It was Wrex who finally broke the awkward silence. "And here I thought you needed back-up," he snorted, tossing his giant head in a gesture of amusement. "We rush in here to help you fight for your lives and find you rutting like a couple of varren. That's exactly what I'd do if a squad of mercs had guns pointed at my head."
Shepard turned around, relieved to be covered again even though she still felt sticky inside her pants. "Wasn't exactly my choice, Wrex."
"No, I'm serious," Wrex said. "If someone was going to kill me and offered me a chance to breed first, I'd do it."
The blunt statement was so strange that Shepard burst out laughing. She cupped her hands over her face, smiling when she realized that they still smelled like Liara. In fact, the entire CIC probably smelled like sex. It was the exact opposite of an amusing situation, but she couldn't help herself. She laughed until Liara came to stand beside her and put a gentle palm on her elbow. "Shepard? Are you all right?"
Shepard didn't answer. Instead, she threw her arms around Liara and embraced her, squeezing her as tight as she dared while tears swam in her eyes. "This has to be the stupidest, most ridiculous thing we've ever survived," she declared in-between sobs. The difference between laughing and crying suddenly didn't seem to matter.
Once again, Liara offered her comfort, stroking up and down her back. Although she couldn't feel the gesture through her armor, she appreciated it anyway. "It's all right, Shepard. It's over. We're alive, and they're dead..."
"Not all of them," Ashley pointed out. Shepard looked over Liara's shoulder to see her standing a few yards away, aiming her boomstick at a very angry looking Maya Brooks. She had regained consciousness, but her nose was broken, and a river of crimson ran down her face.
"I knew it," she said, spitting out the words in bubbles of blood. "I knew you were the original Shepard..."
Shepard's intense relief was quickly replaced with fury. She let go of Liara and whirled on Brooks, drawing her omni-blade. Liara stood at her shoulder, biotics surging around her clenched fist. "So you were just fucking with us?" Shepard growled, narrowing her eyes in anger. "I should have let Liara kill you."
"It isn't too late," Liara muttered.
Brooks realized the mistake she'd made and tried to explain. "Well, I didn't exactly know," she backpedaled, "But I suspected and I needed the rest of them to see it too so they'd turn on you…"
That was as far as she got. Suddenly, a shot rang out from somewhere amongst the crew. Brooks slumped to the floor dead, more blood pooling around her head. Shepard stared at the body in shock, then looked up in time to see Javik re-holster his pistol. "I was doing this primitive a kindness," he deadpanned, looking from her to Liara. "Her fate at the hands of the asari would have been far more excruciating."
Shepard turned back to Liara, waiting for the inevitable outburst, but it never came. Instead, she gave Javik a smile of thanks and a brief nod. "Thank you, Javik. Killing helpless people in cold blood is not an easy thing, even when they deserve it. I doubt causing her death would have made me feel any better."
The statement made Shepard smile as well, but before she could get her bearings, another body crashed into hers. She nearly toppled into Liara as Traynor's arms flung around her. "Commander! Thank you. I don't know what would've happened to me if you hadn't..."
"Whoa, slow down, Traynor," she said, patting the Specialist awkwardly on the back. "You're okay, right?"
Traynor beamed up at her. "I am, thanks to you. I thought I was as good as dead. Or is it worse than dead? I can't remember..."
As she looked at the pile of bodies in front of the star map, Shepard realized with some embarrassment that the woman embracing her was also the only person left alive who had witnessed everything that had just happened. She cleared her throat and pried herself free, edging back over toward Liara. Fortunately, her bondmate seemed amused by the obvious hero-worship in Traynor's eyes. The Specialist noticed, and she rushed in to give Liara a grateful hug as well.
"Thank you too," she gushed. "Both of you."
Liara gave her an awkward smile and right about then, Sam seemed to remember that the person she was hugging was naked under the coat. She backed off and added, "Anyway, I um, owe you both one. A really big one."
"Well, you can repay us by never speaking of this again," Shepard told her.
Sam gave her a crisp, "Yes, Ma'am," and Shepard turned to the rest of her crew.
"That goes for everybody. Not a word to anybody about what happened here, you understand me?"
Ashley gave her a brisk salute. "We swear, Skipper. Not a word."
. . .
The hot water of her shower was cleaning the smell of sex and battle off her skin, but Shepard found that the emotional residue of the day's events were harder to wash off. Her guilt had been assuaged, but there were still things jumbled up in her head, none more so than the clone's abominable behavior. With a groan, she gave her wet hair a yank and turned off the faucet. Solitude wasn't what she needed.
She threw on a set of grey N-7 sweats and walked back into her cabin to find Liara waiting for her on the bed wearing a thin blue robe. "Hello, love," she purred, motioning for Shepard to lie down next to her. "Feeling better?"
"A little, but… God, it really has been a hell of a day, hasn't it?"
"Doubtless," Liara agreed, crawling into her arms. Her clean scent and warm skin salved Shepard's racing heart, as did the kiss Liara placed on her breastbone. "What's still bothering you? I hope it isn't guilt over what we did, because I really did enjoy myself in the end." A coy smile appeared on her dark lips. "You made sure of that."
"I know you did." She stroked Liara's crest in an affectionate gesture. "But that's not what I was thinking about. I had to pretend to hurt you because it's what my clone did all the time. You saw how the mercenaries reacted. They were used to those 'shows.'"
"She was a monster," Liara agreed. "In more ways than one. You may recall she tried to lock us in a vault to die as well."
"And she was my clone. She had my genes."
"She was raised by Cerberus and Maya Brooks. They aren't exactly what I'd call good influences. No one who knows you could believe you're capable of doing the things she did, especially not if they saw your attempts at pretending to be her."
"That bad, huh?" she asked, but in her heart, she already knew Liara was right. Prior to her bondmate's encouragement, she'd put on a pretty dreadful performance.
Liara's smile became mischievous. "We were fortunate that unlike Miss Brooks, those mercenaries were more interested in ogling us than trying to sort out your identity."
She knew her cheeks must be turning red and she tried to return the favor. "Well, I don't blame them for that. You are pretty damn distracting."
The dark, pretty blush across Liara's face told her she'd succeeded. "You know I only want to distract you."
"And you do an excellent job of it. The things you do to me, Liara… Before I met you, I never would've believed anyone could turn me on like that in the middle of a hostage situation."
Liara's hands slid under her sweatshirt, warm against the cool, dripping surface of her stomach. "Do you think I could do it again?"
"I dunno. Maybe if you tried hard enough." She tilted up Liara's chin, looking into those beautiful blue eyes. "But are you sure you want to? You know, after everything? I wouldn't blame you if you swore off sex for the rest of your life."
"On the contrary..." Liara's soft palm ran up along her abdomen, pulling the edge of her sweatshirt with it. "After everything we've been through, I need to be reminded how making love is supposed to feel. You and me. Alone. Just the two of us. No audience, no expectations, and especially no guns pointed at our heads."
Although Shepard knew Liara was joking, the sincerity behind her words was obvious. She nearly gasped when she looked down into her bondmate's soft blue eyes. The longing there didn't burn with desire, but it was so intense that it stole her breath away. "I can't say no to you," she whispered, rolling into her side to face Liara better. "Not when people are trying to kill us, and especially not when you look at me like that."
Liara gave her a soft smile, and Shepard felt the last of her doubts leave. She allowed her feelings free rein, embracing the part of herself that was eager for a reconnection. Her body and mind both yearned to know Liara again, this time without any shame or fear. Liara reached out for her shoulder, trying to pull her close, but she flipped onto her back instead. "Why don't I stay like this for a while?" she offered, trying to mollify Liara's disappointed look by pulling her sweatshirt over her head. It came free, but at the price of mussing her damp hair.
"Oh, Shepard," Liara sighed, reaching out to cup her cheek. Before Shepard could ask what was wrong, her lips were caught in a warm, gentle kiss. It was full of love and reassurance, and the rest of her body sunk into the mattress. When they finally pulled apart, it took her a few seconds to remember how her lungs worked. "You don't have anything to prove. You're still you, whether you're the more active partner or I am."
Shepard bit her lip. She knew Liara was right, but she still wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea. "I know, but just humor me please? At least for the first time? I don't want this to be anything like… you know."
Thankfully, Liara didn't push. Instead, she began kissing a hot trail down along her throat. Shepard shuddered at the warmth of her mouth, and a familiar fullness began to swell between her legs. Even when she wasn't wearing her cock, Liara sent all the blood in her body straight down with only a minimal amount of effort. "Whatever you need, Shepard," Liara murmured against her collarbone, grazing the slick flesh with the very edges of her teeth. "You know I would give you the galaxy if I could."
"You mean the galaxy that's about to be destroyed?" Shepard couldn't help reminding her.
Liara only continued smiling. "The galaxy we're going to save together. If we can survive being forced to meld in front of an entire squad of armed mercenaries, surely the Reapers can't do anything to harm us."
It was a ridiculous statement, but it made her feel better anyway. Shepard grinned and stretched out her legs, allowing Liara to pull down her sweatpants. "I wish I had your confidence. Maybe you should show me where you get it."
Liara's eyes darkened. "That was the plan. Just relax for a while, Shepard. You've earned it."
She considered protesting that Liara had earned some attention of her own, but the enthusiasm on her bondmate's face kept her quiet. Then a warm tongue grazed the underside of her breast, and she stopped worrying altogether.
Liara went slowly, her mouth covering every inch of the pale skin around the nipple before turning her attention there. Anticipation had already made it diamond hard, and when those wonderful lips closed around the bud, she moaned. The lone sound that turned into a steady stream of gasps and pants as Liara continued. It wasn't until she'd thoroughly enjoyed the first breast that she moved on to the second, and by the time she'd finished with that one, Shepard was aching with need. She didn't try to rush anything; her bondmate deserved to take as much time as she wanted, and after the frantic pace they'd been forced to adopt earlier, she appreciated the luxury.
At last, Liara had her fill of Shepard's breasts and started working down along her abdomen. The muscles there were tight with anticipation, and Liara sighed with happiness. "I'm not sure you're relaxed yet, Shepard."
"You don't exactly relax me," she gasped out.
One of Liara's hands cupped her inner thigh, inches from where Shepard wanted it most. "I don't? That's disappointing."
"Okay, you do," she admitted, finding it hard to think as Liara's fingers explored upwards. "You really, really do. But first you make my body go crazy."
"I like the sound of that," Liara told her, rewarding her words with a light brush of her fingertips. After a few strokes, she brought them up to her lips, glistening with arousal. "And I love how wet you get for me."
Unlike the way she'd had to taunt Liara, her bondmate's words had no trace of mockery, only affection. "More than anyone ever," Shepard agreed.
"Good." Liara brought her hand back, and this time, her touch was firmer. She drew Shepard's swollen clit out from its hood and circled it with a practiced motion. She spread her legs further, and Liara took her meaning. "Do you want me inside you?" she asked, once again making up for the words Shepard had been forced to say.
"God, yes," she agreed. "Please."
Liara didn't need more convincing. As her slim fingers slid into her, Shepard shivered. She was so slick, and the way Liara looked at her was almost as arousing as her touch. There was so much love in her eyes, and with every gasp and groan of pleasure she drew out, her smile broadened. Soon, Liara's fingers pressed up against her sensitive front wall, pulling an especially loud moan from her throat. Liara swallowed at the sound, and as her eyes grew darker, Shepard had to ask. "Please," she begged, her voice coming in gasps. "You too. I need to share this."
No reply came. Instead, Liara withdrew her fingers but before Shepard could lament their loss, she was treated to the sight of her bondmate shrugging out of her robe. She looked so lovely that Shepard's breath caught in her throat, words unable to convey what she was feeling. Liara lay down on top of her, spreading her legs to give easy access to her azure while her own mouth wandered lower.
Liara's dark lips wrapped around her clit, and when they began sucking on it, only the encouraging sight of her bondmate's body spread out on top of her prevented Shepard from melting entirely. She tilted her head up, letting her tongue dart out to taste her lover. The sweet flavor she adored filled her senses, and she gathered as much as she could, coaxing out a flood to enjoy.
Liara whimpered around her clit, and the vibrations were nearly enough to push her over the edge. Shepard's hips bucked as she redoubled her own efforts, eager to bring her bondmate along with her. Her tongue moved from Liara's opening up to her clit, and when she flicked it over the swollen little bud, she felt an answering pressure against her own mind.
Her thoughts parted at once. Liara was always welcome there, and now, she was eager for them to drink in this moment together. Pure joy filled her, the incredible beauty of the union that she loved shining into every corner of her soul.
I was so scared I'd taint this. I couldn't stand it if I did.
You haven't.
I know. I can feel it.
Come for me, Shepard. Come with me.
Liara's mouth closed back around her clit, and a single finger slid into her, pressing against her swollen front wall. Shepard's body tensed and she knew the climax would begin at her end of the meld. But that didn't mean she couldn't bring Liara along with her. Her hands gripped Liara's hips even while she tumbled over the edge. White light filled her mind, her own bliss merging Liara's until she couldn't even tell the where the line between them was.
At last, their shuddering bodies stilled. They clung to each other, wrapped up in the warmth and safety of the union. Even when their pleasure ended, they couldn't bear to let go. Thoughts drifted lazily back and forth across the connection, but they were too closely joined to tell whose were whose. And it didn't matter. This - them, together - was how things were supposed to be. Just the two of them, so tightly bound that they shared one soul instead of two.
The small part of Shepard's mind that was still her own was surprised to notice that they had changed positions. Liara had shifted to rest even with her, now tucked against her side. They remained close, still pressed skin to skin, and Shepard stared down into her eyes, too overwhelmed with the strength of her love to speak. A question floated toward her, an image instead of words - her, on top of Liara, hands roaming over every inch of her body she could reach.
This time, she wasn't afraid. It didn't matter what had happened to them earlier. Later, there would be time to process it. And it would probably take a while before she felt entirely normal about sex again. But Liara held her complete trust as well as her heart, and if Liara trusted her... well, it wouldn't be a foolish thing to trust herself.
I've never been able to deny you, she thought as she slid between Liara's parted thighs, bracing her weight on her elbows. The soft purple lips beneath her were far too tempting, and she leaned down for a kiss. It was gentle and sweet, the kind of kiss she had ached to give Liara earlier when she hadn't been able.
You shouldn't have to. Liara's sleek thigh hooked around her waist, and her arms opened, welcoming her into an embrace. And you shouldn't have to deny yourself. It's wonderful that both of us want this. We shouldn't let anyone take that away.
Shepard smiled. She could feel Liara's love and reassurance radiating out from their connection, but while she appreciated it, she didn't need it anymore. Her confidence restored, she slid one of her hands down along Liara's side, stopping to cup her hip for a moment before sliding it between her legs. Liara stiffened beneath her, and she sighed when her fingertips found wetness.
Once she made contact, everything else fell into place. Liara melted into her. Their breaths came in a slow, shared rhythm that the rest of their bodies picked up. When she finally pushed forward with two fingers, sinking into Liara's warmth and settling her thumb on the swollen ridge above, both of them were more than ready. They moved together without speaking, without even thinking. Words and thoughts only got in the way of feeling.
They rose together, clinging tight to one another. Liara's hips lifted to meet her hand, and she slid forward effortlessly each time, knowing instinctively just how to angle her thrusts. Each stroke sent a heavy shockwave of pleasure between her own legs, and her clit throbbed with each swipe of her thumb. One of Liara's thighs lifted, offering her purchase, and though she enjoyed the pressure, she didn't need it. Feeling Liara so deeply was even more intense than the physical sensations.
But as beautiful as it was, the intensity couldn't last. She tried to hold back, to draw the moment out for as long as she could stand, but Liara didn't let her. She guided them past the tipping point together, not just out of need or desire, but out of love. Instead of snapping, the tension they had been holding blossomed out. Instead of stiffening, their bodies surged together. Instead of sobbing, they kissed one last time.
Shepard felt warmth rush out around her fingers. The slick flutter of muscle. The deep, powerful throb that echoed in her as she bucked above Liara's knee. But as beautiful as it was, the brightness of Liara's love blinded her. Tears stung in her eyes, but she didn't bother blinking them away. She knew Liara would welcome them, just as her bondmate had accepted everything else she had to give.
Liara's eyes were damp as well, and Shepard bent her head to kiss the salty drops away. Her lover's arms were wrapped around her, fingers stroking through her hair. Thank you, Shepard. For everything.
Oh, sweetheart. She swallowed back a fresh flood of tears. Words were still difficult for her to form, even in her mind, but she did her best. You never have to thank me for doing that. I love it so much. I always will.
I know. Liara's face was covered with the most beautiful smile. But I wanted to anyway. Besides, someone has to remind you of the truth.
The truth?
Liara's words were filled with so much conviction that she didn't consider disagreeing. That there really is only one Commander Shepard. And I can't do without her any more than the galaxy can.
