THESSIA

It has been an odd eight weeks to say the least for the Shepard/T'Soni household. Liara accompanied Eva to Earth, specifically to Chicago, Illinois for her intense two month writing session she was selected for. Only a few asari from Thessia were selected, one of which Eva knew which made her feel better as well as Liara.

Mia has been doing well with the Vancouver Storm. Their season starts soon and tickets for the home opener for the season have been reserved for the family. When Liara and Shepard asked Aethyta, the Matriarch said she would not miss it for the world.

Little A has been having a hard time adjusting to life without Kaya. After talking it over with her parents Little A decided that it was too soon in her relationship with Kaya to drop what she was doing for an entire year. Kaya understood and Kaya's mother was relieved, something Kaya felt bad telling Little A. But they both decided that it was for the best and the parents agreed. Now Little A and Kaya have vid talks almost every single night, though Kaya has had to cancel the last two nights due to a project she is working on.

Shepard and Liara are planning a trip to Earth. They plan on taking Raina and Little A as well as Aethyta. They will pick up Eva in Chicago then go to Vancouver to spend a few days before seeing Mia in her opening game. Though she is a rookie, she is a starter, something Shepard and Liara cannot wait to see.

The two are the only ones home at the moment. Little A is shopping for last minute items while Raina is at the University. She got a call from her professor. Everyone is hoping for good news.

"Liara where did you put my Storm T-Shirt? The one Mia sent?" asks Shepard. She is laying out clothes on the bed for packing. They leave tomorrow morning.

"If it is not in the drawer check the laundry," says Liara from the bathroom.

Shepard checks the laundry room and sure enough her Vancouver Storm T-Shirt is folded and laying on top of the dryer. She smiles as she grabs the shirt and returns to the bedroom. She sees Liara coming out of the bathroom. "Found it, thanks."

"Have you heard from father?" Liara opens a dresser drawer then closes it.

"No, was I supposed to?"

"She was supposed to call to confirm the time we are picking her up in the morning."

Shepard notices that Liara seems nervous. Her father seems to be slowing down and she can tell that her blue beauty does not want the inevitable to occur. Shepard crosses the room and gives Liara a hug. "How about I call her now?"

Liara lets out a sigh. Shepard sees her visibly relax a bit. "Thank you Elly." Liara leans in and kisses the retired Captain.

Shepard pulls her close and holds her tightly as her hands wander over Liara's butt.

Liara steps back laughing, "Elly!"

"What?"

"We have too much to do for that."

"There is always time for that Liara." Shepard approaches her again. This time Liara is backed up against the wall. Shepard leans down and kisses her neck making her body tingle and her knees go weak.

Shepard moves her hands over Liara's hips. She moves one hand up under her shirt and cups the asari's breast. Liara lets out a soft moan. "I love you Liara." Shepard kisses her passionately on the lips while pressing her body against her.

Liara grips Shepard's hair as their tongues dance. After all these years Liara is amazed how turned on Shepard can get her. Liara starts to pull at Shepard's shirt. She wants to feel her skin.

Shepard steps back quickly and takes off her shirt in one smooth motion. Her eyes are full of lust and love. She moves her hand to the bottom of Liara's shirt and starts to lift it when the doorbell rings.

"Who could that be?" asks Liara a little out of breath.

Shepard leans in and they press their foreheads together. "Maybe if we wait they will go away."

"Elly."

"I know, I know, I'm kidding." Shepard lets out a breath when the doorbell rings again. She kisses Liara on the lips then bends down to grab her shirt. She quickly puts it on and checks herself in the mirror.

"Beautiful," says Liara.

Shepard smiles at her blue beauty. She holds out her hand which Liara takes. They walk to the front door together. When they check the monitor they stop cold.

The doorbell rings again.

Shepard feels tense; this is not something she wanted to face right now.

"We need to answer Elly."

"I know." Shepard lets out another deep breath, turns to Liara and gives her a small smile. "You ready?"

Liara nods.

Shepard opens the door. "Hello Dava."

"Hello. I hope I am not interrupting anything. I would have called, but…"

"…no no of course not Dava," says Liara. She steps past Shepard and gives the young asari a hug. "It is good to see you, please come in."

Dava's eyes dart between Liara and Shepard. She stops at the door's threshold. She looks at Shepard as if asking permission to enter, as if wanting both of them to be okay with her being there.

"Come in please Dava," says Shepard. She squeezes her shoulder when Dava walks in.

"Would you like some tea?" asks Liara.

Dava stops after a few feet inside then turns around. "Thank you no."

Shepard and Liara stand there for a minute wondering what she wants.

"Were…were you looking for Raina or Little A? If so, I am afraid they are not here at the moment," says Liara.

"Actually no. I wanted to speak to the two of you. It's good we are alone."

Shepard can see that statement makes Liara a little tense. She puts her arm around her bondmate. "Why don't we go into the family room?"

Dava gives them both a small smile then sits on the couch.

Shepard and Liara take the chairs across from the couch. "What can we do for you Dava?" asks Shepard.

Dava is sitting up straight. Shepard notices that she carries herself differently. She seems to be more confident and sure of herself. It is nice to see.

"I wanted to thank both of you for what you did regarding Shadow."

They both remain silent.

"My father tells me that you know of Shadow's exploits. How she went from planet to planet to gain followers."

They both nod, still not talking.

Dava wrings her hands a little. "I ah…well I wanted to thank you. Without your actions there is no telling what would have happened to me or to…" her voice trails off.

Shepard and Liara exchange a look. "I believe it is us who should be thanking you Dava," says Liara. "We saw what you did for our daughter."

Shepard remains quiet. She is clenching her jaw. It is hard not to blame the asari in front of her for what happened to Mia.

Dava lowers her eyes. "How is she doing?"

"Was there anything else Dava?" Shepard asks. She sees Dava tense and realizes her tone was harsher than she intended. She can feel Liara looking at her.

Dava stands. Shepard and Liara follow suit. "I…I meant no disrespect. I know I make you nervous. Perhaps I should just go."

Dava starts to walk toward the door when Liara stops her.

"Wait honey…please. Wait."

Dava turns to face them.

Shepard is trying to get a read on the asari. She notices a more confident asari as well as a sad one, but not a crushing sadness that she normally sees in Dava.

"We are both so happy that you are home now Dava. It must be very difficult without your mother," says Liara.

Shepard knows her bondmate is not pleased with her, she can feel it.

"It has been difficult yes."

"I'm sorry," says Shepard.

Dava and Liara both look to the human. Both seem a little shocked at the statement.

Shepard clears her throat. "I'm sorry Dava. You deserve better than that."

"It's okay."

"No it's not, but thank you for saying it. Your father tells me you have been training with the commandos?"

"Yes that is correct." Dava eyes the couch again.

Shepard gestures to it, "Please."

They all sit again, the tension releasing a little.

"I know Mia wants no contact with me and I respect that. After the shack all those years ago when I …" Dava looks between the two, "when I forced a meld with your daughter, I realized something was happening to me."

Shepard suddenly feels hot, like she needs to hit something. She clenches and unclenches her fists.

"What honey?" asks Liara.

"I was losing control of my actions. That I was doing things I did not want to do. So I started to research the topic and sought some help to deal with it. I never told my parents."

"Why is that?"

"I felt like I was losing my mind. That no matter what I wanted to do my body did something else. No matter what I wanted to think, my mind would think something else. I am just grateful that I did not further hurt Mia during that time.

Shepard can feel Liara looking at her but she does not trust her voice just yet.

"You have been through a great deal Dava. We are so sorry for that."

Dava smiles a little as she shakes her head. "I appreciate that but there is no need. I have no idea why Shadow picked me and I doubt I will ever know. My physical and biotic training with the commandos have really helped me deal with what has happened. I am working very hard not to let my past dictate my future."

"That is very admirable Dava, though I suspect very difficult."

"It has been. Though I know my mother's death was not my fault, I still feel responsible. I think I always will." Dava looks at her hands. She clears her throat. She looks up at Liara then Shepard.

"What is it?" asks Liara.

"I know I have no right to ask this. I understand you are heading to Earth tomorrow."

"That's right," Shepard finds her voice and her tone is a warning one.

Dava pulls from her bag which is slung across her body a data pad. "I was hoping you would give this to Mia."

"No." Shepard answers before Dava can further explain.

"Elly." Liara uses a calm tone.

"I know I hurt Mia, I know that. And she has her own healing to do in her own time. I only ask that you give it to her. Whether or not she watches it is up to her."

Shepard grinds her teeth.

Liara sits a little forward in her chair. "I am not sure you understand what you are asking honey. Mia …well she has had a very difficult time. I am not sure it is a good idea."

Dava stands. "I understand." She bends down and sets the data pad on the coffee table. "In case you change your mind." She stands up straight again and looks at each of them. "You are welcome to watch it if you are afraid of its contents. I know you want to protect your daughter. I want that too. I just feel we have some unresolved feelings between us, and this might help her move on. I understand that neither of you trust me, I do. It is not my fault what Shadow did to me, but I still did some things that I am not proud of."

Shepard says nothing.

Liara stands, "I think we can all say that Dava." She smiles at the young asari.

Shepard stands. She looks Dava in the eyes. "I am not going to lie to you Dava. You are an adult now and I admire you for coming here to speak with us. It took a lot of courage and I respect you for that."

Dava remains silent.

"Give us some time. It is…" she looks at Liara who nods at her. "…difficult. What you did to Mia…" Shepard narrows her eyes and lets out a breath. "I would not allow you entry into our home if it weren't for Shadow. Knowing that your actions were not your own. Do you understand?"

"I do yes."

"What she did to you is unforgiveable Dava and I am truly sorry you had to experience that. You are an incredibly strong woman. It is obvious your work with the commandos has been a huge help to you."

"It has."

Shepard approaches Dava; she stops in front of her. She opens her arms.

Dava steps in and hugs the human.

"I am proud of you Dava."

Dava squeezes harder.

"I don't know if a friendship can redevelop between you and Mia, but I will make sure she gets your message." Shepard steps back from the hug. Liara is next to her. She is next to hug Dava.

"We do love you Dava, I hope you know that. You and your family are so dear to us." Liara wipes her cheek when she steps back from the hug.

Dava smiles at both of them. "Thank you. Thank you for speaking with me." She looks at Shepard, "And for letting me in."

Shepard nods to her.

They head to the front door.

"Dava?"

"Yes?"

Shepard puts her arm around Liara's shoulders, "I promise to give Mia the data pad. That is all I promise."

"That is all I ask." Dava turns and walks out of the front door.

Shepard lets out a long sigh.

"Are you okay Elly?"

"I was hoping this was over." Shepard walks back into the family room. Liara is closely on her heels.

"What are you doing?"

"I am going to watch it."

"Elly that is private."

Shepard furrows her brow, "You heard her Liara. She said we can watch it. I need to make sure she is not trying to lay some guilt trip on our daughter to take her back."

"Elly please." Liara grabs Shepard's arm.

Shepard ignores her, sits down then hits the button. A vid displays of Dava.

"I am not going to watch this Elly."

"Fine."

Liara leaves.

Hi Mia. I am sure you are probably feeling all sorts of emotions right now and thinking all different things. I went through the same thing before making this for you. This message is not intended to further hurt you Mia. I want you to know how sorry I am, for everything. I am sure it sounds and feels hollow, but it's true. I think there will always be a part of me that loves you Mia. I wanted you to be my first.

Shepard shifts on the couch.

But it wasn't meant to be I guess. I hear you are doing well. My Dad gets updates from your Dad on your skyball practices. I heard your whole family is going to be there for your first big game. I am so proud of you Mia, so very proud. I asked your parents to get this to you. Please don't be mad that they gave it to you. That they accepted it from me.

If…If I could take back what happened over 80 years ago I would, I hope you know that. I didn't mean to force a meld with you Mia, I really didn't. It took me a long time to understand what was happening to me. It seems…well….never mind. I am not making this vid to make excuses to you. I hurt you. I hurt you back then and I hurt you not that long ago. And for that I am truly sorry.

I have been working with the commandos lately since being out of the hospital. It's been really hard. I know I have a long way to go yet. They have complimented me on my mental strength and are showing me biotic stuff I never dreamed of doing, but I am doing them. I have not told my Dad yet, but I think I am going to follow in her footsteps and join up with them. I feel for the first time that I belong and I don't want to lose that.

Shepard watches Dava start to cry a little before returning her gaze to the camera.

It's been hard without Mom. I still dream of her and what happened. I sometimes hear my Dad crying in the middle of the night, she doesn't know I know.

Shepard turns it off. She stares at the data pad.

"Dad?"

Shepard jumps a little. She turns to see Raina standing there. "Hi sweetheart." She stands.

"Was that Dava?"

"Yes. She just left. She wants your mother and me to give this to Mia."

"And you watched it?"

"She said we could watch it, so I watched some of it yes." Shepard grabs the data pad and walks past her daughter. "I certainly don't need you lecturing me Raina."

"Dad…Dad."

Shepard turns to face her. "What?"

"I'm sorry. It…well it was weird coming in and hearing Dava's voice. How is she doing?"

"You know what? How about we talk about something else? What did your professor say?" Shepard hopes that her daughter will drop the subject. She can see Raina studying her. Then a smile forms on her face.

"I am officially a Doctor of Psychiatry."

"Really! Oh honey that's great! Liara!" Shepard pulls Raina into a hug. She lifts her off the ground and spins her around a few times.

"What…what is…" Liara stops as she watches Shepard set Raina down.

"I got it Mom."

"Oh Raina." Liara moves to her daughter and hugs her close. "We are so proud of you."

Shepard wraps her arms around both of them. "Dr. Raina T'Soni. Has a nice ring to it don't you think?"

They step out of the hug. "It does actually," says Raina. Her smile suddenly disappears.

"What is it?" asks Liara.

Raina looks at both of them. "I was thinking on the way home how this is something I would tell Lacy about. She would have been so excited for me."

"Oh honey." Liara hugs her daughter again.

"I'm okay," says Raina as she wipes her cheek. "Really, I'm okay. I should probably finish packing for tomorrow."

"Do you want to have anything special for dinner to celebrate?" asks Shepard. "We can still have a celebration tonight."

"Yes honey, let's do something," says Liara.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course we are." Liara puts her arm around Shepard's waist. Shepard feels relieved that her bondmate is not upset with her.

"Can we get take out?"

"Let me guess," says Shepard, "our favorite pasta place." They both say it in unison. "Consider it done."

"I'll call father and Little A," says Liara.

"Tell them to call me if they want something other than their usual." Shepard grabs the keys to the sky car.

"Thanks Dad!"

"Elly wait."

Raina heads into her bedroom.

Liara approaches Shepard. "Did you watch it?"

"Some of it. I stopped when she started talking about Valya crying in the middle of the night."

Liara looks at her.

"I'm sorry you don't agree with me. I just..I don't want Mia hurt again."

Liara hugs her bondmate. "I know Elly, I know." She steps out of the hug, "Are you going to finish watching it?"

Shepard rolls her eyes, "Probably not. Like you said it's private."

"I love you Elly."

Shepard kisses Liara. "Yeah yeah, love you too." She says it with a smile. "Be back soon."