Shepard leaned against the balcony railing overlooking the presidium, enjoying the view and the quiet serenity of life at such an elevation. She supposed that it was probably a good thing that Tevos lived so high up. Probably deals with so much head-spinning bullshit all day that she needs this kind of quiet to get her bearings and stay sane…though I suppose I'd still prefer my home on Amaterasu to this…
She and Liara had arrived nearly two hours prior, and Tevos had quickly ushered Liara away to another room, leaving Shepard alone with some persistent servants that would occasionally bug her to see if she was in need of anything. Most of them had seemed legitimately thrilled to see Liara safe and sound, and she had a feeling that Falyria in specific was slightly enamored with her because of that, judging by how often she caught the asari staring, and how often she would check up on her. It was an odd feeling for her to deal with, and she wasn't quite sure how to handle it. I mean…IF she likes me, and that's a pretty big if, it's probably just because I fit some stereotype of a soldier, or some protector…she doesn't actually know me…but…at the same time, Faridah was just a friend until I was pretty much charged with keeping her safe…and I would have been more than fine being with her if I hadn't sacrificed my future for the Alliance… and everyone has to start somewhere, right? I mean…so I guess it doesn't mean …aw Christ. I have no idea. If I hadn't helped Liara, would Falyria look at me the same way? I'm not sure…
"You have been staring off that balcony for nearly an hour and a half, Commander. Is the view so spectacular that you must award it all of your attention?" she heard as the aforementioned asari coincidentally strode up beside her. "Are you certain I cannot provide you with anything?"
She smiled and shook her head, stifling a laugh as the asari pouted at her. God, she's kind of adorable…but she's probably a few hundred years older than me, so maybe…nah. Adorable works.
Shepard looked down at the railing for a split second noticing Falyria's hand not a finger's width from hers, and slowly closing the distance. She smiled and pulled her hand away to her neck, giving it a light scratch. She wasn't certain whether she wanted to play such games with the asari, but it was an interesting revelation, finding she wasn't intimidated or freaked out by Falyria's intentions. If anything, she seemed rather non-threatening, and Shepard was willing to embrace that change of perspective. Well, it's not like she plans on ravaging me here at Tevos' place, and…well, I know I wouldn't do that to her, so…is it really that simple? Is that what the consort's been trying to tell me this whole time? Is Liara right, that touch is merely…just touch?
"If you do not mind me saying, Commander, you have seemed rather tense throughout your visit." Falyria began, eliciting an easy laugh from Shepard. No fucking kidding…
"Yeah. It's been a pretty wild day." She noted. It was hard to imagine anything else being added to the pile of unexpected events without a song and dance routine happening, and some vid host coming out to inform her she's been on some weird, absurdly inhumane and elaborate reality show.
"If you like, I could help you relieve your tension." The asari stated politely with a smile.
Shepard resisted it as much as she could, but felt the familiar blush fill her cheeks. "And how would you help relieve it, exactly?" she asked, curious as to the asari's response. By her body language she didn't assume anything outright vulgar.
"I am Matriarch Tevos' personal masseuse. I am certain she would be pleased if you took advantage of m…my abilities." Falyria spoke, stumbling slightly at the last bit. A shy smile crept across her face, her sky blue facial markings on her cheeks taking on a purple hue. Well, it won't hurt anyone if I get a massage…will it? Besides, is it…bad…for me to actually be a little happy that someone maybe might be a little interested in me? Outside of Sha'ira, who was acting, no one's looked at me that way in a long time…
"Alright." She answered, unable to keep from grinning at the shocked and excited look Falyria gave her, before the asari composed herself. "But I'm not taking off any of my clothes for the massage."
Falyria frowned at the statement. "But Commander, I…my oils are very effective. I am certain you would feel like a new woman if you were to allow me the honour. I will be gentle."
Shepard sighed and moved away from the balcony, slowly wandering back into the main room, Falyria in tow. "How's about this…you start with my head and neck and maybe…maybe I'll be open to more after." She said, hoping it was a good enough compromise. It had been years since she'd been massaged anywhere, and she couldn't quite recall any such sensations since the one night with Faridah when she was sixteen. If I let Falyria massage me, give up that control…I'll still have the power to say no and stop it later on…so I should be fine…right? Besides, it's just a massage…it…like Liara said, it's a form of communication, and it's what she does for a living, and it's not necessarily sexual, especially since it's just my head and neck and…alright, I'm just rambling at this point. Just relax…I'll be fine…
"If you would join me on the couch, Commander?" Falyria requested, perching herself up against the armrest of the sofa, her legs bent in such a way that they formed a potential surface to rest against. Shepard obliged the asari and got on the couch, resting up against her, stretching her own legs out across the sofa to get more comfortable.
"Is it alright if I let your hair down, Commander?' Falyria asked, the smile evident in her voice. Shepard paused for a moment, wondering how long it had been since someone had seen her with her hair down. Not that it's special or anything, I just keep it up because it's easier, and I can keep it long-ish without the Alliance losing their shit.
"Sure, I guess." She answered nonchalantly, soon feeling the familiar weight of her hair as it flopped down against her shoulder and back. She brushed some rogue strands from her face and just tried to relax.
Shepard felt Falyria's fingers sift through her hair and eventually splay out, taking a light hold on areas across her scalp. She couldn't help but sink slightly against the asari's legs as the asari began her routine. Mother of Christ that feels good…
It had taken mere moments for her to submit to the masseuse's ministrations, falling into a haze of relaxation and pleasure. Shepard wasn't exactly sure how long she'd been sitting up against Falyria, receiving what could have been the most gentle, thorough, mind-meltingly enjoyable massage she'd ever experienced, when she faintly heard a door open and made out Liara's voice. She blinked away her haze and noticed both Tevos and Liara entering the room; a smile came to the Matriarch's face upon seeing Falyria at work, while Liara's face seemed unreadable to Shepard, only really able to notice the asari was worried.
"Falyria, if you don't mind, I would like to speak with Shepard." Tevos stated, approaching the sofa. Shepard felt the masseuse's fingers gently glide away from her neck and soon after, Falyria was up and off the sofa, moving briskly toward the hallway. She scooted back and rested up against the armrest, unable to do much physically, feeling so relaxed.
"Are you well, Shepard?" Liara asked worriedly, hovering by Shepard's edge of the couch.
Before Shepard could answer, Tevos' voice rang through the room. "Have no worry, Little Wing. Falyria would never harm an honoured guest of mine." The Matriarch stated. Liara shot a glance over at where the masseuse had exited the room and gave a small harrumph, obviously not pleased about something. "Now, Liara, dear…would you be so kind as to give us a moment alone?"
Liara looked past Shepard at Tevos and nodded sadly, returning back toward the master suite where she had just returned from, shoulders slumped slightly forward. Shepard couldn't help but feel bad for her as she walked away.
Once Liara was out of the room,the Matriarch let out a low chuckle and took a seat on the sofa as well. "It seems you have gotten over your sensitivity to touch, Commander. And in just over a week." Tevos said, appearing to be quite amused at the revelation.
"Not entirely, but…Liara helped point some things out and…well, today also kind of helped too." Shepard noted shyly. "But anyway, that's not why you've pulled me aside."
"No, it is not. Liara has expressed a…desire to remain aboard your ship." Tevos stated simply. "I am merely wondering if you have helped her make such a decision in haste."
Shepard shrugged and leaned back against the soft cushions. "Well, you didn't even send an encrypted comms request to me after Therum, and Liara said that by helping her, you might have pissed off a lot of Matriarch Benezia's faithful. Neither of us wanted to put you in more hot water than you already might be in."
"She was correct in that deduction, I have faced tremendous pressure from many of Thessia's larger houses over Therum, while Sparatus and Valern have required certain favours to sweep that situation under the rug. I fear it was not as covert as I had hoped it would be." Tevos explained wearily.
"Hard to be covert when a volcano explodes when you're inside of it. Wish it would have happened differently, but…at least she's out and she's fine." Shepard stated, feeling bad that a decision with the laser might have caused Tevos serious trouble. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
"You need not apologize to me, Commander. I would make the same decision millions of times over if it meant Liara's safety would be assured. You have my eternal thanks for your service to Thessia, Shepard… I am merely concerned about Liara's safety going forward." Tevos said, looking at Shepard expectantly. She knew that Liara meant a lot to the councilor, and if saving her meant a great deal, keeping her safe would mean much more, but would come with more scrutiny.
"I won't lie, Councilor. This mission…it's dangerous as hell, but from my vantage point, the entire galaxy's at risk. No place…even the Citadel…is all that safe at this point. Also, the Normandy's the only stealth-capable ship in the galaxy right now, and…I think that's as safe a place as any." Shepard reasoned, hoping she was making some sense to Tevos.
"While I will disagree with you on your assessment of the Citadel's safety, I will also note that you fly a frigate, while the geth have dreadnoughts, and Saren has that…monstrous ship." Tevos pointed out. "Do you truly feel the Normandy is a safe place to hold her?"
"Tali…my quarian engineer…has assured me repeatedly that geth ships don't have viewports, meaning the Normandy won't come up on their sensors, and they won't see it. Saren's ship is the only real danger, but the galaxy is a pretty big place, and the Normandy is damn fast." Shepard spoke firmly, understanding that Tevos was merely concerned, but Shepard knew it wasn't a mere fly by night decision. "And I will do everything in my power to keep my crew safe. I'm not stubborn or stupid enough to not potentially change my mind in the future, if the situation changes, but I think Liara would be about as safe with me as she would be with you. If she was with me, you'd face less political pressure, there would be lower risks of abduction, and…honestly, I could really use her expertise. And I don't think I'd be holding her on the Normandy, I think she wants to be involved."
Tevos sat silent, mulling over Shepard's words for a few minutes, sipping away at a golden drink. Eventually she placed her drink on the nearby counter and turned back to her. "Shepard, there is one thing I must be certain of before I make my decision on this matter. Were you not a Spectre, if…this galactic situation was not occurring…in what would your allegiance lie, first and foremost?"
Shepard looked at Tevos and couldn't help but wince slightly at the question. There was no room for dishonesty, but she felt an encroaching dread from the response she predicted her answer would receive.
"Family." Shepard spoke quietly, but with certainty. "Even with the Spectre title, even with this situation…I do this for my family."
Tevos frowned and appeared in thought for a moment, contemplating something. "I…was truly not aware you had any. Forgive me the oversight, Shepard."
"I have a lot of family. Some I know well, others I'm just getting to know. My childhood friends, the kids I teach on Sundays whenever I'm on Amaterasu, my crew…" Shepard said with a smile, catching Tevos' inquisitive look. "And heck, if you help me get scalp massages from Falyria every time I visit, you might make the list too." Shepard finished playfully.
"I do not believe you would need my help to receive a massage from Falyria, Commander." Tevos said, with a knowing look. "But you would consider Liara part of your crew."
"I would. Honestly, the past few years… I've floated around from crap assignments to suicide missions to shore leave, and…everything feels different since Saren. Everything's more urgent, and all I can think of when I'm alone is that everyone I care about is in danger, and I need to see them through to safety. A threat to the galaxy is a threat to them, and I'm pretty transparent. That's all it takes to get me onboard." Shepard explained quietly, her gaze intense upon Tevos. "If you told me some assassin from Omega was hunting for Liara, I'd kill them. There wouldn't be a second thought… I'd allocate the necessary resources to find whoever it was, I'd hunt them down myself and I'd kill them. Use myself as bait if I had to. Saren's trying to do something terrible to the galaxy, and that puts Liara in danger. He may as well be hunting for her head…hell, he already has. She's part of my crew, I care about her, and that makes Liara my first allegiance."
Shepard turned away from the Matriarch and stared up at the ceiling, feeling a little emotionally drained. That Tevos didn't instantly harangue her was a good sign, but she didn't want to come across poorly, and feared she'd given the impression that she was slightly indifferent to duty in the grand scheme of things. You're the first and last line of defense for the galaxy, not some just some people on a ship or the kids that go to the library every weekend. You've really…
"Then I am satisfied." The Matriarch said calmly, drawing Shepard's attention back to her. She was surprised at the magnitude of the effect the words had on her, washing away her fervor and anxiety, leaving a calm feeling within her core. What? Really? I mean…alright…
"Thank you, Matriarch." Shepard said, unable to think of anything more fitting, any other words she wished to express.
"It is rather amusing…Nihlus put you forth into candidacy for your colourful track record, yet…you are proving to be remarkably different than the woman we thought we appointed to the Spectres. But tell me, Shepard…what do you get out of all of this?" Tevos asked inquisitively. Shepard's mouth quirked to the side, uncertain of what she meant.
"I don't really know what you're asking, Matriarch. My apologies." She mumbled out, utterly confused over the question.
"You told me you are doing what you do to keep family safe. This is an admirable goal, and some other specters I have interviewed have answered similarly. But what do you gain from that?" Tevos asked, her features softer as she stared intently at her.
"I…get to know they're safe?" Shepard answered, shrugging. Pretty damn obvious, Tevos.
"Yet, your family consists partially of crews…crews which you have had to leave as you were assigned to new missions. Crews who have left you, readily. What then?" Tevos asked, continuing as Shepard's gaze dropped to the floor. "What do you want from all of this, for yourself?"
"It doesn't matter." Shepard said dismissively. She hoped Tevos would stop the line of questioning, but she couldn't help but get flustered over the mere basis of the question.
"You are a living person, Commander. What you want matters." Tevos insisted. "And if I am to trust you with someone as precious as Liara T'Soni, I would like to know exactly what your intentions are, what drives you."
"Why?!" Shepard blurted out, frustration billowing through her. "It's only what I want that makes me weak, so it doesn't matter! I've told you why I do this, what drives me."
"Yes, family. Yet I apologize, I have not noticed much kindness from your former associates. The amount of complaints over your appointment that I have heard from human diplomats alone has been troubling. I am sure you can imagine how the Systems Alliance and its members have responded also." Tevos stated flatly, seemingly unimpressed at the outburst. "From what I understand, in order for someone to be considered family, they have to actually be part of the family, to be included."
Shepard bit back the first words that came to mind, knowing that cursing her boss would be a very bad thing. "I try. And in the end…" Shepard said, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. "In the end, if they're safe, that's all that matters. They can hate me all they want." She'd always loathed how miserable she'd get after each mission, with everyone leaving her as quickly as possible. She knew they had their own lives, and were free to think of her how they'd like, but it didn't take away how much it hurt. Obsessing over it won't and hasn't done any good. No point.
"They can, but is that what you want?" Tevos asked simply, her gaze intense as she held the commander's eye contact.
Shepard paused, trying to think up a retort but came up empty. "No." The word felt heavy on her tongue as she spoke it, and felt relief as the Matriarch's gaze softened.
"I thought not. Take it from someone who has hundreds of years of life experience, Commander…families are like small communities. They have a duty to each other, they actively seek to help each other, provide for each other. They are not charity halls where you hand out all that you can give until you have nothing left. They are not public trials where you are slandered into a false state of guilt over every controversial action." The Matriarch said as she moved off the couch and to her feet. "If you do all of this for family, then at least respect how families work in the first place, and hold others to that standard as you do yourself. It is not a weakness to want those you consider family to care for you in return. It is a weakness to consider them family when they've proven themselves unworthy of the honour."
Shepard remained sitting, letting the Matriarch's words sink in. Maybe she has a point…maybe I've just been trying to force something and…and it can't work because, well, I need people to be open and willing. Maybe…maybe that's why I like my current crew as much as I do, or at least some of them. Even if they drag me into discussions with Elcor, I know they're trying…it's not out of malice or hatred…they care…
She ran a hand through her curls and wondered what her sister would think of her behavior. She wanted me to give people a chance, but…maybe I'm giving everyone a chance, even when they don't deserve it, at my expense…I mean, I want to help people but, if they're going to keep tearing me down and hating me…maybe I should just stop trying to help them at every twist and turn putting myself in danger for their sake. But then they could get hurt, and jeez…it's like a catch 22. Can't exactly win, can I? Should I keep helping people who don't know they need help, and don't want or appreciate my help? I think I can try to make the best of it…and if I have some family…real family…backing me up, it might just be enough.
"Shepard?" a voice snapped her out of the daze that had engulfed her; she flit her eyes upward to see Liara in front of her, with Tevos and Falyria on her flanks.
"Yes?" She asked, trying to get her focus back.
"Falyria will show you out. It has been wonderful having you both visit." Tevos stated kindly. "I will keep in touch, Commander."
Shepard nodded and rose, falling in beside Liara as the asari masseuse guided them back to their skycar.
Today's just been a damned doozy…I really hope I can sleep tonight…
"She has you sleeping where?" Shepard asked in disbelief, bringing Liara to a blush.
"I did not want to be a disturbance to the rest of the crew and…I did not wish to be disturbed during my sleep. I have found the compromise to be quite nice, so far." Liara explained, not wishing to trouble the commander any further. She knew the woman had endured a rather grueling day. She also was certain she and Tevos had a disagreement at some point and was worried that it was causing undue stress on her.
"Liara, you know you can sleep in the pods. I called the crew in for an early meeting today…all of the crew. They get it. It won't happen again." Shepard said softly, looking at her with such concern that she had to glance away.
"It isn't any trouble, really. I prefer solitude, and the current arrangement ensures that I have some time to myself if I feel I require it, and it means that I do not need to hold myself to specific shifts, making me more flexible for whenever you need me to be ready." Liara said, hoping her reasoning would soothe the commander's worries.
"I…guess that makes a lot of sense. And I can't blame you for wanting to have your own room. It's a pretty great luxury." The woman noted, with a smirk. "Alright, well, let's see this set-up of yours."
Liara stood there nervously for a moment and swallowed the bit of uncertainty that had sprouted up, unsure exactly why she was feeling such an emotion. She gestured for the woman to follow her as she stepped into the med-bay and continued through to the lab. Liara's eyes locked onto Shepard as the commander entered her new home and looked around; she was finding it difficult to get a consistent read of the woman with her head fur obscuring her view. It is curious that it seemingly grew during the first portion of my visit with Tevos…she mused, her eyes unable to look away from the brown, curly material. Liara couldn't help but desperately want to touch it after witnessing Falyria running her hands through it somehow. It seems fairly solid, and thick…I wonder if I would need biotics to get my hands through, or if that would be painful for her...
"Well, I have to congratulate you…not many places darker than my office, but this beats mine out handily. Can't believe the doc works in this. And what's with that hanging metal arm?" Shepard asked playfully, puzzled by the protrusion from the ceiling. "So I'm looking around and I don't see a bed. Do you sleep on the table? Or one of the crates?"
Liara cocked her head to the side, wondering how Shepard couldn't see the cot directly beside her. "Um, Shepard. My bed is right there." Liara stated, pointing to the small green cot. Shepard looked down at it frowned, seemingly unable to tear her vision away from the object for nearly a minute.
"You sleep on this?" Shepard asked, her voice dripping with sadness, her gaze slowly meeting Liara's. "Christ, Liara, you're probably exhausted. You need a good sleep, and this… will not do. How well did you sleep last night?"
She felt herself mimic one of the human's nervous tics from earlier as she rubbed her arm shyly. It really wasn't a great sleep…but I do not wish to trouble her…
"I slept…well." Liara stated, trying to sound confident, but she knew she was a poor liar.
"You slept well on what looks to be the least comfortable cot in the galaxy, with no blanket or pillow?" Shepard asked, seeing straight through her fib.
"Um…My arm worked well enough…" Liara mumbled, admitting defeat as she shrunk in on herself, feeling embarrassed about being dishonest with her.
Shepard stared at her blankly for an uncomfortable few seconds before bolting to the door. "Be right back!" the woman called out as she burst through the med bay.
Liara just moved over to her cot and sat down, digesting the day she'd just stumbled through. It certainly wasn't the most graceful day…between all that happened at Sha'ira's, the attack near Chora's Den, embarrassing myself at dinner, being cornered by those two humans, and then everything that happened at Tevos' home...
Her mind kept returning to when she'd stepped back into the living room, seeing Shepard being touched by Falyria. For her to make such a jump, perhaps Falyria bullied her into it…or…perhaps she's merely adapted quickly. She…she did use touch to comfort me, after all, and did not shy from my own at the terminal… Her…head fur, or hair, aside…I…would she react like that to my touch? Falyria does give fantastic massages, but…would Shepard accept a massage from me? It would not be sexual, and I would …oh I'm not even sure why I feel the compulsion. Can I not rise above petty…well, I'm hardly jealous of Falyria, I am more intrigued, but I just…oh Goddess, I am not sure what I want.
She looked back to the door to her room and frowned. And if those goons were being truthful about Shepard, then I…no. No! I will not think so poorly of her and be so reactionary…I will do proper research and keep an open mind, as I always do. Although, Shepard asked me if I could wait for her to explain this Torfan incident…but she didn't ask that I not look up on it beforehand… no, can I truly do that, knowing Lieutenant Alenko told me that Shepard prefers her history be learned through her alone? Would I be betraying her trust? I…perhaps slightly, but it may prevent me from making a fool of myself like I did at dinner. She was so…kind, and happy, at Zhenaire's. She listened to me, and I don't feel she was judging me at any point…and that look on her face when she apologized about her 'joke'…Liara mused, pulling off her gloves and resting her palm against her chest. I still do not know what that sensation in my chest was. I should have asked Tevos while I was with her, she could have given me guidance. Today has just been so confusing…
Liara looked down at her bare hands and frowned, trying to remember the last time they had come in contact with her mother. Tevos…why would mother react so aggressively toward her? True, she broke her oath by contacting me in some form, but…for her to actively undermine Tevos over it…she may as well have actively worked against Thessia, and mother would NEVER do that. She loved our people…she loves them more than anyone could ever know…and she loves aunt Tevos! She would never have an acolyte make a vid-call on her behalf, especially to someone as dear to her as aunt Tevos is. There must be something terrible going on…oh mother, I would have helped you, if you had only asked, I…
Shepard quickly squeezed through the sliding door, carrying a large, awkward looking bundle of linens and pillows, rousing Liara from her hurricane of thoughts as the woman plopped them joyfully on top of a nearby crate.
"And did I mention it's freezing in here? I swear, there's no climate control in this room, I'll talk to Adams about it tomorrow morning. Maybe he can boost the temperature in here…I swear, I can almost see my breath!" Shepard prattled aimlessly, oblivious to Liara's stare. She stopped listening as the woman began talking about something to do with blankets, finally having a steady, frontal view of Shepard as she rambled on. Goddess, the way her hair fur falls around her face, and her eyes…look magnificent tonight. As if they're ablaze… Liara thought, absentmindedly pushing herself off the cot and onto her feet. She watched Shepard smile, and wondered if all smiles came so easily to her, lazily stepping out of the way as the woman grabbed her bundle of sheets and blankets and began arranging them on her cot. Liara watched the human's hands work, lovingly tucking the sheets where she could manage, delicately re-arranging and fixing previous decisions on where to place which sheet or blanket. She couldn't help but notice the spring in her step as she moved about the cot, as if there was some music playing that only she could hear. Perhaps I shall ask her another day…
As Shepard bent over to tuck in a blanket on the other side of the cot, Liara blushed, finding her gaze lowering. Oh why am I even looking at her in such a way? She scolded herself, though her eyes remained in place, scanning up and down the Spectre's legs, halting at her core. Perhaps I'm admiring her physique…she is quite fit, and it is admirable that she takes such care of her body…all damage from missions aside…
The woman rose back, giving herself a little stretch, running a hand through her hair that Liara was immediately jealous of to such a degree that chastisement was the last thing on her mind, mostly due to the sensation in her chest surging once more. This is all so confusing…perhaps I should sleep it off…perhaps it will be better tomorrow, and I won't have such…complicated thoughts…
Shepard spun around, the gleeful look on her face emptying the worries running afoul of Liara's mind, as forces unknown compelled her to smile shyly in return.
"There! You're all set now." Shepard stated happily, satisfied with her work. "Now THAT is a bed worth sleeping on. And you've got enough blankets to keep you warm until we fix the heat in here, and I made sure to give you two pillows in case you're a restless sleeper, because I know I am, and the worst start to the morning is when you have a crick in your neck, and I'm going to see about getting better cushioning for your cot, because I'm pretty sure it's not comfortable enough, and maybe I'll find a bigger cot on the Citadel for you tomorrow, but I think I improvised a decent stopgap for now and that you should be nice and warm tonight, and…wow, I should stop talking."
Liara let out a barely restrained giggle at the woman's rambling, finding her enthusiasm amusing, and more than a little endearing. Perhaps Tali felt like this when Shepard was hovering over her a few days ago…she blew in like a storm and…fixed my bed. And I'm certain I couldn't have done anything to dissuade her, she just looks so…happy over her efforts.
"Thank you, Shepard. I truly appreciate it, and I am sure I shall have a wonderful sleep." Liara said, just noticing the warm sensation in her cheeks was still present. Dismissing it as unimportant she looked at her cot and realized there was a veritable closet's worth of linen on it. "But…where did you get so many blankets from?"
Shepard shrugged and averted her gaze to the door. "I…they came from my personal collection, but it's fine."
"Shepard! You need to sleep too!" Liara blurted out in a mixture of shock and worry, imagining Shepard's bed to be void of anything but a mattress. She crossed the distance between them and prodded Shepard in her chest, drawing an amused look from the woman. "You will take some of these back."
"I have my backup set from a long time ago…in a way, maybe I'm better off with those." The woman said reassuringly. "Besides, I think I've forgotten how to sleep at this point." Liara watched Shepard's hand once again disappear into her hair and behind her head.
"I do not want my sleep to come at the expense of yours." Liara explained, feeling strangely warmer. Perhaps humans radiate their body heat strongly, and I hadn't realized it before…
Shepard gently clasped a hand around Liara's wrist, making her realize she hadn't retracted the hand she had prodded Shepard with. She felt her cheeks engulfed in blood, but didn't notice any change of expression on the human's face. Perhaps she doesn't notice…it IS dark in this room.
"Liara, I promise that I will not sacrifice my sleep for yours." She stated slowly, her voice softly caressing the air around her. Goddess, her voice can be lovely sometimes… She repressed the sudden memory of the woman singing and placed her focus back on the actual person before her. "I just want you to be comfortable, and I still feel horrible for what you've gone through this past week, and for what happened today…I'm so sorry. I just want to make things right. I want you to be happy and safe here, more than anything."
She looked down at her outstretched arm and stared at how the human's delicate hand partially encircled her limb, how Shepard's left thumb was tenderly caressing the soft inner flesh of her wrist. The sensation didn't last all that long, as the Spectre quickly let go of it once Liara's gaze lingered long enough. She suppressed a frown and reluctantly brought her hand back to her side, silently wishing she'd had the initiative to bring it upward, to touch the human's mane of fur instead.
"I…should go." Shepard mumbled, looking disconcerted as she made her way to the door. Liara caught the woman look over her shoulder as she left.
"Sweet dreams." She heard, practically whispered, as the commander strode slowly through the med-bay; if not for the silence of the ship at that time of night, it would not have been audible. The words made her smile as she approached the cozy looking cot. May Athame bring you peace tonight, Shepard.
"Lights." She called out quietly, casting the room into darkness.
As she slid into the soft layers of blankets and rested her head upon one of the pillows, a strange scent filled her nostrils, and her foot grazed a hard object. Using her toes to grasp the small intruder, she brought it closer and recognized it as one of the seed-like things she saw scattered about Shepard's office. She smiled at the woman's apparent haste to grab what she could for her, and placed the object under her pillow for safe keeping, taking in more of the foreign, spicy scent that seemed to be housed in the sheets. Liara's mind was too tired to formulate a hypothesis over its origin, and she merely allowed herself to enjoy it as she pulled the comforting blankets tightly around her body, her eyes fluttering to a close as she drifted into a restful sleep.
A/N: And so caps the end of a very, very, VERY long day for Shepard and friends :) Also means I'll be doing less Shep/Liara interactions per chapter (for now …maybe), but that's to be expected. Things will kind of amp up from here on out.
I'm just happy I was able to hold this material close to my chest for so long. I wanted to get December off to a good start :) Yay fluff part two!
I'm not quite done school yet (as of whenever I decide to release this chapter) but hopefully the worst of it is over, or will soon be over. Should have 2 term papers due early in the coming week, so it might be another week-ish long wait for an update. Or not. Chapter 17 is about 5400 words deep now, one scene remaining. Might be able to push it out sooner than expected.
Anywho, thank you to everyone who has been reading, reviewing, and following me or my story (which just makes me blush…perhaps I should do a one shot or two in the near future as thanks). This past month has been a humongous juggernaut for me to get through, but somehow I did, and with record output! November was definitely a month to remember, and it was definitely thanks to you all :)
I hope that your weekends are fantastic, and that you get some nice relaxation time in! Until next time :D