Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or Bioware.

A/N:

Chapter 8

What seemed like mere minutes, hours had actually passed. It had been an intense session between Liara T'Soni and Katelyn Shepard. One thing just lead to another, and it wasn't stoppable. Not that either of them wanted to stop to begin with once it started. Everything had just.. exploded from well placed hidden emotions.

Shortly after a vigorous love making night they had fallen asleep on the couch. They slept still, or for the time being. Kate held Liara close to her own naked form with one arm. Her leg was clung to between two blue legs that belonged to Liara. Liara snuggled tightly against Kate, her back pressed against the Spectre's chest.

Kate's arm was draped over Liara's stomach, resting on top of Liara's own arm. Her fingers laced between blue ones. They hand't moved much at all as they slept the night away. It was like everything that had been trapped inside of them, emotionally speaking, had just erupted at the speed of FTL.

Liara slowly stirred, once more waking up before Kate. She rubbed at her eyes with her free hand as she began to join the waking world. Once she realized her surroundings enough she felt a strong yet lean arm around her body. She glimpsed over her shoulder to see Katelyn still sound asleep. She let out the first real giggle in two years as the Spectre looked utterly exhausted.

She let her own ego play a little in her mind at the sight of a peacefully sleeping Katelyn. "Wear you out did I?" she questioned in just a whisper. She then looked up beyond the couch and across the room. She sighed as reality hit her on her new role as the Shadow Broker. She supposed she had better get to it... She felt like she owed it to Kate and Feron both at this point.

She slowly slid herself out of Kate's hold and began to pick up her clothing off the floor and the back of the couch where it all was flung to the night before. She got dressed slowly and once finished she turned to face the sleeping Spectre once more.

She smiled down at her as she didn't even move much from the position she had been in. The only real difference was Liara wasn't at her side anymore. Liara leaned down over the couch as she placed a soft kiss onto the human's cheek. She then stood fully once more as she made her way to the large computer. She had much to do... And much was on her mind.

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An hour passed by as Liara had continued to dig through the catalogs of information the former Shadow Broker had stored away. It was amazing really. She hadn't even touched the tip of the ice berg, and there was plenty more from where it all came from. During her studies she had just let Shepard sleep in peace. Even when Joker had called her up, she refused to wake her. She needed rest. She wondered when the last time the human had even slept this much and so soundly.

But while she studied she never even noticed Kate had began to stir and slowly wake up.

Katelyn's eyes slowly blinked open as she rolled onto her back rubbing one hand over her face. She groaned in protest as she let her hand fall from her face back onto the couch. When she finally did open her eyes fully, and more aware of what she was seeing she nearly forgot where she was.

She turned her head to her left and suddenly remembered everything from the day before. The fight with the broker.. and everything that had occurred between her and Liara. She couldn't help but smile as she finally laid eyes on the young Asari. She rolled over onto her stomach as she fished the floor for her BDU's that she wore under her hard suit whenever she went on a mission.

Finally finding her pants at least she sat up and began to put them on. Once they were on she got up and began to dig for her shirt. Liara didn't even seem to notice she was awake she realized as she pulled her shirt on and tucked them into her pants. She then pulled on her boots, tying the laces up before she stood up.

She then made her way towards the un-expecting Liara T'Soni before she wrapped her arms around the Asari's waist pulling her into a hug from behind. Liara let out a noise of surprise as she grabbed at the Spectre's arms as she turned her head to see a mischievous smirk on Kate's face as she rested her chin on her shoulder. "Expecting someone else?" Kate teased.

Liara flushed and gave her a look before she laced her fingers between the humans. "No, you just startled me." she replied quietly. Kate just smirked more before she looked down at the computer her eyes darting from one window to the next on the screen. "Find anything interesting yet?" She questioned as she slowly released the Asari to step up close to the monitor.

Liara frowned for a moment feeling Kate release her but stepped up next to her leaning over the computer. "So far just random bits of information. It's not even the tip of an ice berg, as you humans would say." She said with a smile. Kate just shook her head at the old human saying before she turned around to lean against the consol. "You know... This whole becoming the Shadow Broker thing..." Kate started then stopped not sure where to go with it.

Liara looked up at the woman who had taken to folding her arms over her chest as she rested against the consol. "I miss you, Liara.. You sure you don't want to come back to the Normandy?" Kate finally asked as she looked at Liara. Brown eyes met blue, and there was a hint of regret in those blue eyes.

Liara turned around mimicking her lover's stance, leaning against the consol, only her hands rested on the edge of it instead of across her chest. "I wish I could Kate... But I'd be more useful to you here.. We could turn this whole thing around. With all this information... I could point you in the right direction." Liara said, her voice holding a saddened tone. She wished very much to be at Kate's side once again, to fly about the galaxy, shooting up the bad guys and winning the day.

But she felt she had to be here.

"If you get in over your head.. We can crash this thing and walk away." Kate then said. As if to say if Liara couldn't handle it, she had the back up plan. Liara smiled lightly. Kate would always have that darker personality, but Liara could see the immense amount of good behind it. "Thank you, Kate... I'll keep that in mind." She said lightly, but meant it.

"Joker called for you earlier... I think your crew is wondering if I've kidnaped you." Liara then said, adding the last part as a joke. Katelyn smirked as she reached out with one arm pulling Liara's lithe body next to her own. "I see you got a hang of joking." she said teasingly as Liara flushed. She then shoved Katelyn playfully. "Yes well you're a bad influence." she retorted. This only led to Kate laughing.

"I guess I should get back to the Normandy... Why don't you come up later for drinks? I can arrange a tour for you. You didn't even leave the shuttle bay on the way here." Kate then said with a lighter tone. Liara smiled up at her. She was right of course. Liara was so wound up on the mission before hand to even want to look around. "I'd love that." She then said finally.

"Good. Just give me a call when you're ready to come up." Kate then said as she let go of Liara before making her way back for the couch to begin picking up and putting on her armor. It was much easier to carry back to the ship this way. Otherwise it was all parts and pieces and kind of awkward.

Liara only watched as Katelyn clasped her armor together over her body. Once she was suited up, her weapons gathered from all across the room, she made way for the door. Liara almost just let her walk out too. "Kate!" She called out suddenly as she ran across the room. The Commander blinked her eyes as she stopped and turned just in time to be glomped by Liara.

Suddenly blue lips pressed against red ones, Liara's arms around Shepard's neck as she kissed her soundly. Kate closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment as she wrapped her arms around Liara's back and held her close as they shared this passionate goodbye for now kiss.

It all seemed so unreal. But the realest thing Kate had felt in what seemed like a life time. Which wasn't too far from the truth given her "second life" as Miranda once put it. To be here, now with Liara. It was like a dream she didn't want to wake from.

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The better part of the day passed by. The Commander was back on the ship and on duty. She sought to the tasks her crew were taking to. There was still much to be done on the ship before they could go on any sort of mission. For now they remained in orbit over Hagalaz. Tali had given her an update on the engines, nearly finished. Another day and FTL was back on line.

Katelyn would occasionally check the time though, growing anxious for Liara to come up to the ship. She had already let everyone know that she was to have a guest on board, and to treat her with respect. But for now she was ready for a shower, and to have some quiet time in her cabin before Liara came up.

But before she would retreat she made her way to Miranda's office. Once outside the door she pressed the opening mechanism and the doors swished open. "Ah, Commander. What can I do for you?" Miranda asked standing at her view window. She had taken to looking down at the planet of Hagalaz. A constant storm swept through the planet. They said the water snap froze cold over night, and melted shortly after sunrise.

Shepard stepped forward and into the office as she stood close to Miranda's desk. "I have a.. favor I need of you." Shepard started as she fidgeted a little. Miranda, suddenly very much curious, turned to face Shepard completely. "Of course, Commander. You helped me with my sister, it's only fair I return the favor." she commented with a smile.

Shepard rubbed the back of her neck. "Liara is coming up in a little while... I was hoping that you and Tali would give her the tour of the ship. Tali is sure to tell her all there is about the engine room... You can answer any other questions Liara may have that Tali may not be able to answer." Shepard said as she let her hand drop back to her side.

Miranda nodded some as she gave her a curious look. "Cerberus had some intel on you and Liara. Are two back together again?" She asked just as curiously. Shepard glowered a bit. She knew Miranda had resigned her commission with Cerberus and tagged along with Shepard and the rest of them. She was still Shepard's XO. Despite past disagreements Miranda was best for the job. Everyone else was a bit.. unstable or unable.

"I'm hoping so." was all Katelyn said. She didn't wish to jump to conclusions, but after the night before... And that farewell kiss. She could only assume so. She pushed the doubt to the back of her mind. She shouldn't be so negative all the time, she realized.

"Anyways she's going to give us a call before coming up. Until then I'll be in my cabin... I need a hot shower." she said as she rolled her right shoulder. Truth be told she was so sore from the fight that wasn't even 24 hours ago. She had to get some Medi Gel from Dr. Chakwas for the pain. "Aye, Commander." Miranda said as she saluted the woman before her.

Shepard returned the salute out of hindsight and then turned to leave Miranda to her planet watching. A shower sounded fantastic now, she thought, as she made her way for the elevator. Once inside and the doors closed she leaned against the wall rubbing the kinks from her shoulder. "Captain's Quarters Edi." she said absent mindedly. "Of course, Shepard." came the AI's voice.

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The shuttle pulled into the docking bay on the Normandy and once it landed in the hangers the engines cut off. Tali anxiously fidgeted with her three fingered hands as she grew excited knowing Liara was inside the small craft. Miranda stood patiently awaiting their guest to make her appearance along side the young Quarian.

Once the shuttle door lifted open out stepped a young freckle faced Asari in a long one piece dress and fingerless gloves. She looked stunning, Miranda would admit that much. "Liara!" Tali called out as she dashed across the distance from where she was standing to Liara who smiled at the young girl.

She felt the shorter girl hug her tightly as she returned the friendly gesture. "Tali, it's so good to see you." Liara said sounding happier then she had been in a while. "Keelah, it's been too long!" Tali said as she pulled away from the embrace. Liara nodded in agreement as she looked passed the Quarian before her. "Dr. T'soni, my name is Miranda Lawson, the Commander wanted us to give you a tour of the ship." Miranda greeted as she approached the young woman.

Liara smiled at her as she nodded her head once. "I'd enjoy a tour Miss Lawson." Liara accepted the offer kindly. "You should see the engine room first!" Tali exclaimed with excitement. Liara just smiled brightly as she nodded at the young Quarian. Tali had been there for her when... Well she wanted to Tali have her way before anything else at the moment.

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After having the official tour of the ship Tali went back to finish her work in the engine room as Liara followed Miranda into the XO's office. "You are nothing like what I imagined you." Miranda said admittedly as she sat at her desk, Liara seating herself on a chair before the young woman. "How do you mean?" Liara asked curiously. She wasn't even aware Shepard's second had thought of her at all.

Miranda folded her arms in front of her on the desk. "Well, the Commander is always so aggressive by nature. I look at you and see innocence, someone who's more understanding, more patient." She started as Liara watched her quietly. She wasn't about to be rude and interrupt her, besides she was curious.

"I mean, you're well mannered, I've seen your profile.. You're intellegent, beyond that of an asari your age. You act more like a Matron then a Madien... no offense." Miranda then said as she saw Liara smile. The young asari before her shook her head lightly. "None taken." she then said before she gestured for Miranda to go on.

"Well honestly I figured Shepard would choose someone more.. aggressive.. Someone like Jack. She's a hard ass and the things she's capable of doing makes her look questionable." Miranda then concluded. Liara merely nodded. Miranda had a good point, but she knew Katelyn better then anyone else around her.

"All good points, but melding with her.. I can see the immense good she can do, when she puts her mind to it. She's helped us all in one situation or another." She pointed out before she took a moment to think. "For example, she hates most people she comes across... But she can see into people easily. She can look at any one of us and judge whether we have potential or not, and she tries to make it a reality." she then said as she stood up and walked over to the window in the office.

Her expression then took on a more downcast look. She knew what Kate did for her. She knew Kate didn't agree with it, but she did it for her anyways. "She will also help you achieve goals.. Or help you with a problem. I've seen into her mind, I've seen what she's done for all of you. Helped an Asari mother kill her child.. You relocate your sister.. Though I wouldn't agree with the outcome gave peace to Jacob." she then turned to face Miranda.

Miranda knew of what outcome she referred to. Shepard pretty much told Jacob's father to kill himself. Not the most.. civil way to make him pay for his crimes but effective. "She's hard to understand, but she's a protector. She protects what is hers. She protects all of you, rescued the crew on the Collector base, she'll even die again to protect the galaxy from the Reapers." Liara explained. "She'll do it by any means necessary but she would never harm an innocent." she concluded.

Miranda raised a brow in thought. Liara was correct in this. She never once saw Shepard kill anyone who didn't deserve it. She nodded some as she smiled finally. "You are right. I never meant to be offensive." Miranda then said watched Liara. Liara just smiled. She knew that Kate had a way of instilling fear on people. It was her way to keep them away, from getting too close.

Liara was a bit naive two years ago, she still could be, but she was wiser now. Back then she never understood the wary expressions in the faces of Kate's crew, and she was openly interested in the Spectre. It probably through Kate for a loop too.

"None taken." Liara finally said as she mused at memories of the past with Kate. She then stood as she bowed lightly. "Thank you for the tour, Miss Lawson." she then said kindly. "Any time." Miranda smiled back as Liara left the room. She knew Liara had a date with the Commander, so to speak.

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I think this is a good place to end the chapter for now. Next chapter will be mostly be about Shepard and Liara, and some fluff might occur x3

I'll see you all next time