Ch 2 The Dream

Shepard woke up in a cold sweat panting and gasping for air. He sat up in bed as he attempted to acclimate to his surroundings. He looked over to his left with great relief as he saw Liara asleep. Her breathing was as gentle as the apartment was. He sat on the edge of the bed when he noticed the digital clock on his nightstand reading "3:42 A.M".

It was just a dream. He thought to himself.

The distraught Commander grabbed his robe and made his way across the quiet apartment that was illuminated with little rays of light that shone from Sunset Strip. The door to the bathroom whooshed open as Shepard entered and splashed cool water on his face. The water made him feel rejuvenated as if he was stepping into a cool shower on a hot day. He inspected his face in the mirror as the bags around his eyes became evident that he had not slept well in some time. Despite his tiredness, Shepard enjoyed this time: the quiet of the night. It was a time where he was able to just observe and exist without the responsibilities that the day would bring. The door hissed behind him as the tired Commander exited the restroom and meandered toward the second floor balcony that overlooked the entire penthouse apartment. He leaned on the railing admiring the view of the loft. From the grand piano in the living room to the bar behind the fireplace, everything was in order and neat. It was peaceful and quiet, the kind of life he wanted for him and Liara after everything that they've been through in the last seven years.

He thought about how they met back on Therum almost seven years ago today then he realized…

"Oh shit." The realization hit him like a brick: today is actually the day that they met. He let out a slight chuckle before continuing with a smile, "Seven years and counting…"

Meeting each other on Therum all those years ago was most likely the best thing to happen to the two. Shepard meeting Liara gave him something to fight for. In his darkest hours, he was able to push through because of the strength that she gave him. In their private moments, he made sure to let her know how much she meant to him. On the other hand, Liara meeting Shepard gave her a new perspective on humans and a life to pursue outside of dig sites. Ever since she was rescued by the Commander, she felt drawn to him more than any other being she met before. The fact that he was touched by a Prothean beacon made it all the more sweeter and an excuse for her to get some alone time with him.

The Commander reflected on how much she had grown in those years from being an innocent and naive scientist to a cold, relentless Shadow Broker. Shepard felt a pit in his stomach when he thought of how much pain and anguish his death caused her. He regretted not going to Illium sooner after Cerberus had resurrected him. At the time, he was completely taken aback to what she had become in those two years. He knew that people changed over time apart; however after meeting her again, he feared that the one he fell in love with was gone and this cold hearted stranger had taken her place.

The two had talked about where they stood after dealing with the old Shadow Broker. Both of them still cared for one another but did not want to put pressure on the other as time had caused the two to grow apart. After confessing their feelings for each other on Hagalaz, the two spent an evening together rekindling their love on the Normandy before Shepard was once again whisked away by the call of duty. Shepard relished that night on the Normandy. It had felt like he'd won Liara's heart back after it had been taken away by grief and vengeance. After killing the old broker Liara had felt a two year weight lifted off her shoulders, the debt of pain and loss had been paid for in blood. She had gotten her friend and the love of her life back. It felt almost too good to be true. She regretted how she had treated Shepard before they had taken over the Broker's fortress. She was cold and unfeeling. She could tell that he was shocked at their initial meeting on Illium; and on their chase with Vasir, she admitted that she put her contact in harm's way in order to salvage a piece of data.

It was for the greater good. She would tell herself whatever she needed to to help her sleep at night during those times. She needed to stay focused on the mission and nothing was going to stop her.

The Commander was lost in thought when he was interrupted by a pair of blue arms that encompassed around his waist.

"Can't sleep?" Liara asked as she hugged him from behind.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" He turned to kiss her forehead and put his arm around her as the two now stood in a side hug.

"No…" She lied. She had heard him wake up and felt him get out of bed. "…The bed felt a little empty…" She was really bad at lying. How she made it as the Shadow Broker, one could only fathom.

Shepard chuckled at her attempt.

"Is something bothering you?"

"I'm fine…it's just that um…" Shepard was also bad at lying. Lying to her at least.

"Shepard…" She wore a worried look as their eyes met. She could tell that he hadn't been sleeping well due to the bags around his eyes and it was true. This was the third night that Shepard had woken up from these dreams; however, to Liara, it was a first as she had been away for a seminar with Javik discussing their book: Travels with the Prothean for the past week. She didn't want to pry as she knew he would tell her when he was ready, so she offered a different solution.

"You know…if you're having trouble sleeping, I could help with that."

"Thanks Liara, but I don't know if cuddling is going to help me get some more shut eye."

She chuckled and lightly punched him on his side.

"No, that's not what I was going to propose. Do you remember when I joined my subconscious with yours on Earth all those years ago?"

The memory struck him in his feels. How could he forget? It was a fitting farewell on what seemed like something they would never come back from.

He nodded his head.

"If you want, I could show you some of my memories. Peaceful ones that would help you sleep."

Shepard sat on the idea for a moment before finally answering. "Okay."

Liara took Shepard by the hand and led him back to the bed where she instructed him to lay on his back. The Commander did as instructed and Liara sat near the headboard.

"Close your eyes Shepard and relax."

The Commander complied as he felt Liara's fingers on his temples.

"No 'Embrace Eternity' this time?" He quipped.

Liara chuckled. "Not if I can help it."

With that exchange, Liara's eyes went from blue to black as she began to join her mind with Shepard's. The Commander could feel himself drifting to sleep accompanied with a sense of relief and security that he would actually get a good night's rest.

Liara…

He thought knowing she would hear him.

Yes Shepard?

I love you.

I love you too.

Happy Anniversary my love.