THESSIA

Valya lands her sky car outside of her house. It is early evening and she can feel a storm coming. She is exhausted as she grabs her bag from the back and swings it on her shoulder. She unlocks the front door and enters her dark home. It is so deathly quiet the detective feels the heat behind her eyes. It takes her by surprise. She misses her bondmate Dara and she misses her daughter Dava.

Dava was slowly woken up by the doctors this past week. It took nearly two days before Dava seemed to be able to remember where she was and that her father was there. When she first woke she asked for her mother, something Valya thought she was prepared for, but wasn't. When the former commando finally told Dava about her mother Dava said she already knew. That Shadow told her in a forced meld that her mother was dead and that it was Dava's fault. Valya held her daughter's sobbing form as she told her over and over that it was not her fault that her mother died.

Valya drops her bag inside the front door. She was hoping to have the energy to work out today but no. All she wants is to have a hot meal and warm bed. Opening her fridge she sees almost nothing. Great. So much for a hot meal. There is a knock at her door.

Valya opens the door to Akira who has two grocery bags in her arms. "Hi. There are two more in the car." The medical examiner walks past Valya to the kitchen.

"Uh Akira?"

"Hurry please, it's starting to rain." Akira starts to unpack a bag. When she sees Valya looking at her with mouth open as if in shock she says, "move detective," and then gives her a wink.

Valya hears a big thunder clap that makes her flinch. She quickly runs out to the sky car and grabs the remaining two bags. She makes it inside just as the sky opens up and starts to downpour.

"Told you to hurry up." Akira walks over and grabs the two bags from Valya. "Hope you're hungry."

Valya slowly walks over to the kitchen. She cannot believe her eyes. "Akira."

"Yeah?" Akira stops what she is doing to look at the detective.

Valya approaches. She takes the head of lettuce out of Akira's hand and takes both hands into her own. "Thank you." She pulls her into a hug and holds her tightly.

"Hey it's okay."

Valya will not let go. She starts to cry and Akira just holds her in the middle of the kitchen.


"She's not back yet?" asks Liara for the fifth time. She is walking back and forth in front of the ceiling to floor windows in the family room watching the rain come down.

"Not yet. She said she was on her way." Shepard hugs Liara from behind, "I am pretty sure I told you that already honey." She kisses her cheek.

"I don't like her out in this rain. It is really coming down."

"Raina is an adult Liara; I think she can handle it."

"I just hope the interview went well. She has taken all this so hard Elly."

"I know."

"And with Mia being gone it's…well it's just not the same."

Shepard turns Liara in her arms so they are facing each other. "We are all adjusting. It will take time. "

Liara hugs her. "I know. I know you are right I….well I just didn't think it would be this hard. When I left my mother I couldn't wait to go. I never once thought what she was going through, if it was hard for her."

"I am sure it was very hard Liara. You were her only child. She lost touch with you long before you left home. I am sure it was very painful for her."

Liara turns again and leans into Shepard as she watches the storm outside. "I do not think I can handle this three more times."

Shepard holds her tight and says nothing.

The front door opens. They both turn to look. "Raina!"

"Raina!" Liara all but runs to her daughter. She envelopes her into a hug. "I was so worried."

"Why? What's happened?"

"What? Nothing..nothing's happened."

Shepard catches up and puts her arm around Liara. She makes eye contact with Raina, "She was worried about you and the storm."

Raina smiles, "I see."

"So?" asks Liara. "How did everything go?"

"Good I think."

"You think?"

"Liara. Give her some breathing room, she just got home," says Shepard.

"I think the interview went well. I was able to focus and I answered each question with thorough research to back me up."

"When will you hear?" asks Liara.

"They said it could take up to two weeks."

"Two weeks? That long?"

"They squeezed me in for this interview remember Mom? They have a lot of students they are seeing. Under the circumstances I think two weeks is reasonable."

"Of course," says Liara.

Raina smiles at her and hugs her again. "I love you Mom." She moves to her Dad, "Love you too Dad."

"I am glad everything went well," says Shepard. "I am sure it will be good news."

"Thanks Dad. I didn't miss the call from Mia did I?"

"Nope. She hasn't called yet."

"I should get dinner ready," says Liara.

"I will clean up then I can help Mom."

"Thank you Raina and Raina."

Her daughter turns toward her.

"We are so proud of you."

"Thanks Mom."

Raina goes into her room, grabs her robe then goes upstairs to take a shower.

"I think we should talk about that addition don't you?"

"What?"

"The addition Liara. Add to the ground level and add a bathroom for Raina down here."

"She doesn't seem to mind going upstairs Elly. Besides, if the kids are leaving soon we really won't need it."

"Except we will when they start bringing home their bondmates and their children." Shepard gives Liara a great big grin.

Liara laughs a little. "I think it is a little early to think about grandchildren Elly."

"Oh I don't know, Little A and Kaya seem pretty cozy."

"Elly!" Liara playfully slaps her arm.

"Ouch! Hey that hurts." Shepard rubs her upper arm.

"The things you say." Liara starts to chop.

Shepard hugs her from behind again. "Think about it. I could help the crew."

Liara laughs a big laugh.

Shepard steps away from her, "Wow it's not that funny Liara. I'll have you know I can be very handy."

Liara looks at her. "Oh…you are serious?"

Shepard stands with her hands on her hips.

"Elly. I mean that is …" Liara turns her back to return to chopping.

Shepard remains with her hands on her hips. "You don't think I can do it do you?"

Liara shakes her head, "I didn't say that."

"Yeah actually you did. You are saying it right now in fact. I think this is a challenge." Shepard's smile grows.

Liara sets her knife down, "No..no no. It's not a challenge Elly."

"I think it is. I think I need to make some calls." Shepard has a great big smile on her face. She knows Liara is panicking and she loves it.

"Call? Who is calling who? Or is it whom?" asks Little A. She sits up at the breakfast bar.

Shepard squeezes her daughter's shoulder, "I am going to work with a crew to add an addition to the…"

"Elly."

Shepard stifles a laugh and looks to Liara. "Yes dear?"

"May I speak with you? In private?"

Shepard tries not to smile. "Of course." She enters the bedroom.

"Aethyta, will you chop those please?"

"Sure."

Liara enters the bedroom.

"So what is so important?" asks Shepard.

Liara studies the retired Captain's face. "Are you serious about the addition?"

"Yes I am."

"Really?"

"Why not?"

Liara crosses her arms as her eyes narrow, "Elly." She sits on the edge of the bed. "What is this really about?"

"What do you mean?" Shepard swallows.

Liara takes her hand and pulls her onto the edge of the bed to sit. "I mean Elly, what is this about?"

Shepard lets out a sigh. "I wouldn't mind the distraction that's all."

Liara squeezes her hand. "Distraction?"

Shepard's eyes blink quickly and she looks away.

"Elly what is it?"

"I miss her. I miss her so damn much Liara. And soon the rest of our daughters will be gone too. I …I don't know what to do with myself. I mean I know it doesn't make sense to do it now, but then again it does." Shepard stands and starts to pace. "I mean if Raina goes into business with Malin she won't be able to move out right away, so then it makes sense to do it. Plus, I kind of picture Mia bringing home teammates ya know? And when Eva and Little A want a place to stay we will have plenty of room. I mean this is the home we can live in for the rest of our lives Liara. When our kids have kids they can all stay here. They don't have to stay in a hotel."

Liara is smiling.

"What? You think I am being silly don't you?"

"I didn't realize you thought about this kind of stuff."

Shepard stops pacing. "Well I do." Shepard lets out a long sigh and sits down next to her bondmate. "I am being silly."

"Not at all. You are just preparing."

Shepard laughs.

"I think we should do it. At least add a bathroom to Raina's room."

Shepard looks at her, "Really? I mean really?"

"Yes really Elly."

Shepard kisses her quickly on her lips. "Thank you."

Liara places her hand on Shepard's cheek, "For what?"

"For putting up with me."

Liara leans in and kisses the retired Captain passionately.

Shepard holds Liara and pulls her onto the bed.

"Elly."

"Hmm?"

"We have to make dinner."

Shepard stops kissing her blue beauty along her collarbone and looks at her. "Dinner huh?"

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You will be dessert." Shepard kisses Liara then helps her up off the bed.

"I can hardly wait."


The storm is passing. There are still brilliant flashes of lightening. Valya is sitting on the couch with her arm around Akira watching the light show.

"Thank you," says Valya.

Akira laughs and leans closer to Valya hugging her waist as she settles further into the couch, "You have thanked me a dozen times now Valya."

"Well..it is exactly what I needed."

A loud thunder clap sounds and is followed seconds later by a few flashes of light. Akira jumps. Valya tightens her grip around her shoulders. "It's okay." Valya can feel Akira breathing faster. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

"You're sure?"

Another clap of thunder and this time Akira hugs Valya close almost hiding her face from the screen door window they are looking out.

"What is it?"

Akira shakes her head. "It's nothing."

"You're shaking."

"I'm fine….really."

"Akira..talk to me." When the asari does not reply Valya lifts her chin with her finger so their eyes meet. "What is it?"

"It's silly."

"What is?"

"Ever since I was a little girl thunder kind of scares me."

"Why? Did something happen?"

"It's silly."

Valya squeezes her shoulder, "Will you stop that and just tell me? Please?"

Akira sighs a little. "I don't remember how old I was, but I was young. My parents never left me home alone too long. They had different shifts, but sometimes I would be left alone for about an hour or so. Never overnight or anything like that."

Valya waits for her to continue.

"One night my Dad called and said he was delayed. My Mom had already left for work and it was storming. I was alone during one of the worst thunderstorms that year. When my Dad finally got home I was tucked between by bed and the wall. I built a sort of shelter for myself I have never been so scared in my life. The power went out and I could not reach anyone when I tried. So I sat in the corner of my room crying and hoping and waiting for my Dad to get home."

"Oh Akira. That's awful." Valya squeezes her shoulder and kisses her temple.

"He felt really bad, they both did. I had treats for weeks after that. I have been afraid of thunderstorms ever since. I mean, I wouldn't say afraid afraid, but they make me nervous."

"I always told Dava when she was a kid that it was just the Goddess playing skyball with everyone that was up there with her."

Akira looks up at Valya, "She believed that?"

"Well sure. Every time she saw lightening I told her that someone scored and the thunder was the applause from the spectators. Storms never really bothered her after that."

"That's cute. Did you hear that story from somewhere?"

"Hmm?"

Akira sits up and looks at Valya, "Did someone tell you that story or did you make it up?"

Valya swallows. "It ah…it was actually a story Dara told me. Her parents told her and she told me and we both told Dava."

Another clap of thunder can be heard. Akira jumps a little then hugs herself.

"Come here." Valya raises her arm and Akira snuggles in close. "Get ready for it." She waits a beat, two, three. Lightening flashes, "She shoots she scores."

Akira leans up and kisses Valya's neck then cuddles into her body. "I like the story."

"It's pretty cool to picture don't you think? Everyone that has passed is watching the game or playing in it. Think of how large the stadium must be."

They sit in silence for a while.

"Have you seen Atalia?"

"No," says Akira, "have you?"

"Yesterday." Valya feels Akira tense.

"And?"

"Her physical therapy is going well. She is being released in two days."

Akira is silent.

"I think I will help her get home and pick up lunch for her."

"She is lucky to have you."

Valya taps Akira's shoulder. "Look at me."

Akira sits up and looks at the detective. "What?"

Valya cups her cheek with her hand, "I have feelings for you Akira, but we need to take things slow."

"What does this have to do with Atalia?" Akira's eyes go wide, "What did you do?"

"Don't be angry."

Akira's eyes narrow.

"I told Atalia that I had feelings for you."

"Why? It's not like it is any of her business."

"We are still partners Akira. I owe it to her to be honest."

"And what about me Valya? Don't you think it would have been nice to run this by me? I can't believe you." Akira stands and heads to the kitchen.

Valya follows her, "I…I am just trying to do the honorable thing Akira."

Akira turns on her but her anger fizzles when she sees Valya's face, how sincere she looks.

Valya approaches and takes Akira's hands into her own. "You mean a lot to me Akira. I can't keep this," she gestures between the two of them, "a secret from her. She is my partner."

"What…what did she say?"

"She wasn't exactly happy. But I told her what is going on between us. That I have feelings for you. That I want to see where this is going. I told her I wanted to be up front with her because of your history with each other. I think she appreciated me telling her."

"What if she is not okay with it? Where does that leave me?"

Valya pulls her closer. "She doesn't have to be okay with it Akira. I wasn't asking her permission to date you. I was informing her of our relationship. If she wants a different partner that is up to her."

"Really?"

"Yes really. Why are you so surprised?"

"I know how you police partners can be."

"Oh really?" Valya nudges her playfully.

"Don't make fun. I figured if she wasn't okay with it that you would back off, that we wouldn't see where this is going."

Valya leans in and kisses her as she holds her closer.

Akira wraps her arms around her as the kiss deepens.

Valya walks her backwards until Akira's back is up against the wall then presses her body ever closer.

Akira moans Valya's name.

Valya slows the kiss. She does not want to lose control. She slowly steps back.

Akira looks at her. "Are you okay?"

"Will you stay with me tonight and by staying I mean…sleep?"

Akira cups her cheek with her hand, "I'd love to."

"Are you sure? I mean…are you sure?"

"Yes Valya. I am sure."


"How are you doing Mia?" asks Shepard. The entire family is in the secure room where Mia is displayed on all of the monitors.

"Good. It's tough really tough." Mia yawns.

"Are you eating right honey?" asks Liara.

Mia smiles, "Yes Mom."

"How is your roommate?" asks Eva.

"Oh Beth? She's great. Super nice for a human." She winks at her Dad.

The family laughs.

"Seriously though, she is great everyone is great. Geez Dad, without your workouts I don't think I would be able to handle it here."

Little A pats her Dad's back.

"And Mom your biotic exercises have really come in handy. I showed the coach some of them and we do a few of them in warm ups every day now."

"That's great honey," says Liara.

Mia yawns again.

"I had my interview Mia," says Raina, "I should hear in the next two weeks."

"That's great Raina," Mia yawns, "that's great."

"Wrap it up guys," says Shepard to the family.

"Love you Mia," says Eva and Little A.

"Love ya Mia," says Raina.

"You guys leaving already?" asks Mia.

"Honey you can barely keep your eyes open," says Liara. "Sleep."

"Yeah sport, get some sleep. We love you."

"Okay, sorry. Love you guys. Night."

Their last image of Mia is yawning before the vid cuts out.

The family all hug each other.

"She looks good," says Liara.

"Really good," says Raina.

"That she does," says Shepard. "Okay all," she claps her hands together, "what vid we watching tonight?"

"It was my pick!" says Little A. This causes Eva and Raina to grumble.

"What is it dare I ask?" says Liara.

"It's about this woman warrior who has to save the galaxy from a huge foe."

Shepard puts her arm around Liara. She rolls her eyes, "Oh really?"

"Yeah, Kaya said it was pretty good."

"I can hardly wait."