Chapter 8
The chirping of the comm unit brought Shepard to the edge of bleary consciousness. Its insistent demand for attention finally forced her to crack open her eyes and look at the cron. She hadn't been home that long, she vaguely remembered Ashley helping her into bed. The weary spectre was about to cancel the notification when she saw who had sent the urgent, late arriving note.
Councilor Anderson's brief, cryptic message sobered the commander and she groaned at the order to report to the Citadel command post bright and early. He knew she was on leave and only dire circumstances would have dictated that order. Shepard didn't have the will or focus to ponder the request any further. She set her alarm and climbed back into bed. By habit, her arm naturally swung over to embrace her mate, but the emptiness reflected her mood and she prayed that the news wouldn't keep her from Liara's side. She rolled back to her side of their bed and sank into a deep sleep that was mercifully free of dreams.
Liara nestled into the comfortable bed, reassured by the many the echoes of her partner's presence so evident in this room. She found sleep elusive, even after using every relaxation technique she knew. It had been a whirlwind day, but one she would always treasure.
The gentle step in the hallway caught her attention and her eyes drifted over to the door. It opened a bit and warm eyes checked in on her, registering surprise at finding her awake.
"Oh, I'm sorry Liara, I didn't mean to wake you," Hanna said softly.
"It has been a very busy day, one which my mind refuses to let go of," the asari responded quietly, sitting up in the bed.
"I can't sleep either. I'm too excited about tomorrow. I don't know what I'm looking forward to more: seeing my daughter or seeing her face when she realizes you are here, " the older Shepard chuckled.
"C'mon, "Hanna beckoned, "I'll show you an old Earth remedy for sleepless nights."
Liara followed her into the kitchen and sat at the table, watching the grace and efficiency of movement that her mate had inherited.
Soon they were both sipping at mugs of hot milk to which Hanna had added some spices and a generous amount of brandy. With minimal prompting, the commander launched into another tale of her daughter's youth. The warmth coursed through her and an unknown happiness flooding her being. In a moment of clarity, she understood what had always been missing with Benezia. This simple sharing, simple love of family. With drooping eyelids, she realized with a start that Shepard had stopped speaking and was smiling at her.
"I guess the hot toddy is working," she commented lightly. "Come, dear, let's get you back in bed."
The cup removed from her hands, Liara allowed herself to be gently led back to her mate's old bed. A fleeting thought for her lover crossed her awareness, but the brandy's affect was taking hold. The covers were tenderly tucked in and Hanna kissed her forehead while softly wishing her a good night. Liara drifted off to the most wonderful dreams.
As her arms encircled the asari, Ashley's initial intent of comfort and solace was quickly forgotten. Shiala's head resting on her shoulder, the asari seemed to melt into the gunnery chief's embrace. The marine's emotions quickly flashed from consolation to desire. Violet eyes met brown, then purple lips touched their pale counterparts. Ashley was at first overwhelmed by the depth of emotion the asari's kiss revealed. Then she surrendered to the feeling and was lost in the moment.
When the need for air demanded it, the two reluctantly ended the kiss. Heart racing, Ashley again looked into those eyes, they had deepened in color. She gently brushed the tears away and was rewarded with a smile. Without a word, Ashley took her hand and led the asari toward the spare bedroom, stopping on the threshold.
"Shiala, if this place brings you painful memories…" she stammered.
"No, Ashley," the answer a husky whisper, "some of my best memories are here." The asari entered the room and closed the door behind them. "And I think I would like to add to them tonight."
A grin split the marine's face and she briefly wondered if they really would notice the sunrise. She didn't have too much time for the thought as the asari deftly undressed them. The exploration of an alien body mesmerized them both and they learned each other's ways throughout the night.
Ashley awoke to an empty bed but the fleeting moment of panic passed quickly as she saw Shiala staring out the window. She marveled at the perfection of the violet body and smiled at the memory of their night together. Uncertainty as to whether to break the asari's meditation was overcome by the simple desire to hold that body again. Ashley quietly slid from the bed, padded over to the window and took a place behind the asari, pulling the lithe body close. Once again, she was rewarded for her effort as the violet body leaned back into the embrace.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," Ashley breathed into her ear, the asari's crest soft against her cheek.
"No, I am glad that we can share the start of the day," the soft response was wistful.
They watched in silence as the gray landscape was transformed into radiant color. Each building reflected the light with its own brilliance. The Citadel awoke from its slumber in glory. Ashley was unprepared for the emotion that bubbled up as she witnessed the renewal of the day. It was not exactly a sunrise, it was a rebirth. A new beginning where anything was possible. Shepard was right, she had to admit, this room did have a spectacular view. Both outside and in, she thought with a grin, her focus shifting to the soft violet skin under her hands. Shiala turned gracefully in her arms, kissing her tenderly as she nudged the marine back to bed. Ashley was more than happy to comply.