your family." With a smile and a nod of respect the asari walks away.
"Who the hell was that?"
"Bad word bad word!" both kids point out.
When the human does not respond Aethyta puts her hand on her shoulder, "Shepard? You okay?"
"Huh? Oh yeah yeah, I'm fine." Shepard is looking at Liara. When she sees Jordan walk away she turns to the Matriarch. "Can you watch them for me for a minute?"
"Sure."
Shepard gives Mia to Aethyta and walks over to Liara.
"You okay?"
"I am fine Elly are you okay?"
"What the hell did he want?" Shepard is trying to keep calm but she can feel herself shaking.
"It's okay Elly really. He wanted to stop by and apologize for something and t…"
"For what?"
Liara puts both hands on Shepard's shoulders. "Honey you need to calm down."
"I know…I …I'm trying."
"Come with me." Liara leads her back stage to the green room. This is a room where guests wait before they go on stage. "Do you want something to drink, they have water?"
"What did he need to apologize for Liara?" Shepard is pacing the room hugging herself. Her hands won't stop shaking.
"A week or so ago he said some things that were not exactly nice Elly. It is nothing to be concerned about."
"What kind of things?"
"He was under the impression that the confrontation between you and Rajanni was your doing and not hers."
Stopping in her tracks Shepard looks at Liara, "What? And you didn't tell me?"
"You weren't back yet Elly and there was nothing to tell. I set him straight and I never heard from him again until tonight."
"I could kill him. I could kill him Liara, that son of a bitch!"
"Everything is fine Elly."
"So what did he say to you just now?" she continues her pacing.
"Only that Rajanni told him everything. How she was blaming you for everything because she couldn't face her own guilt. That they are leaving Thessia in the next few days. That she is incredibly sorry and wanted to apologize to you which I saw she did. Did she Elly?"
"They're leaving Thessia?" Shepard stops her pacing again. She still feels cold.
Liara approaches and places her arms around her neck, "Day after tomorrow they are moving to Earth. Dr. Snowden recommended a doctor she can see there. His family is still alive and Rajanni wanted a fresh start, so they are going back to Earth." Liara brushes a lock of auburn hair behind the human's ear.
"And you're sure you are okay?"
Hugging her Liara says, "Never better." She can feel Shepard shaking. She pulls back from the hug, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah it's just my adrenaline."
Liara rubs her arms, "That was Rajanni I saw speaking to you wasn't it?"
"Yeah."
"And?"
"She apologized."
"But?"
Shepard hugs Liara and holds her close.
"Oh Elly it's okay, you are okay now."
"I'm sorry Liara."
"For what?"
"When I saw her my instincts kicked in and I went on the defensive. I …well I didn't believe her. But then…" she breaks off with a small laugh.
Liara pulls back from the hug, "What? What is so funny?"
"Raina."
"What about her?"
"She said it was okay. Like she knew that Rajanni was not a threat."
Liara rests her forehead on Shepard's. "Our precious daughter."
They stand in each other's arms for a few minutes until Shepard's shaking subsides.
"I think you should go back out there Liara," she says stepping out of her arms. "You have a lot of fans waiting to talk to you."
"Only if you are sure Elly."
"I'm sure. I will have Aethyta take the girls home and I will hang out until you are ready to go."
"Hang out huh? You hate doing that."
"Well I am not letting you out of my sight."
Liara smiles and hugs Shepard then plants a long soft kiss on her lips. "Thank you Elly."
"Thank you my blue beauty."
Things between Valya and Dara seem to be going as well as can be expected. The retired commando is still sleeping in the spare bedroom, but she is grateful that she has not heard anything from Lahja and that she and Dara seem to be getting along more and more as each day passes. Tonight she has planned a special dinner of her own making. Dava is already fed and in her crib. Dara has not even noticed because she is busy working on something for her internship.
"You almost finished with that?" asks Valya. She is standing behind Dara who is sitting at a desk.
"Hmm?"
Without thinking Valya puts her hands on Dara's shoulders and starts to rub. Physical touch between the two has been pretty nonexistent since she confessed her affair. A smile forms on her face when Dara does not argue or push her away.
"I said are you almost finished? I made dinner."
Dara leans back into the touch. She lets her head fall back with her eyes closed. She has missed this. "Did you pick something up? I didn't hear you leave."
Laughing a little Valya says, "No I made something."
Dara opens her eyes. Almost as if remembering the affair as if it was yesterday she grows stiff and stands from the chair. Valya doesn't say anything, but her heart hurts a little at the sudden change. She knows how much she hurt her bondmate. She just hopes and prays that someday Dara will trust her again.
"Come on," says Valya.
Dara follows her to the kitchen table. The plates are already filled with dinner and there are two lit candles.
"What's this?" asks Dara slowing as she reaches the chair.
"Dinner."
"No I mean this?" she points to the candles.
"I thought we could have a nice dinner."
Looking around, "Where's Dava?"
"Her crib."
"Why?"
Valya walks over to Dara and pulls the chair out for her. "I fed her early and she is playing in her crib. I wanted to have a nice dinner with you. Is that alright?"
Dara takes the chair offered. Valya pushes the chair in and kisses her on the cheek.
Sitting across from her Valya says "I have news." She waits for Dara to take a bite.
Dara takes a bite.
"Good?"
"Yes very," says Dara. "What news?"
"I got a new job."
"What?"
"Yeah. Well as you know I retired from the commandos. Bistra put me in touch with a friend of hers on the police force."
"Police force?"
"Yes. I had to pass a written and physical exam and I have to start at the bottom, but I am a police officer now."
Dara is excited for her but at the same time a little upset. "You didn't think it important to discuss this with me?"
Valya stops her fork in midair. "I thought you would be happy."
"Isn't it dangerous?"
"Well it can be but you know the crime here is not terribly high or anything like that. I am sorry Dara. I thought you would be happy. It is a job that will have set hours. Because I am new I will have to work some nights and weekends but I was told they can be flexible when necessary. I told them I have a family."
Dara can see how happy Valya is and she does not want to take away from that. It is a relief to hear that she got a job and that they are on their way to further repairing their relationship.
"I am really sorry I didn't tell you. I wanted it to be a surprise." Valya is holding Dara's hand.
Dara looks at her bondmate's hand holding her own and she gives it a squeeze. She smiles and says, "It's okay. I am happy for you."
"Are you sure?"
Nodding her head, "I am sure. When do you start?" Dara takes her hand away.
"Next week."
"So soon?"
"Well yeah. I thought it would be best to not delay. Besides I was pretty fortunate they even had an opening. I am pretty sure Bistra pulled a few strings."
"That was very nice of her."
"Yeah it was. Are you sure you are okay with it?"
Swallowing her food Dara says, "Yes. I…I am happy that you found something so quickly."
They eat in silence for a few long minutes.
"Have you given any more thought to counseling Valya?"
She is not at all keen on the idea, but will do anything for her bondmate. "I am willing to do it."
Dara looks at her, "Really?"
Valya locks eyes with her, "Of course Dara. I love you."
Dara looks down, "Okay then. I will call Dr. Snowden tomorrow to see if we make an appointment with her or with someone she recommends."
"Sounds good. Do you like your food?"
"Yes I do, it is delicious, thank you."
"I do love you Dara. I hope someday you will believe it again."
Without looking at her the asari says, "Me too."
THREE MONTHS LATER
Shepard is home with her girls playing in the back yard. Aethyta is watching from her favorite Adirondack chair sipping on Ryncol. Liara is at work finishing up her last few days of classes before the summer break
"Where do you find the energy Shepard?" asks the Matriarch.
Shepard is playing tag with Raina, Mia and Dava. She is it and is chasing each little child trying to tag them. Of course she can easily catch them but it is more fun to pretend she can't.
"You should join us Grampy."
"I have asked you not to call me that."
Shepard laughs as she chases after Mia who squeals so high the human thinks her ear drums are going to pop. Her omni-tool starts to beep. Normally she would let it go but it is from Oriana.
"Hold on kids I need to take this." Shepard catches her breath and answers on the third ring, "Hello?"
"Hi Shepard!"
"Oriana everything alright?"
"Oh yes everything is fantastic! Arelia is in labor."
"That is great."
"She and Miranda would love it if you and the family could come down. They say it should be any time now. She has been in labor about four hours."
"Yes. I will let Liara know and we will be there as soon as we can."
"Excellent! See you here!"
The call ends.
"Who was that?" asks Mia.
"That was your Auntie Oriana. Gather round kids." They all close in and look up at Shepard. "Do you remember Auntie Arelia?"
They all nod yes.
"Remember how she is going to have a baby?"
They all nod yes again.
"Well she is having it right now. So we are going to go to the hospital to see her and her baby, okay?"
"Yeah!" they all erupt in cheers at the same time.
"You want me to call Liara?" asks Aethyta.
"Yeah that would be great. I will call Dara and Valya to let them know I am bringing Dava to the hospital."
Liara walks into the waiting room. She was hoping to arrive sooner but a student needed her help with something and she couldn't just ignore her since her help was necessary in order for an assignment to be completed before the end of the term.
When she walks in she sees Dava and Mia sharing a chair sleeping. Raina is on Shepard's lap and Aethyta is reading something. She also sees Oriana and Mark along with Dara.
"Hi Liara," says Oriana as she hugs the asari.
"Hi."
"It should be anytime now. I know I said that like two hours ago but that is what they keep telling us."
Liara smiles at Shepard and waves at her to not get up. It looks as though Raina is almost falling asleep on her lap.
"Hi Liara," says Dara, she also hugs her.
"Where is Valya?"
"She's at work. She said she would get here as fast as she could."
Things are going better between the asari couple. The counselor they are seeing that was recommended by Dr. Snowden has been a tremendous help. They are now sharing a bedroom again and so far things are going very, very well.
"Hi everyone, it's a girl!" says Miranda laughing.
"Hey I was going to use that one," says Shepard. She stands and places the tired Raina on her hip.
All of the adults smother Miranda with hugs and kisses.
"Is Arelia okay?" asks Oriana.
"Yes, fantastic in fact. They are cleaning up the baby and she wanted me to come out here to tell all of you the news. Mother and daughter are fantastic."
Liara hugs the human again, "I am so happy for you Miranda."
"Oh Miri," Oriana hugs her as well. She doesn't bother waiting for Liara to finish.
"I will be right back. I will check on them and then come back for all of you," Miranda is beaming with happiness.
Liara hugs Shepard and gives Raina a little kiss on the forehead.
"Can you believe it? It seems like she was pregnant forever," says Shepard.
"I am sure Arelia felt that way too," says Liara smiling.
"Am I too late?" asks Valya. She is still in her uniform.
"Valya!" Dara rushes to her and hugs her. "Miranda just came out to tell us Mother and child are doing well. She will be back shortly then we can go in and see them."
"Good."
"I thought you couldn't leave."
"My superior said it was fine to leave early."
Dara hugs her again, "I'm glad you came."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
The group sees Miranda almost skipping down the hallway, "Okay everyone follow me."
Liara picks up Mia who wakes and hugs her mother while Valya picks up Dava.
The group was warned that they cannot stay too long. The hospital made an exception for them. They all file into the room.
Arelia looks like she is glowing. Her face is beaming with pride and happiness. She is holding the small bundle of joy.
"Everyone," says Arelia, "We would like to introduce you to Shayna Oriana T'Jala.
"Oh," Oriana holds her hand over her heart, "Miri I can't believe it."
Miranda takes the little one and hands her to her sister. She and Mark look very comfortable together looking down at the baby. "She is so beautiful."
With blue-green eyes and a light shade of blue the little asari looks like she is smiling at her Aunt.
"Hello little one," says Mark as he uses his pinky finger to touch the little hands.
While everyone is waiting to have a turn to look at the new baby Shepard and Liara are in the corner of the hospital room. Raina touches Liara's arm.
"What is it honey?" asks Liara.
"Baby," says Raina.
"That's right honey," says Shepard "Auntie Arelia had a baby."
"No." Raina pats Liara's arm. "Baby." She looks right into her mother's eyes.
Liara and Shepard lock eyes and share a great big smile.
Shepard quietly says to her very perceptive daughter, "You just keep that to yourself okay little one? Today is about Auntie Miranda and Arelia and their little baby Shayna okay?"
"Okay Da Da."
THE END
A/N: Thank you to each and every one of you. I love reading the reviews and the PMs I receive from you. I never imagined I would actually be good at writing and from your feedback I am starting to believe that I am, though with lots of improving to do for sure.
I do plan on continuing to write. I will continue with this story but will try to keep them shorter. 53 chapters is a lot and I thank you for following me on this journey.
I may take a small break (maybe a week) to formulate my next story, but rest assured I will continue with the same characters. Thank you again and I hope you come along on the next adventure!
