I appreciate the high praises these past couple of chapters concerning my ShepxLiara part of this story. I've read many, many fantastic FemShepxLiara stories on this site and having the 'one of the better romances between the two I've ever read' type of reviews means a lot to me. Thank you and I hope those that love my rendition enjoy more smut from the two in this chapter :)

I think I write those two better (in terms of the sex scenes) better than the Alonso/Miri pairing :( I wish I could have that same drive as I do with Shepard and Liara but oh well. I must keep trying. Hopefully I'll master them as time goes on.

Sorry it took awhile to get this chapter out. My main problem was actually the Armax Battle Arena scene. I had four different versions and this one, I hope, is the better of all four. Please let me know what you guys thought.

See you on the other side!

Returning Home

December 20, 2185

Lower Wards - Silversun Strip - Armax Battle Arena - Commander Shepard - 2000 hours

"Final Round!" The female announcer rang out.

Geth appeared on the opposite side of the grassy field. I took cover behind a rock, readying my sniper rifle while Grunt, Thane and Kasumi readied their weapons. Kasumi fizzled away and waiting for our signal. Thane struck first, assassinating a pyro through the lens of his Mantis rifle. Grunt jumped over a small concrete barricade and charged, his Claymore shotgun in hand. Grunt swung it like a giant hammer, taking out three troopers that attempted to dodge but they failed. The three troopers flew backwards out of bounds and Grunt roared a laugh. His head swung around and searched for a new target.

Kasumi reappeared behind a Geth Hunter and overloaded it's shields before she grabbed it by its long neck and smashing it to the ground. It always surprised me how much power she had for her size and what kind of damage she could do.

I ran from cover to cover, causing damage of my own as I made my way towards a stone tower. I placed my rifle on my back and climbed the wooden ladder. Once I reached the top, I lied in a prone position and provided my squad the necessary suppressing fire as they took to cover.

"I AM KROGAAAAN!" I heard in the distance as I looked through my scope, followed by a loud metallic clink. A geth Prime flew across my rifle scope and I pulled my eye away, watching as the large Geth prime arch upwards into the air before I fell hard into the ground. "Heh-heh! Who's next!" Grunt laughed and roared towards his next victim.

"Bonus round!" The announcer called once more.

Bonus round? I asked myself as I dropped down to the ground and regrouped with my squad. We haven't gotten that all day. I inserted a fresh thermal clip into my rifle and looked through the scope. Come on...Come on... Our enemies then fizzled into existence and I pulled my head back, tilting with confusion.

Miniature Geth platforms appeared and began running around, the small plasma bolts from their mini-guns barely caused any damage to us. This is-

"Aww! Look at them!" Kasumi beamed, "I don't even want to kill them."

"More for me!" Grunt lifted his foot and stomped on the mini Geth Prime. When he lifted his leg, a small purple stain remained.

"Okay, this is weird." I watched on as Grunt ran around the field, stomping ever enemy he could find, making it look like Grunt was playing sort of whack-a-mole game, except only with his foot. I looked at Thane and he simply shrugged. The three of us watched as Grunt had his fun until the female announcer spoke once more.

"Game over!" she said and map fizzled away, leaving blue glid-lines around the large globe. I looked up at the leaderboard and cursed when I saw Ashley William's name ahead of me. How did she get a better score?

"Again?" Grunt asked, jumping up in anticipation. Just as he asked, my omni-tool blinked and I cursed myself again. That's the twentieth time in the past three hours that it's rung.

"...Maybe tomorrow." I gulped.

"You're no fun!"

I managed to roll my eyes and walked towards the exit. Grunt conceded and followed close by. "You don't want to see Liara angry, Grunt." I nudged the Krogan. "You won't like it when she's angry."

After dropping off Grunt, Kasumi in Miranda's apartment and Thane at Huerta Memorial, I made my way towards the hotel. I parked and ran inside, up the elevator and through the hallway until I reached the apartment. Cautiously, I opened it and saw the room dark except for the small candle that illuminated a small table. I looked around and didn't find Liara.

"Liara?" I walked towards the bedroom and saw her on the bed.

Shit...

"Babe?" I crawled into bed and sat next to Liara, whose back was turned towards me.

"You're late..." She said with clear disappointment in her voice.

"I-"

"Just go to bed. I'm not in the mood."

My heart sank at her cold tone. I nodded, even though she didn't see it, and took my armor off as quietly as possible. I climbed into bed and tried to sleep. "I'm sorry." I didn't get a response and that was all I needed to know. I took a deep breath and went to sleep, hoping that my beautiful asari would listen to me in the morning.

The next morning, I stretched and was relieved to see that Liara was still asleep. I sat up with my back against the board and waited for her to wake, wanting to set things right. I heard a soft moan escape her lips before her eyes opened.

"Morning." I tried but frowned when Liara huffed and turned away from my angrily. "Please...don't be mad at me."

"Twenty messages." Liara seethed, "I was so worried about you! Why didn't you respond?"

I looked down at my lap and swallowed the lump in my throat. "I got carried away with hanging out with my team. I'm sorry. I should have sent a quick message saying that I'll be late or something." My memories went to the table with the candle. "I'm sorry if I ruined your plans."

"Our plans." Liara sighed and turned but refused to look in my eyes. "I had planned a romantic dinner. I cooked dinner for us...and you didn't show up." My heart felt like it was about to explode when I saw Liara's eyes sparkle with tears.

"Hey..." I immediately reached for her and wiped her tears away. I leaned in a placed a quick kiss on her lips. "I'm so, so sorry. Let me make it up to you. When the Normandy gets here, I'll cook you dinner. Every day until we reach Illium. We'll eat alone. Just us. Okay?"

"Y-you mean it?"

"I do."

"No interruptions?"

"None what-so-ever." I hope... "What do you say?" I smiled and it was returned with a small smile and a nod. "Great." I leaned in once more and planted a longer and softer kiss than the last. "I love you."

"I love you too."

December 22, 2185

Citadel - Docking Bay A47 - SSV Normandy SR-2 - Commander Alonso - 0900 hours

"Grunt, Kasumi, Thane." I gave them a nod as they walked towards me. "Where's Jane?"

"She was coming with us, until she forgot she had a meeting with some admiral." Grunt answered.

"Where?" I asked.

"Shep mentioned she was going to the Embassies down in the Presidium. That's all I know." Kasumi shrugged her shoulders.

"Alright, get inside. I'll be back in a bit." I furrowed my brows as I walked to the elevator. Why didn't anyone tell me about a briefing?

Moments later...

I stepped up to the receptionists who sat behind her desk. I flashed her a smile and said, "I'm here for the briefing."

"C-Commander Alonso!" The woman's face turned bright red and flustered. "O-of course! Follow me."

The brunette stood, tightened her Alliance blues and guided me into the office. "Sir, Commander Alonso is here."

"What?" A heard a collective gasps. Seven individuals stood and I looked at each and every one of them. Admiral Hackett, Councilor Anderson, Udina, some rear admiral, Jane Shepard, Liara T'Soni and...

"Commander." A brunette stood and I clenched my fists so hard that it made myself bleed.

"You!" I turned to Shepard who looked down on the floor. "What the fuck are you doing here Jane? And why is she here?" I pointed at my ex.

"Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams and Commander Shepard are assessing you, Commander Alonso." The mysterious admiral spoke.

"And who are you?" I growled.

"Rear Admiral Mikhailovich."

I shrugged my shoulder. "Whatever."

"I see Cerberus protocol has rubbed off on you." Mikhailovich spoke, "How unfortunate."

"I've never heard of you. So with all due respect, don't expect me to salute." I turned Ashley and was disgusted in her saddened facial expression. "Still don't understand why the chief is here. She is not part of my crew. I asked but she's a little brat and refused. Using the term 'loyalty' to run away from what's important..." or was. "And you don't need Shepard for this. Leave her out of it. If you want me to explain why I am with Cerberus, all you had to do is ask."

"Commander Shepard has been sending us weekly updates since her reunion with you." Admiral Hackett spoke calmly. "I am sorry but given your association with Cerberus, we couldn't afford the risk."

"I understand, sir." I calmed a bit.

"Care to explain why, then?" Mikhailovich asked with a hint of sarcasm and distrust.

I glared at him and replied. "Because they are the only people that are actually doing everything they can to investigate as to why there have been disappearances out in the Terminus systems. I don't know how far you have gotten in questioning Shepard but," I brought up my omni-tool and presented the evidence from our raid of the Collector ship. "The Collectors are behind it but it's more than that. They are working for the Reapers. Slaves, if you will. The Cerberus crew on board the Normandy came to the conclusion that they share similar DNA strands to the Protheans."

"So the Collectors are the Protheans?" Anderson asked.

I nodded to the councilor. "That's right. The Protheans, or what's left of them, have been indoctrinated and turned into mindless servants. They've been hidden for who knows how many years. The very ship we raided recently was the same exact ship that destroyed the original Normandy."

"So where are you now in your investigation?" The weasel Udina asked, stroking his chin in contemplation.

"I'm afraid I cannot say. But what I can say is that it is important to our mission. It provides the key for us to travel past the Omega 4 relay."

"How?" Anderson furrowed his brows, puzzled.

"Again Councilor, I cannot say. At least not right now. If everything goes as planned and we survive, I'd be happy to tell you."

"Another suicide mission. I don't like this one bit Charles." Anderson huffs. "But I trust you and Commander Shepard. I know you can get the job done."

I bring myself to smile, given the current party in the room, "I appreciate that Anderson. As always, Shepard and I will save the galaxy..." I pause and look at Williams with a glare. "Unlike some people." I turn and notice Liara standing in the corner. "Liara, pleasure to see you again." I turn back towards the Admirals and the councilor. "Now, I hate to cut this short but we must get going."

"Be safe Commander" Hackett saluted. "God speed."

I gave a nod and turned to Shepard and Liara and gave them a nod towards the door. "Let's go you two."

"Charlie..." Ashley ran up to me once we stepped out of the councilor's chambers.

"It's Commander Alonso to you." I growled. "Liara, Jane. I'll meet you back on the Normandy."

"But-"

"Now!" I glared at Shepard and she reluctantly left, wrapping her arm around Liara as the two exited.

"Charlie, please. I want to-" She reached out to grab my hand but I flared my biotics and swatted her hand away.

"You want to what? Apologize? No. Nothing that you could say could ever, EVER, fix what you did to me. Look, I understand that you were a bit shocked when you saw me but you know what? I wanted you to come with me! I wanted you...needed you. I missed you so much! But you broke my heart. Every god damn minute I spent since I woke up, I thought about you! I wondered where you were, what you were doing, and if you were thinking about me. I couldn't sleep most nights. I had nightmares but when I saw you... I felt my insides jump for joy when I saw you on Horizon...but you didn't feel the same. You didn't love me." I looked down, away from Ashley's chocolate brown eyes that I had fallen for once. "Know that I look back, I'm not sure you ever loved me at all."

"I did love you! I still do." Ashley tried to reach for me but I backed away, shaking my head in defiance.

"No. You don't. Otherwise you would have joined me. You wouldn't have called me a traitor. That's what hurt me the most. That after what the both of us went through, what we had together, you had the audacity to call me a traitor. You love the image of me. The hero. The fucking Alliance poster boy. You used me. I used to picture us together forever but now I realize I was just a toy to you and I will never forget that. So you stay here and do whatever you have to do with your precious Alliance. Pretend and lie to yourself if you have to. I'm leaving and with Shepard, I'll save the galaxy while you twiddle your thumbs like you're doing right now." I wiped my eyes roughly and huffed. "So goodbye." You Alliance heartbreaking bitch!

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Commander Shepard - 1100 hours

"Expecting to go somewhere with us, Liara?" Charlie asked neutrally after Liara and I called to him as he headed inside the Normandy.

Liara frowned and shyly looked down. "I-I thought that-"

"Ha! I was just joking." Charlie snickers. "Come on, I'll help you with the bags." With the help of other Cerberus crewmen, Charlie took the bags to my room, much to my surprise.

"Don't give me that look." Charlie grins before looking at Liara. "I hope that's all of them."

"Yes and thank you." Liara smiled and bowed.

As my commander made his way out, he stopped and turned to face me. "And be quiet will you? Tali has the quarters next to you and don't forget it." He winked and began walking out. "You wouldn't want to damage her innocent brain would you?"

"He's still the same, teasing man...isn't he?" Liara asked, holding a hand up to her lips to suppress a laugh.

"Yep." I looked innocently around my room until my eyes met Liara's blues. I shyly kicked the floor and approached my lover. "Liara?" I called while timidly looking down.

"Hmm? What is it?

"From the looks of it, it seems we won't be disturbed for awhile..."

"And?" I looked cautiously up to her deep blue eyes. They sparkled filled with mirth.

"So," I cleared my throat. "We'll be alone."

"Yes?" Slowly, one side of her lips arched upward into a suggestive smile. She read my mind. Slowly, painfully so, she began lowering the zipper on her red and blue asari dress. I quickly took off my clothes and tossed them before running towards Liara's luggage, trying to find one thing in all of her mess of clothes. I grinned in triumph when I saw my prized possession underneath Liara's pile of bra and panties. I quickly put it on me, making sure the sensory module slid inside of me. I stood and turned, finding Liara completely nude over the pool of her clothes. "My my, Commander, that looks very big." Liara teased, dropping her voice down to a seductive octave as she placed her hands on her hips. I walked over to her and licked my lips, drooling at the beautiful body in front of me.

"Get on the bed, Doctor."

"As you wish, my Commander."

This is going to be a short trip to Illium. I licked my lips once more as I watched Liara waiting for me on the bed, propping herself by her elbows. I'll take all I can get. She'll be back to work soon and she'll leave me...or I'll leave her. Same difference. I shook my head. Stop it and enjoy yourself, damn it. It what Liara would want.

And that is exactly what I did.

December 24, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Crew Deck - Commander Alonso - 0900 hours

I sat on the kitchen counter, watching everyone pile into the mess hall. Miranda was the last to arrive and stood beside me and gave a faint smile to everyone. I smiled internally at that.

"Hey everyone. I thank you all for coming. Well, it's Christmas eve and since we have just landed on Illium, I thought we should spend the next couple of days here before we head back out." I paused and looked at the smiling faces on the human side. "So, in the spirit of Christmas, I want everyone to buy gifts for everyone. Everyone will participate." I looked at Jack and Zaeed, the both of them simply shrugged their shoulders. "I want a Christmas tree and this whole ship decorated with Christmas ornaments. Everyone will be assigned with tasks by Operative Lawson. I want this to be good to go by tomorrow. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" The crew complied.

"Good." I smiled. "If you have families here on Illium, you are either free to leave for the next two days, or invite them here. Your choice. If there are any questions, come talk to me. Dismissed."

"Commander." Miranda got my attention as we were left alone. I knew what she was about to ask and I held up my hand to interrupt.

"You want to see Oriana. Invite her over."

Miranda smiled, "I'm glad you said that."

"I'll be away for awhile. Are you going to be alright?"

"Of course." Miranda walked over and gave me a chaste kiss. "Have fun."

"Charlie?" Jane stepped into the elevator with me. "You alright?"

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently, masking the pain I've been carrying since my talk with Ashley.

"Don't give me that." Shepard gave me a motherly look. "Talk to me."

I pursed my lips and caressed her cheek. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"I always worry." Jane frowned. "I want you happy."

"And I am." I gently kissed her right cheek. "I have my two favorite girls on the same ship. And they aren't fighting over me." I give her a wink, gaining a rolling of the eyes. "Trust me. I'm fine."

"Where are you headed?" She asked.

"I was going to go shopping for gifts, you?"

"I was going to do the same. Want me to come with you?"

"Sure." I smile. "I'd like that."

Six hours later...

I made sure my door was locked with extra firewalls before walking towards my bed where gifts, wrapping paper, scissors and tape lied across my bed. I haven't done this in years... I frowned and looked at the time. I should have gotten this wrapped as I checked them out! Miranda is going to question me. I paled at the thought. I'm not sure I can take her seducing questioning.

"Well, here goes nothing!"

After hours of wrapping, and ensuring that Miranda stayed away, I hid my gift for her under one of the panels near my desk. I then took various trips down to the mess hall where the Christmas tree was in the middle of being assembled by Amanda and Kelly. I smiled at them in every trip I've made. The two were working at a steady pace and by the time I went down for my last load, they were finished.

"Looks great ladies." I smiled once more. "Great job."

"Thank you Commander." Kelly blushed.

"That tree was some work." Amanda looked up at the tree with pride. She then placed one arm around Kelly's waist and pulled her close. "Though if it wasn't for Kelly, it would take me forever to get it done."

Kelly gulped but smiled as she wrapped her arms around Amanda's neck. "I'm glad I could help." The two leaned in and kissed and I rolled my eyes at the brunette and redhead.

"Get a room you two." I smirked when the two women glared at me. Amanda stuck out a tongue at me and left with Kelly in tow. With being alone, I decided to take a peek at what Miranda got me. I searched for my gift and finally found it on top of Garrus' gift for Tali. I grabbed it, weighing it in my hands. It was a nine by ten by two box. It didn't weigh more than two pounds, give or take.

"I seriously hope you aren't going to open it."

I yelped, throwing the gift up in the air. I fumbled it three times before taking a firm hold of it. I turned and found Miranda standing with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed at me. I laughed nervously before setting the gift down where I found it. I scratched my shoulder and smiled sheepishly.

"Couldn't resist." I looked around and said, "The place looks perfect."

"Of course it is." Miranda shifted her body weight to one side, her arms still crossed, "I made sure everything is where it should be."

"Those perfect genes of yours." I grinned and made my way to capture the beautiful brunette in my arms. "I can't wait to open your gift."

"Yours looks promising as well." Miranda smiled.

My mouth flew open. "How did you know where I hid it?"

"Everyone has their secrets, Commander." Miranda purred, causing my knees to go weak. I noticed that Miranda cornered my up against the kitchen counter. "However, I didn't open it. But I think I have a few ways for me to discover what you're hiding."

"I-it-its a surprise! Heh! A-afterrrrall it's Christmas! I'm n-nnot supposed to tell you!" Before I knew it, she was over me while I was on the ground.

"Christmas? That's your excuse? Hmph! Believe me, Commander: You'll tell me what I want to-"

"AHEM!"

Garrus, Shepard and Liara stood there. A mixture of smirks, glares and hands on the hips as they stood above us.

"Female on top." Garrus quipped, "Nice!"

"Miss Lawson," Liara smirked. "When I assumed Cerberus wanted the Commander to be revived and assigned you to lead the operation, I would have never suspected you to be doing -as humans would say- make out sessions with your boy toy?" She turned to Shepard who slapped her hand in front of her face. "Did I say that right Shepard?"

"Just stop talking, babe. Please." Shepard groaned.

"So," I cleared my throat, gently pulling Miri off of me. "Um, hi." I nervously laughed. "I think Operative Lawson and I will just retire and get out of here? Right?"

Miranda nodded, not trusting her voice. Her cheeks brightened to a lava red. The both of us quickly stood and sped towards the elevator. We remained silent minutes after the both of us crashed on my bed.

"At least Liara is getting better with her human terminolo-"

"Be quiet, Chuck."

I felt my cheeks tingling and I smiled, inching closer to my girlfriend. "You're sexy when you're mad and bossy."

"I am not mad." Miranda growled.

"I beg to differ." I climbed on top of her. She tried to fight free free but I held her down with the help of my biotics. "Behave." I leaned down and began giving her feather-like kisses up and down her jawline. Miranda's control dissipated as I continued my assault and my biotics faded shortly after. This caused me to relinquish a hand from the hold and I used that same hand to explore her delightful curves. Her black leather catsuit was an obstacle that needed to be wiped out. Miranda knew this and helped me unzip the uniform. I helped Miranda shimmy out of the sexy outfit, revealing red laced bra and panties.

"Red looks good on you." I admitted before those were discarded as well. I stared down and bit the inside of my cheek. So beautiful. So perfect.

"It would help if you had your clothes off too." Miranda suggested with lust in her eyes. I nodded and removed my shirt as Miranda went to work on my pants. I took them and my boxers off and the two of us lied on top of each other, kissing with raw energy. I curled and pulled on her silky soft hair as she clawed her nails on my arms and back. Our tongues met as soon after letting out a low, growling moan. I could feel the wetness on my leg from Miranda's folds. I pulled away and grinned. I gave her what she wanted most. Using my saliva as lubrication, I slowly inserted myself inside of her, causing a satisfying moan to escape Miranda's lips. She grabbed her breasts as the both of us found a slow rhythmic pace. I was happy to provide something slow, compared to our previous quick releases. Miranda pulled me in and kissed me. I lovingly caressed her cheek as our tongues massaged each other once more.

"I love you." She proclaimed after pulling away.

"I know." I smiled and returned her kiss.

We kept our slow lovemaking pace for what felt like hours when she decided to take the reins, flipping me over so I lied down on the bed. I held her by the hips as she picked up the pace, her moans got louder and stressed out. Her free-flowing jet black hair now clung to her skin as she was covered with sweet sweat.

"Oh, god..." The both of us breathed out in unison minutes later. "Take over!" She ordered. I grinned and pushed her back down on the bed.

The gentler side of me now gone, replaced by a primal side that Miranda enjoyed just as well. I flared my biotics around my body and I spread her legs wider before I began playing with her swollen clit. Miranda whimpered while she bit the bottom of her lip. Her breasts bounced violently up and down as I began ravaging her. Miranda began screaming my name, which caused me to go harder.

"YES! Commander!" I felt Miranda's inner folds tighten themselves hard around me before the both of us reached a united climax. I instantly collapsed, panting into her neck while Miranda tousled with my hair, kissing and biting my ear. "Another amazing night." She panted after cuddling next to me after lied back on the bed.

I held her tightly as our bodies allowed and I began drawing circles on her shoulder, gaining purrs from the beautiful woman next to me. I kissed her forehead lovingly as a response, tasting the saltiness from her sweat.

"Sorry we haven't spoken the last five days." I frowned. "I missed you."

"I understand you had a stressful mission. I had my own problems to deal with so I didn't have time to see you either. Mister Vakarian told me about it and-"

"You talked to Garrus?"

"He approached me actually."

I smiled internally and kissed her forehead again. "No worries. I hope everything got resolved?"

"Yes, apart from one thing. The scientists that were in charge of monitoring the downed reaper have gone dark..."

My face paled, wondering what could have happened. Isn't it obvious? I told myself. I shook my head clear of the thought. "Let's not talk about this right now, alright?"

"I see your point. I don't want to spoil the mood for tomorrow."

"Speaking about tomorrow." I removed my circling fingers from her shoulders and began playing with her hair again. "Is Oriana coming?"

I felt Miranda's smile on my chest, followed by a quick nod. "She's bringing Danner as well."

"Glad that she'll be spending time with you."

"Well I am going to hit the shower-" I quickly grabbed her wrists before she could leave the bed. I smiled innocently.

"Who told you that you could leave?" I asked. Miranda arched her brow and straddled my thighs.

"Round two?" She smirked and I nodded.

"Round two."

Meanwhile Down on the Crew Deck...

"-Yes well, restrain yourself from using human terms like those." I blushed as I finished my plate.

Liara lightly chuckled. "Perhaps you are right. I might have overdone it."

"Where did you learn that anyways?" I asked, stacking my empty plate on top of her now-finished plate and placing them over on my desk. "I know I don't use words like that."

"An old vid from Earth, probably from either the twentieth or twenty-first century." Liara replied, "I watched it during the long passage towards the Citadel. It was silly."

I took a drag of my whiskey as I listened, smiling afterwards. "During those times, majority of the vids were." I agreed, "Still, there are some great vids to discover that came out during that time period. I have only seen a couple. Both were war-drama vids. I cried through most of them." Liara was about to say something, the closed her mouth shut. I looked on with worry before asking, "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing. I'm fine. Maybe we can watch more vids together...if you return back to me."

I reached over and held her shaking hand. She looked up at me with a saddened look on her face. I gave her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand lovingly. "When," I corrected, "When I come back to you."

Liara sighed, stood and began frantically pacing. "You don't know what lies beyond the Omega 4 relay. Even I don't and I am the best information broker out there. I'm scared, Shepard. I...I don't want to lose you again. What if you come back and the Reapers immediately attack. You'll be on the other side of the galaxy if that happens. I won't be anywhere near you." Tear began falling like a maddening waterfall. "What if the Reapers attack Illium first! I will never see you again. I can't bear the thought of losing you again!" I ran up to her and she attached herself to me. Tears refused to go away as Liara cried for minutes on end. I cooed her and guided her to the edge of the bed where the both of us sat and held each other. "It's too much, Shepard. I don't know what I would do without you and I don't want to think about it."

"Then don't. If what you say becomes reality and the Reapers do come," Liara tightened her grip around me, "then nothing," I squeezed back, "you hear me? Nothing is going to stop me from coming to you. I will find you no matter where in the galaxy I am. No matter how far you are away from me. Babe, look at me." My words seemed to give my beautiful asari to stop crying. She looked at me with sparkling blue eyes and I gently, firmly held her cheeks. "I love you so much. With every inch, every fiber of my being. Get rid of those thoughts babe. That will never happen. I'll be by your side. Always and forever." I leaned in and wrapped my lips with hers, tasting the salt from her tears. I pulled back and rested my forehead with hers. "I promise." I whispered.

"Goddess Shepard, I love you so much." Liara leaned in and returned the kiss with such desperation that I found myself drown in it. And I loved it. "I don't want to leave you." She said between kisses after tackling me down on the bed, her fingers aching to touch me everywhere.

Then don't. I said to myself but this was unavoidable. Someone else needed her. Needed my blue goddess. I was taken by surprise when Liara's eyes turned onyx black.

"Embrace Eternity!"

I looked around and noticed that I was in the old Normandy, inside in Liara's quarters. I saw Liara smile at Charlie before the door swung open. In the memory, I felt something warm illuminate through old Liara's presence.

'Done being made at me, lieutenant?"

Oh yeah, I ruined Charlie's first chance with Miranda after the both of us became Spectres. Charlie shrugged his shoulders and gave me a dry chuckle.

'No, I'm not angry. Quite the opposite actually.' Charlie stood straighter and hopped happily. 'I've got some news that I think you're going to like.'

'Hmm?' I tilted my head at him. 'What's that?'

Charlie smiled widely and began. 'I just got an interesting call from Anderson. He gave me a promotion. It's Commander Alonso now. I was looking all over for you just so I could tell you.' His smiled turned to a victorious grin. 'I'd say Commander fits nicely, don't you think?'

Past Shepard walked away and suddenly, the memory got a little cold. I began to shiver but I was put at ease when the memory shifted.

'Commander...' There was that same, tingly, warm sensation from before. 'Came to check up on me?' Liara turned from her makeshift desk and stood, facing my other self.

'How are you feeling? I hope you don't mind me staying and keeping you company?' I showed her my tray of 'delicious' grey goop and sat on the edge of her bed. I remember asking her things about her culture and even her mother. I remember feeling sad that she was an only child and that most of her life she spent alone, secluded in some deserted dig site. I remember saying how could something so beautiful spend all that time alone. But when she told me she was enjoying what she was doing, I felt relieved.

'I have spend almost half of my existence studying the Protheans. I wanted to know everything about them.' Liara looked down and shyly blushed. 'They are so mysterious. That is why I find you so fascinating. You were touched by a Prothean beacon. Deep inside of you, you have stored a truly wonderful gift, the gift of the Protheans.'

I saw my cheeks quickly turn to a bright shade of red. 'Me? Fascinating? It sounds like you want to dissect me in a lab somewhere.'

'What?' Liara's eyes widened with fear and shock. 'N-no! That's not what I meant. I didn't mean to insinuate-' She shook her head adorably, 'I didn't mean to offend you, Commander. I only meant that you would be an interesting specimen for an in-depth study! I-I no, that's not what I meant either.'

I giggled along with my old self before my other Shepard spoke. 'Relax, doctor I was only joking. You look cute when you blush.'

I felt Liara end the meld there, her eyes filled with love. "I thought you were undeniably annoying and cruel." She smiled, "Humans are so strange."

I kissed her cheek and smiled. "You're still cute T'Soni and that is one of the reasons why I love you."

"I showed you that because during our conversation, you showed me who you were. A person who was willing to know other people. We spent hours talking and...I wanted that moment to last forever. When I first laid eyes on you without your armor," Liara sighed dreamily. "Goddess you were so beautiful. Still are. Even without your armor on, I still felt protected. Cared for. The reason I showed you that first memory, if you didn't realize, was because that was the moment I fell in love with you."

"I guess you couldn't really see my face through my helmet down on Therum's surface." I smiled wryly. "I fell for you the moment I saw you in that bubble." I felt a burning sensation on my cheeks. "You were someone that needed rescuing-"

"-and you were that savior in shining armor."

I chuckled and poked Liara's stomach. "Knight." I corrected, "Knight in shining armor." I held her close and whispered, "Thank you for all the memories love."

"There will be more memories like that in the future." Liara whispered back.

"I hope so." I reluctantly pulled back, taking a whiff of Liara's scent. "You're wearing my perfume." I mock-glared. Liara noncommittally shrugged her shoulders and leaned back on the bed, her hands clasped behind her head. I frowned in defeat and leaned back next to her. I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around her abdomen, stroking my thumb up and down her side. "I love you T'Soni."

"I love you too, Shepard."

"So," I broke the comfortable silence minutes later. "When you said, 'interesting specimen for an in-depth study', what did you mean?"

Liara gave me a grinning sideways glance. Her hands came down and one of them rested underneath my shirt. "What do you think I meant?" Her hand slowly descended and made its way under the gap between my skin and pants. I shuttered under her touch, my core starting to burn under her wake.

"I-I think I had the right idea-Oh!" I gasped as her thumb grazed the nub and began drawing circles. "Liara..." I said softly, biting my lower lip, closing my eyes in pure ecstasy. As Liara slowly rubbed my clit, I tried to gather my thoughts. I opened my eyes, still biting my lip and slipped my own hand down Liara's checkered pajamas, matching the same circling movements on her own bud.

A delicate moan escaped her lips as we inched closer to one another, neither of us lifting our hands from our spots. We kissed, moaning into each other's mouths before our tongues met in a fevered dance. "Pants. Off." She broke away and panted and I was happy to oblige, removing everything else along with it. Liara did the same, and the both of us lied naked next to each other. Both of our hands immediately went back to resume our pleasurable ministrations. My bed sheets had escaped the bed to the floor from our bodies writhing around. The bed itself was naked, except for the pillows but even they weren't where they were supposed to be.

Liara ended on top of me and I smiled lovingly before we met halfway to connect another melting kiss. Her hands trailed up and down the inside of my thighs, teasing me which caused me to growl and whimper for her touch. The only place I want her to touch, I said to myself. I looked up at her deep blue eyes with such a longing that I pushed her down so I could feel her skin on mine. We kissed again and I was overjoyed that every kiss was different, new even, and my lips wanted more. The ache between my legs was unbearable now. Liara repositioned herself so that our folds would graze each other's legs. I gasped, clinging Liara's arms when she moved body upwards.

"Oh yes!" I breathed as Liara's body moved once more, feeling her moist azure move up and down my leg repeatedly.

Liara dug her face into my neck and I began feeling hot air that caused the hairs on the my back of my neck to crawl. I breathed a shaky breath as I moved my hips along with her. "Goddess, you're so wet Shepard." As cheesy as the words sounded to me -not the first time I've ever heard her use the words- it drove me crazy. What drove me even mad, was the sound of the skin-to-skin contact, the wetness and I was sure that it drove my asari mad as well because she increased the speed in which our legs grinded on each other. I pressed my hands around her ass, giving her cheeks a hard slap, gaining a moan from the good doctor. I grinned when I saw the rosy purple hand print that was left behind and I slapped her ass again, gaining the same effect from the previous slap.

"I love it when you do that." She breathed into my ear. I purred with delight and slapped her harder. "Goddess yes!" We grinded faster and the slapping stopped, replaced my deep pinching and back scratching. "Let me in! I'm so close."

I acknowledged with a kiss, as I was in the brink of an orgasm as well. With one final moan, Liara's eyes turned black.

I love you so much, I felt both of our consciousness say in unison before the both of us went over the edge. We clung close to each other as our bodies pulsed and twitched. The meld continued even after our breathing calmed, the both of us sending all the love we could through the meld.

My beautiful asari, I said to her, smiling as I caressed her cheek.

My beautiful human. I giggled and kissed her lips before I dropped my head on her chest, hearing her heartbeat. I closed my eyes, took a satisfied sigh and drifted to sleep in Liara's arms.

My most drawn out scene? Possibly and probably one of my favorite scenes to write. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Next chapter: Christmas on board the Normandy! If any of you read the one shot that I have posted on here (poorly written I'd say. First attempt in writing in third person) I'll have a few extra stuff added onto it and I have to change some stuff around so that it actually fits to what I have written for this story.

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See you guys later!