Ok, second chapter now up! Thank you to all who have read and a extra thanks to those who have reviewed it. I know I am not good at past and present tense stuff in stories and sorry in advance. And sorry about the grammar if it's wrong but I hope you can still enjoy the story. Thanks
Chapter 2 – Not Perfect
Shepard could have watched Miranda sleep for hours, days, even weeks and he wouldn't complain. She looked so peaceful, not concentrated on how she looked or how she acted. She acted like the real Miranda Lawson, like a normal human being.
The smart, sexy and determined Miranda Lawson, drools when she sleeps. Well, that's original.
Shepard was trying to get up the courage to ask her to move into his quarters, but the one thing he hated more than the Reapers was rejection. He knew that she loved him but he didn't want to rush her into anything. He wanted her to be comfortable.
He stroked her hair, gazing at her beautiful face for ages. He memorized her every feature as if he was never going to see her again. He memorized her eyes, the crystal blue colour that shined in the sun. He memorized her cherry lips and how she didn't even need to wear lipstick or lip-gloss to make them look amazing. He memorized her nose and how it seemed to not have a single flaw.
No wonder some people hate you. You're bloody perfect!
Miranda began to stir in Shepard's arms, letting out a groan.
"You right there?" Shepard whispered into her ear.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just having a good dream." Miranda eyes fluttered open. She looked into Shepard's eyes and gave him one of her signature smiles.
Damn, her smile is perfect too. Oh I know, let's play a game. It's really hard. It's called "Find a Bloody Flaw about Miranda Lawson!" Shepard began to laugh at his thought and Miranda stared at him quizzically.
"What's so funny, Ty? Care to tell me?" Miranda gave him her "you kicked my puppy" stare and he melted into it.
"Ok, fine. I'm just trying to find a bloody flaw about you. Haven't had any luck yet." He flopped back onto his pillow.
Miranda just laughed and gave him a smack on his chest. She kissed him passionately and wrapped her hands around his neck. After a few minutes of heated kissing Miranda slid her body on top of Shepard's.
"Well," Miranda said while kissing down Shepard's body "I'm very sorry about that." Miranda said, feigning sorrow. "Let me make it up to you." She continued to kiss down Shepard's body until someone banged on Shepard's cabin door.
"Commander, you decent?" It was Jacob. Shepard and Miranda looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Miranda slipped off Shepard and grabbed her clothes.
"I don't want anyone knowing that we are in a serious relationship yet. Do you?" Miranda whispered quietly while slipping her suit and boots on. Shepard thought about and he didn't really care.
She seems to care about it. Is she…embarrassed to be with me?
Shepard tried to ask her about but she was already running to the bathroom.
"Shepard, I know you're in there. I really need to talk to you." Jacob spoke up again.
He sounds really worried. What's wrong now? For just one week, I want peace. Just one week!
"Shepard!" Miranda woke Tyler out of his thoughts, "go talk to him. He sounds serious. I'll hide out in here but hurry up!" Miranda walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Shepard shook his head and grabbed his N7 gym shorts.
No way I'm answering the door stark naked!
He put on his shorts and walked over to the door.
"About time Shepard!" Jacob walked in.
Yep, come on in. It's a party in here already!
"Nice to see you too, Jacob." Shepard said loud enough for Jacob to hear.
"Sorry Commander." Jacob did his usual salute, fixed up his posture and put his hands behind his back. "I don't know if this is important but some of the crew were looking for Miranda and couldn't find her. Do you know where she is by any chance?" Jacob finished with a neutral look on his face.
Oh I know where she is! She was about to give me a good time before you walked in!
"Um, Jacob, I'm pretty sure she's around. Don't worry about it."
Miranda sat on the toilet waiting for the two men to stop talking.
God, Jacob should have learned by now not to worry about me. I swear, sometimes I want to hit that man!
"I'm not worried!" Miranda heard from outside the door.
Sure you're not Jacob. Whatever you say…
"Look, I bet she's fine. She's a big girl and can take care of herself. I mean come on; if she knew that you were worried about her, she'd eat you alive!" Miranda heard Shepard say. She shook her head in disbelief and pushed her ear up to the door.
I would NOT eat anyone alive! He will defiantly be sorry for saying that…
"I know she would but I'm still worried. Where would she even be?" Jacob interjected. After a few seconds he began to speak again. "Hey, while we're on the topic of Miranda, are you and her still…together?" Miranda started to blush and began to listen much more closely. Miranda could tell he sounded nervous. She wondered what Shepard would say to that.
She wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Shepard. If anything, she was proud to be his girlfriend. But she had and image to keep and if everyone knew she was in a relationship it would make her look weak and less threatening.
Everyone would figure out that I have feelings. And that is the last thing I want right now.
"Um…why do you ask?" Shepard's voice cracked. She could tell he was getting nervous.
God Shepard! You are a really bad liar…and you're not even lying yet!
"Well, everyone was sure that after the Suicide Mission you two would…get together." Jacob sounded really awkward and nervous.
"Well, um…" Shepard took a long pause. Miranda guessed he was trying to come up with a good answer. "We're not together." Miranda was relieved, yet angry.
She didn't want anyone knowing, that's true, yet at the same time she wanted to shout it from the rooftops that Shepard was hers. She choose to ignore the angry feeling and focus on Shepard's words.
"We were close to…getting together before the Suicide Mission, but after the mission we chose to keep our relationship professional." Shepard finished speaking and Miranda was…surprised.
Hmm, he can lie. Miracles never cease…
"Oh, that sounds like what happened to me…with Miranda. Like I have said before we almost got together but it didn't happen." Jacob took a pause but continued to speak. "You know, I love Miranda…as a friend. But she really does tease men doesn't she?" Jacob let out a chuckle.
Miranda was seriously offended. She couldn't believe that Jacob would say that behind her back. To her surprise and bewilderment they both started to laugh. Miranda wanted to storm out there and slap Shepard for laughing along with that but she kept her composure. She wouldn't let herself care.
How dare he laugh at that! I am defiantly going to give him a peace of my mind, that dick!
"Yeah, I guess she does at that. Well, let me get fully dressed and I'll help the crew look for her, alright?" Shepard began to speak again.
"Sure Commander, see you down there." Miranda guessed he gave a salute being the good little solider he was. She heard the cabin's door shut and got ready to give Tyler Shepard a piece of her mind.
Miranda stormed out of the bathroom and looked straight at Shepard, with her icy glare.
"So, we're not together, hmm?" She saw the look of disbelief on Shepard's face and wanted to slap it off. "You think I couldn't hear you? I have increased hearing if you have forgotten!" Shepard still stared at her like she was insane. She couldn't resist anymore; she walked up to him, as calmly as possible, given the circumstances and gave him a big slap across the face. Shepard grasped his face and looked straight into her eyes with a fiery anger.
"Hey! You're the one who said that you didn't want anyone knowing 'bout our relationship, aren't you! I just did what I thought you would want!" Miranda stared at him with glossed eyes. She felt like she was about cry but held it in.
Why am I crying so easily these days…?
"That's not what I meant, and you know it!" Miranda yelled even louder.
"Well, what did you mean?" Shepard stared at her with anger yet concern in his eyes.
"I don't need to explain it to you! Just leave me alone!" With that, Miranda left Shepard's quarters and stomped into the elevator. Once it was closed she pressed the emergency button, sank down to the floor and cried.
Shepard stood in his quarters for what seemed like a lifetime, just staring into space. He couldn't believe it.
I did what I thought she would want…and I got slapped for it. Awesome.
He sat on his bed and looked into the starry abyss. He laid his head on his pillow and let his thoughts envelop him.
I just did what I thought she'd want. Guess I don't know much about girls…
He laid on his bed for a few minutes before he realised he should go talk to her.
Alright, that's just upsetting. It's been what? Ten minutes? And I already miss her!
He got up, put on his captain's attire and walked out of his quarters, into the elevator. He pressed the button to the crew's quarters and leaned back on the railing. He listened to the elevator music…
When did the elevator get music…?
The elevator arrived at the crew quarters and Shepard made his way toward Miranda's office. He was halfway there when he ran into Jacob.
"Commander, we found Miranda. She said she was checking something down in the cargo hold." Jacob said in his neutral stance.
Of course she did. Man she's a good liar…
"Excellent, is she in her quarters now? I need to speak with her."
"Yes she is Commander." Jacob said. When Shepard started to walk away Jacob grabbed his shoulder. "You may want to be careful about what you say though. She seems upset for some reason." Shepard nodded and walked towards her office. The door was locked but being Commander grants you full access.
Being Commander, you always get what you want…
"EDI, unlock the door." Shepard said in his Commander voice.
"Miss Lawson has asked to not be disturbed. I recommend coming at another time." EDI said in her usual monotone.
"I don't care EDI, this is important. Unlock the door." Shepard said with authority. He regretted sounding like a dick but at that moment he didn't care.
"Of course Commander" EDI chimed in, unlocking the door. Shepard knew that Miranda would come to investigate the unlocked door so he waited. After a few seconds she emerged at the door.
As usual she looked amazing. Her hair always seemed to be perfect, never falling out of place.
I wonder if that is the genetic tailoring too…
She was wearing her usual outfit, neat and not one thing out of place. She didn't usually wear makeup but it always looked like she did. Then Shepard noticed her eyes. She wasn't crying but they were glossed and little bloodshot.
Oh Miri, have you been crying? Shit, now I really feel like an asshole…
Miranda looked up at Shepard with a fiery glare.
"Oh it's only you." Miranda tried to shut the door but Shepard stopped it with a swift move of his hand.
"Hey, would you just talk to me? Our relationship won't fix itself you know?" Shepard was still standing at the door not caring who heard their conversation.
"Who said we're still in a relationship?" Miranda walked into her quarters, leaving Shepard standing at the doorway, gobsmacked.
Wait, did she just…break up with me?
"You must be joking! We had one little argument and you already want to break up? Seriously Miranda, what the hell?" Shepard yelled in a very loud voice attracting the attention of some crewmen. Miranda briskly walked up to the Commander and pulled him into her quarters.
"Well you seemed to hate the idea of telling Jacob about "us" but why not tell the whole entire crew while you're out there?" She sarcastically commented while she pulled Shepard towards the seat in front of her desk.
"Who said I hated the idea? I thought that's what you wanted!" Shepard said as he thumped into the seat.
"It's NOT what I wanted!" Miranda screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Well what do you want? You said that you do not want anyone knowing we are in a serious relationship yet! Remember?" Shepard said as he raised himself out of the chair. Miranda stood there for a few moments before she opened her mouth again.
"Yes, I said that. But that was not how I meant it." Miranda said as she sat down in her chair. Shepard walked up to her and kneeled down.
"Well, how did you mean it then?" Shepard stared into her beautiful blue eyes for a few moments before she got out of her chair and walked over to her bed. She sat down on the edge and stared at the ground.
"In one way, I don't want to tell anyone. Yet in another way I want everyone to know that you're mine. I just can't decide which one to follow." Miranda said quietly, like a whisper, her voice shaken.
"Well," Shepard started as he sat down next to her, "why don't you want to tell people?" After a few seconds Miranda began to speak.
"I don't want our relationship to affect how people see me. If I am in a relationship, it will come across that I have feelings. That is something I can't allow to happen." Miranda said, her eyes glued to the ground. Shepard inched closer to her.
"What, you don't want people to know that you're human? No! We can't allow that!" Shepard said in a mock voice. Miranda looked up at him, with a faint smile on her face, staring into his blue eyes. "Miranda, no matter how much you try to be, you're not perfect."
Shepard grabbed her hand and gave it a kiss. They stared into each other's eyes for a few moments before they began to kiss. They pulled away after a few moments and held each other in a tight embrace.
Miranda couldn't believe it. She had just tried to break it off with Shepard and now she was hugging him.
Not that I'm complaining…
She could have stayed in his arms forever but she pulled away and grabbed his hand. She breathed in and began to speak.
"I want to tell people about us. No point trying to hide something that makes me happy." Miranda rested her head on his shoulder and Shepard gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"If you don't want people to know, I'm not gonna pressure you." Shepard said into her ear.
Oh just shut up! I want people to know, you idiot! But you're my idiot at least…
"No, I want them to know. I'm not going to hide this anymore. I want to be with you, completely. And if that means I have to put up with the "oh how cute" and the "aw, they make such a good couple" speeches, I will." Miranda cuddled herself into his neck and kissed it.
They held each other like that for a few minutes before they began to passionately kiss. Miranda tried to shift herself on top but Shepard wouldn't allow it. He grabbed her waist and gently, but firmly, pushed her delicate form under his.
"No way, Miss Lawson. We are playing it my way this time…" Shepard began to strip her of her uniform. "Now be a good girl and just enjoy." Shepard began to kiss down to her breasts.
"Yes, Sir." Miranda breathed out…
They laid in each other's arms for the second time that day. Except this time they were in Miranda's quarters.
Well, her quarters aren't as good as mine. We should only sleep in my quarters.
"Hey since we're officially a couple, you know what you should do?" Shepard stared into her blue eyes.
Can't ever get enough of those eyes…
"What?" Miranda turned in his arms so that she was resting on top of his naked form, staring into his dark blue eyes.
"Move into my quarter's. You know if you want to. I don't want to pressure you or-" Miranda kissed him deeply and intertwined her fingers with his.
"I would love to move into your quarter's Tyler." Miranda rested her head on his defined chest and breathed in deeply. "But I'll need a strong man to help me move my things up there." Miranda tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Um, hello? I'm right here!" Shepard threw up his hands in fake exasperation.
"Well, you're not the strongest guy out there. I mean you're a biotic." Miranda gave him a chaste kiss on the lips and rested back into his form.
"That's true, but you still hurt my feelings." Shepard crossed his arms and feigned sadness.
Oh, I'm sorry Commander. Let me make it up to you…" Miranda slid down his body until she heard a giggle.
"What the hell was that? Who's there?" Miranda covered up her naked form and smacked Shepard on the chest, indicating for him to step in. He rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes.
"Kasumi, that's not funny." Although Shepard couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, it's my duty to make sure that Miranda is happy and satisfied. She is my best friend after all." Kasumi came into view and the foot of the bed.
"Kasumi, get out! Now!" Miranda threw a pillow at Kasumi but missed. Kasumi laughed while running out of Miranda's quarters.
"How did she even get in?" Shepard put a finger to Miranda's lips, silencing her.
"Don't worry 'bout it" Shepard pulled Miranda down into his embrace.
"That is exactly what I wanted to avoid!" Miranda had an irritated look on her face. "But you know what?" Miranda said while looking and her boyfriend.
Shepard gave her a shoulder shrug and looked at her intently. "I don't care." Miranda pulled Shepard in for a kiss and rested in his arms.