Chapter 4
Shepard only began to calm down slightly when she noticed the wide berth that everyone was giving her. It could have been the furious muttering beneath her breath, the storm cloud look in her expression or the double time march that her indignation had forced upon her feet. Trying to regain control, she launched into the soothing mind exercises that were taught at the Academy. The spectre had not had to resort to them in the longest time. But every time she thought of the Alliance offer, the resentment flared stronger.
Liara smiled when she heard the hum of the elevator, knowing that her lover was near. She put the final touches on the simple, but elegant meal she had prepared for them complete with their favorite wine, chilled to perfection. Something seemed amiss, but she could not quite put her finger on it. She hummed an old asari tune as she envisioned the remainder of their day. A quiet meal, time shared, then off to the Flux, then…
The asari was not prepared for the thundercloud that emerged when the doors swished open. The spectre stomped in with flushed face and eyes blazing.
"By the Goddess, what is wrong?" asked the concerned doctor, throwing her arms around her distraught lover.
Shepard accepted Liara's embrace and felt the anger drain away as she breathed in the asari's sweet fragrance. The fire in her gut was replaced by a sudden weariness. Liara led the spectre to a soft chair and stood behind her, massaging the tight shoulders. She knew from experience that her lover would share when she was ready. It was enough to be close, providing whatever support the spectre needed. The story came slowly, a quiet trickle that quickly became a flood of words as the commander vented her anger and frustration at the Alliance.
Liara's laughter snapped the spectre from her reverie.
"What's so funny?" Shepard asked defensively.
"Can you imagine their faces when Councilor Anderson relays your answer? It will be most amusing," the asari answered.
"I guess so. So what do you think I should do?" the spectre asked as she turned and faced the doctor.
Liara set her face into very serious lines before answering. "I think you should join me at the table, then after we eat, you should work on relieving all that tension. You are on leave, you know."
"Doctor's orders?" Shepard asked, scooping the asari into a soft embrace.
"But of course," the asari murmured as her lips were captured.
For a change, the commander followed her orders without deviation.
Liara awoke with a start and looked over at the cron. She relaxed when she realized that she still had some time before she had to rise and get ready to leave. The asari smiled at the sleeping spectre beside her. In slumber, Shepard looked so much younger, the lines of responsibility eased away. Unable to resist, she brushed the stray strands of dark hair to the side and teased at the soft lips, her hands caressing creamy skin. It wasn't long before her kisses were returned, with a furious passion. The alarm intruded way too soon and the lovers reluctantly parted.
"You really have to go, Li?" the spectre breathed, unwilling to release the doctor.
"We will be back together before you even miss me," the asari responded.
"That's impossible," Shepard sulked, "I miss you already."
The tender kiss that followed was interrupted by the sound of the elevator chime.
Liara laughed softly at the spectre's grumbling and sat up stretching. The commander watched her every move, mesmerized by the supple motion of her lithe body. The asari glanced over at her lover and smiled.
"Are you going to greet our visitor? I must ready myself," the asari asked.
"Uh, yeah, I guess, " the spectre whined. "But there are other things I'd rather do."
There were only two people who had the security code to Liara's penthouse: the gunnery chief and Liara's sire. The councilor would never come up unannounced, so that left only one option.
"Ashley said she was coming by this morning for you, love," Liara added, confirming the spectre's guess.
The asari rose and went into the shower. Sounds of cabinets opening and china against the tile could be heard in their kitchen. The chief was no stranger to their abode. Soon, the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee danced across the spectre's senses.
"Well, at least she's making herself useful," she thought, grabbing a silk robe from off the floor where it had been hastily discarded.
"Morning, Commander, " the chief greeted her cheerfully. "Hope I didn't disturb anything."
The look she received must have spoke volumes. The marine laughed at the spectre's reaction before showing a bit of compassion for her friend.
"Hey, it's not like you'll be apart for that long, " Ashley reminded the spectre.
"It's longer than it was supposed to be, Ash," the spectre spoke, nodding her thanks as the chief handed her a steaming cup. "Oh and good morning."
She took her coffee and sat at a bar stool, looking morose. Shepard watched as her friend began rummaging in the pantry and came out with an armful of ingredients. Soon, the aroma of pancakes blended in and the spectre was treated to a plate of one of her favorite Earth foods.
"Thanks, Ash, they're delicious," the spectre said in between mouthfuls.
"You looked like you needed it," the chief replied, sitting down next to the commander with her own plate in hand.
"Can I ask you something personal?" Ashley said quietly.
"I guess so, what's up?" Shepard answered, raising an eyebrow at the chief's tone.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want to," the chief began, hesitantly.
"Out with it Ash, what do you want to know?"
"Well, um, what's it like being with an asari?" Ashley didn't meet the spectre's eyes as she posed her question.
"That's it?" the commander laughed at her friend's sudden unease. "Not planning on hitting on mine are you?"
"Of course not!" Ashley replied, horrified at the thought. And of what Shepard would do to anyone who came near Liara. "I'm just curious."
"Curious, heh?" Shepard smiled. "Well, it's the most wonderful experience I've ever had."
The spectre went on to elaborate in a level of detail that had the chief blushing furiously. The marine was floundering for words as the asari walked into the kitchen. Ashley took the opportunity to excuse herself and beat a quick path to the bathroom.
"What was that all about, love?" Liara asked as she came to stand behind the spectre, encircling her in a warm embrace.
"Nothing, just answering some questions. Want something to eat?" Shepard spun around to face her asari.
"No, thank you, I shall eat later." Liara reached in to gently touch their foreheads in an intimate asari gesture. The spectre took the opportunity to snatch a quick kiss, much to the asari's delight.
"I really must be going, I shall see you on Earth." This time when their lips touched, the gesture contained all the feeling they each could muster. Only the need for air forced them to separate just as the chief returned to the room.
"Take care, Li, have fun!" Ashley hugged the asari.
"Be safe my love," Shepard whispered in Liara's ear as she gave her one last hug and let her go.
Liara slung her pack on her shoulder and walked to the elevator in the company of her friends. As the doors swished closed on her, the spectre and asari shared one last look that communicated their feelings for each other and promises for their next meeting.