Notes: Shmex Warning… immediately following the ME: Andromeda nod!

Anam Cara - Soul Mate (Gaelic)

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Mea're: "new tribal sister", to address a tribal sister of a loved person (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Something Borrowed – Something Blue

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 14 Aug 2188

Barring a catastrophe occurring after Ashley's communiqué the previous morning – something that would require Spectre intervention, such as a sudden declaration of war between the rebellious Quarian faction and the SILC of which no one at the Estate was yet aware – Samantha and Liara fully expected the Normandy and her crew to arrive at the Estate sometime in the morning while they were traversing the Cave of the Sacred Pools. However, with the couple's trip through the caverns having taken so much longer than predicted, the last vessel they expected from the Sol system – Steven Hackett's diplomatic shuttle – had also made a quick stop to drop off their last remaining personal guests. Upon Shepard and Liara's delayed homecoming to the Estate, they immediately spied the Normandy sitting on the parking apron but could only surmise the rest of their friends had made the journey successfully and were inside, eagerly awaiting the promised pair's return from Mount Orlael.

In her excitement to see the latest arrivals, Shepard struggled to maintain a calm, modest pace while escorting Priestess Avila during their walk to the residence. The rousing cheer greeting the small group as she opened the door was all the impetus Samantha needed to bolt forward and wrap a certain woman in her arms, swinging her around in a circle of loving welcome. "Aunt Kay!" The beaming smile on Shepard's face said it all as she continued, "Gods! I hadn't heard anything from you this whole past week and was beginning to wonder if you were still going to make it!" Setting the woman back on her feet, Shepard concluded with a dazzling smile, "You have no idea how good it is to see you!"

Kahlee laughed and gave her a playful swat. "What are you talking about? Of course I'm going to be here for your bonding! I wouldn't miss it for anything!" She turned and smiled, stepping away from Samantha to give Liara a hug. "And it's good to see you too, Liara. Thank you for taking such good care of our dear Sam."

Without having to explain what she meant, the concerned yet thankful look on Kahlee's face told Liara that the woman most definitely knew of the attack by Sederis and was referring to the subsequent search and rescue. As a result, Liara tried to make light of the incident and smiled as she said, "My pleasure, Kahlee. Shepard has put together quite the Spectre team… She merely wanted to run an unannounced test of our readiness, so went and let herself get kidnapped." Her eyes shifted to meet those of Shepard, whose green eyes appeared glassy, even if Liara felt it was her own vision that was swimming as she concluded with a forced laugh, "She knew I wouldn't let her out of this bonding that easy."

"Well, it seems she found the right partner for the job." The voice of Sharon Culver came in from the side and had Samantha spinning to greet her as she continued, "How many times have you had to pull her ass out of the fire, T'Soni?"

Shepard clasped forearms with her for only a moment before Sharon drew her into a tight hug as the Spectre answered, "More times than either of us care to count, that's for sure!"

"God, but it's damned good to see you, Shep!" Sharon pushed back and looked the woman up and down before adding with an approving smile, "Thessia looks good on you." She then turned to Liara and offered a hand; as Liara smiled and took it, Sharon laid her other hand atop and wrapped both the Asari's hands in her own. Pulling Liara a little bit away from the crowd, she stepped close and whispered hoarsely, "Thank you, Liara… for everything. And I'm not just talking about the military shit; that really doesn't mean a thing. I'm talking about finding her when she was lost… about loving her through thick and thin and always having her back… and protecting her heart. About never giving up on her… even through the hard times… the impossibly difficult times, when you loved her so much it hurt."

A look of wonder crossed the Asari's face and Culver nodded. "Oh, yes. I know all about that. You know I was her first lover, Liara, so I know very well how she is… But, that was a long time ago and I'd never think to interfere with the love you two have for one another; what you have is sacred. As much as I love that woman, I know that since you met her, you have loved her more and loved her better than I ever could. She will be my sister-in-arms and my family forever … she has become the sister I never had. Because of that, the bond you have with her makes you family too, so if you ever need anything…" She paused and took a deep breath as she glanced at Shepard before returning a soldier's gaze to the clear blue eyes of the Asari. "You call me… I'll be here for you both, as long as I live and breathe."

Liara leaned forward and wrapped the woman in a tight hug, surprising Sharon with the strength in her arms as the Asari whispered back, "Thank you… Mea're. Our house is yours and you will always be welcome to stay with us whenever you care to make your way here."

"Mea're?" Sharon quirked a brow and Liara, her heart light with the woman's unexpected proclamation, chuckled softly.

"There is no direct translation, but the term fits you perfectly. It refers to a tribal sister of a loved one." Liara shrugged casually. "So, you are correct, including by Asari tradition; you are now part of… a special part of… the family of House T'Soni."

"Thank you, Liara." Sharon grinned happily and waved a hand in the direction of the crowd. "Now. Don't let me keep you from the rest of your guests. Hackett's in there somewhere, as is Lieutenant Colonel Falk… though, I do believe Spectre Williams may have grabbed him and dragged him off somewhere private."

Returning to Shepard's side was all Liara needed to do to find the ex-Admiral of the Fleet. The aging soldier had finally opted for retirement from the Alliance but, as predicted, had moved immediately to the position of Military Secretary to the Earth Alliance Prime Minister. As Liara walked up, Hackett was shrugging his shoulders. "Reuben's not bad… and he's certainly not your standard politician. He was born in the colonies and spent forty years in the Alliance Navy… a weapons officer who survived the First Contact War, so he has a bit of a dislike of Turians, but not bad enough to keep him out of politics. He was Anita Goyle's military consultant for a number of years, until she left office. He then returned home to become the Parliamentary representative for Euler."

"And now, he's Prime Minister." Shepard frowned. "He's not an isolationist or a LEAP sympathizer because of his attitude toward the Turians, is he?"

"God no, Shepard!" Hackett looked at her with a surprised laugh and a grin as he continued, "You think I'd be working with him if he was?"

"Just checking, Sir." She answered with a smirk. "I mean… You are going into politics. That's enough all by itself to make me question if you still have all your faculties about you."

The two were laughing together as Liara approached them, saying, "Prime Minister Trost is a steadfast conservative…" She smiled and looked at Hackett. "Which likely comes from his years of military service. He was with us regarding a united front in the Reaper War… and remains a staunch supporter of continued joint operations with the other races."

"And now, Liara is back, so no more business talk, Shepard. Besides, she's obviously on top of this and can give you a full brief on the poor man. I feel sorry for him if he's under her scrutiny; he won't get away with anything." Hackett reached out and took Liara's hand. "Good to see you, Doctor, but I won't take any more of your time on the eve of your bonding. Visit with your other guests and we can speak more during the reception after the ceremony, yes?"

"That would be lovely." Liara smiled graciously and nodded. "I'll look forward to catching up."

After he dipped his head and wandered off, Liara turned to Samantha and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Gabriella and Kenneth would like to speak with us privately, if at all possible."

"Is everything alright?" Shepard asked the question as she scanned the crowd, trying to locate the relative newlyweds.

"They are still nervous about the idea of a joint reception," Liara answered. "I think they need to hear us say… in person… that it's honestly okay with us."

Wrapping an arm around Liara's waist, Shepard pulled her close and kissed her on the temple. "Whatever we need to do, T'Soni, as long as I'm with you. Lead the way!"

The buffet dinner was amazing. Shepard and Liara were touched by the genuine love and affection the people around them held for the bonding couple. It seemed everyone had a personal story – some happy, some sad, but all thankful for Shepard's and Liara's actions during the war… and, of more significance to the couple, from the quiet moments… between. As dinner ended, Joker raised his glass, rapping it lightly with the edge of his knife to gain everyone's attention. He stood and drew a deep breath, looking over the sea of faces suddenly focused solely on him.

"I'm not really one for talking in front of a crowd, but I just have to say that Shepard, with everything going on around us during the war, was always the first up and the last down when something needed doing. Every day, every moment during the war… she always seemed to be there. Asking if things were okay, if we had what we needed to do our jobs, if we were getting the rest we needed…" He shook his head in amazement and glanced at Liara. "I honestly don't know how she did it… except by the grace of the lovely Liara T'Soni, who stood faithfully at her side through it all, never giving up or giving in. There is no couple in the galaxy more deserving of this time to simply kick back, get bonded and have one Hell of a honeymoon! To Shepard and T'Soni!"

As people started to break away and head to their rooms for the night, Kahlee first sought out Hannah then, together, they went to speak to Samantha. Kahlee had an odd expression on her face that Shepard was unable to put a name to. "Mom? Aunt Kay? Everything okay?" As she asked the question, Samantha reached out, searching for Liara's hand.

Sensing the disquiet rippling through the link, the Asari stepped closer and intertwined her fingers with Shepard's. "I sincerely hope nothing has happened." Her brow wrinkled with concern, the sensations emanating from her siame making her also feel unsettled.

"Oh, God no!" Kahlee's eyes were red and she smiled as she wiped away the beginning of a tear from the corner of her eye. "It's just that I have been speaking with your mother, Sam… And she informed me that the badge she had thought to serve both as something old and something borrowed turned into a part of your uniform you're going to keep." She paused as she reached into a large pocket in her dinner jacket, her hand emerging with a small, wrapped package which she opened slowly, continuing, "They aren't all spit and polish like the new ones you currently have on your dress uniform, but I thought you might like to have them on your shoulders during your bonding. They belonged to David."

It took a moment for Shepard to realize what Kahlee was offering her, and the instant she did, tears began to stream down Sam's cheeks. She reached out with a shaky hand and picked up one of the epaulets, turning it in her hand as she whispered, more to herself than any of the people at her side, "These were Uncle Dave's dress stripes." Her eyes came up to meet the silver-blue orbs of the woman before her. "I would be honored to wear them, Aunt Kay." She choked on her next words and had to cough to clear her throat before continuing, "It's still hard for me to accept that he's gone… that I couldn't have done something… anything…"

"You stop that right now, Samantha. We all know there was absolutely nothing you could have done at that point to stop that… lunatic. And I also know David would have given his life willingly, if it meant that we would win the war and that you would live to see another day." Kay's voice picked up more than a hint of wistfulness as she went on, "This was what he always wanted for you… To find someone special and fall in love… and to enjoy the incredible happiness that comes along with such a relationship. The best way you can honor his memory is to bond with Liara and live your life to the fullest. To make his sacrifice mean something. You hear me?"

Liara felt Shepard's heart swell with affection and gratitude. After her father had died, David Anderson had become a key figure in Samantha's life… He had filled many roles; mentor, father figure, teacher, friend. Relief flooded through Liara as Shepard's head and heart acquiesced and willingly accepted what Kahlee had just told her. Samantha drew a deep breath and coughed before quietly answering, "Yes, Ma'am."

Shepard then picked up the second epaulet and paired them together, clutching them to her chest for a brief moment before wrapping Sanders in an affectionate embrace. "Thank you, Aunt Kay. I know these must mean a lot to you, so I'll make sure they get back to you after the bonding. I love you."

Fresh tears appeared in Kahlee's eyes. "I love you too, Samantha. Now, you wear those with pride tomorrow… for the angel that will be sitting on your shoulder." She huffed and wiped away the tears. "I only wish he could have been here in the flesh to see it."

As they pushed back, Shepard had a sad smile on her face. "Me too, Aunt Kay. Me too." She reached back, knowing Liara was still there and would again seek out her hand. As the hand of her cheann geallta made contact and she interlaced their fingers together, Samantha sighed quietly and added with a smile, "We'll see you in the morning."

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 15 Aug 2188

The Estate had a rather expansive central garden courtyard, exclusively for large, special gatherings such as this, so it was the obvious choice as the location for the bonding, which needed space for nearly 250 seats. Now, Shepard and Liara stood at the entrance and looked down a long, white pathway flanked on each side by an expanse of green grass… with rows upon rows of white chairs for all their guests. At the far end, they could see the relatively small stage adorned with three-meter marble columns, topped with flowers and draped with billowing fabric so sheer it appeared as blue smoke blowing in the light breeze around the pillars.

The time had come for Samantha's and Liara's long-awaited union to become official; they had promised themselves to one another long ago, the announcement of which had been blessed by Liara's father, Aethyta, swiftly and without hesitation. Now, all the preliminaries were complete – so, the final vows would be spoken and the activated bonding bracelets placed upon their wrists. Neither Liara nor Shepard could keep from smiling as the ceremony for which they had waited so long finally began.

Shepard was arrayed in her Spectre dress uniform; while quite similar in style to her Alliance dress uniform, the jacket's color was Spectre silver and her trousers were a deep midnight blue, so dark they appeared black to an observer's casual glance. Her new Asari blade hung at her hip, the gold Fleet Marine Badge adorned her left chest, and her sparkling new rank had been replaced by the battle-worn captain's insignia given to her by Kahlee. She stood tall, a beaming smile on her face as she crooked her elbow, inviting the Asari to begin their walk to the stage.

Liara smiled at the memory of the first time Shepard had modeled this particular uniform for her, when they had attended the Victory Day Anniversary Ball. 'You cut quite the dashing figure in that outfit, Samantha... and you say it is customary for officers to wear their dress uniform at Human weddings? You absolutely must wear this for our bonding!'

She had seen the start of a smile on the face of her Promised One that had only grown with her final statement. Upon hearing Liara's request, the Spectre had simply finished fastening the topmost clasp of her jacket and grinned, relieved that her Ionúin Álainndid not expect her to wear a gown. 'If that's what you want, Liara, I am more than happy to accommodate your choice for my attire.' The woman had paused long enough to place a warm, loving kiss on the Asari's cheek before continuing, 'You'll simply need to procure a dress to coordinate with it.'

Liara had clapped in childish glee and thanked Shepard for indulging her, knowing a silver bonding gown with midnight blue piping had been included in Sha'ira's collection... the Consort was obviously aware of the tradition and was well aware of what the uniform looked like. All the memories, both good and bad, passed through Liara's mind in mere moments as Priestess Avila saw them and smiled as they arrive at the entry.

Upon the diminutive stage, she raised her hands, palms up at shoulder height, and began. "Under the grace and wisdom of Athame, please rise for the entry of our beloved couple, Lady Liara T'Soni and Spectre Samantha Shepard." Standing there, she patiently waited as they completed the lengthy entrance walk. Once they made their way forward, the pair knelt quickly onto a soft pad provided for the occasion.

The Priestess gently laid a hand upon each of their heads as she began. "As the Tides have been for centuries, the Tides shall always be. As the tide of your Love has grown, the tide of your Love shall always be strong, forever lapping at the universe's shores of Eternity. You have spoken these words in promise... a promise to now be fulfilled by each with the bonding vow."

The Priestess of Athame smiled at the young couple before her and reached out, taking a hand from each of them in her own and placing them together. Her hands remained upon theirs as she spoke. "Both Lady Liara T'Soni and Captain Samantha Shepard have willingly offered their hearts, minds, and souls to this sacred union. As is custom, they walked the paths to the Sacred Pools only yesterday… and received a blessing of Athame for long lives filled with wisdom, charity, and love."

The Priestess quickly drew their bracelets from a pocket in her robes, holding them before the bonding couple as she prompted them to take their chosen symbols of unity from her. "Please, take the appropriate bracelet and place it on your Promised One's wrist."

As they carefully snapped the circlets around each other's wrists, Avila clasped their hands once more, both to activate the bracelets and to ensure they did not forget to stay in constant physical contact until the end of the ceremony. "With the blessing of your union by the Goddess Athame..." The Priestess' hands glowed with biotics and the bracelets, as she was touching them both at the same time, activated simultaneously, a soft glow surrounding them. She then pulled away, leaving Liara's and Samantha's hands intertwined before her, and the glow surrounding the bracelets expanded to encompass the couple, now fully surrounded by an aura of biotic power. Smiling, Avila added, "It is time, now, to speak your vows of unity."

Liara's glistening blue eyes moved from the Priestess to her beloved as she started to speak; Shepard tumbled into Liara's eyes, lost for a moment in the unbridled passion and adoration she found there. She had to close her eyes and break the connection for an instant to get the words in her mind to make their way to her lips. Liara paused and smiled understandingly at her siame, passing calming vibes via the link as she waited patiently for the scattered thoughts racing through Samantha's mind to coalesce into coherent speech.

Finally managing to begin the well-rehearsed performance, the two lovers peered adoringly into each other's eyes as they spoke in unison, "We are two souls, two minds, travelling down life's path. We have been blessed with the opportunity to be closer than most. I ask that you allow me to travel with you as I ask you to travel with me; be my guide as I shall be yours. Let us not be two but one reflection of each other; one mind, two souls, moving ever closer, never to part. Mind, body, soul, joined, two acting as one."

Once they finished the vow, they closed their eyes and leaned their foreheads together, entering a full meld, which would cement their union and complete the link between the bonding bracelets. As they did so, Priestess Avila spoke softly, "Thus, the bond is begun in earnest. These bracelets demonstrate the circle of life, the infinite love and commitment each participant holds for the other, the physical as well as the spiritual blending of two souls into a joined presence, together for eternity."

Her biotics gradually diminished, only to be replaced by power emanating from Liara and Samantha. Once the newly joined couple dropped their biotics and opened their eyes, they smiled up at her to indicate they had completed their union. Priestess Avila smiled down on them, directing them to regain their feet and turn to face their guests. "Your bracelets, like your souls, will remain forever linked now that your bonding meld is complete. Rejoice in the full blessings of Athame which have been bestowed upon your unification."

She smiled happily as she addressed the crowd. "Please, join me in welcoming the newest member of House T'Soni… Captain Samantha Shepard… as she is united under the many blessings of the Goddess Athame to Lady Liara T'Soni. May the two truly become one, unto perpetuity, until their eternal souls leave the corporeal realm to rise amongst the stars and their essential essence returns to the universe."

Priestess Avila's smile transformed into a mirthful laugh and the crowd erupted with shouts of jubilation as the couple turned to one another for a surprisingly passionate kiss before turning and making their way to join up with Ken and Gabby Donnelly. Together, the foursome made their way to the reception hall for the follow-on celebration.

It had been a long, introspective couple of days. With a scrumptious dinner in their bellies, followed by many hours of drinking and dancing, Shepard and Liara had finally retreated from their guests to the private deck outside the master suite. They sat quietly in the dual lounger, each with a glass of Elasa in their outer hands while their inner arms were linked, both leaning into the other's shoulder. Liara stared intently up into the night sky and Shepard caught a trace of wistful longing through the link.

"What's the matter, Liara?" She smiled softly. "You missing the Normandy... knowing it's no longer our ship?" Shepard's serenity faltered as a name slipped inadvertently across the link. "And who the heck is Alec Ryder?"

Startled by the sudden tinge of... wariness... in Shepard's voice, Liara turned quickly and kissed her bondmate's cheek. "No one in any competition with you, Samantha." She let out a quiet sigh. "He is a man from my past... from 2183. An ex-Alliance N7 who asked me first for my help and then, eventually, to go with their expedition... to Andromeda."

"What?" Shepard's brow furrowed in confusion. "Andromeda? How did I not know the Andromeda Initiative asked you to go with them?" Shepard's doubts had instantly turned to relieved surprise as Liara's conviction surged through the link. The repentant Spectre, suddenly having a better grasp on the many sacrifices Liara had made for her, stated, "And you declined… because of me."

Liara's eyes and forehead scrunched together as her grip on Shepard's arm tightened. "Of course I did! You had been lost... and there wasn't a chance in the galaxy I was going to abandon you!" She shook her head in denial. "They originally wanted you as well, both of us to travel aboard the Asari Ark, the Leusinia. But, like everyone else, Alec knew about the destruction of the Normandy; his message of invitation was... kind... but I declined, claiming I was still chasing the Protheans." She set her glass down and turned toward Shepard as she continued, "But, in reality, I was chasing you, determined to discover your true fate..." She paused as a tear ran down her cheek. Making no attempt to wipe it away, she continued in a voice mixing melancholy and happiness. "I couldn't bear to leave without knowing... and will be forever grateful that I chose to stay."

Samantha set her Elasa down as well to free her hand to gently caress the Asari's face. Shepard tilted forward to kiss her Ionúin Álainndeeply, her profound gratitude and infinite devotion to Liara pouring through the link. Their lips separated but they remained leaning into each other as Shepard whispered quietly, "Me too, else we wouldn't have this."

Liara smiled and pulled away, wiping the tears off her cheeks and retrieving her glass of Elasa. She held it up between them, waiting for Shepard to do the same before toasting, "To our future. Our lives ahead… full of happiness and little blue children."

Shepard chuckled softly as their glasses clinked together. "I can most certainly drink to that!"

They sat together, finishing their Elasa and watching Thessia's moon rise full and bright over the ocean, promising light for their future, even in the darkest of nights. When their glasses were empty, Shepard rose slowly from her chair and extended a hand in invitation, her thoughts moving through the link making Liara blush lightly as the Asari took her hand and stood to join her bondmate. They slipped in through the doors, slowly and lovingly undressing each other as they went, leaving a trail of clothing behind as they made their way to the bed.

Liara placed a kiss of promise on her Human's lips just before pushing Samantha backwards onto the bed. Shepard smirked as she wiggled higher up and commented, "Awfully pushy tonight, T'Soni. What do you have in mind?"

Liara raised a brow marking, responding in a sultry voice, "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, Captain," as she climbed onto the foot of the bed and leaned forward, planting a kiss on the inside of Shepard's raised left knee.

With that, Shepard drew a deep breath and leaned back on her elbows, a loving smile on a face filled with anticipation as Liara began to glow with a hint of biotics. Warm blue lips traveled teasingly up Samantha's inner thigh and their eyes met as eager lips encircled an awaiting bud. Sucking once… twice… before a tongue swept through folds just beginning to hint at moisture.

Shepard groaned and closed her eyes, dropping her head back as Liara's hands slid up her sides, followed by her whole body, her tongue and lips trailing licks and kisses as the Asari worked her way up until their lips met once more. "I love you, Siame… Bondmate."

Shepard's face held her trademark lopsided grin as she echoed back words whispered to her, seemingly so long ago. "Show me."

With a husky laugh, Liara whispered, "Count on it," before wrapping her lover in a tight embrace. Kisses feathered across the freckles of Samantha's cheek before meeting eager lips, further fanning the flames of passion. Liara's left hand fondled a right breast before teasing the tip into a hard peak… just as her right hand slipped down into her lover's moist folds.

Sam's heart swelled, an overwhelming sense of loving devotion darting into her soul as she breathed in Liara's enticing scent. Finding the aroma both intoxicating and exhilarating, Shepard put her own hands to work with warm, affectionate fingers slipping carefully into the sensitive folds of Liara's lower back. The Asari's rhythm was momentarily interrupted as she gasped in surprise at the sudden surge of pleasure flooding through her system.

The bridge between them was unobstructed; the link as open as it could be without morphing into a meld, purposely held in check – at least for now – desiring only to enjoy the physical pleasures two people very much in love could each call forth from their partner. Liara felt every caress across her pebbled skin… as did Shepard in return… like electricity coursing through their veins. Their bodies trembled wildly in response to each other's touch, the synapses in their minds firing in a frenzy of sexual ecstasy under the rapture of their spiritual union until they felt the beginnings of truly uncontrollable heat blossoming in their loins. Meld!

They came together, both emotionally and physically, as the world around them disappeared into blackness, tumbling dizzily into a state of Inanna and gasping to catch their breath as they returned to themselves, only to find they were drifting amongst the stars. No words were needed as each embraced the other… at the same time withdrawing from the meld until they once again felt the sheets beneath their sweat-chilled skin.

"By the Goddess, Siame," Liara whispered before pausing to draw breath, her heart still hammering from the exertion. "That was magnificent." They both started to giggle, tiredly, as they snuggled together in each other's arms.

"Agreed," Samantha responded, reaching down to draw a cover over them as a shiver ran down her back. "A side effect of the bonding, you think?"

"I don't know," yawned Liara, followed by another, quieter giggle. "Perhaps… but it could also be simply two people very much in love, celebrating a special day?"

Shepard flopped onto her back and drew a deep breath, releasing it slowly in an attempt to slow her still racing heart. She beamed as her Anam Cara took the opportunity to once again snuggle into her favorite nook; Liara's eyes threatened to close and her thoughts coming through the link lost clarity as her mind started to muddle with sleep. Shepard gave her a quick squeeze and answered, "I suppose you have plenty of solid evidence to make that argument, but it doesn't really matter… Besides, both of us are obviously too tired to discuss it now, anyway."

In her exhaustion, Liara didn't respond other than to hum in agreement and place a warm, soft kiss on Samantha's neck. A sense of contentment filling their souls, they closed their eyes and drifted away into peaceful slumber, knowing they would be departing on their honeymoon the next morning.

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 16 Aug 2188

The summer morning dawned, clear and cool with an onshore breeze – a deservedly magnificent day to start the next phase of their joint life. Shepard woke first, the warmth of Liara tucked into her side being something the woman instinctively knew she would never cease to appreciate nor take for granted as the heat of her bondmate's breath softly caressed her chest with its even rhythm. She closed her eyes again and allowed herself to be consumed by the ever-present link between them. She was surprised when she discovered she could immerse herself into the Asari far enough to feel Liara's heart beat, slow and steady with sleep, as if it were her own… even lacking the meld.

Liara stirred, her subconscious sensing the welcome intrusion and she smiled in her sleep as their inner selves merged into one… She awoke as they both came to the same, sudden realization – This is the bond!

As her eyes fluttered open in surprise, she found herself peering into green orbs alive with curiosity… and awe. As she breathed deep and drew in the reassuring scents of leather and musk, Liara was suddenly very aware of Shepard's loving touch already stroking her soul and body from within and, along with something so amazingly primal as the sense of smell, her body instantly grew warm with the sensations and memories that came along with it. The unexpected combination of the various stimuli as she emerged from sleep awoke a deep sexual desire over which she had little control.

Shepard felt the echo of lust in her chest and whispered softly in invitation, "Good morning, Grá mo chroí." In response, Liara pushed herself up and covered her Human like a blanket, one hand cupping the back of Samantha's head as she kissed her, tongues battling for position until they had to break apart to breathe.

Liara rested her forehead against Samantha's and whispered in return, "Good morning to you, too, Siame." She paused and raised her head to study the face below her; the woman's intense green eyes were a focal point that had the greatest draw, but Liara couldn't stop herself from also appreciating the lightly tanned, yet pale, skin… with the adorable scatter of freckles similar to her own, the wonderfully crafted, luscious lips she so loved to kiss, and the sea of silken auburn hair splayed on the pillow that framed the whole picture. "I will never tire of looking into your eyes, Samantha. May the Goddess' blessing of a long, loving life be one we can truly enjoy… as one."

Shepard picked her head up far enough to place a soft kiss on the willing lips hovering above her before responding, "Yes… and, it seems, 'as one' has definitely picked up an expanded meaning. This morning makes me wonder, again, about last night." Her lopsided grin made itself known as she continued, "Is it my imagination, or is our link somehow… enhanced?"

Somewhat distracted from her goal by Shepard's question, Liara slid to the side to rest on the bed instead of atop Samantha. It freed her one hand to gently caress the woman's face as she answered, "Oh, it is most definitely deeper. I woke with your soul entangled in mine… as if you had initiated a meld, but I never believed such a thing possible."

As Liara's brow wrinkled in thought, Shepard asked, "Do you think this is something we need to speak with Sha'ira about?"

"No," her Anam Cara answered quickly. "As a matter of fact, I don't want to tell anyone anything about this at all." A quirky grin took over her lips as Liara continued, "It can be a little secret that just belongs to us…" Her eyes narrowed a bit as she asked, "Does that sound petty? That I would want at least a small piece of our relationship to be ours, and ours alone?"

"Absolutely not, Blue." Shepard kissed her. "And with so much of our lives being public… me being a Spectre, you leading a High House… I find I rather enjoy the idea of something, however small, being held back for just us to enjoy and explore on our own."

Liara's eyes shined brightly and she cast a beaming smile at Sam as she said, "Me, too!" Her expression suddenly grew very serious as she continued, "There is, however, something about your morning's foray that we do need to discuss."

Instantly concerned, despite Liara's seemingly calm statement, Shepard reached up and stroke the cheek of her Ionúin Álainn. "I'm sorry. Did I do something I shouldn't have?"

"No." A smile teased at the corners of the Asari's lips as she focused on her desire. She saw understanding blossom on her bondmate's face as she concluded, "But you cannot possibly think you can leave me in this condition for any length of time, Siame, without serious repercussions."

Laughing, Shepard peered up into the impish expression on the face of her Anam Cara. "Something tells me that discussion is the last thing on your mind, Doctor."