Disclaimer: The Mass Effect Universe and everything in it belongs to BioWare. I only lay claim to London and Teagan.

[Chapter Seventeen: Thinking of You]

[Normandy Vessel/ Deck Three/ Med Bay/ 8pm]

Mordin was working frantically over Miranda's broken body alongside Dr. Chakwas who was yelling out quick commands to the few other members of the Normandy's medical staff. "The patient's chest and abdomen are now open preventing usage of paddles. Subject is unconscious with dangerously low blood pressure. Disagreement between Operative Lawson's oxygen delivery towards the cells in her body is probable and shock may occur—we cannot let this happen, so watch the monitors and her oxygen intake closely," Helen looked over at her small group of assistants severely, "and you will double check with me before administering any kind of fluid into her I.V."

"Yes ma'am!" The assistants all responded in unison, hastily returning to their duties.

Dr. Solus frowned, his fingers quickly and adroitly working to stop the bleeding in Miranda's abdomen using a small pencil-sized rod that produced electricity to cauterize the open blood vessels, "Fiber optics indicates intestinal bleeding. CT scan indicates abdominal bleeding, retroperitoneal bleeding, and a pierced lung." The salarian inhaled sharply, "Diaphragm intact, but total organ damage severe. Percentage of survival low."

While Mordin worked on the damage to Miranda's abdomen, Helen had been working on the damage in her chest. Miranda's lung had been pierced causing gas and traces of fluid to collect in the pleural cavity and her lung to collapse. "Perhaps, but I do believe she'll make it through if I can just repair this lung and you finish closing those up those cuts. Miranda's genetics are far superior to the average humans. I'm hoping that small upper hand will be the determining factor in her survival."

London, Jacob, and Shepard all paced around the outside of the medical bay, observing through the large glass window as the medical team attempted to save Lawson's life.

Jacob placed a hand onto the glass and pressed against it firmly, "Come on, wonder woman…hang in there."

A moment later Susan, one of Helen's medical assistants, came out to get the sniper, placing a hand gently on London's not hurting shoulder, "Ma'am let's get your shoulder and those abrasions looked at. Even from over there I can tell it's dislocated."

London scowled as she shrugged off the woman's hand, "I'm fine. What are you even doing over here? Get back in there and help Miranda."

Susan shook her head, "Ma'am we really need to check that shoulder and do proper scans on—"

The sniper gave Susan a severe look, "I said I'm fine. Miranda needs all the help she can get right now. So please just," She clenched her jaw tightly, taking a moment to calm herself. It didn't work. London's eyes finally gave way for emotion. Frustration, sorrow, and guilt flooding the light gray orbs, "…help her. I'll go in for a check up as soon as she's okay, alright? I promise. I'll do whatever it is that needs to get done just please…help her."

Shepard exhaled lightly, placing a reassuring hand on London's back. "London, Mordin and Helen are already doing all they—"

London turned onto Shepard, her eyes and facial expression betraying a vulnerability he had never seen in her before, "—she saved me, Shepard. What if the difference between her life and death is the helping hands of one person? I owe her at least that."

The commander looked over the sniper thoughtfully as he considered her words. He didn't know if the extra pair of hands would make a difference in Miranda's recovery, but he was certain they couldn't hurt the Normandy's second in command's chances of surviving. "…are you sure you can make it without a check up at least for a little while? That gash looks pretty bad and your shoulder isn't looking too good either."

London nodded, being sure to not show the slightest hint of the pain and discomfort that she felt in every inch of her body. "I've had worse. I can hardly feel a thing."

John looked skeptically over her wounds just one more time, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am positive."

Susan shook her head at the commander, "Sir, you can't be suggesting we just overlook her injuries? She's hurt."

Shepard looked over at the assistant, "She said she can handle it for a little while. Now get in there and help Chakwas and Solus."

Though disagreeing with the commander, Susan nodded her head and turned to head back into the medical bay, "Aye aye, Commander."

"Thank you, Shepard." London sighed heavily in relief as she leaned in a little closer to medical bay's window, intently observing all details occurring inside.

Mordin had just finished cauterizing all the smaller blood vessels and was already expertly closing the abdomen, leaving only a paper thin and very red cut to mar Miranda's perfectly toned stomach. "Abdomen successfully repaired," the salarian stated matter-of-factly.

However, just as that hopeful statement was issued, a monitor behind the pair of doctors started beeping uncontrollably. One of the assistant's quickly turned to look at Dr. Chakwas, "Ma'am, the scan is indicating a large amount of fluid and pressure building inside her collapsed lung."

Mordin turned his gaze onto Helen, "Must relieve pressure. Odds of patient going into shock or flat lining raising dramatically."

Helen frowned as she worked quickly, "Come on Miranda stay with me, my dear."

The assistant turned to look at the monitor, "Heart rate is increasing."

London turned to look at Shepard with worried eyes before turning back to watch, "What's going on?"

Shepard crossed his arms as he watched from the outside, "Come on, Miranda, come on."

"Ma'am heart rate is continuing to rise!"

Chakwas barked an order out at the closest assistant as Miranda's body began to quake softly. "She's going into shock! I'm going to have to drain and release the pressure now!"

Lawson's gently twitching body was becoming a violently convulsing nightmare as Mordin reached to hold Miranda's right side, "Operation impossible while patient is moving! Outcome of incorrect incision could prove disastrous!"

Chakwas replied hastily, "We don't have a choice! She's already got a massive amount of sedative in her, and if her heart stops we can't use the emergency paddles!"

Mordin inhaled deeply, "Suggestion?"

The assistant spoke up loudly, "Ma'am her body can't take much more stress!"

Jacob was mumbling softly to the all the deities he could think of while London pressed her hands firmly against the glass window, her voice small and weak. "No…nonono…"

"I know, damn it!" Chakwas spat, "Hold her down!"

All of the assistants, including Mordin tried their best at holding the convulsing woman while Chakwas began the delicate procedure.

"Keep her steady!" A bead of sweat rolled off Helen's forehead as she worked, "Decompressing tension in the pneumothorax." Chakwas expertly and immediately inserted a needle thoracostomy with mind blowing precision. "Draining fluid." Helen's eyes stared intensely at the incision she created, her practiced fingers moving delicately and with purpose. "Inserting chest tube."

The assistant eyes gazed over the monitors, his tone both impressed and shocked, "Stress level …is decreasing dramatically and heart rate has dropped! The fluid in her lungs is now at a bare minimum and pressure has been released. You did it ma'am!"

The entire medical team seemed to release a large exhale at the exact same moment. Dr. Solus nodded firmly, "Outstanding job, Dr. Chakwas. Patient operation a success."

Chakwas placed her tools aside and took off her gloves. She took a moment to breathe before resting a hand on the sleeping operative's forehead. "The rest is up to her now."

Mordin nodded as he turned his attention to the terminal, typing away at a new medical report.

Helen rubbed her neck tiredly, "Susan, finish closing her up—delicately please. The tube needs to remain in until the cut in the lining of her lung heals. Administer all proper medications for our recovering patient as well as a healthy dose of our supply of Cerberus tissue regeneration fluids to aid in the recovery. They should be in the locked cabinet in my office. I figure if it worked with bringing Shepard's body back to life—they should work wonders on a simple deflated lung. I need…to step out for a moment."

The assistant nodded firmly, "Yes ma'am."

Jacob, London, and Shepard all waited eagerly outside the medical station for the news Chakwas had to bring. "Okay you three, you can breathe easy now."

London closed her eyes and thanked whatever God was watching over them that day before opening her lips to speak, "So she's okay?"

"She's in recovery now, my dear. All vitals are once again looking strong. If our medications do what they're supposed to, and Miranda's superb white and red blood cells act accordingly… she should be up within a week in all honesty—maybe half a month at most."

Shepard grinned as he observed Miranda from the window, "Now that's a scary woman. Beat her, shoot at her, throw harbinger at her, and impale her—there's just no keeping Lawson down."

Jacob exhaled heavily in relief, "Glad she's on our side, hmm?"

John patted the officer on the back in good gesture, "You alright?"

"Yeah, man—Commander Shepard. Just…I'm glad she's okay. I should get back to Kasumi though. She wanted to be here but figured between the entire medical staff running around and the three of us standing here that there'd be enough bodies crowding the halls. I need to go tell her that everything is okay," Jacob paused as he double checked with Chakwas as a safety net, "…everything is okay…right?"

Helen nodded with a tired smile, "Yes, Jacob. Everything is just fine."

With a last and thankful nod, Jacob made his way to the elevator and headed back up towards deck two.

Shepard wrapped an arm around Helen's shoulder, hugging his old friend to himself tightly. "You did great, Helen."

The English woman wrapped an arm around John's lower waist and patted his side gently, "I might be an old bird, but do I still know my way around a complicated procedure or what?"

"You sure as hell do. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to head up to deck two and set course to the nearest mass relay. Tomorrow morning we'll be landing on the Citadel to drop off Teagan. Then…we'll discuss the happenings of today and go from there."

London rubbed her eyes roughly; suddenly remembering she still had to finish packing Teagan for school. The events of today had turned everything into such a blur that she'd momentarily overlooked her duties as guardian. "…I need to go get Tee—"

Chakwas turned her attention to the sniper now that things had calmed down, "Oh no my dear, I've been doing this a long time and I can tell when someone's body is hurting. Let's go in now and have that check up shall we?"

Shepard grinned and gave Chakwas one last squeeze before heading off to complete his task.

London finally gave in with soft sigh, nodding her head towards the older woman then following her through the doors of the med bay.

The medical bay was now quiet with the exception of the soft beeps and hums of the machines that monitored Miranda's state of being. London sat on a bed beside Lawson, her gray eyes sweeping over the serene look on the operative's face. Chakwas noticed her look and smiled, "Don't worry, she'll be alright. Let's fix you now."

London could only offer a feeble nod in acceptance as Chakwas moved up to stand in front of the brunette. "That blood isn't yours is it?" Helen asked as she caught sight of the sniper's dirty tank top, the front of which was soaked in blood.

"It's…" London looked over to Miranda once more, causing Chakwas to nod softly. "Let's take that off and get you over to that machine right over there."

The brunette eyed the equipment Helen had motioned to. It was huge and had some sort of adjustable and movable opening. "What…is that?"

"It's called a 'setter'. It's mostly used for dislocations, and ensures that the bones are 'set' properly. It's very good at its job and the patient usually heals back up to a full one hundred percent with little to no discomfort in the future after it heals."

Once London was standing in front of it, she gave a questioning brow to Helen. "What do I have to do?"

"My dear, I will not lie to you and say it doesn't hurt. The opening you see there adjusts to the size of what is placed within and calculates the angle and pressure needed to reset the dislocation properly."

"So in other words…I stick my arm in and…"

Chakwas smiled sympathetically, "It's cushioned in the inside. You'll feel your arm become surrounded by a soft material, and then you'll feel intense pressure, suction, followed by a quick and firm pull, then the popping and resetting of your shoulder coming only fractions of a second later."

London clenched her jaw and winced as she lifted her arm to insert it into the black hole. She could hear the loud whirring and feel as the machine adjusted to the thickness and length of her arm. It hurt just to have it in the damn thing, but the brunette kept silent and simply watched as Dr. Chakwas monitored its analysis. "…I'm ready, Dr. Chakwas."

Within a few more moments London could feel the pressure she had been warned about around her arm, her shoulder aching and screaming in protest. London was bracing herself, her breath going in and out shakily but silently. It was only seconds later when the sudden pull caused the sniper to scream out in agony, the machine holding her arm still for a minute more before releasing and shutting down. The brunette clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, forcing her body to calm as she let her incredibly sore arm fall lightly to her side.

Chakwas rushed back up to her patient, "It will be sore for a while, but I'll give you some low dose pain killers to help numb it while it heals. Within three weeks you'll be good as new."

London chuckled, "Miranda gets impaled and needs one or two weeks…I dislocate my arm and bump my head and get three? Tell me how that makes sense."

Chakwas led the young woman to sit back into a seat while she treated the woman's forehead next, "Well, Miranda has an advanced genetic makeup. Plus, we cheated and used a special medication to aid in her healing process— just to be safe."

The sniper agreed quickly, "Better to be safe than to be sorry."

"By the way, once this heals a little bit more I'll be able to remove the scar that it'll leave behind. Would you like that?"

London thought deeply about the question. She wouldn't be staying with the Normandy after Teagan left, so she thought it best to make sure at least her looks were still decent if she ever had to resort to dancing again. She prayed to any deity that was listening and wished instantly that the life she'd have to live without her sister never put her in that position again, but like she said…better safe than sorry. "Yes, ma'am. I'd like that very much."

xxxxxxx

[Commander's Cabin/10PM]

"In the gut and in the breathers? Did the cheerleader make it?" Jack asked offhandedly as she leaned against a bundle of pillows on the bed.

John slid into the covers beside the biotic and gave a loud groan as he relaxed into the softness of his mattress. "Don't sound too worried there, Jack," Shepard teased, "and yeah she made it just fine. Chakwas and Mordin are excellent at their jobs."

"Arm," Jack suddenly stated flatly as the commander settled into bed beside her. John grinned and did as commanded, lifting his arm so the biotic could slide her way in and rest her head on his bare chest.

"All of this business with London makes me think though, Jack."

The ex-convict yawned lightly as the tip of her index finger traced random shapes on his stomach. "…'bout?"

"Family, friends, loved ones…I don't know."

Jack raised her eyes to look over John's face, "…ain't following, Shepard."

John shrugged, "I guess it's just…seeing how London is so protective of Teagan…and," Shepard thought back to London's treatment of Flex, "Jesus, you should have seen the fire in her eyes over a simple holo of her family, Jack. I guess it made me think about my situation. What we do is dangerous—real dangerous… and one day if we live through everything the universe throws at us…I want more to look back on than just deep scars and sore old bones. Memories are important. They keep us on the straight and narrow…remind us what we're fighting for. I should do a better job of keeping them."

Jack yawned once more loudly, "Honestly it just sounds like you're bitchin' about takin' more pictures."

John laughed softly, wrapping his arms around the biotic in a tight squeeze. "Yeah, I guess that is what I'm bitching about."

The biotic rolled her eyes, "Swear to God, Shepard. You give such long ass speeches to say what can be said in three words."

"…Maybe, buuuut…about that picture…what do you say?" John nudged the woman playfully in his arms.

The biotic eyeballed him, "What do you mean?"

John smiled, "When I'm eighty years old, one of the things I'd like to remember in its present condition…is you and me. You and me with no armor, no work attire—just us as we are now in our night clothes after a bath. So let's do it. Let's take a holo together."

Jack leaned back with a raised brow, "You can't be fuckin' serious."

"Dead serious."

"Now?"

"Yeah now!"

"We're in bed."

"So we'll take it in bed."

"Too tired."

"Jack, we're making a holo."

"Like hell we are."

"Oh yes we are."

"I don't do pictures or vids."

"Well you're doing one now!" Shepard beamed as he got up from the bed and removed Jack from his arms. The biotic glared at the commander as he retrieved the video capturing holo and launched himself back into bed next to her. With a few quick strokes John had opened a new file then turned to meet the ex-convicts gaze. The smile on his face was in high spirits and just for her, causing the tattooed woman to growl in annoyance, "Oh hell no, Shepard."

"Aw come on, Jack!" he said happily, pressing the record button and holding the holo up in front of the pair to capture the moment.

Jack's eyes widened as the commander did so, covering her face with one hand and trying her best to yank the holo away from Shepard with the other. "Shepard, cut the crap!"

John laughed lightly. His arms length vastly superior to the biotics so there was no way Jack could disarm him of the holo. Smoothly he wrapped an arm around the woman next to him in an attempt to sooth her. Jack growled and would have none of it. She nudged him away, still trying to hide her face from the video while fighting off the mushy man beside her.

"Jack it's not so bad! Here…just give me a kiss for the camera and I'll shut it off."

It was time for payback. Jack dropped her hand and looked Shepard dead in the eye. "Fine. Come here."

John raised an eyebrow at her sudden change of demeanor but smiled goofily as he leaned in.

Jack eyed the holo, "Is it recording?"

Shepard only nodded as he leaned in closer to his victory kiss. "It's recording."

"Good." Jack met Shepard's lips with her own. The kiss began tenderly, but soon Shepard could feel a pain shoot momentarily through his lower lip. Jack had quickly taken the small, plush bit of flesh in between her teeth and pulled the lip back to where it wasn't entirely too painful but still definitely not pleasurable.

"Ow…OW…" he tried to pull away but Jack wasn't letting up. He winced. "Jack…erum..wut arr oo ooing?"

Jack was careful not to bite down on the softness of the lip to harshly as she spoke back through her teeth, "…arr oo still reoording?"

"…Yess…"

Jack bit the lip harder, "I sed, Are oo still reoording?"

"Owowowow…" Shepard got her implication instantly, finally giving in and extending the recording device over to his girlfriend. "Heer… Cheeturr."

Jack grinned as she took the holo, opening her mouth and letting Shepard's lip flop back into its normal position. The commander rubbed the sore lip before looking the biotic over with squinted eyes. "Using your charms to lure me into a trap is just cold, Jack."

When there wasn't a response the commander shrugged in defeat, "…I just wanted something to have that belonged to only us…you know?"

Jack clenched her jaw as she looked upon the hurt face of John. She never had to deal with someone like the commander before….someone that cared about crap like pictures and memories…someone who wanted actual evidence that they were together in a relationship… someone who wasn't ashamed of her but that wanted to show her off.

"Ugh…" Jack groaned, rolling her eyes and flipping the holo to photo mode. She extended her arm then leaned in to place the softest and most meaningful of kisses onto Shepard's cheek, closing her eyes as she did so and pressing the 'capture' option.

John looked her over with astonishment as Jack tossed the commander the holograph then flipped over to lay on her side and facing away from Shepard.

He looked down at the captured image and smiled. Jack might have been a big pain in the ass sometimes, but good God did he love her. "Jack—"

The biotic made obviously fake and very loud snoring sounds in response.

John laughed loudly, placing the new holograph on his nightstand then leaning over to wrap an arm around the woman and settle into his spot of rest for the night. But before he allowed sleep to come, John tilted his head to kiss the biotic at the nape of her neck. "Thank you…"

xxxxxxx

[Portside Observation/10:35PM]

"Are you all packed, Tee?"

The little biotic nodded sadly at her older sister as she sat at the edge of her bed, "I'm all packed…"

London sat down near the child and rubbed her back in small, soft circles. "What's the matter, pun'kin?"

Teagan's lower lip quivered lightly, "…I'm scared about going to school. What if the other kids don't like me? A-and who will you play with after work now? And if you get sick or—"

"Teaaagan," London warned delicately, "you're getting ahead of yourself."

The child shook her head quickly, "Am not! When I tried to make friends with the kids on Omega they always ended up being mean to me a-and remember when that girl tried to take Mr. Wiggles from me? She was so mad at me—and I didn't even know why! I got scared and…"

"…you burned her. I remember, sweetie. That wasn't your fault. She shouldn't have been so aggressive towards you. The children on Omega, pun'kin, they're…well life is very different for everyone there. It's tough, and a lot of the people—sometimes even the children learn to think in not so nice ways. But the place where your school is…it's really nice. Miranda has let me use her terminal several times to research the facility and I can think of no better school for you to attend now that I know about it. "

London frowned at the thought of her severely injured friend before returning to the conversation in front of her, "…and if you're worried about hurting the other children, then don't. I know you wouldn't hurt any of them."

Teagan twiddled her thumbs together, "…but how do you know?"

The older sister grinned encouragingly, "Well you've been attending each and every one of Justicar Samara's meditation sessions, haven't you?"

The child nodded furiously, "I have."

"What other kid do you know of that has personally had a Justicar mentor them? That's a big upper hand, little one. And plus, you said it yourself—you don't glow when you get scared anymore."

"I know but what if—"

"Tee, I trust and believe in you."

Teagan could only nod weakly and turn her saddened eyes to the floor. London noticed immediately and placed a finger under the child's tiny chin, lifting and forcing her younger sister to look her in the eye. "…what's really bothering you, Teagan?"

The little biotic shook her head, "…Nothin'."

London ran her slender fingers through a short length of Teagan's beautiful, long brown hair. "…well if you're not in the mood for talking, then I guess Mr. Wiggles will just have to be lonely tonight."

The little girl's eyes widened, "You found him!"

London laughed, "I did—well technically Ms. Lawson found him but…he's here with you non-the-less."

"Where!" she looked around the room frantically, "Where is he!"

The sniper pointed at the dirty pack in the corner of the room, "My bag."

Teagan hopped up off the bed eagerly and ran to the pack. Her little fingers opened the latch quickly, causing a childish squeal of delight to echo throughout the observation room as she pulled out the purple octopus with button eyes and twirled it around in a tight hug. "Mr. Wigggllllesssss!"

London smiled widely at the display of affection she gave the inanimate object. "There's something else in there for you too."

The child looked into the bag once more and she gasped, "…my book! You got my book back too!"

"I did. And that little Pooh bear is still waiting right where we left off last time."

Teagan had heard the story of the little golden bear wearing the red shirt, who tried to fill his honey pot in a tree full of bees a hundred times as she grew up, but she always loved to hear her older sister narrate the lines. With London, the story never got boring. "He's under the honey tree!"

London chuckled and nodded, "Yes he is, pun'kin. Now bring the book and Mr. Wiggles over and let's finish his journey, because tomorrow you start an important journey of your own."

Teagan ran back to their shared bed and dive bombed into the sheets, causing London to laugh out loudly. When the girl had settled under the blankets she smiled warmly, hearing her sister's melodious voice begin fill the quiet room—her green eyes beginning to slowly shut. "…London?"

The older sister stopped her story telling momentarily to answer the younger sister's question, "Yes?"

Teagan giggled, "…Don't let me forget to pack my honey pot. I want to have it on my journey...just like Pooh bear."

London smiled, "…to fill with lots of honey?"

Teagan snuggled into her little stuffed octopus, yawning and closing her eyes. "…mhmm…lots n' lots of…hon…ey…" her small voice trailed off into sleep.

London stroked her little sister's cheek, her own eyelashes soon becoming wet with sadness and hope mixed all into one. "…and you will, little one. Your life will be filled with lots n' lots of honey."

xxxxxxx

[11:40PM]

The hour had passed by so quickly and London found herself still unable to sleep. Her shoulder ached, her head hurt, and her mind was swimming in a fountain of thought and worry for both Miranda and the morning that would soon come.

London sighed softly, lifting herself off of the bed and walking out of the portside observation room. She had to put her mind at ease and thought that maybe if she just took a little stroll past the medical bay window to check on Lawson that she would feel better.

Deck three was already dimly lit and unoccupied when London walked out into the large open room. Quietly she made her way towards the big window and peeked into the bay. The entire area was dark except for a single night light that lit Miranda's bed and the glow of the machines that monitored her.

After a moment of consideration, she guided herself along the wall until she was met with the medical room's door. It hissed lightly when it opened, London stepping through with little sound as she made her way towards Miranda's bedside. The sniper observed the raven haired woman for a while, examining the features of her peaceful looking face before she pulled up a stool to sit beside Lawson. London hesitantly placed a warm hand over Miranda's much cooler one, her thumb unconsciously caressing the skin beneath. "I know it's late, and I know you probably can't hear this through all the sedatives they put in you but…I just wanted to say thank you—for everything. No one except my father and mother has ever stuck their neck out for me before and..." London swallowed lightly, trying to form words to what she felt, "…it means a lot to me that you did. I'm just so sorry all of this had to happen to you…and I hope that you get better so very fast."

A faint grin and very weak voice that needed to take a breath in between words shocked London as it came in response, "…you're…welcome.."

The brunette smiled widely as she got to her feet to lean over Lawson, her own hand moving from the operative's hand and on to caressing Miranda's cheek instead. "Hey…you're awake," London said softly and happily. "Don't try to talk so much, okay? You're still in bad shape."

Miranda's head naturally tried it's best to tilt to the side to lean into the warmth of London's hand, "…how bad…?"

London face suddenly saddened, "You had severe internal bleeding in three places in your abdomen, and a pierced lung."

Lawson smiled weakly, "…is that…all?"

"Oh it's not nearly the worst part" the sniper chuckled tenderly, "…those krogan busted your lip too."

Miranda closed her eyes as her smile grew wider, the cut in her lower lip becoming more apparent when it began to sting lightly. "…those…bastards…"

"Dr. Chakwas pumped you full of medication. She said that you'll be back up on your feet in no time," London said as she removed her hand from the other woman's cheek and retook her seat next to the bed instead.

Lawson nodded her head at the information, suddenly missing the contact. It was so very strange around London. Miranda couldn't think of a time when she actually wanted someone to touch her—not even when she was with Jacob. There used to be sexual attraction to the man of course, but Lawson would find herself being perfectly happy without the touch of his lips or hands on her body for extended periods of time—something she knew wasn't a promising sign for a serious relationship. Miranda learned a long time ago through a series of terrible courtships that if you don't yearn for for the other person the way they longed for you—then it simply wasn't meant to be. And that's exactly what had happened between Jacob and her. There was heat, just no fire.

London could see the heavy thought in Miranda's eyes and spoke up out of concern, "…are you alright? Do you need anything?"

Lawson tried her best to smile at the extremely perceptive woman, dodging the truth of her own answer and instead saying something else with no meaning, "a…little hungry."

The comment made London snigger, "Well we didn't get to eat dinner so I don't blame you. I don't think you should be eating anything heavy in the slightest though so…I'll be right back."

Miranda tried to protest as the sniper left the room, but only groaned in pain as she forced herself to settle back into a calmed state. The woman said she'd return after all; and when she did, it was with a small container full of a yellowish substance and a single spoon. "Applesauce," London stated with a soft smile. "It's all that I could find without waking up the whole floor." After the sniper retook her seat near Miranda, she peeled the little container open and placed the flimsy lid on the patient's side table, soon dipping the spoon into the contents of the container, mixing it around, and then putting a minimal amount of the substance into the utensil.

Miranda's eyes widened at the complete selflessness of the brunette. London was actually going to feed her and with no hesitation or embarrassment. Lawson had to admit that she wasn't really hungry in the slightest, and the thought of being hand fed was embarrassing to no end, but couldn't stop her mouth from giving a brief, weak grin before opening to accept the spoon and its contents.

London carefully placed the utensil into Miranda's mouth and smiled as the operative's lips enclosed around it, slowly sliding it out and placing the spoon back into the container. The sniper took notice of Miranda's heart monitor increasing in speed, but decided not to mention it due to the relaxed state of the other woman's face. "…is it any good?"

Lawson moved the applesauce around in her mouth before swallowing slowly and nodding lightly. "…only…one more." The operative said in between breaths.

The sniper raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Full already?" she teased; bringing the spoon back towards Miranda whom slowly took the food and swallowed again nodding.

London set the container aside, "Well I'm glad you ate even a little. It's better than nothing and you do need your strength to get better."

The pair stared at each other for a moment before Miranda tried her best to speak up again, "…Teagan?"

"She's packed and ready to go. She has all her clothes, paints, Mr. Wiggles, and her book. We leave first thing in the morning…or rather I should say that we leave in a few hours."

Miranda blinked in confusion, "…we?"

London hadn't wanted to bring up the conversation so soon and just enjoy the final moments of her newfound friendship; but now that the conversation was at that point, there was no turning back. Her voice was soft, considerate. "…I won't be returning after we drop off Teagan."

Lawson's eyes widened, her head shaking from side to side slowly. "You have to," she inhaled sharply only to wince, "…mercs…after you…not safe."

London extended her hands to calm the injured woman, "Miranda, I don't belong here. You all have been so wonderful to me, but I'm afraid that I've worn out my welcome. Your mission was completed and my sister is safe. There's no place for me here anymore. I went where Teagan went…and that's all. I can find out who paid to have her kidnapped on my own, there's no need for the Normandy and her crew to get involved. I'm sure you all have much bigger issues to worry about than mine, so please…don't worry about me. I've been taking care of myself for a very long while…this won't be any different."

Miranda held onto London's hand as tightly as she could, which to London just felt like a notch above weak. "…I…can't change…your mind?" the operative asked.

London squeezed the hand gently and shook her head, "…I'll be fine."

Lawson pleaded with the sniper with her bright, beautiful, azure eyes. But in the end, she could see that the brunette was resolute in her decision. She would not press the subject further. "Very…well. There is a package… for you…in my office that I wanted...to give you. Please…take it."

The sniper raised a brow but decided to just accept the package instead of arguing with the deeply injured woman and cause further stress. "…I'll make sure to get it. You rest now, okay?" London looked into Miranda's eyes with deep sincerity, her tone gentle and wishful, "and…I hope one day we'll meet each other again."

Miranda could only reply with a simple nod, her eyes conveying all the emotion she refused to let her face show.

Giving the operative's hand one final squeeze the sniper turned to leave the medical bay, the doors hissing shut behind her. London knew instantly she would miss the company Miranda offered.

xxxxxxx

[1AM]

Miranda's office was quiet and the temperature was kept cold; London liked the way it felt. Even though Lawson's office lacked in decoration, something about the room now felt incredibly home-like to the sniper despite the several interrogations London had experienced there.

It was easy to make out the medium sized gift box lying on Miranda's bed in such an empty room. The brunette made her way towards the target, sitting on the lip of the operative's mattress and taking the box into her lap...it was heavy. Slender fingers opened the lid to find a note and something enclosed by a thick covering beneath the paper.

London,

After our conversation this morning I took it upon myself to help ease your fears about Teagan…not to mention the gift can also be used for her studies. She's expected to get no less than the highest marks. Anything else is simply unacceptable for such a child.

I hope it helps.

Miranda Lawson

London bit her lower lip lightly at the operative's behavior towards her little sister. She wrote almost as if the child were her own. It was endearing.

After placing the note on the bed then lifting the protective cover beneath it, London's eyes widened as two state-of-the-art portable terminals stared back at her. With these highly expensive tools at their fingertips, the two sisters would be able to keep in contact everyday through linking their terminal's communication systems. They would not only be able to speak to each other, but they would see each other as well. The terminals had a visual link camera installed inside of them with a user friendly interface for all ages. Miranda's gift was absolutely perfect, and it shook London somewhere deep inside that someone was so considerate of her.

As she began place the terminal's back into the box, a little expensive, brand named, pink backpack with baby blue and white accents caught London's eye. She blinked for a moment, putting the expensive hardware aside and taking the little bag out. Another note slipped out from one of the packs pouches and onto the floor. London leaned over to pick up it, the most loving of smiles coming to her lips.

It's me again,

I bought a backpack for Teagan. I hope I didn't overstep my boundaries, it's just the pack was so adorable I had to get it. If you find it to be unacceptable just leave it near my bed.

Miranda Lawson

London shook her head as a chuckle left her lips. The pack was most acceptable and noticeably expensive. It kind of relieved the sniper in a way that Miranda had gotten her little sister a snazzy little bag. London could remember a time when Teagan would be picked on by other kids because she was of less fortunate means. Even though Teagan was never dirty, or smelled, was clothed properly, and had the best of manners—kids could be cruel. They would often tease the girl and call her names that reflected her wealth not realizing that all of Omega was a slum, or instead pick on the shape of her slightly too small ear.

Maybe this time around between the fancy bag and even fancier terminal, the other kids of more fortunate means would give her a chance and not be too judgmental. She knew there had to be other children of decent upbringing…Teagan just needed to find them. And deep in London's heart she knew that her little sister would succeed.

London took her time packing everything back into the box, exhaling heavily and sitting in the stillness of Miranda's room afterwards. Her eyes closed for a moment to rest. It had been a very lengthy, emotional day; and was getting rather late. She needed to sleep…the rest of the morning was guaranteed to be long.

London took the box into her arms and carried it quietly out of the office and into her own bedroom, careful to not wake the sleeping child when she set the gifts down on the floor.

The lids of her eyes became heavy as soon as she rested her back against the bed, Teagan instantly squirming her way into her older sister's protective arms and falling back into a heavy sleep. London smiled, cherishing each moment they had left together.

The sniper didn't know what the future held for herself. She didn't know where she'd work, where she'd live, or how she'd manage to get along without the company of the only person that kept her sane since their parents died.

There was, however, one thing she did know; it was almost time to say goodbye to not only her family, but the first friends she had truly made in over six years.

[End 17: Thinking of You]