A/N: I'm just going to say that I changed the scenes that happened in the game, a little bit. Just to make it made more senses for this story. Okay, that's all for my author note. You can read the chapter now.
Chapter 4 : Clean
There are always so many things Shepard needs to do whenever she orders the Normandy to dry dock on the Citadel. After helping out a few peoples with giving them some technology or something of sort to help out the war against the war or simply for morale, Shepard decided to check on Dr. Ann Brayson to find out more about where the Leviathan is. After finding their location without risking Dr. Ann Brayson life more than necessary, Shepard then goes for a meeting with the Asari councilor who said she has something that could help finding the Catalyst.
After meeting with the Asari councilor, Shepard had to make a pit stop at Presidium commons after realizing she needs to buy a few mods for her weapons. On her way to one of the kiosks, Shepard heard a familiar voice calling out for her.
"Commander Shepard!" yell Ensign Robertson as he's running towards his commanding officer.
"Ensign Robertson." said Shepard as she turns around so she will be facing the young Ensign.
"I'm glad to see you. I would like you to meet someone." said Ensign Robertson as he signals his commanding officer to follow her.
"I'm sort of in a hurry here, Ensign." said Shepard as she tries to find an excuse.
"It will only take a few seconds, Commander." pleaded the young Ensign.
"Fine." surrendered Shepard as she follows the young Ensign.
After a short walk towards the Apollo's Cafe, Ensign Robertson approached an old lady sitting in one of the tables.
"Hey, mom. Sorry for being late." said Ensign Robertson as he gives her mom a kiss on the cheek.
Shepard, knowing who that is, stop short a few distances away and starts to froze.
"I want you to meet my Commanding Officer. She has helps me a lot." said Ensign Robertson as he point out Shepard to his mother.
"I would like to thank..." the old lady stop short in the middle of her sentence as she realized who Shepard is.
"Thank you. For helping out my son." resumed the old lady after regaining her composure.
"It's my pleasure." said Shepard as she tries to keep her calm.
"Well I should go. I have other business to attend to." add Shepard as she turns around and never look back.
"That was weird. She's not always like that." said Ensign Robertson.
"I'm sure she's just busy, Andrew. She is Commander Shepard." said the old lady as she thought back at what just happened.
"I'm sure you're right."
"I'm surprised that the famous Commander Shepard is your CO."
"Yeah. I guess I'm lucky."
"...Andrew, excuse me for a moment, I just remembered I forgot to buy something." said the old lady after a few seconds of silence.
"Let me buy it." insisted Andrew.
"No, it's fine. You just wait here for our orders. I won't be long."
"Okay. If that's what you want."
Shepard just couldn't believe it. She was so close to confront Ensign Robertson about her real identity, but now, this changes everything. She never thought she's going to see her again. She had so many plans on what she will do once she saw her again, but when she saw her back then, she just froze and just didn't know what to do. Instead of asking why, Shepard decided to leave.
"I can see that you know who he really is." said a voice from behind her.
Shepard turns around to see the old lady that Ensign Robertson called, mom, standing a short distance away.
"I'm sorry what I did to you..." add the old lady as her head hangs low.
Shepard tried to find words, but she failed. All emotions came at once and she found herself stood frozen and speechless.
"If I could have turn back the time, I would have undo it all."
"...If you ask me for forgiveness, I can't give it... At least not now." said Shepard as she finally found her voice.
"I guess that's fair."
"What's going on here?" said Andrew as he appeared a few feet away.
"Andrew!" said the old lady in shock.
"I didn't know you two knew each other."
"Andrew..." before the old lady could finish her sentence, a Batarian show up.
"Commander Shepard. Aria T'Loak needs to see you now." said the Batarian.
"I... Fine." said Shepard as she knew it best not to let the Queen of Omega waiting.
"Follow me." said the Batarian as he headed towards an elevator.
As Shepard follows the Batarian, Shepard gave the old lady a glace, hoping she won't tell Ensign Robertson the truth. Because honestly now she didn't know what she supposes to do.
Liara was busy finding out what exactly the thing that Councilor Tevos said that could help them to find the Catalyst. While her search has come empty handed, there was a knock on her door. After Glyph identified the visitor as Ensign Robertson, Liara gave her approval for the young Ensign to come in.
"Thank you for letting me in." said Ensign Robertson as Liara realised the young Ensign is not his usual cheerful self.
"What can I do for you today, Ensign Robertson?" asked Liara.
"I just want to tell you there's no need to find my biological mother anymore."
"Why?" asked Liara as she hoped Shepard finally changed her minds.
"My mom, my adopted mother, came clean with me and told me the real identity of my mother." answered Ensign Robertson.
"You knew who she is, didn't you?" add Ensign Robertson as he saw the look of guilt from Liara.
"I... Shepard came to see me and asked for my help to find you. It was before you came to see me... I already knew who your mother is when you came to see me. But I couldn't say anything because Shepard didn't want you to know that she is your mother."
"Why?"
"She was afraid of what the Alliance will do once they found out."
"What?! I don't care what the Alliance will do. I only care about seeing my real mother, getting to know her before the galaxy goes to hell! She's just being selfish! Trying to spare her feelings!" said Andrew as Liara stays silent.
After leaving Omega, Shepard orders Joker to get them to Dessena as she thinks it is best to find Leviathan first before heading to Thessia. As Shepard heading towards the mess hall, she was bumped into her son but to her surprise, the usual cheerful and chatty young Ensign was awfully quite. The young Ensign just apologised and left. She had a feeling that he already being told about her real identity. But before she could stop him, she was being called by Dr. Chakwas who is without a doubt want to do another check up on her. As much as she wants to talk to her son, to clear the air, she know that she should probably let Dr. Chakwas check on her because her ribs still sore and after those intense fights on Omega, she's really need to be check by a doctor.
Shepard doesn't know if she's losing her touch or she's just being unlucky because lately she has spends more time in med bay than she ever did before. This time around, after the encounter with the Leviathan, she suffered a lingering headache and after Liara pleaded to let Dr. Chakwas check on her after she report back to Admiral Hackett, Shepard reluctantly agreed and here she is, in the med bay being checked by Dr. Chakwas while Ashley asked her what happened since Shepard opted to bring Liara and EDI with her.
"Damn. I know you're crazy, Skipper, but that?" said Ashley after Shepard told her everything.
"Isn't it better if you let Shepard rest first before being interrogate by you?" said Dr. Chakwas in annoyance since Ashley came into the med bay seconds after Shepard stepped in.
"I'm sorry, doctor. I came here to check on Shepard as a concern second in command, but I couldn't help but being intrigue by what happened."
"Now if you're..." Dr. Chakwas was cut short when someone comes marching in.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" yell Andrew to Shepard.
"Hey! You shouldn't be talking to your Commanding Officer like that!" said Ashley as she gives the young Ensign her officer composure.
"It's alright, Ash."
"Are you sure, Shepard?" asked Ashley as she confused by the young Ensign sudden burst of anger and Shepard request.
"Yes. And please leave us for a moment. You too Dr. Chakwas."
"Why are you trying so hard to avoid me? What did I do wrong?" asked Andrew after Ashley and Dr. Chakwas left the med bay.
"You weren't doing anything wrong. It just... It's better if you don't know."
"How is it better?"
"So you don't have to mourn me when I died!"
"Why are saying like you're going to die?"
"Because I will gives my life to end this war. To make sure you have a better life... And most of all, if the Alliance knows... I have send soldiers to their death, but I'm not going to send my son to his death... I lose you once and I'm not going to lose you again."
Instead of saying anything, Andrew hugs Shepard. She was startled at first but then she found comfort in her son hugs and she hugs her son back. They stayed like that for a few more seconds before Shepard then invited her son to her cabin so they could chat up some more.
It was hard watching Thessia fall, worst when she knew Liara was with her, watching her homeworld burn. She can't even find courage to inform Councilor Tevos what happened to Thessia, she barely even put her Commander mask up when she had to stop the argument between Liara and Javik. It hurt her watching Liara like that. Tali was right, she didn't even react like that after Noveria, where she watched her mother died.
She had to be strong for Liara when she stopped by her room to comfort her. But deep inside, she was a mess. EDI tried to humor her, same as Joker after EDI informed him that she's more stress than when she was at Elysium. Garrus and Ashley saw through her how much she's in a mess. Usually she has Liara but right now Liara is as mess as she is...
Retreating back to her cabin, Shepard sat silently at her desk and stared at the wall with enough intent to dig a hole on it. She almost didn't hear the sound of her door was opened. Shepard turns around to see who her guest is and to her surprise it's Liara.
"How are you, Shepard?" asked Liara as she sits in one of the sofas in Shepard's cabin.
"Shouldn't I be the one who ask you that?" said Shepard as she sat up to sit next to Liara.
"You already check on me. Now it's my turn. I know it must be hard for you as much as it is for me."
"...We are running out of time. And Cerberus keeps being two steps in front of us. And I let Kai Leng defeated me! If I could have stops him..."
"You will stop him, Shepard. I know you will." reassured Liara as she holds Shepard hand.
"Liara..." said Shepard after a few seconds of silence.
"Yes."
"Whatever happens... I'd like to spend my life with you."
"Then you're extremely lucky that I feel that way, too." said Liara as she gives Shepard a smile.
"I know." said Shepard as she lean in closer for a kiss.
After Horizon, Shepard decided it best to take Admiral Hackett advices to dry dock Normandy on the Citadel so it could be repairs. After all, Joker had complained several times how the Normandy is starting to lose it touch and EDI also admitted a much needed repairs and upgrades are necessary. It's also best to give the crew a much needed rest while they are waiting for The Illusive Man location.
But of course, there can't be a shore leave without some gun fires involved. But one thing different was she had to fight her clone, well there's always first for everything. After defeating her clone and Operative Brooks, or whatever her name is, they finally has the time for a much needed rest. And Joker thought it was best if they throw a party and she agreed because this might be the last time the crew can get together.
As she was busy meeting her crew members all over Silversun Strip and preparing for the party, her son decided to stop by her apartment given by Anderson. Nowadays, her relationship with her son has been improving and they are trying to get to know each other and catch up.
"So what is proposal 101?" said Andrew as he sat next to Shepard who busy checking her datapad.
"Who are you going to propose?" asked Shepard as she put down her datapad on the coffee table.
"It's not me, it's you."
"What?"
"I'm going to help you propose Dr. T'Soni... So I saw a jewellery store on my way here and we could go check it out. Or did you already have a ring?"
"Ryan... What are you talking about?" asked Shepard who insisted on calling Andrew, Ryan because that was his real first name.
"Listen, this galaxy might end anytime soon, so we need to do everything we need to do before we regret it. I can see how much you two loves each other, so you might as well propose to her. And if you're seeking for my permission, I'm giving you permission because I rather like Dr. T'Soni."
"I..."
"No more but. Just do it. Or you might regret it."
Shepard knows her son is right. When she died before, she regretted not spending more time with Liara. And if she's going to die again, she might be regretting not proposing to Liara. But she's also afraid that Liara won't move on if she ends up dead and Liara survives.
"What if... What if I die and she survives? I can't have her waiting for me forever. She has to move on."
"That is a big what if. Even if you die, she will know that you loved her and you're going to marry her. I hope it will give her some peace knowing that."
"Fine. We are going to a jewellery store and after that I will meet her father and asks her permission. If I'm going to do this, I might as well do this properly."
After buying a ring with her son, Shepard had to deal with Grunt who got into troubles with C-Sec before she finally find the time to go to Apollo's Cafe to meet Matriarch Aethyta.
"What can I get you kid?" asked Aethyta.
"Your permission..."
"My permission?" asked Aethyta as she gives Shepard a confused look.
"I want your permission to marry your daughter, Liara."
"You want to marry my daughter in the middle of a war?"
"If I'm going to die winning this war, I want to make sure I leave this galaxy without a single regret. I love your daughter and I want to spend my life with her."
"What if you die?"
"And what if I don't? We don't know for sure what future hold for us and I want to take this chance to ask her hand in marriage. After that we wish for the best and hopefully that we stay alive after this war ends."
"You have my permission if you promise to never break her heart and that you will keep her safe. Or you will come to regret your decision to ask for my permission. Because trust me, fighting the Reapers is nothing if you break my daughter heart and you hurt her in any way."
"I won't expect anything less."
"And one more thing, Shepard. I can see that you're everything to Liara. So go win this war and comes back in one piece."
Shepard could see that Matriarch Aethyta has gone soft but decided to hold back her remarks. All she said was "I promise."
After meeting with Matriarch Aethyta, Shepard then met with some of her crew before heading back to her apartment to get ready for the party. When she's got there, she could see that her son is busy planning for the party.
"Thank you for helping out." said Shepard as she walks towards Ryan.
"No problem at all. You should have seen my party. I was known as great party hostess you know."
"Do I even want to know?" said Shepard as she gives Ryan a 'you're in trouble' look.
"Now I think about it, I shouldn't have said anything." said Ryan as he realised he's talking to her biological mother.
"Anyway I should go. I already placed order on every food you asked me to order. They should be arriving an hour before the party." add Ryan.
"Why don't you come to my party tonight?"
"Are you sure? I mean your guest is a part of your legendary crew. People who fighting alongside you defeating Saren, Sovereign and the Collector."
"And you're my son. You're as important as they are."
"I... Okay, I will come since you insisted." said Ryan as he gives Shepard a smile.
A few hours before the guest arrives, Liara decided to drop by the apartment. They spends half an hour chatting before Shepard excuses herself to the bathroom. While she was in the bathroom, trying to calm her nerves since she has decided to propose Liara, she heard sounds of piano music. After freshen up her face, Shepard then walks towards where the piano is.
"I didn't know you could play." asked Shepard as she walks towards Liara who play a few notes on the piano.
"Actually, this is the only song I know."
"Why's that?"
"There was always something more important to do: a ruin to uncover, intel to gather. A commander to save."
"Hah. You couldn't sit still long enough."
"Could you?"
"It's a good song."
"Thanks, Shepard. I've always loved that song." said Liara as she leaves the piano and walks towards the big window with Shepard follows behind her.
"Shepard, I..." Liara seems uncertain at what she wants to say and Shepard decided to stop Liara who want to head towards the door.
"What are you doing?" asked Liara as she could see a look of nervous from her bondmate.
"Making sure you don't run off to something more important." said Shepard as she pulls Liara closer to her.
"I can't imagine what that would be."
"We should do this more often."
"Yes, well. Maybe after..." once again Liara gave a look of uncertain.
"Every day after." said Shepard before she leans in for a kiss.
"Liara..." said Shepard after she broke apart from the kiss.
"Yes."
"I told you before that whatever happens, I want to spend my life with you."
"Yes, I remembered."
"And now I want to prove it to you that I want to spend my life with you." said Shepard as she reached for her pocket to find the ring she bought earlier.
"Will you do me an honour to marry me?" asked Shepard as she dropped to one knee.
"Shepard. I... Yes, I do." said Liara before Shepard stood up and place the ring in her ring finger.
"And just so you know, you didn't have to do this to prove that you want to spend your life with me." add Liara.
"I know. I just want everyone to know that you're mine. Only mine." said Shepard as she kisses Liara.
The party at Shepard's apartment is in full swing. Everyone shows up and seems to be having a good time.
"So Shepard, who is this new guy?" asked Wrex as he points towards Ryan.
"Yes, Shepard. Who is he?" asked Tali as everyone gather in the living room, upstairs.
"Don't tell me you broke up with Liara." add Garrus.
"Hey, Liara and I are still together."
"And by the looks of that ring in Liara finger, you two are engaged." said Kasumi as she uncloak herself.
"Wait, what? I completely miss that." said Ashley as she walks towards Liara to look at the ring.
"What's going on here, Lola?" asked James.
"Which one I should start?" asked Shepard as she watches Ashley and Tali hovering over Liara to look at the ring.
"The new guy first." answered Grunt.
"Well... His name is Andrew Robertson. But his real name is Ryan Andrew Shepard."
"Any relation?" asked Jacob.
"He is my son."
"Your son?!" said everyone almost at the same time.
"I had him when I was 16 years old. He was taken from me when he was 6 years old or so. It's a long story but I finally found him and here we are."
"So, is your son is as good as you?" asked Grunt as everyone still process what Shepard just told them.
"Don't even think about head butting him, Grunt." warned Shepard.
"What? If he has your blood, he must be as good as you."
"It still won't make me giving you permission to hurt him."
"Fine." grunted Grunt.
"So back to you and Liara." said Garrus.
"I pop the question a few hours ago and she said yes."
"Clearly." said Ashley.
"You pop the question?" asked Tali as she didn't understand the meaning of it.
"It's a human saying when someone asks his or her partner for a hand in marriage." answered Ryan.
"I just don't understand primitives. Back in my day you don't need to ask anyone for a hand in marriage. If you prove yourself worthy, any mates are lucky to have him or her as their mate." said Javik.
"Let me guess, it has something to do with a fight to the death." said Shepard.
"That sounds like fun." said Jack.
"Of course you think its fun." said Miranda.
"Shut up, cheerleader."
"So when's the wedding?" asked Jacob as he decided to ignore an argument between Jack and Miranda.
"I don't know. Maybe after this is over?" answered Shepard.
"Why the wait? We don't know when this war will be over and the longer you wait, you might regret it. After everything you two had been through, maybe you two should get married now." said Ashley.
Shepard and Liara look at each other as they don't know what to say. But honestly both of them like the idea.
"Well who is going to officiate the wedding?" asked Shepard.
"As a Justicar, I can be a witness between a bond between and Asari and their bondmate." said Samara.
"And who care about the paper work? You can get it done later." add Ashley.
"And don't worry about the wedding bands. I bought this as an engagement present but I think it will do fine as wedding bands." said Ryan as he pulls out a small box from his pocket.
"What about wedding dress?" asked Liara.
"Well... I could wear my Alliance dress blues and I think you look beautiful in your lab coat." answered Shepard.
"And you two can take a wedding picture in appropriate dress, later on." said Traynor.
"You two can get ready while we will prepare a place downstairs." said Ashley.
"When I first met you, I never thought I will fall in love with the smart, innocence Asari. And when I did fall in love, I never expect to feel the way I do now. I'm the luckiest person in this entire galaxy when you told me you had a feeling for me and I'm lucky that after everything we've been through, you're still here, waiting for me. You've stood by my side since the first day we met and I want to be there for you as you always has been for me. With this ring, I promise you that I'm always coming back." said Shepard as she finished saying her vow before putting the ring on Liara finger.
Instead of saying her vow, Liara has opted to meld with Shepard instead. Showing Shepard the happy memories she had between them and her hopes for the future. Once the meld faded, Liara put the ring on Shepard ring finger before they both lean in for a kiss.
It was just a simple wedding, but they both happy with the way it happened. After the ceremony, they continue with their party slash post wedding ceremony. They end the night by taking a picture together, to remember the night. Because deep down, they know, it might be the last time.
A/N: This was supposed to be a longer chapter but I think I'm just going to end this chapter like that. So I hope you guys like this chapter. And I also hope you guys like this crazy idea I had about my Earthborn Shepard who has a son. Well leave me a review on what you guys think or you could just PM me. A feedback will be appreciates since I really experimenting with this story more than I had with my other two stories.