Fight for the Lost

by thatgirlwiththe

Begins in the last quarter of the suicide mission and continues forward. Revolves around the growing relationship between Commander Shepard and Jack. Rated M for violence,language,and adult situations. Miranda/F!OC side-story.

27. Step 1 Comfort and Exploration

A/N: What! No way! She's posting again! YES. I AM! I decided that while I'm away from my desk at home that I'd bring my laptop. I wrote this up in a few hours and wanted to post it for fun. :D

Lengthy AN alert because it's important to tell you!

First off: Tyr'amun had made a little comment about FFTL turning into a Mirianda/OC story and I felt the need to address it to everyone who is probably considering the same thing! In a sense it has—for now. Let me explain. I go about writing in 'story arcs or acts'. It's how I plan what's going to happen. My first arc was about the Shepard/Jack relationship, my second was the introduction of my OC, their side story, and relationship with Miranda, but as my second arc comes to an end (which it will shortly) and the third begins so will the focus shift once more. It's just kind of how I keep organization and keep writer's block from my doorstep.

Secondly: [Spoiler Free Alert] This chapter is purely fluffy fun reading and focuses solely on Miranda and London. If you're not interested in the couple, please feel free to skip this chapter as seeing I'm pretty much promising you that you'll miss nothing of the main plot.

Why not directly plot related? I needed to have a little bit of fun. I sit at my bed for hours in the night writing (it's when I have time to myself) and the chapters I have coming up are really very dark and violent and it's affecting my mood.(Note to self: Stop writing depressing crap in the dark.)

I wasn't originally going to post it BECAUSE it has no plot and I didn't think it was important so I didn't pass it on to my Beta reader (so excuse my errors). However, the more I looked at the situation I put Miranda's character in and the more I tweaked the scenes, the more I realized that this chapter is quite the opposite. It's very important in her growth as a love interest and as an individual. Plus it gave me the opportunity to tie up some loose ends that were bothering me.

So, I decided to address the loose ends while taking the advantage to work on the way in which Miranda processes emotion—not saying that she's a numb, black hole of emptiness…but we all have to admit that the woman has her problems. As the very awesome user MEFan1 said, "I can certainly imagine that a woman who had grown up under her circumstances would have problems functioning outside of a professional relationship." Right on the money.

I can only hope I accurately portrayed what I was going for.

Lastly: [Warning] Chapter contains a seriously bad sense of humor and rated M stuff that's very rated M-like. *tee hee*

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[Chapter Twenty-Seven: Step 1 - Comfort and Exploration]

Shepard, Mordin, Grunt, Garrus, Jacob, Joker, Kenneth, Legion

12:30P.M.

7.5 hours till Infiltration

"We get two hours off the ship and this is what you want to do?" Garrus asked aloud, making his way with the group of men down towards the Citadel's main floor entry way.

Shepard threw his hands up in innocence, "Not me. It was Donnelly."

"Who let him pick again?"

"Oh come on now! It'll be fun and we get to use all of that pent up energy." Kenneth nodded with an unwavering expression, "Plus since we can't go down to The Darkstar for a drink there's nothing much else to do here for entertainment."

"No one's getting drunk today," Shepard nodded sternly. "We have business to do."

"With a Commander like this guy what is all this pent up energy you're talking about?" Garrus questioned the engineer's sanity as he stared upon him, mandible twitching in both wonder and aggravation, "My energy has been nearly exhausted since we've left the Omega 4 Relay in tact. There's never a day's rest on this ship."

"And you wouldn't have it any other way, Vakarian," John mused with a light heart.

"Damn straight."

"I think you should do a little more research there, Kenny boy. There's a ton of stuff to do here that doesn't involve alcohol," Joker said flatly, turning a bent brow towards the engineer.

"Not as fun as this!"

"I don't care what we do as long as it's worth doing," Jacob sighed, "Kasumi gave me so much gripe about spending my time with you all rather than her."

"Perhaps you should determine who the alpha in the relationship is and reestablish dominance," Grunt throatily laughed.

Joker grinned as he wobbled beside the small group, "What he said. Aren't you two always together on the ship anyways?"

"Yeah, but we're both usually working away on our terminals and omni-tools. This is genuine free time we're getting and I'll be doing...what exactly?"

xxxxxxx

The group was standing in the middle of a large arena littered with obstacles and obstructions, all of which could easily be used to take cover and cause line of sight issues. "Paintball!" Kenneth roared through his helmet, a full padded armor set adorning his body as arms stretched outwards towards the heavens for theatrical emphasis. "The sport of only the manliest of men! This will be team versus team, four on four! Garrus, me, Mordin and Grunt versus Jacob, Legion, Shepard and Joker!"

"Four on three," Joker corrected as he wobbled off the field. "If I would have known we were doing this I would have saved myself the walk over. I don't feel like breaking my bones today, boys! I'm going to watch a vid and grab some grub."

"Fine," Kenneth called out in the pilot's direction, "All the worse for your team! Four on three! We start now. LET THE BATTLE BEG—"

Grunt instantly lifted his small paint gun and shot Kenneth in face, "You're out."

xxxxxxx

Gabby, Tali, London, Kasumi, Miranda, Samara, Kelly, Jack

The shopping wards around the middle sector were one of the liveliest parts of the Citadel, always bright in color and diverse in race. Vendors, cafés, and shops of all kinds cluttered the space as their employees shouted out bargains in hopes of attracting customers.

Jack had diverted a path towards the arms dealer while Samara had taken to drinking tea and sitting quietly at a café's table, reading while the others walked around nearby shops and examined their wares. "Well hopefully he'll feel guilty and buy you something fancy while he's bumming around with the guys. It's December, isn't it? He can get an early Christmas gift," Kelly said cheerfully, eyeing the various purses and accessories.

"That was the plan!" Kasumi sniggered while looking at assorted pieces of jewelry. When she had found a necklace that caught her fancy Miranda leaned into the thief, "Don't even think about it." The smaller framed woman pouted as she turned her attention away and went on to look at other things. "Fine," Kasumi drew the word out dramatically, of course.

.

Gabby shrugged her shoulders as she examined an assortment of things , "I never understood why we celebrate Christmas by telling kids that an old, fat man with a naughty list and sun burnt cheeks breaks into our homes, eats all the cookies, and then drops off 'presents'. Oh, and then he flies off in a sled pulled by magical reindeer accompanied by an extremely short man wearing a pointy hat. Does no one else find that even the slightest bit disturbing?"

London and Miranda looked at Gabby with uniform, vacant expressions. The engineer turned back to her own business and mouthed 'nevermind'.

"—oh Tali come look at this!" Kasumi suddenly exclaimed, leaning over an open, clear glass container.

The Quarian walked over to look, her eyebrow arching behind her visor. "Are those…decals of some sort?"

"Yeah!" Kasumi said, wiggling with excitement. "They have various statements on them which gave me an idea: We could put a small one on the side of your helmet that says something memorable like: Hot Mama or I leave bite marks. What do you think? It would certainly set you apart from all others. Possibly even catch the attention of a hunky man, eh?" she winked playfully.

Tali shook her head quickly, "I would hate to see the kind of man those slogans attracted. It's thoughtful of you but no thanks. I think I'll stick with my bracelet," she said softly, looking down and smiling as she observed how it jingled around her ankle.

Kasumi wrinkled her nose, "Mm, maybe you're right—Ooo," the thief suddenly gasped, "Tali…over there!" She pointed, finger stretched towards a tech store across the way. "I spy with my little eye…"

The Quarian cocked her head to the side in curiosity as she followed Kasumi into the shop. "What did you see?"

"This," Kasumi grinned wickedly, pointing to the product of her attention. "I know about these! I 'accidently' overheard a Quarian at Eternity on Illium talking about one of these with her Turian friend."

Tali turned to look at the small chip, bright eyes rounding when she realized what it was. "A nerve stimulation program for envirosuits?"

"Mhm." Kasumi sang as she poked and prodded, "She was saying nothing but really good things about it. Are ya' gonna get it?"

When Tali didn't answer right away Kasumi patted the quarian's back in satisfaction, "I'll let you think about it in private while I check to see what the others are looking at."

London walked around the clothing section with a certain executive officer always close behind, hands reaching out to explore the differing types of materials as they strolled and examined everything. "Do you see anything you like?" Miranda asked reaching into one of her suits well concealed pouches for her credit chit, watching London's face to see if anything interested her.

"Miranda, I have credits. I'm able to buy something on my own if I wish," the dancer responded with a smile.

The operative shook her head quickly, "I didn't mean to make it seem like you couldn't afford anything it's just I thought since…well we—" Lawson cut herself off, eyes narrowing and taking a deep breath to speak coherently. "Bloody hell, I just figured it would be a nice thing to do." The XO paused before speaking hesitantly and very quietly, "…I wish to purchase something for you."

London chuckled, loving the lighter, more awkward side of the serious executive officer, especially because it only became visible when they were together. She held onto Miranda's arm and tugged her along to keep walking, her thumb caressing the woman tenderly. "You're very sweet and the thought is very endearing, but no thank you."

Miranda sighed as she was pulled into another section of the store, the brunette suddenly turning into all smiles as she reached towards a chic, low cut top. "Okay," London exclaimed, "this you should get for yourself. Add a pair of jeans, boots, belt, and a woman's leather, fitted hover-cycle jacket, and you would give people strokes as you walked around the citadel. You have to get it!"

"Whatcha gonna buy?" Gabby asked, walking up casually to the pair. "Oh wow. Lawson, you should totally get that."

"I have no desire to give people strokes."

"Get what?" Kelly inquired as she made her way towards the small gathering of women.

"Who's having a stroke?" Kasumi then said as she butted in between everyone to look at the top. "Ooo I say go for it, Lawson! Since we're technically off the clock, I speak freely when I say you need more casual attire."

Miranda groaned as they all began to speak at once and excitedly, quietly sneaking away from the chattering group of women who fawned over the clothing piece and headed out to where Samara was silently reading. "May I sit here?"

The Justicar looked up from the glow of her omni-tool and offered a firm nod. "You may."

Lawson sat down onto the cushioned lounge chair with an appreciative sigh, enjoying at last some peace and quiet. "Thank you."

Samara observed the operative, "You do not wish to mingle with the others?"

"They're prattling on about clothing. I do enjoy shopping but now is not the time and I'd rather say focused on the mission coming up soon. So I'll just sit here for a moment. In your opinion is the tea here of decent quality?"

"It is a wise choice to make, Operative Lawson. And yes, the tea is exemplary." the matron asari answered with a sagely nod.

xxxxxxx

"Hey Kasumi, can I talk to you over here for a second?" London asked as she pointed towards a quiet little bench near a window that overlooked the surrounding atmosphere.

"Sure, what's up?"

When the pair of woman sat down London sighed softly, her fingers intertwining with each other as she placed her hands on her lap. "I have something that I need to ask you."

Kasumi watched London's face carefully and nodded, "What's the matter?"

"Does…Jacob know about me and Miranda?"

The thief looked out the window, "If he suspects anything it is most likely my fault, I'm sorry. Garrus and Shepard were busy with reviewing tonight's mission and figuring out the closest spot they could land the shuttle, so last night he wanted to go to Operative Lawson's office and review the layout of the Velvet Vault. He wanted to make sure everything was doubly in order and that I had an up to date blueprint of the resort for my omni-tool. It was already exceptionally late at night. Jacob, as sweet as he is, isn't known for knocking when he's in full blown mission mode. He becomes Mr. Get it done. I was worried that if he entered Lawson's office without notice and if you happened to be there…that…well you know. I told him that it would be best if he just stayed put for the night incase Miranda had company. I should have worded it differently but…he's a smart man and was able to put two and two together. He knew that Miranda fancied you, he just never figured out to what extent I think."

"While it would have been extremely awkward if he saw anything, why would it matter to him?"

Kasumi shook her head as small shoulders shrugged lightly, "We've talked before. He's always been completely honest with me. He won't speak much of his time with Miranda but I think the relationship ended with zero kind of closure from what I've heard. She never explained why she left." She paused. "I know he doesn't love her, I can see it in his eyes when he looks at me. He is very much in love with me, but I still think there were issues in that relationship that could very well bring out old insecurities in him. I think a small talk with Miranda would ease all woes but he's said that she doesn't want to speak of a matter that's been long since behind them both. I can imagine she's more comfortable with the whole no closure thing because she was the one who did the breaking up."

London offered a half hearted grin, "I guess it's always rougher when you're on the other end of that stick. But it wasn't a bad thing in the end because he found you right?"

Kasumi nodded with a smug smile, "That's what I say. But out of curiosities sake…how do you know if he knows? Has he told you any—"

"….L-London?"

Kasumi turned towards the unfamiliar voice, her eyebrows going up and jaw slightly slacking as she saw what had to have been, besides Jacob, one of the most attractive men she had ever seen. He was tall and tan with a lean build, soft hazel eyes and short, dirty blonde hair. His freshly shaved face only seemed to accentuate his masculine jaw. His attire was casual: a navy blue, fitted, zip up sweater, faded blue jeans, and brown work boots. The expensive brand names were not lost on the thief however and she instantly knew that this man was a man of wealth. He looked like he had just stepped out of a menswear catalogue for God's sake. "W-who is that guy? Do you know him? And does he have a brother with strong resemblance?"

When she heard her name being called London turned her head quickly, strands of long, chestnut brown hair falling over her shoulders as the uplifted corners of her lips slowly began to fall. Her eyes rounded in disbelief as piercing gray spheres melted with bright hazel, their gazes stuck on each other and frozen in time. Every other voice around the dancer became indistinct, every passerby disappearing in mist. Her hands fell from her lap as she got up and turned her shaking body in the direction of the familiar voice. It was a ghost from her past, handsome and smiling just as she had remembered. "…Taylor?"

Kasumi's eyes widened. "Taylor?" she whispered through closed teeth, "Mr. I would have married and had his babies Taylor?"

But the sniper was already to far gone to answer, taking one shaky step after another until she found her head pressed against his chest as their arms entwined each other in a fierce hug. "Oh my God," he had said, resting his cheek on top of her head before pulling her back to soak in her features. He was taken back when he noticed the small tears that were threatening to fall down her cheeks. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she laughed at herself in embarrassment, quickly wiping her eyes before the moisture could fall. "It's just nice to see someone I know from home, I'm sorry!"

"Oh don't apologize!" He said, smiling as he brought her into another tight hug. "I can't believe it's you!"

xxxxxxx

Jacob called from behind the small barricade made of heavy, bright orange barrels, "Shepard, this is a damn stand still! We have five minutes left of play time, we're low on ammo—freakin' Vakarian is somewhere sniping, Legion is on our side sniping and I can't get Solus or Grunt in a clear shot!"

"Then let's at least draw Vakarian out. If this game is about to finish I refuse to end it and not get to whoop his ass at least once," John said, puffing heavily behind cover after dodging several bright yellow shots of paint from both Mordin and Grunt.

"How are we going to do that? He's perfectly hidden."

Shepard's team was good and as their commander he couldn't have been prouder of them as a whole even if it was just a paintball game. But he wouldn't let Garrus be that good—inflated head and antennas be damned! What's a playful jest anyways? "Watch and learn," he said with a smirk. "Hey Vakarian, I noticed you haven't hit shit this entire time! Getting a little rusty in your old age?" he purposefully yelled loudly.

"I'm waiting for you to mess up, Shepard." Garrus threatened out from an indistinct direction, his voice echoing throughout the area. "It's all about getting the squad leader off the field first! Move an inch to your right. I dare you!"

John smiled widely and spoke quietly into his team-speak headset, "Legion, can you spot Garrus?"

"Surveying parameter, adjusting position based on vocal analysis. Investigation concludes that Specialist Vakarian is located in south west region of the arena. "

Jacob laughed after bursting a few rounds at Grunt, soon taking place behind his cover once more. "Isn't that cheating, Commander?"

"Naaaaah."

Kenneth clapped his hands and paced along the side lines much like an athletic coach, "That's it boys, keep them on their toes! Shepard, move your arse! Flanking maneuver!"

A bright blue shot came out of an unidentified location and hit Kenneth in his face mask. Again. He could have sworn there was more of his own team's paint on him than the opposing teams. "Point taken and shutting up now."

"Shepard Commander, enemy sniper is now in scope. Requesting permission to terminate." Legion said evenly.

Jacob eyed the commander, "He's using a paintball gun, right?"

"Legion, what kind of rounds are you using?" Shepard asked quickly through his mic.

"We are using non-toxic spherical rounds made of blue gelatin; Contains water-soluble mineral oil, biodegradable."

"Terminate!"

Garrus yelled loudly upon seeing the blue paint spill across his mask, flipping his barricade over with a mighty thrust. "Floppy Krogan quads!" he cursed.

Mordin cocked his head to the side. "Eloquent."

"And your time is up! Thank you for using the Gladitorium here on the Citadel and we look forward to seeing you soon."

xxxxxxx

The brunette still looked stunned, her hands resting on his arms as she stared at him. "You—but…what are you doing here!"

Taylor laughed, "I could ask you the same thing! My God it's been what? Five years? Six? You look…you look gorgeous. And your hair! It's so long now!"

She nodded with a small grin, her hand reaching up and collecting the mass of her hair to toss it all over one shoulder, "I let it grow out. But forget about that! Look at you!"

His cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, "I grew up. But hey listen, um, what are you doing right now?"

"Actually I just got some—"

Taylor found his smile widening for no particular reason. "Let's grab lunch?" he asked quickly, surprised by even his own boldness. "I mean if you don't have plans already that is."

London shook her head, "Plans? Not exactly, no."

"Great! Let me just make a few calls and I'll clear the next hour off of my schedule. Is that alright with you?"

"I see we're very important now, hmm?"

The blonde man and shook his head with a smile, "I was just here on some quick business matters but I'll tell you all about that in a moment."

London nodded as he walked a few steps away to make his call. She turned around to Kasumi and quickly walked back. The thief was still staring in awe, "That's Taylor?"

London laughed softly and nodded her head, "He was always handsome but he seems to have grown taller and… filled out in the last few years. He was a bit on the scrawny side when we were teens. I can't believe he's here," she continued slowly, voice in wonder. "I never thought I'd see him again."

Kasumi eyed the brunette carefully, "Are you going to go somewhere with him?"

"He asked me to go to lunch. We have the time off so it's not an issue, really. I don't know. I think I am?"

"…are you sure that's a good idea?"

London bit her lower lip, "He's a good guy, Kasumi. He is a very rare connection to my past. He knew my family and he was genuinely good to us. Plus I think I owe it to him after just up and leaving. The least I could do is sit down and catch up…right?"

Kasumi nodded her head hesitantly, "I understand that…but sweetie, maybe you should tell Miranda?"

"There you are," the woman of topic said with a soft smile and offering a small thermos out towards the dancer, "I bring gifts of hot tea. After I tried it I absolutely had to bring you some. And tell me what?" she asked, looking back and forth between both women. "What happened? Oh God did Jack blow something up? Where's Shepard?"

London had opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted when Taylor came up from behind and put his hand on her shoulder. "Alright I officially have the next hour or two off," he said cheerfully, soon extending that same hand out towards the other two women. "Hi! I'm Taylor Eric Owens, it's a pleasure. Are you friends of London's?"

Kasumi took his hand to shake but couldn't take her eyes off Miranda the entire time, "I'm K…as..um— it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

Taylor, while momentarily perplexed on the thief's introduction, soon extended the friendly gesture towards the beautiful raven haired woman, "Right. And you are?"

Miranda was looking at London but soon turned her attention towards the man whose name she remembered quite well, knowing who he used to be and what his connection to London was. She offered a magnificent but fake smile as she took his hand, the poise in her stature hard to not admire. "Miranda."

"Will you two be joining us for lunch?"

The operative's brow twitched ever so slightly.

"A man can't get anymore luckier than being in the company of three ridiculously beautiful women," Taylor said with an honest grin. "It'll be on me, I promise. Friends of hers are friends of mine."

Miranda shook her head, "I actually only have about half an hour left before I need to leave, so I think I should get some important things done. Thank you though," she said gracefully, turning to walk away after a polite wave goodbye.

Kasumi nodded her head, "What she said. It was nice meeting you!"

Shit.

Taylor blinked in confusion as he watched the two women hurry off. London swallowed the dryness in her throat and held up a finger towards her old boyfriend, "Give me one minute. I'll be right back."

He nodded and watched as she too ran off and around the corner. Upon catching up to the operative London reached out to take hold of Miranda's hand and yanked her into the quiet corner of the hallway. "Miranda…"

"London." Miranda reprimanded, not approving at the way she had just been handled.

"I'm sorry. You just walked off so suddenly that I didn't have the chance to say anything."

"It's okay," the XO said indifferently, taking her hand back as gently as possible. "His presence was simply unexpected. But you go; I have things that need to be done before we leave for Omega."

London shook her head, "It was unexpected for me too. It was the last thing I'd ever expect actually, but it's not okay. I can see it's not okay," she continued, ducking her head to catch Miranda's eyes with her own. When the other woman did not answer, London changed tactics by molding her next statement into the form of a personal request, "Miranda, talk to me? Please? Are you upset with me for wanting to go?"

Words were not spoken in return. There were no words to speak.

"…Miranda?"

"What do you want me to say? Yes? No?" Miranda asked petulantly before averting her gaze and scoffing; a desperate puff of air that unsuccessfully dismissed the devastating and very unaccustomed sense of jealousy. The raven haired woman was annoyed with herself; at her inability to deal with her own feelings and put them into words. She was quiet for a long time, quite aware of what she must look like and hating every second of it.

The dancer was delicate in her approach, ensuring that when she spoke her tone was affectionate yet purposeful. "How about you say what you're feeling for starters?"

"I'd rather not." Miranda had inkling of what London was fishing for, and although the operative was aware that her own behavior might be a little too defensive, she would be damned if she caved easily: it was not in her nature.

"Try."

London could see by the tense muscles in Miranda's body and her tightened jaw that she was getting to the XO. She didn't enjoy provoking Miranda like this, but the operative had a particular way of dealing with emotional issues, and since Lawson wouldn't speak freely about her insecurities she resorted to letting them burst out in painfully apathetic witticisms. That simply would not do. London knew that pushing Miranda was the only way the woman was going to admit her doubts without feeling weak.

"Try, Miranda," she beseeched again.

"This," Miranda finally said, her shoulders shrugging noncommittally, "this situation is bringing out a most unbecoming side of me. It's pitiful and it's revolting and I will make it so it does not happen again. I apologize. He seems like a decent man if not handsome to be around. Please do go and have fun. I need to work."

"You will make it so it does not happen again? Are you serious?"

The cold look on Miranda's face did well to conceal the truer feelings within. And as she stood there determinedly, her lips did not part to give answer.

London looked at the woman in disbelief. "You are, without a doubt, the most stubborn person I've ever met in my entire life," London said firmly. She noticed Miranda flinch at this and starting to turn away from her, but she prevented the woman from doing so by catching her wrist and holding her chin to force Miranda to look in her eyes. "…and I will have you know that I would rather be no where else but beside you. I admire (love) everything from the bottom of your feet to the tippy top of those walls you build up around you. Complex but beautiful Miranda Lawson," London uttered truly, looking deep into the startled blue eyes that locked with her own.

They had taken so many steps backwards when London had decided to leave after Teagan's drop off. Now that the context of their relationship was clear and their steps had been moving forward… London refused to go back. "Miranda," she begun again, softer this time, averting her gaze and looking to the tiled floor beneath them. It was easier to think this way; otherwise she'd just end up getting lost in cerulean. "…now that more time has passed I find that my feelings are changing. They're growing. And despite your unbelievable stubbornness I'm in...I love…b-being here with you." She cleared her throat. "I love being here with you. (Pansy! Why can't you just tell her!)"

The executive officer was rendered speechless. The look in London's eyes filled the brunette's words with meaning, preventing the XO from doubting their shy truthfulness.

Love. The truth for Miranda, however, was Miranda knew next to nothing about love in this context. She knew about unrequited love, yes. She knew about longing, yes, about pursuit and acts of bold pouncing, yes. She knew the feeling in her heart, feelings in her body; she knew the feel of London's lips and the sound of her laugh. But no, she knew nothing about love. Not this kind of love. Nothing of the hard work or life after the awkwardness and the excitement was gone. All her life Miranda had run from expressions like those; words which reflected profound emotions that she was sure she was incapable of feeling. But now that she had London in front of herself, declarations made of weight and worth pouring off the dancer's lips, everything Miranda had learned about herself was being put to doubt.

The brunette moved her hands to catch Miranda's and brought the operative's trembling arms to encircle London's waist. "I do not hesitate when I say that this is were I want to be," the dancer whispered, giving Miranda a little more reassurance as she watched the turmoil going on in the raven haired woman's eyes. "So come with us to eat," the dancer asked eagerly, "I have no problems introducing you as my good half," she teased, a hand coming up caress the side of the operatives face. "I really don't. He was my first love and only friend. I think I just owe him a sense of closure and now is the time to do it. After today who knows where we'll end up, right? I mean out of all the planets and cities to be in…we're both here now. It's the chance I need to tie up an old loose end. So come with us. Come with me."

Miranda tilted her head as she looked away, refusing to let any signs of defenselessness show. "You should talk alone. It's been a long time since you've seen each other and I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about. Besides …you might get lucky and find out that maybe there's still a spark between you two. I think you owe it to yourself to find someone without so many—"

"Have you not heard a word I've said?" London furrowed her brows deeply before putting a hand at the nape of Lawson's neck and pulling her in dominantly, both pairs of lips crashing into each other. It was hungry and tender, desperate and patient, bashful and brave; a frightening yet comforting kiss delivered languidly to Miranda's already swelling lips. "I'm already lucky," she said, releasing the half lidded XO from her grasp. "You're perfect—no pun on genetics intended."

Miranda involuntarily chuckled, leaning her forehead against the other woman's and sighing. Her breath was sweet against the dancer's lips and London found her world spinning. "Perfect? From the way I'm acting I'd say I'm far from it. I'm sorry," Lawson said gently exhaling, voice lowing to a whisper. "I'm so sorry. I suppose I just wanted to be the first to take you out. I was being rude and childish and green is not a good color on me. Now really please go and enjoy your lunch before I make a bigger fool of myself."

London pressed her lips against Miranda's forehead then the tip of her nose before giving her a tender smile. "You wanted to take me out for lunch?"

"Perhaps not for food, but why wouldn't I want to take you out at all? Of course I do." Miranda never understood the dinner and lunch dates. Chewing was supposed to be attractive? And how could one feel charming if there was that possibility of food being stuck in one's teeth? Or soup dribbled down one's front? (Not that Miranda had table manners where this might happen. But others did and these people were looking for love and trying to find it over food. This confused her.) Food and love together just never made sense to Miranda. But she knew that somehow food played a vital role in relationships. And that is why (secretly) she wished she were a better cook. It seemed appropriate given the more…enclosed setting of the Normandy. There was something wonderful, though, in the depths of her fantasies about cooking for two when she was so used to reheating or requesting for one. "I told you that I wished to do this properly with you, but between my job as second in command and keeping paper work and data pads from spilling out of the Normandy's window's…there's just no time to indulge in such fantasies."

"Why Ms. Lawson," London whispered seductively, a playful twinkle in her eye. "I had no idea you were such the old fashioned romantic. I don't think I've ever been courted before."

Miranda frowned, a serious look on her face as she opened her mouth to speak. But London placed a finger up to the other woman's lips and pressed lightly. "The very fact that you want to do something of the sort is enough for me. Maybe one day we'll get that chance. Till then how about you answer a small question for me instead?"

The operative raised a brow, "What would that question be?"

"That perhaps you were a little jealous because you might lo—like being here with me too?" London prayed the woman would not notice her tiny word slip.

Miranda gave the woman an unenthusiastic and unimpressed look, picking up small pieces of her crumbling resolution along the way as she pointed a finger to tell the sniper to go to lunch. "I'm not giving you the satisfaction of that answer with you knowing full well what my response would be."

Oh thank God. Miracles do happen and she didn't seem to note anything.

"Would it hurt to spoil me?" the dancer teased. She was so relieved to be once again indulging in this kind of banter with Miranda; it assured her that they were getting past their little tiff.

Lawson rolled her eyes and gently pushed the brunette away to walk off, hips swaying alluringly and only for the brunette's pleasure as she raised the thermos up in her hand, "If you're going for lunch then I'm drinking all of your tea— and keeping the thermos for myself."

The dancer laughed as she watched, "I know you wouldn't be so horrible as to not let me at least have a taste before going? You couldn't be that cruel to me. You've said such wonderful things about it. How could I not be interested?"

Miranda gave the woman an exasperated sigh, the playful smile never leaving her lips as she walked back. They stared at each other before Miranda flipped the lid on the thermos. London waited expectedly, fully thinking the XO would hand her the drink.

Nope.

London watched as Miranda lifted the cup to her own lips, eyes closing as she placed the liquid in her mouth and allowed a bit to stay on her lips. The operative then leaned into the other woman and offered the tenderest of kisses, giving her exactly what the dancer had requested—a taste.

A warm twitch in the dancer's core made London shift from side to side uncomfortably and the Normandy's second in command smiled victoriously as she turned around and once again walked away.

"Miranda?"

The XO stopped and turned to face the brunette once more, "Mm? Now what? You've already gotten your taste and will not be getting another."

Both gray eyes studied the woman for a mere second. "Do you trust me?"

Miranda paused.

"…I…I do. Besides, I seem to have forgotten that no matter how handsome he is…they don't make them like they've made me," she quipped with a nod and wink. "So I think you know what you'd be missing." Miranda grinned as she turned once more, disappearing into a crowd of people to leave the widely smiling London alone with her thoughts.

xxxxxxx

"So how's your family?"

"They're great," the dancer smoothly lied after swallowing her food politely, "Teagan just got into a good school. How about you, is your mother well?"

"Oh she's happy as can be. I was recently able to buy her a house near the coast on Watson. She's always loved the tides there."

London smiled softly, "You must be doing really well for yourself then. I'm glad."

"It's nothing really. I just own a few farm lands on our garden world and a private supply company that stocks most of the restaurants here with some of their levo-amino food goods."

"That's impressive."

"Eh," he shrugged, "it pays the bills. But what about you, what do you do?"

Oh you know, the normal: I was a stripper. "Nothing solid at this moment," she lied yet again, "I'm mostly doing freelance work here and there. I'm about to head off to meet with a client later on."

"Where's the meeting at? If it's around here I could give you a ride in my skycar if you'd like?"

She shook her head, "Thank you but no, it's actually at Omega."

Taylor scrunched his nose, "Omega? A little dangerous don't you think? Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"

"I'll be fine. I won't be alone so there's no need to worry. But enough about work. You have to tell me because you know I'm curious," she said, gracefully changing the topic, "how many kids do you have so far? I know you've always wanted a big family. Who's the lucky girl?"

The blonde laughed and shook his head at the unusual question, lifting the back of his left hand in the air and wiggling his ring finger. "It's a little hard to come by children when you don't have a wife to help make them."

"I'm surprised," London said through a wide grin, "I would have thought the girls would have ripped you apart after I..."

"After you left?" Taylor brought his gaze down to the table. "I did have offers but I just wasn't interested. I wasn't interested in anyone for about two years after that to be honest. It proved difficult getting over the girl you pretty much dated your entire life," he laughed half heartedly.

"I…"

He held his hands up to stop her, "You don't have to explain. We were kids and we did what our family needed us to do. I think we're both old enough to know that explanations are a thing of the past and no longer needed. I'm just glad to see that you and your family are doing just fine."

"Thank you," she said softly, "I appreciate that. But I just wanted you to know that…I had to go. It was family business and it was really just the best thing for everyone. It was spur of the moment and I wouldn't have known what to tell you even if I had the chance to do so."

He nodded, "I understand that there must have been a lot of pressure. I know your father's work had him being dragged all over the system."

She frowned, knowing that Taylor had no clue as to what her father really did for a living. She looked down into her hands and at the way her fingers nervously twiddled. "Yeah…"

"But just so you know," he added with a sad smile, "I meant what I told you when we were kids. I would have asked you to really marry me eventually."

London nodded her head, hands now clasping each other tightly. "…and I would have said yes."

The pair sat at their table in silence until a gentle laugh left the blonde's lips, "Do you remember how I proposed when we were smaller?"

"You didn't really propose the idea. You just kind of made it so."

Taylor grinned, "So do you remember?"

London couldn't help but laugh in return, "I do. We were in the little play house my father had made for me. I was playing the ever faithful girlfriend and you the hard working boyfriend. That afternoon I was preparing twigs and leaves for lunch on my play stove—"

"—and mud pies."

The brunette laughed again, "Of course, how could I forget the mud pies. Okay, I was preparing twigs, leaves, and mud pies for lunch when you burst through the houses' door declaring you had just gotten a new job, a better job."

"I became leader of the known universe, yes. It was a great day."

London smiled a big, beautiful smile as she shook her head, "And of course me being the supportive girl I was, was so happy for you…"

"Well of course you were! You knew your man was going to bring home something extra cool to cook on your stove!"

"What was it that you brought again?"

"Tree bark and rocks," he said flatly.

"You were so cool," London said rolling her eyes.

Taylor looked onto the woman and smiled. "Then what happened," he urged.

London's smile fell, "My parents had gotten into a fight. They didn't fight often but when they did it was pretty bad, lots of yelling and harsh words. We could hear them even from the outside that afternoon. I started to cry and…you took me by the hand, sat me inside our play home, and shut the little door. You turned on the music program that your dad gave you for your birthday so I couldn't hear them yelling so much and promised me that you would never yell at me like that when we grew up. You promised me that you would never let anyone hurt me and that you would protect me—even from the monsters under our beds."

Taylor flexed, "I was such a badass."

London chuckled, "That's when you said that we would no longer play boyfriend and girlfriend but that we would now start playing 'happy husband and wife'. You said that when you got home you would check to see how much was in your piggy bank and then go to buy me a gem that was blue like the moons of Watson because sixteen credits had to be enough."

"Yeah by the way… I did go…and it was so not enough. I had to go home and make that stupid little plastic ring. I was so pissed. I mean you wore it even all through high school but still…"

The brunette shook her head, "It wasn't stupid. After you made me that ring I became infatuated with jewelry crafting. I got pretty good at it too."

Taylor rolled his eyes, "I know. You gave like seven hundred bracelets to my sister when we were smaller. My skycar had them all over the back seat!"

London laughed, "I'm sorry about that, truly. How is your sister?"

"Oh she's great. She was a little sad about sending her kid off to some fancy school for bright children recently, but she's hanging in there. Heaven forbid your child be smart, right?"

"She has a kid?"

"Yeah, a little boy named Jimmy."

The brunette froze before grinning widely, her hand reaching up to cover her eyes as a soft laugh escaped her lips. Taylor looked at sudden outburst with a raised brow, his own smile forming as he leaned over. "What's so funny?"

"Is Jimmy around the age of seven through ten by any chance?"

"He's seven about to turn eight. Why?"

"Oh nothing, I just have this hunch that he and my sister are probably good friends."

Taylor smiled, "If they really are at the same school then it's inevitable. They're doomed to spend their entire adolescence together."

London tried to smile once more but her lower lip ended up quivering for the briefest of moments instead. "We were inseparable, weren't we? You were my best friend. If I was sad you made me feel better. I was never lonely because you were always there."

Taylor nodded as he thought back, "We sure were. Side by side from the age of six all the way up to when you turned twenty and I turned twenty one; double trouble the whole way. But your parents liked us together and we managed to have a lot of good times."

"We did, didn't we?" A loud beep suddenly rang from London's omni-tool, starling the two out of the memory. She closed her eyes and sighed as she turned it off, "That's my fifteen minute reminder…I have to go to work."

He nodded his head sadly and stood from his chair, walking over to her and taking the woman into his arms before looking at her. Something in her eyes made him uneasy, like she was trying to tell him something that she didn't want to say. Taylor ran his thumb over her cheek as he cupped her face, "I've always been good at reading you, London. That hasn't changed. You can say it."

When the dancer wouldn't reply Taylor's eyebrows narrowed in both frustration and sorrow, "…I'm probably never going to see you again am I?"

London placed her hand over his and leaned into his touch, tears suddenly falling down her cheeks as her head shook faintly from side to side.

He brought his hand to slide down to her chin, tiling her face up towards him as he leaned in to ever so gently press his lips against hers. London closed her eyes and allowed him to kiss her but not daring to return it, a final goodbye after a lifetime of happy memories with her one and only childhood friend and love.

xxxxxxx

3PM

Citadel Docks

5 hours till infiltration

"I assume everyone has made the most of their short time off and are now ready to go?" Shepard asked as he eyed his smiling team. "Good. Everyone get back onto the Normandy. We have a lot of work to do. Lawson, O'Conner, and Jack make sure all your clothes and equipment are ready to go. We're discharging, fueling up, restocking on probes, then hitting the mass relay and will be docked at Omega within the next two hours. Flex should be there by then to oversee the club management."

"Yes Sir."

xxxxxxx

3:30PM

Miranda's Office

It hurts greatly when you lose one that you care for, no matter the context of the relationship. The deep pain that is felt at the loss of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is, in every individual, something which is indescribable, peculiar to him or her alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost. It is this loss that we suffer and must grieve for.

Miranda had been lying down and working from her bed, legs crossed at the ankle and her omni-tool shining brightly on her arm as she worked the holographic projector in front of her face. She quietly reviewed the resorts layout, memorizing every important detail of both map and mission that she could cram into her mind. It was only when London had entered her quarters unannounced that she put the display away and offered a smile upon seeing the dancer be sure to lock the door. The brunette looked saddened however and Miranda found her smile beginning to grow fainter. "London? What's the matter? Did everything go okay?"

The dancer said nothing as she crawled into bed with the other woman, placing herself at Miranda's side and burying her face into the other woman's neck. Miranda could feel a warm wetness along her throat as London's arm wrapped desperately around Lawson's stomach. The operative in turn wrapped her arm around the brunette's shoulders and held tightly, whispering calm coos of encouragement into London's ear in attempt to halt the tears. "Shh, it's okay," she would repeat softly, slowly running her free hand up and down London's arm. "Have you gathered your things for when we dock at Omega?" Miranda asked delicately.

London only nodded into the other woman's neck and tightened her hold around Lawson's center. Miranda tilted her head to kiss above London's brow, commanding the lights in her room to lower to a dim setting. "Would you like to nap while we hit the relay? I'll wake you when we arrive?"

London sniffed, swallowing the lump in her throat as she shook her head and looked deeply into Miranda's eyes. "No, it's alright. I just need to be here right now…with you." She didn't want to think of Taylor anymore, didn't want to think of everything and everyone else she had lost. The culmination of it all was beginning to become too much to shoulder alone. The dark past was a deep hurt that needed to be mended through the possibility of having a bright future full of opportunity and love.

Miranda reacted to her words unexpectedly; the XO's body stiffened, brow furrowing and eyes looking away, making London feel insecure about the statement she just made. Was she coming off as too clingy? The dancer didn't think she could take both saying goodbye to her only friend and being rejected by the woman she was beginning to fall in love with. The woman she was in love with.

London instantly propped herself up on an elbow to be able to maintain looking into the operative's eyes, her own orbs begging for just once to receive a straight forward answer. "You don't mind if I'm here…do you?"

"Of course I don't," Miranda replied quickly, turning to look back at the sniper.

The brunette shook her head as if not understanding, "…yet you don't look very comfortable."

"I'm not uncomfortable," Miranda said decisively. "I'm just still not used to this," she clarified in a quieter voice, averting her eyes away from London's yet again.

"I thought you didn't mind being with another woman," the dancer said quietly, a trickle of fear sneaking into her mind. Perhaps it was too early for a relationship after all. Maybe a same sex partnership is not what the XO was looking for.

Miranda, as if seemingly able to read the brunette's mind, shook her head quickly. "I didn't mean that."

She had never given her being in a same sex relationship much thought to be honest. Why would she, it didn't bother her. In her mind, she was not gay and did not identify as a lesbian. Her situation was different. When dubbing yourself as homosexual, it showed a preference towards others of your own sex. This was not Miranda's case at all. She merely preferred London to everyone else. True, London was female. But if the dancer suddenly woke up male one morning, it would not change the attraction that Miranda felt for her. London would be beautiful male or female. Miranda was drawn to the essence of her, what burned behind her eyes, her curiosity, and her sense of loyalty and justice. But being gay was not something Miranda thought a lot about in regards to herself. She simply wanted to be with London and that was that.

"Then what is it?" London bit her lip. Uncertainty and timidity underlined each word as the dancer pressed herself slightly harder into the operative's side, hoping as if it would somehow press the woman to speak honestly.

"…what I'm not used too is having someone look at me the way you do," Miranda revealed quietly, her tongue coming out to wet her lips in a nervous gesture and her eyes still not meeting London's.

"And how is that?" the dancer inquired softly, knowing that the raven haired beauty was not forthcoming about her feelings, but sensing that this was a good moment to try to push her to talk about them.

"Like," the XO trailed off, shrugging her shoulders, not knowing exactly how to describe it. "Like you need me (like you love me)," she finally said, glancing at London to study her reaction. The feelings Miranda held for her girlfriend, it transcended the sex, the gender, and the physical appearance of London. But these emotions left the operative open to feeling vulnerable: not a good thing in her line of business. The way London would look at her unnerved and excited the operative. She wasn't quite sure of what to make of it or how to handle it. It scared her.

Noticing that the brunette had a reassuring expression on her face, Miranda continued. "Like you need me and not just the services I'm able to provide in helping find your sister's buyer. Like you don't care what I look like, or if I'm wealthy, or that I'm an executive officer with connections," she clarified, this time meeting London's gaze full on to convey the importance of her words. "I think it was Jack that said that everyone is out for something, so that makes everything fair game (my heart included). She's right, you know. I've never met a person that didn't need or want something from me."

"It's not the connections or the credits I'm after. I do want and need something…but it's you, Miranda. I don't think I would have made it passed these last few weeks without you," London said softly as relief washed over her body. She tucked a lock of black hair behind the operative's ear. "I need the woman, not just the executive commander that is part of the woman," the brunette said seriously. "Because let's face it," she added to lighten the mood that was becoming a little too heavy for the XO to handle. "If it weren't for the woman inside of you, I don't know if I'd be able to handle the second in command. She can be a real pain when she's being stubborn," London said chuckling, lowering her head to kiss Miranda's temple.

"That's not called being a pain, Specialist O'Conner. It's called being assertive. Someone needs to get the job done." the XO said matter-of-factly.

The brunette sighed at Miranda's predictable reply but still leaned in to kiss the lips that teased her, no more than an inch away from her own. Lawson smiled into the gesture, wrapping both arms around the other woman's neck and bringing the woman down until London's body was flushed against her own. Miranda loved to kiss London; never before had the operative enjoyed the simple action of sharing this with someone so much.

London groaned happily, finding herself without strength to battle the yearning she felt for the operative; the need to give herself to Miranda and take Miranda in return was great: a burning desire to feel her skin, to lay claim to her body with, lips, fingers, and tongue.

Miranda could see the intensity in London's eyes and was left speechless, her own heart swelling as she felt a giddy heat in her lower abdomen. The operative had never felt that for anyone; she thought of romance as a weakness, a distraction that took away from more important things that needed to be done; but slowly, Miranda was becoming aware that the rewards just might be worth the vulnerability. London still wanted her despite her cold exterior and her inability to express herself… and just maybe it was time to give in?

The sniper unbuttoned a few buttons and pulled down on the zipper of Miranda work attire, trying to get it off the operative's body. London broke the kiss to look into Lawson's eyes, not so much asking for permission as to inform her first of the brunette's intentions. In response, Miranda pushed the dancer gently off of her and got to her knees. She was hesitant when grabbing the black fabric of her uniform, her mind constantly battling her sex's ache as she pulled the tight material down her shoulders.

While Miranda had been working on squeaking her torso free of its tight restrictions, London had given her back towards the operative to sit on the edge of the bed and remove her shoes. When she turned around she not only saw Miranda's upper body free of uniform but that she was also sitting on the opposite edge of the bed, taking off her boots too. London smiled to herself and crawled across the large mattress towards her. Once she got behind her, London got on her knees and started to place strategic kisses along the other woman's neck and shoulders.

Feeling this, Miranda smirked and busied herself with undoing her belt. By the time she let the belt fall on the floor, London had well caused the entirety of Miranda's skin to break out in goose bumps. The operative turned around and got her knees as well so that she could be face to face with the other. London smiled, searching Lawson's eyes. She saw no discomfort but found a hint of indecision instead. London chose to push a little bit further, grabbing the rim of her tank top and pulling it up and off, soon observing afterwards that Miranda couldn't remove her blue eyes from the brunette's torso.

But then something in Miranda's eyes changed. "Wait," the operative said suddenly, her hands darting to London's to put a stop to the brunette from undressing further. "We should stop," she said regretfully, turning around from the other and sitting in the middle of the bed with her legs bent beneath her. The XO felt the bed shift as London got off of the mattress and heard the signature sound of the dancer fumbling with both belt and jeans.

Miranda closed her eyes. The sniper was certainly not pleased with her reaction and was probably putting everything back on. The operative was prepared to hear London's irritated voice any minute now, but instead she felt London's weight dip the bed and getting near her. A shock went through her frame when she felt skin touch her own back. Miranda looked down to see London's hands caressing the length of her own arms. Her breath was caught in her chest and her heart was beating wildly as she felt the dancer move closer. Miranda's eyes widened upon seeing London's thighs trapping her between them and then closed tightly when she felt the brunette's obviously bare upper body meld with her back.

"God, London," Miranda shakily breathed out, eyes still closed. "Are you naked?"

"No," London replied with an adorable chuckle, hugging Miranda tight against her. "I have my panties on," she whispered into Lawson's ear, making the raven haired woman shudder.

Miranda was powerless, weak in the knees and knowing there was absolutely nothing she could do to change London's current state of dress. She exhaled deeply while she let her head fall back on London's shoulder, her hands caressing the arms that held her stomach. "You are insane," she said softly, the smirk on her lips making certain that the words packed no sting.

"I'm not insane," London uttered, holding Miranda firmly. "I just want you to know that I'm not afraid of you touching me," she explained.

"And you had to get your clothes off to get your point across, did you?" Miranda asked with a perfect brow perked.

"Yes," the brunette answered matter-of-factly, making Lawson chuckle. After a few moments though, her amusement died down and London could feel the operative's breathing increase. The brunette took Miranda's hands in hers and guided them to her own thighs, encouraging the XO to caress her tanned skin. "You think I don't notice the fear in your eyes when we become intimate? It's not just because we're taking it slowly. You're scared of hurting me."

"London…"

"I know you've seen the reports on my internal scarring, the outcome of my working at The Afterlife."

Miranda looked down onto the bed sheets and nodded her head. She could not deny what she saw, the extent of which they hurt the dancer. She had been terrified of being added to the record of those who committed the offense. Miranda knew a lot of things. Making love to a woman was not on that long list. What if she did something wrong? What if a simple slip of the hand or a rough touch hurt the brunette more?

"I'm not a doll, Miranda," London said soothingly, holding onto the pair of hands that were stalled at her thighs while she placed tender kisses to Miranda's left shoulder. She let her lips travel up the other's neck, enjoying the soft sighs escaping the operative's mouth. When she felt Miranda's nails dig slightly into her skin, the brunette gently sucked on the operative's pulse point. "I will not break if you touch me. I promise you that I will not break. But I cannot put truth to my words if you do not try. I am not afraid of your touch so I don't want you to fear touching me."

Lawson bit her lower lip, mind going a thousand miles per second before swallowing her hesitation then opening her lips to speak. "Will you…guide me?"

"We'll start slowly. Just enjoy yourself. Acquaint yourself with me." The moment her hands were led to caress the brunette's muscled and soft thighs, Miranda felt a jolt of desire running through her. London could cause this feeling in her without much effort, but what fascinated her was that London could put her enough at ease for her to actually enjoy this feeling. Just moments ago she was scared to death of messing up and hurting the dancer. But now, after a very bold move from the sniper and the reassurance of her arms surrounding her, the desire to feel and be close to London was so much greater than the fear. The risks were always present on her mind, but she trusted London; she trusted the brunette to guide her actions.

After making sure Miranda would continue to caress her thighs on her own, London resumed with kissing the operative's shoulder and neck, applying a gracious amount of attention on the pulse point that made the XO's body quake. Miranda moaned at the sensation that London's lips were evoking. The Australian moved one hand to the back of London's neck and turned her head to kiss the dancer.

There was no shy hesitation in this kiss, no slow beginnings. It burned with passion, with hunger even before their lips touched. Their tongues danced as their hands became brave. Miranda found herself pressing back against the dancer's frame, completely overwhelmed and desperately clinging to any form of restraint she had left in her body. London's hands slid down the woman's sides and grazed Miranda's breasts. Lawson whimpered and moved into the touch, pulling the brunette closer. She was too far away, as if miles lay in between. London blazed a slow trail of kisses down Miranda's neck as the XO's hands fell, landing on London's firm thighs and caressing anew. She faintly felt London's fingers working on the rest of her uniform's buttons and zipper but she couldn't wait any longer to turn around in the dancer's arms. Miranda stopped the fervent kiss and moved to turn; placing small kisses on London's lips all the time, unable to force herself to put that much distance between them.

The sight of London's gorgeous body kneeling in front of her took Miranda's breath away. By removing her clothes, London was not only telling her that Miranda could touch her freely, without apprehension, but was also committing herself to the operative; showing her that she wasn't giving up on the first obstacle. The dancer wanted to make sure Miranda knew that she was baring herself without fears.

Miranda extended her hand as if to touch London's bare skin but stopped, her insecurities about hurting the woman beginning to overpower her bravery.

"It's okay," London whispered positively, knocking away all fears with the tenderness in her voice. "Just go slowly. I want you to do what you feel."

What Miranda wanted was to explore. She couldn't help the faint rose color that appeared on her cheeks, biting her lip while she rested one hand on London's thigh and raised the other to trace gentle patterns along the brunette's chest. She let her fingers slide down to London's breasts, tracing the right swell and daring to let one finger glide across the small, hardened tip, making the brunette inhale sharply. London tried to remember to breathe, to hold some semblance of control. A glance at the dancer's encouraging eyes gave Miranda the confidence to keep going with her explorations. She turned her attention to London's other breast and a short stream of words said in a language not known by the operative flooded out in a hushed pant from the dancer's mouth. Miranda raised a brow in genuine curiosity. At her current state of undress she did not have her translator on. "What was that?"

London bit her lip as her chest heaved up and down seductively. She was unaware of what Miranda was even speaking of. "Pardon?"

A tilt came to the operative's head, "You said something in a foreign dialect. It was not a language that I myself am fluent in. What was it?"

"And how many languages do you know, exactly?"

"A few," the operative replied smugly. "But don't change the subject. I'm curious as to what dialect it was. It was beautiful, no matter the circumstances under which it was said," she winked.

A red tint kissed the brunette's cheeks. "I wasn't aware I was even doing so, my apologies. My mother was earthborn. Born in Old Madrid but was moved as a child to New Andorra with her family. Andorra has still managed to keep their culture and language alive so I grew up hearing and learning Euskara and proper Spanish from her on Watson. Euskara is still a fairly rare language, not many humans speak it as it's only pertinent to Andorra now and to the Basque ethnicity." A small grin formed on her lips, "My mother taught me culture and language and my father taught me how to cuss like a drunken Irishman."

Miranda looked the woman over in wonder, making a mental note to update her omni-tool's glossaries and linguistic rules. "I had no idea. So…you still have family out there on your mother's side?"

There was a compliant albeit indifferent shrug. "In technicality yes, I do. I know I have a grandmother and grandfather, two uncles, and three aunts out there though I've never met them. My mother's family was well known in Andorra. They owned majority of the shops and even a few of the restaurants. My grandfather didn't approve of her marrying my 'lowly' father. They told her that if she left with him to never bother to go back. She left and there's been no contact sense. My father was a shame in their eyes. I can only imagine what they'd think of me, the 'product' of their shameless love."

Miranda brought her hand up to trail its fingers along the length of London's collarbone. She smiled sorrowfully as she spoke, her words coming out tenderly. "There's still so much we don't know about each other, isn't there?"

London gasped as Miranda's hands once more became bold and continued to explore. Her lids fell to a half hood as she stumbled over her words, "W-what else would you like to know?"

"Oh you know…other things." Her fingertip moved, trailing down the valley of London's breasts, past the flat of her abdomen, then looping at her belly button and racing along the length of her ribs. Small bumps formed across the dancer's body and Miranda couldn't help but appreciate and be relieved by the fact that London was so responsive to even the smallest of her touches.

"L-Like what? Would you like to know if I have lucky socks? A favorite book, perhaps? F-food allergies? Why I dislike fizzy drinks?"

The operative moved the hand from London's thigh up to comb her fingers through the brunette's loosely curled locks. She gazed for a moment into those gray eyes with a smile on her lips. "For now I'd just like to know why you're not kissing me."

London inched closer to the other, never taking her intense gaze away. The brunette extended her arm to pull down the covers while placing her free hand on Miranda's side, pushing the XO to lie on the mattress. Miranda gave into the woman's silent request, never taking her eyes off London's body, watching the way the dimmed lights played against her skin, a desire burning brighter and brighter within her.

When she rested her head back on the pillow, Miranda brought her hands up to pull London down on top of her by the back of the brunette's neck. "London," the operative breathed out onto the other's lips, arching her back and pressing her body up into the dancer's nearly naked one, loving the way London's bare skin felt against her own almost bare torso. Miranda buried her hands into the long hair and captured the brunette's lips with her own. She kissed London deeply and opened her legs to accommodate the body between them more comfortably.

The moment London got into the position she flushed their pelvises together and grinded her hips forward and upward in an achingly slow and deeply swooped motion, her fluid movements making the operative moan obscenely loudly and squeeze the dancer tightly with her long, toned legs. Miranda took advantage of her position and rolled the brunette on her back, ending up on top and straddling. She sat up on London's hips, mesmerized by the brunette's naked torso, her hands sliding down London's stomach at the same time London moved her hands to stroke up Miranda's thighs.

"Like the top do we?" London's question was playful yet excited as she brought her hands to rest over her head and against the mattress, her chest lifting and falling deeply with her considerably intensified breathing.

The XO moved her warm hands back upwards saying nothing, exploring and feeling London's abdominal muscles jump beneath her ministrations. The operative paused with her hands just underneath the sniper's round breasts. Miranda glanced up at London's face, watching the brunette looking at her encouragingly with half closed eyes. Lawson lowered herself to London and kissed her lips lustfully while moving her hands to gently, yet firmly, cup the weight of dancer's breasts and knead. She was rewarded with a sensual moan coming from the pleased woman beneath her as she tested differing pressures and speeds, ways in which to let her fingers glide over the hardened tips.

London couldn't take it anymore; she had to feel more of Miranda's skin on hers. The trail of wet kisses Miranda was leaving on her neck mixed with the still exploring hands around her chest made it hard for the dancer to complete a coherent sentence, "Off," she said throatily, tugging at both Miranda's bra and the uniform that still clung to Miranda's lower half.

Miranda complied quickly, rolling off the other to wiggle her way out of the remainder of her outfit before slithering back to her position on top of the brunette. London sat up while Miranda straddled her, her hands playing with the lace of the XO's panties before trailing up the operative's back and making quick work of the woman's bra clasp. London let out a surprised puff when the material came off and freed the raven haired beauty's slightly larger breasts, the sight making her heart skip inside her chest.

"You're beautiful," London said almost inaudibly as she flipped them over gently, laying the XO back down in bed. The brunette let one of her legs slide snugly between Miranda, rousing a contented sigh out of the woman's lips. London was attentive, holding herself up with one elbow and letting her other hand explore Miranda's body. She let the pads of her fingers make small, teasing circles across Lawson's stomach, hearing the operative whimper softly. She had a long, thin scar in the middle of her abdomen. It was the mark of what she had endured to keep London safe. "Miranda," London breathed lovingly. It was the only word that came to mind as she leaned in to press her lips against the scarred tissue, still slightly whiter against the operative's already milky skin.

Miranda watched London's affectionate display and ran her hand through the sniper's hair. "It'll go away eventually with the ointment I took from—Oh" She bit her lower lip harshly to keep from screaming out.

London traced the length of the scar with her lips as she let her nimble fingers go lower, sliding the tip of her index underneath the hem of Miranda's panties. She let the bold touch trace along under the hem until it reached the XO's hip bone, soon flattening her hand to caress up Miranda's side.

The executive officer was shivering under such soft touches. London's hand came to a stop on Miranda's side when she suddenly looked up into Miranda's eyes with a smile. Lawson saw the brunette's tongue come out to wet her lips before the dancer lowered her head without taking her eyes off of the other and took the nipple of Miranda's breast between her supple lips.

The XO instantly arched her back and gasped, trying to get herself closer (always closer) to the brunette, her left leg rising to curl over London's hip, moaning when she felt London's hand leave her side and move to grasp her thigh.

Miranda cried out when she felt the sniper's tongue trace circles only to then suck the tender tip slowly into her hot mouth. When the friction of teeth, lips, and tongue became unbearable, the dancer would pull back and blow cool air onto the sweltering mound, a whole new level of pleasure that threatened to curl the operative's toes. London was overjoyed; she could barely believe that she had Miranda trembling under her. The sounds coming from the XO's mouth only fueling her need for the woman.

The brunette moved lower, tracing her tongue across the operative's chest to give the same treatment to the woman's other breast. She then shifted fully in between Mirada's legs and started a trail of unhurried, open mouthed kisses down the XO's abdomen, listening as each kiss provoked a moan or sigh from the woman below her. London let her hands proceed in front of her mouth, caressing down Miranda's sides, sliding them over her groin, gently meandering the inside of her thighs as she kissed the space between Lawson's navel and the rim of her panties.

Miranda was both quaking and writhing beneath the expert touches, a closed fist brought to her mouth as she bit down onto her knuckles lightly. But just as she thought her heart would explode from such ministrations, the warm touch and kisses on her body were gone. The operative opened her eyes to a half lid, looking up to find a gently smiling London sitting on her knees between the XO's legs. "W-what are you doing?" she asked, voice husky from the exhilaration she had just experienced.

"I'm easing us into this: Comfort and exploration first, making love second."

"W-what?" Miranda asked, her chest still rising and falling as she gazed onto the other. "You mean we're not going to…?"

London shook her head. "Not yet. I want you to be one hundred percent comfortable with me, my body, and the way my body feels against yours. Little by little, okay?"

The operative whimpered as she folded her arms over her eyes momentarily, she didn't know if she wanted to scream in frustration, cry in relief, or cry for relief. "I'm comfortable!"

The dancer quirked her brows as a teasing smirk forming on the corner of her mouth. This was certainly a new side to Miranda. "Is that so?"

There was an unmistakable and powerful ache between the operative's legs. She lowered her arms and looked in the other woman's eyes. "I can't just be ramped up like that then…t-then—"

London's smile only grew much to Miranda's irritation. "Why are you smirking—take that grin off your face! It's not funny," she said, a smile and laugh threatening to leave her own lips.

Miranda hadn't been given release in a long, long time. She wasn't seeing anyone before London, and Shepard had normally kept her so busy that at night she just collapsed on her bed and fell asleep. London was starting to realize this when Miranda looked up at her almost desperately.

My poor baby.

The relationship needed to go slowly so that it could bloom fruitfully. But Miranda was practically squirming beneath the dancer. "London," she cried out softly, hands reaching out and begging to feel the other's skin on her own.

Then an idea struck the brunette. "Okay, okay" she cooed gently, laying back down between the woman's legs and pressing her body firmly against Miranda's. The operative sighed happily as the warm skin came in contact with her own. It was only seconds more between the kisses and caresses that the pair quickly got back into the heat of things. Miranda was panting softly as the ache between her thighs only grew, able to now feel the moistness that formed there more significantly.

London leaned down to press her lips against the others as she carefully flipped them around, being sure that Miranda landed to where she was only straddling one of London's thighs. London pressed down on the XO's hips heavily and Miranda groaned, hips automatically bucking against the dancer's firm muscle, rubbing her warm, slick center and making Miranda's jaw slacken.

"How did that feel," London purred, voice thick with arousal yet also underlined with honest concern.

"Mmph," came the throaty reply. It was the only sound Miranda had left as she leaned over to claim the other woman's lips, her hips grinding against London's thigh once more for good measure. She couldn't help the groan that escaped her, gasping softly into the stream of kisses that London placed onto her already swollen lips.

The dancer bent her knee, elevating her straddled thigh a little more and planting her foot firmly against the bed. "Now do it again."

Miranda obeyed. She grasped London's shoulders tightly as she hunched over and grinded her hips, her eyes shutting as she whimpered and trembled with the new angle. It added pressure to all the amazingly right places, hitting the hard little nub between Miranda's thighs. She didn't have to be told to continue as she sat up and rubbed herself down the firm muscle naturally.

London allowed her hands free reign as she explored the smoothness of Miranda's thighs, and the length of her sides. She smiled, fully accepting the brunt of the XO's weight as she sat back and continued to rub herself. London could feel the intense warmth of Miranda's sex against her thigh, the increasing wetness that grazed her skin there from beneath black, laced panties.

Miranda couldn't tell which one was more sexually satisfying: being able to stroke her core, or knowing that she was doing this scandalous act on top of London. She didn't think much on the matter either way as she pressed herself harder down onto the muscle and increased her speed, turning her gasps and quiet moans into full on cries with renewed adore. London pushed her luck and bent her knee even further, forcing the operative to curve and slam her hands down on either side of London's face. London craned her neck upwards to kiss and Miranda cried out into London's mouth, her hips moving in hard upward strokes as she felt the beginnings of her orgasm wash over her. Her stomach was in tight knots, doing back-flips amongst the mass of butterflies that seemed to be flying around in there.

The brunette's hands danced around the XO's back, exploring as her fingernails gently scratched and slid on the skin beneath. She brought her hands to trail the length of Miranda's ribs then swivel around upwards towards the chest, soon caressing and kneading the supple breasts she found there. "Oh f—" Lawson's eyes shut tightly and her toes curled as she screamed into London's neck, her hips bucking violently a few extra times as Miranda's orgasm finally came to a full realization.

London was smiling as she lifted an arm to wrap around the woman on top of her, carefully lowering her now slick thigh to lie back onto the mattress but replacing it with her own gentle fingers. She protectively cupped Miranda's sex, allowing her index, middle, and ring fingers to continue stroking the woman through her panties, bringing the XO off her high slowly and lovingly. The touch made Miranda jolt as she pushed her hot center against the fingers in a half daze, melting onto the woman below her.

When the twitches and trembles subsided, an involuntary smile crept onto Miranda's lips as she collapsed beside the brunette and began to softly laugh, folding her arms over her eyes once more. "…I can't believe I just did that. That was…I just…you are insane!" There was no hurt in the blue eyed woman's words. There was only contentment and a certain giddy, innocent quality that London had never ever seen nor heard before.

"We've so been over this! I am not," the sniper jibed inoffensively, "I'm simply ensuring that we're taking this at the speed it's needed to be taken at. Think of it as a major step on the way towards an overall goal?"

"Think of it as you'd like because I think that an orgasm is an orgasm," the Aussie said through another surprising laugh, continuing to hide her face behind her arms.

London slapped Miranda's side humorously, absolutely loving the newfound playfulness of the operative. She was starting to loosen up and London could not be happier. "And you looked absolutely stunning as it washed over you. But this was foreplay. Imagine what I'll do to you when we make love…"

Miranda wrinkled her nose and groaned at the sudden twitch between her legs in response, causing the sniper to laugh before turning and lowering to head to place a kiss between the operative's breasts then lifting her chin to look back up into her eyes. "It was still very pleasant. I never thought you were so easily…" London trailed off, looking deliberately at Miranda with a self satisfied grin.

The XO lowered her arms to look at the ex-dancer. "I'm not. But it seems that with you it doesn't take a lot of effort to get me going," she grinned, but rolled her eyes as she saw the smug look that appeared on London's face. For once the tables had turned and it was London who had the ego. "You were—stop smiling, damn it."

London laughed again as she grabbed the comforter and threw it over the both of them, kissing her way back up Miranda's body until she was lying at the woman's side and cuddling close, the heat of their almost bare bodies creating an aura of comfort. The dancer rested her arm across the woman's stomach as she buried her face into the nook of Miranda's neck, much as she had when she first entered the woman's office. Miranda could feel her sporadic breathing soon become deep, even inhales and exhales, her body relaxing as she stretched her arms over her head contently.

For a long time the office was quiet, leisure fingers from both women caressing and creating patterns along the length of each other's bodies.

"…thank you."

London snuggled her nose against the other woman's neck, finding respite in the scent of lavender crème, dry spices, and the warmth of Miranda's embrace. She felt like nothing could harm her; like all of her bad experiences and the people she had lost along the way were nothing more than a distant and terrible dream. "Thank you for what? An incredible make out session followed by an innocently begotten orgasm?"

"Very mature," Miranda chuckled shaking her head, "but no. Thank you for this. For knowing what I need when I'm so unsure myself at times. For not giving up on me when I'm being completely and utterly—"

"Hard to work with? Impossible?" the sniper grinned into Miranda, planting small kisses as her arm tightening around the woman's tummy.

Miranda huffed dramatically, her body sliding down the bed to sink into her pillows further. London laughed, leaning in to press her lips against Miranda's jaw but eyebrow rising when Miranda continued to sink underneath the sheets. "What are you doing?"

"Taking another step towards our overall goal," came the low, sarcastic response as London's eyes widened, the feel of a warm, sly hand pushing her thighs apart and causing the brunette to gasp, "Oh God, I've created a sneaky handed monster."

But suddenly Miranda sat on her knees between London's legs and poked her head out from under the sheets. "Speaking of—you don't think Kasumi is here right?"

The two women were quiet, trying to listen to the sound in the office and hoping to not catch anything unusual.

Two pairs of shifty eyes glanced all around the room before Miranda's gaze landed back onto the brunette. "R-Right?"

[End 27: Step 1 - Comfort and Exploration]

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A/N: I hate writing the word nipple (is it just me?)! Ugh!

Nipple, Nipple, Nipple, Nipple.

Nope. Still hate it.

And why are my chapters always so long! Gaaah. I'm going to start doing itsy bitsy four paged chapters instead of 30-40 page monstrosities! It's a fan-fiction not a damn novel for goodness sake!

Next update in a few weeks. Time to get dark. *sobs*